Today's story was written by Epcot97.
Author's Note: Ep: Marinette begins receiving little gifts and wonders who her admirer might be.
MR: *sigh* I wish someone would give me gifts… other than my cat…
Ep: (carrying cleaning supplies into Writer's Room) Same here.
Lyra: Here. I brought you both a gift. It's another set of writing prompts. :D
It started, oddly enough, on February first.
I was running late, courtesy of yet another early morning akuma, and had barely made it to class before the teacher began to call the roll. Everyone watched me come through the door, and as I had a hundred times before, my eyes connected with Adrien and I missed the first step on my way up to my desk. And, like a hundred times before, Adrien had been there, catching me before I fell and handing me back my book bag with a gentle, sweet smile that set me on fire. No judgement, no malice. Just that warm, compassionate look that blazed from his green eyes whenever he saw me.
Alya had given me her patented Where were you this time, girl? look once I'd regained my wits and slid into my seat, but I was saved from answering by having to delve directly into the discussion on the chapter we'd had to read in Howard's End. As I dug out my tablet from my bookbag, though, a small box tumbled out with it and landed softly on the industrial linoleum, apparently caught up in the case
Leaning further over, I retrieved the box and, not recognizing it as any of my own possessions, turned to Alya and whispered: "Is this yours?"
She glanced down at the box, and then her eyes widened. "No," she said, smiling slightly. "Where did you find it?"
I glanced at the teacher, who was writing something on the whiteboard. "It was in my bag," I whispered. "It must have fallen in from someone."
Alya stifled a chuckle. "Hardly, girl," she whispered as she pointed to the label I'd missed atop the box.
In neat print, it said simply, Marinette.
Perplexed, I slid it carefully back into my bag and waited until we broke to change classes to scurry off to a semi-private spot in the massive courtyard at Dupont to dig it back out again. Turning it over in my hands, there wasn't much on the exterior to reveal what was hidden inside; the square box was smaller than the Miraculous ones, but not by much.
Carefully, I popped it open and found a folded note; removing the paper, I discovered a small thimble, painted white. It was nestled into the green velour of the interior and I gently lifted it out; my breath caught, for it was amazingly detailed with miniature flowers that looked familiar, though I couldn't exactly put my finger on why. Setting it back into the box, I unfolded the note to read the short message.
With each stitch, my love is further bound to you.
Bemused, I looked around the courtyard, wondering now which one of my classmates had snuck the precious package into my bag. Alya caught my eye and detached herself from Nino to wander over to my side.
She whistled when I cracked the box open for her. "And you have no idea who gave this to you?" she asked, getting right to the core of the issue as only a budding journalist could.
"Nope," I smiled. "But I'll figure it out."
I safely stowed the package back in my bag and promptly forgot about it until the following day. Chat Noir and I were called back into action just as class was ending for the afternoon; it was poor Monsieur Ramier yet again, and seeing as though we were mostly on automatic dealing with Mister Pigeon, we quickly found ourselves enjoying ice cream on a bench overlooking the Seine.
"Do you have plans for Valentine's Day, Milady?" Chat asked out of the blue as he snarfed down the last of his cone. The way the boy ate, I wondered if he was getting enough at home.
"Why do you ask?" I replied as I more deliberately munched on my frozen treat. My earrings still had four dots left, so there was time for a bit of conversation. "Did you get turned down by your girlfriend?" I teased.
Chat smiled his megawatt smile. "It depends. Are you free on Valentine's Day?"
"No."
"Then yes, I was turned down by my girlfriend," he pouted dramatically, holding a paw to his heart. "Can I be your backup, then?"
I looked at Chat and the eagerness in his eyes and tried hard not to sigh. As many times as we'd been over this territory, my kitty never seemed willing to move on. "Chat-"
"I know, I know," he said, holding up his paws. "There's another boy. I get it."
"It's just not a good idea for us to get involved, Chat," I reminded him for the millionth time.
"A cat can hope," he said quietly as he sprung out from the bench and retrieved his baton. "Later, Milady," he saluted before bounding away into the afternoon sky.
I quickly finished my cone and made my way back to school, for my books were still in my locker from when I'd transformed. Dropping into an alley close to Dupont, I released Tikki and entered through a side door; crossing the courtyard, I waved as Adrien was exiting the locker room in full fencing gear. I'd somehow missed the entire team over in the far corner going through warmups.
Mentally steeling myself, I smiled as he tacked in my direction. "You're here late," he said, his mask tipped open.
I tried not to stare at those perfect teeth. "Late mistake books, yes," I said before realizing I was speaking like Yoda. "I mean, I left my books here by mistake."
Adrien smiled wider and rolled his eyes. "I've done that myself."
"Really? You?" I gushed. "You're perfect-" I choked. "I mean-"
"I wish," he laughed. "Far from it." He glanced at the team. "Gotta scat," he said. "See you tomorrow!"
I just smiled lamely at him and watched his perfect body join the rest of the team. Tikki had to gently nudge me to continue on my mission. My bag was right where I'd unceremoniously shoved it, but a larger version of the box I'd received a day earlier had been carefully perched atop it.
I felt my eyes widen as I saw, once again, my name had been hand printed on the box. Setting my bag back into the locker, I cracked this new gift open to reveal a ball of soft pink yarn - and not just any yarn. It was high-end cashmere, worth a fair number of Euros. Gaping, I unfolded the note.
Your love is a knitted wonder, surrounding my heart in gentle comfort.
Quickly stashing the box in my bag, I ran out into the courtyard, thinking I could ask Adrien if he'd seen anyone in the locker room. The fencing team was deep into their practice, though, and I knew I needed to get home, so I put a pin in the identity of my mystery fan for the moment.
I buried myself in my homework and lost track of time; as I put the finishing touches on an essay due in the morning, I heard a rubbery thump on the rooftop patio and felt a smile appear. Chat Noir had taken to visiting me whenever the mood hit him; it had been irregular at first, but more nights than not now saw him tapping at my skylight.
Actually, now that I thought about it, he'd appeared a few times on weekends when I'd been sketching in the park or Trocadero, too. Glancing at the time on my phone, I realized it was about when he normally appeared; grabbing the plate of pastries I kept ready for my starving kitty, I pushed away from my desk and went up the ladder.
Chat was perched just in front of the skylight, apparently surprised; his paw was outstretched, claws at the ready, my having beaten him to the punch. "Princess!" he said happily as his masked green eyes snapped to the plate. "I'm becoming too regular, aren't I?"
"Yes," I laughed as I stood up on the roof.
As Chat leapt to the railing and perched in his three-point stance, I reminded myself yet again that I should have discouraged his visits a long time ago. For some reason, though, I'd found myself looking forward to them and had essentially convinced myself there was little harm in being a friend to my partner. It was clear to me that he had few in his life, and given how much of himself he gave each time we fought Hawkmoth, it felt like the least I could do.
I couldn't help but reach up and scratch behind one of Chat's ears, and was rewarded by seeing him close his eyes in bliss and purr. "I can't believe I let you do that," he said between thrums. "I have a reputation to maintain as a catsanova, after all; if gets out I like ear scratches-"
"Your secret is safe with me," I laughed as I shared the plate with him.
Chat didn't stay long - he never did, seeming to know that I had work that needed to be done - but as he prepared to leap into the night, he asked me the same question he'd asked Ladybug. "Do you have plans for Valentine's Day, Purrincess?"
"No," I said honestly. "Why? Did your hot date cancel?"
His masked visage flamed slightly as I realized I'd echoed what I'd said to him as Ladybug. "Actually, yes," he said softly, "but that's okay. I have a feline I won't be alone."
Perplexed at his answer, I watched him vault into the evening and wondered if my kitty had finally moved on from Ladybug. I knew it would be best for both of us if he had, and made a note to subtly find out the next time we were called to duty.
A few days passed before the next surprise appeared; I happened to get to school earlier than normal that morning, and was slightly taken aback to see a number of my classmates already behind their seats. I nodded at Adrien as I went past him, ignored Chloe and waved at Nathaniel and Max. Kim was doing something hideous with straws so I opted to ignore him; as I turned to sit down, though, I saw the moderately-sized flat box sitting in my chair.
My eyes shot to Adrien, who had his back to me. "How long has this been here?" I asked.
He swiveled. "How long has what?" he replied quizzically, arching an eyebrow at me in what felt like a familiar unfamiliar expression.
"This," I said as I picked up the box and showed it to him.
His eyes bugged out. "Whoa. Nino said you'd been getting gifts-"
"Shhhhhh!" I said, eyes wide as I looked around. It figured that Alya had kept Nino in the loop. I'd have to have words with her later. "Did you see anything?"
"No," Adrien said quickly. "I've not been here long."
I put the package on the desk and quickly opened it; a small sketchbook shrouded in a cloth cover tastefully decorated with pink roses lay within, a matching set of pencils in multiple colors nestled into the back of the case. There was a tiny lock on the book, almost like a diary, and the key was attached to it with a small cord. As before, a half-folded note was on top, and I flipped it open, eager to see if I could divine any clues.
You've sketched your way into my heart.
Adrien had been hovering, and as I turned, I could see him smiling at me. "Wow," he said softly. "Someone really likes you."
"But who?" I whispered. "I can't figure it out. I'm just me."
He put a hand to my arm. "Clearly someone feels differently," he said quietly, almost wistfully. "Embrace it, Mari."
I looked at him skeptically but had no time to discuss further as the remainder of our classmates filed in.
No surprises appeared after that, though, and by the time Valentine's Day arrived, I wondered if my secret admirer had given up. Part of me was sad that they had, emphasizing the melancholy of knowing that most of my friends had plans for the evening with their significant other. I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I didn't hear Chat lightly drop down next to me on the sidewalk and nearly jumped out of my skin when he tapped me on the shoulder with a claw.
Chat recoiled from my windmilling arms before springing into motion and saving my school things from spilling out all over the street. He had a bemused expression on his face as he gently slid my backpack onto my shoulder. "Good morning, Princess," he laughed. "I don't generally have that effect on people."
"Sorry," I said as I got my breathing under control. "I was distracted."
"Clearly," he chuckled as he gently turned me around. "Your school is two blocks that way."
I looked up and realized he was right - I'd walked right past Dupont. I turned back to him. "How-?"
"I was in the area," he said coyly. "You want me to walk you-"
"No," I said a bit more sharply than I'd intended, my embarrassment reflected in my slight flame against my cheeks.
"All right," he smiled again. "Have a wonderful day," he added as he leapt away, tail flapping behind him.
It wasn't until I was in the library for our final study hall of the day that I discovered the small box in the outside pocket of my backpack. Adrien, Nino and Alya were at the table with me, and Nino was the first to catch my odd expression as I withdrew the object along with the pen I'd originally gone after.
"Ah," he smiled. "Dudette has a final surprise."
"Wow," Adrien added, his eyes drawn to the envelope. "What is it?"
"Guys, let's give her a moment," Alya said. "Come on, we can grab a copy of the crossword from the librarian."
"But-" Nino objected.
"She's right," Adrien laughed as he tugged his friend away from the table. "It's not our dance."
I waited until I was alone and then opened the box. Set against the same green velour was a pendant - a small, partial heart, broken in the middle. My breath caught as I realized it was half of a sweetheart pendant, and I eagerly opened the half-folded note.
You complete me, it said; unlike the earlier notes, though, there was a second line just below.
I'll return the favor this evening.
My heart skipped a beat. Someone loves me? Marinette? That didn't seem possible - no one had expressed an interest beyond a passing comment from Luka, maybe. Certainly no one at Dupont; Chat was in love with Ladybug, so that didn't count.
Who on Earth could it be?
Then another thought struck me. Where on Earth was I going to meet them?
Frantically, I turned the note over multiple times but there was nothing about where to find my mystery fan. If it was truly going to be that evening, though, that limited the number of options, for it wouldn't be there at Dupont. Tapping the note against my chin, I realized that whomever it was knew my schedule at least as well as I knew Adrien's, so it was more likely they would appear at just the right moment wherever I was supposed to be tonight.
And since I had no date for the evening, that would be the Bakery (assuming Hawkmoth didn't crash the party).
It was hard to stay focused for the rest of the day; despite their best attempts, I revealed nothing to Alya or the guys before dashing down the steps of Dupont at last bell and hurrying home. Using homework as an excuse, I took dinner up to my room so I could keep from freaking out in front of my parents; it had the added benefit of giving me a few extra moments to compose myself when the doorbell inevitably rang.
I was so keyed up with anticipation that the gentle rubbery thump of Chat's arrival on the rooftop patio echoed in my brain as if it were a sonic boom. I stared at my ceiling, willing my kitty to go away; of all nights, this was the one he would choose to randomly visit? What if he were here when my secret admirer arrived?
The gentle claw taps at my skylight came, and I groaned inwardly. Moving to the ladder, I went up and through with the express intent of shushing him off my rooftop. As I opened the skylight, though, I caught his expectant expression and felt my heart melt the way it always did when I saw him. Tamping back some of my irritation, I smiled slightly.
"I thought you had a date tonight?" I asked.
"Not yet," he said. "But the evening is young. You?"
"Maybe," I said. "I'm actually expecting someone."
He smiled slyly and cocked his head. "Is he cute, wears cat ears and a mask?"
"Uh, no," I said.
"Too bad," he replied, smiling a bit wider. He started to say something, but paused, his feline ears twitching. "Someone is at your door," he said looking back at me.
"I need to go," I replied. "Sorry, Chat - maybe another time?"
"Of course," he said, and I left him sitting on my rooftop. Oddly, he didn't seem upset that I'd abruptly dismissed him.
Working my way down to the kitchen, I found my father closing the door. "Who was it?" I asked, eagerly looking around him.
Papa turned, wearing something of a bemused expression. "Madame Rosselina," he said. "I think she might have had a bit too much wine this evening, love. She said Chat Noir asked her to ring our doorbell-"
Oh. My. God.
As my father continued to explain, I dashed away from him and hurled myself back up the steps to my room. The connections had all been there, and I'd ignored them. Bursting through the skylight, I called out: "Chat! Chat!"
The patio was empty, however.
I called his name a few more times, but he was either out of earshot (which was something, given his enhanced feline senses) or choosing to ignore me. I hadn't been gone long enough for even Chat to have vaulted too far, so it dawned on me that he was waiting for something.
Carefully, I started to look around the patio, and in short order, I found the box sitting atop my chaise. It was identical to the one I'd found in my backpack earlier that day, and my heart stopped.
"Go ahead," I heard from above me.
Looking up, I saw Chat perched on the conical chimney. "How long have you been there?"
"Not long," he grinned.
I stared at him. "You're my admirer?" I asked as I picked up the box.
"And have been for a long time," he smiled wider as he leapt down to his customary position on my railing.
I sagged down onto the chaise. "Chat-"
"Marinette," he said gently as he slipped off the railing and came over to stand beside me. "You are the most amazing girl I know. You've let me skulk into your life and made me feel welcome; no," he said, sliding on the chaise beside me, "it's more than that. You make me feel like someone who matters. Someone who can be worthy of love."
I looked at his masked visage and those beautiful green feline eyes, and saw he was completely earnest. "You're Chat Noir," I said. "How can you even feel like you don't matter?"
"You'd be surprised," he smiled. "But I can be me when I'm with you. And you accept me just the way I am. No filters, no walls. Just me." Carefully, he reached around and pulled me into a brief hug. "It means more than I can possibly tell you," he whispered as he released me and popped back up into a stand.
I stared at him again. "But… you love Ladybug!"
He smiled sadly. "I was in love with the idea of Ladybug," he said. "I still care for her, of course, but getting to know you - the real you," he emphasized for some reason, "has shown me what love truly looks like."
Chat nodded at the box. "Open it."
I held the box in my hands, and looked at it, my thoughts tumbling over themselves. Chat had not been remotely on my list of suspects, and yet, it made perfect sense. I honestly spent the bulk of my free time with him; if I counted my time as Ladybug, most of my days were spent with my feline partner. Short of knowing who was under the mask, I knew just about everything else about him.
Everything else...
With a start, I looked back at him. "How, exactly, did you get the first box into my bag?"
Chat flushed slightly and his tail swished suddenly before he stopped it abruptly. "Black cat," he said cautiously. "I'm good at deception and sneaking around undetected."
I started to press him and then, wisely, decided not to. There was the Golden Rule to consider, after all, and unmasking my partner was the last thing I wanted to do. I looked at him again, nodding slightly as a wide smile warmed my face. For in that brief moment, I realized I did love Chat; that I had, actually, for some time. My love for him had snuck up on me. And as I thought about it, I saw now how his alter ego had gently nudged me in that direction, too. A comment here, encouragement there.
With a second shock of realization, it dawned on me that he was equally as aware of who I was, too. All of me. And yet, he had decided to keep up the charade, knowing it was the safest path for the two of us to find each other. "You are one smart kitty," I said as I reached up to pull him down to my chaise.
"Thank you," he beamed. "As you appear to be realizing, this is the only way the two of us can possibly make this work. If," he smiled wider, "you don't mind having a feline as a boyfriend."
"I can think of worse things," I said, smiling.
"That's your answer? This I have to hear," he laughed.
"Later," I breathed as I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss. The box fell off the chase, but I knew what was in it and that it would be safe for the moment. When we came up for air, I looked at the blazing compassion coming from his masked green eyes - green eyes I now knew I saw day in and day out - and said: "Happy Valentines Day, kitty."
"Best. Day. Ever," he said before he went in for a second helping.
