- Chapter 14 -
It took a few days for Marinette to feel better and get back to normal. Although, thanks to a certain someone, she had hot soup and dumplings delivered to her window on more than one occasion. Part of her felt a bit embarrassed, almost like he was intentionally spoiling her. The other part of her secretly liked the attention. And she was trying her best to ignore that part. Chat Noir should not be showing her any special attention.
She had to talk to him. Sooner rather than later. Although, being sick and bedridden gave her plenty of time to think about the repercussions of him knowing about her secret identity.
Truthfully, she trusted Chat Noir. More than trust, she confided in him. Owing him her life on more than one occasion. But they still needed to talk. Clear the air. Come to some kind of an understanding. And, for the love of all, the unsolicited housecalls had to stop. Someone was bound to see him leaving food at her window. And she wasn't ready to answer those questions from her neighbors.
Now that her mind was out of its feverish fog, the realization of him knowing about her secret identity was hitting hard. Did it worry her? Yes. Was it a bad idea? Not entirely. Did it feel kinda relieving to finally have someone know about her civilian self? Hell yes.
Around Chat Noir, she wouldn't have to watch her words anymore. Worrying about revealing any personal details. It was all out in the open now. And, if she was honest, it was rather liberating.
When she finally caught up to him, over a week had gone by. It was a warm and humid Paris evening, and the Eiffel Tower had just closed to tourists for the day.
Ladybug used her yo-yo to swing up to their usual meeting spot, wondering if he would show up tonight. She'd been here nearly every night during the week, and he hadn't been around. She was starting to worry. Was he avoiding her? Could her feline partner be taking this harder than she was?
Truth was, Chat Noir couldn't face her just yet. He needed time to process what had happened between them. And exactly how he was going to deal with the repercussions.
Would she be mad? Hate him? Demand his Miraculous be returned? All were possible scenarios. None of which he wanted to happen. So, he avoided her until he could find some inner peace with himself.
In his mind, it only seemed fair to tell her his true identity. That way there would be no more secrets between them. If only he hadn't messed up so bad with Marinette as Adrien. Then the conversation would have been a hell of a lot easier.
He had to fix this. How? No clue. But continuing to avoid her would only make things worse.
And yet, the time he allowed to pass only made him into an anxious wreak. He really had no idea how she was going to react to him being Chat Noir. His worst fear being: she would run from him again.
This night, with his belly knotted in nerves, he paced the iron truss of the Eiffel Tower. Repeating his rehearsed lines like an actor preparing for a scene. So when Ladybug landed on top of the Eiffel Tower, Chat Noir was waiting for her.
His head was slumped forward and his shoulders were knit tight with anxiety. He heard her approach him. Her light footsteps were unmistakable.
"Hey Chat Noir." Ladybug greeted him warmly. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
He turned to watch as she subtly waved in his direction as she walked closer. Real concern reflected in her face.
He couldn't help himself, his sour mood lifted slightly upon seeing her.
"Good Evening, Ladybug. My apologies for my absence."
She stopped walking and stood a comfortable distance away. "Just Ladybug tonight?" she questioned him teasingly, hoping to lighten the mood.
It took him a moment to realize what she meant. A few confusing seconds passed. Then he had to smirk when he finally figured it out. He did rarely call her Ladybug, and she had noticed.
"Sorry, m'lady. Guess I'm not feeling myself tonight."
Not even a hint of a cat pun. He must really not be feeling like his usual self. Although, Ladybug knew Chat Noir had a quiet side. It just wasn't often that he showed it.
Looking out into the glittering city, she mirrored his sentiment.
"That's okay, Kitty. I've kinda been feeling a bit off lately too."
There was a long pause between the two of them. Just the noises of the city far below.
Normally the silence wouldn't bother him, but tonight he had too much on his mind.
He nervously cracked his knuckles, finally finding his voice.
"Is it because…?"
"Because you know?" she finished for him, giving him a curious side-eyed glance.
He nodded slowly, so glad she had brought it up first.
Ladybug shrugged. "Yes and no."
He sucked in a shallow breath. Preparing his next words to be as sincere as possible.
"I really didn't know, Ladybug. I swear I didn't know." He pleaded.
Ladybug brought her hands up to her face. Her thumb dragging across her lips as she listened.
"I know you didn't." She replied, but there was tension in her voice.
Preparing himself for the worst, Chat Noir began to ramble. "It was a total accident... I didn't mean to... I saw you transform and I… I didn't know what to do. You were gone before I could say anything… I chased after you… But the..."
"Stop." She interrupted him. Worried that his next words might reveal. "Stop talking."
He made a little grunting noise and shied away from her. Building up his emotional shield.
Ladybug turned towards him, sensing his stubbornness. "It's okay Chat Noir. I'm not mad." She insisted.
"Yes you are." He countered quickly. Not believing her words. None of the scenarios he'd played out in his head ended with her not being angry with him. He had prepared himself for her anger. Not for her leniency.
Ladybug crossed her arms over her chest in protest. "No, I'm not." She retorted, trying to convince him.
"You never wanted me to know. You practically insisted upon it." He fired back.
Ladybug stared at him. "Well fine. That was then. And this is now. You know. And there's not much we can do about it."
He opened his mouth to speak, but she pointed a single finger at him, silencing his words instantly.
Her voice was serious and firm. "And don't you think for one moment about telling me who you are. Don't even think about it."
Chat Noir gripped his clawed fingers into frustrated tight fists. Trying not to lose his nerve and blurt everything out.
"But… But I..."
"You are not sacrificing your secret identity just because you found out mine. I won't allow it, Chat Noir." She insisted.
Those were Marinette's words. Her strong voice. He had heard it time and time before when she was standing up for what she believed in. He wished for that kind of quiet strength.
Chat Noir closed his open mouth. Feeling his once carefully thought out and orchestrated words completely die on his tongue. He didn't deserve to be forgiven so casually. But it was impossible to argue with her when she spoke words that eased his every worry.
Her tone softened now. "You know me. Let's just leave it at that, okay?" she continued. "Our enemies are still out there. I refuse to risk your secret getting out too."
Shocked by her pragmatism, he could do nothing except stand there and slowly nod his head. Stunned by her acceptance of him knowing her identity.
It wasn't right to hide his identity from her. But if she found out now, would he lose her? Would she run away from Adrien again? Deny him again? Become that perfect stranger once again, even though he knew her untold story?
For purely selfish reasons, he kept silent. Because this may be the only way to stay close to her. To keep her in his life.
Relaxing slightly, he let her words fully soak in. This was an option he never considered.
And yet, he had to know something else.
"I'm the only one that knows, aren't I?" he asked.
Ladybug nodded her head slowly. "Yeah. Just you."
She sighed, feeling slightly disheartened by the wave of memories that flowed through her.
"I almost told someone else once." She admitted to him. Her voice hitched with a bit of irritation that the memories caused.
"Hindsight, I'm glad I didn't. But, a completely different set of circumstances." She waved her hand in the air, pushing the memories aside because they only made her angry.
Realization abruptly struck Chat Noir that, at one point in time, the other person might have been Luka. He swallowed hard. Remembering that particular conversation with her not so long ago. Giving her the advice that might have sealed Luka's fate.
Oh god. That means, she had liked Luka enough to want to tell him her deepest secret. What right did he have to know? If she knew it was Adrien under the mask, would it have mattered?
Chat Noir instantly felt pains of regret. Because he had found out by accident, not because she wanted him too.
"I'm sorry." He practically whispered. Somehow an apology didn't feel like enough.
Ladybug turned towards him again. Her eyes softening as she noticed how upset he was. This wasn't her usual fun-loving and flirty Chat Noir. This angsty mood didn't suit him at all.
"What are you sorry for?" she spoke gently.
The truth fell out of his mouth. "I'm sorry that you didn't get to tell me who you are because you actually wanted to."
Ladybug was taken aback by his words. Feeling them like a weight on her heart and mind. Yes, it did suck. Sucked big time. But also because he was right, knowing her identity was a big deal. It was probably one of the most intimate details of her life, and she couldn't return the favor.
She stepped closer and put a gentle hand on his arm. "I know you may not believe me, but I am really glad it was you Chat Noir."
"Really?" He asked, not hiding the shock in his voice.
She nodded. "I trust you to keep my secret."
There was a brief pause as Ladybug explained herself further.
"We're the same, after all, you and I, we share the same burdens and the same responsibilities. If the roles were reversed, I'd do the same for you. I hope you know that?"
He touched her hand on his arm, gripping her fingers slightly and he stared into her eyes. Truer words had never been spoken.
"I know, M'lady. Thank you."
He gave her a weak smile and she returned it with one of her own. For now, things were back to normal.
Well, no better time than now to ask her.
"Now that I know. I think we need a better way of communicating with one another. Hoping to run into each other during patrol won't be enough."
Ladybug gave him a suspicious look. "What are you suggesting?"
Taking a steadying breath, Chat Noir pulled a cell phone out of the pocket of his armor. It was an older model phone. Certainly not a fancy smartphone that everyone in this day and age possessed.
He tapped on the screen, and the phone came to life. "Give me your phone number."
Ladybug shook her head. "Chat no…"
He held up the phone, showing her what it was. "I purr-omise, cat's honor. This a burner phone. You won't know the number or who it's linked to."
Ladybug looked at the phone, then back at him. "Are we in the mafia now, or something?" she darkly teased.
He smirked, slipping easily back into his usual demeanor when she teased him like that. "Witness protection program." He jested.
She opened her mouth to argue, but shut it because she could see the similarities. Still, it felt a bit off.
She hesitated. "This goes against everything we've ever done."
He nodded. "True. But I'd rather be just a phone call or text away in case something happens."
"Nothing is going to happen." She insisted. "You knowing my face doesn't change anything."
"I know." He added sadly. "But, will you do this for me? Please? To put my mind at ease?" His whole body language changed instantaneously. Ladybug found herself blushing as he stepped closer. His soft words warmed her as if he was touching her.
"To know that I can be there at a moment's notice. It will help make things easier for me."
"Easier for you?" she questioned. Her voice was breathy.
He nodded slowly. "M'lady, you're one of the most important people in my life. I don't want to lose you."
"You're not going to lose me." She told him weakly, feeling his words pull at her heartstrings and her knees.
Something flashed in his feline eyes, making her gasp. No, she had gasped because his clawed fingers had brushed the side of her face. So soft that her brain barely recognized the action, but her body certainly felt it.
"I almost did." he breathed.
She blinked up at him. Panting softly.
Why was he so terrified of losing her? What changed? Did suddenly knowing her identity grant a sense of mortality? Why was he being so overprotective? Or, was Chat Noir revealing a piece of himself that he also kept secret? If so, what did it mean?
She took a shy step away from him. Putting some distance between their bodies and his sweet/sad words. Because the air was impossibly thin, and she swallowed hard on a dry throat.
Trying to defuse the moment, she turned away. "I was just a little sick. We got through it."
Chat Noir watched her shy away, and let her go, for now. "We did."
Ladybug took the offered moment to collect herself. Sighing to herself, she turned back and stared at the phone. This wasn't logical. In fact, it was purely an emotional response to the situation.
However, she couldn't deny that things were different now. Perhaps it all hadn't fully sunk in yet.
Sighing again, she took the phone out of his hand and started to input her number.
"For emergencies only." She told him sternly as she handed the phone back.
Chat Noir stared happily at the phone screen. Recognizing Marinette's real phone number.
"Emergencies only." He agreed with a toothy smile.
Of course, that didn't happen. Not at all.
The text messages started at 7:00 am the very next day.
(CN): Good morning! How did you sleep? I slept purr-fectly well.
Staring at his message, Marinette groaned into her pillow. In her mind, she figured this would happen. Although she wasn't expecting it so soon.
Throwing the covers off, she put her feet on the floor and typed a response before getting up.
(Marinette): It's 7am. Can we not do this now?
(Marinette): And you're supposed to text me for emergencies only!
While she was brushing her teeth, her phone went off again. Presumably with his reply. Padding across the wood floor, she read the text.
(CN): I can't help it, M'lady. Cats are crepuscular.
Holding the toothbrush in her mouth with her teeth, Marinette stared at the unknown word. She could have googled it, but it was easier to just ask.
(Marinette): Okay, what does that even mean?
She left her phone to go finish brushing her teeth. Then washed her face and ran a comb through her dark hair. During that short amount of time, her phone chimed twice.
Making her way back into her bedroom, she selected the clothes she was going to wear today and dressed before looking at her phone again.
(CN): I'm so glad you asked. It means we are most active at dawn and at dusk.
(CN): Meaning afternoon cat-naps are a must.
Shaking her head, a dull smile crept up her lips.
(Marinette): Sounds like an excuse to be lazy :P
(CN): Well, cats do sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day. Luck for you, I only require 8 to 10.
(Marinette): Because you're human! Not a real cat.
(CN): I beg to di-furr.
Physically rolling her eyes Marinette gathered up her hair into a loose bun before putting her phone in her pocket and heading downstairs to open her shop.
It was another hour or so before the next series of messages came through. She barely heard the chimes over the mechanical whurr of her sewing machine.
Sipping on her cold coffee, she read through the messages.
(CN): Did you know that ladybugs aren't actually bugs?
(CN): They're beetles.
(CN): Maybe I should call you Lady Beetle?
(Marinette): What's with all the random facts?
(CN): Just making casual conversation, M'lady beetle.
(CN): Would you purr-fer something else?
(CN): How about a game?
(CN): I spy with my little eyes, something… blue.
(Marinette): lol you're so ridiculous.
(CN): I'm just kitten around ;)
(Marinette): Don't you have a job or something?
(CN): That's a paws-ibility. Why do you ask? Are you, purr-haps, curious to know more about me?
(Marinette): I didn't mean it like that. I just kinda wondered how you have so much free time on a Thursday morning?
(CN): Shh. Don't tell my boss.
(Marinette): lol
Her phone went quiet for a few hours after that. Which gave her the opportunity to get some actual work done.
Although at lunch she got a picture message from him of a delicious looking bento box. Complete with a colorful array of rolls and sashimi.
(CN): Look sushi! Happy kitty is happy.
Followed by a gif of a cartoon kitty with huge eyes, munching happily on a fish.
Well, he obviously was playing up the feline act a lot today. No wait, that was pretty much every day. And now she had a craving for sushi thanks to him.
(Marinette): Looks yummy.
Although that text reminded her to stop and get a bite to eat herself. The liquid breakfast of black coffee was not doing it anymore and her stomach was growling.
During lunch, Marinette caught up on some emails from current and prospective customers. Orders were still steadily coming in. Enough that she would be in the green this month. And probably next month too based on her already filling schedule. The outlook was certainly wonderous to see.
Filled with a sense of accomplishment, Marinette dug back into her work. Knocking out tasks to keep herself ahead of schedule. She had a lady coming in at 2:00 to be measured and go over preliminary designs for her wedding gown. The lady was part of the news station that Alya worked for, and had been the one to do Marinette's live interview the night of the fashion show.
Marinette thankfully remembered to put her phone on silent before the client arrived. She didn't need Chat Noir's ridiculous memes blowing up her phone – even though they made her smile. Not that she was ready to admit that yet.
Once her client left, only after paying a substantial deposit for the gown and buying a few things straight off the racks, did Marinette have a chance to look at her phone again.
No messages from Chat Noir. But a quick one from Alya, stating that she and Nino found a venue. Which meant, they'd finally set a date. Albeit, it was more than a year away. But that was probably the only opening available. Either way, Marinette texted her congratulations and asked if she needed anything.
A currier showed up with her mail and a few large packages which she happily signed for. Probably the mohair fabric she'd ordered from London.
Settling the packages away, she busied herself with another half a dozen tasks to finally close out her day. Although none of it felt like work. It never does when you're doing what you love.
The streetlamps were on by the time she locked up for the evening and closed the curtains on the front window. To which, she called upstairs and let Tikki know it was safe to come down.
As they were eating dinner, her phone went off again. Buzzing to life against the wood countertop. Marinette tapped on the screen and cleared the message away.
But nothing got by Tikki. "He's been messaging you a lot today." She casually admitted while chewing.
Marinette sighed to herself. "It was probably a bad idea to give him my number."
Her phone buzzed again, making them both jump. Marinette told it to shh as she flipped the screen over without seeing who the message was from.
"Persistent." Tikki mumbled teasingly.
"Persistently annoying." Marinette agreed. In her head she could practically hear him saying purr-sistent.
"It's not so bad. At least he cares about you?" Tikki offered.
The tiny kwami wasn't wrong. And if Marinette knew anything about Chat Noir, she knew he was a giant softie, sealed in a hard shell of magical armor. So much of him was still a mystery to her. Maybe this was a perfect opportunity to get to know him a bit better?
Their superhero partnership made them come to rely on one another, but communicating now on such a personal level– almost felt awkward. Perhaps that was his reasoning behind the numerous amounts of cat puns and random facts? Help break the ice a bit?
Her heart softened to the idea.
Flipping her phone over, she read his text messages.
(CN): What's your favorite drink?
(CN): Mine's a meow-tini
Marinette physically grimaced at the stupid joke. She glanced up at Tikki, who was chuckling at Marinette's obverse reaction.
(Marinette): Okay that one was just bad.
(CN): I know. I even cringed while typing it. I'll do better tomorrow.
And, of course, he kept his word.
Marinette was greeted with a whole new set up cat pun jokes in the morning while she was trying to focus on cutting a pattern out of a delicate piece of lace.
(CN): You know what? I don't know what your favorite color is.
(CN): Wanna know mine?
(CN): It's purr-ple :3
(Marinette): OMG stop.
Not even ten minutes later Marinette received a picture of a snow-covered mountain. Nothing else, just a random mountain. Thinking he'd sent it to her in error, she started to type a confused response. But her phone dinged again before she could hit send.
(CN): Look a meowntain!
Marinette laughed out loud, and felt like a complete doofus for finding it so funny. Coughing to clear her throat, but still chuckling to herself, she typed a response.
(Marinette): I hate to admit it. But that one got me to laugh. Good job kitty.
And he sent her back a gif of a kitty cat with its huge cartoon eyes shining with unshed tears of joy.
About a week later, Marinette was casually listening to an unplugged acoustic version of one of Jagged Stone's songs while balancing her books for the week. The rocker sounded completely different in this setting. It brought a whole new vibe to his music that she'd never heard before. And now, she couldn't stop listening to it. She had to give Chat Noir major kudos for introducing it to her. The two of them shared a similar taste in music - which came as a bit of a surprise.
Halfway through listening to the song for the fifth time in a row, her front door abruptly flew open and banged against the wall. Basking in the late afternoon sun, Leo leaned against the doorframe like it was his only lifeline to remaining standing on his own two feet and not faint to the floor.
His voice was practically singing. "Babe, I think… I think I'm in love."
Marinette glanced up from her spreadsheet. "Oh? Again?" She teased her friend.
Leo regained his composure and trotted towards her. "Don't sass me missy. I'm serious this time."
Marinette smirked. "Oh, do tell."
Leo pulled up her stool and perched himself on top of it, sprawling his arms out across the countertop and forcing Marinette to move..
"I did something totally reckless and stupid. I was weak. I couldn't help it. It just happened. And now… Now I'm totally screwed." Leo babbled, as he moaned against the wood surface.
"What happened?" Marinette asked, closing her spreadsheet.
Leo picked his head up, playing with the cup of colorful pencils and fluffy topped pens that Marinette kept on the counter so customers could sign receipts.
"Don't judge. But I signed up for one of those god awful, tacky online dating apps…"
"I thought you gave those up this year? A New Year's resolution? If I remember correctly?" She teased.
"Oh shush!" Leo shot back, propping his head up on his hand and narrowing his eyes in her direction. "Are you going to listen to my story or no? Cause I'll leave right now…"
Marionette chuckled. "You're right. Sorry. Go on. An online dating app…you say?"
Leo gave her a side-eyed look, but glanced away and returned to his story. "Yeah, so it's this new one that Nadia turned me on to. It matches you with others depending on your location…"
"Oh so like every dating app ever invented?" Marinette interrupted.
Leo pouted and twirled a judgmental finger at her. "Okay, who is this Marinette, and what did you do with the other one? What's with all the snarky comments missy? Hmm?"
Marinette shook her head. "Sorry, you're right. I don't know what's wrong with me."
'Chat Noir is what the hell is wrong with me. I'm talking like him.'
Leo huffed, but returned to his story. "Well, I guess long story short, this like mega hottie messaged me and, at first, I was like ok whatever, obviously a catfish. But then, he kept messaging me… Like a lot messages me… And I..."
Marinette's phone abruptly chimed with a text message. She glanced at the screen, read it and smiled like a fiend before swiping it to begin a reply.
"I saw that." Leo confronted her. His gaze overly judgemental as his lips smirked.
"Saw what?" Marinette countered, fingers hovering over her phone's keyboard.
"That smile." He scolded playfully. "I know that smile. I invented that smile."
"Oh stop." Marinette shushed him as she typed a response and set her phone back down.
Moving away from Leo for the moment, she pulled a bolt of fabric off of the far wall. Carrying it over, she laid it down on her workbench and began to unravel a few yards.
Leo handed her a pair of scissors, and, as she was accepting them, her phone chimed again.
Leo glanced at the screen as it lit up, and then lit up again nano-seconds later with another message.
"Someone's popular."
Abandoning her fabric abruptly, Marinette leaned over and snatched her phone up so Leo wouldn't snoop and read the messages.
"It's nothing. Just a friend." She insisted casually. Although that silly smile crept up across her face as she read the messages.
"Uh-huh." Leo baited. "I invented that phrase too."
Marinette shot him a disapproving look, but it was mixed with a smile that she couldn't deny.
"Okay, enough about me. Tell me more about your guy."
Leo beamed, happy to return to the topic. "Babe, please don't judge me. Please, I know it's wrong… nay taboo. But, I just couldn't help myself. This guy, he's so… I dunno. But I'm so screwed."
"Why, what happened?" she asked, wondering what kind of trouble Leo had gotten himself into.
Leo took in a deep breath and held it. "He's American." Before letting the held breath out quickly.
"So what?" Marinette questioned. Not sure what the big deal was.
"So everything! This goes against all my do's and don'ts. No exotic foreigners. They only break your heart and then put a literal ocean between you."
"Does he live in America?" Marinette asked.
"Well, no." Leo admitted, drawing little shy circles on the wood countertop with his nail. "He's on business here in Paris."
"Oh, so it's temporary?"
"Actually, from what he's told me it's a permanent assignment. He has dual citizenship." Leo shook his head back and forth, making his curls bounce. "But that's not the point!"
He stood up from his stool, and started to pace around the room.
"He's stupid, crazy hot. Like sunshine boy, but with a tan." Leo explained as he moved around.
"I held nothing back. I gave him the full experience: sent him all the cringy details that were certain to drive him away." Leo continued, his voice gaining octaves as he rambled on.
"He knows I'm a pathetic part-time barista dreaming the fashion dream. He knows I do the drag scene. He knows I'm batshit bananas. And he's still talking to me!"
Marinette chuckled. "Wow, sounds like a real crazy person. You should run for the hills." She teased.
"But, he's like asking me these questions. Like genuine questions. About life, and values, and my future. We've been talking nonstop. He's saying all the right things. I can't deal. I don't know what to do!" His voice was practically whining as he paced.
"So, you're upset because he's putting in the effort to get to know you?" Marinette felt like she was watching a tennis match with how much Leo was pacing back and forth across her store.
"Yes! And it's weird!" Leo gestured wildly. "All my usual tactics of scaring men off...nothing is working on him. He's batting them away, like he doesn't even care!"
Marinette smiled at Leo. She hoped this time it was true love. He deserved to be happy. Goodness knows how many times he tried to influence her love life.
"Leo!" She tried to calm him down. "This is normal! It's a good thing!"
Exhausting himself, Leo collapsed to his knees in the middle of the floor. "I'm meeting him irl this weekend." he admitted.
"Really?" Marinette exclaimed. "That's so exciting."
"Oh, it gets worse. I invited him to my show. The biggest eleganza event of the year."
Marinette knew that show. She helped Leo prepare for it every year. "And? What did he say?"
Using air quotes, Leo replied."'Wouldn't miss it for the world.'" And then gasped dramatically for air.
Marinette smiled. She knew this was Leo being overly dramatic. But this was also Leo trying to cope with the fact that he was catching feelings.
She turned back to her yards of fabric, ready to listen to Leo if he had more to say. But her friend was suddenly up off the floor and at her side. Gripping her hands like a lifeline.
"I-I can't do this alone. I need you there. Please, I'm begging you. I'll do anything. I'll give you a dress, you can borrow all my jewelry. But please, come with me. You gotta be there. I won't be able to talk."
Leo not being able to talk? Oh this was serious.
Marinette nodded her head. "Alright. Alright. I'll be there."
Later that evening, Marinette was finishing up dinner and her phone went off.
(CN): Are you coming out to patrol tonight?
Checking the time, it was still early enough to head out. She hadn't had an opportunity to go out as Ladybug all week.
(Marinette): Sure. Wanna meet up?
(CN): Of course :) Usual spot?
(Marinette): Give me ten minutes
After their usual rounds, Chat Noir and Ladybug sat together atop the Eiffel Tower, chatting casually about their week as their feet dangled over the edge. Even though they had been texting one another non-stop. Ladybug just loved being able to talk about her personal life with another superhero while they sat hundreds of feet in the air without a care about falling.
Chat Noir kept making funny comments that made her laugh. This high up, the wind was strong but it helped the night not feel so hot and humid.
"Any plans this weekend?" Chat Noir asked her.
Ladybug ran her fingers through her hair, finding her hairtie and pulled it tighter so her hair stayed back in its high ponytail.
"No…not really..." she said automatically and then backpedaled.
"Well, actually, yeah. I'm going to a drag club on Saturday."
"Sounds like fun." He admitted.
Ladybug nodded. "My friend is meeting a date for the first time. He needs a wing-woman, in case things don't pan out."
Chat Noir tilted his head to the side. "Do you do this often?"
Ladybug chuckled. "No, not at all. I've actually had more of a social life recently then I've had in years."
Chat Noir frowned slightly. "Why is that?"
Ladybug thought about her answer for a moment. "Well, when you were… away all these years." She explained. "I was so hyper focused on starting my business, that I pretty much ignored everything and everyone around me." She sighed contentedly before adding, "My friends tell me that I've made a lot of sacrifices. So, maybe I'm making up for lost time?"
Sighing to himself, Chat Noir leaned his back up against the metal truss, crossing his legs at the ankle and swinging them back and forth in the air.
"Making up for lost time." He echoed her words quietly. Thinking them over and how much they resonated with him.
"Hmm?" Ladybug asked, not hearing him over the wind. "You say something?"
He waved his hand, pushing her question aside. "Just thinking about what you said." He called back.
Staring out at the city that he called home once again and feeling reminiscent, he said, "I wish that I had stayed in Paris." He told her. The words weighed on him as much as time had.
Ladybug scooted a bit closer so she could hear him better. "Why did you leave?" She never thought to ask before.
Gritting his teeth, he responded darkly. "I was… obligated in pursuing someone else's requirements for my future."
Ladybug chewed on her bottom lip, feeling the tension in his words. There was clearly some hostility there, and she didn't mean to poke at it.
"That's… umm… not good." She tried to keep her voice lighthearted.
Chat Noir smiled slightly. Realizing that he was being a complete Debbie Downer to an otherwise wonderful evening with the company of his Lady. But she was always so easy to talk to. In the same way, so was Marinette.
"No, it isn't." he concluded and turned to meet her concerned gaze. "But, I suppose I'm now making up for lost time too."
"What do you plan on doing?" Ladybug asked.
His response to her question could go either way. In order to save face, he asked for clarification.
"What do you mean?"
She shrugged. "I can only speak for myself, but I always kinda felt like I missed out on all the fun. Parties, dance clubs, jello shots, you know, all the wild and crazy things you do in your early twenties…"
"You want jello shots? We can go get jello shots right now." Chat Noir interrupted her. He pointed out towards the skyline, deadset on going out if she wanted to.
Ladybug shot him a sassy look before continuing. "As for me, I was working three jobs, barely sleeping, living in my parent's house, and hoarding my pennies so tightly that anytime my friends went out to eat, I sat there and drank water." She pouted at the memory. "Not exactly fun."
"You were being responsible. Look where it has gotten you with your business." Chat Noir explained, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yeah, I know that now…" she replied.
It was tough to admit this next part to him. Even in such a short amount of time, she had grown closer to Chat Noir. Maybe it was the constant text messaging. But things felt different. It was almost embarrassing to speak about such things.
"Okay, how about this then? I never took the time to have a proper… ugh, this is embarrassing… but a proper boyfriend."
Chat Noir swallowed hard. "That's umm…"
"Pathetic?" She smirked.
"I was going to say tragic." He teased, and was rewarded with a solid punch on the arm that knocked him off balance and he had to catch himself or he would have fallen over.
Huffing to herself in satisfaction, Ladybug crossed her arms over her chest. "So yeah, I'm going out this weekend to my friend's drag club, wearing an outlandish outfit, and dancing until dawn because that's how I'm making up for lost time." She nodded her head with conviction.
"Sounds purr-fect." He replied.
Ladybug turned towards him. "What about you, Chatton?"
Chat Noir pondered that for a few seconds, tapping on his chin in meditative thought. "Maybe… well, you know… I've actually always wanted to do something…"
"What?" she asked, genuinely interested in what he had to say.
"Skydive." He replied with a teasing wink.
Ladybug rolled her eyes. "You literally have superpowers. How can skydiving be your plan?"
"Did I say skydive? I meant deep sea fishing. You know like on those Discovery Channel shows, where they go to the North Sea and risk their lives so we can eat crab? That. Definitely that."
Ladybug raised an eyebrow. "Are you being serious?"
"You told me to come up with a plan. That's my plan." He remarked cheerfully.
"But… deep sea fishing? Really?" She questioned again, clearly not believing him. "Is this some kind of stupid cat pun?"
"Are you mocking my plan?" He teased her, trying to act offended.
"I… umm.. no. But, it's just not what I… erm… expected."
Chat Noir stretched his long arms over his head. "I'm a mysterious man, M'lady. You should know that by meow." His voice was mischievous and filled with that deep purring tone.
Ladybug smirked, not believing him for a single second. "You really expect me to believe that?" She sassed back.
Finished with his stretch, Chat Noir laid his hands in his lap. Letting out a breath like a heavy sigh. And the sad noise was enough to change the entire atmosphere of their initial conversation.
His gaze softened as his shoulders slumped forward.
"Kitty?" Ladybug questioned, unconsciously leaning closer to him with the pull of the moment.
Gazing out over the Paris skyline, the warm wind blew the smells of Summer. Chat Noir drew in a deep breath of that comforting scent, and told her his plan.
"I want a house on the outskirts of the city. Not too far away that you couldn't take the train and have a nice dinner date in the city when you wanted to." His gaze flicked to her face. Gently smiling upon seeing her softened expression as she intently listened to his words.
"Something small, but with trees in the yard. Away from the eyes of the world." He continued. "A space to roam. A space to grow into. To live and actually call a home. Surrounded by those I care about. Real faces, with real smiles..."
Ladybug sat completely speechless as he poured out his true plan to her. Her heart melted with his yearning words.
Everything about what he said was unbelievably sad, and yet, completely heartfelt. This wasn't a ploy to earn her pity. This was truly him. Clearly, there were missing pieces in his life. Normal, and seemingly simple things that most people often took for granted.
Everything he said, she wanted too. Or, at least, she wanted to see him achieve it. He shouldn't have to go after it alone.
Her eyes went to his clawed hands, looking forlorn in his lap. Weeks ago, she would have let them be. But tonight, she reached out and touched his hand, covering it with her own.
"Are you a lonely person, Chat Noir?" she asked tenderly. Pouring a quiet sympathy into her voice.
He fixed his emerald gaze on her. Finding Marinette behind the spotted mask. Not surprised that she was able to see through his pretty words, and found the deeper cause of his pain.
He was lonely. A childhood filled with isolation, alienation, and coldness from a man he called Father. Being told to act a certain way. To project this faceless image out into the world because it benefited others but not himself.
The wind blew their hair. Car horns honked in the distance. The world moved around them.
"I was." He told her. "Until I met you."
Chat Noir squatted down, perfectly perched on top the ledge of a building with the onset of night. Peering across the street, he watched as customers packed up their laptops, and chugged the last mouthfuls of their caffeinated beverages before heading out the door of the humble corner cafe.
There were some chatty stragglers who were passive aggressively being shoo'ed out by the attentive barista. All the while shouting out in his sing-song voice: "You don't have to go home darlings, but you can't stay here."
Waiting for the last Customer to leave, Chat Noir felt the determination growing stronger in his belly.
He had finally made up his mind. About everything.
Simply put, Marinette was the genuine article that he had missed all along. Surrounded by fake people and haughty personalities his entire life, he had been blind to her as Adrien. Chat Noir had seen all of the wonderful qualities reflected in Ladybug, so it was no wonder he fell so hard for his spotted superheroine partner.
Being away from Paris made him miss his home and the people he'd managed to befriend back in his school days. It made him more akin to what he actually wanted. So when Marinette came back into his life, she had stuck out to him. Shining brightly in his grey toned world.
And then the two women became one.
Now he's willing to take the risk to be with her. If that meant he had to be Chat Noir forever to make her willing to accept him, then so be it. Now only Chat Noir stood a chance.
He knew what he wanted. (Or rather who he wanted.) Nothing would stand in his way. He might have to break a few rules. But, if this worked, he could finally have the chance to be with someone who brought legitimate happiness to his life. And he wouldn't let that go.
Based on that logic, he had to get into that drag show. Begin blending himself into her life. Being there for her beyond just the superpowers.
However, waltzing into that club as Adrien wasn't an option. He'd attract too much attention.
He needed someone on the inside. An accomplice. Another bleeding heart romantic who could understand Chat's feelings, and not question the boldness of his actions. In fact, he'd probably squeal with delight.
Jumping down from his ledge, Chat Noir kept to the shadows as he moved across the street and towards the front door.
The little plastic sign in the window said 'Closed' and the lights were part of the way dimmed. However, when he tried the door handle, it opened. As quiet as only cats can be, he stepped inside. His presence being announced only due to the string of jingle bells tied to the interior doorknob. Noticing that the floor was wet and freshly mopped, Chat Noir stayed near the door, not wanting to track in any footprints.
Leo had a headphone in one ear, and was humming along to the music while he finished mopping the cafe floors.
"Sorry sugar, we're closed." He called over his shoulder, not turning around to see who exactly had waltzed in, and continued his cleaning.
"Actually, I'm here to see you." Purred a deep masculine voice.
Leo stopped mopping instantly, but didn't turn around just yet. Oh those spoken words were enough to make his heart sing with possibilities.
Drawing in a deep and steadying breath, he turned his eyes skyward, closed them, and prayed out-loud to whatever deity would listen.
"Please oh please oh please. Tall, dark and handsome. Tall, dark and handsome. Just do this for me one time, and I swear we'll talk more."
Finished with his prayer, he briefly fussed with his hair before turning around and laid eyes on the man standing at the door.
The breath he had held, was suddenly sucked from his lungs in a gut-wrenching gasp.
Well, two outta three ain't all bad.
"Holy gay god in heaven. It's you! In the…" His voice dropped lower as he mumbled the rest of his words. "… in the perfectly proportionate muscular flesh. Holy hot damn..."
Leo had never seen the feline superhero up close before. That suit accentuated every rippling muscle like he was carved out of black obsidian.
"Well, you really are the definition of a S&M wet dream, aren't you?" Leo sassed, sucking on his bottom lip.
Chat Noir smirked at the comment. He'd certainly heard worse.
"I don't get to choose the outfit."
Leo waved away the dismissive comment. "Well, it's a look honey. I assure you."
Raising an eyebrow and putting a hand against the side of his mouth, as if trying not to spill a big secret, Leo teasingly whispered, "Curious minds would love to know, pussycat. Just how far does that zipper go down?"
Chat Noir touched the golden bell at his throat. Dropping his voice to a low teasing purr.
"As far as I want."
Leo's smile tripled in size. "Yow!" As he began fanning himself with his hand. "Have mercy. My poor gay heart."
Leaning heavily against the handle of the mop, Leo channeled his inner Cinderella and, in voice filled with Disney hope, he asked:
"Please tell me you're here to sweep me off my feet, and take me away from this cruel world?"
Chat Noir's smile brightened. "Not this time. I'm sorry."
"Tease." Leo scoffed and turned away. He dunked the mop head into the wash bucket, rang it out and started mopping once again. All the while humming a few verses of 'Someday my Prince will come.'
As much as Chat Noir enjoyed these little bouts with Leo, he needed to be getting back to the matter at hand.
"Leo, I think… I think I need your help."
Leo glanced up. "Moi? What could I possibly do for you?"
"Well, umm… you see. We have this mutual friend, and I… Well I…"
Leo gave him a curious look. Surprised to see the notably outspoken superhero tongue-tied.
"Spit it out darling." he encouraged the other man.
Finding his resolve, Chat Noir did just that. "I need you to sneak me into your drag club this weekend."
God it sounded awful leaving his lips. Borderline stalker.
Leo tilted his head to the side in an inquisitive manner. "I mean, sure, pussycat. No problem there. But, I gotta know, what for?"
Chat Noir shifted back and forth on his feet. His nerves were getting the better of him.
"There's… umm… someone in there that I want to see." He admitted shyly.
"Who exactly?" Leo asked, doing a wide sweep with his mop across the floor.
Chat Noir fidgeted with his hands before responding. He had to put his trust in Leo. It was the only way this could work.
When he finally spoke, his voice was confident, as if saying her name out loud felt like a confession.
"Marinette."
Leo's mop clattered to the floor. Echoing loudly in the small space. He ripped his headphone out of his ear and stared wide-eyed at the wayward superhero.
Dumbfound, he fumbled with his words.
"M-Marinette? My Marinette? What the? Fuckin'... What?"
Tucking a nervous hand behind his head, Chat Noir nodded. "Yeah… I know. But, you see, I kinda…"
"… you love her?" Leo interrupted enthusiastically. His voice breathy and gasping with the shock of it all. This was like the best romance novel ever being played out before him. Forget Disney, this was real life.
"I… erm… I like her." Chat Noir admitted shyly. Not ready to use the other L word.
That was good enough for Leo to jump into all kinds of conclusions.
"Oh my god. Oh my good god. That means, oh my god. That means it was you! Yes, you're the one who's text messages she was all schoolgirl crush smiling at." He snapped his fingers in confidence. "I frickin' knew it! I know that smile. Freakin' called it."
Chat Noir felt his heart skip a beat. 'She's really smiling at my messages?'
Glancing up and down at the physical wet dream that was Chat Noir, Leo shook his head from side to side. A bit of bitter sass coating his tongue.
"I mean, jeez. I can't. I just, I literally can't with that girl…" Hand on his heart, he felt his knees buckle slightly.
Chat tilted his head in confusion at Leo's internal monologue.
Muttering to himself, Leo tried to make sense of it all. "How the frick…? How does she fucking do it? They're coming out of the woodworks. I mean, who's next? Mr. freaking Universe? I swear to God… If only the rest of us could be so lucky..."
"Umm… Leo?" Chat Noir questioned.
Leo held up a hand to silence him. "Give me a minute will ya? This is a lot of info to process."
Chat Noir nodded. Giving Leo his moment.
After several long seconds, Leo finally spoke up. "So, you like her, do you? Is that really how it's gonna be?" Not completely convinced that Paris' known flirty feline superhero was serious about settling down.
"Yeah, I really do." Chat Noir responded, smiling to himself at the thought of actually really liking her and admitting to it. Wondering where it would go. What it could lead to. Could she ever like him back? Would it all work out?
Leo recognized that dopey smile. Fuckin'-a, it was the real deal. And then sighed to himself, a bit jealous.
"Okay, I have to know. How in the hell did the two of you even meet? I mean, I assume you're not a superhero 24/7? Do you have a sexy face to go along with that gagging body? Or is that still one of the great mysteries of the 21st century?" He sassed.
Chat Noir straightened up a bit. "My secret identity is remaining a secret. At least, for now." He confirmed.
"So, she doesn't know who you are…" He gestured at Chat Noir from head to toe. "... under all this?"
Chat Noir shook his head.
Okay. Well, time to be a GBFF.
"If I help you, then you gotta know that if you hurt her, I swear on my Christian Louboutin pumps, that I will find you, and make you wear that tail as a noose. M'kay?"
Chat Noir chuckled and nodded. "I believe you."
Satisfied with his warning, Leo's thoughts retired back to the details.
"Okay, so I get you in. Easy peezy. Now, what's your strategy hmm? How are you going to woo her?" Leo asked mischievously.
Chat Noir hesitated. "Umm, I figured I'd go in and, I dunno, buy her a drink? Or something?"
Leo rolled his eyes and huffed dramatically.
"No? Is that wrong?" Chat Noir asked. Looking for any advice.
"Oh good god. Must I teach you straight boys everything?" Leo explained. "Here's what you do darling. I assume someone, such as yourself, is not afraid to dance a little?" He shimmied a bit to emphasize his point.
He paused for Chat Noir to acknowledge with a curt nod.
"Perfect. Then, here's what you do. You find her out on the dance floor. Wait for the perfect opportunity. Bright lights. Pounding music. Let her dance with you without even knowing that it's you. She'll never expect it. And then boom, snap, kapow, fireworks."
"Oh, you're good." Chat Noir countered playfully.
Hand on his hip, Leo threw back his shoulders and brushed his collar with the back of his nails.
"Stick with me pussycat and you'll do just fine. I'll get you into that club. But the rest is up to you. Don't fuck it up."
Author's Note: Oh I absolutely loved writing that scene with Leo and Chat Noir. And yes, I might watch a bit too much of RuPaul's Drag Race XD. Such a silly, fun chapter. Death by cat puns lol. Anywho, hi everyone! How are you? How are things? Comment and say hi. Thank you for reading. Oh yeah, I have a beta reader now. Woo!
