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“My lady, may I ask you a favor?”
Ladybug turned around, facing Chat and raising her eyebrows. It was rare that Chat asked her for anything, so the question caught her a bit off-guard. She glanced down at her yo-yo, checking the time. She and Chat didn’t patrol together as often as they used to, and she did miss it, but she promised Alya she’d call her to discuss plans once she got back.
“What’s up?”
Chat chewed his lip, leaning against his baton, and tapped his claws against it. It was an oddly cute nervous tic that made Ladybug smile. Sometimes Chat was adorable without even trying.
“Well, um… there’s a friend I wanted to hang out with, but I’m not exactly sure how without…” he fumbled over his words, his green eyes anxious as he finally looked up at her. “You remember Marinette? She wielded the Mouse Miraculous?”
Ladybug blinked, taken aback. Of all the sentences to come out of Chat’s mouth, she hadn’t expected that. “Yes, I remember. Why?”
“I know the Miraculous aren’t toys, but I just...I kind of wanted to hang out with Marinette? As Chat? And I thought it would be a little weird if I just showed up with no explanation, so...maybe she could patrol with me sometimes? As Multimouse?”
Ladybug nearly dropped her yo-yo. She turned, staring at Chat. A thousand excuses rested on the tip of her tongue, and she wanted to say no. She had enough on her plate already, between being Ladybug, strategizing with Alya, being the Guardian, not to mention her civilian life…
But Chat didn’t know that. He thought he was asking to hang out with a regular girl who didn’t have anything better to do on Friday nights than practice sewing buttons.
“Why do you want to hang out with Marinette as Chat?” She tried to deflect the topic as she struggled to come up with a good excuse.
Chat smiled slightly, and Ladybug couldn’t fathom why. “I think she’s a nice person. I know she can’t come back out into the field, so I thought just patrolling would be fine. And, I dunno, it gets pretty lonely patrolling by myself…”
Guilt shot through Ladybug’s heart. She was well aware she was the one who adjusted their patrol schedules, and although Chat had seemed okay with it, she should’ve known better. Her partner felt lonely, and she needed to take responsibility for that.
Ladybug took a deep breath. “Alright. She can have it back. I’ll deliver it to her later, and you can patrol with her.”
Chat immediately perked up. “Really? Thank you, Ladybug!”
She tried not to feel too guilty at the look of absolute joy Chat was giving her. “Of course. Marinette and I will be handing the Miraculous on and off, so it’ll be fine. Hopefully she enjoys herself.”
“I’ll see to it, my lady,” Chat saluted, and Ladybug couldn’t help the tiny smile.
“Have fun, Chaton.”
~
Marinette sat and waited.
She had purposely cleared her schedule for that night, which hadn’t been easy, but she was sure it would be worth it. Although she couldn’t explain why, she knew Chat would be by tonight. She touched the Mouse pendant hanging from her neck.
Chat was always so supportive, yet she hadn’t noticed his loneliness. It caused guilt to chew her up from the inside. What else hadn’t she noticed?
Her hand drifted up to her earrings. She took her responsibility as Ladybug seriously, but at what cost? Had she been focused too much on the wrong things? She couldn’t bring herself to regret anything she’d done lately, but if her actions were responsible for her partner’s sadness, then she had to fix it. Somehow.
A slight knock on her skylight caused her to look up. Taking a deep breath, she waited just a couple moments before going over and pushing it open.
Chat Noir stared back at her, his eyes excited and curious.
An easy smile found its way to Marinette’s mouth before she could help herself. “Hello, Chat Noir. What brings the noble hero of Paris to a mere civilian’s doorstep?”
Chat grinned, showing off a pointy canine tooth, before dropping into her room. “Hello yourself, Marinette.” His voice was lighthearted as usual, but also a bit nervous. Marinette felt her heart go out to him.
“Ladybug kind of explained things to me. So you need a patrol buddy?” She ruffled his hair, grinning. “Well, say no more! We’ll be the stealthiest cat-and-mouse team you’ve ever seen!”
And just like that, his nervousness melted away and was replaced with mischievousness. “You bet! As long as you think you can keep up with me,” he teased.
“Oh, purr-lease. I may not be a cat, but I’ve got this in the bag.” Marinette twirled. “Mullo, transform me!”
A flash of light later, and Multimouse was standing before Chat Noir. He was looking at her fondly. Marinette had a thousand questions she wanted to pry him with, but first and foremost, she wanted him to have fun.
“Where to first, great hero?” She saluted him.
“Let’s just get you a feel for the city and moving around. I know you haven’t had the Mouse in quite some time.” Chat leapt up through her trapdoor, and a small part of her was touched he would even think of that. Even though she’d just patrolled as Ladybug a couple nights ago…
Climbing up after him, she extended her jump rope and twirled it. It was not as flexible as her yo-yo, and didn’t have the same reach, but it was sturdy and could be used in several ways. She was shaken from her thoughts by Chat reaching a hand out towards her.
“Ready, Marinette?” His eyes almost glowed as they reflected her balcony’s lights. “It’ll be faster if you come with me, at least for now. You can practice with your jump rope later.”
Her hand extended, resting atop Chat’s. She felt suddenly vulnerable, armed with the knowledge that he knew her real name. When her spotted mask was replaced with the pink and gray one, she felt somehow more like Marinette and less like Ladybug.
Which didn’t even make any sense. She was Ladybug!
But standing here with her hand in Chat’s...she was okay with not being Ladybug for a while.
Chat’s hand tightened around hers, pulling her close. Reflexively, she wrapped her arms around him and let him adjust. She had a fleeting sense of deja vu and stifled a small giggle.
“Something funny, mouse?” Chat’s voice was light, and Marinette shook her head. He winked at her. “Just try not to fall for my charms, alright?”
“I’ll do my best.” Marinette rested the back of her hand against her forehead dramatically, pretending to swoon, and Chat’s snorts broke out into real laughter. “Carry me away, my prince, into the night.”
“As the la--princess commands.” Standing, Chat swung out over the rooftops, and despite her experience doing the same thing, Marinette released a small yelp of surprise. Chat’s movements were rougher than her yo-yo, with the baton hitting hard surfaces and propelling them along.
Yet, despite the roughness, Chat was careful to not jostle her too much. He was mindful of her comfort, and ran just as much as he leapt. She was struck again with how thoughtful he was.
They didn’t go far. Marinette thought he might take her to where he and Ladybug often met up for patrol, but he shifted directions. Soon, she found herself on a ledge atop Notre Dame.
He let her down gently, and she stood overlooking the ledge. The view was much different than her usual one, and she couldn’t help but to admire Paris’s skyline as Chat retracted his baton.
“It’s purr-etty, isn’t it?” Chat asked, stepping forward to stand beside her. Marinette couldn’t even find it in herself to roll her eyes at his pun. The night was beautiful, warm and clear, and the new view alongside her newfound time with Chat just made her heart swell.
“It’s amazing.” Finally, she turned to look at her partner. Chat was gazing out over the streets, his expression relaxed but his eyes far away.
“I like to come here during solo patrols,” he admitted. “Ladybug and I don’t meet up here, but I can’t bring myself to go to our usual spot when I’m alone. It doesn’t feel right without her.”
Marinette felt that twinge of guilt again. “You two haven’t been patrolling together?”
“We do it when we can,” Chat replied. “But she’s been pretty busy lately. I know she has a lot on her plate. I can’t tell you too much about it, but she’s taken on a lot of new responsibilities. She’s incredible.” His voice was reverent, but strangely sad. “I love being her partner more than anything in this world. It’s just...lately, sometimes...I wonder if she feels the same way.”
A dagger struck Marinette’s chest, and she winced visibly. So Chat wasn’t just feeling lonely, he was feeling neglected. Now that she saw the impact right in front of her, she wanted to slap herself for not realizing it sooner.
“I mean, it’s probably just me being selfish,” Chat continued quickly, his hands tightening on his baton. “She’s got way more to worry about than just me, and I’m just one of her helpers anyway, so--”
“That’s not true!” Marinette burst out, her own anger and self-loathing culminating in her outburst. Chat looked at her in shock, but she plowed on. “I mean, you two are partners, Chat! You’re not a helper, or a sidekick, I just--she values you! I know she does! And she’s an idiot if she doesn’t tell you how valuable you are every single day--”
“Hey, hey, relax, Mari.” He placed his hands on her shoulders, and she sputtered to a stop. “It’s fine. You don’t need to be mad. And don’t think less of Ladybug. She doesn’t mean to hurt me. She’s just doing her job.”
Marinette chewed her lip, agitated. “But the two of you took on this job together,” she said quietly. “You two are equals. Partners. And Ladybug making decisions shouldn’t make you feel like less of a team. I-I don’t think Ladybug would be happy she’s made you question her feelings about your partnership. I think you should tell her that. She needs to acknowledge your feelings, too. They’re just as important as hers.”
Chat stared at her, unblinking, and Marinette wanted to cry. Why, why had she forgotten, along the way, that Chat was so dear to her? Had she been taking him for granted? Chat, her wonderful, supportive, helpful partner.
Unexpectedly, he drew her in for a hug. She froze for a moment, unsure what to do, when he started to pull away. Not having it, she clasped her arms around him firmly and drew him back in.
“Thanks, Marinette,” he whispered. “Sometimes it’s just nice to have your feelings validated. I’ll talk with my lady sometime. She’ll understand. She always fixes everything.”
Marinette pressed her face into Chat’s shoulder. He thought so highly of her. He trusted her so much, not just with his life, but with his feelings. He was always honest and straightforward with her and supported her decisions wholeheartedly, even at his own detriment.
And how had she repaid him?
The tears were leaking before she realized it, and Chat’s hand reaching up to rest on her hair drew her back to reality. She blinked at the wet spot on his shoulder in horror, drawing back slightly. “Ah, I’m sorry, Chat--I didn’t mean to--”
“It’s okay.” He wasn’t even looking at the stain, instead fixated solely on her. Slowly, his hands reached up and cradled her face, his expression tender. “Why are you crying, Marinette?”
She blinked, slowly, lost for a second. How could she explain everything to him? Her guilt, her exhaustion, her neglect?
One of his thumbs delicately brushed a tear away, and that released a whole new round of them. Giant tears streamed down her face, and she sniffled. “You’re such a good person, Chat Noir. I don’t know how you put up with me sometimes.”
“Why would I need to put up with you?” Chat’s expression was still soft, although he raised an eyebrow, and Marinette floundered for a moment as she tried to cover up her blunder.
“I just mean--I’m sitting here crying, and you’re the one who’s upset. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I know you, Marinette, and I know you’re crying for my sake.” His tone was so gentle. “It means more to me than you know. You have such a giving heart.”
Marinette’s heart skipped a beat.
They stared at each other, the last of her tears disappearing off her cheeks, and his hands cradling her close. The wind picked up slightly, ruffling their hair. A stray lock fell into Marinette’s eyes, and without looking away, Chat brushed it away. He was so close. And he could see her, every bit of her, exposed. Her name, her identity, her pain. He could see it all.
For the first time, Marinette realized she was fine with that.
If anyone could see her--why not Chat? He deserved it.
Her lips parted, and she was a breath away from spilling her biggest secret of all, when Chat leaned in and kissed her.
All the breath left her lungs at once, and her brain scrambled to comprehend what had just happened, but before she could even reach a decision, he’d pulled back.
“Ah--I’m sorry,” he stuttered, his face bright pink. “I-I don’t know what came over me. That was--uh…” he drew his hands away, nervously tugging at his hair, and Marinette knew she was gawking up at him like a fish. Say something!
Closing her mouth, she squeaked, “Your lips are kind of chapped.”
He stared at her, wide-eyed.
And then burst into laughter.
Marinette could only stand still in shock, watching him laugh, until the absurdity of what had just happened sunk in and she started laughing, too. The breeze had dried her face, and now the pair were hysterical with pent-up emotions.
When the chuckles had finally died down, Chat sighed deeply and sunk down, sitting against the railing and tilting his head up to look at her. “I am sorry, Marinette. I wasn’t thinking properly. And I didn’t even ask permission. That was awful of me to do.”
The remorse in his voice pained her in a way she couldn’t quite describe. Turning, Marinette sank down beside him, drawing her knees up and hugging them to her chest. “It’s fine, Chat, really. I wasn’t really thinking either.” You stopped me from blurting out something important, and now isn’t the time.
He snuck a glance at her. “Really?”
“Yeah.” Her mouth tugged up in a rueful smile. “I might’ve done the same thing, even though I know you’re in love with Ladybug.”
“Ah...right.” Chat looked sheepish, scratching the back of his neck. “And you don’t even really know me that well…”
More than you think, kitty. “Yeah, well, you don’t know me very well, either, so I’d say we’re even on that front.”
There was a short silence before Chat spoke again. “Well, maybe we can change that, since we’ll be patrolling together. We can become good friends, right? And talk more?”
Her cheeks heated up despite herself. “Of course.”
“That’s why I originally asked Ladybug for your Miraculous, you know.” Chat was fidgeting, playing with his tail nervously. It was cute. “I wanted to know you better. I know we’ve had run-ins before, but...we haven’t been able to interact much, and I thought it would be fun to spend some time with you. Thanks for agreeing to that.”
Marinette turned, afraid her heart would burst out of her chest. She placed a hand over Chat’s, and he stilled, turning to look at her.
“Of course I agreed,” she said warmly. “You’re an incredible person, and you should be reminded of that more often. I want to become better friends with you, too. Patrols will be a great way to hang out.” She winked. “As long as I don’t have to sit through too many puns.”
He grinned, catlike, down at her, and for the second time that night her heart skipped a beat.
“I’m afraid I can’t purr-omise that, mouse,” he said, his voice back to its normal teasing tone. “But it’s all a part of my charm.”
Marinette laughed. “So you say, kitty.”
Chat stood, stretching, and she couldn’t look away. Had Chat always been so...attractive? So easy to talk to? So chivalrous and thoughtful?
The answer was yes, of course he had been. She had just purposely ignored it.
He turned and offered a hand to help her up, and Marinette knew she was in trouble when her heart fluttered as she accepted it. He hoisted her to her feet, and gave her a sweet smile.
“Ready to head back? I know we didn’t really patrol, but I figured that’s enough for one night.”
Marinette nodded. “Yeah, let’s...head back.”
So she climbed up beside him once again, in a daze as he propelled them across the Parisian rooftops. She was so lost in thought, she almost didn’t notice that they were back on her balcony. Slowly, she slid out of his grasp and her feet touched the ground.
Calling off her transformation, Mullo appeared in front of her only long enough to give her a smile before diving down below in search of a snack. Marinette wet her lips and then turned to face Chat again.
“Thanks for tonight, Chat Noir,” she told him sincerely. “I had fun. And...if you ever want to hang out…” she shuffled shyly. “Feel free to drop by.”
Marinette was expecting Chat to tease her, but when she met his eyes she found nothing but affection. “Thanks, Mari. I’ll remember that.” He took her hand and raised it, kissing the back of it. Unlike all the times he’d done so when she was Ladybug, this time felt different. Warmer, softer...and somehow with more meaning behind it.
He released her. “I’ll see you at the next patrol, on Thursday?”
She found herself nodding. “I’ll be waiting with bated breath.”
Chat laughed, and turned to leave.
Marinette’s feet were moving before she could reconsider it. Striding a quick pace towards her partner, she raised her head and stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
At least, she was supposed to kiss his cheek.
He turned at the last moment, hearing her approach, and when her mouth touched him, she found another mouth there instead.
Squeaking, she leapt back, her face bright red. “Ah--that was--I mean--!!”
Chat was pink again, raising his hand to touch his mouth as he stared at her. Marinette tried to form words--to explain her error, to ease her mortification, anything--but words weren’t forming.
“If you wanted another kiss, all you had to do was ask, mouse,” Chat teased her despite his own blush, and Marinette sputtered again. Laughing, Chat leaned down to press a quick kiss to her cheek.
“I’m kidding. Goodnight, Marinette. See you soon.”
And with that, he leapt down into the night.
Promptly, her knees gave out and she sank to the ground. Groaning, Marinette covered her burning face with her hands and released a shaky breath.
A familiar warmth nuzzled into her side. “Marinette? Everything go well?” Tikki asked.
“Yeah.” Slowly, she lowered her hands, a small smile on her face. “Maybe a little too well."