Of Runways and Darkness

Chapter 1

Author's Note: I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack! As promised, book 2 in the "Shall We Dance?" series! I'm not crawling back on my own though. This work is a collaboration between me and FanaticAo397 (that's is archive of our own username handle) and you best believe two heads are better than one and we have a lot planned! Anyway, I hope this opening chapter lives up to everyone's expectations! Enjoy!

Night had fallen just as it always did. It was a pleasant one; the weather was warming into March and a breeze brushed across the surface, through the streets, and against the metal of the Eiffel Tower. This forced the hair of Paris' superhero, Ladybug, into her face which she reached up to brush away. Her eyes sparkled. Her heart swelled at the sight of Paris glowing in the darkness of the night and the gentle lights of the city, she breathed deep, releasing a rather contented sigh.

"What are the chances I run into a beautiful woman on such a beautiful night?" She rolled her eyes as Chat Noir landed on the beam with her. He straightened, a smirk on his face, moving close to her. He leaned down upon reaching her to kiss her cheek. She tilted her head back a bit to give him better access.

"Pretty high considering it's our patrol night." Chat wrapped his arms around her waist. He kissed the back of her neck before resting his chin on her shoulder. Ladybug rested her hands on his. Together, they watched the city breathe below them; everything was peaceful and calm which was rare and in between considering Hawkmoth was still out there, still creating akumas, and still driving them crazy.

Life, beyond that, was near perfect. Three months had passed since the Winter Masquerade Ball hosted by the school; a lot of things had changed and for the better she thought especially since the two of them were now officially dating, there were two new superheroes to fight against Hawkmoth, and their second to last year was nearly done. She leaned back into him. A sigh escaped her lips again. He smirked, kissing her neck once more.

"Everything alright my lady?"

"Better than alright kitty," she smirked. She turned in his arms, facing him, wrapping them around his neck. She stood on tiptoe to kiss his nose. "Everything is perfect."

He smirked. His tail moved back and forth, ears perking, and eyes mischievously as he asked, "Don't you mean purr-fect?"

"You're horrible," she dead panned.

"Maybe but you love me."

Another sigh. "Of course I do." He leaned in close, placing his forehead on hers now, tightening his hands around her waist, a new smile crossing his face. Ladybug's heart pounded hard in her chest. They didn't say anything. They didn't need to honestly. Their movements and thoughts were so in-sync that they just did it; they just were. Chat Noir ducked his head a bit more to give her easy access to his lips while she pulled herself up a little bit more to return the kiss he placed softly on her own; running her fingers into his hair and balancing herself with her forearms on his shoulders. It was gentle. He revealed in the feel of her. How tiny she was in his arms! Maybe it was because he was still growing but she was so perfect under him, almost like a puzzle piece fitting into place; fitting like planned. His hands moved to grip her hips. A soft moan came from her throat, the sound making his ears twitch. He squeezed a bit more.

But Ladybug was having none of that. If he wanted to play that game, he best believe that two could be involved. She grinned underneath him before gently nipping at his lower lip which caused him to groan just as she had. She giggled. He pulled back, an eyebrow raised.

"You sneaky little...," he breathed. She silenced him quickly with a quick peck.

"Love you too Chat Noir." He rolled his eyes.