"Its your turn, Marinette," my friend Zoe and I are playing Monopoly on a Saturday afternoon. The fresh breeze tangles the curtains.
"Did you hear something?" Zoe asks. "Yeah, someone's here," I stand up and walk over to the door. "Cat! What are you doing here?" I ask. Not that I'm not glad to see him, but he usual messages me first. "Princess, I'm sick," he starts coughing. "Why did-" Oh. Cat doesn't have a mother or someone to take care of him. "Its all right, Kitty. I'll take care of you," I say in a soothing voice. I take his hand, and lead him over to the couch.
"Zoe? Can you stay with Cat while I find the thermometer?" "I'll do it, Mari. Stay here with Cat," she says. I brush aside some of his fluffy blond hair. "Your sweating, Cat."
Luckily, Zoe brings down the thermometer and a damp washcloth. I gently place it on Cat's forehead.
"mmm, its a little high," Zoe turns to look at me. Cat watches us, then a soft meow escapes, and I can see his hand shaky. I grasp it, tightly.
Zoe checks his pulse and stands up. "I'm going to get some medicine. But before I go, how did it happen Cat?" "I was with Ladybug yesterday when it starting rain. Akuma attack," Cat whispers.
"its probaly just a bad cold," Zoe smiles at me. "Haven't been sleeping well either," Cat tells her. He does look tired, even with the mask on. "I'll be back soon," Zoe says. I grab the keys to the aparment so she can let herself back in.
I get a blanket for Cat after she leaves. Luckily, its fresh out of the dryer so its nice and warm. I throw it over him, and I hear a purr as he snuggles up to its warmth. "Princess," he starts. I sit back down on the chair next to him, "Shh, just rest. I want you to feel better," I tell him and I lean forward to kiss his forehead. "Your my cure, Princess," he whispers and closes his eyes. Five minutes later, he's asleep.
I want him to sleep, and to feel safe here. Last week he told me that there's no heat in his room, but his Father refuses to fix it. No wonder he's sick. I sigh. I'm only sixteen, and though I know how to take care of people with me being Ladybug, this is different. But I'm going to accept the challenge, because I love Cat Noir.
Zoe comes back in, quietly. "Did you pick up some medicine?" I ask. "Yes," we're both whispering because Cat is still asleep. "The more he sleeps the better."
"Ladybug?" I can hear Cat call groggily from the couch, and I rush over. "No, Ladybug's not here."
"Mari," he says, as he strokes my arm. "Could you get Ladybug? I just want her to tell me its okay," his eyes are bright. "Of course." He grabs my arm. "I love you, Mari. But if I don't show up for patrol she's going to worry," and he starts coughing again.
"Okay!" We both look up to see Zoe with some medicine and a spoon in her hand. "take to take your medicine Cat," she says. Cat looks at her and then the bottle, then me. "Can Ladybug do it?" he whispers. "If I can't get a hold of her in five, I'll give to you," I say. "Ladybug" will be here, all right.
I walk out the door and walk into the supply closet. "He sounds bad," Tikki says. "That's why we need to go take care of him. Tikki, spots on!"
I walk back into the room, and Cat is half-buried under the covers. It looks like he wants to go back to sleep, but waiting for me. "Hey, Bugaboo. Did Mari tell you I was sick?" he asks. I nod. "She'll be back soon." "M'lady, would you do me a favor?" he asks. I nod. "Would you read the book about the steam shovel? Its up in Mari's room." He gives me a look that melts my heart. "Sure. But first, your medicine," I say. Zoe pours the right dosage and hands me the spoon. "Open up Kitty," and I pop the spoon into his mouth. He sticks out his tongue at the spoon, but he did what he was supposed to do.
"Right, one story coming right up!" I walk upstairs to grab the book, then come sit by Cat. He leans his head against my shoulder. It is nice to be loved and trusted this way. I glance at Cat's expression while I read, and I can't tell what he's thinking. "Mari will be back any minute," I tell him, standing up. "Thanks, M'lady. I like the sound of your voice," Cat says, then falls asleep again. "Make sure he gets some food," I say to Zoe. "Okay, thanks for coming Ladybug," she says.
I walk out destransform, then come back in. "How's he doing?" I ask, Zoe, filling a teakettle with water. "Well, Ladybug came by. Read him a story and now he's asleep again," Zoe says. "I'm getting some lunch together though," I watch her butter bread for grill cheese and the soup is bubbling away.
We work in comfortable silence and eventually the food is ready, but Cat is still asleep. "You want to finish the game?" I ask, gesturing that the game board is still on the table. I get out my knitting after and began to work.
Eventually, Cat wakes up and he looks a little better. "Mari, your back," he says, and holds my hand. "I'm here," I say. "Would you like some some soup?" I ask. "Love some."
Cat tries to eat from his cup I gave him, but his hand is shaking to much. "Here. Let me," I say, gently. I spoon the warm soup into his mouth, and my eyes are locked his. This is what loving each other is all about.
I realize something. No matter if I'm Ladybug or Marinette I love Cat Noir. He may not know the "real" me yet, but that's just a matter of time. Better or for worse, I will always love my Kitty. Even if he's having a sick day and he will get better, I'm glad I have Zoe for a friend, and a loving Cat who loves me back.
