No room to swing a Cat?

24 - Fourth time lucky

Marinette couldn't wait the end of the classes. Fortunately, Pierre de la Idiot was so affected with his adventure with the supervillain that he forgot to be mean. He even stuttered a kind of praise of Marinette's design – that totally astounded her. Besides, the whole group acted unusual, as if still under the spell – or shock – of Fur Fury. It looked like it had been their first direct contact with an akumatised person, yet considering years of Hawkmoth's activity, that was highly impossible...

Finally, the class was dismissed and they were free to go. Pierre ran away as the first one, as if he was afraid of being asked about his short career as a hog. Marinette took the opportunity to collect her belongings and to go home as quickly as possible. She expected Cat Noir's visit. She decided to leave a note on the windowsill – just in case he wouldn't follow her advice and preferred to keep waiting for a letter. That meant she should get going, so she felt irritation when she heard Véronique asking:

"Are you going already?"

'Obviously!' Marinette wanted to yell in answer, instead she muttered:

"I'm late, actually..."

"Have you talked to Adrien already?"

"I'm going to talk to him today..."

"Oh, I get it... Just go. And good luck!"

"Uhm, thanks..."

Saying it, Marinette left the classroom in a rush. On one hand, Véronique had encouraged her before the talk with Cat Noir. On the other hand – that short conversation had taken a few minutes, when Marinette didn't want to waste any second anymore. Not after that what had happened in the kitchen last night, nor after what Cat Noir had told her on the rooftop this afternoon. Suddenly she realised that she couldn't wait any day longer. So, if Cat Noir checked her windowsill and didn't find a letter from her, he could go into his shell for ever. Or at least until tomorrow...

At first, she was tempted to use Ladybug's superpowers to get home faster, but Tikki persuaded her not to do it:

"You never know who's watching you from the shadows. Just remember that you've had some superhero admirer, who can patrol your way back home."

"You're right! He came here last week, when it was raining..." Marinette recalled. "But... Tikki... I think that after what he said this afternoon, we can be quite safe. He wouldn't come here to walk me home."

"But it doesn't mean he cannot watch you from one of the rooftops..." kwami answered back. "I suggest being careful and going home as a civilian."

"Ugh... OK. You've convinced me. Let's go..." Marinette sighed and made her way towards home.

All her way back home was discreetly observed by a pair of green eyes. Cat Noir stayed hidden on rooftops, just to keep watching if she was safely home. When he saw her room lightened up, he sighed with relief. And with anxiety... He planned to visit her, but he had no idea what was waiting for him there. Yet... He remembered their unexpected meeting in the kitchen last night. He had almost kissed her there! And she didn't act like she didn't want to be kissed...

But... He was there as Adrien, not as Cat Noir...

He shook his head in despair. He'd messed it up. He made her choose between his two identities. Such a moron! He shook off those thoughts. He needed to make a move! Especially, when Marinette seemed to invite him by opening her window – as if she wanted to send him a message that he would be welcome.

He jumped off the rooftop and seconds later he landed on the windowsill.

"Good evening, Purrinces!" he greeted her with a shy smile.