Observation

Sorry it took so long. I've taken a leave of absense from work to clean up the house while my mom was away on vacation. It's for 2 weeks, but I'll be working at my other job this week, which I now regret (mostly because I was really sick yesterday and had trouble standing). I did finish a digital drawing I did for Miraculous that is on my deviant art account, Alice5130 (as well as Amino. Yes, I finally got the app). The picture is called Holliday Patrol.

In this chapter, I'm bringing back things that were mentioned in previous chapters, so there will be progress in the next two or three chapters.

ANYWAY, I'm super excited for the newest Miraculous episode coming out today! ...Unless they change the date again.

Ch 11: An Offer of Kindness

It had been almost four days since the interview with Alya and although the blogger had gushed over the footage, she had yet to show Marinette. She also hadn't put it up onto the Ladyblog yet. Apparently the video needed some editing and would be put up after Alya had finished setting up "Chat's Chat." Marinette could only guess who had given her that idea for a title.

Still, it was a tad concerning Alya hadn't shown her any of the footage yet, despite being best friends. More-so when Alya sent her some smug look every time the subject was brought up. Having been one of the interviewed individuals and knowing what had happened, she was more suspicious of Chat's interview. Especially given his persistence at revealing her crush. Hopefully Alya hadn't taken his interest in the designer the wrong way.

Marinette also hadn't seen Chat around since then as there hadn't been any akuma attacks, serious crimes, or devastating accidents that would require a superhero or two. With such peace, it meant only solo patrols. This meant asking him about his interview was unlikely unless she went out of her way to call him during his patrol and that was too much effort for some silly worry.

School had been normal as usual, with the constant presence of Lila during lunch period, a surprise considering Adrien had missed one or two lunch periods due to a photo shoot. It was a shame Marinette couldn't see more of him on a regular basis. His schedule was picking up again though the occasional free period was marked on his schedule.

Thanks to a suggestion from Alya, Marinette was planning on asking Adrien if he and Nino would like to go with them to the new mall. It would be like a double date that wasn't a date. And with Nino's birthday coming up, it would be an even better excuse for Adrien to go with her to help pick out a gift while Alya distracts her boyfriend. It was perfect! She knew he had Friday and Saturday free. So if his father let him, he'd probably say yes.

There was just one problem, though.

Lila had been constantly hanging round them at any chance she got., popping up out of nowhere Before school, in the locker room, during class, during lunch, and after school. As okay as she was at the idea of hanging out with the girl, Marinette didn't want her to interfere with her possible alone-time with Adrien. Especially since Lila liked Adrien and was unaware Marinette felt the same.

It seemed as though the only chance she'd get to talk to Adrien would be by pure luck. But never fear, Alya was always there to rescue her from certain doom after class Thursday afternoon. Before the brunet could get up from her seat, Alya had already glued herself to the Spanish girl's side to question her for the school's blog.

Chloe was too busy to harass anyone thanks to some hair appointment she had because of a crisis with one split end. She had bolted out the door the second the bell had rung, which meant there were no more obstacles before Marinette other than herself.

She turned her head over to Adrien, only to find him gone. Slightly panicked, she looked around and spotted him heading down the stairs in a hurry. Marinette jumped up and ran after him. Again she couldn't spot him and aimed to go to the locker room, hoping he was there when someone grabbed her arm and pulled her behind the stairs. The girl shrieked before a hand was placed over her mouth so as not to attract the attention of the students filing out of class.

"Sorry for startling you, Marinette," her kidnapper lowered their hand.

That godly voice! "A-Adr-" again a hand was placed over her mouth and a finger placed over his.

Marinette could hear her heart pounding from the contact. She was technically kissing his hand! Above them, someone's rushed footsteps thundered down the stairs and Marinette could see the back of Lila hurrying to the locker rooms.

Adrien sighed and removed his hand. "Sorry about that. I've been trying to get a moment alone from her and Chloe."

So she wasn't the only one annoyed by Lila's constantly appearing out of thin air. The girl bit her bottom lip, unsure how to console him with his predicament. That's when she remembered why she was looking for him herself.

"Oh, I wanted to ask-?" "I was wondering if you-?" they spoke at the same time.

Both teens stopped and stared at each other before chuckling. "You first, Marinette."

She would have protested, but not knowing how much time she had alone with him, she chose not to argue. "I-I was wondering if you would like to go to the mall with me either tomorrow or Saturday. ...A-and Alya and N-Nino! A-as a group! Not a date! Not that it can't be a date. I-I mean if you want it to be, it can be. N-not that I'm suggesting it is!"

Adrien laughed at how cute she could be. "A group date to the mall on Saturday sounds awesome. Do you need a ride? I live close to the school."

YES! He wanted to go with her! Or them. And it was a date! Well, not a date-date. More like a group-of-friends-hanging-out-date. "I'd be happy ride you..." she said, dreamily. "Get a ride! I mean, I'd be happy if I could get a ride!"

Adrien snickered, his cheeks a little red from her unintentional wording. "Cool! See you later, then," he patted her on the shoulder and turned to leave but stopped when he felt a slight tug on his jacket.

"E-earlier you seemed to want to ask me something?"

"Oh, that..." he paused, thinking. Marinette couldn't quite read his expression. "There were a few things I wanted to ask you, but I can ask at the mall."

Later that evening, Marinette was busy designing some summer dresses when a knock at her window broke her concentration. Tikki hid inside one of her drawers while the designer headed up to open her balcony window.

Unsurprisingly, her visitor was Chat Noir. Though why he was here, she'd have to wait to find out.

"Good evening, Princess. Hope I'm not disturbing you," he greeted with a bow.

Marinette climbed out with his helping hand. "Not at all. So to what do I owe the pleasure of one of Paris's heroes?"

Chat seemed to hesitate at the question. "Ah, that. I... I mean, has...um..."

Not missing her chance at teasing him, Marinette smirked and crossed her arms, "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

That seemed to break whatever worry the superhero had as he let out a loud snort. "I suppose I got my own tongue, yes." He seemed to think twice about asking her whatever it was he had come to ask. Instead, he took on a playful smile, "You know, last time I visited, I spotted a familiar set of dolls. They're pretty valued, especially among the most fiercest of akuma."

This time it was Marinette's turn to snort. "Oh yes. The fiercest being those under four feet."

"Yes, very fierce," he agreed. "Anyway, I had been wondering for some time if I might be able to get you to make one for me. Of Ladybug, to be exact. I'll happily pay you for it, of course."

Marinette leaned against the railing and let out a hum. "You don't need to pay me."

"But-"

"Consider it as a thank-you gift for always being there for this city and for Ladybug."

He smiled, "Thank you, Princess."

"You're welcome, Chat. I'll try to get it done by Sunday if that's good with you."

"Sunday would be purrfect. If it's not too much trouble, of course."

"No trouble at all. Was there anything else you wanted to ask?" Marinette wasn't trying to shoo him along or anything. He just seemed bothered by something and she doubted it had to do with the dolls.

Claws scratched the back of his neck, a recognizable sign that he was nervous. In the dim lighting from her window, Marinette could have sworn Chat was blushing. It was hard to tell with his mask. "Actually...there was...is. Um...your friend Alya. She...hasn't mentioned anything about the interview to you, has she?"

Marinette stilled as her mind processed his question. Her senses focused on his behavior, studying him. "No, not really. ...Why?" Had he said something he shouldn't? Had Alya? Did he know who she liked?

"O-oh, that's goo-er, I mean, a sh-shame. I was hoping the interviews would be up by now. That's all."

If that was really all, then she had been worrying for nothing. The girl visibly relaxed. "She's waiting to get your blog up. I assume Chat's Chat was your influence?"

"I had been thinking of Snap Chat, but I didn't want to chance being sued over a pun. So I went with something more original but still punny. I mean seriously, who could ever out-pun me?"

A smirk tugged at the brunette's lips. "My dad."

Chat gasped dramatically. "Your dad puns!?"

"Yep! Bread puns are his forte. He'd give even you a run for your money if you get him started. I love his jokes and puns, even if some of them are bad."

"You...you love puns?"

"In moderation, yes. I mostly enjoy the subtle ones."

Chat suddenly took her hand and knelt down in front of her like he were proposing. His other hand covered his heart. "Princess, next to Ladybug you are now the second most amazing girl I've ever met."

A blush creeped up her face and she looked away, taking her hand back. "You must not have met many girls, then, if you think I'm amazing."

He tilted his head. "Why don't you think you're amazing?" Was it because she was shy and humble? This wasn't his first time thinking she was amazing or vocalizing it to her as Adrien.

Marinette just shrugged. "It's not that I can't be amazing when I need to be. It's just...I have my good days, my bad days, and my total screw up days. And boy do I screw up." her head hung low. "Every time I try to talk to A-th-the boy I like, things go wrong." Chat's lips formed a thin line but he remained quiet as she continued. "Usually it's my fault. I say or do something stupid. Not to mention I'm such a n "amazing" klutz. He probably thinks I'm a weirdo but is too nice to say anything about it."

"I could help you, you know?" he offered, stepping closer to her

"Huh?" Marinette turned to look at him. "Help? With what?"

He was less than a foot away from her; a distance he was painfully aware of. The sweetness of her scent, a mix of perfume and pastries. Though no part of them touched, he could still feel the warmth of her body radiating off of her. In the dim lighting, he could still make out the color of her eyes and the redness in her cheeks. His sharp eyes could see every flicker in her own and the steady rise and fall of her chest before she sharply inhaled, holding her breath.

But she wasn't holding it all the way in. No... Her breath came out shallow and warm, through parted lips. Parted, pink lips that looked very soft.

Very tasty...

Her warm breath tickled his face

Marinette's sweet voice barely came as a whisper, "Ch-Chat?"

Chat's eyes widened and he quickly took a big step back, "Expressing yourself!"

His voice almost cracked when he spoke. In an effort to save some face, he turned around and strut over to the other side of the balcony as if he owned it. The first hidden chance he had, he slid his bell down a bit to alleviate some of the heat under his collar. Now he just had to stall until his cheeks cooled down.

"You want to be able to t-talk to him, right? They say practice makes perfect; well, you can practice with me. I can give you pointers on staying calm, and maybe even help with your balancing issue."

Marinette fanned herself to try and cool off from whatever had happened...or hadn't happened. Nothing happened! Nothing was going to happen because there was nothing to happen! "I'd appreciate any help, but I can't impose on your time. I'm sure you have a busy schedule, in and out of the suit."

Chat leaned against the opposite railing, still too embarrassed to face her directly, "I'd be no trouble if it's in the late evenings around the weekend. If anything, it would actually give me something to do at night besides the occasional patrol."

Marinette thought about it for a moment as she watched him. His shoulder's looked stiff and with every noise she made, his ears and tail would twitch. She inwardly laughed at her kitty, 'He's embarrassed. I guess even he can show some modesty for his actions.'

"Alright then. If it's just one day a week so as not to wear you out from being up all hours of the night, I'll accept your offer. Would fridays work?"

The hero in black spun on his heel, "Great! Fridays will be just fine. Now for the payment!"

"P-payment!? What payment?"

He tut-tutted her, wagging his finger. "Now, now, Princess, you didn't think I was offering this out of the kindness of my own heart, did you?"

Chat was a damn devil in disguise!

I was going to make this chapter a bit longer to include their reactions after they were alone at home, but I wanted to be evil-I mean, amp up the suspense with another cliffhanger. Nothing too big, but it'll be something for you to guess on. Sorry there's no preview for the next chapter. Ive only got a few paragraphs written for chapter 12.

Please review and tell me what you think (or hope) he's going to ask for.