A/N: Wow, I never realized you guys liked Chapter 5 that much ("Fangs Bared, Claws Out") lol ^^ I really very appreciate the emails, PMs and reviews I received and that you guys answered my question! :3

Part 2 to "Fangs Bared, Claws Out" will be released tomorrow (Friday)! Stay tuned! Depending on the reviews to the second part I was thinking of maybe turning it into a mini story. ^^

ANSWERS TO REVIEWS:

Ellie: haha Thanks so much! I still can't believe people get excited over this (since I don't write for the Miraculous fandom for too long) ^^

OtakuGamer69: Thank you so much for answering! :D The release for the second part is in the Author's note! :)

Rated: K+

Enjoy!

Fireflies

"Good evening,"

Marinette jumped, whirling around to face the familiar voice of her partner, "W-wha- Chat Noir?" she spotted him perched comfortably on her balcony railing, the metal that should be too thin to balance on not fazing him in the least.

Chat Noir's ears drooped against his head as he took a feline-like leap to come closer, "Sorry, did I startle you? I can leave if you want," she could see the barely-there twitch of his muscles, indicating another leap, but she beat him to it.

"No, no, I," she laughed, resting her hand against the side of her face, "I'm sorry, I was thinking about something and I didn't expect you to come," she regarded him curiously, before noticing the agitated motions his tail was making.

Despite the thing being an inanimate object, a belt simply wrapped around his waist, whenever he had it on like this it was as if it had a mind of its own, swishing sometimes gently when he was calm or breaking into quicker whips and swishes when he seemed nervous or irritated. That had also been a tell-tale sign of his mood she used to her advantage, like now.

"Is something wrong kitty?" her nickname for him seemed to have snapped him out of his brooding mood, flashing her the sliver of a smile, before sadness took over his features again.

"Not to worry princess, I promise nothing is amiss," he grinned, before tentatively asking, "Would you mind a stray cat keeping you company?" he inclined his head and Marinette couldn't help but smile, her features softening.

"Not at all," she gestured for him to come closer, "Unfortunately, I don't have any catnip, but maybe chocolate cookies would suffice?" Marinette swore she heard Tikki utter a soft huff from her hiding spot behind a flower pot and she had to suppress a giggle.

Jumping down from his delicate perch, Chat's ears perked up when he spotted the small box filled with the still warm goods, "Don't think I haven't seen through your plan, princess," claws grabbed the first cookie from the bunch, eyes gleaming in awe and gratefulness, "You're trying to make me gain weight," he sent her a smirk before swallowing the cookie whole.

He didn't know how Marinette or her parents or really anyone who ever ate in a bakery before could resist not eating even more of the stuff. It was delicious and sweet and fluffy and perfectly baked to perfection. He mentally made a note to ask Natalie about ordering from the Dupain-Chengs more often.

Marinette smirked, giggling at Chat's elated expression as he chewed on his cookie, "Well, that wouldn't be so bad would it kitty?" she gently poked his firm stomach, "You're too thin as it is,"

Chat blinked, "I…have to watch my weight," he mumbled something about today being a "cheat day" as he took another cookie.

Both leaned against the metal railing of Marinette's balcony and she set the box aside once both were full, enjoying the small snack they shared and the peacefulness that surrounded them.

Hawkmoth had been unusually quiet the past week, only three akuma attacks to take care of along with everyday crimes in the streets. It certainly seemed like Chat Noir and Ladybug could finally catch a break.

It came as a much-needed rest for both Adrien and Marinette, with the increased workload in school and with Adrien's modelling schedule.

Marinette glanced at the superhero beside her, trying to deduce what was wrong. He seemed fine now, the anxiety he had shown earlier completely gone, his face relaxed. She hummed softly. Well, she wouldn't bring it up now, least she wanted to sadden him again. Stifling a yawn, Marinette stared up at the sky, covered with shining stars, one brighter and bigger than the other.

From the corner of his eyes, Chat eyed her carefully, assessing her mood. She seemed at ease, so unlike her nervous, jittery demeanor whenever she was around him as Adrien. He couldn't put his finger on it, he shared his thoughts with Nino about unintentionally scaring her but his DJ friend had only laughed and shaken his head.

Plagg had demanded for more cheese and had snickered, the sly cat god.

Directing his gaze towards the dark sky above, he released a soft hum, tail gently flicking behind him, "See those stars, princess?" he pointed up at them and Marinette followed his line of sight, "They're beautiful,"

"Just like Ladybug?" Marinette quirked a brow playfully, giggling. Of course, her kitty would insinuate something along those lines…

Chat uncharacteristically stilled, "Actually, I was about to say someone else," he turned to look at her meaningfully, but her gaze was already focused on the stars and Chat felt himself smile.

She sighed, "Don't be silly kitty, I know you're joking," she smiled at him then, "Besides, they're not all stars,"

Chat Noir rose an eyebrow curiously, "What do you-" his eyes widened when one of the so called 'stars' gently floated past his face, instinctively he made to swipe at it, "Fireflies?" he followed one floating blob of light curiously.

Marinette laughed at his feline antics, "Mhmm," she said simply, her bluebell eyes shining brightly in amusement as Chat composed himself once more.

"I often come up here when it's night to see them. They…they make me calm after a stressful day," she rested her chin on her hand, watching the fireflies peacefully.

The boy beside her observed her before looking back up at the sky, "Hm…would you mind a stray visiting you once in a while and…keeping you company?" there was a hint of the previous sadness she had seen in him earlier there and Marinette smiled. She moved closer and squeezed his shoulder, like she so often did when she was Ladybug and leaned her body against his, arms resting on the railing.

"No, not at all kitty," she could hear the same distinctive purr when she leaned against him, with her head nestled comfortably on his shoulder, it was the same sound she heard as Ladybug once, "How do you do that?"

"Do what?" Chat looked at her with a warm smile.

She playfully poked his chest, "Purr like a real cat,"

Chat flushed brilliantly, quickly returning his attention to the sky above, trying to ignore the warmth her body emitted from right beside him, "I-uhh, I…" Marinette had to suppress a giggle, he was behaving a bit like she usually did around Adrien, with his newfound stuttering now, "I-It's not really something I can control.." his ears flattened against his head, "Sorry…"

Feeling guilty, Marinette smiled gently and lightly rubbed one of his ears, making him jump, "It's alright kitty, I don't mind," looping her arm through his, Marinette blushed at her actions, trying to hide her face against his forearm, nestling closer into him.

Did she really just say that?

Chat regarded her for a moment before smiling as he noted the dark blush of her cheeks. He chuckled and reveled in her warmth and presence and tightened his hold on her arm just a bit, "Marinette?" he spoke so softly he was afraid she might not hear him.

When he looked down at her again to check if she heard him, she seemed to be sound asleep and he couldn't hide the fond smile from nearly splitting his face.

Carefully reaching around her, he pulled the blanket closer over her body. Looking at the top of her head, he decided against kissing it, instead he buried his face in her dark blue tresses and stayed like that, his eyes looking oddly vulnerable and open, "I wasn't joking, princess…" he sighed into her hair softly, "Yeah…these fireflies and the stars are beautiful," his expression softened as he gently ran a clawed finger down the side of her smooth cheek, "Just like you," he purred, the sound low and soft, nuzzling her affectionately.

With his head resting against her own one and his tail securely wrapped around her waist and the edge of the railing so they didn't fall while asleep, he closed his eyes and let the soft glow of the fireflies around them and the welcoming scent of his princess lure him to sleep.

If I had a choice

If love was a choice

You would be my first

And my last one

Thank you a lot for reading, reviewing, favoriting and following! :) BTW: The quote here in italics is one I made up! :3