When it came to the Miraculous Trials nothing was usually quite what Ladybug and Chat Noir expected. That said, they had started to get into a routine with the whole situation. That weekend they met together on the same roof as always, and Ladybug unified her powers with Kaalki to open up a portal designated by their phoenix guide.
This time however, they didn't realize that the kwami of wisdom had made up his mind to hijack their trials.
"You look happy," Ladybug observed to Chat Noir, preparing for their portal jump. "I'm glad...you were on my mind this week."
"If you want me happy, just keep saying things like that," Chat Noir leaned in.
Ladybug smirked at him, but in all honesty was relieved to see him back to the same flirty kitty. "Let's just get in there and get this test out of the way. As always I've got a million and a half things to do before Monday," she said, flicking his bell and stepping forward.
"Watch that first step, it's a bit steep," Ember warned with a glint in his eye. "Have either of you done sky diving before?"
Before they could even answer they were plunged through the portal...right into a free fall through the clouds.
With only a moment to process their current situation, they both quickly adjusted their yo-yo and baton to try to find a way to slow their drop.
"Ember!" Chat Noir yelled. "Not much of a warning!"
Ember was flying down with them, not looking the least bit panicked. He let out a sharp cry that sent a sound wave through the atmosphere.
"Chat grab on to me in case I need to teleport us back before we hit the ground!" Ladybug called out, extending her hand.
"You don't have to ask me twice," Chat Noir winked, swimming through the air to her.
The clouds were so dense they had no idea how high up they must have started. Below their plummeting forms was just more whisks of cloud. The air was thin, making them feel lightheaded, so Ladybug guessed it must have been pretty high.
Their wish for the clouds to clear, they instantly regretted. The mist swept away and a tiny stretched out landscape of green rounded mountainous terrain and a patchwork of fields was dwarfed below them. Although beautiful, they both knew the ground would come up to meet them much too soon.
"Get ready," Ladybug shouted, "I'm getting us out of here!"
"Wait!" Ember ordered. "The Tigress of Bhutan will not let you fall!"
The peaks of the mountains grew increasingly larger, and Ladybug and Chat Noir exchanged glances. That was the moment a long arrow shot across the sky, stinging a thread of gold along behind it. The arrow latched into the mountain side, creating a zipline. Ladybug threw herself against Chat Noir, grabbing his waist. Chat Noir swung his baton over the line, and latched hold of the other side. Both of them flew down the zipline directed toward land, but they were still moving too fast, on a collision-course with the side of the mountain.
A massive tiger leapt from the cliffside, and caught up the two weilders within her paws. Both startled and relieved, the two were securely returned to the safety of solid ground.
Ember circled overtop and came to float over them. The tiger released them from her grasp, and stepped back into a crouch. Ladybug's arms were still solidly clamped around Chat Noir.
He looked down at her, and smiled. "Don't worry, Bugaboo...you know cats always land on their feet!"
She seemed startled at the realization that she had stayed frozen to him, and stood upright abruptly.
"You brought these two in pretty hot, even for you," the tigress addressed Ember, crossing her paws in front of herself.
"Thank you, for catching us!" Chat Noir bowed to the massive stripped feline. "Although I'm not sure that entrance was particularly necessary," and at this he glared at the phoenix.
"It's tradition...plus as weilders I am training you to be prepared for anything," Ember shrugged.
"That is true," the tigress nodded.
Suddenly Ember swooped over Ladybug and snatched the miraculous glasses off her face, and Kaalki appeared with him.
"Hey! Ember, what the...!"
"Be prepared for anything!" Ember repeated, and in a blink he and Kaalki (aka their ticket home) vanished into thin air.
"Ember! Not funny! Get back here!" Chat Noir yelled into the empty air. Then he turned to the tiger, "he is coming back for us isn't he?!"
"Eventually, I'm sure," she shrugged. "Some weilders only spend a few hours here...others…years."
"Years!" screeched Ladybug. "I can't stay here for years! I can't stay here for days! My parents are going to freak out if I just disappear! How do we get that blasted bird back here?!"
"You don't really have to 'do' anything," the tigress yawned, with a luxurious stretch. "You've dropped into one of the miraculous trial oases. If your guide feels you need to recharge, regroup, or just take a break you end up in an oasis."
"A forced miraculous vacation?" Chat Noir summarized.
"Yes, I guess you could say that," the tiger replied.
"I don't need a vacation!" Ladybug railed. "I came thinking we were actually going to work to mature our miraculous! I had tons of things I needed to do back at home. Shouldn't we get to choose if we want to just take a break or not?! I have no time for breaks!"
"That might be the point," the tigress stood, lashing her tail against her flank. "You're not willing to take the time for yourselves, so it has been forced upon you. Now you have lots of time."
Ladybug stood with her mouth gaping, and looked at Chat Noir who shrugged.
"What does...(Ladybug shrugged back at him)...mean?!" She demanded irritability.
"She's right," Chat Noir answered. "You're always helping everyone and taking on more and more. You never really take a day off."
"Eeaaacchhhyahh!" Ladybug groaned. "Not you too! What if we're stuck here together forever?!"
"Hmmm..." Chat Noir played at pondering, tapping his index finger against his chin. "Stuck in paradise with the girl of my dreams forever...I'll try to manage." He shot her the most dopey grin, that irked her all the more.
When Chat Noir saw her perce her lips and look like steam was about to shoot out of her ears, he dropped an arm over her shoulder. "Don't worry alright! Ember probably just feels like he's been driving us pretty ragged over the last couple weeks. Are you seriously telling me that you couldn't use a little time to just relax?"
Ladybug bit her lip considering this.
"...and seriously LB, I know I need it. I let you down last week. We couldn't even finish our last trial," Chat Noir continued.
"You didn't let me down!" Ladybug insisted. "I let you down by not realizing you were dealing with all that. I should have been there to help you. We're supposed to be partners, and I didn't even know..."'she broke.
"I kept it from you. How could you have known," Chat Noir shook his head. "But you're right, we're partners...so shouldn't we allow the time to reconnect?"
Ladybugs head dropped. "You're right." Then she raised her head again with renewed positivity. "It's about time we had a vacation! It seems relaxing here in...uh..where are we exactly?"
"The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan," the tigress said, stretching her paw over the pine tree forest. "The Land of the Thunder Dragon."
There was a rustle through the bushes, and Ladybug and Chat Noir jumped to action. Ladybug had her yo-yo string and Chat Noir, his baton raised. As if the mere name had summoned the dragon of this land! There was without a doubt something coming at them. No matter what it was they would be ready. The leaves parted to reveal...a short, chubby red panda trotting along with a shaft of arrows and a bow strapped to his back.
Coming to the clearing before them, and seeing them poised for battle, he stopped in his tracks. "Well these ones are certainly high strung!" The red panda commented to the tigress. "Shoot them a wire and they get all twitchy like everyone's out to get em'! I wasn't aiming for you if that's what you think...(and then whispering with his mouth cupped beneath a paw to the tigress)...would have made an easy target though!"
"You shot the arrow!" Chat Noir conformed.
"You saved us!" Ladybug exclaimed.
"Yep! That was all me! Decent shot if I do say so myself," he sat up on his back haunches, adjusting the bow across his fluffy white chest.
"Come along, we still have a couple hour hike to get to the temple. Red Panda are you coming?" the tigress asked.
"Are you kidding?! They always give me momos there! Of course I'm coming!" the huggable sidekick bounded up the dirt path covered in pine needles.
They walked past a water-powered prayer wheel, guarded by blue-green Cyprus. The path started to climb up steeply in the high elevation of the mountains. The miraculous suits compensated for the change somewhat, but they were still panting when they reached the first ledge.
"Are you leading us to another miraculous temple or one for kwami?" Ladybug asked.
"Actually no. The monks within the upper Paro valley have some connections to Tibet, but not directly the miraculous,'" the tigress explained, walking along beside Chat Noir.
"But even though it is not specifically a miraculous temple, they have been good friends. They have a high regard for all living things. Creatures in Bhutan are protected, as all lives are deemed precious. The temple has been a safe haven for kwamis and weilders for generations as a place of renewal."
"Tigress is their favorite though," the red panda said a little jealously.
"I've just helped them in the past," the tiger passed off the comment modestly.
"They called the whole temple Tiger's Nest!" The Red Panda rolled his eyes. "When do I get something named for me?!" he complained.
Tigress rolled her eyes at her companion. "Would it make you happy if someone called the rice balls "Red Pandas?" Or do you insist on something more substantial?"
"Mmmm...nope, I'd be fine with that...as long as I got an unlimited supply!" The red panda cheered.
"I'll see what I can do," the tiger shook her thick head with a smile.
Ladybug and Chat Noir couldn't help but stifle back giggles as the fluffy red panda waddled happily ahead of them singing "yum yum yummy," in anticipation of his favorite treats.
"I think he and Plagg must get along well!" Chat Noir's whispered to Ladybug. "They both think with their stomach!"
Strings of colorful prayer flags flapped in the winds carving over the mountains. They reached a tea house perched on a steep rocky ledge. That is where they caught a glimpse of the temple that was built up precariously into the side of the mountain, as if floating among the clouds.
The white walls of each of the small square buildings that made up the temple stood out against the dark sheer rock face. Neat little square windows looked out at the view. Then the roof on each building flared out in classic style tiers and tipped upward on each corner in red and gold. Green trees tucked themselves in amongst the buildings, making the site come alive.
"It hangs onto the side of the cliff like a gecko doesn't it?!" the red panda smiled.
"It's like a kingdom in the sky!" Ladybug gazed at the striking temple. She couldn't help but wish she had her sketchbook with her right then.
"It is the most amazing structure I've ever seen! It seems like something from a fantasy!" Chat Noir breathed in awe.
"It has inspired many stories and legends," smiled the tigress, pleased at their response. "Some think it's Shangri-la...Heaven on earth."
"Just a little longer now!" the red panda urged. "We just climb down these stairs a bit to where the mountains join, and then ascend again along the cliffs."
After passing the thin waterfall at the base, they climbed steeply along the rock till they reached the outer courtyard of the temple.
"Yeshe Tsogyal has returned! The tigress, Tag, is here!" A young monk called out, overjoyed. After making his announcement, he leapt down the stone stairs, and reverently bowed first to the tigress, and then to each of them. "It is a great honor! My name is Chinshu. I did not dare to hope that I would see your return in my lifetime! Please come further up and further in!"
After another bow, he led the odd troop under the rainbow of crisscrossing prayer flags up the stairs, and over carved wooden bridges. The wooden tresses and door frames of the temple were intricately carved and colorfully painted with geometric shapes and designs inspired by nature.
The room they entered was simple, with square mats and wooden benches, but featured many ancient painted panels and pieces of artwork. Chinshu bid them to rest until his return.
The red panda stretched out happily on one of the mats. The tigress sat upright, with her tail neatly curved around her feet next to Ladybug and Chat Noir.
They did not wait long before Chinshu returned with suja, a salted butter tea, accompanied by two elders; Tenzin and Anzan.
The monks did not seem to find it strange that a full size tiger, an exceptionally greedy red panda, and two teens in masks had come to their door. If anything they appeared to have been expecting them for some time. The greeting resembled more of a homecoming more than anything. There were no prying questions, only dignified and smiling welcomes laced with serene respect. To his utter joy, Chinshu was allowed to attend to them, and to the red panda's delight bowls of hot food swiftly arrived before them.
The wild kwamis did not speak in front of the monks, but allowed Ladybug and Chat Noir to converse instead. Ladybug and Chat were provided with a comfortable robes, and arrangements were made for some accommodation for them for as long as they wished to stay.
Once they retired to their room they chatted with the wild kwamis. The red panda told legends animatedly, while the tigress would occasionally add to or correct part of the story. The tigress laid out, nearly stretching the length of the small room. Ladybug left first to charge up Tiki, then Chat Noir left to do the same for Plagg.
Chat Noir walked into their room to find Ladybug fast asleep, leaning curled up against the sleeping tiger's orange and black striped side. The red panda appeared to be contently dozing in her arms like a teddy bear. He poked out his cheeky stripped face and paws, resting on top of Ladybug's arm. "Eat your heart out catboy," the red panda gloated, nusseling against Ladybug.
"Well, I just got the last of the momos," Chat Noir produced a small wooden bowl. "I had thought of sharing, but…"
The wild kwami's black eyes widened, and his tongue lauled in his month. "Sharing…sharing is good," he drooled.
Chat Noir narrowed his eyes, and brought one of the pieces to his mouth. In response the red panda wriggled out of Ladybug's grasp and scampered to Chat Noir's feet, reaching his paws up demanding his treat. Chat Noir tossed him the bowl, and took his spot next to Ladybug. He laid the blanket over them, and snuggled up to her side. Ignoring the happy munching humming from the red panda polishing off the sticky rice, he fell into a contented sleep. Not even the early daily rituals of the monks or chimes stirred them.
In the morning the warm sun shone down into the room on the quirky troop. In the night the red panda had stretched out on the blankets in between Chat Noir and Ladybug. When they woke up that was exactly how they found him. He laid on his back with his thick front paws stretched above his head, and legs and bushy ringed tail starfishing outward.
Ladybug and Chat Noir woke up about the same time, and Ladybug nodded with a smirk toward the oblivious fluffy creature snoring loudly between them.
Chat Noir shook his head, and whispered, "he is like a toddler taking up the whole bed!"
The tigress yawned deeply, and stretched, which dislodged them from using her as a pillow. Chat Noir helped Ladybug to her feet, and then added, "Good morning by the way!"
"Good morning," she stretched happily. "I had the most peaceful sleep. Must be all the fresh air!"
They both looked down in the crumpled blankets where the red panda had just snorted in mid-snore, rolling himself into a ball with his tail curved over his shiny blank nose.
"I guess sleeping in is allowed on vacation," Ladybug shrugged.
"What else is done on vacation?" Chat Noir asked curiously.
"You've never been on vacation before?" Ladybug asked in shock.
"I've traveled lots, but it was always centered around the family business…or of course the miraculous trials with you. There was never really time to just go somewhere to relax," Chat Noir reminisced.
"Well that changes today!" Ladybug declared. "Welcome to your first ever vacation Kitty! No agendas, no schedules! Just experience, explore, and relax. Today we're going to do anything we want!"
"Anything?!" Chat Noir wiggled his eyebrows at Ladybug, who quickly recanted.
"Almost…anything," she corrected.
A gentle knock on the wooden door summoned them for breakfast with Chinshu.
As they ate out on the lower third tier of the roof, the view was so incredible they nearly decided to spend their whole day right there. Chinshu provided more enticing suggestions though.
It was one of the last days of the spring festival, Tshechu, in Paro, and he and many of the other monks were part of the celebration. Dancers were chosen among the revered monks for performances. The fact that many people wore large animal masks made the festivities perfect for the two of them to go unnoticed.
Ladybug joined the monks for their trek down to their transportation first. Over her miraculous suit she added a red silk kira, which draped down to her ankles, with gold embroidered dragons on the rachu scarf crossing over her shoulder. On top she tied a cropped black jacket (where Tigress hid, now in her kwami form), with draped sleeves that came to her elbows.
Chat Noir arrived with Tenzin. He looked like an ancient warrior in a jet black gho, dropping just above his knees, folded backwards, and then tied around the waist by a kera. A kabney sash of white and light green that drew attention to his eyes. He used his extended baton for a walking stick. He had roused the red panda, who was also now in his kwami form, complaining about the Camembert smell within Chat Noir's inner pocket.
Once they arrived in Paro they realized what a significant event they were encountering. There was a sharp "ping" of a gong resounded, signifying the arrival of the monks to the Tshechu festival. More monks in maroon robes, and neatly shaved heads filed in for the procession. Already costumed and masked dancers greeted them with instruments like horns, cymbals, and drums. The population and international visitors waited expectantly for the dancers on the stone courtyard and all the way up the hillside. Each person dressed in their finest, intricately detailed and colorful clothing.
Once the dancing started, a story of good triumphing over evil was played out by sacred dancers in traditional costumes and some with fierce looking animal masks. Chinshu, beside them, described the significance of each stage of the dances. It was inspiring to be witnessing traditions that had been around for generations.
Music, dancing, and celebrating were not all the day had to offer. Chinshu introduces them to a good friend, named Chuong, who invited them to his home for spicy food infused with chilies.
After the meal, Chuong offered to take them to the textile museum, homemade paper factory, and some of the other shops. Ladybug was thrilled, but she looked over at Chat Noir, whose ears dropped.
"Kitty," she pulled him aside, "it's okay if you'd rather do something else!"
"No, no it's fine, I can see you're excited about it! I'm sure it will be great," he tried to pin a grin on his face.
"Don't give me that look. I know you too well! You don't have to tag along just to please me. Remember this is your vacation! What do you want to do?"
"Uhh..." Chat Noir paused.
"Archery! Say archery...you'll love it!" the red panda kwami from within his pocket chimed in.
"Sure archery...I'd like to do archery," Chat Noir announced.
Great! Then we can meet up for supper at the shop at the end of this street before we head back up to Tigers Nest with the monks!" Ladybug organized, while adjusting Chat Noirs collar, then she finished with a flick of his bell, "enjoy your target practice Kitty," she sand skipping over to the two monks waiting.
"And they call me the flirty one," Chat Noir spoke out loud, making the kawmi in his pocket chuckle.
"So where do we learn archery?" Chat Noir asked the red panda kwami.
"Straight that way!" The kwami directed gleefully.
There came to an archery range, which was pretty quiet. Most people were still taking part in the ongoing celebrations. Chat Noir was able to discreetly rent a bow and a sheath of arrows, and then was directed to the target on the far end.
As Adrien he had tried archery a couple times, but had been directed more to fencing by his father. The push for him to learn mixed martial arts came from his mother's side. After watching lots of old movies though, archery was always a skill he thought might be interesting to learn!
The red panda kwami looked around the quiet range and zipped out of Chat Noir's pocket.
"Red!" Chat Noir hissed. "Get back! What if someone sees you!"
"Oh you forget, I'm not one of your miraculous bound kwami's! You can't order around a wild kwami, Weilder!" The red panda kwami spat out the term 'weilder' annoyed.
"I'm sorry, I'm not trying to boss you around, but don't you think it's a risk to be out in the open?!"
The red panda patted Chat Noir's knee, "don't you fret Kitty Cat, I will be careful...now stop worrying and let's have some fun!"
The red panda formed a magic bow and arrows, like the one that he had used to save them. It turned out he was quite the shot, and ended up a patient teacher as well. After an hour Chat Noir was hitting the targets consistently, and had even struck a couple bulls eyes.
Each time Chat Noirs arrows came close to the kwami's, the little creature would dance around to celebrate. Then he would up the ante, challenging Chat Noir to try more challenging distances or do trick shots. At one point the cheeky creature, went upside down and still managed to make the target.
"Just call me "Fire Fox!" the red panda boomed, strutting around in victory.
"Why Fire Fox?" Chat Noir couldn't help smiling.
"Because I'm on fire!" the red panda completed a victory lap.
The rest of the afternoon flew by, and when a group of local archers showed up, the red panda zipped carefully back under cover in his kwami form. After all his practice Chat Noir started chatting with the local group and even joined them for a friendly competition.
As he left exhilarated by how fun it had been he checked his communicator. No messages yet and he still had a couple hours to kill before supper.
"I know just what you need to rest sore muscles and relax. Nearby there is a great hot rock bath spa! Trust me, if that it sent the perfect end to a day of vacation, I don't know what is! " the red panda advised.
Trusting the kwami, Chat Noir found his way to the spa, and it was everything promised.
Meanwhile Ladybug had also spent a cheerful afternoon with Chinshu and Chuong exploring more of Bhutanese culture. The process to make the handmade paper involved collecting strips from the local forest, and soaking and cleaning them repeatedly. Then these were processed and pressed. It was labor intensive, but the result was sustainable organic product. Ladybug was able to purchase some for some designs for the portfolio she was working on. She even had a chance to sketch some of the traditional outfits, and hoped to use them as inspiration for future pieces.
Their next stop was the National Textiles Museum and shops. The intricate patterns displayed in the weaving was like nothing she had ever seen. Each piece was artwork. Chinshu and Chuong had finally left her to soak in the detailed exhibits in order to complete their shopping at the weekend markets for supplies.
Shouldering the cloth bags of paper and fabric she had purchased, she looked at her yoyo communicator. She still had enough time to send a quick message to her parents about working on her portfolio for the Bourgeois fashion internship (which thanks to her afternoon wasn't even stretching the truth that much). That still left her with a couple hours before joining Chat Noir and the monks again.
"We could join the Black Cat and Red Panda at the archery range," suggested the tigress.
"We could," agreed Ladybug, "but I'm pretty tired after the whole day. I just want to find a way to relax."
As if it was fate, she caught sight of a sign for a local spa to "enhance a traveler's peace of mind and relax the body in the country of happiness."
"Now that's what I need!" Ladybug pointed.
The tigress kwami shrugged. "Tigers don't mind water, but I'll just visit with Tiki while you're in."
Ladybug entered the spa and a soft spoken young girl welcomed her. "Oh, another ceremony dancer! You must have been part of the festival too!" the girl assumed. (Ladybug just smiled sweetly, allowing the girl to conveniently jump to conclusions). Our traditional hot stone bath is just what you need! It will ease all tension."
Ladybug agreed and paid the girl, receiving a rolled up washcloth, sandals, and a soft white body towel that smelled like light lemongrass.
"Just down the hall. Your room is the last door on the left," the girl smiled. "Enjoy!"
"Ladybug walked down the long hallway to the end, where she nearly ran into a boy carrying a tall stack of new towels to the front. "Oh excuse me! So sorry!" the boy apologized, turning around Ladybug.
Ladybug backed up, facing the front door, assuring him that she was fine.
This should have been an insignificant interaction, barely worth mentioning….except that it turned Ladybug around enough that the door which was now on her left, was actually the last door to the right down the hall. Again a fairly insignificant difference…except for the fact that there was already a certain someone relaxing within this room.
Chat Noir had entered his room at the spa and happily surveyed the room. It was bright, airy, and open. There was a large, square wash tub at the far end with a small wooden table next to it, holding a glass and a pitcher of ice water, infused with berries. A high rectangular window allowed natural light and a view of the mountains, while still being discreet. A three paneled privacy screen with painted scenes of white birds flying divided the room. In the corner near the door was also a small wash basin to freshen up. Chat Noir turned to lock the door, but the latch kept pulling loose.
"Hey, Fire Fox," Chat Noir called, removing his jacket. "Can you watch the door and let me know if anyone comes by?"
"Ya, ya sure," the red panda agreed offhandedly.
Chat Noir neatly folded his robe and draped it over the screen. Then he dropped his transformation, and added the rest of his clothes to the pile.
"Got any more of that cheese from the festival?" Plagg instantly demanded upon appearing.
"It's in the pocket of my robe," Adrien instructed, "help yourself!"
The hot water was already waiting. On the surface floated a mixture of wild flowers, pink Himalayan salt flakes, and green Artesmisia leaves. Adrien sunk down into the water, and as he laid back, let out a sigh. This vacation thing was pretty great. Already his muscles relaxed and he felt the tension of the week seep away. A leaver next to the back made him curious. Cautiously he pulled it , releasing a few heated river stones sizzling into the tub, instantly warming it another few degrees. "I could get used to this!" he murmured, sinking deeper into the water. He dipped the washcloth through the water, and folded it over his eyes and forehead, leaning back in bliss.
The serenity of the experience was just slightly disrupted by the annoyed hushed whispers of the red panda and Plagg fighting over the food in Adrien's jacket. "You've got plenty!" the red panda accused. "Common' I'm starving!"
"Starving!" Plagg shot back. "I saw how much you snuck at lunch. You can't tell me that is all fur," he poked the wild kwami in his middle.
"I'm fluffy and I like it!" the red panda kwami exclaimed.
At which point the two began to chase each other across the room, wrestling over the snack.
As they rolled over on the floor, the door swung open.
Both kwami's eyes went wide, and then zipped back under cover of Adrien's jacket.
Ladybug walked in juggling her bags from shopping, towels, and sandals. She couldn't even see where she was going, so tried to put the bags down behind the pretty painted screen before washing up. Trying to lower them carefully, she ended up dropping them all to the ground with a jarring crash.
Adrien tensed, sunk deeper under the water, and glanced out from under the washcloth across his face. There was someone in the room. He glanced quickly around for a sign of the kwamis, but for better or worse they had disappeared. He glanced to where his clothes draped over the screen out of reach.
Ladybug, oblivious to the current occupant in the room, washed up at the water basin, humming cheerfully to herself. She tossed her kira, jacket, and scarf over her shoulders. They landed over top of the clothing that already hung there.
Adrien, who had stealthily tried to make a dash for his clothes, had one dripping foot out of the tub when the new jacket covered his. Pulling his leg hastily back into the water, he crouched inside. He could only see the bluish sheen of the top of the black hair of the person poking out from the screen. He listened to the lighthearted humming from behind the divider. It sounded like a girl.
Tigress bumped against Plagg and Red Panda in the jumble of clothing with a start. "Plagg! Red Panda! What on earth are you two doing here…Oh! Oh no…no no no…the black cat weilder is in here?!"
Plagg and the red panda (their mouths both full), accusingly pointed at each other, leaving Tigress to face palm and angrily shake her head.
Adrien's eyes darted to the ground beneath the divider. The intruder wore red socks…or were they boots. His mind trailed back to the familiar black jacket draped above. Hadn't he seen that same jacket earlier that same day! No…it couldn't be…he denied the obvious. But then he heard the phrase that removed all doubt….
"Tiki, Spots off."
Marinette reached into her hanging jacket, and handed a cookie to her little red kwami, before starting to get ready for her bath. Tiki munched the cookie with satisfaction….until Tiki's eyes caught a glimpse of not only Tigress, but Plagg and Red Panda urgently signaling to her, and pointing to the tub, and back at Marinette.
Tiki's eyes stared at them, and then swung her head back to Marinette in a panic.
Marinette was just pulling her arms through her sleeves when she heard a familiar voice make all the blood drain from her face.
"Ladybug?"
Marinette sucked in her breath, frantically glancing over at Tiki. Tiki sheepishly made silent motions, pointing over the screen and then made cat ear motions with her little arms. Marinette's eyes widened even further, and spoke out "Tiki, spots on!" as her throat tightened.
"Plagg, claws out," she heard the voice on the other side of the divider call out.
Frantically Ladybug tried to grab her clothes, but her urgency and embarrassment made the panels collapse onto the floor. She stumbled forward and found herself face to face with Chat Noir in his full miraculous costume lounging in the bathtub.
"Looking for me?" Chat Noir raised an eyebrow, making a big show of learning his arms behind his head.
The fact the Chat Noir was currently fully covered in his black leather costume did nothing to erase the blaring fact in Ladybug's head that a moment before he hadn't been.
"Eep!" she squeaked again, and grabbed her bundle of things, and tried to make it to the door. The state of the room at this pint made her trip over the tipped over panel, and then Chat Noir's robe.
"Are you okay? Here let me get that for you," Chat Noir offered, losing the act of bravado, and starting to get up from the water to steady her.
"No, no, I'm fine…you're fine…just stay in there…I'm so sorry…sorry!" Ladybug blacked her eyes, ran into the wall, and finally found the doorknob to release her from this spiral of awkwardness.
The red panda flew up to Chat Noir once Ladybug had fled the scene, looking apologetic.
"That is the last time I ask a kwami to stand guard!" Chat Noir said exasperatedly.
"Fair enough," the red panda acknowledged, and then added more sincerely, "sorry!"
Afterward Chat Noir found Ladybug sipping tea hunched up on the front steps.
"Please just let me die of embarrassment in peace," she wined leaning over her cup, avoiding eye contact.
"Hey, I'm the one who was all exposed!" Chat Noir grinned, sitting down next to her.
Em hum," ladybug acknowledged going red as her kwami, and glanced over his suit, before quickly flinging her eyes back to the rim of the cup.
"I didn't see who you are, if that is what is bothering you?" Chat Noir said gently.
"How can you be so calm about this? We...I mean you were...well...in there...all, you know...and if you hadn't...I would have...!" Ladybug rambled helplessly.
"Hey calm down, it's okay!" Chat Noir threw up his hands. "Nobody did anything on purrpose to sneak a peek or take advantage of an innocent mistake...it was a mistake wasn't it?!" he leaned in coyly.
"Yes yes... of course, I'd never...!"
Chat noir smirked even more. "I guess I'll have to take your word for it. I had just planned on a solo spa day, but if you had insisted..."
Ladybug smacked him playfully on the shoulder, "now I know you're teasing me!" she finally smiled again.
"I knew you couldn't resist me forever!" Chat Noir's continued to tease striking a muscle man pose, flexing his biceps.
Ladybug was rendered speechless again and just stared in a daze at him, till he waved a paw in front of her. "Ahh Ladybug?! Okay, I'll stop teasing."
She blinked out of her daze.
"Things aren't going to be awkward between us right?" Chat Noir tried to figure out where they were at. "I mean we're still friends right?" Chat asked worriedly.
Somehow the word "friends," didn't quite feel right sliding off her tongue, and left a bitter taste in her mouth. Of course they were still friends...weren't they?! she stressed in her mind. But did friends get a surge of adrenaline daydreaming about their "friend?" Something more than friends...but what was that exactly?!
"We're good," she finally reassured him, tossing out her cup. Then elbowed him playfully, "one day soon I'll see whose beneath those cat ears, but I'm glad it wasn't like that!"
"Ha!" He laughed relieved, "you don't know what you're missing!" He bounced up, and raced off, yelling over his shoulder, "race you to the meet up location!"
She jumped up too, but not as quickly. Her heart quickened. Why was she so lightheaded?! It must have something to do with the altitude.
I know readers! A shameless tease of a near-reveal! Don't worry! Some have asked in reviews if there will be a reveal in this story and there for sure will be! Chat Noir/Adrien and Ladybug/Marinette are going to go through some experiences first that help guide them to that long-awaited moment. Please take the time to Favorite/Follow so you don't miss it!
Just on the side, I love finding out the meaning of names (if you go back and search the names I have chosen for characters in previous chapters it might reveal certain hidden characteristics about them). For example: Anzan (means quiet mountain), Chinshu (means a calm soothing place), and Chuong (means chapter-a part of a whole story). I really am inspired by how the originating creator, Thomas Astruc of Miraculous Ladybug, puts a lot of thought into certain character names.
Thank you so much for continuing to read! More to come! A special shout out to Ab2d248 for suggesting that Ember "trick the two into traveling for the sole purpose of rest and relaxation." I slipped your idea in early, after Adrien going through a rough time on their last challenge. I appreciate all of the reader's suggestions! It has really guided this story in an exciting way!