"I'm assigning partner projects, presentations to be exact. For this project, you and your partner will choose a subject and make a presentation about it," Ms. Bustier began explaining to the class. "The pairs will be Alya and Nino, Rose and Juleka, Adrien and Marinette, Chloe and Sabrina.."

Chloe cut her off by laughing, "Ms. Bustier, it's a presentation! Where you, you know, talk. Something little miss useless can't do." Chloe looked over at Marinette with a smirk on her face.

Adrien glared at her and Marinette took a deep breath. She wasn't going to let that get to her. While Ms. Bustier and Chloe bickered, Marinette pulled on Adrien's shirt. They both sat in the front, Mari and Nino switching, making it easier for Marinette to communicate to the class through Adrien.

Adrien turned to her and his face softened, "Yes Mari?" 'We could do a presentation on sign language.'

Adrien grinned, "Great idea, Mari! Ms. Bustier." "Yes, Adrien?" "Marinette suggested we do a presentation on sign language, to teach the class a thing or two about it."

Ms. Bustier smiled, "Wonderful idea!" Chloe growled and flipped her hair, facing away from them.

Adrien looked back at Marinette and she smiled up at him. He felt heat rising to his face so he smiled and looked away. Mari didn't take any notice.

"The projects are due next week," the class groaned, "but, you will have time to work on them during class. The first half I'll be teaching, the second you'll be working on the project. For now, you and your partner can decide on the topic. You must get it approved first."

Ms. Bustier said the remaining pairs and went back to her seat. The four bestfriends turned to each other. 'It's freezing, let's go to the bakery to have a nice warm meal,' Mari signed. Nino and Alya turned to Adrien. "She said we should go to the bakery, it's too cold and we could use some warmth."

Alya and Nino both grinned. "I would love to!" they both said in unison. Marinette smiled and let out huff. Adrien chuckled.

Class finished and they all got up. They put their coats on and walked to the bakery. When they walked in, they were welcomed by warmth and the sweet smell of bread and other pastries.

"Hello, kids," Sabine smiled. They all smiled and said hello. "Head on upstairs, I had a feeling Marinette would bring you guys over so I made extra food!" The teens smiled and all headed upstairs.

They placed their coats on the couch and sat at the small table. The four friends joked around and enjoyed the warm meal.

"Honestly, Mari, you got so lucky, you made friends with Chat Noir the week you got here," Alya laughed. "Yeah dudette, pretty cool," Nino said.

"Do you think he could fall in love with you?" Alya asked.

Marinette choked on her drink and Adrien on air. Somehow, the fact they both choked at the same time went over the couple's heads. Alya laughed, "Your face is getting red, perhaps it's you that's falling for him?"

Marinette's face turned more red than it already was. The kiss played in her head and her heart started beating faster. Adrien was the same. The sensation of her soft lips against his took over his mind.

Alya chuckled, "Has he visited you?" Marinette shook her head. Adrien looked at her in surprise. She lied to Alya. "He will soon, I just know it!" Marinette just smiled.

The group finished their lunch and headed back into the school. As they were walking in, Chloe placed her foot in front of Mari, making her fall down the steps. Adrien took quick notice and grabbed her by her waist. He pulled her up and glared at Chloe.

"Why you little-!" Alya started. Nino cut her off by pulling her back. "Let me go! I'm tired of this bitch messing with Mari!"

"Why do you even feel bad? She's useless!" Chloe laughed. Marinette pulled away from Adrien's grip and walked to the class. Adrien tried to reach for her but she pulled her arm away. "Marinette!" Alya ran after her. Nino glanced back at Adrien with a sad look. He turned around and went after the girls.

Adrien gritted his teeth and turned to Chloe. "Oh thank god she's gone. It's just us Adrikins~" Chloe bated her eyelashes and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Adrien glarred down at her and pushed her off. "Adrikins?" Chloe asked surprised. "I don't want you treating Marinette like that. She's my friend, and if you want to stay mine, start treating her better."

He turned and walked off, leaving a speechless Chloe.

He walked into the classroom to see Nino and Alya standing next to Mari. Marinette had her head leaning on the palm of her hand. She had a sad expression on her face, but no tears.

He placed a hand on her back but she didn't look at him. The teacher walked in and everyone went back to their seats. Adrien had a hard time focusing on the lesson. All he could think about was the sadness in her eyes.

Marinette got home and greeted her parents with a hug and a kiss. They were both a bit busy and didn't notice her expression, something she was grateful for. She just needed some time alone.

She went upstairs to her room and climbed up to her bed. She laid on her bed and stared up at the ceiling. What made her upset, was not that Chloe called her useless, it was the fact she felt useless.

She couldn't stand up for herself. She couldn't say all the words she wanted to say. She was limited. Many times she wanted to tell Chloe to leave her alone. Many times she wanted to defend herself from the blonde.

But she couldn't. She had no voice. And no one to talk to. At least not anyone she felt she could talk to regarding her issue. No one would understand her frustration and sadness. No one would empathize with the mute girl.

Marinette felt hot tears form and fall down her cheeks. She brought her hands to her face and curled up on her side.

Chat knew something was wrong. Marinette had tried hiding the sadness in her eyes, but he knew it was there. He knew her too well.

He made his way over to her place and opened the trap door leading into her room. Marinette didn't notice. He felt his heart drop when he saw her hands covering her face and her small body shaking. He could hear soft sobs coming from the quiet girl.

"Princess?"

Marinette quickly jolted up. She stared up at him with wide eyes, tears rolling down her cheeks. He felt his heart shatter. He climbed down and sat next to her. He opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by Marinette throwing herself on him.

She sobbed quietly and Chat held her close, rubbing her back. After a few minutes, her breathing slowed. She pulled back and laid her head on his shoulder. She hiccuped and Chat chuckled. Marinette blinked and blushed. "That was absolutely adorable."

Marinette pouted, her cheeks a soft pink. Chat chuckled and lifted her hand to his lips, giving it a small kiss. "Can my princess tell me what is bothering her?"

Marinette gave a quiet sigh and nodded. She pulled back and sat in front of him. She gave another hiccup and Chat smiled. She glared at him and he held his hands up. "Sorry princess."

For the next hour, Marinette poured her heart out. She told him of all her troubles, how there were times she hated being mute. How she wished she could speak and say everything she wanted.

It broke Chat's heart knowing all of this. She was always a sweet and optimistic girl. He would've never guessed how many troubles she was having internally.

After she was done, Chat cupped her face. "I may not understand what you are going through, but I know one thing for sure," he started. "And it's that you're perfect. To me you are. Everything about you is amazing. You don't need to speak or make a single noise to express how you feel, and it's amazing.

"Your movements are sweet and smooth and say everything. That girl's opinion is useless, not you. There is nothing wrong with you. Stop doubting yourself. You can do so much, you just have to have confidence. And I don't understand how you don't have any. Your skin is a beautiful creamy color. Your eyes are an amazing blue and I could stare at them forever," Marinette smiled and blushed, "Your nose and the freckles across your face are absolutely adorable. You are absolutely gorgeous."

Marinette couldn't help but smile. 'You're too sweet, I'm going to get a cavity.'

Chat chuckled, "I am for the most amazing girl." They both leaned in and felt the same spark the second their lips touched.

"Don't ever doubt yourself."