Masked (Miraculous Ladybug Fan-fiction)

Part 27. Bonsoir

"Calm down Marinette, I'm sure he's not overreacting like you are..." Tikki hovered beside me curiously as I laid on my belly on the chaise, my face pressed up against a pillow. "I don't know what came over me Tikki. I shouldn't have kissed him, it was an impulse!" I whined. My thoughts were derailed when the mayor mentioned Ladybug.

"From now on it will be a day to celebrate and thank our heroes for their courage and commitment. As a gift to Ladybug and Cat Noir, I will be arranging a celebration in their honor, next Saturday at Le Grand Paris Hotel! Everyone is welcome! Ladybug and Cat Noir, we hope you will join us!"

I stared at the T.V for a few seconds as I processed what I had just heard. "Marinette, are you okay?" Tikki asked cautiously as she hovered beside me. "A party, in honor of me and Cat?" I asked fretfully as I glanced at my feet. "It's a great honor Marinette, I'm proud of you!" Tikki enthused.

"Things between me and Cat have been rocky lately...I'm not sure if he'll be okay with it..." I trailed softly. "There's only one way to know Marinette, just ask him! You guys are meeting up for patrol tonight aren't you?" I nodded slowly. "Y-yea...I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask..." Tikki smiled broadly as she floated over and sat on my shoulder. I took in a deep steadying breath. "I was so hard on him before, do you think he'll forgive me?" I asked unsurely.

"Cat is a kind hearted guy and he loves you Marinette, I'm sure he'll accept your apology!" I shook my head as I stood up and made my way to the restroom. "No Tikki, he doesn't love me, he loves Ladybug. He loves the idea, the image I carry when I'm transformed. If he knew it was me beneath the mask, I'm sure he would be disappointed...." I trailed off.

"Are you sure about that Marinette?" Tikki asked as she stared at my reflection in the mirror. I arched an eyebrow curiously. "What do you mean?" Tikki let out an exasperated sigh. "Whether you believe it or not Marinette, you ARE Ladybug. With or without the mask you're the same person. If he really loves you, I'm sure he'll feel the same..." she trailed off. As she hovered close to my face.

"Besides, something tells me that Cat's beginning to grow on you" she teased. My reflection turned bright red when her words reached me. "M-me? With Cat Noir!? As if!" I crossed my arms in protest. "I'm in love with Adrien, remember?" Tikki giggled but didn't pry any further. Instead of bickering with her about my feelings for Cat, I decided to distract myself with some sewing. Tikki continued watching Nightingale.

I had been working on a dress for a few months now but I hadn't found the time to finish it. Something always came up. I was about to stitch up the hem of the dress, when the alarm on my phone went off. "Time for Patrol already?" I asked nervously. Tikki nodded, ready to go. "What should I tell him about earlier? He's going to wonder why I disappeared mid-fight..." Tikki shrugged and smiled. You'll think of something Marinette, you always do!" I nodded, a bit calmer now. "You're right Tikki, Spots on!"

    The crisp air felt nice against my skin as I swung towards the Effiel tower. The sky was clear and the streets nearly vacant as civilians got ready for bed. It took me about 10mins to arrive at the base of the tower. Without hesitating I swung towards the top, where a lean, leather-clad figure waited for me. For some reason, my heart began to pound in my chest as I approached the top. "What's wrong with me today...?" I asked myself as I let go of my yo-yo and landed softly on the tower. "Bonsoir Marinette..."