Ladybug entered the room with her fists drawn. She could feel her heart thumping in her chest, a reminder that she was in danger. Someone she cared about was in danger. The Agreste Manor Library was a soft room, with its tall bookshelves lining the walls. A sofa sat in front of a blazing fireplace, shadows twirling across the wooden floor. The moon glowed from the window. It felt safe. She could almost picture Adrien stretched across the couch, lackadaisical with a book in his hands, blonde hair swept to the side. No. She had to focus. The clock above the mantle revealed she was early. Would Hawkmoth truly reveal himself to her partner? Would she finally come face-to-face with the man who had terrorized her city?

She could hear his footsteps before she noticed him. Gentle footfalls right behind her. Ladybug tensed her muscles, fingers flexing to her yo-yo as she began to turn around. A hand clamped over her eyes.

"No!" A voice hissed. "Do not turn around."

Ladybug froze. She knew that voice better than anyone.

"Chat?" She called to the person behind her. She could feel him now, his chest pressed against her back. The hand covering her eyes. His… bare hand. Ladybug gasped. He wasn't transformed.

"Please, don't turn around." He spoke again, and this time his hand fell away. Ladybug blinked as the library scenery returned. She almost forgot why she was there. Her anger flared.

"You, idiot! Why didn't you tell me? What were you thinking?" Ladybug almost whirled on him, just to get her point across. There was a beat of silence, just his bated breath.

"I'm sorry." His voice was husky, almost tired sounding. Ladybug suddenly noticed he was leaning heavily against her, as if he was having trouble standing.

"Chat, transform so I can see you." Ladybug said, trying to keep the tremble out of her voice.

There was another pause, so thick she could feel the tension in the air. A cold pit sat in her stomach. He was breathing harder now, and his chin was suddenly resting on her shoulder. She could feel his hair brush against her cheek.

"I can't." Chat whispered.

"I don't understand-"

Ladybug turned around and heard his gasp of fear. But her eyes were still clamped shut. She reached out and felt for his hand. It was shaking ever so slightly, and so small without his claws. She ran her thumb over his fingers. She noticed instantly, rubbing her thumb over a spot on his finger.

"Chat, your ring…"

He stumbled and she realized he was falling forwards. Without thinking she caught him, noticing how different he felt without his leather. She could still feel his lean muscles under his dress shirt, but his skin was so smooth. Something wet was on his shirt, and Ladybug frowned wondering why Chat Noir had spilled something on himself. Unless…

"You're hurt." Ladybug murmured. Chat grunted a confirmation, trying to regain his footing. Ladybug allowed him to pull away, his breathing hard and scratchy.

"Hawkmoth took it. He told me to meet him here. I thought I could get my ring back…" Chat said. "You have to go. If he sees you here- I don't know what he'll do."

"Kitty, I'm not leaving you. Why-" So many thoughts were racing through her head. Why didn't he trust her enough?

Hands gripped her shoulders, feeling so foreign without the familiar claws adorning them. "Ladybug, please. We can't underestimate him. I don't want him to hurt you."

Ladybug scrunched her brow, "And you think I will leave you alone with him? Powerless and injured? I am not leaving you. Not now, not ever. We're partners. We stick together. Whatever battle you face is mine too."

Chat went quiet. He then shifted and she could feel his breath close to her face. "Ladybug-"

"Well, well, well. Two birds… one stone." This voice was new. Cold. Malicious. Chat's hands fell away. Hawkmoth was there.

"Leave her out of this." Chat growled.

"Have you learned nothing?" Hawkmoth quipped. Ladybug couldn't pinpoint where the voice was coming from, but it wasn't close enough to be a threat. "Ladybug is just as big a part of this as you are, Chat Noir." A chuckle. "Or should I say Adrien Agreste?"

Ladybug's eyes snapped open.