Dear Reader,
I don't normally write in the first person but since I'm about to embark on a course that requires me to do so, I figured I'd give it a go here first. For those who follow me, it has been a while since I've posted anything. Thank you for your continued support, patience and encouraging messages – I deeply appreciate it. Cheers :)
Chapter One
It never fails to amaze me how the magic of the miraculous works. For instance, there should be a huge bulge in my right pocket where a jewellery box is currently stashed, but the smooth black fabric is as seamless as always over my abdomen. It makes me wonder if there's a portal to a pocket universe in there. Get it, pocket universe. I love puns. It's a shame the usual reaction I get to such is an eyeroll. And she who bestows said eyerolls is whom I'm waiting for.
It's probably fruitless to hope but if there's one thing I am, it's an optimist. Whether Ladybug is aware of the importance of today's date or not is irrelevant. I know what it marks. I know it is significant, heck it's a day that completely changed my life for the better, and that is why I want to give her something to celebrate it with.
In my mind's eye I've imagined her reaction a dozen different ways. Given how unsuccessful my previous attempts at wooing have been, I find my confidence slipping. Nervous anticipation has me licking my suddenly dry lips and raking a clawed hand through my blonde mop. Despite the niggling dread, hope bubbles stronger. Perhaps this time things will go better because what I'm offering is a gesture of friendship, of our bond.
Dropping my hands to my sides, I flick my wrists and roll my shoulders in attempt to shake off my growing anxiety. Drawing in a deep breath, I take in my surroundings from my rooftop vantage. A groan of annoyance lingers in my throat as I spot one of the huge billboards with my unmasked face on it. While modelling is simply a part of my day-to-day life, it doesn't mean I like seeing myself everywhere.
Admittedly I am good-looking but I'm not a narcissist who needs to admire himself every chance he gets. If anything, being attractive is a curse. So much unwanted attention. Alas, the one girl I want swooning after me is apparently immune to my allure. Dropping my head, I let out a sigh. Now is not the time to be having these thoughts. I need to be a positive ray of sunshine.
Impulse has me fiddling with my pocket zippers as I wait, alternating between pacing and pausing to tap my foot to a too fast rhythm. I arrived early and Ladybug is often late, not by much but it isn't uncommon for her to arrive in a huff of panting apologies. Apparently, her life is rather busy. That has a smile tugging at my lips, if only she knew how gruelling my own schedule is.
A faint scamper of footfalls has my feline ears pivoting to hone into the sound and the smile on my face grows broader. She's coming. As I turn, I stand a little taller and prouder. Is it wrong that my chest puffs up a smidge in attempt to be impressive? Damn, I so want her to like me as much as I like her. Oh, who am I kidding here? I more than like Ladybug but I tamper those feelings down. This is about friendship, not romance. Well not unless she suddenly changes her mind. I am so down for romance, and kissing, and handholding, and kissing. Ah, focus Chat Noir!
The breath catches in my throat as Ladybug comes into my field of vision. That petite body of hers moving with the effortless flow of water down a stream. She's elegance and grace, an enchantress who owns my soul. And as she draws closer, my heart has gone into overdrive, beating an accelerating tempo against my ribs.
Outwardly, I give the appearance of ease and confidence as she slows her pace and draws close. Ladybug stops a mere two paces from my position and hangs her yoyo at her hip, luring my gaze to the subtle curves I'd love to lay my hands on, drawing her body to mine while aligning her lips on trajectory to meet my own. Giving myself a mental shake, I close my masked eyes briefly and shelve that fantasy to think about at a more appropriate time.
Instead I reach for Ladybug's hand and kiss her knuckles in my usual greeting. "Hello, milady."
She is quick to pull her hand from mine but her expression is open as she smiles at me. "Hi Chat, I got your message."
"Thanks for meeting with me."
"No problem," she replies as her hands clasp before her, her fingers meshing together. Ladybug's gaze meets mine, waiting expectantly for an elaboration as to why I wanted to see her.
The need to swallow back the lump in my throat has me dipping my head briefly before locking eyes with the object of my affection. "I'm not sure if you realise it but today's our third anniversary."
This has her masked eyebrows lifting with intrigue. "Third anniversary?"
"Since we became Ladybug and Chat Noir. Three years of wonderful partnership."
Her smile turns cheeky. "I know, kitty. It was all over the Ladyblog."
I lay a gloved hand over my heart in mock hurt. "You had to look on the Ladyblog to remember?"
"Of course not. I remembered. It's just fun to yank your tail every so often."
Parting my lips to reply, I pause as Ladybug reaches for her yoyo and opens it. Curiosity has me cocking my head to the side as I watch her withdraw a small paper pouch.
Blue eyes meet my green ones. "I got you something."
There is no doubt that I'm grinning like an idiot as I take the present she holds out to me. Already my sensitive nose is picking up a scent that has my mouth watering. Regardless, I open the bag to check. "Chocettes!"
"You love them, if I remember correctly."
To confirm I shove one into my mouth, groan in appreciation, and then pluck another out and offer it to her. With thumb and finger, she takes it from me and my brief hope that she'll let me feed her slips away. But it barely dampens the feeling of happiness radiating through me at receiving a gift from my partner.
As she chews the chocette, I stash the bag in my left pocket and then reach into my right. "I got something for you too."
Those gorgeous blue eyes bulge as she catches sight of the gift-wrapped jewellery box in my hand. It's a bit too big to be a ring box but she still seems a little stunned. Holding it out on my open palm, I explain. "I saw this and thought it perfect for you."
With some hesitation, Ladybug tentatively reaches out and closes her fingers around the box. Slowly she pulls the ribbon free and opens the wrapping. Her eyes dart between me and the red velvet box. It takes everything I have not to sink my top teeth into my bottom lip as she lifts the lid.
A startled gasp escapes her lips as those blue eyes widen. Her gloved fingers caress the object in the box as she blinks as if confirming what she's seeing is real. "Chat, this is…it's beautiful."
The warmth of a blush flares in my cheeks and I'm thankful that my mask covers most of my face. While I've attempted to give Ladybug real roses in the past, this is the first time I've given her a miniature version she can pin in her hair. Part of me longs to tell her that the petals are made of rubies and the leaves of emeralds but I'm fairly certain that she'll refuse my gift, believing it too expensive. Perhaps it is, but to me it's nothing in comparison to making her happy.
My throat suddenly feels thick and I clear it before speaking. "I would have gotten you a ladybug hairpin but I thought it might be too conspicuous."
Ladybug's eyebrows draw together and a crinkle sets in high on her masked nose. "Wait, do you mean for me to wear this when I'm not Ladybug?"
I shrug my broad shoulders and hope I seem nonchalant. "It's up to you. I thought giving you something unrelated to your superhero persona would allow you the opportunity to choose."
At this her features relax and she nods in understanding. "Thank you, Chat. It's very thoughtful of you."
Leaning in, I accept her hug. Having her in my arms always feels so right, no matter how fleeting the contact is. The opportunity to rest my head against the side of hers is bliss itself and my masked eyes close as I relish the moment.
When she steps out of the circle of my arms, I resist the temptation to pull her in for a second hug. Instead I suggest an option to spend more time together. "So, how about we get some ice cream to celebrate?"
Ladybug beams at me, "That sounds like a fantastic idea."
So thoughts on my first person perspective? Any constructive criticism is welcome. Straight up I'll say I much prefer writing in third person.
As always, thanks for reading. I'm thinking this will only be a short two to three chapter story. I hope you're enjoying it so far, what do you think will happen next?