Archive of Our Own

“Shit,” Chat Noir says, slumping to the ground. This is bad. This is catastrophic. CATastrophic, see? He holds his tongue; he doesn’t think Ladybug would appreciate his pun right now. Not yet, anyway. They're backed into a corner – literally – and his arm is broken. The seconds tick by until they have to recharge. Until they see each other.

There's no way out.

“How much time do you have?”

“Not long. A few minutes.”

Ladybug closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. “Papillon doesn’t know where we are.”

It’s not a question, but Chat Noir still says, “No.”

She nods. “Okay. That’s good. Or – well, it’s not as bad as it could be, right?”

“Tell me what you’re thinking, my lady.”

“I’m thinking that my Lucky Charm won’t get us out of this, but it will help your arm.”

He can’t fight with his arm like this. He knows it as well as she does. He’s let her down again. The only bright side is that it should fix itself when she performs Miraculous Ladybug. But for now… maybe a splint will help. Maybe. He only hopes his injury doesn’t hinder Ladybug any more than it already has.

Say what you will about cats, but all he knows is that this cat is hopelessly devoted to his favorite person.

“Okay,” he agrees. “But I have to tell you, my lady, you won’t be able to resist me when you see who I really am.”

Ladybug rolls her eyes. “Give it a rest, Chaton.” 

“You really don’t mind that you’re about to find out who I am?” he asks, and maybe his insecurity seeps into his tone, or maybe she just knows him that well. It’s probably both.

She shrugs. “There’s not much we can do. If we keep our eyes closed, then we’re putting ourselves at risk. Besides… we’ve known each other this long, right?”

“Are you sure?”

“We don’t have another option. You’re injured, and we need your Cataclysm to get out of here, anyway.”

Chat Noir wants to argue – he does. He wants to bring up her dedication to privacy. He wants to remind her how this could change everything. But his arm hurts like a bitch, and… maybe she won’t mind. “Okay,” he says, through gritted teeth. “If you’re sure.”

Ladybug nods. “I’m sure.”

“No take backs.”

Ladybug smiles. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Chaton.”

He looks at his ring. He has a few seconds left. “Whatever happens – friends?” This isn’t the time for flirting.

“No matter what,” Ladybug promises. “You know I couldn’t do this without you. We’re a team.”

It’s a weight off his shoulders. “Thanks,” he says.

And then… it’s time.

He used his Cataclysm before Ladybug used her Lucky Charm, so his disguise falls first. He’s grateful the magic knows better than to interfere with the splint, but when all is said and done… he keeps his eyes closed. He can’t help it.

“Adrien Agreste?”

“Disappointed, my lady?”