So while I was writing my paparazzi Adrienette April one-shot, this idea came to me. While I didn't use it because I thought the one-shot I went with suited the vibe of the series better, I still adore this idea so I decided to write it here. Vote and comment if you've enjoyed!                                                              -Colorado

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"Mlle. Dupain-Cheng! Mlle. Dupain-Cheng! Over here!"

"What are the newest developments on Hawkmoth's identity?"

"What are your plans going forward?"

"How have you been able to balance your superhero life and your civilian one?"

"What's the hardest part about being Ladybug?"

"Do you resent the account who posted the video of you transforming?"

"Have you been in contact with Chat Noir since the video was leaked?"

They were everywhere. No matter where she went, the cameras would find her and the questions with them. Marinette just wished she could escape them all. She was in danger, she knew that. It would only be a matter of time before Hawkmoth struck. Only a matter of time before she had to relinquish the Miracle Box. Before she lost all of her memories of Tikki or Ladybug or of Chat Noir.

Still, her time hadn't come yet, so she had to stand tall. Breathing out a breath, Marinette stood up in front of the park bench where she had been trying to design.

"We're still searching for Hawkmoth, but the list of suspects narrow every day. Until we bring him to justice, Chat Noir and I will be here to fight for you every day. Balancing my life between Marinette and Ladybug has never been easy, but supportive friends and family have made it much easier. Although, I doubt it'll be that easy ever again. The hardest part about being Ladybug is probably the responsibility and no, of course I don't resent the account. Although, I would like to be there when the police find them. And whether or not my partner has seen me since Tuesday is confidential. Any more questions?"

"I've got one! Wanna get away from here?"

Like a beacon of light, the crowd parted to reveal Chat Noir standing there in his leather clad glory.

"I absolutely would." Marinette smiled, a real smile, not the fake one that she was using more and more.

"Well then, Princess, your chariot has arrived." He said, holding out a hand for her to take. "Sorry folks, that'll be all for today!" He told the crowd before leaping off with Marinette in his arms.

"Thanks for the save, kitty." She sighed, placing her head on his back

"It's not a problem, m'lady."

Marinette closed her eyes, focusing on her partner's breath rather than the cries from the street below.

"You want to go back to the bakery?" Chat Noir asked softly. She shook her head. "Okay, then what about our little hideout? No one will bother you there."

Marinette thought about it briefly before nodding.

"Thank you." She whispered.

"Of course, bugaboo. And I bet the view will inspire some new fashion designs out of you."

"How'd you know I was designing?" Marinette asked with a smile.

"Because I know you, Princess."

"Yeah..." she said quietly, "you do."

"I'm sorry." He said in the same tone.

"What? Why?" Marinette lifted her head off of his back to try and look at his face.

"Because you don't deserve this. I know what it's like to be in the spotlight all the time and it sucks. Plus, you didn't want anyone to know your identity and now all it would take is a google search to know who you are. I know I've said that I wanted to know your identity more than anything, but not like this."

"I know, kitty." Marinette squeezed him. "But like I said the other day, out of all the people in the world who now know my identity, I'm most relieved that you know."

"Really?"

"Of course! You're my partner, Chat Noir, I've wanted to tell you for the longest time. I'm glad that you know, I just wish that I had gotten to tell you myself, you know?'

"Don't worry, m'lady, I know exactly how you feel. But on the bright side, once we defeat Hawkmoth I'll be able to make my identity reveal extra fun!"

"I'm a bit scared to know what that means, chaton."

Chat Noir glanced back at her, a wild grin on his face.

"You'll see, buginette, you'll see."

Marinette deadpanned at the nickname.

"I thought I told you not to call me that."

"But it's so cute!"

Marinette rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.

Chat Noir was magic like that. Even when she felt like she was at rock bottom, he was always there to pick her up. Both metaphorically and physically. As soon as the video was posted, Chat Noir came knocking on her balcony to deliver the news. He was quick to reassure her that changed nothing about how they would work, at least, it wouldn't have any negative changes. He still insisted on coming over to her place every once in a while. And of course, because Chat Noir was Chat Noir, he swore to be her secret bodyguard while she was at school. Which meant one of two things, either he was a student or he had nothing better to do than to watch her.

Marinette wasn't sure which one would be more nerve wracking.

"Well, you've arrived at your palace, Princess." Chat Noir said, landing on an abandoned restaurant rooftop that had become one of usual hang out spots. Whether it was to strategize, patrol, or just talk, they spent most of their time on this rooftop.

Under an old canopy, they had set up several bean bags, blankets, and pillows. Along with several chests filled with food for them to snack on and a desk with a laptop where they could plan out their next moves.

(And if they used the laptop for movies instead of strategizing sometimes, well, that was between her and Chat Noir.)

"Why thank you, my grand knight." Marinette curtsied as he bowed.

"I'll uh, leave you be, if you want some alone time." Chat Noir gave her a grin, but Marinette could see right through his facade.

"I wouldn't mind some company right now." She said softly, opening up the sketchbook she had held onto while Chat Noir was carrying her. "If you don't have anything else to do."

"Not anything that's more important than you, m'lady." He said, flopping down on a beanbag.

"So... without slipping too much, how was your day today?" Marinette asked as she sat down next to him.

Could she have sat on one of the other beanbags to give him a bit of space? Yes. But did she want to? No, absolutely not.

So she liked having Chat Noir in her space, sue her!

"It was alright. I had to put up with a lot of different activities that I don't necessarily enjoy." He said.

"I'm sorry, that doesn't sound like fun."

"Meh. Some are better than others. Luckily the one that's normally the worst wasn't too bad today because of who I was working with. It was somebody who I get along with really well, so I was really relieved."

"At least there's that."

"Then of course, when I got home I saw a bunch of news stories about you being at the park so I decided to see if you needed any help."

"My hero." Marinette smiled up at him.

"I do what I can." He grinned back. "I'm just glad I got to you in time. Dealing with the paparazzi is never fun."

"Yeah." Marinette let out a sigh. "I never thought I would have to deal with it as Marinette, too."

Chat Noir slipped his arm around her shoulder and squeezed her reassuringly. 

"We'll find them, I promise you." Marinette didn't need to ask who he was talking about.

"I know we will." Marinette murmured, letting her head fall onto his shoulder and closing her sketchbook. There would be time for designing later, right now she was going to enjoy one of the few moments of peace she's had with her partner since Tuesday.

"And when I do... I'll make them pay."

"Chat...." Marinette said in a warning tone.

"I'm serious! They've caused you so much pain and strife and I just don't want them getting off scot free. You mean too much to me for that to happen." He said that last part quietly, but Marinette could  hear it clear as day.

"Chaton, don't worry, I'll be pressing charges against whoever ran that account. But let's cross that bridge when it comes, yeah? Right now, I want to enjoy the sunset with you." 

"O-oh, okay." He stuttered, and Marinette had to hold back a giggle.

'Cute.' She thought.

"Do you need to let your parents know that you're with me?" Chat asked.

"Meh," Marinette waved it off. "I'm sure they saw our grand exit."

"Okay. I just don't want you to get in trouble."

"Don't worry, they'll be fine as long as I'm not out too late."

"How'd they take the news?"

"Good. They were worried about me, and weren't super happy about me keeping secrets at first, but once I explained the situation they understood." Marinette didn't know what she would do if her parents didn't approve of her masked escapades.

"Wonder what that's like." Chat muttered. Marinette grabbed the hand that wasn't around her and squeezed it.

"You're always welcome at our place, Chat." She said, picking up his hand and kissing it.

"Uh, guh, I uh," Chat Noir shook the blush off of his face. "I thought that was my move!"

"It is, but I stole it." Marinette winked.

"Just like you stole my heart?" He grinned.

"Exactly, my kitty, exactly." Before she could chicken out, she pecked his nose.

"Are you trying to kill me?" He croaked, his face becoming as red as Nathaniel's hair.

"Is it working?" Marinette giggled.

"You know I've always been weak to your charm, m'lady."

"I know." Marinette rested her head back on his shoulder. "Trust me, I know."

They sat in comfortable silence, watching as the City of Lights slowly flickered to life, living up to its name. It was one of the few moments of genuine peace Marinette had since Tuesday. Even in the comfort of her own home, she couldn't escape the crowds surrounding her house. At school, it was even worse. Thank goodness for Alya, Adrien, and Nino who had become her unofficial bodyguards. And she was pretty sure Adrien was one incident away from asking his bodyguard to watch both of them.

"Thanks again for saving me." Marinette said once the first stars flickered into sight.

"I'm your partner, it's my job to save you." Chat Noir winked which made her giggle.

"Seriously though, I wasn't sure how much energy I had left in me."

"I know. And I know right now things are absolutely terrible and sucky and I hate that I can't do anything about it, but one day things will die down. I promise you. The world moves on."

"I know rationally that it will, but right now it just seems..."

"Hopeless?"

"Yeah." Marinette said softly.

"It'll get better, but I know that's not the most helpful advice. I wish I could do more."

"You've done more than enough, chaton. Just the fact that you've stood by me through all of this is enough."

"But I'm your partner! And right now you're going through something terrible and I can't even tell you that I'm there because of our identities. I just...." He let out a long sigh. "I wish things were different."

"Chat Noir, look at me." Marinette said sternly, but still gentle. "You come by my house at night to make sure I'm okay, you defend me whenever someone even hints at criticisms,"

"I-."

"I've seen the videos. You save me from paparazzi and you swear that you check on me at school, which I'm not sure if it's creepy or endearing."

"Hey! I'm not a stalker!"

"So you probably go to my school then. Cool. Imma focus on that later when I can scream into a pillow. Anyway," Chat Noir laughed at Marinette's short tangent. "You do so much for me, Chat Noir, and I appreciate every single one. You're my partner and I love you."

Chat Noir's eyes blew wide as the words slipped out of her mouth, but they quickly softened as he scooped her into a hug.

"I love you too, Marinette."

Marinette smiled and closed her eyes, soaking in the moment for as long as possible. Hoping she could remember the feeling even when she was being questioned by pestering classmates and journalists.

All too soon, they pulled apart.

"So, before I picked you up, what were you designing?" Chat asked.

"Here, I'll show you!" Marinette said brightly, flipping open the book.

"Whoa." Chat Noir breathed, looking at the gradient of yellows, pinks, and purples.

"The sunset inspired me and I was getting antsy so..."

"Marinette, these are amazing! I know I've told you this time and time again, but you're so talented."

"Thanks." She said, a blush on her cheeks.

"It's only the truth."

"I can't wait to actually start sewing this one piece, it'll be a bit of a challenge but it'll be worth it."

"I'm sure you can do anything that you put your mind to, plus you'll look beautiful in it. But you look beautiful in everything." He winked.

"Such a flirt." Marinette teased, but her cheeks were pink.

"I only tell the truth. Whether you believe me or not is up to you."

"Well, maybe you're starting to win me over." She admitted, trying to keep the tone lighthearted.

"I hate to say I told you so but, I told you so." Chat grinned.

"Ugh, but do you have to be so cocky about it?"

"Yes." He grinned. "You know you love me."

"Unfortunately."

"Love you too, bugaboo. Hey! That rhymed!"

"You're such a dork." Marinette laughed.

"But I'm your dork."

"That you are, kitty, that you are."

"Hey, have you eaten dinner yet?" Chat Noir asked suddenly.

"No, actually, I haven't." Marinette suddenly realized that she was hungry. It sometimes happens while she's designing. She just gets so focused on whatever she's working on she forgets about things, like eating or sleeping.

"Well, text your parents to tell them you're going home late because I'm taking you out to eat. Let's show the paparazzi what for! Just because you're Ladybug, doesn't mean that you can't have fun."

"And where is my knight taking me?" Marinette asked, pulling out her phone to tell her parents about the changes.

"I don't know." He shrugged. "Let's just pop in on some street vendors and get a smorgasbord of stuff! We can take it back up here and have a picnic!"

Marinette giggled at his excitement. He really was cute when he was enthusiastic about something. 

"Okay, okay! Let's do it!"

"Really? Oh, thank you, Princess! You won't regret this, I purromise."

"I should hope not. And really chaton? Purromise?"

"Hey! I've been doing good about cat puns all night long, but the opportunity was right there. You can't expect me not to take it."

"Unfortunately it's true." Marinette grinned.

"Now come on, I know this fantastic falafal street vendor just down a few blocks. Let's go make his day." He picked up Marinette, making sure she was comfortable on his back.

"Okay, then! But you're paying."

"Of course I am. I'm a gentlecat after all."

Marinette rolled her eyes, but chose not to comment on the pun, which of course, made Chat's grin grow as they took off.

And so they went from one street vendor to the next. Of course, the paparazzi found them and bombarded them with questions. Marinette and Chat Noir tried to answer as many as they could, but if the question got to be too much, they would simply leap off. He even nearly fought a guy after overhearing an unwelcome comment about Marinette. She, of course, had to get him to back off because not everyone was going to like her and he couldn't go around and beat up civilians. Even if they were really annoying ones. Secretly though, Marinette was touched that Chat would go that far for her, even though her brain reminded her it was no more than what she would do for him. People could sneer at her all they wanted, but no one hurt her kitty.

Even with all of the questions, Marinette still was having fun. Chat Noir made everything brighter whenever he was around. Throwing out puns and jokes without a second thought, just to hear her laugh. And flirting. There was lots and lots of flirting. But Marinette didn't mind, especially since she was just as much to blame as him. She couldn't help it! Without the masks, everything just felt so much more genuine. In both a scary butterflies-in-stomach way and an exciting heart pounding way. 

Now that he knew her identity, Marinette knew that there would be more nights like this in her future. And she couldn't wait for each and every one. Even if it had started out rough, even if it had solved none of their problems, it was so worth it. If she was doomed to give up the miracle box and forget everything, then she better have the time of her life while she still can. And that time of her life wouldn't be complete without her partner by her side. 

Things were different now, both in a fantastic way and a terrifying one. But they would adjust to the changes, they always did. Because they were an unstoppable team brought together by fate, but stayed together by choice. And they would continue to stay together through it all because of one single thing Marinette had held back from this entire time. But she was done holding back. She had followed all the rules, and look where that had gotten her! It was time to take risks. It was time to be bold and brave. It was time to finally give into this something that Chat Noir had given into long, long ago.

Love. 

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This was NOT supposed to get this fluffy, it was supposed to be ANGST! But uh... once a Marichat stan, always a Marichat stan.                                                                                                                              -Colorado