Nathaniel Appreciation Week, Day 3: Favorite Ship
“You’re getting better at that.” Queen B landed lightly beside Paon and he quickly closed his fan. “I mean, you still aren’t good, of course, but it looks at least a little like improvement.”
“A pleasure as always, Queenie,” he replied dryly.
She smirked. “I was bored and came out early and already checked some stuff out. Seems like a quiet night.”
“That’s good. I have a lot of work to get back to.”
“And here I was hoping we would have the opportunity to get to know each other better.”
Paon glanced sideways at her. “I honestly don’t know if you’re being serious or sarcastic.”
Queen B waved a hand. “It’s part of my charm,” she grinned. “Let’s go hang out somewhere and chat for a few minutes.”
He frowned. “We’re supposed to patrol.”
“Oh, please. I’ve seen Ladybug and Chat sitting all over the place, just talking. I don’t think they do much patrolling, if you get my drift.”
“I don’t know. I’m still kinda new at this. I think I’m supposed to pay my dues or something, right?”
“See, this is exactly why I asked to partner up with you.” Queen B shook her head. “I could tell you were going to be another Carapace and one is enough.”
She backed up to the edge of the roof and waved. “It’s okay to have some fun.” And with that, she let herself fall backwards, Paon hot on her heels.
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Paon laughed, trying to catch his breath after their chasing flight across the city. “I can’t believe we did that!”
Queen B preened. “That’s what you get when you hang with royalty.”
“You’re a little ridiculous.”
She rolled her eyes. “You would get along great with my kwami. She tells me that often.”
“Is that something you get used to? Having them around all the time? I’ve always been on my own and now I have this magical creature with me twenty-four-seven.”
Queen B shrugged. “To be honest, it was kinda nice. I’ve never really had...” She trailed off and Paon watched something shift across her face. She lifted her chin defiantly. “You’ll get used to it.”
“Did you really ask to partner up with me?”
“Because I didn’t want you to be all serious business like Carapace.”
“He’s been pretty cool the few times I’ve been with him,” Paon contested.
“Fine,” she huffed. “I wanted my own partner, okay? Of course Ladybug and Chat weren’t switching up and Rena and I end up being,” she made air quotes with her fingers and rolled her eyes, “too competitive. Carapace and I went out a few times and he’s pleasant but he prefers Rena.” She sighed, avoiding his gaze. “I thought maybe with you it would be okay.”
“You weren’t very nice to me at first,” he pointed out.
“I’m not very nice to anyone at first,” she sniffed. “It’s something I’m working on.”
Queen B eyed him warily. “For what?”
“For choosing me. I’m not sure I’m cut out for this and even if your reasons are a little selfish, it’s nice to know someone actually wants me around.”
Her hand went briefly to her hair. “If anyone isn’t cut out for this, it’s me. Maybe we can help each other.”
Paon smiled. “I’d really like that.”
“Good. Now, enough of this mushy crap. Go down to that cart and buy me a coffee,” Queen B demanded. “And make sure they use skim milk. I will send you back if I have to.”
