I'm calling this week "Chat Noir wins over Ladybug" week because we have gotten three prompts in a row that fall into the category. But whatever the spinning wheel decrees the prompt shall be, I must write in. Anyways, I hope y'all enjoy! -Colorado

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladybug was tired. Not physically, of course, but emotionally. Today had been failed confession number 371, despite pretty much the entire class helping her. It was like there was some force stopping Marinette from confessing each and every time. Sometimes it was just an akuma attack, sometimes it was her own anxiety, and sometimes things ended up lost, unsigned, left to disappear forever. Marinette was sick of it. Adrien consistently addressed her as just a friend, her confessions never worked, it was clear as day what she needed to do. She just hoped he would stick to her guns this time.

"I've decided I'm moving on from that other boy," Ladybug told Chat as they sat on the Eiffel Tower. The two of them were finishing up patrol, and decided to take a few moments to rest before heading home.

"What?" Chat Noir's head snapped to hers and his jaw-dropped. Ladybug could only shrug.

"I've got to move on from him. He doesn't see me romantically, every single time I've tried to confess it doesn't work out. He's never actually rejected me, but the countless failed rejections are sign enough that it's just not meant to happen." It broke her heart to say it. Ladybug resisted the urge to just leave now and cry in her pillow, but she knew it was the right thing to do.

"I'm so sorry, Ladybug. I really am." Chat Noir looked genuine. She knew he must have a million thoughts running around in his head.

"And while I can barely talk to him, much less confess, there's you. Constantly telling me how much you care about me and how much I mean to you." She shook her head, leaning back.

"I do care about you, My Lady. Not just romantically, but you're one of my best friends as well. If you're moving on and allow this cat to throw his hat in the ring, I would be ecstatic. But I also want you to be sure." Chat Noir grabbed her hand, squeezing it. It wasn't often he looked so serious, but Ladybug was glad he did. He genuinely cared about her, didn't he? It was quite a nice thought.

"Honestly Chat? I don't think you have any competition." She shrugged as her brain cried out in protest. Her heart told it to shut up. "You're kind, you make me laugh, I can trust you with my life, all good things to have in a partner."

She had laid awake last night thinking through everything. Luka was no longer an option. Not after breaking it off with him. And there was really no one else in her life she even remotely looked at romantically. She could see herself with Chat Noir very easily, and the image brought a smile to her face. If that wasn't a tell tale sign of her feelings, what was?

"Not to mention madly in love with you," he sang as he kissed her hand. She felt a blush come over her face. How could he say that so easily?

"Yeah, I guess there's that little detail, too." She was blushing, hard, but she didn't really care.

"But how would you feel about it? I mean a relationship can seem perfect on paper, but if you're just not interested it's just not going to work." He tested her carefully, watching her out of the corner of his eye.

"If it weren't for the other boy, it would've been you," she said simply, noticing how his eyes grew wide. "I've always found you attractive, Chat Noir, not that I would never admit it." 

"You mean that?" The disbelief in his voice would've hurt if not for the constant rejections over the years. She was sure it came as a shock to him.

"I mean yeah, I don't know how deep these feelings run, but I think if I just tried I would fall for you," her voice got quieter as her admission went on. She didn't have to fear rejection, so it was much easier for her to get the words out, but it was still a bit embarrassing.

"Then let me do the hard work for you. I'll try to convince you to fall, all you need to do is feel." Ladybug never noticed how startling Chat Noir's eyes could be in the night. In the dark, it seemed like those green eyes were staring straight into her soul. They were beautiful.

"Okay." She whispered, standing up. "I should head home now, but I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow, My Lady, and be prepared." He stood up after her, a wild grin on his face.

"Alright kitty, do your worst."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When she landed on the rooftop, she expected big declarations of love. Rose petals strewn about. Her kitty was such a hopeless romantic, she was almost excited to see what he would come up with. Instead he was standing there with just one red rose in his hand.

"Good evening, My Lady," he picked up her hand and placed a kiss on it. He didn't let her go, instead opting to place the rose behind her ear. "The rose is for you, although it doesn't hold a candle to your beauty."

Ladybug felt her face flush. There may not be rose petals, but Chat Noir wasn't going to let her forget about their agreement.

"Come on, I want to show you something." A grin took over his face. Ladybug could only nod, still trying to calm down her heart rate. It was only Chat! Why was she acting like this? No way he had won her over that easily.

But her heart already knew the answer, it was simply her mind that was being stubborn.

He offered his hands out to her, a clear invitation to be carried.

"I uh, I'd rather keep it a surprise. If that's alright with you?" Chat Noir explained bashfully. It was a cute look on him.

"Alright," she smiled, booping his nose. At her permission, he swept her into a bridal carry. "I didn't think you sweeping me off my feet would be so literal," she teased, trying to distract herself from their close proximity.

"Oh this is just the beginning," he grinned down at her, and her heart leapt. "Close your eyes."

And so she did. Wherever they were going, it didn't take Chat long to get there. She could hear the hustle and bustle of people as he set her down. Part of her protested that it had been so short, she liked being in his arms.

"Okay, you can open your eyes now." Ladybug's eyes flew open and she had to let out a gasp. Chat Noir had brought her to a beautiful rooftop garden. "I remember one time you said that gardens were your happy place. I've been keeping this place in the back of my mind since then. I promised myself I would bring you as soon as I had a reason too." He stepped even closer to her, invading her space. But she didn't mind, not in the slightest. "And now I do," he whispered, placing his forehead against hers. "Shall we?" He offered a hand to her.

"We shall." She intertwined their fingers together and didn't let go. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chat Noir bounced up to her like a kid who had just gotten two whole slices of cake at a party. It was really cute.

"Why hello My Lady," he placed another red rose in her hand, which was now rather customary for them. "I have a surprise for you."

"You do?" Her heart fluttered in her chest. It had only been a few days since he took her to the garden, but she was already aching to be around him.

"I do. You know how I've always wanted to take you to the movies?" He grinned.

"Yes?" Ladybug drawled, just where was he going with this?

"Well, tonight, I intend to. Follow me." He grabbed her hand, giving it a kiss.

"Okay."

He took off running across the rooftops, Ladybug following him behind. She thought he would be leading her to the theater, but they were going in the opposite direction. That was weird. He eventually landed on a rooftop, a chimney backing up to four others. He gave her one last wild grin, and vaulted over the chimney to land in the little square between them. Ladybug rolled her eyes, Chat was such a show off. But she knew she wouldn't want it any other way. She threw her yo-yo at one of the chimneys hoisting herself up and then falling next to him. She landed on pillows.

Chat Noir had somehow got a screen with a projector into this tiny little space. Not to mention the multitude of pillows and snacks on the board in front of her. She recognized some as being from the bakery. He had put small candles into jars, basking the space in a warm glow.

"I hope that this is okay." He whispered from beside her. She leaned her head on his shoulder.

"This is absolutely perfect, Chat Noir."

"Good," he took a moment, but slyly stole a kiss right on Ladybug's head. She tried not to blush too hard, but she was afraid she failed. "I figured this way you could rant about the movie and we could be like this without bothering anyone."

"It's amazing," she breathed.

"You're amazing," he said simply in return.

She felt her heart speed up again. Oh God, she was in for it big time now.

"I didn't know all the details about what would be your favorite movie. So I decided on a classic." Chat explained as the intro-rolled.

"'Devil Wears Prada?'"

"I know you like fashion, it has a fashion brand in the name, win-win!" Chat Noir grinned, obviously proud of his decision.

"How'd you know I like fashion, kitty?" She asked, narrowing her eyes.

"You know way too much about Gabriel Agreste to not like fashion, My Lady." He grinned leaning into her space. She nodded, situating herself in the pillows and up against Chat. She rested her head on his shoulder and one of his arms pulled her in closer.

'I could stay here forever,' Ladybug thought. Yeah, she was in for it big time.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rest of the week continued in a similar fashion. Every time they were together, Chat Noir would bring her a red rose. Ladybug had gotten a shoe box to put them in after she dried them. They were precious mementos to her. Of course, Hawkmoth wouldn't even let them have a week of peace. He attacked the day after their movie night.

Ladybug had initially been worried. The biggest reason why she was hesitating to just kissing Chat Noir senseless was because of their partnership. Paris came first, her desires came after. So when the akuma nearly hit her, she expected a reaction from Chat Noir beyond what was normal. But nope! He simply checked if she was okay before launching back into battle. They defeated the akuma in record time, too, only Mr. Pigeon could be defeated faster. She loved it. They had seemed even more in tune with each other than usual. All it had taken was once glance, and Chat knew exactly what to do with her plan. He had given her one look and she knew what she had to do to help him distract the akuma. It was the most amazing feeling in the world.

So when she arrived at another one of their... courtings that night, nearly all of her apprehensions had flown out the window.

Chat Noir was waiting for her, rose in hand, as always. She belatedly wondered what he was going to do this time.

Throughout the week, he had taken her to different locations he knew she would love. He remembered these little details about her that she hardly remembered herself. It was heart-warming, and honestly? It meant more than a big love confession. This was personal, intimate. Ladybug loved it.

"Good evening, mon chaton," Ladybug greeted as she landed behind him. He turned, and Ladybug felt her breath leave her. His suit was different. Instead of the normal ensemble, it was a perfectly tailored tuxedo. All black with a bright green tie sitting around his neck. His mask was something akin to a masquerade mask. The details outlined in green.

"Good even, My Lady. You look beautiful tonight," he whispered, leaning down to kiss her hand.

"And you look," incredibly attractive, "different."

Chat Noir laughed. Her flushed face was enough proof just how much this different look was affecting her.

"Do you like it, Bug?" He lifted his arms to his side, doing a little spin.

"I do. It suits you well." She stepped towards him, giving into temptation and running her hands along the fabric of his arms.

"Ha! Suits me well you say?"

"Yes, yes, very funny." She rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "Now come on, tell me what you have planned for tonight that has you dressed like this.

"Here," he placed a small macaron in his hand. "Go detransform behind that chimney and re-transform to be wearing a dress."

"Okay...?" Ladybug did as he asked, making sure he was out of sight before dropping her transformation. Tikki shot her a confused look. 

"What is it?" She whispered to Marinette.

"When I transform, can you give me a dress, please? Like a masquerade outfit?"

Tikki nodded.

"Just think about the design you want and I'll make it a reality."

"Thanks, Tikki." Marinette gave her kwami a small kiss as she ate the macaron. She called for her transformation and immediately noticed the difference.

She had black gloves that went up past her elbows. Her dress had a sweetheart neckline, and layers and layers of red fabric pillowed out around her. Not too much so she couldn't dance in it, she suspected that was on tonight's agenda, but enough to give the dress some shape. Across the bodice small black dots sparkling like stars. She took a step and noticed that her skirt wasn't just red, but had an ombre from red to black. She also noticed she wasn't in heels, thank god.

She stepped back out from the chimney, and noticed how Chat Noir's mouth fell open. She laughed behind one of the gloves.

"And just when I thought you couldn't get more beautiful," he walked over to her, grabbing her hand, "I was proven wrong."

"Flirt," she whispered as she put one hand on his shoulder and his hand grabbed her waist.

"I only tell the truth, bugaboo." He leaned down as the music began to play, his forehead touching hers. A slow melody encompassed the space around them. "You mentioned once you wished you knew how to dance." Chat Noir finally explained. "I intend to teach you."

Ladybug nodded, feeling the way heat radiated off of both of them. She knew right then and there. It had taken only a week, but here she was, falling and falling hard for Chat Noir. Her eyes locked with his, and the love shimmering in them made her gasp. She didn't think she'd ever be used to that expression on his face. That expression he reserved just for her. And she knew. She knew the very same expression was shimmering in her eyes.

As the music played and Ladybug leaned into Chat Noir, she felt her last resolve snap. She was sure now. And she knew just what she was going to do about it. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladybug heard Chat Noir land far before he saw him.

"My Lady? You told me to meet you here?" He called out to the darkness. Ladybug was currently hiding behind a chimney, roses in hand.

She took one last breath, it was time.

"Hello, mon chaton," She stepped out into the light, holding a bouquet.

"My Lady! There you are, I was wondering if I would be graced with your presence tonight or if I had been led astray." He winked, before his eyes fell on the roses. "What are those for?" He asked, titling his head in a way that was utterly adorable.

"These? These are for you." She handed over the red roses, noticing how his mouth fell open in surprise.

"Oh! I hadn't realized." He took a look over them, a small, loving smile on his face. He looked back up at her, as if she had just hung all of the stars in his sky. "Thank you, Ladybug," he breathed and her heart pounded.

She had to do this, she couldn't back out now!

"And I actually have one last gift for you," she whispered, stepping even closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and lifted her head, "I hope you'll accept it." Shaking, terrified, and enthralled, Ladybug met Chat Noir's lips.

She did it! She was kissing him! And he was kissing her back. His arms came around her, pulling her even closer to him. One of his hands caressed the side of her face. She took one of her hands and placed it on his cheek, feeling the warmth radiating off of his skin.

"I love you," he whispered when they broke apart. "Does this mean what I think it means?" She nodded against him, not wanting to step away from his embrace.

"I've fallen for you, Chat. And I've fallen for you hard. I want to be with you like how we've been together this entire week." Once she started, it seemed as though Ladybug couldn't stop. "I want to keep getting roses, I want to keep giving you roses, I want to keep being this close to you, I want to keep being the highlight of your day, I want you to keep being the highlight of mine. I want this, I want you, I want us."

And that was all she had to say for Chat Noir to start kissing her again. Ladybug felt herself melt against him. She was so weak when it came to him, but if there was anyone she would be weak for, she was grateful it was her partner. She trusted him with her life, and now she would trust him with something just as precious.

She would trust him with her heart. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm very tempted to take this concept and write my own extended fic of it, but we know how my multi chapter fics go. -Colorado