11: Cat Out of the Bag
Cat has been visiting the roof and my room very often at night.
I didn't mind.
It was nice having someone else other than me in this empty apartment.
And we got comfortable enough that we would watch a couple of episodes together of some show. And on one memorable occasion, he helped me make cookies that we shared.
And I will admit that having Plagg is fun.
"I'm telling you, if you want to have a better life, you should seriously start considering investing in Camembert," Plagg says as he licks off some of the butter from the popcorn bag.
"Don't listen to him, Jolene," Adrien teases as he pours the popcorn into a bowl, "Plagg just wants to eat more."
"Hey! It's for her benefit too!" Plagg pouts as he puts his hands on his hips. "I'm just helping her realize that Camembert is the best thing ever."
"Well, I might not like it, but I promise that I'll buy some just for you when you visit," I smiled as I then opened a cupboard where there I had a stash of cheddar flavored popcorn ready to eat. "But I hope that you like this in the meanwhile?"
Plagg's eyes shine as he grabs the bag, "This will do." Then he flies towards the coffee table where I had bought him a red velvet and wooden couch from the toy store meant for a doll house.
The day I told him that it was for him, he was so happy that he cried a little. Not that he will admit.
So I have been secretly saving money to buy him a custom doll house from the same place I got the toy couch. He and Adrien should feel safe and at home here.
I know that this is my safe haven.
They should feel the same thing here.
"You are spoiling my kwami too much," Adrien teases as we finally make it to the couch.
"Oh, it's nothing," I waved him off with a wry smile. "Plus, I can't have my guests be left out."
Adrien shakes his head fondly as he hands me the control.
We started seeing Kim Possible together. My idea obviously and I was glad that he was enjoying it. Plagg, generally, doesn't pay attention as he focuses more on food, seeing a little bit, before taking a cat nap for the majority of the episodes.
The three episodes finished and I turned off the television.
We were in comfortable silence.
I barely realized that we both scooted closer when the popcorn was done. And that Adrien had his arm around me while I laid my head against his shoulder.
It wasn't romantic. It didn't feel like it.
This is platonic. And I felt happy and warm.
"Adrien," I say softly as I turn to look at him, "I really hope that Ladybug returns your feelings." The way he talks about her, I really hope that Ladybug will give him a chance. But I felt a little guilty too. Marinette is in love with Adrien, but she doesn't really know him.
I have a feeling that Ladybug has seen Adrien for who he really is as Cat.
Adrien looked surprised, "I hope so too."
I stayed silent for a while. My mind is already going to dark thoughts. "And if she doesn't?"
Adrien frowns softly, "Let's think positive. Okay?"
I smiled softly back, "Okay. I will be giving off good vibes."
Adrien laughed, "Thank you. Your efforts will not be forgotten."
When he left, and as I made my way to bed, I couldn't help that gut sinking feeling.
If he and Ladybug do hook up… will he no longer spend time with me?
No. Remember, good vibes. And hope for the best.
Every Wednesday, Adrien takes me to the Paris Country Club to play basketball where Coach Lessort helped me be a better player.
And after we clean up, Nathalie takes us to the Blue Room where Adrien and I would play piano together.
A lot of the guests actually sit in the garden outside or are even in the room as Adrien and I play.
At first, I didn't like the extra attention. It made me nervous and a little self conscious. I actually messed up, making me burn and almost cry with embarrassment.
But Adrien, the freaking saint and good person that he is, helped me calm down. He took his time to lead me with a breathing exercise and held my hand the whole time.
And it worked.
But I still get anxious when some people get a little too close for comfort.
I'm pretty sure Adrien mentioned it to Giles because he does a great job at getting people respecting a distance away from us.
Today for some reason, there were less people than normal. No one was in the Blue Room apart from us, but I could see a crowd of the older generation having tea in the garden outside.
"What would you like to play?" Adrien asks as Nathalie gave us her tablet where we could search for an almost endless amount of music pages of any composition.
"Have you ever played jazz?" I offered.
Adrien shook his head.
"It's fun," I grinned as I started to play 'Dream A Little Dream Of Me' in jazz piano style.
Adrien quickly caught on and I'm glad he liked it.
I do love classical, but jazz is something else.
Dr. Babineux clearly saw my better mental health and said that I didn't need to go to her office weekly anymore. But if I do have problems, to call her and she will welcome me back.
Though she did playfully tease that better not be the case anytime soon. Or ever.
She wants me to be happy. And that the friend that is making me happy to always have my trust.
I really hope that will be the case.
And with my mental health being better, I have seen that I have been doing great in everything.
My UTube videos are always trending when I post.
My school work is going well. B and above.
My body is a lot more capable of physical work. Which allowed Alya's sister to recommend me to the gym that she works out at. She even teaches me when she can.
My life has changed for the better.
But with all that happiness, I couldn't help that sadness every time I see myself in a mirror without a wig or contacts.
My sister's face stares right back at me.
But I will be fine. Time is healing me.
And little by little, I have been seeing my own face, instead of hers.
"Bye Adrien," I waved at him as he went in his car.
"See you, Jolene," He waves back before Giles drives off to his next photo session.
However, before I could take a step towards the journey to my apartment, Alya intercepted me. She had that smile on her face that only meant trouble.
"Hi, Alya?" I ask nervously. What have I done to get her attention like that?
Oh god, she's taking me to the lockers. She's going to go on full out reporter/blogger interrogation.
"Okay, girl, spill," She smirks as she takes out her phone and shows me… with Cat Noir carrying me while escaping the latest akumatized victim. That was just yesterday.
"Cat Noir was saving me," I answered simply, hoping that I could maintain my cool.
It was true. What are the odds that Alya at the moment spotted us together?
Actually, never mind, somehow that girl has a spidey-sense for this type of stuff.
"Aha!" She exclaims as she slides the picture to show that it was a video. "I knew that you would say something like that. But what about this?"
She presses 'play' and soon it shows Cat Noir carrying me across roofs. She zooms all the way and it shows how Cat carefully puts me down.
It shows us that we were talking and Cat playfully winking at me, while I playfully hit his shoulder.
But then it showed that part.
The part where I can't deny that there isn't anything between Cat and I.
Not only did I hug him tightly before he left to fight the Akuma. Nooooo. I gave him the Sign of the Cross before that. He held my hands when I finished before kissing the top of my head.
"Now, are you going to spill?" Alya wiggles her eyebrows.
"I'm Catholic," I press my pointer fingers against each other while looking away from her.
"Aaaannndd?" She continues. "I'm pretty sure you are the only girl, other than Ladybug, that Cat spends time with. That type of thing is shared with people who are really close with each other."
There really wasn't anything that would convince her to think anything else. So, I had to say something.
She hasn't uploaded it to the Ladyblog, so it's still private.
"Cat and I," I start, making Alya grin, "Are really good friends."
"Just friends?" She hums.
"Just friends," I emphasize. "We've met up a couple of times. And he's a really nice guy. And I care about him, as a friend. And I would really appreciate that you keep this a secret."
"Girl, you just admitted that you and Cat Noir are like best buds! Why do you want this to be a secret?"
Oh so many reasons.
"Because I really like my privacy," I frown. "I don't want people to randomly come up to me just because I'm associated with him. I don't want people to report or interrogate me."
Alya did look sheepish, "Sorry. But I just," She squeals as she hugs me, "I'm just happy for you."
I blink for a few seconds before letting go to look at her, "You are?"
She nods, "Yeah. I mean, at least one of us is taking care of Paris' superheroes. I would like to do that for Ladybug."
I smiled softly, glad that Alya isn't going to say anything about it.
Mexican music is playing softly on the speakers as I was enjoying the rest of my coffee on top of the roof.
Cat had just left, saying that he had to keep it short, but was glad for the cup of coffee and croissant.
My hair was tucked in my beanie and I was wearing a large black hoodie that reached to my knees. I was warm despite the crisp cool air.
Winter is coming and I have lots of blankets ready to be used.
"Excuse me?"
I should be used to this, but nope. I still screamed, my coffee almost spilling from my hands.
My eyes looked up at the newcomer and I gaped in silent awe.
It was Ladybug in the flesh.
"Hi," I say shyly. "Um, what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?"
Ladybug gave me a soft smile, "No need for those formalities."
"Ah," I said so eloquently. "So, what's up?"
"I just wanted to know Cat's new friend that he mentions ever so often," She smiled. "He cares a lot about you, you know?"
I smiled softly, "I care about him too. He's one of my best friends."
That seems to make her happy. "He's a good person. And I'm glad that he found a good friend in you. I can tell that you will be good for him."
"He has been good for me," I replied softly.
Ladybug nods and prepares her yo-yo. "Well, I have to bug out. You won't mention this meeting with Cat, will you?"
I shook my head, "Not if you don't want me to."
She grins before jumping off and swings away.
The only thing popping in mind was Alya would be so jealous if she ever found out. But good thing it will never happen.
But the other thing was: Cat talks about me to Ladybug?
I don't know if I should be embarrassed or happy.
"Adrien," I start, getting his attention, "Are you lonely in your house?" I know it was straightforward, but what's the point of beating around the bush? As much as I love having him here, I know that he has his dad, even though I have no idea what happened to his mom.
He hasn't told me about her and I will not push him to tell me. If he wants to tell me, he'll tell me when the time comes.
Plagg's worried look at his partner and Adrien's own silence already gave me the answer.
"You know," I say softly, "I am glad to have you both here. Before I was really lonely too."
Adrien gave me a soft smile as he held my hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'm happy to have met you."
And that was all. We didn't need to talk more about the subject. Enjoying each other's company was enough to make us happy. To escape our loneliness.
Nino is really chill. However, there are times where we do butt heads.
"Jazz is not for old people," I huffed as I crossed my arms.
"Yeah, it is. It was way back in the day that it was popular," Nino retorts. "When was the last time a jazz song was in the top 100 in this century?"
A strange gasping sound came out of my throat, "That's not fair!"
I did not stomp my foot like a petulant child. I swear.
Nino just looked smug while I just pouted to the side. Meanie.
"...I like jazz," Adrien piped in.
I looked smug at Nino. "See?"
Nino just scoffs, "He doesn't count. You probably introduced it to him."
I stayed quiet because it was true. "Fine. It's not for old people, though. Jazz is appreciated by different types of individuals who can be of different age ranges."
"I can agree on that," Nino fixes his cap.
In between us, Adrien looked relieved.
"But you have to admit that your taste of music is very different from mine. I'm not into classical."
Adrien and I shared a faux look of horror.
"You uncultured swine," I teased and we all laughed.
Then Nino snapped his fingers as he pointed at me, "Girl, when's your birthday? I want to make you a mixtape."
I laughed nervously as they both looked intently at me. Oh boy.
"It was… yesterday," I hugged myself.
"What?!" Nino and Adrien both shout, making me cower.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Adrien asks, this time softer as he places a reassuring hand in my shoulder.
I opened and closed my mouth several times, trying to explain, but finally I just sighed out loudly.
Just say the truth. They are my friends.
"I haven't celebrated my birthday for a couple of years now," I admitted softly.
Chandler and Kathy actually came to my house and gave me a little ice cream cake. And by little, I mean it. It was enough for the three of us to finish it.
Chandler actually prepared a mouthwatering meat and cheese lasagna and thankfully gave me the recipe.
Kathy actually gave me her old erotica books and a new box of condoms.
Yes, she actually did that. The reason why is because she said that I am in 'that' age where I could experiment with my sexuality and may actually do the act. She mentioned that she was around my age when she had her first time, so she wants me to be responsible about my actions.
The only reason why I didn't die of embarrassment was because she gave me the gifts when Chandler had left. Thank god.
It was a sweet sentiment that they wanted to do something for me. And I really appreciated it. But I will have to admit to myself that I cried before going to sleep. It just hurts to remember that you don't have a family to share the rest of your life.
My focus went back to Adrien, who nodded understandably, while Nino looked so lost.
"Why? But it's your birthday!"
I smiled sadly and Adrien pulled me into a side hug. I looked Nino into his eyes and whispered, "My parents died shortly after my birthday. And I haven't had the will to celebrate."
Nino sobered really quickly, "I'm sorry to hear that. How long? If you want to say?"
"It will soon be three years," I answered absently, tears already subconsciously leaking. "I'm sorry, I need to be alone for a little bit." I break away from them and I dash towards the girl's restroom.
I locked myself in a stall and let the tears flow freely.
This pain will never go away, will it?
However, I took deep breaths and regulated my breathing.
"I'll be okay," I whispered to myself, a soft smile on my face as I let my mind wander to the wonderful memories I have.
Making friends and just being with them already made me feel so warm.
"Jolene!"
Naturally, I screamed at the sudden loud summoning of my name just outside. Quickly, I opened the stall and I saw a very worried Marinette.
"Where's the fire?" I sniffle as I try to clean my tears with the back of my hand.
"...Are you okay?"
I laughed, "I will be."
Marinette giggled, but she still looked worried. "What happened? You were crying."
"It's nothing to worry about now," I tried to reassure her. "But thank you for your concern. You're a good friend, Marinette." And I slowly opened my arms, hoping that she got the hint. And she did.
She hugged me and I hugged her back.
"You're a good friend too," Marinette whispers and I smiled softly as we let go.
What I didn't know was that Marinette saw a black butterfly heading towards my direction, but she never saw it change course.
Adrien's POV
"Dude, we need to throw a party for Jolene," Nino says with utmost seriousness.
"But she said she didn't want to celebrate," I pointed out with a frown. I would love to celebrate Jolene's birthday, but I don't know if she would like it.
"That's the more reason to do it," Nino insists. "We have to show her that she can't be bummed over it forever. I'm sure her folks would have liked her to enjoy her own birthday again."
He has a point.
"...What do you have in mind?"
"First, we need to have to talk with the rest of our friends," Nino fixes his cap before going on his phone and starts texting.
In a few seconds, I received a group message that said to meet at the park after school. And to not tell it to anyone.
"We're having a meeting?"
"Yep, we are all going to organize a party."
When class started again, I looked back at the class to see if Jolene was okay. And she looked okay. Like if she never had run away crying a few minutes ago.
And for some reason, that worried me.
I felt bad for lying to Jolene, but it was for a good cause.
She did look a little disappointed that we weren't going to walk out together, but I promised that I would make it up later.
She quickly smiled and walked her way home.
So now Alya, Marinette, Ivan, Mylène, Alix, Kim, Max, Rose, Juleka, Nathaniel and I were all looking at Nino who was strangely quiet.
"Um, why are we here?" Alix asks with a frown.
"And where's Jolene?" Alya points out.
"And that is why we are having this emergency friend meeting," Nino finally speaks, getting everyone attention. "I just found out from Jolene herself that yesterday was her birthday."
Everyone else did look distraught.
"Are you suggesting that we make a party for her?" Max asks as he pushes his glasses up. "Jolene is a good friend. I feel bad that I didn't wish her a happy birthday."
"Yeah, me too," Marinette adds softly. "So is that why she was crying in the restroom?"
Nino and I shared looks and we both agreed to not mention the real reason.
"Uhh, she's bummed, yeah," Nino clears his throat. "But please, don't mention it to her. She is extremely sentimental."
"Poor Jolene," Rose frowns as she shakes her head. "What are we going to do?"
And so that is how the plan began.
There was something strange with Adrien. But I just couldn't put my finger on it.
So I just said it straightforwardly, "Is something wrong?"
"No, why do you ask?" He replied way too quickly.
I hummed as I raised an eyebrow at him. But then I looked at Plagg who was mysteriously chewing very slowly his Camembert.
"Plagg," I drawl as I look at the kwami, "Do you know something that you would like to share?"
"N-no," He gulps as he refuses to look at me. "You know, I think it's time for my cat nap! Got to go!" He sped away as he left towards my room.
"Okay, you guys know something that you don't want me to know," I accuse Adrien as I poke his shoulder. "But whatever it is I will find out."
"It's nothing bad," Adrien cowers. "Promise."
"...Fine, just because I trust you a lot," I sighed as I lean on his shoulder. "Do you want to see a movie instead?"
Adrien leaned his head over mine, "Yeah. You pick."
It was a nice night, despite having some suspicion he was hiding something from me. But whatever it is, he will tell me.
I know he will.
For three days straight, many of my friends were asking me questions about anything about my likes and preferences. Which I answered if it wasn't too personal.
I did think of it as strange, but it ultimately went over my head that there was a reason behind it.
It was the glorious weekend and I was ready to visit Anansi for our regular session.
Just as I was about to go through that door, I received a text message from her.
She wanted to reschedule for tomorrow because she forgot she had a dentist appointment, followed by a physical checkup.
Well, a little disappointing, but that means that I could do something else.
Then I got a message from Adrien.
He said if I could 'please go on a photo shoot with him'.
And I said yes.
He would pick me up in fifteen minutes and wear something cute or pretty.
So I went to my closet and decided to wear the gray long sleeve tunic dress that reached just above my knees with black leggings. My sneakers were replaced with tan heeled boots that made me three inches taller than usual.
My blue wig was intact and I made sure to clip on my dragonfly clip securely in place. And finally, I put on eye drops over my amber contacts.
I grabbed my usual black cross shoulder bag and headed downstairs.
Three minutes later Adrien's car arrived and I got in.
"Good morning," I greet Adrien and Giles.
They both smiled and I looked at Adrien, "So where is the photo shoot?"
He did dress in fancier clothes. He was wearing his usual jeans, a light blue button shirt with a black vest over it.
"It's going to be in Parc Monceau."
I grinned as I wiggled in my seat, "I have always wanted to visit, but I always forget to go," I say sheepishly. "Do you know it well?"
"Yeah," He smiles, "The photographer is going to meet us there and we are taking pictures for most of the day."
I nod and simply look outside, enjoying this relaxing moment.
Parc Monceau is beautiful.
Adrien had to pull me along because I got too distracted in trying to see everything.
"Adrien, about time you come," An Italian accented voice calls out from in front of us. "Hurry, and let's start! Today we have wonderful lighting- and who is this?" The photographer runs to stand in front of us. His eyes looked up and down at me before smiling, "Is she going to be part of the shoot? She would be perfect!"
"A-ah," I stammer nervously as I look at Adrien for help.
"Vincent," Adrien starts, "This is Jolene. She's one of my best friends. Jolene, this is Vincent, my photographer."
"Miss Jolene, it would be very wonderful that you join Adrien!" Vincent exclaims. "With you two, I can take gorgeous pictures!"
I looked at Adrien with a raised eyebrow, "Did you intentionally want me to take pictures with you?"
"Yeah?"
I playfully swat his shoulder, "I would have said yes if you told me."
"Yes! Come on! Come on!" Vincent waves his hand as he motioned for us to stand in front of him. "This will be the best photo shoot yet!"
I giggled at Vincent's clear enthusiasm. I can understand the passionate feeling of loving what you do either as a hobby or profession. I admire those types of people.
There was two hours left before the sun fully set. And surprisingly, Anansi didn't text me to practice with her.
The photo shoot was fun, but I'm starving.
"Hungry?" Adrien smirks as he hears my stomach rumbling.
"Yeah," I moan. "Can't wait to eat at home."
Adrien looked a little nervous, but then he got a text message. "Giles, take us to the usual park."
I gave Adrien a confused look, "Adrien?"
"I need to show you something," He smiles. "Trust me, you'll like it."
I twisted my lips to the side, but sighed with a wry smile, "Okay. Just because you said so."
"And one more thing," He says as he then takes a white bandanna out of his jean's pocket. "I'm going to blindfold you. It's a surprise."
I pout, "Adrien. I don't need surprises."
"I think you do," He says as he moves the bandanna closer to me, "May I?"
I shifted in my seat so that I was facing him away.
Carefully he blindfolded me pretty darn good. I couldn't see a thing… and it was freaking me out a little.
I moved my hand towards Adrien's hand.
Immediately, I felt it. He grabbed it and he was rubbing soothing circles on the back of my hand with his thumb. "I'm here. And I'm going to hold on and lead you to the surprise, okay?"
I nod, "Okay."
Getting out of the car was a little awkward, I kept bumping into anything, including poor Adrien.
"Sorry," I wince as I bump into him again.
Adrien chuckled, "You're fine. The most difficult part is over. Now you just need to walk."
And surprise, surprise, I'm awkward again.
"I swear today something is up," I groan as Adrien saves me from falling to my face again. I'm tripping over anything and nothing at all. I'm starting to believe that I have no balance if I can't see where I'm going.
Adrien laughs, "Just wait."
Adrien had to put himself behind me and gently lead me forward until we stopped.
Then I felt him untying the bandanna and at the same time I heard music.
It was the song 'Jolene' by Dolly Parton, but instrumental only.
"Happy Birthday!" I heard everyone exclaim as my vision got better.
I jumped back and screeched a little at the surprise.
A surprise…?
My eyes roamed around and I saw the 'Happy Birthday Jolene' banner hung between two trees. There were white and teal color paper circles decorations hanging from tree branches. As well as balloons in the same color scheme.
There was an ocean themed cake that had three layers in different shades of blue, decorated with white colored pearls, corals, starfishes and seashells.
There was a table where there was a pile of wrapped gifts.
Next to it was a DJ stand where Nino was proudly standing.
A table with finger food, drinks and pizza.
And there were all my friends.
"Oh no! She's crying!" Rose panics as all of them come closer. Adrien pulled me closer and was rubbing soothingly on my back.
I tried to wipe them away, but they kept falling.
"D-did you all do this for me?" I mumbled as I tried to keep the tears away.
"Yeah, it was Adrien's and Nino's idea," Marinette informs. "We really didn't mean any harm."
I let out a watery laugh, causing everyone around to look confused.
But then I hugged the first person that was in front of me which happened to be Marinette.
"No, these are happy tears," I smiled softly as I let go. "This is the nicest thing that has happened to me in years."
Then I proceeded to hug everyone, thanking them and I was so happy that they hugged back.
"So this is why you all were so weird these past few days," I laughed as I dried the last of my tears.
They all chuckle and soon, Nino put on party music.
And I enjoyed every second the party lasted.
I made sure to take pictures with everyone and ask Alya to send me pictures that she took as well.
When it was time for presents it was also a heartwarming moment.
Nino gave me the mixtape that he promised.
Rose gave me a scrapbook that she already decorated the front with my name in a cute style and had a lot of ocean theme stickers on it already. But inside it was blank for me to fill up.
Juleka gave me a new wallet. It was printed in the iconic Haunted Mansion black and purple wallpaper.
Ivan gave me black earbuds with a mic that had a picture of a skull on the buds itself.
Mylène gave me a makeup set. The ones that are used in professional movie sets.
Max gave me the latest book about computer programming.
Kim gave me elbow and knee pads. Plus a black skateboard helmet.
Alix gave me a simple skateboard.
Marinette designed me a new cross shoulder bag. It was like hers, but it was a teal color with white and silver stars littering around them.
Alya got me new fighting gloves. One pair was from her and the other was from Anansi. She explained to me that she couldn't come because she was preparing for a fight.
Nathaniel did a portrait of me. I was laying on grass, my silver wig hair spread out so aesthetically, my hands were resting above my belly. I was wearing a simple lavender dress. But what was more beautiful was how there were dozens of fireflies flying around me. Their light glowed delicately against me. The light and shadows details were breathtaking.
"It's beautiful, thank you," I smiled as I hugged him once again. "No one has painted a portrait of me before."
Nathaniel blushes, "I just wanted to return the favor. You made my hero persona so amazing, it would only be fair that I painted you even more amazing. Which was rather hard considering you are one of the most amazing people I know."
I hugged him again, this time a little longer and I saw Alya taking a couple of more pictures.
We let go and informed him that it's definitely hanging in my room.
Last and not least Adrien came forward.
I smiled softly at him, "You didn't need to give me anything. Being one of my best friends is already a gift."
Adrien simply smiles, "But I want to give you something."
From his jeans' pocket he pulled out a piece of paper.
"It was not exactly last minute, but I gave a lot of thought over it," He says as he gives it to me.
I unfold the paper and I see his handwriting.
It was a poem with no title.
When I saw you in class
My eyes saw the loneliness in your own
I thought I had to tread carefully like you were of glass
But I soon you made me realize
You're made of the toughest material there ever has
You proved it through your bravery and compassion
As you express it with your words, art, and actions with a shining passion
There I just knew I had to be your friend
Just to show you that you can count on me anytime
And if I have to, be your partner in crime
I tried everything to see you happy, going the extra mile
And when you finally smiled
I always want to keep it that way
Then came that fateful night
When I saw you all alone in the streets to my dismay
But I was glad when you asked me to stay
And there I saw a new side
Where you confided in me your fears
Allowing me to hug you and brush away your tears
For many nights, we meet under the light of the stars
For many hours, enjoying the company and the storytelling
Then came that night where you showed me your deepest scar
There's nothing I can do to change the past
But I hope that your future will be better
By telling you that I will make our friendship last
You saved my life
And I saved yours
That is what our friendship is for
So I pinky promise to you
That I won't leave your side
As long you promise me that too
For as long our hearts are inside
When I finished reading I had to dry some tears. I held out my pinky and Adrien did the same. We hooked them together and as if sharing the same mind we both said, "I promise."
Then tackled Adrien into one fierce bear hug.
"Thank you," I whispered into his ear.
His arms circled around me, his body close enough to ward away the autumn chill.
"Happy Birthday," He whispers.
I only hugged him tighter.
When Cat appeared on the roof later, I tackled him in another hug and invited him inside the safety of my room.
"Plagg, claws in."
The kwami flew in my face and gave me a smile, "Happy belated birthday!"
I chuckled and I hugged him close to my face before kissing the top of his head.
"So that was what you both were hiding from me."
They gave me sheepish smiles.
"We really wanted to make you happy," Adrien admits as he sits on my bed.
I sat right next to him. "And it worked. And I really appreciated it."
"I have a little something for you," Plagg says as he then came close to my cheek and gave me a kiss.
I blushed as I blinked in awe at just what happened.
"Plagg, thank you. That was a wonderful gift," I smiled fondly as I looked at the flushed kitty.
"You are one lucky girl. I have never kissed a human girl as pretty as you," He says as he rubs the back of his head.
"You're the sweetest," I replied, making the kitty flush a darker pink.
I felt Adrien poke the back of my hand and I moved it so that we were holding hands, "Do you guys want to see a movie?"
And so I lead Adrien to the living room, Plagg making himself comfortable on his sofa.
And as the movie was playing, I couldn't help but be more emotional than usual at the happy ending.
I hope with every fiber of my very being that this really lasts for as long I exist.
AN: Thank you annabethhermione, Myrlym, 1ke, Hamato Sakura and K-Merriak for following/favoriting this story. You guys don't understand how happy it makes me.
Sorry for the delay, but I hope that this slightly longer chapter makes up for it.
Thank you to all.