Chapter Sixteen – Consume and savour

Adrien's foot tapped to the beat of the music as he waited for his cue. He ignored the hands fussing over his hair and tweaking his clothing. His mind was on Marinette as he knew she'd be watching today. Heck she'd probably watched him over the last week but he hadn't considered that at the time. While he couldn't see her, he wanted to show her that he knew she was watching. With a deep breath, he lifted his hand and shooed away the people around him. It was time.

He stepped onto the catwalk with a practiced stance of indifference. Cameras flashed as he waited for his counterpart to stride passed him and then he moved. He tilted his chin down and turned his face slightly so his hair fell across his eyes. His hands went to his pockets as he walked forward with the grace of his alter ego. His movements were exaggerated as he flexed his shoulders and took on the powerful gait of a predator. As he reached the end of the platform he stopped and shifted to emphasis his left side. He lifted his chin as a smile tugged at the corner of his lips, then he threw his head back and did the hair toss that drove Marinette wild. As his locks fell back into place he winked and mouthed the words, "For my lady."

Marinette was glued to the screen. Gone was the haggard and depressed looking Adrien Agreste he'd been replaced by a version with such raw sex appeal she was ready to fall off her chair. There was a new vibrancy to him as he made his final appearance on the catwalk. His look was described by the media as bold and edgy. His gait and posture exuded self-assurance but more noticeably was the determination radiating from his eyes. His usual confidence was back in place and the crowd was lapping it up. He shot them a crooked smile and her heart was pounding hard when he stopped to do his hair flick to the point that she almost missed the movement of his lips. Her eyes widened as her brain registered what he was saying and what it meant. He was showing off for her alone, flaunting his wild side without the mask. Then he winked before he turned and sauntered his way back. Adrien had gotten his mojo back and the camera loved him for it.

She picked up her phone and sent him a text. You're making it difficult to concentrate on the clothes.

His response came ten minutes later. I can be very distracting. How's this? She grinned at his selfie. He'd made sure to get a head to toe picture so she could view the suit he wore as he gave her a cheeky grin and a thumbs-up.

You're such a dork. She sent back as she tried to dismiss how much she was salivating.

Yeah but I'm your devilishly handsome dork.

You forgot to add modest to that description.

But that goes without saying. I'm getting the evil eye from my father. Apparently I must go and bask in the adoration of my fans *sigh*

She laughed at that and quickly replied. I'll leave you to it but it better be hands off adoration.

Getting paw-sessive are we?

You wish.

OMG you're psychic.

She smirked as she replied. Not always but I sense you need to put your phone away before your father takes it from you.

Right again. Bye.

Adrien felt the weight of guilt and worry begin to lift from his shoulders. While he hadn't spoken directly to Marinette having her reach out to him was the start of mending the rift that had come between them. It was a little disappointing that his last answer had to be so brief but he didn't want to get another withering glare from his father.

When he'd first stepped backstage his father had pushed through the throng of people and sent him a nod of encouragement. That was about the best compliment he could get from him these days. Adrien gave a nod in return while various hands shot out to pull the jacket from his shoulders, adjust his collar and rearrange his hair. Now all that was left was a photoshoot. He couldn't wait to get home.

Marinette did her best to keep herself occupied for the rest of the day. She'd managed to finish her homework, help out in the bakery and call Alya to discuss how hot Adrien had looked. Tikki was taking the opportunity to sleep. Hawkmoth had been amazingly quiet so they assumed he'd strike sooner rather than later. Feeling restless Marinette found herself in front of the computer again unable to resist replaying that last clip of Adrien over and over again.

She had been following the media coverage on the fashion show, not only for tips but mostly to see him and today he had looked amazing. The haunted and brooding Adrien had vanished to be replaced by the suave Adrien who had originally captured her attention. There was an easiness to his smile. It was a smile that carried over to his alter ego but it was something more when Cat Noir flashed it, there was genuine pleasure at being free of his constraints and she was only realising that now.

His home life was cold and lacked affection. It was no wonder he was determined to find love beyond his family. By all appearances Adrien seemed to live a rich boy's dream but the reality was far from it. Perhaps it had been better when his mother was around but Marinette would never know unless he told her. She wanted to win back his trust, she wanted to know his inner thoughts and dreams. She wanted to share her own with him in return. Her phone pinged and as she looked at it she smiled. He'd sent her another text, Getting on the plane now. See you soon.

It had taken very little encouragement from Marinette to convince Sabine and Tom to go out on a date night. As the sun sank below the clouds she stood on the balcony waiting for him. "Come inside it's too cold," Tikki called as Marinette pulled her woollen wrap tightly around her frame. She gave a resigned nod and climbed down to her bed. She had just closed the skylight when she heard a thud. She lifted her head and there was Cat Noir smiling at her with uncertainty. She waved for him to come in. He lifted the hatch with tentative hands and slid down with more caution that he ever had before.

His cat ears twitched as he eyed her. "Hi," he said as he swallowed.

"Hi," she said in return feeling equally nervous.

He picked up his tail and began fiddling with the end, then he eyed her and suddenly pulled her into his arms. "I'm so sorry," he murmured into her hair. He let out a heavy breath, "Geez this is awkward. I had it all planned out in my head. Where do I begin? The poem probably wasn't a good way to approach me-"

Marinette placed her fingers on his lips, "No it wasn't. The more I thought about it the more I realised how insensitive I'd been. I didn't think about how it would make you feel to see it again. I just wanted to show you that it was important to me and that I had kept it even after you threw it away." She saw the understanding in his eyes and continued, "I've never had a lot of confidence in myself. I don't think I ever told you that I considered turning away from being Ladybug after we failed that first mission."

His brow furrowed, "But why? You did a great job."

"I thought that initially but when the akuma multiplied and turned people to stone I thought it was my fault because I hadn't done the job properly. I had doubts when I first transformed. I thought Alya was far better suited to be a superhero."

His eyes searched her face, "I can't imagine anyone else being Ladybug."

"Can you believe I tried to palm the earrings off to her. I put them in her bag when Ivan switched back but she left the bag behind. I chased after her and when that car flipped I watched in horror. You saved her and in turn got captured. I couldn't stand by and do nothing so I put the earrings back on. Doubt continued to eat at me especially when we were criticised after saving Chloe. But there was one person who believed in me from the start, one person that made me stronger and made me believe I could be what he saw. You were always there for me kitty and I couldn't be the person I am now without you."

His hand stroked her jaw as he looked at her with wonder, "Do you really mean that?"

She nodded her head, "You make me a better person in so many ways. How many times have I let my emotions carry me off and you're there to ground me. You might follow me into battle but that doesn't make you second best, not by a long shot."

He pulled her closer and she felt him tremble against her. "I love you so much," he whispered against her ear. "I shouldn't have reacted so badly when you told me the truth."

Her arms tightened around him, "You had every right to be angry. I should have told you as soon as I became aware of who you really were but I didn't know how to handle it. I felt betrayed but I didn't think it was fair to lash out."

He winced, "No, I did that instead."

"Because I hurt you. We had betrayed each other's trust with the best of intentions."

He exhaled slowly, "Marinette I cannot express how deeply sorry I am for what I said."

"We were both at fault you can't take all the blame."

He shook his head as he squeezed her, "I totally screwed up. I'm so sorry for what I said and what I accused you of. Plagg pointed something out to me that I'd never even considered. We were in a love square."

"Love square? I've heard of a love triangle but a square?"

"I know, weird especially coming from Plagg but anyway let me see if I can explain it. Just so you know upfront Plagg used cheese to try and demonstrate this to me but he kept eating it so I hope I'm not too confusing," he smiled. "Originally Marinette loved Adrien but Adrien loved Ladybug not Marinette. Cat Noir also loved Ladybug but she loved Adrien not Cat Noir. There were two sides to our personas that were missing out on the love, Marinette and Cat Noir. Funnily enough those were the two sides that really connected. So essentially the love square has dissolved, that is if you do really love Cat Noir."

She studied him then leant on her elbow and cast a glance over her shoulder at the corkboard behind her. A perplexed look crossed his features until he saw what she was looking at. On the board was a collection of photos and images but right in the middle was a photo of Ladybug and Cat Noir arms linked as they smiled after an interview. He shifted closer to get a better look and it wasn't until Marinette's hand landed on his chest that he realised he was almost on top of her.

"So, is that a yes?" he breathed with such hope.

She slapped his bicep, "Of course silly kitty, I love you with all my heart."

He moved to kiss her but she placed a hand over his lips, "Now before we get to the kissing bit I've got something for you."

He raised a masked brow and spoke against her hand, "But I like the kissing bit."

"As do I, it's the stopping bit that generally takes a while."

He nodded, "Yeah that's true."

"I need you out of the cat suit."

"You know where my bell is," he said with a grin as he flicked it.

"I mean I need you as Adrien."

"And here I was getting my hopes up."

She rolled her eyes and moved to the stairs, "And you wonder why I thought you were a big flirt."

He gave a sarcastic pout, "I can't imagine where you got that idea."

"Anyway, come down here," she said with a wave of her hand.

He pranced down the stairs as he playfully twirled his tail. He jumped off the final step and landed in front of her. With a smirk, he lifted his chin. "Plagg, claws in."

She smiled as she watched him transform, "That's never going to get old."

"I'm glad to hear it."

"Anyway," she said as she moved to the desk. "I finished it," she lifted his jacket into view.

He gasped as his eyes trailed over the black jacket. The green piping set it off better than he'd imagined. He lifted his hands to feel the textures, "It's awesome Marinette."

"Try it on," she held it open to display the green satin lining and he slipped his arms in the sleeves. Once again, she walked around him to adjust the collar and smooth it out. "I made a small alteration," she opened the left side and showed him. "There's a special inner pocket for Plagg. I even made it with a nifty plastic inner so he can have his gooey cheese."

Plagg immediately swooped into the pocket and settled himself in, "She's a keeper kid." His head popped up, "She left me cheese."

Adrien grinned at her, "You've made a friend for life or until your cheese supply runs out."

Plagg was half way through gnawing a wedge of cheese when he commented, "Well if he marries you in the future like he intends I guess I'll learn to live with you."

"Plagg," Adrien choked as his face turned the deepest shade of pink she'd ever seen.

Marinette giggled until Tikki spoke up. "Don't worry Adrien she's already decided on the names of your three kids."

"Tikki," Marinette squealed as she covered her face with her hands.

"Sorry I was trying to make him feel better."

Adrien's face was starting to return to its normal colour. "How about we transform so we can talk in peace," he suggested.

"Sounds like a plan to me," she said looking between Tikki and Plagg who were both pouting.

Adrien laced his fingers through hers, "Can we transform here together?"

"Of course, kitty. Shall I go first?"

He nodded eagerly.

"Tikki," she called. Her red kwami floated over and smiled at Adrien. "Spots on."

He watched with awe as Tikki swirled and disappeared into Marinette's earrings then her magical transformation began. He was captivated as he watched her normal clothes change into the familiar red and black outfit that identified her as Ladybug. He'd imagined it many times but seeing it for real was so much better. As her yoyo came to rest at her hip he stepped back. "Plagg, claws out."

The tension he'd felt the first time he'd transformed into Cat Noir before her was gone and he put on a show. He flexed and twirled to give her a full view of his transformation. His usual cocky grin was back in place as he took her hand, "Well milady now that we're both wearing something much more magically there's somewhere we should go."

"Where did you have in mind?"

"Just follow me and you'll see," he said as he climbed the stairs. He launched through the skylight and held his hand out to her as she made her way up. He leaned near and his eyes were teasing, "That is if you can keep up." With that he wiggled his masked eyebrows and took off.

"Oh, I'll keep up," she shouted back as they sped across the rooftops. He led her on a merry dance and she was taken back as he made his way up the Eiffel Tower. He stopped in the exact location where he'd read her the poem. "Why are we here?" she said feeling a renewed sense of guilt.

He placed his hands behind his back and strode to stand before her, "Things are good between us now, yes?"

She nodded, "Yes I believe they are."

"Good because I wanted to show you what would have happened if you'd accepted my first poem." He moved his hand to unzip his pocket and pulled out a square of paper, "You see my poem had a sequel. Ahem, allow me to read it to you:

My suit is black,

But it's not shady,

My name is Adrien,

What's yours, milady?"

She could help laughing, "Such utter originality. Hmm looks like I need to answer you:

My suit is red,

My eyes are blue,

My name is Marinette

and I love you."

He gave a dreamy sigh and placed his hand over his heart, "Only my true love could come up with a poem as truly cheesy as mine."

She laughed, "So we're purrfect for each other."

"Be still my heart she said another a cat pun."

She smiled and dipped her head, "You know kitty I've just realised something."

"Oh?"

"You've never kissed Ladybug."

His eyes widened and he swallowed, "N-no I haven't."

She sauntered closer to him, "Would you like to?"

"That is like the dumbest question in the world."

She draped her arms around his shoulders, "True but I wanted to see your reaction."

His arms wrapped around her and he dipped her, "Allow me to sate your curiosity." His face lowered slowly to hers and his eyes stayed open until the moment their lips met. He kissed her languidly at first and she had to stifle a giggle as she felt his chest vibrate as he purred. He pulled her upright and pressed her to a beam as his fervour increased. One of her hands lifted to his hair and caressed his cat ear which resulted in louder purring. Then Cat Noir kissed Ladybug with all the pent-up passion he'd been holding back for years.

When they eventually pulled away from each other she smiled up at him, "To think my first kiss was with Cat Noir."

He moved closer to stroke her cheek, "And mine was with you."

She lifted an eyebrow, "Really? I would have thought Chloe might have managed to pin you down to steal it away."

He rolled his eyes, "Believe me she's tried, I've become very skilled at evasive manoeuvres with that girl."

"Hmm, so you're an all-round sneaky kitty," she smirked.

He shrugged, "Having someone continually throw themselves at you isn't particularly appealing."

"Says the guy who continually threw himself at Ladybug," her hands rose to cover her mouth the moment the words slipped out.

He pulled back, "I never thought of it that way. I wasn't as bad as Chloe, was I?"

"I don't think you physically threw yourself it was more metaphorical."

"I think I'm beginning to understand why you never took me seriously. But enough about that," he laced his fingers through hers.

She smiled and pressed their linked hands against his chest, "So I've got my flirty kitty back."

He placed his forehead against hers, "You never really lost me."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"But there is one thing," he said as he drew back. "I believe you owe me a gelato."

"How do you figure that?"

He shrugged, "I didn't get to finish the last and I think Ladybug needs to take her superhero partner on a date."

She tapped her finger against her chin, "Sounds purrfect to me."

"Hey, stop stealing my lines."

She shrugged, "Fine I'll leave the puns to you, spoilsport."

"Spoilsport? Is that the best you can do?"

She took his chin between her fingers, "No but I have a more effective way to silence you."

"Really?" he said as his eyes drifted to her lips.

"Yeah. I'm going to buy you another gelato," and with that Ladybug tossed her yoyo swinging away as she laughed. Behind her Cat Noir couldn't help grinning as he chased after her.

The End

Wow I can't believe it's the end. It's been a fun journey and I want to say thank you for sharing it with me. I'll be spending some time on my other stories which have been a bit neglected while I've focussed on this one. That being said I've already started putting together a plot for another recipe. So stay tuned or please follow me as an author. Once again thank you for your support. It blew me away to reach 200 followers, you're all awesome. Cheers :)