I can't believe I just did that. Please tell me that didn't just happen. I think I've messed up big time. Well actually... No. Agreste, it was wrong. But then why did it feel so right? Look this is all too much to process. Let me start from the beginning.

Valentines came way too fast and I was not ready. Not ready to face Ladybug because I now knew about the kiss and today was the one year anniversary. Not ready to admit to myself if I confessed to Ladybug I'd be rejected. Not ready t- Look, I could go on and on for years on my love-hate relationship with this holiday, but I was also not ready for something else. School. Which starts in...

Holy Crap. TEN MINUTES!?

I grabbed my books, frantically shoving them in my bag and swung it over my shoulder. I raced out of my room only to run into Nathalie. There was no way she wasn't going to tell my father about this, if he hears I'm late surely he'll take me out of school, especially after my almost detention last week. As if he even really cared though, anyways back to Nathalie.

"Oh, I'm sorry Mr. Agreste. I was just about to tell you that I informed your school that you'd be running late." She said, definitely putting my mind at ease. She then looked me up and down with a puzzled look on her face. What? Was my shirt untucked? My hair not in its usual blonde perfection?

"Thank you, Nathalie. Oh and-"

Again! Okay, something must really be up with my appearance this morning. What? Did my home have a new dress code I wasn't aware of?

"Adrien. Um, Sir. I doubt you'll be able to go to school in pajamas."

What? Pajamas? I looked down and whaddya know. Limited Edition Ladybug PJ's. Sugar honey ice tea.

My cheeks were probably as red as the PJs that I was about to leave the house in. "Oh, um thanks. I'll be going to change now."

Back to my room. After I had successfully put on socially acceptable clothing because apparently, Ladybug pajamas aren't a fan favorite. I ran down the stairs to go to school for the second time today.

Turns out the rush was a waste of time. School was boring, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about the bluenette who sat behind me in class.

Marinette wasn't as chipper and didn't speak at all during class. She didn't look sad, more so uncomfortable? I don't even think that's the right word to describe it. I guess out of place, just not her usual "Marinettey-ness" Yeah. I'll stick with that.

I think I was in English when I noticed it when she missed roll call. Sure that was normal for her but she just blatantly ignored it. She even ignored Alya when she tried to ask what was up with her. But then she hit a look of realization and patted her shoulder in an understanding manner.

It was then where I dramatically turned to my left to ask Nino if he knew what was up with her. Like did everyone know but me? What happened? "Hey, Nino what's up with Marinette? Is she okay?" I whispered so Ms. Bustier wouldn't hear.

He looked at me like I was stupid. What? I'm not stupid, occasionally dumb yes. But not stupid. He sighed and patted me on the shoulder.

Okay, clearly I missed something. Like I know I got here five minutes late but what the heck happened in five minutes?

"Adrien. Adrien. Adrien. I'm going to ask you a simple question, and you're gonna give me a simple answer got it?" He raised his eyebrows and nodded for me.

"Uh-huh?"

He breathed in deeply again and looked me in the eyes.

This better be worth the intense stare.

"What day is it?"

You've gotta be kidding me.

"It's Thursday, February 14th," I replied with a dumbfounded look on my face. Like what a stupid question what's so important about to-

Crap. Valentines. Right.

I had almost forgotten. I mean don't get me wrong I definitely was trying to get my mind off of the whole Ladybug thing but I knew.

He gave me a look that had 'Yeah you Idiot' painted all over it.

"Just, February 14th? Nothing special huh? Nothing like I don't know a national holiday?" Nino said to me sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes. "I know it's Valentines. But what does that have to do with Marinette?"

Nino held back laughter. He looked down at his workbook to collect himself. "You really don't know, dude?"

I gave him a deadpan stare for what felt like the fifteenth time. "You'd think the dumb stare and confused looks would've answered that for you."

I really did have no idea. I wasn't trying to act clueless but I was. Like what was the big deal? Sure tons of people hate the holiday. But Marinette seemed to be pretty happy last Valentines.

"Well. I really shouldn't be telling you this... But I will since your so interested to know," He raised his eyebrows up and down the continued, "Marinette has always hated Valentines, until last year. Last year she was so excited to confess her love to-"

Alya had heard what Nino was saying and shot him a glare. She flicked her pencil at him. As he winced in pain and held his hand to his head he said, "Yeesh woman don't worry I wasn't going to."

She didn't look convinced. She looked back down at her work but kept on listening in.

"As I was saying, she tried to confess her love to someone she'd been in love with forever. Honestly, I'm surprised he hadn't noticed, what a blind idiot. But anywho she wrote a letter, forgot to sign it, and a year later he didn't figure out it was her. So she's a little out of it because she doesn't want to," He made air quotes.

"Waste her time trying again."

Huh. Wow, that's pretty sucky. I'd hate to have that happen only to be surrounded by happy couples, roses, and chocolate. I looked back up at her, she was doing her work quietly with a look I'd known to well.

She felt alone. Sure, anyone could tell when you're not yourself, but in the oddest way, I felt like I knew more than anyone. The feeling of loneliness, feeling the facade of your happiness slowly fade off. That look on her face panged at me. Her. She was so naturally positive and I couldn't bear seeing her like this, or even worse as an Akuma.

"Wow..." I said, trying to string my thoughts into words.

Nino gave me a look of understanding and patted my shoulder. Sometimes I swear that dude can read my mind. Especially when he said this; "I know man, hits close to home, right?"

But for some reason, I didn't think he was talking about my relationship with my Father. I probably was over thinking this like I do a lot of things, but it stood and wouldn't leave my mind for the rest of my day.

I looked back at her for the third time, and I'd be lying if I said I regretted what I was going to do later

The day went on, and before the day ended someone came in with a delivery of roses for Alya, Nino had set up. Marinette reacted kindly to it when she saw how happy they were and said: "You guys are too cute!" But the excitement was definitely not her usual.

I feel like I'd been dragging how out of it she was acting today. But Nino was right, it hit close to home, in a few more ways than he'd probably intended but it did, oh it did. It was on my way home I had decided I was not going to let her feel that way for the rest of the day. I also felt like it was my personal duty, she's done so much for everyone and deserved just as much back. So what was I going to do? Pay her a visit as Chat Noir of course.

We were friends after all, and she definitely seemed more at ease with Chat than Adrien.

* * *

I checked the time. Seven O'clock. Father wasn't going to eat dinner with me because he was too busy, as usual, and I was going to "Practice my Chinese" as usual. (Yeah, right) If you didn't catch the sarcasm I definitely was not going to be practicing Chinese, but I most definitely was about to sneak off to Marinette's. But I wasn't going empty handed.

I figured I'd tell Plagg where we were going but I decided to keep that a surprise. "Plagg, Adrien may not be allowed to go anywhere but-" As if we both knew the line by heart in unison we said: "But Chat Noir isn't!"

Before I said the magic words I looked over at Plagg once more looking for reassurance, that I really was making the right decision going to Marinette's. He nodded and I nodded myself in response.

"Alright then, Plagg Claws On!"

As that green light engulfed me and the once Adrien now Chat Noir, got a major confidence boost and jumped out the window on the hunt for his Princess.

But first I stopped at a convenience store to get a tub of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Movies a Mini Bouquet of pink roses and a box of plastic spoons. The Manager gave it to me on the house for being a superhero and all but I insisted that I paid. I ended up taking a picture with him for the shop and giving him 20 Euro in the tip jar.

I didn't escape without the "Who's your Special Lady? Is it Ladybug?" Question, however. Of course, I said we weren't a thing, no matter how much it hurt that it did. But I also couldn't tell him that this was for Marinette or else all the magazine covers tomorrow would be "Chat Noir's New Love- Possible Girlfriend, Young Upstart Designer Marinette Dupain-Cheng!?" And besides she was just a friend, I could never abandon my love for Ladybug. Right?

So I just said as a joke that I was my own true love and it was all for me. He seemed to understand I was lying but didn't question it. And as I left he patted my shoulder similar to Nino earlier.

I somehow managed to get to Marinette's house with all the things I was carrying, but I did. I made it. As I was about to jump to her balcony I noticed she was already there, similar to the first night I had started visiting as Chat.

But she seemed to be crying. It stung to see her cry, seeing her upset already made me uneasy but this was a whole other level. I was just fired up like anger took up my body and I just wanted to hurt whoever who had hurt her.

I went to her balcony and swiftly tapped her on the shoulder. She jumped. "Gah! Hey, Chat." She said, quickly wiping away her tears.

"Don't act like you're okay. I know you're not, you were crying. I swear to God I'll kill who-"

She put her hand on my shoulder. (Okay people seriously like my shoulders today like good Lord, anyways back to the story.)

She looked up at me, her face streaked with tears and her bluebell eyes glossy. "Slow down Kitty. Look I just-just wasn't having the best day. I know it sounds stupid but this holiday just kinda sprung up on me, like last years events sort of hit me in the face. I'll spare you the details but it was all over some pretty boy who'd never notice my existence anyways. And I thought I would try again this year but I couldn't do it."

She took a breath and continued, "So I guess I'm beating myself up over nothing? Really stupid right." She gave me a half-hearted smile.

I didn't know what to say, I didn't know what to do. I just did the first thing that came to mind. I hugged her. It definitely took her by surprise but she wrapped her arms around me and started silently sobbing into my chest.

I did what my mom had once done for me when younger whenever I was sad. I whispered into her ear and reassured her that ever would be okay. She broke off the hug and looked down to the floor.

"Hey," I lifted up her chin so she'd look me in the eyes. She tried to avoid making eye contact but I wouldn't let her. She needed to know that she wasn't alone and whoever this boy was, he clearly didn't deserve her.

She sighed in defeat and looked me in the eyes. I smirked and she glared back at me.

"Look, he's not worth your time or your tears. He doesn't deserve you if he can't see what's in front of him. And never, not for one second, think that you're alone become he doesn't see how great you are."

I waited to see her response to my little sentiment. Her cheeks reddened.

"You really think that about me?" She questioned looking up at me.

"Of course! Why wouldn't I! You're one of the best people I know, and I know myself!" I said trying to make her laugh.

She rolled her eyes and chuckled. We both stood next to each other in silence for a bit until she finally spoke again.

"Chat, do you want to know why I fell in love with him?"

I was taken aback a little at her sudden question. I turned to her and nodded.

"He has been through so much yet he's so caring and selfless and wants the best for everyone else,"

She paused and laughed to herself a bit.

"Actually- believe it or not, I actually couldn't stand him when we first met. I thought he was another Chloé, turns out I misunderstood the whole thing. It was if he couldn't live with the fact that we didn't get off on the right foot. Like he wanted me to know him for him." Marinette said, before looking up at me awaiting my response.

But the only thing I was thinking about was: Why does that sound so familiar?

She looked down at the streets, and the lights of the city seemed to illuminate her face. "He's, he's great. "

I turned my head to face her, "I'm sure he is." She smiled back at me and well, we fell into the same silence as before. The both of us just looking down at the street below. Again. I mean don't get me wrong, silence is fine but those moments get awkward quick.

Before I was about to give another piece of well-strung advice, I remembered the ice cream. I had come to make her feel better. And since I needed something to get out of this weird silence it definitely would be my best bet to lighten the mood.

But we're talking about me here so I obviously screwed it up, and this isn't even the half of it. "Well, I did come for a reason," I started off as she tucked her midnight hair behind her ear before she looked up at me.

"Oh really? And why is that? To burden me with your puns once again?" She said sarcastically.

"Kidding." I laughed, "No, no I actually got you something."

I reached behind me and grabbed the bag. Before I gave it to her I practically dropped it but with my cat-like reflexes, it was caught.

"Close one. But Happy Valentine's Day- or Friendship Day or 14th Day of February, whatever you want to call it. I felt like this was the least I could do to repay you for being an everyday Ladybug."

Her face was crimson. I could tell that it touched her and I didn't seem to mind the silence anymore because the smile on her face seemed to say a million words. Yet the only two she could muster out was "Thank you."

I smiled and her beaming face once more and responded, "Anytime."

She then proceeded to open the bag taking out everything one by one. First was the Ben & Jerry's, which by the way I didn't know this at the time but I had chosen her favorite flavor. Then this followed by the box of spoons, the movie, which happened to be The Princess Bride, a classic. And then finally the little bouquet of pink roses.

Now she had reacted kindly to each one of the little gifts and I honestly the events that followed after that are still kind of a blur.

She hugged me once again and said to me; "You really didn't have to do this."

I held her tighter and responded "Of course I did! It's my pleasure, Princess."

I looked at my baton to see the time. Almost 8:00, I'd better hurry before my Father sends out a whole search party.

As she let go I said to her, "Well, I've enjoyed my time with you Princess but alas, I shall be heading home."

She looked disappointed but smiled and said, "Okay, Bonne Nuit Chat Noir! Thank you again, really it means a lot."

As I got ready to jump off to the next building I turned around.

"Wait, one more thing!"

I had a couple of seconds to decide if this was really what I was going to do. Was I going to regret it? Who knows. But if there's one thing I've learned from being a superhero it's don't hesitate and take your shot or you'll miss a great chance.

She was an amazing person and I had to admit that I was falling for her, I knew she was in love with someone else. I knew I was in love with someone else. But-

I still did. I kissed her. My lips crashed against hers and yeah. I know I'm terrible at describing things but in any case of describing it, it was like, how could something be so wrong but feel so right. She was in love with someone else and considering what happened, I doubt she was thinking about him. And I was in love with Ladybug, not Marinette. And not once did she cross my mind when I kissed her.

We had both fell into the kiss and well if I thought Marinette was red before this, I didn't know what the color red looked like.

As we broke the kiss and was going to leave for real this time, I left her there face redder than ever and I for the first time I noticed that she definitely was not 'just a friend'. Before I lept of I turned around once more.

"Happy Valentine's Marinette."

And off I was. How am I ever going to face her tomorrow?

AND THAT'S A WRAP. Okay okay I know this is a month and a half late especially for a holiday chapter but with the semester ending, I had a lot on my plate. I hate making excuses but I still had this unfinished chapter so I felt I might as well, well finish it. I haven't given up on this book, even if updates take long I'll still be back from the dead 😂 Before I go, I would like to say a happy one-year (and a couple days) Primaversary to my demigod prima Sapphire1318 !! This book would not be here without you, nor would I be a fan of one of the greatest shows out there (Blue Exorcist- totally check it out.) Thank you for being an amazing friend and soul sister! Love ya lots! 😂🤣 Well that's all for now. Have fun and wear your seatbelts!

Until next time, Chat Nerd 💜

(*Also Happy 10th Chapter! XD)