Chapter 1: Ground Rules

General POV

It had been a week since the rooftop conversation between Chat Noir and Ladybug. A week had also passed since Marinette had given up Adrien for a guy she knew cared about her.

Surprisingly, there had been no akuma attacks as of late. Because of this, Chat Noir visited Marinette almost every night after their patrols. After the seventh night of Chat following her home like a stray, Marinette decided something needed to be done.

She returned to the balcony with snacks and beverages for the two tired teens. "Hey Chat. There's something we need to talk about." Chat whipped his head around, alarmed.

"But… but… it's only been a week! Have I done something wrong?" He crawled on his knees towards Marinette and wrapped his arms around her leg. "Please don't leave me, Princess!"

Marinette laughed. "Silly Kitty. Get off!" She detangled herself from his grasp and sat down facing him. "I'm not leaving, and you haven't done anything wrong… per say. We just need to set some ground rules, okay?" Chat Noir sighed, obviously relieved.

"Alright, Mari. What are your 'ground rules'?"

"Number One: We need to stay on the balcony if we spend time here." Chat's eyes widened and started to protest, but Marinette stopped him. "NO way, Chat. Hero or not, I don't feel comfortable being in my room alone with a guy."

Chat closed his eyes and breathed deeply. "Very well, Princess. I've got to admit, your integrity is impressive." Marinette blushed and looked away briefly. "What's number two?"

"Number Two: we should probably limit visits outside of patrol and battles to twice a week. We're both still in school, I'm assuming you're still in school, and have lives outside of being heroes; we can't neglect that.

"And lastly, number three: On the nights we spend here, we need to be done by 10 o'clock on school nights and 11:30 on weekends. Are you okay with these?" Marinette looked at her partner, seeing he had any problems with the suggested guidelines.

"I will be a gentlecat and abide by your rules, Princess." Chat stood and gave a deep bow, meeting her gaze. "Is there a way I can keep in touch with you? I'm assuming you don't have your yo-yo on you all the time…" Marinette had to think about that one.

"You're right. It's the same with your baton, right? And we can't exchange our real numbers, I might have yours in my phone already. I'm still not 100% ready to learn your identity, not even by accident."

"I'll look into some possibilities and let you know by the end of the week." He offered a gloved hand to Marinette and helped her to her feet.

He gave her a goodnight kiss on the cheek. As he pulled away, Marinette drew him back for a real kiss. He leaned back, a goofy grin covering his blushing face. "Bonne nuit, my Princess."

"Bonne nuit, Kitty." As Chat Noir leapt off the railing, Marinette's eyes trailed after him. I am the LUCKIEST girl in Paris.

I hope everyone enjoyed the first chapter! Personally, I feel it's very important to set boundaries in relationships to keep both parties accountable.

I know this was a little shorter than normal, but it will pick up speed soon, I promise.