miraculous ladybug ✩ one-shots

✩animal therapy✩

WORD COUNT: 1.5k

It had been drizzling when Marinette first realized that the kitten had gotten out. As soon as she stepped out to begin looking for it, it started pouring.

Just my luck, Marinette thought as thick raindrops trickled off her umbrella and dropped to the pavement below, occasionally hitting her face.

The small black kitten came into her possession only a week ago. It was a birthday gift from Chat, and Marinette decided that this was even better than the lucky charm that Adrien had given her.

Marinette and Chat often visited the local animal shelter. Chat explained that it was a good distraction for when Marinette was anxious about school or frustrated with a design that wasn't going her way.

"Awe, Kitty, look at this one!" Marinette said as she tapped Chat on the shoulder, and pointed at a small black kitten. "It looks just like you! It's got your ugly face!"

Unlike what Marinette told Chat, the kitten actually had the cutest face and a little pink nose.

"It's got your ugly face!"

Chat stuck out his tongue in response before promptly turning his attention to the cat rubbing against his leg. He picked it up gingerly and stroked its head. The small kitten purred louder, sounding akin to a car engine. It butted its face into Chat's hand, demanding attention.

"If I'm so ugly, you must have high standards for men. Who're you comparing me to, Milady, Prince Charming?" Chat shot back after giving the kitten a kiss on the nose.

"Well, maybe I do have high standards for men, but you certainly aren't one," Marinette smirked, falling into their usual banter. If felt odd, though, watching Chat hold the kitten. There was a tenderness in him she usually didn't see, aside from when she was on the receiving end. She watched as Chat continued to praise the kitten and close his eyes as he stroked its fluffy belly.

Prime time to gather blackmail, Marinette silently giggled, pulling out her phone. It would also be nice to have a picture of him besides what's floating on the internet... wait, what? She quickly snapped the photo before discreetly tucking her phone away, suddenly aware of the slight burning sensation in her cheeks. I am not blushing over Chat-freaking-Noir.

"Milady? Hey, Ladybug? You good there?" Chat was looking at her with worried eyes, his attention lying fully on her now.

"Huh? Oh, sorry. I just got caught up in the moment, you know?" Marinette squeaked, sounding more like her usual self than the confident tone she used as Ladybug. She looked down at the hands she didn't know were clasped together. She could feel her palms getting slightly sweaty. "It's not often we get moments to relax like this, so it's...nice to just let go a little."

"Then how about you really try to let go, and have a seat." Chat pressed. "I've heard animal therapy does wonders."

Marinette laughed, settling on the floor across from Chat. "I don't think this counts as animal therapy, but it can't hurt." She opened her arms as the small kitten began to wiggle and paw away from Chat, interested in the new human sitting in front of it.

Chat cocked an eyebrow, which just made the right side of his mask move up. "Hey, maybe if you don't have a kitten on hand, you can always pour your worries on me. I'm here to listen, Milady." He smirked, big, green eyes meeting hers.

"I think that's just normal therapy," Marinette smiled, "but for what it's worth, I'm glad to be your friend."

Chat smiled fondly in return, reaching out to pet the kitten that was now curled up in Marinette's lap. She felt the same warm rush run through her body, but she pressed it down and focused on the kitten's purring. The two of them, along with their new companion, sat there while Marinette felt her earlier problems melt away. Visiting the kitten became a regular routine for the pair; they had even given him the nickname Chatton.