Work Text:
A loud giggle coming from her balcony had Marinette sprinting up her loft to her skylight. As she lifted the window up, she peeked out, not wanting to alert anyone she was present in case it was someone up to no good. However, her eyes landed upon a black mass lying on the floor, giggling at something only he could see. She didn’t know what had happened, but she feared an akuma might be responsible. As such, she knew enough about the hits Chat had taken over the years to proceed with caution.
Crawling onto her balcony, she asked, “What’s going on, Chat? Why are you here?”
Still giggling, he lifted his head enough to see her before dropping back to the ground with a soft thud and a stifled grunt from the impact.
“Chat, is there an akuma?”
He shook his head, his giggles quietening down.
He moved his body until he could remain in his current position on the ground but could see her without risking another injury to his head.
“No akuma. You’re safe in your tower, princess.”
“Okay,” she said slowly, trying to process this distinct change in his personality. “So, what’s got you so giddy today?”
“I found this delectable plant and couldn’t help trying it out.” He held up the small, leafy plant for her to see though he retracted it from her reach when she went to take it.
She didn’t need much time to realize what he held. Her surprise and worry collided as she glanced around at the twilight gathering around him, praying none of her neighbors spotted him prior to landing on her balcony. She didn’t need that kind of attention when she had bigger problems at the moment.
“Chat, that’s catnip. You’re high. Put it down now.” She leaned over him and wrestled the plant from his hands, intent on getting it out of his reach. She struggled with him as he fought her, but in the end, she used her knowledge of his weaknesses against him, gaining the prize catnip from his reach and tossing it over the railing.
“No, why, Mari?”
“Inside, Chat, now. I can’t have my neighbors spying on you. You can sober up in my room.” She pointed to the skylight in emphasis, making sure he understood she wasn’t going to argue with him.
He pouted but did as she commanded, knowing he shouldn’t anger his princess since her temper could rival Ladybug’s on a normal day.
Inside her room, he crawled from her loft and settled on her chaise, kneading the plush fabric under his claws though he took care not to damage the fabric. Soon, he found a comfortable position where he could watch her as she worked. He enjoyed watching her work though he really wanted cuddles after eating as much catnip as he had.
“Purrincess, come here.” He beckoned her with a lazy motion of his wrist, doing his best not to giggle in satisfaction as she settled next to him after a moment’s hesitation. The giggle soon turned into a deep purr as she ran her fingers through his hair.
“The things I do for you, kitty.” Her voice came out in a whisper against his hair. She moved closer, knowing he liked wrapping himself around her whenever he felt out of sorts. Her fingers continued their ministrations as he purred against her shoulder.
“You’re too good to me, purrincess. It’s why I like you so much. I may even love you.” His words came out muffled as he sank deeper into the chaise and his lips ghosted over the junction of her shoulder and neck.
Marinette stiffened at his confession, not sure she’d heard him correctly. It didn’t help he’d started nuzzling her neck, seeking her warmth and scent. She tried to pry him away enough to see if he spoke the truth, but he remained stubborn in his pursuit of cuddles.
“What about Ladybug? I thought you loved her.”
He didn’t say anything as he rubbed her shoulder with a little more gusto. When he did finally speak, he said, “I do love her. She’s my partner and I’ll always care for her, but she’s not you.”
Marinette didn’t know what to say, deciding to remain silent about his wrong assertion. She knew they’d eventually be free to reveal their identities, but that time wasn’t then. Rather than force it, she kept her fingers busy with his hair, scratching his fake cat ears now and again, knowing he secretly loved it.
“Mari, do you think you could ever love this tomcat?”
“What do you mean, kitty?”
“I know you’re in love with your classmate, but you also admitted he’s out of your league. So, I was wondering if I’m in your league and if you could ever see me as you see him.”
She tried to tilt his head so she could see his eyes, but his stubborn proved greater than her willpower as he kept himself firmly lodged between her shoulder and neck.
“Look at me, Chat.” She gripped his chin with her fingers and propelled him upward with some success. When his eyes met hers, she gasped as she saw the raw aching in them, the sadness calling out to her about his loneliness and need. “Oh, Chat, of course, I could love you. I already do. You’re my best friend.”
“What about your classmate?”
“Oh, Adrien? He’ll always remain special to me, but he’ll never see me as anything more than a friend. It hurt for the longest time, but it’s gotten better. A certain tomcat made sure of it with his frequent visits,” she said, smiling gently down at him. Without thinking about it, she pressed her lips to his forehead, drawing comfort in his warm skin and his unique scent.
“Thank you, Mari, for loving me.” He lowered his head, content to lie in her arms until the catnip left his system. “Adrien is a fool for not seeing how wonderful you are.”
Another kiss on his forehead had him purring as he fell into a light sleep, secure in his knowledge of her feelings for him and knowing he’d never give her a reason to send him away. As for his civilian self, he had a lot of work ahead if he wanted to win her on both sides of his mask, but he knew he’d be up for the challenge.