To Fall

Team

Chat huffed as blood dripped from above his left eye, white hair slinging blood as he dodged another attack. He wasn't sure how long they had been at it, the two wielders going blow for blow for what seemed like eternity. He cried out as a fist collided with his ribs, coughing blood as he was sent to his knees. Ladybug stood over him, scratches littering her face and hoodie torn. She glared down at him, spitting her own blood in his face as she kneed him in the jaw, sending him sprawling to his back. He held a clawed hand up, coughing as he looked up at her. 

"Time out."

Ladybug scoffed at him but didn't move, eyes locked on him as he struggled to sit up. Both struggled to catch their breath and Chat felt his ribs protest every lungful of air. Ladybug stalked closer and stood over him, hands clenching to stop herself from lashing out. 

"You wanted to talk remember." Chat gave her a glare and wiped his mouth, grimacing as the bruises stung and his white suit was stained red. "Exactly kitten. Talk, not identify as gladiators." She rolled her eyes and backed away, allowing him to painfully rise to his feet. He swayed and steadied himself, arms out to keep his balance.

He watched as blood dribbled down her chin, slipping from her mouth. He motioned with his thumb, a small smile on his face. "You got a little something." She grimaced and spat at him, the blood splattering against his chest. 

"Okay, I deserved that."

He raised his hands in surrender, wincing as his body protested. "This doesn't happen to me often, but I can't go another round."  He chuckled as she blushed red under her mask, eyes narrowing in his direction as he sat back down, legs crossing and arms behind him to prop himself up. She sat across from him, matching his posture but keeping her body tense, not trusting him.

"So, about those earrings."

She flicked him off, groaning as her body strained. He chuckled and shrugged, silly grin on his face. "Was worth a try." She watched him as he adjusted to get comfortable, taking pride at the red and black that littered his body. Chat looked at her warily, claws playing with the end of his leather tail. 

"Your friend, the snake, is he okay?"

She snarled at him, attempting to stand and failing. "Not like you care!" He hummed and looked down, suddenly very interested in his tail. "It's just business kitten. It's nothing personal." She rose despite the scream of her body, limping toward him and swinging a weak fist at him. He caught it with his reflexes, groaning in pain at the sudden need to defend himself. Ladybug glared daggers at him, her blue eyes burning as she ripped her fist away from his grasp.

"Nothing personal!? You attacked my partner; you attacked my friends, and you did it all for my miraculous! How the fuck is this not personal!?"

Chat looked down in guilt, his heart aching as he thought of all the pain he put her through. "I'm sorry." Her eyes widened at his whisper, looking at him in disbelief. "What did you say?" He clenched his teeth and glanced at her; eyes dull.

"I said that I'm sorry."

She stared at him in shock before screaming in frustration. She flung her arms up and turned away from him, voice raising as she ranted. "How the fuck can you sit there and say shit like that!? I don't understand you!" He chuckled to himself and she turned her glare back on him, softening as the tears lined his eyes. He looked at her with a sad smile, ice eyes swimming with unshed emotion. 

"That's right. You don't know me."

She stiffened as he rose, his groans of pain filling the empty space. He trudged closer, arms down at his side and his eyes locked on her. He stopped just shy of her and held his hands up in peace, pleading with his eyes.