Why did I never see you before, my princess?
I saw a glimpse of you, learned of your compassion, and yet I'd managed to take for granted who you were.

I see more of you now than before yet half of the time it seems like a lie, because you look at me different, speak to me different, and sometimes remind me of just how incredibly spunky you can be.

My claws are used to gentle touches and trying to make your fleeting stares really become more than the ordinary way that you look at me half the time.

I only really get to see more of you, fall in love with every part of you, when I'm like this, when you're not afraid to speak, when sometimes your eyes follow their own trail to my own which you never admit to.

I love the way that you'll let me nestle close, how you'll wrap your fingers around my claws, whenever you just want to relax by my side or need a distraction.

I just thrill over the way it makes my heart race even though this was never what I'd wanted before, and I love the way you'll cuddle me closer and stroke my chin just right.

I love how openly affectionate you can be sometimes, Marinette, even if it seems like it's only half the time that we are together.

I can't help but crave your gentle touches, scratches, and pets that feed into who I am whenever I'm Cat Noir, that make me purr so much.

You're the only one that can cause this other than Ladybug, but she's never tried to be as close to me as you are; she's never gently brushed my joy forward like you do.

You're so gentle and yet so spunky; you make me laugh and smile and purr.

I can't think of anyone else more befitting of the title Princess, anyone else more befitting of taming the cat in me in a not so controlling way, because you always respect who I am and let me be me.

I just wish that I could tell you who I am, let you in on my most prized secret, though I know better, know how Ladybug would feel about that, and I keep my thoughts to myself.