*Author's Note: Happy Reading, everyone!  No copycats allowed.-Summer Cheng

         PS.  Today is a special day as I recall, @VenonieElderkin's birthday is today!  So, in honor of her big day, I dedicate this chapter to her.  

        Adrien's POV:

        Adrien feels Marinette as she lays her head on his shoulder, glad for now she stays.

         He holds her close with only one thought in mind his love for her. He knows his love grows stronger each day.  He plans to take it slow with her, so as not to pressure her. He can not risk losing her. 

         As she slowly drifts off to sleep, Adrien blushes as he thinks about great she is to those around him. 

        "I love you, Mari," Adrien whispers in the silence.

     Marinette's POV:

       Marinette falls asleep as she thinks to herself he is so gentle and safe. She rests with her head on his shoulder.  She does not notice when he whispers to her.  She dreams of better days ahead.

       Little does she know that her relationship with him is in question.

   Master Fu 's  ("Mr. Turtle, Mr. Wang Cheng" ) POV:

       Master Fu sees Adrien and Marinette together from the space he stands. He smiles glad to see them comfortable with each other for a change. He knows Adrien loves the girl, but he wonders does Marinette know how she feels?

     "Wayzz, make sure that no one disturbs them," Master Fu states.

     He wants to be sure that Marinette and Adrien will be alright. He knows the two have been in peril many times in the past .  The last things he wishes is for this to happen again.

     Wayzz's POV:

       "Yes, Master, I am on it," Wayzz replies.

       Wayzz is more than happy to guard them. He secertly ships the pair as he can tell the young man and lady are great together.  He just is not sure if the girl sees it yet.

         He flies over to them and hides inside the pocket to Marinette's outfit.  This way he can sense if someone or something approaches. 

    What beter way to keep them safe, the kwami thought to himself.

         Lila's POV:

         She scowls when she sees Adrien with Marinette. She thinks her, why does he love her?  All the girls in Paris he can chose and he picks that blue haired silly girl.  She is angry to see them together.  

       Lila marches over to them and blurts out, "So, if it is not Marinette Dupain-Cheng, the loser whose man chose another over her."

        She sees Adrien's frown at her outburst.

    Adrien's  POV:

      "Lila, what brings you here?  Everyone says you moved away," Adrien remarks.

         "Oh, did they now?" Lila asks in surprise.

         "Yes, so tell me why do you insult Marinette?" Adrien asks angrily.

            Adrien notices Lila hesitates as if is harder for her to lie than it use to be or something. He can not help, but wonder why she even bothers. He knows he loves Marinette and that is all there is to it.

         Marinette's POV:

          Marinette wakes up at the sound of Lila's voice. She looks at the rude, Malibu wanna be Barbie and says, "Lila, can not you get a life?"

         As soon as she speaks she regrets what she says since Lila looks full of furry. 

     "How dare you say that to me, Marinette!  You know you are one who is a back stabbing traitor,"Lila mocks her.

     "Lila, I am not  a traitor to anyone, but you on the other hand are so beat it," Marinette yells at her.

      The noise from the girls back and forth bickering wakes up Wayzz from his nap. It is then he feels bad he let everyone down.

    Wayzz's POV:

        Wayzz tries to think of a plan fast to chase away Miss Blabber Mouth.  He can not stand that girl.  He thinks everyone knows she is worse than Chole was only know Chole is nicer.  He flies out of his hidden area.  He knows it is a risk since kwami's are not to be seen, especially by those without a miraculous.

       He flies towards the nasty girl and yanks hard on her hair twice. He hears her give out a yelp and laughs under his breath. He thinks serves her right for bothering Adrienette.

    Lila's  POV:

     Lila stands there with her hands above her head. The action makes her look rather absurd as she swats at her hair to try to dislodge the turtle kwami.  She has no idea what it is anyway. She thinks it is a fly or mosquito.  She also continues to harass Marinette at the same time.

      "Marinette, I did not know you have it in you to hang out with Adrien the boy whose father despises him.  I mean you have Luka so why betray him for this half rate model?"  Lila scoffs.

     Lila does not wait for an answer as she walks away.  Her hands still in the air so that she looks like a crazy person.

     Adrien's  POV:

       Adrien looks at Marinette as Lila leaves even though he knows Lila is half right.  His father does despise him.   He feels tears form in his eyes again unsure what else to do now that the mean girl has left the park.  

      "Marinette, she is right you know," Adrien says sadly.

        Adrien gets no answer so he thinks this means Marinette believes what Lila says about him. He looks away in shame that he is not man enough t keep that rotten girl from messing everything up.  

       Marinette's POV:

         Marinette thinks come on Marinette say or do something quick.  She knows that Lila's words do not hold water.  She smiles in spite of the situation and wishes Adrien's arm was still around her.

       "Adrien, she is wrong, I mean you know as well as I do that I never did cheat on Luka.  If anything he was the one to cheat on me, and he did try to kill me.  Besides, you are not  half-rate model at least I do not think so anyway," Marinette says.

       "As for your father, I can not say how he feels," She states.

         Marinette sees him shake his head.  She reaches up and puts a hand gently on his shoulder. 

          "Adrien, you are my friend so pay no attention to what Lila says, okay," Marinette remarks.

         Adrien's POV:

          "Yeah, friend," Adrien repeats the phrase slowly. He feels sad now that she  speaks it again.

           Adrien thinks is that all you feel about me?  He sighs as he feels her touch his shoulder. He looks into her eyes and feels like he could stare at them forever.  Well, maybe not forever, but he could come close to it.

          He feels Marinette kiss his cheek, then pull away. He wonders at the touch since she makes it clear she wishes nothing more than friendship.

          Adrien mutters, "Th-thanks, M-Mari, I appreciate it."  As hard as was for him to say it, He can not let on how much it hurts him.

          Adrien kisses her again this time on the cheek only. He pulls away and states, "M-Mari, I love you."

            Author's note: This is it for this chapter. 

   Find out more in Chapter  22

    bye, bye little owlets!

   -Summer out!