Falling

Chapter 16

Tim's POV :

I haven't slept since Marinette went back to Paris. It's funny how, I only ever feel fine with sleep when she's next to me. I guess I might just like knowing that she's safe. That she can contact me at any point during the day and I won't miss it.

Since knowing who Ladybug is, I spend most of my time searching for clues as to Hawkmoth's identity with little luck. I have a list of suspects who match Hawkmoth's height and stature, as well as a zone Akuma seem to come from. My main suspect is Gabriel Agreste. Marinette has already told me she doesn't believe it's him, but he still seems like the most likely candidate.

Out of the blue, my phone starts ringing. I check to find that Marinette's calling me. So I answer.

Tim : Hi love! How are you? I thought you had a sleepover tonight?

I can't help but worry about her. I'm not there to protect t her and she's told me about what happened during their last sleepover and, although I trust her, I couldn't stand it if someone hurt her.

Marinette : I do. I just called to tell you that I love you.

I hear Father call me. I check the time and notice that it's time for Patrol.

Tim : I love you too. I have to go now though. We can talk later if you want.

I hope she's okay.

Marinette : I'll call you back later then. Love ya!

Tim : Love you more!

She hangs up and I go to the Batcave and get ready for patrol with a knot in my stomach.

She sounded happy, right? Nothing to worry about...

°Time skip°

After I get back from patrol, Love messages me, explaining why she called and that her friends now wanted to meet me as soon as possible. I answered that I would try to convince my father to let me come over as part of the Miraculous case. She said that that would be a dream come true, which made me smile at my phone.

We messaged for a few minutes until she said goodnight. I wished her goodnight and re-read our conversations over and over again. The voice messages she left me whenever she was choosing outfits, baking or sowing really got me.

I miss her voice.

I miss her laugh.

I miss her scent.

I miss holding her in my arms.

I miss her presence.

I miss her.

I put my phone away and got to work on Hawkmoth. I have to have missed something...

°Time skip°

I spent the whole night looking for more information, but found nothing.

I lean back into my chair and sigh, running a hand through my hair. I leave my spot and come back with a cup of liquid life and take a sip before trying to get back to work.

Dick : Tim? When is the last time you slept?

I continue to stare at the screen.

Tim : A few days ago. Why?

Dick : That's not healthy. You know that right?

Tim : Yes.

He starts to talk about me going to bed for my own good, but I'm not listening. I got a notification from Marinette while he was talking and she's more important to me than sleep is anyway.