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oOoOo
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Forget me not (because I will)
("Why-Why do I feel so - so empty whenever I look at this rose, Tikki?")

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oOo

Chat came over every day for the next week. Maybe to make sure Hawkmoth didn't try anything. Maybe just to keep her company. Maybe to escape his own home life, which had never been the best.

But it didn't matter why. Because whenever Marinette heard his telltale footsteps on her balcony she felt herself grin. Whenever she heard a "thump" lading on the roof, she lit up and scrambled to open her trapdoor, just so he didn't have to wait for her to come up.

She was starting to feel alone nonetheless. Chat had always been a busy cat and as much as he visited, he was gone for far longer. She had wanted to go back to school already – transform, swing over and take a back door. Maybe use the Miraculous of the Horse even – she knew she shouldn't, as one should never use a Miraculous selfishly, but, maybe, this time it would be ok?

It didn't matter. She might have been feeling better – a farcry from the way she had felt the first day after the reveal – but her dreams were still occasionally haunted by nightmares (according to Chat, but Tikki had confirmed his claim).

And Marinette's parents knew.

"Maybe it's better if you stay at home for the rest of week? School may just stress you out and, you know...Madame Bustier told us about what happened before she got transformed into "Zombiezou"."

And that had been it. She wasn't confined to her room, but Marinette didn't want to visit the bakery yet, which was still overflowing with overzealous fans and newsthisrty reporters.

She had yet to open her Instagram account.

Maybe her parents weren't wrong with keeping her home.

But Marinette did get bored easily and it made her head spin in circles. She was playing calming music all day long, trying to prevent herself from working herself into a frenzy – lest an Akuma found her.

After two days Tikki finally let her watch the news.

When Chat visited that evening, he found her curled up into a shaking ball, her eyes red and swollen and unable to utter a coherent sentence.

He had stayed over that night too and the next one. And he had every right to do so.

(And Tikki hadn't allowed her to watch the news the next day.)

It was on day three, when Chat visited her at night, that he turned to her, a Cheshire grin plastered across his face and he said:"I found the perfect nickname for you, Marinette!"

"The perfect nickname?"

A smile played around her lips and her eyes were shining with barely concealed adoration.

Nightmares didn't matte rif her partner would just keeping showing the way.

"No. The purrfect nickname. And yes! There's "Milady" and "Lb" and "Bugaboo" for Ladybug and "Princess" for Marinette and now that you two are the same person, I need a new name for you!"

She frowned, her smile turning lop-sided as she took in his childish excitement, feeling it bubble up in her own stomach already.

Someone had tried to sneak into the apartment over the bakery today.

Marinette had almost opened the trapdoor when someone had knocked, believing it to be her mother (she should have known from the steps, should have known and guessed but she hadn't. Paid. Attention.)

"You do? Really?"

He really didn't need a new nickname for her – he had enough of those already.

"Yes! And I found the best kitting name just for you!"

Marinette raised one of her eyebrows, watching his tails excitedly curl around him, occasionally catching her wrists before letting go again.

It was kind of cute.

"Maribug!"

That nickname...not so much.

"No. Absolutely not. You will not call me "Maribug"!"

"Alright", he said, shrugging and she knew from his smirk that she had just walked straight into his trap.

"Then it's going to be the other name I came up with." "Chat..." "Buginette! I already used that one before and I realized it fits you purrfectly! "No. Just no." "It's the perfect mix between "Marinette" and "Ladybug"! And it sounds just like you!"

He smiled at her like that cat that got the cream and she grinned. Maybe she could play along, she supposed. Just for now. It wasn't like he was going to use that name all that often after all.

"Oh, and why does the "Ladybug" part come first? Is that part more important that the "Marinette" part then?", she teased and smirked but Chat Noir didn't seem to get the joke. His eyes widened in unspoken panic and he stepped back, defensively raising his hands in front of him.

"What! N-N-No! Absolutely not! I just – Hey! You're laughing, why are you laughing!", he screeched indignantly once he noticed Marinette doubling over and clutching the railing for support.

"You-You should have...Ha, I didn't-Did you really think I would care? Ha, ha, that's just-Chat, no!"

She was gripped by another bout of laughter. Chat crossed his arms indignantly and threw his head around, pouting adorably.

"You're not nice to me", he huffed and Marinette, still grinning, agreed:"No, I'm not."

"You're making fun of my amazing nicknames." "I'm sorry Chat. I'm sorry for making fun of your..." Marinette was tempted to pun right there, but she feared it may go to Chat's head. "...amazing nicknames." "And after I came all the way over here, just for you too!"

That sobered her up instantly. She stood up straighter, her eyes losing their mirth to take on a softer expression.

"I-I really am glad you came over, Chat. I'm glad I got to see you today."

Her words painted his cheeks in a rosy tint and he turned his head, his smile vanished from his lips, but not yet from his eyes.

"I'm glad I came over too, Marinette."

They both stood in silence for a few moment, before Chat nudged her carefully and asked:"Did you talk to your friends today?"

"I...texted with Alya. And Nino. But I didn't call them, I just...I don't think I can do that yet."

"That's fine, princess. Take your time...But did you really talk to only your Kwami today?"

"Other than my parents? No."

For some reason, her words put the Cheshire-grin he was so well-known for back on his face and he leaned closer to conspiratorially whisper:"So, I'm special, Buginette?"

Marinette decided to ignore the shameless use of that shameful nickname for now.

"Of course you're special, Chat. You're my partner after all."

Then she pulled him into a hug – completely missing the blush that was spreading across his cheeks, before he hesitantly hugged her back.

Partners. He was her partner. That thought made him smile.

. O .

"Chat-Chat, wake up!", a high-pitch voice hissed and for a moment Adrien thought Marinette had waken up and was going to kick them out, but then he noticed a red, flying bug in front of him and realized his secret dream – of her waking up and "accidentally" seeing him – hadn't miraculously come true.

He was still met with panicked blue eyes though. But that wasn't the most distracting as the sounds of distress Marinette was making.

She was crying. She was crying in her sleep.

He didn't like it one bit.

"Should-Should I wake her? But she needs to rest and she needs to..."

"No, Chat, you don't understand!", the red Kwami hissed and he had never seen her quite so distressed.

"I-I can sense it!"

"It?"

"An Aku-AKUMA!"

And then Chat saw it. And what and an eerie sight it was – one he had been privy to once too often already. There, a small butterfly squeezed itself through the skylight, first its dark head like dripping, black water and then its purple wings fluttering softly.

It looked so...so calm.

Marinette was clutching his arm now and he had difficulties getting up. If she woke up, she'd notice the Akuma and he didn't want to scare her like that. So he carefully removed his arm from her (blushing when he noticed how she was trying to latch onto him once more), before calling for Plagg, his eyes never leaving the Akuma.

Instinctively, he tugged Marinette closer, as he watched in grueling fascination as the insect shook itself, before softly flying closer, not a sound being made as its wings fluttered and flattered.

He had never seen them like this before. Usually they tried to scramble away after each fight, their wings heavy and exhausted as they tried to run from his lady's cleansing powers. They looked distressed and scared but now – none of that was to be seen.

It was Plagg who snapped him out of his trance by biting him and Adrien would have gotten mad and reproached him had he not realized the danger they were in.

His transformation was called for easily and for once he skipped his transformation dance, merely focusing on willing it over him as fast as possible.

If he had had any time to spare, he would have noticed his suit lacked any of the usual playfulness.

He called for his Cataclysm and not a second later, the Akuma crumbled in his hands, its wings turning to nothing but dust.

Tikki had told him he could do this.

"It's meant as prevention – without the butterfly, you can't undo the damage, but you can keep them from happening."

It had been a relief knowing that and as Chat watched the butterfly dust be swept away by a soft breeze, he smiled, satisfied.

Marinette hadn't even woken up. He'd for always be her knight in shining leather.

. O .

They were sitting in her room today. It was raining outside – a storm that had emptied even the bakery for most of the day – yet Chat had still come over to visit her.

He hated rain.

He was currently sitting on Marinette's chaise, sipping away at some hot chocolate she had whipped up, covered by three different towels and two additional blankets as Marinette was fussing over him.

"You stupid cat! I would have been fine for tonight, what if you get sick? Huh? What-What if you get a cold and then you'll be ill at school or work and then someone will pick up that you're sick at the same time that Chat Noir is and then-What if they leak your identity to the world, too, and then you'd be in this..."

Marinette was gesturing wildly in front of him and Chat wasn't sure whether he should a) be worried b) be impressed by the speed at which she was talking c) be amused by her antics or d) be touched by her concern.

He decided it didn't matter and instead set his cup aside, to take her hands into his.

"Marinette. I'll be fine", he said, trying to catch her eyes, yet failed to do so.

It looked as if she were blushing.

Chat averted his eyes, because they had no time for any of his wishful thinking.

"You don't know whether you'll be fine or not!", Marinette protested but all he did was laugh at that -

(and all of the towels and blankets shook as he did and it almost gave her butterflies).

"Aww, bugaboo, don't worry! How could I be sick if I have a magical girl fuzzing all over me?"

And he laughter even harder because it was her who had brought up their similarities to Sailor Moon and he had been so happy because he had been the one to tell her to watch it and she always acted as if she'd never do that-

and it felt nice knowing Ladybug had always cared just a bit more for him than she had let shine through her professional demeanor.

His laughter made Marinette pout. It looked adorable and when his purrincess looked up and noticed his grin, she pouted even more, just to let out a huff next.

"You're a jerk."

"You're my best friend too, Mari."

Marinette let herself fall onto the chaise next to him and tugged at his outermost layer, silently demanding for him to share his blanket (which was technically speaking hers) and to share his warmth as well.

She had become quite cuddly these past few days and Chat couldn't say he minded. He had always been touch-starved anway.

They sat in silence for some time, listening to the rain's steady pittle-pattle against the skylight. Chat finished his chocolate and Marinette snuggled closer, letting her eyes fall shut, humming int contentment.

This was nice. This was something she could get used to. She felt warm and safe and just – she didn't know.

And maybe she didn't want to know either, because she had had a suspicion that she did not want to be true.

She had to break the silence. It was bad enough that he stayed all night, to keep her safe from nightmares. If she learned he had carried her to her bed as well (and that stupid cat would do that, no doubt) her heart would not survive it.

She had to break the silence.

"Why did you come over today, kitty?"

"Hm?"

"Why did you come over today?"

Chat turned, to look at her more easily, but Marinette's head was almost completely buried under the blanket and he could only make out a speck of black hair peeking out from underneath it.

"Why wouldn't I?"

"It's raining."

"Well, I'd be a pretty terrible partner if I hadn't come because of a little rain."

At once, Marinette started moving and now her eyes were visible (and Chat knew she was pouting again).

"You're not a terrible partner."

"I know. But if I..."

"You could have called instead."

Chat had gotten himself a burner phone a few days and had somehow managed to get his hands on her number.

She blamed Tikki for the barrage of Cat memes and puns that she exposed to on a daily basis now.

"Being here is a nice for me as it is for you", Chat responded and Marinette didn't know how to respond. He was smiling at her again with that smile that could make the world burst into flames and Marinette was smiling back (he only knew because it reached her eyes and it made his heart beat faster because all he had ever wanted was for her to smile) and he almost chuckled because – he didn't know why.

And then he stopped wanting to chuckle, because she asked:"You know you can be honest with me, right, Chat?"

He didn't answer.

"You came here to say something, didn't you?"

Of course he had. He had come here once before already, for the very same reason and he had come again-

and he'd come over and over and over again, even if she'd break his heart every single time with guilty eyes and a silent "I'm so sorry".

"I would have come over anyway", he whispered and Marinette sat up now, shaking the blanket from her shoulders.

It hit the floor and she shivered but she didn't care, because her partner was hurting and she didn't want him to hurt.

"I know, Chat. I'd never doubt you."

Marinette waited expectantly for his response, eyes shining with warmth and understanding and Chat Noir lipped his lips, his throat feeling dry all of sudden.

Then his shoulders slumped.

"It doesn't matter. You're going to say "No" anyway."

He turned his head away and Marinette wished she could pretend she hadn't noticed the bitterness in his eyes.

She couldn't, so she turned her head away, too, her eyes fixed to her bed's frame.

"Oh", she whispered. She wished she could ignore the pain she had seen in his eyes. Wished she could tell him ti would be alright, that she'd done anything he'd ask – but they had talked about it and she couldn't risk his identity.

She'd be an even worse partner if she did.

"You know, Chat, if it had only been you..."

"I know. But now everyone knows who you are and you can't telling Hawkmoth my name. I know."

The "It doesn't make it feel any less painful though" was added silently, even though Marinette didn't want him to feel that way and Marinette knew he was silently whispering those words to whatever soul was willing to listen and she did, although Chat had never meant for her to hear these words.

. O .

It was Sunday when Marinette felt like she had to – had to do something. So she snuck into the kitchen that afternoon, using "Voyage" to get there undetected and started baking. Her father smiled softly at her when he spotted her and when he asked "What's the occasion" she simply responded with "Chat".

She had to thank him somehow. Things were looking up. Things were going to be fine. Because of him. Because he was there, he understood her pain, listened to her even after all the pain she was putting him through.

That evening she surprised him with a small picnic on her rood, with plush blankets and plenty of chocolate croissants she knew he loved so dearly

"Wha-What's this, Marinette?", he asked, frozen in place and a faint blush on his cheeks but Marinette didn't notice because she was too busy putting the flowers she had plucked (people brought her flowers, so many flowers and if they were meant as a gift for her work as a super hero, Chat deserved them just as much as she did).

"It's a "Thank you"!", she exclaimed, looking up at him, excitement lighting up her expression. But then she did notice and wondered whether she maybe shouldn't have brought the flowers.

"A "Thank you"?"

Chat tilted his head tot he side as he hopped down from the handrail and walked closer, his tail swishing behind hi, curiously touching anything getting close enough to it.

"Y-Yes. Because you've been nothing but helpful this past week and you were always there for me – I know about the one Akuma you had to cataclysm! - and..."

Chat had the sense to look guilty when she told him that tidbit of information he hadn't seen as important enough to share with her, but Marinette didn't dwell on it – she knew why he had done it and even if his attempt at protecting her might have been misguided, she still cherished them.

"...and I just-I wanted to let you know that I appreciate you. I always feel like I don't tell you that often enough and this whole...thing must be as hard on you as it is on me. So, I thought, maybe you'd want to have a picnic? I baked all the pastries and, yeah. A "Thank you". That's what it is."

Chat smiled sweetly at her, but she could see the disappointment in his eyes and Marinette hated it, because, of course, she had thought about romantic picnics with Chat before – but there had always been conditions attached to it. What if Adrien wasn't there, what if she had fallen for Chat first, what if "Chat Blanc" hadn't happened.

She wasn't going to lead him on.

But Chat didn't seem to mind. Because Chat was her friend first and he smiled at her warmly and said:"I'm glad you're letting me help you, Buginette."

Marinette grimaced at the nickname – but not for long.

"Because I was afraid, you wouldn't let me."

. O .

Marinette smiled when she could hear the tell-tale taps of feet above her. Cat must have been in a great mood to show up this early – it was earlier than his usual time.

She was glad he had come though. Marinette had tried to go downstairs but the people there had been too much and she had fled back into her room, hoping her parents hadn't noticed.

She wanted to go back to school again. She knew she wasn't ready yet, knew she was most likely going to end up cowering in the locker room, shutting everyone out who wasn't Chat (and maybe Alya) – but she wanted to get out nonetheless.

And she was planning to get her partner to vouch for her.

So, when Chat landed on her roof she got up immediately, throwing open the skylight an excited "Chat" waiting to escape her lips.

Except that the person that had landed on her rooftop wasn't her partner at all.

This chapter is brought to you by "A princess doesn't cry" which is funny, as this song (and a fanmade AMV to go with it) is what got me into the MLB fandom in the first place.

I want the last year of my life back.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter, if you do, please leave some feedback!