Fool
"Marinette- you have done nothing wrong! Really!"
It was the third time now, that Adrien said these exact words. Trying to calm the shaking woman down as she sat in her living room, unable to continue the task she had started about an hour ago - packing boxes, that she needed to ship in the morning.
…unable to do anything, but to recall the events from earlier…
In her mind she saw the black butterfly - so close and yet so far away, threatening everybody around. Ready to attach itself onto somebody, ready to bring harm and pain to the world, while all she could do was stare, clutching onto Emma most tightly.
Was it a surprise, that she would seek comfort in her personal sanctuary - through not personally per se, but at least via video call. And of course Adrien would listen. They would talk about his day and - thankfully - nothing bad has happened. A few people have recognized him. Many ignored him - only one man tried to argue with him about his father, but Adrien has left as fast as possible. She liked to listen to him- even the small things - like his call with his lawyer, about Gabriel's fortune, or that Chloé wrote a few uplifting words throughout the day. His words helped her find her own calm and she was soon enough able to relax, again…
Though he noticed, not every problem was solved just yet - was ready to come over - despite the late hour, but it was her, who had to refuse that offer. Sadly. But it was for the best - otherwise she would have made sure, that he was to stay - an absolute impossible thing with her plan to meet Chat Noir later that night! She wouldn't get away, snuggle into his side and would not dare to get up, until the morning. And he would hold her and kiss her and just tell her, things would eventually be alright.
Yeah - they would be alright, once Lady Titalee was gone…
And it was something, that did not suit her superhero lifestyle and she really had to find a solution for that sooner, or later. To have both - Adrien by her side at night and the fulfillment of her duties. For nobody else was able to fight her fights, nobody else would patrol at night and she didn't want Chat to do all the work.
Though - a little did she wonder, how he would act towards a significant other, if he was in her situation…
Tiredly she closed her eyes and rubbed her temples, hearing Adrien sigh through the speakers of the phone.
"I believe you did a wonderful job at protecting Emma! I am very glad you did… I…I wish, that I could have done something…" Another sigh and the young woman opened her eyes, again. Seeing him frown on her display and little did she wish, that she could just reach through her phone to take his hand. Kiss him. And hold him tight.
But no - tonight it was impossible! Tonight she shouldn't feel egoistic and she needed to stay focused.
For Paris, and all the people in it.
So… all they had for now was the video call and it didn't feel close to enough.
"I…I was so fucking scared…", she whispered truthfully, taking the phone into her hands to walk into the kitchen. To get some water. Tikki was following closely behind - though he would not see or hear her thanks to some kind of magic. It allowed her tiny friend to comment on the happenings as well, but it was hard for Marinette to not answer her in any way, unless she wanted for Adrien to get suspicious. "All I could think about, was that I wanted Emma to stop crying. I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself, if she had been akumatized! And any other child… it was horrible! There were so many scared children. So much panic and fear - anybody could have been akumatized! And there was nothing I could do against it!"
She sat the phone on the counter, to open her fridge and to get herself a glass of water. Unable to see his reaction - his raised eyebrow, his confused look to something on the left. He hesitated with his answer, waited for her to finish her glass, before she poured herself another glass and she walked back into the living room.
"You did everything in your power to prevent the worst… You protected my daughter - and I am entirely thankful for that…", he gulped and shook his head, tiredly rubbing his face. "And I will speak with Lila for giving you such a hard time! I mean - she can't be serious!"
Oh yeah - another tiny thing, that clung to her. The regret for bringing Emma to the park and Lila's furious reaction about that. She had all the right to be angry - Marinette would have reacted the same, if it had been her own daughter.
"I hate to admit it…", she therefore said, "…but I somehow have to agree with Lila. Being angry and all. Her reaction was absolutely natural and… if Emma was my daughter, then I would have been furious as well…"
"Threatening to sue you the next time an Akuma happened and you are with Emma close by? Really, Marinette?"
She shrugged nonchalantly.
"I can't blame Lila for loving her daughter and for making sure, that she won't get harmed!"
He narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips - a cute look, that would have made her swoon, if this wasn't a serious topic to discuss.
"Okay - who brainwashed my wonderful girlfriend?", he murmured and she couldn't help that little smile, that briefly reached her lips. "You finding sympathy in Lila's actions? I can't believe my own ears anymore? Was our connection hacked? Is this a cruel joke?"
"Adrien! No!", she shook her head at him. "I am not joking! I am a hundred percent serious. Also, it's not something, that Lila could ever lie about! She really loves Emma and cares for her - even if that is the only thing she is good for in this world!"
He groaned and leaned back in his chair.
"Why is that something, where I would want to disagree with you, even though I know it's the truth myself?"
"You really have that one thing in common, that you two despise Lila - but at least she somehow was able to make such a sweet little sunshine out of the girl…", Tikki chimed, sitting in front of the phone, to watch Adrien as well. Giggling, as she watched the frustrated boy on the screen. "And she looks so much like Adrien! Those eyes and the blond hair. The tip of her nose is just like his! Why didn't you notice it sooner?"
"Pretty strong genes…, that's what he has…", she mumbled and forgetting for a very crucial moment, that Adrien might not be able to hear Tikki - but to hear her!
Surprising him with her off-topic words, making him blink.
"What strong genes?"
Tikki grinned apologetically towards her Chosen, who immediately paled and frantically tried to wave it off:
"I was just thinking - uhm - well - that we can be glad, that Emma is so much like you! I mean - she is like the sweetest girl alive and basically looks like you! So - yeah - you have pretty strong genes!"
He raised his eyebrows, thinking for a mere moment about her words - before he started to smirk winking at her through the screen.
"Mhm… I wonder if there are any future plans to would want to talk about with me?"
She blushed and felt warm, as her eyes widened.
"It hasn't even been 24 hours since we started to become official, Adrien! We can't possibly talk about that now!" Which doesn't mean, that she wasn't thinking about it herself… "I mean - and even, if we did talk about it, then it will be only important in the future. Like - don't know - 5 years? 10 years? 20!"
"But you would want to have a child, one day? Apart from that - wouldn't it be nice to be on the same page with something that important?" He smiled sadly into the camera, his shoulders hanging. "Maria didn't want to become a mother. Not in 5 years, not in 10. Never. I did respect that - I wouldn't have wanted for her to change her mind and she didn't want to change mine, either. But… I don't know… I like the thought, that the two of us would be heading into the same direction with our future plans…"
He was right - understood his intentions. Though it made an unknown fear rise within her - one that chanted in an ugly way, that they weren't compatible at all. Sure - compromises could be made - but never with something as important and life changing as a child.
Maybe it was one more reason on why Adrien and his ex have broken up in the first place…
Yet - what did she have to lose? She knew, that he wanted to have another child one day. He told her himself!
"Y-yes…", she therefore nervously stuttered and she was pretty sure, that Tikki would have given her both thumbs up, if she had any, for such a strong act of bravery. "…I would love to be a mother one day. Not only because my Maman reminds me everything I am over about my internal ticking clock and her wish to become a grandmother, but also because I actually want to have a child on my own…"
And not only one - but that was one thing, they really could talk about in the future…
"And you will be a wonderful mother, my Queen. I have watched you and Emma-", his eyes shortly widened and he hurriedly cleared his throat. "-in the Zoo, of course! That's all I needed for me to picture you as a mother. Also-" A grin followed and his eyes gleamed teasingly and mischievously. "-your Maman showed me a few pictures of you, when you were small-"
"She didn't-"
"-of little Marinette getting her first bath. Little Marinette nabbing. Your first steps and your first Christmas~ You surely were the cutest baby alive!"
"Urgh - that's embarrassing!"
"And I believe you are the one with pretty strong genes! Though I wonder, what will happen, if we ever dare to combine them!"
Marinette hid her face by that time in her hands, as her cheeks burned and her embarrassment ate her from inside out. Knowing too well about that one photo album of her first year, that Sabine loved to show around to her guests, whenever the possibility arrived. All her girl friends have seen it, heck - even Nino has seen it! Sure - there were cute pictures of her - but then there were also those pictures, that only parents would love. And the young woman was pretty sure, that her Maman has shown this very album to Adrien - probably in a cruel, motherly act of manipulation to remind him how adorable she used to be, when she was a baby. As a secret attempt to remind him, that she wouldn't mind, if he and Marinette would try to make her a grandmother.
Well played, Sabine - though thankfully she had not driven him away with that!
"I am too embarrassed now to even think about your joke and to see it as a sexual one!", she admitted, still hidden behind her hands. "It was a sexual joke, wasn't it?"
He snickered at the cuteness, that was his girlfriend.
"You can bet, that it was one! But don't worry - We will have enough time to practice, before we take that path - hopefully together!"
She peaked through her fingers, seeing him wiggle his eyebrows at her in a cheeky way. Making her groan and press her thighs together, because of the very anticipation, that his spoken words promised.
"When have you started to become so dirty minded, Babe?"
She saw him shudder as she called him that, felt amazed, that she had a certain power over him as well. It somehow felt like the greatest gift and his worst doom at the same time and she should use it wisely.
A thought, that would describe their relationship as well…
A gift and a doom… for both of them.
As long as Lady Titalee was around and threatened her. As long as she had to be the Guardian and the hero. And yet both were a place of peace - the sanctuary - for the other.
"I was always that way - now I am just allowed to by my true self. Only for you, of course!"
She leaned closer, resting her head on her palm as she looked at him, loving his honesty and his dirty mind equally, for it made him who he was - a picture, that started to get so much brighter now, with every piece of information she learned about him.
And - yes - she really wished, that he was here with her - not at the other end of Paris. Or that she could be at his place - she could be there in a matter of minutes, if she transformed and turned into Ladybug. Swinging with her yo-yo across the rooftops and towards him, to…
…well…
Just say 'Hi'. He didn't know, that she was Ladybug and she wouldn't break him these news just yet.
So - this option was thrown out of the window as well…
"Does it sound cheesy, when I say, that I miss you?", he said so suddenly and as if he had heard her thoughts. "I know - it's ridiculous! But seeing you through a screen is not the same thing as seeing you in person…"
"We wouldn't be able to sleep, if we-" A smirk started to spread on his lips, again, flustering her once more. "-I didn't mean it, like that! All I am just saying, is, that we both should go to bed early, because we- Urgh! Never mind! I needed to pack these boxes tonight, to get them out tomorrow!"
Adrien laughed shortly, but eventually nodded, understanding her nobler intentions too well.
"Don't worry - I know, that I date a very busy woman. I wouldn't want anybody else and it's something I admire so much about you. If you ever need my help with anything, that comes to your mind, then just let me know, okay?"
"How about you kick Lady Titalee's ass for me?", escaped her lips, before she could have stopped herself. And once she realized it, her heart made a huge skip for about three beats and her breathing came raggedly from her lips. Trying to think fast, before Adrien made any assumptions. "I mean - she makes everybodies lives very miserable! And she constantly attacks places, where I am currently at and where people are, that I like and life would be so much easier for everybody, if she wasn't around to send her stupid Akuma's out! Right?"
He smiled and a mysterious gleam reached his eyes. A shadow, that lingered deep and sometimes dared to come the surface was in them, clouding the usual brilliance, she would find there. It was unlike the darkness - that trauma - that he hid underneath a perfectly sculptured mask. But this very shadow dared to seek his eyes out every now and then too. She had seen it before, but had never thought too much about it.
"Oh - I can do that, my Queen! If it makes your life a little easier~" She exhaled in relief, upon hearing that. Knowing too well, that he was just joking and dearly hoped, that he would never need to face the villainess in person - it was already bad enough, that she and Chat had to do it some day. "Just wait until she steps in my way - you'll see, what I am capable off!"
She looked at him longingly. Amazed by his determination and bravery - though she made a little mental note to talk with him about his sacrifices again. He was no hero - he was not Chat Noir and had neither a Miraculous, nor a magical super suit and he would be an easy target for an Akuma attack.
And Marinette didn't want that - though now wasn't the time to speak about that either. It was getting late - and she had to make sure, that he would not be suspicious of her. Not with meeting Chat up on the Eiffel Tower…
Therefore, she stretched herself, faking a little yawn.
"Gosh, I am really tiered~", she said and made a careful glance into the direction of the clock on her wall. Gasping. "Oh no! And it's almost eleven! I should go to bed early at least once per week!"
Tikki narrowed her eyes, frowning as she turned towards her human.
"You really need to work on your acting, Marinette! You used to be better!"
Oh yes - she would have loved to stick her tongue out for the Kwami's cheeky words. But she held it back, for Adrien would otherwise question her strange behavior.
"I hope you weren't too distracted by me…" He genuinely was worried, she could tell.
"I packed all the boxes and they are ready to be sent and delivered! Also - I was the one to call you, wasn't I?"
"True, but-"
"Adrien, really - I don't want to get rid of you! I am glad, we could spend time that way! And you really cheered me up! Thank you for that!"
He dipped his head and grinned.
"I am always at your service, my Queen!"
"He is very charming~"
Marinette rolled her eyes - an answer to both of these silly reactions and smiled warmly at her boyfriend on that small screen.
"Goodnight, Adrien~", she said warmly and blew him a little kiss. "And sleep well…"
"Goodnight, Marinette…", and he did the same. Waving into the camera, until she pushed a button to end their connection with a happy little sigh.
Before she angrily growled at Tikki, poking playfully her side, until it made her giggle.
"How dare you to listen to my romantic conversations with my boyfriend? I am the only one, who is allowed to find him cute and charming!"
"Marinette? Are you getting jealous already?"
The young woman laughed as well. Shook her head, before he opened her hand, waiting for Tikki to get seated on her palm. Lifting her up to her eyes, gently caressing her cheeks.
"I am not jealous. Your comments confused me, that is all. And if you really want to know - I feel genuinely happy, now, that Adrien and I have taken that step. I have to thank you for giving me that advice to persuade love and happiness for once…" Yet she lowered her eyes and bid her lip, as dark clouds tried to dull the brightness of her feelings. Remembering the Attack from earlier - any other foe she had to face within these two weeks. Lila's threats. People reacting to Adrien's interview - hopefully today wasn't just the calm before the storm for him…
"Marinette?", the tiny goddess immediately noticed, that there was something bothering her. Flying up and soaring closer to her face, to cuddle her cheek. "I thought you were happy…"
"Oh - but I am happy! With Adrien! It's just…", she sighed heavily and slumped against the back of her chair, looking up to the ceiling, in hopes it would help her clear her mind. To focus, for all the things, that were yet to come. "But there is still Lady Titalee out there and I am not even a tiny step closer to reveal her identity. To get Nooroo back… And then there is Lila, who will make sure to make my life a living hell, now that she knows, that I am dating the man she is after - for years! And then there is Papa's condition! My need to look for a new apartment, that is affordable for me right now! Alya and Nino want to move away from Paris. My fucking feelings for Chat Noir, that won't go away just like that!
And my poor boyfriend is hated by so many people in this city - did I mention, that he has not overcome the trauma, that his father's actions and behavior caused? And his mother is still caught in this magical coma… and Emma… cute, little Emma is in the middle of this mess and she doesn't even know that…"
"Life has ups and Downs. You know that… Overcoming all these obstacles will strengthen your mind for the future… And as long, as you keep those you love close and trust with your whole heart, things will one day fall into place and will be alright…"
She lifted her head back up, to look over to her small friend, who smiled warmly.
Sure - Tikki was a magical entity - knowing more, than she might ever admit. But her words of wisdom were barely helping the young woman now and she could only hope, that Tikki was right in the end - that everything would fall into its place in this universe one day.
But Marinette was just a human - all she could cling to was hope in that very case, that was the very mess of her life.
"If you say so…", she therefore murmured, rubbing her temples as fatigue tried to catch up with her. But now was not the time to get tired - she needed to speak with Chat tonight about various events and their plans find any clues about Lady Titalee. To ask him why he had been so fast - emerging out of the shadows in the park to immediately destroy the Akuma.
Oh no - what if he was stalking her? Surely that was not the right way to move on!
Urgh - and her poor head started to hurt more and more with every second she thought about it.
"And you really want to meet Chat Noir tonight? If you allow, then I will fly right to him and tell him, that you-"
"No!", Marinette groaned, already walking towards to window and opened the curtains slowly. Peaking outside - almost expecting to find a pair of glowing, green eyes there. But, of course - there weren't any! "We wanted to meet yesterday! But-" "You made sweet love to Adrien~" "Tikki!" "…sorry…" "-but the thunderstorm made it impossible to see each other. I suppose, that he expects us to meet tonight…"
"But… it's already so late! And you barely slept yesterday! And the night before that and-"
"It's almost weekend and I promise you to be in bed early tomorrow! How does sound ten in the evening to you?"
"Don't you work in the Café until ten? And on Saturday you help your parents in the bakery - so you will need to get up early!"
"Tikki!"
The Kwami frowned.
"All I want to say is, that you should take care of yourself…Sleep is very important!"
"Tell that Lady Titalee! I certainly would sleep more, if she wasn't around!"
Tikki looked at her with wide eyes - not entirely believing her words, but for now she stayed silent. Which was good - for Marinette felt even more tired, when she had to talk about it right now.
One last time she looked over her shoulder, checking, if all the boxes were ready, if everything was properly packed. Which it was. Then she turned back to the floating entity and meekly whispered:
"Tikki - Spots on!"
And she transformed - knowing too well, that she would be early this time. Chat wouldn't be at their meeting point yet and a little doubtful voice inside her head wondered, if he would come at all…
But she didn't let that stop her now, instead opened the window and climbed outside. Embracing the cool summer breeze around and the calmness of the night. Hopefully it was to stay that way - another Akuma attack at such late hours would feel like a nightmare to her.
…or seeing Lady Titalee once more.
But as she patrolled the streets for these few minutes before midnight she found them all almost empty and calm. People mostly stayed inside - probably afraid as well. Most of them have seen the interview and therefore she knew, that the mayor wanted a nightly curfew for the city. Many seemed to take it as a rule already.
But it wouldn't help them during an attack - not every attack at least and everybody knew that. And yet the sanctuary of their own homes is the safest one, wasn't it?
It was time, that she stopped Lady Titalee for good.
It was almost midnight, when Ladybug reached the Eiffel Tower. She was the first one to arrive and it was a nice change. Giving her enough time to think - about their visit in the Agreste Mansion, the fight with Prime Queen and attack in the park. Chat being there… how was he able to reach them, before anything bad could have happened?
He wasn't stalking her, wasn't he? He was just around - the friendly neighborhood cat, who had a few spare minutes after work to patrol himself - coming across the attack accidentally. Well… it was a lucky accident, that was for sure! For - truth to be told - she didn't know what she would have done, instead. With Emma - making sure, the girl stayed unharmed and protected, while she had transformed.
…hopefully she never had to face such a situation, again!
"Ladybug!", echoed a voice through the nightly air - utterly happy to see her, once Chat Noir landed beside her on the platform. Grinning widely, taking a step closer, arms rising to-
He let them fall to his side again, as he noticed her shocked expression, apologetically scratching the back of his neck, while the heroine still wondered if he really wanted to hug her. Sure - they were partners and friends, trusted each other blindly and she was the one to kiss him on his cheek, when they parted ways in the mansion.
…still… hugging… a friendly little embrace wasn't something they regularly did - only when they needed the comfort of the other. But as a greeting…
…it would have felt strange - wanted, yes- but strange.
Wait - no! She didn't want it - she hurriedly scolded herself, before she put a perfectly crafted mask on and smiled. Punching his shoulder playfully, to break the awkwardness between them - even though he let out a little hiss, as if she had actually hurt him with that. Quickly she recalled, that Adrien had a bruised shoulder as well and wondered, what Chat had done, to get hurt himself…
But he wouldn't tell her - instead hurriedly brushed it off, by taking her hand to gift it with the usual, tiny kiss.
For a tiny moment everything seemed normal - they would act just like that normally. Though things weren't for her normal anymore - for this relationship between her and her partner was an utterly complicated one…
Basically she knew, that she would feel like a total fool with everything she would say and do and that - right there - was an absolute horrible thought already.
And the night and their little meeting has just started!
"You are the late one tonight, kitty!", she said jokingly, as a quizzically look reached these gleaming eyes, that stared in her face through the darkness. A mysterious shadow laid in their very corners - making it almost impossible for her to read him.
…and she hated it, when she was not possible to read Chat Noir - for he was usually like a well written book to her. But now… now it was different…
"I was not sure, if you would come anyway~", he said after a short moment of hesitation and shrugged. "And with you being usually the late one, I thought you wouldn't mind if we for once switched roles…"
She flinched briefly, as she heard these words, nervously fumbling with her yo-yo by her side. Briefly she recalled today's events and that it has been him, who saved them all. Even her - and he wasn't even aware of that. And she couldn't even tell him…
Therefore, a tiny smile merely left her lips, before she raised her voice, again:
"I-I couldn't make it today, Chat! I wasn't able to transform and-"
He chuckled and laid his hands on her shoulders, making her shiver, as their eyes locked.
"Believe me… I know that! And I wasn't talking about that brief encounter with the Akuma today - I was rather talking about our delayed appointment yesterday. But don't worry - I suppose you couldn't make it." He shrugged and a handsome grin spread across his lips. "It was quite a bad thunderstorm, wasn't it?"
"It…was…"
She felt his hands on her shoulder - a sweet pressure, that tingled her spine and gave her goosebumps underneath her suit. Ladybug was pretty sure, that her cheeks were burning and little did she wonder what he would read in her gaze, if he looked too closely.
And then there was her heart - beating like crazy in her chest and she really - really - hoped, that he wasn't able to hear it.
So - who was she to believe, that she could fall out of love with Chat Noir so easily? She had fallen just as hard for him, as she had done it with Adrien, even though she had always believed, that loving two people at the same time, wasn't possible. But time has proven to her, that apparently it was possible and it was the very one thing, that happened to her.
She hated it - somehow felt, as if she was betraying both men, because she didn't have her feelings in check.
So…yes!
She was a fucking fool - the worst kind imaginable!
Hurriedly she took a step back - Chat's gaze started to get too intense for her and it took her breath away. Gulping and stepping close to the handrail. Clutching the cold metal tightly, as she looked down to the city.
…unable to look into his face yet again.
"As you may know, I couldn't find a thing in Hawk Moth's lair!", she said hurriedly, having to change to topic to stay professional. "It was dirty and empty, though I doubt, that many people made it up there to vandalize. The code to get there is still intact… Still the same after all these years…"
It took him a few moments to realize that sudden change in her whole mood and behavior. But eventually he stepped to the handrail as well, casually leaning against it, but faced her instead.
"Okay… So we have zero clues and still many unanswered questions. We don't know, who stole the Butterfly Miraculous from you and who is aware of your identity with that! Why does Lady Titalee know about the wish, she will get, when she combines our Miraculous? What is her wish? And why now?"
"That's right…", she sighed. "We have nothing! Just more unanswered questions every day, as she terrorizes all these people with her pure presence…"
Yeah - Lady Titalee's presence was just everywhere- it clung to everybody in this city, to every word they spoke and every scared gaze up into the sky, or into the darkness. This very threat even lingered between them - right now - as they spoke here. For… it had been exactly here, where Lady Titalee had revealed herself first to the two heroes…
He felt it as well. Ladybug knew it - saw it in Chat's eyes and how his shoulders were tense at all times - his hands twitching towards his staff ever so often.
It was horrible - the very thing the villainess did, without being there at all…
"Aren't you afraid, that she will eventually reveal your identity to the world?", his question came so suddenly and it almost made her breathless. She twirled around, to face him, ready to speak, but he stopped her with a raised hand and a gentle smile. "You know, that I don't mind, if we reveal our identities to the other. That hasn't changed in these ten years. I know, that this is sudden and you are probably not ready for that. Just…just for you to know - I am ready for that, when you are, okay?"
She was taken aback and paled - feeling not ready at all to do this step just now. Just like that. Knew, that it had been his wish from the start and he hadn't changed his mind about that at all.
Yet… now wasn't the right time for that and judging by his knowing smile, he was aware of that as well. His whole words were surely just thoughts, that circled his mind for far too long and he had to get rid of them - immediately.
"One day… okay, Chaton?"
He nodded and dipped his head shyly.
"Of course, Milady! Just thought, that this was the right opportunity for me to say that… And - don't worry - I won't ever pressure you to do it. You know that, right?"
He offered her to go the exact pace she wanted and needed - just like Adrien did with their relationship. Making them very similar yet again.
So - should it have been a surprise to her, that she has fallen for both in the first place?
"Thank you Chat…", she therefore whispered and meant it with her whole heart.
Chat nodded - that strange gleam returning once more to his eyes, that didn't quite match that smile on his lips - but she was pretty sure, that he would try to hide it, if she dared to ask him about it.
And she couldn't, for he raised his voice yet again:
"So…, what are your plans now? I suppose the busy you didn't just want to meet up here in the middle of the night for a little chit-chat, even though I don't mind that! But I know you - you have something on your mind! What do you plan?"
Once more she mustered his handsome features, before she turned away. Nodding.
"It's not quite a plan. Just a silly thought. To start anew with our research. I mean - we must be missing something! A link between Hawk Moth and Lady Titalee. One between my civilian self and her! Something where she could have found out something! Anything! And I know, that you won't like my thoughts on how we should continue our search…"
He won't.
A wide variety of emotions crossed his eyes and face, working on him, thinking about her words - until it clicked and a dark scowl immediately emerged, replacing every joy and happiness from earlier.
"You can't be serious, Bugaboo! Go back to him?!"
"Chat… if you don't want to see Gabriel, then I understand that! But… I believe, that he hadn't told us the truth entirely…He and Nathalie are the only ones, who knew of that wish before…" She sighed and rubbed her forehead in thought. "It's all, that is left for us to do… To ask him and Nathalie once more… And if we come up empty-handed… then we need to think about something else…"
He stayed silent, his own clawed hands grasping the handrail tightly and little was she worried, that he could break it so easily. Knew, that he could do it with his enhanced strength and that he was right now just holding back.
"…Chat…", she whispered gently and reached out for his hand. Laying her fingers on top of his, brushing her thumb across his knuckles. "If you don't want to… if you can't face him, then I understand that! I won't ever pressure you into doing things, that you don't want to… You know that, right?"
He closed his eyes, as darkness clutched at his whole being, ready to drag him down into the black abyss in front of him. His Adam's apple popped, as he gulped heavily, but he eventually he nodded and laid his second one on top of hers.
"I can do it, Milady. It's the right thing to do - and who would I be, if I couldn't step in front of that man - especially when I have already done that before? Just…" He exhaled sharply and finally looked back into her face. "Just not tonight… I… I am too tired and I couldn't be able to trust myself, if I had to be in the same room as he… Give me some time. A day…maybe two…"
"Okay…", she breathed without hesitation and felt her own throat tightening, as she watched her poor, miserable kitty. "Okay - of course! Just let me know, when you are ready, to face him, again!"
"I will…"
His eyes widened and he took a step back. Grinning nervously and scratched the back of his neck. Chuckling - all silly attempts to cheer her up once again.
"Sorry!", he hurriedly said. "I probably made a fool of myself! It's just really complicated! I-I can't explain it myself! Just! Ehr - never mind!"
She shook her head and a strange longing reached her heart once more - to reach out for him to hug him tightly. But she couldn't bring herself forward to do that - especially not with her and Adrien being in a relationship.
"Oh Chat…", she therefore softly said, "…you could never be a fool to me!"
A/N: A simple little chapter - nothing big is happening, but we see the beginning struggle of our heroine, as she faces her partner. I can say - this chapter certainly kicks off bigger events in the future- including the next one already :D
So, next chapter: The taste of whiskey and regret...