Chapter 5: A Life Worth Living

*Narrated by Chat Noir/Adrien Agreste*

WAHOO! I'll tell you something, being a full time hero ROCKS! I have been nothing but happy ever since I committed to the idea.

I talked with Plagg since we first talked about the idea. He was reluctant to the idea at first, but then after some convincing, he said he wouldn't have a problem with it as long as I keep feeding him his fill of cheese each and every day, which I do anyways. But now, since I left my manor, it's rather hard to get my hands on some, but I've worked around it. Over the years of my work, I've accumulated more than a fair share of money in my accounts so I've stopped by a bank every so often to make a few withdrawals. Then I head to some cheese shops as Chat and help myself to as much cheese as I can afford for Plagg. I've gotten a few odd looks from the workers there but it was never a problem in the end. They're happy to make the business and Plagg's always happy with the amount I get him. One could say I spoil him with how much cheese I get, but you know what, he deserves each and every piece after allowing me to stay transformed for so long.

I'll admit though, feeding him has been harder than most times. Usually I've just had to keep him hidden while he eats but now, I have to hide myself also. Things have been too good for me and I don't want someone to find me and drag me back to my old life. I didn't want to go back and I wouldn't let anyone convince me otherwise!

I've spent most of my time as a hero patrolling the streets of Paris. I have to say, when you have time and effort to look for smaller things to help out with, it'll really keep you busy. I've been helping out whenever I can, wherever I can. Whether it was helping the elderly across the street or assisting in traffic jams, nothing was too big or too small for Chat Noir!

The people of Paris have been rather appreciative of these efforts too. Whenever I would visit some establishments for my daily meals, the employees would always say that it's on the house. I always try to refuse and pay for my food but they insisted on it. So, instead, I would leave them a rather generous tip as a way of saying thanks. I must say, it's rather heartwarming that people care THAT much for me.

Sometimes too, children would come up to me on the street and show me their drawings. Usually they would be of me, or of Ladybug or even the two of us. The children of Paris looked up to the both of us, but Ladybug's usually not around to spend time with the kids. But now that Chat Noir has more time on his hands, he can make some appearances and brighten up their day, especially when it's to compliment them on their art. Usually, as Adrien, the only pieces of paper that would get shoved in my face would be eight by tens of my face; fans wanting me to sign them. I'll admit though, it was always nice to see how happy the fans were when I signed them but there's just something about a child's smile that just can't be beat.

The only complaint I have about this new life is that the nights are rather harsh on me. They're always so cold and lonely. Well… the lonely part hasn't changed since my life as Adrien. However, I miss the warmth and comfort of my bed. I've had to curl up on rooftops and underneath newspaper in order to keep myself warm. I'm sure if I asked, someone would put out a blanket and a pillow for me, but I couldn't ask that of anyone. The people of Paris have done so much for me already. I would feel guilty if I asked for more. Besides, it's not all that bad. That's how stray cats sleep anyways so a full time Chat Noir wouldn't be any different.

One thing that hasn't changed is the amount of attention I get. I still get swarmed by fans whenever I'm on the streets, but this type of attention is different. It's actually a more satisfying type of attention. As Chat, fans come to me with stars in their eyes, a lot of them telling me how they want to be just like me when they grow up or they praise me for how much hard work I do for the city. Hearing all this made me feel happy and appreciated; something that I haven't felt in a very long time.

As Adrien though, the attention I got… in all honesty, I didn't care much for it. Most of the time, it came from fangirls. Don't get me wrong, I'm touched that I had so many admirers but it also made me feel guilty at the same time. A lot of these girls want to be involved with me, romantically, and I've always had to turn a lot of them down. It's never a nice feeling but I'm glad that's behind me now.

Being a full time hero hasn't been easy, but it's been far better and more rewarding than when I was Adrien. I'm determined to see this hero thing through for as long as Paris needs a hero, and from the looks of things, that would be lasting for a long, long time. As far as I'm concerned, there is no Adrien anymore. Only Chat Noir.

Author's Note: Sorry that this chapter is kinda short and uneventful ^^; But I felt like it was something that needed to be written~
Next chapter is a little more eventful :D And a certain spotted hero might be in it too ;D

I wanted to make mention too: I might be rewritting some of the chapters a bit to improve them so if I miss a week's upload don't worry. This fic won't be abandoned and I'll dole out the improved chapters as soon as I can :D I promise! :D