Criminal Hero ( a Miraculous AU )

Chapter 3

It was yet another calm and beautiful night in Paris. The shining stars were out, surrounding an equally bright full moon that shone on the city.

Marinette was seated on the edge of a building, her legs dangling off the roof as she admired the Eiffel Tower from afar. It had been another normal day for her too.

The dark haired girl held a red box in her hand as she made no effort to improve her slouched sitting posture. It really was the only item that she could consider her belonging - a pair of red, spotted earrings.

She sighed as she eventually put the accessory away into her pocket. She knew very well that she was supposed to be Chat Noir's partner to fight against Hawkmoth and his akuma's, but she just couldn't help but felt that it was too big of a responsibility for her. She had already messed up enough for a lifetime.

Marinette continued to stare at the building that illuminated a bright golden colour.

Upon hearing soft footsteps approach her, she shoulders tensed and her hand's grip tightened as she fear who it was that was walking in her direction.

Much to her relief, it was Chat Noir, who gladly took a seat next to the teenage girl to stare off at the Eiffel Tower as well.

'Good evening,' The feline hero paused for a little, realising only in that moment that he only knew the homeless girl's name as Adrien. 'How're you these days?'

'Terrible. I caught a cold the other day and winter's also coming soon.' Came Marinette's response.

'You seriously need to move into somewhere, at least for the coming season. People die from the cold in winter, you know.' Chat Noir was truly concerned for the dark haired teen.

'There's no way I'm going to an orphanage, you know? Marinette smiled to herself, looking down at her scratched, bruised and scared hands.

Chat Noir was silent for a moment as he watched her look up to stare at the dark skies.

It was a beautiful night. There wasn't a single cloud in the sky. The stars were out, accompanying the full moon. The air was cold, dry, crisp. The silence was comforting to both of them. It reminded the two of what a busy day it had been for them. In Marinette's case, a dreadful day.

'I... found a place you can stay for a while. The Dupain-cheng's have been keeping room open to the homeless for a a while. Especially teenagers and during the winter.' He finally told her with a small sigh. 'You can stay there for the winter, or if you like, they probably wouldn't mind adopting a daughter.'

Marinette's eyes widened at the news.

'..... really?'