Chapter 1

Marinette stumbled back as her knees gave out. The shock ripped through her as her transformation wore off.

"Marinette?" Tikki tittered. "Are you okay?"

But Marinette could not respond, she saw so many signs flash before her eyes as she realized how obvious it was. Even Alya had had a suspicion about his true identity. But she just could not accept that her cool, confident, and kind Adrien could possibly be...

She clambered to her feet and started the long walk home. The similarities were so obvious now that she had the connection. But, Adrien wasn't that cocky. He wasn't a flirt. But, what if, like Marinette herself, Chat Noir was a closer representation to who he really was. Marinette was always much more confident and self assured inside, but around people she could be so socially awkward. Being Ladybug let her show her true self without all the repercussions of what others might think.

She waved to her parents as she entered the bakery, then trudged up the stairs to her room. Laying back on her chaise, she closed her eyes. Her brain was swimming though so many thoughts that she didn't see the black shadow approach her window. The tap made her jump.

His grin was so much more lively than she had ever seen on his real face. He nudged the window open. "Hey, Marinette. Did you see the news?" His whole face glowed with excitement, his eyes twinkling vivid green behind his mask. "I saved Ladybug and she hugged me! I really think I'm earning her affection!"

Over the last few months, Chat Noir had been visiting Marinette often, as they had started to become friends. Marinette had a feeling that Chat only liked talking to her more since he had caught her making fun of him with hand puppets and silly faces. And since then, Adrien had also seemed to notice her more, as he and Nino had invited her and Alya to hang out many times since.

She bolted to her feet, taking a too large step forward. "Th-th-that's great, Ch-ch-chat." She stuttered out, breaking eye contact with those too familiar green eyes. How had she not seen it before?

"You okay, princess?" Chat asked, and Marinette realized it was Adrien's voice, just with a bit more confidence. She peeked up and he was a lot closer than she had thought. "You're face is all red. Are you feeling ill?"

Horror filled Marinette as she realized that she had been turning down her crush since the beginning of the akuma attacks. Her head felt light as she stumbled back onto her chaise, backing away from Chat.

"Marinette? Can you hear me? Are you okay?" He kneeled in front of her, his eyes so intensely not his. It was all she could think about. Adrien was Chat Noir. Chat Noir was Adrien. He tore his glove off of one hand and pressed it against her forehead. "You're burning up! You should go lie down."

But it was too late, as he said that her body slumped forward, and she fainted.