A/N: Super duper long chapter. ❗️WARNING❗️ Signs of PTSD will be mentioned in this chapter. Read at your own risk.

Love.

What is the true definition of this particular word? Is it really meaningful? Why is it so important?

Or is it an illusion of what you want your world to be...

Gwen never knew what that word meant. She only truly believed it was the affection of those with someone. That was until Chatnoir mentioned those words to her that slammed her like a brick wall.

It is an intense feeling you have for affection towards someone. You feel like you can't part from them because it only makes you feel like you can't be without them for a second. You feel a strong urge to be by their side and hold them and never let them go...

She remembered perfectly how his eyes shined brightly and clung to her everywhere. She remembered perfectly how they stuck to each other when they were kids. She remembered their arguments and laughter.

The only person she felt towards this word was one boy and he was gone because of her.

Peter Benjamin Parker.

Gwen was a fool. She never knew that he had a crush on her. She didn't realize how her heart drummed against her chest or how her hands sweat as she neared closer to the boy. She believed at first that their friendship was a caring "brother-sister" love but no.

She remembered very perfectly how his warm blood pooled in her cold, small hands. How his breath was ragged and warm. How his green eyes were growing dimmer and dimmer as he desperately clung to her one more time like a lifeline.

With her new strength, she felt so weak when she held him in her arms. He was smaller than her yet she felt so tiny clinging to him for the first time.

She pleaded him to open his eyes. She yelled at him. She shook him, she punched him with her strength but he was far too gone. He left her and she never forgave him for that.

Gwen loves this boy. Gwen loved this boy and she'll never forgive herself for killing him when he needed her most.

Love is for children. She found it the hardest way possible and she refuses to make the same mistake to love anyone ever again.

His bloody hands caressed her white mask, leaving his mark on her face. She'll never forget how he trembled or his feather touch on her face. But it suddenly gripped her chin. His nails dug in her skin and removed her mask.

His once pale skin turned green and his eyes were hollow. Gwen trembled in fear. Her words were stuck in her throat as she screamed, trying to move away but he sneered at her, scaring her more.

"You killed me, Gwennie!" his voice screeched like a fork scratching the plate loudly, hurting her ears as it echoed.

"You killed me! I loved you and you do this to me?! You're no hero! You're a monster! You're a freak! That power is cursed, taking everyone but you! Don't you understand?! You shouldn't even be here! Why am I dead while you smile around?! Tell me, Gwennie! Tell me!"

Gwen gasped, sitting abruptly up from her bed. She pants and looks around frantically. She wasn't sure what she was looking for but she felt more scared as she couldn't find the boy anywhere. It was a nightmare.

Her hands trembled as cold sweat covered her body. She gritted her teeth, clenching her fists on her bed sheets. Her hand turned white from how hard she was gripping them so hard.

Gwen's bottom lip trembled as her figure grew smaller and smaller. Her hand slapped her mouth as she let out a heart-wrenching sob. Warm tears fell on her hands like a river.

Her darkroom never felt so cold. So cold and dark. It drowned her every time she woke. Her blue eyes dimmed slowly as they caught a figure in front of her bed.

She flinched and scoot back onto the bed, holding her sheets as a shield. Rubbing away the tears from her eyes, she glanced back to the other side of the room to see the figure standing there.

Her heart dropped to her stomach. The fear and anger filled her veins as she grabbed her clock and threw it across the room. It shattered but it didn't affect the shadow at all.

Taking a closer look at the figure, her blood ran cold as she saw those familiar green eyes glaring at her blue ones. She knew those eyes everywhere. It always chilled her to the bone.

"...Peter?"

Gwen was terrified to blink and the boy would be gone. She whimpered, dropping to the ground, and looking up at the shadow. But like dust, he flew away.

Leaving her once again, clinging to her soul and fears.

🕸🕷🕸

Adrien and the other students weren't sure what happened. But it did. The once lively girl was quiet and kept to herself most of the time. They tried to cheer her up, but she would silently grab her things and leave them behind.

Mylène tried to give her a gift but Gwen's eyes slit dangerously and slapped the gift from her hands, dropping it on the ground. She realized what happened and apologized profusely afterward and left school grounds.

The principle tried contacting her guardian but no one would pick up. It has been going on for days and no one dared to near closer to the girl.

Adrien noticed the dark bags under her eyes showing the lack of sleep she had. He didn't try to go near her as it would set her off. He didn't want that to happen to her.

At this precise moment, he saw her ditching school and riding away on her skateboard. Her shoulders were tense, looking around her as if being followed. He wanted to follow her but it happened the next as a bus rode on the street crazily. The cars honked at it but he saw the passengers afraid inside and went to help them.

Gwen avoided everyone like the plague. She didn't mean to but every time she sees someone, he's always watching her, making her run away. She knows it's not real. She believes it's not real. But he is always there!

Gwen changed to her hoody and gloves, going after the bus. She hoped it can be a distraction to get away from the shadow. Finding the bus, she spotted Ladybug and Chatnoir on top of it.

Ghost dove in front of the bus and pushed it back, using her feet as a break. Thankfully, the street didn't show damage as she stopped in front of a couple with their baby.

She sighed and rolled her shoulders as Ladybug and Chatnoir helped everyone out of the bus. The girl only leaned on the bus as they conversed.

"So, uh, Ladybug? What would you say if you and I met up tonight for a little dinner? Rooftop style?" Chat grinned at the hero.

"For dinner? As superheroes?" Ladybug raised a brow at him as she helped another citizen off the bus.

"Well, uh, yeah. That's right. We're only together when we're saving Paris. I mean, wouldn't you actually like to get to know one another?" he asked, glancing at Ghost who nodded to the citizens.

"I...That's so thoughtful of you, but I can't. I have to, uh, I already have plans with some friends," Ladybug smiled nervously.

"Well, if your plans end early, come and join me," he smiled.

"We'll see," she smiled, swinging away.

Ghost glanced at Chat and sighed quietly, pushing off the bus and patting his shoulder. "I'll see you around, Chat."

Chat frowned and grabbed her wrist. "Is everything okay?"

Ghost turned to him and saw the sincerity in his eyes. She goes to speak when she saw the shadow again right next to the hero. She gritted her teeth and nodded, biting her tongue from speaking.

Chat frowned more as she silently webbed herself away from him. He has been noticing lately that she was quiet to herself and only speaking when they would ask her something but shook the thought.

It's not his business.

Glancing in the direction she went, he jumped the other way.

🕸🕷🕸

"Leave me alone," she whispered as she sat atop the Eiffel Tower, taking everything in from the view. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes as the sky darkened once again. She sighed as she closed her eyes, taking in the silence. The sweet silence she craved for once.

Taking out her bag, she took out her notebook and started sketching her ideas. With the stress she has been having lately, she might as well pack up webbing in case it fails on her again.

She shivered at the thought that her webbing wouldn't come out once. And that was when she had to get to her concert with MJ. She found the perfect colors and ideas. Now, where to find the strongest fabric to do so, who knows?

She's not sure, but she'll find it...eventually. Glancing at the time on her phone, she shrugged and stood up. Might as well look for the fabric while she's at it.

Putting everything away in her bag, she jumped and dived down the tower. She closed her eyes and let the wind do their job and take her.

Swinging her hand above her, she produced webbing her wrist as she swung away. Hiding in one of the streets, she took everything off and headed straight to the fabric store.

🕸🕷🕸

Adrien grew more upset as his father wouldn't arrive at the dining table. It's getting late and he hasn't appeared once. Seeing his empty plate getting cold by the glass, he sighs for the nth time. Taking his phone, he texted Nino back that he wouldn't be able to get ice cream with them.

He looks up as Nathalie appeared nonchalantly. He shook his head, knowing full well what she is going to say.

"There's no point in waiting for your father, Adrien. He'll be eating in his office," she states.

Adrien frustratingly stands up, holding himself from reacting. Holding his fits of anger, he looked up at her. "Then what's the point of keeping me here if he's never gonna show up, Nathalie?"

Nathalie let him leave, not knowing how to respond to his words. She can see the waves of frustration in his small body. "Don't forget to practice your piano before you go to bed."

Adrien stomped quietly to his room, closing his door and jumping on his bed. The only place that would shelter him from the small world revolving around him.

He sighed, closing his eyes as Plagg flew out of his jacket. "You could've at least grabbed the piece of Camembert on that platter!" he whined.

Adrien sat up, giving Plagg a small piece of Camembert before taking his phone out and playing piano music. "Fuel up, Plagg. Adrien may not be allowed out of the house, but Chatnoir is!" he grinned.

"You seem in a hurry to get stood up," Plagg deadpanned.

"She didn't say she wasn't coming," Adrien dreamily smiled out the window.

"But she didn't say she was either!" Plagg tried. "Besides, why go after a girl who doesn't want you when you can be there for the other?"

Adrien frowned, knowing full well who he was talking about. Grabbing his phone, he didn't get any replies from his best friend and frowned further. He shook his head.

Ladybug is the greatest thing he has from being in a cage with his father. If he can be himself with someone, he should do it with someone he loves. And that was her.

Well, that's what he convinced himself to be.

"Plagg, claws out!"

🕸🕷🕸

Looking through the colors and kinds of fabric she wished to own, she asked some of the workers if they own some that are fireproof. As expected, she was rushed to buy something or go elsewhere.

Gwen wasn't affected and looked up at the star-lit sky. As the warm lights of Paris showed, she relaxed on her way home. She decided to take the long way home, taking in the silent environment.

Well, that was the case until her senses were triggered by being followed. She sighed through her nose quietly and kept walking to a dead end. Cracking her knuckles, she turned around to see three thugs behind her, grinning at her.

They only chuckled at her, showing their small, dull knives. Gwen refrained from groaning as she gently put her bag of groceries on the cold ground.

Not too far from her, a certain black cat was on the roof dejectedly blowing the candles. Ladybug didn't show up. He hoped she would, and stayed longer but the longer he stayed, the girl didn't show up.

"She loves me..." he blows.

"She loves me not...She loves me...She loves me..." he frowned as it was the last candle. He sighed, leaning on the rails, looking up at the bright Eiffel Tower.

For a romantic city, he sure has terrible luck in the love department. Leaning his hand under his chin, he only silently stared ahead blankly.

Does Ladybug love him back? He feels so much loneliness that he started to believe he couldn't count on anyone. Not even his best–

"Oof!"

Chat stopped and glanced at the noise. His eyes widened when he saw three large men cornering someone. Not just someone, but his best friend. He gritted his teeth and jumped to fight them. They were in an alleyway, avoidable from anyone's eyes.

But not his.

He landed above them on a rooftop and goes to jump down but blinked when Gwen singlehandedly punched and kicked them. His eyes bulged widely as she jumped on one's shoulders, wrapping her legs around his neck, and swinging herself down, knocking the man down.

She jumped away, doing a backflip, kicking the other in the face. Cracking her knuckles, she jumped and kicked the last one to the ground.

Chat paled. But not because of the cracking or the yells of the men. But he saw a glimpse of someone taking her place. He could have sworn he saw someone else instead of her.

He saw Ghost-Spider in her place.

He snapped out of his thoughts as Gwen heaved and stood up, rolling her shoulders and taking out her phone. He heard her groan and pick up her bag, walking away. But not before kicking one of the unconscious men in the leg.

Chat shivered, knowing to not get on her bad side. Now that he thinks about it, Ghost-Spider and Gwen have some similarities. He doesn't want to believe it.

It's impossible. He saw it with his own eyes. Ghost-Spider couldn't be healed by Ladybug's magic but Gwen was healed from it.

There's just no way.

The back on his neck said otherwise and sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He thought back to the moments he had with Gwen and saw how upset she was earlier and Ghost-Spider was also upset earlier.

He shook his head. She can't be Ghost-Spider. He refused to believe it and he'll keep believing that way.

Chat followed her from the shadows and stopped as she stopped below. She glanced behind her and narrowed her eyes at him. He flinched as he thought he was quiet.

He saw as Gwen kicked a pebble like a foot ball at him. He screeched and moved out of the way. Which then resulted in him falling down the building and on top of the trash.

His face flushed as he struggled to get out. He stopped when he saw a pale hand in front of him. Following the hand, it was Gwen giving him a hand.

He flusteredly laughs and gets out of the bin with her help. Gwen's lip quirked up slightly, tilting her head at him. "Now...why is the hero of Paris stalking me?" she mused.

"I wasn't stalking you!" he shook his hands in front of him.

But Gwen only narrowed her eyes at him. "You're following me. Why is that?"

Chat goes to retort back but stopped. Why was he following her? Because she reminded him of Ghost-Spider? Because he saw the way she kept looking around her in worry? Because he wanted to be near her?

He shrugged and winked at her, "It's a secret."

Gwen stared at him blankly, making him sweat nervously before she sighed. "I don't care. If you don't want to end up like the other guys, don't follow me. You'll just end up in the shadows."

Chat frowned. In the shadows? What does she mean by that?

Gwen turned around and walked away but she heard the steps coming near her and stepping next to her. She refrained from groaning and just kept walking.

"I didn't mean to frighten you," he sadly frowned next to her.

"I wasn't scared," Gwen spoke up, walking faster but he kept going. "Aren't you supposed to do superhero stuff?"

"I–I don't feel like being a superhero tonight. And I also don't feel like being alone tonight. Would you mind if I hung out with you tonight for a while?" he glanced at her.

Gwen stopped and bit her lips. She gets it now. He's only using her as a distraction as it seems Ladybug isn't with him. Meaning, she didn't show up for their "date."

Gwen turned to him and fiddled with her bag. "I..." she stopped as she saw the sadness in his eyes. She looked away and nodded, refusing to say a word as Chat followed her.

"I have bad luck, so I'm not responsible for what happens," she muttered as she gripped her bag tightly.

Walking through the lamp posts, it was quiet and filled with hopeless romantics in every corner, agitating the cat. Gwen can sense the heartbroken waves coming from him but refused to say a thing.

It wasn't her business.

"You seem upset," Chat spoke up, distracting himself from the couples.

Gwen shrugged. "What makes you say that?"

Chat licked his lips as he noticed they have gone dry. "You seem more kept to yourself. Don't you have friends?"

"I didn't feel like seeing them today," she spoke as she kept up the pace.

"Hmm...I seem to have bad luck in the love department myself."

Gwen sweatdropped. What is she? A therapist? "What kind?" She didn't know why she asked. She wasn't sure why she was interested as she knew what happened.

"Well, tonight, I had this special surprise all planned for Ladybug."

Told you.

"You're in love with Ladybug?" she asked, knowing full well of the answer. He didn't answer, only staring ahead. Gwen glanced at him from the corner of her eyes and sighed. "What was the special surprise?"

Chat sighed, "It doesn't matter. 'Cause she never showed."

Gwen felt bad for the guy. She's seen how much the guy likes Ladybug but the girl believes he's just flirting with her, hurting his feelings. She would say something to try to alleviate the tension but she's not really good in this kind of department.

In fact, she just finds it disturbing to show affection for someone that will not give anything in return. Gwen frowned, sighing and subconsciously tightening her hold on her bag.

It caught Chat's attention, turning to her slightly and saw the forlorn expression she had and cursed himself internally. She has been in a mood these past few days and here he is dumping his problems that she probably isn't interested in hearing.

"Sounds like you and I both need a bit of cheering up tonight," he heard her whisper.

"You? You've gotten your heart broken too?" his eyes widened. Who broke her heart?

He saw as she nodded and clenched his fists. Who would do that to her?

"If you're curious, he's gone so don't make that face," Gwen made it sound like a joke but Chat saw through her and frowned.

"Can I ask why?" he asked curiously.

Gwen shook her head and smiled sadly. "It doesn't matter anymore. I won't be able to see him. Only in the shadows, following me everywhere."

With that, Gwen walked ahead leaving Chat behind and stare at her back as she walked further away. His head tilted slightly in confusion. He assumed the girl never fell in love but it was the opposite.

Love is for children. I don't need it...I don't need to. I don't want to.

He remembered those words that came out of her mouth and thought she was stubborn about love. Could it be that...?

She loved someone?

Chat's head snapped up and ran after her, grabbing her arm and turning her to him. He looked up at her and gritted his teeth.

"What do you mean by gone? What about shadows?"

Gwen's eyes slit dangerously and removed her arm away from him. Her heart pulsed against her chest loudly, echoing in her ears as her senses flared for danger.

"He's dead!"

It was quiet. It had gone too quiet for their taste. They didn't realize they were the only ones on this lone street. Only the chipper of birds was heard but by then it's still too quiet for their taste.

Chat paled at her words. His heart dropped to the ground. The man she loved...is dead?

His heart panged painfully as he saw the angry tears welling up in her eyes. She huffed and rubbed them away.

"Like I said. It doesn't matter anymore. You don't have to pity me for something you can't control," Gwen shook her head and blankly stared at him. "Look, it's getting late. You might as well go back to your date and wait for your Ladybug to come."

Chat's body moved on its own. He wasn't sure what made him do it, but her grabbed her arm and pulled her to his chest. He felt her body stiffen and tried to move away but he refused to leave her.

"What are you doing?" Gwen's voice muffled.

"Close your eyes and hold on tight, okay?" Chat shuffled as he carried her bridal style, jumping away.

He half expected her to struggle in his arms but she only sighed and lean on his chest. Jumping away to the rooftop was quiet but as he landed, he gently brought her down to her feet.

Her body faced forward as Chat gently closed her eyes with his hands. He doesn't know what she was talking about. A shadow following him. She mentioned earlier that he'll end up in the shadows.

He noticed Gwen staying still in a quiet agreement that she won't peak. Glancing at her one more time, he goes and lights up the candles quietly, making sure to check if she's peeping.

Setting everything up, he turned to her. "You can open your eyes now."

Gwen hesitated but saw the light from behind her eyelids and opened them. She gasped softly as it was a beautiful sight. A perfect place for a romantic date. Rose petals were spread on the ground and golden candles lit the night.

"It's beautiful," she whispered and saw that Chatnoir was looking straight at her. He was silent for a few moments, making her in a daze. She tensed as he started walking towards her, his chest close to touching hers.

"Yeah...beautiful."

Gwen's eyes widened as she wasn't sure what he indicated. Was it the view? No...his eyes are on her. His green eyes should scare her but they didn't this time.

"May I?" Chat asked as he gave her a hand.

Gwen wasn't sure what he would do but only gave her hand to him. Her eyes softened slowly as he wrapped his other arm around her waist and started to dance slowly.

Her eyes were so focused on the green of his eyes. They were brightening up more and more as she started to follow his steps. She smiled slowly as he hummed to a tune.

This tune, however, was very familiar. She couldn't quite put it. She heard this song before.

She hummed back and saw how Chat relaxed, hearing her humming. It sounded more relaxing coming from her than his. They twirled and danced, giving a few tricks on the way.

Chat's eyes softened more as he heard her laugh when he made her dip backward. He forgot about everything around them. He forgot about his school. He forgot about his lessons. He forgot his friends. He forgot his father. He forgot about Ladybug.

Gwen was the only thing in front of him and it made his heart race as she smiled at him. Giving her a last twirl, he pressed her against him. He couldn't help himself but stare at her lips and back at her eyes.

It felt soothing being with her. He never realized how amazing she is. She's strong, beautiful, courageous, and so gentle. Through her strong facade, he can see right through it.

He didn't realize it when he cupped her cheek or leaned close to her. Chat doesn't know why, but he liked how she flushed at his touch. He shivered as he felt her warm breath hitting his face softly.

Their humming was quietened as they were getting close and close during the moonlight. Their lips were close to meet and yet so far. Chat was scared. He doesn't know what he was doing and yet it felt right.

He didn't want to push her so he waited...and waited...but nothing came to him.

He opened his eyes and stopped as Gwen tearily stared at him. His jaw dropped and moved away from her in panic.

Gwen sniffed, turning away. She clenched her fists. Her heart kept drumming against her chest, she doesn't know why it pains her. The thing was, her body wanted her to kiss the hero but it wouldn't be fair for the both of them.

They were only distracting themselves. They don't feel that way for each other.

"Gwen..." he frowned worriedly.

"Chat...We're at our low right now. We both know that you only wanted to forget about Ladybug by kissing me. Sorry to burst your bubble, but..." she gritted her teeth. "I'm not just a second choice. I'm not just someone that will always be there when you need them."

Chat's heart dropped at her words. That's what she thinks about him? He frowned and reached his hand for her but stopped. Is she right?

Was he only using her because Ladybug broke his heart? She deserves more than that. She is in pain because she lost someone and here he is bringing her along and just trying to ease the ache.

But something part of him tells him he's not. He also wanted to cheer her up. He doesn't want to see those tears. Not from her.

Chat clenched his fist and grabbed her wrist, pulling her and turning her to him. His green eyes glared at her seething blues. He saw those eyes before but it was different this time.

She was vulnerable. His hands lowered and grabbed her fingers gently, feeling the warmth of her gentle hand.

"You're anything but that. You deserve more than that. You definitely don't deserve anyone who wronged you, Gwen. How can I prove to you that I am not using you?"

Gwen stubbornly shook her head, closing her eyes in denial. He is too good for her. She doesn't deserve his kind acts. Even if he's only trying to be nice to her, she doesn't deserve it.

She doesn't deserve any of it.

Gwen faced him and goes to speak but stopped as warm lips met hers. Everything around her disappeared. Tears welled up and flowed freely as she whimpered.

Chat closed his eyes and hugged her to him, gently hugging her tightly. They didn't seem to mind when their teeth clashed with each other but felt warm as Gwen clung to his back. But she didn't push him away.

He pulled her closer to him in a desperate attempt to be together as one. He doesn't feel lonely. He never was. She was always there in front of him.

She needed him just as much as he needed her. Chat groaned lowly as Gwen kissed him back. She doesn't know why but it felt nice. It was so warm and so nice. She hated it but it felt right. Her mind burned in horrible images but it still warmed her.

Their lips separated as a string of saliva connected them. Their lips were swollen and they panted from the lack of air. They weren't sure how long they were doing it but it didn't feel long.

Chat wiped away a stray tear from her cheek and cupped it. Gwen leaned to his touch subconsciously and looked into his eyes.

Chat's eyes lidded to a close but Gwen's eyes snapped open. Her senses triggered her, making her push him to the ground. He yelped as they both landed on the ground as a flash of green hit where they once stood.

Gwen frowned as it looked like ice cream. Chat jumped in front of her, blocking the shot of ice cream heading straight to her. He turned to her and picked her up, hiding away from view.

Their eyes widened as they saw a large ice cream man walking in the streets and shooting ice cream at the city.

"What is that?" Chat's eyes widened in disbelief.

Gwen frowned, "I...don't know. A villain maybe?"

Chat frowned further and turned to her. He doesn't want to bring any of these problems to her. "Don't worry, I'll take you to safety. Just hold on."

"🎵I'm Glaciator, the mean ice-cream man. Escape my fury if you can! I melt your hearts, but I was wrong, now I'll freeze your bodies so long!🎵"

Chat jumped and headed straight to her apartment, landing on her balcony. He grabbed her hand and led her inside. "You'll be safe here, Gwen. I promise."

"Chat," she states, stopping him from leaving. He saw her face still flushed and smiled softly.

"Thanks for...you know," Gwen looked away embarrassingly. But Chat saw through those words and nodded.

"Always."

Gwen covered her lower face with the back of her hand as he jumped away. She turned to Glaciator and frowned. Another thing she has to solve. Slamming the doors open, she ran inside to grab her hoody.

🕸🕷🕸

"Hey, Snow Dude!" Chat called, getting Glaciator's attention.

Chat jumped on top of a van and gasped as he saw a man frozen next to him. Glaciator really freezes people like stone.

Glaciator turned behind him and spotted the cat. He grunts as he shoots ice cream at him but Chat dodged. He jumped to the nearest rooftop but yelled as Glaciator threw a car right at him.

He screamed as he flew far from Glaciator, landing close to the ground. He closed his eyes when he expected the worse but felt the familiar string, holding him up.

"Hello, Kitty. Did the bad guys leave you cold?" Ladybug smirked.

Chat's eyes narrowed at her, rolling his eyes. "How was your amazing evening with your 'friends'?" he spat.

Ladybug blinked owlishly at his attitude and looked at him confused but gasped as they heard Glaciator close to them.

"I've never tasted superhero flavor before. I can't wait to serve myself a double scoop!"

The citizens screamed in fear as Glaciator shot ice cream at them, freezing them on their spots. One of the citizens screamed as he was suddenly swept from his feet and far from trouble, they sighed in relief to see Ghost-Spider helping them.

She nodded to him and he left. She jumped and landed next to the heroes as they huddled, hiding from Glaciator.

"Come out now, or I'll bury Paris in an entire layer of ice cream!" Glaciator shouts as he looks for the heroes.

Ladybug turned to them, thinking out loud. "The ice cream seems to fire out of his hand, and before André was akumatized, he served his ice cream using a, uh, uh...whatcha-ma-call-it!"

Chat wasn't impressed and deadpanned at her. "The whatcha-ma-call-it's called an ice cream scooper."

Ghost sweatdropped as she can see the annoyance radiating off from the hero. And Ladybug is oblivious to his behavior.

"That must be where he's hiding the akuma," she spoke up, trying to alleviate the tension but it was no use as Chat was staring at Ladybug.

"It's been a bomb, but now it's time to turn you into popsicles!" Glaciator shouts as he shoots at them but all three dodged and jumped away from his sight.

Ghost glanced back and blinked as Glaciator refused to freeze a couple, moving away and freezing anything else.

"Huh. He's leaving the couples alone," Ghost whispered, getting her teammates' attention.

"Too bad for us," Chat grumbled. But Ladybug grinned, turning to him already making up a plan.

"You don't understand. We know he doesn't attack couples so we could...pretend," she smiled nervously as he saw the grim expression he has.

Ghost sees this and placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her and fully facing Chat.

Chat stopped and glanced at her. He couldn't see her face from her hoody but he wants to really know if it is her. Is she really Gwen?

"Pretend?" he narrowed his eyes at Ladybug.

"To be in love!" Ladybug grinned.

Chat gritted his teeth, standing up and facing away from the others. "Sorry, Ladybug. It's not cool to play with people's feelings."

Chat jumped and attacked Glaciator with his staff. It was all for naught as his staff got stuck inside the ice cream. He yelped as he slammed to the wall and fell to the ground.

Glaciator goes to shoot him but Ghost jumped down, grabbing the edge of the car and throwing it at him.

Glaciator exclaimed in shock and turned to them but they were gone. Ghost glanced behind her from the building and turned to Chat who still seemed upset.

"Chat..." she whispered.

"I don't need your pity. It's got nothing to do with you," he snapped.

Ghost ignored the ache in her chest and sighed. "I don't know anything about love. But I know of one thing. You two are partners. You won't know how everything plays out and sometimes things are the way they are. You can try to soothe things out right now and rescue André or be petty all you want."

Chat glanced up at her and gulped. "What do you think about love?"

"It's stupid," she deadpanned.

Chat blinked owlishly and shook his head as Ladybug landed in front of them. "Are you mad at me because I didn't show up?" Ladybug frowned at him.

Ghost only stared at them owlishly like a child seeing her parents fight. She didn't like it. She felt awkward.

"What do you think?" he furiously asked.

Ladybug sadly frowned, "I...didn't mean to hurt you."

Ghost's senses flared and pushed them behind a vehicle as Glaciator jumped over them to find them. They all crouched as Ghost thought of a plan.

"And I also had a surprise for you, too!" Chat glared at Ladybug.

"I really am sorry," Ladybug tried.

Chat thought back at the rooftop and thought back to Gwen. He looked down sadly and sighed. "No...I'm the one who's sorry."

"Show yourselves, cowards!"

Chat glanced at both girls and nodded. "I think we better try your idea," he turned to Ladybug.

"Perfect," she nods but Chat raised a hand, stopping her from continuing.

"Ghost will go with me this time."

Both girls blinked at him and looked at him confused. Is he serious right now? Ghost's face flushed and shook her head, clearing her throat. "You guys just made up, you guys should go."

But she stopped as Chat grabbed her hand and helped her up, making her tense. Chat didn't dare look inside the hood but nodded as he gently guided her out of view. Ladybug can only stare in confusion as Chat gently took her out.

Ghost and Chat walked towards Glaciator. Ghost sweat nervously as Glaciator pointed his hands at him, aiming his ice cream at them. Chat made the first move and wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him.

"Relax," he whispered which made her shiver as his breath hit her ear.

She couldn't speak and only nodded as they kept walking. Glaciator hesitated but kept his aim at them.

Chat saw that and kissed her hooded head. She flinched but didn't move away as it was planned.

Glaciator saw through it and turned away. Chat glanced at the girl and gasped as he saw a glimpse of blue inside the hood. It chilled him to the bone as he instantly recognized those sea blues.

Is it...really Gwen?

Ghost saw as Glaciator turned away and grinned, moving away from Chat and chasing after him. Ladybug saw the signal and threw her yo-yo. Her eyes widened as she felt something inside and turned to the others.

"I've hit something inside. André hasn't turned into the monster, he's inside the monster!"

Ghost launched herself and punched Glaciator but stopped as Glaciator basically swatted her away. She screamed as she landed on top of the car, making the car dent and the windows shatter.

Chat paled and ran after her, but not before slicing Glaciator's legs, making him fall.

Ladybug followed and helped Ghost-Spider up. Ghost-Spider groaned and cracked her back. "Didn't see that coming."

"Are you okay?" Chat asked, looking her over but Ghost felt annoyed by the sudden worry and swatted his arms away from her.

"What should we do now?" she asked, turning to Ladybug.

"We've got to take care of Glaciator before all these people totally melt away! Lucky Charm!" a motorcycle helmet landed on her hands. Ladybug looked around and turned to them, nodding at her plan.

"Chatnoir, I need you to grab three signposts and tie them to your stick. We're going to make a pillar. Ghost-Spider, do you know how to use a motorcycle?"

Ghost nodded and ran for the motorcycle. She saw that it didn't have a key and started yanking everything to get it working. Ladybug saw as Glaciator was walking towards them and wrapped her yo-yo around him, stopping him from his tracks and confusing him.

Chat stabbed his staff through a bench and tied his belt around the motorcycle's wheels and the propeller. He nodded to Ghost and she starts it, riding fast as the staff twirled, making it spin and throw a powerful wind.

"Chatnoir!" Ladybug called out.

Chat used cataclysm and destroyed the bus in front of them as the dust flew away from the propeller. Glaciator exclaimed in shock as all the ice cream flew away, leaving an unconscious André holding himself.

Ghost stopped the motorcycle and went to help him. Chat ran after her as Ladybug grabbed his ice cream scooper and destroyed it. She smiled in relief as the akuma flew out. She capture it and purified it, bringing everything back to normal.

Glaciator turned back to André.

Ghost smiled and helped him up. She nodded them goodbye and headed home. But not before seeing Chat smile at Ladybug.

🕸🕷🕸

Gwen laid on her bed, looking up at the ceiling. She closed her eyes, trying to forget the way Chat's lips were so soft like a feathery touch. Or the way she felt somewhat safe in his arms. or the way he smiled at her.

She sighed quietly and used her pillow to cover the last dignity she had. She didn't like the way her heart pulsed against her chest like a drum. She didn't like how easily flustered she is when she can still feel his warmth.

She didn't like it at all.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard a knock on her balcony. She cursed herself when she immediately stood up and rushed to the window. What is she? A little girl?

She slapped her face lightly and waited a few seconds to hear the second knock to not be seen as a desperate lover.

Hearing the second knock, she opened the balcony doors, and there he was, sitting on the rails and on his hands holding the bag of groceries she had. She sweatdropped as she completely forgot about that internally cursing herself to think about Chatnoir all this time.

She smiled at him and thanked him as she grabbed her bag, and placing it inside. Gwen glanced up at him and saw as he was already looking at her, or more like seeing through her.

She chuckled, "Is something wrong?"

Chat snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head, rubbing his nape. "I...talked to Ladybug."

Gwen's eyes widened slightly before blankly staring at him. She crossed her arms in an attempt to shield herself from what was to come. She suddenly felt cold, hearing those words.

"Oh? Did you guys work it out?" she curiously asked.

He smiled, nodding at her. "She sees me as a friend and I think it's better than nothing."

Gwen nodded for him to go on and Chat saw that he grabbed her attention and smiled at her. "We've been through so much together and I don't want to give that up. I..." he hesitated and glanced at the girl. "I still love her."

Chat kept staring at the girl and was surprised to see her smiling softly at him. "I'm glad everything worked out. How are you going to pursue her?"

"I'm going to do whatever it takes. About before...I'm sorry about that," he frowned worriedly.

But Gwen smiled, shaking her head. "It's fine. You love her and what we did was a mistake. It won't happen again."

Somehow, she seemed fine and glad for him and Ladybug. He smiled and handed her a red rose to her. Gwen grabbed it and waved goodbye. Chat smiled and jumped away.

As he left, Gwen's hand dropped to her side. She silently walked inside and closed the balcony doors, leaning on the doors. She gripped the rose, ignoring the way her blood pooled from gripping the thorns. She also ignored the way her tears welled up in her eyes.

That's what it was. A mistake. She shouldn't be mad at him. They were both at their lows and only kissed in the heat of the moment. Her heart pangs painfully as she spotted the shadow not far from her once again glaring at her. She tearily sighed, holding the bloody rose to her chest.

Getting her backpack, she took out the slip she was looking for and walked out of her apartment but not before making a call.

"Gwen?"

Chat can do whatever he wants with his life and others. And so can she. She can walk through a river of flames with spikes but she'll keep running with chains wrapped around her body, pulling them constantly in fear.

She'll keep running.

"Hey, Sabine. I was wondering if it would be all right if I can have a few days off. I'm going on a field trip and I'm going to be gone for a few days."

After all...It's not her business.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Next Episode: Mount Iopadia ♥

A/N: Say thank you to our meme creator 😉 @halla92455

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5. ⬆️ This one is made by yours truly 😙

A/N: I also wanted to give you guys a small gift 😲 You guys are the greatest and drew a little something from the previous chapter. 😉 I'm still learning how to draw anatomy and shading 😅 so sorry. I pictured Gwen like this last chapter 😘

Enjoy ❤️

Published: July 28, 2022

Word Count: 7390