A/N:So... No chapter yesterday? Yep! 2nd May is my daughter's birthday and it is also my wedding anniversary - I guess I don't need to say anymore. But next Sunday I will be back as usual - unless something comes in the way, of course.
So... Anyway, I am sensing some LadyNoir vibes her:D
Lady Titalee
It was ten minutes before midnight and Adrien had just left to go home. It was for the best, before…
An anticipated, little tingle spread through her stomach, painting her cheeks in a slight pink color, while everything around her started to get a little warmer.
Remembering his embrace with that.
Gingerly she reached up to her forehead, brushing with her fingertips over the skin where he had kissed her – which had been the only kiss tonight. Though – sure – both had wanted more, that was true.
And Marinette smiled. A happy smile, relieved, that this secret was out. And that they were both grown enough to handle it with care. Sure – it would be hard to hold back, but waiting would be worth it.
And they both knew that.
Somebody behind her suddenly cleared their throat and the young woman turned around, still smiling and saw the red Kwami in front of her, with a pout on her tiny lips. Tikki was holding her phone, eying her Chosen with big, annoyed eyes, while she levitated right behind Marinette.
"I believe you should have given in to your feelings, Marinette!", Tikki mumbled and shook her head. "As the goddess of creation I can say, that I would have welcomed the opportunity, that was given to you. Sleeping with Adrien-" "Tikki!" "And Kissing him and being his girlfriend! Also – today is the last day this month, where your fertility is high – so~"
"Urgh! Tikki! You are the worst! Not even Alya would-" Marinette stopped herself, for Alya would have suggested exactly the same. And if her best friend found out about the things that happened between her and Adrien, then she would get really mad. "Forget about that. Alya would say the exact same thing! But you – unlike her – know, that it is impossible for me the have a relationship right now!"
"Why? Because of Lady Titalee?"
"Exactly! Adrien is not allowed to know, that I am Ladybug! And today was already risky enough – he and Emma could have found out, that I am the one with the Ladybug Miraculous. And staying away from a fight is impossible for me! Chat Noir wasn't there, either – but usually Paris needs both of us to handle these attacks". Marinette sighed and leaned her back against the door behind her. "So – tell me – how am I supposed to date Adrien and to sneak away? How am I supposed to get out of bed, if we… It wouldn't work, Tikki – unless there is a secret and hidden code for a Miraculous holder to tell the secret to the person they love. So?"
Tikki frowned and shook her head.
"No. And surely your situation is even more complicated than that…"
"It is… yes… it's already complicated now". Yet the young woman tried to smile once more. "But once Chat Noir and I defeated Lady Titalee, then I'll surely find the time to have a relationship. With Adrien – if he waits that long for me…"
Tikki wasn't fully convinced. Marinette could tell and there was something more, that the tiny goddess would love to share. Something regarding Adrien, Chat Noir and all these secrets in between. But she couldn't – and maybe she didn't want to.
Instead she shook her head, as if she wanted to get rid of some absurd little thoughts and come closer to Marinette, handing her phone over.
"It buzzed two times, One time, when you were busy with Adrien and a second time just a moment ago. Maybe it's important!"
"Important?"
Marinette unlocked her phone, finding her massages with ease. Two new ones have indeed arrived her.
The first one being of Alya, who invited her over for some brunch on the next day with Nino, to celebrate their engagement and to chat about the happenings of today. Of course – her best friend would want to know about everything that happened between her and Adrien. Either she would be extremely surprised to hear, that they basically spend the whole day together, or she would be annoyed about the fact, that Marinette declined his advances. Probably both. And the young woman wasn't looking forward to this kind of talk with the brunette. Not at all – and surely Nino would say a word or two about that as well.
But Marinette answered back anyway, accepting the invitation and a little did she look forward to it. Spending time with friends was always something she enjoyed and this meeting being a brunch meant, that she had at least some hours of sleep.
Sunday was the only day, where she could have that…
Marinette didn't even wait for an answer – both Ayla and Nino were probably asleep by this time anyway and the young woman opened the second message instead.
One, that made her easily grin from one ear to the other.
Of course – Adrien would write something after tonight. Not much – just some simple ' Goodnight' with a smiling emoji behind that. The blushing one.
Yes, simple, but effective.
She squealed, as if she was a mere teenage girl, pressing her phone to her chest and jumped up and down. Stopping, when she heard Tikki's amused giggle.
"Look at you! He is really good for you and really wants to make you happy! You should have-"
"Nothing, Tikki… I should have done nothing! We will take our time and maybe things will turn out well enough for us. One day".
She wrote him. A small 'Goodnight' as well with the same emoji behind it. Something she was able to do.
Wanting to lock her phone once more for tonight, to go to bed and sleep, when she saw the time, remembering her plans from earlier.
Her meeting with Chat Noir on top of the Eiffel Tower. At Midnight – which was only a few minutes ahead. And he – her partner – didn't even know about it in the first place.
But… they should do that. Meet. Talk about Lady Titalee and the happenings from today. About King Poseidon and her almost dea-
She gulped heavily, the warmth leaving her body in incredible speed, leaving only a bitter cold behind. And fears were returning. Her fingers gripped the phone even more tightly and she felt her legs shaking…
If she closed her eyes, she could swear, that she could feel the cold water around her and the slimy tentacles gripping her most tightly and-
"Marinette!" Tikki called, probably not for the first time, soaring directly in front of her. "Is everything all right?"
The young woman shook her head, knowing, that lying wouldn't help her in this situation.
"No… today was bad. The fight…" Now with Adrien gone all these memories returned too easily. It scared her. She sighed, before she continued: "… See – I was too distracted with Adrien. And you probably as well! I should meet with Chat, but there is no way, he was aware of that. He is probably asleep by now and-"
"Oh – he does know!"
"Huh?"
Marinette blinked and looked back up to the Kwami in front of her, while Tikki giggled.
"I told you, that I would look out for Plagg. And I did!"
"You were gone? When? How long?"
The tiny goddess shrugged.
"He was around. So – you should hurry! Chat Noir is surely on his way to the Eiffel Tower and you should be going as well!"
Marinette was stunned and she didn't even know, if she should be happy about these news, or if she should scold the Kwami for leaving her. Though they had agreed on that, hadn't they?
But above all Tikki was right – she should hurry! They could talk later, again.
"Tikki – Spots On…" She said softly and her earrings fused together with the godly entity only a moment later.
Ladybug immediately left her flat through the window. The usual way and ran across the rooftops, dashing and jumping and closer toward the famous tourist spot. It was a few minutes past midnight, when she reached it and – indeed – Chat Noir was already there.
He was sitting on the highest platform, legs crossed and he leaned back, with his hands holding him up. Looking up to the starless sky above.
Ladybug couldn't read him in that moment, but he seemed to be really… relaxed. His face looked peaceful, on his lips hung a tiny smile, but all of that changed, when he noticed her appearance.
His green eyes widened – first in surprise, then in shock and pain. He got to his feet and lunged at her, before she could have stopped him. Hugging her tightly to his chest, croaking her name close to her ear.
"I am sorry!", he repeated over and over again, his arms tightening around her even more. "I am so, so sorry, that I couldn't be there! I should have fought alongside with you! I should have protected you! If I had been there, then I would have thrown myself in the way of this Akuma and he wouldn't have been able to-"
"Chat!", she repeated for the tenth time now, hoping, that she would get him to shut up. "Chat! Your strength is pressing all of the air out of my lungs! You could let me go now!"
He did, though his hands – his shaking hands – remained on her upper arms, his thumbs running circles across her suit and his touch send chills down her spine. Their gazes locked together, never leaving the other.
And there she realized she wanted nothing more, but to wrap her arms around Chat Noir as well. Around his neck and press him back to her most tightly. Cry, for a sob already was stuck in her throat.
But she held herself back – especially now, that she remembered Adrien's words from earlier and the silent promise she had given to herself.
But… where would Chat Noir be in this plan? For her feelings surely wouldn't just go away, when she would start to date Adrien.
… if they would date…
And… it surely would break Chat's heart. After all – she knew, that he liked Marinette. He had admitted to Ladybug before, that he had fallen for a civilian – somebody he would secretly meet, whenever it was possible. And that had been her.
… though… where had he been the whole day?
Perhaps… it wasn't her at all. Another girl, he had seen throughout the whole day…
… and maybe these two had been on a date at the Zoo as well and that was the very reason on why he couldn't make it in time.
Had she… perhaps given herself false hope regarding Chat Noir and their relationship?
She gulped heavily and tried to push that painful thought out of her mind. For now she needed to be professional! And – heck – they were partners! There certainly was no time and place for romantic feelings!
Especially when she already liked somebody else…
"Where have you been?"
Those words left all too quickly, eyes still wide and frightened. After all – there were just to many emotions and feelings running through her. And it scared her.
… it really did and the heroine was barely able to think straight right now. And she hated it, for it made her feel powerless.
Though… that's the best way to describe today's events. For she had been barely able to protect herself, let alone the people around her. Realizing, that she was unable to keep up with an akumatized victim on her own.
… without Chat Noir.
"I couldn't make it…", he whispered apologetically and shook his head. "I couldn't. I… I was so close, but couldn't just hide to transform…"
She on the other hand nodded. Heavily gulping down the pain and fear, that started to rise in her throat. Trying to put a smile back on her lips.
"It's okay…"
She really wanted it to be okay. Really. She felt his agony. She didn't want to make him suffer. His absence in this fight had been hard enough for both of them.
"It isn't…", he therefore mumbled and closed his eyes, a tiny grease emerging between his eyebrows and he hang his head in sorrow. "And I fear, that it wouldn't be the first time. And what if… Lady Titalee – she threatened you, didn't she?"
Ladybug's eyebrows shot up on her forehead and she blinked.
"How-"
"I was close! I basically could hear every word! And everybody around was talking. And… And… wasn't it on the news as well?"
Maybe… maybe they had said something on the news about Lady Titalee. She hadn't paid any attention before – so everything was basically possible.
But one thing shocked her even more – that Chat Noir had heard the words. Lady Titalee's threat! So he must have been one of the civilians around – one of those she wanted to save.
If she had paid more attention to any of them, then maybe-
No! She didn't want to know the person, who was hiding underneath Chat's mask! This was their secret and it needed to stay one! To protect each other and those they loved.
While she could only stare at him, he let go of her arms and she immediately missed the contact of his warm hands. But she couldn't bring herself to move – to hug him instead.
… though nothing could have prepared her for the impact of his following words, that hit her with full force:
"Ladybug… I don't believe, that I am worthy for this fight against Lady Titalee. Especially now… with everything happening in my life… You should rather pick a new Chat No-"
" Don't. You. Dare!", she gasped, taking one step forward, when he took two steps back. "You are the only Chat Noir for me!"
A soft smirk reached his lips, making his features even more handsome. It wasn't a smug one. Not a flirting one. But one, that was even more meaningful.
"There was a time, where I would have loved to hear these words, My Lady…"
She pushed air through her nose, balling her hands into fists. Raised her head higher, while she stepped right in front of him.
"This is not the time to joke around, Chaton! This is serious! Lady Titalee is really dangerous! And I'll need you in this fight! You are the only Chat Noir I want and I need by my side! Together we will win against her! You'll see!" Fighting without him was no option! They had managed that before. Now was no difference! Though, she had to put all her courage together to utter the next words with truthful power: "When all is said and done and Lady Titalee is defeated, then I may allow you, to give me your Miraculous back and then I will set you free!"
She knew, that he eventually wanted to move on. Find the girl he loved and form a family with her. He had probably spoken with Plagg before about that – so he knew.
… maybe he had always known, for this had been the circle of life for kwamis and their Chosen.
For her on the other hand… this wasn't a option at all. After all – moving on as Ladybug would mean to move on a the Guardian of the Miraculous.
… which meant forgetting it all…
So… perhaps… she shouldn't have given Adrien this false hope earlier – of them trying a relationship, when there would be the right time for that. Though… there would never be the right time – another realization, that hit her hard and made her gasp.
Chat noticed it, that there was something – hidden away in the dark corners of her mind, for him not able to grasp. But both knew, that she wouldn't tell her a thing.
At first he frowned.
But then he stepped back in, his arms coming around her back to hug her tightly once more. To comfort her.
To comfort both…
"Okay…", he mumbled in her hair, his arms tightening when hers came up and around his waist as well. The spell of this embrace worked. At least for now and it made her feel warm inside. Understood. And a little bit loved in its own way. "… if you want me by your side, then I'll stay. Of course I'll do that! After all – It's Chat Noir and Ladybug against the world. It has always been that way. Always will. And we will defeat Lady Titalee – together!"
Ladybug nodded against his chest. Bid her lip and hoped, that he would allow this embrace to go on a little longer. Until the tears in her eyes were completely dried and until she could smile up in his face again. And he would let not go, until she was ready… and maybe he as well…
And… sure… there as a reason on why she felt something for Chat Noir as well – and this very moment proved that once more. And there was just something about it – the way his tight muscles felt around her smaller frame and how his warmth embraced her whole body. And-
Slow clapping echoed behind them.
Clap.
Clap.
Clap .
It was a menacing sound, echoing in her ears. Carried away by the soft breeze of this July night.
Irritation spread through their bodies and both stiffed – looking into each other's eyes with confusion. But neither of them had made such a sound.
"So…", a soft voice almost leisurely breathed "… this is your little love nest? Lovely! Oh… don't mind me – I won't be distracting for too long…"
This voice – Ladybug heard it before. Earlier. In the Zoo!
Immediately both heroes jumped apart – both reaching for their trusty weapons by their sides, facing the very source of this sound.
Lady Titalee.
A tall figure emerged from the shadows. A woman, dressed in some purple suit pants, with a top, that was a well-balanced mixture of a long, flowing suit jacket and a dress. A design, that surely resembled butterfly wings. Dress shoes with small heals. Yet, any facial features were hidden behind the mask – covering the hair as well, making it impossible to guess its color or shape. The butterfly shaped brooch pinned to the labels of the dress, glistening in the lights of the city below.
Only the cane remained the same – a mere memory, that was left from the original Hawk Moth.
But this wasn't their old archnemesis – Lady Titalee was not here to joke around and her past Akuma's have proven that already.
And it has been only a week since she first started her very own reign of terror.
"Oh? Where are my good manners?", she yet asked with a sickly sweet voice, bowing in a mocking fashion for the two heroes – arms outstretched and her eyes never leaving Ladybug's face. "I am Lady Titalee and I am glad, that we finally meet face to face. Oh – don't speak! I already know, to who I am currently speaking. The Stinky Bug and the Kitty-Cat. A pleasure to meet you!"
Chat Noir grumbled under his breath, eyes narrowed and ready to launch himself at the villain. But Ladybug held him back with a hand on her shoulder, for she sensed, that this must be a trap of some kind.
… and she certainly wanted to hear, what Lady Titalee had to say…
"What do you want?", the heroine therefore asked mildly and tried to sound as level-headed as possible.
"Your Miraculous, of course! The Ladybug Miraculous and the Cat Miraculous – to have both and to grand me one wish! It's very simple…" Lady Titalee smirked and raised her head a little higher. "The one thing, that Gabriel Agreste couldn't archive, while I am closer than he had ever been…"
"You won't win, Lady Titalee! Not until-"
"Not until what, Chat Noir?", she said, her eyebrows rising underneath the mask, tilting her head to the side to muster him with a slight smile on her lips. "… until all your bones are broken? Until your last breath? The final beat of your heart? Come on! Hawk Moth didn't use the full potential of his Akuma's! How hard must it be to beat two kids in their teenage years? I on the other hand won't fool around…"
"You can't do that!", Ladybug hissed. "The Miraculous' shall not used for evil purposes! And-"
"Oh? But it's so much fun!"
Lady Titalee giggled – a disgusting, evil laugh, that send chills up and down on Ladybug's whole spine. She already felt some kind of nausea upon hearing those words. Understanding them. Realizing the danger, that really comes with this new villainess.
One villain, who wouldn't back away, to harm everything, that was dear to her – to both of them, just to archive her goals.
It only took Ladybug and Chat Noir a glance into each other's eyes and both moved automatically – he rushed forward, bowing down before Lady Titalee and made her stumble with a well aimed move of his leg – kicking hers underneath her, while Ladybug swung her Yo-yo around the falling figure. The rope bound around her frame with ease – catching her immediately.
But Lady Titalee only smirked at this attempt to catch her - instead of leaning back and against the pull of the heroine to escape her, she moved forward as well, past Ladybug and flung herself over the handrail of the platform. Unwinding the yo-yo's rope with that, freeing Lady Titalee far too easily – having caught both Ladybug and Chat Noir off guard.
But they didn't hesitate.
Both heroes jumped after her – further down with every move. Chat Noir's staff expanding to hit her more easily, while Ladybug jumped from beam to beam to catch up with her. Fists raised, moving to hit her, but Lady Titalee was faster. Dodging them, while they fell.
The three landed on the ground. Gracefully and as if they had practiced this fight as some kind of twisted dance before.
"You certainly need to try harder, if you want to catch me! Though…", she smirked and raised her head a little higher "… do you actually believe, that I am caught that easily?"
"Would be a nice change! And I am absolutely paw-sitive, that you will be in jail in no time!", Chat answered back with a smug smile, leaning on his stuff, while he and his Lady calculated their next moves with care. Neither daring to move just yet.
Of course – Lady Titalee wasn't here to be deported to the police anytime soon. Ladybug knew that pretty well.
But the villainess merely wanted to give them her personal declaration of war. Announcing her agenda. Probably trying to scare them away.
… hoping to win the Miraculous more easily.
And no – she won't go down easily. Both Ladybug and Chat Noir knew that well.
… but Lady Titalee should know, that they also were a force to reckon with!
"Oh Chat Noir~ Always joking around! Some things would never change…", the other woman said, spinning the cane in her hands, before she pushed its end back to the ground, leaning on it, to watch both heroes a little closer. With a smirk and with a tilted head. "Surely it's no surprise to the world, that your little Lady over there has fallen for your charms…I surely would have, if I'd stand on the same side as you~"
Urgh… could she please not flirt with him? That made this whole ordeal even more annoying for the heroine and she pursed her lips.
"You should rather beware the destructive side of him…", she merely mumbled, finally taking a step closer to Lady Titalee. Chat Noir followed close behind, waiting for her orders.
But the other Lady merely laughed, seeing both heroes coming closer once more, turning around and started to sprint towards the buildings behind her.
"We need to catch her! Stop her!", Ladybug shouted, when she started to run as well, while Chat Noir moved by her side. "It's our chance!"
He nodded and both jumped up on the buildings front, higher and higher to reach the rooftops. Lady Titalee wasn't too far away, but the distance kept growing stronger with every jump she made.
But she wasn't running away – toying with them was clearly the better phrase. If she really wanted to run and hide, then she would be gone by now. But instead Lady Titalee made this chase go on longer, then it needed.
It was frustrating. Heck – annoying even! But they were supposed to stay focused on their target – even if the villainess always slithered right out of their reach, when they almost had her in their clutches.
Chat Noir felt it as well – this frustration. Anger, perhaps. Clutching his jaw, making his teeth grit, breathing heavily through his nostrils. Letting out a tiny shout, when the other woman was once more out of the reach of his staff.
Lady Titalee was good and Ladybug hated this thought once it crossed her mind.
"This is fun!", Lady Titalee screamed, standing high on top of the building in front of them, spreading her arms wide, welcoming the breeze around her. "This power is marvelous! Imagine all the things I could do, once I have the other Miraculous!"
Ladybug snorted under her breath, spinning her yo-yo around her – reading to throw it towards Lady Titalee once more. Ready to catch her, when she makes just one little misstep.
"You won't get them!"
The laughter echoed through the empty streets. Announcing Lady Titalee's arrival to those, who had until now lived in peaceful bliss. Surely – down there – there were a few civilians who have stopped on their way to distant parties or from work. Watching. Filming, perhaps. By tomorrow morning this very happening would be all over the news.
"Oh… ", Lady Titalee breathed, lowering her arms to her side, while her confident smirk remained. "… but I know, where I could get the other Miraculous. All of them. And I could tell all of Paris where to find them! I know your name and it's-"
Ladybug paled. Felt her whole body paralyze. Almost, as if she was about to faint. Her heart skipped a beat after another and she was unable to breath. Thrown into icey cold water and the pressure of the tentacles returned.
… she was powerless… utterly powerless… she wouldn't make it in time – up the floors, that were between them. Up to Lady Titalee. To just slap her hand on her mouth and to scream, that she should shut up.
Chat Noir on the other hand pressed his hands on his ears. Not wanting to hear it. Not wanting to hear Ladybug's secret. Pressing his eyes shut.
Seeing this it made Lady Titalee chuckle.
"Wait… you do not know, who is hiding underneath her mask? You do not know her name? How hilarious! So…" Triumphant she pulled her shoulders back and straightened her back, as if this new posture made her grow a little more. "… this knowledge shall be my pawn! Good… Don't worry Ladybug your dirty little secret is save with me. For now…"
Ladybug had enough. She really had! The thought, that Lady Titalee could use this information against her was horrible and painful at the same time. Knowing her meant, that even her loved once were in danger! And guessing from Lady Titalee's behavior she knew, that this new villainess would not hold back.
So she stormed forward. Moving, before either Chat Noir or Lady Titalee could have said or done just anything. Up toward the higher floor, up towards the rooftop, where Lady Titalee was standing on. Landing a well aimed kick in her stomach. The next punch was dodged, Ladybug thrown to the floor from a swift move with the cane.
But she was immediately up again. Parading a hit of Lady Titalee's weapon. Leaning back, when it swung past her. Jumping to pull the villainess with her.
Both rolling on the floor. Grunting. Trying to hit the other, but strength was equally measured. Both dodged, when possible. Springing away from to other to stand once more – this time with Lady Titalee being the one to launch herself at Ladybug with a fierce scream.
Both crashed through glass behind them. A window and Ladybug was thankful for the super suit she wore.
Yet, there was no time to form a coherent thought. Rolling them over to pin Lady Titalee to the floor. One hand remaining on the throat of the heroine, while the other was held down by Ladybug over her head.
But the smirk on the other woman's lips remained.
"Give up. Now!", Ladybug pressed between her lips, demanding the Butterfly Miraculous back with that.
"This is not over – we both know that!"
"You-"
Ladybug could not say more. Steps echoed in front of them. A scream and a second shout.
When she looked up she-
Ladybug gasped, stumbling back from the villainess before her. Eyes wide. Disbelieve written all over her face.
"Maman…", whimpered a tiny voice, panicked and the girl with blonde hair hid behind her mother's legs. Clutching her tightly. Being afraid of the sight in front of her.
And her mother could only stare and Ladybug had to stare back to believe, what she was seeing.
"Emma… all is well…", whispered Lila, trying to hide her daughter the best she could from the dangers, that where unfolding in front of her, eyes flying between the heroine and the villainess, who slowly raised herself from the floor. "I'll protect you! Hurry! Go in your room and lock it!"
"Ladybug!", came it from behind them and it was Chat, who stepped through the broken window, stopping as well, when he saw the happening in front of him. "What-"
Letting out a shaking breath and he shook his head.
"Wrong guess, right?", Lady Titalee mumbled, standing once more, brushing dust and dirt from herself, before she brought her cane in front of her. "Maybe you should try harder to figure my identity out. But if you excuse me – I have other plans for tonight!"
With these words she tapped the small capsule at the end of the cane and Ladybug immediately saw the flutter inside.
An Akuma! Ready to be released!
Before either Ladybug, or Chat Noir could have stopped her, she ran past them, flung herself out of the window. Opening the capsule, while she fell, setting the black butterfly free.
Both heroes had to act fast – there were too many negative emotions around and it could be pulled in any direction of the partisans.
Chat called for his cataclysm, hoping to catch it in time. Hoping to destroy it. But it moved out of his reach, while he jumped past it and his claws came in contact with a light pole instead. Making it fall to dust.
Making him curse.
Ladybug – barely time to call for a lucky charm – caught it with her yo-yo instead. Purifying it. Setting it free, when she ungracefully landed down in the streets.
But by this time Lady Titalee was gone with the night.
Fuck… was the only thing that crossed her mind. Over, and over and over again. Staring ahead, still, for a minute or two. Trying to understand anything, that has happened.
Anything…
She gasped in shock and surprise, when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder – turning around she came face to face with a similarly worn out Chat Noir.
"Can you repair it?", he mumbled, making a tiny motion with his head, up towards the shattered glass of the window.
One, that lead to Lila's flat.
She didn't answer, meekly nodded, and let the magic of the yo-yo do its job.
Then once more there was silence. Between them – even when both jumped back up on a nearby rooftop – his ring letting out a treated Beep by that time.
She knew, that she should have apologized for the sudden intrusion to Lila. For scaring Emma and her mother. But she couldn't do that. Couldn't face them, now, that she knew, that her believes were wrong all along.
But both couldn't say a word, yet. Standing there paralyzed and it was Chat Noir, who dared to speak first:
"What has happened there?", he murmured, head shaking in disbelieve. "Lady Titalee… she-"
"Don't!", Ladybug said, head hanging, finger lifting, as if she wanted to scold him, but let it fall back to her side. Sighing in defeat. "…I didn't have my emotions in check. She knows, how she can play with us. With me. And she will use it as her advantage… "
"Do you really believe, that she knows your name?"
"She does. She really-"
"Ladybug-"
"No – listen to me!" She let out a shaking breath. Felt the sting of tears in her eyes and took a step back. Looking up in his face – his brilliant green eyes, that shone darkest in the night - was hard, almost impossible, but she had to do it. To tell him her truthful, yet painful thoughts. "If you don't want to fight her, then I'll set you free. Now".
Lady Titalee was dangerous.
… so fucking dangerous. An opponent, who can easily hold up in a fight. Who dares to attack first. Who is reckless. Who – probably – would cross the line.
And she knew him – knew, that he would throw himself in the way. Fight, until there was nothing to fight anymore.
But she didn't want to lose him.
… couldn't lose him…
Not like that.
And her words – they shocked him. Standing there in front of her, disarmed by her sentences. Eyes wide, hands hanging loosely by his side. Mouth standing slightly open.
She took it as a cue, to continue:
"I might be Ladybug to you, but I am the Guardian of the Miraculous as well! It's my duty to protect the Kwamis, the Miraculous and their Holders. Their Chosen. And-" "No!" "-I believe, that Lady Titalee will do everything, to get, what she wants! And if you stand in her way…" Her breath came shaking between her lips, one tear daring to leave her eyes. " I can't lose you!"
He grabbed her wrists tightly with his hands, but not to bruise her. To pull her closer and against him. Embracing the tiny frame of the woman, that stood before him. Before she could have stepped back. For the third time during this night. And both needed it once more.
"Sorry…", he mumbled, as Ladybug pressed her face against his chest, hoping to drown the sound of her crying. His voice was hoarse, too. "But you won't get rid of me anytime soon, Milady. I came back to Paris and I came back to you. And I am here to stay. And together we will win this fight!"
… and hopefully the war, that Lady Titalee has started.
A/N: I really, really like this chapter. I had fun while writing it. I had fun playing with their relationship. I had fun with the dialogue. Three hugs - one to say, that he was sorry. One because both needed it and the closeness to the other, because there are certainly hidden feelings in both. And one to comfort them from all their fears and sorrows.
And then there was Lady Titalee...
...and Lila as well...
I'll let you think about it:D
Next Chapter: 'Bros' reunited...