Marinette bit her lip. She was older now, more sophisticated. She's known him for five years, there should be no trouble talking like a normal human being. In fact, she'd been doing pretty well the first semester. Normal conversations and a knowledge of exactly which jokes made him laugh had developed over time. Now that, if anything, was a fully equipped girl. So then why wouldn't her heartbeat behave?

After multiple large gulps of water from the bottle in her purse, clutches at her sweater (or checking for loose threads and lint as she liked to call it), three attempts of unlocking her phone to absently rearrange the apps, and a fifth re-appliance of lipgloss, she still felt like she couldn't breathe. Of course, Alya grinning at her from across the table wasn't helping either.

"Alya, please!" Marinette wanted to tug at her hair, but stopped when she remembered she'd mess up her low double buns.

Alya hummed, "So…"

Marinette went for another sip of water and whimpered at the empty container, deciding to allow a last tiny droplet trail its way to her tongue.

"Every year you make the same promise. It's that time again… tomorrow is Valentines' Day-"

"AAuuuuggh," Marinette put her head on the table and knocked against it a few times.

"This had better be the year-"

"AAAaaah- bettybotterboughtsomebutterbutshesaidthe-"

"-You ask Adrien out. Mari, no matter how much your perfect recitation of a simple American tongue twister has impressed me in the past it's not gonna help you now. I'm your best friend so I give you the real talk you need," Alya paused to pet the hair of the strange brunette in front of her pretending to sob, "It's time girl, you need to show him what he's been missing. Oh, speak of the devil."

What sounded like a hybrid between a gasp and a choking seagull escaped Marinette as she quickly sat up. Faking an adjustment to the back of her sweater, she stole a glance behind her. There he was, walking towards her and smiling as he looked her dead in the eye. Or at least it looked that way from the distance.

Alya leaned forward and whispered, "Just imagine, you telling him you love him tomorrow over a candlelit dinner. Wouldn't you love to see his face all flushed?"

"Alya, that sounds like you're talking about something entirely different," Nino finally cut in, nudging his elbow into her side.

"Who says I didn't mean it that way?" Alya winked.

Marinette laughed a little too loudly, "Ssstooopp," But don't stop.

Just the thought of the beautiful fantasy Alya had painted made Marinette's eyes sparkle and her heart melt. Before anyone could stop her she had gone into full 'heart-eyes mode' and watched every step Adrien made through the crowded food court, failing to notice someone following him.

"Not again… of course she would tag along today. Chloe would never let Adrien walk alone when at any minute someone could ask him out," Alya rolled her eyes.

Nino sighed, "Does she even attend this university?"

"No, of course not. She follows him because she has nothing better to do. Sabrina's in uni as well, Chloe is apparently taking a gap year. God, what a handful she is."

"I know, he is handsome~" Marinette propped her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her palm.

"Snap out of it, Shortcake, you're gonna screw yourself again," Nino chuckled.

"Nino! You know she hated when you gave her the 'Strawberry Shortcake' nickname!"

"I know, I thought I'd annoy her out of her dreamland," Nino winced as Marinette swooned, "It didn't work."

"Hey, guys!" Adrien started to take his coat off as he glanced at the open seat next to Marinette.

Before he could take a step closer, Chloe pulled him over to the opposite side of the table, "You didn't tell me the fashion disaster would be here."

Adrien's smile faded, "I didn't need to, Chlo. Besides, you knew she went to this university."

Chloe groaned, "Why do you even go to school with this same old group of idiots. What business do you have in an art school anyway? Aren't you going to take over your father's business?"

Marinette smiled and didn't take her eyes off Adrien for a second, "I thought you were his best friend, Chlo, shouldn't you know he's double majoring in dance and drama?"

"Of course, I knew!" Chloe blushed, "I meant why would he go to this art school. It's so… cheap."

Alya laid her hand over her heart, "I know. Bless."

Adrien pinched the bridge of his nose, "Look, if you're going to be rude, you should go home. Besides, I'm sure you don't want any of this 'poor people food'."

Nino smiled, "Mmm, man, I'm craving some pizza…"

"Ew, how can you live with yourself? Fine, I'm out of here."

As she turned, Chloe heard Marinette giggle. Adrien was looking at her.

Chloe leaned on the table and glared at Marinette, snarling, "I loathe you, Marinette."

Without missing a beat, and a still steady gaze into Adrien's eyes, "I love you."

Adrien's eyes widened.

Marinette's face dropped, "I said that out loud…"

"You said that out loud!" Alya squealed.

A strained squeak seemed to come from Adrien as his face became redder and redder.

Chloe growled and practically had steam blowing from her ears. Surprisingly, all she could do was storm away.

Nino came around the table and pushed a very dazed Adrien to his seat and gave him a pat on the shoulder, "Well, now that the formalities are out of the way. I guess we won't be needing to convince you to go to a Valentines' double date with us tomorrow?"

"Alright, I guess this is our stop," Alya grabbed Marinette's hand and started towards the dorm. She let Marinette continue and she stopped short, turning towards Nino, "Thanks for walking us, you dork."

Nino shared a quick kiss with Alya before giving her hand a squeeze, "You know I couldn't let a beautiful girl walk alone when at any minute someone could ask her out. The day before Valentines' and all…"

Alya snorted, "I wouldn't be alone, I'd have Marinette with me."

Nino scratched his chin and pretended to look into the distance in deep thought, "Oh, right. Because two beautiful girls definitely won't get hit on."

"Ah," Alya raised a finger, "Two beautiful girls who look like they're dating. Come on, we both know how good we look together."

Nino shook his head and smiled, not saying another word because she had a point.

Alya took a step towards the door again but turned around again, pointing a finger at Adrien, "Remember what I told you," her eyes shifted between Adrien and the phone in his hand and nodded pointedly.

Adrien nodded back. Alya grinned and scratched his chin, "I'll text you."

Nino raised his hands in protest, "What about me?"

"Oh no, don't worry, you don't need me to text you. You aren't an idiot."

Adrien huffed. Alya stuck her tongue out and wiggled her fingers in the air, "See you."

Alya finally went inside, leaving the two young men stunned.

"What was that about?" Nino wrapped an arm around Adrien and started walking to their dorm.

"Oh, it's nothing…" Adrien sighed.

"Nervous about tomorrow?"

"Among other things, yes."

"I don't see the big deal, you two have been single and confused for five years, doesn't hurt to give her a chance."

Adrien shook his head, "It's not that, not at all. I'd love to out with Marinette… the thing is, no one's ever said that to me. Well, not in a long time anyway."

"What? Oh, you mean when she said she loved you?"

Adrien coughed loudly.

"Yeah, I hear you. You don't know how heavy that word is until you hear it. There are a lot of four-letter words said to be strong, but that one's the strongest."

Adrien turned his head away and looked at his shoulder, watching Nino's hand shift.

"Hey," Nino rubbed Adrien's arm, "what'd you mean by no one ever saying that to you before?"

Adrien shrugged, "That's just it. I literally haven't heard it from anyone."

"Well… I'm sure plenty of fangirls have said it to you."

"You know what I meant. Like, say it, say it. The way fans scream that they love you, it's easy. The same way they love me is the way I love a chocolate croissant."

Nino furrowed his eyebrows, "They sob as they take a bite and you gush all over them? Wow… you have a secret life you aren't telling me about."

Adrien gave him a pathetic look. Nino stopped smiling, "Sorry, not the time. But… I mean you can't really mean never, right?"

"Last time I heard it was from my mom, and well…"

There was silence for a few minutes.

Nino pursed his lips, "You know, that doesn't mean no one feels that way. As much as he pisses me off, I'm sure your dad cares about you-"

"OTP!" someone shouted as soon as Adrien and Nino walked into their dorm lobby, Nino's arm still around Adrien's shoulders.

Nino laughed, "Hey, Lucas!"

Waiting till they were in the elevator and the doors had closed, Nino turned to Adrien again, "I mean, if it makes you feel any better, it's pretty uncommon for any father to say that directly to their son."

Adrien closed his eyes, "Caring is different from loving."

Nino went quiet again. The elevator stopped at their floor, and they walked to their room.

Nino shut the door and caught Adrien's hand before he could walk away, "Hey, well… you deserve to hear it more. I love you, Adrien."

Adrien whimpered. Nino kissed his forehead and brought him into a tight hug.

"I love you too," Adrien snuggled into Nino's chest.

Adrien's phone buzzed in his pocket, "That must be Alya."

"Dude, I'm sorry she's dragging you into her schemes."

Adrien stepped away from Nino and plopped down in the desk chair, "It doesn't bother me, if anything at least I know what to do to make Marinette happy."

"You'll make her happy by being there."

"Well…" Adrien blushed, "I hope so. Oh, she even has a favorite cologne."

"What? Marinette? Why would she have a favorite cologne… she's never been interested in anyone else but you."

Adrien looked up from his phone, "What'd you just say?"

"Ah, sorry, it's not my place to say that. Forget I said anything. What's the cologne anyway?"

"Alya says she's double checking, still typing… oh… I already have that one. It's called Escentric Molecules."

Nino burst into laughter, "Bro… I'm sorry but… that sounds like the pocket protector of colognes."

"I know it sounds dumb - or too smart - but it's actually really special. I've only worn it once…"

"Oh? So you have dated without telling me," Nino crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.

Adrien rubbed his neck, "Or tried to date anyway. I didn't think it was worth mentioning. Sorry."

Nino tilted his head, "No problem, just messing with you. So, mind if I take a whiff of this famous cologne."

"Sure, but you'll have to wear it to smell it. It's unique because it reacts to you, so only you can smell a particular way," Adrien stood up and started to rummage through his dresser.

Nino squinted, "That means there's no certainty Marinette will still like it on you."

Adrien froze, "I hadn't thought of that."

"Relax, I'm still teasing. Man, you really are nervous. Trust me she wouldn't care if you smelled like sewage."

"I DON'T WANT TO SMELL LIKE SEWAGE!"

Nino smacked his forehead.

Adrien grabbed his towel hurried to the door, "I'm gonna take a shower."

"Mari…"

Marinette groaned from inside the blanket cocoon she had created.

"Marinette…"

The cocoon shuffled and inched its way along the bed, far away from the annoying call. Marinette tensed as she heard feet treading around the bed followed by silence.

"THERE SHE IS! AH HA HA!" Alya tugged the blanket away in one swift movement and revealed her little flower princess. Alya jumped onto the bed and hugged Marinette from behind, "YOU'RE FINALLY GOING ON A DATE WITH ADRIEN TOMORROW AAAAAAHH!"

Marinette danced in Alya's arms, "This can't be real!"

Alya leaned in and rested her cheek against Marinette's, "But it iiiiiss," she sang, tickling Marinette's stomach, which peeked out from under her pjs.

The two of them calmed down and lied peacefully with wide smiles on their faces.

Alya put her hand on Marinette's hip, "It's finally happening." She turned her head and smirked down at her best friend, "so wanna practice kissing?"

Marinette blushed into her hands, "Alyaaa!"

"I'll show you the basics… or more if you want~"

Marinette giggled, "Oh. EEeeek, leggo!"

Alya bit down on Marinette's ear, "How's this? Should I write any of this down to tell Adrien?"

"No- AHAHA- nonono- hahahaa!"

"I'll call him now… Adrien? Yeah, your girl likes to be stroked on the thigh, especially under the table in a public restaurant it really turns her on."

"PPPPffff, nnoooo," Marinette gasped for air as she tried to stop laughing, "Don't tell him that!"

"Oh? Mlle Dupain-Cheng - or should I say - Mme. Agreste-"

Marinette squealed.

"Would you like to tell me what I should tell Adrien? What do you like? Hmm~"

"Uuuhh… I like… no love… my… best friend, Alya!"

"Awww," Alya planted multiple pecks to Marinette's face, "But that won't do, what do you want him to do to you?"

"Mmmm, kiss me?"

"Ugh," Alya pushed away from Marinette, "You're so boring," she reached over and stroked her face, "But pure."

Alya rolled over to her twin bed, which had been pushed up against Marinette's, "Night."

"Goodnight, Alya."

"Ssslllleeeeepp."

"Sweet dreams."

"Have sweet dreams about Adrien~"

"I will~"

"..."

"Ok to be honest I might like if one of his famously long showers was with me-"

"Mari, oh my God! I knew it."

Nino was the first to be in the meeting spot. After a day of classes that just couldn't be canceled for love, they all had to come on their own. Nino's classes ended a bit sooner, he'd gone to the dorm and gotten ready, and in no time he was all set an hour ahead of time. And after deciding to use the spare time to get some homework done, he instead listened to his playlist while staring at his homework. He had no idea how forty-five minutes could have possibly gone by, but regardless he made his way towards the cafe they had agreed on.

"You're here early."

Nino whipped his head around to find Marinette leaning on the wall next to him, "So are you."

"Well, I thought I was, but you're even earlier than early."

"Couldn't help being early," he grinned, "never could, never will."

"That's sweet of you," Marinette hugged Nino's arm, "I never knew you were the romantic type."

"Ah, no I can't help being early because Alya's always late," Nino winked.

Marinette poked Nino's side, "Somehow I doubt that's all there is to it."

Nino rolled his eyes and chuckled, "Whatever. So… nervous? Excited?"

Marinette wiped her sweaty hands on her coat for the third time in a row, "Ha! How could you tell?"

"Man, you two really are perfect for each other," Nino patted Marinette head, "you'll be fine, he's been looking forward to this."

Marinette pursed her lips, "You don't think I scared him? Throwing 'love' in his face?"

"Ohh no, of course not. Trust me, he took what you said to heart. I think you made him really happy."

Marinette blushed. She couldn't quite wrap her head around the idea, but making him feel happy felt amazing, it was all she wanted. To love him, and make sure he knew it.

"Hey, you know," Marinette looked him over, "You look really nice."

Nino looked down at himself as though he couldn't remember what he was wearing. He wore a light gray cowl-neck sweater with a dark gray blazer and slim dress pants. He felt it was a comfortable fit between casual and formal.

"Thanks, you too, but what else is new?"

Marinette looked just the right combination of flirty and delicate; a white turtleneck crop top with a black leather jacket, a dusty rose high-waisted skirt, and black heels.

She smiled, "Aw, what a charmer. So… have you ever gone out without your glasses?"

"No-"

"You should try it!" Marinette reached up and snatched Nino's glasses, "Ooohhh myy… look at you. Right when you thought he couldn't get any better, 10/10 upgraded to 20/10!"

"Gee, thanks, I can't see," Nino squinted.

"Meh, love is blind."

"Marinette!"

"I'll just put them in my clutch."

"Give them back…" Nino lunged towards Marinette's coat pocket.

She giggled and twisted out of his reach. Nino grabbed her waist with one hand and reached around with the other, earning him a slap on the wrist.

"Give it…" Nino had a grip on her purse and tried to pull her hand off of it, "Oh, yeah? You wanna play this game? Shortcake?"

"Eewwwww," Marinette cringed, but kept her hand firmly in place.

"Hmm, why do you hate being called Shortcake so much? Is it because you hate being called short?"

"I don't know! It's just… weird."

"Would it still be weird if, say, Adrien called you that?"

Marinette flinched, "A-Adrien?"

"Aha!" Nino took his opening and grabbed his glasses back.

"You two are early."

They both looked at Alya, watching in amusement, Adrien just behind her.

Nino smiled. His dimples suddenly challenged by the twinkle in his eyes, perfectly accented by the sunset's reds and yellows. His face was glowing and desperate to be smothered in kisses.

Alya bit her lip and cocked an eyebrow, "Can you even see?"

"No," Nino frowned at Marinette.

"But doesn't he look great?" Marinette pinched his cheek.

Alya nodded subtly, "Please, I've seen him without his glasses before, among other things."

"Alya, someone might misunderstand!"

"Well, I don't plan to keep that a misunderstanding for long~"

Nino choked for a moment and hastily put his glasses back on.

"So, shall we get going?" Alya offered a hand for Nino to grab.

"Oh, right. Adrien," Nino gestured to Marinette with a sly grin, he lowered his voice to a whisper, "This is your date; Shortcake."

Adrien blinked, "Oh…" he walked up to Marinette after Alya nudged him. Adrien took Marinette's hand and kissed her knuckles, "Hey, Shortcake."

Marinette wheezed, "Ahahaha hi… um… Muffin?"

Adrien winced, "Sorry, was the name weird? Nino said-"

"Anyway, let's go!" Nino waved them over and started walking, "I'm starving."

Adrien looked at Marinette with a lopsided smile and offered his hand. Marinette swallowed visibly, taking his hand with an awkward laugh. They jogged to catch up with their friends, ending up taking the whole sidewalk while walking side by side.

Alya side-eyed Adrien and whispered, "Did you bring her anything?"

Adrien lifted a finger to his smiling lips, "Later."

Outside of the restaurant, Adrien stopped outside the entrance and turned to Marinette. He reached into his overcoat and pulled out a folded square of tissue paper.

"Marinette," he unfolded the paper and revealed a flower crown, "I made this for you. I figured I'd get you a bouquet, but I couldn't decide on one. You're the most beautiful flower, you can be the bouquet."

The crown was made with peach, red, light pink, and dark red miniature roses. Adrien stroked Marinette's hair - half up in a woven braid - and gently settled the crown on her head. Marinette smiled shyly and covered her mouth. She couldn't even look up at Adrien now, she was redder than the scarf around his neck.

"Thank you- I mean- no, yes that's what I meant… eheheh," Marinette covered her entire face.

Adrien took hold of her wrist, leaning down to peer into an opening in between her fingers where her eye blinked back at him. Eventually, she let him pull her hands away; he lifted her chin and waited for her to return his gaze.

"I forgot, I never asked… will you be my Valentine, Marinette?"

Marinette bit her lip and smiled down at her toes, "Ye-"

"Look at me, Princess," Adrien chuckled.

Marinette squeaked, looking back into Adrien's eyes, "Y-yes."

"Are we going inside or what?" Alya brought them out of their daze.

Adrien and Marinette giggled nervously, hurrying into the restaurant ahead of Alya and Nino.

"Why do I feel like I just watched a marriage proposal. Although, that last part made me feel like I shouldn't have been watching that," Nino put his arm around Alya and walked her through the doors.

"It practically was a proposal," Alya pretended to dry her tears, "they're growing up so fast."

After following the waiter to their booth, Alya removed her white princess coat, revealing her red, off the shoulder sheath dress. It had a split neck and an asymmetrical hem and hugged her curves perfectly-

Nino coughed, "Uh, I have to use the restroom. I'll be right back."

"S-same here!" Marinette rushed alongside Nino.

Alya sat down across from Adrien, "So, you're a lot more romantic than I thought you were."

"Ah, thanks," Adrien glanced over to the restrooms, "but I hope I didn't upset her."

Alya snorted, "Are you kidding? She's over the moon. You were amazing. God, if it were me I'd pull you into the family restroom and jump you right then and there."

"Oh…" Adrien blushed, "Well, you weren't so bad yourself."

Alya cocked an eyebrow.

Adrien leaned forward, "I mean, you didn't even have to say anything… you just slipped out of your coat. You say you'd pull me into the bathroom? I'd race you there."

Alya's jaw dropped in amusement, "Adrien Agreste, are you flirting with me?"

Adrien circled a finger around the rim of his cup of water, "Sorry, people constantly get confused and mistake small talk for flirting. Didn't mean to lead you on."

"Ha," Alya squinted at him, "smartass."

She kicked him in the shin, then ran the tip of her shoe along his calf, "You're such a sly little shit, you know that?"

Adrien rubbed his leg, "I do now."

"Tch," Alya rolled her eyes.

Nino and Marinette returned together.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Marinette scooted next to Adrien.

Nino looked at the four waters and menus on the table, "Did you guys order yet?"

"Nope, waiter left these a second ago," Adrien lifted the menu and started looking through it.

"Order soon I want to have time after this," Alya passed a menu to Marinette, "I have something planned."

Alya waved goodbye to Adrien and Marinette. They'd agreed to split up and enjoy the Valentines' fair as couples. The problem was, they didn't know where to start. There were karaoke rooms, boat rides, compatibility games, rides, artist booths, clothing and jewelry booths, and all sorts of activities.

"Are photo booths bad reminders to you or…?" Marinette turned to Adrien after looking around.

Adrien laughed, "No, but to be honest, I haven't really been in one."

Marinette raised her eyebrows, "Seriously?" she glanced back at the photo booths, "well…"

"Let's go! If you want?" He squeezed her hand.

Before she could overthink things, Adrien ran and pulled her along into the first booth.

"What kind of pictures do we take?" Adrien pushed a couple euros into the slot and blinked up at the bright screen.

"Whatever we want, just improvise."

The first countdown started and Adrien did the first thing that came to mind; teasing.

He lifted his hand over Marinette's head, palm facing down. She looked up at it and growled. For the next picture, she already had Adrien by the scarf, lowered down to her eye level so she could glare at him.

He stuck out his tongue and licked her nose, she attacked him and he looked genuinely afraid, she tickled him, he tickled her back, he sat on her lap, she pinched his butt and captured the best face she'd ever seen him pull. They continued to make faces and crazy poses - Marinette allowed one anime pose and immediately regretted it - until the last photo. Adrien leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, her smile seemed to glow.

They wandered around aimlessly while talking about the photos. Anyone who walks around like that gets noticed.

"Excuse me, mademoiselle."

Marinette blinked up at the man sticking a small paper in her face.

"Would you like to put your names in for a chance to win a prize? It's free as long as you fill this out," he continued.

"Uhhh," Marinette looked over to Adrien, who had just noticed what was going on.

"What's the matter?" Adrien stepped closer to the sweepstake host.

"I was just telling your girlfriend-"

They both blushed.

"-That it's completely free to enter for a prize, what do you say?"

"Um," Adrien looked at Marinette, who shrugged in response, "I guess it doesn't hurt."

"Of course, not! Excellent, here just fill this out," the host handed them the paper and a pen and waited for them to write their names, phone numbers, and emails.

He walked away with the paper and stood up on the stage upfront, "Ok, everyone! I think it's due time for another draw!"

The crowd cheered.

"Let's see who are next winners are!" The host looked over to the woman who had been entering names into a computer. She lifted an ok sign and a couple of names spun onto the screen.

"I don't believe it, what a lucky couple, Marinette and Adrien - Sandrine, what have they won?"

An animated prize wheel popped up on screen and slowed to a stop. "Three nights at Le Narcisse Blanc spa hotel! Incredible, it must be meant to be! Congratulations."

Adrien and Marinette couldn't hear the applause of the audience, they just stood there, petrified. As they finally looked at each other, they both wondered the same thing; what was Alya going to say?