Cat Noir paced up and down waiting for Ladybug to show up for their nightly patrol. He was starting to get worried because she was almost always on time. She had been having confidence issues lately, and who could blame her, after Monarch had stolen almost all the Miraculous from her. He jumped slightly as he received a text on his baton.
Ladybug: Meet me in locker room, please?
Cat: I'm on my way, love.
Cat scampered down the ladder into the sewer, walking quickly to the locker room where he and Luka had once hid from Desperada. The door creaked and groaned from lack of use, and Cat found Ladybug huddled under a blanket. "I'm sorry," she whispered as Cat softly shut the door behind him. "I just don't think I can do patrol tonight." A rush of sympathy went out to his partner and she was shaking like a leaf. Since that awful day in Cat's (Adrien's) bathroom, she had good days and bad days. Her face was pale and her bluebell eyes looked into her partner's saying, "I'm scared. Please help me."
Cat sat down and shifted Ladybug into his lap, and Ladybug clung to him like a lifeline. He murmured soothing words to her, rocking her gently back and forth, kissing her hair. She had always been there to listen and be there when he was afraid, now it was his turn. He knew now that the love of his life was Marinette under the mask, and his throat got tight. Monarch would pay dearly for hurting his M'lady and his Princess.
Gradually, her breathing evened out and she looked less scared. Ladybug sat up to look at him. "Even if I can't patrol tonight, you can, Kitty." Cat cupped her soft cheek with his hand and she leaned into his touch." "But, M'lady, your the only one who can purify the akumas." "Well, then I guess I need to give you these. Spots off."
A flash of light and Marinette sat in his arms. His dream of Marinette being Ladybug and come true, but he was still getting used to it. Though, she was probably getting used Adrien being Cat as well.
"Are you sure? I know I was able to defeat the villain and senti last time, but that was when we were together," he said. "I'm not expecting any attacks tonight," Marinette said, "but I'll keep your ring for safekeeping. Just in case."
Slowly, Cat removed his ring, handed it to her. It wasn't like he didn't trust her, but if something happened to her or Plagg…. "We'll be all right, Adrien," Plagg said, flying up to Adrien's cheek and placing his small hand on it. "Besides, I'm sure Marinette is ready to hear some new puns."
The tension was broken and Marinette gave a small giggle. He smiled at her, he would do anything to make her laugh. "Well, I guess you'll be needing this then," Adrien grinned and took a small wheel of cheese out of his shirt pocket.
"We'll be fine," Marinette said. "All right, I'll be back soon and if anything goes wrong or you feel scared, call me." "Yes, Bugaboo."
Cat kneeled across from Marinette, and gave her a soft kiss. Then he stood up and was gone. This suit was different from the comfortable black leather suit he wore. After patrol, he thought, he'd get some oatmeal from Leo's.
He knew Ladybug would be back on her feet soon. This was part of the healing process, the confidence slowly being restored. He made his way to their spot, and look over the city. Their city. The lights of the Eiffel Tower clicked on, and every few seconds Mister Bug was bathed in the golden glow.
A message appeared on his phone, and he hurried to open it.
Marinette: I meow you.
Oh, how adorable could this girl get. Though she had to recover tonight and he missed her sitting next to him, she was still able to tell him she loved him.
Cat: I meow you too.
Marinette: You have always been the purr-fect partner, and I should of said this more often, but I really liked and needed your jokes. I guess you had purr-fect timing?
The night was peaceful, the sky a deep purple color, then turned a velvet black as night set in. At last, patrol was over.
Carefully, placing the earrings in his pocket, Adrien entered Leo's. "Hi, Adrien! What can I get for you tonight?" the kindly cheese shop owner asked. "One bowl of oatmeal, and two pumpkin cream cold brews to go," he said. "One of these drinks wouldn't be for your Marinette, would it? How is she?"
Adrien sighed. "I'm sorry, I can't-" Leo placed a hand on Adrien's shoulder. "I understand. Its clear your love her very much, Adrien." Adrien nodded, and turned away wiping at his eyes.
"Oh! You brought me oatmeal!" Adrien smiled at her as he handed the bowl. Then he looked closer. "M'lady, you've been crying," he said, feeling her wet cheek. "Plagg is a good hugger, even if its only my cheek."
Adrien looked at his Kwami, grateful he had been here for Marinette. He knew Plagg hadn't just done for the cheese either, for Plagg loved Marinette too.
"I'll get better, Adrien. Tonight was just one of those nights." "Even if we weren't together tonight, love, you were in my heart." Marinette looked down at her oatmeal. "I was praying you'd be safe."
Marinette cuddled up to Adrien after she had finished her bowl. Since her panic attack, she liked soft foods, and oatmeal was at the top of her list.
Even if things were different at the moment, two things were the same. They both loved each other. The other was they were both together. As Adrien watched Marinette's eyes slip close. He would always be here to protect his Bugaboo, his Ladybug, Marinette.