Marinette pulled her cardigan closer as the chill Autumn breeze blew around her. She was on her balcony, listening to music and sketching.
But Marinette kept looking up, her eyes sweeping the perimeter. Was someone watching her?
A soft thump! Confirmed her suspicions and Cat walked across the balcony over to her. "Meow's it going, Princess?" "Cat!" she exclaimed, pulling her earbuds out. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't kittens be tucked into bed at home now?" she teased, flicking his bell. Cat smiled, softly.
"I was on my way home, but I took a detour. And this place feels more like home then any place in Paris." "Oh, Cat." Marinette wondered if the darkness could hide her blush, but the fairy lights strung around the porch could betray her. "Are you lonely?" she patted the spot beside her, scooting over.
"Not lonely, Marinette. Alone." Marinette took his hand, interlacing their fingers. This felt so right, so natural. He was her best friend, after all. "Well, if it helps, I get lonesome too." "You do?" Cat's black isosceles triangles stood straight up. "Yes. But when we're together, I feel we can talk about anything."
"I'm excited for fall," Cat said, more happily, Marinette noted. "Leaf piles and pumpkin spices. And walks with my Princess," he leaned over, kissing the top of her head. "That sounds nice," she was almost wistful, Cat noted. "Maybe we could do Fall together."
"Papa's baking cinnamon rolls for breakfast and eggs. You should come for breakfast." A kiss on the cheek, and Marinette knew she was pink. "Are you growing a beard?" she asked. "You have stubble." "Don't you mean whiskers?" she giggled. "Please come." "I'll be here."
"You want to dance to some Taylor Swift to welcome in the fall?" "I'd be honored, Princess."
Marinette selected "Lover" and Cat pulled her close, and Marinette listened to the lyrics. Was Cat her lover? Or was it her secret crush, Adrien? No need to think about it now, she was happy in his arms.
Cat hopped onto the balcony. "I'll see you tomorrow, Marinette," he said, gently, straightening her cardigan. "Tomorrow, bring Starbucks." "I knew it!" Cat leaped into the darkness, laughing.
Long after he left, Marinette leaned on the cool railing, staring after her partner.
"See you tomorrow, Lover," she whispered, blowing a kiss on the autumn wind.