Written for Day 12: Cuddles of Marichat May.
Chat rolled out of the way as Gigantitan nearly stepped on him. He winced as he slammed into a falling car, only managing to extend his baton in time to keep the car from completely crushing him.
"Chat!" Ladybug called, her voice sounding frightened.
"I'm okay!" He called back, gingerly picking himself up. He went to retrieve his baton and felt as though someone was stabbing him in the shoulder, forcing him to drop to his knees with a guttural cry.
"Chat!" Ladybug was by his side in an instant, rapidly spinning her yoyo to keep them safe from any projectiles thrown their way. "Are you okay?"
"I think I broke my arm," he gritted his teeth. "I'll be okay, tell me what you need, LB."
She tossed him an incredulous stare. "I need you to stay safe." She bit her lip, looking slightly unsure. "Did you break the arm with the Cataclysm?"
"No, thankfully it was just the other arm."
She gave a quick glance around. "Okay, on my signal cataclysm the Eiffel Tower." He nodded, cradling his broken arm, he jumped to the foot of the Eiffel Tower, as Ladybug called her Lucky Charm.
Chat caught her eye just as Ladybug dove between Gigantitan's legs holding what appeared to be a cape. Frowning in confusion but having complete trust in every one of Ladybug's crazy plans, he tapped the Eiffel Tower with the swirling black energy from his Cataclysm.
The tower turned to rust and began to creak as it began its steady descent downwards. Meanwhile, Ladybug had turned the cape into streamers to distract Gigantitan. He had just raised his arms to grab the streamers, when the Eiffel Tower crashed down on him, effectively trapping him.
With Gigantitan unable to move and his hands trapped, Ladybug was easily able to grab his bracelet. She broke the akumatized object and immediately called for her Miraculous Ladybug afterwards, catching Baby August before he got hurt.
Chat felt the cloud of red ladybugs circle his arm and let out a sigh of relief as the pain vanished. He gave his shoulder an experimental roll, grinning when it moved without causing him any pain.
"Kitty!" Ladybug crashed into him, giving him a giant hug. Despite himself, Chat's heart still lurched forward causing him to struggle to hug her back. Not that it mattered, with her pulling away just as quickly.
She gently laid a hand on his arm with her thumb idly stroking his arm making knots twist in his stomach. "It's okay now, thank goodness," she cried in relief.
"Y-yeah, the Cure is great," Chat grinned, taking a step backwards as he spoke. He'd hoped to do it casually but considering the hurt look that had appeared on Ladybug's face, he had failed to do so.
The worst part was that he didn't want to hurt her. But being so close to her wasn't good for his heart and besides, he'd promised himself that he would do everything to keep Marinette from getting hurt.
He pointed at her earrings instead. "Your time's about to run out, Bug." She blinked, just as the loud beep was heard.
"You're right. I'm glad you're okay now, Kitty," she smiled at him before swinging away. He watched until her form was just a dot on the horizon before leaping away to find his own hiding place.
Ducking into an empty alley, he released his transformation.
"Finally!" Plagg cried as he emerged, already looking for some Camembert. Adrien let Plagg eat for a few moments before speaking up.
"Hey, Plagg. I know it's been a long day, but do you mind letting me transform so I can go to Marinette's for a bit?"
Plagg made a face at him. "You've been spending a lot of time transformed, to be with your girlfriend."
"I'll get you three wheels of Camembert and one other type of cheese," Adrien offered.
Plagg narrowed his eyes at Adrien. "Oh, fine, but it better be quality cheese!" he threatened. Adrien grinned, calling for his transformation.
Chat Noir leaped over the rooftops, reaching Marinette's balcony in record time. He really hoped she was there as he dropped into her room.
Marinette swiveled around from working on her sewing machine, eyes widening as she saw Chat there.
"Hey!" She greeted him, hurrying towards him. Just the sight of her was enough to make his weariness disappear. She gave him a hug and kissed his cheek, making him feel warm and fuzzy inside.
The best part of being with Marinette was how loved she made him feel. He adored her. "Are you okay?" she fretted, looking him over for injuries. He tilted his head questioningly and she huffed at him. "I know you came here straight from the akuma attack, Chat."
He glanced at her monitor to see the news playing. "I'm fine, Princess. The Cure fixed me up, right as rain, like always."
"I know it does, but I still hate it when you get hurt," Marinette hugged him again.
"Hey, I know you're probably busy with a new project but can we just watch a movie together or something?" Chat asked hopefully, his heart hammering in his chest.
He would understand if Marinette rejected him for her work. It would hurt but he knew better than to get his hopes up.
Marinette squinted at him. "As long as we get to cuddle the whole time. I don't think I can handle letting you go just yet."
Her words caused a lump to form in his throat as he happily smiled at her. Chat's heart felt lighter, the tension draining from his shoulders.
He dragged her over to her chaise, snuggling into her side. "I don't need a movie, I'd rather just hug you too," he admitted. Marinette smiled at him, wrapping herself around him.
In each other's embrace, they felt safe and cared for. Letting his eyes slide shut, Chat could only think about how lucky he was for having Marinette's love.