The Cat and the Bug meet...
Standard disclaimers apply. I own none of the Miraculous Ladybug characters/orignal plot/concept/Stride concept/characters
I only own THIS plot, THIS story and the variations I've created.
Warning: OOC moments for ALL characters involved...
As expected, Underground was buzzing with the latest news of the newcomer. Ladybug and Lady Wifi both entered the club quietly. They nodded greetings to Stoneheart, the club's resident referee and security in case anyone got rough with each other or got drunk off their asses. There were training races on the plasma TV screens around the club, and a few groups were indeed watching. Ladybug caught a few bets being made but paid them no mind. It seemed like everyone turned out tonight.
She saw Stride teams that she had run against herself and solo runners. The first to look up and meet her eyes was Helix and Gamer, both relationers and spotters, or relay timekeepers and lookouts, for their team, Clockwork. They had papers in front of them, and Ladybug guessed that they were talking strategy for an upcoming run. Next, she spotted the Akuma Stride team. The sight of them sent chills up her spine, and her eyes snapped to the bar. Queen Bee raised a thin gold eyebrow before lifting one shoulder in a shrug. Ladybug and Lady Wifi both shared a look, exchanging silent communication before heading to the bartender.
"Are you running tonight, LB?"
"Not sure yet," Ladybug answered, sipping her glass. "I got the news about Inferno."
"Oh, well that would explain things," the bartender smiled. "He's one hot cat from what I hear."
"What have you heard?" Lady Wifi asked, pulling out her cell and opened up a few apps to check for updates. "As a bartender, QB, you're bound to hear some juicy gossip."
"And you know I live for it," the blond flicked long ponytail and smirked. Her yellow and black facepaint made her icy blue eyes pop with smoky accents in the corners and eyelids. "Though, I hate to disappoint. He's so new that no one has much dirt. He's running against Timebreaker right now downstairs."
Ladybug had been taking another gulp of her water when the news reached her ears. She choked and instantly began coughing to clear her airway. Wifi jerked and started patting her back in assistance, but the girl waved her off. "Chat Noir's here? Now?!"
"Yeah, he got the invite this morning to run Underground." Lady Wifi and Ladybug both shared another look, surprise coloring their faces. "Why do you think Akuma is out here?" Queen Bee continued, pointing delicately with a French manicured, gold tipped pinky nail. "Do you seriously believe that they wouldn't come in to snatch him up?" Ladybug didn't turn around, but she could feel eyes boring into her back. Hawk Moth, the leader of the team, had tried recruiting her when she first arrived at Underground as well. She turned him down. She only ran for the pure joy of it. If anyone knew her real identity under the paint and costume, they would tell the world that heiress Marinette Dupain-Cheng of Cheng Fashion House was running in an extreme sport that often left its participants with bruises, abrasions and the occasional broken bone...
La grand-mère aurait un ajustement, she thought.
"Oh my God!" someone shouted from one of the betting groups. "He passed her!"
"They're in the final stretch, he should be out of it!" his friend agreed.
Ladybug turned her head to watch as the black cat runner suddenly put on a new burst of speed and jumped, gripping the handholds of a seven-foot wall and climbed as if it were nothing. When he reached the top, he did a handstand, spun and saluted Timebreaker before jumping to the other side and landing on his feet and taking off to cross the finish line.
"How the hell does he do that?!" Lady Wifi gaped. "He just ran Inferno yesterday!"
"Whatever he's having, I want it," Sketch agreed, appearing at Ladybug's side. The runner got up and clasped hands with her old teammate and him into a bro-hug. Sketch's aquamarine eyes glinted from under his graphite gray mask and smiled. "Shame you weren't here for the first betting. The guy's got a mouth on him. He's going to be winning some good money tonight."
Ladybug blinked, confused. "He bet on himself?"
"No, his relationer bet on him, but he was mouthing off that you were sure to show up tonight. A lot of us thought you weren't coming since you told us that you had stuff to do and not to expect you." Sketch narrowed his eyes a bit and leaned down to where some of his flaming red hair fell over his shoulder to conceal his words. "Anyway, it was going to be an interesting bet... a lot of people chipped in."
"Boy wonder here included," Queen Bee chimed in, holding out a black gloved palm. "Pay up."
Sketch rolled his eyes but reached into his wallet and passed the ten dollar bill into the bartender's hand.
"I don't know whether to be thankful for your support or concerned," Ladybug muttered, uncomfortable with the exchange.
"Ladybug never backs down from a challenge. Though, it was fifty-fifty if you would come due to the call out video," Queen Bee.
"Girl, check out the cat's stats," Lady Wifi's voice cut through the conversation. The red runner did look and blinked in utter astonishment.
CHTNR: 5:25- Points: 520
TMBKR: 5:27- Points: 332
Ladybug's lips parted in astonishment. She watched as the club's cameras replayed parts of the pair's race and she could see Chat Noir's skill on the track first hand. He ran the course as if he knew it. Hell, he barely stayed on the ground at all and he still outran Timebreaker but a full two seconds. His parkour skills were phenomenal. Akuma would have a strong asset if he agrees to team with them, she thought.
"Seems I'm pouring top stock tonight after all," Queen Bee announced and turned to head into the back of the bar.
"I'm going to talk to Clockwork and see if they have any more details on our new arrival."
Ladybug made a noncommittal noise as she got up herself and moved closer to a vacated TV. She watched the video repeat and hone in on some of Chat Noir's higher scored stunts. He made good use of an extendable baton that he had with him to help vault over obstacles or to catch any missed landings. She gasped as his fingers slipped off the tool in the beginning segment of the race. He landed hard on his feet, but he remained steady before taking off after Timebreaker. The pink haired speedster had taken advantage of his flub and bolted into a full sprint.
"I think he may have cheated somehow," Sketch rejoined her, handing over her glass of water.
"Hmm? When?"
"During Inferno," the red haired runner elaborated. "You had that record for two years, LB. No one has been able to break it... and this joker shows up and suddenly knocks that down by shaving three minutes? It's insane! He either cheated, rigged the course or bribed the ref."
Ladybug thinned her lips. She had watched the entire video of Chat Noir's run through Inferno from start to finish twice before she and Lady Wifi came to the club. "I doubt he cheated and the referee was credible. He was Xavier Damoclese."
"Seriously?!"
"I checked."
Sketch's jaw dropped as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You seriously think Chat Noir is that good?!"
Before Ladybug could answer, a new, distinctly accented voice cut through the chatter of the club. "Meow! My ears are burning, could it really be true? Is the fabulous Ladybug impressed by my prowess?"
The club went dead silent. Ladybug had counted to three before she turned around. Chat Noir was much closer than she had thought he was and he was closing in on her fast. Acting on years of training, and a small voice of internal instinct, she repositioned herself so that her back was angled towards the open floor. She had been cornered before and absolutely hated it. She spotted Lady Wifi out of the corner of her eye making her way over. Another person followed Chat Noir. He was dark mocha skinned and decently muscled under his colorful tank top. His red baseball cap was turned backward, keeping his own painted mask face free to be seen. She guessed this was Chat's relationer.
Ladybug inclined her chin, and the pair halted immediately, but Chat Noir's blinding grin was fixed in place. They locked eyes and Ladybug fought to keep her breathing even. Chat's arms were bare up to his shoulders and his track pants molded to his skin. In fact, his whole ensemble appeared to be made of... leather? Her inner designer kicked in, quickly dismissing the fabric since it was only ever used for shoes or warmth; it wouldn't make logical sense-
"Are you checking meowt M'lady?"
Blue eyes snapped back to attention and Ladybug was once again grateful that her face paint was red based. She narrowed her eyes, and some of his cocky grin slipped. "So, you're Chat Noir," she said, making sure to stick use English and to keep any French out of her voice. It was difficult, though, with knowing that he was from her home city. "I suppose I should offer congratulations, and welcome to Underground." She held out her hand, "You must've trained very hard."
Chat Noir blinked, his bright green eyes raking her over from top to toe. Slowly he took her hand and shook it. It was then that Ladybug spotted a familiar purple butterfly symbol on a black leather woven bracelet. "It's an honor to finally meet you, M'Lady," Chat purred out, bowing over her hand and pressing a swift kiss to her fingertips. "I purrsume you're referring to my victory over Inferno?"
"In part," Ladybug quickly pulled her hand away, fighting the heat that threatened to color her face. She motioned over to bar, and they crossed the floor to reach it. "But also to your success here at Underground. It's tradition that the club welcomes it's newest face with a toast." Queen Bee appeared, passing a glass of bubbling champagne into Chat's hand. The black feline grinned, and Ladybug raised her glass politely. "Welcome, Chat Noir!"
"Welcome, Chat Noir!" the whole club cheered and people began raising glasses and passing cheers and salutations to their friends and teammates.
"Merci," he thanked and clinked glasses with her. He drank, and surprise immediately showed on his face. "Is this-"
"Armand de Brignac Brut Gold champagne. Top stock; I only pour one free drink on newbie's first night and for winners after a major competition, so enjoy it, cat boy," Queen Bee winked, and the feline-themed runner offered a sincere smile in gratitude. Ladybug caught herself thinking how handsome it looked. The blond looked away and raised her voice over the crowd, calling "Oy! Chat's relationer, I have your glass here too!"
"I guess I'll be getting Armand quite often then," Chat chuckled and sipped again, humming in delight. He glanced at Ladybug, noting her glass and frowned, "Won't you join me in a drink, mon cher? It is my special night after all."
"I am drinking," Ladybug playfully jibed and held up her glass. This was a trick she had played on Dark Cupid when he got too close for her comfort. He had challenged her to a drinking contest with their beverages. What the poor runner didn't realize was that Ladybug's drink that night was water. Chat arched a brow, curiosity flashing in his eyes. "And I am here with you, so I suppose I am joining you."
Chat's lips curled into a smirk, "And what is my lady drinking this evening?"
"Only the best."
Lady Wifi, hearing the exchange stifled a snort of a laugh as she made her way over with Chat's relationer, whom she introduced as Swag. "It's an honor to meet you LB," the mocha skinned man offered his hand. Ladybug shook it, liking the firm but gentle grip the man had.
"Likewise; you've met my relationer, Lady Wifi." Swag nodded, indicating he had and took his own glass of champagne.
"Did you enjoy the race?" Chat asked, leaning closer.
"Yes I did; you looked like you were having fun."
"It was fun, but Timebreaker was easy to beat," he shrugged his shoulders. Both Lady Wifi and Ladybug shared a look, momentarily stunned by his overconfidence.
"I didn't expect you to do your initiation run so quickly after finishing Inferno..."
Chat smirked, taking another languid sip and tilting his head back. The pale skin of his throat became exposed to the light and Ladybug, driven by years of propriety, averted her gaze. "I was eager to meet you in person, ma douce. It was fate we meet tonight, and I'm glad you accepted my invitation."
Ladybug blinked, confused for only a moment before narrowing her eyes, "Goading me out like that was not an invitation, despite what you think."
"But it is fate we meet. I proved myself to you, twice over, that I am your match in Stride. We'll be a natural pair, and our team will quickly rise to the top. We'll share techniques, do training runs together, practice parkour- if you think you're fast now, just wait until I show you what I did to finish Inferno!"
Ladybug's attention flicked from Chat to Swag to his bracelet to the Akumas and then back again. She leaned away from him and got to her feet to stand beside her relationer. "Wifi and I are not looking to form a team," she answered, feeling the air beginning to crackle with electricity. Lady Wifi's head turned to look at her raven-haired friend in question. As subtly as possible, Ladybug tapped her wrist in a signal. Wifi's brow wrinkled in confusion and Ladybug fluttered her lashes. Butterfly, she tried to communicate. It took a moment for Lady Wifi to get the hint before she tensed as well.
"Oh, no, cher, I'm inviting you onto mine. Just you, though I'm sure we could talk to the team about bringing in Lady Wifi."
Lady Wifi made an indignant noise in the back of her throat, and Ladybug's arm whipped out to stop her from taking a step. "We are partners, Chat Noir. Lady Wifi has been my relationer since the beginning. Even if we were considering joining your team, we are a pair."
Chat Noir's threw his head back and laughed, placing a hand on a cocked hip and he looked back towards the other Akumas. They shifted as if physically touched by the black cat's gaze until Hawk Moth appeared in view. The silver masked leader smirked and raised his shoulders in a shrug as if the notion had no bearing one way or the other. Both Chat and Swag relaxed, and the relationer turned to look at Lady Wifi. "Bonus! Welcome to the team-"
"You misunderstand," Ladybug cut him off. "I said even if. We're not looking to join a team."
"Or form one," Lady Wifi bit out in agreement. "LB and I have been doing this for a while, kitty cat. Think before your speed gets you into more trouble. Come on, LB, let's blow."
Chat glared at Lady Wifi, lips curling to reveal pointed canines. Ladybug spared him one more look before turning away to follow. They were almost out the door when Chat Noir suddenly appeared at her side. "Don't do this LB, you know that Akumas don't repeat invitations. Think about it, I could show you how to beat Inferno easy it's child's play, and you can reestablish your title and beat my record-"
"Inferno wasn't easy, Chat Noir," Ladybug bit out, her accent slipping out over his name. "Lady Wifi and I trained for months before we even attempted that course. The only reason why I'm not saying you cheated was that Xavier Damoclese was referee over your run."
Chat stepped back as if stunned that she would insinuate that there was a shred of doubt over his victory. "H-how so?"
"Because Xavier Damoclese, like me, didn't buy into Hawk Moth's promises. I don't know what Hawk Moth said to you, Chat Noir, but I would use your cat reflexes to tread lightly. Take it from someone who knows." Chat's pupils shrank instantly, and he whipped around to look at his team leader. Pleased that she had planted the seed of warning, Ladybug and Lady Wifi swiftly made their exits. When Chat Noir burst out of the club, there was no sign that either woman had been there to start.
So... this story may end up being longer than I anticipated. Maybe 10 chapters. We'll see.
Let's hope Chat Noir takes Ladybug's warning seriously. There are too many details of his backstory that I can't reveal here in the Notes without giving away the plot ;)
See you next chapter!
-Kestra
