Marinette's eyes widened as she stared down at the box that Chat Noir offered to her, unsure whether to laugh or to cry.

But the certainty in Chat's eyes as he peered back at her, the unspoken confidence in her own civilian form, really made her want to do the latter.

Her grip on the metal rail that circled her balcony tightened.

When she and Chat Noir had parted after their meeting with Master Fu earlier this evening, she hadn't exactly expected to see her partner again for a little while.

They'd all agreed they would need as many allies as they could. With the newest Akuma and Hawkmoth's mysterious new ally sometimes keeping half their team from transforming, Hawkmoth was forcing their hand.

It was far more important than ever that all of their new allies were prepared to jump into the fray. The battle on Heroes Day had just proven that any new recruits would need as much time and training as they could to be battle-ready to handle Hawkmoth's worst. Their patrols would be split up so they could put their new allies through the paces.

She had only just de-transformed, chatting with Tikki over ideal candidates when -without warning - her Kwami dove down, phasing through her skylight.

Inhaling, she forced her eyes down into the box, struggling to feign ignorance of the powers she was being offered. "Umm...What is this?"

Chat Noir smiled, his claws carefully prying the box open to reveal a silver necklace. "Ah, Princess. Ladybug and I kind of need to borrow your help again. If you're willing of course."

Marinette tilted her head. "Again?"

Chat just smiled, leaning in slightly. "Do you remember Evillustrator? I know you and I have helped each other out a few times since, but there hasn't been anyone else - as a civilian - that Ladybug and I would both trust to ask this."

Marinette gaped. She usually was so good at foreseeing these crazy circumstances...but she never really thought that her civilian-self made quite such a big impression on him. "You want me…?"

Beaming, Chat Noir palmed the necklace, dangling it gently between his clawed fingers. "With great power, comes great responsibility...and for us a little bit of jewelry. And a bit of practice, to make sure you are comfortable with these powers, of course."

Gulping, Marinette forced her eyes shut, afraid that the fear that would be plain in her eyes might give her true identity away.

Chat Noir had to have backpedaled straight to Master Fu to pick out this Miraculous for her. Not that he could ever know she already had one.

But if Master Fu had let him bring it here, to her...maybe it actually would be alright. "Okay," she breathed, finally.

His claws carefully, slipped the necklace around her neck, fastening it at her nape. "Guard it with your life."

A slim smile curved Marinette's lips as the metal gently warmed beneath her fingertips. "Of course."