{Just to let you guys know where I've been; I recently got into a car crash--just a couple of days ago and I'm still recovering mentally. Thank you to the readers who have been supporting and commenting on my stories. I don't know when I'll be able to update again. It's been about a week and a half into school and I'm already overwhelmed.

We love being a junior in high school. I also turned 16 recently as well. I count it as recently since it was the 24th. But thank you again for the support. I love you guys.

Enjoy the chapter!}

BET #2; DEBATE AND FATE

(M/n) was leaning against the wall outside in the hallway, his face stayed neutral but his fingers flinched at the sound of the window slamming shut once the blond had left. The (h/c)-haired teen let out a shaky sigh.

He shouldn't be so sad--there wasn't a reason to be sad. His crush told him that he wasn't ready and told him the truth. So he shouldn't be hurting right now.

(M/n) covered the bottom half of his face with his palm, his fingers were cold compared to Adrien's warmth. The boy's smile could warm his body for an entire winter--yet, the smile never lingered for long.

It hung back and wilted over time.

(M/n) went back inside his room after contemplating his decisions. He could've ignored Chat Noir and Adrien. He could've stayed to himself and went to work somewhere else.

He could have.

But he didn't.

=======

Marinette was in her room when there was a gentle thud on top of her balcony. Of course, she immediately assumed that it was Chat Noir as she opened the top hatch, he was probably here to complain about not seeing Ladybug for the past couple of hours.

But what she didn't expect was her brother-like friend to be sitting on the railing of her small patio looking up at the stars without his glasses on.

His eyes were wet with tears, the warmth leaving him just as fast as he cuddled closer to himself. His baggy hoodie sleeves worked as a makeshift blanket as he continued to shudder.

"(M/n)..? What are you doing up here?! How did you get up here?" Marinette rushed over to the boy's side, examining his chilly skin for any injuries only to be engulfed in a large hug.

The embrace wasn't warm.

As always.

It stayed cold despite how warm the shorter girl was--she stood still, encased in the cool touch of the (H/c)-haired teenager.

"..Mari," (M/n) bit his lip as more tears began to slip out from his eyelashes and fall to the ground. His heart was pounding in his chest, bruising his lungs as he took in a painful amount of air before letting out a thick sigh.

"Mari, I messed up...And--And I don't..I don't know how to fix it." (M/n) let out a shuttering breath as he leaned back, unwrapping his arms from the girl's shoulders. Letting his hands fall with his movements, he refused to meet her eyes.

"I'm in Love with Adrien Agreste." his voice was meek but it got the point across. There's no turning back now, (M/n) cried internally to himself. Marinette didn't respond right away, her eyes were wide and her hands stayed tucked to her chest as she stopped fiddling with her fingers.

"Say it again," she whispers.

Her eyes watering as they met eyes for the first time that evening.

"Say it to my face," she repeated, "I need to hear it again."

"I.." (M/n) paused for a mere second, his eyes swirling with different emotions. His shoulders were tensed, but he was invaded with a warmth. The familiar warmth of Marinette's hands holding his own.

The warmth wasn't like the one that Adrien had. Her core was tender and had raw emotion lit into it, giving her a deep cave of glowing warmth. Her heart of Gold was for everybody.

Adrien's, however, embraced (M/n)'s body like the sun, the sweet scent of his Cologne, and the small sweet glances that the blond would send him in class. The glances that should've gotten him in trouble. Adrien's palms set (M/n)'s hands on fire, only fueling this great flame with those sweet words that could only have come from some sick Rom-Com.

That's what (M/n) liked about Adrien, he could lie all he wanted about who he is, but he could never hide that warmth from the world.

That's just who he is.

"I love Adrien Agreste." (M/n)'s voice wasn't loud--nor was it too quiet. It was raspy and stern. His serious expression said it all.

Marinette gave the boy a small grin as she wrapped her arms around his torso.

"Thank you," she starts, tears slipping past her eyes, "Thank you for not hiding it.." the black-haired girl buried her face in the center of his chest. He could only stay still before slumping against her, eyes closing as his forehead rested on her shoulder. 

I want to say sorry, but she might hit me if I did..(M/n) kept the thought to himself as he pulled away slowly, keeping his eyes on the ground before turning his attention to the sky, his eyesight was blurry with tears. 

And despite not having his glasses on, he thought the sky looked beautiful that night. 

---

(M/n) stayed the night at Marinette's house, sleeping next to the girl for reassurance. She had already made it apparent that from that day forward, they would be love rivals. The (h/c)-haired teen didn't mind, after all, Adrien had already said that he wasn't ready to be in a relationship and neither was (M/n). 

Both of them were still betting on who would win their little game of Cat and Mouse. 

Just the thought of the bet made (M/n) sit up grumpily, it merely spoiled his dream and upset him more, knowing that the blond would probably call it off. 

The tall boy slid off the bed, glancing over to the girl next to him who was snoring away, when he blinked, a wince shot through his head. 

"It must be from crying last night.." he muttered aimlessly, his eyes watered at the remembrance but he immediately tossed it away as he sighed out deeply. As he made his way down the loft bed, the Attic door opened to reveal Tom smiling up at him. 

"You're here! Great, I need some help in the kitchen, do you mind?" Tom asked, his warm smile and the sweet scent of bread filling the teenager's nose led the two down the stairs shortly after (M/n) agreed. As the two made their way down the steps--(M/n) was greeted with a gentle hug from Sabine. The navy-haired woman grinning up at him as she stepped away and dusted off her hands. 

"The apron looks good on you! Marinette did an amazing job," she comments, gesturing down at the black apron he was wearing. It was a pure black cloth that had green-colored cat-like eyes with a pink nose. The top of the Apron was a frilly texture with two triangle-like black ears with a pink center. 

(M/n) blushed as he quickly turned around the patted it down but was stopped by Sabine and Tom dragging him to the kitchen where they were baking cookies and making Pancakes for their breakfast. 

The warm atmosphere made (M/n)'s stomach clench as he tried his hardest not to cry. He had missed this, he missed this feeling so much that he had completely forgotten about it. It almost felt overwhelming but he held it in and smiled. Not one of the rare smiles that he gave his friends and Adrien, but a relaxed and at peace grin that made the two adults stare at him in amazement. 

The (h/c)-haired teen bowed his head a little squeezed his eyes shut before bending over a little. 

"Thank you so much.." he whimpers, "Thank you so much for being my family." 

{I'm very sorry for the lack of updates. They were telling the truth when it came to Junior year being your hardest year. I'm stressed out and I'm feeling really dysphoric today. But I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter--if it wasn't too bland--and have an amazing rest of your day or night!}

---

Chat Noir covered his mouth in shock as he hid underneath the balcony railings of Marinette's room, his eyes were wide and his shoulders were shaking. 

(M/n) likes me--no, he loves me. 

Chat let out a quiet groan as he leaned his head against the brick wall.

How am I gonna face him tomorrow?