Les Hors-la-loi || Outlaws

5

1182, present day

Marinette jumped slightly when the cat tumbled into her bedroom. "I have no food tonight, minou."

"Have you ever been in love, Marinette?"

Marinette laughed as she looked at the criminal in her mirror. She ran the brush through her hair a few times. "Why are you asking?"

"More importantly," Chat Noir said, flopping down on Marinette's bed and staring up at the canopy, "have you ever fallen in love with someone you know in your heart you will never be able to be with?"

Marinette laughed again.

"Why is this funny to you?" Chat Noir asked, turning his head to look at the girl at her dresser.

Marinette smiled at her reflection. "I find it amusing to find solace in the outlaw. Why, has the cat found love again?"

"Something like that."

Marinette turned to face him. Chat Noir sat up. "A new love . . . how wonderful. I'm sure Ladybug would be happy for you."

"What about you?" Chat Noir bounced off the bed and pulled Marinette up off her seat by both hands. "You said you find solace in an outlaw. I assume this means you understand."

"I suppose it can't hurt to tell you. After all, who are you going to tell?"

"I could probably make something happen. I am cupid, after all."

"You're not cupid, you're stupid." Marinette smiled and pinched his cheek.

"Hey!"

Marinwtte walked to her bed and pulled back the covers.

"You can't go to sleep, you didn't answer my question."

Marinette gave the outlaw a sad smile. "Does it matter? Not even the real cupid could help this one."

"Maybe. But it can't hurt to talk."

"What's stopping you from going after the girl you love?"

"Society," Chat Noir spat. "And my old promises. What's stopping you from going after the man you love?"

Marinette shrugged. "Society. And his duty. Aren't we a sad pair?"

"Indeed."

"So, why have you come to ask me these questions?"

"Curiosity. I wanted to know if there was someone you loved. I suppose I must leave you to your rest. I presume you don't get much being at the princess's beck and call all day. But fear not, I will return tomorrow night. Let me know if you find something in the palace worth stealing."

With a smile and a wink, Chat noir hopped onto the stone ledge.

"Wait!"

Marinette opened her jewellery box and pulled out a necklace with sapphire gems set in it. "The princess lost it months ago. I found it under her wardrobe last week. Here, take it. The jeweller in the upper class town will pay handsomely for jewels like these."

Marinette took Chat Noir's hand and dropped it in his palm. "It's the least I can do for the man who visits routinely. I don't see much of the town often enough to satisfy my longing. You remind me of the people there."

"Then perhaps I should steal you away to visit."

"That is a horrible idea," Marinette laughed, "but there have been worse."

"Oh, like what?"

Marinette closed Chat Noir's hand around the necklace. "Giving an outlaw a kiss goodbye," she murmured.