Day #6: Midnight | Two-shot Part 2
'You ask me what I'm thinking about? I tell you what I'm thinking about, whatever you're thinking about.'
Saying he's worrying sick was too little to describe the way Chat was feeling. He needed to do something, to know what's going on. Why does his princess look so… Trapped?
He let it slip at first, I mean, who doesn't have a bad week every certain time? However, that bright is her eyes just seemed to be getting weaker day by day, and other symptoms started to alert him. For example, the passive and indifferent reactions to the different incitements to conflict of Clhoé and Lila; her lack of stuttering when talking to him —yeah, he knew, he wasn't that dense—; the eye bags that just seemed to have merged with her normal style; they were just so many things. How did no one else seem to notice it?
And yeah, maybe these effects weren't too exaggerated or evident as his mind identifies them, but they're there. He can see them. And Chat didn't like it a bit.
Something about Marinette just seemed off and was concerning to him. Adrien could try to describe it as seeing an invisible bag in her, which is getting bigger, heavier, and more difficult to carry with. And in the end, he felt kinda bad for not having the confidence to ask her what's going on. Adrien was a friend, yes, but maybe not that close to her, not enough yet.
But then, there was this morning. He found Marinette asleep in class when he got in, the rest of the class weren't there yet. At first, the hero felt happy to see her resting —Adrien knew she really needed it— and he was about to let her do it, however, he saw something that couldn't be good. Something may have been happening in the dream because she completely morphed: Her face was taken by hurt and sad expressions with the eyebrows pursed and little tears starting to take place, Her body shrugged and tensed up, Grunts and little sounds came up from her. And after some seconds where the blond guy was just stupefactive, the sounds formed words.
"I'm sorry… Chat..."
He reacted immediately afterward. Trying not to take too much time but still being gentle, the boy woke her by the excuse of class starting soon. He didn't say anything at the moment, but he decided to assume that Chat could try.
And now, in the middle of midnight. He's here.
"Princess..."
"Chaton?" The hero landed on the roof and watched her wipe out her tears and look at him surprised. "What are you doing here? Is there an Akuma?"
"No, no. No Akuma." He reassured, which helped to release the tension build-up for his entrance "Just wanted to check on you. You know, to see how my favorite civilian is doing."
"Thanks, Chat, I'm okay," Marinette said, forcing a smile. But he could see through her lie
"Are you sure, princess? You know that you can trust me." He reinforced with a caring tone. The boy saw a glimpse of doubt in her eyes, didn't last long.
"You don't have to worry Chat. Just… I'm tired, not a big deal." She said, sounding not convinced at all by her own excuse.
"Then it's okay if I make you and your tiredness some company?" He asked, trying to connect looks but failing.
She seemed so broken and exhausted, Chat couldn't just give up and leave her like that. He wanted to help her princess to release some of that burden.
"I don't mind, I guess." She rested her head in the palm of her hand which was in the balcony railing and returned her gaze to the sky. He did the same —or at least tried, since every two minutes he couldn't help to check on the girl— and they spend a considerable amount of time like that, not talking, just… Being together alone in the middle of the night.
And while Chat wasn't aware of that, his sole presence was indeed more than enough for Marinette. Instead of increasing her guiltiness, it felt comfortable. She felt safe like she was being protected without the need for any words. And she really didn't want to talk, mainly because she didn't know how to put in words. That's probably why Chat company was more than enough. With that feeling growing inside her chest, the girl felt less scared to do something she really wanted for a long time… Sleep.
Just like reading her mind, at that moment Chat spoke "It's very late princess, don't you wanna sleep already?"
"I want to, but I'm too afraid to be able to." She said with sincerity, and even though Marinette saw that concern and curiosity in his eyes, the boy decided not to ask about that.
"Is there a way I can help you?" He offered. The response was clear as crystal to her, but it was kinda impossible for her to even ask it.
"You have already done enough kitty, I appreciate it a lot."
"No, princess, I want to help you. No matter how." He said decidedly. She finally looked at him and felt the warmth in her cheeks. But it was a good warm, one that gave her confidence.
"Could you… Protect my sleep? Please..." With a small voice, she asked afraid. He gave her a lovely and comforting smile. No words needed.
He just followed her inside the room, let himself be filled by the strong sense of her. And in return Chat knew he was ready to give all of him at the moment she asked for.
And he did, he accompanied her in her sleep with his warmth, love, and understanding. Like that, they both fell asleep, with Marinette feeling protected and Chat Noir taking care of her in the most loving way he could.
The night surrounded them, changing into a safe place once and for all.