The Running Bear (Cat Noir x Reader)

Chapter 9: Note To Self: Don't Deliver Mail To Celebrities

I gasp. "Don't call us-"

She leaps off the tower and disappears. I groan, annoyed with the fact she calls us lovebirds when we're clearly not in love with each other. 

Her disappearance creates an awkward moment of silence between Cat Noir and I, and I'm desperately trying not to look at that pretty face of his. 

"I better go," I finally mumble, heading towards Adrien's friend on the roof. 

But Cat Noir grabs my hand. "Makwa, wait." 

I turn around, surprised. "Yeah?"

He pauses before he asks, "Are you sure you're okay?"

My eyebrows furrow. "I'm fine. Why?"

His emeralds flicker. "You looked so angry today. You were really angry at our villain, angry that all the adults were taken. You're usually fierce, but today it seemed like you turned it up a few notches." 

I shrug. "Well yeah, it's our job to protect this city and its people."

He hesitates. "I know but right now, it feels like it's something more than that. Do you wanna talk about it?"

My eyes focus on my purple moccasins. "No, it's just..." 

I hesitate, unsure if I want to take that next step and open up to him. I've never been that vulnerable with anyone but my family. Why should I open up to a complete stranger about my insecurities when I don't even know who he is underneath the mask?

Overwhelming fear prevents me from speaking and my body starts to tremble. I can't. I can't tell him. I can't. 

Cat Noir takes a step forward, interlaces his fingers with mine, and gently squeezes my hand. "Hey, it's okay. We're in this together. That's how it started, and that's how it'll always be. As long as we stick together, we can conquer anything. I promise." 

I look up at him. "But what if-"

"Then we'll do it together," he encourages with determination. "No matter what."

He sounds so genuine. I don't think he's lying.

A warm smile slowly spreads across my face. "Thanks, Starlight," I whisper.

Suddenly, he brings the back of my hand to his warm lips and places a tender kiss upon it. My entire body shatters as my face heats up. I snatch my hand away from him. 

"I-I should probably go," I stutter. 

Looking at me one last time, he winks. "Jamais sans toi, ma reine." 

As soon as he leaps off the tower, I take multiple deep breaths to keep my heart from stopping and my mind from completely shutting down. 

Why on Hoth did he do that? Why did he call me cute? It doesn't make any sense.

I've read plenty of Nancy Drew books growing up, but this is one mystery I know I can't solve. 

|~~~|

7:47 p.m.

Tears burst down my face as I stare ahead of me in shock. "No!" I scream. 

Mom hugs me comfortingly. "Kai, it's okay, it's okay." 

I can barely speak as I gasp for air. "Why-why-why did he die?"

Mom pats my back. "I don't know."

I cry like a baby into her shoulder. "I-I he-she could have- why didn't she-"

Mato glances at Mom and I sobbing on the couch. "I can't believe you two are crying over this." 

I glare at her through my blurred vision. "How are you so stone faced?"