Secrets, Lies, and Everything Else Chapter 11: "More Than a Friend Part 4"
Marinette opened the trapdoor leading to her balcony, hauling herself up.
"Chat?"
The black-clad superhero turned to face her in response, his costume cat ears perked up in interest.
"Hello, Purrincess. Care to join me?" He was sitting on the railing again, as usual.
Marinette warned, "You're going to fall from there, one day."
"Oh come on, don't be such a killjoy." Chat huffed dramatically.
The bluenette laughed, resting her elbows on the railing as she gazed up ahead. It was getting darker outside, the baby blue sky turning into a more saturated indigo color.
Marinette closed her eyes, almost amazed by how calm she was. When she was with Chat Noir, it was like she could just be herself. It was actually quite fun having him around. As Ladybug, she felt like she had to be her best self, her superhero self. But Marinette didn't have to live up to those standards. She didn't have to act like everything was okay. She felt like she could tell Chat everything. He was a true friend that was always there for her.
Standing here with Chat enveloped her in a whole new kind of tranquility. Time seemed to slow down just enough for her to catch up and cherish the moment.
"Chat..." She began slowly, opening her eyes.
"Yeah?"
"Do...do you ever worry about Ladybug?"
The question caught him off guard, "What?"
"Ladybug...she...how do you keep loving her?"
"What do you mean?"
"...even after she rejects you so many times. How do you find the courage to keep loving her?" Marinette repeated.
"Uhhhh...I guess I hadn't really thought about it." Chat admitted, rubbing the back of his neck with a gloved hand.
"Aren't you scared?"
"Of what?! What's there to be scared about?"
"When...when you first said you loved her...when you gave her the rose..."
"Wait, you know about the ro-"
"-I saw a video of it on the LadyBlog. Anyways...how did you do that? Why weren't you worried that she would reject you? And even when she did, you didn't give up. You still haven't given up."
"Why would I give up? I know she's going to love me someday. After all, we're meant for each other." Chat spoke, this time with less certainty. What if Marinette was right? Should he be scared? And was he really meant to be in love with Ladybug? What about Marinette?
Marinette giggled, "You're right. She's the only one who doesn't see it." She flushed pink. Why had she said that?!, "Uhh, forget I said that...heh..."
Chat tried to make eye contact with her, but Marinette just seemed to be staring off into space. The shine in her bright lavender eyes suddenly dulled, "I want to tell him. I really do." She whispered, tightening her grip on the railing, "But it's so hard, Chat."
Chat didn't even have to ask who she was talking about.
He knew she was talking about Luka.
It had to be Luka.
She didn't need to tell him.
Luka loved her anyway.
He always would.
That's what made it so frustrating.
The blonde gave her a forced smile, "...you should tell him how you feel. I'm sure he loves you back."
"Really? I wish. He's such a kindhearted and benevolent person. He's amazing. But we're friends, nothing else."
Chat looked down, his tail and ears drooping, "No...I...I think that you're much more than friends."
His smile wavered, "Y-you and Luka would be a great match."
Marinette sighed dreamily, "Yeah, we- Wait, Luka? I wasn't talking about-" But when Marinette turned around, Chat was long gone.
;.;.;.;.;.;. ❤️ ADRIEN ❤️ .;.;.;.;.;.;
Chat jumped through the open window leading inti his room, "Plagg, claws in."
"Why did you tell her that?! I thought you DIDN'T want her to be with Luka!" Plagg said.
"It's not my decision, Plagg, it's hers. And she obviously likes him a lot. What else was I supposed to say?"
"How do you even know it's Luka?"
"Who else could it be?"
Plagg refrained from rolling his eyes. Let's just say you'd be surprised. The cat kwami didn't have time to say another snarky comment, as footsteps were heard from the corridor.
"Quick! Hide, Plagg."
Nathalie opened the door, "Adrien. There you are. I wanted to know if you're caught up with all of your schoolwork."
"Yes, Nathalie, I am." Adrien said.
"Good." She was about to shut the door, but hesitated.
"Where were you? Your Father and I couldn't find you, even after searching the whole mansion.
"I just went out for some fresh air."
"I thought the doors were locked."
"Maybe you forgot to lock them."
"Adrien, your Father is concerned about how cold you've been lately. He hardly sees you anymore."
"Father and concerned in the same sentence? I doubt that."
"Fine. I'm concerned about how cold you've been lately. I know your Father is...strict, sometimes, but does genuinely care for you." She continued, "I think that you should have some friends over tomorrow after school."
"Really? ...but Father would never allow it."
"That's why we won't tell him about it." Nathalie said, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Adrien brightened.
;.;.;.;.;.;. ❤️ NATHALIE ❤️ .;.;.;.;.;.;
"Nathalie, are you sure about this?" Duusuu squeaked as Nathalie closed the door.
Nathalie nodded, "It'll only be for one afternoon. Gabriel won't mind."
;.;.;.;.;.;. ❤️ MARINETTE ❤️ .;.;.;.;.;.;
"Tikki? How does Chat Noir even know Luka?" Marinette asked.
"He's seen Luka a couple times before." Tikki said.
"No, like how does he know that...Luka and I...you know..."
"He does patrol the city. He might have seen you and Luka together." The red-and-black spotted kwami justified.
"Well, Chat Noir is very observant. Still. He must have known us very well...what if I know Chat Noir?! In real life?!"
Tikki laughed nervously, "Him just happening to see you and Luka doesn't mean you know him."
Marinette shrugged it off, "You're right, I shouldn't jump to conclusions. Might as well get back to designing the Kitty Section clothes." She started to get working on the stitching and designs, but Chat's strange behavior never left her mind...
Hope you enjoyed the update! :D