-1-

Dappled sunlight streamed strongly through bedroom windows as the annoying buzz of an alarm sounded. Sitting bolt upright in bed, Marinette fought droopy eyelids and smacked her alarm silent. It was morning and she was so very tired. Too many akuma fights were making her exceedingly weary. She didn't want to get out of bed. "I hate mornings," she grumbled.

Tikki rose from her hiding place with a concerned frown. "I'm worried about you, Marinette."

Marinette yawned and rubbed her eyes. "I'll be okay, Tikki."

The latest string of akumas had been growing steadily stronger and more difficult to defeat. Last nights had been more daunting than most, to the point that even Chat Noir had buttoned his lip and focussed on fighting instead of spouting out ridiculous puns. Yet he'd still managed to flirt unsuccessfully.

Despite this drawback, Marinette had reason to be in a good mood. This morning was going to be great. Earlier in the week Alya had organised for their group of friends to meet for breakfast, meaning Adrien would be there. This time there was little chance of him cancelling and Marinette was ecstatic. Her excitement was so intense she was practically jumping on the spot.

Tikki pointed her paw in a reminder of the clothes awaiting the day. Marinette had been in a fluster the night before, rushing around in crazed panic over what to wear. Eventually she'd picked out a simple baby doll dress in pale pink, which she'd made herself. Gazing into the mirror, she smoothed the lines of the skirt down before she pulled on her black knitted cardigan, smiling as it sat perfectly above her waist. To complete the look, she snatched up her handbag ensuring that Tikki was tucked safely inside.

With a quick farewell to her parents, Marinette strolled outside but the chill in the air had her increasing her pace to a brisk walk. The café Alya had chosen came into view as she pounded the pavement and her heartbeat ratcheted up a notch as she strode through the door. Adrien's golden hair was like a beacon to her eyes. His handsome profile called to her in a way she couldn't describe and her feet were moving her toward him with a will of their own. Her breathing quickened when she spotted the empty seat beside him and she claimed it eagerly.

Adrien practically took her breath away as he smiled. He was so beautiful. She could stare at him all day, heck she'd done just that with his photos. Heat spread across her cheeks at the thought and she ducked her head to conceal it before Adrien noticed.

Alya must have sensed her need for a distraction, as she handed out the menus so they could order. Marinette was too flustered by Adrien's presence to pay much mind on what was available, so she ordered the special. While they waited the group chatted amongst themselves and Marinette grew nervous. The heel of Marinette's shoe tapped a steady rhythm under the table while she fiddled with a button on her cardigan. She wanted to express her feelings to Adrien but it was too daunting with Alya and Nino there. She wanted to speak to him alone.

Impatience had her biting her lip. There had to be something she could do. An idea popped into her head and she slowly adjusted her seating position shuffling so her elbow was touching Adrien's. The model glanced at her for a moment, then eased his arm away in a show of politeness. Undeterred, Marinette left it a few minutes before she tried again. This time Adrien was in a deep conversation with Nino and didn't move away.

Alya raised an eyebrow, clearly noticing Marinette's subtle move. "So Adrien, will you be coming along to watch the fireworks for New Year's Eve?" Alya asked.

"I hope to but you know what Father is like. He'll probably change his mind at the last minute." Adrien grumbled with an eyeroll.

Nino gave him a commiserative pat on the shoulder. "Don't sweat it, dude. We can always video chat with you if need be."

Adrien gave an appreciative nod. "Thanks. Hopefully it won't come to that."

Marinette spoke up nervously. "What if we came to your place instead? Would your father be against that?"

Adrien looked surprised but a smile spread across his face. "I'm not sure, but it's a great idea."

His smile made Marinette's heart beat a little faster and there was a warm flush to her cheeks as she gazed at him. The moment was broken as Nino cleared his throat and they all got chatting about organising the night.

When their meals arrived, Marinette made the motions of eating but her attention was firmly fixed on the boy beside her. If Adrien noticed her continual gaze he made no indication of it. Alya tapped her foot under the table, making Marinette turn her way. The redheaded girl looked pointedly at Adrien as if to silently ask why Marinette hadn't made a move.

Marinette was in the process of shrugging when there was a booming crash from outside. All four friends looked at each other in shock, then out the window. A car was rolled on its side and people were running with frantic urgency. A laser like beam flashed horizontally outside causing a succession of screams.

"Akuma!" Alya crowed with delight and ran out the door with her phone. Nino tossed down his napkin to follow her, cursing colourfully all the way.

Beside her, Adrien had stiffened in his chair with his chin lifted and his eyes appraising. His usual easy-going manner was replaced by something sterner that was oddly familiar. Then his hands slapped down on the table as he shot to his feet. It knocked her out of her stupor. She needed to get away and transform but first she needed to make sure he was safe.

Marinette turned to Adrien and began to stutter. "I-I guess w-we should get out of h-here."

"Yeah, come on. Let's find you a safe hiding place."

She was about to protest but Adrien grabbed her wrist and dragged her to the back of the café and shoved her into the disabled toilet. "Stay here. I'll scope out the area."

"Wait!" she pleaded.

Adrien paused and looked at her impatiently. "What is it?"

"You, um, uh…" she realised that it was best if he ran off as it would allow her to transform, as disappointing as that was. "Never mind," she eventually added.

With a nod of his blonde head, Adrien disappeared outside and Marinette sighed. Another possibility to reveal her feelings had been kicked to the curb. Oh well, time to suit up. There was always next time.

Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you think of this first chapter and what you might like to see on the next breakfast date. Ta!