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“I admire you.” It was a simple statement, an innocent enough comment to start with. But it was also true. “You never judge people. You always see the best in them. You are always ready to help, no matter who it is. I can’t do this.”
Marinette knew it had started this way, as admiration. And respect. Yes, Chat could be reckless and ruin plans sometimes. But he was also so much better than her in some respects.
“I.. I’m selfish,” she admitted. “Yes, I save the day. Yes, I help people. Yes, I make sacrifices. But I’ve also abused my power for my own interest.”
She’d made mistakes because of that in the past and she was sure she’d make more. But she’d accepted that. She couldn’t live in constant fear of doing the wrong thing. She’d just have to work harder after that to make up for whatever had gone wrong.
“I’ve been trying hard to think like a superhero, but now I’m tired of doing the right thing. I’m tired of thinking of everyone but myself. Always putting everyone else’s needs first.”
Chat’s expression didn’t give away any surprise at her words. Maybe he knew how she felt better than she could imagine.
“I need to live. I need to love. I can’t shut myself from the rest of the world.”
She was slowly building up to the real reason why they were having this conversation. She was human. Fighting herself would only end badly. And fighting him and her feelings had proved to be pointless.
“If It’s a sin, I don’t care. If it makes me a sinner, so be it.”
Would anyone accuse her for falling for her all too willing partner? Well, if they did, she didn’t care.
“I need to think about myself and what I want now. And what I want is you.”
She felt certain, but this didn’t stop her cheeks from heating up or her heart from beating wildly and her voice from dropping to a whisper with the last statement.
To his credit, Chat didn’t cry out in triumph. Or eye her suspiciously. He just tilted his head to the side, a small smile gracing his lips.
“So, you’re saying you’re not just admiring me?”
Marinette smiled in return, His quiet acceptance gave her strength.
“I admire you. But I also love you.” His eyes did widen just a little. “If it’s not too late…”
“It’s not,” came his swift reply.
“I want to take a chance with you. With us.”
He didn’t agree or disagree with her proposal. He did something better.
The moment he kissed her, Marinette forgot all her misgivings. It was there, in the kiss, everything she wanted. What could possibly be wrong when it felt so good?
He knew how to touch her. All the way to her soul. He knew how to make her heart race. He knew her . He might not know her name but he knew her better than anyone else.
For him, it was worth it to take all the risks