Marinette didn't want to move. She couldn't stop thinking about what Chat had said.
She'd been the distraction, she'd caused him to fall, and thanks to her Chat Noir would be out of commission for the next three weeks. She rolled over on her bed with a sigh. The luminous green numbers on her clock told her that it was four hours past midnight. A small grunt of discomfort reverberated in the back of her throat as she got up. She quietly made her way up to the balcony.
The crisp breeze of the night was a welcome change from her stuffy bedroom. Marinette stared out at her city, illuminated by the street lamps and the few buildings that still had their lights on at such an early hour. She rested her hands in her chin and closed her eyes, humming a random little tune. The vista of Paris from the rooftops was one that never ceased to amaze her.
If only I hadn't hurt the person who I share it with.
Her lip quivered. She let our a sigh and let the tears fall. First one, than two. Until two long streams made their way down Marinette's face as she mourned the pain she had brought to her partner. The pleasant cool of the night turned to a relentless chill that shook the girl to the core. The quiet streets below were now a reminder of how alone she was. She couldn't talk to anyone about this. No one could know she was Ladybug.
Marinette's sobbing eventually slowed as her breathing became slow and steady. She was vaguely aware of Tikki landing on her shoulder. The Kwami rested her little head against Marinette's neck.
"it's alright Marinette." Tikki assured, "Chat Noir will be fine after a couple of weeks."
The hero gave no reply, she simply stared off into the night.
"I know it's hard for you Marinette, but you have to let go of this."
Again, no response.
"Fixating on him will only hinder your ability to defend the city."
This time Ladybug did respond, with a low, drawn-out sigh.
"Marin—"
"WHAT IF HE HATES ME TIKKI?!" The hero cried out suddenly.
"Marinette, he barely even talks you you out of costume," The little creature chided,"I doubt he hates you, but if he does it doesn't matters."
"—But he's always begging me to tell him who I am!" The girl countered, "what if I tell him and then he re-realizes I'm the one who m-made him fall a-and—" The words were torn out of her throat by a sudden sob.
Tikki hovered in front of Marinette, looking her directly in the eyes.
"Do you want to tell him?
She didn't know. Chat had been nothing but kind and supportive to her, after a while she didn't mind the idea of revealing herself to him, but the events of yesterday had changed everything. Chat would do well to never come in contact with Marinette again. The thought of Chat Noir, hurt at her fault was something she couldn't bear.
"I used to." Marinette finally decided, "but after everything..."
"Please, Marinette you're being silly!"
The two suddenly noticed the tinge of pink that had appeared in the night sky.
It was going to be a long day.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave a review to tell me what I can improve on! Also, I know you've heard it everywhere else, but sorry for the short chapter. Artistically it feels complete, so I guess I shouldn't stuff anymore in there, but it is about 300 words shorter than normal. Not to mention my chapters a relatively shorter to begin with. There I go rambling. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed because you'll be getting another chapter very soon.