Chapter 13 – Contradicting Signals

Silence had fallen between the superhero duo. But it wasn't uncomfortable. Both peered out at the dark horizon, lost in their own inner musings. While the grip was loose, Ladybug's gloved fingers were still intertwined with Chat Noir's. She felt that he needed a sense of comfort and if she were honest with herself, she didn't want to let go. Perhaps it was selfish but there was something fundamentally right in holding his hand. Sometimes Chat Noir seemed to be a very extension of herself. No, that wasn't right. He was his own person yet he somehow made her feel complete.

All her insecurities were brushed aside when she was with her partner. Those times when she doubted herself he was there to raise her back up again. Ladybug hadn't been lying when she said he always did the right things. Just sometimes he did it in the most awkward way. Plus, there were the times when he got distracted in showing off. An amused smile tugged at her lips. Chat Noir was often a goofball but she couldn't fault him for it. Cheekiness was part of his unique charm. It was just frustrating when he decided to focus on impressing her rather than on the job at hand. But there were no akumas tonight.

Being so high up on the Eiffel Tower meant the temperature was colder than at its base. The breeze was picking up speed and the earlier warmth of the evening was gone. Ladybug turned her head in preparation to speak to Chat Noir but found him already looking at her. Those feline eyes barely blinked and the expression on his face was serious. The grip of his hand tightened against hers and he leaned towards her with an intent she couldn't deny.

Panic had her shying away. They could not kiss. Ladybug and Chat Noir could not become involved, even if her conviction on that theory was starting to flake around the edges.

Chat Noir's features fell as he tilted away his head with dejection. His voice was a croaked plea. "I thought…" he started as he raised their joined hands as evidence, "…that maybe you changed your mind."

As much as it pained her, Ladybug withdrew her hand from his. Immediately missing the warmth of his touch. "I'm sorry, Chat. I was just offering comfort."

His Adam's apple bobbed as he stared after her departed hand. "Oh."

While he said little, his body language spoke volumes. Chat Noir's now free hands curled into loose fists which he settled on his knees. He sat straight yet his shoulders were slumped forward and his chin had dropped to almost touch the bell below. Feline ears were twisted away from his face in distress while his tail hung limply by his right leg.

"Chat," she called softly but he wouldn't look at her. Ladybug called his name again, catching his chin with her fingers and gently easing his head her way. "I'm sorry."

A deep furrow settled between Chat Noir's masked eyebrows. "I know. I shouldn't have pushed." His voice dropped to a whisper Ladybug suspected she wasn't meant to hear. "Shouldn't have hoped."

The misery in his tone had her dragging him into her arms for a comforting hug. For a moment he didn't hug her in return but then seemed to surrender. His frame relaxed and his arms encircled her in return. Chat's cheek was pressed to hers and she felt the tip of his nose trail along the shell of her ear. A tendril of her hair tickled her ear as he exhaled and she instinctively shoved him away with a giggle.

With hands raised and the side of her head tucked against her shoulder, Ladybug was about to tease Chat Noir about tickling but her partner had shot to his feet. His top teeth were pressed deeply into his bottom lip as he studied her with a look that spoke of agony. "I've got to go." He uttered in a rush as he extended his baton and disappeared into the night.

How to rip out a boy's heart without even realising it. Poor Chat.

More on his feelings next chapter and how he perceived Ladybug's reaction. Stay tuned! :)