Adrien's POV:

    I smiled at her. I held her close.

    I only meant to comfort her as I knew how.

    To my surprise, Marinette kissed me. I felt her lips touch mine and I kissed her back.

  I longed for her to kiss me before now, but I never said as much. I kissed her.

    I  had no idea what caused her to react in such a way.

    I pulled away and smiled at her.

     "I love you," I said.

   It was the first time I said the word love in years.

     I could see her blush. I was glad. I held her in my arms glad she had kissed me.

   Could it be that she loved me?

       How could I be sure?

       I did not hear her say she loved me.

    I felt her lay her head against my chest.

    I blushed. 

   "Mari, I love you," I whispered.

      I could hear a few sobs. 

 "Marinette?" I asked concerned for the one I had learned to love.

   I closed my eyes and held her close. I knew she was still in shock surrounding the truth about her family. I never knew she did not know until today. I  am glad she found out. 

    I was unsure how much longer I could keep the information from her concerning her sister, mother, and father.  I sighed.

    Marinette was my love, but could I be enough for her?

     I did not kiss her again although I wanted to.

   I wanted to be sure she wanted this.

    If I had to wait I would because I knew she was worth the wait.

     I fell asleep holding onto her.

   The next day, I woke up to find her standing by the door holding a box.

    I had no idea what the box was for at all.

     I did not pressure her into telling me. I had a feeling she would if she felt like it.

     I  handed her a flower.

   "Take it, with you, Marinette," I said.

     I saw her nod her head. I was not sure where I stood with her now. 

    I was about to turn around when Marinette grabbed my hand.

"Adrien, come with me," She said.

  "I need my shoes," I said. She looked at my feet, and back up at me.

   "I can certainly see that, now get the shoes, boy," She teased me.

      I put on my shoes and grabbed my wallet and keys.

   I left with her. It was my day off, so I might as well go with her.

   I follow her to the vet's office. I see her enter it slowly. I stay with her while she hands over Glinda to the vet.

  I can see she is nervous. I hold her hand. It was to encourage her by assuring her I was there for her.

   Marinette kissed me again. I was shocked. I kissed her and thought, why are you kissing me?

      I  smirked at her when she pulled away. She did the same.

  The vet assured Marinette her cat was healthy.  Marinette was relieved and took Glinda back to her place.  I dropped them off and before I went, Marinette pulled me inside. She shut the door and put her arms around my neck. "Marinette?" 

    Marinette whispered, "How could you love me? I am a nobody. I am nothing, and I.." She began to say. "Stop,  you are somebody to me," I said. I kissed her. She kissed me. I felt her relax as we kissed.

       I pulled away. Marinette stood there staring at me.  I noticed she had the flower I had given her earlier. I saw her as she placed the rose into a vase full of water.

    I thought Love Takes Me by Surprise.

Find out more in Chapter 18

until then,

bye-bye,

little owlets!

Summer out!