A/N: I am so sorry for the delay- had bad headache yesterday, so I went to bed early. But here and now is the new chapter
Checking in with Reality
Parting from Adrien was hard. Almost impossible. But they really had to do it-burst right through that lovely little bubble, they have created for themselves. Breakopenthe sanctuary, that was meant just for the two of them-to get back outside into the harsh world and the ugly reality, that surrounded them.
Not only because their workplaces were calling for them-her parents surely wouldn't mind, if he came a little later, but her boss in the boutique on the other hand wouldn't be too kind to her. Then they were still waiting for the impact of that stupid interview the night before-neither of them dared to check the news or any social media feeds in these early hours, in fear of all those things they would discover: Rumors, worries and hate. Fear, because of LadyTitalee. Analysis of the fights. And so much more.
They wanted to wait, until the dust settled around all of it-especially Adrien would find out more about it himself and soon enough. He wanted to wait for that to happen as long as possible-and who wouldhold itagainst him?
She would be there for anything, that was yet to come-and thankfully thathadn't beenthe case so far.
Wistfully she sighed-hoping, that it would stay that way. That nobody would botherherboyfriend in any way and that he just had a quite normal and good day-even though she wasn't able to see him throughout it all, until it was over.
Though it was so early, when they shared their last kiss-the last time holding each other in their arms seemed to be so long ago and all they had was the promise to call the other in their break. To write messages, whenever possible-little things, that would keep them connected until Saturday morning. Any other time to meet again was not doable, mostly from her side due to her harsh working hours and her need to pack a few of these incoming orders, to get them to the post office in time. Then there was Emma, she needed to babysit later that day.
And Chat…, she would need to meet Chat Noir at night, to talk-though she already knew, that her poor heart would make it hard for her-beating furiously in her chest at the bare thought of seeing him afterallthese things, that happened between them.
…and he didn't even know it…
But the young woman had to curse herself, every time these thoughts dared to enter her mind. Not allowing them there, not daring to recall the kiss andanything else, that happened between her and Chat Noir.
For she had Adrien nowandhe was all she ever wanted, ever needed in her life. His smile alone made her feel warm, his touch was blazing her skin. His kisses made her feel as if she was floating and had her be never more aware of all her senses before and all at the same time.
And sex with Adrien…
…she found that their shared night could match no word, known to humanity…
And despite all this it felt so hard to let go of her feelings for her leather wearing partner-of course, unloving somebody was always much harder, than falling in love.
But she would do it-for Adrienandfor Chat Noir…
And yet-she found that there wasn't time to think about any form of closeness and contact with any of those two men-especially not now. Recalling to keep her mind in check, as she stood in front of Lila's apartment in the later afternoon, as she rang the bell. For she didn't want to think such things-distracting her-when Emma was around.
"Five minutes late-as usual!", Lila reminded her through the intercom in her annoyed and arrogant voice andMarinetterolled her eyes upon hearing it. "Come up here!"
The young woman did, reminding herself throughout her way up the stairs, that she was doing it for the money-the very good Euros, that made it a little more able for her to payeverything.
…and she did it for Emma-for the little girl was very dear to her by nowandmaybe they would see each other more often, when Emma's relationship with her father worked out, as Adrien wished for it. Then he could see her more frequently and whenMarinettewas around she could spend time with the two of them, just like a real fa-
"Can't you be a little faster? You know, that there are people out there, that haveactualwork to do?"
"And you actually mean yourself with that?",Marinetteretorted, once she reached the last step. Lila's eyes immediately narrowedandshe pressed her lips into a thin line.
"I can't believe, that I haveyoutaking care of Emma!"
Marinetteshrugged.
"You have nobody else availableandI am by far the cheapest option for you. Also, you know, that I take good care of her… So… where is she?"
"Potty…"
Normally their conversation was ended with that and both would wait in painful silence, until Emma came along and cheered everything up with her pure presence.
But normallyMarinettewouldn't remember their last encounter-one, that Lila wasn't even aware of. For the young woman remembered, how she crashed through the window- one right there in Lila's apartment. How she had not only scared her, but also the small girl.
…how LadyTitaleehad intruded that very personal space…
"How are you?", blurted it fromMarinette, before she could have stopped herself. But she knew, that it was right to ask-knew, that the other woman was just a mere civilian, too, that she needed to protect as Ladybug. "…I…Ihaveheardabout that attack on you and Emma. You are alright, are you?"
Marinette's question had taken Lila by surprise-she could tell. Uncrossing her arms from in front her chest, only to cross them a little more tightly. Shaking her head, trying to avoid her gaze, to just lookanywhere, but the woman by the stairs.
"Adrien has told you, didn't he?", asked with a stern and daring voice. "Only he knows!"
Oh-that was right!Marinettecouldn't know about the attack-Ladybug did. Thankfully it was the truth-the very assumption, that Lila has made and Adrien has indeed told her. So she wouldn't be lying, as she bravely said "Yes!", accompanied by a tiny nod. "He seemed to be very worried…"
"Worried~",Lila repeated bitterly. "For Emma, perhaps, am I right? But for her mother on the other hand-", she stepped forward and intoMarinette's direction. "So tell me- what is it with the two of you? For him to speak so freely, about everything, that regards Emma andme?"
Marinettegulped at the sudden change of topic-for she certainly hadn't planned for it to go into this very direction. Didn't want to talk about her relationship with Adrien- not in front of Lila at least and hated the very thought, thatshewould know that development way before her parents,AlyaandNino.
"Weareclose…", was all, thatMarinettecould say at the moment and dearly hoped, that Lila would let it slide so easily. "I did not ask him to tell me about it, if you want to know! It just…happened…"
Like everything else between them…
Thankfully both women heard a flush coming from the bathroom and the sound of the running water tap dared to intrude the very silence, that started to form once more between them.
Nobody dared to speak yet again-especially not when the happy, little Emma emerged from the bathroom behind Lila, skipping across the floor and towards them-theplushyof the platypus clutched tightly to her chest and a huge smile on her lips.
"Can we get ice cream,Marinette?", the sweet girl asked, even before she had made it past her mother. "It is okay, if I get ice cream, isn't it,Maman? Only a small one and I promise to eat something proper for dinner!"
One more dark look intoMarinette's direction, before Lila bowed down to face her daughter properly. Smiling brilliantly, tugging at her dress, until it sat perfectly, again.
"Of course you can-Marinettewillgladlypay for it!"
Emma gasped and with twinkling eyes turned towardsMarinette.
"You will do that?"
The young woman knew, that Lila had played her too well and that there was no chance for her to deny that request-especially when the girl was looking with so much hope into her direction. Who could be able to deny her that one wish?
"Of course-and the playground after that?"
A cute little gasp erupted from Emma's lips.
"Yes!"
"Well, then-enjoy your time,maprincesse~I'llgetyou at eight!"
Emma hugged her mother tightly, giggled, as Lila pressed a loving kiss on her cheek, before she took a few steps ahead, to takeMarinette's hand. Waving her mother once more, bore she dragged the other woman along and down the stairs-already planning their time together.
YetMarinettecouldn't shake the clinging feeling of threat, that still lingered within Lila's eyes, as she watched them, knowing too well, that the last word about Adrien wasn't spoken just yet.
…and she herself couldn't ignore the fact, that she felt incredibly jealous about the thing Lila and Emma has-the very relationship of a mother and a daughter, that she hoped to have in the distant future.
…well… maybe in a few years-when she and Chat have defeated LadyTitaleeand Adrien was still by her side. He told her before, that he wasn't against the thought, to have another child, either-though the next one he wanted to plan, while he wanted to experience the pregnancy by the mother's side at the fullest. And… maybe…shewould be the very mother of his second child-she certainly didn't mind, in thought enjoyed that thought dearly.
Wait-should she even think something like that, when they started to date not even 24 hours ago, while she takes care of the daughter he had with another woman-though Lila forced him into this very situation, that he was inandhe was unable to even have a word in it?
Urgh-and why was she even panicking at the very thought to ask him anything like that? Only because it would make her feel like the worst human being on Earth-because he could see the same despicable action happening once more, but with her this time? No-it wouldn't be the sameandshe should stop to worry about such ridiculous stuff!
Her relationship with Adrien was anything like the forced one-night stand he had with Lila! She would not trick him into doing it unprotected-certainly would make sure, that she would not get pregnant!
She couldn't even handle it, with LadyTitalee's constant threats and attacks and Ladybug's need to protect the city.
And yet… All her dreams felt so much closer to archive, now that she had Adrien.
And he wasn't even aware of the whole affect he had on her…
"-oh-and can I get strawberry? I like strawberry ice cream!", came it from Emma at last, once she stopped her small narration about all the things she had done these past days. Looking up at the young, far too distracted woman with a huge grin on her lips. "And what will you get?"
"Me?",Marinetteasked and blinked-her poor mind circling around far different things in a rapid speed. "Oh…ehr… perhaps strawberry as well?"
Emma giggled and nodded eagerly.
"That would be awesome! And do you think, that I could get sprinkles as well? The rainbow ones?"
Marinettehad to smile as well.
"Of course!"
Lila wasn't around anyway to say otherwise!
Thankfully the park wasn't too far away-and the weather didn't give any clue on the thunderstorm during the past night. Most puddles have tried and only small ones crossed their path. With the sun up, no clouds around and the temperature almost unbearable it was a perfect summer day.
They weren't the only ones to enjoy their time here in the park, not the only ones to get some ice cream and to walk to the playground.Which-of course was crowded as well.
"There is a swing!", Emma beamed, her face covered in pink, sticky sweetness, as she pointed towards the children's paradise, that was only a few feet in front of them. " Can you give me a push? Oh! And look at the slide! I want to go on the climbing frame first! Will you watch me?"
Marinettenodded.
"Well of course-but first you should finish your ice cream-otherwise it will be completely gone, by the time you return to me."
Emma huffed, frowned in her own childish way, before she liked on her cone once more.
"Fine!"
They found a bench not too far away. Sitting, enjoying their ice cream, while the girl kept on babbling about all the things she wanted to do, while they were there-always clutching the platypus tightly. It was almost a miracle, that the poor thing hadn't any stains by now-unlike the dress of the girl.
Seeing the plushy nonetheless made the young woman smile-remembering very well, how Emma was full of joy and excitement, when she had presented it to her. A small reminder of that very eventful day.
…a reminder, that Adrien-in fact-loved those animals as well.
"You like your new plushy very much, right?"
Emma looked down at the stuffed toy in her arms, then back up intoMarinette's eyes.
"His name isMonsieurQuack Nozzle! And he likes Cheese and Macarons!" Rule number One-stick with the funny names, that a child gives their toys and Emma would never stop reminding her of that, if she ever dared to forget. She had learned that the longest time ago. And it made her smile-not only because the plushy seemed to be very dear to her by now, but also because she found the choice of favorite foods for her lovely companion utterly specific. She wondered what bothPlaggand Tikki would say, if they ever found out, that they had something withMonsieur Quack Nozzlein common. "And yes-I love him! You know- secretly he is a hero, too and the pet of Ladybug and Chat Noir…"
"Oh-so he protects you?"
An eager nod.
"Like a real hero! When that bad woman was at my home,Mamansend me to my roomandhe was there to protect me…"
Oh… of course-she talked about Saturday night-more openly, than Lila didandnow it wasMarinette, who had to frown, as her stomach painfully contracted at the thought, how badly it must have scared the little girl.
"Both you and yourMamanmust have been pretty scared…"
"I was allowed to sleep in her bed for two days… And that Lady was really creepy! Just like the Kraken-man in the Zoo…Mamansaid, that there were theAkumaattacks before, when she was small. Have you seen them as well?"
Seen them? She was in the very middle of it! Fought it almost on daily basis.
But she couldn't tell Emma that.
"Y-yes… I have been there, too…"
"Were they always so scary?"
She shruggedandshe lowered her blue eyes to her hands, that nervously played with the straps of her purse.
"A few were very scary, yes. Others not so much… But it was always best to keep away from them…"
"And Ladybug and Chat Noir fought them all?"
Another nod.
"Yes…, yes they did…"
She remembered, that it wasn't always simple and easy. How to they came up with one plan, only to follow another. She remembered chaos and destruction. So much pain and screams and fear. A war, that lasted for two years back then and now… now was it already just as bad, if not worse.
Though now as an adult she can't just slip out from class and hide in the toilet stall to transform. Steal away from meetings with her friends, get out unnoticed at night.
It was almost a miracle, that she hadn't blown her cover just yet, with everything else in her life-a surprise even to herself, that she was able to balance Ladybug andMarinetteso well until now.
Though… With the started relationship between her and Adrien it would get significantly harder.
"They are cool!", Emma summed up eventually, shortly beforeMarinettegave her a tissue, to clean herself. "Aretheymarried?"
Marinettechoked onthe air around herupon hearing that. Blushing furiously at that very absurd thoughtandshe frantically waved in the air as she started to explain-well-herself:
"Ladybug and Chat Noir are by all means no married couple! They just work on a very professional level together! Okay-they are friends-like really close friendsandthey watch each others back and keep the other safe and care for the other much-but they are not married-and no-they also don't have children!"
Emma cocked her head to the left, her big green eyes examining the woman curiously. Blinking, then looking to the platypus in her hands and back up toMarinette.
"Are you and Adrien married, then?"
The young woman opened her lips, about to continue her previous rant, only to snap it hurriedly shut, again. Her cheeks turning pink instead, nervously glancing towards the small blonde girl now, as she was asked about the relationship of her and the very father of the child, that sat in front of her.
"Adrien and I… W-well… He-", he surely wouldn't mind, if she told Emma, would he? Sure-she would tell her mother the truth, but Lila would find about it soon enough anyway. "He is my boyfriend…"
Would she even understand the very concept ofthat?
"Aha?", Emma said. "So you like each other, yes?"
"Very…"
"But… you are not married?", she pulled a face. "That is confusing…"
Well-it was certainly more confusing for them before last night-that is for sure! And the girl would eventually grasp that piece of information and understand it-she was smart enough for that.
"Does he live with you?"
"No…"
"Does he give you flowers? And sweets? And presents?" Emma should not ask these questions, when Adrien was around-for the young woman was pretty sure, that he would shower her with gifts and in affection, if she let him.
But for now she shook her head.
"Not yet… But he surely would do that!"
"Does he give you…", she lowered her voice to a whisper. "…hugs and kisses?"
"Well… yes… He likes to give me that…", and it wasn't a bad thing, if she told her that, right?
"But he is not your husband? But a boy…friend…?", Emma scrunched her nose. "You are very confusing…"
"It won't be, once you grow older! Anyway-did you know, that Adrien-yourPapa-prepared a room for you?", better to change the topic now, before Emma's question would make her feel uncomfortable-and she surely would sooner or later ask about things, that were not meant for the ears of a 4 (and a half!) year old girl. And perhaps she was able to find out a few things about Emma's current liking for her father. "It is very pink-so much I can tell you, without spoiling the whole surprise for you!"
"Pink?"
"As pink as it can be! You will love it!"
"IsMonsieur Quack Nozzleallowed to see it, too?"
"He is allowed to sleep there too, once you have like a sleepover party with your father. And that cat stuffed toy and the lion and any other plushy you want to bring, are allowed to be there as well. I am pretty sure, that he will not mind, if you bring along a few other toys with you as well."
"But do you think he wants me to be there?"
"Well, of course! He adores you! And he pretty much protected you in the Zoo, didn't he?"
"But he wasn't there, when I was small and a baby…"
Silence.
The sound of the children playing became a blurred mess and the heart of the young woman skipped a beat-knowing, that Emma's words were the truth-perhaps indoctrinated into her by the very manipulative Lila. No doubt-only regret on Adrien's side and it painedMarinettemore, than she could tell. Though-it wasn't even his fault! He wasn't even aware of Emma's existence only a few weeks ago. He couldn't be there-for he didn't even know, that he made her in the first place-and if he had known this, then he would have returned a long time ago!
But Emma shouldn't know that now. She was too young for that-too young and innocent and precious to understand the bad thing, that her mother did to Adrien to get pregnant with her. AndMarinetteshouldn't be the one to tell her that. It should be Lila and Adrien themselves and Emma should only know it when she was older.
"But he is here now, Emma…", she therefore carefully said and hugged the girl tightly- not only to calm her, but also herself. "And he will protect you and go to the Zoo with you. And… You know- he is really smart! He can teach you a lot of things-like piano, or Chinese and about animals and so much more. You know-I am not the one to tell you that-but he is a wonderful father for you. Just… give him some time, okay, MonPetit?"
Emma hesitated, but nodded eventually, before she pushed her head up, to look atMarinetteonce more.
"And he can play a real Piano?"
She laughed.
"He is the best pianist I know personally-you should ask him, the next time you see him!"
"Oh I will do that! Do you think, that he can play the Elsa song for me? Can he sing, too?"
A sudden idea struckMarinette's thought like a lightningandshe reached for her purse. Finding her phone easily, while Tikki blinked in confusion, before the woman closed the clasp once more.
"How about you ask him yourself? Here-it's a voice message!"
"Why are there so many hearts on your phone?"
Marinetteblushed-realizing just in that very moment, that they send heart emojis back and forth for basically the whole dayandshe tried to wave it off by saying:
"Never mind-it's a silly adult thing! So, do you want to ask him?"
Emma looked at the phone inMarinette's hands, at the hearts on the display and back to the young woman, again. Nodding bravely and raised her voice, asMarinettepushed the small button.
"Bonjour,Adri-Pa- Bonjour!",Oh gosh,Marinettecan only imagine, how Adrien will jump up and down in joy, when he hears, that Emma almost called himPapa! She was very happy for him and that progression already! "I am here withMarinettein the park at the playground. And I have Monsieur Quack Nozzle hereandhe likes Cheese and Macarons! Can you play the Piano?Marinettesaid, that you can do that! And can you sing? I like the Elsa Song really much! And my room is all pink, is that right?Ehr…well… I am going to the climbing frame now! Bye!"
"That was cute!",Marinettecooed, before she could have stopped herself. "And he will surely love to answer back, once he is done with working…"
Which would be in around an hour…
"He will do that?"
"Absolutely!"
"And can we send him a photo of me climbing? And of my plushy? And of us? Can we do that,Marinette? Can we?Please~"
Of course they did exactly that-first taking a cute little photo of them smiling into the front camera-though the platypus made sure to cover about half of the picture. When Emma was satisfied with the result she bolted across the grass-over to the playground- finally very ready to play and to get that photo shoot done. She was very precise with her wishes-one of her with hands up in the air, as she was on top of the climbing frame. One of her tiny castle she built in the sand. One as she said laughing on the swing.
Marinettehad to admit, that Emma was a very photogenic child-a gen she surely had from her father's side.
About half an hour later she had all the photos Emma wished for and send them to Adrien-her heart soaring in her chest at the very thought, that he would be bursting with joy, once he saw them. And… it surely was a good sign, that Emma wanted her father to see everything she experienced on the playground, wasn't it?
Hopefully- for it certainly was a step in the right direction…
It was almost an hour later, as her mind started to wander-watching Emma with an everlasting smile as both enjoyed thecarefreenessof the moment.
Surely it was only a matter of time, until she wanted him to come along on these kinds of meetings-to eat ice cream and to be pushed by him on the swing. For him to make these photos of her-and of them together.
Marinettecouldn't wait for that to happen.
Adrien deserved it-he above all people-to be finally happy like he wanted to.
"-I tell you-the attack was because ofhim!"
Though-of course, that very happiness she felt in that very moment wasn't allowed to last for too long. A fact she too soon realized, as she overheard a group of parentstalkabout the interview and theAkumaattack after that.
They were standing not too far away. Talking, turned towards the children in front of them and at the same time barely paying any attention.
"Agreste? He was a victim!"
"A victim? That bastard is the very reason on why it all started-again! Has anybody yet seen this LadyTitalee? Who doesn't say, that it's not himandhe inherited the powers of his father!"
There were gasps around andMarinettetried hard to keep her smile on and to not stare over to them, shocked at those things she heard. For they didn't know the truth-didn't know, that Adrien was indeed the victim in this whole affair and that he seemingly never recover from all of-just because there were always people around, who believed, that his father's mistakes, were also his. Why can't they just move on-just like Adrien wanted it?
"He wouldn't! He was a boy, when Hawk Moth had all this powers!"
"Tsk-Like father, like son! That's all I can say!"
"Did you hear, that he has a child?"
Marinette's eyes flew back to the happy girl and gulped.
"Oh-I have heard about twins, isn't that right?"
"And he is married!"
"Aren't those just rumors?"
Incoherent murmurs followed, until a young mother eventually mumbled:
"For a villain he for sure is some eye candy! I certainly wouldn't mind getting his dark side a littlebetter~"
Marinettehad enough. Felt sick by the way they talked about that poor man-her boyfriend-and didn't want to hear any more of it-and little was she afraid, that they would notice her. Chances were high, that just one of them has seen the video of Adrien and her as well-chances were even higher, that they made wrong assumptions about her and Emma.
And Emma… She wanted her to stay out of that whole media hype and out of the limelight for as long as possible!
Adrien would want it that way as well!
Therefore, she hurriedly gathered her purse, Emma's backpack and the stuffed platypus, hiding her face as good as possible behind her long black tresses and made her way across the grass and towards the slide-ready to get Emma and to get her far away from here.
She fully ignored the beeping of her phone-basically knew, that it was Adrien anyway and knew too well, that he would understand her and her intentions.
"MonPetit-we need to go! It is getting really lateandI promised your mother to give you some proper dinner, before she will fetch you at my place…"
"Already? Can I have five more minutes?"
Her heart started to beat furiously in her chest-afraid at anything that could happen. And given her luck this could beeverything.
"But we need to get the metro…" And another, childish idea crossed her mind: "AndMonsieur Quack Nozzleis gettingreally hungryhere! And believe it or not-I still have some cheese at home! Just for him!"
She had Emma's full attention- which was good! And the little girl considered her options for a few moments, lips pressed togetherin a funny way. Looking at herplushedtoy, then atMarinette. Over to the swing and finally up into the air, when she noticed some movement up there.
"Marinette,Marinette? See that? A butterfly!"
No…
No!
Fuck!
A black butterfly most leisurely made it across the sky. Bouncing up and down as its little wings fluttered, carried along by the soft breeze. Dancing. Most majestically. Soaring down.
"Emma…", came itwarninglyfrom her lips, coming closer to the colorful structure, frantically waving. "Come down here! Please! Now!Right NOW!"
She had to get Emma away. Hide her somewhere save-make sure, that she stayed there and-shit! Who should watch her? Take care of her? Make sure, when she was gone and transformed into her heroic self?
Last time she had Adrien, who could be by Emma's side-now she was completely alone!
"It's anAkuma…", somebody dared to say.
Panic spread across Emma's features-the memories of Saturday still so strong on her mind, returning now immediately and without care. Jumping downandshe landed inMarinette's arms-who yet had not found a way out of thefuckingdilemma she maneuvered herself right into.
And she barely had time to think, as chaos started to erupt around them: Other children have heard Emma's words. Saw the butterfly as well. Ran to their parents-searching for them. Crying and screaming and pure, horrible panic just everywhere.
It was a feast for theAkumaaboveandhe could latch onto seemingly everybody around and make them its host.
And she-the very hero-was in the middle of. Unable to focus. Unable to make a plan-merely clutching the blonde girl in her arms tightly, not ready to let her go, even if her own life depended on it.
…Evenwhen people bumped into them-ready to do everything, to just get away.
…makingMarinettestumble and fall-twisting to make sure, that Emma wouldn't take any harm.
But still… Emma started to cry horribly.
Marinettecursed her bad luck and her clumsiness, holding her tightly. Looking up to the sky-trying to make the butterfly out-but she had completely lost sight of it.
Yet-she needed to think fast! Came back to her senses-knowing, that Ladybug justsomehowhad to make it here in time to fight.
…or hope, that Chat Noir could come here first.
"Emma!",Marinettesaid, full of care and yet with determined force. Brushing dirt and her blond hair out of her face. Whipping these streaming tears of her cheeks and hugged her most tightly, again. "You have to stop crying. Okay? You hear me, MonPetit? Stop your crying! Ladybug and Chat Noir are on their way and will get here! They will save you!"
"I want myMamaaaan!"
"That is okay!Mamanwill be here soon as well! And right now I am here! I protect you and Monsieur Quack Nozzle! But don't cry!", It could make her a target for theAkuma. "Don't cry, okay? It will make me cry as well!"
Finally-asMarinettescanned the sky once more, she found theAkuma, again. Unsure of a destination-bad emotions strong everywhere around.
Until it took a turn to the left-following the sharp scream of a young boy, who has fallen. His knee was bleeding and his parents couldn't calm him down soon enough.
He-he was the one, to whom theAkumawill attach to. AndMarinettehated it so much, when she had to face a child in a fight-for her those fights were even worse, than to fight against an adult.
"Watch out!", she felt herself shout.
But the chaos around was too wild.
The turmoil too loud.
Nobody cared about her words.
And theAkuma-it was sofuckingclose, only a few feet away. And she-she was still here…
A scream echoed high above their heads.
One full of fury.
A voice, she knew too well.
A shadow came almost flying down from the trees, high above everybody heads. Soaring down, staff held high in his hand.
Cataclysmready, as black claws were surrounded by dark smoke. Hand outstretched.
Clasping around the butterfly, turning it into dust.
Landing just before the boy and his family with a heavy groan.
The world stopped to spin for a few moments-Marinettewas pretty sure of that, as she looked at Chat Noir in the distance. His chest heaving, his breath heavy and a darkness lingered in his eyes, that gave her goosebumps.
The first beep of his ring echoed across the park and people slowly started to realize, what just has happened:
That their cat hero has come to save them all.
Relief made its way across the surrounding crowds. Somebody dared to clap-others cheered. Photos were taken left and right-even the crying boy was too surprised, stopped crying completely, as his mother flung her arms around the hero, endlessly thankful. The father even shook his hand.
More gathered around him. Congratulated him-asked if Ladybug was around as well.
…and were amazed, that he has made it in time.
"Marinette! It's Chat Noir! He saved us!", Emma squealed and brushed the last few tears from her face, sniffing-excited now, as she saw him as well. Wiggling, to loosenMarinette's arms around her, getting up and rushed over to the crowd of people.
"Emma, wait!"
She came dangerously close to him-his bare present making her feel dizzy. And now she wasn't able to hide behind a mask and inside the magical suit. He would be aware of everyfuckingfeeling, that would surge through her veins. Would know, that her blush had a reason. Knew, whyshe would avoid his gaze…
And he wouldn't know, that she wasn't allowed to feel that anymore. For he didn't know about her and Adrienfinallydating…
"Chat Noir!" And sure-now he would see her, for Emma has reached him, grasping his hand fearlessly and jumped up and down. "You were super awesome!"
Her partner chuckled nervously upon hearing that and crouched down in front of her-giving other children around to hug their idol and hero as well.Though,Emma surely hugged him most tightly.
MakingMarinettegroan internally as she watched that scene in front of her-for this very picture of him surrounded by so many adorable children just did something to her hormones and her wish to become a mother one day.
But not with him-she hurriedly reminded herself, gulping, as she finally made it through the crowd herself. To get Emma and to flee from him and her painful thoughts.
"MonPetit~",she said sweetly, not daring to look him in the eyes-even though his gaze immediately lingered on her, once he heard her gentlevoice. She felt his eyes burning on her skin. Her face. And the young woman was never more afraid to see his green ones-fearing everything she would find in them. "We really need to go now! It's gettinglate~"
"Okay…", the small girl said, too tired now, after such an exciting event. Giving her hero one final squeeze, before she let go to grabMarinette's hand instead. "Bye, Monsieur Noir!"
"Goodbye…Princesses~",he breathlessly whisperedandit madeMarinettegulp heavily, grasping Emma's hand a little tighter, while the little girl squealed gleefully about that silly nickname. But they have to leave, without looking at him-she couldn't even bare his presence.
…and maybe it was for the best…
He would understand it, wouldn't he?
His ring beeped anyway-he would need to leave soon tode-transformand to continue on with his life.
Though… Why had he been there anyway? Was he around…
Or… was he watching her?
No! He wouldn't do that! He promised to stay away from herandshe trusted his words-even though they hurt more, than she could say.
"Marinette?"
"Mhm?"
"Thestreet light! It's green!"
Gosh-they were walking for some time nowandshe hadn't even noticed it! Shook her head to clear it-but realized, that they should wait a little longer, for the streetlight turned red yet, again.
Their train was gone by now anywayandthey would need for the next one… So, no need to hurry…
On the other hand-they would need to get to her home in time. To eat and Lila would be at her place at eight, fully expecting, that Emma has eaten something,
Therefore she quickly decided for them to take a Taxi.
"Ever taken a ride on a real taxi?"
"No… Can we? Please!"
"Well-of course! Just let me call one-", she took out the phone and immediately saw, that a few messages have arrived. From Adrien, of course. Good-at least something good, that would keep her distracted for now! "Oh look! It's from yourPapa! Do you want to hear it?"
"Yes, please!"
Thankfully seeing those words from her boyfriend made her smile and made her Chat Noir forget.
…for now…
A/N: Before somebody wants to ask: Nope Chat is not going to stalk Marinette. I promise, that it all makes sense I the end:D
So, yeah - we had some classic Lila, some sweet Emma and the lingering feeling, that things will go downhill from here.
So - next chapter: These lovesick humans and their silly problems...