Chapter Text
It was these cold, clear autumn nights that Chat valued most in his endless patrolling. Not that he actually minded patrolling, but there was something to be said about the sting of cold air upon your face and the bitter breeze in your hair; you could almost call it romantic. Of course, Chat had other reasons to be patrolling besides the weather. There was always the threat of an Akuma attack upon the city of Paris, and a patrolling superhero would be just what was needed for damage control until their partner could appear to tip the scales. At this train of thought a small grin spread across his face, Ladybug, his Ladybug, she was a marvelous person, the very idea of her sent a rush of warmth through his chilled cheeks.
Of course he couldn’t stay distracted, he thought to himself, leaping from one chimney to the next, pigeons flying from the leaping crusader; their flight a path for the observant eyes to follow if they ever wished to follow a superhero. He had to be on his guard, he couldn’t let his Lady down; that was the one thing he would never let himself do. Of course, it was just his luck that there was no Akuma attack and no Ladybug to create excitement. The evening highlight had been quickly leaping high into the air to retrieve a runaway balloon a couple had lost a hold. Though they were thankful and sweet, the sight of the pair holding hands only served to reinforce Chat’s loneliness and with his classic, If somewhat forced, debonair smile, he was gone. A phantom of the night.
The other reason Chat patrolled at night was because of his home, his family, or lack of. He loved the cold air and the views, and of course his Lady. But if he was honest, it could be raining a storm and his Lady could not exist and he would still patrol, and it was selfish, but he wouldn’t be doing it for Paris, but for himself. His dad was always away, his secretary, Nathalie was almost always with Adrien. The house was quieter than most graveyards. The only member of staff who ever did talk to him on a level nicer than business was his chauffeur, the man was kind, quiet but kind - but that was just his way. So he abandoned the silence of that house for as long as he could, even in the shadow of the night the City had a buzz to it, it was almost like it was breathing, in a way, Chat mused, it kind of was.
Of course, with nothing exciting happening this fair night, and with the moon quickly twisting across the sky, Chat couldn’t help but begin to wander back in the vague direction of home. He did have a long day tomorrow. He’d promised Nino he would look through that film project he had been working on with him and he had fencing after that and then Piano at home. Adrien doubted he would even be able to patrol tomorrow. As the thought wandered through his mind, a sweet scent wafted below his nose. Sniffing quickly, a smile spread across Chat’s lips. It smelt delicious. Standing tall and straight the superhero swung left and right on the antenna of the roof.
In a moment he spotted the source of the sweet scent, it was a late night coffee shop; a deep rouge in colour with a silver script written down it. It read “Cieux Plaisir” and Chat understood why; the shop appeared to pride itself on its pastries and sweet cakes in addition to its coffee. The smell continued to tempt him and Chat quickly found himself sitting upon the roof as the last of the workers closed up shop and departed for their families; their lives. But Chat remained sitting there, his back against the chimney and his senses at ease from the smell of heaven itself. Eyes closed, Chat slipped into a daydream state, this was purrfect, he thought to himself. He had always had a sweet tooth, if only he had some company; his fair lady perhaps? The thought brought a smile to his face, and the last remnants of his thoughts of returning home vanished like smoke in the breeze. It was just a shame that he had not seen her this fair night and it wasn’t like he had anyone else he could share these moments with. His closest friend besides Ladybug was Nino and he didn’t know Chat at all, in fact no one did. Chat sat up, that last thought rolling around in his head. Well, technically Marinette knew him as Chat, even if only a little. They had met and even worked together when combating Nathaniel as the Evillustrator. She had been brave, strong even, just like his Ladybug, and she lived in a bakery; Chats face lit up with a wide smile.
She lived in a bakery.
Chat quickly leapt to his feet, that settled it, he was going to visit Marinette. Quickly he began to traverse Paris, he knew Marinette’s bakery was not far from Notre Dame; even at his speed it would take him a few minutes to get there. Yet, as he leapt from rooftop to rooftop, he began to think less of the bakery and more of Marinette, she really was something, but she still confused him. Whenever he tried to talk to her as Adrien she was timid and would ‘unstable’ be too much? Probably, but she was definitely nervous, as if she didn’t want to talk to him. But he had seen her become class president and lead her friends to safety while he battled Akuma; had seen her stand up to Chole countless times and even almost trick an Akuma – no easy feat. She was an interesting character with those crystal eyes, it reminded him of his precious Lady truth be told. But as Chat, she had smiled at his jokes and trusted his judgment, so unlike the Marinette that Adrien knew; it only served to convince him that Chat was the real him and Adrien was but a shadow for his father to enjoy.
As the Bakery came into view Chat quickly began to worry. What if Marinette wasn’t up? What would he do then? He quickly scanned the rooftop, climbing a nearby chimney, he needn’t have worried. Marinette was sitting in a camping chair, wrapped in a large purple fleece and drinking from a steaming cup, looking quite at peace. As he watched her for a moment, Chat noticed an old and battered looking radio behind her, was Marinette listening to music? What sorts of music did she even like? Smiling, Chat leapt to Marinette’s roof, it was a long jump, even for him, but he made it, barely. His feet landing just upon the roofs edge, Chat leaned down into an all fours position. With his composure maintained, he purred pout “Did you miss me my dear Marinette?” The gentle hum of her radio in the background.
“Chat!” the girl exclaimed, almost leaping out of her chair and spilling her hot drink over herself. Blasted Chat, she thought, straightening herself in her chair and letting her breathing settle. “Wha... What are you doing here?” she wondered aloud, shifting her weight so she could better see her partner in crime fighting.
Chat smiled sheepishly at Marinette’s response and gently eased himself into a seated position on her rooftop wall. “Well my dear Marinette, it’s a quiet night in Paris and I feel the need for some charming company,” he responded cheekily, realising what he had said all too late. Was she charming? Why did he say that? This wasn’t the plan.
A small flash of red scorched Marinette’s cheeks at Chat’s words, as Ladybug the remark would have flown over her head she was so used to his insatiable flirting, but for Chat to say such a thing to Marinette was… unknown. He was flirting with Marinette, not Ladybug, Marinette. She sighed, shaking her head in an attempt to use the cool air to decolour her cheeks, was he like this with every girl? Marinette decided to do some digging, and maybe play Chat at his own game.
“Charming am I? Oh my.” She let out a giggle, raising her spare hand to her face, “I better be careful, if Ladybug finds out I am charming her kitty Cat…”
Chat’s cheeks turned a bright pink as he quickly interrupted Marinette, “Oh no Marinette! We’re not like that at all and Ladybug would never, ever, be like that. She is kind and gentle and strong,” he looked directly at Marinette as he said this, his emerald eyes locking onto her crystal ones that reminded him so much of his Lady. It helped him focus on her if he was honest; but why he needed help focusing he had no idea. Climbing to his feet as he finished, Chat sat closer to Marinette, using a wooden crate that for some reason lived on her rooftop as a makeshift seat. He couldn’t believe he had screwed up so bad so quickly, ugh, what was wrong with him?
The way Chat looked at her caught Marinette off guard for a moment, he seemed so deeply connected to the idea of Ladybug, and yet he was looking at her... like that. The way she had seen him look at her as her alter ego. She swallowed; this was all very confusing, he couldn’t know, could he? She shook her head quickly, both to herself and to Chat.
“You’re a silly Kitty Cat” she began, biting her lip gently in panic, “So… you two aren’t together… like that?” she began, not sure why she was asking a question she already knew the answer too.
“Well….” Chat began, not sure what was happening if he was honest, at least the smell of the bakery was calming his nerves a bit. “We’re friends, I think.” He shrugged, entirely unsure now. “I mean,” he continued slowly, “She is wonderful, and I adore her… I adore her.” He repeated. The second time it was but a whisper. “But no,” he piped up, “We’re not together together, we’re together fighting crime, but that’s it.”
Marinette watched the words slip from Chat’s delicate lips, his voice had dropped in pitch, it became stronger, more emotional… would she almost say heartfelt? Yeah, she would. It was strange to see him like this, he was normally, no, always, a dork. Yet, here he was: broody Chat.
“You have it bad” she began, her cheeks still a little red. She knew Chat liked her alter ego, but to be so madly infatuated with her? She had half thought his flirtations were in part habits with her now. She had been so wrong.
Chat let out a chuckle; yeah he did have it bad, he scratched the back of his head in a guilty fashion, his eyes rolling and lip curling telling any observant individual exactly what he was thinking. Yes. Yes, he had fallen for Ladybug the day he met her and his… did he dare say love? Well, it had only grown in his time knowing her. “Yeah… yeah I do, I love her.” He whispered, his cheeks flaring rapidly as he realised just how easily he had said it.
Marinette turned scarlet, did he just say? He did. He loved her, the other brave, strong and confident her. He had said it to Ladybug many a time, but it always came across as a quip; she expected a crush yes but love!? He loved a woman he only half knew! Marinette didn’t know whether to be mad or flattered; but she was definitely confused. Silently she began to sip from her cup of hot chocolate to distract herself and perhaps explain away the crimson colour of her face. It’s hot, brown surface was still steaming against the cool night of Paris after all. Why was this happening? Why was he here? It only reinforced her fears that he knew.
“Chat, why did you come here?” she quickly inquired, turning the radio she had taken from the kitchen up in a notch in a vague attempt to appear normal and not the internal mess she was becoming. Now, if Chat was Adrien, then she might be more excited and infinitely less concerned for her secret identity.
Chat didn’t respond to Marinette’s question at first, too lost in his own admission. He loved her, he knew he loved her, but to say it, out loud, even as a whisper was something he had not done before; except maybe Plagg. Maybe to Ladybug, but she always took it as a parting quip of his and never a true admission. Yet, here he was, confessing this very thought to someone, who to Chat at least, was an almost absolute stranger. He was crazy. “I… I came here for…” he sighed, “I came here for some company” he confessed. He was almost mad at bringing his love for Ladybug up, it was not polite and not something a stranger should confess to an acquaintance. But then again that was Marinette’s gift, she was kind and warm, he had seen how people trusted her so quickly; apparently it worked on superheroes too. “There’s no Ladybug tonight,” he continued quickly, “and I didn’t feel like returning home just yet. So I thought I would stop by my favourite civilian of Paris,” he smirked; his words became warmer as each one passed, his sensual charm returning with his confidence. He could deal with his love for Ladybug later; it was not fair for sweet Marinette.
“Really,” Marinette continued, still unsure what the hell was going on. “You’re too kind Chat, I’m just… Marinette.” She instinctively responded.
“You’re brave and strong,” he retorted before he could think. He was distinctly not thinking a lot tonight. “I mean” he quickly continued, afraid to look at Marinette, “You helped me against Evillustrator, you were brave and strong and I know you’re kind. You listen to a black Cat after all,” he joked, doing his best to relax. “I think that’s what makes someone a superhero.” He pulled at the costume, “These are just for when you want photos taken,” he smiled at her. He was being strangely honest at this point, not because he wasn’t normally honest but because he always believed anybody could be a superhero. Just like anyone could become a villain; even if it was via an Akuma.
Marinette couldn’t help but turn away at Chat’s response; she hadn’t expected that at all. It was so honest; again, it wasn’t like she thought him dishonest, he was just normally such a dork that she couldn’t take anything out of his mouth seriously. His answer was so mature, it was deep and Marinette agreed with it, Ladybug would agree to it as well; it made her wonder why he was never like this around her. Still smiling at Chat’s response, her skin a dull red in colour, Marinette let peaceful silence drift in so she could clear her head. She didn’t think he knew or he would be pushing the Ladybug topic a lot harder than he was. In fact, he had all but dropped it. Everything he said that made her suspicious had been instigated by her; she had really created her own fear. She shook her head, she was such a moron. Of course, she thought, sipping the dregs of her hot chocolate, just how serious Chat could be was a nice surprise on this night. Maybe she could try and coax it out of him during her patrols, she could definitely do with some more ‘Serious Chat’.
As the silence drifted on, Chat began to shuffle, he generally didn’t like silences, it was why he avoided his house so much. His eyes downcast, Chat breathed in and made a mental push to either leave or speak.
“... And now for the hit song ‘Once upon a dream’ by Lana Del Ray.” Announced the radio DJ on Marinette’s radio, its low volume carrying clearly over the eerie silence that existed between them.
“I LOVE THIS SONG!” they exclaimed in unison, simultaneously turning to one another as the slow thematic music began to softly play in the background. A blush appeared on Marinette’s face and Chat suspected one was on his as well by how warm he suddenly felt.
As Lana began the first chorus Marinette opened her mouth and began to sing along with the radio.
“I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream”
She carried the tune in beautiful sync with the radio. Chat had no idea that Marinette could sing in addition to draw and create clothing. She really was talented. Before he knew it, he was trying to sing with her; his legs and hands perched under himself just as he had done when he first landed on her roof barely ten minutes ago.
"I know you, that look in your…” Chat coughed mid note, he forgot he couldn’t hold a note that high. Marinette had stopped too and let a giggle escape her lips at his attempt. A hand raised in front of his mouth, Chat let a pout form. It wasn’t funny, the one thing he couldn’t do was sing high notes; his dad had tried every teacher they could afford and it hadn’t worked, low notes were easy.
After a second Chat felt Marinette nudging him, he turned to see her smiling and nudging him again. She was encouraging him. Chat couldn’t help but let a laugh escape him and his pout vanished; how could he resist that?
“Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-aah mmh."
"Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-aah mmh, mmh-mmh, mmh-mmh.”
"But if I know you, I know what you'll do."
"You'll love me at once,"
"The way you did once upon a dream.”
Marinette couldn’t help but think of Adrien as she sang, the song always made her think of him. She hoped he would love her as he had once upon a dream (or many of her dreams). Yet as she sang, she couldn’t help but hear Chat, he was quiet at first, but he became audible quickly. His voice was deeper than she thought it could go and huskier too. She swallowed as he continued, her eyes locked onto his lips, he was following the lyrics perfectly, but how he sang... It was so full of emotion; she didn’t have to guess who he was singing about: and the thought brought a small blush to her cheeks.
Chat couldn’t help but slip into his well-practiced deep singing, he was normally a little embarrassed by it, but Marinette’s innocent encouragement and his thoughts of Ladybug pushed such menial worries aside. Whenever this song came on, even the first time he had heard it at the end of ‘Maleficent’ with Nino, he had thought of Ladybug. Yet, as he continued and became more comfortable and confident again, he looked up, still singing, to see Marinette looking at him as she sang. A flash of red returned to their faces but they continued to sing, their eyes locking and only increasing the crimson in their cheeks.
“I know you, that gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam
"And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem.”
Chat couldn’t help but get lost in those crystal eyes Marinette possessed, they were so alike to Ladybug’s, it was almost appropriate for this song. They were windows to worlds he would so dearly like to know, worlds vaster than the oceans for which her eyes could easily compare.
Marinette couldn’t stop her staring, first the low rasp of his voice and the emotional movement of his lips, and now his eyes; it was tormenting. His eyes shone like emeralds polished with sunlight, speaking of a deeper soul than would guess from the outside. They made her think of Adrien’s eyes which were so similar in gleam and glow.
As the next line began the moment broke and the pair of them shook their heads in unison and laughter filled the air once more before they finished the song. The redness in their cheeks, however, did not fade.
“You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream.”
That was the final line and the song ended, a series of DJ announcements quickly following, causing Marinette to stifle them by turn the radio off with a click.
“You’re a beautiful singer, Marinette.” He purred, standing up, it had been a touching moment singing with her.
“As are you.” She returned the compliment, generally impressed with how well Chat could sing in his comfort zone. Although she was still trying to get that voice and his moving, soft lips out of her head.
“You flatter me princess, but I must inquire.” He began, having noticed something while they were singing. “You have also got it bad, haven’t you?” he smiled. He knew what it was like to fall for someone and while they had been singing it had been written all over Marinette’s face. The small smiles, the gleam in her eyes, it all meant one thing.
“You care about someone” he finished cheekily.
If Marinette had turned red at any point in the night it was nothing compared to the deep shade of scarlet she now became, her eyes even went wide and reminded Chat of sparkling jewels. “Well.. I.. you know.. I… go to school and yeah… Yeah” she finally sighed, bringing her knees up and folding her head into them shyly. “There is someone.”
Chat let a knowing smirk twist across his face, he was surprised, shocked even, he had never noticed Marinette crush on anyone in school. Maybe it was a secret crush? Either way she definitely liked him a lot, maybe she liked Nathanaël? That would explain why she had been so confident around him. Whoever it was they were lucky.
“They never notice me though.” She confessed quietly, not entirely sure why she was telling Chat this. She would never tell him this as Ladybug, but this was different right? Chat was different than he normally was so she could be right? That was what she told herself.
Chat’s smirk faded, how could she have so little faith in herself? He shook his head and kneeled down before Marinette, the bell on his collar chiming sweetly as he did so. “My dear Marinette, if this individual does not notice you, wonderful you, then I think you can do better than that dork.” He smirked, rolling his eyes. “Come on, what’s his name?”
Marinette rolled her eyes before raising her head just an inch to see Chat’s grinning face mere inches from her own. She wasn’t sure why, but it brought a fresh blush to her face and she could feel her heart quicken. She breathed slowly just to try and calm down, had Chat really just called Adrien, perfect Adrien a dork? She could never agree to that! But she also appreciated his words.
“To be honest, it’s not like I always try to get his attention, I’m a mess around him.” She confessed, clearly embarrassed. She didn’t know why she trusted Chat with this, it just felt right; maybe he understood with his love for her alter ego.
Chat let a loud laugh escape his lips, “Marinette, you’re a superhero!” he proclaimed, standing up and flipping onto the nearby chimney in an excessive show of flair.
This got Marinette laughing and somewhat more relaxed now that Chat was no longer causing her heart to beat rapidly for no logical reason. “You’re a silly, Kitty Cat” she reiterated, a smile wide on her face. She sighed, shrugging, “I guess I can tell you his name, it’s not like you’ll know him anyway.”
Chat leaned down from the chimney, curious to hear who had won sweet, quiet Marinette’s heart.
“His name is…”
‘beep beep beep’ sounded off from Chat’s ring.
“Darn,” He clicked his fingers in annoyance, he was out of time.
Marinette closed her mouth before she could continue; it was time for her Kitty Cat to go. She was honestly a little sad at the prospect.
He wanted to stay, but he knew he couldn’t, imagine how Marinette would react if Adrien had been on her roof, she would get so mad and probably loose words again like she normally did. All well.
“I guess your secret is safe.” He winked, leaping from the chimney, “Farewell Princess!” he called, darting for the cover of a distant street to detransform.
“Goodbye Kitty!” she called, raising a hand to wave him off, but he was gone in a flash. “You’re a dork.” She rolled her eyes, gathering her things to go inside. She had just been about to tell Chat, her alter ego’s lovesick follower that she had a crush on Adrien Agreste, the most popular guy in her school; what a strange night this one had turned out to be.
Adrien sighed as he walked through the darkened streets of Paris, he would walk the rest of the way home and use a little of his recharged power to get in through his bedroom window, then he could rest. Though the night had started off strangely, it had definitely ended on a high note, well, at least Marinette’s notes had been high he chuckled to himself. As he walked Plagg, no longer tired to his ring, made himself comfortable in his shirt pocket. Adrien wasn’t sure why his Miraculous had run out when it did, he hadn’t used any of his powers, but by Plagg’s silent state, he assumed he was exhausted: he probably didn’t eat enough cheese. Still, he admitted, he couldn’t help but wonder who Marinette’s mysterious crush was, she was probably right though, he wouldn’t know him, he likely wasn’t anyone at their school after all.