A/N:Weeeeellllll~I don't know, if I should give a warning - but here it is - smut is going to happen down there. So lets see, what you guys think of it:D
36. The Parting Gift
Midnight. She dreaded this hour somehow. For nothing good has ever happened past midnight.
And despite its late hour the young woman just couldn't find her sleep. Worried about her dreams and nightmares, that would catch up with her, when she allowed herself to close her eyes.
For nightmares would come, grasp her with its twisted visuals and haunting words. Drag her down in its depths with claws and tentacles and wooden hands. To keep her there, to keep her still. Drown her, until she would feel breathless yet again. And until she would need to fear her own surroundings once more, waking up to find herself completely alone.
...alone...
For there was no Adrien around-he was long gone and home, again. Needed to work as well in the morning. Tiered and exhausted, too.
He still hadn't made a decision. To go to this interview, or to stay far away from it. True-she would help him, if he wanted. If she could. And if he asked, then she would find something to say. Share her thoughts-and there were plenty.NinoandAlyawould do the same-she even suggested preparing the interview with him. She knew secrets. Knew, that they would ask mean questions.
But Adrien had declined this offer and had stayed pretty silent for the rest of the ride home.
Marinetteknew, that his demons were haunting him once more. Badly and he would need to face them soon enough. If he wanted to, or not.
And if he let her, then she would carry this burden with him-he wanted to do the same and that was something a couple in a loving relationship would do.
…what she wanted to do…
Marinettegulped and pulled her silky bathrobe a little tighter, leaning against the wall beside the door frame once more. Standing in her dark kitchen, with a glass of water close. Unable to move.
Unable to fall asleep…
Raising her phone up once more to her tired and begging eyes.
She wrote a little message towards the blond man-to let him know, that he could call her at any time. To talk. If he needed advice. To hear her voice. Anything, that could help him. Hesitating, before she eventuallysendedit to himandshe wondered what he would say, or think of her.
Though-no… her words wouldn't sound desperate to him. And they wouldn't annoy him in any way. They would make him smile, once he saw her message. And if he had the time, then he would call.
And any time would feel right and welcomed to hear his voice as well, for she wouldn't mind, either.
Oncethe message was out she switched back to the video app on her phone. Searching and finding once more clips about dancing- especially those dances, that Adrien had mentioned before.
Little did she wonder what it would be like to dance with him-just like that! For Salsa looked a lot like fun, while the Waltz was more of a formal dance. Foxtrot would make her feel just as dizzy and Tango…, well…, Tango almost looked like a form of foreplay to her.
Watching it made her feel excited and the young woman wondered what it would feel like to dance with Adrien like that. So closeandshe would grant him the chance to lead her. To twist and turn her, how he desired. To eventually breath as one, move as oneandit surely would be the perfect opportunity to kiss him-
"Urgh!", she groaned and banged her head against the wall behind her, as her stupid mind dared to switch back to Chat Noir and their make out session from earlier. But it hurt-of course, the bruise on her forehead was still there and would take some time to heal-especially if she kepton goinglike that!
But she just couldn't help herself. Knowing, that had been too wrong to give in.
Wondering why it had felt sofuckingright to her.
Marinetteclosed her eyes and took a deep breath. She balled her hands to fists, closing around her phone, while the music on it kept on playing, while two bodies kept on dancing to it on the screen.
Eventually she sighed. A long, painful sigh.
For she knew, that she had to let go of Chat Noir, if she wanted to be with Adrien. She could only have oneandshe had chosen one over the other some time ago.
Though…, there was nothing to choose. There had always been one logical option. For a relationship with Chat Noir was impossible. Has always been and the hero should know that.
… but it didn't help her in any way, for she had fallen for him nonetheless.
Yeah…he was 'that other man'Alyahad referred to. And her best friend had probably sensed, that there was something up. Why she hadn't given in, yet and even though Adrien's liking for her had been very noticeable since the beginning. And… yeah…Marinetteasked herself, how she could have been so blind to see it, now, that so much has happened between them.
Apart ofthe things, that were supposed to happen-like kissing or anything sexual, of course!
Another sigh escaped her lips, as she remembered the short conversation she had with Tikki, just when they arrived. For theKwamihad once more stated, that it all was just asignand that she shouldn't worry about the things, that happened between her, Adrien, or Chat Noir. For it all made sense in the endandshe only had to wait and see.
…sure…
Tikki'soh so wise wordshadn't helped her, eitherandit was the tiny goddess, who had fallen asleep a little while later. Feeling tired as well andMarinettedidn't want to bother her any further. For her small friend had been exhausted from the fight, too.
And how could she be angry with Tikki? She only wanted her human's best. Knew so many things, thatMarinettewasn't even aware about. So her words held their truth and surely there was indeed a sign, thatMarinettewasn't even aware about.
But when would she eventually find out?
Marinetteshook her head and pushed herself off the wall. Drinking the remaining water, to place the now empty glass by the sink.
Ready to sleep now.
…or at least she would try-needed to, for she would need to work in the morning. And it would be a long day-with her taking the late shift in the Café. But it was okay… Would be, since she needed the money.
…for her father…
Restless she started to walk. Out of the kitchen and towards the living room.
She had opened the window there some time ago, wanting to fill these walls with cool night air. To help her breath and to help her find her sleep. But she wanted to close it, before she went to bed-knowing very well, that LadyTitaleewas still out there, knowing her identity and where she lived. Heck-probably even so much more!
And an opened window was just that invitation, that somebody like thevillainesswould need…
…hell…, they really needed to find a way to fight her and eventually to stop her.
Before she would win and have their Miraculous to grant her a wish.
Marinettegulped and rememberedNino's question. On why LadyTitaleewanted their Miraculous. For he had a point there:
…how…was she able to find out about it in the first place? There was nobody, who could have told her… right?
"Princess?"
Marinette's train of thoughts was cut short, when she heard that soft voice, as she entered the living room. Emerald green eyes shone through the darkness, immediately fixing on her.
She gasped.
"Chat!"
But her poor heart also started to speed up, when she saw his shadowy silhouette by the window, illuminated by the streetlights from behind him. Seeing his strong frame, she just had to remember his touch and his fiery kiss. His gaze, so full of desire and lust, as his eyes had wandered over her soaked body…
Hell… He had been able to see her in the darkness, with her floral skirt and black hair clinging to her skin.
…with her white shirt sticking to her, surely see through from the waterandhe had been able to see her white bra underneath.
Now wasn't any better-Marinettequickly recalled, knowing, that she currently wasn't wearing much, either.
Just the silky bathrobe, that barely reached her knees and a black slip underneath-still not entirely changed into her sleeping clothes, after the shower, she had just taken.
And it was her, who gulped, feeling her own desire immediately rising-and this whole situation felt even more surreal, once she realized, that he would be very aware of it.
He could smell her arousal in the air, after all…
…and by the way she saw his pupils dilating she knew, that he was very aware ofthatright now.
So she pressed her thighs tightly together and raised her nose a little higher.
She would be stronger like that-and he surely wouldn't jump her!
Even though she wanted him to do so.
Wait…no!
"What do you want?", she asked out loud, hoping to drown her madly beating heart with her words. "Is there anAkumaattack around? Do you want to save me once more?"
He chuckled and with cat-like ease he started to move closer, eyes never leaving hers, searching forsomething-perhaps her permission to do just anything-while she tried to read him as well.
So many emotions circled around in the depths of these green orbs and -yes-desire and lust were once more one of themandit made this whole ordeal even harder. For she-as well-wanted to jump him right there and then.
For this kiss had given her a taste of that beast, that was lingering within his chest. Something, that even all their duties and willpower couldn't hide and was provoked, whenever they laid eyes on each other.
The sexual tension had been there for some time now and neither of them could deny it.
"I rather wanted to make sure, that you are alright-I couldn't find you on that lovely rooftop anymore…" His voice was soft and silky. His words charming and smooth, easily trapping her in its middle once more. "Where have you been?"
"I made it down on my own… I easily found the fire escape. I needed to make sure, that my friends were alright…"
The second part wasn't even a lie, but it nonetheless made him frown.
"But you could have been attacked. Or thisMarionettacould have turned you into a puppet yourself. And that exactly was the one thing I wanted to prevent. I already panicked, when you didn'tresponded, when I saved you out of the water".
True-she blacked out there, but she was smart enough to puzzle everything together on her own: How she got on the rooftop, why she was wet and why he had to do CPR on her.
"And I am most thankful for what you did, Chat. I really am. But why would you feel worried, that I got attacked, again?", she whispered, feeling the pressure of his words weighting down on her with incredible force. Knowing, that there was more meaning behind it, than he would let her know.
"Why?" Chat Noir shook his head, standing close, but not reaching out for her, yet. "Because I hate the thought, that anything could harm you…"
Her eyes widenedandit was him, who sighed. For the first time he lowered his eyes to the floor, chuckled and shook his head.
"After our kiss there it is hard to deny, that our feelings for each other are still on the friendly note, am I right?"
She tightened her rope around her body, once she had heard these words. Straightened her back-knowing what kind of conversation was yet to come. Her hand felt wet from sweat and her phone could easily slip from her fingers.
She should have known, that he would eventually come, for he wouldn't let it slide so easily. After all-she was already very well aware of his feelings towards her.
…her-Marinette…
And this kiss had proven to him, that his feelings hadn't been one-sided. For she should have stopped it at any time. Shouldn't have kissed him back.
But she had needed his kiss as if had been air, sought his touchandshe was burned under his scorching gaze.
And yes-she had loved every second of it.
"C-Chat…", she stuttered, taking one step back, trying to avoid his searching eyes for now. "This kiss… Us making out…we…i-it-"
"It had been a mistake?", he asked, pain filling his voice and he dared to step a little closer once more. "For me, it certainly hadn't been a mistake. When you first kissed me, I knew, that I needed more. Wanted more. And I knew, that it would give me strength for all the things to come…"
His words gripped her heart most tightly, making him stare at him at awe.
How could he say that? Wasn't he aware, on how it would make her feel?
And that exactly was the reason on why she had to tell him the truth:
"It wasn't a mistake for me, either…"
And she wasn't lying. Wouldn't lie about her feelings.
Just couldn't- even when that rational part of her brain tried to convince her-screamed at her-how wrong this was, and that she-perhaps- made a mistake, that she would regret later.
But…if Chat knew about them, then maybe it was a little easier to let him go.
…for Adrien…
And maybe this realization wouldn't hit him as badly in his heart, when he knew, that this love wasn't one-sided.
Though… A small part of Ladybug has always loved Chat Noir as well. She just had been too good to deny it.
"But I still believe, that we shouldn't have done it…", she mumbled. "For a relationship between us has no future. We are better off as friends…"
"Friends?"
"Yeah…we are friends. Always will beandI don't want it to change…"
"…but I still can smell your arousal. Your desire for me…"He came closer, stating her case quiet bluntly. But he wasn't doing it with any ill purpose. She knew, for he had told her-explained, that her smell made his mind go numb, like catnip did to a real cat. So he took a step, barely and his hands twitched by his side. Ready to reach out for her. But he hesitated. Watched her closely. Waited once more for a sign, that he could continue. "We both can't deny it…"
"But it shouldn't be that way… I shouldn't feel desire, every time I see you. Or lust. It's-", she started to blush heavily, startled at her own words. Feeling suddenly too shy to continue. "… I am sorry!"
"Don't be".
Oneleatheredhand reached up for her cheek to cup her gently and all she could do, was to lean in his touch. Not minding, that it was already hot all around her and that his touch would make it even worse. Knowing, that she very much needed it right now, before her own desire would eat her from the inside out.
Marinettedidn't mind, either, when he leaned closer. She felt his hard body against hers. His second hand on her waist.
His lips on her neck. Barely brushing her skin. But they were so incredibly soft. Nibbling. His teeth scraping her skin, making her gasp.
Yes-she knew, that this was wrong. That it shouldn't be like that between them. That they were friends and that she wanted to be with Adrien in a relationship.
But right now she wasn't stopping him. Right now her poor brain and heart wanted to give in.
For she trusted Chat Noir-asMarinetteand as Ladybugandhe would never do something, that would hurt any of them.
…that would hurt his Princess…
And maybe…just maybe… it was easier to move on from her feelings she had for him, if she gave in-just once.
"Do you trust me?", he whispered, his voice husky from his own desire for her. His lips wandered further down, biting into her clothed shoulder. And she trembled, hands reaching up for his shoulders, to keep her from tumbling over.
"…yes…", she barely breathed, for she couldn't move her head to nod.
But she felt him smile, when he pressed his lips against her throat, nibbling there, making her own mind go numb instantly. Any form of regret orrestrictionsthrown out of the still opened window.
"Good…, for I remember, that I promised you to lend you a hand…" He turned her in his arms, before he had even finishedthe sentence. Pressing her back against her chest, his lips pressing small kisses on her chin, her cheek and her earlobe. She let him-even let him pry the phone out of her hand, that he placed on a shelf nearby. "…and keep your eyes closed at all times. For I trust you as well…"
She did as she was told. Closing her eyes tightly, when his hands laid on her stomach.
Holding her.
Waiting.
Only a moment later she heard familiar words:
"Plagg-Claws In!"
Green light shone behind her eyelids andMarinetteheld her breath and closed her eyes a little more tightly.
He didn't!
But she couldn't say a word about it, merely tensed, as his hands started to move-his left moved towards her chest. The other down, stopping at her hip. Hesitant at first.
But only for a moment.
For his left hand started to move first. Up. Brushing over the silk of her bathrobe, over the collar, that laid in the form of a V over her chest and inside.Beforeit took a turn again. Bravely touching her breast. Fondly and gently. Cupping it in his palm. Noticing how soft his own skin was, now that his claws and leather suit were gone. Leaning more into him, letting out a moan, when he covered her fully. His palm brushing her nipple, that hardened more and more with each passing second.
But his right hand started to move as well. Along her hip and down her thigh. His fingers blazing hot, when he reached underneath the hemline, closer and closer to her center. Across her slip, that was hidden underneath. Touching her from the outside.
Her back arched against himandhe let out an approving grunt against her neck. Feeling her heat. And the slickness there.
Both knew, that she was wet just for him.
Marinettecouldn't describe, how good it felt to be touched there. To be touched anywhere by a man-one she deeply cared for and desired. All she could do, was melt against him, as he started to rub against the most sensitive part of her body.
Slowly. Just testing, if it was okay, what he did. If she liked it. Both knowing he would stop, if she only said one word.
"You looked so sexy in your outfit, today. Beautiful and sexy and yet so sweet. I couldn't take my eyes of you…", he mumbled against her skin, his breath so hot and smelling so sweet and oddly familiar. "And when I fished you out of the Seine… when you were all soaked…it made me go crazy… especially whenyoufirst kissed me".
"Inotic-oh god!"
His hand moved yet again. Barely, but inside her underwear. Touching her gingerly, brushing her slick folds with the tips of his fingers. But it was enough to send her mind spinning. To make her gasp. Grasping his arm for support, as her knees wanted to give in.
She felt like burning, her insides twisting, her brain felt so delightfully airy and light. Leaning against himandshe noticed, that he was hard as well, his erection straining his pants, pressed against her lower back.
His fingers moved along her slit. Pinching her nipple in time between his thumb and forefinger. Making her gasp and moan, while her breath came in labored little puffs.
She was a mess and right now she couldn't care any less. Wanted his touch, cried out, when he brushed over her clit. Over and over and over again. Lifted her arm up to grasp his cheek, leaning fully against him. Trusting him blindly. Listened to their joined breath, moved her hip against him.
And she let go, giving him all the control he wanted and needed. Loving every second of it. Feeling so utterly powerful and powerless-all at once and at the same time.
"Marinette~"
His voice was nothing more but a sensual murmur. Pulling her, pushing herright overthe edge.
Shuttering she reached her climax against him. Moaninganame, tried to catch her breath, as the world started to collapse around her. Clinging onto him, shaking, but endlessly satisfied.
His breathing behind him was still deep and heavy, even when his hands kept on holding her, seemingly far away from the places of pleasure where he had touched her only moments before-one wrapped around her shoulders now, the other around her waist. Still aroused, she could tell.
"…Adrien?", he mumbled behind her, his lips moving against her shoulder once more.
"Huh…what?"
She was confused and her poor brain wouldn't want to work properly now after the orgasm she just had.
"You said m- You saidhisname, when you came…"
Her eyes flew open. She paled, realizing, what just has happened.
Marinettewanted to turn around, wanted to apologize, wanted to explain herself. But she couldn't move, for he wrapped one arm a little more tightly around her. His hand flying up to her face, gently laying on her eyes.
She stilled and remembered, that he was stillde-transformedbehind her, but still felt panic creeping up in her stomach and taking a hold on her heart.
"Chat…I-Iam mostsorry! I…Icouldn't… It wasn't-"
"Hush…", his voice was calm. There was no anger. No hurt. Just this delightful calmness, that made her confused and irritated immediately. She wished, that she could turn around. Look up in his face. See his eyes. To read him.
To understand him.
For right now she was unable to do so. Right now was for her hard to explain and to understand- not quiet believing, that he could stay so quiet, when she had called for another man at the highest point of their shared intimacy.
Sure-he knew of her feelings for the blond ex-model, but her cry for him still was inexcusable.
…at least for her.
"I am not mad, Princess. In fact-I understand perfectly well…"
"Chat~'"
"Don't…" He planted a caring kiss on her cheek, nuzzling his own cheek against her for a moment, before he straightened himself once more. "Please don't apologize,Marinette. Really-it is okay. Idounderstand now. It makes sense… And we should see this-what just has happened between us-as a parting gift."
She fell silent.
Trying to comprehend his words.
"Plagg!", he suddenly called behind her for hisKwamiand the humming entity levitated back to the living room-the smell of cheese following him closely.
"You guys done?",Plaggmumbledandshe imagined him to chew on the piece of Roquefort she had just bought in the morning. Little did the young woman wonder, ifTikki was waiting in the kitchen as well. Awoken from her cries of pleasure, to findPlaggwaiting for her. "Is your lovey-dovey time over, yes? Can we go home now, or are we here to stay? You know, how I would feel about it, if-"
"You are the worst,Plagg…", Chat murmured behind her, shaking his head. "Don't listen to him, Princess… And now-Claws Out!"
He transformed behind her. The softness of his skin was replaced with the rough leather. Claws replacing his nails. A mask covering his face.
And finally he let go of her and he once more turned her around in his arms. Staying close, brushing a strand of herdishelvedhair behind her ear.
He smiled gently down at her, his eyes shining still so bright-even when her own still had to adjust to the surrounding darkness.
"Your cheeks…", he whispered, one hand reaching up to softly caress her there, making her feel warm inside, even when everything else started to feel so fucking cold. "They are still so red… Gosh… You just look like Snow White to me. ArealPrincess…"
"Chat…", she whispered, sensing, that there was more to his words, than she could grasp right now. "What is up with the parting gift? What do you plan to do?"
"You know… because you belong to another man-""But-""Don't worry! I know my place… I shouldn't have… I shouldn't have stepped between you and Adrien in any way. It was wrong and I apologize for that!"
She gulped heavily and her throat was tightening. She knew, whathe wanted to do. What it would mean for them.
"And just like that you want to leave me, again?"
He smiled softly. And she just couldn't understand him. Wouldn't… Why could he take this loss so easily? Why couldn't he be sad about it? Or angry about this particular reveal? She would take any of it and-
…and…, why was it sofuckinghard for her to let him go? He wasn't leaving Paris. He would stay. Fight. And she would regularly see him as Ladybug on their patrols and during their fights.
But it wouldn't be the same-he just couldn't know that.
"Let's just say, that I will be always around you. And I will be there, if you need me. Save you, of course. But… We can't go on like this. Chat Noir is not the rightcatfor an affair… And it wouldn't be fair. For you, or any other man you would choose…" His voice was so incredibly soft. Caring. Any silliness and puns were forgotten, for these words came right from his heart. "…and you chose AdrienAgreste, am I right?"
She gave him a tiny, but honest nod, without hesitation.
She couldn't lie, after all.
Wouldn't lie-and she had said it herself only minutes ago: This relationship here-between Chat Noir andMarinettenever had a future. Anything else was just too naive to believe.
One silent tear left her eye, but before it could have reached her cheek, he had already brushed it away.
"I am not thisother mananymore,Marinette. And it's for the best if I stop visiting you… Believe me. And in the end…in the end it will all make sense-I promise you that. So…" He took a deep breath and laid his hands on her shoulders. Looking her in the face for one last time. "…close your eyes. It will be easier for you…"
She hesitated at first. Staring into these beautiful green orbs, that would always haunt her in her dreams. And her waking hours… Before she did as she was told.
And she closed her eyes, as a small sob left her lips.
His hands left her shoulders and for one last time Chat Noir laid his mouth on hers. Barely, as if it was just the touch of a butterflies wing. She didn't even know if she had imagined it in the first place, or not.
And then…
…there was nothing.
For a minute, maybe two.
AsMarinetteopened her eyes again, she saw that was gone and nothing would ever prove, that he was there in the first place.
Another sob made it past her lips, before she bid on her tongue- hard. Hurried hands reached up her eyes to brush any sheen of tears away. Straightening her back. Stepping across the room, to finally close the window, pulling the curtain over it. Hesitating, before she turned around.
Tikki hovered by the doorway, blinking sadly at her Chosen, probably awake for some time now. Silently she flew over toMarinette, to cuddle her cheek.
Not saying a word.
For it was okay that way. He had made the right decision for both of them.
…left, before both would have regretted it…
Marinettewent to her bed, falling onto the mattress with a little, painful sigh.
Falling asleep right away, with Tikki resting right next to her, watching carefully the human she loved so dearly. Ready to wake her, if anAkumawas to come.
But no little black butterfly was set free that night…
…and no dream dared to take over the poor woman's mind…
A/N:
I really, really like this chapter- not only because we have actual NSFW content here, but there is just something about these two. Their chemistry, their bond, their trust and love. I knew, that something like that was going to happen and it will be important for the future, because it will obviously influence Marinette's thoughts, behaviors and decision. (At least it works for me, so I hope it will work out in the end)
I really hope you guys enjoyed the chapter as well
Sadly there is a little break incoming for one week, maybe two... Why? I am getting my left foot operated on Thursday and will stay in hospital until Monday. It's nothing too bad - just annoys me, for the healing process will be like something like ten to twelve weeks (I have screws and stuff they need to remove, and they want to 'break' five bones in a controlled way and may need to take bone from my heel and yeaaaaahhh - not liking it one bit). But once I am back home and used to my limited mobility I will be back at it, again
So until then I hope you guys have a lovely time!
Next chapter: Another visit to the past...