Chapter Text
Chat Noir landed just as his transformation dropped. Plagg tumbled into his palm, and he placed the kwami back in his shirt so he could eat. Adrien leaned against the dumpster. Finding places to transform is hard, so often they ended up like this-- separated by a dumpster or tree, or even just closing their eyes if they need to refuel in the middle of a fight.
Today, they ended up in a neighborhood neither of them knew well, far from the Seine and Eiffel Tower. This was the only alley they could find without cameras, so even though the fight is over, they’re on opposite sides of a dumpster, wondering how they’re going to leave without the other seeing. Adrien would probably have to transform so he could get back home.
Ladybug hadn’t said anything, which was odd. Normally, she’d make sure he’s okay, or rant to him about the akuma, before saying good-bye. He heard something, though. A bit of sniffling, it sounded like. Was she crying?
“My lady?” he asked. She didn’t answer, but the crying got louder. “Are you okay?”
“I’m-- I’m okay,” she said, her voice cracking.
“No you’re not," he said. “Can you-- can you retransform?”
She sniffed again, then whispered, “Spots on.”
“Claws out.” Adrien ran around the dumpster. Ladybug was sitting in the corner, her head buried in her knees. She was shaking, her breathing sharp and uneven. She looked so small, so unlike the Ladybug he’s used to. Adrien didn't know what to do. He’d had panic attacks before, but never had to comfort someone having one. He tried to remember what Nathalie told him, and the psa they watched in class at the beginning of the year.
“Hey, it’s okay,” he said. She looked up at him, tears dried on her mask. “We defeated the akuma.”
He sat next to her. “Deep breaths. In and out.” He took a few deep breaths himself, showing her what to do. And if he remembered correctly, people tend to subconsciously match their breathing to someone they’re with.
Ladybug nodded, taking a breath that’s as deep as she could through the tears.
“Do you want a hug?”
In response, she scooted closer to him, and he wrapped her carefully in his arms. She was still shaking, but her breathing already felt more normal. Something in Adrien’s chest rumbled. He felt his face go hot. It’s bad enough that he can actually purr, but now was really not the time. He didn’t like the fact that Ladybug was crying, even if it did lead to him cuddling her like this. He couldn’t control the purring, though, and it just got louder.
“Sorry,” he said, interrupting the purr.
“Don’t stop,” Ladybug mumbled, pressing herself closer to him. “It’s nice.”
“Oh-okay.” Adrien didn’t say anything, just let her stay leaning against him. His chin was just above her head-- if he moved, he’d bump her.
Too soon, Ladybug was freeing herself from his embrace. She stood, then pulled him up by his hand.
“Thank you,” she said, keeping her eyes on the ground.
“If you want, you can always talk to me, you know,” he said.
“I know.”
“Good.” He nodded. They both stood there for a minute, unsure of what to say next.
Ladybug broke the silence. “I have to go.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“Patrol tomorrow?”
“I’ll see you there.”