{+}{+}{+}

Mallorie's P.O.V

"Ladybug and Chat Noir have saved the day once again from Lioness," the news lady reported on the television. I stared at the screen intrigued by Paris's heroes. Sure, America has its superheroes (considering I was caught by one when stealing some jewelry).

Yet, what really catches my attention is they look around my age. I don't know who the blonde cat guy is but...Ladybug looks oddly familiar. She looks almost like me looking in a mirror with pigtails and light blue contacts. The face is uncanny to mine but there is only one other person who can perfect the resemblance.

I deviously snickered.

"It seems my sis has a dirty little secret. And if I'm correct, everyone is too stupid to figure it out," I said to myself, "Well, everyone but me."

I switched off the TV and made my way up to Marinette's room. I peeked inside the room, not surprised to find it empty. I closed the trap door behind me and began to snoop over to that piece of trash's desk. When I first scoped out the area, I noticed a half-circled, pink box dotted with white sitting on the desktop.

As I recalled the after-mentioned object, it sits right where I found it before. It's wide open, revealing a notebook with similar designs as the box it's held in and draws me in to take it.

I didn't reach out for the book, not gullible enough to fall for such a simple trap. I grabbed a pencil from a cup and pressed one end against the book. The box snapped cut, encasing the pencil.

"Smart," I thought, slightly impressed, "but not smart enough."

I slipped a hidden bobby pin out of my hair and began to pick the lock. The lock clicked, allowing me to reopen it and claim my prize. I grabbed the book and flipped the cover. After reading the first two words, I realized I discovered a much more precious thing than I realized.

"A diary. I didn't think she would be this dumb and childish. Oh well, it makes it all the easier for me to learn all of her secrets...or at least the rest of them," I said, maliciously.

{+}{+}{+}

Ladybug's P.O.V

   After I recharged Tikki, I didn't hesitate to quickly head to the Eiffel Tower. I paced back and forth across the metal flooring, nervously nibbling my thumb's nail. I don't know if Chat Noir will show up after...everything that happened today. Even before the akuma, he still seemed off.

   He didn't even say a single pun!

   Something is wrong and I want to help him just like how he helped me when my mom died. I want to return the favor. He's done so much for me. I want to return the favor. Not only that, he means a lot to me—more than a partner. It hurts my heart to see him so lost and broken.

    But I can't help him if he doesn't show up.

   "How long has it been? Thirty minutes? An hour? Maybe, two? Where is he?" I worriedly thought, taking out my yoyo. It slid open, revealing the time. I sighed, reattaching my yoyo back on my hip.

   "It's only been five minutes!" I muttered, feeling silly for worrying so much. Although, I have the right to be overly concerned for Chat Noir. Although, why wouldn't I be? I have every reason to be worried for him! I took in a shaky breath and tried to ease my nerves. I just hope he gets here quickly before I lose my mind.

A slight thud grabs my attention, seeing Chat Noir rigidly standing a few feet away. His fake ears are drooping and kept his gaze downwards. He didn't say anything or make a sound of greeting—very uncharacteristic for Chat.

I began to walk over to Chat Noir only for him to notice and take a few steps back.

"Don't come any closer," he warned. Confused and hurt, I came to a halt in my advancement. I frowned at his uneasiness adorning his face. He's afraid...of me? But why? Why would he be scared of me? Unless it's not me who he's fearful of. Maybe, he's afraid of harming me—scared of himself.

"Chat-"

"Ladybug, please just stay away from me. I don't want to hurt you," he trembled.

"You won't hurt me. I trust that you won't," I reassured him, every word was genuinely spoken. Yet, he still is not swayed away from his unsureness. I decided to give in to his wishes and sat down on the ledge. Chat Noir took the hint, daring to move a foot closer and sat down himself. I watched him for a moment mess with his ring and stare off into the distance.

"Chat Noir," I began, a frown growing deeper when seeing him flinch, "What's been going on with you lately? You disappeared for a while without a word. I can tell somethings bothering you, even before what happened at the fight."

Chat Noir grimaced, looking like he'd rather go back into hiding again.

"You know...life," he shrugged it off, nonchalantly. I didn't believe him.

"Can you clarify?" I asked, urging him.

"No," he simply replied.

"Why not?" I questioned, feeling like interrogating him. I don't mean to be so pushy but he's somewhat getting on my nerves. I'm trying to help him but it seems he doesn't want it. He keeps pushing me further away, keeping me at arm's length just like this distance between us now.

"I just can't! Okay!" He yelled, seething with rage, "Is that so hard to understand that I don't want to tell you? I can keep my own business to myself. You don't need to put your nose where it doesn't need to be, Marinette. You wanted me to keep my identity a secret. So, what does it matter if I want to keep something from you?"

I'm taken back by his sudden outburst and gaped, unable to form a response. My heart feels like it just got a touch of cataclysm inside my chest. I swallowed down a lump in my throat, shrinking under his dagger-eyed glare.

"If that's all you wanted to tell me then I'm leaving," he hissed, standing up and grabbing his baton. I snapped out of my stupor and quickly grabbed his arm. I instantly felt him tense under my grip.

"Chat, wait," I begged. He didn't move to look at me, keeping his eyes straight ahead. I sighed, letting go of his limb and bowed my head. This is not how I wanted this conversation to go but I won't let it end with us fighting.

He's not thinking straight right now. Almost anything I say could set him off to explode again. I just need to show him I'm doing with because I care for him. He doesn't need to do whatever is troubling him alone.

"I'm sick with worry about you," I admitted, quietly, "You're a very special person to me, Chat. It hurts me to know that you're suffering and there's nothing I can do to help you because I don't know what's going on. And that scares me."

Chat Noir stayed silent and unmoving. I can't tell what's going through his head. I wish I knew what's going through his head. I wish I knew what's going on in his life but he's right on one part. He doesn't have to tell me anything if he doesn't want to. I can respect that in some cases until it gets out of hand.

"Do you trust me?" I asked.

"Of course, I do," he answered without hesitation.

"No," I firmly said, "This is a serious question. I need a brutally honest answer."

I stepped forward to stand in front of him, meeting his perplexed gaze, "Do you trust me, Chat Noir?"

He stared at me in shock, now truly feeling the weight of my words. Now, it all depends on if he's willing to carry this weight by himself or let me aid him to reduce the burden. I need to know he can rely on me with anything but it can't happen if there's no trust. Trust and communication are important keys in any sort of relationship, whether it's family, friends, or lovers.

Chat Noir pursed his lips before silently concluding his thoughts.

"I trust you with my life...but there are still things that...that I just can't tell you," he shook his head. Chat defensively crossed his arms and sighed, "I'm sorry for getting mad."

I placed my hand on his shoulder, giving a comforting squeeze and reassuring smile.

"I can understand your point. I just want you to know if you can trust in me trust in my words. It's alright if you don't feel comfortable telling me anything right now or at all. But it's the important things hurting you that you shouldn't keep bottled up," I explained, "You helped me when my mom died now it's my return to help you. Okay?"

   Chat Noir's face softened, nodding his head in reluctant agreement. It's a start. I'll take whatever little progress I can get from him. I'm willing to wait and do whatever I can to help him through this.

   "Are you going to be Ladybug again or is it still temporary?" Chat Noir suddenly asked. I bit the bottom of my lip and looked at my partner, who is radiating with hope. I don't really see why I can't anymore. Maybe, I should-

   Then, an image of the new member popped into my head. She will be difficult to handle and get away from.

"I...I'll think about it," I told him. Chat Noir hummed and understandingly nodded his head.

"And what about your situation you're dealing with?" He asked. My face melted into a warm smile. He is very selfless, always worrying about others before himself. It makes me love him more and terrifies me.

"You don't have to worry about me. I'll deal with it. Right now, I just want you to focus on yourself. I don't want you stressing over my problems," I reassured. Chat didn't like my response but didn't put up a fight either. I reached up and pecked his lips. Then settled my forehead against his, feeling his breath on my face.

"I should probably get home before anyone realizes that I'm missing," I said, remembering that Sabrina is still hiding in my closet. My Kitty pouted, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me closer.

    "Why do you have to go so soon?" Chat whined, making me giggle, "It feels like it's been fur-ever since I last saw mew."

   I sent him a playful glare, enjoying the sound of his laughter in my ears. It's nice to see him smiling and joking around again. I groaned in displeasure.

   "You're the worst," I huffed, unable to keep the smile off my face.

   "And you're the best," Chat flirtatiously purred, rubbing my nose. I felt my face rise in temperature and my mind fizzle out. I snickered before he leaned down, capturing my lips. I moaned into his mouth when he deepened the kiss.

   My stomach did somersaults and my heart rate sped up, pounding against my chest with every burst. My hand moved up to his golden hair and combed my gloved fingers through his locks. A cat-like rumble came from deep in Chat's throat, letting out some happy purrs.

   Unfortunately, air is a thing.

  Chat and I pulled back to catch our breath. I cured his face, subconsciously drawing circles on a side of his cheek with my thumb. I couldn't stop smiling like a lovestruck idiot. As much as I would love to stay here with Chat Noir, I really do have to get home. Who knows what Mallorie is scheming right now.

"I should get going," I sighed, wishing I could stay longer. Chat Noir snapped out of his glowing daze by my words. He took a step back and cleared his throat.

"Uh, yeah yeah. I probably should head back too," he sheepishly replied, scratching the back of his neck. It's pretty dark out but luckily there is enough light that I can see a faint pink flushing his cheeks. I didn't think I could melt anymore from how adorable Chat is yet I'm proven wrong.

Then my soft demeanor switched to serious. I stepped back in front of the blonde hero. His green eyes returned to my bluebell, sensing the shift in the air.

"If you need anything, you know where I live. Okay?" I said, comfortingly rubbing the sides of his arms. Chat Noir gave me a firm nod, responding, "Same with you. If you need anything, I'm only one claw away."

I rolled my eyes but accepted his terms. He placed a kiss on my cheek before jumping off and disappearing into the dark. I fondly smiled in the fire he left until snapping out of my gaze from my yoyo vibrating. I unhooked it from my hip and slid it open. My eyes widen when seeing the many missed messages from Sabrina.

I clicked on the messages and scrolled back to the top. The warmth I felt before immediately went cold. Many questions filled my head, wondering why Sabrina sent me so many messages. Finally, I made it to the beginning and read the first message.

Sabrina: There's someone in your room.

Sabrina: I think it's your sister.

Sabrina: She's doing something on your desk but I can't see what she's doing.

Sabrina: Marinette????

I stopped reading and raced through the city back home. Whatever Mallorie is doing, it can't be good. I need to get back. Now!

{+}{+}{+}