Chat Blanc ✅

Chapter 18

"Marinette, our friendship is everything to me," Viperion spoke softly, standing at a distance to keep her comfortable. "I would never to lie to you."

"B-But you said..."

She turned her head to the side. Dry tears welled up in her eyes. The kwami cuddled up to her neck whizzed up to her freckled cheek.

"I know," he agreed, tone edging at a guilty whisper. "And I regret all of it. I just-"

Luka let out an uncharacteristic sigh. Scaled fingers gripped at dyed blue locks.

"I just couldn't control myself. Everything just came out of my mouth without thought. I...It felt like watching something through a screen. I-I couldn't do anything."

The girl pursed her lips. She shared a sad look to Tikki. "I want to believe you, Luka. I really do, but- how do I know that what I saw before wasn't you?"

He gripped his lyre, whilst poking one of the strings - as if it would give him an epiphany.

She hesitantly turned around, frown settled on her features. Her gaze took in his forlorn expression. His resigned demeanour. Defeated posture. The dull look in his usually-mirthful orbs.

A gasp escaped her parted lips.

Viperion's head snapped up. "What's wrong?" he asked - the worry laced in his voice making her will quiver. "Are you okay?"

"Your...your eyes..." she breathed.

Concern overcame him, just as Tikki came into his vision. After studying what seemed to be his face for a few seconds, the kwami flew back to her owner's side.

"Your eyes are still red," she supplied. "Not as dark as before, but still red."

"T-That means you're telling the truth, and...but- how...?"

He suddenly came forward in a quick movement, encasing her in his arms just as realisation struck her. Marinette's eyes widened, her breathing becoming fast.

"L-Luka!" she choked, hugging him back when he squeezed her tight. "I- oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I can't believe I trusted-"

"It's okay, my Melody, it's okay," he hushed, stroking her silky locks with care. She soon melted into his embrace. Tears rolled off of his magic-infused costume and mask.

"No, it's not."

He leaned his head atop hers. "It is, Marinette. Trust me, I forgive you."

The sniffles that she let out were muffled by his chest. The tears that she cried were wiped away by him from her cheeks. It was such a gentle gesture that she couldn't help but throw herself onto him again.

They stayed there for a dozen moments more. Cold from the wind was chased away by their shared warmth. Fear of the situation was scared by their heartfelt reunion.

"It's alright, my Melody."

She tilted her head up to meet his gaze. Their pants were blown on each other's faces as they slowly inched closer in sync.

Until a loud shout broke the tender moment.

"W-What was that?"

Viperion squinted to where the source of the noise was, and, sure enough, a white blur was seen to be running about the tip of the Eiffel Tower. It seemed to be sporadic in its movements - panicked. As if it were searching for something.

"It's Chat Blanc. He's looking for you."

Marinette turned to where he was looking. When noticing the akuma, a surge of confidence began to flow through her veins. "We have to save him."