devided.

[cattusnoir-blog]

saxandviolin‌:

@cattusnoir // sc ♡

would it… be fine , to ask ? luka’s curious , he can’t deny it ( it’s difficult to imagine doing something like that ) , but because it’s such an unknown thing to him that he’s unsure to ask , hesitant , although there’s no doubt that if it was indeed a bad question ( forbidden , even ? ) that the boy wouldn’t blame him , wouldn’t take it in the bad way — but still , he’s just the slightest bit anxious because as good as he is knowing && reading people , there’s no way to predict 100 % how someone might react to something .

❝ hey… how is it , to do what you do ? ❞

             A token of surprise lights up the boy's eyes at the inquiry. A brief initial sprinkle of confusion to join the mixture of his reaction. First not quite knowing what the other meant, since he never was one to catch on quickly to things that are inferred or indirectly referenced. It was just a result of how he was raised.             Although he had been getting better at it, since he'd had more exposure to people outside of his father's corporate circle. Where as he wouldn't have understood at all in the past, Adrien in the present caught on soon enough.             The confusion was replaced with a sheepish smile. How exactly do you explain... well, most of the dynamic that surrounded his life? It was complicated. Although he knew not everyone's experience in the spotlight was like this, and didn't want Luka to use him as a real world example. That being said, there were a few things that are universal in this industry.             "Its... tiring, to say the least." A hand rose to hold the back of his neck. An insecure gesture that reared its head every now and then. "You have to keep up appearances a lot, especially in my case because of my dad. Although it makes him happy... I think--" That was the main reason he did it at all. "So it makes the hard parts worth it. Plus, I'm used to it by now. Although it would be nice to go out without a bodyguard, or be with my friends more... I'm happy enough with all of this." Despite the boys words, there was a forlorn look in his eyes. A caged bird given an allotted time to fly, is better than not being able to at all. Although, that didn't stop the bird from realizing that it was indeed in a cage.

[maskedmuses-archived]

Unexpected Complications

[cattusnoir-blog]

maskedmuses‌:

            Marinette’s tongue felt like ash as it spilled the lies forth. She hated lying in general and spouting them now, before Adrien, hurt her heart. If she could tell him the truth, it would be easier, but the boy would be placed in danger. Everyone around her would. Tikki had made it very clear that she needed to keep the secret, even from her partner, who risked his life with her every time. If she had not stepped in, he could have been in her position.

                        He could have been hurt, and she would have no idea where he was. There would be no way she could help him.

            A glance was taken towards her bag where Tikki lay in wait, only to have her attention brought back onto Adrien at the tiny noise he allowed out. “…No?” She echoed it in question, brows furrowing in confusion as to why he would deny what she said. But he knew. He knew her lie easily, seeing right through it and the girl felt all the breath sucked out of her, her blue eyes pinpointing on him in shock.

                        He knew. He knew, he knew, he knew. He knew that she could not have spoken to her. Did he want her to come out and say it?

            The thoughts were swirling in her head, causing her to lurch back up, painfully, pressing her hands against his shoulders. It was an attempt to ground him and herself in the same motion. Dipping her head some so she could look up at him, it took everything in her to think of herself beneath the mask. Not to allow her tongue to waver in this moment when Adrien needed her. Needed the truth. “Adrien, Adrien, please…I’m…I’m so sorry. I had to lie about talking to her, she…I…”

                                                            No, it would be too dangerous.

            “I… I’m not lying though. Ladybug is alright.” She gripped at him a little, her breathing a little heavier. Her heart had been pumping too fast and her body was metabolizing the pain medicine faster than it should have if she had been laying down and taking care. But none of it mattered to Marinette. Only Adrien did for a moment. “Ladybug got help, she’s fine. I promise.” Her stare was stern, peering up at him as her lips trembled. He cared so much for Ladybug, it made her heart ache. “I don’t know how I can convince you, but you have to take my word for it. Please, don’t…I can’t take it…you, like this…”

            A thought clicked in her mind. Her eyes dipped down to the ground, fingers loosening on him. “Do…do you know where Chat Noir is? I…I promise to not lie to him either. I’ll tell him what I know.”

           Adrien wasn’t one to put his emotions, especially less desirable ones like fear or pain-- out for display. Yet, there was only so far someone could be pushed towards an edge before their heart took a plunge. To say the boy had been through a mentally stressful day would be a vast understatement. Not to mention, the thoughts that swirled around his mind as he stood there falling apart piece by piece.               Sensitive hearing picked up movement behind him, and a new shot of fear went through him as he was reminded of reality. Reminded that he wasn’t alone in this room. Reminded him that his emotions were affecting someone else. Tense shoulders flinched when contact was made, a slight tremble there below the breaking boy. The grounding sensation was one he wasn’t familiar with. One he wasn’t accustomed to. He wasn’t accustomed to anyone trying to help him in this way. While bubbling emotions still boiled his heart alive, the contact did provide a sense of counseling stability. Or at least, the most that could get through to him right now.

             Her words were met with both a sense of reassurement, but also struck a blow to his core. They confirmed his belief that she was indeed lying to him. While he already knew this to be true, it still stung to hear it spoken aloud. Not to mention, the implications of what she said.               Marinette was involved with Ladybug in some way. Did Marinette know Ladybug under the mask? Had Ladybug told her who she was? Or did she find out somehow? Questions swirled in his mind-- each new one bringing with it a crack along his heart. He knew it shouldn’t. He knew that Ladybug wouldn’t endanger a civilian like that, so it had to be some kind of accident. Yet... yet the fact that he’d known nothing about any of this-- hurt.               Did Ladybug not trust him enough to tell him about Marinette knowing the secret that lay beneath those spots? Did she think he’d abuse this information-- and try to find out her identity somehow? Just... just what was going on?              Of course, Adrien could tell by the tone of Marinette’s voice that she wasn’t lying to him. She wasn’t like that to begin with, and that’s why initially that breach of trust had hurt him so badly. Because Adrien knew Marinette to be a kind, and overall safe person to be around. For her to lie about something... She’d have to have good reason for it. Slowly, Adrien’s hands fell from his face. One of them finding a new home atop one of hers that rested atop his shoulder. Slowly, he turned enough to look at her properly. The look she gave him, only solidifying his suspicions.            “... Y-you... you know who she is, don’t you.” His voice came quietly, more a statement than a question. Despite himself, a small smile came to curl on his lips. Despite the trails of tears that were still falling. “I-its alright. I understand, I’m not upset with you, Marinette. J-just... I’m just glad she’s alright.” Green eyes drifted, unable to meet her’s properly. Guilt from being this emotional having already settled in his stomach. He could tell from the rate of the machine, that she was worked up by this. That wasn’t fair. It wasn’t right to dump his feelings on her when she’d just been wounded, let alone in general. “T-today has just been... scary, to say the least. I’m sorry for letting it get to me for a second there.” His words were hollow. Not really there. It was an attempt at pulling himself together, if you could even call it that.             “C-Chat noir is... I...” He struggled to come up with the words, far to drained. “... Y-yeah. I do. O-or at least, where he generally is. Last he was seen, he was still out looking for Ladybug near where you got hurt.” The blonde was far to enveloped by emotions that swirled and cut at him, to realize all his slip ups so far. Or at least, the ones that hadn’t been pointed out to him. “H-He’s... really tired, right now. He almost lost someone important to him, after all.” Green eyes looked at Marinette for a moment, before falling once again. In truth, it had been two. Or at least as far as he knew, it was two people. “... She wouldn’t let him help. W-when you see someone you care about in danger, not only is it scary... but for them to refuse your help is... even scarier... I-it must hurt, don’t you think?” He tried to push the thoughts from his mind, but failed. “T-they have to keep themselves hidden to protect themselves and their family-- but if they get hurt and... a-and almost d-die because of it-- then what is the point? T-they... their suppose to trust each other with their lives... y-yet...” There was a break in his voice, a new batch of tears coming forth. “Y-yet she... s-she can’t trust him enough to... when she was really hurt.... I-I couldn’t...” It wasn’t that he had the sense to cut himself off, rather-- his voice gave way. Falling into sobs.               I couldn’t help her.

[cattusnoir-blog]

maskedmuses‌:

          It was to Adrien’s benefit that she had placed on the glasses to look at him. With the shields over her eyes, the way his cheeks shifted in color alluded the girl. Seeing him blush, a true one not offered by make up or special lighting for the camera, might have stopped the girl’s heart all together in a fit of happiness. Especially, if she had been at the center of the cause. Instead, he just seemed to have an expression of mirth, which in turn made her smile at him, accenting the way she posed for him with her would-be glasses.

          At least, until his own words issued out, her smile replaced with shock. “You…You really think so?” She avoided it like the plague, but now she wondered if it was time for her to don the crimson colors rather than the pinks she wore every day. After all, Adrien had been close to Ladybug before—she had carried him half way across the city once—and if he seemed to have no inkling to the link between her and the hero by the small dashes of red, Marinette felt like she could relax some and explore the colors she had avoided. “Th-thanks, Adrien.” She managed out, her smile brightening just a bit more.

          “A-ah…!” She squeaked as he took the glasses off of her. Looking up at him for that one moment, her heart felt like it might leap out of her chest. It was only when he darted away that her legs felt weak and it took everything not to crumple to the ground in a pile of Marinette mess. Rather than following, she merely lingered outside, hoping she could compose herself in the short time he left her alone.

          “Oh my gosh, this is so amazing, this is really happening, isn’t it?” She whispered, bringing her hands up to her chest and glancing down at her bag. She could almost feel Tikki’s sympathy stare from inside the pocket where the Kwami crunched on her cookie, but her elation could barely be contained. Her gaze turned skyward gleefully. “It’s like a real da–”

          Her words cut as he came up behind her, causing her to jump a little, her tongue fumbling on what she had intended to keep to herself. “A da…da….daydream! You’re a dream—I mean, you’re not a dream, this isn’t a dream, all of this is really real, for real.” She laughed nervously, swallowing down and trying to calm her nerves even the slightest. Focus, Marinette! What had he said?

          The exhibits! That was right. Her gaze shifted away to a nearby stand that had a large map of the zoo on it. Near the entrance, where the bright yellow star of ‘you’re here’ stood, there was a shape of a turtle on the map with a small title above it. “Turtles…and flying foxes?” She questioned gently, perking a brow. A smile burst across her face as she turned back to Adrien, finally feeling as if words might work once more around him.

          “I would love to see that one. It’s not far, just up the trail this way, I think.” She gestured towards the right side of the path that led up, looking towards the left. “It’s a loop, so we can walk and see more as we go, so we shouldn’t miss anything.”

             Little did Marinette know, she wasn’t the only one that couldn’t quite believe reality. The boy was filled with an odd sense of elation, one he typically only experienced on rooftops coupled with the peaceful Parisian sky-- accented with a certainly lady dawning red and black spots. Currently, his heart was humming in his chest similarly to when his boots hammered against buildings. A constant beating in his ears, that he couldn’t quite understand. Yet, he didn’t want it to stop. While he didn’t understand why a sudden affection had surfaced for his classmate, there wasn’t any desire to shy away from it. Kagami’s words from before surfaced in his mind, only furthering his confusion.                 The wrong target, huh?                Is this what she’d meant back then? Truthfully, Adrien hadn’t quite felt like this around Kagami. Did he admire her, and was he attracted to her--? Yes. Although the feeling in his heart hadn’t been the same as when he’d fallen for Ladybug. Right now, the parallels were almost frightening to him. Almost.                 Her ramblings certainly didn’t help that feeling, either. Of course, not that he was complaining one bit about it. The boy merely continued to wear a bright smile, nodding along to confirm her words. Although, the boy did worry a bit that he was pushing her nerves a bit to far. Making a mental note to be a tad less jarring when he approached her. Just as this day was meant to help him act more natural around her, it was also meant to help her quell the nerves that lay beneath her skin. When the girl brought up the exhibit, his eyes left her to look in its direction.              “Sounds like a good plan to me.” In truth, the boy really didn’t know a thing about places like this. Yes, they’d gone to this zoo before-- but that visit had ended very quickly. Yes, he had looked around as he fought off the Akuma-- but that was in the head of battle. Memories a blur and forgotten. Things like this were about making memories after all. Making happy ones with Marinette here, brought him more excitement that he was willing to admit. There was an excited sparkle in his eyes as he continued. “Plus, I’ve always wanted to see flying foxes. Of course I’ve seen videos online and all that, but its always another thing to see them in person-- you know?”                 Despite how he didn’t want to rile up her nerves, there was a part of him that couldn’t help but tease her a bit. Perhaps it was the Chat Noir in him that wanted to come through, but he found her reactions endearing. Not to mention cute. Okay, his mind really was being a bit odd today-- wasn’t it?              “Also yes, this very much is real, petite fleur. Although that isn’t so say I don’t share your disbelief.” There wasn’t a reason to be harsh with is teasing. So, he wove in a dose of sincerity. “I know I said it in texts earlier, but I honestly thought I intimidated you or something.” His expression took a tone of sheepishness, before he took a few steps towards the path they were to take. Talking over his shoulder as he did so. “I really am relieved that’s not the care, Marinette. You mean a lot to me after all.” --All my friends do-- is what he was about to say, but stopped himself. Something about that phrase just... didn’t fit right now. No, no it wasn’t quite that. More like he really didn’t want to say it? Of course his friends did mean the world to him, so it slightly perplexed him why this was the case. Marinette did mean a lot to him, especially with these new emotions in his heart-- or were they themselves the issue here?             Marinette was just a friend... right?”             Somehow, his heart couldn't quite believe that statement anymore.

[cattusnoir-blog]

maskedmuses‌:

                         His smile is too bright. It’s going to melt her. This is how she will die.

               “N-no. Doing nothing. Absolutely not ki-ki-ki…keeping far away from me! Ha ha ha…Really? You don’t think it’s weird for me to dream about you?”

             “... Surrrre I was.” He rolled his eyes with a chuckle. Waving it off. “Of course it isn’t weird. Everyone our age has dreams like that, Marinette. Its perfectly healthy.” 

[cattusnoir-blog]

maskedmuses‌:

                                   “Nooooo. My totographs are for fashion!”

                 “Well, I have two hands, so two of you could hold my hands while the third….Um! Nothing, do nothing. Just stand there. Doing nothing.”

             “... You know, somehow I have a sneaking suspicion it wasn’t just nothing I was doing.” 

            “It isn’t odd to have dreams like that, though. You can’t control them after all. I’m flattered, actually.” Adrien no stop

[cattusnoir-blog]

maskedmuses‌:

            “Yes, I mean no! I mean…If I was, it would be…totally normal things! Yeah, things people do normally, nothing like holding hands or being close.”

             “... Are you lying, Marinette?” 

            “Wait, how would you hold hands with several of me--? Or was this one of the weird dreams where you have more hands or something like that.” 

[cattusnoir-blog]

maskedmuses‌:

                   “Two more of you. It was a dream come tru–I mean, um…”

             “... You had a dream about several of me? What did I-- I mean we-- do, exactly?” Curiosity killed the cat, Adrien. 

[cattusnoir-blog]

             “Whats this about two of me?”

[maskedmuses-archived]

Unexpected Complications

[cattusnoir-blog]

maskedmuses‌:

                                          She was important to him.

              Those words made her heart leap in her chest, a large spike showing on the monitor as she quickly dismissed it in the wake of her panic. Because as much as she wanted to relish in the attention that Adrien gave to her, Marinette’s mind had moved away from her crush before her and instead on the boy who sought red and black spots. The one that had put aside everything for her civilian side.

              The girl tried to see out the window, as if she could spot the black against the darkened skyline by simply looking once. Pain clutched at her heart—Chat had been so worried about Ladybug that he followed her. Followed her despite everything that she had told him, but there was reason. Already, her feet started to plant on the ground, a hiss coming from her throat from the tug on her side.

                                          Marinette had to find Chat Noir.

              Her motions stopped once she heard the crack in Adrien’s voice, causing her eyes to shoot up to his own panicked ones. Marinette’s chest tightened at the way he seemed to be cracking under the pressure of something that she could not comprehend and it broke her heart. Lips parted, quivering, as the question slipped out before she even realized she asked it. “How did you know that?” She had been so careful to ensure that the crowd did not know of her injury.

              But perhaps he had seen the slice the Akuma had made, which worried her if he had not seen Marinette also injured on the scene. Pieces were falling but everything seemed scattered. Blue eyes fell to the beige flooring. “I-I…I need to tell him that…” What story could she come up with? How would she know that Ladybug was alright? That she had been carried to the hospital in worried arms.

              “Th-that Ladybug is okay. I saw her just before Chat found me.” How Marinette hated lying to Adrien, how she would lie to Chat as well once she found him. “She said she was about to turn back, so she couldn’t take me to the hospital, but she was going to use a second Miraculous Ladybug to take care of any other lingering injuries once she could.” It was plausible, not that she thought it was strange she would know that a second one was needed.

              A nervous breath was taken, unsure if her story was believable. “I-I guess they worked on me first before it could do anything. But, she’s not hurt anymore, I know it.”

How did you know that?             It was in that moment, that Adrien swore you could hear an audible crack as his heart started to give way. He'd messed up. Said to much, and now he was panicking. Green eyes going wider as he listened to her speak in silence. The time between her words felt like eons, but when they did come he swore his heart came to a stop for a moment.             Ladybug hadn't talked to Marinette. He knew this, because he'd been chasing her until her miraculous wore out. He knew from the smell of iron, as well as the crimson liquid he'd seen on her as she swang from building to building-- that she was loosing to much. She couldn't wait on another miraculous cure. Not only that, but there was no guarantee that the magical ability would even take care of the wound. Considering it hadn't done so in the first place.             It was because of all this, that Marinettes words hurt.             Because it meant that she was lying to him.             Why? Why did she need to lie? Was she trying to ease his own worries? Was she trying not to get him involved? Which in retrospect was understandable-- but all these secrets were starting to get to him. Things he wasn't allowed to know. Things he wasn't trusted enough to know. Things that cut him off from all of this, and made him an outsider. Although that was his cover, wasn't it? Nothing by a bystander.             However, the reality was much different. He was much more than a witness. Much more than a boy who had seen his friend hurt in passing. No, no been involved. The smell of blood and iron still clinging to the inside of his nose, but that didn't sting nearly as badly as his eyes did. The blonde knew he was crying, but there was nothing he could do. He was tired. Scared-- and alone.

                                                                 Useless.

            "... N-no..." His voice came broken and quiet, as he tuned away from her so she wouldn't see him like this. See him this broken. "P-please... don’t lie to me. That hurts, Marinette!" He hadn't meant to raise his voice, but it did so naturally. Growing hysterical. "S-shes not okay... I-I know shes not. C-Chat Noir found you r-right after he lost Ladybug's trail." Again, another detail he shouldn't have known. "Y-You two couldn't have had time to speak!" His hands rose to his eyes. Palms pressed against them, and fingers in his hair. "P-please... dont lie to me... n-not you to." His voice was lower now, weak. Tired.             "P-please... dont lie to Chat Noir... He--He cant take much more of this." I cant take much more of this.

[cattusnoir-blog]

buggiisms‌:

     “if this is you rambly then i might just have to try and bring it up a lot more often.” it was a relief to see adrien much like how she would have been before this in his presence. he believed in true love as much she she did herself. he even believed in what they had being true love which admittedly made her heart pound faster than ever before. it wasn’t something that she was fantasizing or making up as she daydreamed in class.

     “nothing you could say would be dumb. i agree. yeah, we definitely might be young but i think it’s meant to be. tikki and plagg aren’t supposed to be separated so wouldn’t that be the same for their miraculous holders? it has to mean something- and even if we didn’t cross paths this way, it’s not like we didn’t have a small class or anything.” evidence by the way she probably breathed down his neck on particular days from their seating arrangement.

     “to have someone like you by my side for as long as you’d want to be would be more than i could ask. even if it’s until we defeat hawk moth or leaving at the end of school to continue supplying photos for my wall or when we’re that cute little old pair walking down the seine, i’d always choose you to be my one and only partner.”

     she knew there was something he was thinking about, or maybe holding onto, by the way he kept apologizing for something that she felt she needed to hear. it wasn’t something that she wanted to bring up now, while he had just had the day of his life and looked so content with being there with her. if it meant she had to try and ask later and see if maybe he could let her carry everything on his shoulders for him, so be it.

     it was so peaceful, just being able to watch him breath under her fingertips. the weight of his head against hers and warmth wrapping around her and enveloping her for the moment. everything he said she clung onto and memorized in fear that when they fell asleep, it’d all disappear the next morning with the ringing of her alarm clock and kwami reminding her not to be late for class.

     “so, minou,” marinette hummed, fingers stopping their pattern to instead settle on his upper arm, using it to ‘casually’ cuddle in closer to him. “want to bet on how many people are going to try and get interviews or super elusive photoshoots of students turned superheroes?” the laugh that accompanied didn’t exactly reach all the way to her throat, stopping part way before being forced out a little harder than intended. he was going to be fine; he was calm and cool and collected when it came to this kind of spotlight- he was adrien agreste, a natural! marinette, on the other hand, would be lucky to be able to step foot outside her bedroom door without wanting to retreat for the foreseeable future.

             Little did the other know, that she was right on the mark. Although, there wasn’t just the fear of messing up something with Marinette. Adrien had an ingrained fear of failure. It had been worked into his very being, by the fact that in his every day life-- mistakes weren’t tolerated. Being how he was as Chat Noir wasn’t tolerated, and now that the truth was out there, there was an anxiety building in him that wouldn’t be stifled. However, the happiness in his soul was keeping the panic at bay. Helping him stay calm, and keep from having a complete breakdown over today’s events. Because he’d already had one break down today, he certainly didn’t need to bother her with another one.              He just wanted to enjoy the present. The warmth that was shared between them, and the comfort that came with her words. The male knew and trusted that she wouldn’t shy away from his underlying scars, but talking about them let alone bringing them up wasn’t something he was used to. This kind of kindness, affection, acceptance-- they were all new. Well, not completely, but he hadn’t felt such things since his mother was alive. Even then, these feelings were different. In a way, they were stronger since... Well, Marinette wasn’t family.              Her comment reminded him of their new reality, causing the ball of panic inside of him to add guilt to the mix. Things would be different now, in both their personal and professional lives. Adrien was accustomed. He’d grown up in the spotlight. Lived in it. Marinette though... hadn’t. She’d had a taste of it as ladybug, but that was nothing in comparison to living it. He’d be there for her of course, but... it definitely was going to take some getting used to. It was because of that reason, that his voice range with a more reassuring tone rather than a humorous one. 

            “... Even if I did, the number would probably be higher than I’d like.” He started to rub reassuring circles in her back, a sigh leaving his lungs. It wasn’t right to lie and say things would be alright. They’d tackle it together yes, but that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be bumps in the road. “I know it’ll be nerve wracking... but I’ll be there right beside you through all of it. If something happens, please, please reach out to me, okay Marinette?” He shifted a bit, to look down at her. The male didn’t want her to think for a second that it would trouble him, or anything in that regard.              “People... can be really awful. I know you’ve gotten a bit of exposure to it Ladybug... but...” It was different when it was your life. It was different when it was personal. “... It’d be wrong for me to say it’ll be alright, but I’ll try and make it as alright as I can. Since the two of us are linked in terms of... well, publicity-- it wouldn’t be a long-shot to ask help from my father as well. I’d like to say you won’t need it... but...” But Adrien had a bodyguard for a reason, to say the least. “Well, I can’t. Just... know that no matter what they say, I still love you. Will always love you. Likely, most of what they’ll say isn’t true. I know its impossible to not let it get to you completely, but... I’ll be there for you when things get especially bad.” Since he knew just how bad things were going to get. He knew that to a degree, the ingrained fear of mistakes was there for a reason. Of course it didn’t need to be as... Well, traumatic-- but the public’s eyes were scrutinizing and cruel ones. That he knew all to well. 

[cattusnoir-blog]

maskedmuses‌:

              Watching Adrien relax, tossing up his legs and recline back, a memory of one of his photoshoots came to mind, his modeling days behind them, but his frame had kept up appearances well. A flush rushed across the bridge of her nose as she tried to focus on what he was actually saying rather than ogling her old friend. He seemed rather comfortable and content in a way that Marinette had never seen before.

                            It made her happier than she would admit, seeing the weight lifted from his shoulders.

              “You did too?” She chimed in, happy that they still had a few things in common. Life might have taken their lives in vastly different routes, but the girl clung to what could knit them back together, even by small strings. Marinette’s emotions began to volley, first rising with joy that she had not crossed a boundary with her professor, but then immediately her heart sank into her shoes.

                            A girl would ask that so blatantly of Adrien? To his face?

              The girl’s expression tried to stabilize as she put a hand over her mouth, quieting herself from making the noises that wanted to come out at his daring of her. “W-well I-I-I w-would wonder the s-sa–” It was then that the bag she had left near her desk shifted, falling over on its side. A message from the godling inside to silence her chosen from making an utter fool of herself. “Sa-sa…Satsifaction! Of how it is, living on your own!” A quick save.

              Slowly she began to calm, nodding along as he told his story. Marinette had only seen glimpses into his life and the way he described it now made her understand much more. His father was controlling, but to know it lingered into his adulthood made the girl sad. But, at least he seemed so happy, even as he invited her over, renewing her blush again. “Me? Over there? U-um, yes! Any time you want, I’m… mostly free, when I’m not in class or studying.” Or patrolling, but things had calmed down some in the years. “I’m not really a party person, since I want to really get my line off the ground, but I still see Alya and Nino sometimes.”

              Confidence came easy when she talked about her friends. “Alya got a job as a journalist at Le Journal du dimanche a year ago, so she’s pretty busy now. Nino started up his own DJ company and does lots of weddings and events and is always traveling all over France. He’s really in demand.” She smiled brightly, before hearing the door open, another student peeking in to verify it was the correct classroom.

              “I can catch you up on all of their stuff soon, but I guess I should let you get ready for class.” Marinette sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, taking a half step back with a nervous chuckle. “I’ll save the ones about the syllabus until after you go over it.”

             Had the comment about his sex life been purposefully to try and derail her? Oh, absolutely. Adrien might have not been mischievous or a jokester in his youth, (aside from his escapades as Chat Noir) but over the years without constant supervision and condemnation, the male had loosened up quite a bit. Where as comedy was a rare spice in his youth, it now surged through him like a second blood. A chuckle coming as he watched the girl struggle to get ahold of herself. It might have been a bit cruel even, but it wasn't like he made it up. Unfortunately enough.             There was a twinkle in his eye due to it, that didn't waver or falter like it would have many years ago. Those same eyes brightened further at the re counting of his friends lives. Truthfully, he couldn't wait to renew those relationships. In his youth his friends had been everything to him. That still was true now, even despite the dead contact. Adrien was a more sentimental person that most realized.             "Oh, its definitely satisfying." He started off, his smile becoming a smirk for a moment before it melted with another bound of chuckles. "I'm joking, I'm joking. Honestly I just haven't had the time for relationships. For some reason that particular student couldn't believe that. She even claimed I was gay once. An interesting experience for sure, that semester was." His words were paired with the rolling of his eyes, a sigh soon following suit. With all the time he’d invested into college, lessons, and not to mention the occasional patrol-- it wasn’t like he had much free time to date. Not to mention, that involved filtering through who was actually considerable, and who was just there for his name. It just hadn’t been something that was at the forefront of his mind, either. Especially with his lingering feelings for ladybug. The male had more free time than when he was young for sure, but not considerably so.             "If that's the case, then how does tomorrow evening sound? My number should be on the syllabus, so just let me know if you need to study instead or not. I'm not sure if you had it before, but nonetheless I had to change it after I cut off connections with father." For understandable reasons. Not only was he positive he could be tracked with that phone, but the countless calls from Nathalie quickly wore down his patience. Nathalie herself was supportive of Adrien’s decision, but had to call nonetheless per his father's request. How that woman put up with him, was a mystery. 

            “Ah, and right-- I do need to do that.” His words were paired with another laugh, a hand raising to his neck sheepishly. A habit that had never truly gone away. Adrien was aware that he was a bit distractable now in days-- since he’d grown up with someone managing and directing his every move like a play on stage. Now that he had the freedom to make his own decisions, there certainly were times he was scattered. A glance given to the student that entered, along with a small wave paired with a smile. “It really is great to see you again, Marinette. I look forward to catching up with you more.” He felt the need to reiterate, since it truly had made his day... or week... or month. Any of them worked. With a slight skip in his step, he started to walk backwards towards his desk. “Lets have a great semester together, okay?” 

[cattusnoir-blog]

marinettebutaguy‌:

Marin smiled as he felt the coldness of Adrien’s nose against his cheek, a bigger smile coming to replace his previous small and gentle one. ‘He’s such a dork..“ Marin thought to himself, letting out a content hum and turning his head to look at Adrien once he pulled away, turning a bit in his chair to watch as the feline strutted away and climbed up to his bed. At the meow, Marin couldn’t help the small giggle that emitted from him, shaking his head with a smile still present on his features. "Sleep well, Chat.” He said in response to the meow before turning back to his work. He’d definitely try his best to be quiet now that there was an exhausted cat sleeping in his bed, and decided he’d join Adrien after he had finished his homework, or at least finished most of it. Finishing up his homework didn’t take as long as he thought it would, especially due to the distractions he just went through with finding out Chat’s identity and the fact that he was now a damn cat. It was all a lot to process, and Marin wasn’t sure if he’d get a single wink of sleep tonight due to his own racing thoughts. This fact was definitely proven true as the moment his body came in contact with his bed, his mind raced through the events that he occurred. They now knew each other’s identities. Marin knew who Chat was, Chat knew who Lady Beetle was, etc etc. They knew each other now, and that thought absolutely terrified him. It put a chill through his spine and he felt the need to put some distance between them, at least when they somehow managed to change Adrien back, to protect himself and Adrien from Hawkmoth. It wasn’t safe, and he was well aware of that, hence why he’d been so insistent on keeping their identities hidden. As much as he didn’t want to put a wall between the two of them, he saw it as the only way to protect themselves.

          Adrien wasn't a particularly heavy or light sleeper, but at the current time he was in a foreign bed not to mention a body that was alien to him. When he'd initially gotten up there, it had taken him a moment to figure out what to do with his limbs. Settling for just laying on his side atop the blankets (seeing as he had fur, it wasn't like he needed to be under them). Sleep didn't come to him immediately, but eventually his exhausted state did prove to overpower him.            He was asleep for some time before Marin came to join him. The resulting movement of the bed did wake him, but he didn't mind at all. Adrien wasn't the grouchy morning type. He couldn't afford to be, actually.           Green eyes creaked open as they watched the boy. Thoughts crept into his mind-- worries of what might happen now. Things were sure to be different he knew, but had his elation earlier blinded him as to what reality might hold? ... No, no he wouldn't let this end up badly. Not if he could help it. He wasn’t going to allow Marin to be alone in this anymore. The two of them had a weight upon their shoulders that no one else could know about. Could understand. The boy already knew what feelings of loneliness were like, and he wouldn’t wish that upon anyone. Let alone Marin.           Stretching for a moment as he got up, Adrien relocated closer to the other. Not even realizing he'd done so in his sleepy state. It was a subconscious desire to be near the other that drew him there, and his presence as well soothed him enough that he was on the brink of slumber again. In this sleepy state, the feline didn’t even notice that he’d started to purr.            When the feline finally did sleep again though, the purring didn’t stop-- but something else definitely changed. It was a quick change. One moment there was a small weight upon the bed, and the next-- Well, that weight was a tad bit heavier. It shifted, before sleepily wrapping its very much human arms around Marin. Which the male would do awake given the chance anyway, although if he were aware of the circumstances-- he probably wouldn’t.            Because you see, cats didn’t exactly wear clothes. 

[cattusnoir-blog]

gctjinxd‌:

“oh absolutely. believe me i’ve had my fair share of back stabbings.” she’d done quite a bit too, not that he needed to know that right now. or ever preferably. “but you can rest easy that I am nobodys puppet. all this is me. I refuse to ever be anyone’s puppet again…” 

she understood as well, him not having the time to look more into a group of heroes who worked in another country. she barely knew of many villains that worked outside Jump back when she was in HIVE let alone heroes besides the main thorns in her side. but this just helped prove her point that she shouldn’t have been the one on this recruitment mission. Robin knew what the Titans stood for to his very core. she only knew what she wasn’t supposed to do. so how would she explain it to him what they stood for? she decided to go more with what she knew. maybe that would help give him some hints that she knew what she was doing. that she knew what he was living through. 

“that’s a good villain for you – never giving a second for recovery. keeping you exhausted with minions while she gets to rest and think up strategies. villainy 204 ; how to keep on top of the food chain basics.i’ll keep it quick then. or as quick as I can make it. let you get recharged for a good hunt for this  ‘HawkMoth’ person.” yep – there it was. the lack of confidence. “now see, i’m not the one who chose to recruit you. I wasn’t even sure why I was chosen to in the first place. but Robin, he’s the leader of the titans in america, said that my skill set would be very useful in helping to convince you to join up. personally I don’t see how bad luck would be helpful in getting someone to join but hey. free trip to the fashion capital. you wouldn’t have to leave your home, but we can provide you support should you need it. all we ask is for support back if we need it. a mutual team-up ‘round the world. the invitation is open to both of you, by the way. you just seemed more fun to talk too.”

now that was a tricky one. how would she provide proof of her claims? not like she could just show off her power and be done with it. this required proof of the Titans and their mission. this required more than she was expecting. more than she really knew what to do with. though one thing did come to mind actually the more she thought about it. the ultimate leap of faith. “tell you what – since I don’t have more proof than my own communicator on me, i’ll let you keep hold of it. it’s got a connection to the Titan base closest too us and a direct line to Robin himself. he might think you killed me for it but he’d probably prefer you anyway.” she tossed it over to him as she spoke, not at all worried about the absolute backfires that could come with this move should he in any way not be the hero Robin thought he was or if he was to loose the comlink to enemy hands. wouldn’t be the first time, but still. she absolutely was going to hear about it later when she ended up Skyping them instead of just using her link. “plus, hit the little H on the side and it homes in on my location – if you need to find me just hit the H and stop on by. built in incase of an emergency where the com gets separated from the person.” she wasn’t sure if that was ever something that happened or just Robin being paranoid. “would a real backstabber do something like that? throw their life into your hands like that so completely?” yes. because it was something she did before with her own teammates. and when she was fighting Kid Flash. but this time she actually meant and he was on the newer side of this according to Robin so maybe he didn’t know that type of true manipulation yet.

hopefully.

              Given the industry he worked in, Adrien was more than acquainted with manipulation and ploys. Not to mention how he had decode his fathers intentions on a day to day basis. The man wasn’t exactly talkative, or liked to explain his motives in the least. So it had become more of a habit than anything whilst growing up.                Although as he listened to the girl in front of him, he didn’t note any signs of dishonesty. The boy himself was an actor, both professionally and in a personal setting. Not to mention, the fact the girl had a plentiful amount of information about these hero’s overseas. It certainly didn’t sound fake. Nor would it be surprising that hero’s would band together in this manner. Idly, he wondered if past miraculous holders had also agree’d to such dealings. Although most importantly, was the sincerity in her voice about the ‘puppet’ bit during the beginning. Of course it peeked his curiosity, but he wasn’t rude enough to ask about it. What mattered, was there was experience behind those words. Given he lived a life similarly to a marionette strung up by high wire, that was something he was automatically able to identify with.                She might have not been able to see why Robin chose her, but Adrien certainly could. A small smile was present on his lips, as he caught the communicator. Having already reached his decision before she started the whole manipulation bit. Shrinking his staff back into its shorter form, he hooked it on the back of his belt. Turning the device over in his leather clad hands as he spoke. 

              “I must say, you have quite the purrsuasive tongue. You’ve tried to convince others of things before, right? Your quite practiced, mademoiselle. Some advice from a working actor-- you must leak more emotion into it. Conviction.” Merely to see if her claim was real, he tested out the feature she mentioned. Watching as the device did its thing. A small chuckle coming to rattle his shoulders. “That isn’t to say I’m claiming you to be a lair, though. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Although I do hope you don’t do such risky gambles like this every time in an attempt to prove yourself.” Turning off the homing function, he slowly walked towards the girl. Holding the device out to her once he was within a few feet of range. “Your lucky I didn’t try and break this. Hawkmoth’s strings lay in infected items, that only relinquish control on the affiliated once destroyed-- and I’m guessing you need this, correct?”                “You can call me Chat Noir, petite fleur. I’m not sure whether your leader accounted for it, and if so he might know more than is good for his own safety-- or perhaps the hands of fate had a play at the deck?” A small chuckle came and went, a small tousle of blonde locks as he shook his head. “Either way, I can see a lot of myself in you. That’s what has won me over. I cannot speak for lady luck, but you have an alley in her cat of destruction. Especially if it means we might be able to bring down Hawkmoth sooner. However, I do have limitations. Which might hinder the second part of that agreement. At least, until Hawkmoth is caught.”                The boy was by no means a normal hero. His powers were on a timer. His identity having to remain a secret. Not only that, but he couldn’t live as he pleased-- not while he was staying with his father at least. Afterwords, he could talk to his father about the whole hero thing, and about the arrangement he’d made with those in America. 

              “I’m not sure how much of the situation here you were briefed on, but it isn’t good. Our most recent battle almost was the end of us, with our enemy taking nearly everyone under his control. In the truest sense, it was m’lady and I against an army. Which is also why I’m more than accepting of help right now.” His expression had turned serious at this point, small falling as if it were lead. Just as heavy as the weight upon the teen’s shoulders. “Every time he brings out a stronger enemy. If he wins, the entirety of France or further will be at his disposal. If your friends in America really can help us, then it would be much appreciated. However, we must be careful of who comes to our aid. Because that very same person could become an enemy themselves, if they allow their emotions to envelope them.”                “Its for that very reason, that I cannot tell you my actual name or attach my duties as Chat Noir to it. Because if I did, those I love will be targeted over and over in an attempt to cause my own downfall. We do not know why, but my own powers and m’ladys are the keys to... whatever it is he’s planning. This means that I cannot leave home if your group calls, because it would raise suspicion in my civilian life. Once Hawkmoth is gone though, I’m more than willing to lend my aid to the Teen Titans.” 

[cattusnoir-blog]

Highkey doing some cleaning, so if there is a super old thread of ours you wanna keep hmu 

[cattusnoir-blog]

marinettebutaguy‌:

Marin reached over and grabbed his pencil, gently tapping it against his own chin thoughtfully. He wanted to continue working, but his mind was busy with trying to figure out ways to change Adrien back to normal, because having his crush around as a cat definitely wasn’t an ideal situation. Neither was being without a partner, because Adrien definitely couldn’t fight in his current, tiny, fluffy, weak form. Chewing a bit on the eraser tip of his pencil, he felt a slight rough and gentle tap against his hand, glancing down towards the feline that had started to lap at his knuckle. Raising an eyebrow, Marin forgot for a single moment that this was Adrien licking him, which was a kiss in a cat-way, and instead saw it as Chat doing his usual flirting. With a small smile, Marin rolled his eyes. “You know, flirting doesn’t work very well when you’re a cat, Chat.” He teased, raising an eyebrow at the small cat.

           It seemed for a moment that the small form of his body was shaking in a chuckle, although obviously no sound came out. Cats couldn’t laugh, after all. Although, a smile was clear on the feline’s features. Rising up to his full height, the feline stretched for a moment. In truth, he’d been running around 2 days straight trying to get to Marin. So, he was a little more than tired. It would be odd sleeping in this form, but it wasn’t like he had a choice at the moment.               He carefully placed his front paws on the male’s right shoulder, before coming to do the same kind of kiss to Marin’s cheek. Adrien was well aware that it wasn’t quite completely set in for the other, and that was alright. Tonight had been full of a lot of shocks, for the both of them. Likely they were going to face a few more as time went on, but now that the two had dropped the masks-- he was confident that he’d be able to be closer to him. To better help him, and be there for him. Just as he was sure Marin would be there for him in return, although of course, he’d never ask for that directly or wish for it aloud. He wasn’t that demanding of things like that.               Once he’d successfully peck’ed the other’s cheek, he jumped down from the desk and started heading towards the boy’s bed. Of course if the boy voiced discomfort regarding this later, he’d be more than alright with moving-- although for now, he was more than tired. He called out with a soft mewl as he ascended the ladder to the bed, as if saying goodnight-- although of course, he couldn’t really. 

[cattusnoir-blog]

maskedmuses‌:

              Marinette’s mind was abuzz with the way that Adrien held her at some points, closing in on the space she wanted him to invade but also allowed her to dance away, the gentle pushes against him giving her enough room above the surface to catch her breath before allowing herself to accept drowning in all that was him. How many times had she imagined being close to him? Dating him? Truthfully, not that many times, her mind skipping over the details of their possible budding relationship and straight into the marriage and kids.

              Going on an actual date with Adrien was something beyond what she could fathom, even if he had never officially called it that. It didn’t matter, from the way that he lingered close to her and they chattered, her face in full color, any one from any other angle could assume it felt under the category.

              Marinette was able to dart away some, displaying the glasses for him for a moment before searching through the rack for ones that would adorn her well. Several had many features to them that included animal aspects, including cat ears at the edges of the rims. She scrunched her nose at them a little, trying to stifle the smile that they brought, but it played at the edge of her lips as she pushed the carousel of them some, picking from another side of the rack.

              His voice beckoned to her, causing her to lift the glasses from their holding spot, but linger from actually putting them on as she observed him with the glasses. A rosy tint coated her more, making her stunned gaze almost seem bluer in contrast to the color on her cheeks. “Perfect.” The word came out dreamily, before she shoved the glasses in her hand on her own face, dipping her head down to look away purposely. “I-I mean, they’re perfect! Not you, the glasses. They cover you right up so no one can see your eyes at all.”

              Covering up her own embarrassed gaze, she lifted her head back up, the ones she selected being a simple black lenses, black rims, but the temples a magenta color, hovering between the tints of pink and red. The shade was repeated on the nose pads, giving a small tease of it along her already crimson covered cheeks. Not having his gaze on her directly made her feel somewhat more at ease, able to give him a sheepish smile. “What do you think? I thought they’d be cute, but are they a little too red?”

              The girl barely wanted to eat watermelon with the seeds still in, having something so obvious across her face made her wonder if she should pick out a different pair, perhaps ones with blue. “Or, I can get a pair like yours, so we could match. I wouldn’t mind getting them for the both of us, especially since it’ll help us be left alone a little.” A hand subconsciously moved to her purse, thinking both of Tikki and her wallet inside of it.

            Perfect                 This word usually resulted in mixed feelings. Adrien was expected to be something of a perfect child. Like a mannequin without flaws. When he heard that word from a dresser or tailor, typically it meant that he was being satisfactory. When he heard it from Nathalie, it meant that he was doing simply what he was suppose to. He never heard it from his father. Never expected it from his father, since some part of him always knew the truth-- that he’d never be good enough. No matter how much to tried.                 This word typically was woven into insincere statements. People who looked at him, but didn’t quite see him. Didn’t want to see him. They wanted to see what they fantasized about, as was typical of being a famous figure. It was a word that was filled with lies essentially.                 However when Marinette said it, something was different. Very Different.                 The blonde felt his heart leap in his chest, the tone she’d uttered it in certainly not helping. Why had his heart seemed to jump start in his chest, and now was running wild without control? Why was it, that a feeling of elation similar to when Ladybug encouraged him or gave him praise-- was coursing through him?                 Of course, her clarification didn’t stop the feeling in his heart. Didn’t stop the nerves in his stomach that had suddenly arose out of nowhere. Didn’t stop the small amount of color that had risen to his cheeks as a result, resulting in a small chuckle falling from his lungs in order to distract from it. Was he attempting to distract Marinette or himself-- was the question. The boy’s confusion only continued with these new feelings, as his attention was soon drawn again by her voice.                 Seeing the color red on her didn’t do well for his heart at all. It reminded him of the path his affections had initially took... Although strangely enough, he didn’t feel guilt or remorse in his chest. Instead, there was a certain bit of astonishment. A piece of the puzzle had been laid down, but of course, he was nowhere near the full picture. The main thought in his mind being ‘God, red looks really nice on her.’              Which, to a degree, made it past his lips before he could think about it further.              “No no, I think red is a good color on you actually. It suits you.” Well, at least he hadn’t said it in a way that was as embarrassing as his thoughts. The concept of her paying for the glasses though, proved to help him out of his small daze. Mentally glad that the girl couldn’t see how his eyes were trained on her until now. “Oh, no no I’ve got it. After all, I was the one that invited you here today-- its only right that I pay for it.” The blonde had said with a bright smile, as he reached up and took the glasses off of her face gently. Once again, purposefully invading her space. “I’ll go ring these two up then, okay?”              He didn’t wait for her response, before he went to the counter and paid for the two pairs of sunglasses. Soon returning to her side with a small skip in his step, as he held the glasses out to her. A small smirk on his features.              “Is there an exhibit you want to see first, mademoiselle?” Okay, that last bit had been said by instinct-- and was a bit confused where that came from. ... Somehow, he had a feeling he was only going to face more and more confusion as the day dragged on. 

[cattusnoir-blog]

maskedmuses‌:

            Marinette knew that everything that she could recall, save the last few memories that lingered on her mind from her slumber, had not been a dream. The past day and a half blurred in her mind, the loud ringing of the shot that made her flinch at the idea, to the soothing purring of the love of her life before her. A realization that her mind, so made up on the course of action she was to follow, would be rescinded with the show of comfort from her partner. The same one she was so certain hated her, instead had been beside her the whole time.

            Her sleepy expression was soft, her heart bubbling with the knowledge Adrien did not realize she had. Marinette’s fingers curled against her chest some, the other arm still lingering around him. The small motions of his own hands made the girl smile a bit brighter as she leaned into the gesture. She had only ever dreamed of Adrien doting over her like this, but the reality was so much better than any dream she had ever had.

            “I’m amazed you can wake up early if you stay up late.” Her voice was tender, her mind drifting over the nights they would come back to their homes late in the evenings after patrol, but it fit to how he had stayed up while stuck here in the hospital room with her. After all, her appearance had kept him up much more than he should have been. “I’m always sleeping in after late nights…But it means a lot that you let me sleep here with you.”

            There had been the occasional time where she would nod off onto Chat’s shoulder during patrol, but this was different. There were no masks between them and there was no need for her to stay awake, aside from keeping him company. Her dreams had been sweet, a reminder of how much she cared for both sides of him. The rose, still vibrant in her dreams, made her think that she would take the time to return one to him, with more of her feelings.

                                    Perhaps when he was better.

            Nodding slowly, she shifted her dark hair against the pillow. “Really, really well. I had a wonderful dream too.” She murmured, lifting her hand from her chest to his cheek, slipping it between his face and the pillow to cradle him some in her palm. Her gaze flitted about the different parts of his face, the aspects she had never looked at in this particular way before. It was different than any of the pictures she longingly observed. Everything made sense.

            There was a moment where she pondered if she should tell him that she knew of his identity. That Plagg had come out of hiding to confirm her suspicions when he purred beside her in the night. That those green eyes finally were recognized for who they belonged to beneath the magic that the Kwamis provided to keep them secret. Her thoughts were interrupted by his question, which only served to make her mind come to its decision.

            “I’m not going to go anywhere, unless you want me to.” Marinette was firm in it, she shifting closer to him again. “You said…” She began, lowering her eyes to the spot he had been shot. Taking in the gauze that covered the wound, knowing that through the pain, Adrien had full intent in being by her side. “You would protect me, and be with me, no matter what. That… my heart couldn’t be strong without those to support me.”

            “And you’re right. More than anything, I need you with me, Adrien.” Her words did not waver, but her gaze lifted to meet his own. A smile accompanied the blush that grew on her cheeks as she neared him, allowing the words to come straight from her heart, unfiltered. “As someone I would give everything for, I need you to be with me, since I don’t know how I’ll deal with a future where I can’t be completely myself for a while. But, I can be that way with you, can’t I?”

            Slowly, she moved her chin up, shifting very slightly to where she moved just a breath away from him. The smile grew as she leaned in, pressing her lips to his exposed cheek, using the arm that embraced him already to pull him in close for a hug for a moment. Marinette lingered, gently releasing him and tilting her head, as if she might instead move her aim for his lips instead. “Isn’t that right…” She whispered, flicking her gaze to meet his own.

                                                            “Partner?”

            They say that home is where the heart is. That your true home, is where your chest feels as if its on air. Content, peaceful, and joyous. Adrien knew for a long time that his own home didn’t fit that definition. That it hadn’t for the longest time. Over time, he slowly came to realize that home... Wasn’t always where a house stood. Wasn’t always where your family lived. No, no home could be with someone else. In the company of someone else. Although to say that was all that Marinette was to him, would be an understatement. She was his other half. The ying to his yang, just as Tikki was the other half of Plagg. Perhaps this is why they’d been chosen-- had it been destiny? Or was that just the romantization of it all in his mind? He only hoped, that he was half as important to the girl as she was to him. Or at least, he want to be.                 He wanted to be there for her, now more than ever. The girl’s world was about to change into something beyond recognition, and it was evident that she’d need help. This aid, he was more than happy to give. Given that he’d give her anything without hesitation, if it was within his power. Adrien just wanted her happy. Just wanted her smiling. The smile that adorned her lips now, made his heart feel like it was fluttering inside his chest-- like a happy bird awaiting to be let out of its cage.              The girl had him wrapped around her little finger, and he wondered if she’d ever truly comprehend that. Because at the mere touch of his cheek, he felt his being relax. Her touch was soothing beyond belief, and borderline therapeutic. Scratch that, it was definitely healing to him. Because something like the loving touch of someone who cherished him, was happily eaten up by the heart of a touch-starved adolescent.              “Glad to hear it.” His voice came soft in return to the confirmation the girl had slept soundly. Although, there was a bit of question then regarding the name she’d spoken not a moment earlier-- but he pushed it off to the side to debate later. For now, he wanted to relish in this moment. In the warmth that radiated off of her like the bright sun overhead. Bringing light into his very being.              It was only when the girl drew a bit closer, that the bird in his chest started to hasten. Not much at first, merely the recognition that he was quite close to the girl that held his heart. Happiness still radiating through his body, working through his veins like a second blood. The words that fell from her lips confirming her stay, further proving to calm him. Well, calm until he felt her lips on his cheek. Color quickly bloomed on his features, the drowsiness that he had before now thrown to the far horizon. The sound of the hastened heart monitor but a dull droll in the background of his mind. 

            It had been within the next moment, that the blonde felt his mind short circuit. Restart from zero. Scroll back to the beginning and freeze, as if time itself had fallen silent to the world around them. Well, except for the incessant beeping of the machine. Beep, beep, beep, beep--              She knew. Somehow, the girl in his arms had put the pieces together whilst he’d slumbered. Once this fact had solidified in his mind after a moment, the pieces started to fall into place. The tear stains on her face... had... had the reason for those been--              In the next moment, the arms that had been loosely wrapped around her before-- were clinging to her tightly as if she were to vanish into thin air. Seems that with rest, the boy had recovered a good bit of strength-- or perhaps it was merely through will that he was able to hold her like this. In truth, it didn’t matter how she found out. At least, it didn’t matter to him right now. What mattered, was her. What mattered, was her heart.              “... Yeah, that’s right.” His voice came after a long moment, a bit strangled with emotion. Although, it certainly wasn’t anything bad. The blonde couldn’t help the small smile that had spread on his lips. Nuzzling into the crown of the girl’s head. “... I told you he didn’t hate you, didn’t I? I... I could never, Princess. Please, know that...” The beeping of the machine was still incessant in his ear, but he ignored it. “I’m not going anywhere. I don’t... I don’t want to scare you like that again. I’m so, so sorry.”