After his nightly patrol, Chat sat on the Eiffel Tower, tail twitching nervously as he waits for Ladybug's eventual appearance. He expects her to come out tonight even if she isn't scheduled for patrol, the interview would be more than enough to summon her. Right on cue, he hears someone land next to him, letting out a soft grunt.
"Good evening, Bug," he greeted, still looking out at the lights in the town.
"Evening, Chat," she replied, sitting down next to him, dangling her feet over the edge.
Chat glanced at her from the corner of his eye, lips forming a straight line. "Let's cut to the chase, shall we? I know you are out here to discuss what I did, correct?"
"You must be nervous about it since you normally like to relax with me before discussing anything," Ladybug said, turning her head to face him and giving a reassuring smile.
Her expression dropped when Chat didn't respond. She admitted with downcast eyes, "I wish you would have told me what you were going to do first. We are a team and we should make those major decisions as such."
Fucked up again, again, again. Always a fuck up.
Chat's ears drooped, lips forming a frown as he clicked his tongue, "I deeply apologize, I was being a bit rash but do believe me in saying it wasn't intentional to leave you out of the loop Bug. I will keep you in touch to the best of my abilities. But, I-..."
Chat took a deep breath, then exhaled it. "I wanted to fix my fuck up before I was the cause of her getting injured again…" his voice wavered. This is especially true if my theory of you being Ladybug is correct.
That would be disastrous…
"Oh, Chat…It's ok."
Chat stared into Marinette Ladybug's face for a moment, one filled with such pity. He winced from it, hatred filling his core. He detested when anyone felt pity for him, not deserving it for the grim thoughts that flood his mind and his way of rectifying them. He rubbed his face, pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind, for now. Then he laid on his back, putting his hands behind his head to look at the starry sky, "Also, we technically still can star gaze after we finish talking Bug."
I just want to push those ideas out. I want peace for tonight…Please, mind, please allow me that for once.
No
She let out a nervous chuckle, glimpsing down at her partner, "Of course Chat." Something was eating at him, she won't be able to get it out of him if she tried. He'll just clam up and reflect any questions she has. Like he is horrified to tell anyone about his emotions. It makes her curious about what could have triggered this sort of response.
Instead, she played with his hair to ease him, earning a soft mewl followed by purrs from the kitty, "I can understand that, Chat. I know you desire to protect Marinette and will do anything in your power to do so, but don't you think this may have been a bit too daring? Could have been another way to address the situation than an interview." Ladybug asked, continuing to run her fingers through his golden locks. He has such beautiful hair.
Chat answered, his voice carrying a soft buzzy cadence from his purring, "It is, although if I delayed it or make a spectacle of it with the buzz is still going around, it could have put her in greater danger for longer. Basically, I created a spark of controversy with news outlets so it will be less likely that people will believe them in addition to getting them off of our backs for a while. Killed two birds with one stone, I say."
Ladybug's hand traces the outer part of his ear causing them to twitch. She yearns to touch them outside the suit. What they are made of?
"It is a solid plan if it works that is. The news station has been making fights drag on from their presence and I hate having to constantly stay aware of them," she paused, taking a deep breath, "I just do not know if this will be enough to make the mass believe that you have no interesting in her or possibly cause more of a stir thinking you may love her but want to cover it all up. Then there is Hawkmoth, who knows what he may lean towards," she spoke, her words laced with doubt and worry.
"I know," he admitted, "But it is better than waiting and doing nothing until he made his move. This is also going to continue in public, just doing the normal saving and leaving until everything dies down. Lie and wait until we see Hawkmoth's reaction to it. That is all I can do besides providing as much cover as we can possibly can for her without raising suspicions."
You didn't think things through, failure like father said. Why can't you perfect.
Strive
For
Perfection
Ladybug joined Chat, laying next to him, "True, that is all we can do."
Chat hummed. She is doubting you, still. Even after all this time.
For a long time, they lay there in peaceful bliss, watching the starry sky with the occasional humming of Chat and insects to break the silence.
Ladybug yawned, stretching her arms. Chat pushed himself up, "Sounds like the little Bug needs to snuggle into bed for the night."
She flicked his nose, "Oh hush you!"
He wrinkles his nose, "But am I wrong though?"
She pouted, standing up and stretching her back, making an audible pop as she did. Chat to stare at her with a stunned expression.
She let out a groan, "Honestly, I am going to head home and not because I am tired! You just need to get back to patrol is all." She crosses her arms, tilting her head down towards Chat.
Chat rolls his eyes, "I'm sure it is Bug. I'll get back to it. Have a good night's rest."
"Same to you! Oh, and don't do anything foolish Chat."
Chat smirked as his tail flicked from side to side, "Don't know what you are referring to."
Ladybug narrowed her eyes, putting her hands on her hips.
His ears drooped a bit, averting his gaze, "I am not going to do anything."
"Good," she smiled, bidding her partner a good night before heading home.
Watching her leave, Chat's ears perked up, tail swaying as he was lost in thought for a long while. Shifting his gaze to the night sky, a mischievous grin stretched along his face. He wasn't going to do this now, but he figured why not pay a visit to a very beautiful lady. Her warmth is necessary now.
As you blatantly ignore her request. You aren't that much different than the Akuma.
No, he is different, he would never.
Won't touch, but goes into her private space- Not much difference.
STOP. Chat grabs his head, squinting his eyes shut and breathing heavily.
Please, do not hate me Ladybug Marinette...
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It has been a little over an hour since Marinette returned home. Of course, she couldn't fall asleep even though she was dead tired, so she decided to do something productive and let the creative juices flow.
"Almost finished..." Marinette mumbled to herself as she put the finishing touches on the dress commission due later this week. Her back was screaming at her from how long she had been hunched over. She leaned back into her chair to hear a very audible pop as a soft, content sigh left her lips. God, she needs to work on her posture if she has to pop her back this much.
Glancing at her clock, she sees it is about midnight. She should be in bed and she knows it, but the dress is almost done...Why not stay up a bit longer and finish it? She doesn't have classes tomorrow anyway.
A loud thud made her jump as she whipped her head to stare at the hatch which led to the balcony. She sat there for a few seconds and listened for any more noises, Maybe it was a bird.
She did have some flower pots so maybe a bird flew into one, yea that makes sense. It couldn't be anything else coming from her balcony. Nothing else makes sense! A soft knock echoed in her room which made her squeak in surprise.
"Are you up Mari?" a familiar deep, monotone voice whispered.
Her eyes widened at the voice, internally screaming, Chat! She should have known to trust her wily cat to not make a move. Even though, she will not admit the amount of joy it brought to her that he did want to visit her. Her cheeks blossomed at the thought of the hero, then she shook her head in an attempt to will the thoughts away. Stop that!
Maybe he wished to talk to her about yesterday night and the interview, like give her a quick update then leave. Honestly, that situation made her feel great disappointment, she hungered for his presence, to spend time with her Kitty and maybe even be-Snap out of it!
Her mind was racing with numerous thoughts as another soft knock came through. She stared at the trapdoor once more, debating whether or not to ignore her kitty or just answer it. "Fuck it."
She climbed up and opened it just enough for her to peek through although she didn't see anything out of the ordinary. She could feel the door being lifted off of her hand, turning to see a pair of slate eyes peering down at her with a curious expression.
"I'm not going to hurt you, Mari, " Chat showed his hands to her to affirm this, a smirk plastered on his face.
She rolled her eyes, "Why are you here, especially at this time of night?"
"To tell you that everything has been taken care of and…" Chat bent down and lifted her chin up to him a bit more, their faces inches from each other as he spoke with a purr, "...to have a friendly discussion honestly."
Marinette could feel her face turning into a deep shade of crimson, his breath touching her lips. She was nowhere near prepared to have these sorts of interactions with her partner, he was being so bold so quickly too! She didn't expect this at all and it was making her head spin with anxiety and anticipation. It was intoxicating.
"What is it you want to talk about exactly...?" Her eyes wandered to his lips, they looked so soft and kissable. Why was she thinking like this about her partner like this of all times!?
Being perceptive as ever, Chat grinned, drawing closer to her lips, grazing them with his own as he gave her a passionate glint. Her face could light up her balcony from how red she is getting by the second. She was a bit overwhelmed by his actions and sucked in a sharp breath. Staring into stern slate eyes, she bit her lower lip and closed her eyes, waiting for the, hopefully, impending kiss from the hero.
The kiss never came, making her whimper. Damn tease! He gave her a small taste of his wonderful lips and now she was starving for more.
The flushed black cat chuckled awkwardly, as he backed away from her face, letting out a cough. Then he took in her appearance, beautiful cheeks that glowed red for him and eyes that held such longing, longing that was emphasized by her whimpering from being denied a kiss she oh so desperately wanted. She looked exquisite.
I want her to be mine.
He still kept his hand on her chin, stroking it gently, "Now, now Mari. I just want a nice, friendly conversation. You are a very interesting person, love. I simply would like to get to know you better rather than the small talk we have when I come to check on you after or during an attack. If that is alright with you, of course."
Interesting huh? She also took note of the nickname he called her as well, his attempt at flirting, which is working fabulously mind you. She feels like she is on cloud nine from the attention even if she didn't receive the payoff. She craved from her kitty. No, she needs to get her priorities straight!
"I mean we can but isn't that like abusing your superhero status or whatever?" Marinette countered.
Chat scoffed, "I am not going to do it every day if that is what you are thinking. Once or maybe twice a week. Preferably on Saturday since neither of us has to be up early the next morning so it wouldn't be a burden."
Marinette raised an eyebrow, "Once a week is still quite often to see a civilian Kitty. Even if they are 'interesting' to you."
Oh, god yes, please. No, she has to shoot it down. There is too much risk of having Chat too intimate in her civilian life. He could figure her out, making fights difficult. They cannot afford that. No matter how much she sought his company, and his embrace. Stopstopstopstop!
"I like you is why," Chat blurted out. Both of their eyes widened at the statement but Chat quickly went back to a neutral expression as he scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks showing a bit of color to them. It seems like his thought slipped out.
There goes what little retaliation I had. "E-excuse me?" the bluenette choked out, surprised he admitted that so soon to her, even if it was an accident.
Her kitty can either be the most meticulous or the most reckless person in the world, there is no in-between which always made him a bit of a wild card for her when they fought Akumas. Although, it always seemed like he did both with purpose and never without reason…It always made her wonder what kind of person he was outside the suit. What life he may have had to make him this calculating at this age.
Chat groaned as he massaged his temples, he backpedaled his earlier confession, "Look, it isn't like that, I swear! I like you more as a friend than anything but we are more like acquaintances through my duty. I would like to change that so I am just asking if we can hang out more. I want to become closer is all. Nothing more, nothing less. If you do not want to, I will not pry on it anymore, ok?"
If it wasn't for the fact that she heard him admit that he has a thing for her when she was Ladybug, she would have believed that statement with how smoothly he recovered.
Incredible… She stared at Chat, her brows furrowing in thought. Honestly, her resolve to tell him no was already on thin ice and now it has broken into pieces with no way of putting it back together.
After some time, she relented, "Fine, but only on Saturday night! Now come down into my room while I get us something to eat."
Chat gave a lop-sided grin, his tail twitching in delight as he dropped down into her room once she was off the ladder, landing a bit louder than he anticipated.
"Keep it down! I don't want to wake up my parents, Chat!" Marinette snapped at him, shooting a glare at the black cat. He simply gave a sheepish grin to her.
She sighed deeply, "I'll be back in a few minutes. Make yourself comfortable, ok?"
Chat observed Marinette as she descended out of her room and a mischievous grin spread across his face. It seems like a good time to explore her bedroom a bit while he waits for her-within reason since he is a gentleman after all!
He has always been fascinated with bedrooms since it is a gateway to not only the owner's personality but habits, feelings, passions, secrets, and many more. They are a personal sanctuary so he always feels honored when someone invites him into their room, especially unannounced. Adrien is the only person he even likes going into his room…and possibly a beau- No, I can't do that. That would reveal who I am in seconds…
With ears straight up and his tail swaying slowly, Chat surveyed her room: soft pink walls, a large white L-shaped desk with her computer and sewing equipment on it, a pink and black chaise with her bed up a set of stairs. His vision went back to her work area. Her sewing area is best described as chaotic or perhaps organized chaos would be a better term for it. There is fabric scattered about on the table, some on the floor and the bulletin board is filled with sketches of her designs as well as notes on there. This was the only area where there is even a bit of mess, everywhere else is quite organized and clean. It definitely shows her passion for fashion and a bit of her sporadic personality, hell her room being an attic supports her chaotic nature with the balcony giving her some taste of freedom.
Freedom and chaos that he craves more compared to his controlled, mundane lifestyle. He doesn't want it constantly-that would be too overwhelming but he does love some mischief every once in a while that his father detests so much. Damn control freak… He always felt like he was a puppet for his father's gain and he loathed it.
Chat grimaced at the thought of it all as he blew air from his nose. Now thinking about it, her energy could be why he is so engrossed in her-her lifestyle is what he is starving for in his own "perfect" world.
The sound of a door opening knocked him out of his stupor, he turned to face Marinette coming up to her room with a tray of croissants and two glasses of water in tow.
"Do you need some help, love?"
The bluenette gave a tight smile as she closed the trapdoor, "No. I am used to doing this when others come over but thanks, Kitty."
She sauntered to her computer chair, setting the tray down on her desk, "So what do you want to do to get to know each other?"
Chat clicked his tongue, eagerly taking a croissant, "The most basic one would be asking about each other. Mind if I go first?"
"Shoot."
"Well now that I think about it, this is more of a statement than a question; but I assume your favorite color is pink?"
Marinette snorted, "Gee, I wonder how you got that revelation Chat?"
A chuckle escapes from his lips as he quips, "Don't know, could be the fact that it is everywhere in your room, just maybe. It does suit your character though."
Marinette raises an eyebrow as she stuffs a croissant into her mouth.
"Pink symbolizes love-"
"Obviously"
"I am not finished, Mari. It symbolizes love for yourself and others and represents compassion, generosity, caring nature with a bit of child-like tendencies. You possess all those traits," Chat candidly said as he took a bite of his pastry, eyes shimmering with glee as he did.
He gives the girl an impish grin while she gives him a small pout in return. Chat cocked his head as one of his ears fell, "C'mon, tell me why you are pouting."
Marinette crosses her arms, "I am not childish you alley cat!"
Chat rolled his eyes, "I listed more compliments but you hone in on that of all things?"
"People see more of the bad than the good in things generally," Marinette answered as she offered another one of the treats to him.
Chat hummed as he took another croissant, "That is true, it does have a greater impact on our psyche after all; although, you seem to be quite positive, usually."
Marinette watched Chat take a bite, his eyes and tail perked up from joy from eating the pastry once again. He seems to really like baked goods like Félix. Why are they so alike?
A satisfied smile formed on her face, "I try to be but it is hard to do it all the time, y'know? It does boost not only my mood but others when I try to remain positive. If I focus too much on the negative aspect-I'll just fall into a hole." She muttered the last part, not meaning for it to be heard, but Chat shot her a curious gaze, his ears perked up.
Chat studied Marinette's expression, contemplating whether or not she is in low spirits. Her face appears to be carrying a soft, peaceful expression and her eyes do not seem to be carrying a hidden burden.
She put her feet on her seat, wrapping her arms around her legs, "I'm fine Chat. I am just stating a fact about myself. You do seem to overanalyze people and try to respond based on that. Why is that? Consider that my question to you Kitty."
He stiffened, this type of question about his habits made him realize how utterly abnormal his upbringing was. He rubbed his arm, something he does when he is a bit nervous, speaking in a wavering voice, "Let's say that in my personal state of affairs, I have to make sure I read people accordingly or it could put me in a situation where I may not be able to escape from. It is a dog-eat-world out there and people will do underhanded things to make sure they get top…It makes it hard to see who sometimes if people have good intentions or are trying to win my favor."
Marinette gave Chat a sympathetic expression, she never thought her kooky cat would have that sort of life under the mask. She feels such remorse for her sweet kitty.
"It makes you sound very anxious," she said in a soothing tone.
Chat's face twisted into a grimace before he could hold it back.
You're such a pathetic thing. You deserve it, all of it.
She is giving me that look too. I definitely do not deserve it from someone like you, someone pure. I would taint you…
Ruin you.
"See? You proved my point by making that face!"
His ears fell, "I-I feel like it is more out of caution than being anxious. I was taught since I was a child to be wary of people and their intentions from a paranoid parent."
Marinette hummed, sipping on her water. She knows there is more to this, she'll have to claw it out of him a bit at a time.
Chat sat on the floor in front of her chair, "Now it is my turn, what sparked your interest in fashion? May I have that glass of water please?"
"You don't have to sit on the floor Kitty. You are welcome to sit on my chaise," Marinette offered as she handed him the glass of water.
He shook his head and motioned for her to answer his question.
She sighed but her eyes held a twinkle in them, "I love it as a way to express myself and my creativity while still being able to have a practical use for it. Fashion can breed confidence in a person, and make them excited when they see the outfit or even a simple accessory. The fact I can get those reactions and feelings from people…I cannot fully describe but it means a lot to me. I want people to be able to express who they are with confidence in themselves with my designs! My aunt also got me into fashion by letting me watch shows when I was young too so combo that with what I just told you."
A smirk formed on Chat's face, "Seems like a noble reason. From what I have seen of those sketches, you are doing exceptionally well for your age and would make it very far with your skills in the business, you just need to get your foot in the door. Trust me on that."
He did mean that wholeheartedly. He has seen her outfits in person at school-although she isn't aware of that fact- they were well crafted and well designed for a self-taught seamstress. With a tiny bit of guidance from a professional, she would be able to match the quality of the top of the industry. Her designs were already there, just needed to fix some minor issues with her stitching mainly.
"You sound very confident in that. I hope you are right, Kitty."
"I know I am right, Marinette, he said with a tone of absolute certainty, one that warrants no room for discussion-it wasn't an opinion but a fact to him. This shocked Marinette as she gaped at her kitty, unable to utter a single word. He stared at her with earnestness, never breaking eye contact as they kept this up for a minute.
Marinette coughed, averting her gaze away from Chat's intense stare, "Anyway, I have two things to ask, well one is a question and the other is more of a request."
Chat leaned a bit forward, his ears and tail twitching in anticipation, "Go on."
She held out one finger, "One, is your favorite color black or green?" Another finger was shown before she asked the second question, "Two, can I touch your ears? The cat ones!" A glint of excitement danced in her eyes, bouncing in her chair a bit.
He snorted as he mimicked her by holding out two fingers, "Neither, blue or gray is my favorite color actually." He drops one finger as he sits in silence to build up tension with a devious grin. The girl across from him is fidgeting in her chair, waiting for his response.
Once her was satisfied that he made her wait long enough, he continued, "Yes you can touch my ears. Just don't be rough on them ok?"
He scooted closer, lowering his head a bit so she could reach them. She tenderly touched his ears, they were a rubber-like material yet they twitch to her touch as though they are real ears. He is actually wearing sentient cat ears…Magic sure is strange.
"Surprised?" he purred out.
"Y-yea…I never thought they would be this kind of material. I thought they would be more..."
"Real? More lifelike?" He finished her statement, his voice carrying his purr, "You would think with how they act like real cat ears. Then again that shouldn't be surprising considering my belt." He pointed back at his 'tail' that moved to its own rhythm.
Marinette giggled and let her fingers roam through his hair, it was exceptionally soft to the touch. Just like she expected.
A mewl and loud purring could be heard from Chat as Marinette continued caressing his hair, "Kitty."
Chat meowed as he opened one eye.
"It is getting late. I should try and sleep," she yawned.
Chat murmured, "I supposed it is. Pity because I was enjoying myself with you, love. May I have one more question for you before I depart?"
"Yes, kitty?"
Chat looked up to her while cupping her cheek, moving his thumb in a soothing motion on her cheek, "Would you like for me to come by next Saturday? I want to be sure you are fine with this arrangement too. Let me know, I want to respect your boundaries and be comfortable around me unlike…" Evilustrator
Marinette put her finger over her mouth, pretending to ponder with Chat observing her intently. "Yes, you may. I had fun with our little conversations."
Chat's ears perked up as a glimmer of joy shined through his eyes paired with a toothy grin. Yes!
"However," she continued with a bashful smile, "I do not like you referring to me as 'love.' It is too intimate. I'd rather have my crush or boyfriend call me that honestly..." To be honest, she loved being called that, but she rather not have her expectations too high for what this might entail further down the road.
Chat gave a knowing smile, he was aware that her crush was his civilian identity, "Of course! I apologize and I wish you expressed that to me sooner. How about Princess?"
"That one is perfectly ok with me. Thank you, Kitty," she murmured close to his ear as she played with his hair one last time.
Chat gently grabbed one of her hands and brought her knuckle to his lips, eyes filled with an emotion she couldn't quite grasp what its meaning was. She could feel the heat flooding back to her cheeks as her eyes flickered to his lips, they did feel lovely on her hand. Desperately, she wanted to fill his lips on her own.
Chat snapped her out of her thoughts by standing up, heading to her balcony, "Good night Princess. Sleep well and I will see you next week." She waved back with a small smile, "G'night. Be safe getting home Kitty."
He smirked as he went up to the balcony. Once she felt like he would be gone, she spun her chair around to type something in the search bar, Symbolism of blue.
She quickly read through as she let out a giggle. The color symbolizes freedom, profound insight, wisdom, intelligence, and loyalty. She thought all of these suited her partner very well.
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Back at home, Félix landed in his room, attempting to be as quiet as possible when he noticed his brother sleeping in Félix's bedroom. He must have been waiting for him to return after patrol.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Adrien stirred in the bed, staring at Félix through slit eyes, knitting his brows.
The younger brother groaned, rubbing his eyes, "Where you been? Somethin' happen?"
Félix weighed his options for a moment, he could tell Adrien he visit Marinette or lie to him.
"Ladybug had a talk with me about not telling her my plans before I act on them." Only half the truth, at least he won't feel as bad for lying to Adrien.
Always making excuses, aren't you, coward?
Adrien shifted to his side so he can look at Félix, "'Til past midnight? Wow, she must have been upset to rant at you for so long."
Félix scratched his cheek, "I do tend to act first then tell later to be fair," he murmured
"Yea, maybe you should stop doing it? Just a suggestion though."
Félix snarled, "I forget sleeping beauty is as crotchety as me when you wake him before his time."
With a scowl, Adrien scooted to the other side of the bed and faced away from him.
"Are we seriously doing this Adri?"
"Adri?"
Great. His brother is giving him the silent treatment and he frankly doesn't wish to deal with his cranky ass brother now. It is not a good night to have this, he is not in the right frame of mind.
Going into his bathroom, Félix locked the door behind him and dropped his transformation while leering at his reflection in the mirror over the vanity. He set his hands on the counter, leaning into it, studying his appearance with scorn.
He needs release, he craves the feel, the sensation. Get the thoughts out of his head, stop his mind wondering- please, Pleasepleasepleasepleasestop
A lump in his throat formed, closing his eyes to take deep breaths. Calm down. It won't help anything, it'll make it worse.
Will it now?
Fucking hell. Félix shook his head and opened the bathroom door. Behind it, there stood a groggy Adrien pulling face, his eyes snapping to Félix.
Félix stepped back, "Do you need to use th-"
Roughly grabbing his arm, Adrien yanked Félix's sleeve up, examining it intently. His line of vision darted back up to Félix's face, and a clear sense of relief washed over his features.
In silence, the brothers bore into each other with Adrien giving soothing motions to Félix's arm.
"Let's get some sleep, Fé," Adrien breathed out, his voice still thick with sleep.
"Yes…" I need to lie down, I need equanimity.
I need death peace.
