I have made it through the teaching gauntlet... No more papers! Final projects is also why this chapter is a day later than I wanted it to be. How is it that I can write a 700+ page book but a three page paper is like agonizing torture... Any how, I'll probably be a teacher next fall and my role model is Ms Frizzle. Also... This chapter turned out to be close to 7000 words and that's after splitting it... twice. Read on and let me know if you have any questions!
(Slow Burn Detective AU!) Marinette is used to working alone on the streets of Paris as she strives to take down the Hawkmoth gang. When the thief Chat Noir comes crashing into her life things are bound to get magical, especially when co-detective Adrien returns to Paris and seems to want to be her new partner. Will their fated partnership end in a capture or a kiss?
First Impressions
Walking with his father to the hospital's front was a novel experience. Gabriel had been practically civil while interrogating Marinette and Adrien wondered if that meant the other shoe was about to drop when his father turned to him in the elevator.
"What would you have done had Roger tried to take you instead?"
"Killed him most likely." Adrien responded without much thought.
Gabriel's raised eyebrow did little to deter him from answering truthfully.
"Father, the second he pulled a weapon on me I would have reacted in kind. You as well I know that the situation would have quickly escalated and since Roger was a crap shot while I am most definitely not, I would have killed him. I suppose he could have gassed me, or hit me with a tranquilizer, but it would have been difficult to achieve since my guard would have been up. Not once since assigning him as my partner has Roger showed an interest in acting like it, so I would have been very suspicious of the sudden switch. Had he threatened me with tattle tailing to you, I would have been even more alert so he would have been hard pressed to get the drop on me to start with since I didn't trust him."
Gabriel nodded, finally accepting this before he spoke, "That is a big difference between you and Marinette, she tends to trust easier or perhaps simply puts too much faith in others. She was suspicious of Roger and yet she went with him, neatly falling into his trap."
Adrien wanted to argue for Marinette's sake but there wasn't a whole lot of refuting he could do without raising suspicion. He knew that the only reason Roger had gotten the drop on Marinette was simply because she had been exhausted from healing, not because she had trusted Roger. "He got lucky Sir."
"That he did. Everyone's luck does run out though." Gabriel admitted as the door to the elevators opened and they exited. A beat of silence passed between them as they walked into the open lobby before Gabriel spoke again. "If you were to plan something like that, how would you go about it?"
Adrien paused, both in the physical sense and mental sense. There was a test here somewhere within Gabriel's question, but for the life of him he couldn't figure out where, much less why. Even still he had to answer. "To be honest, Marinette is a difficult person to sneak up on no matter where she is. The only places she truely relaxes are at the office and at her home, same as me. If you didn't mind collateral I suppose you could attack in a public space, but you would definitely have to go for a kill rather than capture. Roger was aiming to kill her, but he was stupid to try and totally go one-on-one with Marinette. I don't think there are many people who could take Marinette on in a one-on one-fight, so whether you are trying to kill or capture you would need multiple people unless a sniper is involved. If I was going for a capture you would have to strike while she was at home, probably just a little after she went to sleep. Then at least you would have a minute or two to catch her totally off-guard. However, I live right next to Marinette so the second something started happening I would probably just bust in and help her. Same situation applies to me too. I guess we are pretty similar in that regard."
Gabriel nodded and gestured for Adrien to keep walking, "You realize why I am asking you this then?"
"Wait… you think Hawkmoth might try something again?" Adrien demanded.
"I don't know. I certainly hope not but the truth of the matter is we don't know exactly what set Roger off and made him attack Marinette. I will find out though. For now just be extra vigilant. Perhaps you could talk Marinette into staying at one of the safe houses… Just until she is healed of course."
Adrien shook his head, not liking that idea at all, "Marinette would never go for that, no matter who floated the idea. I truly think that she will be ok at home since I will be there to make sure she is protected. I am sure she won't mind me using her spare bedroom while she heals anyways. She can teach me how to cook. That will definitely keep her mind off of things."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, "I do not want an investigation of arson nor murder on my desk do you understand me?"
Adrien couldn't help but chuckle although he quickly turned it into a cough, "I understand sir."
They had arrived outside and Gabriel's car pulled up as they made it to the edge of the curb. As they waited for the valet to come round to them Gabriel looked over Adrien one last time.
"You are feeling better then? You still have bags beneath your eyes. If I need to assign someone else to watch over Marinette for the first day or so I can. There is no reason to make yourself more ill."
Adrien blinked, feeling stunned at the question and briefly wondered who had replaced Gabriel with this downright kind doppelganger, "I am fine. The hospital isn't a restful place is all and that couch is atrocious. Alya is sleeping here tonight so I will get some proper rest before Marinette is discharged."
"Very well then." Gabriel stated, quickly turning back into a block of ice as he accepted the keys from the valet, "You have your duties to attend to and I have mine. I will see you both soon."
Without a backward glance Gabriel glided around to the driver's side and quickly drove off, leaving a somewhat stumped Adrien on the curb. For a long moment Adrien pondered Gabriel's odd attitude before he decided to make his way back to Marinette's room. By the time Adrien returned, Marinette's nurse had already come in to give the afternoon medicines, much to Marinette's annoyance, and he had to wait several minutes before they were left alone again.
"How bad do you actually feel?"
Marinette chuckled weakly, "Just minor inconveniences but I feel like I could go back to sleep for a week. Whatever they have been giving me has skewed my sense of time badly but it kills the pain completely, so whatever. Was it just me or did Gabriel seem a little too furious over the course of that whole interrogation?"
"Not at you, he was downright kind to you, but yeah he did." Adrien admitted, "I mean I get him being mad at Roger and all but he seemed extra angry. Like how he gets when some kind of important plan falls through. Do you think he may have suspected Roger but didn't expect him to make a move so soon?"
Marinette frowned, "I don't know… That reasoning might explain why he was so insistent on letting Roger plan that raid. He could have been setting him up to be caught in an incriminating situation. I just… I'd hate to think he would use you, Chloe, or I as bait. I mean Gabriel usually knows everything that goes on in the precinct but it was like he had a blind spot when it came to Roger. What do you think?"
Adrien shook his head, "I wouldn't put it past my father to use you or I as bait, but I am pretty sure he would have mentioned something or told me to not go anywhere alone with Roger. He is callous but I don't think he would purposefully put our lives at risk. I mean, did you see his reactions when you answered his questions? I mean, I said it before but today, through that whole thing, Father was downright kind… both to you and I. The only thing I can figure is that this whole Roger deal slipped his radar somehow and scared the hell out of him."
Letting herself relax against the pillows, Marinette beckoned Adrien closer and smiled as he pressed a kiss to her knuckles then her temple. "Well whatever the reason for his odd attitude, I am glad the initial questioning is done. The foundations have been set and now I can bring him in on the Akuma bit without seemingly pulling it out of nowhere. Speaking of which, do you think you will be circling back around tonight in black? Maybe you could bring me a few things?"
Adrien scowled at her, "You are not working. I at least agree with my father on that front. If you want some fabric or something I will be happy to drop it off but no business. If you are good I might even supply you a copy of Roger's phone tomorrow. Fu promised to slip me a copy so we can go over it together."
Marinette pouted at him but it was ruined by a jaw cracking yawn.
"Go to sleep Marinette. You still need rest." Adrien pacified. He could tell by the droop of her eyes and her body language that she was at the end of her stamina for the day. Getting up after being in a practical coma, running interference with her parents and friends, then having to deal with Gabriel's interrogation had probably been too much for her in one day just after waking up. Still he could see how Marinette was fighting her exhaustion and whatever meds they had given her.
"You need to sleep too, Adrien." She started, only for another yawn to interrupt her. "I wish you could curl up here with me."
Adrien huffed in amusement then pressed another kiss to her forehead. "Sleep Mari, I'll see you later tonight or tomorrow, as soon as they let me in the door."
A smile ghosted Marinette's lips as her heavy eyes slid shut and Adrien felt more than saw her slip into a deeply unconscious state. Mentally he winced, knowing that even with meds she had passed out way too fast.
"Plagg is she ok?" Adrien questioned as he flew out of his pocket.
"She will be fine kit." Plagg verified, "She overexerted herself a bit today and whatever the nurse gave her was strong. She was fighting it hard to talk to you as long as she did. Besides, she is already well on her way to recovery so there is no reason to fret. You should get some rest too while you can because I know you have plans for us tonight outside of a little visit here."
Adrien nodded and after checking the time, figured he had about two hours before Alya and Nino returned. Deciding a short nap would benefit him, Adrien moved over to the couch and quickly drifted off to sleep. Plagg woke him about five minutes before Alya arrived and he waved at her as she bustled in the door.
"He-" Alya cut herself off as she noticed Marinette was sleeping and in a far softer tone asked, "Hey how's she doing? Do I need to plan your dad's murder?"
Adrien snickered, "No actually, he was downright kind. I think between just waking up, being with people all day then having to deal with my father… It was too much and it wore her out. She might wake up later or she might just sleep through the night. The nurse gave her meds about two hours ago so that didn't help her stay conscious at all."
Alya winced, "Yeah I can see that. You are right though, we probably overwhelmed her… I'm just glad she woke up. It will probably be better for her if she sleeps the whole night through."
Adrien nodded absently as he shifted his few belongings into one of the empty cabinets to clear the couch off for Alya. He had seen the bag she had carried in with her but it hadn't seemed that large. Assuming it held a change of clothes and maybe an extra blanket Adrien had to do a double take as he turned to face her again.
"Jeez you are only staying for one night Alya…" Adrien muttered as she started pulling random items from the large duffle bag. There were already two pillows, a well bundled blanket, and more items were rapidly joining them on the couch.
Alya snorted, "Please… this is my transport kit for when I get called in the middle of the night and have to catch red eye flights. You never know the kind of hotel they will set you down in and believe me when I say that I'd rather sleep on the floor than the bed in some of those places. Inflatable camping pad, sleeping bag, down throw blanket, inflatable pillow, normal pillow, battery pack and charging cords make for a far better sleeping spot than… this. Boy, you must have been exhausted to sleep on this rock hard couch. My butt has bruises just from sitting on it!"
Adrien rolled his eyes but secretly he was taking notes. All the items she had mentioned had taken up only half the bag she had carried in, although she had carried her normal pillow under her arm. While wandering around trying to find clues to Hawkmoth there had been many nights where a kit like this would have been life altering. God forbid he ever had to run or go on the hunt again, having a kit like this prepared might just make all the difference. Curious, Adrien asked un-intrusive questions about the different items and Alya was more than happy to supply answers. They talked for a while as Alya set up her bed for the night and Alya mentioned how Nino had opted to stay home since Marinette wasn't awake. She also mentioned that Nino's invitation to hang was still open. Adrien understood Nino's choice but declined the invitation as he mentally looked inwards, checking on Marinette yet again. He was really getting the hang of it and Adrien wondered if this new bond meant that he could do a mental check at any time, or if it was just because he was so close to her right now. Deciding to ask Plagg later, Adrien looked over at Marinette who had just let out a soft snore, and smiled. Visually she appeared to be sleeping peacefully and shallowly, like she could be woken at the slightest touch. Adrien knew better now though, he could feel the exhaustion rolling between them and he knew that it would take far more than a poke to bring her to consciousness at this point. Even as he acknowledged this he found himself yawning and it made him realize that he hadn't quite recovered all his energy either.
"You know if you want to head off early you can Adrien. I know you will probably want a shower and all that good stuff before crashing yourself. No offence, but I've got the feeling that you are in desperate need of a good night's sleep. I'm not trying to push you out the door or anything but…" Alya sounded hesitant as she spoke and Adrien could understand why.
Alya had seen for herself how protective Adrien could be when it came to Marinette, even though she didn't know the half of it. She probably just didn't want to anger him or make him feel like he was in the way. Knowing that he could accomplish far more if he left now made the decision for him. He had discussed some of the things he'd planned on doing tonight with Marinette and the earlier he got started the earlier he would be done. Plus it was early enough to go see Fu, which he was almost desperate to do.
"You know what, I think I will." Adrien agreed amicably. "Take care of her and I will see you in the morning. Since you have been so kind to bring me coffee, would you like me to bring you a cup in the morning?"
Alya blinked, struck speechless for a moment. She had expected a bit more resistance out of him, but then again she had noted the darkening patches under Adrien's eyes and she knew from experience that hospitals were not restful places. When Marinette had been injured so badly the year or so before she had refused to leave Marinette's side. Alya had brought her travel kit in and had set up shop right there in her room, much to the chagrin of her boyfriend and the annoyance of the nurses. In that time Alya had learned a lot about hospitals and had even written a few well received columns on the experience. Even if the nurses didn't come into the room between the hours of 10pm-6am, with all the machines beeping and other ambient noises, hospitals were anything but restful. Alya had been sleep deprived for weeks after the experience and that was after sleeping with industrial strength earplugs in!
"Alya?" Adrien questioned curiously, and Alya realized she had never answered.
"Um… sorry I got lost in my head for a minute there." Alya admitted, "As for coffee… yeah no, Nino will bring me some when he comes up. If you don't mind stopping by the Dupain's bakery for breakfast treats I will love you forever though."
"Nino will be devastated when I tell him." Adrien deadpanned, making Alya laugh and slap a hand over her mouth. Both of them glanced at Marinette but she hadn't moved and Adrien at least, knew she wouldn't. Alya's face fell seeing Marinette so still and for a brief moment Adrien could see the utter devastation that still lurked within Alya's soul. Nino wasn't there to comfort her though and Adrien knew Marinette would smack him if he turned and left the room right now. Reaching out before he could talk himself out of the idea Adrien pulled Alya into a tentative hug. He half expected her to laugh or swat at him, but clearly she needed the hug as much as him since she shuddered and buried her face against his chest while wrapping her arms around him.
"She is going to be alright." Alya muttered wetly into Adrien's chest. "We know this. She might even be released tomorrow. I'm just relieved, and stressed, and being overly emotional. No biggie."
Adrien just cupped the back of Alya's head as he held her close, giving her comfort in the only way he knew how. It took a solid minute for both of them to regain their facades and Alya broke first, patting Adrien's arm so he would release her.
Letting out a whoosh of air she smiled up at Adrien, even as withheld tears glimmered in her eyes. "Thanks I needed that."
Adrien nodded stiffly, "Same. Call if you need anything alright?"
"Will do Adrien. See you in the morning." Alya said with false cheerfulness and watched as Adrien walked out of the room carrying the clothes he had slept in. He had stuck his pillow in the cabinet and left the thin blanket he'd borrowed from the hospital draped on the side of the couch. With a bit of a sigh as the door clicked shut Alya finished setting up her bed and dropped down into it. At some point she was going to change into sleeping clothes but for right now she just wanted to decompress. That morning she had been so ecstatic to see Marinette awake and seemingly fine, but after texting Adrien and talking to one of Marinette's doctors on the way up she understood that Marinette was still in a delicate place. Even with that information some part of her had hoped that Marinette would be back to her normal self when she came in, but instead she was unconscious yet again. It was frustrating and Alya wished that there was more she could do for her friend. Shaking her head at the frustrating thoughts Alya settled back into her corner and pulled up her laptop. If she couldn't talk to Marinette then she would work. After all, it was better than doing nothing.
Marinette woke to the infernal sound of beeping… again. Inwardly she grumbled, wishing that Adrien or Alya had allowed her to sneak out of the hospital so that she could just go home. Annoyed and still feeling tired despite the long nap Marinette opened her eyes to a dim room. The sun had long since set and the view out her windows was a charcoal grey color back lit by city lights. It felt late to Marinette and her stomach growled, letting her know that she had skipped dinner. Glancing around the room Marinette realized she was alone for the moment and that Adrien and Alya had switched guard duty while she was sleeping. It probably wasn't a good thing, but Marinette knew Alya's nest-set-up like the back of her hand, and Adrien had not had a computer with him while he had stayed with her. No, Marinette knew Alya's computer and it illuminated the couch area showing an empty nest. For a brief moment Marinette had hoped it was early evening since she hadn't really given Adrien a proper goodbye, but instinctively Marinette knew that Adrien was nowhere near her at the moment. Blinking in surprise at the inherent knowledge Marinette looked inward, focusing on the ribbon that connected them. It took her a moment to really feel the ribbon out but then she found what she was sensing for. Adrien or rather Chat Noir was somewhere off to the west and he was radiating a kind of smugness that had Marinette raising an eyebrow. She marveled at the fact that she could tell that he was transformed, but now that she focused on the idea she could just tell that he felt different. As Adrien he was like a simmering storm on the horizon, full of power but restrained. As Chat he oozed power and he had a sharper, chaotic feel to his mind. His presence also felt far larger and layered, though if someone asked her to, she wouldn't be able to describe the impression. As if he felt her awakening she felt his attention shift and for the briefest moments she felt something like warmth wrap around her as if he were giving her a mental hug. It felt incredible, made her feel safe and loved to her very core, but just as she wondered if she should try to send an emotion back, a door clicking off to her right broke her concentration apart. Light filled the room for a brief moment before Alya switched the bathroom light off and the room was plunged back into dimness. Realizing she had caught her friend either going to the bathroom or saying goodnight to Nino, Marinette grinned mischievously. Not realizing Marinette was awake, Alya tried to sneak back to the couch and to Marinette's surprise she was almost totally silent. It hadn't been intentional, but since Alya had interrupted her Marinette figured she should return the favor. Especially since Alya seemed to be utterly engrossed in her phone.
"BOO!" Marinette cried as Alya came even with the bottom of the bed and Alya shrieked, leaping several feet in the air while dropping her phone.
Immediately Marinette broke down into hysterical laughter, wincing as pain flared across her belly and chest.
"You BRAT! How long have you been awake?!" Alya snarled as Marinette managed to stop laughing, since it hurt too much to continue.
"Just a few minutes. My stomach woke me up." Marinette answered with a smile, her mirth still evident in her voice as her stomach growled loudly. "Feed me bestie friend."
Alya huffed, but even she was smiling at this point and she moved over to Marinette's side to give her a hug. "You are still a brat but I guess I can't let my bestie starve."
"What time is it even? Are there any food places open?" Marinette asked, attempting to figure out if she would have to wait till morning to get something real to eat. She refused to order anything more than fruit or cheese from the cafeteria and she had a feeling that it wasn't open anyways at this hour.
Moving back to the end of the bed Alya scooped her phone up off the floor and sat on the edge of Marinette's uncomfortable hospital bed. "It's like 11 something but this is the big city Mari, someplace is gonna be open and will deliver. The hardest part will be getting the nurses to let me back into the room. Your night nurse tonight has been a real peach... Anyways, what do you feel like eating?"
After a few minutes of back and forth Alya found a small soup/sandwich shop that was open, had decent reviews, and was only a few blocks from the hospital so they delivered right to the front entrance. Placing their order Alya made sure to get a confirmation link before clicking the device off.
"So now that I know you won't chew my arm off… How are you feeling?" Alya asked, noting that Marinette still looked a little drawn even though she had just awakened.
"I'm alright, I'd be better if I could go home and sleep in my own bed but I doubt that's gonna happen soon." Marinette grouched.
"Really?" Alya pressed and to her surprise Marinette smiled and nodded.
"Like don't get me wrong, I'm sore as heck and once I eat I'm probably going to pass right back out but I feel better than I did this morning. Me passing out wasn't a setback I swear."
Alya frowned, but she didn't detect any hint of subterfuge in Marinette's voice. Deciding that she was telling the truth Alya switched subjects, asking how the interview with Adrien's father had gone. That had gotten a heavy sigh out of her but Marinette didn't seem resistant to the idea of telling her what she wanted. They talked for several minutes until Marinette felt a gentle vibration hum against her breastbone. Blinking Marinette pressed a hand to the small bag under her gown that held her earrings and her miraculous stone. Chat was nearby and as Marinette glanced inwards she could tell he was fairly close. A few minutes later green eyes flashed in the darkness outside her window and Marinette jerked upright wondering what Chat was playing at. Her room was several stories up off the ground and if Alya saw him she was probably going to send the hospital into a panic thinking that someone was after her to hurt her again. Needing Alya out of the room so she could skin a Chat, Marinette thought of a perfect distraction.
"Do you think the food is almost here?" Marinette asked, her stomach grumbling again, adding it's two cents to her deceptive question.
Alya laughed, "They should be here any minute. I should actually go down and grab some plates and stuff before they get here. That way we are not slurping soup from the containers like some kind of vagabonds."
Marinette smiled and nodded, trying not to look too nervous or on edge. "Sounds amazing either way! You should totally go now so you don't miss the guy."
Alya rolled her eyes and snagged her phone up off the bed. "You get so weird when you are hungry girl. Don't eat the blankets, I'll be back in like ten minutes."
Marinette nodded again, watching as Alya walked out the door before turning her gaze to the window and giving it the middle finger. She could hear Chat burst into laughter outside as amusement tickled the edges of their bond and a moment later the window creaked open.
"Someone is feeling better." Chat chuckled, leaping across the couch and landing without a sound.
"You shouldn't be here you idiot. All Alya had to do was look the wrong way out the window and she would have spotted you! You are lucky we ordered food otherwise you would have been hanging out on the sill all night!" Marinette scolded.
"Awe, look at My Lady, all worried about me." Chat teased, wrapping his arms around her.
"Of course I worry you idiot! I know you, and I know that you would have sat out there as long as you felt like I needed you close. You are nearly as exhausted as me and haven't rested at all! I can feel you now too silly kitty. You need rest." Marinette retorted as she returned the hug as tight as she could manage. Warmth enveloped her as joy thrummed between them, burning off the worry that had been tainting his end of the bond. "Ok but seriously, as happy as I am that you dropped by, Alya literally just went down to get food and that's it. She will be right back."
"Trying to get rid of your loyal kitten so soon? You really are feeling better. I brought you a copy of Roger's phone by the way. Fu said to be good and wait till tomorrow to start looking at it though. I accept kisses for payment." Chat explained as he pulled back with a grin, ignoring Plagg's fake gagging in the back of his mind.
"Oh is that all? I better pay up then." Marinette retorted before pressing her lips to his. The kiss was deep, warm, and it sent her heart soaring which made Chat pull back sheepishly at the rapid beeping the stupid heart monitor.
"Guess I make your heart flutter huh My Lady?" Chat chuckled as he pressed his forehead to hers.
Marinette flushed red, "Yo-"
"WHAT THE HELL?"
Chat ripped away from Marinette, a snarl on his lips as Marinette's head jerked to the side to find Alya standing in the room. Panic instantly flooded Marinette as Alya opened her mouth, but before she could yell or say another thing Chat was across the room. Alya didn't even get the chance to stumble back in shock before he was in her space, one hand slapping across her mouth as the other pinned her arms.
"Shi-Chat! Stop!" Marinette yelped, moving to fling the covers off of her, but her body seemed to be made of molasses. Even if she had been able to move at normal speed, she had far too many tubes and wires wrapped around or connected to her to be able to stop Chat. Gently kicking the door shut as Alya made irate, muffled, squawking sounds Chat made eye contact with Marinette. The look he gave her was utterly calm and he sent a soothing sensation down their bond making her pause in her attempt to get out of the bed.
"Calm down Marinette." Chat assuaged, even as he manhandled Alya over to the bed. "I just didn't want her screaming. It's quiet hours and a nurse would definitely check out screams."
He made it seem so easy as he kept a struggling Alya pinned with one arm while the other hand kept her from screaming. Alya yelled into Chat's palm, her eyes furious and Chat sighed, wishing he could just knock her out for a few minutes. Seeming to realize what he was thinking, Marinette pointed a finger in his face. "Don't. Even. Try."
Alya's eyes flicked between her finger and Chat, quieting down at last as Chat rolled his eyes. "I wasn't going to do anything…"
Marinette rubbed at her head as a headache slowly formed. "Alya, promise me you wont start screaming and Chat will let you go."
"Maybe."
"Not helping!" Marinette snapped back even as Chat felt Alya relaxing in his grip.
He had always been amazed at how people trusted Marinette at her word. Even in high tension situations people looked to Marinette and took cues from her before they reacted fully. Alya it seemed was no different. Her struggles had abated completely and the panicked scent she had been giving off faded from the air. Slowly Chat peeled his hand away from her mouth, ready to slap it back down if needed. He didn't release her arms though and he didn't realize that just because she seemed calm didn't mean she wasn't still pissed off.
"I thought you were in love with Adrien!" Alya snarled as soon as Chat's hand was mildly clear, "Why are you kissing this… this fleabag?!"
"Fleabag?!" Chat cried indignantly, "I do not have fleas, little miss reporter."
Alya jerked in his grasp, hoping that he had relaxed enough to escape, but his grip tightened before she could do much more than twitch and she wasn't able to pull away, "Oh?! What should I call you then? Thief?! Assh-"
"Enough!" Marinette snapped, wincing as her head pounded. Chat had slapped his hand back over Alya's mouth the second he realized her voice was rising. "First of all Alya I do love Adrien and he knows it."
Alya's eyes must have narrowed at Marinette because she flinched and Chat decided to step in before Marinette could stumble over her words or go off on a tangent. He could feel her rising panic acutely down the ribbon that connected them and he sent soothing feelings at her again to try and keep her calm, "Alya right? Listen to me very carefully, I have a mate. They are my other half and l love them with every fiber of my being. Marinette here has helped her and I out before with Akuma and a couple of other incidents..."
"Wait, there is another one of you?!" Alya interrupted with a gasp, jerking her mouth out from under his hand, making Chat's eyes narrow further.
"Not the point." He hissed, his tail slashing the air behind him as he covered her mouth again before she could fire off another question.
"The point here is, what do you think you saw?" Marinette asked, praying that she had not actually seen them kissing.
Alya mumbled something behind Chat's hand then flicked her gaze up at him. Chat for his part growled, "No need to raise your voice or be nasty. I'm not hurting you, just keeping you from punching me or attacking Marinette verbally. She is still in a delicate state and doesn't need any more stress."
"Delicate my ass." Marinette grumped low enough that only Chat heard what she said.
Grinning at the comment he slowly raised his hand again and Alya couldn't resist pulling at his grip. It hadn't loosened at all but as he had said, he wasn't hurting her, just holding her still.
"Your foreheads were pressed together. You weren't kissing I guess but you two were awfully damned close." Alya spat through gritted teeth. Pissed was an understatement at how Alya felt at the moment but seeing the weary, understanding look on Marinette's face she couldn't help but wonder if she had interpreted something incorrectly after all.
Marinette rubbed at her forehead again even as relief flooded her system. This could be explained easily. "Alya, I was thanking him. Chat is the one who saved my life when Roger shot me. He's the one who brought me to the hospital and I gave him a kiss on the cheek as partial thanks. You just happened to walk in while Chat was still close."
Alya went utterly still at those words, reviewing what she had seen in her mind again. She had stepped back in since she had forgotten her wallet and seen a man in dark leather practically on top of Marinette. It had scared her and made her think that Marinette was under attack until Marinette had reacted so calmly to him grabbing her. The only other reason Marinette had ever let a man close to her was to be romantic but maybe there was another reason. One that Alya was not yet privy to. After all, Marinette wasn't blushing or showing any signs of embarrassment even though she had caught them in what had initially appeared as a compromising position. If there had been something between them Alya figured that there would be far more stuttering and blushing. Still she tested the waters, her curiosity growing. "And the forehead thing? I mean I believe you an all but I've never seen you let someone into your space like that."
"It's a cat thing and Marinette is tolerant of me." Chat huffed, making Alya peer at him over her shoulder awkwardly.
She blinked as she finally noted the cat ears, then gasped as one of them twitched. "Please tell me those are animatronic."
"They're not." Marinette sighed, "I told you they were real weeks ago. I'm guessing you didn't believe me. Chat you can let her go now."
As if to prove her point she relaxed back against her pillows and took a deep breath thinking calming thoughts. Thankfully she had been working on meditation skills with her Maman for years so it was pretty easy to fall into a calming state. The stupid heart monitor slowed as she forced her bodies rhythms to calm down further, which was a good thing since she didn't want to accidentally summon a nurse. It would be really hard to explain Chat's presence, even if he could pull a vanishing act it would leave Alya to take the fall for exciting Marinette to the point of alarm. Marinette supposed she could pretend to have had a nightmare or something similar, but it was easier to just calm down, especially since Alya was no longer yelling. She counted that as progress.
Chat looked apprehensive but he released Alya, leaping back in case she decided to try swinging at him. He was sure he could easily dodge a strike at him but he didn't want to accidentally react in kind. As he feared Alya swung around to face him, arm cocked back but froze as she got her first real look at Chat Noir. Tall, muscular, blond hair, green eyes, and dressed in a leather costume that showed off every muscle he had. A black mask across his eyes gave him a mysterious air while the leather ensemble gave him a thorough bad boy vibe. Realizing he hadn't reacted negatively to her even though she was threatening to punch him made her feel foolish standing there with an arm half cocked back. It was obvious that he could dodge circles around her so Alya crossed her arms instead, her lips thinning into an angry slash. It was to her displeasure that Chat mirrored her movements, his tail slashing at the air behind him. Seeing the movement Alya's arms lowered a bit as she looked from the moving tail back up to his head where black cat-like ears sat in his hair just above where human ears would be located.
"They really are real…" Alya whispered, stunned, "Mari told me they were but… how?!"
"That's not something I wish to discuss." Chat answered, relaxing slightly. Alya from what he knew, wouldn't attack as long as she was curious about something no matter how angry it had made her.
"But!" Alya began only to be interrupted as her phone rang. She jumped then jerked her phone out and took the call. It was the food delivery man. He had arrived and was calling to ask where she was. After assuring the man she was on her way Alya hung up then jabbed a finger at Chat then Marinette.
"I want an explanation. A real one. I have to go get the food but you had better be here when I get back, mister."
Chat rolled his eyes. "Can't Marinette just answer your questions?" He wasn't actually planning on leaving but he figured he might as well play up his hesitance or aversion to following demands.
Alya's gaze darkened, "Stay or I hunt you down via mass media and sic Marinette's Whisper friends on you."
That was a hell of a threat and Chat couldn't help the growl that escaped him, "Well it's a good thing I know some of Marinette's Whisper friends. Do you have another threat for this big bad cat?"
"Chat, knock it off or I will hunt you down for her." Marinette snapped, not liking how the two of them were already egging each other on. "Alya, go get the food if you don't mind. Chat will be here when you get back."
Instantly Chat deflated and made himself look very meek, making Alya blink in utter confusion. It didn't seem possible but Marinette obviously had Chat wrapped around her little finger. Or he was scared of her like so many other street criminals. Alya wasn't sure which she preferred, but either way she believed that he would still be present when she returned. Grabbing her wallet Alya slipped from the room, wishing she could have just asked the delivery man to come up to them. She didn't like leaving Marinette alone with Chat although it was obvious that he wasn't a danger to her. It made her wonder if this was the big secret that Marinette had been keeping from her, or if there was something else going on as well. Knowing the faster she moved the faster she could get real answers Alya hurried off, determined to be as quick as possible.
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