chloe-carrie

[chloe-carrie]

Fic “Maybe, it's fate?”

Chapter 3: “Confusing feelings”

Marinette knew her heart was torn between two worlds, and this conflict hurt her. Adrian has been always there for her, supported her in difficult moments, but every time he's tried to get closer, she's felt guilty. She hasn't been able to admit to him the true feelings she's felt, for fear of destroying the tender friendship that bound them.

But Chat Noir was different. He's seen her like not just an ordinary girl, but a real superheroine. He understood that she literally saved his heart when Lady Bug's rejected him. Marinette was dreaming of what it'd be like to hear his light laugh again, to feel the confidence he's given her in moments of dangers.

She's often found herself thinking she'd give up everything just to be with her Chatton. Even if it meant leaving Adrian, the kind and devoted friend, behind. Because she felt much calmer with Chat Noir, not getting lost in words, as it was usual to Adrian.

Every day her feelings have for Chat grown stronger, and now she doesn't know where these confusing feelings would lead her. And if she doesn't talk to Adrian directly, she's going to lose everything.

She could feel the silence pulsing, growing with every passing moment. Adrian was sitting infront of her. The words she's dared to utter to him couldn't find a way out, as if they pierced her with fear and shame. She knew true love requires honesty, but she was still trapped by her own contradictions.

Last night, when Chat was walking with her, was a revelation for her. His gaze, full of tenderness and understanding, was causing the storms of emotions to her that she couldn't ignore. Every moment she spent with him was etched in her heart, but at the same time, she realized it was playing with fire. She still hasn't realized who she loves…

Her heart was aching at the thought one day she'd have to make a choice. Adrian deserves happiness, not a shadow of her insecurity. But how could she exist without the indescribable connection that has sprung up between her and Chat? Questions were pouring in, and only silence were her only solace, trapping her in a cycle of sufferings and hopes.

She had to decide what was more important: to follow her heart or to stick to what was familiar. Adrian has been always there for her, his laughter has burned her soul, but thoughts of the hero have haunted her. Every moment in the fight against the dark forces connected her to him by invisible threads, and now these threads were pulling stronger than ever.

She remembered the last time they faced the monster together, the streams of energy had overwhelmed her. At the moment, their eyes met, like the whole world stopped — she felt she could overcome any darkness with him. But instead, she found herself in a cycle of thought again, no matter how hard she tried, everything looked so confusing.

Marinette sighed, trying to bring her thoughts back to herself. “Maybe I should talk to Adrian?” she thought. “Am I honest with my heartache when he is there and ready to support her? But is my heart really drawn to him, or to the mysterious hero hiding behind the mask?” There were two ways, and both promised her a new beginning, but she didn't decide which one will be chosen.

She's often tried to figure out how to love two completely different people at the same time. Every talk to Adrian has filled her with joy, but thoughts of Chat Noir have haunted her. In his eyes, she's seen the secret worlds that she hasn't dared to look into. He is like a riddle that she wants to solve, but at the same time she is afraid that the answer might destroy it.

When Adrian has been laughing and joking, her gaze involuntarily has slid to Chat, who has still smiled in her thoughts. These moments caused confusion in her. Why couldn't she just enjoy the moment? Why has her heart still drawn to both of them, as if each of them were part of the same whole?

One day, when she was walking in the park with Chat, their gazes suddenly crossed to each other, and at that moment she realized that there was an invisible thread connecting two fates between him and her. Inside her, there the conflict flared up: her heart wanted to follow her feelings, but her mind suggested sometimes it was better to stay in the safety of friendship. But was it the right thing to do?..

Finally, Chat Noir escaped from the silence and said gently:

“You know, Marinette, I can see in your eyes that you're confused about yourself. You're looking for a decision, trying to do something to change the situation, but understand that sometimes decisions come when you least expect them.”

His words hung in the air like an echo of old secrets, and she thought maybe everything she needed to do was just relax and listen to her feelings. The feelings roared inside her like the wind rushing around, and she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to focus.

“I know you're right, Chaton, but I can't just sit here and wait for everything to be resolved. I have to do something on my own. And I have a choice that can change everything,” she replied.

At first it was quiet in that talk, but soon the wind, like a faithful companion, picked their thoughts up and made them spin in a dance of shared doubts. She looked at Chat, the lights of understanding and support were sparkling in his eyes.

He stepped closer to protect her from the wind.:

“Sometimes, to do something, you just should stop and listen to yourself.”

These simple but so right words filled her heart with hope. She breathed deeply and felt the warmth envelop her. Now when they were silent, hugging each other, the city streets became truly alive, as if the awakening has taken place in them too.

Adrian noticed her confusion and asked with concern:

“Are you okay, Marinette?”

She immediately returned to the ground and looked at her friend. His eyes were shining with sincere interest, and it only intensified her inner conflict. She nodded, but deep down she knew she was deceiving not only him, but also herself. The inner voice was whispering that she should sort her feelings out, but the fear of losing something valuable was stopping her.

Chaton has left a deep mark in her life — his laughter, his affectionate words, his ability to relax her in the most intense moments. On the days when she felt lonely, he was always there, like a safe haven. But now, when Adrian reminds her of a new, vibrant life, she feels the tension she has been avoiding for so long.

She looked at Adrian again, and in his smile, there was a reliable light that warmed her soul.

“You know,” finally she said, “I need more time to understand, what I feel.”

Sighing, she felt the fog lift a little, leaving room for new possibilities. «Hooray, I took the first step! Thank you, God!»

Adrian breathed, trying to control his growing tension. His gaze fell on her hands, what were nervously fingering the hem of her dress. He remembered how once they were jokingly talking about the future, about they would become best friends, always supporting each other. But now it seems this world has broken into small pieces, like a fragile bubble that has burst from a careless touch.

She looked up and met his anxious gazes. At that moment, he thought the whole world around them stopped, and only silence remained, full of unfinished phrases and unspoken words. In her eyes, he saw a reflection of his own doubts and fears that sprung up between them like an invisible wall. Inside them, there was a question that never dared leave his mouth: what has changed between them?

He knew he had to say something, but the words didn't wanna come. Instead, he was just standing there, feeling hope and despair warring. If she feels this change too, it means they still have a chance to understand each other, maybe even save what's left of their friendship. Time stood still, and Adrian realized this moment would be crucial in their lives.

Chat has always continued to look confident, as if he knew that his charm could kill all doubts. His light laugh, like a sweet melody, was mesmerizing, and then she has forgotten about her torments. He has lured her into a dance of thoughts and feelings, where every step has reinforced that fragile thread of their connection. But after it, fears and doubts have grew stronger in her mind, anyway.

Adrian was different. His support was like a solid stone in the stormy sea of her emotions. He was always there, in joy and sorrow, ready to listen and understand. But doubts were gaining strength: would she be able to divide her life between two such different people, each of whom knew the way to her heart? The chaos created by her feelings seemed too complicated to unravel.

Deep down, she knew she had to make a decision. Perhaps the only option to find harmony was to focus on your true desires. It's time to think about what's really important, and what path will lead to sincere happiness, not just fleeting moments of joy.

“I need you to know that a wild fear is raging inside me,” Marinette said, and the cold wind seemed to blow those words away, “and I can't get rid of it.”

Adrian cautiously approached closer, and his eyes filled with concern. His hand touched her shoulder gently, and at that moment she felt the warmth of his touch dissolve her worries. But the depth of her fear remained unchanged, like a shadow lurking in the corners of her soul.

“Fear of what?” He asked, as if trying to understand the vague contours of her thoughts. She shook her head, unable to formulate everything that has accumulated in her heart.

“Fear of losing you,” she finally answered, and those words sounded like a confession that could change everything, but not their friendship.

Adrian immediately looked at her, hoping for more, something that could affect his feelings for her. «I would have thought she is telling me 'bout her love, but she's not… she's too good for me... and we're just friends...» he thought.

“I feel the same,” he said intimately, and 'cause of these words hope sang in her heart. They were standing in front of each other as if at the edge of precipice, and each of them knew that the choice had already been made.

Marinette closed her eyes for a moment, trying to put her thoughts together.

«What if I decide?» The thought flashed through her mind, making the heart beat faster. She remembered their meetings when they've been walking with Alya and Nino as a ‘support’, his soft laughter that carried through the air, connecting their souls. But fear constantly prevented her from taking a step forward. “I don't believe I'm that stubborn!”

Reflecting on her feelings, she looked back at Paris. The city, where every turn breathes magic, reminded her of the importance of following her desires.

Finally, sitting at her desk in her room, Marinette was thinking 'bout the problems that were torturing her every day, every hour, every minute and every second. She was clasping and unclasping her hands to calm down when her nerves gave out.

Tikki saw all this and decided to help her by encouraging:

“Marinette, you definitely handle it, I'm sure!”

“Thanks, Tikki,” somehow she uttered, unable to turn her head to Tikki.

“How are you? Better? Maybe, you should call Alya?”

“No, I shouldn't, I'm okay,” she tried to get her expression back to normal and glanced at Tikki, but she didn't seem to believe her.

“Marinette, just be honest with yourself, don't think about anyone or anything. Just say the first thing that comes to mind!”

Marinette decided to relax and lie down on the bed to make it more comfortable. Inside, she released her thoughts, as kwami had advised. So, she understood what her heart wanted, and it wanted…

.

“I have to see Chat Noir!” Yes, that's the first thing she wanted to say, or rather, she said it, but her soul wanted it.

“Are you sure?” Tikki asked, when she heard her owner's words.

“Yes! That's what I need!”

“So, you love him?”

“Bull's-eye! He's someone I'm one hundred percent sure of, but loving Adrian has been meaningless for a long time…”

“Well, then go ahead.”

“I'll see him as soon as I can, but first I need to talk to Adrian, he deserves the truth!” She whispered it rather than said it in a full voice, but it was what her inner voice was telling her. “He must know that we can't be together, otherwise I won't forgive myself…”

Steeling herself, Marinette decided to not postpone the meeting. She quickly typed in the message and sent it with the sinking heart. The seconds were dragging by, and hope was in the air.

She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, tryna catch the smell of the coffee they've usually drunk during long discussions. It wasn't just a time, but an era full of dreams and ambitions. Every time they looked for decisions and came up with new ideas, she felt like there was an invisible glow between them, something more than just a professional connection.

But now when they have chosen their separate ways, that glow seemed to be just a ghostly echo.

She opened her eyes again and looked out the window, where spring was singing. A smile touched her lips, and determination, like light breaking through clouds, gradually was filling her.

Marinette sighed and looked away from the mirror, reflecting on how many times she has let her fears rule her life. Every time she thought about her feelings for Adrian, her heart skipped a beat with excitement.

“What if everything works out and we can be friends?” This thought, like a light breeze, enveloped her, awakening a sea of possibilities inside. This is not the time to retreat — it is the time to act.

Her heart was pounding like crazy, and her thoughts were like darting birds, giving her no peace. She didn't know how she'd give up her fear. But what if everything disappears, and her bold attempt only breaks the invisible thread that bound them?

Earlier, when she has loved him, she has tried so hard to not show her feelings, so as not to spoil the fragile friendship. Every time they've met, she has looked for an excuse to touch him: a light touch on his shoulder or a hand that accidentally bumped into his. These moments have given her inner light, but at the same time have increased her fear of rejection. As if she has been on thin ice, she has never known when it might crack under her feet.

Every morning she woke up thinking about how to open up to her, but each time she closed herself inwardly. She needed to take a step, at least one, to avoid this mental anguish. In the end, she decided, «I have to tell him the truth. Even if it might be painful, I want to say it!»

She breathed, trying to suppress the excitement that was squeezing her heart. Conflicting emotions raged inside her: fear, hope, and a slight joy at the thought that perhaps everything would change. Marinette looked at Adrian, who seemed to be waiting for her initiative, and felt her resolve grow stronger.

«Start with a simple one,» she decided, swallowing the taste of the dull silence that surfed between them.

“Adrian, I…” the words seemed to stick in her throat, but she couldn't afford to give up again. “I've been thinking about us for a long time, about what's between us…”

In her voice , there was so much tenderness that the guy, as if mesmerized by magic, began to listen to her words, and his gaze became more focused. Marinette was struggling to find the words, because each of them could be the end of everything.

“I'm afraid, but I can't keep it to myself anymore,” she continued, and tears sprang from her eyes, showing how much she was worried. “I understand that everything have changed between us, but…”

Adrian, lowering his head, began to realize there was more between them than just a friendship, but that something more would turn to dust right at the moment.

“But we can't be together, 'cause I love someone else,” she finished, exhaled heavily and closed her eyes. “Let's be honest with each other, regardless of the circumstances,” she said gently.

Adrian nodded. Inside his heart, he didn't understand who she loved, and he didn't even dream of thinking she might feel sympathy for him (it didn't make sense about a second person at all), 'cause who could love him…

He held his hand out, and she didn't hesitate to offer hers, standing up, after what Adrian wrapped her in a strong hug. It became a symbol of their openness and mutual understanding, an important step towards a future that would finally go in the right direction, but not in a different meaning.

[chloe-carrie]

Fic “Maybe, it's fate”

Chapter 2: “Two hearts under the snow”

Marinette stayed on the bridge, looking out over the sparkling surface of the Seine reflecting the lights of the city. Snowflakes gathered around, whirling in a dance, as if they were part of this magic themselves. Chat Noir, noticing her thoughtfulness, quietly went closer, his eyes were glowing in the dark. With every passing moment, their closeness became a feeling of warmth, as if the snowy cold didn't have any power over them.

“It's so beautiful here,” she said, grinning, and put her hand on the cold railing of the bridge. “It's like time stopped.”

Chat Noir nodded, his heart was enjoyable and calm.

“Sometimes we can just stop and relish a moment,” he replied, sure that it was one of those rare seconds worth cherishing in memory.

They continued their walk, leaving footprints in the snow. They found joy in every sparkle of the glowing lights, and a new surprise in every turn of the street. The world around them, full of hopes and dreams, knew only their happiness, and they were inseparable on this magical evening, like two elements of one beautiful landscape.

The snow was falling gently on their shoulders, as if the world wanted to caress them on this cold day itself. Cat raised his head and gazed with delight at the flakes of snow that were fluttering in the darkened sky.

“Can you imagine what a joy it would be if we could make snowballs right now? — He said, opening his eyes, full of playful sparkle.

Marinette smiled:

“It's funny, but if only you don't mind to be a little dirty.”

She pulled him to a cozy bench where they relaxed and enjoyed the moment. Cat sat down, happily wiping the snow from his shoes.

“You know, these walks are like miracle, when we can forget about our secrets for a moment,” he told, looking at her tenderly.

They were sitting in silence for a long time, listening to the snow crunch under the feet of passersby and enjoying the smell of gingerbreads wafting from the nearest cafe.

Suddenly Marinette asked:

“What if we pull ourselves together and have a snow battle?”

Cat thought with a frowning face for a moment, then nodded with a wide smile:

“Let's go, but I promise I win!”

The snow was creaking under their feet, and the cold wind was playing with Marinette's hair. She was feeling the warmth from Chat Noir's hand being transferred to her, filling her heart with joy.

“Why do you always manage to make the world around you a better place?” She asked, looking into his bright green eyes.

He just shook his head and replied with a smile:

“Because you are here. You are my inspiration!”

Marinette blushed at those words. She still didn't understand how dear she was to him, she could only imagine that he liked her as a friend, noone more.

Sparkling flakes of snow were in the air, and every moment seemed magical. Marinette remembered that yesterday, she was dreaming of such an evening when the winter fairy tale would become a reality. They kept walking, funny stories and dreams of the future flashed through their conversation. Every step brought them closer to home, but her heart wouldn't let go of that moment.

“Let's stay for a minute,” Chat Noir suggested, stopping under a bright star. They raised their heads, admiring the night sky dotted with sparkling dots. “As long as we're here, anything is possible,” he said, and Marinette felt that she'd remember this evening forever.

Marinette thought about her feelings for Adrian, feeling the light evening wind.

“Sometimes it seems like we're not just friends, like more than a friendship,” she said gently, not wanting to break the magic of the moment.

Chat Noir, leaning in closer, added:

You know you and Adrian have a special bond. He doesn't just see you as a friend.

Previously, Cat had felt an inner struggle between his essence and loving Lady Bug, so he understands Marinette perfectly.

“I had always hoped she'd see in me what I see. But it was scary that her feelings could remain at a distance,” he confessed, looking into the distance, as if searching for answers among the clouds.

Marinette stared at him, realizing they both were experiencing similar emotions while in a difficult relationship.

“But maybe,” she said, “sometimes it's just worth being honest to yourself and each other. Feelings can't be hidden forever.”

Chat Noir nodded, realizing that opening his heart is the first step to a real relationship, no matter how difficult it might be.

“So,” Marinette started, “you still love Lady Bug?”

“No,” he drooped. “For a long time.”

“How come?” She was hard to accept that he abandoned her so “easily”.

“She had rejected me too often, and I realized we couldn't be together.”

“And now?” She asked after a moment of silence.

“What ‘and now’?” Chat Noir lifted his head and looked straight into his luv's eyes.

“Do you love someone now?” Because of her self-doubt, she couldn't even dream of his loving her, even though she'd have wanted to.

Chat Noir only grunted in response, but smiled.

Marinette sighed, looking at Paris at night, the lights were sparkling like stars. The memories of her and Chat Noir's adventures have filled her heart with tenderness. She remembered that they have been fighting against unusual violences together, that they have laughed merrily after successful missions, and it seemed the world was full of possibilities. But with each new mission, their distance has been growing, and she has feeling that their relationship has been overshadowed by the shadow of an understatement.

Chat Noir, standing next to her, noticed the color on her face changed to sadness. He understood she was considering their connection, and he'd like to find a way to return the sparkle that once connected them.

“Hey, Marinette,” he began. His voice was trembling with excitement. “Do you remember that we promised to always support each other? I'm still here and I'm ready to fight for us.”

Marinette turned to him, and their gazes met. In her eyes, there was a hope, but also fear of losing him completely.

“I ain't sure, Chat. Everything changed. Maybe we became different people?” she said it silently.

He stepped closer, holding out his hand, his rush of warmth melted the ice in her heart.

“Let's not give up. We can still fix it. We just need to take a step forward.”

Marinette stopped, her heart started beating faster. She knew this decision would be a turning point. Deep down, she also dreamed of this conversation, where she could take off all the masks and just be herself. Her gaze met Chat Noir's eyes, and she saw not only concern, but also hope in them

“I… I feel that way too,” she replied, trying to not tremble with excitement. “But it's difficult ‘cause we're always playing tricks on each other, acting roles.” As if she knew this moment came, she took a step forward, pushing aside her fears and doubts. “I wanna be honest with you, but I don't know how I can start.”

Chat Noir nodded, realizing this honesty was worth its weight in gold.

“Let's just talk about us, without illusions. I don't wanna hide myself anymore.”

He reached for her, his hand barely touching hers, as if he was afraid this moment might disappear if he did something wrong.

Marinette took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner petrel. Every moment spent with him brought both sweet excitement and apprehension. She remembered how much this human meant to her, how his smile could melt the coldest moments. But now their relationship was shrouded in difficulties, and the fear of losing him again weighed on her shoulders like a heavy stone.

“Tell me, what you are feeling,” she blurted out, unable to hold back any longer.

His eyes, full of understatement, looked at her as if they were searching for an answer in her words. Marinette realized her voice was trembling, but she could hide in the shadow of doubt no longer. Every second was dragging them into the abyss of silence, and this moment was lingering on endlessly.

He slowly opened his lips and said something that sounded like a familiar melody, but with a hint of new hope. At that moment, Marinette realized they'd only be able to open their hearts to each other when they both were ready to accept sincerity and vulnerability. This path will be thorny, but their feelings were more valuable than any obstacles.

[chloe-carrie]

Fic: “Maybe, it's fate”

Chapter 1: “But he wanted another”

In the evening, after school, Marinette was sitting by the window, looking at the city lights. She was feeling so alone, so unwanted. Suddenly she heard the familiar feline mew.

“Cat Noir?” She whispered, looking at him in surprise.

“Hey, Marinette,” Cat Noir replied, easily climbing onto the balcony.

“What are you doing here?” Marinette asked, trying to hide her excitement.

“I came to check on you,” he said and saw her with care. “How are you?”

“I don't know, to be honest,” she whispered and shrugged her shoulders. — Such a confusing day.

“Tell me?”

Marinette looked at him as if he was her own. She has loved him for several years after she realized that loving Adrian no longer made sense. After all, in fact, because of her love for him, she always made catastrophic mistakes. The most important of all is the loss of the miraculouses. Quite recently, she confined the Dog miraculous to Felix, Adrian's brother, thinking that he was Adrian. He took away Lady Bug's yo-yo and gave it to the Shadow Moth. That was able to use this yo-yo to get all the other miraculouses, except for Lady Bug's earrings and Cat Noir's ring.

“Nothing special happened. It's just that every day I come across the boy I used to love.”

“Oh, I'm sorry.”

“Everything is okay, it's just unpleasant.”

“But why you loved? Now you don't?”

“No longer…” she drooped.

“But why?” Cat Noir was really surprised that because of some asshole, her relationship wasn't functioning. “What he did?”

“Nothing bad,” Marinette waved her hands, making clearly that everything was fine. “Just because of this love...” she looked into the distance and realized how hard it was to remember the past. “I've failed.”

At that moment, the Cat immediately realized how similar her situation was to Lady Bug — he still couldn't forget how he comforted his partner and said all good words if only to calm her down. After hearing this, he began to sympathize with Marinette even more. “Oh, I wish I could introduce her to Lady Bug...” he thought, briefly lost in his memories.

He loves Marinette for a long time, because it became clear that Lady Bug'd never look at him anyway, and he saw Marinette from the other side. She's wonderful, talented, kind, beautiful, generous!

“I'm sorry to bother you... I must have hurt you...” Cat even pushed his eyes aside.

“What? No!” Marinette was so shocked by Cat's words that she started screaming at him not to think badly about himself. “It's not your fault!”

“I don't know, I see how you are feeling…”

Cat Noir sighed, and Marinette started shaming herself in her mind.

“But not so that you blame yourself.” She clamped down, ‘hugging herself’ with her arms.

“You're right, sorry.” He decided to not avert his eyes and look directly at his luv.

“Okay,” Marinette smiled, then suggested an impulse idea: “Should we go get an ice cream?”

“Yeah,” Cat inspired, “and you will tell me everything.”

Marinette giggled.

“Would you mind?..” He didn't ask when he approached her.

“No, no,” she smiled: finally, she will in full force be close to her Cat.

Cat Noir picked her up, jumped off the balcony and climbed on the pole very high from the ground, looking for Andre.

“Do you see him?” Marinette peered into every crevice of the city from above, but due to her poor eyesight, she couldn't watch anything. “I don't.”

Cat was also peering, but unlike Marinette, he was a superhero and had great eyesight, even for a cat. “Yeah!” He pointed a finger at Amsterdam. “It looks like Andre will now walk near the sights to attract more attention,” he laughed.

Marinette found this joke very funny, and she laughed too — partly because of the good humor of her lover, and partly because of some kind of imitation.

They landed on the ground, right in front of Andre.

— Спасибо, — сказала Маринетт, когда тот поставил ее.

“Thank you,” Marinette said, when he put her down.

“No problem.” He even smiled.

They came to the ice cream man, and Marinette asked:

“Hey, Andre! How are you feeling?”

“My greetings, Marinette and Chat Noir! Very good! What about you?” Of course, he was very surprised by the unexpected appearance of the very beautiful couple, though unofficial…

“We're feeling adorable!” Cat laughed again, and Marinette laughed along with him.

“That's great! And in honor of this, I'm giving you the most special ice cream…” Andre put blueberry and orange balls on the cone, as if anticipating the common essence of the two lovers. “Blueberry for the beautiful and charming lady, and orange for the good-natured and frivolous mister!” After these words, he handed them the love shared between them.

“Thank you,” Cat Noir said and took the ice cream. “Have a nice day!”

“And you…” he wished them well, and when they went, he finished, “young lovers.”

After leaving, they began to walk along the bridge. Cat decided to not beat around the bush and asked directly:

“Tell me, what happened to you with that guy?”

Marinette, to be honest, didn't wanna discuss this theme, but she understood that sooner or later she would have to return, and she didn't wish to discuss it with herself, so she decided to dot the i's and cross the t's with her luv.

“Nothing special… I just used to love him, but… there was no way I could tell him what I felt” She was uncomfortable again and clamped down a little. “But recently I found out that he loves someone else, and I stopped feeling something like love for him…” and immediately looked away.

“Is it the only one reason you don't wanna be with him?”

At that moment he looked into her eyes and realized how hard it was to experience nonreciprocity.

“No… because of this love, I make mistakes that hurt all my dears…”

Marinette was sad. She understood she was unlikely to receive support from Cat Noir, because he, in fact, didn't know her at all, although she'd so much like his love for her. She's had feelings for him for a long time, but she's been hiding it for his sake.

“Don't worry,” he hugged her. “You can handle it, and if something happens, I'm here for you.”

Only then Marinette looked at him, realizing that she was able to completely trust her Cat, no matter what happened. They both smiled at each other and hugged stronger.

“Thank you.” In her eyes, there was the caring gratitude. “You're always very good friend.”

“You're welcome,” Cat Noir tried to say it without any emotion, although inside he understood he couldn't be more than a friend to Marinette, but he'd so like to… “Well, let's go,” he decided to dilute the atmosphere before everything got really bad, “tell me his name?”

“What for?” She felt awkward, but she got the thing if she didn't tell him, then trust could be destroyed, and after all, how can she be friends with him later when he feels distrust? “Is it… so important?” Choosing her words carefully, she tried to not offend him.

“Just interesting.” He shrugged his shoulders.” No, if you don't want, you don't have to tell.

“It's okay, I can.” She sighed. “It… It is…”

Cat looked at her and wasn't surprised at all by her indecision. But when he's Adrian, he sees how she sometimes messes up. He even smiled at those memories in his mind.

“It is Adrian Agreste,” she said finally and looked at Cat for some hope.

After hearing that, Cat's world collapsed. Inside, he loved Marinette and wanted to tell her about his love every second, but he knew that something bad could happen. So he even decided to tell her as Adrian, but when he heard that name, he hesitated. “Doesn't he love me anymore?.. And w-what sh-hould-d I d-do?” he thought and sighed heavily.

“Adrian Agreste?” He repeated cautiously. “Well, maybe she mistook?” He was still hoping, hoping that Marinette misspoke. And it'd be very weird, but Cat Noir, who had Adrian inside, didn't wanna realize the bitter truth.

“Yes…” «'Cause you're loved by me, my dear Cat, but Adrian, who hadn't loved me and thought I'm just a friend to him, isn't for a long time.»

The words of his beloved girl hurt him very much, and he felt his mind becoming clouded. Even if the pain inside was growing and it was hard for him, he only showed it for a second.

“Oh, it's… your classmate?” He asked, though he knew everything perfectly well.

“Yeah…” at this time she giggled: it was unusual for her to discuss past ‘relationships’ with current ones.

“Well, this is…” Cat Noir tried to pull himself together, and he was very good at it, but the realization wouldn't let him rest, “very interesting.”

“Maybe it is,” Marinette shrugged her shoulders. “Anyway, I will never see him as a girlfriend, so what's the point?”

“Probably you're right, but are you sure he loves someone else?” He wanted to exhaust Marinette's thoughts so that she'd think only good things about him.

“Yes, 'cause he said it by himself.”

“But you might be wrong.”

“That's right, but anyway, I'm transferring to another school and I'm unlikely to be able to see him.”

“What?” Cat rather shouted it. “Are you transferring to another school?!”

“Yeah…”

“Why?! Only because of that asshole?!”

“Not only because of him,” she mused, “Because I'm moving in soon and…”

“Are you moving?!” Not knowing why, he interrupted her. “Sorry for interrupting.” Cat lowered his eyes.

“It's okay,” she calmed him. “And yes, I'm moving.”

“Where to? And why?” He showed by his whole appearance that he didn't want she to do this, but he couldn't do anything.

“To the closest area. It's 'cause my parents opened a new bakery there, and this one was sold very profitably.” Marinette sighed heavily. “So now we're unlikely to see each other.”

“No way!” He shouted again. “We will see each other! I'll come to you every day…” he promised, and immediately thought, «Hmm, you won't be able to come every day, because of the school,» and corrected his words, “or rather, not just every day, but almost…”

Marinette giggled.

“I got you,” and smiled.

“That's good.” Everything inside him has become very colorful and meaningful to live in. To live in for her. “And don't worry about this egoist, he's not worth you.” For the sake of realism, he even hugged Marinette, and he shrank in his soul: «Fuck, don't you understand?! You're turning her against yourself!» “And if you need any support, then contact me, I'll come to you right away!”

“Thank you,” she smiled again. “You're much better,” «That's why I love you so much...» she added to herself.

“Well, I really like helping and being with that… I mean, I really like helping people!” He blushed because of the fact he almost told about his love to Marinette, although he was a little happy about it.

And she laughed again.

“I don't know who you're helping there, but your advices and jokes are very soothed.”

“Idiot, you just told her that you flirt with other girls!” Inside, Cat Noir reproached himself for the aforementioned and even wanted to hide somewhere, but stayed because of two reasons: first, Marinette would consider him crazy and definitely wouldn't accept him as a boyfriend; and second, he'd not be able to hide from himself, ‘cause Adrian would always follow him wherever he wasn't there.

“No, no, Marinette, I didn't mean it at all!” He started to prove he said some bullshit that wasn't related to the truth. “I got it all wrong again! I was thinking about something else that…” it was after that he realized he had stymied, and either he'd confess the truth or lie completely. “Eh, it seems I'm a jerk.”

“Why?”

“You will think I'm crazy, ‘cause I told you such nonsense!”

“Not at all,” Marinette turned her hands in different sides. “I agree I didn't understand you, but you don't have to explain every word you say. And if you meant that you talk to other girls, that's fine.”

“What?! But I don't talk to other girls!”

“Okay,” she nodded. “Then, what were you telling about?”

Cat Noir was very tight, he didn't wanna talk about his feelings at that moment, ‘cause it was too early. Yes, he might miss the chance, but he wasn't going to talk. Or he was?..