[Miraculous MARICHAT]

set after Exaltation

This is after Exaltation didn't end well with our two favorite superheroes. Despite their agreement, the two seem to see each other more often as Marinette and Chat Noir 'accidentally' and would constantly fall in each other's arms.

They were crazy. That's what their mind was telling them for the whole 2 days. It isn't even that long after Exaltation but for some reason, they always end up in this type of situation

"You okay Marinette?" Chat asked helping her up on her feet. Another Akuma victim was yet again terrorizing the City.

It was a photographer who lost his job and his wife on the same day. No wonder that attracted Monarch's attention. For some reason, Monarch didn't grant him the power of one of the kwamis but that doesn't mean they have to let their guard down. who knows what the villain is thinking right now?

"I'm fine," Marinette said and felt a small sting on her right shoulder. "Just a scratch though. Nothing too serious" The Akuma for some reason was taking her hostage a while ago, claiming to be his perfect "muse" for his shoot. Good thing though, Chat Noir saved her.

"You sure? Nothing else hurts?" Chat asked softly while staring at her

her eyes grew as she once again faced to face with him as Marinette. She knows that look in his eyes, It was the look he gave her the night they kissed

She saw him last night when he was patrolling alone. Marinette was 'coincidently' looking out at her balcony when she saw him. He looks sad and very much lost in his thoughts...

Ever since they've been alone again without the other heroes, she was able to be more honest with him as Ladybug (without revealing her identity, of course). She knew how much it hurt him when she kept him at arm's length and how she made him feel like he was unwanted.

"No. It still hurts Chat" she said honestly and she knows he knew what she was talking about.

As Ladybug, it aches her to not tell him about her true feelings, especially after that night.

Chat let out a sigh. Trapping her in his arms, to be honest with himself despite him saying it was for the best, his body and mind still yearn for her. He can't even stop himself from staring at her at school, whenever those bluebell eyes look his way his mind began to jumble and his mouth automatically moved to spit out the random sentence he can conjure. Good thing Marinette was very patient with him that day too. They talk about her sudden behavior towards him and she apologized claiming that she was just a lot jumpy these days because of her late-night designs.

but he knows better. He knows she's trying to get over him and she's managing just fine. She was able to make basic conversation with him. he didn't know if he would be relieved or scared.

He was of course surprised at the sudden change of their dynamic. Right now, it was Adrien who was the one constantly flirting with her... if you call being able to be more affectionate of his words to her "Flirting"

"Oh, Mari..." Chat didn't know what to say to comfort her cause frankly, he was feeling what she was feeling

It didn't matter if the event happened two days ago they know deep down, the sudden realization will forever haunt them down

Marinette continues to sob in his arms while Chat continues to soothe her. He didn't care that an Akuma is out to get his Miraculous, Ladybug can handle it without him for a few minutes. Right now his friend-- Fan... No. HIS Marinette need him and he was not letting himself get her akumatize again because of him

"Take your time Mari. Let it all out"

Because this is for the best. He can never be the one she wants but he'll make sure to be the one she needs

After some time, Marinette calmed down and brought her face to meet his. Their faces were ridiculously close to each other but they didn't care one bit. For once, they want to be selfish. Enjoy each other's warmth, feeling... and love.

God, how can love be so calming and hurtful at the same time?

"Thank you Chat" she brought her hand to his cheek messaging her thumb on his cheekbone "... You should probably go. The city needs you. They need their Hero" she paused thinking if saying, she needs him too would be appropriate.

She'll always need him though. Maybe as not what she wants as Marinette but what she NEEDS as Ladybug.

"Will you be okay?" Chat asked calmly. He doesn't want to leave her in a wrecked state and that's when she was reminded again of how much of a sweetheart her partner is. Why didn't it takes this long for her to figure out her feelings?

Marinette smiled, "I'll be fine..." she heard an explosion from a distance "Go. Save the City. Be a Hero" Be mine

They looked into each other's eyes one more time as if their eyes were communicating. Saying the unsaid words and revealing the secrets they want to share

"Alright, but be safe, Okay? Get in a safe area until Ladybug and I defeat the Akuma and after that..." he stopped.

I'll come back to you

Shoot his lips nearly made him say it

It was not safe

This is for the best

For both of them

He kept chanting it in his mind like a broken alarm clock

Marinette giggled softly as if understanding his words. His sweet, beautiful, thoughtful, brave Marinette

It's so warm

This feeling is the best

For both of them

His heart chant like a sweet melody

"Yeah. I'll hide until The Knight defeats the villain until this Princess is safe" she teased.

That made Chat smile remembering that cute nickname he gave her.

"Yes.." he put his hand on her cheeks making their faces move closer to each other "...My brave Princess Marinette" he whispered

They didn't know who leaned in first nor find it in themselves to care as their lips were once again against each other.

Marinette sighed into the kiss like it was melting her while Chat's other hand moved to encircle them around her hips

Like the First time they kiss, it was warm with so many feelings... so much love yet with a lot of consequences.

They slowly part ways with each other's lips but they were still holding onto one another like it was their lifetime

"Goodbye..." For now, Princess

"Goodbye..." For now, Kitty

They whispered while looking into each other's eyes again but before they could get lost in their little world, a scream can be heard from a distance

Chat slowly detached himself from her and they turned their heads to the other side to prevent them from entering another trance. He got ready to extend his baton to leave but not without looking at her for one last time

"Stay safe. I..." love you

Marinette faced him again and smiled softly "I know and you too, Chat Noir"

Chat finally got into battle leaving Marinette to be able to clear her head and transform.

This feeling is not going to keep her distracted again from her goal. She made a mistake once she's not going to let this ruin this again

Though this is not the frantic and stumbling feelings she had for Adrien. This is much more.