Ladybug and Chat Noir
She flinches at the sight of his silhouette. Though happy to see him, she was still unsure of how to approach as Ladybug. Her hands felt clammy, as her heart beat a different pace, gazing at his familiar figure leaning on a chimney, seemingly waiting for-
"There you are!" He brightens at the sight of her. But it was a different type of brightness. Not the same that shone adoration or longing. This light was dimmer; merely ignited by relief. "Strange, right? It's been a while since an akuma had popped out."
"Yeah.." She looks away, counting all the akumas he had missed during her tireless days of avoiding him.
Around six or seven.
But nonetheless, she terribly missed fighting alongside him. Battling akumas alone was like living without her other half.
Chat Noir figured he new exactly what this girl was thinking.
Of course, her confession was just above shallow water. He felt her uneasiness ripple towards him, subtle but still noticeable. Heck, he was pretty nervous himself.
Was tonight the most appropriate time to tell her the truth? Or would he just drop it and pretend he'd never heard it?
"Let's not stick around like this. We still have an akuma to catch." Her eyes fix on the colossal wreck below them, looking up to meet Chat Noir's gaze. "Come on, partner."
And like always, the akuma is defeated and the victim is sent home. It started with the saxophone player who not only upstaged the girl but also made fun of her cheap style.
He said sorry anyway.
"I got to watch you perform just a while ago." Ladybug beams at the girl. "I really enjoyed your singing."
"Y-You did?"
"You are more than what others give you credit for. Don't mind negativity and just keep striving for self improvement." Ladybug extends a hand to her, pulling her up and flinging her back to her balcony. "Good night!"
"You really got to see her perform?" Chat Noir asks her on their way out.
"Well, yeah. I was walking home with a friend when she played Moon River."
"Really?" Chat says, impressed by the mere coincidence. "'Cause so was I! There may have been a 50/50 chance that I'd have made eye contact with you at that moment without even knowing it."
"Funny notion." She remarks sarcastically. "I'm a pretty hard person to spot."
"Are you as mysterious as your alter ego?" He teases. He did miss this. Tossing jokes around as if nothing had ever happened between them.
"Maybe," She shrugs. "Or I could have been the person you were walking home with. Who knows?"
Chat goes silent. Ladybug may have been joking, but that idea got him thinking for a bit.
"I.. hope not." He scratches his head, managing a tiny smile. "I'd likely lose my marbles if you turn out to be."
Marinette and Ladybug were like two different worlds.. right? Marinette was sweet, timid, gentle, sometimes clumsy; Ladybug was tough. Confident. Fiesty. Always so sure of herself.
The only thing they had in common was the love that radiated through them. They both love to care for others. Helping them and pleasing them all the time.
Maybe that was why Adrien just so happened to fall for them both. He might have just found his type of girl, then.
"Why? Do you not like that person?" Ladybug asks. She could notice his eyes drop half- lidded as he let out a little sigh.
"No. Not at all. In fact, that girl really means a lot to me."
"She means a lot?" Ladybug repeated.
"She means the world." He corrected himself, smiling even.
Ladybug couldn't help but think about who he was talking about. Did he not just confess his undying love to her that night?
He could be thinking about his sister. Or mother.
"That's sweet." She forces, a bit disappointed to hear That Chat had another important girl in his life. It was a selfish feeling, but a feeling she could not ignore.
"Oh-! What I meant was.." He looks away, embarrassed at his sudden mention of her.
Marinette. Thinking of her makes him miss her more and more. He considers a visit afterwards. Or soon, since now was pretty late.
"She's a dear person. It would be weird to find out about such a secret, I've known her for quite some time."
Sister. Ladybug thinks. She kind of appreciates him forgetting about that silly little 'I love you' as if it were a mere passing thought.
He must have gotten tired of chasing me around. She didn't want to think of such a depressing thought, but she'd be more convinced by that than him being hypnotized or getting hit in the head.
"Well, you've definitely seen me out of costume." Ladybug admits. It was safe to mention this, judging by the number of people they've saved so far. But she also felt some sort of need to feel closer to him. She was right under his nose.
"Ditto." He nods. "But I wouldn't wanna give out any more details. You might be surprised at how often I actually pop out."
"Say.. Chat?"
He looks at her expectantly.
"When are we going to find out?" She asks him, eyes hopeful.
He tries not to laugh. Originally, he would have wanted to know, too. Oftentimes, he would even try finding out on his own. He knew how much their identities meant to the girl.
"Some things are usually best left in the dark, don't you think?" He chuckled, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Ladybug was no longer surprised. She recalled the night they detransformed together on the roof. He never looked her way the entire time, even telling her about how insignificant finding out would be for him.
Whoever you are behind the mask shouldn't matter; you'll always be the same person I respect and admire. She recalls.
But would she still be? Even after everything that's happened? She wondered about how he'd feel the moment he finds out. Would he be disappointed? Angry?
Would he still love her?
"What happened to the curious little kitty that would often try poking out details of my civilian form?" She smirks. "You were always the more eager one."
Chat Noir only chuckles at the teasing, as if not knowing what to say.
"It's getting really late." He mentions, moving the topic aside. "We should get some sleep. See you when I see you?"
"Yeah.." She looks away, pulling out her yoyo and throwing it far out. "See you, Chat."
He couldn't read her face. Hopefully, she did not feel any disappointment from his words.
But perhaps it was for the best that they remain unknowing of the truth.
Marinette
"You okay?" Tikki looks at her, passing a cookie to her owner.
Marinette smiles, politely declining the treat. "Tikki, you're eating sweets past bedtime." She giggles. "And yes, I'm fine. I just.. I don't know, I'm conflicted."
There are certain things she'd have to give up in order to maintain this sort of equilibrium she had created for herself. Falling in love with her partner would cost a great deal of things. It could mean having to hold back her feelings whenever she was around as Ladybug.
It would mean holding back happiness. Holding back pain.
And most importantly, holding back honesty.
Would she risk all that for him?
"What are you conflicted about?" Tikki asks, concern in her eyes.
Marinette shakes her head, realizing the slip of words. Worrying too much about it would result in overthinking the situation.
What harm was there in trying to make this work?
She smiles at her kwami once more before laying down to close her eyes. "Nevermind, Tikki. It's nothing."
"But.. do you think you're doing the right thing?"
"What do you mean?" She sits up, slightly taken by surprise. Tikki has never questioned her like this before.
"Adrien hurt you, so you in turn hurt Chat Noir. Your way of fixing this is... out of costume, as yourself—?"
"Me and Ladybug are two different people." She doesn't look Tikki in the eye. "I was wrong for hurting him. He truly deserves love, so I happily give it to him. Doing it as Ladybug would.. ruin a lot of things. It might affect the way we do our missions or how we work as a team. I'm afraid of losing something so important to me."
"But... what's gonna happen once he finds out about you?"
Marinette stayed silent for a short moment, considering the thought. He might even accuse her of playing with his feelings, something she would never intend on.
She may not be thinking too far ahead, but for how long would they be keeping this up for? Marinette brushes off the idea of marriage. Nah, too soon.
"Some things are best left in the dark. Let's just keep living in the now."
Tikki lets out a little sigh. "I trust you, Marinette." She says. "Just be careful."
"You didn't finish your story yesterday!" Alya whines, shaking Marinette's shoulder like a kid throwing a tantrum. "Come on, Marinette! I'm your bestiee!"
She had a point, Marinette thought. Wouldn't she have the right to know about how Chat visited her?
It was one night. Who knows when he'll return... was he even going to be consistent?
"You're really bent on finding out, aren't you?" Marinette smirks at Alya, who shines her puppy dog eyes at her.
She nods eagerly.
"Okay then." Marinette looks around, spotting Rose wearing her headphones. Then, she clears her throat, readying some type of sketchy, husky tone. "I was walking home after a tiring day of class duty. The sky was so colorful and all the streetlights looked as if they were dancing around. I passed by the flower shop to check on the fresh roses. That was when I came across him...
"He had a pretty muscular build, that guy. Wore a striped top and a red beret; thin mustache—"
"Is he cute—?"
"Ssshh.." Marinette cuts her off, looking around. She sees Chloé this time. "He was over seventy." Alya pouts.
"He took a good look at me and in an instant, decided to call me over! I was taken by surprise! What could a tough looking man like that want with little scrawny ol' me?"
"Did this even happen—?"
"So I walk up to him bravely as he stares at me with those bloodshot eyes of his!" Marinette pauses dramatically, building some tension for the story.
"And then what—?"
"And then!" Marinette gasps, startling Alya and nearly sending her backwards. "He hands me a rose and I go home."
Her best friend couldn't help but burst out laughing. "You and your wild imagination." She giggles. "But seriously, what happened that night?"
Marinette shrugs. "Fell asleep and forgot to study. Simple as that."
"No fair!" Alya hits her playfully as they make their way into class.
Thinking of it now, she realizes she would never be able to tell Alya about Chat Noir. Or anyone for that matter. It would just make things worse for the two of them. They'd have to stay secret until the day she'd finally...
Reveal to him her true identity.
A part of her wishes that day would come sooner. But the other half fears it tremendously. What would become of the two if that day were to approach?
Adrien
He was bored out of his mind in class. Secretly, he longs for the clock to hit 3:00 pm since he still had a number of things that needed to be accomplished by the end of today. Piano practice, followed by a party hosted by the Agreste Foundation. He'd rather play video games with Nino than stand around shaking hands for six hours non-stop.
On second thought, he'd much prefer to stick around in class than attend to his tiresome duties. Being the son of a famous man was exhausting. High expectations here and there, and to top it all off, he was a superhero.
He didn't mean to, but he sighs out loud.
"Sorry if I'm boring you, Mr. Agreste." Ms. Bustier puts a hand on her hip. "What is the name of the Chinese text by Laozi that has become a strong influence in Taoist philosophy?"
"Tao Te Ching, the word 'Dao' meaning 'the way.'"
Ms. Bustier leaves him alone, and the class goes on.
It became a repeated cycle for him to be caught gazing off into space like this by teachers who liked calling him out. He has been rather unfocused lately, mostly caring for other things, like how to use up his time or how to enjoy it.
He's so busy that the only time he really had for thinking was during class, something he apologizes for this; But he wants time for himself too. Not time for other people to push him around and tell him what to do.
What was freedom these days? Chat Noir could barely fulfill this need anymore.
Finally, the bell rings. 3 o'clock had struck and everyone was up from their seats, readying their bags for home.
Adrien couldn't help but feel down. Friday meant a time to enjoy the liberties of being young, but being who he is was an exception to this rule.
He'd be going home late, so he can't even pay Marinette a visit. He'd be too tired to do anything at all. It was a frustrating feeling indeed.
"You're pretty out of focus these days, Adrien.. you holding up okay?" He hadn't even noticed Marinette walking up to him. Everyone else had exited within the first two minutes and they were left alone again.
"Oh.." He blinks. "I'm fine, I guess. Nothing you should be worried about."
Gazing at her was still rather difficult. He had to face the golden-washed window, though the view not being as pretty as the person before him.
"I'm about to lock up soon.. Shall we head out?" She offers.
He nods to this, following her out the door and down the steps.
"Marinette.. don't you ever get tired?" Adrien asks. Surely, someone like her would feel tired a lot. She was the class representative. At home, she was a seamstress and also the baker's daughter. She might as well be just as tired as he is. She may not have any superhero duties, but he can sense her exhaustion at times.
"Why do you ask," She wonders. "When I should be asking you that question. You're all over the place!"
"I suppose.." He rocks his head sideways. "But what's your secret? What motivates you to never stop?"
Marinette stops to think about this. Her eyebrows knit together in concentration as she rubs her chin.
Ah, so cute.
"I don't know.." She lets out. "It comes naturally that I have to commit to my duties. Pleasing people is second nature; It's a way of life, I guess.."
"Have you ever let anyone please you before?" Adrien asks out of curiosity. "You're always making others happy, but has anyone ever made you happy?"
It felt wrong to ask that question. The face Marinette made wasn't a happy or confident one. It was closer to a frown.
Somehow, Adrien connected to this. He has bodyguards and people who take care of him, but they were likely doing those things as a mere obligation.
Not because they'd be happy to.
Maybe Marinette was thinking the same.
Marinette
What was he saying? She wondered. Marinette's life is full of people who love and support her. Her parents are always there for her, and even her friends. In turn, she's a hero to them all.
She enjoys making people happy because it makes her feel happy.
"I enjoy putting others' needs before my own." She gives him an answer. "Sometimes, it would cause me to sacrifice my own happiness, but at the end of the day, I feel better doing so. We receive happiness so we can give it away. The cycle restarts."
Adrien
Of course, she didn't have to meet people's expectations like he did. His entire being is made up of trying to make others happy, especially his father.
"Okay then.." He thinks of something from off the top of his head. "Tell me something that makes you happy. It can be a thing, or an event... a person?"
"Ah.. well..." She trails off.
Marinette
They lean on the brick wall just outside of the school. From there, they watch the passersby on bikes or walking to different places. But in their little space, it was as if time had stood still.
Adrien was no Alya. A part of her really wishes to let it out. To tell someone.
"Many things make me happy.." she replies. "This city.. the people.. it would be pretty hard to choose just one."
"But.. if I really had to, there is one person..." She adds. "It's Jagged Stone."
Adrien
"O-Oh.." He feels his eye twitch. "Jagged Stone.."
"He-He's my idol. He writes the best music, and he's such a genius! Don't you think? All of his songs make me happy." Marinette beams. She probably had Heaven Sent playing in her head at this very moment.
He was kind of expecting someone else.. hopefully, Chat Noir made her as happy as Jagged Stone did.
"He's great, huh?"
She nods gleefully.
He'd understand if she wasn't ready to mention anything about Chat Noir to him. Perhaps one day, he'd try bringing it up again.
"I'm heading home to practice some piano once I reach home. Later, I'll be attending one of my father's parties." Just so she knew.
"You're the type to always make people happy, Adrien." Marinette points out. "It's time someone tried doing the same."
"Maybe one day.." He manages a smile heading down to his car. "For now, I'll keep rolling with the punches."
He makes his way towards his car, opening the door. Until Marinette stops him.
"A-Are you free this Sunday?" She asks.
"Why?" He feels himself go red.
Marinette shrugs, smiling sweetly at him before turning away.
"Let's have some fun on that day. It would mean a lot if you'd say yes."
I haven't been putting a whole lot of action in the chapters, sorry! I kinda suck at writing the action scenes hehe.. Thank you guys for supporting my work, keep the comments coming! Love you and see you all soon!