"Princess, I think they've got us surronded," Cat whispers to me. I take his hand, and one of the leader rabbits steps forward. "We saw you coming aways off, and we wanted to make sure to warn you that this part of the forest is dangerous." My hand tightens around Cat's. "Dangerous? Have there been recent sightings of Hawkmoth?" "How do you know his name?" "Cat, my partner here, gave me the Miraculous of the Ladybug so I could defeat Hawkmoth. Our journey has been tiring, but we won't rest until peace resides in the forest once again."
The rabbit smiles and steps forward, placing both of his paws on mine and Cat's. "Ladybug's good deeds have reached our ears, and if you say you are her, my dear, we belive you. But rest here for the day, for the day will be scorching hot." I turn to Cat, and gives me a subtle nod. I wouldn't be opposed to traveling at night as long as Cat is by my side. "We would happy to accept your invation. My name is Marinette." "Nice to meet you, my dear. I'm the leader of this Bourough, and my name is Carrots."
He smiles at me. "Have you ever been in a borough?" I shake my head. "I'm just a bit bigger then your average bunny. Even when I'm Ladybug." "I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Ah, here we are."
A large hole sloping downwards into the earth, staring back at us, like one dark eye socket. Carrots takes a lantern from the wall and we head down, to the underground. At first, we don't see any bunnies, but the further down we go, the temputuare cools.
A female bunny waits at one of the passageways, and she gives Carrots a hug. As I look at them, I give Cat's hand a little squeeze. "So, you brought company back! Hello, I'm Lettuce." "You have a lovely home here," Cat says, shaking her paw. Do I catch a hint of wistfulness in his voice? "Oh, thank you, dearie. Are you hungry?" "Cat is always hungry. I'm Marinette, and I'd love to see the kitchens." "You've come to the right bunny. Carrots, how about showing Cat around the Bourogh while I show Marinette around?" "Fine by me." I give Cat a hug, and then follow Lettuce.
"You two seem quite close," she says as soon as the boys are out of earshot. "We are. Cat's my best friend." And more, I add to myself. Sure, he can be goofy and a show-off, but his heart is kind, and that's the kind of boy I'm looking for. Boy. I've still never seen Cat without his mask, but I tell myself that when he's ready, the mask will come off.
"Mama! Mama!" My thoughts are interrupted as three little bunnies sit at the kitchen table. "We've waiting for you to come back so we can eat!" "Patience, my little ones. We have a guest." I smile as the young bunnies are so cute! Lettuce and Carrots fur is a light brown color, but these bunnies fur is a chocolate brown. "Marinette, say hello, to my children: Tulip, Sweet Pea, and Radish." "I'm sorry I kept you from your dinner. May I join you?"
the children giggle as Carrots serves us bowls of carrot soup. I smile to myself, thinking of Cat's "hatred" for all things veggie. "Marinette?" I look up from my bowl to find Tulip looking at my shyly. "Do you like dolls?" "Yes, I do." "Would you play with me, after we eat?" "I'd love to play with you, and I'm sure Cat would too.
Lettuce asks me questions about the journey and and as I enjoy my meal, my story tumbles out. Even the story about Paris. Radish comes around the table and tugs my hand. "Marinette, will you hold me? I'm getting sleepy…." she rubs her eyes. "Of course."
I hold her carefully, rocking her in my arms like a baby and start to sing gently.
"Day is done, night is near.
Ladybug waits for her Cat she holds dear.
Even if she has worked all day and now is tired,
she's gladly work to see her smile.
One day soon, he'll stay close by,
Waiting for a little one to arrive."
Radish opens one sleepy eye. "Are you going to be a mommy?" I laugh softly, stroking her soft nose. "Maybe someday." "Oh." Radish closes her eyes, and all can be heard now is the soft sound of her snores.
"There's a nursey the next burrow over. Radish's bed is in there." Carefully, not to wake the sleeping baby in my arms, I stand, rocking her gently.
"Thanks for showing me…." Cat and Carrots round the corner and I put a finger to my lips as Radish begins to suck on her thumb. "I'll be in the kitchen if you need me," Cat whispers, and his eyes are very soft, the lightest shade of green I've seen. A moment passes between us and I walk into the nursey.
I feel very motherly as I put Radish to bed and as I exit the tunnel, I dream of the day when I have my own kids. But thanks to my daydreaming, I become lost and find myself a entrance burrow.
Getting some fresh air won't hurt for a few minutes, and I sit down to take in the view. A slight breeze springs up, and my hair tickles at my face. A smile lights my face, but freezes.
A man in a purple suit with a cane walks in the forest not far from me. At once, I know this is my emeny and that is Hawkmoth. I flatten myself in the dirt of the entrance, but keep watching him. He detransforms suddenly, and I'm surprised to find its a middle-aged man maybe in his early forties.
His look is sad as he strokes a gold locket, but he dosen't open it, instead he holds it to his chest. After a minute, he transforms again and disappears into the forest. I realize that I'm holding my breath and I let it out slowly.
So, that's Hawkmoth. Strange, its the first time I've laid eyes on him, but he seemed so familiar. I slip down into the burrow and locate Carrots and Lettuce. Suddenly, I need to be with my partner.
"He's in one of the rooms next door, here I'll show you." Cat is glad to see me, and he beckons me into his room. I should tell him about Hawkmoth as soon as possible, but he has something to say first.
"You looked so natural, holding Radish in your arms. It made me think," he pauses to interwine our fingers, "How much I want to be father some day." "You'd make a excellent husband and faher, Kitty." I lay my head on his shoulder. "Marinette, is something the matter?" I raise my head. "I saw Hawkmoth." Cat pulls me a little closer. "He didn't see you, did he?" "No, but at least we know what were up against."
"I rather think of you holding a baby then thinking about that monster," Cat growls. I nod, staying slient as I think of sad looking man I saw. "I'm just glad you weren't hurt, sweetheart." I clamber into his lap. "I would have changed into Ladybug." "Still." I rest my forhead against his. "You really do love me, don't you?" "With all my heart." I lean down a inch, and kiss him, my heart beating in my chest.
"I never want to lose you, Kitty. Even when this is over." "Good thing we're neighbors, then." Right. I give him a silly smile. "I'll still be cooking for you, that much is sure." Cat kisses me again, and all converastion stops for now, for need for each other is high.
"So," I ask, trying to keep a straight face. "What did you think of Lettuce's Carrot Soup?" "M'lady, you know how I feel about veggies."
I stand up and strike a heroic pose. "Don't you want to be big and strong?" Cat takes my hands again. "Those are nice, but all I want is the power to love. I love you, Marinette." My lips touch his again. "Love you too." Just then, my stomach growls.
"And speaking of carrots and food, maybe we should find our hosts. Surely, its dinnertime soon." But instead of following me as we enter the tunnel, Cat turns to go in a different direction. "Aren't you coming?" "I'm going up top for a bit, but I'll be back shortly." He leans forward, kissing my cheek.
"Save me a carrot." "We'll do."