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When Adrien heard that Marinette’s parents had gone out of town for the weekend he figured what better time to drop in and visit his princess than when no one would be around to interrupt their secret hangouts.
Besides, the newest episode of their current anime, Fruits Basket, had just been released and Adrien couldn’t wait to watch it.
So, he made his way across the rooftops of Paris, heading for the small balcony atop of The Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie. As expected, the lights were off except for a lamp in his friend’s bedroom.
Chat Noir landed softly on said balcony and tapped on the door. When no response came, he narrowed his eyes and tried to open the door.
It was already unlocked. Maybe she was busy setting up for their movie night and had left the door unlocked for him.
He entered the room and the smell of baked goods entered his nose. He always loved the scent of Marinette's house. It smelled like… home.
"Marinette? Your prince has arrived-" Chat Noir stopped short when he saw the raven-haired girl slumped over her desk, an uneaten sandwich sitting next to her. "Mari?"
He walked closer and noticed her breathing was slow and steady, an obvious sign the girl was sleeping, and probably had been for a while.
Chat stayed there for a moment, admiring her features… but only as a good friend would. He noticed her cheeks were flushed and small circles had formed under her eyes.
Huh. She must not be getting enough sleep…
He should move her to her bed. That way she wouldn't have a kink in her neck when she awoke the next morning. Chat moved his hands to Marinette's shoulders, giving her a gentle shake to alert her he was there.
Her eyes opened slowly and she glanced at him. "C-Chat?"
Chat grinned. "Hi there, Princess. What do you say we get you to your actual bed. It might be more comfortable."
She lifted her head and shifted her gaze, trying to focus on the clock across the room. "What time is it?"
"A little past midnight. You must've fallen asleep while designing." He gestured to the sheet of paper stuck to the side of her face.
Marinette blinked a couple of times before coughing and letting out a groan, letting her head fall back onto her arms.
Chat frowned. "Marinette?" His hand brushed her bangs away from her forehead and found she was sweating. "Are you… sick?"
"No." She let out another cough and the hero was not convinced. He pressed his lips against her forehead, ignoring the small gasp that escaped the girl.
Very warm. She must have a fever.
He sighed and moved back into her view. "Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling good?"
"I didn't think it was any of your business," Marinette mumbled, not making any effort to open her eyes again.
"Well, lucky for you, I happen to be an expert in taking care of sick girls who need to be in bed."
"Oh? And just how many sick girls have you taken to bed?"
Chat blushed at the innuendo but cleared his throat. "Do you think you can walk?"
The answer was no. She couldn't. When Marinette tried to maneuver herself out of the chair, she tripped and fell into Chat's chest. He quickly scooped her up in his arms and climbed up the stairs to her bed.
"Here you go, Princess. Just what the doctor ordered. Sleep." He covered her with a blanket and watched as she snuggled deeper into the sheets.
Just as Chat turned to climb back out the hatch, he felt a tug on his tail and looked back down to see Marinette giving him a small pout.
"What's wrong, Marinette?"
"Stay?" Her voice was rough from the coughing but her blue eyes pierced his heart.
Chat was torn. On one hand, he could stay and make sure she didn't need anything overnight. On the other, Nathalie or his father might check to find him gone and send the police to search for him. He thought for a moment, trying to decide the best course of action.
"But, Princess, there's only one bed." He gestured to the twin-sized bed.
"It's okay. I don't mind sharing." Marinette smiled and patted the spot next to her.
Oh, screw his father.
Chat moved so he could lay down, surprised when Marinette wrapped her arms around him. He relaxed after a moment, feeling her warmth through his suit.
"Thank you, Chat." She whispered and he nodded, smiling softly. He supposed the anime marathon could wait.
After all, his good friend was sick. The least he could do was cuddle with her.