17: Dark Cupid

It was officially my first day being back to school after the... incident. So Adrien came to my home early to pick me up and had every intention to drop me off.

And he's also been helping me get up the stairs to get to class.

"Adrien," I whined as I held onto him tighter, "I can climb the stairs… sort of." He was carrying me bridal style all the way up.

One thing is to carry me across the floor, but up the school's stairs? I know he would never purposely let me go, but it's still nerve wracking. Plus, it doesn't help that a lot of people are staring.

"And hurt yourself?" He teases. "Nope. That's why I'm here to help."

"Me too, dudette," Nino smiles as he was carrying my crutches and my backpack beside us. "Plus, I think Adrien's way is way faster, look we already made it."

And it was true. Adrien gently let me down, but he still held me up as Nino gave my crutches back.

"I can still hold on to your pack, it's not that heavy," Nino grins and I sighed in defeat. There's no way I could change their mind when both of them are working together against me.

"Okay," I sighed dramatically, but then I smiled, "You guys are the best, you know that?"

"It wouldn't hurt to hear it a couple… dozen more times," Adrien says cheekily, making us laugh.

When we finally made it to our homeroom, Ms. Bustier greets me with her usual warm smile. But I saw that sadness in her eyes as she saw my cast and no doubt the healing bruise on my face.

"Jolene," She smiles, "So glad to have you back."

"Glad to be back," I replied with a smile. "I have some completed assignments, but I'm going to finish the rest hopefully soon."

"Please, Jolene, take your time to catch up, I'm sure Nino and Adrien will help you with what you missed," She smiles at them.

"Already on it, Ms. Bustier," Nino grins, "Jolene has been studying really hard."

"I'm glad that you are such a dedicated student," Ms. Bustier comments. "Would you like to sit back in your seat, or would you like to switch with a closer one?"

I hummed as I looked where my seat was all the way in the back, climbing up some stairs.

"I'll go back to my old seat, that way I can rest my leg on the free space and my crutches would be out of the way," I told her.

She nodded and so I made my trek towards my seat, playfully scolding Adrien that I really wanted to do it on my own.

The three of us were still early to class so when I finally got in my seat, the rest of my friends came in.

Many of them smiled as they greeted me, but things quickly turned sour when Chloé appeared.

She took one look at me and laughed. "Baudelaire, you are seriously dramatic. Getting all of that for attention? Puh-lease," She snapped her fingers. She walked towards me, with a hesitant Sabrina behind her. She stopped in front of me and looked at my face and my cast, "Those are obviously fake."

"Chloé!" Adrien shouted, getting everyone's attention. "Leave her alone."

Chloé looked close to tears and when she saw that no one was going to pity her, she stopped and looked genuinely sad.

"Fine," She scoffs, trying to brush it off.

"Let's start class," Ms. Bustier clears her throat. "Let me start off with Happy Valentine's Day everyone!"

And so class went on and I took as many notes as I could, catching up on History.

However when it was our first break, Adrien came to me as he handed me a piece of folded paper.

"Read this when you are alone and give it to me after next class, okay?" He says with a blush on his cheeks, his eyes not quite meeting mine.

I nod, a little curious at his sudden request.

Many of my classmates started to leave to grab something from their lockers, or get a quick snack before the next class.

Ms. Bustier stayed behind, leaving just the two of us.

I didn't mind and that was the right time to open the paper.

It was a poem.

Your hair falls down in beautiful ocean waves,

Your smile is as warm as the sun rays,

Your eyes pierce right through my soul,

And I'm grateful that you make me whole.

Remember we made a promise,

So please be honest.

My little lady, would you be mine?

I smile softly, my heart jumping out of joy and my stomach feeling like thousands of butterflies are fluttering towards my lungs.

How did I deserve him?

So after quickly wiping off my happy tears, I grabbed my pen and started to reply back.

My guardian angel of golden hair,

With gorgeous eyes I'd forever stare,

And strong arms that make me feel loved,

I'm grateful you are my only beloved.

I remember our promise very well,

And so my answer I will tell.

Yes, let me be yours, mi Cielo.

Mi Cielo is a common name of endearment in Spanish, roughly translated to my Heaven or my piece of Heaven. I could not argue with that meaning since that is what Adrien means to me.

He brought me peace and happiness that I once thought would be impossible to achieve. But he proved me wrong.

I'm not sure if he knows what it means, but I'll be more than happy to explain to him when he asks.

Just as I was finishing writing, I didn't realize that Alya and Marinette were behind me.

So naturally my knee jerked against my desk when they called my name.

I hissed in pain, while the two girls were apologizing profoundly.

"I'm fine," I say wryly as I rub my sore spot as I look at them.

However, I realized a bit too late that both girls had seen the poem. I tried to hide it away from them, but Alya snatched it out of my reach.

Marinette was reading it from behind and I saw her eyes widening, as if realization was hitting her. But that can't be true, can it?

"Ohhh, you got a love poem," Alya teases, though I was thankful for her low voice and that it was just the three of us in the class. "I wonder who it could be?"

"Is it Cat Noir?" Marinette gasps, making Alya and me look at her in surprise.

How does she know I have a connection with them?! I frowned as I looked at Alya, who had her hands up in surrender.

"I swear I didn't say anything!" She exclaims.

Marinette was sweating bullets as we waited for her explanation.

"It's just that- you said that Cat rescued you- and I remembered what Alya posted on her LadyBlog- after that fight with that Akuma- Cat Noir looked really upset- I just connected from dots…?" She explains herself as her eyes look between us.

...It sounded logical. I saw that same video Marinette was talking about. Cat really looked distressed. And they know what really happened to me. Marinette is no dummy, so it was natural to assume that the poem came from him.

But…

"I don't know who it's from," I answered too quickly. "I just found it on my… doorstep this morning."

"Uh huh," Alya says, totally not believing me. "It clearly states that you refer to him as 'golden haired', how do you explain that?"

I laughed nervously, "If I tell, you guys won't laugh?"

Both girls nodded and so I spun an imaginary tale.

"I'm pretty sure all the single ladies in my building received the same letter," I start. "I saw at the bottom of the doors a corner of a piece of paper, just like it was for me in the morning.

"It probably is someone doing it as a prank, or something. So I decided to reply as if it was written by my celebrity crush," I say shyly.

"And who could this gorgeous person be?" Alya asks as she raises her eyebrow.

"...William Moseley," I said, his face being the first that I imagined when I thought of a blond handsome boy. I remember seeing The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe with my sister a lot. And both of us agreed that Peter Penvensie was just the cutest and dreamiest of boys that our eyes laid on. Sure he was older, but that didn't matter to us.

He was a king of a fantasy world.

I don't have such a big crush on him anymore, but I can remember that his character brings warm and fuzzy feelings back with bittersweet tenderness.

"Who's that?" Marinette asks.

So without much fuss, I googled his picture when he played Peter Penvensie many years ago.

When I showed it to them, they had looks of understanding.

"Oohhh, from that movie," Alya says with a smirk. "I would have never imagined that you were into older men."

I blushed, "I like him as Peter Penvensie."

"Aha, no worries girl, I have crushes on the characters too," She winks. Then she gives me back my paper. "Have fun on your imaginary date, okay?"

I blushed and nodded as I kept the poem in a safer place.

Little did I know, neither of them believed me. But they didn't say anything, seeing that I was trying too hard to cover it up.

Adrien came back a few minutes later, the soft blush still on his cheeks. I smiled at him, "Read it when you can." I handed him the paper, making sure no one was watching, he quickly hid it behind his blazer.

Too soon class started and I kept a close eye on Adrien, wondering when he was going to read it.

Today is a short day for the holiday so after French, we will be able to leave class.

I wonder if we are going to do anything today?

I hope we just stay on the roof because I have something planned for us.

It was after school and Adrien helped me get down the stairs as soon Chloé convinced him to sign an autograph on some poster she was hiding from him.

As he carried me down, I looked up the stairs to see Marinette and Alya staring at us.

I gave them a small hesitant wave before looking away. My arms grabbed Adrien a little tighter.

"Are you okay?" Adrien whispers.

"Yeah, it just feels a little weird," I answered back, hoping to give him a reassuring smile.

He accepted and soon we were on the floor and Nino gave me my crutches back.

"Thanks, Nino," I smiled as I started limping my way towards the exit. "Do you want to hang out… later at my place?"

Nino shook his head sadly, "Sorry, dudette, but my parents want me to babysit Chris all day, but tomorrow I'm all free, baby!"

Adrien and I laughed at his excitement.

"If you want, we can catch a movie or even visit the arcade for a while. Though I will be sitting down most of the time," I offered.

"How about we play Mecha Strike and maybe some karaoke at your place?" He grins.

"I like that plan," Adrien says as both boys smile innocently at me.

"Sounds like a plan," I agreed.

"Alright, see you tomorrow," Nino says as he waves at us before leaving towards the elementary school his brother is at.

I carefully climbed down the front stairs, with Adrien hovering right next to me.

Then he opened the door for me to get into the waiting car where Giles was standing nearby.

Once we were settled, Giles drove us back to my apartment in comfortable silence.

I was pleasantly surprised that Gabriel let Adrien stay at my apartment until later. So with a smile on my face, I suggested to Adrien that we should go to the roof.

"No," he said, making me blink in surprise.

"Why not?" I whined.

"Because I do not want to risk hurting yourself as you make it to the roof," He states as he crosses his arms.

I pouted, but soon I realized that he was right. I just miss going up there, enjoying the fresh air.

"Fine," I sighed, but then I blushed when Adrien stole a kiss from me.

"I'm sure we can do other things here," He grins.

"Jolene!" Plagg shouts from the kitchen, a piece of Camembert in his paws. "I have a present for you!"

He gobbles the Camembert in a second before flying right in front of me. Then he kisses my nose, "You are important to us. So please, stay safe, okay?"

I smiled softly, touched by his words, "I'll do my best."

"Good," Plagg states seriously before smiling, "I'm going to enjoy the rest of the Camembert while you two lovebirds do couple-things."

Adrien and I blushed softly, but we didn't disagree with the kwami.

"I have a present for you," I told him as I limp towards my room. However, I held in a gasp of surprise when Adrien swooped me in his arms. I playfully hit his shoulder, "You are enjoying this way too much."

"Maybe," He smirks as he walks towards my room. "What kind of boyfriend would I be if I don't take every chance to sweep my girlfriend off her feet?"

I blushed, but I smile fondly on him as he made it inside my room. He carefully sets me on my bed which is where I left my gift hidden under my pillows.

I cupped the necklace in my hands, hiding it from his view. He sat down beside me and I asked him to close his eyes.

When he did that, I placed the leather cord over his head, the jade pendant hanging between his chest. It looked like any ordinary jade pendant with a hole in the middle. However, I added a little inscription on the edge of the stone. It read 'My Hero' in English.

He opened his eyes and he smiled, "Wow. This is amazing." Then he held my hand, the very same one that was proudly wearing his Christmas present. "Thank you."

"I wanted to give you a bracelet, but I was worried if people saw it on Cat and Alya saw it on you…" I didn't need to finish my thought. He knows what I'm talking about.

"I still love it," He smiles as he then takes something out of his pocket. It was a small box. "Here, I hope you like them."

I grabbed the box and opened them. Inside were studs, small circular cut gems, colored in vibrant pink. "Are these spinels?" I whispered in awe.

"You did say they are your favorites," Adrien smiles.

I thanked him and intended to give him a quick kiss, but he held my face, making the kiss a bit longer than expected.

My cheeks probably matched my new earrings when he finally let go.

"You're so cute," He says as he brushes my hair behind my ears.

I don't think I will get used to hearing him say that to me anytime soon.

"You're such a flirt," I manage to say with a smile as I put on the studs.

Adrien playfully flicks them and I laughed, feeling a bit ticklish.

He then carried me back to the kitchen where he heated up some of the microwave instant food for the both of us.

Plagg was taking a nap on the couch.

We didn't do much of anything else other than just enjoying each other's company.

To be honest, it still feels normal. The only difference is that we both consent to kisses that still make me have the honey glow.

We were in each other's arms, watching Shrek in the Spanish (Latin American) version when we heard some shouting.

Immediately Adrien jumped out of the couch and ran towards the window.

I twisted my body to see him leave, but then I didn't have to since he came running in.

He gave me a sheepish smile, "There's an Akuma."

I nodded in understanding before I stood up and gave him a quick kiss.

"Go save Paris," I told him.

He kissed me before he shouted, "Plagg, claws out!"

Plagg did not look happy in being interrupted in his nap as he was sucked into the ring.

I sat down and watched as Cat Noir left.

"I'll be back before you miss me," He winks. Soon he leaves, going through my bedroom's window no doubt.

Then there was only silence.

"Okay, Alexa play Background Music," I commanded.

Soon the Minute Waltz sounded throughout my living room.

Might as well do my homework while I wait for him to come back.

Ladybug's POV

I knew Cat was flirtatious, especially towards me. Claiming to be his 'Bugaboo'.

I know that he cares for me, just like I care for him as my partner and even dare to say, friend.

And as my friend, I thought that a kiss would break Dark Cupid's curse on him.

But it didn't work.

"See? Love does not beat hate," Cat smirks and I stood there in shock for a few seconds, before I was forced to free him of my yo-yo.

"Backup's here," Dark Cupid flies in as he shoots his arrows. Cat pounced and attacked and I knew I had to leave.

"Running away? Now that's not heroic," Cat taunts.

I jumped and swung from building to building until I was sure I lost both of them.

"Why didn't the kiss work?" I muttered to myself.

But then I remember a little detail from school, a little before French.

My guardian angel of golden hair…

"I better hope I'm right," I say as I make it to Jolene's place.

I landed on her roof and I didn't see anything, but I did see a window open.

I went in and it was Jolene's room.

"Felino? Is that you?" I heard her call out as she paused some classical music coming rom her living room.

I heard her come in and immediately I saw her eyes widening.

"L-ladybug?!" She leans on her crutches, "Wait… did something happen to Cat?"

She cares for him, a lot, that much I can tell. Her eyes looked close to tears as her knuckles turned white.

"He's been shot with a cursed arrow," I start, making her gasp, "But he's not hurt," I added quickly. "Just… he is full of hate."

Jolene was silent, "Why are you here then?"

And so I told her that I kissed Cat hoping to break the curse. I noticed her eyes turning so incredibly sad.

"But the kiss didn't work," I told her. "I think you need to kiss Cat. He needs a true love's kiss."

Jolene blushed so face that reminds me of me when it comes to dealing with Adrien.

"Me? True love?" Jolene whispers, "Are you sure?"

I nodded firmly. "We need to break the curse and defeat Dark Cupid."

Jolene let out a deep breath and nodded, "Okay."

I smiled encouragingly as I carried her, careful of her injuries.

Cat, you are going to get an earful from me once this is over. He should have told me that he likes Jolene more than a friend.

He needs to be very careful from now on.

He better hope Hawkmoth doesn't find out about her or else… Jolene would be in constant danger.

Jolene's POV

I saw Cat and… an Akumatized Kim circling around a large fountain, in between the circling traffic.

"I'm surprised Alya isn't around," I mutter.

"Huh? Why would you say that?" Ladybug asks, surprised.

"She's your number one fan," I told her with a wry smile, "They are in the open and…" I look around, "I don't see her. I'm sure she would take the opportunity to secretly record this moment for the LadyBlog, but I'm glad she isn't."

"Why do you say that?" Ladybug whispers.

"She's a good friend, and I understand that she loves being your fan, but I worry for her safety. I hope she doesn't get in the way or something worse like a hostage."

Ladybug blinked a couple of times, before giving me a smile, "You're intuitive. That's good."

Then she whispered into my ear that I need to get to Cat when I see the opportunity, and to be very careful of not getting shot with Dark Cupid's arrows.

I nod and soon she jumps into their view, getting their attention.

"About time! Cataclysm!" Cat yells, his hand bubbling with the black corrosive energy. "I often wonder what my Cataclysm will do to someone."

That is definitely not my Cat, or the Cat Noir that I know. And I couldn't help the small rise of anger I had towards Hawk Moth because it was his fault, not Kim's.

But I took a deep breath and focused on what I had to do.

Break the curse.

"Lucky charm!" Ladybug yells and soon a red and black spotted heart-shaped candy landed on her hands. She mutters something that I could not hear. She looked around and I saw her smiling in triumph. "I've got a Valentine's Day gift for you!"

She starts spinning her yo-yo around her, and soon Dark Cupid starts shooting his arrows at her.

Ladybug blocks them easily, but I also gasp out loud when Cat attacks her, his powered hand ready to touch her. She dodges out of the way and gets behind him by grabbing his tail and then jumping on top of him, knocking him down.

Slowly, I started to sneak towards them, careful not to make a sound as I hide behind a bench that was close to Cat.

"Looks like you're in a sticky situation!" Ladybug announces, breaking my concentration.

She throws the candy apple at Dark Cupid, which it lands on top of his head. He takes it out, but then realizes it's now stuck to his hand. He shakes his hand and then tries to use his bow.

"Ladybug!" He growled when he couldn't let go of the string.

"And now for the pussycat," Ladybug smirks from the top of the fountain.

"Cat Noir! Her Miraculous!" Dark Cupid commands as he lands on the ground. He went inside the fountain to wash his hands, his back turned completely back towards us.

"With pleasure," Cat smirks. They both pounced towards each other, but I saw how Ladybug brought the brawl closer towards me. In a few seconds, he was on top of her, his Cataclysm ready to touch her.

"Finally, I'll find out who you are. Your little secret will be out of the bag," He smirks again.

However, I finally sneak up from his blind spot and quickly topple him away from Ladybug. Making sure that his Cataclysm didn't touch anything.

Now I was on top of him and before he could react, I grabbed his face between my hands and stole him a kiss. In the back corner of my mind, I couldn't help feeling smug that I could return the favor.

My lips pressed his, hoping that somehow my love breaks the curse as I close my eyes waiting for the change.

Then I opened my eyes when I felt the negativity around him vanish and I break away. My eyes see that his black stained lips are normal once again.

I smiled with relief.

"Wh-what am I doing here? Jolene?" He asks as he finally notices me.

Immediately Ladybug went towards him and I got out of the way.

Ladybug then grabs him, bringing him over her shoulders, "No time! The quiver pin, Cat Noir! Now!" And then she throws him, Cat barely having enough sense to aim his Cataclysm on the pin as he crashes towards Dark Cupid.

"No!" Dark Cupid cries out as he falls to the ground.

"Sorry, need that," He grabs the pin and throws it to Ladybug, "Happy Valentine's Day!"

"Aww, you shouldn't have," Ladybug plays along as she grabs it easily, but then she throws it to the ground and steps on it, breaking it, "Whoops."

As Ladybug captured Akuma, Cat went towards me, helping me up, "What are you doing here? Are you hurt?"

I smiled wryly at him, "I'm fine, just saved you from Dark Cupid's curse."

He looked so lost that when Ladybugs filled our vision, we saw Kim turn back to normal, looking around us, confused.

But then his eyes settled on me, "Jolene?"

"Hi," I waved at him shyly, "What a coincidence?"

Cat then swoops me off my feet, "Sorry to cut it short, but I have to return the little lady back to her place. See you around and try to stay away from bad influences, 'Kay?"

And before Kim could reply, Cat jumped away, with the aid of his staff.

I grab on tight around his shoulders as he jumps from building to building, but I look behind him and see Ladybug catching up to him.

"Ladybug is following us," I whispered to him.

"What?" He stops as he turns around, just in time to see Ladybug landing in front of him.

"Cat Noir," She frowns as she looks between us, "I hope you know that there are consequences."

Cat frowns as I feel his arms tightening around me, "My Lady, I respect you a lot, but please, I hope you don't bring Jolene into Akuma fights anymore."

Ladybug didn't say anything for a while, but then the beeping around their Miraculous reminded them of their time limit.

"We'll talk at a later day then," She nods as she jumps off the building and swings in the opposite direction.

Cat didn't waste time to take me back to my building, however his time ran out once he landed on the roof.

"Are you okay?" He asked me again as Plagg hovered around us.

I nodded, "I'm fine."

He gently sets me down on the chair, while he takes the other one. Adrien gave Plagg a piece of Camembert, who readily started eating.

"What happened?" He asked me, but it was surprisingly Plagg that answered, giving a little more details about what had happened.

"Yeah, you were rather rude to Ladybug," Plagg finishes. "But good thing Jolene got us by surprise and gave you a big smooch."

I blushed at his wording, "Plagg, it wasn't that big."

"Oh don't be modest," He says as he flies in front of me, "You poured a lot of true love in that kiss. That's why you were able to break Dark Cupid's curse, not Ladybug."

"You felt that?" I squeaked out, feeling a fever already take over my face.

"Sure did," Plagg winks, "Now, I'm going to let you two love birds be alone."

He disappeared into the ground, most likely going to my room where Chez Cat has a bed waiting for him.

And my blush didn't stop as Adrien stole another kiss from me.

"I love you," He says as he helps me up. "I'm glad your kiss worked. It just proved that we really do love each other."

I looked into his eyes and I drowned in his love, "Good. Because I swear, if you loved Ladybug… I will not forgive you for playing me."

He caresses my cheek, "I promise, you are my only one now."

I smiled softly as I turned towards him fully, wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. His hands went towards my waist and held me close.

So this is love.

True love.

It's more beautiful and fulfilling than what I ever imagined.

AN: And it's finally done! And sorry for the longer wait. Hopefully this chapter is worth it.

Thank you so much to Hikaru Emiya, DeniseRenee, alexandrita13, Vixen of Mischief, Aresshya, SakuraMinx743, IlLittle SIl, fleurprocompta, GoldenPhoenix21, MistGirl1423, and Lorena1701 for following and/or favorited this story. I'm so glad that after all this time there are people who like reading and that's enough for me.

And million more thanks to starrat and YaoiLovinKitsune for the reviews. Those always bring me in a good mood.