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Honestly, they really should have called off patrol.
It was rainy and windy, not fully cold but chilly enough to be unpleasant. Especially when one's mode of transportation involved swinging by a yoyo above the rooftops of Paris. Her Ladybug suit may provide protection from injury, but it wasn't the best insulated thing. What she wouldn't give for a cuddly oversized sweater and her room above the bakery right now.
But Chat had just seemed so off lately. She wanted to ask him what was going on. No details, secret identities must remain secret and all, but her partner really looked like he could use a friend. So here she was, ducked under the eaves of a neighboring roof to protect a bit from the elements. It was rare she got to the meet up location first, usually running late, but she had made sure to be a little early today. She just hadn't planned on the weather.
A shadow darker than the dreary sky darted into sight a building or so over. With a small wave, Ladybug caught Chat's attention. He dashed over to join her under the semi-protected part of the roof.
"Early for once, Milady?" he teased. "I mean, it had to happen once statistically."
She shot him a glare that was at best half-hearted. "I know, I know. Poke fun at the chronically late."
He chuckled, brushing some of his damp hair off his face. "I promise it's okay, LB. One of my best friends is also always running late. She tried to explain how it happens that she can try to get somewhere hours early but still always ends up at least ten minutes late. Not sure I followed the explanation fully, but it honestly doesn't bother me. Besides, you're actually here."
"Thank you. I still feel awful about always being late though," she replied, shifting her weight from one leg to the other as she looked out into the rain.
"Wanna start patrol early? We can finish up sooner and get out of this weather. Can't say I'm a fan of the rain, as wonderful as the company is."
Glancing up at him, she held up the thermos in her left hand, and asked "How about we just stay here for a little bit and have some hot chocolate? I made my grandmother's special recipe and it is perfect for days like today."
He looked puzzled at her suggestion. "Are you suggesting we skip patrol? Miss Professionalism shirking duty?"
"Honestly, Kitty, I don't think Hawk Moth will be trying to stir stuff up. I doubt his butterflies could even get to the potential akuma victims right now with the wind." She sat on the ledge under the covered section of roof and shook the thermos his way. "Besides, this is best shared with a friend."
Shaking his head like he still couldn't believe what she said, he tucked his baton away and sat beside her. "Special hot chocolate, huh?"
"Simply the best," she replied, pulling two small camp mugs from behind her. "Liquid happiness. Guaranteed to make you feel all cozy and chase away the dreary."
"Okay, you sold me," he sighed. His eyes turned tired and sad for a moment. "I could use a little happy."
Ladybug opened the thermos and poured some of the rich hot chocolate into the mugs. Steam curled upwards with the delightful scent of chocolate. Passing Chat one, she smiled as he took a long drink.
His eyes widened as the warm beverage crossed his taste buds. Quickly draining the mug, he looked surprised at the taste.
"That may be the best thing I've ever had. What makes it so good?"
She laughed at his wondrous expression. It was just too adorable for words. Not that she'd tell him that.
"Family secret." Taking his mug, she poured a little more into it, handing it back before taking a sip of her own. "My grandfather, who will outright tell you that's why he married my grandmother, still doesn't know after 40 years."
Chat Noir immediately started thinking about how to best secure a supply of this liquid happiness for the rest of his life. While they sat close together, warmed by the hot chocolate and conversation, he tried to weigh his options.
Could he somehow convince her to give up the secret? Or would he just have to convince her to marry him someday? Because this feeling, this warmth and companionship and coziness was something he couldn't stand to be without.