All For Love

Chapter 4

Marinette didn't know what time it was when she began to stir. The lantern inside the wagon was almost burnt out and there wasn't a sound except for what was left of the fire crackling outside.

She didn't remember when she fell asleep. Chat had been restless for a long time, murmuring things she couldn't understand, and all she could do was stroke his hair and quietly sing to him. It broke her heart listening to him, lost in his nightmares, and she wished she could do more to help.

At first when she opened her eyes Marinette became aware of how stiff she felt from sleeping in the wagon on her back. She was also cold from losing her blanket. She then became aware of the hand that was holding onto hers. Sitting up a little, she could see Chat seemed to have been more peaceful than he had been earlier. Marinette touched his cheek with the back of her other hand and let out a sigh of relief. The fever had finally broken.

"Your hand is cold." Chat suddenly said, causing Marinette to jump.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't." Chat replied, giving her hand a light squeeze. "I've been awake for a while I think. Thank you for staying with me."

"You're welcome." Marinette said, wetting the face cloth and patting his forehead with it to freshen him up. "I'm just glad your fever has broken."

Chat lifted his hand and touched the bandage on his eyes. "Will I be able to see again?"

"The surgeon at the field hospital believed the burns were superficial enough to fully heal, but it will take time. Don't try to force it."

Chat nodded slowly. Getting up on his elbows, Marinette helped him to sit up. He grimaced at the movement of his leg. Marinette explained to him that the wound was healing, but his knee may not work the same as it used to.

"I believe I have you to thank for saving my leg." Chat said, looking for her hand. Marinette put her hand in his. "I remember your voice, telling the doctor you would stay with me. And you did."

Marinette placed her hand over his. "I did what I had to do. You don't have to thank me for that. Do you remember anything else from the last few days?" She asked him.

"A little." Chat said, turning his hand over to hold hers. "It's mostly just sounds... voices. Your voice mostly. It sounds so familiar and comforting."

He gave her hand another light squeeze and she was glad he couldn't see the way her cheeks flushed. Marinette reminded herself not to read too much into it though. Chat had just gone through a traumatic event and if her presence had in some way given him comfort, then that's what she would continue to do.

"I do have some questions if you don't mind answering them."

"Of course if I can."

"May I know the name of my guardian Angel?"

Oh the way this man made her heart skip a beat without even trying, it was hardly fair. "Marinette." She said softly. "My name is Marinette, but I'd hardly say I'm a guardian Angel."

"Well I think you are." Chat said, holding Marinette's hand between both of his. "I don't know how I can ever repay you for your kindness towards me, but thank you Marinette."

"You don't have to repay me." Marinette replied earnestly. "It was my duty to care for the hero of DuPont."

Chat asked her about his injuries and why they had to leave the field hospital. Marinette answered them as best as she could. Chat pursed his lips at the mention of XY.

"I have no doubts that the traitor mentioned in the documents is the one paying XY to look for me. Why I'm not sure though. Was he looking for Chat Noir or... someone else?"