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Funny how a thing as simple as a sunset could make you see how insignificant certain reservations could be.
They leaned against the railings side by side; her and Chat. Just as it had always been.
Below them, the city lived on, the beginnings of Paris’ evening sparkle sprinkling in. Children’s laughter rang from across the street at the carousel and trills from a cyclist’s bell disappeared down the park, where couples promenaded hand in hand. The soft light of the sleepy sun painted the scene, brushing the breeze-rustled trees and the edges of the Eiffel Tower where the superhero pair people-watched.
Ladybug closed her eyes, breathing in the cool air. The sun warmed her face. She could feel Chat’s gaze on her.
“What is it?” she asked, eyes still shut and a smile threatening her expression.
“Nothing at all. Just lost in thought.” Ladybug turned to find him smiling just as freely.
“Oh yeah?” She bumped her shoulder against his. “I bet I know exactly what you’re thinking about.”
“Try me.”
“Hmmmm that basket of muffins we got from Mayor Bourgeois that you’re dying to get home to.”
He sank against the railing, giving an exaggerated moan. “Those were delicious!”
“You already ate them all ?”
“Hey, don’t laugh! You underestimate the power bake goods have over me.”
“Oh my— Chat—” It was impossible to contain her laughter— “there were, like… twenty-five in there.”
“—and the hunger of a growing guy.”
She play-shoved him, earning herself a poke in the waist where he knew she was ticklish.
Growing. It was easy to forget when they saw each other on a day-to-day basis. But at eighteen, Ladybug knew she looked very different from the girl she was four years ago when they’d first met. Chat, especially, had matured a lot. His entire head of height over her, being his most prized achievement— much to her annoyance because of his constant teasing.
Something that hadn’t changed shone brightly in the sunlight as he laughed; his smile.
Yes, they faced countless nightmares together. She’d witnessed him in the depths of heartbreak, in the pits of breakdowns, as he had seen her, but that grin never lost its edge. Never became weighed down. If anything, it grew stronger. And recently, it would stir a faint flutter in her belly.
A flutter that only the best of friends could cause.
Their chuckles died down after a while and both stared at each other. He narrowed his eyes in challenge. She took him up on his staring contest. The breeze blowing hair into her face made her eyes itch and she gave in, prompting a victorious shout from Chat.
“So, did I get it right?” she asked.
“Hmm?”
“What you were thinking about?”
“Oh! No, I was thinking about something else.”
She nodded for him to go on.
He cleared his throat, looking out to the now-purple clouds. “Just… about how it’s been two years since I last told you I loved you.”
Ladybug’s mouth parted into an “oh” shape.
His hands darted up in defense. “Please, don’t take this the wrong way. I know how you feel about me and… and I think—” He weaved his fingers up his bangs, sighing— “I think I finally feel the same way. I’ve been holding out on saying it because it would always mean more to me, but I think I’m ready now.”
Maybe it was what he confessed or the way he confessed it. Something deep twisted inside Ladybug. However, all she could bring herself to feel was relief as she let out a pent-up breath.
She felt the claws of his suit glide down her wrists to entwine with her fingers. He looked her directly in the eyes.
“Ladybug… I love you. As my partner, as my friend . And I am… extremely grateful to have you in my life.”
She squeezed his hands, shifting from her heels to her toes. “I love you, too.”
That big smile again. The flutters returned in full. He gathered her up in a sweeping hug.
After years of wanting to express how thankful for him she was, it filled her heart to confess it so freely. She ignored the tiny part of herself that screamed that her confession didn’t hold the whole truth.
Ladybug lost herself somewhere in between the embrace and the following laughter they shared.
The rest of the sunset was spent chatting about the new Ultimate Mecha Strike game and the latest akuma. They had a climbing competition— which Ladybug won because ahem somebody’s tail got caught on a beam.
Still, throughout their time together, something nagged at Ladybug after Chat’s confession.
They were watching the stars when their Miraculouses beeped in warning.
“Guess that’s us,” he said, helping her up from where they’d been laying down.
“Noooo, going back home means I actually have to finish my assignments.”
“My Lady , have I been your accomplice in procrastination this whole time?”
“ Purr haps…”
“I am scandalized. And using my puns against me? Fur shame.”
She chuckled and grabbed his forearm, leaning in to kiss his cheeks goodnight. “Thanks for tonight, Kit— oh.”
Only it was his lips that hers were met with.
It had been a mere brush. A feather-light, common accident of him turning his head the same way, but her eyes were already on his lips again. A glance up told her that his mirrored hers.
In seconds, her arms had wrapped around his neck, left hand weaving into his hair. His own pulled her closer, circling her waist as they kissed again. And again.
Her earrings’ warning broke them apart.
“I thought I’d gotten over you,” he said.
She bit her lip at his breathless tone. “So did I.”
“You lov— ”
She rose on her tiptoes to peck his lips, letting their noses touch when she drew back. “Yes.”
No more denial. Not to herself or to him.
His ring flashed this time.
“But I’ve got to go now,” she whispered.
Ladybug turned to leave, butterflies going wild in her belly. Her face felt flush and it sent a second wave of goosebumps when his hand wrapped around her wrist.
“Alright… um, before you go,” he said. “I— I’m still in love with you.”
If she overthought it, he would never know, so she let her own confession out. “And-I’m-in-love-with- you .”
Taking the last hint of his gorgeous smile home with her, she swung away, leaving the glittering tower in the distance.