Now that Marinette was back to her normal, happy mood, Alya had no inhibitions to asking Marinette about what had been causing her less than good mood the past few days.
As soon as Marinette answered Alya's calling for her, The smile and light blush on her face betrayed the fact that her mood had been restored.
"What had been making you so unhappy these past few days? What happened to make it better? Did it have anything to do with the Phantom? Did it have to do with Chloe? Is it about a guy? Where have you been? Why couldn't we find you? Why are you blushing?" Alya asked.
Marinette laughed. "All in good time, Alya. Why so curious?"
Alya huffed. "I've been dying to know what was up these past few days. It's a miracle I made it this far."
"Curiosity killed the cat, Alya. Can it do you any better?" Marinette questioned.
"Girl, curiosity is the essence of my being. I live off the stuff. Now answer my questions before it kills me."
Marinette smiled, but convinced Alya to wait. She had to figure out what she would tell Alya. She wasn't sure if she should tell her all or any of the truth. She knew Alya could keep a secret, but Marinette wasn't sure she wanted to tell her everything.
Marinette eventually resolved to discuss it with Chat before telling Alya anything.
For the rest of the day, Alya continued to shoot questions at Marinette in case she changed her mind. Marinette would smile, but still made her wait. Nino could tell something was up, but tried to stay out of it.
Eventually, Marinette told Alya that she would be able to answer some questions the next day, and bid her friends goodnight.
Entering her room, Marinette found Chat. He was curled up on the floor against her bed. Marinette was surprised. She had never seen him sleep before, but she guessed he may not have slept well the past few days either.
Marinette quietly walked over to him. She pulled a blanket off her bed and draped it over him.
His ears twitched and he inhaled deeply. Marinette sat against his stomach. She didn't want to be intrusive, but she was curious about something. She slowly reached out and gently scratched behind his ears. His body seemed to reach a new level of relaxation. He sighed, and then began making a strange sound.
As she continued, Marinette realized his whole body was vibrating with the sound. Her face grew hot and red as she realized what the sound was.
Chat was purring.
Marinette felt like she had crossed a line at that point and stopped scratching his head.
She could feel the change in his mood, and his ears flicked about.
After a moment, Chat slowly sat up. He looked at Marinette and cocked his head.
"Princess, why is your face red?" He asked.
Marinette blinked.
"Oh. No reason," she replied, "how are you feeling?"
Chat yawned before answering, "I am feeling very well. I hadn't intended to sleep yet, but I suppose I haven't slept well recently."
Marinette nodded. "Well, I have a situation I need to discuss with you."
Chat nodded for her to continue.
"My friend, Alya, has noticed a demeanor change in me the past few days and is asking me questions about it. I need to figure out what I can tell her."
Chat seemed almost to be expecting this. He nodded.
"M'Lady, I trust you, but I am glad you wish to discuss this with me first," he said.
Marinette smiled. "So, is there anything you would prefer me not tell her?" She asked.
As they conversed, Chat began wrapping some sort of belt around his hands. Marinette hadn't noticed that part of his outfit before. It had always been hidden under his cloak. When he released it, it fell to the floor beside him.
Marinette swore she saw it move on its own, but she knew it was just a trick of her eyes. After a few minutes, it had definitely moved. It seemed to be flicking back and forth like a tail.
At long last, Marinette couldn't stand it any longer.
"Chat. What is that?" She asked, pointing to the belt.
Chat blushed and again grabbed it and began wrapping his hand in it again.
"Well, you probably know about the ears and my eyes. My mother was talented with animal magic. The tail was a side effect of her attempt to repair the damage," he said.
So, it was a tail. Marinette reached out and gently took it out of his hands. It felt just like a leather belt, but it moved with life. It flicked about in her hand.
She let go and they continued their conversation. Marinette knew she would have to keep her answers fairly vague, but she also knew Alya would be hard to satisfy.
They talked until they were too tired.
They shifted into a position where Marinette had her back to Chat's stomach and he set his chin on her shoulder. They sat comfortably until Chat began softly singing.
He sang a quiet lullaby and Marinette struggled to keep her eyes open. Eventually, she fell asleep.