Chapter Three

Fifteen minutes felt like an eternity. At least while Chat Noir had been with her for patrol she had something to distract her. Now time seemed to dawdle at a pace that even a snail would consider slow. Letting out a frustrated sigh, Ladybug made herself do an extra circuit of the last section of the patrol route. When she completed it in thirteen minutes, she figured it was long enough. Any chance of accidently crossing paths with her partner were pretty slim now.

Taking a steadying breath, Ladybug did her best to calm her nerves before heading in the direction of Adrien's home. Goosebumps sprouted on her arms and she was thankful that her suit concealed that little tell-tale sign. As she rounded the corner, her eyes locked onto the single open window to Adrien's room. Did she just swing in? It kind of seemed rude not to knock. Besides she should probably check he was alone.

Landing on the opposite rooftop, Ladybug stooped behind a chimney and took a moment to observe the room. A frown spread across her face as she saw that Adrien did in fact have company. The boy was busy talking and gesturing animatedly to his father. She noticed that his head kept swaying slightly towards the open window. Eventually his father said something stiffly back and departed. Adrien's shoulders sagged, whether it was in relief or defeat, Ladybug was unsure.

The heroine was considering delaying it five minutes before approaching when she saw the model checking the time and looking at the window. That was enough encouragement to get her moving. Crossing the distance, Ladybug landed on the window ledge with a smile. "Hi Adrien."

His eyes widened and he staggered back momentarily then grinned at her as he composed himself. "Hi Ladybug," he said in tone that was rather breathless.

As she dropped into the room there was a knock at Adrien's door. The boy snatched up her hand and pulled her behind his large television. "Quick, hide." He danced to the other side and plonked on his white lounge and hit the remote. "Come in," he said as he slouched back as if he'd been there for a while.

Nathalie walked in with a platter. Adrien jumped up and retrieved it from her. "I don't understand why you want to eat now, Adrien."

"I gave half my lunch to a friend who forgot theirs at school. I guess dinner didn't fill me up."

"Don't make this a habit. Your father won't approve."

"He made that pretty clear earlier."

"Very well. Remember to take this back to the kitchen when you're finished. Good night."

Ladybug peered through the gap between the TV and its stand. Adrien lay the tray down on the coffee table and glanced over his shoulder to ensure the door had closed behind Nathalie. With her gone, he rushed back to Ladybug. "Sorry about that."

The heroine stood up. "Should I go? I don't want to get you into trouble."

"No, no, no." He said with raised hands and building alarm. "They usually leave me alone to do homework and go to bed at this time. Getting something to eat has kind of thrown out my usual routine."

Worry gnawed at Ladybug, if his routine had been disrupted would his assumption be correct? "If I'd known you were hungry I could have brought something with me."

"I'm okay. But I'd be a bad host if I didn't provide something for you."

Ladybug's heart leapt to her throat as she took in Adrien's sincere expression. He was standing tall, hands clasped in front of him as he eagerly awaited her response. Goodness, he was keen for her approval. She could feel her usual skittishness rising to the fore. She couldn't stutter in front of him. "T-thanks." She inwardly kicked herself as she made her way from behind the TV, frowning slightly as she sat down.

Adrien caught her look of displeasure. "I hope fruit is okay. I can try and get something else if you prefer."

She shook her head. "It's perfect," she reassured him and picked up a strawberry as if to prove it. Unfortunately, this drew Adrien's gaze to her mouth and she had to remind herself to chew. When he sat beside her, she glanced away. He was giving her the sort of smoulder she'd only seen in magazines. Magazines that she'd poured over for hours, fantasising that he was thinking about her.

As he moved to pick up his own strawberry, his knee pressed to hers and when he sat back he shifted close enough for their shoulders to brush. Her eyes darted to his and her breath hitched. All her assurances to Alya that Adrien would be disappointed with Ladybug seemed moot. There was no disapproval in his eyes. She found herself captivated by his gaze, unconsciously leaning towards him as she considered the emotions playing within them. It was only as his fingers grazed her cheek that she realised he'd been drawn closer too.

"Ladybug," he whispered.

"Yes?"

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

That question had her sitting back. His fingers falling away in surprise. She didn't have a boyfriend, but she did have a rather possessive partner. Alya's cautioning comments floated in her head. What would Chat Noir think of this development? She unintentionally thought out loud. "He doesn't know."

Adrien shot away from her. "What do you mean he doesn't know? Oh no, you do have a boyfriend!"

Ladybug shook her head. "No, I mean Chat Noir doesn't know I'm here."

The model relaxed but eyed her. "So, you immediately think of Chat Noir when asked about a boyfriend?"

"A lot of people assume we're a couple."

He laid his hands on his knees as he studied them. "It kind of makes sense. You do spend a lot of time together."

"You spend a lot of time with Chloe Bourgeois, does that make her your girlfriend?"

Adrien waved his hands frantically. "Definitely not. I think of Chloe as only a friend."

"See, it's the same with Chat and I."

"Oh." His hands fisted on his knees.

Ladybug touched his shoulder, drawing his immediate attention. "While Chat means a lot to me, he's easily excitable and a bit immature. He's a great partner and I trust him with my life, it's just that I'm not attracted to him that way."

Adrien's shoulders slumped slightly, then he straightened as he looked her in the eyes. "What about me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Are you attracted to me?"

A hue as red as her mask spread across her cheeks, but she maintained eye contact. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."

His eyes widened and he swallowed. "Ladybug, can I kiss you?"

Her voice was barely audible. "Yes."

With trembling hands, Adrien cupped her face. Both shuffled closer to the other. Ladybug bit her bottom lip, drawing his gaze. "You're so beautiful," he murmured as he closed his eyes. Their lips were a whisper away when there was a knock at the door. Adrien let out a groan of frustration as he let her go. The heroine crouched down so she wasn't visible on the lounge from the doorway.

The cool voice of Gabriel Agreste sounded through the door. "Time for bed, Adrien."


Almost busted... awkward! Will the date continue or will Ladybug run away? Find out in the next chapter.

Thanks for reading!