Red Strings And Markers

t h r e e

Adrien never opened up to others, not even to his closest friend Nino. As Chat Noir, he would love to talk to his lady, but he never had the courage to talk about his personal problems. Especially now more than ever.

But when it came to Marinette, here he was, the fountain of truth overflowing for her.

"The girl I've come to love for the past few years told me she didn't love me and that she loves someone else. It's hard, knowing our red strings are tied to each other but she doesn't want to be with me. I don't know what to do with myself. I feel like everyone important to me is slowly disappearing. My mother disappeared when I was younger, then I lost my father once I lost my mother. To this point, I've practically lost everyone." Chat's voice started off at a normal volume and was looking down at her, but towards the end, his voice was quiet and he was looking away. Tears stung his eyes and threatened to fall, but he shut his eyes, blinking them away.

Marinette has never seen this of her partner. He was always the pillar that held her up as Ladybug, but now with Ladybug out of the question, Chat looked like he was going to crumble.

"I'm sure there's someone else out there for you. It will happen when you least expect it." Marinette rose her hand to the bottom of his chin and scratched it gently. Chat leaned into her touch, a purr rising out of his throat. This surprised Marinette and she laughed weakily.

"You purr?" She asked.

Chat looked down at her with a smile. "They don't call me Chat Noir for nothing." He gave a wink.

Marinette gave a smile now, humming thoughtfully. "Let me guess, you sleep and sunbathe during the day, and become active at night."

Chat gave a smirk and moved some hair from Marinette's face. He looked down at her, admiring her features – the beautiful blue eyes, her dark hair color and the silkiness of it, the small freckles she had across her nose.

"Has anyone ever told you... how beautiful you are?" Chat asked, not having noticed this before.

Marinette was used to him dishing out compliments to Ladybug, but as Marinette? The blush that covered her cheeks was embarrassing. She hurried to sit up, hitting themselves in the process.

"C-Chat, I-I'm sorry!" Her forehead throbbed and he ran his hand over his chin, laughing.

"It's okay princess, don't apologize. Are you okay?" He asked, bringing his hand to her forehead.

"I'm okay." She spoke sheepishly.

Chat gave a genuine smile. "So will you go back home? Many people are worried about you."

Marinette looked down, feeling guilty about the lie she fished out to her parents.

"I will. Thank you." She said quietly.

Chat leaned in and pressed his lips to the throbbing part of her forehead. "No, thank you." He whispered before he pulled away. "See you later." With two fingers, he mini saluted her and extended his baton to disappear towards some buildings.

Marinette had a blush on her cheeks as she watched him leave, her hand coming up to where he kissed her. Chat was so different when it was just her.

"Marinette!" Alya and Nino had just arrived at the park and found Marinette looking into the distance. They rushed to her, frantically looking her over to see if she was okay.

"We were so worried about you!" Alya cried.

"We stopped by your house to see if you were home but your mom said you told her you were with us. You could imagine their worry." Nino added.