The Love Swap

Chapter 8 - One Late Date

Adrien watched as Marinette was stopped by her friend, Alya. He smiled to himself. He had confessed his feelings to Marinette, and while she hadn't revealed her own, he still felt good about it. After all, he heard Alya talking to Marinette in classroom. Marinette does like me... or she did. She also liked Chat Noir, so, same person!

He was happier with all of that off his chest. It didn't matter she didn't respond now, he knew he could pick her brain about it later, as Ladybug. Oh, Ladybug... he thought with a smile. To think he had been swooning over her for so long, only for her to be the sweet and shy Marinette in his very same class. His first friend, his lady. 

Mrs. Bustier held up a soccer ball for the whole class to see and Adrien shook his head. Snap out of it! He thought to himself. Besides, now it was time to think about how he was going to make everything back up to Ladybug...

***

The school day had passed without another word from Marinette. He understood, she was probably thinking about what he had said anyways. After he had gone home, he began to come up with an elaborate plan on how to ask Ladybug on a do-over date. Luckily for him though, Hawkmoth saved him the trouble. 

Mr. Pigeon had been akumatized once again, but Chat Noir and Mari- Ladybug made quick work of him. They had that one down to an exact science. After the fight, he had asked Ladybug if she might be interested in another date that night, and she agreed with a smile. "I wouldn't miss it for the world," She had said. What a girl...

Adrien looked down at the dinner he had packed, and of course a candle too. He wanted it to be perfect. He wanted it to make up for everything he had done. He wanted to make it easy for her to forgive him.

***

On his way to the same rooftop Ladybug had wanted to eat the other day, Chat Noir decided to pass by the Dupain Bakery. He only watched to catch a glimpse of his date, but he soon became entranced once he looked in her window. He could see Marinette running around, illuminated by the lights in her room. She was the most breathtaking thing he had ever seen... 

Chat Noir continued on with a powerful leap, tenderly cradling everything he brought in a woven picnic basket. His heart raced as he thought of Marinette transforming soon to join him. Just him and his lady, having dinner over their city.

After he set down the things he brought, he began setting them up. Ladybug was still a few minutes away from arriving anyways. Smooth the blanket, light the candle, unpack the food... Chat Noir thought to himself as he did each task. Now all that's left is figure out how to properly apologize...

Ladybug didn't give him a chance to think that one through though, as she touched down on the rooftop, alerting Chat Noir to her presence. He stood up and took a deep breath, but was surprised by her hugging him from behind before he could even turn around. Her arms were strong but gentle, and he felt himself practically melting in them. 

"Hi Chaton," She said with a kind smile. He was taken aback , but gladly turned around to hug her back. The stood still, holding each other in the embrace, before Ladybug broke out and put her hands on his shoulders. 

"Listen, I need to apologize for the other night," She started, but Chat Noir cut her off. He shook his head and grabbed her hands to hold them in his own. He could tell she was nervous, because she was tapping her foot on the ground and her eyes were flying all over the place. He soothingly rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand.

"M'lady, I should be the one apologizing." He said. "I stood you up, and while nothing excuses that, I wish I could explain why." She looked him in the eyes and her face melted.

"I understand, Chaton," She breathed. He raised his eyebrow, and she added, "How about let's just enjoy this date together." Something we can both agree on, he smiled and nodded at her. They sat down on opposite sides of the comfy blanket and Chat Noir unpacked all the food he had brought for them. 

"This looks... amazing, Chat," she said, and he watched as she surveyed the food he had brought. Jamon Beurre (ham and butter on a baguette), an assortment of fruits, ice water, and cookies from the Dupain Bakery. He saw the look on her face turn to surprise when she saw the cookies, but she quickly got over it.

"I wanted to make everything up to you," He admitted. Since Marinette had been akumatized, it had been the only thing on his mind, day and night. The guilt followed him around like Plagg's stinky cheese, which he had not been allowed to include in this meal, according to the black kwami himself. His heart beat happily knowing she liked what he had done for her.

"Listen, Chat Noir, I need to tell you something," Ladybug said, the worry returning to her face. He looked up at her in surprise. 

"Anything," He replied, his eyes trained on her as she took a bite of her sandwich.

"Oh! This is delicious!" He laughed at her.

"Why thank you, I made them all by myself.... I had to sneak into the kitchen which I don't usually do," He said. "Is that what you wanted to tell me?" She looked up and blushed heavily at him.

"Well, no- You see..." He watched as her eyes looked quickly around before she found the right words. "I know you've been wanting to do this for a long time," She said, "go on date with me, that is." He nodded and began eating some fruit as she spoke. 

"I just needed to tell you this. I realized that I really like you... love you even, and I just wanted you to know, Chaton..."She trailed off while he swallowed his food in surprise. Of all the things she could have said, that was not what he was expecting!

"You- you love me?"