Marinette could not believe how very big the house was. It wasn't a house it was a mansion. It was hidden by lush green trees that lined the path to the hose. The house itself stood tall gleaming white against the sunlight that forced its way through the trees. Marinette felt ladybugs fluttering in her stomach as her car came to a stop. Cat got out first then he opened her door and helped her out. With a smile, he guided Marinette up the steps to the front door and into the mansion. The warm colors inside were a stark contrast to the exterior of the mansion.
"It's so big," Marinette marveled.
"Yes, and safe," Cat agreed.
Cat took Marinette by the hand and proceeded to show her around. He showed her the kitchen stocked with every kind of appliance she could ever need. The cozy dining room with floor to ceiling windows. The living room with a roaring fireplace. Finally, he showed her to her new room. A master suite with an adjoining bathroom. Cat's room was right next to hers. There was a door that connected the two rooms in case Marinette ever needed Cat or vice versa. After Marinette's furniture had been moved inside and the movers left Cat set the alarm. He then went looking for Marinette who was still wandering their new home. After all, he had only shown her the most important rooms. He found her in one of the vacant rooms nearest to hers.
"You know, this would make an excellent workroom," she said as he entered.
"Workroom?"
"I'm a bit of a designer,"
"I didn't know that,"
"Well, my parents kept most of my things since my apartment was so small,"
"Oh,"
"We'll have to go get it," Marinette said.
"We can go now if you'd like,"
"Sure,"
"Marinette?"
"Yeah?"
"Will your parents be scared of me?"
"Well, they'll be surprised but they won't be scared of you,"
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive now, let's go,"
...
True to Marinette's word her parents weren't scared of Cat at all. In fact, they welcomed him with open arms and listened in interest when he told his tale. All of Marinette's design equipment was soon loaded into her car. Before they could leave, however, Sabine insisted they stay for dinner. So, they did. They ate their filling before moving to the living room where Marinette was telling them about how things were going. When she mentioned Theo and what he had done her parents were upset. Not at their daughter. They were upset at themselves but when Cat explained that he took it upon himself to protect Marinette they were relieved. They were surprised at the mention of the mansion. Really, really surprised.
"How are you going to pay for it all?" Tom questioned.
"I had an inheritance and a savings account, trust me we're secure," Cat replied with a smile.
"Okay, just take care of our little ladybug,"
"I will, I promise,"
Cat was serious. If anything were to happen to Marinette he'd blame himself. He wouldn't know what to do. He'd most likely claw himself up in shame. Scar himself to remind him of his tragic mistake. He wouldn't let any harm come Marinette's way. She was way, way more than his friend at this point. He loved her. Really, truely loved her. He loved every little detail. The way she smiled, the constant light in her beautiful bluebell eyes, her kindness. Oh, the kindness. Her kindness was boundless. She took him in. Gave him a home when no one else would dare come neqar him. She chose to be his friend. She comforted him when he had nightmares, she always wanted to know his thoughts. Oh, Marinette was perfect in every way. Which is why thoughts of Theo harming his princess made him angry. Why would anyone want to bring harm to such a kind, gentle girl? Cat would protect her. He would show her what real love was like.. His looks didn't matter anymore. He already knew Marinette would accept him.
Now, how to tell her?
