It became increasingly more difficult for Ladybug after those few instances. She was just so drawn to Chat, it was hard to back off. Which usually resulted in something almost happening, and one, or both, of them realizing. And putting a stop to it. Albeit, reluctantly.

It helped when he had to leave.

Not that she didn't want him there, it was the exact opposite, really! She wanted him there TOO much. Like, all the time.

Which was ridiculous.

Right?!

It shouldn't be possible to be so attached to someone after such a short time. And on top of it, she didn't even know who she was yet!

And on top of all that, she was starting to get bored.

There was so much she could do, but she didn't want to be snoopy. No matter how many times Chat told her it was perfectly fine. That he had nothing to hide.

But still.

Ladybug entered the kitchen in a sky blue tank top with clouds all over and grey capris, empty coffee cup in hand. She made her way to the coffee pot, intent on fixing herself another cup, when she saw movement out the back window.

Odd.

Trick of the light? Stray animal? Trees casting shadows? But then she remembered, there were no trees in Chats yard.

Standing on her tippy toes, still in front of the coffee pot, she tried to see if she could catch whatever it was again, without moving and giving away she may be there. In case it was a burglar

But she didn't see any movement again. And just as she was reaching for her phone, she saw a small old man wearing a straw hat walk past the window.

And froze.

What should she do? Did she call Chat? The Police? Were the doors locked? The windows?! Was he trying to rob Chat?!

OK, that one seemed a bit ridiculous, even to her, despite them being her own spiraling thoughts. The man just seemed too small. And a bit too old.

What could he possible take with him, if he was trying to steal?

Maybe she'd just call Chat. That seemed the best choice.

So, mind made up, she started to reach for the house phone set on the shelf above the coffee pot when there was a knock at the back door.

And she froze.

"Hello. Miss Ladybug?"

Well... That crossed off burglar.

What burglar in their right mind would knock on the door and call for her?! Let alone know she was there?!

Relief flooded her.

And she finally unfroze, springing into action and running to the door. Sliding the locks aside - another thing crossed off, the doors were, indeed, locked - and threw the door open.

He was smaller than she expected. At least a whole foot shorter than herself.

And she was pretty short!

In addition to his straw hat, he wore khaki shorts with a pair of work gloves sticking out from a pocket, and a red and white Hawaiian shirt and gardening boots. And he had the warmest smile she had ever seen. Like a little old grandpa, smiling at his most beloved grandchild.

And it instantly put her at ease.

Realizing suddenly she was being rude by staring, she blushed, and coughed a bit.

"Sorry," she started. "I wasn't expecting anyone."

He smile knowingly. "No worries, Miss Ladybug. I was informed you would be here. I am Mister Fu, and I take care of Chats lawn and garden." He pressed both hands together i front of his chest and gave a small bow.

Well, that certainly explained alot!

Ladybug felt a bit embarrassed to have jumped to such wild conclusions. Even if nobody knew about them but herself.

Having forgot her manners momentarily, she quickly extended her hand to shake his.

" Hello Mister Fu! It's wonderful to meet you! Just the other day I was out in the yard and wondered how Chat kept everything so immaculate!"

With a secret smile, the old man replied, "Ancient Chinese secret." and put a finger up to his lips in a shhh motion.

Giggling, she found herself completely charmed.

"Well Mister Fu, I was about to pour some more coffee, but perhaps instead, I could make some lemonade. If you would care for some?"

The man gave a hum and a small smile.

"That would be lovely. I was just coming to tell you I was all finished, and to introduce myself. In case you had thought I was up to no good." he said with a wink.

Her eyes widened briefly, and her cheeks colored.

Mind reading was not a thing! Just be calm!

" Of course not!" she stated, a bit to loudly. While she was sure she wasn't fooling anyone, she was loathe to admit it out loud.

Thankfully, he didn't say anymore on it.

He simply stated, "I will put away the rest of my things, and be back shortly to join you for that lemonade."

With a nod of her head, he turned and went back to the yard. He picked up a small basket, with a few gardening tools sticking out of it, and headed back around the side of the house.

Turning back to the kitchen, she quickly made the lemonade, and placed it, along with 2 glasses on a tray. And as an afterthought, plated a few of the croissants Chat habitually kept stocked. By some miracle, she managed to make it outside without spilling the contents of the tray. Barely.

As she was setting the tray down on the coffee table, Mister Fu came back into view from around the house. No gloves in his pocket this time.

Assuming that meant he was all finished, she took a seat on one of the patio seats. And as Fu started making his way towards her, she began to pour lemonade into both glasses.

Taking a seat, he accepted the glass she handed him with a smile.

"Thank you Ladybug! This is very much appreciated."

Smiling back at him, she picked up a croissant first, and broke off a small piece.

"Your very welcome! I could really use the distraction! I was just thinking how bored I was getting." After making that statement, she popped the croissant piece into her mouth.

Sipping from his glass, Fu hummed in thought. "Well, if you ever find yourself bored, there are some gardening tools in the shed. You are welcome to tend anything you want. I am not territorial at all!"

Eyes widening, she stared at him for a moment, before grinning widely.

"Thank you!! That would be wonderful! When I was a teenager, I used to have a small garden on the balcony above my room." She chewed another small piece of her food before continuing.

"I really missed it when I moved. But my new apartment didn't have a balcony, let alone enough room inside to set up a corner for anything."

"Is that so?!" he questioned. "What did you enjoy growing, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Of course not!" she grinned.

Wiping her hands together to remove all the crumbs after finishing her croissant. Picking up her glass, she leaned back into the seat.

"Mostly potted flowers. Daisies, and lilies. And a few I never did find out the name of." she admitted with a giggle. " Aloe. We used that alot! And then just a couple herbs. My papa makes a fantastic herbed baguette."

"Sounds delicious." Fu hummed.

"Oh, it is! It's been awhile since I've visited them. I suppose I'll have to stop by, and talk him into making me some." she stated with a wink.

"You'll have to tell me when that is, so that I might talk him into one for myself." he said softly.

With a wide grin on her face, Ladybug nodded her head enthusiastically! "Oh, absolutely!! He wouldn't mind at all! When I was in school, he used to send me to school with enough treats for all of my friends! "

Smiling fondly, she ran a finger gently around the rim of her now empty glass, lost in thought.

It had been so long since she had seen those friends. Maybe she should plan something. Try and get them all together. For old times sake. It could be really fun. She could introduce them to Chat. Maybe even use Chats yard for it.

She made a mental note to ask him later.

She was pulled from her thoughts by a hand gently placed on her own, and she lifted her eyes to look into Mister Fu's kind eyes.

"And what were some of their names?" he asked gently.

Her brow creased in a frown. Well, that was a bit presumptuous. She had only just met this man today. It's not like if she even told him their names, he would know who they were!

Come to think of it, she couldn't remember herself!! She could see their faces in her head. Could remember their mannerisms and personality. But when she tried to scramble for names, there was nothing there.

And that was when it hit her.

Her papa!! Her friends! She had remember!

Shooting straight up in her seat, she grabbed at Fu's hand frantically.

"I remembered my friends!" she laughed gleefully. "That was pretty sly."

With an indulgent smile, he said, "Chat told me of your predicament, so when you started talking of it, I saw an opportunity. Nothing more."

Beaming, she gave him a quick hug.

She couldn't wait for Chat to get home so she could tell him all about it.