He hadn't meant for this to happen. He hadn't meant to fall for her. His masked partner. For Ladybug. He didn't know her real identity, but she haunted his every thought. He couldn't stop staring at her. Every time she caught him that night, he covered his embarrassment with a devilish grin. She would roll her eyes and focus back on the task at hand: patrol, until the next time she caught him staring.
Eventually, Ladybug was at her wits end with his staring. "What is your problem?"
"Just admiring my Lady under the moonlight."
This earned Chat an exasperated sigh and an eye roll, It hurt, knowing she didn't take his affections seriously, but he knew he was no match for Ladybug's mystery cat...er, man. He sighed inaudibly, turning his gaze back to the peaceful streets of Paris. Feigning a yawn, he stretched and mumbled something about seeing her in his dreams that night. She agreed easily, probably thinking about the day ahead.
xXoOxXoOxXoOxXoOxXoO
Upon returning to her house, Marinette released her transformation and collapsed into bed. Alya had sent her a bunch of messages, most consisting of exclamation points, and a few containing valuable information. Apparently, her class was getting yet another famous transfer student, this one being from America. Marinette rolled her eyes at her friend's excitement, eyes drooping from exhaustion. Her thoughts wandered from celebrities to what would happen if Chat ever found out who she was. This thought followed her into her dreams, manifesting in a recurring nightmare. Her trusted partner turning his back on a helpless Marinette. A hurt Adrien shutting her out. She tossed and turned all night, eventually waking up gasping and choking down sobs. Unable to go back to sleep, she turned on some music Alya had sent her. Florentina or something. Said their female singer was the one who was transferring into her class.
The next day, she was too tired to freeze up around Adrien, and almost fell asleep during class. Even Chat was beginning to notice her exhaustion. It wouldn't be long before he made the connection, and her nightmare came true. For the time being, Adrien had been too busy to notice her exhaustion, but Chat made sure there was nothing he could do.
"Do you want me to help? My mother had an old trick to help with my nightmares." Chat was genuinely concerned for his partner. Though she was touched, she couldn't risk him finding her identity out. Her exhaustion vaguely reminded him that Marinette wasn't sleeping well, but couldn't see past the coincidences. To him, there was no possible way shy, bumbling Marinette could be strong, courageous Ladybug That didn't stop him from hoping Ladybug would open up to him, though he did stop actively looking for her.
A/N: I feel like I wandered so off topic with this chapter. ;-;
Anyway, I probably won't have a set update schedule, because I'm busy with both work and college. I do have a general direction I want this to go. Reviews are appreciated, but please don't tear this down without providing some insight. If you're going to tell me it sucks, please say why you think so. This is my first time writing for Miraculous, and I'm not really a punner, so forgive my lack of Chat puns ;-;