Seeking Comfort

It was a tiring day for the two heroes. They had just finished fighting an akumatized citizen and it was around 3 in the morning. Hawkmoth has started targeting people who have been having nightmares, like he did in Sandman, so unfortunately the superhero duo has had a lot of sleepless nights. Ladybug, being too tired to travel home looked towards a cute little motel. She figured she could stay the night and make it home early enough in the morning before her parents could notice she wasn't there. Chat Noir, upon seeing his partner looking completely exhausted, came up to her.

"You feeling alright Ladybug?" he asked with a concerned look on his face. "Oh Kitty, I'm just too tired to travel home. I'm debating on whether or not it would be smart to stay in this motel.".

Chat Noir took a moment to think about it, his house was on the other side of town and even if he went as fast as he can, he would still be traveling for about 30 minutes and he was gonna change back at any moment. He gave Ladybug a soft smile while lowering himself into a bow, "Well Bugaboo it's my treat. I need a bit of a rest as well.". Ladybug reluctantly agreed, but reminded Chat that their identities must remain a secret.

Ladybug insisted that they stay in separate rooms, but to her dismay the motel only had one last room available. Ladybug sighed, but thanked the owner and took the key, leading Chat to the room. She really hoped that the motel owner didn't think they were a couple, that would be so embarrassing.

Once in the room Ladybug quickly devised a plan to protect their identities. She instructed Chat to grab all of the extra pillows and to put them on top of the chairs she placed between their beds. Ladybug had to act fast because she knew that both she and Chat would de-transform soon, so she helped layer the pillows on top of the chairs very fast until they formed a well-designed barricade.

After making Chat promise not to look, Ladybug de-transformed. Marinette gave Tikki a cookie, as she heard Chat de-transform and noticed the pungent smell of camembert filling the room. A feeling of curiosity came over her, but she quickly pushed it away, knowing that it was not for the best. After composing herself Marinette called out to Chat to ask how he was doing. For some reason she was extremely nervous; she knew what his voice sounded like, but knowing that behind the pillow barricade he didn't have his mask and suit on scared yet intrigued her at the same time . She heard him shuffle around before he responded, "I'm purrfect Bugaboo, are you feline good?". Oddly enough his cat puns calmed her nerves. It was strangely comforting to know that Chat was the same even when he was de-transformed. Marinette didn't realize that she never responded until she heard Chat ask, "Cat got your tongue Ladybug?". After apologizing and reassuring Chat that she was okay, Marinette decided it was time to get some sleep. She then turned the light off, leaving the room pitch black.

"Goodnight Bugaboo, sleep well" was the last thing Marinette heard before drifting off to sleep.

After only about an hour or so Marinette felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist. In confusion she sat herself upright, making sure not to disturb her partner. Gently she pet his hair and whispered his name. All she got in return were small, quiet whimpers. Concerned, she nudged him until she felt him stir and slowly wake up.

"Bugaboo?", Chat asked confused. "Hey Kitty, you crawled into bed with me and were whimpering. Are you alright?", Marinette asked sincerely. Marinette heard Chat sigh and listened intently as he explained his nightmare. She had no idea about Chat losing his mother and about the busy life he has, yet to her it all sounded familiar. Brushing off her thoughts, she started running her fingers through his soft hair in order to comfort him. Once he was done explaining, Marinette brought him closer into a tight hug.

"You're welcome to sleep with me tonight Kitty if it would help you sleep easier." At this point their identities were the last thing on her mind; she just wanted to comfort her partner, her friend, someone she cared for. No sooner than when the words left her mouth she heard soft snoring coming from Chat. She giggled and planted a soft kiss on the top of his head.

"Goodnight my Kitty".