My Kitty

33| Luck And Freedom

The tiny floating mouse gave a toothy smile, awkwardly waving at him.

He waved back, watching Mullo race to hide herself from view, "Marinette, you... you have a kwami..." It stupefied him coming to know that she was a permanent owner of a miraculous. But it didn't surprise him much. Since Alya too officially became a full-time miraculous holder. And it was about time Ladybug gave up on him and created a team of her own. Even when there were no possible dangers anymore. That was, at least, what he expected her reasoning to be. After all, he was, and has been useless to her for a long time.

She narrowed her eyes, trying her best to act skeptical of him to avoid any of his suspicions. "How do you know what a kwami is?"

He almost choked on his own breath, and he broke into a fit of coughing. When his chest fell back into its rhythm, he cleared his throat. "Ladybug once had me help her on one of the missions. Though it didn't work out." His tone had wavered at the last part, and it seemed he clearly was ashamed. She felt her heart ache at the expression he bore.

"You know? I'm sure you were a great superhero, Adrien," she said, her voice softening. She strolled over to where he stood, and placed a hand to his cheek. She laughed, recalling a 'memory' she created at the back of her mind, "Take me! I almost ruined Ladybug's plans at first."

But he knew she was lying. He was there. He witnessed it all, and he saw just how amazing she was out there. She was a natural, and it troubled him having her downgrade herself to make him feel better about his own failures.

"Marinette, you're amazing, you know that?" He couldn't help but expose his feelings for her, couldn't help but tell her what he was thinking. Her presence in his life was the best thing that could've ever happened. He was grateful to her in every way. "You're kind, caring, and you're the sweetest girl I've known. On top of that, you're a superhero! You save Paris. Imagine that kind of responsibility."

A blush coated her cheeks, and she flashed him a timid smile. Her hand fell to her side, rendered speechless. He, too, had that kind of responsibility. And he was perfect at it. "It was one time."

"And that is enough for me to love you even more."

Her heart skipped a beat, or two, and her breath halted before it could escape her lungs.

He immediately changed the subject, insecure beneath her mesmerizing gaze, "What was your superhero name?"

"Multimouse." She grinned, a sly glint in her eyes. As if he didn't know. "What was yours?"

"Cha—Aspik."

"Kaspik?" She bit her bottom lip, chest heavy with the suppression of her laughter. How she loved teasing this boy, and seeing his face redden felt like payback for all those times he'd done the same. Either as Chat Noir or Adrien. "What animal was your kwami?"

"A snake." It felt so freeing, to the both of them, being able to talk about a topic, that has certainly been their best kept secret for so long. Even if it was mentioned in an indirect way; an enigma leaving him desperate to fill in the missing pieces, and connect the clues.

She tutted, deciding to push his buttons just a tad bit further. "I peg you as more of a..." She dragged her words, sending crippling suspense shooting up his veins, "Cat."

Adrien faked a yawn, acting much like Plagg. He even went the extra mile to stretch his arms over his head and puff out his chest. Which she found adorable. "I—you know, I'm really tired. Aren't you?"

Marinette giggled, dropping the subject for the sake of his pulsating heart, and silently led him up the ladder of her bed. Unfortunately, the croissants would have to be put on hold till tomorrow morning. And she had to take them back down to the bakery first before she came back empty-handed, to find him patiently waiting for her.

As she climbed up to the comfort of her sheets, she became increasingly aware of him. Right next to her. She laid down, pulling the covers to her chest, but Marinette was stiff as a board, and her insides were reduced to nothing but goo.

The mattress dipped beside her, and Adrien itched to keep his hands to himself. He wanted to hold her, or to be held by her. Whichever way it was, he needed her close. Silently, he turned on his side, and snaked his arm over her stomach and around her lower back, drawing her into him like her proximity was the only thing that brought him peace. He felt her suck in a sharp breath at the contact, nonetheless, he was no different.

It took a lot of effort from him to do such a thing, and it felt rewarding to have her bury her face into his chest, her hands scrunching up his shirt into fists. "Mari... tell me if you're uncomfortable." His voice held a mellow tone; as sweet as the delicacies within her bakery. He was so gentle with her, like she was a doll made of glass. It sent spasms shooting down to her core.

She was embarrassed, and he could easily tell from how much she struggled to speak. Unlike how clueless he used to be then.

Adrien smiled at the thought, and rested his chin atop her head, the soft strands of her hair tickling him a little. It made his smile gradually turn into a full-blown grin. A foolish one that screamed: whipped. Still, her silence wasn't an answer to him. It never was. He needed to make sure she was okay. "Marinette?"

"I'm fine!" Her voice came out a high-pitched squeal, muffled against the material of his shirt. "Don't worry about me, keep doing what you're doing."

A chuckle passed his lips, his eyes fluttering shut. Relishing the feeling of her tangled up in his arms. And soon, the crazy pounding of their hearts was the only thing they could make out amidst the silence. Their worries faded away, and comfort was all they could feel. At that, they drifted to sleep, wondering just how lucky they were to be in a situation like this.