Adrien raced down the school stairs towards the parked limousine on the curb. "Hey Chloé, wait up." He called. The blonde socialite spun around with a beaming smile.

"Adrikins! I've hardly seen you all day." She practically jumped on him as she flung her arms around his neck in a hug. "Have you got the afternoon off? You must come up and see these new shoes I bought yesterday, they are absolutely divine..."

"Thanks Chloé, but I'm actually doing something this afternoon and I need your advice." Chloé was practically preening, linking her fingers around his neck.

"Oh course Adrihoney. What do you need?" Adrien pulled her arms off from around him, but kept hold of her hands.

"I'm going over to see Marinette. She was away sick today, you know with girl stuff, and I've got some class notes for her." Chloé narrowed her eyes at him.

"Okay, so?" Adrien took a deep breath. He knew Chloé wasn't on the most friendly terms with Marinette, but he really hoped she could just set that aside for the moment.

"I want to take her something nice, something to brighten up her day and make her feel better." Chloé folded her arms and raised an eyebrow at him. Adrien started to rub the back of his neck. "I just don't know what would be the right thing to take without being over the top or awkward." He looked up at Chloé who was staring at him with a confused look. "I just thought you might..."

"You like Dupain-Cheng don't you?" She said very matter of fact. Adrien didn't say anything, but the fierce blush running across his face was answer enough for her. Chloé unfolded her arms, throwing them up in the air and rolled her eyes. "Ugh, I should have known you'd fall for clumsynette." Adrien started to panic.

"Please Chloé, don't say anything to anyone. I'm still trying to figure this all out myself and I just want to do this my way. I want to try and be a better friend first before scaring her off with my feelings." Chloé had to refrain from bursting out laughing. He clearly still didn't see how smitten Marinette has been with him all these years. The socialite let out a sigh with a smile and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Adrien, you're an adorable idiot but because I love you I'll help you out." Adrien wasn't sure if he should take that as a compliment or an insult. "I suppose it could have been worse, you could have fallen for Lila's crap, I mean charms." Adrien practically gagged.

"Come on Chloé, give me a little more credit than that." Chloé just smirked with a twinkle in her eye. He was just too easy to tease sometimes.

"Alright, I'm sorry." She put her hands up in defences. "Honestly, you can't go wrong with flowers. They are a sure fire way to cheer any girl up without saying too much or being weird."

"So roses then?" He asked tentatively. He didn't know much about flowers, but he knew roses were always well received. Well, except when he tried to give them to Ladybug. Chloé tapped her finger on her chin.

"Sure, roses are always classic. Not red ones though. They represent passion and romance so that would seem too much for now. Save that for later." She winked at him, turning his face flushed again. " Hmmm, and not yellow either." Adrien frowned.

"But you like yellow roses, I buy them for you when you're sick." Chloé flicked her ponytail back.

"Of course you do, they are my favourite after all, but they also mean friendship and I'm betting you are hoping for more than that with Dupain-Cheng?" Adrien pinched his nose with his fingers.

"Can you stop just saying her last name like she's some kind of race horse or something?" He looked at her with exasperation, before softening his face. "And yes,you're right. I would like more than friends, but when the time is right. I don't want to blow this Chloé." Chloé's lips curled up into a smile.

"Orange." She said.

"Orange?" Adrien queried with furrowed brows.

"Orange roses. Trust me on this one. I know my flowers and this is the one for you." Adrien looked at her suspiciously.

"You're not pranking me are you. There isn't some kind of hidden 'I hate you' message here." Chloé put a hand over her heart in mock offence.

"Why Adrikins, how could you think such a thing about moi? I would never do that to you although I really don't get what you see in Dupain..." Adrien raised an eyebrow at her and Chloé pursed her lips. "Marinette...Are you really sure about this Adrien?" Her tone had become more serious, and her eyebrows knitted in concern. Adrien let out a longing sigh.

"I can't explain it, Chloé . When I'm around her I feel like I can be myself. She sees me, not just fame and money like someone like Lila does, but as a real person. You know more than anyone how hard it can be for people like us to find that."

"I do." Chloé said, putting both her hands on Adrien's shoulders.

"Alright lover boy, I get it. If it's Marinette you want then it's Marinette you get. But don't take too long okay? I've got fifty Euros riding on you two getting together by the end of Lycée." Adrien's eyes flew open.

"What?" Chloé threw her head back and started laughing then pretended to look at her watch.

"Oh won't' you look at that, I've got to go. Sabrina is coming around to work on our assignment together." Adrien folded his arms with a smirk at his oldest friend. "Okay, fine, she's working on it while I have a pedi." Chloé stepped forward and hugged him tight. "I hope you find what you're looking for with Marinette." She said quietly into his ear. "You deserve to be happy after everything you've had to put up with."

"I think I have." He said, his voice filling with happiness and hope. "I know I have."

After watching Chloé drive off, Adrien ducked into a florist and bought a small bunch of orange roses. He had to admit the colour was beautiful and it reminded him of the sunset dress Marinette had been working on.

Standing out the front of the bakery, Adrien took a deep breath before opening the door. Sabine turned as the door chimed, her face lighting up as Adrien tried to hide the bunch of roses unsuccessfully behind his back. He wasn't sure why he suddenly felt awkward about it. "Hello there Adrien, Alya rang and said you would be dropping by. I hope you'll stay for dinner?" He hadn't even thought about dinner.

"Oh, I didn't mean to just invite myself around like that." Adrien suddenly panicked. "I don't want to be any trouble."

"Nonsense son." Tom said, walking over and draping his arm over the model's tense shoulders. "It's good of you to bring Marinette's school work around. I'm sure she will appreciate that you rose to the occasion." Adrien broke out into a giggle, his shoulders instantly relaxing. Marinette's parents were awesome like that. He brought his arm back around so they could see the bouquet.

"I thought she might like something to cheer her up." He said a little sheepishly.

"Aww, that's so thoughtful Adrien. Why don't you take them up to her, she knows you're coming."

Upstairs, Marinette lightly snoozed in bed in her semi darkened room. When Alya text to say Adrien would be coming with her school work she'd had a total freak out to Tikki. It wasn't that she didn't want to see him, of course she wanted to see him, but she was convinced she must have looked as awful as she felt. Tikki assured her that wasn't the case. She may have resigned herself to Adrien only being a friend, but that didn't mean she wanted to look like something the cat dragged in. Marinette had half a mind to text him not to come, but Tikki talked her out of it saying he clearly must have cared to be worried enough to come and see her. She managed to drag herself up long enough to have a shower and brush her hair, before crashing back into bed. Now she was just too tired from the pain meds to argue.

Adrien opened the door and let his eyes adjust to the darkened room. Although not as good as when he is transformed, he had noticed his night vision and hearing, even his sense of smell, seemed a little sharper than they used to be. Making his way up to her bed, her eyes fluttered open as he approached over to her. A soft sleepy smile stretched across her lips. "Hi." She said quietly.

"Hi." Adrien sat down on the edge of her bed and rested his hand on top of hers. He held up the bunch of roses over to her.

"I...ah...bought these for you." He said, trying really hard not to blush. "They kind of reminded me of your dress over there and since you can't go outside to see the sunset, I thought I would bring the sunset to you." Marinette reached out tentatively, taking the roses in her free hand.

"They're beautiful Adrien, thank you." She breathed out, holding them to her nose and smelling in their sweet scent.

"How are you feeling? Alya said you went to the doctor this morning." He asked with genuine concern. Marinette had her hair out and it was framing her face in the low light. Adrien knew she hadn't been well, but he thought she looked beautiful.

"Better than I was earlier. I puked up so that at least helped with the headache." She said, trying not to think too hard about the fact that he was so casually holding her hand. "I did see the doctor...he...ah..." She bit her bottom lip and looked away. Adrien squeezed her hand.

"It's alright. If you'd rather talk to Alya about it I won't be offended." Marinette looked back at him.

"No, it's not that." She smiled at him, setting him at ease. "He thinks he might know what's wrong but just wants to do some more investigations. It would involve a laparoscopic procedure and I kind of can't be out of action like that, you know, with Lycée finals and all coming up." Mostly though because of her Ladybug duties, but that of course went unsaid. "Would you mind asking mama for a vase?" She asked, indicating to the flowers. "I'd like to sit them here on my nightstand." Adrien smiled and nodded, patting her hand before heading downstairs with the roses.

"Oh Marinette, he brought you flowers. That's so sweet." Tikki chirped, flitting around Marinette's head.

"Yeah, it is." She said contemplatively. She really didn't expect that. Then again though, Adrien was a sweet person so it really shouldn't surprise her. Picking up her phone, she found a missed message from Alya.

Alya: Is Adrien there yet?

Marinette: He just got here. Brought me some pretty flowers.

The response back was almost instantaneous.

Alya: What flowers? What colour are they? I need deets!!!

Marinette: Orange roses.

Adrien came back up to the room just as Alya replied back.

Alya: OMG girl! Orange roses means love born out of friendship. I'm telling you he is into you.

"Where do you want me to sit them?" Adrien asked, holding the vase. Marinette blinked at him a moment. No, he said he bought them because they reminded him of the dress. He likes the sunset, she remembered him saying the other day. Alya was just reading too much into things as usual.

"Just here." She said, pointing to her night stand.

Marinette: Whatever. Got to go.

Marinette pushed herself up into a sitting position. Adrien grabbed an extra pillow, carefully popping it behind her back. She shivered at the touch of his hand on her shoulder.

"Are you warm enough? Do you want me to get you a blanket?" He asked.

"No, I'm fine." She answered with a sweet smile. "You really don't have to fuss over me." Adrien placed his hand on hers again as he sat on the bed beside her.

"Marinette, you're always the one there for all of us. Remember last winter you sent me chicken soup when I was home sick? Then another time you gave Rose your special honey lemon tea when she had a sore throat and couldn't sing, and don't forget the care pack you gave to Kim when he sprained his wrist last year. You take care of everyone else, our everyday Ladybug, so let me take care of you." Marinette felt her heart picking up pace. The kindness of his eyes and the warmth of his hand made her melt.

"Okay." She said softly. "Does that make you my everyday Chat Noir then?" Adrien smiled and it reminded her very much of the devilish grin on Chat's face when he's up to mischief. "I can be if you want me to be." He said as reached over to his school bag. Oh this could be a long night of heart palpitations if he keeps this up, Marinette lamented. Not that she minded, not really. She can convince herself a thousand times over that Adrien was only ever going to be a friend to her, but damn it all he still set her heart on fire, especially when he looked at her like that. Adrien sat back around rubbing his eyes.

"Firstly, Operation Carrier Pigeon has a delivery." He handed over to her a piece of folded paper. Opening it, Marinette instantly recognised Kagami's handwriting.

"Oh that's wonderful. Luka will be so happy." She said, picking up her phone. "I'll send it straight away." She turned on her side table lamp and snapped a picture, opening the app to send it.

"Have you read any of the letters?" He asked, a little embarrassed at his own curiosity. He swears it must be Plagg's influence, but he was sure Marinette was flushing pink.

"I try not to. I mean it's their private love letters, but it's hard not to see some things." She conceded. Adrien nodded, glad he wasn't the only one.

"Luka is definitely poetic." He said almost dreamily. "I wish someone wrote things like that to me." Marinette watched as his face suddenly went bright red. "I mean...not Luka of course because he has Kagami and I'm not into guys...or Kagami or...oh man I'm going to shut up now." He buried his face in his hands, but peaked through his fingers at Marinette laughing.

"Are you sure you don't want a shovel there? You could maybe dig a little deeper you know." Adrien could feel Plagg vibrating with suppressed laughter under his shirt. Little sod.

"Alright, okay." He said pouting, but he couldn't hold it. He loved the sound of her laugh too much, loved seeing her carefree and comfortable around him, loved the way her eyes twinkled when she teased him. He could feel himself falling in love with her.

Trying to get back on track he took a folder out of his bag, and handed it over to her clearing his quickly constricting throat. "Now, here are the notes from your classes, and this is the assignment we have for history. It's still the World War 1 unit we were working on in class and you and I have been given the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux to research and write an essay on." Marinette took the papers from Adrien, reading over the notes.

"I think I remember hearing something about this before." Marinette wondered aloud.

"Yeah, you would have. Alya actually wrote about it on the Ladyblog. Apparently when she was researching past Miraculous holders she came across a story about a guy named Jack who was rumoured to be a Chat Noir from Britain. There's no solid evidence and no pictures of him transformed, but there is this one of him in his military uniform." Marinette took the picture from his hands and looked at the sepia image he had printed from the Ladyblog.

Marinette had tried not to look too much into Alya's theories into past Miraculous holders. Partly it made her feel nervous looking into the lives of her predecessors, but also in a way, she didn't want to know how their lives ended. It was hard not to though, since Alya would usually read all her theories out to her anyway. Tikki and Wayzz had told Marinette before that Plagg had lost many of his chargers before their time, either from protecting their Ladybug or in the heat of war. Tikki said it was one of the reasons Plagg was so protective of his current chosen. Chat was very special to Plagg. Marinette felt her chest tighten a little. Without thinking she ran a finger over the image in her hand. Jack was ruggedly handsome, in his mid 20's with what looked to be fair untamed hair and kind eyes, not unlike her own Chat Noir. She wondered what colour his eyes were. She couldn't even begin to imagine her life without her Kitty in it, she wouldn't want to.

"Oh gosh." Marinette whispered. It was almost strange to be looking at the face of an unmasked Chat Noir. She looked up at Adrien who had a complex array of emotions across his face. "Did Alya happen to know who the Ladybug was?" Adrien rumerage through his notes again.

"Not directly, but there were a lot of letters that Jack wrote to a girl named Alice. When Jack died she traveled to the Western front as a nurse. They called her "The Angel of Light" because they say no one died on her watch. Later she was a dancer all over Europe." He passed her another sepia picture of a dark haired woman in what looked like a Ladybug inspired cabaret costume. She was very beautiful, but a deep sadness was evident in her eyes. Marinette immediately recognised the Ladybug earrings in Alice's ears, resisting the urge to touch her own. There was also something hanging around her neck, but Marinette couldn't quite make it out.

"There isn't much about her." Adrien continued, the sound in his voice shifting, almost in reverence. "Around ten years after the war ended she returned to England and lived a quiet life out of the public eye. She never married." Marinette looked up at him and then back at the picture of Jack, holding the two images next to each other.

"Did...did you say Jack died?" Adrien nodded and his brows furrowed slightly.

"He was killed at Villers-Bretonneux. They say he led a skirmish of British troops against the German machine gunners which allowed the Australians through to take the ground. He died trying to protect his men." Marinette looked at him curiously. He seemed really affected by the story, like he knew more than he was letting on.

"I don't remember Alya writing about that on the blog?" She queried. Adrien rubbed the back of his neck nervously. That must have been one of the bits Plagg had told him about.

"Oh, I must have seen that somewhere while I was researching in class." He offered, rubbing his eyes again, hissing a little under his breath.

"Adrien your eyes look really red. Do you need to put water on them? I think there are some drops in the bathroom." Adrien shook his head.

"Actually I have contacts in. Would it be alright if I took them out? I think I've had them in for too long today." Marinette tried not to look surprised, her curiosity about Jack and Alice forgotten.

"Of course. I didn't know you wore contacts." Adrien reached up to his eyes and pulled out the soft lenses before throwing them into her waste bin by the bed.

"I haven't had them long. My father won't let me wear glasses out in public. He thinks it will spoil my perfect image if people know I have a flaw." Marinette flinched a little at the sarcasm in his voice, but there was a distinct element of hurt there too. He took out a glasses case from his bag and placed the gold rimmed frames on. He then struck a model pose with a dazzling smile. "So what do you think? Do they make me look more intelligent?" Marinette giggled at his antics.

"Maybe your father doesn't want you wearing glasses so you won't make a spectacle of yourself." Adrien's mouth dropped open as he placed a hand on his chest.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng, did you just pun at me?" The bluenette burst into another round of giggles.

"You've heard my papa haven't you? He's like the pun king. He could definitely give Chat Noir a run for his money." Adrien's lips curled up into a deviant smile.

"I don't know, I think I'm pretty punny myself. Maybe I might surprise you?" Marinette shook her head.

"Oh no, not you too. I'm surrounded by punners." She held her hands on the sides of her head as they both dissolved into giggles.

"I think you mean punmasters." Adrien grinned.

"You're such a dork." Marinette laughed as she gave him a teasing push on the shoulder. As their laughter died down, Adrien found himself caught in her gaze. He could see Marinette's cheeks were pink and he wasn't sure if it was from the laughing or she was blushing at him. "Come on, we better get going on some work here. I think my history book is on my desk."

They continued working on the assignment, choosing to leave the story of Jack and Alice out of it due to lack of direct evidence, neither noticing the other's relief. The afternoon passed quickly amid their online research and playful banter until it was time for dinner.

"Marinette dear, would you like me to bring your dinner up here?" Sabine asked from the door.

"No, I think I've been on this bed long enough. I'll come down." Sabine headed back down while Adrien packed up their school supplies. She was a little shaky on her legs from the pain meds, but was determined to make it down the stairs.

Adrien walked ahead of her, holding her hand as she held the railing. Reaching the bottom, he lightly held an arm around her waist with his other hand guiding her over to the table.

"Adrien, I'm not glass you know, I'm not going to break." She said, somewhat bemused by his attention to her.

"I know." He replied happily. "But why take the risk." She felt she was going to melt into a puddle of goo on the floor with that smile on his face as he held a chair out for her. She was distantly aware that her parents were cooing in the background.

"Well don't you look handsome in your glasses." Sabine grinned as they sat down.

"Thanks." Adrien replied. It was such an opposite reaction to his father's. "This smells amazing Mrs Cheng." Adrien complemented as the soups were sat down on the table with fresh crusty bread.

"I don't think there is any need for you to be so formal son." Tom said as he sat at the table. "Tom and Sabine is just fine." Adrien looked over and smiled shyly at Marinette beside him. He liked that Tom always called him son, it made him feel like he was part of the family. Maybe someday...

It was something he missed so much. Having family dinners. When his father did have dinner with him it was usually him down one end and his father down the other, three courses passing in total silence. It wasn't always that way. He remembered the way his mother would chatter about her day, just like Sabine was and asking about his day, because she was genuinely interested. Nathalie would try to make meal times a bit warmer, but she always seemed unsure what to say. His father had never been a warm man like Tom, but he had been happier.Gabriel had a dry sense of humour, but it did make his mother laugh. Seemed almost a lifetime ago now. 

Time had passed all too quickly for Adrien when his bodyguard arrived to take him home. He quickly raced up stairs to grab his bag, leaving the research materials with Marinette to look at, before thanking Tom and Sabine for dinner.

"You know you are welcome here anytime dear." Sabine said, giving the blonde boy a warm motherly hug. He couldn't help snuggling in a little, which didn't go unnoticed. Sabine felt that Adrien must have been somewhat deprived of hugs in his home life, but she was always willing to share. "Are you going with the others to the fair on Saturday?"

"Absolutely." He beamed. "I've never gotten to go before and I really can't wait. Will you be alright to go?" He asked Marinette.

"Wouldn't miss it for anything." She assured him. Tom patted Adrien on the shoulder.

"Well I'm sure she will be fine with you there looking out for her." Marinette pouted at him.

"Papa." She whined, rolling her eyes.

Her parents finally taking their leave upstairs, Marinette walked with Adrien to the door. Opening it, the warm spring air rushed in, filled with the smell of jasmine from her balcony above. Adrien turned to her with a concerned look. "Are you sure you don't need me to help you upstairs?" Marinette's face softened.

"I'm fine Adrien. I believe the fair knight has been more than accommodating to this damsel in distress." Adrien chuckled at the analogy. Taking her hand in his, he lifted it to his lips and planted a soft kiss to her knuckles before placing his other hand over it.

"Somehow I think you're far from a damsel in distress." He said softly, his emerald eyes searching hers. Her eyes had widened and he worried that perhaps he had been too forward in the gesture. He was about to apologise but before she lost her resolve, Marinette stood up on her toes, cupping his face and planting a soft, lingering kiss on his cheek. Her hair blew across his cheek in the breeze, the smell of cinnamon and vanilla mingling with the jasmine. Rocking back onto her feet, she looked up at him through her lashes, pleased with herself that she put a bright blush on his face for a change.

"Thank you Adrien, for everything. I'll see you at school tomorrow." She said sweetly before closing the door.

Adrien stood transfixed for a moment, his fingers lightly grazing his cheek where the ghostly tingle still lingered. He heard his bodyguard clear his throat behind him, shaking him out of his trance. Adrien made his way over to the car, seeing the faintest hint of a smile on the big man's face.

Walking back into her bedroom, Marinette finally let out a quiet squeal into her cat pillow on her chaise. Tikki whizzed around her excitedly. "Oh Tikki, Maybe Alya was right. Maybe I am more than a friend."

"I knew it would happen Marientte. You two were always meant for each other." Marinette smiled at her Kwami. Maybe this really was finally happening. She got up off the chaise and picked up their history notes. She stopped and looked at the pictures of Jack and Alice.

"Do you want me to tell you about them?" Tikki asked. Marinette shook her head with a yawn.

"I'm kind of tired right now, but another day." She kissed Tikki in the head before crawling into her bed. Her phone pinged, and she smiled when she saw who messaged.

Adrien: Thanks again for letting me stay for dinner. Would you like another one of those Vanilla Chai Lattes again?

Marinette: I'd love one :)

Adrien: Goodnight, sweet dreams <3

Marinette: Goodnight <3

A/N- Some if you may recognise Jack and Alice from my past Ladybug AU "Memories of You". You can find it in my book of Miraculous One-Shots