I was late again. But this time I had good reason. Well, I never had a good reason. I had stayed up hours after receiving Chat's text message. He had really cornered me there. So of course, I was greeted once more by a seemingly empty courtyard. Running into my love interest at that specific moment was both a curse and a blessing. A blessing in the sense that it was the Adrien Agreste and a curse in the fact that I was only going to be even later.

I saved myself from an embarrassing collision, but dropped my book in a shallow puddle. I would have to worry about that later. But now, it seemed that Adrien needed saving, and it was only fair I re-payed him. His usually clear and happy eyes were murky and shadowed, narrow slits that should have been wide with ease. 

There was only one solution to brightening up anyone's day. A warm, friendly, embrace. I threw in a shoulder pat for good measure before rushing off to my own class.

As per usual, class dragged on, and lunch passed. It was in the final period I found myself sitting in class next to none other than Adrien. "Hi, Marinette." He said, sliding into the seat beside me.

I pushed my things over, giving a smile. "H-hello." I blushed.

Several students were off on a service trip, including Nino and Alya. No matter the fact that it was only sixty minutes, the class I spent sweating nervously next to Adrien felt like an eternity. When the final bell finally went, my teacher was still yet to finish. "Okay bye Adrien see you tomorrow feel better!" I said, grabbing my things and running from the class.

"Marin- Alright, class dismissed." I heard Madame finish hurriedly.

That was it. I was home free!

---{-}---

[Can we meet up soon? I really want someone to talk to.] The message arrived in the evening, right as I finished up the homework I was sporadically completing.

It lacked any of the usual emoticons, symbols or kaomjis. I typed out a response as fast as I could. [Yes, of course. Where should we meet?]

[Same place as yesterday?]

[See you in five.]

---{-}---

When I reached the bridge, I spotted the feline-themed boy instantly. His fists were clenched and he was staring the water below. Chat Noir rested his forearms on the railing, leaning forwards in the most subconscious of ways. I approached him wordlessly, stopping next to him before copying his position. "Thanks for coming." He said softly.

"Psh, I wasn't doing anything anyways." I teased lightly.

When he cracked the slightest of smiles, a flower of warmth bloomed - no, burst open behind my rib cage. We continued to stare off quietly, the only sound the water below and our breathing. And the occasional person or pigeon. 

I looked over once, maybe ten minutes later, and saw Chat's usually-mischievous eyes swimming with tears. Without a word, thought or question, I reached over and held one of his hands with my own. I intertwined our fingers, squeezing once. Suddenly, his grip tightened, squishing my hand. I didn't complain. 

In one swift motion, Chat broke our hands apart and pulled me into a hug. I was surprised, to say the least. A full moment passed of his arms wrapped tightly around my upper arms and torso before I finally moved to hug him back. "Ladybug, thank you." Chat breathed into my hair.

I pulled back then, giving an encouraging smile. "Better?" I asked, reaching up to wipe a tear from under his eye.

"Y-yeah. Thanks." He said again, turning his flushed face away.

"Of course. You don't have to be embarrassed. Everybody cries sometimes." I said, letting a little smirk slide onto my face as I began to walk off.

"I was not- hey, wait up!" Chat said, rushing to catch up.

He trailed slightly behind me as we continued on, shooting playful jibes at one another. Our phones buzzed at the same time, announcing a new challenge. [ Same as yesterday, just meet up with your partner casually. Tap here for the SIN Challenge. Tap here for the INNOCENT Challenge. ]

Before Chat could interject, I smacked the innocent button. "Innocent, I presume?" He sighed playfully.

"Why, yes." I smirked, turning around to read the new message.

Boop his nose. I glanced up Chat's smiling face. "We do have the same challenge, correct?"

"I don't care." I said, lunging forward to try and smack Chat's nose.

"Nice try, M'lady." He said, stepping back.

Then it was his turn to try and tap my nose. I leaned back, running off. Why did we always end up chasing each other?

"I'm going to catch you!" He called, gaining on me.

"T!" I yelled.

"What?"

"Time out!" I laughed, stepping around him to land on a bench.

"Okay, M'lady." He said, sitting next to me.

Chat's arm found it way to around my shoulders and I found I didn't mind all that much. "We keep ending up with me chasing you." He laughed.

"Well, you still haven't caught me."

"Yet."

"Yet."

====

AN

====

Ok I think I did a little too much development. 

JK I meant drama.....\

BUT WHATEVER RIGHT]

SORRY I PROMISED THIS UPDATE FOR MUCH EARLIER BUT I ENDED UP SLEEPIN EARLY YESTERDAY SINCE WE HAD A GUEST OVER AND THEN I PROCRASTINATED AND GOT UP AT 10 CAUSE I HAVEN'T SLEPT IN IN A WEEK

PREE SURE IMMA STAY UP TONIGHT THO

Also, I will be posting a special one-shot soon to go with chapter 12 ;) so watch for that. k loveessssssss

Dolllururruuuuuu