[Marinette's POV]

It's lunch time and the rest of the class has abandoned their belongings to eat. Adrien is chatting to Ms Mendeleiev about one of the test book questions. I may or may not be dawdling and pretending to do things so that I can sneak in some private time with him. If only Ms Mendeleiev would stop blabbering on about chemistry. I haven't had quality time alone with Adrien since the Halloween party. I know I said I would cool down with the crazy crushes but there's no harm in wanting to spend time with one of your friends, right?

I open my purse and slowly pack away useless items like pens and erasers, when all of a sudden Ms Mendeleiev and Adrien both disperse. Looks like their conversation is over—but I wasn't ready! I was going to smoothly finish up at the same time so I could walk with Adrien but Ms Mendeleiev has already marched out and Adrien will surely follow soon.

I rush down the classroom hastily, tripping over one of the many stray schoolbags on the floor and face-planting pathetically.

Arrghhhh, why do I suck at everything?!

"You okay, Princess?"

Do my ears deceive me? Have I hit my head too heard? I think I've just heard an angel...

I lift my head and see Adrien hurrying to help me. He picks up my purse which had flown from my grip and crouches down to my level to hand it to me, his face full of concern.

"Oh, uh—yeah. Yeah I'm okay—sorry. I'm just clumsy." I stammer, taking my purse from his hands.

Adrien smiles. His heavenly grace shines through my despair like the Holy Grail. He called me Princess! This is a sign that he is comfortable around me again. The relationship we had built didn't crumble. The time we spent together didn't go to waste. I am Adrien's Princess once more!

Adrien holds my arm to support me as I rise from the ground.

"Everyone always leaves the classroom like a pigsty when we have a double lesson. As soon as they hear the lunch bell they drop their things and scramble out like animals." Adrien says, pushing aside the bag I had tripped over with his foot.

"Yeah, totally." I agree stupidly.

Adrien rocks back on his heels awkwardly.

Argh nice response, Marinette. You couldn't have said something intelligent or witty, or even formed a longer sentence. Way to hold a conversation.

"So, are you going to the school's Halloween festival tonight?" Adrien asks finally.

"Yes. I wish I could be a part of the haunted house but I'm cooking in the café. Everyone said I was too nice and adorable to scare people." I answer glumly. "I can't complain though, I do love preparing food and it's flattering that everyone wanted me to cook for tonight's event."

"Haha, they've got you there." Adrien replies. "But I'm glad to hear it actually. You're cooking skills are supreme, plus...I'm a waiter in the café so, I'm happy I have a friend."

Again, I'm not doing too well with words. I just smile all giddily.

"Well, I've gotta run Princess." Adrien says, picking up his bag. "Photoshoot."

"Right." I reply. "Er, have fun."

Adrien smiles and gives a little wave before leaving the classroom. I immediately slump down into the closest chair and bang my head down on the table.

"It's okay. That was fine." I murmur to myself. "I had a little hiccup but this is progress. He called you Princess. Princess!"

I sigh and turn my head on the side to rest on the desk more comfortably. My heart is racing, but it's almost a comforting feeling. Nothing makes me happier than being around Adrien. I'm on an emotional high and nothing could possibly bring me down.

A few hours later...

"Tiki? Tiki!"

I rummage through my bedroom, chucking clothes and books everywhere.

"This isn't funny, please come out."

I look over my trashed room in horror, my empty purse laying open on my bed. I've lost Tiki!!!

.

*Time rewind*

[Narrator's POV]

Tiki squeezes aside as Marinette shoves pens and erases into her purse. She suddenly jerks forward, sending the open purse flying from her grip. Marinette stacks it and the purse spills onto the floor. Tiki goes bouncing and rolling across the classroom.

"You okay, Princess?"

Tiki looks up in fear as Adrien turns to approach the scene. She whips her head back to Marinette's purse but it is too far away. She must seek coverage now before Adrien sees her. Tiki panics and scurries into the closet bag to her. She lets out a breath of relief as Adrien passes her to help Marinette up off the floor. Now that Tiki has avoided danger, her tension has passed and the sound of her pounding heart settles to unmask a new sound. A chewing. A gurgling. A satisfied smacking.

Tiki turns to see a small black cat munching away on a wheel of camembert cheese. He opens his jaws widely and lifts up another slice of cheese when Tiki interrupts him with a holler,

"Plagg?!"

Plagg bits down on the cheese and stares at Tiki as he slowly gulps it down.

"What are you doing in here?" Tiki presses.

"Eating..." Plagg answers.

Tiki looks at him in astonished puzzlement.

"Eating camembert?" Plagg tries again.

"Why in this bag? Why in this school?" Tiki questions hysterically. Her eyes widen. "Is this...Is this Cat Noir's schoolbag? Does he go here? In this class? In Marinette's class? Do they know each other?!"

"You know very well I can't answer that." Plagg says. "The question is, what are you doing in this bag?"

"I had to hide." Tiki replies. "Don't worry, I'll be gone before I see Cat Noir's secret identity. As soon as Adrien leaves the classroom the cost is clear."

"Yeeeaahhh...Now see, that's gonna be a problem." Plagg says, swallowing another slice of camembert.

"What? Why?" Asks Tiki.

The bag suddenly jerks upright causing Tiki to topple down to the bottom as it lifts up into the air.

"Well, I've gotta run Princess. Photoshoot." Comes Adrien's voice.

Tiki looks at Plagg, then up towards the top of the bag, then back down to Plagg. "This is Adrien's bag?"

"The cogs are turning..." Plagg says. "Come on Tiki, you can work it out. I can't say it until you do."

"Adrien is Cat Noir?" Tiki squeaks.

"Oh thank god!" Plagg exclaims. "You have no idea how long I've been suffering in silence—I'm so glad I have someone to talk to! Do you know how hard it is to keep a secret like this? Adrien's always moping around and brooding dramatically about who Ladybug is beneath the mask but I know—I know, Tiki! And I have to say nothing. I have to sit there and bite my tongue while he whines on for hours. Every single day I have to listen to him complain about his one-sided love with Ladybug. But really, Ladybug is Marinette who is in love with Adrien and Adrien is Cat Noir who is in love with Ladybug and Ladybug is Marinette and ah! Endless torture!" Plagg grabs Tiki and shakes her back and forth. "Endless. Toorrtuuuree!"

"Plagg!" Tiki interrupts.

Plagg shuts his mouth and lets go of Tiki.

"So you're telling me that this whole time, Marinette and Adrien have been chasing each other round in circles." Tiki says. "Now I understand why you were acting so funny when you discovered Marinette is Ladybug."

Plagg nods. "At first I found it amusing but now it's just ridiculous. They claim to be in love with each other, they spend every day together, they fight crime together and sit literally one metre away from each other in class—why is this so difficult?"

"Because Marinette is in love with Adrien that's why she won't go for Cat Noir, just as Adrien is infatuated with Ladybug and won't give Marinette a chance." Tiki says.

And so Tiki and Plagg share their tales of the love life between Ladybug and Cat Noir, talking far beyond the time it takes for Plagg to finish the three wheels of camembert cheese he had stashed in Adrien's bag.

"Ever since I found out Marinette is Ladybug I've been trying to give Adrien a little push towards her but he isn't budging." Plagg says in frustration. "He is set on Ladybug. Every time he gets too close to Marinette he chickens out."

"Likewise for Marinette. She has taken a fancy to Cat Noir but her feelings for Adrien are stronger." Tiki replies.

"Well, if we can't get Marinette and Adrien together then maybe we can get Ladybug and Cat Noir together." Plagg plots.

"I am not interfering with Marinette's personal life. She has to follow whatever her heart desires." Tiki opposes.

"Come on—Just a gentle nudge in the right direction. A slight prod." Plagg says.

Tiki opens her mouth to reply when all of a sudden Adrien opens his schoolbag up widely, exposing every inch and leaving her no place to hide.

"Pla—" Adrien pauses.

"Looks like Adrien's finished his photoshoot." Plagg observes.

Adrien stares down at the little red bug in his bag. "Is this...another kwami? What a curious creature, with antennae and...spots." His eyes widen. "A-Are you...Ladybug's kwami? What are you doing here?!"

"Eating camembert." Plagg answers. "Speaking of which, I need more."

Adrien shakes his head in confusion. "I don't know whether to be excited or worried. I have the chance to found out who Ladybug is but at the same time, Ladybug has a chance to find out who I am."

"Well you're taking the surprise a lot better than she did." Plagg says. "Honestly Tiki, your human is so hostile. Screaming and throwing things."

"Hold up." Adrien suddenly dumps out his schoolbag onto his bed, sending Tiki and Plagg toppling out. He slams his hands down on the bed and looks Plagg in the eye. "You've met Ladybug? Do you know who she is?!"

"No..." Plagg lies.

Adrien holds up a piece of camembert and repeats himself. "Are you sure you don't know who she is?"

"Okay fine, I know!" Plagg cries, snatching the camembert and gobbling it up. "But...I can't tell you..." He mumbles through his mouthful of cheese.

"When? For how long?" Adrien inquires. "Was it that night you went missing?"

Plagg thinks carefully about his response. Clearly it could not have been any other time but he cannot reveal that he met Ladybug at Marinette's house.

"Yes," He answers. "But I wasn't lying about smelling camembert and then getting lost on your way home. I could find my way back on my own, it was just a matter of doing it unseen. Luckily, nobody saw me except one girl. She freaked out at first but then Tiki calmed her down and that's when I met Ladybug. She kept me company until nightfall when I could safely travel home."

Adrien runs a hand through his hair and grips it tightly. "I can't believe this Plagg. You know how much I love her and—and you knew? I must have sounded like a complete idiot all this time!"

"Yeah." Plagg replies plainly.

Tiki hits Plagg before turning to Adrien with a kind smile. "It wasn't his fault Adrien. Kwami's are sworn to protect miraculous wielders. That is why you don't have to worry about me being here, I won't tell Ladybug who you are. Of course, that also means I cannot tell you who Ladybug is."

"That's okay. I'm kind of relived actually." Adrien says as he takes a seat. "For a second there I really thought it was all over. As much as I want to find out who Ladybug is, I don't think I'm ready. I'm not ready to show her my true self."

"Why is that?" Tiki asks gently.

Adrien sighs. "I don't know. I just don't want who I am underneath the mask to influence her feelings for me. I want Ladybug to love me with or without the mask. Until she can accept me as Cat Noir, I can't trust her with my secret identity."

Tiki exchanges a sad look with Plagg. She can't force Marinette to fall in love with Cat Noir, but perhaps she could persuade her to confess her feelings to him.

"That's very wise of you Adrien. I have to say, I'm impressed. You have certainly matured from the blithe Cat Noir that Ladybug first met, which is why I think her regard towards you might have changed." Tiki says.

"You know, at first you appear small and innocent—nothing but cuteness. But you're actually pretty smart, sensible and kind." Adrien smiles and pats Tiki affectionately. "Just like my little bugaboo."

Tiki giggles and for the first time, takes a moment to look around Adrien's room. A huge TV, arcade games, a rock-climbing wall, a large comfy bed. Tiki's mouth slowly drops to form an O-shape.

"This room is very...excessive. Much greater than Ladybug's bedroom that's for sure." She says.

"I know right, it's awesome." Plagg replies proudly. "Jealous that my human is totally cooler than yours?"

Tiki frowns. "Every time we meet the chosen ones you always turn it into a competition."

"This is no competition. The wielder of my power is required to process a level of awesomeness equivalent to mine." Plagg says.

Tiki rolls her eyes and Adrien laughs.

"Oh, I completely forgot to ask for your name." Adrien says.

"My name is Tiki. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Cat Noir." Tiki greets politely.

"Aha, it's kind of strange to be called Cat Noir whilst I'm out of costume." Adrien says. "It's nice to meet you to, Tiki. Are you hungry? Would you like some food?"

Adrien offers Tiki a slice of camembert. She recoils out of disgust, remembering the last time Marinette made her eat camembert cheese because it was the only thing around in their lock down during the Just-Ice battle. Come to think of it, she got it from Adrien and now Tiki finally understands why.

"Don't you like camembert?" Adrien questions in uncertainty. "I thought this is what kwami's eat."

"Well, I'll eat anything that Ladybug gives me if it is necessary to recharge but I prefer baked goods like cookies, which is what I usually eat." Tiki answers. "I suppose I have a bit of a sweet tooth."

"What, seriously? Man, why did I have to get stuck with such a picky kwami. Plagg refuses to eat anything besides cheese." Adrien complains. "I can't believe Ladybug gets to smell like cookies while I have to smell like stinky camembert all the time."

"Hey!" Plagg butts in.

"Marinette lives in a bakery and she always smells amazing." Adrien continues with a sigh.

Tiki squeezes her mouth shut to contain her excitement that Adrien has just mentioned Marinette and how amazing she smells.

"This Marinette girl..." Tiki says casually. "Is that her, by any chance?"

Tiki gestures towards Adrien's desk. Sitting on top in a frame is the picture of Adrien and Marinette at the school's story book parade.

"Yeah...that's her." Adrien smiles bashfully.

"She's very pretty." Tiki says. "And you two sure seem to be close."

Plagg looks at Tiki questionably.

"We are...at least, I think we are." Adrien replies unsurely. "I think I might have messed up our friendship, but Marinette isn't the type of person to hold a grudge. She's very kind and compassionate, a really good friend of mine. That's why I'm going to mend our relationship because she's a real inspiration to me and I want to be close with her again."

"A superhero inspired by a simple schoolgirl, huh?" Tiki says cheekily.

"Oh she's not simple at all." Adrien debates. "Marinette's a very admirable person. She's super intelligent and talented. Brave and strong-minded too. She's dependable and supportive, I would trust her with anything. She's someone that can't just fade from my life."

"You'd trust her with anything? Even your identity as Cat Noir?" Tiki prompts.

"This is going to sound crazy but...I would." Adrien says. "I could entrust Marinette with my greatest secret but that doesn't mean I have to. It would put her in all sorts of danger so of course I would never tell her. But if someone had to find out, I would want it to be her." Adrien suddenly realises all that he is telling the kwami of Ladybug and quickly recovers himself. "Second to Ladybug, of course. Ladybug would be the ideal person to trust with my secret identity since she is my partner and, you know...the girl I love."

Tiki is surprised by Adrien's words but after taking it in, she is satisfied with his answer and does not press him any further.

The rest of the afternoon passed in no time with Adrien sharing all of his Cat Noir stories with Tiki, and finally she understood the frustration that has been boiling inside Plagg all this time.

Adrien looks over at the clock on his wall. "Oh shoot, I've got to get ready. My school is having a Halloween festival tonight."

Tiki inhales sharply. Adrien and Marinette are both working in the café. This is her chance to get back to Marinette.

"Sounds like fun, can I come?" Tiki asks.

"Well, you'll have to stay hidden." Adrien says. "Are you sure it's safe for you to come?"

"Yes, it's safer for me to hide with you until nightfall. Then I can sneak back home." Tiki assures.

"Alright then, we'll leave in half an hour." Adrien replies.

.

[Bonus Scene: Plagg and Tiki fan wars]

"Marinette should give Cat Noir a chance." Plagg says.

"Ladybug and Cat Noir don't have time for dating, and it would force them to reveal their secret identities. Adrien should focus on the real world. He and Marinette really have a chance." Tiki replies.

"Cat Noir and Ladybug were chosen to be partners. It's destiny!" Argues Plagg. "Marinette and Adrien are just classmates."

"But they're best friends and they flirt all the time. The umbrella, Plagg. The umbrella!" Tiki says heatedly. "I even heard the other students calling them Adrienette."

"So what? The citizens of Paris dedicated a whole festival to LadyNoir, the superior ship." Plagg crosses his arms proudly.

"Ship?" Tiki repeats in puzzlement.

"Ack—it's a stupid phrase Adrien uses all the time when he's watching anime." Plagg explains. "It's slang for relationship. If you ship someone, you want them to be together."

"Well then I ship Adrienette." Tiki says.

"What? No way, LadyNoir." Plagg replies.

"They're the same people. Plagg." Tiki sighs. "Only Adrien and Marinette are the originals, without the mask, true selves. So clearly they are the real deal. The OG ship."

Plagg isn't listening to Tiki. He is chanting 'LadyNoir' over and over.

"Suck it up Plagg, Adrien and Marinette are getting closer and closer every day." Tiki says. "He'll forget all about Ladybug in no time."

"If you're so confident then how about we make it interesting?" Plagg replies smugly. "If LadyNoir is cannon—"

Tiki gives a confused look.

"I've been watching too much anime..." Plagg mutters before continuing his statement. "If Ladybug and Cat Noir get together before Marinette and Adrien then you owe a life time supply of camembert."

"Make it five wheels." Tiki responds.

Plagg strokes his chin. "You drive a hard bargain...but I'll take it!"

"Fine. But if Marinette and Adrien start dating then you and Cat Noir have to put on dresses and do a funny dance while you sing the 'I was wrong' song." Tiki says.

"Deal!" Plagg agrees strongly.

Both of the kwami's fall silent when they hear the shower turn off. Adrien emerges from the bathroom seconds later wearing a bathrobe and drying his hair with a towel.

"I thought I heard voices. You should keep it down in case someone hears you." Adrien says. "What are you hollering about anyway?"

Plagg and Tiki speak simultaneously. "Nothing." They answer quickly before glaring at each other competitively.

The competition is on. Who will win? Only time can tell...