Ch. 20
Mister Bug jumped on one of the roof and tried to listen.
"I don't have anything, I told you already. Leave me alone!" he heard someone saying. He was close.
Mister Bug went the way the noises were coming from.
"Let me go! Please!" the female voice was begging. It was obviois she was scared.
"Even though you don't have cash, I know perfectly, how you could meke me happy. Come on, it won't hurt at all" the male middle aged said.
Mister Bug saw a tall overweight man who was holding much smaller girl. He held her above the ground trying to kiss her neck while she desperately tried to pull him away. She tried to punch him, scream and beg to stop. But he pulled her closer. The boy saw his pants down and his penis touching her body. He kissed her on her lips. She tried to pull his face away from hers but when it didn't work she bit him with all her strenth. The man peeped and hit her into the wall. She screamed as her head bumped painfully.
"I wasn't planing to hurt you, beautiful, but if you're going to act like that, I won't have a choice" the man said smelling her hair.
"Stop it" Mister Bug aaid. He couldn't stand like that anymore. He couldn't let that man hurt anyone.
The man looked at the hero. The victim too. Though her face was full of tears and her hair was dropping on the face, the boy recognized her. It was Olivia. His Olivia.
For a second the boy was shocked, but then he got himself together. The anger came through his vanes but he tried to control himself. That man was going to pay for touching her. For talking to her. For hurting her. For trying to abuse her.
"Let her go" he comanded. The boy glared at the middle aged man, his fists were redy to punch.
"Don't worry, you can have her when I'm done" the man said kissed her neck again.
"NO!" Olivia screamed.
Mister Bug couldn't see her like that. He had to save her, that's why he came.
The boy grabed the man by his collar and threw him into another wall. He let Olivia down from his hands and she fell on her knees. The boy was glad he decided to transform, othervise he wouldn't be able to help. He wouldn't be able pull him away from Olivia and have enough strenth to protect her. The suit gave some courage too. His minds were clear even when his love was close. He didn't hasitate.
The man stood up from confuse and tried to punch the boy but he was faster and cought the man's fist. Meanwhile with another one he punched the middle-aged man. The man steped back and took a teeth out of his mounth. The blood started running out of there darkening his lips.
Olivia gasped hiding her palms on her mounth. She haven't seen Mister Bug so angry. Even during the fights with sentimonsters, even when she was teesing and making jokes from him. He was never angry. But this time she felt like seeing someone else.
Mister Bug punched the man again breaking the nose. The man soon lost his consciousness and fell on the ground. Two punches. That's how many Mister Bug had to use to defeat such person.
The girl sat on her knees surprised and scared. She started to fear her partner. She had no idea what made him so angry, he had saved so many people, but he was never like that. He never hurted a civilian. She thought he could never do that. But maybe she was wrong. He could do that snd he just proved this. He hurt a person to save her. Mister Bug saved her.
"It's OK now. He won't hurt you again. Come" the boy came closer to her and gently helped to stand up.
The girl was shaking. Not because she was cold, but because she was scared. She trusted her savior wouldn't hurt her but was afraid he could hurt others. Badly. She was afreid of his strenth. She had no idea how strong they looked for civilians. A little part of her was afreid of Cat Noire too, because she might can do the same as her partner just did. Another part of her sterted wishing she had some cheese left. Then she wouldn't have to wait until somebody heard her screams and suggested to save her. She could have defended herself.
But Plagg didn't have any strenth after the battle. He was still lying in her bag and waiting for food. Ah, I wish I had something eatable, she thought.
The boy took Olivia's bag and followed her into the streets. She was walking slowly, she looked at the ground and didn't speak. It was obvious she didn't feel well.
"Are you scared of me?" Mister Bug asked carefully.
Olivia looked at the boy. She saw that this hurted him. He didn't want her to be afraid of him. He wanted her to feel sefe.
She stopped walking and looked deeply at Mister Bug's eyes. She saw how worried he was. She didn't want him to feel that. She slowly shook her head and fell into the hero's arms. For a second he was confused but then he let himself hug her back. He felt her seft hair on his cheek. He could easily smell her sweet strawberry shampoo. He loved that smell. He enjoyed her being so close to him.
It reminded him the time when she hugged him for the first time. She was mad at him at first. But she forgived and with that forgiveness she hugged him. It was a short and friendly one, but he'll never forget it. And now she was in his arms again. This time, she was broken. Her teers fell on his shoulder showing it. She needed someone by her side at that moment and he was that someone.
"It's over now. Calm down. You have nothing to fear now. I'll protect you" he whispered. And I always will, he finished in his thoughts but didn't say to her.
"I know. I trust you" she said in his shoulder. "I'm so happy you saved me. I was so scared. I don't know how everything would have ended if you wouldn't have showed up. I'm so glad you were here."
Mister Bug felt his eyes wet. He held Olivia tighter. He couldn't handile how he could let this happen. It hurted him. It was crushing his heart remembering the way that man held her, the way he tried to kiss her. Thinking of what he wanted to do to her.
"I'm happy I found you too" he whispered back to her.
Olivia slowly pulled back. It was strange for her do hug him. She felt better while holding him, though she knew she wasn't supposed to know him. They have met only twice, maybe three times. Olivia wanted Noah to be like that. It would be interesting to know, what he would have done. He'd probably not pay attention to her screams. Or if he did, he'd try to play hero and the one lying in the streets would he him, not that man.
Olivia understood she was falling for her partner and knew it was wrong. Firstly, because she still was dating Noah, though they talked to each other less and less. Secondly, she couldn't be with Mister Bug even if she wanted. How she was suposed to be in love with a maskdd boy? How they would be together if she can't know who he really was? And what if he rejected her. She was sure he would because of his identity. Because he probably had someone else. Such guys always has a perfect girlfriend. Olivia probably didn't have a chance even if she wanted to.
Olivia dryed her face with her jumper sleaves. Then she corrected her messy curls and a bit dirty clothes.
"I-... I should probably go" she whispered looking downwards. She felt her cheeks burning, but was glad it was daek and he couldn't see it.
"I'll go with you. I don't want anyting to happen to you" Mister Bug said. He wanted to be sure she will be alright. He would go to the end of the world if that meant she'll be safe. She meant much more to him than he relized.
Olivia looked at the Mister Bug for a moment. He was so caring, so protective, so sweet to her. The girl turned at the road and started walking. She knew the hero will follow her. She wanted him to go. And he did.
"Maybe I could give you a lift? It would be mutch faster" the hero boy asked.
"Thanks, but I can go by mysellf. I still have to go to the supermarket" Olivia said. She didn't want her partner to know she needed to buy some cheese.
"There's no way I'm leaving you alone especially after what happened."
Ugh, why he has to be so stuborn? Olivia thought. But she was afraid to be alone anyway. She was scared that someone can try to do the same. That's why her mother was used to say that by 8 o'clock she had to be at home. That's why her mother won't find out what happened. Unless she wanted to be forced to be back at 7.
The girl was walking to the nearest supermarket. She pretended she had to buy some snacks for that night. That was exactly what she said to Cornellia when she went to fight an amok. She had to make an excuse to leave, anyway. But she had no idea everything was going to end up like this.
"I heard... Unn... There was a fight not a long time ago..." Olivia tried to break the awkwardness.
"Yeah, but don't worry. The monster is gone now" Mister Bug put his hand on her shoulder and gave a warm smile.
"What the monster was like?" she asked to keep the conversation.
"It looked like a skeleton. But it had some weird powers. It made my partner old just when it touched her."
"Weren't you afraid? To be touched too?" Olivia asked. She honestly wanted to know the truth. She admited that every fight was really chalenging and sometimes she wanted to give up, but she was given the miraculous on purpose. She had a mission to acomplish and there was no way she gived up.
"A little" he said simply.
"Just a little? Those creatures... They look terifying. And their povers... I'd probably have nightmares after meeting them" Olivia said. She wasn't lying. Ever since the first amok, she didn't have many normal dreams. The worst nightmares were forcing her to survive her batles over and over again. Or the ones she lost her miraculous. She dreamed how Plunksna took it from her hands. How she defeated them both, but every morning she knrew it wasn't true. Not because she had the ring, but because she was weak in her dreams. She failed so easily them while there was no way she would let this happen.
"I do. But they're only the nightmares. They aren't the facts. The facts are that we both with my partner are always redy to save Vilnius. There's no creature strong enough to defeat us.
Olivia blushed. It was so sweet to hear such words. He believed that Cat Noire was strong enough. He believed in their partnership.
"That's very nice of you to talk about your partner like that."
"She means a lot to me. Sometimes she's a real pain in the ass, but she never failed me. I don't know how I'd be able to win against any of the monsters without her."
The girl blushed even more.
"Do you have feelings for her?" Olivia asked. Her curiousity took over her. She wanted to know if she had a chance, she wanted to know what he felt about her. And she had a perfect chance to ask without embarrassing herself.
Mister Bug was quiet at the moment. He stoped when he heard this. Olivia almost saw that he was angry to hear such question. Olivia looked deeply in the boy's eyes and saw something different. He wasn't angry. He was a little confused. The light pink color changed his skin.
"I'm afraid, but my hart is already taken" he finally aaid looking at Olivia's eyes. He gave her a weak but warm smile. "I know that most of the fans are shiping me with Cat Noire, especially after the previous heroes. But we both have lifes too. I hope you understand that."
"Of course" Olivia smiled back. The part of her hart was broken into small pieses. It was the part filled of Mister Bug. But she still had feelings for Noah, though it was slowly fading away.
But he was right. They both had their lives.
They finally reached the supermarket. Olivia went inside while Mister Bug was waiting for her outside.
The girl quickly took some sweets, cookies and other snacks. Of course, she didn't forget Plagg too. The girl payed by a credit card, because she didn't have any cash. Before leaving, she opened the camembert box and put it in her bag, so Plagg could eat during the trip.
When she went outside, there were a few fans surounding Mister Bug. They were asking some kind of questions, but Olivia didn't come closer. She had to hurry and get to Cornellia's place.
Meanwhile people just wanted to take a picture of him, some wanted an autograph too. As some left, others came and after that others and others. A few were asking questions, like:
"How old are you?" —"I'm afraid, but thais information is personal. It's enough for you to know I'll protect the city no matter what, no matter how old I am" Mister Bug answered.
"How did you get your povers?" —"Probably I was a chosen one."
"Do you have a girlfriend?"—"No, but my hart is already taken."
"Is that special one Cat Noire?" —"No."
"Is that her?" one person showed the phone screen. There was a picture of Mister Bug hugging Olivia. His head was on her back, his eyes closed. He was holding her tightly. Olivia was also holding him. Her head was put on his shoulder, her hair were falling everywhere. Therefore, her face wasn't in thethe view. Her identity was safe. At least he hoped. But if someone recognized her, she'd be in danger.
"No" Mister Bug gasped. How did I end up like this? How I could be so careless and let people take picture of us? What if someone has a picture, where her face is in the view? the boy freaked out. "I... Have to go" he quickly added and flew using his yo-yo away.
When he was on the roof of the supermarket, he saw Olivia hurrying somewhere. The boy quickly landed in front of her. She gasped from surprise and stepped back.
"Were you running from me?" he asked.
"Dammit, Bu- Mister Bug! I almlst got an heart attack!" Olivia yelled at him. But then she lovered her voice. "I'd never run from you. Just... It looked like you were kinda bussy with your fans. I didn't want to interupt."
The girl felt her cheeks heat again. She couldn't control herself. It was much easier when she was Cat Noire. Then she could have controled it and make jokes insted of blush. She missed that confidence. But on the other hand, it was real her. He saw the her civilian form and had no idea she was his partner. It's interesting, does he wonder who I am? Olivia thought.
"But it looked you were hurrying somewhere" the hero boy said.
"Yeh, I was. My bestie is still waiting for me. We have a girly weekend."
"OK, then let me carry you there. Where does she live?"
Olivia said the adress and that moment she started to regret doing it.
Mister Bug hugged her with his one hand pulling the girl really close. The girl could have felt his warmth, his muscles, his smell. It reminded of Louis mom's bakery. There the smell was exact the same. Olivia loved that place. Ms. Gooseberrier was the kindest person she knew. She was happy to know such person. Is that posible Mister Bug knew her too? Or he just liked baking? Olivia thought.
The blush of hers darkened. It was really awkward to be so close to him as Olivia, not superheroine. It was strange to see buildings flew under her feet while she was a civilian. It made her fear a little, but the thoughts of who was she holding made her feel better.
Finally they landed and Mister Bug put Olivia on the ground.
"Thank you. For everything" Olivia said smiling.
Mister Bug smiled back.
"Just promose to be more careful next time. Luck can disappear very soon" he said.
"The luck seems to always be in our side when you are around."
Mister Bug blushed. He scrached his head not knowing what to say. He opened his mounth to say something, but soon shut up. He had no idea what to respond without embarasing himself.
But Olivia didn't need him so say anythung. She gave him a warm smile and kissed his cheek. Both of their faces were darkened by the brighest shades of pink. Neither of them didn't expect this coming but both wanted more. But they couldn't. Both of them knew that they were suposed to baraly know each other.
Mister Bug touched the place where he was just kissed. He couldn't believe Olivia kissed him. He couldn't believe he just felt her lips on his cheek. He felt like flying through the clouds but the dreams had to fade. He knew she kissed Mister Bug, not Louis. She did it because she was grateful, not in love. She had a boyfriend she had to be loyal to. There was no way she could like him more than a friend.
Similasr thoughts had and Olivia. She still felt her lips burning after she did it. But that was everything she could have done. She couldn't kiss kim in his lips no matter how badly she wanted to. And it was not only because they were supposed to have met only a couple of times, but also because he said his heart was taken. There was no way Olivia would try to steal that boy from that lucky girl. Especially when she still had a boyfriend.
Olivia turned around and went into one of the houses staircase. She went a little higher the stairs, so Mister Bug would understand, she's already at her friend's place. But she didn't open the door. She just sat on the stairs near the flat door and put her palms on her mounth.
"I shill can't believe I really did this" she murmured through her fingers.
"Than why did you kiss him? You were used to say that you have a boyfriend. What changed your mind now?" Plagg asked chewing the last piece of cheese.
"Maybe I don't want Noah to be my boyfriend anymore" Olivia sighed after a long pause. She couldn't believe how tiny the place in her heart for him become. Soon there won't be anything for him and Olivia knew she had to do something. She had to either break up with him or try to clear things with him and try to find the reasons why she fell in love with him.
Olivia just now relised how much she cared of Mister Bug. She didn't even notice how she fell for her partner.
Olivia stood up and went closer the window. From there she looked at the dark sky and her eyes filled with tears. She wasn't sad, no. But the this realisation fell on her like a rock. This can't be happening, can it? I can't have feelings for a boy I don't really know. Why do I have to be so unlucky? Noah doesn't care about me like about the heroes, while Mister Bug loves someone else. Worse, I can't know him. The real him. Olivia breathed heavily. Why such things happen to me?
"Are you OK?" Plagg asked Olivia. He saw how strange his owner acted. "I'm sorry I waa too exhausted to save you."
"It's not that. It's my partner" Olivia whispered. "I think I have feelings for him. And they are getting stronger every day."
"Ugh, do you hear how ridiculous you sound?" the kwami rolled his eyes.
"I know. This is absolutely insame" Olivia said and shook her head. "We should go to Cornellia's."
Olivia turned around and opened the door.
"I'm back. I hope you didn't fell asleap waiting for me." the girl said.
Cornellia came out of one of the rooms and faced her friend. She looked a little angry.
"What?" Olivia asked when the pink-haired girl didn't say anything.
"I can't believe it! Mister Bug rejected me for some kind of slut!" Cornellia yelled.
Olivia was confused.
"What do you mean?"
Cornellia gave her phone. Olivia looked at the screen and gasped. She saw the picture of her and Mister Bug hugging each other. She was glad her face wasn't seenable, so it was hard to recognize her. Even Cornellia wasn't able to notice her wearing the same clothes as the girl in the photo, which meant nobody will recognize her either. At least she hoped so.
"This is so unfair" Cornellia yelled. "And where have you been so long?"
Olivia bit her lip. She had to figure what to tell Cornellia. She absolutely forgot her friend might notice how long she had been gone.
"Umm... I... Was lost. Kinda" Olivia scratched her head a little.
Suddenly the door bell rang saving Olivia. Cornellia jumped from surprise. The doors opened and a young man with short caramel brown hair and elecrick blue eyes showed up. He smiled and clicked the bell a few more times. Leon.
"What are you doing Leon? You act like three-year-old kid who had an oportunity to ring a bell for the first time in his life" Carnellia glared at the guy.
He just laught a little and fully came inside.
"I see we have a guest" he finally spoke when he took off his shoes. "Hi, Olivia" he wawed to the girl.
"Hey" she smiled.
~~~
Hey everyoeveryone! I hope you like itiled this chapter. This book is close to the end but I won't be able to publish more chapters for a few upcomming weeks. But I'll try my best to publish a chapter or two during the January.
I wish you hahappy new year!