[Marinette's' POV]

Concern churns in my stomach. After I defeated Volpina, I returned to find Cat Noir gone.

"I hope Chat is okay..." I say worriedly.

Tiki lowers her eyes sadly. Not even she has anything bright to say in this solemn situation...

I can't bare it any longer. I climb up through my hatchet door and onto my balcony.

I come to a dead stop when I see Cat Noir standing there already. His eyes are wide and petrified, as if he has seen a ghost. His legs tremble and he falls to his knees.

"Marinette...th-thank god."

Cat Noir's lip trembles, his eyes watering as he stares up at me. He grabs my jeans and cries into my legs.

"Chat..."

I slowly kneel down to his level but he won't look at me. His hands are clasped over his eyes as he sobs. I pull Cat Noir into a hug and squeeze him tightly. His arms slowly fall limp to his sides. He buries his face into the crook of my neck, his wails soon muffled by my clothing.

"I destroyed you!" Cat Noir cries. "I watched you crumble away in my hands!"

Cat Noir's shoulders tremble as he mourns. Heartache pains me as I watch him break down in my arms.

"Your ghost still haunts me—every time I close my eyes I have to relive it!" Cat Noir weeps. "I'm a monster! I killed you!"

"You didn't, I'm right here. You're not a monster, Chat." I say as I stroke his hair. "I'm right here with you."

"I thought..." Cat Noir's voice quivers with anguish. "I thought I lost you...I thought I lost you forever..."

"I'm here as always...safe in your arms." I whisper gently.

[Adrien's POV]

The harrowing memories still haunt me. I can't get rid of this chilling feeling in my bones.

Marinette's embrace is so reassuring. Reassuring that she is here...alive. I want to hug her back. I want to hold onto her so tightly and never let go...

I reach up my hand slowly but I hesitate before I can touch her. I don't want to touch her with these monstrous hands. The hands that once killed her. These claws only cause destruction. It would be sin to touch someone so pure with these cursed talons. I feel as though I could never lay a single hand on her ever again, in fear that I might break her. I'm scared she will crumble away like an illusion...

I want to touch her to make sure she is real. I need to feel her warmth.

"Mari..." I say weakly. "Please...close your eyes."

Marinette buries her face in my chest. "Okay..."

My muscles are so weak...I can barely move my arms. My hands are shaking violently. With my trembling fingers, I slowly remove my ring.

In a wisp of green light, the black leather covering my body disappears. I exhale a shaky breath and wrap my arms around Marinette. I cling onto her tightly, finally able to bathe in her warmth. I run my hands through her silky hair. I burry my face in the crook of her neck and inhale her homely, bakery smell. I can feel her heartbeat against my chest. All of my fear and anxiety instantly melts away in her embrace...

[Marinette's' POV]

I screw my eyes shut and burry my face into Cat Noir's broad chest. This is...him. This is the real him, isn't it? I'm cuddling Cat Noir. He feels so warm. The touch of our skin sends shivers down my spine. I can feel his soft lips on my neck, his hot breath giving me goose bumps.

"I'm afraid to let go...I don't want you to disappear again..." Cat Noir squeezes me gently in his arms. "I can't...I'm not strong enough without you..."

I run my hand up Cat Noir's arm and intertwine my fingers with his. It is strangely new, feeling his touch through his own skin...but it is comforting.

"I wish you didn't have to let go," I tell him. "But when you do, I promise I'll still be here. I'll always be here with my arms open, Chat."

"Do you mind...if we stay like this for a while?" Cat Noir asks in almost a whisper.

"Of course not," I answer softly.

I relax myself in the safety of his arms, the warmth of his body, and the soothing beating of his chest against my ear.