Let Love Live

Chapter 3

The week between the moment Emmett and Marinette found out they could give a proposal presentation to the school board flew by fast. They gained the help from Max and Markov, who went and worked on the dimensions of the building inside and out. Nino helped by researching audio equipment and even did a little research on acoustics with Simon and Collin, who were in the drama club with Emmett. Nino had been so excited about learning new things about acoustics that Alya got involved in her own way researching the history of the building, its previous owner and the impact it had on Paris.

The group had formed outside the presentation room waiting for Emmett and Marinette. Soon enough they came out faces showing they were still a bundle of nerves.

"Well?" asked Alya impatiently.

Both smiled and jumped up and down very giddy. "They're going to go over our research, but even without it, sounded like they thought the idea could take off."

"Did they give any indication when they would have a final answer?" Nino asked excitedly.

"Well the initial decision will take two weeks, however if they pursue the project we'd be getting weekly updates."

Seeming to be deep in thought, Max adds "Does this mean they will continue to ask our opinions and take our thoughts into consideration?"

Emmett chimed in with the answer, "We had to do a little bit of persuading, but they were finally convinced that we want to be a part of this project from beginning to end. They told us that the professionals will always have the final say, but they want to use this as a service learning project. Each bid they put in with different groups of professionals involves a presentation to be given. If agreed upon by those groups, we will be able to sit in and learn why they choose to do it that way. We'll have the chance to ask questions and have our feed back heard."

"Sounds like a very informative way to learn how restore a building back to life!" Markov said.

The group talked a few more minutes before they broke apart to go home.

Marinette went home and began to work on homework. "Can I have some extra cookies Marinette? You have patrol tonight and I want to be ready for anything."

"Don't be silly you can Tikki, have as many as you want. I can get more from downstairs if I need to."

"Please!" Tikki said eagerly awaiting today's batch of leftovers.

After Marinette got the cookies she settled down and started her writing assignment. She began with a quote from War and Peace, "The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." Tikki giggled. "You should know, you're one tough warrior."

"Thanks Tikki, you're not so bad yourself."

Marinette awoke in a cold sweat and a pounding on her head. She could not remember where she was or what time it was. Once she adjusted to her surroundings she realized she was at her desk and had been doing homework. There was another thud on her head.

"Marinette!" Thud. She rubbed the spot but laid her head back down. Tikki groaned.

"Marinette!" Another thud. Tikki speed onto her charges head as fast as she could. "Marinette, you've got to go meet Chat Noir!" Thud.

Marinette popped up. "Tikki!" relieved Tikki floated to her face. "Finally, I've been trying for a half hour."

"Sorry, I must have dozed off." mumbled Marinette

"That's an understatement. Let's go, then we can come back and go to bed for real." Tikki prodded smiling. That got Marinette moving.

Ladybug landed down gently beside Chat. "Good evening MiLady, I was beginning to wonder if you were okay."

Chat looked LB up and down. She looked thin and pale and just run down.

"I'm good Chat. I had a little cat nap before I arrived." Ladybug rolled her eyes at her own joke, Chat just gave his mischievous smile and replyed "Wanna race?" and leaped off the building.

"That darn Cat."

Soaring across the rooftops of Paris, the couple beautifully played a game of cat and mouse with each other.

Ending up at one of the high beams of the Eiffel Tower, Chat felt energized at happier than he had been in days.

Ladybug however ended up panting, coughing mess. Her head was pounding and this time she knew Tikki had nothing to with it.

"I thought I was the cat Bug! You don't normally let me win with this much of a lead."

Still evening out her breath, "This is the first time you've won Chat. Don't let it go to your brain." She sat down to enjoy the view.

Chat sat beside her and looked at the view himself. He huffed unable to calm his lingering thoughts "Can I ask you something."

Skeptically Ladybug looked at him, she started to open her mouth but Chat interrupted, "It's personal, but has nothing to do with our identities."

Ladybug dropped her shoulders and relaxed, "Okay."

"Are you alright?" Ladybug was confused.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?"

"You look different." "How so?"

Chat had no idea how to explain it. He didn't want to offend her but something just kept nagging at him. He scratched the back of his head and hesitated a moment searching for the right way to say it.

"You look pale, fatigued and just not yourself. Your eyes don't have that gleam and your hair doesn't shine like it used to."

Ladybug didn't know whether to be offended or shocked. Chat went on, "Listen you might just need a good night sleep for all I know. I just worry for you LB. But in my civilian life these signs usually mean one thing. And I don't want that for you."

"Chaton, I am wore out. I've been busy this past week with school things, no need to stress over me. The project I'm in isn't over but it doesn't have any new deadlines, I should be able to focus that time on homework and get to bed earlier. At least I hope." She gave him a kindhearted smile.

But that wasn't enough to satisfy him. So he was stuck being blunt with another girl about her eating habits. He was hoping this wasn't going to become a normal thing for him. "Are you eating?"

"Chat!" she said exasperated. "I'm being serious Ladybug." The look on his face was kind but stern.

She got up to go, but stopped. She paused to think about it and she honestly couldn't remember the last time she had a meal. Being busy with the project took up her lunch period and she used the evenings for homework and patrol, so she hadn't been eating with her parents. She grew frustrated with herself, eating issues isn't really something she thought she had, but maybe with Chat and Adrien both noticing, there could be something to it.

She whispered "No."

Chat saw a myriad of emotions run through her mind through her facial expressions during that time.

"It wasn't intentional. I was busy, or running late, or fell asleep." Ladybugs thoughts were spiraling. Chat softly put his hands on her shoulders. "I believe you."

That was enough to calm her. They smiled at each other "I'll do better" Ladybug stopped when Chats face quickly frowned.

"Your nose is bleeding."

Ladybug took her hand up to her nose, she felt nothing through the gloved hand but there was blood there. Her earring beeped.

They both frowned in confusion. "But I."

"I know." said Chat. "Go home, eat and rest. Maybe that's your kwami's way of agreeing with me."

"You are probably right. Thanks for the talk Chat. You don't need to be concerned about it, I'll be more aware and make a better effort."

"I know you will. Goodnight."

Ladybug threw her yo-yo out and she went jolting through the air. When she reached the balcony and hopped inside her transformation dropped immediately.

"Tikki, what was up with that?"

Tikki shivered horribly. Marinette handed her a cookie she gladly accepted. "It felt like you used 'Lucky Charm' four times."

"Wait, I can do that?"

"Powers evolve over time, usually when a holder is much older. So it has been done before with an experienced holder. But you didn't?

"I didn't use it at all, I just ran with Chat across the City to make sure it was safe and have some fun."

Tikki's face morphed into concern. "Really?"

"Yes, then we had a serious discussion." Marinette frowned.

"Tikki, I haven't had a proper meal in nearly two weeks." As if it was on command Marinette's stomach growled. Tikki gave her a motherly stare.

"Let's not go through that again. I'm sure there are leftovers to warm up in the fridge. And maybe something sweet too."

"Well," said Tikki, "let's go feast." The two giggled together. They feasted then went to bed.

Quick Author Note: My original plan was to have a longer story, but I've come to realize that I just don't have the time to sit and write like I wish. If I just get to the main points I wish to share I'll probably make the time to write. It will still be great, and angsty, because that's what I love to read and write. I also am a lot better at spending time reading than writing. Lol. Enjoy!