Well, this is quite the predicament that Félix, currently Chat Noir, is in as his eyes flickered with slight interest while standing in front of the energetic bluebell herself, the same one he just saved days prior. Of course, he has to be her guardian once more since she is now the main target of an Akuma, although that wasn't her fault at all this time around. She can't help the fact that she is the love-interest of the akumatized eccentric artist, Nathaniel or as he calls himself, Evillustrator. God, that name made Félix snort upon hearing it the first time but at least it was one of Hawk Moth's cleverer names.

However, this situation is a bit different, this will be a solo mission since Ladybug will be unable to join up with him for whatever reason. He found this very peculiar and it did start some gears turning on some theories that were already planted since that day on the roof with Marinette. Besides the fact that Ladybug is unable to accompany him on this mission, the way that she described Marinette when giving him the sitrep–she said, and he quotes, "really cute, isn't she." He can never recall a time where she describes civilians in that manner besides himself-he should say his civilian self–and Marinette. Himself, he could understand since he is a high profile celebrity that has multiple people flocking for his attention just about everywhere but Marinette…She wasn't as widely known so she could be buttering herself up. Normally this wouldn't have bother him, he most likely wouldn't have paid attention to that word choice, but with Marinette's earlier incident days ago with him and then this happening…It just doesn't sit right with him. It could mean that she might be Ladybug, it's just all he has circumstantial evidence currently but the theory is sound. Before he can make that sort of accusation, he needs to require the appropriate proof or she can spin in back at him. Regardless of whether she is or isn't, he has a job to do now and he needs to protect her at all cost. Preferably, he doesn't want a repeat of last time if possible–the smell of her blood and her pained face makes him grimace still and his heartache in ways that he never knew were possible.

He will do better, he will do what he can to make sure she is safe. With determination flowing through him, he gave Marinette a reassuring smile, speaking in a soothing tone, "Greetings Mari, I am sorry that we couldn't meet again in better circumstances. As you are aware, I am here to provide protection for you this afternoon in addition to this evening when you go on your…, " he put his hand up, motioning air quotes as sarcasm dripped within his tone, "...date." Honestly, the whole date situation with her is causing him to feel a tinge of jealousy. His damn emotions are making this so much worse than it is, he needs to figure this out as soon as he can then put an end to this bullshit. It doesn't help that he honestly hasn't had much interactions with girls his age, being cooped up in your house like a damn prison will do that to you.

This earned him a giggle from the girl which caused his ears to perk up, his heart to flutter and the corner of his mouth to lift into a lop sided smile.

"Well Kitty," Marinette spoke with sincerity and a hint of playfulness in her tone, "I share the sentiment as well. I have full faith in your abilities to protect little ol' me."

Chat snorted, "Akumas may need protecting from 'little ol' you' if you keep up your shenanigans, little miss everyday ladybug."

Chat heard her take a sharp breath and her entire body tensed up before relaxing in an instant. Interesting. He, and others, have referred to her as that nickname before in school and it never gets this sort of response from her, most of the time she blushes and waves it off as just trying to help, yet this time she seemed more startled by him calling her that. This definitely is building more on that connection that he was having with her and Ladybug earlier.

Chat lifted a brow, "Are you ok, Mari?"

"Of course I am Kitty! I am just a bit nervous about later tonight is all, especially after the last attack I got involved in and I really, really don't wanna have that happen again," her voice was taut as she toyed with her jacket with downcast eyes.

A solemn expression formed on Chat's face as a flash of guilt hit him. Without thinking, he gingerly lifted her head by her chin to make her have eye contact with him. "I swear to you that I will do everything in my power to not allow that to happen to you again Mari. I bet my identity that you will come out unscathed," Chat vowed to her, his tone carrying such sincerity that Marinette formed a flustered blush from it.

She backed away from his hand, shooting him a critical glare and crossing her arms, "You should NOT be saying such things! You should never put your identity on the line for something like this Kitty!"

Chat gave a hum, studying the pouting girl in front of him for a moment before informing her, "If I want to divulged my identity then that is of my own accord, however, I would never put that offer on the line if I wasn't confident in my abilities to uphold the promise," he stepped towards her and bent down to be eye level with her, his dour blue-gray eyes holding a steely glint to them, "Do I make myself clear, Mari?"

Marinette displayed a prominent scowl on her face, accompanied by pursed lips, "You do not have to bend down to talk to me like a child. I will accept it when you stand tall Kitty," she squinted at Chat as she retorted, "Do I make myself clear?"

Chat let out a boisterous laugh, standing straight once more and shooting Marinette a cheeky grin that flaunted his fangs, "You have some bite–I like that."

She wrinkled her brows, nostrils flaring as she hastily walked past Chat Noir, not even bothering to utter a word or look back at him. He watched her briskly march in the direction of some shops for a moment before following her, a clear sense of smugness overtaking his features.

"Hey grumpy, where are we heading to?" teased Chat, keeping up with her pace with ease–what a blessing to be tall.

Marinette whirled her head at the black kitty, sneering at him, "Me? Grumpy?" she exclaimed with her hand motioning to herself then pointed at him, "You are the grumpy one! And if I am being forced to go on this date, I want to make a cute dress for the occasion."

Chat was feeling a bit bold, his jumbled up feelings kicking into overdriving, he stated something that, as Félix, he would NEVER say out loud. "Cute? Oh Mari darling, I think you would look ravishing in whatever you wear," his tone sounding carnal as he declared it.

With that, her entire face went red, whether from embarrassment or rage, he had no idea but he was thoroughly enjoying her reaction to his statement. A devious glimmer flashed in his eyes and he spoke with an earnest voice, "You are quite beautiful. I'm not trying to flirt, I mean that with every fiber of my being." He did honestly mean it too. He knows she would look incredible in whatever so wore and would be the most gorgeous woman in the room by a substantial amount. God, he must be falling harder than he thought. But…is it real or just a small flame that will extinguish soon…? Hormones are a fickle little shit.

In response to his comments, she turned her head back around with an audible "hmph" and ignored him the rest of the way, her redness traveling to hear neck and ears now.

Chat snickered, his tail swaying from his joyous mood.

00000000000000000000000000000000

After a successful mission with Evillustrator and everything now back to normal, the two heroes are on the Notre-Dame to recollect themselves before departing.

"Thank goodness that went as well as it did Chat," yawned Ladybug, stretching her arms out, "You did great but I expect nothing less from you!"

With a cocky smile, Chat bowed with exaggerated motions, "Why of course little Bug, I always do missions to the best of my abilities although I am gracious for the complement."

She chuckled and petted her partner's head, his sudden mewl encouraging her to continue the motion. Eventually, he straighten his posture, her hands reaching up to accommodate the height difference while continuing her gentle pets on her. This only stops when he takes a small step back, intensely studying her features, his tail and ears giving away the restlessness of his mind.

She walked a bit closer to the black cat, her features showing worry, "What is wrong Chat? We won against the Akuma and the civilian wasn't hurt at all. What is causing you to feel so on edge?"

Well, he can't out right tell her his concerns–that would cause a lot of friction and possibly trust issues between them which would make battling together such a hassle. They need to remain in sync with one another or Hawkmoth may get the upper hand on them which would spell disaster for everything they have worked so hard to uphold. He'll just have to shift the subject for now and pray she takes the hint. With a click of his tongue, he sternly declared, "I am going to take Marinette back home now. Is that ok, Bug?"

If he wasn't as attentive as he was, he would have missed the very brief glimmer of panic in her eyes. Fascinating, very fascinating.

"You must have grown quite fond of her if you want to make sure she is ok. You never do that with civilians Chat," noted Ladybug.

"She is still under my care until I take her home," affirmed Chat, his expression neutral but his tail and ears, once again, failing to hide his true thoughts–one of happiness to see her. Damn these things…

She put her finger over her month as she pondered something for a moment, her eyes widen and she hit her fist on her hand as in a sort of eureka moment.

"Did my little Chat catch feelings?" she cooed.

Instantly, Chat turned crimson, his ears and tail shooting straight up from that question. "I have caught no such thing! You are just just making bold claims, Bug. I am just finishing what I started and that is it," he faltered while glaring at Ladybug.

"Uh-huh, I'm sure the VERY protective spout of anger towards the Akuma was just part of the job, right? Just protecting her?" Ladybug remarked with her arms crossed over her chest.

Chat gave a sheepish look to his partner, his ears drooping far down the sides of his head, he mumbled softly, "There was clear indication she was uncomfortable with how he was touching her. I am a gentleman and when I see a lady like that, I will intervene."

She let out a long sigh, "I know Chat…I am not saying to not having those feelings but you need to be careful. If Hawkmoth were to find out about it, he could use her as a ploy."

Chat mumbled something under his breath, his eyes showings uncertainty with a glint of anger for a moment before he finally confessed, "I have to be frank with you Bug. I-Um…I do not fully grasp my feelings with Marinette. I know there is something there but…" He trailed off, his features his uncertainty to continue the statement.

"But..?" Ladybug gently ushered the black cat, they needed to discuss this now rather than later.

He hesitated, thinking about how to word this since he doesn't fully comprehend this himself. She didn't pressure him, he was grateful for that, however he knew he wasn't going to leave until she received an answer and for good reason. Admitting you may have an interest in someone then openly showing that as a possibility to the public puts her in grave danger. He wants to slap himself for his foolishness, he should have had his poker-face on better, hell he normally has one of the best poker-faces to where sometimes even Adrien doesn't realize he is spiraling out of control with his depression and unwanted thoughts…But god, with her he loses control especially when he could visibly see she was uncomfortable with the Akuma sensually holding her. He just snapped and even with the tinge of regret he has for putting her safety on the line–He would do it again in a heartbeat. This can be easily rectified with smooth actions and playing up the camera like he is used to doing in his everyday life. Her suffering with those unwanted touches-that would haunt her and he could not allow it.

After taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he finally confided to her, "But I am very inadequate when it comes to understanding my emotions as I previous mentioned so I cannot tell if this is like…Um…Teenage hormones, a crush or maybe leaning towards love perhaps. I barely have interacted with her and even then she can make me feel things I do not comprehend. It is puzzling me and I don't know what to do about it honestly, Bug."

She gave a thoughtful hum, placing her hand on his shoulder, speaking in a soothing tone, "Chat, you care a lot about her and that is a wonderful thing. In order to understand your feelings more, you would have to spend more time with her. Still, that isn't something I would recommend even with an abundance of caution. There maybe a day where you can explore that more with her but for now, litter her with some care here and there and watch from afar. We don't want her to be a target, ok? If you ever need to talk more about this, please to not hesitate to ask me. We are here until the bitter end."

A small smile formed on his face, "I know partner. I will keep that bit of information in mind, so don't be surprised if I have more intimate conversations with you later…"

"That is better than keeping it all in Chat. I am always here for you. It is getting late. We should head home but I'll take Marinette home to keep suspicions down."

"Fine…" Chat grumbled out.

She let out a soft laugh, waving goodbye to Chat as she swung away with her yo-yo.

Chat returned her wave, but she didn't see the devious expression on his face as he vaulted back to the mansion.