To Heal a Broken Heart

Chapter 6

Friday

"I need your help, princess. I'll drop in after my patrol.

Your desperate friend."

Her favourite coffee and a slice of a decadent chocolate cake plus a note.

"I can get used to it, Tikki. It's so nice to have such a caring friend."

"Oh yes, Marinette, he IS an extremely caring FRIEND. I wish I would have one just like him. But instead, I am stuck with Plagg, that cheese-obsessed, crazy cat!"

Marinette paused. "Who is Plagg? I didn't know you had any friends besides me."

"Oh, he is not a friend! He is just a mild misunderstanding of a partner. Plagg is Chat Noir's kwami and I, luckily, don't see him that much, although I have to admit that I miss him sometimes. Not that I missed HIM but rather I miss being around other kwamis. But enough about me, Marinette. I think SOMEONE has a crush on you! Guess who?"

Tikki loved to tease Marinette and see her blush every time she mentioned Chat.

"Tikki, stop it! He considers me a friend, he loves Ladybug and he WILL ask her out on Valentine's Day."

"Are you sure?"

A pillow flew in her direction but Tikki skillfully avoided it as always, giggling.

"I'll stop if you share with me your FRIEND'S present. It looks rather delicious."

Marinette was more than happy to share if that meant Tikki will stop talking and let her go back to her own thoughts. They went to his note - what kind of help did he need? Was he in danger? Why did he ask her and not the Ladybug who could certainly help him more than Marinette? She didn't have any answers and any idea what was going on and for now, the only thing she could do is to wait until the evening.

***

Friday was as regular as can be in a life of a teen with a secret identity. School, projects, friends, a few giggles and some delicious food. Closer to the evening Marinette went on a routine patrol and met Chat there. They spent about an hour patrolling and she was amazed at how little personal affection she received from him. That evening Chat was not even the same, old Chat he always was. He was serious and seemed to think about something all the time. He was distracted and absentminded by her. Marinette was disappointed a little and thought that if she wouldn't be in love with him already, Chat wouldn't have had a chance to capture her heart with this behaviour.

"Something must be really bothering him," she thought. "I better get home soon and wait there."

When the patrol was almost finished Ladybug told Chat that she really needed to get home because there was some kind of emergency and she couldn't finish their patrol.

"Do you mind checking the last couple of blocks by yourself, kitty?"

"Not at all, my Lady. Go ahead. I'll see you tomorrow."

***

Soon Marinette was standing at the window, waiting anxiously for Chat Noir. She saw him approaching and sighed quietly. What was he going to ask? Will she be able to help him? She was restless and worried; she couldn't even stand the thought of him being in trouble.

"Ugh! What did I get myself into, Tikki? I should've just told him a long time ago and avoid all of this mess."

"Well you did want it to be romantic, didn't you? Valentine's Day's date and the big reveal. It's just around the corner, Marinette. Tomorrow you can tell him everything and be finally happy for once."