Masked (Miraculous Ladybug Fan-fiction)

Part 48. Thursday

I had to stay home on Thursday as well. Even though my recovery was going smoothly, the doctor said I should take it easy. I spent most of the day sewing in my room. Adrien couldn't visit today but he texted me whenever he got the chance. I really missed him and everyone else, but it couldn't be helped. I needed to rest if I wanted a chance at attending the hero day celebration on Saturday.

"Wow Marinette, that dress is beautiful!" Tikki enthused as she hovered over and studied it. "You think so? I'm planning on wearing it for hero day on top of my suit..." I said as I held it up. Tikki nodded her approval. "You're going to look great, I'm sure you'll knock Cat's socks off!" My face turned red when she said that. I glanced at my alarm clock cautiously. "It's almost time for Patrol!" I exclaimed as I turned off my machine and put the dress away.

Hastily, I made my way over to the restroom and combed my hair up into it's usual pigtails. Afterwards I brushed my teeth. "Someone's excited, for patrol!" Tikki enthused as she hovered behind me. I stared at her reflection in the mirror. "Yea, it's nice to get out of the house. I don't like being couped up in here all the time..." I trailed off as I turned to her.

"Are you sure Cat Noir doesn't have anything to do with this?" She teased again. My cheeks burned as I looked away embarrassed. "N-no, besides I have Adrien now..." I muttered nervously as I cringed away from her accusatory gaze. Before she could say anything else I flicked my hair behind my ear. "Tikki, spots on!"

I took in a deep and refreshing breath when I stepped out onto the terrace, the air was fresh and inviting. I threw my yo-yo and swung freely through the city as I admired the scenery. The sky was dark but clear. The moon was large and the stars flickered dimly above Paris. I gazed pensively at the horizon just before letting go of my yo-yo and landing firmly on the tower.

My eyes came to rest on a familiar figure in black, leaning reflectively against the tower. "Evening Chaton" I greeted with a smile. His eyes opened wide when he laid eyes on me. "M'lady! I thought you weren't going to show up again..." he trailed off. "Sorry Minou, I got kind of sick after that last battle..." he glanced down at his boots wearily. "Yea, my girlfriend got sick too, she got caught in the storm..." he trailed off.

For some reason, my heart cringed. "G-girlfriend?" I managed to choke out just before a knot began to form in the back of my throat. "Yea, we've only been dating for about a week, but we were friends for a whole year before..." My heart thumped uneasily as he stared out at the horizon. "I just started dating someone as well..." I admitted sheepishly.

"Was it that boy that you told me about..." he asked warily. I nodded as I fiddled with the ribbons in my hair. "You know...you can still count on me for anything you may need right?" He asked as he took a step towards me. I nodded timidly. "Ladybug I...." Cat trailed off as he glanced back at his boots. He seemed troubled. "No matter how much we change, no matter the circumstances we may find ourselves in, my feelings for you will always remain..." My eyes opened wide when he said that.
  
"My girlfriend, she's amazing. She's creative, kind and strong willed. She's also funny and pretty clumsy. I don't regret a single moment I've spent with her, but..." he paused as he took out his baton. "I feel the same way about you..." he confessed just before walking towards the edge of the tower and extending his baton.
"I really don't know if it's possible to love two people at a time. Maybe it makes me a bad person, maybe I'm a bad guy, but I just thought you should know..." he whispered.

"Cat..." I trailed off as I covered my mouth. I could feel all kinds of emotions surging through me. "Knowing how I feel, if you're still okay with me escorting you to the Mayor's party, then meet me in front of the hotel entrance at 8pm on Saturday. I'll be the one in black" he said with a wink just before flashing me his signature smile and vaulting away.