On patrol that night, Ladybug and Chat Noir were both quiet. After finishing their route, they stopped at a favorite lookout, atop the Trocadero, looking at the Eiffel tower.
"Cat got your tongue, My Lady?" inquired Chat Noir, breaking the silence.
"You wish," flirted back Ladybug, but it was half-hearted.
"Is civilian life getting you down?" asked Chat, shifting a little closer to put an arm around Ladybug. For once she didn't swat him away, but instead leaned in and rested her head on his shoulder. Chat's heart started beating faster, and he became very aware of his body in contact with hers.
"Chat, do you ever wish that daily life could be as simple as superhero life?" said Ladybug, gazing out at the sparkling Tower.
Behind the mask, Adrien's heart squeezed. "I was just pawndering that the other day, actually," he said, his voice a little thick. Ladybug didn't seem to notice.
"People think we're so amazing because we fight akumas and pull off daring rescues and things, but I'm just a person!" cried Ladybug, clenching her fists. "I mean, I'm insecure and I put toothpaste on my zits just like every other teenager! And I can't always do the right thing, it isn't always so clear what the right thing is in civilian life, you know, you can't help but be disappointing to people." She drooped her head. "Especially people who prefer superheroes." Chat Noir was amazed by the bitterness in her voice.
"How can you be so hard on yourself, Princess?" he asked, incredulous, lifting her chin delicately in his leather-clad glove. "You are my Ladybug, in or out of the mask."
Chat Noir looked out over Paris again. "But I know how you feel. I can't help but think I'm better when I'm Chat Noir, superhero, rather than just a teenager people can push around, who can't stand up to his fa-" Chat Noir stopped talking abruptly and stood up, stalking along the edge of the roof.
"Oh my chaton, I'm sure that's not true." Ladybug was softly there, behind him. Tentatively, she wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his shoulder. Chat Noir stiffened, and then melted. Inside, he purred, as Ladybug pressed her long body against his, both comforting and electrifying. Chat Noir bravado returned to Adrien Agreste, and he had an idea that was not entirely selfish.
"Not entirely, my lady… as it turns out, there is an event that might just be purrfect for an appearance of our super selves.." He turned to stick his face into hers, grinning.
She laughed, exasperated, but cheered by his energy. "Oh? Is it the release of a new fan poster of you at the stationary store?"
"I've inspired more than a poster this time bugaboo! My charm is going to be all over a catwalk, and that's no pun!"
Marinette's brain did a double take. How could Chat have found out about the fashion show? But she played along. Ladybug certainly supported the children's shelter, and Ladybug wasn't afraid to talk to Adrien Agreste, the star of the show…
"So what are you proposing, chaton?"
"Make an appearance with me, my lady, for a good cause- and to show you the effect your Chat has on certain artistic young ladies.." He wiggled his eyebrows at her and she had to laugh. "Ok! she agreed. But I'll have to be late. My civilian self has familial obligations that night."
"Mine too, Ladybug, but better late superheroes than none at all!" He dramatically bowed, kissed her hand, and triple flipped off the roof. Chat Noir would be quite late to the show, but Adrien would be looking meowvelous, if he dared to say so himself.
Ladybug watched him go, mind also lingering on Adrien Agreste.