Chasing Ladybug 📸 (A Miraculous Ladybug Fanfic)

A Retelling: 6 | A Cat's Lies and His Pretend Heart

Ladybug stands outside on a roof facing the mayor's hotel, watching as guests dressed in their best enter through the decorated archway around the front doors. She waits for Cat Noir, as this is where they agreed to meet so they can walk in together. She hears a thud from behind, and without the need to look, she knows it was her partner.

"For you, Bugaboo," Cat Noir whispers.

Ladybug turns around and looks at his extended hand, holding a red rose. She takes it with a smile and tucks it behind her ear, the stem pushes into one of her pigtails. "Thanks, Kitty."

Her smile soon fades as she looks back at the entrance, catching a quick glimpse of a rushes and late Theo running inside.

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

Ladybug sighs. "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 asks 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 rolls his eyes. "Please don't tell me you caught a crush."

"No, obviously not," Ladybug snaps. "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 smiles. "Thanks, Cat."

He squeezes 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 jokes, 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 takes in a deep breath. "We should probably head inside."

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

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

Ladybug and Cat Noir leap off the roof and land at the start of the red carpet. Dozens of cameras and reporters turn 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 grabs her hand and squeezes it. "It'll be okay. Just don't look directly at the cameras. Just try to focus on something far ahead."

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

Mayor Bourgeois and his daughter, Chloe, greet 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 jokes, and his partner elbows him in his gut.

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

Mayor Bourgeois shakes 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!"