Chapter Text
[PROMPT: Last Heroes]
“I think it could be a good idea," Chat Noir stated as he uncrossed his legs, his stance relaxing.
Ladybug's gaze shot up, glaring at him across the room from the armchair where she was sitting. “You can't be serious?” she inquired, raising a brow.
“Look, Bug, we're talking about DC films , not about Bob Ross trying to convince us to do a remake of Jurassic Park in Paris, with XY as my civilian self.” The hero made a face whilst remembering this terrible proposition; as much for the casting as for the script itself. Yet, this one looked very promising and close to telling their real story; all they’d been through those last years. “We could give it a try and at least read the script,” he suggested, looking up at the producer.
Said producer looked uncomfortable and Chat Noir could have sworn he could clearly see a drop of sweat trickling down the man's face as he glanced sideways at Ladybug. Was he scared of the heroine? Chat chewed on his bottom lip, muffling a cackle; he knew his Lady could be intimidating, but she wouldn't hurt a bug (of course, his inner voice cheered smugly at the pun). Well, she wouldn't… except for butterflies. She couldn't stand them anymore. Not since… since they finally managed to stop the Monarch; his father. Not that his partner knew about that specific detail.
They didn't reveal their identities after they arrested Gabriel Agreste and threw him in jail just a few months ago. It was a mutual agreement; the Peacock Miraculous was still on the loose with Félix, both untraceable for years. Better safe than sorry, Ladybug had said, and after they both went through hell for years, he was okay with that; he was definitely not ready to reveal that he was their archenemy's son.
This movie was a way to pay tribute to this bittersweet victory and, who knew, perhaps it'd finally help them turn this page once and for all. Maybe after this, they might even reconsider some of their choices. Maybe .
“It can't hurt.” His Lady's unsure voice tore him out of his thoughts and he instantly looked up at her.
She still looked doubtful, and was on the defense. Nevertheless, she reached out to Antoine, the producer, taking a copy of the script while not taking her reluctant gaze off the feline hero.
Chat Noir did the same, now looking down at the thick pile of sheets and staring at the title written there on the first page:
'Ladybug and Chat Noir; the rise of the last heroes'
“Did you start reading the script, M'Lady?” Chat Noir inquired as their run over the Parisian rooftops came to a stop. The patrols were more about letting off steam for the two last heroes than about duty now that the Monarch was gone.
Ladybug and Chat Noir's everyday patrol also reassured the Parisians that they were safe and allowed the heroes to stay in touch—every single night.
“I haven't had the time yet. I've only gone through the list of actors. What about you, Chaton?”
“The cast is purrfect! I can't believe they chose Emilia Clarke to play your civilian self! However, from what I have read so far, they need to review their puns; I don't make such cheap jokes…”
“Let me take a guess; they used the 'cat's meow' one?” Ladybug chuckled, her hands pressed flat against her mouth as she held back a louder laugh.
“I can't stand that one. Not since Copycat used it.” A pout curled the corner of Chat's lips downward.
Ladybug moved closer, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Then, I guess you could show them Chat Noir's real master puns.” She reassuringly rubbed her hand there.
“Wait. Does that mean… You are agreeing to do the movie?” Chat sucked a breath in.
She withdrew her hand at a breakneck speed just like if his suit had burned her glove.
“Hold your pants, Chaton; I first need to read the script, but… I might admit that seeing Zac Efron as your civilian self is quite tempting.” She tilted her head, taking him in before quickly looking away.
“Well, what are we waiting for then? Let's read it now. That will give us a chance to discuss it together,” Chat suggested.
“Don't you have something better to do on a Saturday night after patrol?” Ladybug raised a brow, looking puzzled.
“Better than spend time with you? Absolutely not, M'Lady,” he whispered in a flirty tone, her nickname falling from his lips like the last drop of maple syrup from a bottle.
It was true; nothing was more valuable than the time spent with his Lady, away from his spacious, but all too empty and quiet, room. Life, alone, at 20 years old could seem idyllic for most of the young people. The ultimate goal; freedom and independence. However, for Adrien, it was just another chasm of loneliness, and he was doing everything he could to get away from it.
The coy look disappeared from his features, and he beamed at his partner. She looked flushed; something which happened to her quite often these last few weeks but which he didn't take into account, shrugging it off. He didn't want to set his hopes too high; he didn't dare to hope at all.
“Whatever. We can just go home on our own and read it when we have tim—” Chat tried to bounce back on his flirt but Ladybug cut him off.
“No, let's do it!” she objected. “Maybe I can… just… wait.” She fumbled with her yo-yo and opened it. She put her hand inside of the mini portal created by her weapon, the tip of her tongue darting out at the corner of her mouth as she focused herself on her searching task.
“I thought it was a shortcut to the Miracle Box." Chat's eyebrows furrowed in a skeptical frown.
“To my room, actually," she replied carelessly, her eyes narrowing in complete concentration.
Chat Noir leaned against the chimney stack, his lips curling in a sly grin while looking at her intently. He snorted quietly. Oh dear, never throw a bone to a cat… “Do you think more than a hand could fit in there?” He pointed to her yo-yo, his smirk only widening. “I mean… like a superhero sized body? Tall like this." He bent down, lowering his hand to the ground then straightened up, raising his palm to the top of his head, showing the height he was referring to— his.
Ladybug stilled, muttering something under her breath and her cheeks suddenly turned bright red. For all he knew, she could wear a red hood; he wouldn't even know the difference. Though, she still made a very cute Little Red Riding Hood, and he would gladly be the wolf that would take a bite out of her.
Uh-oh. Nevermind .
“Ah, there! I got it," she mumbled, taking out a pile of papers from her yo-yo—the movie script. “How far did you get in your reading?” She inquired as she turned the first page and got to the list of the cast.
Chat moved closer behind her and peered over her shoulder, he reached for the script, his hand—not so unintentionally—brushing his Lady’s arm as he started flipping through the pages. “About half-way through the script, I think,” he whispered next to her ear, tone unsure, and she startled, dropping the script.
She hastily bent down to get the sheets back, and so did Chat Noir. His hand rested on top of hers as they both tried to grab all the papers scattered on the ground.
“Sorry,” she yelped helplessly.
“It’s okay. Let me give you a hand to pick it all up; it’ll be easier to read it that way.” He winked at her and, again, she slurred something unintelligible while hurrying to pick every sheet back.
If only she knew what was coming next… She would most likely drop the script, maybe even the movie. Although, he hoped she wouldn't; not just for a tiny, innocent kiss between the two heroes— them . Because of course, there was a kiss. He’d just lied to her; he’d been through the whole script and had even thought that his heart might burst when he had reached the kissing scene. Yet, it wasn’t such a big deal; they were adults and they could deal with a stage kiss, right? Besides, it’s not like they hadn’t kissed before. Though he didn’t remember it, she never seemed annoyed from doing so in the past.
Still… Now that he thought about it, maybe… Maybe if she never kissed him again it was because it had sucked. Maybe kissing him felt utterly terrible? Maybe… Maybe he was a bad kisser!
And thus, he still had no experience at kissing girls, or boys, whatever.
Oh, dear! Kissing him was certainly the last thing his partner would agree to do and this movie would never see the light of day.
He probably was a bad kisser! He knew he already fretted over it before but… damn it!