Chapter Text
"Chat Noir," Eclipse's voice is calm, almost soothing, but there's an underlying intensity that Chat doesn't miss. "I’ve come to talk to you."
Chat's hand instinctively tightens around his baton, his defensive instincts kicking in. He takes a cautious step back, keeping a safe distance between them.
"Who are you?" he asks, his voice tinged with wariness. He knows who they are.
Eclipse tilts their head slightly, their expression unreadable.
"I am Eclipse, a new hero to help protect Paris against HawkMoth," they reply, their words measured.
Chat studies Eclipse carefully, his mind racing to piece together the limited information he has. They look like something out of an alternative fashion magazine - all straps, rings, and sharp edges. The lack of familiarity with the ‘hero’ makes Chat uneasy.
"What do you want?" Chat's tone is guarded, his senses on high alert.
Eclipse's gaze remains steady as if they're assessing him just as much as he is them. "I’ve come to talk to you, Chat Noir," they repeat, their voice carrying an undercurrent of something Chat can't quite pinpoint.
Chat's brows furrow slightly. "About what?"
Eclipse takes a step forward slowly, their movements fluid and graceful. "About the emotions you're feeling, the confusion and anger that are overwhelming you."
Chat's eyes widen, surprise mingling with suspicion. How could Eclipse know about his feelings? The only one who knows the emotions he's been grappling with is Plagg and it’s not as if the Kwami goes out with his friends to gossip.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Chat replies, feeling panicked.
Eclipse smiles gently, a faint glimmer of understanding in their eyes. "You don't need to hide it from me, Chat Noir. I sense the struggle within you, the clash between light and darkness."
Chat's grip on his staff tightens even more, his unease deepening at how serious they sounded. "What do you want from me?"
Eclipse's expression is as earnest as it is somber. "I want to offer you answers, clarity about the emotions you're experiencing. I can help you understand the connection between your heart and the Miraculous you wield."
Chat's heart races, torn between his curiosity and his wariness. The idea of gaining insight into his emotions is tempting, but he's cautious about trusting someone he knows so little about.
"Who are you really?" Chat hates how desperate his voice sounds.
Eclipse's gaze holds his, unwavering. "That's a question for another time, Chat Noir. Right now, I offer you guidance, a chance to embrace the duality within you."
Chat's mind is a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. The offer Eclipse presents is both alluring and dangerous. He didn’t know to search for answers, let alone that he would even find them. He wants to make sense of the strong feelings that started only a few days ago, but can he trust Eclipse to be honest? And does it really have something to do with his Miraculous?
Chat stands on the rooftop, suddenly feeling as if he is facing a choice that could change everything he is as a hero. Chat knows that he can't ignore the opportunity before him, but it doesn’t change the fact that he doesn’t know the person presenting it.
He studies Eclipse, trying to gauge the sincerity behind their words. The temptation is so strong but he can’t just throw caution to the wind.
"You say you can offer me answers," Chat begins, his voice sounding surprisingly steady. "But why should I trust you? You're still a stranger to me."
Eclipse's gaze remains steady and they offer a brief rueful smile. "I know trust is earned, Chat Noir. I understand your caution, and I respect it. All I offer is a chance – a chance to gain insight into your own emotions and the power that is in you."
Chat's mind races, torn between curiosity and the knowledge that he knows nothing about this person - and that’s dangerous. He remembers the strong emotions he and Ladybug felt, and there’s also the way she acted last night. If Eclipse can provide just a glimpse of clarity, could it truly be a chance worth taking?
"And what do you want in return?" Chat says, suddenly feeling as if he’s underwater.
Eclipse's lips curve again into a faint, knowing smile. "For now, all I ask is your willingness to listen. To consider the possibility that the darkness within you is not your enemy, but a part of you that can be harnessed."
Chat's heart pounds as he processes the words. He takes a tentative step closer to Eclipse, his uncertainty mingling with a spark of curiosity. His heart is just beating so hard. That feeling of wading through water makes his limbs feel heavy.
"I can't promise to trust you blindly," Chat admits, his honesty unflinching. "But I'm willing to hear what you have to say."
Eclipse's nod is almost imperceptible, but Chat is watching them so closely that he doesn’t miss it. "That's all I ask, Chat Noir. Sometimes the journey to understanding ourselves begins with a single step."
“Chat? What’s going on?”
Chat was so focused on Eclipse that he hadn’t noticed Ladybug arrive. He glances from her to Eclipse. They’re slightly behind a wall so Ladybug can’t see them. Without a word, Eclipse smiles and disappears into the darkness again.
“Wait!” calls Chat, stepping after them, but they’re already gone.
“Chat?” Ladybug asks again, looking in the direction he’s facing.
“Eclipse. They were here,” Chat says roughly. That absence of the metaphorical water pressure has left him freezing. The insatiable draw he felt towards Eclipse and the desperate need to know more about what they said has completely disintegrated and he’s now left feeling empty and foolish.
Ladybug glances around, searching the shadows. “What did they want?”
Chat shakes his head slightly, “They… were offering to explain something.”
Ladybug walks closer, expression questioning. Chat shakes his head again, as if to get rid of what’s left of the confusing feelings. “I feel like they’re connected to how we’ve been feeling lately. All the intense…” he remembers last night, “emotions.”
Ladybug flushes bright red and Chat is suddenly reminded of Marinette this afternoon. He scratches the back of his neck.
“Listen-” they both start and then laugh awkwardly.
“You go first,” they say together and then there is a tense pause.
“I’m sorry about last night!” Ladybug suddenly almost shouts. Chat is a little taken aback by the intensity.
“I’m sorry about last night,” she repeats softer, and looks away from him, wringing her hands a little. “It was unfair of me to put you in that situation and I really appreciate you not looking at me when I transformed. I don’t know what came over me and I just… I’m sorry.”
Chat doesn’t know how to respond.
Should he be honest?
Say how much restraint it took for him not to look?
Tell her that he wants her to do it again? Just of her own free will this time?
“Chat, please say something,” Ladybug whispers, looking distressed.
Shit, he took too long to answer.
“It’s quite alright, my lady,” he says with a bow. “If that is what I must endure for your affections, then I’ll do it.”
“Chat!” she looks scandalized but she does laugh and that’s what he was aiming for.
“So, what did Master Fu say?” Chat asks when the space between them doesn’t feel so awkward.
Ladybug sits with her back to a wall and gestures for Chat to sit next to her. He makes a big show of grunting while he lowers himself and she snorts. They sit for a few moments in silence.
“So, they are a Miraculous user,” Ladybug starts and Chat turns his head to her. “Master Fu says that it is the wolf Miraculous. Some ridiculously overpowered Miraculous that disappeared centuries ago. It’s almost like a mix between your powers and my powers, taking bits from both.”
Ladybug scratches at something imperceptible at her feet. “It’s all about balance, but to the point of neutrality. The users of the wolf Miraculous were often unpredictable, their motives always in the dark, because they were always on their own missions on what they believed would balance out the world.”
“So neither good nor bad?” Chat asks, feeling uneasy.
“Depends, I guess,” Ladybug says, hugging herself.
Chat thinks out loud, “So we could get an ally, Hawkmoth could get an ally, or we all get an annoying thorn in our side that keeps interfering.”
Ladybug hums.
“What else did Master Fu say?” Chat asks. “Was he the one that gave Eclipse the Miraculous?”
She shakes her head with a sigh, “He didn’t say anything else useful. Just that he’d never actually seen the Miraculous himself. He’d only heard stories about it so he doesn’t even know the true extent of their powers. Some said it was the original Miraculous that split into the ladybug and black cat. But obviously, that wouldn’t make sense since we’re here.”
“So, all we know is that they’ve got a lot of power and not much else,” says Chat in frustration and he cracks his knuckles.
Ladybug automatically smacks his hand, “Don’t do that.”
Chat flexes his hand instead, getting distracted by the glint of his claws and the shine of his ring.
Ladybug sighs and hugs herself tighter. “Master Fu mentioned that the Miraculous was originally given to someone in a time of chaos, much like now. He said it was a ‘battle between light and darkness’. It’s supposedly an omen of a big change that will happen in the battle against Hawkmoth. Master Fu wants to believe that the Miraculous found a worthy holder who will help us against Hawkmoth, but that he doesn’t know anything about who they are, or what their goal is.”
“Light versus dark, huh…” Chat says, deep in thought. He thinks about how the akuma the other night had been purified without Ladybug, but he also thinks of how Eclipse travels through the shadows.
Chat looks over at Ladybug but can’t read her expression. “Hey,” he says gently and she looks up at him. “It will be okay. Whether Eclipse is with us or against us, nothing will change us . We’ll have each other always.”
She smiles at him and it radiates a warmth that seems to dissolve any lingering uncertainties between them. She shuffles a little closer and leans her head on his shoulder. “We’ll have each other always,” she repeats softly.
He can’t help it - his heart skips a beat. It’s such an innocent gesture but he feels immensely fond of his lady. A soft, contented sigh escapes his lips as he feels the weight of Ladybug against him. He can't deny the flutter in his chest, the way his heart seems to swell. It's such a tender and innocent gesture, yet it feels so significant.
Chat doesn’t know how long they sit like that, just relishing in each other’s company, but when she eventually draws away, he feels that cold spot on his shoulder in his heart as well. She gets to her feet and glances at him.
“Do you feel like doing a patrol?” Ladybug asks. “I feel restless.”
He grunts and groans again as he stands, making Ladybug shake her head in exasperation.
“How else would I want to spend a Friday evening except with my beautiful lady?” He purrs and Ladybug rolls her eyes. Chat imagines that he sees her blush a little.
Ladybug jumps off the edge of the roof and begins her patrol. Chat hesitates for only a moment before leaping after her.
Chat wants to believe the feeling that their playful banter during the patrol is laced with something more but he doesn’t want to hurt his own feelings. He shouldn’t read too much into yesterday.
He shouldn’t.
But that doesn’t stop him from fantasizing.
He thinks about stolen glances, tender touches, and whispered confessions. Ladybug could swing past him and he would catch her by the waist. She would laugh and it would sound like bells in his ears. They would dance across the rooftops and Ladybug would smile up at him, beautiful blue eyes shining in the moonlight. He would glance down at her lips, asking for permission, and her expression would turn shy even as she tilted her chin up and then-
Chat doesn’t land right and trips, sending himself sprawling across a rooftop.
Please tell me Ladybug didn’t see that.
She laughs and Chat feels his face turn red. He scrambles to his feet and yells to her, “Don’t mind me! I’m just falling for you all over again!”
“More like crashing and burning!” she calls back.
He can’t help but smile, “My lady, the only thing that’s burning is my love for you!”
She swings herself up to land on their last rooftop, “You should probably get that checked out. Doesn’t sound healthy.”
He lands next to her and bows, “You’re right, but I don’t think they have a cure for lovesickness.”
Ladybug rolls her eyes but she’s smiling and that’s all Chat cares about.
It’s the end of patrol, but Chat doesn’t want to go. He never does. He loves spending time with Ladybug, even if they’re battling akumas. He doesn’t know what to say to get her to stay with him a little longer.
“Chat? Do you have anything planned for tonight?” Ladybug says suddenly.
He tilts his head a little, “Not particularly. Why?”
She looks a little to the side, “Just thought we could hang out a little longer.”
His heart squeezes. Oh, how he would die for her.
“I would actually love that,” he responds sincerely.
He doesn’t miss how Ladybug seems a little taken back, but he relishes in the bright smile she sends his way.
"You know," Chat says with a playful grin, "I always thought rooftop chats were the best-kept secret of superheroes."
Ladybug seats herself at the edge of the roof, legs dangling. “Better not tell anybody then.”
He sits next to her, “What if I get paid for the insider information?”
She rolls her eyes, “The public would love that. They already go crazy seeing us together normally, who knows what they’d think if they see us having a casual conversation.”
Chat leans back so he can face the sky, “Well, casual conversation definitely beats the sound of the paparazzi. Such is the burden of being irresistibly charming.”
Ladybug laughs, “Or dangerously flirtatious.”
Chat places a hand over his heart in mock offense. "My lady, you wound me."
Their banter flows effortlessly and it's in these casual moments that Chat finds true peace. He savors these moments, the ones where they're not just superheroes but two friends enjoying each other's company.
Ladybug's gaze is thoughtful as she gazes out over the city. "You know, sometimes I wish we could just be normal teenagers."
Chat nods in agreement. "No supervillains, no akumas – just homework, hanging out, and the occasional drama."
She groans a little, “I’ve had enough drama from school. I don’t need more.”
“Any boy trouble? I can go fight them for you,” he holds up his hands in defense when she looks at him. “ Even though I know you could handle it yourself.”
Ladybug snorts, “I wish I didn’t have to handle it. Just let someone else take over for a change.”
Chat smiles wryly, “What if I like taking orders from you?”
She doesn’t miss a beat, “Well, that sounds like a you-problem, doesn’t it?”
The city stretches out before them, a tapestry of twinkling lights and soft sounds that seem to fade into the background. The night is cool, but not too chilly.
"So, what do superheroes like us do on their off-duty nights?" Chat leans back, propping himself up on his elbows as he glances over at Ladybug.
She chuckles softly, her gaze fixed on the city below. "Well, our idea of downtime might be a bit different."
Chat grins, his green eyes dancing with amusement. "I'm curious – what does Ladybug do when she's not saving Paris?"
Ladybug's lips quirk up in a thoughtful smile. "Believe it or not, I love baking. There's something therapeutic about mixing ingredients and creating something delicious."
Chat raises an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Really? I wouldn't have pegged you as a baker."
Ladybug chuckles, a hint of playfulness in her tone. "Well, it's not all about battling akumas and saving the day. I enjoy the quiet moments too."
Chat swings his legs a bit, “You know, it's nights like these that make all the crazy stuff we deal with worth it."
Ladybug's lips curve into a soft smile, her gaze fixed on the cityscape below. "I agree. Sometimes, it's easy to forget that there can be peace with all these akumas and a supervillain hounding us."
They share a quiet pause, the sounds of the city serving as a gentle backdrop to their conversation. Chat glances at Ladybug, her profile illuminated by the moonlight.
"You know," he begins, "sometimes I wonder what it would be like if we didn't have to hide our identities."
Ladybug's expression turns thoughtful, her gaze focusing on the cityscape before them. "It's a nice thought," she admits, "but we do it to protect the people we love."
Chat sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I get that. I just... sometimes wish we could be ourselves without the masks."
"Me too," Ladybug replies softly, her voice tinged with a hint of longing. "It's hard leading two separate lives."
Chat's eyes meet hers, a shared understanding passing between them. "I guess we can't have it all, huh?"
A gentle wistful smile. "True. But it's moments like this that remind me why we do what we do."
"Yeah," Chat agrees softly, his gaze unable to leave hers. "Making the city safer, protecting its people... it's worth it."
There’s a heavy pause.
She looks troubled. "Do you ever feel like the mask becomes a part of you? Like you're never really yourself?"
The question hits close to home, and Chat finds himself opening up in a way he rarely does. "Yeah," he admits. "Sometimes I feel more like Chat Noir than I do A- my civilian self."
Ladybug's gaze holds his. "I get that. Being Ladybug is such a big part of who I am, but I sometimes don’t remember who I would be if I didn’t have her."
The vulnerability in her words tugs at his heartstrings. He realizes starkly that they're both just ordinary people underneath the masks, with dreams and fears that shape who they are.
Chat's heart squeezes. "You bring joy to people in more ways than you know, Ladybug."
She blushes faintly. "Thank you, Chat. That means a lot." Her fingers trace idle patterns on the rooftop, her voice hushed. "You know, sometimes I wonder about the future. About how long we can keep up this double life."
Chat's gaze remains fixed on her, his expression contemplative. "I've thought about it too. Some days are harder than others.”
She nods, her gaze seemingly distant. "But we have each other. As partners, as friends."
Chat smiles, his chest feeling warm. "Yeah, we do. And as long as we have that, we'll find a way to keep going."
Their conversation drifts into lighter topics again, a mix of laughter and shared stories. Chat finds himself relishing in these moments, where they can be themselves without the weight of their roles as heroes.
As the night becomes deeper, Ladybug lets out a soft yawn, her exhaustion evident. "I should probably get some rest. It's been a long day."
Chat stretches, his own fatigue catching up to him. "You're right. We've earned a good night's sleep."
They stand up together, the rooftop now holding the memory of their conversation – a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, they can find moments of connection and understanding.
"I’ll see you soon, Chat," Ladybug says with a smile.
He grins, striking a dramatic pose. "Fear not, my lady. I shall remain ever vigilant!"
She laughs, shaking her head. "Goodnight, you silly kitten."
"Goodnight, Ladybug." With final waves, Chat and Ladybug leap off the rooftop, leaving behind the city's shimmering lights and the memory of their rooftop chat.
Even though they had spent the majority of the night together, Chat wishes they didn’t have to go their separate ways. Thoughts of Ladybug fill his mind as he makes his way home.
He slips into his bedroom window and releases his transformation.
Plagg groans, “I don’t understand humans and their incessant need to talk . All. The. Time. You could have been done with your patrol hours ago but no - you and Ladybug have to look at the view and talk about feelings .”
Adrien laughs, “Well, I’m sure if you had the chance, you would talk with Tikki for hours too.”
Plagg grumbles but he doesn’t dispute it so Adrien takes it as a win.
Despite it being a Friday night, Adrien feels pleasantly tired. It was a good day. He got to hang out with his friends, he spent time with Ladybug. It was a good day.
Adrien falls asleep with a smile on his face.
A few hours later, he wakes up with a gasp. The overwhelming feeling of being watched is back and the unease sits deep within his chest. He throws back the bed covers with a growl.
“What do you want?” he snaps, making a half-hearted attempt to keep his voice down. “I know you’re here, Eclipse.”
Eclipse takes a step from the dark shadows of the room and into the moonlight. It feels uncomfortably intimate, having Eclipse here in his room.
"Chat Noir," Eclipse's voice is calm, but there's still that intensity that he can't ignore. They look completely unfazed to have appeared unwarranted and unexpected in someone else’s room.
Adrien clicks his tongue in irritation, “Well evidently since you’re here at my home, you don’t need to call me Chat Noir, do you?”
Eclipse doesn’t look fazed by his tone of voice and Adrien finds his unfamiliar mask unsettling. “I suppose not, though I don’t know if you would be comfortable with me calling you Adrien.”
Adrien crosses his arms, “Well, I’m not comfortable with having you in my room either.”
A small smile curls at the corners of Eclipse's lips, a hint of amusement in their eyes, “It’s difficult to get a chance to talk to you alone.”
“Why do you need me to be alone, exactly?” Adrien demands.
Eclipse doesn’t answer. They walk to the window and fold their arms like he did. Adrien’s annoyance increases at how at ease they are.
“You and Ladybug have been looking for answers,” they say. “The Guardian of the Miraculous will not have them.”
“And I suppose you do?” Adrien says.
“I am here to help you and Ladybug. And Paris,” they say and turn to face him. “Do you not believe me?”
“You’ve given me no reason to trust you,” Adrien snaps. “You claim to have all these answers but you haven’t shared them.”
“You and Ladybug keep secrets from one another, why shouldn’t I have my own?”
Adrien's aggravation is thick in his throat. "Are you comparing yourself to us?"
Eclipse shifts their gaze, looking out the window. "I merely suggest that we all have our reasons for keeping secrets."
“You know my identity, you know where I live, you say you know so much. Why are you the only one allowed to have secrets?”
Eclipse doesn’t answer again and Adrien silently fumes until he’s just about to burst.
Eclipse remains unfazed by his retort, their gaze returning to meet his. "Perhaps it's a matter of perspective. But enough about me. What about you, Adrien? Do you believe in me?"
Adrien's skepticism must be obvious and the same with his irritation. "You've given me no reason to believe in you. You talk in riddles."
Eclipse’s voice has a tinge of amusement. "You are right to be cautious of me. But you also know the value of being discreet. We're not so different, you and I."
Adrien's arms remain crossed, "Don't act like you understand me."
Eclipse's gaze holds his, something intense in their eyes. "Maybe not entirely. But I still sense the conflict within you, the struggle to keep the different parts of yourself together."
Adrien's anger flares again, "And what makes you an expert?"
Eclipse is unaffected by his tone. "I understand because I walk the same road as you do. It's not easy, but it's also not without reason."
"And what reason is that?"
"To find balance to yourself and to bring balance to the black cat Miraculous."
Adrien scowls, his doubt still lingering. "You expect me to believe that?"
Eclipse's voice softens. "I expect you to consider it. That is all I’m asking."
Adrien's frustration churns within him, but a thread of curiosity weaves through his emotions. He studies Eclipse, grappling with the urge to dismiss their presence and their words altogether.
"I don’t understand you," Adrien admits, his irritation giving way to reluctant fascination.
Eclipse offers a small smile. "Perhaps it’s better that way.”
The tension between them remains clear, a dance of words and emotions that Adrien can't quite untangle. They pass a few moments in silence.
“I haven’t had my Miraculous for long,” Eclipse admits and Adrien looks at them. “My Kwami, Luna, has told me that I can’t reveal too much about myself. It’s too dangerous. I have too much responsibility.”
“That’s why Ladybug and I don’t know each other’s identities. So why have you made so sure to know who we really are?”
Eclipse snorts softly and has a half-there smile on their face. “You want to know the truth? I was curious. I wanted to know who I was going to be working with.”
Adrien runs a hand through his hair in frustration, “Just because you’re curious doesn’t mean you can break the rules!”
“I have never accepted your rules,” Eclipse says with a glance at Adrien. “But either way, I needed to know what I was getting myself into. My power is… unstable. I haven’t perfected it yet. And unlike you two, I have no one to lean on.”
Adrien can’t hold back his sarcasm, “What? No one? But you’re doing such a great job at socializing! I can’t imagine why-”
Eclipse interrupts him with a laugh, “It’s not by choice. There is a reason the Guardian did not have my Miraculous and there is a reason I even got it in the first place. And no-” they say as Adrien is about to complain, “I can’t tell you.”
“It sounds like you’re giving me a whole lot of nothing,” Adrien remarks.
“Let me give you something then,” they say and Adrien waits impatiently. “The flare in emotions you and Ladybug are experiencing is partly my fault. Until I master my powers, the balance within both your Miraculous will be unstable.”
Adrien thinks about his flare-ups in irritation and then of the incident last night with Ladybug. He thinks about how out of character she’d acted. He can't help but feel a surge of disappointment. Perhaps those moments they shared weren't as genuine as he'd hoped, thanks to Eclipse's.
“So, you being weak is making trouble for us? Wow, thanks.”
Eclipse smiles a little tiredly, “I guess so. Something you can be sure of is that I am here to help you and Ladybug. Even if I am interrupting your duo dynamic.”
"I can't say I'm thrilled to have you," Adrien admits in resignation.
Eclipse's gaze holds his, their expression open and honest. "I understand but just remember that our goals are the same – to protect this city, even if the paths we take are different."
Adrien grumbles under his breath, a mixture of annoyance and curiosity churning in his stomach. "I'll give you this much – you've definitely made an entrance."
Eclipse laughs genuinely, a sound that's both familiar and foreign. "I'll take that as a compliment. Even if I bring more questions than answers, please know that I am ultimately here to help you two.”
Adrien rolls his eyes and feels a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "You better not make things worse."
Eclipse's gaze holds a glint of amusement. "Worse is just a matter of perspective. isn’t it? But for now, I think I’m going to go. We'll talk again, Chat Noir. Maybe next time we can meet outside of your room."
Eclipse steps back into the shadows, their presence fading as if they were never there. Adrien is left alone, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty. As he stares at the spot Eclipse occupied, he can't help but acknowledge the intrigue that now lingers alongside his irritation.