Where's Ladybug

the time has come

"Let's go Kitty." Ladybug said as they finished their ice cream. Chat looked down nervously as he stood up, turning towards Ladybug.

"I don't know if we can pull this off m'lady, but I really hope we do." Chat said, giving her a rose with a nervous smile.

"Our team can do anything Cat Noir, remember that." Ladybug said as she smiled back at him and then took off without warning. Chat watched her a minute before leaving, and stared at her, and sighed admiringly. Although he loved Ladybug romantically, she was also who he wanted to be more like, and she always motivated him to be the best person that he could be. Chat then focused himself and left following her. The journey to the Agreste's was stressful for both of them, as now that it was finally happening they didn't know what to expect. The time had come for them to defeat Hawkmoth, once and for all.

They arrived around eight at the Agreste mansion, and as they planned, Chat would go inside the home while Ladybug checked the lair. 

"Remember M'lady, if you see him call me first and then we can attack together, we will be stronger that way. Look out for yourself."

"You too, Kitty." Ladybug said while they both started going in different directions, then paused and turned around to go in for a hug. As they both got closer Ladybug stopped and kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear; "I'm proud of you too." They went their separate directions, and Chat went to his window, where he planned to go in and transform back into Adrien, as that would make it a lot easier for him to find his father without raising suspicion. Chat flew up and checked his window this time to make sure his room was empty, to avoid a situation like the last time when his father and Natalie almost caught him as Cat Noir. When he knew the coast was clear, he went in. 

"Plagg, claws in." Chat said once he landed on the floor. He took a deep breath to calm himself down, and then looked at his desk and saw the lucky charm Marinette gave him a long time ago. He decided a little good luck from his Lady wouldn't do any harm, so he took it as he left his room. First Chat checked his father's room, then the kitchen, and as he approached the living room he heard his father's cough. Chat froze. He ran up to his room to transform and call Ladybug but was shocked to see her already in his room. Ladybug seemed surprised to see him as well, but not in an excited way like Chat.

"Mari- Ladybug?" Chat stuttered. I have to stop doing that! She's going to find out my identity! Chat thought.

"Adrien?" Ladybug said looking to the side somberly. Then Chat remembered the last time Ladybug saw Adrien, as Marinette, which was at school during their emotional encounter, which she certainly hadn't gotten over yet, as Adrien knew he hadn't.

"What are you doing here?" Adrien replied.

"Well we got a possible akuma alert here and Cat Noir should be here by now. Do you know where he could be?"

"No I haven't but he's not in here. Maybe check across the hall?"

"Ok uh-" Ladybug's eyes widened as she looked down at Adrien's hand with the lucky charm she gave him early in their friendship. She then looked up, as her face turned from upset to more comforting. "Adrien I'm going to need you to stay in here, it's too dangerous for you out there right now. I promise to explain it all to you later." Ladybug assured Adrien and then walked out the door closing it behind her. 

"Plagg, let's go help her before she ends up fighting Hawkmoth alone. Plagg claws out!" Chat ran out to see Ladybug at the top of the stairs. She turned towards him as he walked towards her. Chat looked back towards the door and said, "Stay safe Adrien!" Trying to be convincing. 

"Come on kitty, where have you been?" Ladybug said in a quiet tone, adjusting her body towards him, trying to hold back her smile.

"What, can you not stand another second without me, M'lady?" Chat asked jokingly. Ladybug giggled, then covered her mouth guiltily, as her laugh was a bit too loud.