Chasing Ladybug 📸 (A Miraculous Ladybug Fanfic)

12 • Then | A Cat's Lie and His Pretend Heart

THEN

Ladybug stood outside on a roof facing the mayor's hotel, watching as guests dressed in their best entered through the decorated archway around the front doors. She waited for Cat Noir, as this was where they agreed to meet so they could walk in together. She heard a thud from behind, and without the need to look, she knew it was her partner.

"For you, Bugaboo," Cat Noir whispered.

Ladybug turned around and looked at his extended hand, holding a red rose. She took it with a smile and tucked it behind her ear, the stem pushed into one of her pigtails. "Thanks, Kitty."

Her smile soon faded as she looked back at the entrance, catching a quick glimpse of a rushed and late Theo running inside.

"Hey." Cat Noir rested a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about that creep. Tonight is about us."

Ladybug sighed. "Yeah, I know, but... he said he created something for me, a statue he'd been working on, and I don't want to be the bitchy superhero who doesn't show up in support."

"So what?" He asked with a shrug. "I know he apologized, but you don't have to go meet him if you're uncomfortable."

"I think Theo still has feelings for me."

Cat Noir rolled his eyes. "Please don't tell me you caught a crush."

"No, obviously not," Ladybug snapped. "I have feelings for... someone else. I don't see Theo like that, and I don't want to get him akumatized again."

"Theo's in control of his own emotions. You shouldn't have to cater to his comfort instead of yours."

She smiled. "Thanks, Cat."

He squeezed her shoulder. "Just say the word, if Theo makes you uncomfortable at all tonight, and I'll be over in less than a heartbeat."

"What, do you want me to shake a bag of cat treats?" Ladybug joked, laughing.

"You don't even have to say anything. I'll know just by looking at your face."

"Oh, really?"

Cat Noir nods. "I know the look."

Ladybug took in a deep breath. "We should probably head inside."

"Our adoring fans... and old stalkers... await us."

She smacked his arm. "I can't believe you just said that."

Ladybug and Cat Noir leapt off the roof and landed at the start of the red carpet. Dozens of cameras and reporters turned to them, shouted questions and bright flashes of light going off simultaneously.

The cat was used to this; the bug was not.

"Hey..." Cat Noir grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "It'll be okay. Just don't look directly at the cameras. Just try to focus on something far ahead."

"Okay," Ladybug whispered, wrapping her arm around his bicep as they headed inside. She smiled at fans behind barricades and made sure to make eye contact, to connect with people. After all, her job is protecting and helping the citizens of Paris. How could they trust the heroes if they weren't so open and inviting?

Mayor Bourgeois and his daughter, Chloe, greeted the heroes at the front doors. "Ladybug! Cat Noir! I'm so glad you could make it tonight."

"Well, who else would show up?" Cat Noir joked, and his partner elbowed him in his gut.

"Thank you for hosting this gala for us," Ladybug told the mayor, smiling. "It's nice to be appreciated, but this is our job."

Mayor Bourgeois shook her hand. "Nonsense! You do more for Paris than Officer Roger and his goons. The two of you deserve to be celebrated for what you've done for us!"