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Marinette was panicking, looking at the akuma in the distance hopelessly.
“I don’t know what to do.”
Adrien didn’t need another incentive to act. He used his staff to jump in the air and end up behind her.
“Allow me to introduce myself - royal jester to m’lady,” he danced around his staff, drawing an incredulous look from her.
“What are you doing?” She asked, her lips twitching.
“Providing comic relief in the middle of battle. What else am I useful for if not this?” He shrugged with a grin.
“Kitty.”
In an instant, he was on the other side of her again, perched up on his staff and looking down at her surprised face.
She was trying hard not to laugh, he could tell. It was enough to break the tension a bit. She shook her head, looking at her Lucky Charm with fresh eyes and he could almost hear her mind whir.
She was amazing like that. Coming up with a plan from nothing. She could do it. All she needed was a minute distraction, a break from the spiralling thoughts in her head, a reprieve. He could give her that. After all, he was wearing the clown costume for a reason.
Once she was over that little stumbling block, it was easy.
When they were done, there was no longer the need to run off in opposite directions before they could transform. All they needed was to find a secluded place where they wouldn’t worry about prying eyes.
Marinette relaxed into his arms, her breathing still a little laboured, but calming down.
“Thank you, kitty. You know me. You know how to help me when I spiral. I’d be lost without you.” The love and gratitude in her voice were completely disarming. This was so much better than her panic when he did something silly like throw himself into danger. He’d learned not to do that, to spare her feelings. After all, there were more ways than one to help her.
“I’m always here for you, little bug,” he said simply, holding her tightly.
Their lips met in a tired but content kiss. This was their own, private way to congratulate each other on a job well done. Their first bump was still there for the public eye, this was just between them.
“Let’s go home,” she sighed.
Another great idea, as usual.