Adrien Agreste never felt this lucky before.

He couldn't blame Plagg, being a Black Cat and all. In fact, meeting with that lazy kwami was the best thing that happened in his life. Thanks to him, he experienced the words freedom and independence in the identity of Chat Noir. And thanks to him, he was able to meet the love of his life.

But then, Black Cats attracted bad omens - and of course, he wasn't an exception.

He was born with a very domineering and indifferent father who didn't know how to appreciate his sacrifices as a famous model and as an excellent student.

He grew up to deal with some people in the elite society, including his narcissistic classmate who happened to be a daughter of a mayor, which resulted to some misunderstandings like he was a snobbish brat. This false intimidation was probably the reason why the girl who sits behind him couldn't handle a straight conversation.

Added to the boot was his unrequited feelings towards his Lady who still believed that his flirtings were merely a game.

But all of these changed when Marinette Dupain-Cheng gave him her lucky charm.

It was a Chinese jade stone with an embedded five-petal flower at the center. One could buy it for less than a Euro in any of the thrifty shops, and the materials used were available in DIY kits. But what made the item so special was because it was a personal possession, a secret she said, that was given to him for safekeeping.

He haven't received such tangible gift - except for that wonderful scarf he got from his father during his birthday - that deeply touched his heart. Not that he never appreciated Nino's gifts (though honestly he was overjoyed when he blew him a birthday blast that akumatized him as the Bubbler). But then, Nino was his best friend.

Marinette, on the other hand, was a friend - but he was unsure if the feeling was mutual. She was scared of him.

He first noticed the changes during his photoshoot on the latest Gabriel's lineups. His father was there, and the reason behind why was never explained to him at all. He eventually got antsy, a trait that should not be possessed by a professional model, so he grabbed the charm to redirect his nervousness.

It worked like a charm, and was proven to be effective when his manager praised the results, much more when his father tapped his shoulder and told him 'Good job.'

Adrien couldn't contain his happiness. He wanted to thank Marinette, but after he discovered Nino's romantic feelings, he brushed the idea off and decided to play as his wingman.

However, due to Animan's cat-astrophy, his wingman role was halted yet gave an a-mew-sing result - Nino got a girlfriend, and it was Marinette's best friend Alya.

He learned about it after he released the two inside the animal cage - well, after he calmed himself from that mini-heart attack when Ladybug let herself be swallowed by a T-Rex.

Another miracle he believed that the charm granted was when Ladybug acknowledged him as her partner.

He though he was just a sidekick, since he was always the bait on every battles, but she announced it on television - And it was LIVE!

He could hug her for that...if only Anti-Bug didn't spoil the mew-ment.

"It's all in your head." Plagg said as he savored the last slice of his Camembert. "Blaming me if you're unlucky then give the credits to that dangling charm if you're lucky. Sometimes I think that you're using it as a substitute to your charming Princess."

"Marinette is not a substitute!" he exclaimed, with a flushed face that earned a vicious glare. "Okay, I admit I'm a bit interested with her, that she can fix anything like she's a goddess of fortune, but I have Ladybug. Marinette is just a friend. Yeah, a friend."

Plagg only rolled his eyes as he flew towards his sleeping spot. "Convince yourself for all I care. You humans are making simple things so complicated. That's why I stick to cheese."

Adrien scowled, then pulled out the lucky charm from his pocket.

Plagg might be right. That it was all in his head.

Just because he was Chat Noir didn't mean he was unlucky, and just because he brought the charm didn't mean he'd be lucky. In ever action there would be consequences, in which the odds will do you some favor.

Instead of stuffing the item back to his pocket, he placed it inside his bag.

He smiled when he recalled Marinette's blushing face when he complemented her designs one time during their class. At least she didn't stutter anymore, but it seemed that she was still intimidated and would run behind Alya.

Then there was Ladybug, who recently became proactive on his jokes.

Two women - one was a sweet civilian and the other was a badass superhero. Both were beautiful, intelligent, kind and could handle things single-handedly.

Unlike him...

Then he frowned. If he wasn't having an inferiority complex, then it must be jealousy.

"Such negative thoughts." he murmured, then gave the charm a short glimpse before he went to sleep.

In the event he'd be possessed by Hawkmoth, the akuma would definitely reside on Marinette's charm.