Vesperia slid back across the roof, panting for air. Chat Noir leaned on his staff as his green cat eyes watched her.
"Not bad, Honey Bee. You are certainly getting used to your abilities. Let's take a break."
The bee heroine gratefully slumped where she stood on the roof. Ladybug and Chat Noir were trying to get the newer permanent heroes up to speed before whoever stole the Butterfly Miraculous turned up again. Today was her day to train with the Hero of Destruction, Chat Noir. He was an expert martial fighter and a patient teacher.
"Hey, Chat? Do you know who I am, under the mask?" She asked after a long moment.
"Oh, yeah. Ladybug told me everyone's identities after we did our own reveal. For most of them, she wanted me to know in case one was in trouble or their miraculous was stolen. She seemed very excited to tell me about you, though."
Zoe filed that away for future reference. The leader of their hero team, excited over telling Chat Noir about her? That was going to take some processing.
The hero continued. "If you're worried that I judge you based on your sister's actions, don't. Plagg told me about you filling in as Kitty Noir for me last spring. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your help and taking such good care of my kwami. There is no better holder for the Bee Miraculous, in my and Ladybug's opinion."
Zoe blushed and looked away over the streets of Paris. "I was trying to come with an alibi tonight, because of how long this training would go, I could not justify arriving so late to my girlfriend's place. Maybe if she knew I was Vesperia, I could come and go freely even on nights like this."
He nodded grimly. "I understand that only too well. I had to do the same with my partner until recently. Have you been dating long?"
There was a hint in his voice; something about the way he was giving her a sly grin that told her he not only already knew the answer but even more as well.
"Oh, that's right. I had forgotten Marinette is your Purrincess." She quipped at him. "Of course, you would take interest in a fellow hero dating her."
He laughed. "Well, I have a girlfriend myself, you know. Ryuko and I are very happy together. But yes, Marinette has a special place in my heart." He however did not touch his heart. He placed his hand on his stomach.
"I see. Cupboard love, how typically for a cat." She chuckled back. "Can confirm the perks of being her partner though are good in that department too, but I would trade every pastry just to be able to name every freckle she has."
"If you do, please give me a list. I need material to tease her with." He joked as he sat down as well. "What did you end up telling her?"
"Actually, she told me that she needed to work on a top-secret commission. She said no one else was allowed to see it until it was revealed by the client."
He smiled warmly. "I actually know a very small bit about that particular commission. I stopped in on her balcony on the way here today, to beg some treats. I figured since I was stealing her girlfriend for the night, I could at least make up with a taste of home." He took a box out from behind a vent and they shared the treats.
"I wonder who it's for. I would never ask her to break confidentiality of course, but I cannot help but wonder. Might be because I am grateful I did not need to lie to my partner. Even if it would be by omission."
Chat bit into a pastry and gave her a look. "You know, Ladybug did say you could tell your romantic partner if you wanted. She put out that rule to all of us, as long as they can keep a secret."
She nodded and took a bite herself. "I know. I just feel like it's too soon to drop my mask, already. Maybe I should drop in as Vesperia. Just to get her used to seeing me like this too before she knows who is in the suit."
Chat Noir chuckled. "Yes, that might work. However, be careful you are not carried away. She does not know her girlfriend is behind the mask, even as Zoe Lee knows she is with her lover. It might be hard to resist letting things go as they normally do when you're alone."
Zoe blushed even more deeply. She could easily see herself getting carried away and kissing her partner in the mask. She could then have to reveal herself and she was not sure if Marinette would kiss her, slap her, or both.
"Maybe, I'll give it just a little more time before I drop that bomb." She finally admitted after a few moments.
"Good idea. Maybe start wearing more yellow and black around her. She might figure it out on her own first."
Zoe sighed as she finished her treat. "I wish she was a heroine too. This would make things much easier."
Chat Noir winked at her. If she liked boys, maybe it would have made her heart stop. It just made her laugh though.
"Marinette as a heroine. That is an interesting idea. Well, shall we get back to it?"
The two rose and returned to their training. Zoe felt better, more secure in her resolve to reveal herself to Marinette. All she needed to do was wait for the right moment. In addition, survive being battered by the cat hero. Seriously, he was just too good.
Next time: Charity Gala