Marinette had a wild dream (about a different timeline - fanfic) that made her realise her feelings for Chat are an undeniable part of her even if not romantic, and he can be quite a charmer if she gives him a chance. The next day, they didn't get a chance to talk during an akuma attack, though she checked him out. Later she was thinking about him over her homework just like she usually thinks of Adrien, who she doesn't actually know. Tikki didn't even saw a difference.
At that moment she saw Chat looking through her window. He figured he was noticed and moved to her balcony as if he was never "admiring his princess from afar", but she knew better, and she saw an opportunity. She went to open her hatch as soon as she heard his steps, grinning from the opportunity to talk.
Chat saw her face and figured he was caught, but continued his act: "Hello, princess, didn't expect to see you, how is your evening?" - "it's safe, thanks to superheroes watching over me" Chat had a shiver as if she's caught him by the tail and is going to tell him off like ladybug.
She continued "why don't you come in and chat?" He froze for a moment "Huh? (and Chat what?)... Oh, sure" it took him a moment to realize it was a pun (even if not intended), as it came as a surprise.
"Do you visit girls every night to flirt?" - "only you, and rarely" - "how come you're so good at it then?" - "it comes with my animal magnetism" and she heckled as he grinned. NOW he's getting his confidence, otherwise he's pretty cutely shy.
"Oh, you're probably dating Ladybug EVERY day". Chat lowered his head "... actually, you may be surprised, but we don't get much time together. We only meet when an akuma attacks and we have to run as soon as we're done. I don't even have time to tell her how I feel" - "but you have time for puns" - "They come at perfect moments *grin*" - "why don't you replace one of your puns with 'I love you', she'll appreciate it" - "but it will not be perfect! I can't just say it like it doesn't matter, I need to have her full attention and tell it with care… but how much I've tried, I've only failed, and only made it worse"
Marinette was charmed and HAD to embrace her faithful kitten, so she stretched her arm towards him and gently ruffled his hair, which turned out to be very soft. His eyes suddenly filled with shine and his cat ears popped back up.
"So no one even gives you a hug? That's unfair. How about a nice massage?" - "No need, my purrinces," he said, unable to end his purr and with his head involuntary following her hand.
"Come on, kitten, you clearly need it" she said, quickly getting of her chair and swiftly guiding Chat's head to her bed, forcing him to stand up not to loose balance and flop on the floor. Not that she wouldn't find that funny.
He didn't know what to say, since he was going into his cutest and most innocent friend's bed, and it was somehow alright. Most importantly, he WANTED it, he wanted to be embraced more that anything in the world (in non-perverted way, get your mind out of the gutter).
She started rubbing his back as he layed down, and could clearly see what he enjoys more by how his tail moved. She massaged his back and went back to his head, and the swirling sensation he received was so pleasant, his head forgot what and where gravity was and fell asleep.
Marinette has noticed his tail has stopped moving, so she decided Chat had enough. "you can get up now" Nothing happened. Now this kitty is being naughty. "Chat, get up!" she said as she pulled his collar up, only for him to fall face-pillow as she released. *OH. … He's asleep. Well, I guess I overdid it.* She looked at his smothered-by-a-pillow face and it was irresistibility cute, even if hidden behind a mask.
She had to let him sleep, but she couldn't sleep in the same bed, especially if that would lead to finding his identity. She had to take the sofa near her window.
In the middle of the night Chat woke up (more like 3 in the morning), and he has never before wanted to stay in bed so much. It was perfect. Time was hours before he had to wake up, bed was warm and comfy, his pillow was fluffed (his hair even more so), and smelled like fresh bakery. *Wait, bakery?!* He suddenly remembered he was not in his bed, panic from which woke him up instantly.
He rapidly sat up, still ahug of the pillow (even tighter now). *Marinette!* He looked to the side of him, but didn't find her. *Nightvision on, I'm still Chat Noir*. Since he didn't use Cataclysm, his transformation is indefinite, or at least lasts incredibly long. Still, it's the first time he woke up as a cat.
Thought that his identity is safe calmed him a bit, but where is Marinette? He got off bed and saw a cute rump on the sofa. Moonlight falling on the curl made her look irresistibly cute. Chat covered her with his blanket and relaxed, knowing she's in comfort. He looked at her sweet moonlit lips, blushing and then left.
He wasn't ready for this whole visit, he couldn't even realise how much it affected him or how he felt about it, but one thing he knew for sure - he's coming again tomorrow.