I got this idea from ausralet789's Tumblr. They have amazing art and I would recommend you check it out! I've been getting really busy at my actual job sadly so posting every day can get kind of stressful since I like to sleep in lol but I'm hoping to stay strong since it's been so long since I've actually set my mind to not give up on writing something. I have a long request and a personal commission I'm working on on the side as well so life is kinda hectic but I'm doing my best. I hope you all enjoy it!

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Marinette was making a late-night delivery, to a nearby home. They had a surprise birthday and she was walking the cake over to them. It was only a few blocks away. She knocked on the door. The mother opened the door, smiling widely. She whispered a soft thank you, slipping her the money.

A young kid, around 11, could be heard from the other room. "Mom who is at the door?" She was startled, rushing to hide the cake, shutting the door on poor Marinette. It was a surprise after all so she understood.

She made the trek home, putting the money in her purse. Chat hadn't meant to watch her but he had nothing better to do. Adrien was grounded but Chat wasn't. Movement from the side road next to her caught his attention. A hand reached out and snatched her purse, pulling her along with it into the dark alley. Chat quickly jumped down from where he was perched and followed them into the dark.

The man ran out of the alley, bumping into Chat. Chat easily used his baton to snatch the purse out of his hands.

"Looks like this city has a rat problem," Chat teased the assailant.

The mugger said nothing but pulled out a knife from his pocket. I guess it's not just akumas we have to deal with. The man was much bigger than the teenager, swinging widely with the knife.

Marinette, stood behind him, surprisingly not as scared as he thought. There was no exit behind her. Chat wasn't about to use cataclysm on a normal human so he'd just have to be smarter.

The man charged at him, knife at the ready, Chat dodged, hitting the man with his baton in the side. The man barely budged. He only grew angrier as he swung on the boy again. The knife barely grazed his neck, leaving a small trail of blood.

What he hadn't expected was the right hook that came next, knocking him into the wall headfirst. He struggled to see through the blood that dripped into his eyes. Shit.

Chat knew he wouldn't win this fight now. He brushed the blood from his face and grabbed Marinette by the waist. The assailant got one last hit in, slicing his side and suit open before he could extend onto the rooftops.

Marinette gripped onto his neck tightly as they left the man behind. She had gotten a good look at his face and would file a report later. Chat was her top priority. He landed on her roof and she helped him inside.

"I'm pretty useless without Ladybug, huh," his words stung her heart but the self-deprecating look on his face said he believed every word.

He staggered. Marinette caught him midfall, her knees giving out with his weight. They sat on the floor, him in her arms.

"Did I do good?" Chat asked, wrapping an arm around Marinette.

"Yes, you did, Chaton," Marinette sniffled. She couldn't believe he got his hurt for her.

"I'm glad," he sighed, resting his head on her shoulder.

"I n-need to patch you up," she took a reassuring deep breath, trying to keep herself composed.

"I can't stay. My father…" he tried to stand but Marinette held him down.

"Please, you're injured. Just for tonight, stay."

"...ok." Whatever the consequences Chat would pay them. He just knew he probably wouldn't make it home anyway. Marinette's arms felt so safe and comforting at that moment.

Marinette helped him onto the lounge, laying him down. She rushed to her bathroom for a wet towel and antiseptic. She gently wiped the blood from his face and side. She wished she could Miraculous Ladybug his pain away. He flinched when she put on the antiseptic but didn't stop her. She wrapped his side with a bandage and put a large bandaid on his forehead, the bleeding had mostly stopped now.

He was already looking better, she snuck downstairs to grab some cookies, pain meds, and water. Chat drank the water, saving the cookies for later. He only hoped it the wounds wouldn't scar. His father would kill him. He laid down, trying to ignore the pain in his body until the medicine kicked in. Somehow he had fallen asleep. Marinette gently lifted his head and gave him a pillow, covering him with a blanket. She sat down next to the sleeping boy, laying a hand on his arm. She watched the slow rise and fall of his chest. She laid her head on the lounge falling asleep there, unshed tears still in her eyes.

Chat woke up early that morning, the pain in his head slowly coming back as the medicine wore off. He felt a hand grip his. Marinette was fast asleep by his side, still in her clothes, clutching onto him. He smiled, carefully sitting up.

His ring beeped. He hadn't used cataclysm but staying in this form for so long was demanding on Plagg. He tried to carefully remove Marinette's hand but she stirred, softly opening her eyes.

"Where are you going?" she asked sleepily.

"I… have to go, Marinette," Chat pulled his hand from hers gently and started for the trap door.

"Stay," Marinette hugged him from behind. She found herself saying that a lot recently when it came to Chat Noir.

His ring beeped its last warning. "B-but," the transformation started to recede, starting at his legs.

"Please… I-I want to know," Marinette held him closer, squeezing her eyes shut against his back. Chat relented, melting into her embrace as Plagg landed on the desk.

She peeked her eye open to see Adrien staring at her. She gaped, releasing him in shock. He frowned, head dropping. He knew this wasn't a good idea.

"I hope you're not too disappointed," he dryly chuckled, not looking into her eyes.

"D-disappointed!?" Marinette grabbed his face with both hands, squishing his cheeks. Adrien stared at her, not sure what she was about to do but she looked angry.

"Adrien Agreste, I couldn't be any happier, maybe a little shocked, but don't ever think I would be disappointed to find out my crush is the boy I've been spending every night with," she huffed, incredibly serious.

"Y-your crush?" Marinette's face turned beet red at her own words and she released him.

"Are you in love with me Marinette Dupain-Cheng?" Adrien couldn't hide his giddy smile, leaning in close to her face.

"W-what, no way," she scoffed, putting up a front.

Adrien gave a knowing smile but backed off, crossing his arms over his chest.

"We'll see about that."