Author's Notes: Big thanks to Kellarhi for Beta-reading and whipping this one into shape. Also thanks to Kysuta for helping come up with some of the MouseChat antics.

You're both the best!

After another dinner alone in the cavernous dining room, Adrien was little more than worried. He'd left Plagg to devour cheese in his room while he put in an appearance downstairs.

Father hadn't shown, again, though Nathalie was all excuses for him.

Today, it was just as well. Ladybug's words had him nervous. At least the meal's usual oppressive silence was being put to good use.

He poked at the bland chicken and steamed vegetables.

Had he mis-stepped with Marinette? Was it a problem to have another pair of eyes, helping her out…

Had Marinette misunderstood his intentions as himself? He thought it was pretty clear he was trying to keep Lila away. But maybe he had been too touchy?

They were lucky that no outsiders (like paparazzi) would never be allowed onto school grounds. She'd already had a tough time previously - when people were convinced they were dating after she'd ushered him to safety to try and see his Mom's movie.

Had she been irritated with the spotlight? She'd been tossed into it more than once herself, but those were fleeting instances... quickly forgotten by most of Paris.

But they didn't so readily forget their Heroes.

Adrien sighed, setting his napkin down beside the silverware. The only way he could find out for sure was to ask Marinette.

He was certain that she would be honest with him.

Chat alighted on Marinette's rooftop as dusk fell.

She must have caught the sound of his boots as they hit the shingles, because he immediately heard the sounds of a scurry below.

Blinking, she peeked up through her skylight door to the roof.

"Chat!"

He grinned. "Got a few minutes to chat, Princess?"

Marinette groaned, though the light of humor still danced in her eyes even in the dim light.

"Can you give me a minute, or do you want to visit now?"

He fidgeted. "Well, I could come back later, if you'd like. I didn't bring the Miraculous along with me, since I wasn't sure if you wanted to try and Patrol again."

"Why wouldn't I?" Marinette blinked, baffled.

"I'm sure you saw the pictures and all... not everyone is used to that kind of spotlight - even with a mask. And, I wasn't sure if you even want to put up with it. No one else has been more directly compared to Ladybug, after all."

"Do you even know what kind of trouble I got from Alya about that?"

Chat Noir struggled - but failed - to not react...

"A picture is worth a thousand words..." Chat murmured, automatically.

Marinette shot him a vexed look, clearly unimpressed. "And then, half of Paris takes it upon themselves to make up half a dozen more half baked stories… it's so… ridiculous!"

Chat bit his lip against the inclination to pun, despite the fact that she was making it so easy. He was already unsure of how Marinette felt, and wasn't exactly trying to get himself into trouble at the moment.

She stomped out of the shelter of her room as she ranted, her gaze now wide and imploring as she reached out and grasped his forearm lightly. "I mean, you have feelings for Ladybug, right? There's just no reason for people to see things that aren't there..."

"I…" Chat faltered, trying to come up with any words to combat the stricken look on her face. "I'm sorry," he settled on, dumbly, and placed a gloved hand on the top of her shoulder.

Neither of them noticed how close she'd gotten, or the subtle touches they were currently sharing.

It was easy, and calm... and far, far too natural.

"Is this how things got started with Ladybug in the first place? People just started making up stories about all your close calls… and you just got swept away in it or something?"

Chat's features softened as a light blush crept over his face, and his gaze shifted from hers as if he was recalling a memory... "Not exactly… though, the furvor for the pair of us to keep saving the day didn't exactly help calm things down..."

Marinette stifled a snort at his wordplay, and rapped her knuckles lightly into his bicep in a mock punch.

"MEOW-ch, Marinette! Remind me to watch what I say around you… Wouldn't want someone getting the wrong idea, and calling animal protective services…"

"I think you mean Animal Control," Marinette replied swiftly, "...and I'd be much more worried about them hauling you off, if I were you. You know how Paris feels about strays."

Chat Noir chuckled, leaning back against her railing. It was funny really, how remarkably quick Marinette's wit was with him recently - quick enough to even give Ladybug pause.

Except, his eyes narrowed cautiously. It was only, only ever on this side of his mask.

He sighed, crossing his arms over his chest as he peered down at his new teammate. Not for the first time, he hated how famous his father was. It was bad enough that it left him lonely at home… but clearly, he was missing out on so much in his existing friendships...

Mentally giving his head a shake, Chat Noir focused in. Delightful banter aside, that wasn't what he'd come here to discuss. He'd spent the hours since he'd last spoke with Ladybug convinced that maybe his partner was right. Maybe it was selfish of him to have asked Marinette to wield Mullo considering she's got enough stuff on her plate simply dealing with Lila …

Marinette grew quiet, watching him carefully for just a moment. He immediately knew he'd been caught musing - it was almost uncanny how quickly she'd been able to detect his worry, considering he usually was so good at keeping it hidden due to his abundant practice.

Tilting her head, Marinette slipped a little closer, watching him avidly. He could see the gears in her brain turning behind those clever blue eyes. "You know what? Why not?" She stretched her arms above her head, balancing her weight deftly against the back wall. "I could really use the run to burn off some of the stress of the day anyways - dodging Lila, and trying to not trip over Adrien. Hopefully, I'll be able to focus on finishing this one project tonight when we get back. Let me just tell my parents I'm crashing early."

He winced a bit as she'd mentioned his name, but otherwise, just nodded as she disappeared down below. Within seconds, Chat was vaulting away from her rooftop, and on the way to Master Fu's to grab the Mouse Miraculous.

It didn't take long for the trip, and when he returned, Marinette was up on the roof waiting for him. A large bag full of goodies was slung up over her shoulder as she'd taken the Miraculous box he held out to her.

Mullo spiralled free, watching in amusement at their antics.

"What do you have in the bag?" Chat's claws lifted, tempted to sneak a quick peek himself.

"No peeking, Chat." She warned, fingers clutching the bag's handle all that much more tightly.

Unrepentantly, he pouted, tentatively drawing a claw away.

Amused, Marinette pressed a finger to her lips. "It's a secret."

A smirk curved Mullo's tiny mouth. "Many secrets, if that bag is any indication…"

"You might be right about that. But I'd honestly like to save the surprise for a little bit, anyways..." Marinette chuckled, and let the tiny Kwami's power wash over her.

Chat Noir simply sniffed, scenting a bit of sweetness in the air, but he had no more luck prying the secrets of the bag loose than Mullo had. She only accepted his offer to carry it with an extracted promise not to peek - Chat's Honor! - after struggling to keep her balance while it was looped over her shoulder. She was stubborn enough to keep trying - a new side of her, he was sure - but she gave in when it became obvious that he would insist

Chat deftly looped the bag over one shoulder and ensured the cinch was securely closed. The pair scrambled beneath the cloudless sky... each roof seemingly dusted with the soft glow of lanterns and fairy lights.

As the two approached the edge of one rooftop, Chat Noir flipped - having built up more than enough momentum - and easily landed on the next building without breaking stride. He wanted to show her the freedom and wonder that being a superhero would bring… he wanted to show her what she'd be capable of, and that her decision to stick with him would be worth it.

Her lilting chuckle cut through the lull of traffic and the wind, catching his focus and forcing him to turn back to her... beaming in a most Cheshire-like fashion.

"Show off," she murmured fondly.

Peering out across the rooftops as she lagged a bit to catch up, Chat busied himself gauging good sites to restock and refuel in this particular neighborhood, and pointed them out along the way. There was an amazing coffee shop that would automatically make him a to go cup whenever he dropped in, and he could almost scent the aroma of the roast from here.

Chat peeked anxiously back over his shoulder.

His occasionally childish antics had only egged her on… though, to be fair, it was half practicality. He wanted to encourage Marinette to build up stamina in the suit. But he'd still been eager just to share the secrets he could share with her... in this case, some of the best hiding spots he'd found to re-fuel without putting his identity at risk.

He'd overheard Marinette talking to Alya enough to know that she'd understand intuitively how much keeping these secrets would mean.

"Doing alright back there?"

Mar-Multimouse just snorted, tapping his shoulder before appearing around the other side. "Back where, exactly?"

Superior grin, he leaned in, challenging her along. "I dunno. A little mouse like you? So tiny that you're hard to spot..."

Marinette's - Multimouse's, he reminded himself - eyes flashed behind the mask, before dashing about rapidly. She looped around him, making his hands itch, to reach out and stop her - ever-so gently - in her tracks.

But, hero that he was, he was the one feeling slightly out of his depth, when she ducked out of range after gleefully tapping at his bell.

Resting up atop the Grand Palais after Multimouse's little sprint had left her a little more winded than either one of them had expected. They munched on the cookies that had been hidden away.

Although he had still been on the lookout for quieter places to converse, Chat felt a bit more at ease to play.

Marinette wasn't nearly as work focused as Ladybug, as was abundantly clear from the gleam in her eye when they arrived. Her good humor and amusement were probably the deciding factor that made her choose to plant herself up on one of the Galloping Horse statues, her tiny feet pressing into the ersatz stirrups. She was nothing if not careful - the suit granting her a little more grace than her civilian counterpart could boast about - and the two settled on the pair of horses overlooking the River Seine.

It had been a while since Nathalie had gotten leave to drag him out around Paris for a historical lesson, but if memory served, this particular monument of horses was titled Harmony Triumphing Over Discord. And if so, it was a little apt. Marinette definitely wasn't going to let Lila - or the ridiculousness of the Parisian Press - get her down.

She rooted through her bag of delights, digging out a white paper bag of macarons.

"Sorry," she murmured, treating him to a rueful grin. "They all didn't exactly make the trip intact. But I can definitely vouch for the taste.""

Chat extended a claw from his seat on the horse beside her, half stunned by the sass in her wink. Blinking, he drew a bit of the almond treat to his lips. He really couldn't tell her that he had her father's recipe quite a few times before… not without causing further questions…

Amusement - and more than a few stray crumbs - lingered on her lips.

She chuckled, pretending to ride the horse merrily before admitting she'd never actually gotten the chance to ride a real horse, and it was probably the closest she was going to get.

He grinned, before sympathizing with his own inexperience in far more things than he'd ever wanted to admit - and admitted that he had a sizable video game collection to make up for the lack. She had looked a bit wary at first, but had listened rather solemnly to his predicament, before veering the conversation towards all the video games they'd both played.

Chat Noir sighed. This was the way he wished he could spend more time with Ladybug. He was endlessly thankful for the escape that being Chat Noir provided, but despite his every hope to the contrary, patrol date nights with Ladybug had never really become a thing.

But in a way, this was nice too. He knew Marinette's interests, so it was nice to also just have something else to talk about other than just chasing down Akuma. He was finally getting to spend free time with the friend without his Father's never-ending restrictions… and a good friend at that. It was very freeing, even if he couldn't exactly tell her so.

On the long, winding trip home, they passed one of his father's many billboards that littered the Paris skyline. Marinette said nothing, but she definitely wasn't nearly as focused on her active game of ring around the Kitty as they'd drawn near.

"It's crazy how big these signs are," he sighed.

"Hmmm…" She articulated noncommittally , not shifting her eyes from the sign. "I… never really noticed, but they really are all over, aren't they?"

Chat Noir nodded, careful not to say a word. There were definitely too many of them around, a near-constant reminder of the boredom of the next mandatory photoshoot that would be rolling around again much too soon.

But Marinette pressed on, as if she hadn't noticed his uncharacteristic silence, rocking back on her heels to pick up momentum. "I'd love to be able to create like that…"

Chat vaulted, landing just behind her, a little surprised to hear that. "Don't you do that already?"

Marinet-Multimouse peered up at him, surprise a little clear in her eyes, as she'd drawn to a sudden halt on a slim rooftop ledge. "Well… I mean, I've made presents and outfits, sure. But it hasn't been anything too crazy," she hummed. "Nothing like that project for Jagged or anything. And, Bob Roth has taken over anything I'd have made for Kitty section now…"

He smiled softly as her irritation with the music producer gave way to waxing poetic about projects she'd been dreaming up.

She was so excited as she talked about her works in progress, doing an adorable little wiggle when she clearly could hardly contain her excitement. The buns on her head had bounced with the effort, rebounding seamlessly back into place. But after another minute, the conversation swayed, and she threw a couple of self-deprecating comments in.

"Why are you talking down your projects?" He scowled, softly snagging her arm. His tail wagged angrily behind him, tugging a bit of his focus. The work she had done - even in the littlest things she'd made - was amazing. And amazingly meaningful… to him, at least. "Didn't you make that hat that Adrien wore on the Catwalk? That's not exactly nothing..."

She blinked over at him, owlishly, the wind softly ruffling her hair. "I didn't really think you paid attention to that sort of thing."

"You aren't exactly unknown in Paris, Purrincess." Chat purred, his tail only now settling back down to a slow swish. "Most anyone would be ecstatic to have something that you made."

Multimouse rolled her eyes, but the soft dusting of pink on her cheeks hadn't escaped his notice. "Look… if this is your way to ask for more sweets, I could maybe - maybe - try to make something ahead next time. I mean, I just had enough time to grab some of the day olds… but if we could plan a patrol…"

He grinned. "That sounds like a smart idea…"

Marinette beamed at that. "I don't often actually get to rest up and enjoy the views of Paris, but I've also never taken the time to scale a historical monument and sit on a giant metal horse sculpture, either. I'm kind of loving how this feels… it's definitely been inspirational. I almost can't want to get home and design."

"We can circle back now, if you'd like."

She smiled softly, popping another macaron into her mouth. "I'm not in that big of a rush."

If he puttered on the way back home, it was only to be expected. With as fast as Marinette had caught on, her stamina was a little more limited than his own. She wanted to see how long she could press on without needing to stop and refuel, so he'd obliged, and let up a bit so he could keep his pace even with hers

And since they weren't in such a strenuous position, he took the opportunity to mull aloud the other big concern on his mind - handing out the rest of the Miraculous. It had come as a little bit of a surprise, but Marinette kept giving him some really good food for thought. It must be all the gaming. She definitely has a head for strategy.

So, it was only sensible that he started describing some of the weaponry that Ladybug had described in her text, picking her brain for ideas. "A Sword."

Her eyes stayed steady as she leisurely swung between the buildings. "That seems like it should be pretty easy finding someone with those skills… I mean fencing isn't exactly an unusual pursuit in this part of the city..."

Chat's brows rose. Kagami - of course - was an ideal fit for that. Especially since there was no possible way that he could pick up the sword while he was donning Plagg's armor.

He spun the baton back around before vaulting again to catch back up. "What about a lyre…?"

Multimouse gaped at that, floundering for a second. "Like… the musical instrument?"

Chat nodded, dropping into a halt on the next rooftop. "The notes are a little vague on that one."

She bit her lip as the closed the short distance between them. "So the weapon is maybe music or sound based? Then, I guess you would want someone who already knows how to use it?"

Shrugging, Chat pocketed the baton back into it's holster. "I wish I had a little more info on that particular one. Is it more of a damage strike? Or more crowd control…?"

"Honestly?" Multimouse had her arms planted against her hips. "That part shouldn't matter. You need someone with an ear for music… and good instincts for battle timing."

"You had someone in mind?"

She stared at him for a moment in disbelief before tilting her head towards yet another one of his Father's accursed billboards.

Rolling his eyes towards the sky, Chat looked away. Clearing his throat, Chat dismissed the notion out of hand. "Yeah. I don't really think that would work…"

"Really?" The thread of steel in Ma-Multimouse's voice made him wonder if maybe he'd been wrong in automatically considering Kagami for the Dragon Kwami's blade. "You don't think he could handle it?"

Her eyes narrowed, her stance had shifted to something decidedly more offensive. But it was the sheer irritation in her eyes that truly caught his notice.

Chat was oddly amused at her sudden defense of his civilian self, but adamant it just couldn't work. "Adrien really doesn't have talent. He's just good at practicing and mimicking. And really good at being forced into practicing for hours on end."

Her arms crossed over her chest, unimpressed. "And what is all this, if not practice?"

Chat leaned into his baton, trying to pick his battles carefully here.

But Marinette simply powered through. "Rena also uses a musical weapon. Does she have practice? Or experience? Or is that all just part of the powers?"

All of his hopes of dissuading her from her righteous cause were blowing up in his face.

And Marinette - Multimouse? She was seriously offended on his behalf. Just as she had been on Luka's behalf with Bob Roth.

She inhaled sharply, standing up straight to her full height and stalking forward. "You know… Adrien has really good instincts. Do you know he pushed me out of the way of harm when everything went crazy on Heroes' Day? And there was a time when an akuma was targeting us when we were eating in the park - he dove with me, out of harm's way. "

Chat backpedaled, carefully not meeting her eyes. He was pretty sure his face was reddening with her ceaseless vote of self-confidence. "It's just… I was thinking maybe of someone else. Like that guitarist you are dating."

Multimouse blinked, stopping in her tracks. "What? You mean Luka?"

Chat nods, anxious to turn her focus.

"Were not…" She sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose atop the mask. "We're not actually dating… exactly. I mean he confessed that he has feelings for me, and he's really a sweet guy… bu-"

He gaped. He couldn't really help it. "Didn't he get… Akumatized for you?"

"Yes, he was defending me, too…" Marinette was getting seriously irked. "But what does that really matter, Chat Noir? Aren't we supposed to be working together in a professional capacity? Isn't that what Ladybug always wants?"

Ink black ears immediately folded down, and he couldn't have been more chastised by even his father at this moment.

"It isn't like I know anything about you," Her hands balled into fists and planted firmly at the edge of her hips. "It isn't like I'm supposed to. But you're suddenly allowed to pry into my life?"

Marinette spun on her heels, stalking off. She was so caught up in the frustration and emotion of the moment that she missed her angry throw - her tail anchor not latching cleanly to the next roof over as she went to swing off the ledge.

Her eyes widened in belated recognition... half a beat too late to help herself.

Chat Noir moved without a moment's hesitation, diving fast after her. Even if the suits might keep them both safe, the flinch-inducing thought of harm coming to petite, too-cute-for-his-own-good friend put every instinct on red alert.

Snagging her out of mid-air had been simple since he'd moved like Hawkmoth himself had been dogging his heels.

Scooping her up into his arms, and dashing her out of the sight of the crowds strolling home - that had been pure instinct.

But the panicked whispers of "I'm sorry" and soft reassurance in her ear? The anxious hug... his claws ever so carefully swiping a soft strumming pattern on her back? Well, that had been more for him. He was so used to being able to control his situations (to an extent) and his feelings... but both were now on far shakier ground. Her arms certainly wouldn't have wound around him otherwise.

It rankled something fierce that he had very nearly lost his friend… or at least could have lost her. There was really no telling how well the zodiac Kwami might protect her, and he'd really rather ask Mullo directly than to have possibly found out the hard way...

In his rush to clear the air about the misunderstanding, and his rush to reassure her that everything was fine (so long as she still wanted her powers)… he'd ticked her off and almost lost her. Instead of doing what he'd set out to do, they had been having too much fun horsing around at the Grand Palais. He had royally screwed this one up.

"I can't promise anything in regards to the conversation we just had…" Chat Noir shuddered as he pulled her a little tighter to his chest, as the adrenaline rush of panic slowly ebbed from his system. "But I'll think about it. Okay, Marinette?"

She nodded, slowly slipping her arms free from his shoulders and drawing away from him - suddenly, silently - as he helped settle her back to her feet. Her breathing was still stilted, a sure sign that she had been just as terrified in that moment.

His claw drifted back down to her shoulder, patting it reassuringly.

"Let's get you home, okay?"

Out of an abundance of caution, Chat followed carefully behind her as she made her own way... slowly and carefully choosing her path back to the skies. He'd worried a bit that she'd be reticent to try again after that kind of fall, but she proved that she was the type to get back up. He'd been learning just how tough Marinette was, just as quick as he was learning that she'd never cease to amaze him.

And not for the first time tonight, he found himself a little jealous about Luka...