Reader's POV

Valentine's Day was one of the best I've had in years.  The poem Marinette wrote still sends me chills. I haven't told her everything about me, and it seemed like all she needed was a few days to read me like a book.  The cake was just as amazing, and I'm still having thoughts of keeping it forever.  My body remained in the same position I flopped in last night, still dressed in the same clothes.  Come to think of it, I never bothered turning the light off, but as I rolled off the bed my eyes caught the sight of the switch being off.

'Hm, guess Adrien shut it off?'

My phone went off for more texts I figured.

Alya: 3 New Messages

Alya: Morning reader, sleep well?

Alya: You up yet dude?

Alya: Good thing we don't have school today, otherwise you'd be marked absent.

Reader: Hey, just got up.  Seems like I overslept.  Which reminds me, there's something I wanted to ask you.

Alya: Yeah?

Reader: It's about, what's-her-name.

Alya: Ladybug?

Reader: Yeah, does she have a catchphrase or something?

Alya: She'll always say "Miraculous Ladybug" when releasing a butterfly after purifying it from an akuma, but other than that; no.

Reader: Akuma?

Alya: They're butterflies that prey on people's negative emotions and take you over.  With them, you're given powers by Hawkmoth.

Reader: A villain?

Alya: Yeah, he's never been caught.  Good thing her and Chat Noir always show up in the nick of time.

Reader: You know a lot about her and this Chat Noir.

Alya: Yeah, you could say that.

I started walking to the shower.

Reader: Ladybug ever say anything else?

Alya: She said "bug out" once when I was filming her, but I'd guess that was just something on the fly when I said her ear rings beeped.

'Hm....ok. Guess it's nothing.' I thought

Reader: Alright, thanks Alya. Brb.

The sky looked like it was going to rain today, the clouds getting darker as the water hit my skin.

Marinette: 1 New Message

I heard the rain hitting the roof and some thunder in the distance as the soap flowed down the drain.

The thought of Adrien knocking on the door kept crossing my mind, but he didn't.  Guess he's already up?

The steam from the shower dissipated as I wrapped the towel around me.  On the mirror a circle and three curves were drawn on it.

"Weird symbol if that's what it is." I said aloud

I went on to brush my teeth and fix my hair, only then is when I finally heard the dreaded knock on the door.

"Hey dude, you done?" Adrien said

"Just about, hang on." I said spitting in the sink

I opened the door and walked past him.

"Morning, bathroom's free." I said

Adrien handed me my phone.

"Thanks."

"Oh yeah, don't forget. We're finally doing a photoshoot today in the park."

"In the rain?"

"It just stopped."

"Alrighty then. Could've told me sooner." I said rolling my eyes

"You'll love it, I know you will." He said

The bathroom door clicked shut as I walked back into the guest room grabbing some gray jeans, my same tennis shoes, short socks, some gray shirt; and my black snapback hat I had the day before.

I looked to see the text I missed from Marinette.

Marinette: Morning (Reader,) feeling better?

Reader: Yeah, refreshed after the shower I had.  I'll tell you what, Adrien's probably used to not knocking on the door. He'll have to now! XD

Marinette: .....

Reader: No matter, I'll just use all the hot water to get back at him.

Marinette: HA! Nice one.

Reader: And he tells me just now that we'll be doing a photoshoot in the park.

Marinette: In the rain that just stopped?

Reader: Yeah, seemed like a bummer at first; but he told me otherwise.

Marinette: Glad to hear you didn't forget to tell me. XD

Reader: Now I just gotta let Alya know and I'll fulfil my promise. lol

Marinette: See you then

Reader: Hey Alya, I'm back.  Just heard that me and Adrien will be doing a photoshoot in the park soon.

Alya: Sweet! Did you tell Mari?

Reader: Yeah, why wouldn't I? Cuz will be there, duh.

Alya: Good luck, can't wait to see you! :)

Reader: Thanks, I'll let you know when we're there.

I finally heard the bathroom door open and Adrien's steps going into his room.

"Hey man, I'll just be a minute and we'll head over. The photographer is on his way."

"Thanks." I said

My first photoshoot! Sweet!

Marinette's POV

Me: See you then

That was the last reply I sent.

(Reader) seems excited for it, happy in fact. Hope it goes well.

But why am I feeling...not dirty but, I don't know.  Why'd he tell me he just got out of the shower?

"Ugh!  Come on Marinette, guys take showers!  No big deal, stop being overly dramatic."

"You're right though, Marinette." Tikki said flying from my jacket pocket

"Tikki, sometimes I wish I didn't over react so much.  More so with Adrien than (Reader.)"

"You've known Adrien for the longest time, and now you're together with him!  Be thrilled that you got your dream guy." Tikki said smiling

"I am, believe me."

"And don't worry about (Reader,) he's just a bonus." She said with a smirk on her face

"Yeah, he's cool."

"If I weren't a Kwami, I would ask him out myself."

"Ha, in your dreams."

"You do know that I'm always with your right?  So, I know just as much about him as you do."

"Your point?"

"I know you're thrilled to be with Adrien, but I know that you and (Reader) have a connection, not a romantic one, A connection.  What it is, is for you to figure out."

"Well thanks for the life lesson Tikki, but I think I'm good.  We're just friends."

"Just friends?  The nightlife, the hugs, the cake, the poem, some would say that's budding romance; but what you and (Reader) have is up to you.  Not saying those things weren't nice, just be careful okay?  He's really nice, and been through so much no young man should."

"I get it Tikki, I get it. He's just Adrien's cousin, and classmate."

My phone dinged.

Alya: 1 New Message

Alya: GIRL, the photographer arrived! They won't be far behind!

Me: On my way!

"Alright, let's have some fun at this photoshoot!"

"That's the spirit Marinette!"

Reader's POV

"Alright (Reader,) ready for your first photoshoot?"

"Yep, can't wait!"

"There ya go, the park is just a stone's throw away."

I tapped my pocket checking for my phone, it's there.

"Ready when you are." I said following him as we walked out

"Wait." I continued with Adrien turning to me

I didn't answer him running back inside grabbing my Our Father ring and necklace, sliding the ring on my right middle finger.

"I'm good." I said joining him in the damp morning, semi-foggy air

"Alright, follow me." Adrien declared

The wind started to pick up again, sending the smell of wet rain in the air, making me take a few deep breaths.

"Asthma?" He asked

"No, I'm good.  I don't really know why that happens, it just does."

The sun finally shined through as the clouds started separating, showing God rays.  I shielded my eyes as the sun hit me.

"So, any tips?" I asked crossing the street

"Just follow what he says, nice outfit."

"Thanks."

"Hey Alya!" Adrien said

I looked over seeing her wave to us, and Marinette waving with a frozen smile on her face.

She nudged her releasing the trance.

"H-Hi Adrien.  How've been you?  I mean, how've you been?"

"Excited for my cuz's first headshots."

"I thought both of us were gonna do this."

"Nope, just you.  I kept saying you got the look, time to show Paris."

"Sweet."

"Alright, (Reader.)  You ready?" The photographer asked

"Yep."

"Good, stand by the fountain to start.  Make sure you smile."

I heard the water behind me trickle with the rhythmic shutters of the camera.

"Now cross your arms.  Keep those pearly whites out."

As I did, some of my hair got in the way.  I quickly blew it out of the way.

"Look away from the camera this time.  And don't smile."

From my peripheral vision, I saw Adrien, Alya, and Marinette giving me a thumbs up.

"Turn back."

"That's it!  Perfect, now give me a serious look."

I grimaced as the camera flashed in my eyes.

"I think I blinked." I said

"No worries, again."

The picture took a second time.

"Sit on the fountain."

Click.

"Rest your chin in your hands."

Click.

"Now just one."

Click.

"Look away again!"

Click.

I'm really getting used to this, it's quite fun.

"Lean sideways on the fountain! You're doing great!"

Click, Click, Click.

"Thanks, now I need an extra." I joked

"Great idea!  You there!" He pointed to Alya

She stiffened up and what looked to me like faking an allergic reaction.

"N-No, not me I'm...allergic to the pollen, I'm about to break out!" She said covering parts of her face

"Here's the girl you need." Nudging Marinette with her arm

"Go on Marinette." Adrien said

"A-Alright."

Marinette unbeknownst to me copied my pose.

Click.

"Beautiful!  Now get together."

We had no hesitation as we stood next to one another.

"Alright, now look at each other, get your arms around him."

Being like this wasn't anything new for us, I'm almost used to it.  I am a hugger, no doubt, but up till being in Paris; I rarely did it.

Click.

"Now for some candid shots, just act like I'm not here."

We unwrapped our arms, Marinette breaking the ice.

"You seem to be having fun, you act as if you've done this before."

"A few."

"Then why were you so nervous?"

"Haven't done it a lot, but-"

"Seems like you needed a little push this time." She chuckled

"You remembered." I smiled

"How could I forget?  You got me with my dream guy, the least I can do is return the favor." She smiled

Adrien got into the frame and did some more candid shots of us laughing and striking more poses.  The last was a group picture with me in the center, Marinette on my right, and Adrien to the left.

"Alright! That's a wrap!  You did wonderful, all of you!"

"Can't wait to see how they turned out."

The photographer packed up his things and went on his way.  Adrien and Mari were chatting it up when I saw Alya on a bench covered by shade.

"Hey dude, great job." She said as I was sitting down

"Thanks, I forgot why I stopped doing these in the first place."

"You've done these before?"

"Yeah, just school pictures, Confirmation, almost graduation too."

"Looked like you and Marinette got a little close."

"That?  Oh, it's nothing new.  Just doing what the photographer asked."

"The group photo was really nice, I bet the candid pics were good too."

"I guess Adrien will get em later."

"You know, after this you're gonna have girls fawning over you, right?"

"Ha! As if." I laughed

"Don't make me laugh.  Oh wait, never mind." I smirked

"I'm serious.  You're a good-looking guy (Reader,) not only that but you're considerate, talented, and always offer an outreached hand.  Even with consequences."

"Most girls would kill for a guy like you.  You really are a rare find, don't settle.  Ever."

"Thanks, likewise."

"Hey, you know Alix?"

"Other than the name from the Valentine's Day card, no."

"She's in our class.  Pink hair, hates doing bets with Kim, roller blades."

"She seems cool."

"Once you get to know her, yeah.  You got a card from her, so I guess you made some kind of impression on her."

"Which is weird since I never met her."

"Speaking of which, there's this nightclub by the fancy restaurant we were at.  Wanna go?  Alix is up for it."

"I don't know, I guess?  Never been to a nightclub before."

"Just think of it as that restaurant, but with way more people, its inside; and tons of lights with cool music.  And a dance floor."

"When you put it like that, you got me enticed.  Sure, I'll go."

"Cool! Alix is gonna be glad."

Later that night

Adrien and Marinette planned a date night filled with movies, snacks, and a ton of moonlight.  So, in retrospect I'm glad I agreed to this nightclub meet up with Alya and Alix.

"Don't wait up for me Adrien!" I called up the stairs

"Same here."

"HA!"

"Have fun (Reader,) be careful." Marinette said

"I will." I said leaving the mansion gates

The dusk sky welcomed me, along with my phone going off.

Alya: 1 New Message

Alya: Hey (Reader,) change of plans. I'm picking you up, Alix is with me.  You still at Adrien's?

Reader: Yeah.

Alya: Stay where you are, we'll be there in a few.

Reader: You got it.

Marinette: 1 New Message

Marinette: Have fun, and like I said; be careful.  Lotta wild girls there, they ain't sweet like Alya n me.

Reader: Thanks in advance. :P

Reader: Don't wait up for me!

Marinette: Hey! Watch it bucko!

Reader: No promises!

Marinette: Yeah, whatever.

Reader: See you afterwards!

Marinette: See ya (Reader!) ;)

Headlights were seen from my peripheral vision.  Alya honked twice.

"Hey 'lover boy,' get in!" She said leaning out the window waving at me

Alix was in the passenger side, I took the back seat on the right.

"Hey Alya, Alix." I said

"Hey (Reader.) How're you?" She asked stretching for my hand

"Good, you?" I asked gripping her hand

"I've been good.  Looking forward to tonight." She said tightening her grip

"Good grip, likewise."

"Glad that you two've finally been introduced." Alya said

"You been to this nightclub before?" I asked

"Once before, it was alright." Alix said

"It's got great music, decent drinks, and a breath-taking decor.  Pretty good place." Alya said pulling up to a red light

"You're in my home room with Ms. Bustier, right?" I asked Alix

"Yeah, I'm a few rows behind you on the right."

"Ah, no wonder we haven't met till now."

"Not officially, I wanted to give you that card on Valentine's Day, but had Adrien give you it instead."

"You don't seem like the shy type to me, thank you again by the way." I smiled

"Normally I'm not, you're welcome."

"Does the DJ take requests again?" Alix asked

"Yep." Alya replied blinking at me from the rearview mirror

The light changed to green as we pulled away from a purple Lamborghini with a knife spray painted in red and black music notes around a green 'no' circle.

'One weird symbol.' I thought

We made a right, while the lambo turned left.  I saw a building that looked like the nightclub was coming up.

"This is us." Alya said pulling into a parking garage next to the club

We must've gotten there early since we parked on the first floor.

"Everyone got their ID's?" She asked

I checked my wallet with my home state ID where it should be.

"Yep." I said

We all got out of her car, admiring the sunset behind the Eiffel Tower.  People were already going through the doors by the time the line was moving with how fast everyone's ID's were checked.

The music and lights filled the empty outside air in an instant, colors circling and swirling everywhere with some strobes thrown in.  At least the strobes weren't blinding me.

There was a U-shaped couch in the center of the room behind the neon bar.  I claimed my seat on the left, Alya and Alix took the middle and end.

"Water's for the table guys, can I get you guys drinks?" A staff member asked placing the glasses down

"Tito's Pink Lemonade in a tall glass." I said giving the person my ID

"Alright, you're good.  Welcome to Paris dude!"

"Thanks." I said grabbing my ID

"You Miss?" She asked Alya

"Just keep the water coming for me."

"Alright, and for you?" She turned to Alix

"Same as (Reader.)" She said passing her ID

"Alright, I'll be back soon." The staff member left

The music went from Pop to Rock, Techno and then some.

Song: Bad Blood by NAO

https://youtu.be/GP2tmmgQA8w

I had only taken a few sips of water when one of my favorite songs came on.  The ambient instrumentals took me back to where I first heard it.  Without thinking I went on the dance floor letting the music move me to its score.  This was semi-rare for me to do, but when the right feeling hit, I could cut a rug back in the States.

Pop wasn't my main genre, but I got my favorites in it.  My arms connected my hands to my shoulders dragging each from one end to the other as my head now became the music's slave.  This is the ultimate high, losing yourself in songs you love.  A feeling like no other.

Unbeknownst to me, Alix joined me doing a set of moves of her own.  The gray high tops on my feet tapped the floor to the beat with my swaying head.  My eyes closed for a few seconds as I smiled from ear to ear, teeth and all.  Leaning forward I laughed along with a feeling of long needed relief.

Alix outstretched her hand, not speaking a word.  I pulled her towards me as she spun around.  Her eyes looked into mine for a second before I spun her back with her pink hair twirling at full speed.  As soon as she stopped, we both struck a pose, dancing around each other clearly getting into it.

As the song ended, another one by the same artist played.  We didn't miss a single beat.

Song: Blue Wine by NAO

https://youtu.be/-t_Gg_6JUDY

"You can really cut a rug (Reader!)" She said over the music

"You're not so bad yourself."

"Who would've known all it took for us to click was a nightclub and great music?"

I smiled as she pulled me back to her as the soft intro began.  We parted from our rug cutting, to a slow dance that lasted a short time before our fast-paced routine resumed.  Clearly we both looked out of place grooving like this to this type of song, but as the drop hit, everything seemed right again.  And honestly, we didn't have a care in the world who was watching us!

As the piano played its outro, we walked back with Alya wearing the biggest smile on her face.

"Who knew Mr. Q and S could cut a rug like that? With a girl he just met?" She said

"Guess all ya need with him is good taste in music, and a broken-in pair of dancing shoes." She said looking down at her black high tops with green checkered patter on the side with touches of pink and matching laces

"Nice kicks." I commented grabbing my seat

"Thanks. To new friends!" She toasted

I clinked my glass with hers taking a sip from my drink.  It had about the same taste from the one I had in the States, if not more of a kick from the vodka than anything else.  The pink lemonade did a good job of evening it out, much to my enjoyment.

Something on the table in-front of us caught my eye.  Another flip top lighter similar from the dinner lounge place from a few days ago.  This one was all black and was a bit heavier than the silver one.  My left hand grabbed it upside down and pinched it as the bottom flipped open, spinning it through my fingers again and striking the wheel; ending the trick as the flame danced.   My conscience told me to shut it quickly since I'm sure they'd frown upon open flames.  Unless there's a smoking section I didn't know about.

My suspicions were confirmed cause in fact, there was a pack of cigarettes next to my prized lighter in my hands.  Taking a cigarette from the box, I noticed it was packed down good.  I light it and watched the smoke rise amongst the flashing lights as it burned slowly.

"You do that a lot?" Alix asked

"Only this, never started the habit.  Ain't the best to do this regardless, but now and then.  But I don't endorse it." I said

"A pastime from the states?"

"You could say that, some of my 'adopted' family smokes.  Only did this around them up in the woods."

"You're an orphan?" She asked

"I...don't have anyone else, if that's what you mean.  Some close friends of my family that I considered Aunts and Uncles did that.  So, I did it to....I don't know, blend in I guess.  That kinda thing if that makes sense."

"Hm." She nodded

From the look on her face, I could tell she wasn't sure where to go on till Alya butted in.

"Hey, do you know any other tricks with that lighter?"

"Yeah." I said

I went through a few I knew off hand, and made up one where I snapped it open upside down, ran it across the palm of my right hand, and spun it between my left hand twice before closing it.

"What's that one called?" Alix asked

"The ShowOff, just made it up." I smirked

"You're such a pyromaniac." Alya said

"A safe one, duh."

"Of course." She said rolling her eyes

"When did you come to Paris?" Alix asked

"About a few days ago.  Kinda an out of the blue thing, at least I had my bags packed."

"Do you wanna go back?"

"One day I will, when I think the time is right. Considering all the bad stuff that's happened back home, I think of this as a "vacation" to grieve and adjust.  Ya know?"

"I can relate to that a bit."

She took her hat off, shaking her head letting her pink locks fly.

I took another drink as the lights hit my eyes and more music played.

"Hey Alya, anything new with that Lady-blog you're writing?" I asked

"Surprisingly not, guess there's a lull in the action?" She said

"Or maybe the akuma's are getting smarter?" Alix said

"More like Hawkmoth, but I get your point.  Doesn't seem like there're many people left he can send his butterflies to."

"Do you cover anything else besides the villains?" I asked

"I had a few interviews with Ladybug now and then, but none with Chat Noir."

"What's Ladybug like?"

"She's really nice and down to earth.  A hard one to catch though, but it's totally worth it when I interviewed her!"

"How many times?"

"Twice."

"Thanks again for saying what her catchphrase is, wasn't sure about something for a minute."

"No problem (Reader.)" She smiled

The rest of the night passed by with my TIto's Pink Lemonade finished, same with Alix's.

"I'm about done, you two?" She asked

Song: On My Mind by Ellie Goulding

https://youtu.be/a6WYfVt2h4w

"Wait!  Hang on!  You're dancing with me 'lover boy!'  This is my jam!" Alya said

And cut a rug we both did, getting into the swing of things with the song.

We danced close together at first, her hands grazing my shoulders as we twisted with the beats getting further apart.

My energy was on fumes at this point, but I still gave it my all by the time the drop hit stomping my left foot leaning backwards into the strobe lights, letting my think brown hair get in my eyes.  Vision-wise I was a bit dizzy, but not falling over.

Me and Alya continued to sing each line back and forth amongst our moves.

As the bridge was playing, it finally hit me how fast everything happened for me with coming here.  But in all honesty, I considered this close to my second home.  I had her, Marinette, Adrien, and Alix as pals of mine.  And I couldn't have been happier!

With the final chorus, I was gyrating and flipping my hair, throwing in a moonwalk as the final beats hit ending it with a spin.

That's when I looked up and saw everyone, even the bartenders stopped what they were doing to watch me groove.  I smiled amongst the cheers and a single camera flash that caught my attention.  Whoever took the shot ran off into the crowd, and I couldn't get a good look at them.

Alya wrapped her arm around me as more camera flashes emerged from the crowd.

"You own this night (Reader!)  And you didn't wanna come!" She laughed

"Guess it took some convincing." I smirked

Alix joined us as we took a selfie right as someone shot confetti at us.

Nearly shoving our way through the still cheering crowd, we made it back to the parking lot.  I saw the same symbol on the same car I caught a glimpse of on the way here.

"Know anything about that symbol Alya?" Alix asked

"Probably something related to Chloe, class rep elections are coming up again.  I'd guess that's her logo for her campaign, no doubt having her Mayor Father rig the results." Alya said annoyed

"Didn't Marinette win the last one?" I asked

"Yeah, but that took a catastrophic Akuma attack....for a bit of it.  She did all the work, but I know how she handled herself during it cemented her victory."

"Ya speak really high of her, think she'll run again for re-election?  ...If they do that here."

"She thought about it, so I guess." She said in an unsure tone as we got back into her car

The lights of Paris glittered against the pink sky and blue tinted clouds above us.  I rolled down my window all the way, letting the air wiz by me with my arm flowing against the wind.

In short time, Alya turned a corner as I began remembering the surroundings nearby Adrien's place.

"I'm glad you were able to come with us tonight, (Reader.)  You and I had a great time!  Who knew you could dance like that?" Alix said pleased

"Same here, I won't forget this night for sure!"

"I'll send ya the pic of us ASAP!" Alya said

"Nice, thanks again Alya, Alix! I'll see ya tomorrow." I said

Pulling up to the mansion gates, I saw Marinette standing alone with an anxious look on her face.

"See yinz later!" I said getting out as they pulled away waving

"How was your night (Reader?)" She asked

"Are you alright? Did everything go well?"

"I'll tell you later.  Right now, I want to hear about you." She said in a not so serious, but caring tone

"O-okay.  Where do I even begin!?  The drink I had was amazing, I'd wager even better here than in the States!  I cut the rug with Alya and Alix with the greatest tunes and worked up a sweat!"

It was true, I'd need a shower or two before I hug anyone again.  I backed up a bit.

"Oh please (Reader,) don't over exaggerate." Marinette chuckled

"What else happened?"

"On the last song, me and Alya got everyone in the club cheering for us when we finished!" I said grabbing the confetti that was left from my hair

"Yeah, they do that a lot." She winked

"Seems like you had quite the night, I'm really happy for ya."

We didn't say anything for a few moments as the wind played with her jacket and my hair.

"Waiting on your Mom?"

"Dad, actually.  Mom's working the graveyard shift."

"Oh boy."

A car horn interrupted my thoughts as I jolted in surprise.  Marinette's Dad looked way taller than me, had a thick mustache, and was wearing a gray button up and I'm guessing jeans.

"Hi sweetie, how was your date night?" He asked with embarrassing intentions

"It-it was fine Dad, alright?"

'A father's job has been done for the day.' I thought

I chuckled at her expense giving an offhand thumbs up to him, he laughed back with me.

"I'll see ya later Marinette." I said

She hugged me tightly as my body released what tension it had left.

So much for not hugging anyone tonight.

She waved goodbye as they pulled away.

I slipped through the opening of the gates walking back up the marble steps to the door heading up the stairs to the balcony.

Not hearing Adrien's voice, I figured he crashed after the date night.  Must've been a hell of a night.

The whole routine of falling into this bed following my rituals has become part of my newfound life thrust upon me.

1 New Message

Unknown: 1 message

Hey (Reader!)  It's Alix, Alya gave me your number. ;)

Reader: Hey, had a ton of fun tonight!  Let's hope I don't fail French, or any other of my classes after this night out.

Alix: It seems like you're doing fine at this point dude, I got faith in ya.

Reader: Hm.  I'm about to pass out, chat tomorrow?

Alix: Sure Q and S.  Blame Alya. :P

Reader: I will, believe me!

My head hit the soft pillows once again, already getting an idea of what might happen tomorrow, but in the back of my mind I knew it was useless given everything else I've done here so far.

"Night Alix." I said

It was barely two minutes before I got up grabbing another gray pocket t with holes, and black shorts.

"Alright, enough bullshitting.  I'm hitting the shower!"

Marinette's POV

Saying goodbye to (Reader) felt bittersweet, an odd kick in the gut feeling was in the air.

"Do you really think he enjoyed his night as much as he said, Tikki?" I asked

"It seems so, though if he would've seen Paris's greatest Heroine in that club, he definitely would be in for quite a shock." She joked

"I didn't transform!"

"But I could tell you wanted to, don't ya think 2 nights in a row is pushing it?  Even without using your Lucky Charm, the transformation alone takes a bit out of me."

"Tikki, would I be a terrible Miraculous Holder if I transformed just for tonight?"

I saw her eyes roll and smile.

"Cookie me." She declared seriously

"Hahahaha!  What!?"

"Just do it."

Without another word, I gave her a chocolate chip cookie.

"Tikki, spots on!"

I leapt from rooftop to rooftop, getting closer to my destination with the now black veil-like sky protecting me.  My twin tails flew freely in the wind as I dropped from a ledge overlooking the mansion.  The lights for (Reader's) room and the bathroom were on.

"Did he leave the light on again?" I said to no one

"Unlikely, don't forget you can hear me, ok?  It gets lonely in your head." Tikki joked

"Yeah, yeah."

I eagle dived from one rooftop to Adrien's, flying through the skylight in (Reader's) room, flipping over and landed on his bed unharmed.

"Hey! Take it easy!  No more of this leap of faith stuff!"

I ignored her looking around his room.  True to his word, my Valentine's card was on top of his dresser.

Other than that, his room was a complete mess, out of character for him.  I saw that the light to the hallway was on, peering around the corner with the moonlight illuminating the left side of my face.

I saw the bathroom door was closed, and probably locked.  Dread overtook me as I realized I left my bracelet Adrien gave me.....by the bathroom sink.

"Oh man, oh man oh man oh MAN Tikki I messed up big time!"

"It's okay Marinette, just hide, wait for him to come out, and leave."

"No!  You don't understand, he gave that to me tonight, it's black with a silver engraving of my name!  He'll notice something's up." I said quickly

"It looks like he grabbed a change of clothes, so it's not like you'll see him in the nude." She teased

"Tikki, are you helping me or NOT!?"

"Oh, I am.  It just never gets old teasing you."

My heartrate went down when I heard the water shut off, and the steam slowly evaporated.  I could hear shuffling, and a door unlocking.  Thinking on my feet, I looked through the keyhole. Good, he's got shorts on and his back is turned.  Slowly opening the door, I reached for the sink, snatching my bracelet and going through the skylight.

"What the!?" I heard (Reader) say

Without giving it another thought, I made it back to my bedroom just as the last dot of my ear rings disappeared.   My sleeping outfit was the same that Adrien lent me, then he let me have.  Placing my tired ass self in my computer chair, I took in the night sky again, as I sighed in relief looking down at my prize.

My prize was anything but mine.

The bracelet was black alright, but it had white music notes drawn on it, and a saying written on the inside.

"Let No One Compose Your Score." I read

"Oh, you gotta be kidding me! Why didn't I just WALK in there, get the RIGHT bracelet and be on my way!?"

"Now I stole (Reader's) bracelet, that was probably the last gift from his parents, and when he finds out I took it, he'll hate me forever and fly back to the states, delete my number, and never talk to me again!"

The whole fantasy playing out in my head seemed much to real this time.

"Woah Marinette, chill okay?  Just say you dropped by to get it back, and grabbed the wrong one.  Don't make everything so dramatic."

"Tikki, normally the fantasies that go on in my head just fade away and I brush them off after I come back to reality.  This one is still sticking with me.  What if I took a vital piece of him I never knew existed?"

"Marinette, (Reader's) a nice guy.  He's got layers you haven't known yet, he keeps to himself aside from you, your friends, and his cousin.  There's still a lot of growing ahead of him, he'll open up more when he's ready.  How would you feel if you suddenly lost your parents and had to move to another part of the world?"

"I can't even imagine." I sighed

"Exactly, who knows how long it will take before he opens up more?  What do you know about him now?"

"He's creative, kind, sweet, and his mind.  His mind, it's so....unique.  Who knows what masterpieces he's written, or writing?  Drawing?  Composing?  This feeling......it's an extreme high, wanting to know more about someone.  It's a, it's a great feeling.  But everything will happen when it happens, I don't want to reach to far." I said

I exhaled in relief, smiling as the all-to-real fantasy finally left my mind.

"Perfect Marinette, perfect.  Now let's get some sleep.  You and I both need it."

I turned my lamp off, admiring how the moonlight light up my room before covering up in my bed.

"Good night (Reader.)" I said to the open air