The Running Bear (Cat Noir x Reader)

Cat Noir smiles. "Purr-haps we should go for ice cream after this."

Instead of giggling like I usually do, I tightly wrap my arms around his shoulders and practically suffocate him. I bury my face into his soft hair and inhale its sweet, comforting scent, swallowing it like it's oxygen.

"Uhhh...Berry Bear?" Cat Noir's muffled voice squeaks. "I'm always down for a hug from you, but are you okay?"

"Please, please..." I sob, tears streaming down my face.

I can barely speak. I can barely breathe. I can't get a coherent sentence out with how badly I'm gasping for air.

I eventually cry out, "Don't do that again! Don't leave m-me again! D-don't you d-dare do that to me again!"

My voice becomes more choppy and ragged as my face becomes stained with tears. "J-just...p-please, stay. S-tay right here. I-I can't-"

I can't lose you too.

There's a suffocating pause before Cat Noir closes his eyes, lays his head on my chest, and nuzzles it gently underneath my chin. His arms and tail gently wrap around my waist, and this time, I don't pull away. There's a loud but soothing sound I feel vibrating against my chest that sends a soothing ripple throughout my body. Whatever it is, it slowly calms me down enough for me to start breathing normally.

Wait. I know what that sound is. He's...he's...he's purring.

"It's okay," he whispers. "It's okay. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."

Gathering up more air to breathe, I sniffle, "Promise?"

He confidently nods against my chest. "I promise."

And in this brief moment, as I squeeze my eyes shut and savor the tender, light-hearted sensation of holding this boy between my arms, I realize that all I want to do right now is stay this close to him.

Forever. For the rest of my life. For however long the universe decides to give us.

And that's what scares me.

*HEADS UP: this book goes through monthly editing if I need to add or remove dialogue and scenes to make story flow better*