[Adrien's POV]

Plagg is lounging on my bed eating camembert. When my ring got infected by Hawk Moth it really took a toll on him. He said the akuma temporarily weakened his magic but I think he's milking it a little. He seemed fine during the battle against Bubble-gum.

"Plagg I have to go back and see who's hiding out in my mum's observatory." I plead. "My dad's grounded me and I can't sneak out on my own."

"Fiiiine!" Plagg groans.

"Alright! Claws out!"

.

I leap from rooftop to rooftop, enjoying the midnight breeze, but when I catch sight of the observatory I come to a dead stop. My father's car is parked outside. Why would we go back? Maybe he is taking care of whoever was squatting there. Well, I can't go back now if he's there.

I change my course and instead head for Marinette's house.

[Narrator's POV]

Marinette originally bought her kitty themed pyjamas as a joke but the fabric was so soft she couldn't resist trying it on. She was intending to give it to Cat Noir to make him laugh so it's a bit big on her, but that makes it even comfier. Marinette was sketching out on her balcony when Cat Noir suddenly drops by. She leaps up from her chair, drops her stuff and throws herself at Cat Noir.

"Chat!" Marinette exclaims happily as she hugs him.

"Hey there Mari." Cat Noir greets. "It's been a while."

Marinette pulls away and smiles. Cat Noir takes a proper look at her for the first time. His cheeks flush red and he brings a hand up to his mouth to contain his excitement.

"You look so adorable!" Cat Noir whispers, his eyes sparkling.

"I-I bought this as a joke!" Marinette says defensively.

"Ooh la nyah!" Cat Noir mocks.

Marinette flails her arms at Cat Noir angrily but he fends her off. He laughs until he catches sight of something. Cat Noir stops playing abruptly and grabs Marinette. He lifts her shirt up curiously to look at a large, purple bruise on her stomach.

"W-What are you doing?" Marinette pulls down her shirt, her face turning red.

"I was just checking you out."

Marinette's cheeks flare brighter.

"I-I mean, no—that sounded wrong. I was checking out your body—your bruise! I was looking at your bruise!" Cat Noir stammers, his ears turning red from embarrassment.

"O-Oh...it's nothing." Marinette wraps her arms around her waist self-consciously.

Cat Noir frowns sadly. "No, it's not. It must have hurt... Was it that boy?"

"Who? Adrien?" Marinette replies nervously. She tries to avoid Cat Noir's gaze but when he catches her eye, she sighs and admits the truth. "Yes, it came from the fight, but it wasn't him. It's not Adrien's fault."

Guilt weighs down Cat Noir's heart.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there." He says painfully.

"Chat... I understand that being a hero is extremely demanding. I wasn't even supposed to be there, I'm no hero! It was my own fault that I got involved." Marinette replies.

"I know you say that but if I was there this never would have happened." Cat Noir runs a hand through his hair. "I just don't understand. Why? Why would you put yourself in danger? Is...Is he really worth that much to you?"

Marinette looks Cat Noir straight in the eye and answers genuinely. "Yes. He is."

Cat Noir is taken back by Marinette's serious. His heart skips a beat.

"Adrien is so lucky to have you in his life." Cat Noir says softly. "He doesn't deserve you."

"He's said that to me once before, actually. But I don't understand..." Marinette replies. "It's not about deserve. I've chosen to be there for him no matter what. And it might have been painful, but I would not hesitate to do it again."

Cat Noir gazes at Marinette in admiration. "You're so strong. You know that, Marinette? People praise Ladybug and I for fighting evil, but you're strong in the real way."

Cat Noir gently places a hand over Marinette's heart.

"You're the most brave and compassionate person I've ever met, so don't go giving me too much credit." Marinette smiles. "You're strong too."

Cat Noir pulls Marinette into a hug and clings onto her tightly as if she might run away from him. "Not without you..." He whispers.