Simplicity: Chapter Six
Chat slipped out of the narrow window and into the still early morning sun. The sudden change in brightness caused a soft involuntary hiss to escape his lips as he raised his clawed hand to block the offending light. After a moment of adjustment Chat carefully scanned the area before a rumble again seemed to shake all of Paris. Chat stumbled as another tremor rocked the City of Love followed by the sounds of battle and the unmistakable whirling sound of Ladybugs trusty yoyo. "How is she already there" Chat shouted to himself as no one in their right mind was still out and about as the Akuma siren began to blare adding to the cacophony of sound.
"Wait for me, M'Lady" Chat called before launching himself through the air towards the battle to purify the akuma. Chat skidded to a halt as he saw and heard Ladybug shoot by him and into the Seine. "Ladybug? LADYBUG" Chat cried as he leapt from the building he had been running on to land beside the picturesque river where Ladybug was fighting desperately to stay above water. Chat extended his staff out to her where Ladybug grabbed onto the offering gratefully. Chat heaved and retracted his staff simultaneously which resulted in Ladybug rising from the water and landing with a sloppy splat. "Are you alright M'Lady" Chat asked worriedly. Ladybug stood shakily and sighed in relief. "Ya, I'm fine now. Thanks Chat. The akuma is lady who is overworked. She never gets to sleep with all the alarms she has going off to make sure she gets to her appointments on time. Therefore, no one else should be allowed to sleep" Ladybug explained while pulling her yoyo back in. "We gotta stop her before she does some real damage". Without another word, Ladybug flung her yo yo as zipped back into the fray.
Chat stood there dumbstruck for a moment before chuckling "the akuma is the world's most dangerous alarm clock" before he vaulted over the rooftops that separated him from assisting his Lady. The alarm clock that had been installed at the base of the akuma's sledge hammer snapped of easily enough with a solid smack against the pavement before Chat kicked it over to Ladybug as if it were a soccer ball "It's time you did your job M'Lady" Chat called while grinning widely at the exasperated groan Ladybug did not bother to suppress as Chat's many time puns were wearing thin in the still fairly early morning light. "bye bye little butterfly" Ladybug called as she released the purified akuma into the cool Paris morning.
Chat smiled fondly at Ladybug as he sauntered to her side as the predictable news reporters, seeing the situation had been resolved, scurried to get in their questions before the elusive heros made too quick of a getaway only to be disappointed as Ladybug blew them a kiss and zipped away. The only thing the expectant reporters were able to get was Chats "Gotta scat" paired with a two finger salute before he vaulted after his Lady.
Chat landed breathlessly on the roof of the same building Ladybug had claimed as her temporary perch before regaining his composure. "So, M'Lady. That was quite the timeshare we just had" Chat said with a grin that made Ladybug lightly place her palm on her forehead. "That was the absolute worst one today Chat" Ladybug groaned wearily. Chat smiled 'Time to really push your buttons M'Lady', Chat thought pleasantly. "So, M'Lady…Remember how your told me I could find you? Well…". Ladybug stiffened and eyed Chat with suspicion "No offense Chat, but better detectives than you have tried" Ladybug quipped, but this time she did not seem so sure. "M'Lady, why must you make a habit of wounding me so? I am but your humble knight in shining leather and you could say I have finally found My Lady, My dearest Purrincess" Chat cooed as he stepped closer. "I just need to know when you would like me to win. Would you like me to win now, or later" Chat asked expectantly with the look of a cat that had gotten into the cream.
Chat smiled softly as Ladybug fumbled and sputtered for the words she sought to say even as her words seemed to have been reduced to indistinguishable mumbling. "I'm sorry M'Lady, what was that? I could not quite hear you" Chat said playfully as he cupped a clawed hand to one of his cat ears that he wiggled for good measure. "I think nolater…I mean lenow….GGRRRR….Later Chat…Later. If we hang out here too long we will transform back and you will really find out who I am kitty. I don't want to do all your detective work for you now….See you at patrol" Ladybug called back to Chat who was still smiling like the cat he was.
Chat stood there on the building watching Ladybug swing across the rooftops until she was out of sight. "Plagg, I wonder if she knows her Marinette was showing" Chat asked with an amused chuckle before throwing himself onto a lower building to begin the race back to school. Chat landed in the familiar alley he had stashed his backpack in earlier that morning. "Plagg, claws out". The green light was temporarily blinding, but Adrien was left where Chat Noir had previously stood. "Plagg, I am honestly having too much fun with this, aren't I" Adrien asked with a knowing chuckle as Plagg simply nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, yes. Now where is my cheese? I barely had a morsel of my beloved before we had to transform again! That's just not right to keep true lovers separated" Plagg whined playfully before zipping into Adrien's jacket pocket.
Adrien walked back into the classroom only to find that it was still empty, with the exception of Marinette who was fiddling with her purse and mumbling something under her breath. Adrien smiled as he caught sight of the cookie Marinette took from small stack and "hand" to the mouth of her purse before a red flash took the offered sweet snack. Adrien smiled fondly as admired his ladies kindness before jumping slightly as the light pinch that drew him back to reality where Marinette was watching him like a deer in the headlights. "A-Adrien…When did you get here" Marinette asked worriedly. "Oh, I just came back from hiding…I guess Ladybug and Chat Noir got the akuma" Adrien asked innocently, a knowing smile plastered on his face. "Oh, ya. Don't they always? I mean…yes. They got the akuma. Aren't they awesome" Marinette managed to say through her forced goofy smile. Adrien laughed as he took his seat and opened his backpack to "get" out his book, but Plagg zipped to his cheese stash in the same pocket.
"Marinette", Adrien asked as he put his book on his desk while turning around in his seat "how is it that we are the first ones to class twice in one day? Is that a record? Do we get a prize? Purrhaps homework passes, I would love that" Adrien said playfully all the while drinking in Marinette's laughter. "I wish" Marinette giggled, "I'm always behind on my homework because of all the a….all the designs that pop into my head" Marinette finished in a panic as she had almost implied she was busy during akuma attacks. Adrien smiled fondly as Marinette giggled nervously. "You are really talented Marinette. Do design ideas always just pop into your head when you are supposed to be doing physics" Adrien grinned. Marinette blushed "NO! I mean, sometimes…design is more interesting" Marinette offered her reply as more of a question than a statement of fact. Adrien held of his hands in defeat "You got me there pur-eerr…Mari…You got me there" Adrien stammered. Adrien smiled sheepishly while desperately seeking a way to distract Marinette from his near slipup. "Hey, Marinette, would you mind showing me your designs? I would love to see what you have come up with and are working on" Adrien offered while mentally congratulating himself for his smooth recovery of a near disaster.
Marinette blushed as she dug into her bag for her design book wordlessly. "Here it is" Marinette mumbled as she pulled you book from her bag and presented it tentatively to Adrien. Adrien gently took it from her hands while being sure to purposely grab her hands in the process. Adrien shivered as quite electricity flowed through him and left him tingling even after he took the book and was forced to disconnect from Marinette. Adrien blushed, but luckily Marinette seemed to be too distracted to notice.
Adrien turned to focus his thoughts on examining Marinette's designs rather than her entrancing bluebell eyes or her adorable freckles that lightly dotted her nose. Adrien turned from page to page admiring Marinette's detailed work and even nodded in agreement with many of the notes written in about each design. "Wow Marinette" Adrien spoke softly, "You go into great detail with all of this. Fabric, type of thread, specific types of buttons and zippers…I knew you made great designs, but you really know your stuff. I think you could get a job with my dad now if you wanted too". Marinette blushed "Thank you Adrien, but your fathers work is exceptional. I would be extremely fortunate to even get an internship, much less an actual job with your fathers company" Marinette offered modestly.
Adrien looked at Marinette incredulously "Are you serious? You have what it takes! I know it! Your designs are better that most of the stuff I have to wear at all those stupid photoshoots. I would model anything you made. Just, can we keep them feather free in the future" Adrien asked with a chuckle as the photoshoot debacle that ensued from his feather allergy. Marinette giggled "I'll be sure to put in extra feathers "Mr. Agreste"" Marinette said playfully. Adrien smiled warmly but was interrupted by the janitor entering the classroom. "Hey, what are you guys doing here? School was cancelled today for the akuma attack. You can go home. I'm surprised no one told you" He said while he continued to sweep the floor diligently
Adrien and Marinette watched the janitor in disbelief as the called out in unison "really". "Yep, principal did not want to deal with it today. He had that akuma lady smack his car with her hammer. Don't get me wrong, Ladybug fixed it, but he was just done after that. I don't mind. Less to clean" the janitor mumbled before ambling out of the classroom with broom and dustbin in hand. "Well, I guess I'll have to get going then" Adrien smirked. "I have a surprise for a friend to work ok. I want it to be perfect. I'm sure you understand that miss perfectionist" Adrien chuckled as he handed Marinette back her design notebook. Marinette just smiled brightly and chirped a "Yep" before stashing her notebook back in her bag.
Adrien waved to Marinette as she walked across the crosswalk to her bakery home before turning to head home himself. The walk home did not take too long, yet it was long enough to truly get to enjoy the blooming of yet another beautiful Parisian day. Adrien flopped down on his bed before kicking off his shoes to relax as he anxiously waited for patrol where he would finally officially unmask his beloved Ladybug. "Plagg," Adrien asked absently "What nickname would be cuter for Marinette? I mean, something that plays at her being both my lady and my purrincess" Adrien asked while staring up at the many books that lined his extensive personal library all while silently willing the collection of knowledge to bestow upon him the answer to his quandary.
Plagg eyed Adrien with a mixture of disgust and affection "I would have hoped that you would have realized I am not the romancy type by now kid. I'm the kwami of destruction. NOT romance" Plagg stated matter of factly. "But if I were inclined to that kind of stuff I would suggest Bugginette" Plagg offered slyly while fully enjoying the stunned expression that crossed Adrien's face. "I…honestly was not expecting a real answer out of you Plagg" Adrien stammered in amazement. Adrien eyed Plagg critically before breaking into a mischievous grin "So, I guess that makes you a closet romantic".
Plagg nearly dropped his beloved camembert at the implication. The kwami's eyes narrowed as he glared at Adrien "And if you tell anyone I promise to do whatever I can to make you the most unlucky Chat I have ever had" Plagg grumbled before smiling and cooing at his camembert "Isn't that right my gooiness". Adrien chuckled at what he hoped was playful banter. "So, how should I play this oh wise and secretive one" Adrien asked with mock seriousness. Plagg's tail twitched in annoyance "Just be yourself Adrien. I mean, it does seem to have worked for you so far. Like I always say "if it is not broken, do not fix it" Plagg replied quickly before he turned his full attention back to his waiting cheese.
Adrien smiled at his grumpy kwami before nodding his head in agreement and muttering "I guess your right before laying back down. 'What should I do though' Adrien thought desperately as his mind turned to the more serious matter before him. 'I have to play this right. All the cards are on the table and I can not afford to lose' Adrien thought worriedly before shaking his head to clear his head. 'No, it will all go purrfect. I will charm my lady, let the tension build and then I will tell her. I will tell her everything' Adrien thought happily as his eyelids started to feel heavy as his soft bed seemed to be enticing him to take a catnap before the emotional patrol that would surly leave him just as drained as any fight with one of Hawkmoth's akumatized victims. Adrien fell asleep with a smile on his face as Plagg watched in amuzment. "Not a bad idea kid" Plagg observed as he joined Adrien by plopping down on his stomach and curled himself into a ball for the mid-day nap Plagg always wanted."
Adrien blinked several times as his eyes adjusted to the light streaming though his large windows. The sun was lower in the sky and it appeared that the sunset tonight would be a splendid one. Adrien sat up and gently rubbed his eyes before stretching his arms and legs from his sitting position on his bed. Plagg could be seen floating over to the mini-fridge before phasing through it, most likey to grab himself some of the camembert that Adrien always kept for his kwami, no matter how much he teased him about the smell. Adrien smiled as he got up and went down to the kitchen for his own dinner as Plagg seemed to have the right idea. Adrien chuckled to himself as he realized that he seemed to be turning into a less grumpy and cheese obsessed verson of his dear kwami. Gabriel simply dismissed his son's laughter as he got up from the table and went back to his study to avoid having his work interrupted by needless conversations.
Adrien smiled sadly at his father's retreating figure until the door to the study closed. "I wish you would be more open. I don't want you to work yourself to death" Adrien mumbled to himself before continuing into the kitchen for his own quick meal. The chef seemed surprised to see Adrien, but he smiled none the less. "Well good evening! I wasn't expecting you for another twenty to thirty minutes" the chef said honestly as he turned back to his work. "Your father requested breakfast for dinner tonight. He just finished his early. I believe he has a meeting tonight. Would you also like to have breakfast for dinner? If you do not I can make something else. It will be no trouble" the chef offered kindly as he looked back over his shoulder for confirmation.
Adrien smiled at the warm and friendly chef "I would love that Chef Benoit" Adrien replied happily as he took a seat at the counter and watched the master chef work his magic. The aroma of the eggs and turkey bacon cooking soon had Adrien's mouth watering in anticipation and before he knew it, the Chef Benoit presented the egg and turkey bacon omelet with a light dusting of cheddar to Adrien. "Bon apatite" Chef Benoit sang as he placed the dish in front of Adrien. "Wow, this looks and smells amazing" Adrien complemented enthusiastically while Chef Benoit walked over to the sink to begin washing the evening dishes with a smile plastered on his face.
Adrien took his time to enjoy the meal as he carefully observed Chef Benoit and took note when he left the kitchen to run a quick errand. Adrien smiled roguishly as he took his empty plate to the sink and washed it himself quickly so as to not get caught washing his own dishes by Chef Benoit or by his father, on the off chance he happened to walk in for something. Adrien quickly scurried back to his room now fully excited that patrol was nearly upon him. Once back in his room Adrien examined the clock that sat on his wall. "Hmm, I still have some time. I'll take a quick shower" Adrien mumbled. "Plagg", Adrien called, "be ready to go once I'm done cleaning up". Plagg simply nodded his head as he turned his attention back to the view from the window where he silently watched the birds that were flying and even sitting near the Agreste mansion.
Adrien walked out of the shower, a large grin on his face as the anticipation was nearly killing him at this point. "Are you ready Plagg" Adrien asked expectantly. Plagg smirked "As ready as I'll ever be lover boy. Let's get this mooshy stuff over with" Plagg responded playfully. "Plagg, Claws Out" Adrien said enthusiastically as a green light engulfed him.
Chat whooped as he jumped from building to building headed for their usual patrol meeting spot. Chat smiled as the flaming setting sun served as a gorgeous backdrop as rich purple and brilliant oranges blended together to paint the city he loved and had always called home. Chat's eyed widened in surprise and excitement as he drew near enough to their spot that he could just make out that Ladybug had beat him there yet again. Chat landed softly on the rooftop, unnoticed by Ladybug who seemed to be caught in the moment by the brilliant display of color that graced the skies above Paris. Chat silently made his way to Ladybugs side without drawing her attention away from the natural wonder. Chat internally sighed as he watched Ladybug admire the sky. "To think that the sky is only the second most beautiful thing to see this evening, eh M'Lady" Chat asked as smoothly as he could muster. Ladybug jumped slightly and blushed at the complement. "Oh Chat! You scared me! I-I was just watching the sunset" Ladybug said as she seemed to run out of things to say while trying to suppress her flushed cheeks. "You know M'Lady, your on time record is quite impressive. I do believe you are beating me 109-53…and that's just since I started keeping track" Chat stated with a bemused smirk.
Ladybug gapped at Chat "you actually keep track of that? Why" Ladybug asked her face clearly showing her confusion as her one eyebrow raised and her lips tried to suppress the smile that threatened to show itself. "I was trying to make it a competition of sorts, but I have lost out to my better half it would seem" Chat responded playfully as he wiggled his eyebrows. Ladybug giggled and gently pushed Chats shoulder "You silly cat". Chat beamed "Hey! You didn't deny that you were my better half! I think you are warming up to me before I even unmask you M'Lady! If I didn't know any better I would say you already loved me" Chat grinned. Ladybug shook her head ruefully "Believe what you want to Chat. Like I said though, don't get your hopes up" Ladybug chided gently. "Do you doubt my detective skills M'Lady" Chat asked feigning hurt by placing a hand over his heart. Ladybug smirked "Yep. I think you tried your best, but you just want me to show you because you couldn't figure me out" Ladybug said playfully. "I so want to prove you wrong, but I think we have a job to do right now. I'll take the usual part of town tonight. Then I'm going to win your heart" Chat said confidently as he took her hand and placed a kiss to her knuckles to which chat noticed Ladybug did not pull away from nearly as quickly as she usually did. "I'll see you soon lovebug" Chat called as he raced off the building to start his patrol, leaving a blushing Ladybug in his wake.
Patrol went smoothly with no major incidents aside from helping a little girl find her parents when she got lost in the park. Chat sat on their roof and gazed out at the stars while waiting for Ladybug to finish her patrol. The faint, yet unmistakable whirling of ladybugs yo yo was the only warning of her arrval as she landed soundlessly before joining Chat. Chat looked over and smiled as Ladybug took a seat and hugged her knees to herself timidly as he bashfully made eye contact. "So, lets get this over with Chat…who do you think you love" Ladybug asked as he voice and face betrayed her doubt. Chat smiled softly and almost came right out with it right there. However, he managed to restrain himself, for the moment. 'Can't let this moment slip away without enjoying every second' Chat thought as he eyed Ladybug. "Who do I think I love? Now that's the wrong question M'Lady. The question is, who do I love…and the answer is you. All of you, your Ladybug side and your…civilian side" Chat said honestly. "I do not think. I know. Chat's honor" Chat stated while holding one clawed hand to his heart while simultaneously raising the other in a traditional salute of honesty.
Ladybug eyed him doubtfully "I know you think you know Chat, so just go on with it already" Ladybug said with a growing level of frustration. Chat smirked "Oh, but bugaboo! You are supposed to always want to annoy the one you love, this is just part of it I'm afraid. Besides. I have to tell you what I love about the person I found under the mask first, because I've already told you a thousand times what I love about the girl in the mask. This is a process M'Lady" Chat chuckled which earned him an exasperated sigh from his partner. "Go on" Ladybug said wearily. Chat smiled and replied "As you wish M'Lady" all while making a show of bowing, despite their seated positions. Chat turned to face Ladybug and smiled reasuringingly as he did not like that sad half smile she wore.
"M'lady, the girl under the mask is kind hearted. I love how she will go out of her way to help others, even if it only serves as a detriment to herself. She is a faithful friend who is always willing to stand by her friends through thick and thin. She doesn't just say that she will stay by their side, she means it. The girl under the mask is braver than she knows. She stands up for what is right even when it puts her in the spotlight…and I know how much she hates being the center of attention. The girl under the mask is smart as well as talented. She works incredibly hard to be successful at all she does, even when it doesn't come easy. She is persistent. She doesn't give up without a fight. The girl under the mask is far beyond what I could have dreamed of" Chat finished while gauging her response. "Chat, I'm not sure if you got the right gir" Ladybug started to say, only to be cut off by Chat Noir. "No…I have you pegged M'Lady. The girl under that mask" Chat said while pointing to her famous red and black polka dotted mask, "Is also incredibly goofy. She is at times incredibly awkward and clumsy for no apparent reason. That's just who she is. I love that about her. She is weird and unashamed to be herself. She has the power to trip up stair as well as down stairs. I don't care. I'll always be there to catch her. I'll always be there to catch you…Marinette" Chat breathed.
Ladybugs eyes widened in surprise and tears began to form in her eyes. "Ch-Chat…you…you did find me" Marinette whispered while looking away. Chat gently reached over and turned her head back. "Yes. I found you M'Lady" Chat whispered happily. "I love you. I love you as Ladybug. I love you as Marinette. You had absolutely nothing to be afraid of. I have loved you since we first met. I fell in love with the goofy girl who didn't know if she was cut out to be a hero, but stood up for all of Paris anyway. You are amazing Marinette" Chat said with a loving smile as he wiped away a runaway tear that streaked down Ladybug's cheek.
Ladybug leaned into Chat's hand as he wiped her tear away before smiling sadly "Chat…I already love someone else. I'm so sor", but for the second time that day, Chat interrupted his lady. "I know. That's what makes this so simple Mari" Chat smiled tenderly while Ladybugs eyes widened in shock. "B-but the only one who says that is…" Chat smiled and whispered "Plagg, Claws Out" leaving them temporarily blinded in a splendid green light. Ladybug slammed her hands over mouth to keep from screaming as Adrien smiled tenderly back at her. "I told you Purrincess. Pretty simple solution to that little problem you thought you had" Adrien smirked. "I-I but you…"Ladybug muttered before giving up and hugging Adrien tightly.
Adrien smiled exuberantly as Ladybug practically jumped into his arms. 'Winning' Adrien thought to himself as he gently brushed Ladybugs hair and placed a simple kiss to her forehead. The rollercoaster had been a long, but oh so enjoyable ride as he now held the girl he loved in his arms. "See? I told you it was pretty simple, didn't I Mari" Adrien asked softly to which he received a nod and a muffled "stupid cat" that made Adrien laugh a real laugh, a hard laugh that soon had tears streaming down his own cheeks. When Ladybug finally looked up into his green eyes she whispered "Tiki, spots off" and a bright red glow flashed and faded to leave behind Marinette where Ladybug had just been sitting. "H-how…wh-when" Marinette asked timidly as the two kwamis floated off to the other side of the roof to allow their chosen some privacy.
Adrien smiled softly down at the girl in his arms and replied "To be honest, I had suspicions it was you, but then I got confirmation when I saw you run into an alley and transform. I can not tell you how excited I was to have my suspicions confirmed. You are an amazing girl. You are beautiful on the inside and the outside" Adrien said with a blush. 'Gosh, why was saying stuff like this so much easier as Chat' Adrien lamented as he made eye contact with Marinette. Marinette smiled softly, shyly as she leaned in a little bit. Adrien watched in wonder before realizing the implications and nervously leaned the rest of the way in and kissed Marinette softly. Adrien pulled away only when Marinette did and he was sure that the air never tasted sweeter than the moment it passed between his freshly kissed lips.
Adrien smiled as Marinette snuggled closer to him and placed her head against his chest. Adrien blushed as he was sure Marinette could hear every racing thump of his heart. They stayed like this for some time and Adrien could think of nothing funny, quippy, or punny to say. 'I guess it's better this way' he thought absently before noticing that Marinette's breathing had changed. "Did she" Adrien started to ask as he gently lean Marinette's head back to reveal that he had fallen asleep listening to his heartbeat. Adrien blushed profusely before whispering "Plagg, Claws Out" while hoping the light would not wake his sleeping Purrincess, and much to his relief she remained sound asleep.
Chat gently picked up Marinette up bridal style before beginning the perilous journey of taking Marinette back to her bakery home without waking her up. The trip took longer than it otherwise would have, but sleeping Purrincesses did not make for easy transportation across rooftops. Chat whispered a quiet thanks to Tiki as she opened the trap door to Marinette's room where he gingerly placed the sleeping girl in her bed and gently removing her shoes before placing her blanket over her. Chat smiled as he leaned down and kissed Marinette on the cheek before leaving a note on her chair that read "It was not a dream, I'll see you tomorrow Buganette".
Chat stealthily closed the trapdoor before bounding across to the school building to begin his trip home. The sky above the city glowed with the soft warm light from the city streets below while the stars sparkled overhead. Chat danced across the rooftops of Paris marveling at the simplicity for which the love square was solved. Two hearts connected to each other still equals one outcome, no matter how much window dressing covered it. The answer was simply love.
Chat couldn't help but notice Alya walking, in a daze, back towards her home. He almost stopped to check on her, but she seemed to be smiling goofily, so he let it slide as she was probably fine. Little did Chat know that Alya now had a several pictures that were going straight into her top secret classified Ladybug and Chat Noir file when she got home. If silent screams could be heard, Alya's would have woken the world