"Thanks for coming over at such short notice, Adrien," Marinette says as she lets me in the door. "No problem. So, this is the cat in question?" The little cat is beautiful with glossy black fur and a long tail. Or, its coat will be glossy once we give it a bath. "I think it's paw is hurt, but I want to give it a bath before I wrap it," Marinette explained. I can the cat does have a slight limp, even as it curls around my leg. "Can you hold it in the small sink upstairs?" I nod, and the cat purrs in my arms as we head up to the laundry room.
However, it begins to yowl as the water gushes out from the tap, and struggles in my arms. "Come on, sweetie, we just need to get you clean," Marinette says gently. "I think I have an idea, Marinette. Do you have a extra pair of shorts? I could sit with the cat on my lap in the bathtub. Maybe if it felt like it had shelter, it might calm down." "I'm willing to give it a try."
I change into my shorts and take off my shirt, sitting down in the tub. Either this cat knows I'm a cat person or its very trusting because it leaps into the tub after me. I catch mid-flight. "No leaping until we get that leg healed."
Marinette face flushes pink as she comes in seeing me shirtless with the pet shampoo, but doesn't comment on it as she turns on the water. Somehow the cat is calmer now, though I do end up very wet. Its about two in the morning, when Marinette switches off the dryer. "Okay, I'll clean. Now, let's wrap your leg." Sensing we're trying to help, the cat only stares in fascination as Marinette wraps its leg. "It can have my sweatshirt for the night, Marinette. It looks exhausted." "And what? Leave you shirtless to roam the streets only to be mobbed by fan girls?" I grin at her. "Why, you jealous?" I tease. "Maybe. Your one of my closest friends, Adrien. And I don't have many of those." "I wouldn't worry about that."
After I'm dressed, and we make sure the cat is safe, Marinette and I head downstairs for hot chocolate. "But if you want to be in a relationship with Cat, I think I would open up more." Marinette doesn't look at me as she sprinkles in the chocolate powder to the warm milk bubbling in the pan. "Its not that easy, Adrien," she whispers. "What's holding you back? You know he likes you." "I'm afraid he'll laugh at me, or think I'm strange," she says. "Cat would never do that, and what would feel better? Telling him or keeping secrets festering away in your mind?" Her hand shakes on the pan as she answers. "Telling him would be easier." I lay a gentle hand over hers. "What's the worst that could happen?" "He wouldn't love me anymore." I am head over heels in love with you, and you don't have to worry because I'm here to stay, I think. "Marinette, I promise you, that won't happen." Her hand is cold, and I pull her forward into a hug. She looks up at me, with those pretty pink lips begging to be kissed. "May I kiss you?" I whisper. Marinette bites her lip. "What about Cat?" "He'd want you to be happy." Marinnette nods, and suddenly the world spins away. "Thanks for the advice, Adrien. Now, lets have our drinks before you have to go."
Since we were up so late the night before, I decide to bring Marinette her Starbucks but when I get there, Marinette isn't awake yet. "Come in anyway, Cat. I'm making scrambled eggs and toast."
Its comforting sitting at the table, listening to the sizzle of eggs and bacon in the pan, and I look up as I hear the tread of footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Well, good morning...who's that?" I ask, even though I helped to take care of the little fluff ball last night. "She doesn't have a name yet, but she's very sweet." Marinette sets the cat down and walks over to the cupboard and takes out a can of kibble. "I like the name Inky," Mama Cheng says. "Besides, your father and I could a mouser for when cold weather hits and the mice like to sneak in." "Inky's a good name," Marinette says, sitting down by me.
Marinette gives a kiss on the cheek for the coffee and then asks, "Mom, Felix and Kagami asked if I can go to a pumpkin patch this afternoon. They invited Adrien too, but he hasn't responded." "Of course you can. Your father and I will be happy to watch Inky." I nearly choke on my eggs. "Adrien" hasn't answered because he's eating breakfast. "Back in a moment," I trot upstairs.
Detransforming, I text Felix back in the group text. "Good, if you want Marinette Adrien is Cat Noir, you need to do more things with her without the mask," Plagg reminds me. "I'm doing my best," I mutter as I head back down.
Marinette is washing up, still in her cute pink pajamas. A picture of a seal in her sketchpad sits open on the kitchen table. "Who's this?" I ask, and Marinette gasps, running over and slapping the book closed. "No one. Just a stupid sketch." "Princess, its not like you to use that word "stupid." Is this part of your dream from yesterday?" she nods, chewing on her lip. "If you hold my hands, I can tell you about it," she whispers. I nod, lifting her up and carrying her to the kitchen counter.
Its a bit hard to hear her at first, but the story comes out. Of her being Ladybug in the dream, and making her seal friend on an ice floe. "I want to move from Paris," Marinette whispers. "I think that's what the dream means. And being Ladybug…." I nod, understanding. "If you left, I won't stop you, Marinette. But my heart belongs to you now." "I wouldn't leave without you. I made a promise to you and Adrien that I wouldn't abandon you." "Marinette,"
The thought of her leaving frightens me, and when our lips meet, we're almost frantic. "Cat," she whispers, weaving her hands into my hair. "Calm down." "I'm trying, love." Eventually, my heartbeat returns to normal. "I should let you get ready for this afternoon," I tell her. "Unless you want to go in your pajamas." I'm glad my voice sounds more normal now. "I'll call you later, or see you tomorrow," she confirms, sliding off the counter.
Its just a few hours, Adrien, I tell myself as I walk down the stairs and into the sunshine. I'm not going back home, so I find a hiding spot on a rooftop until its time to meet the others.
Felix picks up Kagami and I first, then we head towards Marinette's. "Hey, all!" Marinette slides into the backseat next to me, and immediately my heart feels better. "You've been to a pumpkin patch before, Marinette?" Felix asks, as we merge back into Parisian traffic. "Once, when I was younger. I can't wait to go back though. Felix?" "Yes?" "Can you roll up the privacy window? I need to talk to Adrien." Felix laughs, and the window rises slowly. I turn towards her. "What's up?" "I took your advice and told Cat about my dream." I cup her cheek with my hand. "And how did you feel after you told him?" Her eyes grow a darker shade of blue as she answers. "It wasn't easy, but I'm glad I did it. I guess I felt better." "I'm proud of you," I whisper. Marinette leans closer. "You remind of me Cat at times." I can't help a smirk growing on my face. "Do I?" "Yeah, your funny and sweet and you gave me great advice. Thanks for giving me courage." "I'll always be here to help, Marinette."
We grow quiet, and we both look out the window, and I feel Marinette's hand brush across my own. Slowly, I interlace our hands. She snuggles closer, and I put my arm around her as she rest her head against my shoulder. Within minutes she's asleep.
"We're here!" Felix says, awhile later, and I lift my head from on top of Marinette's. Guess I must of fallen asleep too.
After we buy the tickets, we split up, Kagami and Felix to pick out a pumpkin and Marinette and I opt to do the corn maze.
"I like it when its just us," Marinette says, as we head in, the corn making a rustling sound above our heads. "Its easy to get lost in our own private bubble." I ask her as we walk if she knows any good art classes, because Father is still getting on my tail about that. Her mother apparently has one on Saturdays, and I make a mental note to look into that when we get back.
"Arrgh, a dead end! Another dead end!" Marinette groans as a wall of corn blocks our path. Marinette, who seemed so happy a few minutes ago is now fuming with her tempter tumbling out. "I am so sick of dead ends, and keeping secrets!"
"Marinette," she whirls to face me, her eyes blue fire. "I want someone to love for who I am, and their not scared to walk away. I'm tired of being invisible. Is the only way to be seen is by wearing a mask?" Before I can answer, Marinette mutters she needs a minute, so I give her some space.
"Plagg, what was that about? Why did she have that little rant?" "Sorry, Adrien, I can't answer that. But I bet she feels better now."
Indeed she does, making me more confused. But one comment sticks out above all the others? What's this about a mask? Is Marinette….My Lady, or am I confused as usual?
Like the corner, the secret of our identities is a barrier, and like Marinette it makes my temper flare. But the secret is a secret for a reason to keep Paris safe. Little do I know evil plans are being made, I just don't know it yet.