Hey everyone! I hope you enjoy this fic, but keep in mind it is only my second one. Chapters most likely will take awhile to publish, but hopefully with school out due to COVID-19 I will be able to write more. Enjoy!

"Woah, Dude," Nino drawled as I broke yet another tip of a pencil. "What's got you so aggressive towards the number 2?"

I sighed, standing to sharpen my pencil once again. When walking back to my desk, I catch Nino telling Alya all about my frustration, and Marinette blushes when I meet her concerned gaze. I take my seat, and Nino turns to face me.

"Later," I tell him when he asks what's wrong.

"Does it have to do with your dad?" Nino asks, lightly tugging the tip of his red cap.

"Yeah," I sigh. What problems of mine don't begin with my father? "I'll tell you at lunch."

Six more broken pencil tips, three cuss words, and two hours later and lunch finally arrived. My father allowed me to eat at school, which I'm almost positive the main cause of his leniency being the task he has for me may be accomplished quicker with more time around my classmates. I waited for Alya and Marinette to sit with their lunch before my explanation took place.

"Okay, so the sales for Father's company went down a bit, and he thought more publicity would help, which is where I come in," I winced. That's all Father sees me as, a ticket to faster publicity. I don't even think he sees me as family anymore, just another employee that happens to be living in the same cold mansion.

"And what's he planning?" Alya asks, leaning a little onto the table. I know she's concerned, but I also know that any news excites her. "All the girl's in Paris are head-over-heels for Sunshine already, what could make you more famous? A swim trunk advertisement?"

"Alya!" Marinette groans through gritted teeth, her cheeks tinted a rosy pink. It actually made her look even more adorable, which I didn't think was possible. Get it together, Adrien. You have a crush on Ladybug.

"He, uh," I rub my nape, blushing a little myself. "I have to find a girlfriend by Friday." Marinette squeals, and Alya gasps.

"Dude," Nino says, patting my shoulder in sympathy. "That's so not cool for him to force that on you. Who do you have in mind?"

I sighed and bit into my lunch, shrugging my shoulders. I couldn't tell them who I was thinking about, they'd think I was crazy. And she has turned me down so many times as the bold and daring Chat Noir I don't think she'd say yes to Adrien Agreste, the locked up daddy's boy.

"I thought you liked Kagami," Marinette suggested in a slightly higher pitched voice. I shook my head, swallowing my food.

"I tried, but I can't seem to reciprocate Kagami's feelings romantically," I admit, looking down at my lap. It was true, I thought I could get over Ladybug with Kagami, but I couldn't see anything more in her than friendship.

"What about a fake girlfriend?" I looked up at Marinette, a little shocked. She seemed to lose her confidence as I looked into her beautiful bluebell eyes, the same as Ladybug's, and looked down a little embarrassed. "I-I mean, you could girl a find—uh, find a girl—and i-if she agrees to it, um, she could pretend to be your friendgirl—girlfriend!—and then you wouldn't have to—um, I don't know—have a real girlfriend? Ugh, never mind. It's a bad idea."

I smiled gently and took her hand. "No, it's brilliant. You're a genius, Marinette! Do you know anyone who would be willing to do that for me?"

"Um, well," she blushed and looked down at our conjoined hands. I let go in an instant, hoping I didn't make her feel uncomfortable. "Th-there's Chloe, and maybe Lila," I cringed at that suggestion, and I saw a tiny smile on her glossy lips when she saw my reaction.

"What about Marinette?"

I looked at Alya, beaming. Of course! Marinette would be the perfect girlfriend! Er—fake girlfriend. She has a little experience with fame, too, with her designing Jagged Stone's album, Clara Nightingale praises her every move, and over the last couple of years she had started a little fashion website of her own, selling designs and clothing.

"If Luka wouldn't mind?" I asked, pleading with my eyes. She jumped a little at the mention of her boyfriend, and a little disappointment peaked inside me. What? Why am I disappointed?

"Oh, uh, h-he wouldn't almond! I-I mean, he wouldn't mind at all! We're not together, so I don't see how it would."

"You aren't? I thought you two—"

"No," Marinette shook her head, and thought I saw a little sadness in her angelic eyes. "He's interested in me, but there's a different boy in my heart."

"And this different boy," I approached cautiously, noting how broken-hearted she looked. "He wouldn't mind?" She let out a little snort before shaking her head no. Empathy filled inside me, I understood the feeling of rejection. Who was this boy? Doesn't he see how amazing this girl is? He probably doesn't deserve her love anyway. If Marinette ever decides to tell me who this jerk was, I swear he'll regret hurting Marinette. I'll make him pay.

"Would you mind?" I finally asked, gulping. Anxiety threatened my thoughts, and I pushed it away. If she didn't feel comfortable being my fake girlfriend, it wouldn't be a big deal. It's not like she would be rejecting me for real, just rejecting the acting part. Why would it be a big deal if she was rejecting me for real anyway?

"Not at all," she said, her glossy pink lips upturned in a sweet smile, her eyes closed. "I'd be happy to be in a pretend relationship with you!"

"Thanks, Marinette!" I exclaim crushing her in a hug. "You really are our everyday Ladybug."

"Come on, Marinette," I begged, knocking on the trapped door once again. "I'm sure you'll be fine." I heard her pacing inside, a small, high-pitched voice mumbling something I couldn't hear. Knowing Marinette, she was probably rambling her worries into space.

"I don't see why this is all so exciting for her," Plagg grumbled as he phased through my pocket. "They don't have camembert at this thing, all they have is hot cocoa and coffee. How is that more romantic than my beloved camembert? They should really consider changing it to a cheese-based menu."

I rolled my eyes while giving him a piece of camembert I had stored in my pocket. Good thing for me, I didn't want to smell like stinky old cheese while going on our first fake date. Plagg graciously took the cheese while singing praises (if it was to the cheese or me I don't know), and phased back into my pocket right before the trap door opened, Marinette's face peaked out, telling me that she was ready.

I climbed down the ladder and leaned on the beam, waiting for her to climb down. I folded my arms and closed my eyes, knowing she'd probably still have to collect herself. I smiled, Marinette was so amusing sometimes. Her anxiety about the whole situation was kind of cute.

"Adrien, I don't know if I can do this," she said, and I opened my eyes. "There will be people, and cameras, and what if I trip and spill the drinks all over and all of Paris will see that I'm a total klutz—" she kept on rambling, but I couldn't hear a word she said. Marinette was wearing a casual summer dress that flowed down to just above her knees. The subtle blue color made her eyes pop, and the sleeves freely floated down her shoulders. The top clung loosely to Marinette's petite figure and had a v-neckline barely showing off her collar-bone. I swallowed, her hair that was free with a slight wave to it almost made me faint. I was not used to being exposed to so much beauty at once, and put my hands on her shoulders in an endeavor to soothe her.

"Marinette, calm down," I said softly. "I know you'll do great, there's nothing to worry about. Of course, if you don't feel comfortable you don't have to do this."

"Well…" I waited, hoping beyond hope she wouldn't reject me. Not that she would be really rejecting me. "I can do it." I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"Thank you, Marinette! You really are the best!" I wrapped my arms around her abdomen and she gave an awkward laugh when I slightly picked her up off the ground.

"What are friends for?" she mumbled with a rosy tint to her cheeks. I refused to let her go, always the one to enjoy physical affection.

"Huh," I said as I squinted. Her cheeks grew redder as I continued my examination. "You have freckles."

"Y-yeah," she stuttered, and I suddenly realised how uncomfortable I was making her feel and set her down on the ground, but kept my arms around her.

"They're cute," I blurted, then blushed. Geez, Adrien. You can't just say stuff like that. I could feel Plagg squirming in my pocket, probably amused with this awkward situation.

I led her outside to my ride, still blushing from my outburst. I caught a glimpse of her own redder-than-red face as I held the door for her. I didn't say anything on our way to the café, knowing I would just make poor Marinette suffer more.

I ordered a peppermint hot chocolate for her and cinnamon for me, then sat at a table adjacent to the window, hoping to attract reporters to spread stories of our "relationship." Marinette and I talked about homework and projects at first, a little tense. I had a hard time looking into those beautiful eyes of hers, and I could tell she was also avoiding eye contact.

"So how are you doing with our new science project?" I asked, taking a sip of the hot beverage.

"Not well," she cringed, then I remembered who she was paired up with.

"Ah, I should've assumed. I knew you and Chloe don't have great chemistry," I smirked, watching as her eyes widened.

"No," she gasped, then laughed. "Not you too! That was terrible, Adrien."

"Then why are you laughing," I teased, lightly kicking her foot with mine.

"Because of how bad it was," she said, her giggles ongoing.

"What do you mean not me too?" I asked, causing her adorable giggles to subside and a blush to rise on her cheeks.

"I have, ah, a friend," she started, "who makes absolutely horrible puns. Not to mention my own father, also."

I chuckled at that, then saw a quick flash out of the corner of my eye. Discreetly turning my head, I discovered a reporter I recognized pretending to mind her own business as she took a dainty bite out of a muffin.

"Well," I said loud enough for her to hear, "It's just your luck to end up with a pun-loving boyfriend." Marinette looks confused and tilts her head, before I subtly gesture to the reporter behind my mug. She turns to see the intruder casually browsing through her cell phone before facing me again.

"At least you're cute," she said in a flirtatious voice and reached out to lace her fingers through mine, making sure our entwined hands were on display.

I couldn't deny it had a slight affect on me. I felt my face heat up slightly, and saw her own blushing cheeks. I knew this would be perfect to photograph, but that thought soon was out of mind when I looked down at her delicate hands. I could feel where she had pricked herself with needles, which led to me picturing her sewing the dress she was wearing this very minute. Her tongue poking out in concentration, her examining the dress up and down. The image was absolutely mesmerizing, even though it was just my imagination. I could imagine watching her as she works, distracting her with flirtatious remarks before coming up behind her, pulling her closer, and closer, and closer…

"Adrien?" Marinette asked in concern, waving her free hand in front of my face which probably held a goofy grin. "Are you still with me?"

"Always," I said automatically, taking her other hand in mine.

"She left," Marinette said, blushing. I blushed too, realizing I hadn't said that for the image. After tonight my face is going to be sunburned from all this blushing.

"I think we should have a code word," Marinette said thoughtfully, her ocean eyes staring into space. "When one of us sees a reporter or poparazzi, we just say the code word or signal and we'll act all gushy."

I stared at her in disbelief. I knew Marinette was smart, but all of her ingenious ideas impress me every time. She blushes when I don't respond, and starts stuttering again.

"I-I mean, we don't to have," she says a little loudly. "It w-was a bacteria. Uh, bad idea."

I smiled, and squeezed the hands I hadn't let go of. "I'm just stunned, Marinette. You always have great ideas. I'm not joking when I say you're our everyday Ladybug."

"Thanks," she says shyly, but still meets my eyes. We discuss possible codes before I suggest a kiss on the cheek.

"We should still be cautious in public no matter what," I say. "With my experience, you could triple check for reporters and there'd still be one lurking around."

"Gotcha, don't say anything to reveal our charade to any eavesdroppers. Wait, what if someone's listening right now?! Oh, I could be ruining everything already and it's only our first date. I'm sorry Adrien, it's all my fault."

"Marinette, we're fine. The café's completely empty and the employees are all in the back. You haven't ruined anything." She sighed and leaned back into her chair, apologizing for freaking out.

When our drinks were gone, I shot off a text message to Gorilla to come pick us up. We stood outside to wait. The night air had the slightest chill to it, but not too drastic. I felt her hand give a small tremble and looked at her shivering. She hadn't brought a jacket because of how distracted she was before we left. I unzipped my own Gabriel black jacket and offered it to her.

"I'm fine," she lied, before I put the jacket across her shoulders.

"I'm wearing a long sleeve," I gestured to my green button down. She smiled warmly at me before slipping the jacket on completely.

My phone dinged with a notification and I frowned down at it. Gorilla was stuck in traffic and wouldn't be able to get here for forty-five minutes at the least. I sighed before shoving the device back in my pocket.

"So, bad news," I start to say while rubbing the back of my neck. "My bodyguard won't be able to make it here in time. I thought we could walk?"

"Of course!" Marinette assured, flashing me a smile. "My house isn't too far from here anyways."

And so it began. The walk to her home was filled with a pleasing silence. I was content and happy, walking hand-in-hand with this lovely girl next to me. I looked at her through the corner of my eye, seeing she had her eyelids closed and her chin tilted to the sky, breathing in the night air. The breeze pulled at her hair, and I couldn't help but think of how selfless, brilliant, and kind she was. Flashes of memories played like a slideshow through my mind. Marinette helping me escape my fans, Marinette helping defeat Evillustrator, Marinette helping fix her great-uncle's soup, Marinette giving up her spot in the gaming competition for Max, Marinette just being herself.

That's when it hit me, I loved this girl. Probably since the beginning. Deep down inside I knew I felt something more than just friendship, and now here it was. I wanted to be with her, for real. Yes, I loved Ladybug. Confident, brave Ladybug who was always so sure of herself. But this felt different, more real. If what I felt for Ladybug was true love, wouldn't she return my feelings?

But Marinette doesn't return my feelings either. She's always made sure I knew I was a friend to her, and just that. She's in love with someone else. I hope that boy will eventually realize what's right in front of him. How could he break the heart of this miraculous soul? My grip on her hand became more firm, and I turned my head fully in her direction. Only to see a glimpse of a camera from behind a corner.

I leaned down to kiss her on the cheek, but she turned her head and my lips met hers. I pulled back, hoping I didn't offend her. My face heats up and I saw hers did as well. I gave my head a discrete nudge to the reporter, Marinette looking out for the corner of her eye to see the person herself. We continued walking, my gaze focused on this girl beside me. The paparazzi was forgotten, Marinette invaded my whole mind.

I wasn't long before we reached the bakery. Marinette turned to face me, and I could tell she was thinking of how to make this seem as romantic as possible without stepping too many boundaries. Eventually she settled on a hug. Her arms came around my my neck and mine rested at her mid-back. I breathed in her scent of fresh bread juxtaposing pleasantly with rose perfume. I pulled her closer, closing my eyes.

I couldn't be more content and peaceful than I was in this moment, holding my new/old found love in my arms. I don't know how long we were standing like this before the door opened to show Sabine peeking out on us. We pulled apart slowly, and I let myself get lost into her bluebell eyes for the slightest moment before giving my attention to her mother.

I had spoken to Marinette's parents about the situation while Marinette was getting ready for our "date." They were quite pleasant to the whole idea, and I was gratefull of their acceptance of me. They promised to keep quiet about the ordeal, assuring me to tell all that we were indeed a true couple.

Marinette stepped inside with her mother with nothing but a smile, and even after the footsteps faded I stared through the glass doors of the bakery. After a long moment of staring into the home of the girl I adored, I made my own way home.