This was a fun one! Also please no comments about not using pound it, I tend to use my personal preference when it comes to translations since some things are different. Anyway, I hope this makes up for yesterday's angst fest! Vote and comment if you've enjoyed!                                                         -Colorado

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It was meant to be a normal day. Alya, Nino, Adrien, and Marinette had made plans to hang out after school. It had been a long time since the four of them had gotten an opportunity to spend time together, so Marinette was looking forward to it greatly.

Of course, Alya and Nino had other plans.

Marinette wasn't sure whether it was because they were tired of her and Adrien running around in circles, or if she had begrudgingly admitted that moving on from him hadn't worked, but they had started to increase their matchmaking schemes ten-fold. It was starting to get really old. First, it was more subtle things, like leaving her and Adrien to partner up on projects. Then, they took it to the next level and created situations where more often than not, Marinette and Adrien ended up alone together. Now it seemed like any time the four of them had planned to hang out, something would come up and the two of them would cancel. 

Marinette just wished they would quit it already. Days that she could hang out with them were becoming rarer and rarer. She missed hanging out with the two of them, but apparently getting her and Adrien together took priority.

The one good thing that came out of it was her and Adrien's closeness. Since they had been forced to spend time together, Marinette had also been forced to get over her nervousness. They clicked easily and quickly became close. She was able to put her obsessive days behind her as she fell deeper and deeper in love with him.

So when Alya and Nino canceled their plans, again, Marinette was disappointed, but she wasn't freaking out.

"Well, since Alya and Nino aren't here, do you want to change up our plans a bit? Maybe do something that we wouldn't do otherwise?" Adrien asked, standing up from the park bench they were on.

"Do you have something in mind?"

"I'm surprised you haven't freaked out about it yet, sapphire." Adrien mused, grabbing a flyer out of his bag and handing it to her.

"A fashion exhibit at the Louvre?"

"Yeah. I know it wasn't Alya and Nino's thing, so I didn't mention it, but since it's going to be just us two..." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"I'd love to."

"Great! I'm surprised you didn't hear about it."

"I've been... busy." Marinette sighed.

Being the Guardian was taking up more and more of her time. It had been forever since she had designed something and even longer since she had sat down and played video games with her family.

"I get that, believe me. It seems that my father has doubled the amount of work I have since the new school year started."

"Tell me about it." She muttered.

"But at least we get to spend time together at school, right?" 

"Yeah, thank the Lord."

Marinette didn't know what she would do the day Ladybug got in the way of her school day. It seemed like the way things were going, that would soon be the only way she could see her friends.

"Come on, let's get to the metro."  

"Lead the way."

"If we can get there by fourteen, there's a presentation about ancient Parisian design and how it influenced today's culture." Adrien said as they started to walk.

"Ooo, we definitely wouldn't want to be late then."

"Not at all."

"But it's 13:15 now, so we better hurry!" Marinette said, grinning.

Without stopping to think about it, Marinette grabbed his hand and started to run towards the metro.

"Whoa!"

"S-sorry." Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Marinette dropped his hand.

"No, no, it's fine. I was just not prepared." His cheeks looked pink. Oh God, he was probably tired from running. Just because she had superhero stamina didn't mean that he had!

"Sorry."

"It really is alright, I haven't been running in a while, so a workout would be good." He winked. "Perhaps I can even beat you."

"Oh-ho, a bit cocky are we?" Marinette smirked.

"And for a good reason." He leaned in closer to her.

"Oh? I doubt you'll be able to defeat me in a race."

After all, he wasn't spending half his time saving Paris like she was.

"Fine then, ready, set, go!"

Without any other warning, Adrien took off.

"Hey! You get back here, Agreste! That totally wasn't fair." She called as she started to run.

"All's fair in love and war."

"Ugh."

The two of them chased after each other, laughing and bantering. Adrien's wild grin reminded her of another blond boy's grin. In fact, since becoming closer to Adrien the similarities between him and Chat Noir were starting to pile up. But that was a dangerous path to go down, so she never gave much thought to it.

They ended up tying, arriving at the metro station at the same time. 

"Whew! I never knew how athletic you were, Marinette." Adrien remarked.

"Ah, yeah! Doing deliveries must have made me more fit than expected."

"Maybe we should partner up in gym class more often."

Marinette tried not to think about why Adrien could match her pace so well. It was wistful thinking, that was all.

"Yeah, maybe."

"Come on! It'd be a total blast, plus we could single out Lila whenever she's on the opposite team." He sang.

"That does sound appealing, I'll admit."

"See! I knew you could turn you." 

"You offered justice on my enemy, how could I refuse?" Marinette rubbed her hands together.

"Have I apologized already for telling you to take the high road?"

"Yes, you have and like I've said before, it's how you were raised. You realized that it was wrong and made it up to me, it's water under the bridge."

"I still feel guilty though." He frowned.

"Well, don't. It's not your fault honestly."

"But I should've realized that her lies weren't harmless and that they were hurting you."

"And you did realize it and you've made up for it, so don't hold it over your head, okay?"

"Bu-oof."

"I-I'm sorry!" A small voice cried.

Adrien and Marinette both looked down to see a young girl who was probably about 6 or 7.

"It's alright." Adrien said. "Are you okay?"

The little girl nodded, her red hair bouncing. She looked around the station, and when she realized they were the only three there, the smile slipped off her face.

"Have you seen my mommy and daddy?" She asked.

Marinette and Adrien exchanged worried glances.

"I'm sorry, we haven't. What's your name?" Marinette asked, crouching down.

"Mommy and Daddy say that I shouldn't talk to strangers."

"My name is Adrien Agreste. I'm sixteen years old and I'm a model. This is my friend Marinette Dupain-Cheng, one of the best fashion designers in Paris! So, now that you know us, what's your name?"

"Sammy."

"Well, then, Sammy, what are your parents' names?" Marinette asked.

"Riley and James."

"And when did you last see them?"

"Up there." She pointed to the stairway entrance. "They said we would go on a subway to see a movie, but then I lost them in the crowd. So then I came down here where the subway was, but... they aren't here!"

"Subway?" Adrien asked.

"It's what they call the metro in America. Is that where you're from?"

"New York City!" She said happily.

"And you said your family was going to see a movie?" Marinette asked.

"Yep!"

"Can you remember what the movie was called?" Adrien said, pulling out his phone.

"Um, it was that superhero movie? The one based on the real life superheroes?"

"Ladybug and Chat Noir?" Marinette asked.

"Yeah! That's it!"

"It looks like there's only one theater that's playing it soon."

"Where is it?"

"About one stop away from us." Adrien said, pocketing his phone.

"What if we met up with your parents there?" Marinette offered.

Sammy shook her head,

"No! I can't just get on the train with you two."

Adrien sighed. He knew that Sammy was just trying to be safe, but how were they supposed to get her back safe and sound?

"What if we got a police officer to come with us? Would you feel safe then?" Marinette offered. 

Adrien smiled. That would totally work!

'She's so smart. And kind. And patient. And-.'

"Yeah!" Sammy cheered, breaking Adrien out of his lovesick thoughts.

"Perfect! Let's go and find one, okay?"

"Okay!"

Adrien shot Marinette a thumbs up as the three of them headed to the nearest officer.

Of course she would risk being late to a presentation to help a small child. That was just how she was. She always thought of others before herself. It was part of the reason Adrien fell for her so hard.

"Look, there's Officer Roger!" Adrien said.

"His daughter is in our class, so we've met him before." Marinette explained.

"Oh, okay! Let's go see him." Sammy said, skipping ahead of them.

"I hope this works." Marinette muttered.

"I'm sure it will." Adrien reassured her. "If we can't do anything, Officer Roger will."

"Yeah, you're right. I mean, we probably should've gone to a policeman first, huh?"

"Hey, your idea of meeting up with the parents is a really good idea! But seeing as we can't tell them we have their daughter and want to meet up somewhere..."

"Yeah, you're right."

"But hey, now we can get her back to her parents." Adrien said, looping his arm around her.

"D-definitely."

"Were you the two who found this girl?" Officer Roger asked, approaching them.

"Yes, sir." They chorused.

"Well, you two did the right thing."

"We figured out that her parents are heading towards the theater that's one stop away from this station." Adrien said.

"If you could maybe contact them and we can meet up?" Marinette offered.

"Alright, Sammy, you said your name was?" Officer Roger asked.

"Yep!"

"What's your parents' phone numbers? That way I can call them and let them know that you are safe and sound."

Soon, Officer Roger hung up the phone, a smile on his face.

"Well, good news, we're going to meet up with them at the theater. They've agreed to wait for us at the theater."

"You ready to see your parents?" Marinette asked.

"Yeah!" Sammy cheered.

"See Marinette, I told you your idea was a good one! But we'll have to leave now if we want to make it in time for the presentation." Adrien said, checking his phone.

Marinette bit her lip, hesitating before answering,

"I'd rather make sure Sammy is back with her parents, safe."

"How Ladybug of you." He beamed. However, he didn't miss the flash of panic that ran through Marinette's face before she registered he was talking about her nickname.

'Huh. Interesting.' Adrien mused as a theory came back to him. It would also explain why she had matched his speed so well earlier.... He closed his eyes, trying not to shake his head. It would do him no good to think like that. Blending the only two girls he ever loved into one was probably not the greatest way to deal with his feelings.

"W-well, I just want to make sure she's safe." Marinette said.

"That's very admirable of you."

"Thank you, Adrien." She whispered.

"You're welcome."

The metro came shortly after, the four of them all finding seats quickly. Thank the Lord there were four of them close together. They might not have known her long, but Adrien and Marinette had grown a bit attached to Sammy.

The three of them played games as the metro moved through the streets of Paris. Adrien was blown away by how well Marinette could handle Sammy. Seeing as she was a babysitter, it made a lot of sense. It made his heart hurt to see her laughing with a child, trying and failing to keep daydreams of the future out of his head.

Finally, the metro rolled to a stop and Sammy rushed out as soon as the doors were opened.

"Sammy!" Marinette called. "Wait!"

"Hold on, Sammy." Adrien said, jogging to catch up with her. "Don't go too far, okay? We don't want you getting lost again."

"Okay." She said, slowing to a skip. "Where's my mommy and daddy?"

"We're meeting them at the theater, right Officer Roger?" Marinette asked, catching up to them.

"Yes, they should be waiting for Sammy outside of the theater."

"You ready to go see them?" Adrien asked.

"Yeah!"

"Well, let's go!" Marinette said, a smile on her face.

"Yeah!"

Sammy skipped ahead, Marinette and Adrien walking behind her chatting, and Officer Roger last, being sure to keep an eye out on the road.

"I'm really glad we'll be able to get Sammy home safe and sound." Marinette murmured.

"Me too. It was worth missing out on the presentation."

"Yeah."

"Another job well done." Adrien bumped her shoulder as the theater came into view.

"Mommy! Daddy!" Sammy cheered running towards two adults.

"Sammy!" They cheered, and hugged her tight.

"Another citizen helped." Marinette said, a smile growing on her face.

"Bien joué!" The two bumped fists. 

3...

2...

1...

Marinette jumped back, eyes bulging. A small whine escaped her before she could stop it.

"Uhhhhhhhh," Adrien's eyes searched hers, looking from her face to ears back to face to her ears, before gasping.

"Mommy, Daddy, these are the two who helped me!" Sammy said, pulling her parents over to the two teens.

"Oh, we can't thank you enough!" Riley, if Marinette remembered correctly, said, shaking their hands. Her accent was American, but her French was surprisingly good.

"Seriously, is there anything we can do for you two?" James asked.

"Um," Adrien shook his head. Whether it was an answer or if it was him trying to piece his thoughts together was up for debate. "No, I don't think so. Having Sammy safe is enough for us, right Marinette?"

She turned towards her partner.

"Yeah. Helping people is kinda our thing." She told them, a nervous smile on her face.

"Oh, aren't you two just so sweet?" 

"Here, take these and go enjoy yourselves, it's the least we could do." James pulled two tickets out and handed them to Adrien. "We can always buy more."

He looked down and his eyes widened.

"T-thank you!"

"What are they?" Marinette heard herself ask.

"Tickets to a carnival."

"Oh!" Marinette's heart fluttered, her traitorous brain thinking up scenarios of them going to the fair on a date.

"Yeah. They're for Friday, if you want to go?"

"S-sure! I think I'm free."

But was it a date? Was it just one of their usual hangouts? Normally, Marinette would've known right away that things between her and Adrien were strictly platonic, but her world had just been turned on her head. She wasn't sure of anything anymore. 

"Great." He said, giving her finger guns.

"Great."

"So, Sammy, are you ready to see our movie?"

"Yeah!"

"Thanks again for bringing her back to us, and thanks for contacting us, Officer Roger." James told them, shaking the man's hand.

"All in a day's work." He nodded towards them.

"Say bye, Sammy." Riley said.

"Bye, bye!" She waved and despite her panic, Marinette found herself waving back. 

"I'd better get back to my station, will you kids be okay?" Officer Roger asked.

The two nodded frantically, they needed to be alone as soon as possible so they could work out whatever the heck had just happened.

"Okay, I'll see you two around, then."

"Oh! Tell Sabrina we said hi!" Adrien said.

"Will do M. Agreste, you too Mlle. Dupain-Cheng." Marinette gave him a weak smile.

"Bye Officer Roger, thanks for your help!" Adrien waved as he walked back to the metro station. He let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness they're gone now."

"Yep." Marinette squeaked. 

He turned on his heel and grabbed her shoulders, panic finally showing on his face.

"You're her, aren't you?" He breathed.

Marinette gulped. Either she could lie and deny, but Adrien was her partner. She couldn't do that to him. Especially now that she knew his identity.

She looked down and nodded.

"Oh my God. Oh my God! Marinette!" Adrien suddenly pulled her into a hug. "You're my lady! I knew it! I wanted it to be you so bad, I-." He placed his forehead on hers. "I'm so happy."

"Me too." She whispered. "Me too, kitty. Did you really want it to be me?"

"Of course I did. Nearly figured you out too, but then you pulled that stunt as Multimouse." 

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why me?"

"Because Marinette, you're already my everyday Ladybug. My best friend also being my partner is a dream come true for me. You're kind and smart and just amazing."

"Thank you. I hope you know the feeling's mutual. I've been suspecting you for a while, but I just didn't want to go down that path because it was dangerous." She admitted. "And if you weren't him,"

"You didn't want to be disappointed." Adrien finished. She nodded.

"Yeah, exactly."

"Well, I am!" He grinned. "Your luck must be rubbing off on me, bugaboo." 

"It's a good thing that I have plenty of luck to go around, then." Marinette grinned, her heart beginning to feel lighter.

"After all, you are Lady Luck." Adrien teased, his grin 100% Chat Noir's grin. That was her kitty alright. 

"Oh no, not yet another nickname." Marinette groaned. 

"You know you love them."

"Eh, that's up for debate." Marinette grinned.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, bugaboo."

Marinette shook her head. She really was in love with a dork.

"So, Louvre? Fashion exhibit?" He asked, letting go of her.

"Sounds purrfect." She winked and giggled at the sigh Adrien let out. "Come on, kitty, we don't want to be later any more than we are." She lowered her voice, "Plus, then Tikki and Plagg can hang out when we're alone."

"We better hurry then." He offered his arm to her. "Shall we, m'lady?"

She happily took it.

"We shall." 

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I have done nearly no reveals yet for this entire book, so I hope that you enjoyed this one! See you tomorrow! Bye!                                                                                                                                                              -Colorado