Written for Day 7: Secrets of Marichat May.

"Am I doing the right thing?" Marinette asked Tikki, ducking out from behind an alley wall after de-transforming.

"You know I can't decide that for you, Marinette," Tikki sighed. Marinette tried to study her kwami's face for any signs of disapproval but Tikki was unreadable.

"There's no time," Marinette gave up on seeking approval running after Chat Noir, who was trying to find a hiding place to de-transform. "Chat!" She called.

Chat Noir stopped and hurried towards her. "Marinette! What's wrong? Are you hurt?" He fretted over her.

"I haven't seen you for two days now," she questioned causing Chat Noir to stiffen. His eyes flitted away from her, searching for something behind her in a clear attempt to find an escape from their conversation. His escape came in the form of blinking paw pads.

"Only two left," he laughed nervously. "I've got to go. Identities to protect and all that," before he could leave though, Marinette grabbed his tail to keep him in place.

He swiveled around to her with an irritated expression. "Marinette, I have to go," he stressed.

"I know! Just come by tonight, please?" She pleaded. Chat hesitated, clearly not wanting to agree but he sighed and gave in.

"Alright, I'll see you tonight," he promised. "Now, I have to go." Without another look at her, he leapt away to find a place to de-transform safely. Forcing herself to not gaze after him, Marinette turned away to prepare for tonight.

She paced the floor of her room. Marinette had expected Chat to arrive by now and she didn't know what was keeping him away.

"Are you sure he's coming?" Tikki asked as Marinette walked by her for the hundredth time.

"He promised. Chat's never broken his promises before," Marinette frowned, looking up at her skylight anxiously. No sooner had she uttered the words, when Chat dropped inside her room.

He gave her a forced smile. "Hey, Marinette. You said you wanted to talk?" He asked, climbing down from her loft bed.

Marinette rushed towards him to fling her arms around his neck. "I was so scared!" She mumbled into the crook of his neck. Chat's hands that were settled loosely around her back, now gripped her hips, pushing her backwards.

"You were worried about me?" His eyes seemed to be searching for something in Marinette's face but his words made her too angry to care.

"You leave after having such a terrible nightmare and then I don't see you for days! What do you think?" She demanded to know.

Chat Noir bit his lip, her words only causing him to pull further away from her. In response, Marinette tightened her grip on him. "Talk to me, Chat Noir," she pleaded.

He reached up to fiddle with his bell, unable to look her in the eye. "C'mon. We can work through whatever it is that's bothering you. At least let me try," Marinette tried again.

Chat Noir closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. When he opened them again, Marinette could tell he had reached a decision. "Alright. If you really want to know."

Marinette nodded, in an effort to encourage him to speak his mind. "I guess, I'm surprised I didn't hurt you," Chat chuckled bitterly.

"Hurt me?" Marinette could feel her brows furrow in confusion. "What do you mean?"

He gave her an incredulous glance. "You were comforting me and all I could talk about was Ladybug!" He burst out.

Marinette blinked. "But she's your partner?"

His shoulders slumped and he sighed in defeat. "She is, but that wasn't why I was having that nightmare. I guess," he paused to wet his lips, before continuing while resolutely staring at the wall. "I guess, I'm still a little in love with her. But I'm also falling in love with you, so it felt like a betrayal to both of you."

Marinette could feel her heart twist in her chest. Chat had been beating himself up because he'd fallen in love with her twice, against all odds. Chat was still speaking, so she gave herself a mental shake to pay attention.

"I just don't want to hurt you, Marinette. You've become very important to me and I don't know what I would do without you."

Looking into his sorrowful eyes, Marinette finally came to a decision. "If Ladybug wanted you tomorrow, would you end whatever it is we have?"

Chat's eyes widened at her question and he whipped around to look at her. "What?" he gasped. Marinette raised her eyebrows waiting for him to answer her.

"I-I," Chat stammered, his eyes flitting in every direction, as he stopped to think about it. He was shaking as he lifted his head to stare at her. "No, I don't think I would," he finally answered.

Marinette swallowed hard before taking a step closer to him. "Can I tell you a secret?" she whispered, feeling her heart thud loudly in her chest. He gave a sharp nod.

"You know how I used to love another boy?" A small frown appeared on his face, but he nodded again. "I used to think that if he ever noticed me, it'd be the happiest day of my life. He was my first love and a part of me will always love him. But I love you too."

Chat was watching her carefully. "What does this mean?"

"Those who came first will always have our heart, but that doesn't mean that we can't have others in our heart as well. Maybe, we could try being more than just friends?"

"I thought we were already more than just friends," Chat muttered, his eyes dropping to her lips.

"More than that," Marinette whispered, her hands coming up to grip his collar.

They moved at the same time to close the gap between them.

Well, they're officially dating now. But were they telling the truth when it comes to Ladybug and Adrien? I guess we'll see soon enough.

Thank you for reading!