There were moments, especially at night, when she desperately yearned to know more about her mysterious partner. Despite the obvious risks involved with knowing, she couldn't help but wonder and constantly found herself longing to uncover his secret, especially after she became the new guardian of the miracle box. As her partner and friend, she knew he could provide lot of valuable insights and assistance in their future actions against the Hawkmoth's terror. There were times when she partially persuaded herself that the positive sides of them knowing could possibly outweighed the catastrophic ones she feared the most. However, the uncertainty that kept her from making such a difficult decision constantly filled her mind with fear and anxiety.
In addition, there was another thought that persistently consumed her mind during countless sleepless nights, when she lay in bed, trying to put her worries aside. At times, when she immersed herself in a book on her balcony, she wished she could forget about him and that captivating smile of his that seemed to light up her world far too much than she cared to admit to anyone. Vision of Adrien clouded her mind subconsciously and made thinking clearly nearly impossible, and she had a hard time realizing how much it affected her behavior.
"Thinking about your prince charming, are we?" he asked, teasing her with a grin.
A wave of embarrassment washed over her as she realized she had been caught daydreaming about Adrien again. She had forgotten that she had met with none other than Chat Noire for their nightly patrol, her focus lost in thoughts of the blonde boy she couldn't have. Thinking about Adrien was like an addiction she couldn't shake, even though she knew it was unacceptable, especially on duty. His heart belonged to someone else, a secret girl who happened to never laugh at his jokes. Despite her best efforts to move on, the pain still lingered, refusing to release its hold on her heart.
Caught off guard, she refrained from asking him for advice, knowing it would only make things between them more complicated. She was Ladybug, a strong and independent hero, not one to cry about her own problems to her crime-fighting partner.
"Jealous much, are we?" she teased, as she tried to deflect his words.
His cat ears momentarily flattened, but before she could notice, he flashed her a grin.
"Purr-fectly not," he replied with a casual smile and a wink, trying to hide his true feelings.
However, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of hurt, which he carefully kept hidden from her. Ladybug's subtle reactions revealed that she had grown tired of his flirtatious behavior, and he could sense it from afar.
"This cat's too handsome for jealousy, anyway," he added, trying his best to keep his overly extraverted persona in check."
As the minutes ticked by in silence, Marinette's thoughts, once again, became consumed by the green-eyed blonde from her class. A swirling mix of emotions churned inside her mind - hero duties, school, Chloe, Lila, and now this mysterious girl - leaving her feeling lost and overwhelmed. She couldn't help but wonder who this girl was and what made her so special that even a brief mention of her had left Adrien lovesick and absent. Despite her confusion, her friends, especially Luka, were a constant source of support for her well-being, but she couldn't lead him on once again, as her heart belonged to someone else. Her situation seemed far too complex for her already exhausted brain to comprehend without becoming overheated.
"Hey, are you okay? You seem worried," Chat asked her calmly, noticing her distant gaze.
She realized she had drifted away to her fantasies again, another mistake had been made. If she knew him as well as she thought she did, it was only a matter of time before he would eventually figure her out.
"Just thinking," she responded softly, trying to downplay the situation.
She couldn't bring herself to tell him the truth and risk crashing his already broken heart. In her eyes, he was too kind for all of this, and she shouldn't be the one to burden him with her problems, not after rejecting him. Silence hung heavy between them, punctuated only by the sound of his deep breathing.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and measured. "Are you lying, Bug?"
He turned his gaze and intently looked at her, his eyes locked with hers.
"I know something is bugging you," he said, his voice firm but gentle.
His piercing gaze made her squirm, and she couldn't help but feel like he could see right through her. Even one of his bad puns couldn't awoke her natural confidence in dismissing his accusation. She tried to maintain her composure, but her voice trembled slightly as she replied.
"I-I don't know."
Her eyes widened as she struggled to come up with a convincing excuse.
"Everything's fine," she added, but it was clear that he didn't believe her.
His raised brow and skeptical gaze seemed to pierce through her like a sword, hinting that he knew that she lied.
"I don't want to talk about it," she replied with a silky smooth tone, her eyes flashing with a hint of uneasiness as she expertly threw her yo-yo with a swift, fluid motion and disappeared from his sight.
'M'lady, what's going on?' he thought, sadly.
Standing up, he stretched his stiff muscles and gazed around his beloved city, sighing softly.
"I guess it's up to us to take on the southern part, Plagg."
With a graceful leap, he vanished into the darkness, leaving behind a piece of his heart in the place where he, just a moment ago, talked with the lady of his dreams.
As Marinette stumbled back into her bedroom, the dizziness that washed over her felt like a tidal wave crashing against the shore. She suspected Adrien might be the cause, but the exact reason eluded her like a mischievous shadow. The nausea that followed was like a dark cloud looming over her, threatening to consume her at any moment. The thought of moving on from this unrequited love seemed more daunting than ever before. That pesky cat with his goofy grin only added to her turmoil, like a constant reminder of the consequences of her actions. For a brief moment, she even imagined herself sitting there with Adrien, basking in his warm smile and charming laughter. How could she mistook Adrien with Chat was beyond her. The mere thought sent her into a tailspin of emotions. Exhaustion and lack of sleep were to blame, she convinced herself. It was the only explanation for her muddled mind and the haze that clouded her judgment. She vowed to address it all later, after a good night's rest and a fresh start. But for now, she just wanted to crawl into bed and escape the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume her alive.
In the grand Agreste mansion, Adrien's weary form slumped onto the bed, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. The weight of his exhaustion and unrequited love for Ladybug bore down upon him like a boulder. He knew that she loved another, and the thought of it filled him with a deep sadness. The mysterious boy who held her heart was oblivious to the treasure he possessed, and because of that Adrien's anger and frustration grew with each passing moment. Despite the rule of never asking personal questions, he couldn't help but sense the depth of Ladybug's sorrow and the mirrored longing in her eyes. The ache of unrequited love bound them together with a invisible string of fate without either of them realizing it. A hidden pain that seemed to transcend the walls built between them by their secret identities.
Plagg's sudden question broke the silence.
"What's the deal with the sad face, kid?" He asked, floating in front of Adrien with a piece of Camembert in hand.
Plagg's heart sank as he braced himself for the inevitable: Adrien's heart-wrenching tale of unrequited love for Ladybug and his own futile attempts to win her heart. But the few words he heard next left him speechless.
"She's suffering, Plagg," Adrien replied with a voice barely above a whisper, his downcast expression a reflection of his own despair. "And I don't know what can I do to make her smile again"
He wore a melancholic countenance, his features etched with a profound sadness that seemed to weigh heavily upon his heart. Plagg's eyebrows furrowed in surprise, his eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and concern as he sought to comprehend the meaning of the word he just heard.
"You think it can lessen your chances at wooing her or—"
"I just want her to be happy, Plagg" he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability, his gaze averted from the kwami as if the very thought of it brought him pain. "That's all that matters to me."
Plagg's eyes widened unnaturally, his astonishment clear as crystal and his heart swelling with pride.
'You were right, Master. You, were right," he thought, recalling the exact moment when Fu informed him about his decision about the bearer of the black cat's miraculous.
He saw it himself, now. Boy, pure as a freshly fallen snowflake. Most of the time, according to his kwami's viewpoint.
"You remember that she broke your heart, right?" Plagg asked, concerned, as if to ensure that Adrien's intentions were true.
"I know, Plagg" — he answered with a soulful yet sorrowful smile written on his face — "but it doesn't matter."
Plagg's eyes clouded with understanding, his tail twitching gently.
"But you've always said—"
"I know what I've said before, Plagg," Adrien interrupted, his voice calm and measured. "But honestly, I love her too much to leave her with it alone."
"You sure? Even—"
Adrien interrupted him mid-sentence as if he knew exactly what little black cat wanted to say. "Even if it means remaining heartbroken myself."
Plagg's expression turned knowing and sad, his eyes filled with a deep understanding of Adrien's words. He strongly desired to tell him the truth about her identity, as in his eyes he deserved to know. Tikki would not forgive him this thought, as it should be Ladybug's own decision to make. Reluctantly, Plagg decided not to interfere in their relationship because he believed they would manage on their own when the right time came.
"I'm proud of you, kid," he said, his voice soft and sincere as his heart burned with pride for his loyal companion's unwavering support for Ladybug.
"Thank you, Plagg."
Marinette had a dismal day at school, plagued by tardiness and the wrath of her teacher, Ms. Mendeleiev. The stern educator had heard all of Marinette's excuses before, and her patience was clearly wearing thin. Her Ladybug inner self appeared to be on a getaway today, as she couldn't think of any logical reason why she was late once again. Just as Ms. Mendeleiev was about to mete out some punitive exercises, Adrien swooped in like a knight in shining armor. With a polite smile, he informed Ms. Mendeleiev of their upcoming history exam and expressed his eagerness to study for it with his friends, including Marinette. Alya and Nino quickly joined the fray, backing up Adrien and emphasizing the importance of the test for their final grades. Ms. Mendeleiev seemed partly convinced and continued the lesson, as four friends sighed in relief.
"T-thank you, A-Adrien," Marinette whispered gratefully, her cheeks flushing pink.
"No problem," Adrien replied with a smile.
"See you later," he whispered, before returning his attention to Ms. Mendeleiev.
Marinette's heart skipped a beat as she watched Adrien engage in a brief conversation with their teacher. She felt a flutter in her chest, and her mind raced with gratitude for his help. Before she knew it, she had replied with a dreamy "see you" to the back side of his head without fully processing what he had said. Her eyes widened in shock as she realized what he had just proposed, and she let out a loud gasp, covering her mouth with her hand.
Alya came to her rescue pretending to yawn loudly long enough to prevent Ms. Mendeleiev from noticing Marinette's wild reaction. When coast seemed to be clear she took her chance to talk to Marinette remaining unnoticed by the teacher.
"Our friend just invited us to study history together, saving your butt from punitive homework," Alya replied, sighing.
"But—"
"Nonsense. It was a sweet gesture" — Alya cut off her lamenting — "besides, I've never seen him doing the same for anyone else. And those tasks are hard as hell, by the way, so you should consider yourself lucky."
"But why—"
"He likes you, Marinette. It's plain as day."
Marinette's mind was reeling, and she struggled to keep up with the conversation as Alya's words of wisdom cut through the chaos, leaving Marinette feeling both surprised and flustered. She felt weak-kneed as she forfeited to argue with her best friend Alya, who was as stubborn as a mule when it came to Marinette's crush on Adrien Agreste. But little did Alya know, Adrien's heart belonged to someone else. He was kind and friendly towards her, but his affections lay elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Adrien whispered quietly with Nino, trying to keep a low profile while Ms. Mendeleiev was busy writing chemistry formulas on the blackboard. Nino gave Adrien a pat on the back, grinning from ear to ear.
"That's my man, saving the damsel in distress from the angry dragon!" Nino exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Adrien chuckled and flashed a smile.
"Thanks, I improvised," he said with a hint of mischief.
Nino grinned back at him. "And that brilliant idea of studying together? Nice one! By the way, why bring me and Alya along? You could have spent some quality time with her alone."
Adrien's eyes darted momentarily before he replied, "Uh, well... she's just a friend."
Nino raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.
"If you say so," he said skeptically.
Sometimes he could not fathom that Adrien could be so unaware of Marinette's infatuation and, as Nino suspected, of his own feelings for her.
"Anyway, will your father even let you hang out with us?" he asked, sceptically.
Adrien shrugged and pulled out his phone.
"I'll text Nathalie. With a little bit of creativity, she should be able to convince my dad to let me hang out with you guys."
Nino chuckled knowingly. "An old 'for the purpose of my education' stunt, huh?"
Adrien grinned. "For the greater good, right?"
Nino snorted. "You really know how to fool him, dude."
Adrien chuckled and shook his head.
"I have to. You met my dad, remember? He's not exactly the most easy-going guy."
Nino's face twisted into a mocking smile. "Oh yeah, I remember. He's an old and grumpy scumbag."
Adrien laughed and playfully rolled his eyes. "Exactly."
As it so happened, Nathalie successfully persuaded Mr. Agreste that Adrien needed to remain in school a bit longer, just like they planned. All of them concurred to study at Marinette's abode. Alya and Nino both had younger siblings who could be a tad too boisterous at times, even though their well-mannered parents were attempting to quiet them down. Adrien's residence was out of the question, as no one desired Gabriel Agreste to discover that Adrien was spending his precious time with his companions, even though they intended to study together.
As they strolled towards the bakery, Nino's and Adrien's laughter and banter filled the air, their excitement for Adrien's impending freedom palpable. Alya, on the other hand, couldn't help but smile, her motives, however, were not entirely clear leaving Marinette pondering. The aspiring designer's silence was not gone unnoticed by the blonde model, who showed concern for her lack of engagement in the conversations.
"Are you okay, Marinette? Adrien asked quietly, his words barely breaking through the lively discussion that had erupted between Alya and Nino.
The young girl's voice quivered as she hesitated, her words barely escaping her lips in a stuttered reply.
"I-I'm f-fine, t-thank you," she managed to stammer out, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Adrien smiled at her kindly, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding, and she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. Despite her momentary lapse in speech, Adrien didn't seem to mind, and she was silently thankful for this small act of kindness, but as he spoke, his voice held a hint of sadness, as if he had misinterpreted her silence for disinterest.
"I assume you're not interested in studying together" — his eyes searched hers for confirmation — "and if that's the case, I apologize for any inconvenience."
Marinette's eyes were wide with wonder as she gazed at him, her pupils like two shining stars in the night sky. Just as Adrien steeled himself to proffer her another apology, she spoke up, her voice trembling with emotion.
"N-no! I l-love you... I mean, I'd love to study with you," she stuttered, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of crimson. She quickly added, panic etched on her face, "And Alya and Nino! I'd love to study with all of you!"
Adrien's eyes lit up with delight, his heart swelling with joy at her words. He couldn't help but smile, the corners of his mouth lifting upwards in a carefree grin.
"Oh, that's great! I thought I accidentally made you uncomfortable. You know if you had other plans I would understand," he responded, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
"I don't mind your company, Adrien," she said, as her eyes locked on his.
She quickly averted her gaze, her thoughts racing as she wondered if he could possibly have heard the whispered words she had just spoken. The silence that followed seemed to stretch on for an eternity, and she felt her heart pounding in her chest like a drumbeat.
He indeed heard her words, as well as the sincerity in her voice despite it being barely above a whisper. Adrien heard her clearly, as if her words had been directed only for him. He noticed genuine warmth in her eyes, and he knew that she was not just being polite. She truly didn't mind his company, and that realization filled him with a sense of joy and gratitude.
"I'm glad that you don't," he responded quietly.
The sudden realization that he heard her left her flustered, and she couldn't help but feel a blush rise to her cheeks as they continued on their short way to her home.
Adrien's heart swelled with joy, not because of the rosy hue that now graced Marinette's cheeks as she hastily jogged away to confer with Alya, but because he had longed for this moment for so long. He had desired for her friendship, a bond that went beyond the confines of his tumultuous relation with Ladybug. They obviously were friends, and he knew that, but hiding behind their masks and resisting Hawkmoth's havoc on a daily basis left them with little to no time for behaving like ones. And he didn't have many friends, especially in the past. His childhood had been marked by loneliness, his mother's disappearance leaving an unfillable void in his life. But with Marinette, he felt seen and heard once again. It was a strange, yet exquisite sensation, one that he had never experienced before. He felt welcomed, and that was all that mattered to him.
The study session at Marinette's home had unfolded unexpectedly well. As Adrien's phone call rang out, signaling the end of Adrien's time, Marinette felt disappointed a bit, but a glimmer of hope ignite within her as she thought about the time they shared together. Despite her initial nervousness, she had managed to converse with Adrien without becoming completely flustered. Moreover, Alya had cleverly extracted information from Adrien about his love interest without him realizing it. It turned out that the enigmatic lady of his dreams was not interested in him after all. While Marinette felt relieved, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for Adrien, who had endured so much heartache in his life, from the mysterious disappearance of his mother to his father's cold demeanor.
As Adrien's phone call came to an end, he lifted his gaze from the screen, a hint of sadness lingering in his eyes.
"I've got to go," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "Gorilla is waiting for me outside."
As Alya and Nino simultaneously said their goodbyes they made hasty exit, their footsteps echoed ominously down the stairs, leaving Marinette and Adrien alone in the dimly lit room. The only sounds that broke the silence were the soft hum of the computer's ventilator and the rapid beating of Marinette's heart. The air was heavy with tension as they quickly exchanged glances, each of them wearing same puzzled expression caused by their friends bizarre antic. Marinette felt a shiver run down her spine as she met Adrien's gaze, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum.
"I've had a great time. Thank you for your hospitality, Marinette," he said, his voice filled with happiness.
Their footfalls echoed through the stairwell as they descended the staircase in silence. As Adrien turned his attention to the door, she couldn't help but steal a glance at him, her eyes lingering on the strong lines of his jaw.
"It's been wonderful to spend time in a place that truly feels like home," he declared, his voice filled with a deep sense of gratitude as he gazed upon her.
With that, he opened the door and stepped outside, the cool evening air enveloping him like an embrace. Marinette's heart raced like a drum, the beat echoing in her chest as she watched him go, the scent of his cologne lingering in the air.
Not so long after, she still lingered by the door, her longing gaze fixed upon it as if it held the answers for all her troubles. The only thing that broke her from her reverie was the insistent ringing of her phone. She reached for it reluctantly and answered, already knowing whose voice she would hear.
"Girl! I've just spotted Adrien's car, and I can't wait to hear all the juicy details!" Alya's voice trilled, her excitement evident in the way she emphasized each word.
"Well..., he left" Marinette chuckled.
"Don't you dare to 'he left' me, Marinette! That's not funny," Alya lamented, making Marinette grin mischievously.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Adrien savored the tranquil moments of the night. The soft glow of the streetlamps cast a warm ambiance over the city, and the quiet streets seemed to hold their breath in anticipation of the night's adventures. After an unexpected photoshoot for his father's new line of jackets that had stretched into the late evening, Adrien finally settled into his bed, his body weary from the constant posing. With determination in his heart, he decided to patrol the streets of Paris, driven by the hope of catching a glimpse of Ladybug. The night air was alive with possibility, and Adrien was ready to embrace every moment.
"Plagg, it's time," Adrien declared, his voice filled with excitement.
"Off to work we go, yupi," Plagg replied with a hint of mockery.
Adrien eyed him, knowingly but remain silent.
"Faster we go, faster I'll devour more precious camembert," Plagg said, impatiently.
Adrien grinned at him. Sometimes he felt grateful for that little, sarcastic black ball of fur, who he called his best friend, in his life.
"Claws out."
Chat Noir arrived at their usual meeting spot before her, as always. The moon cast a silver glow over the rooftops as he waited, his eyes fixed on the skyline. Moments later, the soft thud of her landing echoed through the night air, and he turned to greet her.
"Hi, Kitty," Ladybug chimed, first.
"Good evening, M'Lady. We have such a won-fur-ful weather tonight, don't you think?" he replied with his signature Cheshire grin spread across his face.
"Not bad at all, Chat," she replied, her voice tinged with amusement.
"Shall we proceed with our usual sprint around the city, and then discuss the matters at hand?" he asked, his tone formal but polite.
Ladybug felt a twinge of admiration for his restrained demeanor, and nodded in agreement.
"That sounds nice," she said, her voice husky in the cool night air.
After an hour of sprinting and leaping, they settled together at the peak of their favorite building. The elevation was impressive, and no one could see them there. Ladybug's eyes took on a faraway look, as she lost herself in the contemplation, her countenance tinged with a hint of worry. Chat, noticing her thoughtfulness, decided to break the silence that arose between them.
"Paw-don my curiosity," he began cautiously, "but you seem lost in thought. Is everything all right?"
He felt a strong reticence to do anything that might cause her to leave, the memory of her previous departure still fresh in his mind.
She hesitated, her eyes downcast, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's...it's quite personal. I don't want to talk about it."
But Chat Noir wasn't one to give up easily. He could see the pain in her eyes and knew he had to help, even if it meant hearing words that would crash his already broken hear.
"Please, let me help," he urged, his voice gentle but firm.
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she steadfastly refused to let a single drop fall. Not in front of him.
She took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she whispered, "I don't want to hurt you, Chat. Again."
He looked at her with unwavering determination. "And I don't care. I want to help you. At all costs," he replied his voice filled with conviction.
A heart-wrenching cry tore from her throat as something inside her shattered, the anguish and sorrow streaming out of her like a river, leaving her limp and sobbing uncontrollably. Tears flowed in torrents, and she couldn't stem the tide. She needed someone to talk to, someone to understand. Chat was there for her, even though she knew she didn't deserve it after breaking his heart. She felt selfish for seeking solace from him, but she couldn't resist the comfort he offered.
Chat's heart skipped a beat as he beheld the tears streaming down her face. He was taken aback by the depth of her emotion, unsure of how to react. His instincts urged him to reach out, to offer some measure of comfort, but he didn't want to be pushy or intrusive. So he hesitated, his hand hovering near her shoulder, until finally, he couldn't bear it any longer. With a gentle touch, he wrapped his arm around her, awkwardly. As he stroked her back in comforting circles, she felt a sense of relief wash over her, and her tears subsided.
"Please, don't cry, Bugaboo," he whispered, delicately, as if she were a delicate flower that might wither if he wasn't careful. "Just tell me what's wrong, and we'll find a perfect solution, I promise."
Ladybug sniffled, her tiny frame trembling as she struggled to contain her emotions. "I-I can't, Chat," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Chat's expression turned determined, his eyes shining with a fierce resolve. "I insist, m'lady" he replied, his voice calm and gentle.
"It don't want you to feel sad," she whispered, words barely escaping her delicate mouth.
"Don't worry about it now," he reassured her, maintaining eye contact. "I'm all ears," he added, gently poking his cat ears in a playful gesture.
Once again, she had fallen silent, lost in her own inner world, a realm only accessible to her own thoughts. He waited patiently for her to speak, sensing her struggle but confident that she would open up in her own time.
Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's about the boy I...I love."
Chat Noir's ears flattened against his head, and his body tensed even further. He felt a pang of sadness, but he pushed it aside. He couldn't let his emotions get the better of him. Not now.
Ladybug noticed it and hesitated, her eyes welling up with tears. "I told you it would make you sad," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Chat Noir's composure faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his control. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was for her, and he could deal with his feelings later.
"What about him?" he asked, promptly, his voice firm but controlled.
His unwavering dedication for her sake seemed to banish her previous doubts. Taking a slow breath, she hung her head low.
"I love him," she whispered, nearly inaudible.
"I know that much," he said, grinning at her.
She genuinely, laughed. As she slowly uncoiled from her tense position, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over him. His efforts to make her feel at ease had clearly paid off, and he was glad to see her relaxing.
"That's why you were absent, lately? He asked, understanding her recent behavior. "He did something wrong ? I can persuade him to apologize if he hurt you," he clenched his fists tightly, ready to defend her, but then he quickly let go, reminding himself that violence wasn't the solution and Ladybug wouldn't approve it.
"No, he didn't do anything wrong," she said, looking straight at him with a hint of sadness in her eyes. "He just loves someone else."
Her tears seeped into the soft leather of his suit, and he wrapped his arms around her, offering a comforting embrace. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, her sobs muffled by the material. Chat's mind raced, searching for words to offer her solace, but he found himself at a loss for words. The weight of her sorrow seemed to settle upon him, too, and he sat there, a silent witness to her pain. Yet, even in the midst of his own confusion, he knew that he wanted her to be happy, always.
"He told you that?" Chat asked, his voice gentle and inquiring.
She nodded, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Does he know?"
She hesitated, her voice cracking as she spoke. "He told me once, when we talked. I've never had the courage to confess to him. All the more so now," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close and tight, his embrace a testament to his devotion and support. He wanted her to know that she was the only one who mattered to him, and he conveyed this through the warmth and strength of his embrace.
"And then I tried to move on, but he was always so sweet and kind to me at school," she said with a tinge of awe in her voice, her eyes misty and dreamy.
As she spoke, she revealed more about her personal life than she ever had before, and Chat Noir listened intently, his curiosity piqued but his priority fixed firmly on her well-being. He longed to know more about her, but he knew that her happiness and comfort were what truly mattered.
"And today he saved my butt from punitive homework. He even lied to the teacher that we planned to study together with our friends," she said, her voice tinged with emotion.
Chat Noir let her talk, listening to every word with rapt attention.
"He did it for me, Chat. Then we went to my home to study together, and it all came flooding back. My feelings for him only grew stronger. I don't know what to do anymore," she ended her heartfelt monologue with a heavy sigh, her love for Adrien consuming her every thought.
Chat Noir's expression turned thoughtful as he processed her words. He listened intently, his gaze never wavering from her face, as she poured out her heart. The familiarity of her tale struck a chord within him but he remained silent, not daring to interrupt her delicate moment of vulnerability.
"I love him, Chat," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Alya's always telling me to confess, but I can't. He loves someone else."
Chat's brow furrowed in puzzlement, and he leaned in slightly. "You know that blogger? She's your friend from school, right?" he asked, his words dripping with curiosity.
"She's my best friend and" — she sighed and her shoulders slumped in frustration.— "I shouldn't have told you that."
Ladybug's heart raced as she pondered her words, feeling a sense of panic wash over her. How could she have been so careless as to reveal details about her personal life to Chat Noir, despite her own explicit instructions to the contrary? She felt like she didn't deserve to be the guardian of the miracle box, the weight of her responsibility threatening to crush her.
Chat Noir's didn't even scold her about her slipup, lost in his own thoughts. Ladybug worried that he might suspect she had confided in Alya about their superhero alter egos, the secret she had sworn to protect with her life. Little did she know, he was closer to uncovering her secret than she could have ever imagined. Alya had only one best friend, and he was well aware of that fact. However, he did remember that Ladybug had been always serious about keeping their secret identities under wraps.
"I'm sorry, m'lady. I shouldn't have asked", he responded after a long while.
"But," — she couldn't believe Chat Noir was apologizing — "talking with you made me feel better. You shouldn't be sorry about it," she answered honestly.
Chat Noir's expression softened, his eyes filled with a deep sadness.
"I'm not apologizing for that, Bugaboo," he said, his voice tinged with longing. "Please, don't leave. I know I failed, but we need to talk about it."
Ladybug's heart ached at the sincerity in his voice. She reached out and took his hand, her touch a gentle comfort.
"I'm not going anywhere," she said, her voice filled with empathy. "What's wrong?"
"I didn't intend to, but" — he held her hand, as if his life depended on it — "I discovered your identity. I'm sorry."
Ladybug froze, her heart racing as she processed what she just heard. He was her rock, her shelter from the storm. She couldn't scold him, not now, not when he was there for her like this. Her grip on his hand tightened, her fingers intertwining with his as she sought comfort in his presence.
"How?" she asked him, her voice barely above a whisper. "And what is my name?" She looked up at him, her eyes unblinking, her gaze searching for answers.
She wasn't mad but scared. And judging by the Chat's frightened appearance, he was too.
"Marinette," he whispered, not daring to meet her eyes.
She tensed, her heart racing as his voice still ringed in her head like a bell. He knew. He knew for real. She couldn't understand how it happened. She had only mentioned little details about her day and her friend Alya's name.
"Am I r-right?" he asked nervously.
"Yes."
She could have easily deceive him, but she couldn't bring herself to do so. He was her partner, her confidant, and she owed him the truth, especially since the situation was her fault to begin with.
"Do I know you?" she asked hesitantly, curiosity getting the better of her.
"Yes."
Her heart raced as she steeled herself to ask the question that had been burning in her mind for so long. She had always been curious about his true identity, but fear had held her back. Now, with her courage at an all-time high, she knew she had to take the leap. She could feel it in her bones that he would respond with honesty and sincerity.
She took a deep breath and asked him, her voice trembling slightly. "Can you tell me your name, kitty?
He looked at her, his cat ears flattened against his head, and a hint of fear flickered in his eyes. She couldn't understand why.
"Are you mad at me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
His eyes, once bright and full of life, now appeared dull and sunken, as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders. She felt a pang in her chest, her heart aching at the sight of his vulnerability.
"No, I'm not," she replied, her voice soft and gentle as a summer breeze.
"I wanted to know, too" — she continued, her words tumbling out in a nervous rush — "but I was scared. But here we are now, talk to me, partner," she said, smiling at him nervously, her heart racing with anticipation.
"I'm Adrien."
As she pondered the name, a sudden realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. She knew only one person with that name, and Chat had confessed to knowing her as well. Her heart raced with excitement, and her palms grew sweaty.
"Claws in."
His transformation blinded her, surrounding him by a brilliant green and white light. She closed her eyes and when she opened them again, Adrien Agreste sat in the place of Chat Noir, his piercing gaze fixed on her. She hesitated for a moment, but her fears were quickly replaced by determination.
"Spots off."
Their eyes should be scanning the darkness for any signs of danger, but their glances couldn't help but linger on each other.
Adrien was the first to break the silence, his voice echoing through the night air. "I'm glad it's you, Marinette," he said, his words filled with warmth and affection. "No one else could be a better partner than my best friend."
Marinette smiled shyly, her heart racing at the sound of his voice. "I'm happy it's you, too," she whispered.
Adrien's eyes seemed to search hers, filled with a curious expression. "I know I have no right to ask about it," he said, nervously scratching the back of his head, "but who is that boy that broke your heart?"
Marinette's cheeks flushed with a warmth that she couldn't conceal, but she knew she couldn't keep her secret forever. She had confessed to him, not directly, just moments ago, but he likely hadn't registered it.
"He didn't do anything wrong," she responded, despite the visible protest on his face. "I didn't tell him. I couldn't bring myself to it. You seemed so happy when you mentioned the girl you love." Her voice was soft and her gaze avoided his, as she conveyed the truth.
"It's you," she concluded, her words barely above a whisper.
Adrien's brow furrowed in confusion, his mind racing as he tried to process the information. But then, he remembered the words she had spoken earlier, and his heart skipped a beat. He was overjoyed that she loved him, and he felt a twinge of regret for not realizing it sooner.
"M'lady," he said, his voice trembling with emotion, "I am deeply sorry for not noticing your feelings sooner. But know that I love you with all my heart."
Inside her mind, Marinette was screaming with excitement. Adrien had just confessed his love for her, but she was hesitant, unsure of how to process this new development.
She gestured vaguely at herself deprived of the superhero suit. "Even now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Adrien's smile grew wider as he took her hand into his. "Now, more than ever," he replied, his voice filled with conviction.
He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to the back of her hand, sending shivers down her spine.
"I love you," she blurted out, the words tumbling from her lips before she could stop them. Adrien's eyes lit up with joy, and he squeezed her hand gently.
As the moonlight cast its soft, gentle glow over the night, they shared a tender kiss, their hearts filled with hope and resolve. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, united in their love and determination to face any challenge that came their way. The warmth of their embrace and the sweetness of their kiss filled the air, creating a moment of pure bliss and happiness that neither of them would ever forget.
"You and me against the world?" she asked, her voice husky with emotion.
"Always," he replied, his voice filled with conviction and adoration, as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer.
Their love was the source of their greatest joy, and the thought of being together was all they needed to feel complete and content. They found solace in each other's embrace, and the warmth of their love radiated through every fiber of their being. Together, they felt invincible, as if nothing could ever tear them apart. The simple act of being in each other's presence brought them immeasurable happiness, as they gazed at the full moon in all his glory.
THE END