Tap, tap. I look up to see Ladybug. "Hey, Little Bug! Come on in!" I say, lifting her down from the window. "You look tired? Is everything okay?" I ask. Her hands are cold, even through her suit. "Just tired, Adrien."
I place a hand on her cheek, looking into her beautiful bluebell eyes. Even with the mask on, she looks tired and her hair is sticking up in little tufts. If I didn't think the situation was serious, I'd probably laugh about it with her. I place my hand on her cheek, and she leans into my touch. "Go crawl under the covers and I'll join you shortly," I tell her. "Okay," she says.
I walk out to the kitchen asking the chef to prepare hot tea and a light snack. After I'm back in my room, I walk into the bathroom to get a brush for her hair.
Ladybug is tapping away at her bug-phone and she stops suddenly, her eyes going wistful. She touches the screen and closes her eyes.
"What are you looking at?" I ask. Ladybug jumps slightly, and hands me the phone. It pictures of me as Cat Noir. Things have been rocky in that relationship lately, but things are seeming to be now on the mend.
"Can I help you with your hair?" I ask. Ladybug touches her head. "Is it that bad, Adrien?" Her voice is growing quieter and quieter. "No, but it will make you feel better." She nods, and I take the ribbons and hair ties out and her beautiful black hair cascades down her back like a waterfall.
"I just keeping thinking about ShadowMoth," she says. My hands still for a second. "what about him?" "I've been having bad dreams, and even when I wake up I realize it wasn't a dream and I have to be so careful."
"Then last week, I yelled at Cat Noir and I regretted it. Especially, when he gave up his Miraculous. Then...this new Cat came along." she says. I take a look at her face. Confusion is etched on her face, but she is blushing as well. "Yeah. Cat gave up his Miraculous so I had to find a new Cat Noir and the one I found was very sweet but he made me miss Cat even more."
Huh. She missed me, even as Cat Walker. "What happened then?" I ask. "We fought a SentiMonster together and I got very distracted by Cat Walker." "Hmm, have a little crush do we?" I kiss her cheek, just teasing her. "No. Maybe, I don't know." She pulls her legs put to her knees. "I'm so confused about everything, Adrien. All I want is a friend that understands." She ducks under the covers.
"Ladybug, you know you can tell me everything. I'm here for you." I pull back the sheet gently and look at her, looking up into my green eyes.
"Thank you, Adrien." She opens her arms for hug, which I accept gladly. "Thank you for listening." Quietly I redo her hair, thinking. No wonder she's been cranky at me, she losing sleep and worried.
"Little Bug?" I take her hand. "Hm?" "Why did you have to find a new Cat Noir in the first place?" I ask. Okay, I have my reasons, and number one is being pushed aside and left in the dark. But I want to her it from her.
"Because...I have to protect him," she explains. "From what?" "Adrien, I don't know if I want to talk about it. It gives me bad memories." Well, even if its not a answer, and least she's being honest. But what is she trying to protect me from? Did I get akumatized or something?
Just then the chef comes in with our tea, and he's made the perfect snack: peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwiches. "Adrien, how did you know this is my favorite snack?" she asks, taking a small bite of her food. "I didn't but I'm glad it makes you happy."
Ladybug looks at me, a small tear trickling down her cheek. "Happy." I take her in my arms, gently rocking her back and forth, hoping to soothe her. "I'm here and I will always be here for you," I tell her. I hug her close, kissing the top of her head. "Your a great friend, Adrien. I'm glad you keep my secrets."
If only she knew I was keeping a secret too, that I'm the one who gave up his Miraculous. Should she have shouted at me, and should have shouted at her? No, but sometimes our emotions cause to explode and say things we didn't mean.
She's only had a bit of food, and she's fallen asleep when her head on my chest for her pillow. Should I tell her that she doesn't have to do this alone? Yes, she may be the Guardian but does she know I'm here to share her burden?
Its time for me to brave and tell her these things, for M'lady is hiding what she is feeling. Okay, she opening up a bit, but I can tell there's much more to this. Or, do I be quiet and good, waiting for her to tell me what is wrong?
Its me and her against ShadowMoth, and I will stick with her forever. But I still feel angry, that she can tell me as Adrien, but as Cat Noir, I'm still in the dark.
Its tempting to go back to being Cat Walker, because at least M'lady seemed to like him. Oh, what to do, what is the right thing?
I take a deep breath and snuggle down with her, lightly taking her hand. I know she's doing what she's doing for a reason, and even though I feel sad and hurt, she's not doing this to be cruel.
She's been showing up a lot here, just like I go to Marinette's for friendship and comfort. So, maybe Ladybug is doing the same thing, since she knows I'm her friend as Adrien?
As I slip off to sleep beside her, I may not understand everything, but I will be here for her. But will she finally open up to me? I'm tired of being left in the dark, M'lady. When can we talk as partners how you and I are feeling?
