"How are you doing, Cat?" I call over to my partner. Cat grins at me, and I feel my heart do an extra thump. "Since you made these moss shoes, my feet are purrr-fectly comfortable." he gives me a knowing grin. I'm glad he can crack jokes, for he seemed a bit sad earlier. Still, if he wants to share, he'll tell me for I have no right to pry.

The shadows are lengthening on the path, and in the distance I can see a big clearing up ahead. "Let's camp there for the night. We can use the tent." He nods, and before we know it, we get to the clearing. As always, I scan the clearing for any potential danger and finding none, decide to head into the forest.

I hope to find another stream, but I know I can't be picky. I move quickly as possible, trying not to scare of any game. Finding a hill, I hold my breath, could there be water down below? I look right and left making sure Cat isn't around a dig out my Lucky Charm. I finger the worn beads that gleam gently in the lowering sun's rays. Maybe it will give me luck and that's when I hear the gurgle of a stream below me. Careful that I don't tumble down the hill, I walk slowly and when I get to the stream's edge I drink my fill.

Tiny plants line the water's edge, and I smile a big smile. Water chestnut. I'll pluck some to go with a fish if I can catch and I stand up, in search of a stout stick. When I find one, I tie my yo-yo string around it, and cast it into the water. The rock I sit upon is still warm from the sun, and the crickets and small woodland creatures drone a summer song. I sigh, trying not to squirm impatiently but if I don't get a bite soon, Cat and I will sleep with empty bellies which could leave us weak and vulnerable during the night.

A distinct smell of smoke fills the air, and I stand up on my rock, scanning the area for fire. Just then, a girl around my age comes out of the forest, a black cat at her side. She catches sight of me and both freeze. I don't want to frighten her by drawing a arrow, but is she friend or foe? I abandon my stick, leaping off the rock, keeping one hand on my yo-yo just in case. "So, you've stumbled into my patch of the forest. The fish aren't biting this time of night, they get lazy in the warm water." "Good to know," I tell her, extending my hand. "Ladybug." "My name's Hubbard, and this is my cat, Sweeps. He and I like to take a evening stroll, but usually we have the forest all to ourselves." "Any ideas on food? My partner, Cat, will be getting hungry." Hubbard laughs, her chestnut curls bouncing. "You brought your sweet honey? Why didn't you say so? I'll feed you right tonight." "That's very generous of you. Are you sure?" "Sure as I'll make you the best pumpkin soup this side of the mountain!" My stomach rumbles as I type out a message to Cat, telling him my location. "Sorry," I flush. "Your bound to be hungry after traveling all day. No need to say sorry."

"Hey, Bugaboo. Did you find a-" Cat's eyes widened as Sweeps meows loudly and starts rubbing Cat's leg, purring loudly. "A new friend!" Cat plops down and the Sweeps jumps into his lap. My throat starts to ache in a good way, for one of Cat's love languages is physical touch and affection. "Well, Hubbard, I think it maybe obvious but this is my best friend and partner, Cat Noir." Cat stands up, cuddling his furry friend. "Meow-ice to meet you." I roll my eyes. "Now come on, I'll have supper on the table in no time."

I have to rub my eyes to make sure I'm not dreaming when we step through the clearing for Hubbard's house is a pumpkin-shaped and very, very, cute. "Come in, come in, make yourself at home," Hubbard opens the door with a small gold key.

Sweeps leaps from Cat's arms and trots over to a snug cat basket, purring loudly. "Just make yourself at home, I'll have the food ready shortly." "Mind if I help? My parents used to run a bakery and I helped out a lot."

"I wouldn't turn down a helping hand. If you want to start slicing the bread, we'll make grilled cheese sandwiches to go with our soup." As we work I tell her about our mission, and how Paris is no more. I peek at Cat playing with Sweeps and a smile lights my face. "You sweet on each other?" Hubbard asks, and I jump. "I can't deny I don't love him." Though thoughts of Adrien still swirl in my mind, and painful squeeze finds my heart. The food is delicious and I forget my sad thoughts as Hubbard entertains with stories. Though I'm enjoying the company, I need to compose myself before I start crying.

"I'm just go outside for a few minutes. Cat, help with clean up." "Oh, he doesn't have to do that. Though if you know any good jokes…." Cat grins wickedly and I escape before he can deliver a pun.

I pull up a number on my phone and sit down hidden behind a boulder. "Ladybug, everything okay?" Argos's warm and soothing voice fills my ears. "We've met some wonderful people on our journey. But I'm missing the ones I've left behind." "Marinette," his voice grows serious as I swipe at the tears threatening to fall. "You miss Adrien, don't you?" "Yeah. What if he was hurt in the fire or worse? Why haven't I heard from him?" I try to choke back a sob, but tears betray me. "Ladybug, I know that Adrien still cares for you. If I can reach him, I'll make sure he calls you." "You'd do that?" "I can't promise anything, but I'll see what I can do." "How's married life?" I ask, switching the topic off me so I don't see to greedy. "She keeps me on my toes," I hear the smile in his voice. "Just take of care yourself, Marinette. Make sure if your having a hard time, don't hide it from Cat." "I promise." I shudder at the last time I tried to push Cat away and leave him in the darkness. I won't make that mistake again.

By now the sky is completely dark and I head back inside. "Everything good?" Cat asks, with a gentle smile. "Tell you about in bed," I whisper. Hubbard comes out with a bowl of marshmallows. "Cat, if you gather some sticks from the woodpile, we'll toast the marshmallows."

The lonely feeling shakes loose as we laugh and joke, but to soon its time for bed, and Cat and I have to leave right after breakfast. Cat flops down on the bed, and beckons for me to join him. I wiggle my way so I'm snuggled up to him and I lean my head into his chest. Cat puts his arm around my back and starts rubbing it gently and I can feel the tension leeching out of my body. "So, who was that secret phone call too?" "Argos. I wonder if he had heard from…." I pause, my heart racing. Cat won't be mad or jealous if I tell him, will he? Don't be ridiculous, Marinette, I tell myself sternly. This is Cat, who loves you almost more then anyone on the planet. "I was wondering if he ever hears from Adrien Agreste." Cat's hands still for a second, then continues. "They're cousins, aren't they?" "Well, Adrien and I were friends, close friends at one time."

Even with Cat at my side, I still felt like a lonely ladybug with no one to giggle with and no one to share her secrets. It was "accident" that I just happened to be passing through after patrol, and I noticed Adrien's light on. I hopped through, and we were friends ever since. "Well, I was wondering why Adrien hasn't contacted me." I fight hard to keep the pout out my voice, Adrien is anything but cruel, and is sure to have a good reason. "Though I can't answer that question, love, I know for a fact, that Adrien stills cares for you."

"You know," he goes on, "If you just drop the mask, I think you'd be pleasantly surprised-" "No!" I surprise myself on how sharp my voice sounds, but if Hawkmoth were to capture Cat, and if he knew me under the mask…..

"Take deep breaths, love." I meet his eyes and his hand cups my cheek. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be sharp with you. I just love you so much." I wiggle my way so that I can fuse my lips with Cat's.

Cat pulls me back, but I want more kisses...more...I'm not sure. "Relax, I just want to lock the door." "Oh," I say, feeling a little silly. Cat sleeps beside me that night, and I am glad for the warmth and company. His eyelids flutter, meaning he's in a Dream World, and I wish I could see what he sees.

I rest my head against the pillow, and slowly fall asleep. Morning comes with a blink of an eye while your traveling, so you catch it when you can.

But I can't sleep, not just yet, so I pull my sketchpad from my bag, and sketch long into the night. I sketch Adrien's former home, covered in flowers. "I miss you, Buttercup," I sigh as I shove the paper back into the bag. Sketching won't bring him back, and I must keep moving forward.

The sun will be rising soon, so I prepare myself for sunrise.