Chapter 16 -

Marinette woke up irritated. She was also horribly stiff from being forced to sleep on the hard ground all night. Actual sleep had been practically nonexistent. Not much sleep to be had when you're tied up like an animal and left out in the open.

The noises of the night had been frightening and kept her sleeping with one eye open. Although, even that did little good. She couldn't tell the difference between the darkness of her own eyelids, to the inky blackness of the night. She half expected to be found by hungry wolves or a wild cat. Scratch that last idea, it had already happened.

She rolled onto her back, gazing up at the treetops and the morning sky beyond. Glad to see the daylight after the long night, but also filled with new anxieties. What would this day bring? More travels? Or perhaps she'd get handed off to a different beast-man once Chat Noir was finished with her?

As if the thought had summoned him, he broke through the tree line and walked towards her. Not walked so much as sauntering towards her. Acting Like he'd slept well and was rubbing it in her face. She rolled onto her side, giving him the full weight of her angry gaze.

He didn't seem affected by her glare. But, then again, the mask did not reveal too much of his facial expressions.

Reaching her, he knelt down and started untying her feet. Once he finished, she bent her knees and kicked him weakly in the chest. The blow knocked him off balance for a moment, but that was about it.

"I guess I deserve that." He remarked casually, reaching for the rope at her wrists. She twisted away from his reach, kicking at the ground to push herself away from him.

He huffed. "Don't be like that." He requested.

Narrowing her eyes, she let the anger pour from her lips. "Excuse me? You don't get to tell me how to behave. Not when you're the one who's fault this is."

He sat back, giving her a bit of space. "I know. But you're not exactly making this easy for me."

Marinette wished her hands were free, so she could slap him. Or strangle him.

"Easy for you?" she roared. Imaginary steam coming out of her ears. She was so beyond furious, that it took her several long seconds to physically regroup and coherently put together another full sentence.

"I really fucking hope that none of this is ever easy for you. Because I am never going to stop trying to get away from you."

Her pounding heart made her chest rise and fall with each deep fuming breath. She met his gaze, making sure that she had his full attention.

"Not ever. Do you hear me? Ever."

The pair spent another moment just staring at each other. Marinette did not back down, she was too angry to even blink. She held his emerald gaze until he finally gave up and looked away from her.

He sighed heavily, as if the conversation was tiring or upsetting for him. He sat down on the ground, knees pulled towards his chin. He hung his head, shaking it slowly from side-to-side. His ears drooping in a sulking manner.

"I'm..." He told her. "I am so sorry."

The apology bounced off of her. "I don't want your apolo—"

He quickly cut her off. "Listen to me. For this one moment, just listen."

She bit her tongue and shut up, so he kept talking. He kept his voice low and calm. Adding emotion to this would only make the beast say something that the human part of him would regret. Like everything that was said after her escape attempt last night.

He had to keep his thoughts clear and concise. Too much, and he'd only make her detest him more.

Slowly and carefully, he opened up to her. Pouring as much sincerity in his voice as possible.

"I don't want to be your enemy, and I don't want our time together to be miserable. I'm not here to harm you or keep you as my prisoner. I just want…"

She sniffed, trying not to get worked up. But her anger had boiled away to despair. "So let me go." Her voice was pleading. Still angry, but earnest. "Please, just let me go."

He lowered his knees, showing her his face. His jaw was clenched tightly as he spoke. "I can't do that."

She rolled her eyes and looked away off into the trees surrounding them. Of course he wouldn't. Why did she think he would be any different? She had to stop lying to herself. His kind words were only there to trick her.

"Not yet, at least."

Her eyes widened upon hearing those words, and she sucked in a surprised breath. Sitting up straighter, she said. "You're lying."

"No. I'm not." He told her.

She didn't believe him. "Why would you let me go?"

"Do you not want your freedom?"

She turned back to look at him. Eyeing him suspiciously. He didn't answer her question. Not directly, at least. Still, she couldn't deny her answer.

"Of course I do."

"Then you shall have it."

"Just like that?" she questioned.

He nodded. "But we have to keep moving."

She scrunched up her face. "Why?"

Chat Noir snickered, "Because your Prince has already begun his jewel hunt to find you again. And he's now less than a day behind us."

What he said both aggravated and scared her at the same time. And, for some reason, she cared about what Chat Noir (or anyone, for that matter) thought about how she felt towards Theo.

"He is not my Prince." She explained emphatically. "I would rather see him dead."

"Dead, huh?" Chat Noir moved closer, crouching down before her like a cat perched on a fence post. He peered into her face, getting close enough read every passing expression like an open book.

"Are you sure about that?"

He seemed to be baiting her for information. Maybe to test her loyalties? Or prove that she wouldn't just go running back – if given the opportunity. If he really wanted to know, she wasn't afraid to tell him what kind of person the False Prince Theo truly was. Or what kind of personal hell she'd been through.

"He's a monster." She told him dismally. Reliving the past five years like a scar to her heart and mind. Her own personal living nightmare.

"I spent the first year trying to escape the Palace, and then… the next year… trying to… well… trying to die… in hopes that Death would spare me from spending another second with him."

She looked at Chat Noir. It was hard not to miss him for how close he was to her now. His face was blank and emotionless, yet his body was completely tense like a drawn bowstring.

She turned away and stared at the ground sort of ashamed to admit it. "I did die. Or, at least, a part of me did. He tortured me. And I was lost for a long time."

"But you… didn't…" he whispered. The words sounding forsaken.

She looked into his face. His cat eyes were as big as plates and reflected little mirrors of her own reflection back at her. His clawed fingers were gripping the ground. Digging into the grass like he was ready to rip it from its roots.

He was hanging on her every word like she was telling him some epic tale of woe.

"No, I didn't let him break me." She confirmed. Letting go of the suspense.

He physically relaxed. Not completely, but enough that it showed.

"I survived in hopes that one day, I would have the chance to escape for good. Maybe even kill Theo in his sleep before I left." She smirked slightly at the thought, just a dull lifting of her lips. "But, sadly, that did not happen."

Chat Noir blinked his large eyes. "But… you did escape."

"I would have been caught, if you hadn't shown up." She reminded him.

He blinked again, and gave her his own toothy smirk before leaning back and stretching his long, muscled arms over his head. His chest rose with the deep stretch, the golden bell at his throat bobbing.

"So, can we agree that I am the lesser of the two evils here?" he asked calmly. His voice mellow while he stretched.

She eyed him apprehensively. "That depends on you, Chat Noir."

He lowered his arms, flopping them down in his lap. "Yes, yes, of course. But… I'd like for us to start over."

"Start over how?"

He pointed a clawed finger at her bound wrists. She hesitated, but then brought them closer and he untied them. Then, he stood up. Towering above her as she still sat on the ground. With a sweeping gesture, he did a low bow and offered a hand to help her stand.

"Tell me your name," he requested, as he smiled pleasantly at her. "Your real name. Forget whatever he called you."

That certainly was a start. She hadn't been called her real name in years. It would feel so good to hear it. She took his offered hand and stood up. Looking at him now for perhaps the first time.

She dropped his hand, resisting the urge to wipe it on her dress. He still weirded her out. She rubbed her freed wrists. The silk ropes had barely left a mark.

"It's Marinette."

"Marinette." He repeated. It sounded content leaving his lips.

She narrowed her eyes and said, "So long as we are on a first name basis. Tell me your real name. Your parents certainly didn't name you Chat Noir."

He smirked playfully. "Oh. But they did. I come from a long line of Noir's. There was my great, great, great, great, great grandfather Noir. And then his son, my great, great, great, great grandfather. And then they had all girls, so it was my great, great, great…"

Marinette threw her hands up in the air and cut him off. "Okay, I get it. You're Chat Noir. Fine by me."

He chuckled warmly, and even caught Marinette smiling at his joke. It may have been a rough first few days, but he was hoping that Marinette's attitude towards him was changing.

Although, this time spent together talking and clearing the air was not without its consequences. He gazed up towards the sky, noticing the position of the sun. He had indeed let too much time get by. But it was hard not to enjoy her company.

He hadn't been lying about Theo. He was close. Too close for comfort. Chat Noir had hoped to always keep at least a two-day head start. Theo would certainly not spare any expense or men to get Marinette back.

Bright side. He had refreshed the spell, and was good for a few days. Maybe he could make up for lost time.

"Get some food and water quickly. We need to go soon." He told her. Trying to hide the urgency in his voice, but failing.

She nodded curtly and went for the backpacks. This time, Chat Noir did drink a little water. But still ate nothing. Marinette almost felt like asking him about it. But decided to drop it when he began pacing around the camp. She detected the note of urgency in his body language and ate quicker.

Chat Noir re-buried the rest of the unwanted supplies and they were soon off again. Marinette rode in his arms like before. Not feeling particularly confortable with that arrangement. But considering Chat Noir moved faster than any horse she'd ever seen, it was probably for the best that she not complain.

The trees did not last long and soon they broke the tree line and started across a vast but rocky valley. There was very little underbrush. And what did grow was spindly with large thorns or prickers. Although none of that bothered Chat Noir, even as he jumped over them.

They traveled through the valley, heading for the taller foothills on the other side.

At one point, Marinette couldn't stand the silence anymore and asked him, "How do you know where you're going?"

Chat Noir grinned down at her like a fiend and said. "I'm just feline it."

Marinette rolled her eyes and decided not to ask him any more questions—at least, for the moment. Sitting idle like this certainly gave her time to think of a lot more questions to ask him.

Upon reaching the foothills, Chat began to climb up. The rocks were unstable and a few times, he slid due to a bad foothold. Making a small avalanche of rocks tumble down behind him. Although he never dropped her or even acted like carrying her was affecting him. But she did grip on to his neck as they climbed higher and higher.

Marinette watched over his shoulder at the amount of ground they covered as it disappeared below. And the altitude in which they climbed made her a bit dizzy. Falling down that rocky hill would certainly be death for any normal human. She tried not to think about it and held on to him a bit tighter.

"Don't worry." He told her, as if reading her mind. "I won't let you fall."

When they got to the top, he put her down.

"Rest here for a moment, I'll be back."

Marinette looked around. She was literally standing on the top of a mini-mountain. There was nowhere for her to run to even if she tried to run away.

"Where are you going?" she asked curiously.

"Cover our tracks a little bit. The trail is pretty obvious." He told her. He looked over the edge where they had just come from.

He glanced back at her suspiciously. Although his tone was full of teasing.

"Promise you'll stay put?"

Rolling her eyes, she sat down on a nearby rock in a humph. "Where am I going to go exactly?" She spread her arms out wide to emphasize her point that there was quite literally nothing out here.

"Purr-omise?" he teased harder.

Marinette crossed her arms over her chest in frustration. "Fine, yes. I promise."

"Good. I won't be long." He gave her a little two fingered salute and then disappeared over the edge like he was skydiving.

Marinette was slightly impressed, but didn't move from her rock. She uncrossed her arms and looked around, shielding her eyes from the blinding sun. Gazing out over the horizon, she though she could barely make out the tips of rooftops in the far distance.

She stood up and walked a short distance, surveying the terrain around her. They were so much further up than they yesterday. The view was extraordinary from this height. Although, she could definitely tell that the surrounding land was dry and arid from the lack of rainfall.

Even from this height, she had no godly idea where they were headed. The taller mountains could have anything hidden on their other side.

She climbed up and stood atop a larger rock, peering over the edge that Chat Noir had gone down. Even squinting, she couldn't see him. Even though she thought that his black on black cat suit would be easy to spot. The air moved in waves with the heat.

With the sun beating down so intensely, she could feel herself starting to sweat. She silently wished for a sunhat. Or at least some grass to make one. She was pretty sure she could remember how to do it.

Jumping off the rock, she climbed a bit further up because there were larger rocks up higher that were casting some decent partial shade. Finding a good spot she settled down in the shade, she felt instantly better being out of the sun.

She stared out at the view. Realizing that for the first time in a long time she was, in a sense, completely alone. It was peaceful. It brought back a feeling that she hadn't felt in years. Contentment.

Running her hands along the linen dress that Chat Noir had provided her, she began remembering her old clothes. The hand sewn patchwork skirts and tunic tops that she wore while gardening. This was not quite the same, but similar. Definitely similar.

She wondered if Chat Noir would actually let her go like he had promised. She had her doubts. It was hard not to have them. But she was willing to be pleasantly surprised.

She leaned back against the rock. Letting her mind relax. Simply because she could.

"Mari?" called a voice from within her dreams. "Mari, you there?"

"Mari, Were are you?"

Marinette jolted awake. Disoriented by her location for a moment, but then remembering. The sun had barely moved. Not much time had passed at all. But, it had taken her about half a second to fall asleep like that. She must be more tired than she realized.

Crawling out from underneath her rock, she called back. "Here. I'm here!"

Chat Noir was a few feet away. He turned when he saw her come out from behind the large rock and bounded over to her.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Fine." She answered. "Just getting out of the sun." She paused for a second, remembering. "Did you call me Mari just now?"

Chat Noir cocked his head slightly in question. "Yes. Why? Is that a problem? Do you purr-fer a different nickname?"

"No. Mari is fine. It's just… someone else used to call me Mari. And I hadn't heard it in a long time. Guess I'm also just not used to hearing my own name."

Chat Noir smiled gently. Inside his own head, he was making a mental note. Stick to Marinette. Mari is too memorable.

"Shall we continue?" he asked, stretching out his arms.

Marinette's eyes scanned the horizon. "Where are we going? Or am I not allowed to know?"

Chat Noir came and stood next to her. Their shoulders almost touching. Well, actually, her shoulder was almost brushing his arm. He bent down a little bit to her height and pointed with a clawed finger to a distant mountain.

"That one. Up and over. There is another grouping of trees and a small lake that settled in between the mountains. We can rest there until full dark, then we keep moving through the night."

Marinette couldn't help but look behind her at where they had come from. "Are Theo's men close?" she asked.

He didn't want to scare her, but he also didn't want to lie. "Yes, about half a day. I'm hoping the terrain will slow him down. Horses don't do well on the rocks."

"I thought you said they were further away?"

Chat Noir sighed heavily, not sure if he should tell her. But, after some thought, decided against it. He wasn't going to keep any more secrets. That's what got her in trouble last time.

He stood back up to his full height and tried to keep his voice level and calm. "Theo is with his men."

He watched as her face began to panic, but he continued talking. "He's pushing them hard. If the men were alone, they'd be going slower. I honestly didn't think Theo would leave the Palace."

Despite her fear, Marinette nodded her head in understanding. "Theo rarely does his own dirty work." She confirmed. "I'm surprised he's here too."

Chat Noir didn't want to dwell on the fact that any capable royal would blow up a mountain if they knew a blue-eyed person was on the other side. Theo's wouldn't care who got in his way of getting Marinette back. He'd burn his own country's crops to flush her out.

He had planned for this kind of thing to happen—well, sort of. He had put a lot of hope that Theo wouldn't champion the manhunt. The man was psychotic enough to push day and night without rest. Chat Noir had other mapped out routes they could take. But they were longer, more dangerous. And they weren't stocked with supplies.

Marinette wasn't like him. She would need rest. Additionally, the more times he used the spell, the worse the aftershocks became. Too many, and he'd be knocked unconscious for hours once the spell wore off and then be sick for days after. Leaving Marinette completely unprotected.

Not to mention, then his secret would be out. And he still wasn't sure if that was a good thing. Or a bad thing.

His end goal was to get her as far away as possible. And eventually stretch Theo's men out thinly, so he could slowly take them out, one group at a time. Soon, their numbers would be too sporadic to remember which direction they'd gone. And their trail would go cold.

It was a lot of hopes and maybes. A ton could still go wrong. And with Theo leading the charge, it was hard to predict what a madman would do. He was the wildcard. But maybe, just maybe, this would be an opportunity to take the False Prince out altogether.

He would be surrounded by guards. A fleshy fortress of brainwashed bodies. But he was outside of his Palace. Exposed. He could cut off the head of the snake, and finally give the Opposition the advantage they needed. Wishful thinking. But it was not without consideration.

"We just need to keep moving." Chat Noir said, and then tenderly added. "I know you're tired. But we…"

"It's okay." She told him, pouring as much assurance into her voice as possible. "I'll be fine. Let's just keep going."

He nodded, then wordlessly scooped her up, and started down the elevation.

Marinette held back her screams as they went down the mountain. 'Going down' being a gentle term to describe what was happening. It was more like a controlled, continuous fall. Jumbled in with brief moments of touching the ground, before free falling again. Every drop felt like they would end up splat dead on the rocks. But Chat Noir's agile feet and legs caught them and bounced off like he was having fun.

The constant wind blew both of their hair backwards. Although, while Chat Noir's short blonde locks just looked windswept and stylish. Marinette's blew into her face and knotted in the wind.

Going up was definitely less scary than going down. She had a death grip on his neck, and Chat Noir chuckled at her. Not totally hating their closeness.

When they reached the bottom, she let go just enough to punch him solidly in the shoulder for scaring her like that while she pulled the hair out of her face. He laughed out loud and looked pleased with himself.

"Warn me next time before you do something stupid like that." She told him as she twisted her hair together, and held it so that it wouldn't go flying everyone when they moved again.

"Now where's the fun in that?" he purred back.

They ran along the flat ground for a while, on their way towards the other mountain that he'd pointed out earlier. The terrain was still rocky, but the once small rocks gradually turned into huge boulders. The climb up this mountain was longer, slower and steeper. Chat Noir actually let a few groans and moans escape his lips as he powered them upward. Instead of being able to constantly jump and leap, he had to stop more often, resituate, look for a new landing spot, and then leap again.

It definitely slowed them down. It was perhaps the slowest they had ever traveled since she'd known him. Even for a beast man, climbing a mountain was not easy. It was way into the late afternoon before they got anywhere near the summit.

Closest to the top, the particular rock he landed on broke away from the mountain under their combined weight. Sending the two of them airborn and backwards. He was forced to drop his arm from underneath her legs in order to latch on to a nearby ledge. They dangled in the air for a moment. Marinette a bit to panicked to say anything except let a scared yelp escape her lips. But with a quick swing, he dropped back down to where they were before leaping.

Marinette's feet touched down, and Chat Noir kept his arm around her waist, just in case she lost her balance. The pair stood on the rock, staring up at the cliff for another spot to jump to. Unfortunately, there weren't many options. The cliff face was sheer until it reached the top.

Although, Chat Noir already had a plan in mind. He looked over at her slyly.

"You said to warn you next time."

Marinette knit her brow. "I don't like the sound of that."

Making sure she was steady first, he took a large step away from her, bent his knees, and cupped his hands.

"Step up. I'll give you a boost."

Her eyes went wide. "A boost to where?" she exclaimed.

"Up." He remarked simply, his shit-eating grin never faltering.

Up? Just up? What the hell did that mean?

"Trust me." He told her, trying to sound reassuring.

She shook her head back and forth, fear etched into her face. Chat Noir was many things, but she'd never seen a cat fly.

"I promise I'll catch you." Chat Noir told her gently.

Marinette looked over her shoulder at the tragic falling death she'd endure if he didn't. Well, up she goes.

She put a foot in his laced fingers, and a hand on his shoulder to steady herself.

"3…"

"2…"

She didn't so much get a boost, as she got completely launched into the air. The air whooshed past her ears. She felt like she was falling. Just backwards. The sky was rushing up to greet her.

The cliff was there, and then, it wasn't. She was staring down at it, almost hovering. She had seconds to appreciate how high up he'd thrown her. How truly amazing his strength was. But then, gravity took over and she started to come down back to Earth.

She drew in a breath to scream. Falling to ones death had a tendency to elicit that kind of response.

And then, he was there. Arms wrapped around her waist in an instant. He pulled her against him, propelling them both back down.

He hit the ground on one knee and it sounded like… well… it sounded like a rock hitting the ground. You know, from space. She was surprised that the ground didn't crack beneath his feet as they thudded to a violent stop. Her teeth chattered in her mouth upon impact.

Slowly, she remembered how to breathe. Her heart was racing. The air felt thinner.

"I did give you fair warning." He joked, standing up and letting her down.

She glared at him. And her facial expression made him laugh. She couldn't talk quite yet. Or her brain couldn't come up with anything to say. She was still reeling at the effect of having spent a few long seconds pretty much as a bird.

She opened her mouth to speak, but he looked away and changed the subject.

"Nice view." He noted, gazing out across the horizon.

Still panting, she turned to look. And it definitely caught her by surprise. The lands beyond the mountain were lush. Beautiful green trees carpeted the landscape. And, just as he said, a beautiful blue lake formed in the center like an oasis. Reflecting the mountains back upon themselves. A bit of sandy beach was visible around the perimeter. And the clouds made dark spots on the water's calm surface.

Beyond the trees, were more mountains. These looked as if they had been cut by some giant monsters of old. Their rocky peaks giving the illusion that the horizon was jagged. Each peak fighting in competition to be taller than its neighbors. With tricks from the sunlight, some mountains looked blue. While others appeared purple. Others were varying shades of brown and grey.

From this distance, there was no telling how tall they actually were. But Marinette had a feeling that she was going to find out.

Clearly, Chat Noir was not taking any manmade roads through these mountains. The whole area looked completely untouched and pure.

The wind blew violently all around them, threatening to push them off of the peak. It tangled her hair and ripped at her dress. Although, it was well worth it for the view. She took in a deep breath, letting it out in a contented sigh. There truly was beauty still in the world. Not just four stone walls.

"Beautiful." Chat Noir remarked quietly.

Marinette turned her gaze towards him when he spoke. She had all but forgotten he was there, and caught him staring at her. She was not unaccustomed to seeing the expression he was giving her right now. It was a pleading look, like she was some angelic being. But it still unnerved her. She tucked a wild piece of hair behind her ear and turned away.

The sun was hanging low in the sky. Low enough to make the shadows grow longer. Not quite sunset, but it was getting close. Sunset up from here would have looked amazing.

But their wasn't time to wait for that.

"Shall we continue?" she asked. Not really looking forward to the descent.

Chat Noir didn't answer right away. He was swallowing down his own thundering pulse. Trying to calm his aching heart. And that was stealing most of his control. The beast slowly pacing its hypothetical cage inside of his own mind, growing restless.

He forced a smile. "Of course."

He picked her up once again and they began the journey down.

A short while later, they made it into the trees and headed towards the lake. Chat Noir stopped just beyond the break in the trees. It was another one of his makeshift campsites, complete with a buried bag of goodies.

This one though, had a bit of soap and clothes for Marinette to change into. Which caught her completely by surprise.

It was nearly dusk, still plenty of daylight to go down to the lake and bathe. The idea excited her instantly. She hadn't had a proper bath in days.

The rational part of her brain knew what the potential consequences were with bathing in such close proximity to a man. Even if he was half cat. But the worn-down, mature and shameless part of her also didn't care. She had lost her shyness long ago when it came to her body. So much so, that it barely felt like hers.

Besides, Chat Noir was in a bit of a foul mood. The food bag had been dug up by animals. While they had fresh water, the food was gone. To top it off, Theo and his men were too close, so a fire was still out of the question. She told him it was okay, and that she wasn't hungry. But he was clearly upset about it.

Gathering up the clothes and soap she left him to mope and headed for the water. Although, she barely got five steps before his clawed hand clamped down on her shoulder.

"Let me check around first." He told her.

She huffed in annoyance, but understood. While he was gone, she went through the rest of the bag. Finding another bit of silk rope and choosing to ignore it. Beyond that, there were a few shredded rags – perhaps for bandages, another blanket, and some money.

Marinette wasn't quite sure what she expected to find. Maybe some clue to her mysterious kidnapper. But he was still a complete mystery.

When he came back, his own hair was wet and looking a bit like he fell in the lake on accident.

"I thought cats don't like water?" Marinette remarked dryly.

He smirked at her joke. "I like water just fine."

She stood up, and walked towards him. As she passed by, he let her go. She was careful not to look directly at him and just focused on the exciting fact that she got to bathe.

He called out to her as she moved further away. "I won't disturb you. But I will if you're gone too long."

She chewed on her lip in displeasure at his words but didn't stop walking. She broke through the treeline, and scooted over a few low lying rocks and towards the water.

More oblong rocks jetted out sporadically from the shore and into the water. Making almost a walled off harbor. Dragonflies dipped and bounced across the water's surface, creating the occasional ripple. The water was crystal clear all the way to the pebbled bottom. With the setting sun, lush trees and mountains all around, the backdrop was both beautiful and peaceful.

She dipped her feet in the water, finding it surprisingly warm in the shallows. Although it got colder the deeper she went.

She cast a quick glance over her shoulder. Half expecting to see him peeping through the trees. But she couldn't see anything. Sighing to herself, she set her dry clothes on a nearby rock and stripped down.

She entered the water feeling like a mythical nymph. Splashing around playfully as she swam. The water found every little cut and scrape on her skin and made them sting. But it still felt amazing to be in.

She washed away the dried blood and dirt, finally seeing her skin smooth. Taking in a quick breath, she pulled her head underwater and swam for a few precious moments under the blissful silent surface.

Tiny fish swam in safe schools, darting in all directions to let her pass.

She stayed down a bit too long, and came up gasping for air. To calm herself down, she floated onto her back, treading water slowly and admiring the picturesque scenery surrounding her. The land went into a momentary stillness that can only be achieved in the early and late hours of the day. She dared not breathe or make a ripple in the water, afraid to upset the delicate moment. It was enough to stare longingly into the clear skies as they met the tips of the mountains surrounding her.

Moments like these should be savored, but she didn't know how long Chat Noir would give her alone. And she really didn't want to find out. But as a gentle breeze blew across the water and struck her face, she decided it was worth a few more quiet minutes. If he came to fetch her, so be it.

With these calm and serene moments, it was hard to imagine that any real danger was following them. However, if what he said about Theo was true. Then she couldn't risk leaving his company just yet. She'd have very little success on her own. She certainly couldn't climb a mountain in only a few hours, like he could. Plus, he seemed to know where he was going. She'd be completely lost. Avoiding towns or people was the best bet. And, so far, they were successful.

It seemed that as long as Chat Noir was in a care-free, playful mood – things were okay, and he talked and acted like a normal human. It was when he got angry or irritated, that he turned scary. That feline portion leaking out and turning him into a beast.

Floating in the water, she wondered why. And if there were other triggers that would setoff his moods. How badly did she want to push her luck, if she should try to escape again? What if there was some way to subdue him? As far as she could tell, he didn't seem to have any weaknesses. He seemed to be invulnerable.

As she washed her hair, a thought dawned on her. Although, it did also make her feel sick to her stomach. If she pushed him, really pushed him... How far would he take it? How much would he reveal? About himself, and this whole kidnapping ordeal? What were his goals? In her mature experiences, men tended to be their most honest, when you had them stripped down and begging for more.

The plan formed in her head as she finished bathing. She wasn't proud of it. But she was also tired of not getting the answers she wanted.

Coming out of the water, she wrung the excess water out of her hair and reached for her dry clothes, but did not put all of them on. She held the linen dress against her bare chest. Drawing in a steadying breath, she looked towards the trees and started to walk towards the camp. Taking careful consideration of her gate and posture. Rolling her hips with every step. Her dancer's grace making her movement completely fluid and sensual.

She found him where she'd left him. His back was turned away, but when he heard her coming, he glanced in her direction before fully spinning around to face her. The sudden expression change on his face made her smirk.

She moved closer to him. Chin down, eyes cast upwards and on display. Hips swaying like they were being pulled by strings. The intensity in her gaze made him swallow hard on a dry throat.

She circled him like he was prey. Carefully planning each movement to keep his eyes on her face and body. She got closer with each pass. Not speaking a word just yet, only hoping to persuade him with her actions.

Licking her lips, she finally let a honeyed question drip out. "Surely, Chat Noir, you must be… well experienced…?"

He physically took a step back away from her. The question pouring from her lips like a lover.

He tried to speak, but instantly lost all words because she shifted the dress in her arms. Allowing one arm to fall free as she pressed the other tight against her breasts like a seductive statue to Venus. Her creamy flesh bubbled over the top of the cloth. Spilling that enticing line for him to view.

Her wet hair dripping onto her skin. Faintly glistening in the dying light.

He blinked, and she was suddenly there. Close enough to take into his arms. Almost close enough to kiss. And yet, his arms were frozen at his side. His brain couldn't comprehend the sight before him. All he could do was gawk and become instantly mesmerized by her body.

He made no move to touch her, and Marinette was impressed. Most men would be clawing at her by now. If it wasn't her eyes, it was usually just a small taste of her body that would drive them wild. Chat Noir was either extremely disillusioned, or wound very, very tight.

"Ever the gentleman." She purred to him, and yet added just a bit of sass to make her voice go lower.

In a bold move, she touched him. Her fingertips traced along his upper chest. Fingernails dragging slowly across the muscle. It burned where she touched him, and yet his body physically shivered.

She felt that sensation, and smiled dully at her success. All men were the same. Scoundrels through and through. She knew just how to play them.

"A man, such as yourself, must have… needs?"

"I-I do not." He countered, but his voice was shaking.

He knew she didn't believe him. Her fingers began traveling further down his chest. Down to his stomach, and tracing their way along his abs.

"No?" she baited him. Her voice dripping with seduction as her fingers roamed lower, inches from his groin.

Her knee went between his legs, rubbing against things that made him physically purr.

"Never?" she insisted.

Leaning forward, she arched her hips against the his body. Pressing herself against him from chest to groin like she was trying to climb up the front of his body.

He hissed. A noise that sounded so completely cat-like it was a bit unnerving. But, still, she persisted.

She leaned into him hard, dropping her full body weight against him suddenly. He would either fall backward, taking her with him to land on top of him. Or he would wrap his arms around her to catch her. Either way would push him just that bit more over the edge.

At the last second, his arms caught her and held her upright but also pulled her that extra bit closer. Marinette could feel just how tight his body was. How swelled and excited it had become for her. Even with the mask, his face was wild with lust. Lips parted, practically panting.

"What do you want with me?" she asked. It was the first real question she hoped to finally get an honest answer out of him.

What did he want? In this moment, he wanted her. That was obvious. He wanted to kiss her and more. His human mind was loosing all control.

Gods he was breaking. She was tearing at his resolve with ease. So stunning and sexy that he was about to burst. The desire was eating at him. The longing and build up about to boil over.

His grip on her tightened so hard that she physically gasped. He was so strong. His arms fekt like a steel vice as they held her against him. She couldn't move. And she didn't dare try.

Did she go to far? Or was this him finally breaking?

"Why did you come for me?" she pushed.

Chat Noir buried his face in her neck and hair. Breathing in the smell of her fresh skin. Listening to the steady pulse in her neck as she breathed little, shaky breaths of air.

He growled against her bare skin. Loud and dangerous into her ear. It rumbled like thunder and reverberated through her body. The sound made her pause. Fear growing in her belly.

The beast could taste the delicious fear coming off her body now. Cold little coils that made his blood boil as he growled once again into her neck and held her immobile.

"So beautiful…" he growled into her ear. The voice didn't sound like him. It was deeper, more frightening. And came from somewhere in his chest.

His lips dragged across her neck, hot teeth nipping at the muscle. "So… easy…"

Too far. She had gone to far. She was scared now. His breath was impossibly hot against her skin. Although it matched the same heat coming off of his body. She could faintly hear a crackling sound coming from somewhere. It was his suit, it was alive. Fizzing like a smoldered fire.

He cursed. Digging sharp claws into her body. Almost hard enough to pierce her flesh. She whimpered at the pain. And the beast loved that sound.

Chat Noir let out a deep, agonizing breath. The sound exited his lungs like a deep moan. Slowly, begrudgingly, he shoved her away from him. It was like peeling off a second skin the way she fit so tightly against the front of his body.

"Let me… protect you. T-That is… all I want. All I've ever wanted."

The lines of his face looked hollow. His eyes were huge and seemed to be looking through her. The cat irises were only tiny slivers surrounded by pools of green fire.

He clasped his hands over his face, fingers prying into his own eyes. Pulling at his own hair. Struggling to maintain control. Fighting a battle within his own mind.

It was not a pleasant sight, so Marinette turned her back and hugged herself tightly. She felt suddenly ashamed of her actions. Her stupid plan had only made things worse. When had she become like this? This sultry vixen. This manipulative woman. All those years of dancing so seductively to entice men away from their fortunes and fill the Prince's deep pockets. All that time using her body to curb Theo's emotional state.

She felt disgusted by herself. She wanted to run. The shame eating away at her. She took a few hurried steps to leave.

"Don't." he called sharply, sounding more like the Chat Noir she knew. But his voice was straining to speak clearly and not come from the darker voice living in his chest.

"Don't run. You'll make it worse."

Worse because he wanted to chase her. Toy with her. Pin her down. Capture her. The call of the hunt making the beast want to come out and play.

She stood there. Panicked. She couldn't run, but she also couldn't stay. Slowly, she turned back around and faced him again. Scared of what she'd see, but wanting to face it.

His back was to her once again. His head slumped forward. His fingers were clenched into fists, but they hung at his side unmoving. His tail swished on the ground. Back and forth at a consistent speed.

She turned back around, fiddling with the clothes still in her naked arms. Selecting the newest ones, she dressed quickly. The skirt flared nicely around her calves and secured with a crimson sash. The billowy top was big, so she tied a knot with the extra fabric at the base. She made sure the drawstrings laced up to cover her chest completely. Feeling suddenly prudish. No, not prudish. Innocent. Like a small piece of her old self was coming back.

Perhaps it was because he hadn't pursued her. Somehow, he had held himself back. Even against the pull of her eyes. He would be one of the first.

She cast a curious glance over her shoulder. He still wasn't looking at her. But his fingers were no longer coiled into fists, and his tail had stopped twitching.

She looked away and began to comb out her wet hair with her fingers. When it was good enough, she pulled it to the side and began a braid. She used a scrap piece of fabric to secure the braid when finished. At least now it would be out of her face when they traveled.

They said absolutely nothing to one another for a long time. She sat on the ground with her knees pulled all the way up to her chin. Face between her knees, she hid in her own guilt and replayed the words he'd admitted over and over in her head.

He wanted to protect her. That's what he'd said. In his moment of pure vulnerability, he had said something she never expected to hear. Something totally sincere. But it also opened up another door of another thousand questions.

She itched to ask him what he meant. But after that little outburst, she dared not speak to him.

The sunset came and went. The night sky quickly enveloping the land. Nighttime insects came alive and frogs croaked in the distance.

She knew they were to be leaving soon and would be traveling all night. The idea of him carrying her after what she had just done did not make her feel right. She had to clear the air.

"I wasn't always like this, you know." She admitted out loud, waiting for him to respond. Staring at the ground in her shame. When he didn't answer, she slowly turned her gaze upwards to face him again. Only to instantly meet his eyes.

The look on his face was calm, almost friendly.

"I know." He said gently, smiling weakly.

She laid her cheek against her knee eyeing him curiously. How did he know? Or was he just being nice, knowing she was beating herself up about it? His own version of clearing the air between them. Did it matter what opinion he held of her?

No, not yet, she decided. But it was starting to.

"Who are you?" she whispered softly, the question not meant to be heard. But it just fell from her lips in the tender moment.

He heard it. Hesitating to answer.

Silent seconds passed between them. Finally, he lost a bit of his resolve.

"If I told you, no… if I showed you who I was behind this mask… then… then I would be no better than the person I was before… And I'd forget my purpose."

She lifted her head and moved to her knees. Unable to mentally comprehend the riddles he was saying. He wasn't making any sense. However, this was the first real piece of human in him that she'd seen. A man seemingly scorned into hiding.

"I don't understand… What…?"

"It's alright. You don't have to understand." He said bleakly, turning his back on her and staring out into the dark trees. He couldn't look at her and not trust himself to give away more secrets.

He heard her get up and start to come towards him. So he held up his hand, stopping her.

"Don't ask me again." He called over his shoulder, rather forcefully. So he added a gentle. "…please."

Author's Note: So... I shamelessly crossposted everything I've written onto A03 today. I was told its a better platform for fanfics. What is everyone's opinion? Or are there even better places to share? I've always thought this site got the most traffic. But I am so out of the 'what's most popular' loop. So now I'll upload new chapters in both places, cause... why not? Anywho... thank you call for reading. Hope everyone is well and I love you all.