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Ouma felt his hands shake slightly in anticipation as he waited in his balcony, lightly scratching and picking at them to calm himself.
A thought that easily comes to him is how stupidly ironic this all is. He'd never thought of his superhero partner as anything more than that and rejected him (and pushed him away) once he confessed his feelings to him as Ladybug.
Now he's sitting waiting for him so they could go out on a date together as civilian Kokichi Ouma. He wants to laugh at himself. Actually, he already does that everyday anyways!
One awful thing about this is that Ouma knows very well this will go terribly, terribly wrong.
Yes, he probably has some restrained feelings for Chat Noir. Yes, he does want to go on a date with him- but if there's something Kokichi has learnt over his few months as Ladybug, a civilian and a superhero getting involved with eachother is a recipe for disaster. The goal for this was to make him realize that so he'll for sure drop his feelings for Kokichi.
And well, he can also have his fair share of fun before having to break off whatever... Strange relationship they've been having of kissing eachother and hugging. Number one rule: never flirt with your resident superhero (also partner) as a joke. It will become very real later on and an issue you will have to deal with before anything even more awful happens!
However, there's another thing Kokichi needed to think about.
Why did Chat Noir even like him, of all people, in the first place?
Yes, like he said, they'd sometimes cuddle up together and kiss eachother in the very friendly way (and he wouldn't stop calling him his favorite civilian for the love of god) but they promised for no feelings to be behind it- which, again, is very ironic considering what Ouma is doing right this very second.
But Ouma isn't someone you fall inlove with. At least, not when he's fucking unmasked! However it's expected if he's Ladybug. Ladybug is good. Ladybug saves Paris every single day. Ladybug is moderately playful and doesn't lie within their every breath. They aren't untrustworthy or high maintenance because they're the one you're supposed to rely on. Everybody's miracle hero.
But Kokichi Ouma? Kokichi Ouma antagonizes. He's ruthless and sometimes (most of the time) a really annoying person. He's not likeable to be around since you can't tell what's a lie and what isn't, so it allows people to stray away from him. He doesn't lie to be likeable, he lies because it's fun, it's who he is, which is why no one likes to have him around.
And he's very, very capable of manipulation, even if he doesn't use it unless necessary. But they've witnessed it, so they stray away from him. They always do.
(He gets easily irritated when someone names him a hypocrite when he calls out Tsumugi on her obvious lies, making herself seem like the best person in the world. She's not even good at lying, for the love of god. At least Kokichi makes it a game- he wants it to be entertaining. He doesn't like being bored, so what's better than entertaining himself by messing with people?
Tsumugi's motives, though? She turns it into a pathetic self pity session. Yet he hates how he can't deny how awfully similar they are.)
It's also the same reason as to why he was confused as hell why he got the miraculous of the ladybug, until Tikki told him:
"You're very kind, Kokichi, even if you don't show it. You have a really big heart and although you keep it under wraps and behind layers of deceit, I don't think I could imagine anybody who isn't you being my holder!"
Curse his kwami and her sweet encouragement. Ugh. So cheesy. (He was really happy to hear that, though.)
Which makes him miss her right now, since he kind of banished her to his purse before Chat Noir could come. He just hopes she's eating the macarons he put inside.
However he bites his nails, feeling very distressed when he's brought to his original question,
Again, why did Chat Noir take an interest in him of all people?
He hears a familiar yet subtle thump signaling a certain cat's landing, which also makes him stop overthinking momentarily.
Well, speak of the devil.
Standing on shaky legs, Kokichi puts up his defenses very quickly, taking action. "Took you long enough! Do you think a busy designer like me has all day, esteemed superhero? I have people to make clothing for, you know! Models to please, too. And I thought you guys were supposed to be punctual..." He fakes a pitiful, dramatically woeful face that earns him an apologetic, yet loving smile from the person infront of him who's currently sitting on the edges of his balcony like a cat would. Cute-- Nuh uh! My thoughts are betraying me. Keep it together, Kokichi. You're supposed to make him stop liking you, not fawn all over him!!
"I'm sorry, my prince. Do you want me to make it up to you somehow? Anything you want I'll grant, even if I can't fulfill much." He threw him a wink, too! Isn't Kokichi a lucky man today? "But I'll only do that if you also admit you're not busy for the night, Kokichi. I know you already finished your current commissions yesterday. I did watch you work, afterall... And I kinda saw your tiny board with everything crossed out already, plus, I don't think you would've been awake by now. You would've pulled an all nighter. Am I wrong?" he smiles sheepishly.
Chat Noir is usually smooth with his stupid puns and pick up lines, basically making annoying Kokichi a long term goal with them when they're superheroes and rendering him the unserious one of the two (ironically), but there's always that hint of observation he has.
Sure, being crafty and creating what he can use with his lucky charm is what usually captures the akuma, but he can't deny his partner's analytical skills are terrifyingly sharp. He could be a detective, having such a keen eye for details, maybe even in crime scenes. It should be a well known fact that destruction isn't his only power, but alas.
Yet Kokichi can't consider it charming even at the moment, it's just so awfully adorable with how unsure he is sometimes. He needs to take control of the situation so his mask doesn't slip, though.
He throws his hands behind his head and takes on a teasing tone. "Oh? I didn't know you had all of that in you. Were you keeping all of your scary facts about me to yourself? I always took you for someone who had looking like a wet kitty as his only job, you know? Nee-hee-hee. Who would've thought there was more than meets the cats eye? Are you gonna point out every detail you notice of me next?" Flashing him a toothy grin that grows even wider when he sees his face flush a little in embarrassment and a hint of bashfulness flickers in his eyes. Score!
"I can't deny you are right about that part, though. I have everythiiiing finished just for my extravagant date with you!"
"Wait, r-really? You- um.. you're serious about wanting to go on a date with me?" His eyes widen slightly in surprise, a flicker of... insecurity (huh?) flitting them, as if he couldn't possibly believe he really means that much to Ouma, and that this is all truly real.
And that, is the first step into making Kokichi a little reluctant. But alas, he is always the determined one.
"Really! Why else do you think we're here for? To waste my time? Didn't you say you had something planned? Now then, I won't delay my compensation since I've said the whole truth! What was that about making it up to me, kitty? Or.. or were you lying? Sniff.. I can't believe you'd do this to me... That you'd lie about giving me the earnings for my inconveniences.... you're so cruel..." He puts his hands to his face in false bravado, letting a few tears fall for extra measures.
No, he isn't actually going to continue the waterworks in his eyes, but he does want to get a move on. Losing feelings and brutal rejections don't come naturally, which is totally Kokichi's goal here, as he mentioned. Non non, nothing more, nothing less!
He definitely doesn't want to continue being with the boy! That would be stupiiiiid... then again they don't exactly classify as a couple, either.
Chat Noir quickly regains his confidence, raising an eyebrow at his theatrics and hops off the ledge to stand infront of Kokichi. He takes his hands away from his face, whispering a "may I?" With a tiny, unsure smile, only continuing when Kokichi nods in consent; and he gives him a chaste kiss that immediately makes the plum haired boy light up and stop feigning the sniffles altogether.
He closes his eyes briefly to remember and savor how his lips feel against his own- especially since Ouma knows very well this will be the last time they do something like this.
What a shame, really- but it's not like Kokichi cared anyways. He only did this to pass the time.
To forget about Shuichi.
...He's lying to himself again. How awful.
Chat Noir pulls away and tucks one of Kokichi's curly strands of hair away behind his ear, brushing past his dice shaped earrings. Ouma almost misses his gaze lingering on them, and before he can tease or interrogate him, he whispers. "I did tell you I was going to take you somewhere,"
Without a warning, he carries him bridal style, giving him a curt "hold on" before he extends his baton to jump across a few buildings. Ouma's arms fly up to latch onto him in surprise and he inhales a bit too fast as they leap, coughing. "A-At least warn a guy. Yeesh! You better not make this date unbearably boring or I might as well get my servants to execute you as their king!" He puffs his chest with that to make himself appear more 'royalty'.
An eye roll comes at his brattiness, but he's still very amused by the entire situation, easily giggling. "'s that so? I must've been at the very palm of your hand all along, then," He lets out a huff of breath before jumping to another structure, finding it more easy than ever to maintain conversation with someone as high maintenance as Kokichi while also bouncing off each building.
"But didn't I tell you I'd make it up to you? I'm sure you won't be disappointed, your highness. If it helps I'll give you a pinkie promise," It's said in the most ridiculously dolly voice ever that Ouma stares at him with a blank face for a good second and start genuinely laughing, his eyes crinkling. Chat Noir feels his heart light up at the sight and he feels way too proud of himself at the moment, marveling at the rare sight he's seeing.
Before he can savor it, however, Kokichi's mask is back on with a boisterous grin. He's happy with whatever he gets anyways. "Ha! Where'd you learn that from?! One of the many kiddos you've saved before? Or was it from lil ol' me?" He sniggers, getting a mischievous idea. "Ahh, I get it if you love me so much to copy me. I actually have an award in acting like a spoiled brat, would you believe it? Maybe you'll become like me one day, considering you adooore me so much. That could be a lie, though!"
Just like Ouma prospected, a blush lightly dusts Chat Noir's face and he slightly loses balance on his baton as he almost falls, yelping from the shock. He sighs, regaining his composure. "Do you always have to mess with me like this?" A bead of sweat falls from his forehead but he regains his bearings quickly.
"I could be wrong, but I feel like you get a rush out of riling people up," he smiles coyly, since he knows what the answer to his question is already, but he still poses it as one as a vain attempt to rather... 'challenge' Kokichi. He thinks he can win against him. How foolish!
Yet, another regretful revelation comes to him:
Not one hint of anger or annoyance lies behind his tone. There's no hidden disdain behind it, either. The only thing Kokichi can pinpoint is fondness and amusement, as if he's seen Kokichi do this millions of times before, but so, so much softer than what he does to other people. That kind of softness is reserved for him and only him, and also someone else..
This is not the time to be thinking about Shuichi.
He smothers that thought before returning to his normal self. "What? So you're saying I do this for fun? That I actively like making people angry? You're so, so mean for a superhero! You're supposed to assume the best in us civilians!" A pout forms at his mouth and he receives another fond eye roll.
"Just because I'm a superhero doesn't mean I can't point out obvious details even if it offenses you as you say, dollface," Chat Noir sticks his tongue out, and Ouma briefly clicks his; most definitely planning to bite back at him until they finally reach their destination. He sets him down, allowing Kokichi to take in the scene around them.
And wow, is it gorgeous.
They're on a narrow, middle positioned terrace. The first thing that Kokichi notices (and can't take his eyes off of) are the candles that are lit on the edges of both sides of the terrace, beautifully illuminating the area surrounding him with the moon being clear and in sight. The scene cannot be described as anything but utterly and irrefutably romantic.
It makes his cheeks burn at the thought and his brain short circuits.
Yet for some reason, even though anyone would totally assume this is in Chat Noir's area of expertise because of all the puns and flirting he pulls, his behavior shifts drastically into something more anxious. "Um.. I-I'm sorry if this isn't to your liking- I just.. thought something like this would be nice for you is all, since I know you appreciate views with how much you stare outside your balcony, and maybe a change of pace would be great, since I know you don't like things to be boring and-" He cut fiddling with his fingers and his anxious rambling off when he noticed the blank look on Kokichi's face, a light blush dusting it.
For the first time in 15 years, someone had actually caught him completely speechless and out of words. He would tell Chat Noir to set it as a record point for achieving this in no less than an hour, but he's seriously much too stunned. His heart thumping wildly and sounding in his ear isn't helping either.
He must look so, so awfully expressive and defenseless right now judging by the surprised look on Chat Noir's face that it makes him pissed internally. Why the hell is he becoming like this just because of a few candles and cute reactions from his partner? Has Kokichi seriously grown this weak just because someone actually thought of him and what he could like? That he was worth paying attention to? The idea is so sweet he might die from the overdose of it yet he's the one who's always had a sweet tooth.
It's so pathetically (pleasurably) loving. He hates it and he hates it so much because-
...Because he's making this so much harder than it needs to be. It isn't fair to Kokichi or him. The faster they break this off the better.
But he wants to indulge. He wants to indulge so badly and dip his fingers into Chat Noir's ever flowing kindness even if he has nothing to give to him back.
Yet would he even deserve to in the first place?
Kokichi finally gathers his bearings and switches his face into a mask of typical mischief, flashing a signature grin and stepping closer to Chat Noir. "Well, well, well! I'm impressed if I do say so myself! You really got this all prepared for a romantic date with moi? Aren't you a sweetheart, kitty? You gonna promise me a next time and bring me flowers? Too bad, though. I might refuse next time," he poses it as a warning, a warning to have him run far away from Kokichi before he could hurt him even further in the long run.
However he ceases when he spots the exasperated look on the boy's face and the sigh he gives out, as if already expecting a reaction like this, and Kokichi lets his grin soften into a genuine smile. But Chat Noir bounces back effortlessly, already used to dealing with Kokichi. "Ah, that's okay, then. Maybe you'd be more willing to agree if I brought some soda with me next time. Preferably grape flavored I assume...?" Sly bastard definitely knows what lures Kokichi in, already letting out a tiny smile that replaces the tired expression he had before at the way Kokichi's eyes light up.
And another, another stupid epiphany comes in-
That Chat Noir never looks disappointed even when he pulls bullshit like this. He plays along easily while also making Kokichi's heart melt with the undeniable truth he always gives him and appreciates so much.
Kokichi's opposite. His undeniable soulmate.
He never expects any change from Kokichi because he actually doesn't want him to. He likes him just like the liar he is; it's almost as if he enjoys it- no, Ouma's now sure he does- picking him and the sentences he leaves as mysteries apart.
And the least Kokichi can do in response of that is be a little bit honest before all the lies he's planning to say, most obviously expecting this to end in him leaving Chat Noir in the dark about his feelings just to make him let go of Kokichi.
However, it is embarrassing when he can't look him in the eye while saying such a stupid, short sentence that shouldn't have him biting his lips, feeling uncharacteristically regretful and shy.
"...You don't need to do that. Thank you. I appreciated this."
If the tables were switched right now, Kokichi would definitely be making fun of him. He would poke at his flustered face, and taunt him about the fact that the usual boldness he has is gone, replaced by the undeniable truth, but-
He says nothing. All Chat Noir does is smile wider and hug him, slightly tilting his head upwards to fit snugly on the top of Kokichi's.
And Ouma knows what he, himself is. He's determined, he doesn't like sore losers and he especially doesn't like quitting or sitting around if it isn't actually dangerous. (Obviously, unless he's Ladybug because that's his whole job. But he gets to be safe when he's a civilian, thank you.)
And yet, He gives up on the prospect of breaking his heart today, telling himself "maybe another time."
But he doesn't think another time will ever come if the boy who's holding him earnestly and sincerely continues treating him like he's something worth loving, even if it's terrifying and utterly foreign to think about for the ever so self proclaimed 'villain' and liar Kokichi Ouma, who secretly hides behind a mask every single day as a superhero.
"...What was that about refusing a next time?"
"Shut up, Chat Noir."