The park was peaceful in the afternoon. The sun was setting and most families had gone home for the day. There weren't many distraction except for the random pigeons and strays.
It was a nice place for Marinette to just sit alone and think as the sky started to turn black.
Well it was, until she heard heard a voice behind her.
"It's getting dark, shouldn't you be heading home?"
Adrien didn't sneak out too often. He tried to only sneak out when there was an Akuma attack, but today he just needed sometime away from home. School was draining and Hawkmoth was relentless when it came to making more and more Akuma. Adrien needed some time with friends to relax. Nino had invited him out with Kim and Max, he hadn't made any promises but he at least said he would try to make it. He needed this break.
Leaping across the rooftops, hidden by the darkening sky, Adrien makes his way as Chat Noir to save time.
As he passes by the park, he saw someone still there. The lack of sunlight luckily does not impair his vision while he is Chat Noir, he could clearly see his classmate sitting alone.
She was sitting on a bench by some trees, the same bench they had sat on when they were attacked by The Gamer. Her head was tilted slightly so it seemed like she was just staring at the sky.
He landed softly on the street and made his way over. He was being quiet but not overly, anyone else would have heard him by now but she paid no attention to him. She wasn't paying attention to her surroundings at all.
He was standing right behind her and she didn't notice at all.
This didn't feel right to him.
"It's getting dark, shouldn't you be heading home?"
Jumping slightly and turning where she sat, Marinette faced Chat with a surprised look on her face.
"Ch-chat Noir what ar- how you, why," said Marinette as she stumbled over her words.
"I didn't mean to startle you," said as he hopped over the the bench and seated himself on the back rest, leaving his feet on the actual seat. "You just seemed distracted Princess. Didn't feel right leaving you alone when its already so dark."
"I can take care of myself," said Marinette, "but I guess I must have worried you since you didn't announce yourself with a bad cat pun."
"Me-ouch, my puns are amazing," replied Chat.
"There it is," Marinette said with a small giggle.
"What are you doing out? School ended a while ago."
She went quiet.
"Did something happen?"
She stayed quiet, thinking whether or not to tell him what was on her mind.
Finally she said, "I over heard my crush talking about the girl he likes, she didn't sound like me. I just needed some fresh air and time to think. Alya said not to worry about it but I wonder if she likes him back."
"Who do you like?" he asked without thinking.
"Excuse me," Marinette gave Chat a soft glare.
"Sorry I guess that was a bit rude of me. You know what they say, curiosity killed the cat," Chat Noir said as he rubbed the back if his neck and looked away. He didn't mean to pry and was a bit embarrassed at himself for not realizing that his question might not have been acceptable.
"I'm not gonna kill you for asking, though those cat puns and references are making me think otherwise..."
"Come on, mew and me are in the same boat," said Chat.
"Same boat?"
"Yeah the 'our crush doesn't like us back boat' very exclusive."
"To be fair, I'm sure half the city has a crush on Ladybug too," pointed out Marinette.
"How do you know I like Ladybug?" Chat was rather surprised, he didn't expect people to notice his crush on Ladybug. Now that he thought about it, he wasn't that subtle.
"There isn't a person in Paris that doesn't know. I think there is a whole section on the Ladyblog that discusses whether you two are together or not."
"Well now you have the exclusive, Chat Noir has yet to catch his Lady's heart."
"Was that supposed to be a cat pun?"
"Maybe," said Chat with a smug smile.
"You're unbelievable," groaned Marinette.
"Don't you mean, PUNbelievable?"
"Like I said, unbelievable," Marinette said as she shoved him lightly.
She didn't expect him to fall off the back rest and onto the ground.
"Chat! Are you okay?" There was concern in her voice, but she still let a little laugh slip out.
"Doing clawsome Princess, you just caught me off guard," Chat said as he got up and sat on the bench.
Marinette let out a quiet sorry before going silent. Chat could see the far off, thoughtful look she had and knew she had gone back to thinking about the very thing that led her to the park.
"Don't worry too much over your crush, I don't want to end up fighting and Akumatized Mari."
"I have to deal with Chloe everyday, it's going to take more than just my crush not liking me to get me Akumatized."
They sat in silence after that, just enjoying the peace and quiet. The sun had fully set and the only light now was from the street lamps. This time when Chat looked at her face, she looked more peaceful. She was smiling.
"Will you at least give me a hint?"
"What?"
"A hint, about who you like," Chat specified.
"Well... He's a guy. Thats the only hint you're getting," teased Marinette.
"Come on Purrincess," Chat whined.
"Nope, that's all you're getting. I should get going."
With that she stood up and began to make her way home, only stopping to give him one last wave goodbye.
He kept an eye on her as she made her way home. He didn't leave for home until her saw her enter her home.
It was too late now to go meet up with Nino, Max, and Kim but at least he had some time out.
It was a good change of pace.
It wasn't a waste.
A/N: Did I mention Marichat is my lifeblood? I will be writing my other ml fic and this one at the same time because i hate myself.