Day 4 - 'Romeo, Romeo...'
"Romeo, Romeo..." Princess Marinette wistfully sang her wish into the clouds, the words a secret whisper meant for own selfish reasons. Stomping her foot, she abruptly shouted, "get down here now, or so help me!"
The rooftop shuddered, yet stubbornly refused.
Growling, she stomped away. The following thump of his staff hitting wood remained the only indication that Chat Noir was following her.
How dare he!
Nosing through each of her suitors for marriage, offering advice - encouragement even! - on how to handle choosing her future king, like he held no alternative motives!
Sir Noir's enthusiasm on the subject marked dead center that he was among the candidates.
And if that were the case... why can't the stupid feline simply reveal his identity!? What's to hide? Or... more importantly, what's the point of pursuing someone who refused to be caught?
Steps faltering, she allowed the creeping doubt passage.
How weak is their trust?
Even outside the Miraculous Guard, they maintained a strong relationship. Confiding even the darkest of secrets, yet... why is a simple mask where he draws the line?
To be fair, she hasn't unveiled her own, but she has no pressing reason to. Lady Bug and Sir Noir are partners. But Princess Marinette and Chat...
Acting fast, she glared at the rooftop, hoping to send him her ire as a way to rid of it.
Yet, no one.
Breathing to cool her nerves she questioned if, maybe, she willed him there. Following close behind in hopes of deterring her from any other suitor, like he was capable of jealousy.
She sharply inhaled, a lump swiftly building in her throat.
Oh no.
Oh, not now.
Then she recognized the jingling of his bell, her hood dropped as she wildly searched. And there he was, leaning far off the roof a home ahead, almost as if in effort to see her.
His cat ears spiked up when they met eyes and all her sorrow evaporated to instant dust.
Marinette plucked a handful of rocks from the trail, and threw, yelling, "stupid! Stalking! Cat!"
Gritting his teeth, he ducked.
Thrusting her fists down, she demanded, "if you will not come before me, than leave!"
The rooftop pretended not to hear, leaving Marinette to storm off once more.
Very well.
If Chat cannot come willingly, she'll draw him out, like poison from a wound.
He's come under the public eye once before for her, drawing up the hood on his own outfit, he guided her out of the crowd for a break from the festivities on her birthday. Allowed her a chance to dance freely in the courtyard to the distant ballroom orchestra. Their laughter echoed freely into the night.
The moonlight dancing across his features, she basked in emotions that suddenly overwhelmed her; for a man who loved happiness, and who loved to share it with her. And any day she imagined after couldn't be without him.
And now he's stalking her in lieu of confrontation.
Marinette won't ask again for his true name, she refuses. If his identity remains a secret, he has no say in how her marriage goes.
A chisel scraping stone reminded Marinette of her destination. Hood carefully in place, she approached. Time to yank the cat by his tail.
Perched on a latter, Theo struck a hammer to chisel to stone. Already, the details of Lady Bug came to life. "My, what wonderful work," Marinette praised, her voice soft - inviting.
He smiled as he worked. "Thank you. Perfection is my aim for these statues will represent our Miraculous Guards in the town square." He blew at the dust. "I do hope our heroes find them pleasing."
"I'm sure they will, you've a skilled hand— and a keen eye." Littered among his work table were several eyewitness sketches of the heroes. "Have you practiced since birth?"
He laughed. "Sadly, no. It's a skill passed down through the teachings of my uncle." He placed the hammer aside to give her his full attention. "And have you mastered a skill?"
She curtsied. "Seamstress at your service."
"Ah," he waved to the holes in his clothes. "We're fated enemies."
She giggled, a false promise falling from her lips, "I should hope the opposite."
"Ah, what finely sculpted figures," came the voice of a newcomer.
She smirked.
Finally.
"Glad you agree," Marinette sing-songed. She turned on her heel. "Ch- a- ah-!" And twisted off-balance, squeaking, "Adrien!?"
He continued to converse with the sculptor. With no hope of doing anything other than staring, Marinette followed her closest instinct to move. But only trekked past the next home before he caught up.
"Had I expected to see you, I would have dressed better," said Adrien, in Gabriel Agrestes latest creation of a vibrant blue tunic, leather belt wrapped around his middle, perfectly fitted for his form. "What brings you from the castle?"
"It- it's confidential— I mean," she diverted, "Need I a reason? Ha ha, just thought I'd talk to my people without the barriers of formality."
He hummed, dubious despite his outward kindness. "Although, your pattern of speech with the sculpture appeared to be that of another nature." Open smile betraying his curiosity, he added, "there's word you seek a suitor."
"Do I?" She facepalmed, then flailed a hand. "I mean, I do. I mean! I might!" She groaned, curling into herself.
He blinked, her animated gestures unexpected. "I see. Perhaps Theo is among your suitors?" Not allowing her an answer, he questioned, "Perhaps I am as well?"
"That- That I cannot confirm..."
She stopped when a familiar red-headed youth passed.
"And him?" Adrien pressed.
Marinette distanced herself. "Adrien..."
"And- and what royalty have you to choose from? Men of a nobler standing than us common folk. Men who have conquered lands further than we have traveled. What have we to offer this kingdom?" He splayed a hand at his chest. "How am I worthy of you?" Eyes widening, he yanked away. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean..." But the clouds of his outburst were clearing, he could see it in her eyes.
Suddenly, she searched the rooftops.
Taking her momentary distraction, Adrien turned and fled into the bustle of town life.