Ladybug kicked at the tiles on top of the roof, and looked off over the skyline of Paris. Somehow Shadowcat was the key to finding out more about Chat Noir? How did Adrien know that? How did Adrien even know about Shadowcat? Sure there were rumors' circulating on the Ladyblog, but that couldn't be it. Ladybug looked up as dark clouds gathered overhead. It was growing dark, and soon the sun would set.
She flopped down on the edge of the building, letting a frustrated puff of air escape her lips. Could Shadowcat know Chat Noir's identify? She felt a strange heat rise up within her, and she clenched her fists. It made her jealous somehow that someone else might know her true Kitty's identity. She shook her head trying to shake the hold these thoughts had over her. Didn't it make sense that someone Chat Noir trusted enough to weild the black cat ring, and stand in for him might be close to him? Afterall, she had Alya, who had been able to stand in for her as Ladybug in an emergency. The jealousy was replaced by guilt. She should be happy that Chat Noir had someone he could really count on...just why did it have to be Shadowcat? He was so...so...
"What's up with you?" asked a voice from behind her.
Ladybug glanced back quickly, ripped from her own thoughts. "What are you even doing back there skulking around? she reprimanded the dark figure who strode out proudly. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
It was Shadowcat himself. His curved tail lashed along his side like a cat toying with it's food. His jet back hair was spiked into sharp points, and his yellow eyes stared back at her. "Weren't you the one who wanted to meet here?" he questioned.
"Well, yeah, but you didn't have to sneak up on me," Ladybug grumbled, crossing her arms. How was she going to get information from this guy, when every cat-like feature just reminded her that he wasn't her Chat Noir?! She knew she somehow had to put any frustrations with Shadowcat aside, and focus on Chat Noir! She and Rena hadn't been able to get much out of him last time, so somehow she had to find a way to throw him off his guard.
"Did Chat Noir tell you what happened?" she asked tapping her index finger against her arm. She glanced up at him through her dark bangs.
"He said I might have to cover for him a while longer, but as for the rest of the details, that's your business," Shadowcat shrugged aloofly.
"And taking on the black cat's ring is a bother for you?" Ladybug responded hotly.
"It's not like it's an ideal situation, but it won't be that hard," Shadowcat ran his hand casually through his hair.
How arrogant can a guy get! Ladybug thought to herself. How does he think he is stepping into Chat Noir's shoes, and thinking it'll be a walk in the park! I don't know what Chat Noir was thinking trusting him!
Apparently her glare was not missed by Shadowcat, and he stared back at her unblinking. He tilted his head to the right, and asked, "What's that look for? I thought you trusted Chat Noir?"
"Of course I trust HIM!" Ladybug's shoulders came up to her ears, and her clenched fists straightened down at her side.
"But you can't trust me?" Shadowcat leaned his face down to her, studying her face.
"I don't even know you!" Ladybug defended.
"You trusted him without knowing him." Shadowcat countered with a smile.
"I knew...I mean I know him!" Ladybug said, her voice raising.
"Did you?" Shadowcat leaned back against a air vent on the roof, still smiling at her.
"Of course I...well I...in a way...well I guess I still don't quite know all about him...but the important things..." she tried to rationalize.
"You barely knew him, and you trusted everything to him. He's not perfect you know," Shadowcat flicked the edge of his baton.
"He is purrfect," Ladybug punned, rounding her shoulders like she was gearing up for a fight. "Maybe his substitute is jealous."
"Ha," Shadowcat let out a hollow laugh. He had to get her to realize that Adrien Agreste would be a much better fit, and to forget about his Chat Noir side. It was a risky plan, but if he hoped to be with her any time soon, he had to. Based on her reaction so far, Chat Noir's 'Friend.' Shadowcat might be just the one to convince her. "Chat Noir and I might have a lot more in common than you realize, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that we are far from the perfection you seem to be searching for. You think you know Chat Noir? You think you can handle what he's like...what he is really like deep down?"
"He doesn't have to be perfect, to be perfect for me," Ladybug narrowed her eyes at the dark cat. "He can be impulsive, but it is that quality that makes him to selflessly give of himself. He is stubborn, but because of this he is loyal and unwavering. He gets jealous and moody sometimes, but it is only because he cares so deeply about the ones he loves."
Shadowcat's yellow eyes widened, and he stepped back with each duality Ladybug shot at him. With each step back, she stepped forward, until his back was up against a brick wall.
"...And sure," she continued, "he can be totally infuriating, but that is just because I lov..." Ladybug said firmly, but was cut off by the sound of grinding metal against metal. Like nails on a chalkboard the squeal ripped at their eardrums. Shadowcat crouched down, with his paws over his ears, cringing in pain with his enhanced hearing even more impacted by the horrible sound.
Ladybug's head swung around and they saw a dark shape block out the sky. She turned her face back to Shadowcat, whose eyes met hers with determination.
"Shadowmoth always has the best timing doesn't he?!" Shadowcat said sarcastically, his pointed ear's flattening against his hair.
"This can't be happening right now!" Ladybug growled in frustration.
"Hey," Shadowcat leaned forward, so his eyes were level with her's, with a voice filled with calm assurance, "I know that you're used to Chat Noir, and that this isn't what either of us wanted, but I swear to you that I'm here at your side 100%. You can count on me, I won't let you down!"
"You came through before, and Chat Noir trusts you...so I will trust you too," Ladybug said slowly, trying to form the words. "We won't be able to stop him if I don't, and it is unfair of me to be so critical when you've agreed to take all of this on."
"Let's do this then," Shadowcat nodded his head towards the darkness. "We'll take a leap of faith together, and I'll prove that Chat Noir picked the best man to stand at your side!"
Ladybug's throat tightened, and she couldn't help the pained look that flickered across her face. The only man she wanted at her side right now, or any time for that matter was, and would always be Chat Noir. It wasn't Shadowcat's fault that no matter how capable or sincere he was, he would never be her Kitty.
