I can't believe Marinette agreed to talk to me. She was acting weird that morning. She wasn't stuttering, but she wouldn't look me in the eye. (AIM NO HIGHER, SUMMON ALL THE COURAGE YOU REQUIRE, THEN COUNT!) It was probably because of her crush on me. I waited out on the steps of the school and pulled out the scarf, tracing her signature with my finger. "Hey Adrien." I turned around to see Marinette looking at the ground. 

"Hey!" I replied. She looked up and saw the scarf wrapped around my hand and her eyes grew wide, laced with fear. 

"Um...wh—why do you have a—a scarf out? It's pretty here out hot--I MEAN--hot out here isn't it?"

Why is she so afraid about telling me the truth? "How about I tell you once we get to the bakery, yeah?" 

"Ok, sure." She mumbled. We began our walk towards the best  bakery in Paris. I looked down at her and saw that she was staring intently at the road ahead. I took the moment to analyze her features. Beautiful blue-bell eyes that sparkled with determination. Determination from what? I couldn't tell you. A cute button nose decorated with a splash of freckles. Soft, pink lips and raven hair. Absolutely beautiful. Finally, we reached her bakery. "Hello Maman! Hey Papa." Marinette beamed. "I brought a friend with me, is that ok?"

Her parents grinned back. "Of course, dear." 

Marinette turned back to me. "Let's go." I nodded and followed her up the stairs to her home. "What do you want to eat? A quiche? Or a sandwich?"

"I'll have a quiche, please."

"Ok." She got to work, pulling out a quiche from the fridge and setting it in the oven. She then took a croissant, cut it in half, and put turkey, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes in it. The oven beeped and she took out the quiche, it's delicous aroma filling my nostrils and making my mouth water.

"Smells good." I commented.

"Thanks." She made her way to the couch and put the quiche in front of me. "Enjoy."

I dug in. After a few minutes of bliss, I finished my meal. "That was really good, Marinette. Thanks."

"Yeah. Anytime."

Time to start the talk. "So...Marinette...uh...how do I start this? Um...Like I said eariler, you're not acting like yourself...Are you ok?"

I watched as her face went red and she looked away. "I-- I'm--" she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I'm fine." She said with confidence. She turned her head to look at me again. "Thanks for your concern."

I was amazed. Marinette was a blushing mess 2 seconds ago and now she's acting like she's hanging out with Alya? Wow. Whatever she's doing, it's working and it should never end. "That's good to hear."

"Yeah. I just had a lot on my mind this morning and the stress of  not being late kinda got to me. Sorry for dragging you along like that by the way."

I laughed. "It's fine. I never knew you were a great runner. You should try out for the track team next year."

"Oh no. Just because i'm good at running doesn't mean I enjoy it." She smiled.

Gosh, that smile will be the end of me. "Anyways," I continue, "I wanted to ask you something else."

"Sure."

"Do you know anything about this?" I held up the scarf. Instantly, all color drained from Marinette's face and whatever previous confidence she exuded quickly vanished without a trace.

"Um...no, s-sorry."

Why was she refusing to tell the truth? "Really?"

"Well...I know that father your...your father got it for you for your--your birthday."

I frowned. "You really don't know anything else? The designer maybe? You're a designer yourself so I'd thought you would recognize the craftsmanship."

"I--i really don't know who made it. You haven't seen any signature or something right?"

Her voice was full of hope at the last question. "Actually, I did. You can stop lying, Marinette. I know for a fact that you made the scarf."

She averted her eyes. "You weren't supposed to find out." She muttered before gasping. "Did he tell you? He promised he wouldn't say anything!"

He?  Who was he?  Oh wait. She must've ment Chat Noir. Who was me. "No Prin--Marinette. Whoever he is never told me. I simply found out on my own. Why didn't you ever tell me?"

"I wanted you to be happy. You were really happy when you thought it was from your father and I didn't want to take that away." 

"It still would've made me happy, if not happier, knowing it was from you." 

Her eyes welled up with tears and her voice shook as she tried to keep them in. "I--I'm sorry I lied. You didn't deserve that. I'm a horrible friend."

"No, Marinette," I quickly replied, "You are a great friend. You are the greatest friend in the history of great friends. I am so lucky that you are one of my friends. I should stop saying 'friend' so much. " 

She looked up at me. "Wait...you...you aren't mad?" 

I smirked. "Do I wish you had told me the truth? Yes. But I don't think I can ever be mad at you." 

She smiled. "Thanks, Adrien." 

"Anytime." All of a sudden,  Mme. Cheng's head popped through the doorway.

"Kids, your break is almost over. I advise you to start walking now so that you wouldn't be late."

"Ok, thanks, Maman." Marinette answered for me before turning my way. "So, just to be 100% clear, we're good?" She stuck out her hand for me to shake.

I responded by grabbing her hand and pulling her into a hug. "We're good."

Ughhh. This is by far my worst chapter. I had no inspiration which means I had no motivation. Hopefully the next chapter will be better, no promises.

-mj