Ladybug had been struggling on their patrol. She wouldn't say as much, but something was bothering her. Chat was at a loss for what to do. It was upsetting to see the usually confident young woman so… dejected. He knew he couldn't ask what happened. They couldn't know anything about each other. She had driven the point home time and time again. They had secret identities for a reason - to protect themselves and to protect the ones they cared about. But, he knew he had to do something to at least make her smile once that night.

"Do you mind if I walk you home, My Lady? My mother always said to follow my dreams."

"Chat Noir, you know -"

"I know," he agreed.

She looked at him and then she smiled, realizing he was just trying to cheer her up, in his own weird little way. She fought her smile. She was always so serious. He knew that she took her duties as Ladybug far more serious than he took his job as Chat Noir. To him, the mask was an escape from home. He could be who he wanted to be, all while keeping the city safe. Ultimately, he knew he had no chance without Ladybug. She was the one who fixed all the damage he made after the fight was over. She was the one who purified the akumas. Without her, the city would have lost to Hawkmoth a long time ago.

So even if she didn't approve of the pick up lines and the flirting, he knew by now it was a game between them. Banter. Despite wishing that she would take him seriously, he knew as long as there was a danger, he couldn't make a move. They could not be together. It was selfish of him to wish. But he would not regret the way her face lit up and she finally laughed, shaking her head. Clearly amused by his little line this time.

She didn't have to tell him what was bothering her. It was likely something in her day to day life, something he couldn't fix even though he desperately wanted to. He wanted to help her the way she helped the city. He had seen her time and time again stick around after the battle to talk to the poor akuma victim. She had gone to charity events. She attended public meetings. She waved at every kid they passed by when just on patrol.

"Thanks Chat," she said softly. "That was sweet of you."

She reached up before throwing her yoyo and swinging off. He was left alone on the tower, watching as she went. She knew he could get down on his own. He was, after all, a cat. He could land on his feet. Still, he watched her go as he often did. It didn't make it any easier this time, knowing that he had helped her cheer up, even just a little. She was still hurting. Something had upset her and if she became an akuma… well, Paris was doomed.

"Anything for you," he said.