* This story happens in the beginning of the 15th episode of season 4 (Glaciator 2). It actually "erase" and "replace" some of the events in this episode. The characters are a little bit OOC, but I hope it's okay.
Ladybug was angry. During another battle against Glaciator, she found out that one magazine published a photo of her and Cat Noir kissing (when they had their memories erased). And now everybody was thinking that they were dating.
She couldn't concentrate well in the fight because of that and Cat Noir wasn't making things easier either. He was flirting with her all the time, and even made the stupid suggestion for them to recreate the scene in the magazine.
She knew he was kidding, but it was enough for her. She looked at him, and said with an annoyed and whispery voice:
- Stop it! We will talk about this later…! For now, let's pay total attention on the villain!
He agreed hesitantly and stopped the jokes while they were fighting. It was a bit weird for him, but he made the effort to not upset Ladybug even more.
After defeating the akumatized Andre, followed by an irritated lecture from Ladybug about the pictures, they left the plaza to go back to their normal form. Then, they transformed back and met again on their usual place, to talk as Ladybug asked.
- So, m'lady… you wanted to talk, right…?
- Yes… But let's sit first.
They sat on the roof, with Eiffel as their view. The sun was still bright in the sky, but the tower was beautiful, nonetheless. They stayed in silence for some time, until Ladybug sighed, trying to find her words.
- I… I know that the photos aren't you fault Cat, but… it still annoys me the way that you were acting because of them. I understand that it's hard, but I need you to stop, or at least refrain your flirtings with me… Do you think you can do that? – she looked at him, with a sad look in her eyes. Cat Noir just stared at her for a little while, then looked away, thinking. Finally, he showed a weak smile, that made Ladybug feels bad, and looked at her again.
- I… I will try, m'lady. I'm sorry for the troubles I caused because of that… It's just… It's hard to not say what you want to someone, you know…? I lived my whole life that way, keeping things to myself, so I thought… I thought that, while being Cat Noir, I could do things differently. – He turned his eyes to the tower, his smile starting to break – But it seems like I can't do that even now...
They sat in silence again. Ladybug thought that this talk was complicated, but necessary for their relationship to keep working. Then, she answered:
- …I'm not saying that you can't be yourself with me, Cat… Actually, It would be weird if you just stopped joking around as always. But… this change is , although I care about you and consider you my friend, it's difficult to keep ignoring or rejecting your attempts. I wish I could give you what you want, but I can't. And you know that. So… I'm not asking for you to stop loving me, because I know it's not something that you can control, but… I do need you to lay it down a little bit… Alright?
- …Alright, I will do my best…
- Thank you, kitty… - she smiled softly. He smiled back. – Friends?
- …Friends. – They bumped their fists, sealing their agreement.
The conversation left some topics unanswered, but even though, for now that was enough, at least for Ladybug. Cat Noir didn't seem that happy with the way things went but was content enough that they somewhat talked about it. He stared at the Tower, lost in thoughts.
She looked at him, trying to read his mind. She couldn't do that and gave up on it. Instead, she turned her eyes to their hands, that were kind of close to each other, lingered her look there, and then imitated Cat, turning to the Tower.
The city was somehow peaceful, and the wind was nice. She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.
"If I wasn't in love with Adrien… Maybe… Just maybe… This would be fine…".
