Ladybug turned slightly and the arms around her tightened possessively. A flutter of pleasure rippled through her body for a second before she squashed it. She had woken up in a strange place, being held by some mysterious stranger who...just happen...
Half a mile away, on a rooftop, Chat set Marinette carefully down.
"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked anxiously. His lady had been trembling when he picked her up, regardless of the bold face she'd put on, and even though that had eased as he'd carried her, she was still pale.
"Yes." Marinette attempted a smile. "I just need to destroy this...and maybe make a phone call so a friend knows I'll be late for dinner."
Chat eyed her. He had been too concerned to notice much before, but she looked breathtaking in a blue dress of obviously her own design and matching heels.
"Were you wearing that lovely dress and heels to meet this friend?" He asked coyly. Marinette colored and looked away.
"No! I just thought that it looked pretty! Why would I dress up for someone else?" Then just as quickly: "Is it too much? I thought it looked nice but I don't want to make it look like I put a huge amount of thought into it, I mean, that would be crazy, I just-" Chat fought the urge not to kiss her, but did it anyway.
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"You look beautiful." He assured her as they broke apart. "You friend is very lucky. Actually-" Chat hesitated. Was now the right time? "Marinette, I have something very important to-"
"Important! Yes! We both have something important to do!" Marinette almost brained Chat with the heavy envelope she was brandishing. "I have to destroy this envelope, and you have to...go do...hero stuff!" She kept babbling, her heart was beating fast. She didn't want to know who was under the mask, she did want to know. After all, if it was Adrian, then she would officially be in love with one of her best friends and partners...but what if it wasn't? Or...even if it was, what would happen when their secrets were out there in the open? Their friends and families might be in danger from Hawkmoth, either of them could be used as bait for a trap if he found out how much they cared for each other...or worse...what if all the fun of their partnership came from not knowing? Could she really continue if she and Chat/Adrian couldn't make their relationship work? Could she really continue her life without one of her most valued friends by her side?
I lost him for five years. She reminded herself. I can't lose him again. It was better to be a friend, then to not have him in her life at all. Her lips still tingled from where he kissed her but she pushed it away.
"Can you..."she held out the envelope, "help me destroy this? I need to make a call."
Chat took it, an inquisitive look on his face as he turned it over in his hands.
"What is in it?" He asked.
"You don't know?" Marinette asked, breathing an internal sigh of relief. Chat shook his head.
"I spotted you just as you gave that Jasper that wicked right-cross."
"His name is Jacques." Marinette chuckled, and Chat's heart lightened, seeing her smile.
