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Ladybug's P.O.V
Chat Noir and I had met once again to train me in the ways of sword fighting.
I leaped back from his attack and quickly fixed my stance. My breaths were short, wearing down from all the training. We have been doing this for nearly two hours already without much of a break. Although, Chat Noir apparently has bundles of energy. He does not seem to be very tired at all.
"Of course, he is a trained super soldier. He is fit enough to fight for long periods," I thought.
Yet, I am not discouraged by my lack of fitness. Due to the exercises they gave me, I have lasted much longer than when I started sword fighting training with Chat. I can proudly say I am improving.
"Alright," Chat Noir said, sheathing his weapon, "I think that will do with training for today."
"Yes. Thank you very much," I replied, bowing at Chat Noir to show my gratitude. My partner gave me a questioning look.
"Why the thank you?" he asked. I approached him while sheathing my weapon.
"It is for your graciousness to train me. It means more than you know that you are doing this for me," I told him with a smile, "My mother is not so...fond of my favorite sport."
Chat Noir chuckled, sitting down on the edge of the building. I followed him, wondering what was so funny.
"It is an unusual thing for a woman to do, not that I am against it. It is just bizarre, is all," the blonde answered.
"Bizarre?" I scoffed in offense.
"I merely mean it as a compliment. It makes you unique from other women," Chat offered his explanation.
My heart fluttered within my chest and warmth covered my cheeks. Something in my stomach is doing delightful flips, giddy at Chat Noir's praise. I have never felt this feeling before. What is wrong with me? Am I under the weather? Why am I suddenly so nervous?
I hummed my reply, not wanting to risk my mouth blabbering something unintelligible. I am already feeling odd as is. I do not need to embarrass and confuse myself.
"You know, I have had a deep hatred for the wealthy class," Chat Noir spoke. I perked up at the mention of my lousy class, giving him my undivided and anxious attention. What brought this topic up?
"Does not everyone?" I joked, trying to hide my stiffness. Luckily, Chat Noir did not notice.
"You do make a fair point," he agreed, "but I assumed they were all terrible miscreants. I never talked to the deserted wealthy children before, much less interacted with them. Yet, I have recently been proven wrong."
"Proven wrong on what?" I questioned.
"Not all of them are bad," he answered, "There was one in particular that had surprised me just like you had being a superhero. My perspective has changed and I have recently bonded with some of those ex-wealthy class civilians. They were a lot nicer than what I originally imagined them to be."
I am a bit surprised Chat Noir even considered the exiled wealthy class children a menace. I suppose it was hard to get along with them at the start. But when the children of the rich folk find a better source of guidance, they do become much nicer.
The only reason they acted the way they do is to show strength and power. That is how they were raised. If they have neither, the children are banished. They have to if they do not want to live a poverty-stricken life in the poor section—a brutal, hard-living life. Which in most cases, it is.
Plus, they do not want to disappoint and be rejected their own parents. The only family they have ever known. The same people, who gave birth to you, throw you away like garbage when you become useless to them.
Yet, it is exceedingly better than living in the wealthy section. The people here are kind and are willing to help the rejected get back onto their feet.
Give the ex-rich a chance to change, many will be surprised by the outcome.
"It takes the right people to influence change to one's mindset," I responded, "It is a rare moment to find a strong person in the wealthy section who is willing to disobey and rebel against the status quo they were taught to follow. But there will always be at least one who does."
Chat Noir looked at me with a smile before turning his gaze up to the star-lit sky above. I saw him relax, a rare moment for him to be completely at peace.
"Yes," he agreed.
I turned my sight up to the heavens as well, enjoying the serene moment. Then, my brain started to process his words from before when he talked about his experience with one of the wealthy folk.
I recalled him being undercover at that one dance. I noticed him start to get somewhat along with the exiled children of the rich after his mission. I did find it strange but assumed he was finally lighting up to the idea to try.
Yet, could he have been influenced?
Every bit of information started to click in my head.
"Wait...was he talking about me?" I thought, glancing to the side at my blonde partner, "Was I the one who changed his perspective?"
My flushed cheeks seemed to rise in temperature at the thought. A bit of a small, silly smile etched on my face and sheepishly looked below at the streets. I did not think my heart could pitter patter any faster than before. I was proven wrong.
"What is happening to me?" I said within my mind. I have never experienced these palpitations before. It seemed to have started when I am around Chat Noir. Could he be the cause of my confusing emotions?
I have only ever wanted to show my past suitors a piece of my mind and my knuckle. Never have I felt this way around any other man. These developing feelings...
Could I be a little infatuated with Chat Noir?
"I—um...h-have to leave right this very instant," I quickly said, stumbling over my words. I was trying to keep my gaze away from Chat Noir so as to not inflame my emotions.
"You are leaving quite early. Is something the matter?" Chat asked, none-the-wiser of my conflicting feelings.
"No, it—I just would like to get to bed early since I have not been getting much sleep," I replied, speaking only half the truth. While I have had very little sleep, it is not my main reason for leaving. I am used to having little to no sleep since the beginning of my lady studies.
Whether it had to do with studying, secretly practicing sword fighting, or parties that went on into the wee hours.
The true reason why I am leaving...
...I honestly do not understand it myself.
Never have I felt this way about anyone before. This delightful feeling coursing through my veins and sending my heart into a palpitating mess somewhat thrills me. But it also frightens me.
"Okay?" He said with a questioning tone, "I will see you then."
"Yes, g-goodnight!" I replied before swinging off. Not even the rushing winds hitting my face as I swung could cool my burning face. Yet, I managed to finally return to my normal temperature when I arrived back in my room.
Of course, Rose is waiting in my room. Yet, I am I bit taken aback by her distressed form. I watched her fiddle around with a cloth in her hands and bite the bottom of her lip nervously.
"Tikki, spots off," I said. My transformation disappeared and left me standing in my civilian form. I immediately gave Tikki a treat from a tray of chocolates before turning my attention to my friend.
"Rose, are you alright? You look quite pale," I asked, concerned for my friend's well-being. I have never seen Rose look so terrified before. She was always so positive and did not fear many things. So, what could have shaken her so much?
"He is coming," Rose quietly informed me.
I blinked in confusion.
"Who is coming?" I questioned her, placing my hands on her shoulders. Rose finally looked me in the eye with her big blue ones swimming with fear.
"Gabriel Agreste has been invited over here for dinner."
"You mean the lone hermit man who always stands next to the wall and creepily observes everyone?" I questioned, "That Gabriel Agreste?"
Rose was baffled by my explanation for a moment before a giggle passed by her lips. It seems all her fear moments ago slipped away and was replaced with a serene look.
"My my, you have not changed one bit from when I had last seen you. You can be both silly and astonishing. You still surprise me with your words and actions, Marinette. I wish I had been brave enough to speak my mind without consequences like you..." she trailed off, her gaze staring off into the distance as if revisiting an unpleasant memory.
"Rose..." I encouraged her back onto the topic at hand. As much as I do hate to bring up this touchy topic, it has to be spoken. If this is a state of emergency, I need to know what is going on.
Why is the most isolated man in Paris coming over to have dinner with us? It seems very random and odd. From what I have recently learned from Gabriel Agreste, he is not one to go out often unless it is a strictly required and an important event to attend. So, it is extremely peculiar that he would attend something as small as joining us for dinner.
Rose cleared her throat and her frown returned to her face, "My apologizes. I have strayed away from conflicting matters."
"I may not understand how difficult this is for you but I am willing to help you through this," I told her, "Would you mind explaining?"
"Of course," Rose agreed. We both sat on my bed, sinking into the comfort of the soft mattress.
"Gabriel Agreste is not who you may think he is. While he is a mysterious man within the wealthy section, he is well-known throughout the inner circle of magical users."
"How come I have not been informed of Mr. Agreste's secrets?" I questioned, "I am a part of the circle now."
"It took me some time to find out as well," Rose continued her explanation, "While it is an issue that he is out there, he does not come out from his home enough to make it a big enough issue for us. At least…not before."
"Then, how come you are afraid of him?" I asked.
Rose's tender face went solid with a serious look. This matter must run deep.
"Marinette..." she said, gripping onto my arm's biceps, "...Gabriel Agreste is-"
Rose's words were cut off when rapid knocks hit the outside of my door. We quickly raced to our feet and made it look like we busied ourselves.
"Lady Dupain-Cheng, I am coming in," the sound of a male servant warned before entering the room, "M'lady, we have a very important visitor joining us for dinner but I assume you already are aware of that."
His gaze landed on Rose as a way of gesturing.
"Yes, I am," I answered back, wondering why I am always informed about these events at the last minute. It can be very exhausting coming home from a mission and settling down for the night. Then, a sudden visit or party is going on that I need to go to.
If this dinner was not so important, I would have complained. Yet, I have to attend this dinner to finally get the chance to talk to Gabriel Agreste. Something peculiar is going on revolving around him and I do not like it in the slightest.
"I will be out shortly," I told the servant. He seemed skeptical about my words, considering I look a bit messy right now. But he should not underestimate the teamwork between Rose and me. We used to get ready together in mere minutes.
"Very well..." he said before leaving my room.
Rose sighed, seeming to have held her breath.
I smiled at her, "Do not worry. If things become dreary, I will assist you in escaping. After all, I do know this entire house inside and out."
Rose returned the smile with an appreciative one, "Thank you. Now, let us prepare you for this dinner!"
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