Chapter 2

The streetlights of Paris glittered, beautiful and serene as its heroine, clad in her usual spotted splendour, swung through the night towards her destination.

Ladybug loved Paris. It was her city after all, her hometown, but it was so much more than that. She loved her city for its inspiring monuments, artwork, and elegance, but never did it exude so much tranquillity and harmony, as it did during the night.

For the superheroine, being Ladybug had been, at first, a duty, a responsibility to bear. And while that aspect remained partly true, lately she had begun to look upon this responsibility more in the light of a wonderful, unique, and novel experience.

For who could truly say they knew what the city of love looked like, from an aerial view, as one flew through the air, with all the lights and colours flashing beneath?

To feel your breath catch in your throat as you fell towards the ground, only to pull yourself up a moment before and once again soar through the sky?

Seeing it from the Eiffel Tower was amazing, but… seeing the city while almost flying through the air was totally different.

With these pleasant thoughts in mind, Ladybug landed on a particular rooftop, catching sight of a black-clad figure advancing to meet her.

"Hey there, my Lady," Chat Noir said, seeming for some reason, partly excited and partly nervous. "How are you this fine evening?"

Ladybug smiled up at her partner. "I'm fine."

She walked back to the edge of the rooftop, taking in the view of the city she had just patrolled. Even seeing it so many times, it never failed to awe her.

"Ladybug." Her attention was brought back to Chat Noir, who had come to stand beside her.

"Will you accept this?" he removed his hands from behind his back, and held out a small bouquet.

"For me?" Ladybug gasped in surprise and accepted the bouquet gingerly. She delicately touched one of the orchid's beautiful purple and white petals in awe. "It's beautiful, Chat Noir, but I have to ask… what's the occasion?" She glanced up at him from behind the bouquet, curiosity evident in her blue eyes.

"Well…." Chat Noir blushed a little at her gaze and nervously scratched his neck. "My kwami kind of said something about how ladybugs love flowers, and I thought.. why not give my Lady some? If you don't mind accepting it, that is," he said quickly, not wanting to impose on her.

"Thank you. That's sweet of you, Chat Noir," Ladybug smiled brightly, and Chat felt his heart would beat right out of his chest.

Oh, that smile. He would give her world if she asked, if only to see her smile.

He cleared his throat and stepped a little closer to her. "My Lady," his voice was low as he looked at her questioningly. "Do you know, perhaps, the meaning behind these flowers?"

Ladybug lowered the bouquet and locked eyes with him. "Not really?" she asked, a bit hesitant and unsure.

Her eyes searched his, wondering why he was asking her that question. Surely he wasn't going to-?

His green eyes were gleaming in the faint light, and Ladybug felt uneasy, not knowing what was coming next.

"Orchids represent beauty, strength, and….. love." He said, his voice quiet and intense in the night air.

A warm blush covered Ladybug's cheeks as Chat Noir's words sank in.

Chat Noir was so very sweet and thoughtful. Beneath all the bravado and flirty exterior, lay a heart that was as gold as his unruly locks.

It felt nice to be so wanted and loved. And although Ladybug had never considered him anything more than a friend before today, at his words, she couldn't help but feel the shyness and delight bubbling in her heart.

She stepped forward, feeling a tiny bit of pleasure in the way his eyes widened.

Before she could even think through what she was about to do, she leant forward and let these new and unknown sensations control her impulses.

She placed a kiss on his cheek, almost feeling the way his face heated up under her lips in a fierce blush.

"Thank you, kitty."

And just like that, she was gone.