Adrien ended up having to go home shortly after our embarrassing incident on the balcony, which was somewhat of a relief if I am being honest. I needed time to think through all that had happened. Between my recurring nightmare coming back, then my recurring nightmare suddenly adding small details out of nowhere, then Adrien suddenly seeming interested in me? Honestly, my mind is in such a tailspin at this point that I don't even know which way is up. So I decided to go back up to my balcony and sketch while I let my mind riddle it out. This is how I do my best thinking and problem solving. Before I know it, the sun is setting and my parents are bringing me dinner and I am no closer to a solution of any kind for any of the issues I currently face. I have no idea how to approach Adrien about his recent change in behavior, and I have no idea why my nightmare, which has not once changed a single detail, is suddenly changing details, which means…I have no idea what it means.
As I finish my plate on autopilot, so lost in my thoughts I'm not even really sure what I ate for dinner, I hear a thump behind me on the balcony. I forgot it's Chat's night to patrol alone.
"Hello, Purrincess. How are you this fine evening?" Chat asks with his usual bow and flirty eyes as I stand to greet him.
"Hey Chat, I'm just doing some deep thinking, how's patrol?"
"Nothing to report tonight, citizen," he mock salutes me before breaking into a grin, "what are you deep thinking about tonight?" He asks as if it is no big deal but I can see him watching me from the corner of his eye. I have known for some time that Chat Noir and Adrien Agreste are good friends. I keep this information to myself so as not to attract attention to my model friend. Judging by Chat's sudden appearance on my balcony, plus the look he is giving me now, I can hazard a guess as to what exactly brought Chat to me tonight of all nights.
"So, have you uh…have you talked to Adrien lately?" I ask with a sly look while I make sure to watch Chat's expressions carefully. He seems surprised that I brought him up and if I had not worked side by side with this man for years, I would've fallen for it. But I know better.
"Adrien, huh, nope haven't talked with him in…some time." He even throws in the whole "look in the direction of the mansion as if he should head there next" as if he hadn't been there recently.
"Cut the crap Chat, I know he said something to you about what happened and that's why you're here. You don't have to pretend. If you have questions, just ask."
"Okay, okay, he wanted me to check on you and see how you were doing and if you'd had any more nightmares tonight," Chat looks down apologetically as he asks, which means he missed the utter surprise on my face. I thought for sure he was going to ask something about the awkward exchange on this very balcony only a few short hours ago, I didn't think Adrien had spoken to Chat about my nightmares. Now what do I say? I can't exactly tell him the truth, even though Tikki would just love that. Should I lie again?
"Right, the nightmares are not a big deal, I don't even really remember them and I can handle them," I say as firmly as possible in the hopes that he believes me. He takes a moment to scrutinize my face before he speaks.
"Adrien mentioned…that I-I was a topic in last night's…dream. Are you sure you don't remember? Maybe I can help," he says awkwardly. I'm not really sure how to reply so I just fall back on the "I don't remember" lie.
"I'm sorry, Chat but I really don't remember my dream last night at all. I don't remember why I was calling out your name in my sleep either. I just really don't know how you could help me," I feel so terrible for lying to my partner but he is not my partner right now. To him, I am just another citizen and he is only doing his job of trying to keep the citizens of Paris safe.
Before Chat can reply, we hear a haunting voice singing words I had hoped to never hear again.
"Sandboy just checked in…Now nightmares can begin…"
"Shit!' Chat and I both say at the same time, as purple glitter dust falls on both of us. Suddenly, Chat is pulling me to my feet and ushering me into my bedroom while muttering something about me needing to stay hidden while he fights the Akuma before he's running back up through the trap door and vaulting away. I take a moment to check that the coast is clear before running back up to my balcony. During the summer months, Tikki prefers to sleep with the flowers in my little rooftop garden instead of hiding in the room. I see her hiding under a potted rose bush and am about to call for her when a thump sounds behind me.
"Hello Purrincess, it's been too long." I turn to give a witty comeback to Chat Noir about spending time with girls instead of finding the Akuma, but instead of black leather and green eyes I am met with white leather and blue eyes. Well, this is just fan-fucking-tastic…I open my mouth to scream but he anticipates this. He grabs both of my wrists, spins us around, pushes me against the brick wall. He holds my hands above my head in one of his, while his other hand covers my mouth. He leans in close, presses his nose to my neck and takes a deep breath as he drags his nose up to my ear. Then he whispers in his hauntingly seductive voice, "Now now, we wouldn't want anyone to intrude on our time together, would we? We have so much catching up to do."