Hey everyone! Please feel free to review and comment. I thrive on feedback and I love hearing from everyone! No criticism is bad criticism in my opinion, its just ways to make a writer stronger!

This is my second story arc but this one will be much shorter. I just couldn't get this out of my head and had to get it out or I was going to go insane! My first one, The Hearts Truth, is finally completed!

Also, BEWARE! I am placing this after the events of Puppeteer 2 of Seasons 3 so if you haven't gotten that far just know there are references to that specific episode in here. It doesn't have too much to do with my story, it is more of a tie in to my own plot but still, you've been warned :)

Also, I do not own the characters, just the plot! :) Enjoy!

Unexpected Turns

"Where is that darn Chat? He makes this big plea for two hours for us to show up together and now he is late? Heaven give me patience." Ladybug muttered to herself, scanning the skyline with her arms crossed, waiting to see her black-clad partner sauntering up without a care in the world.

It would be just like him too.

She sighed heavily, secretly hoping that everything was okay and that there wasn't a worse reason for why he was running this behind. They were supposed to have met at ten o'clock sharp, and it was past ten-thirty now.

She looked up, shielding her eyes from the bright sun even as a small gust of wind flew past. She really hoped he was okay. They hadn't had an akuma show up in a few days, so they were both going to be on high alert for this event. Hawkmoth loved the chance to ruin things.

The city was holding an event for them today, to thank them for the past two years of keeping them safe. She had initially thought it was a bad idea, but Chat had been so excited about a festival being held in their honor. It was rare for her kitty to get worked up to such a degree. Flirty yes, childish, always, but seeing the genuine innocent joy in his eyes, her heart had melted ever so slightly. The agreement was out of her before she could form a coherent thought.

And now here she was, standing alone on a rooftop, waiting for her overly flirty, can't stop the stupid puns even in the middle of a fight, never let her down, precious partner to appear. Geez, even in her own head she was ranting like a lunatic.

"M'lady! I'm so sorry I'm late! I couldn't decide what to wear!" His worried voice came from behind her as she heard the soft thud of his landing.

She turned on him, getting ready to scold him when her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.

"Ch-Chat Noir?" She said stupidly. Of course she knew it was him, but, but just, wow, what the hell!

He was in a very expensive-looking black suit with green accents that matched his eyes perfectly. His usual wild hair had a more controlled look, like it was purposely styled in a wild way. His ears flattened against his head, his tail whipping back and forth nervously the longer she stared.

"Wh-what's the matter? Do I look that ridiculous?" He asked nervously, looking down at his outfit in concern. He was smoothing down the already crisp suit unnecessarily.

She shook her head, "NO! No I mean Chat, I, I have always thought you were handsome but," she couldn't believe these words were coming out of her mouth, "you are one of the sexiest looking men I have ever laid eyes on."

His cheeks under his mask burned red, and a soft smile formed, "Oh, th-thank you bugaboo. Plagg told me he would change my suit for the day if I wanted, and I didn't know what I wanted so it took a while. I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

She told him honestly, "It was worth it."

He chuckled slightly, his blush never fading as he put his hand to the back of his neck in nervousness, "I'm a little surprised. I figured your kwami would have changed your outfit for the day too. With so much excitement and positivity in the air, I really don't think Hawkmoth has a chance to ruin this. We should enjoy our day."

She heard Tikki's excitement as she agreed with Chat's thought. It was only seconds before she felt the magic move around her, altering her normal fighting suit.

When she looked down, she saw a beautiful Maxi-length cocktail style dress with the Ladybug print. It was sleeveless with a high waist that showed off her figure. She touched the round neckline with a smile, glad that the dress was modest.

Tikki knew her well. She moved slightly, admiring the high-low design of the cut and realized that her hair was flowing down her bare back. Tikki had given her simple black heels, which she normally would have groaned at but being Ladybug, her balance was much better.

She smiled brightly as she looked up at Chat Noir, seeing him in no doubt the same shock that had been on her face mere moments ago.

"What do you think? Too much? Am I trying too hard?" She asked.

Chat shook his head, "M'lady, I, you are, absolutely stunning. If I knew there was a real chance of you saying yes, I'd ask you to marry me right now."

She flushed instantly, telling him trying to keep herself together, "Don't joke right now Kitty."

"I am one hundred percent serious. Chat's honor." He held up two fingers and she realized that he still had his clawed gloves on too.

She looked at her hands and finally noticed the sheer white gloves Tikki had put on her.

She walked up to him carefully, leaning up and kissing his cheek, "If you had asked when you arrived, I wouldn't have said no."

He instantly fell to his knee, "Marry me."

She laughed, "Not now kitty. We are about to be late to our own party."

He smirked up at her, "Not now, but that leaves me hope for later."

She grabbed her yo-yo from her waist and he picked up her quickly as she panicked, "Chat what are you doing?"

He said it slowly, "You are in a dress. You really want to fly over the hundreds of people who are going to be waiting for us?"

She thought about what he meant and relented, "I get your point." She locked her hands behind his neck, trying not to be annoyed at the satisfied smirk on his face.

He vaulted them over to the Louvre, where the event was being held. Already multiple vendors had set up around the giant pyramid, and off to one side was a large stage. They dropped down just behind one of the buildings, Ladybug straightening her dress as Chat told her softly, "You are beautiful m'lady, trust me."

He held out his hand and she smiled at him as she took it, "Thank you kitty."

They walked out of their hiding place, trying to avoid being seen until they got closer. There were already people everywhere moving between the vendors in excitement. They honestly didn't have to hide too much. Most people weren't giving them a second glance, no doubt expecting Ladybug and Chat Noir to show up in their usual suits.

It made her laugh to herself, Chat asking right away, "What?"

"We go through all this trouble to keep ourselves hidden, and right now we are walking around with no one being the wiser, even with the masks still on." She explained, causing him to laugh a little too.

"Well, given that everyone is wearing some combination of black and green, or red with black spots, I'd say we are spot on with our disguises." He touched one of the spots on her mask and she rolled her eyes.

"You can't even give me a day?" She asked heavily.

He laughed more, "A day? My life is yours m'lady, now and forever."

She felt herself blushing. She and Chat Noir had gotten increasingly closer the past year. The increase in akuma's as Hawkmoth tried every effort to steal their Miraculous had forced them together more often. In an effort to try and really locate Hawkmoth, they had been going out on patrol every couple of days. A few months into it, they were both no closer to locating him and were exhausting themselves.

They had even fallen asleep together on top of the Eiffel Tower! Thankfully the sunrise had woken them up before anyone had found them, but still!

That was when they had decided to go back to their usual patrol runs so that they could both have time to rest.

It was during those days of separation when she realized how much she was missing her kitty. More than once she had to talk herself out of joining him on his patrol night, hoping to surprise him with the company. She would somehow find the will to stay home, but would be thinking about him constantly to the point that even Tikki had to try and talk her down.

She knew after one of their last patrol runs that her sneaky partner had found a way into her heart. She hadn't even realized it was happening, or that she had actually fallen for him until it was too late. It hadn't been any big or grand moment, or in the middle of a fight when she accepted it.

They had been simply sitting side by side, their legs dangling off of the Eiffel Tower as they sat in silence after patrol. She had looked over to see Chat staring out into the city, a gentle smile on his face, and a soft warmth in his eyes. He had been completely at ease, completely himself in that moment. When he looked over and smiled at her without a word, she finally hit ground. The thought was instant as she smiled back at him, not caring that he put his hand over hers, 'I'm in love with him.'

She had somehow managed to keep that phrase from escaping her, and in his true Chat way, he had told her exactly what she needed to hear, "Sometimes, I wish this was my everyday life. That we could be out somewhere together like this, without a care in the world."

She had squeezed his hand in hers, admitting it, "Me too."

The instant shock on his face had caused her to laugh. As Ladybug she was very much in control of her emotions. She wanted them both to be safe, but in that moment, she had considered how easy the landing had been. She knew Chat loved her, and she did love him, the only thing keeping her from acting on it was a love she hadn't managed to let go of at the time.

Adrien.

After she had practically poured her heart out to what she thought had been his wax statue, only to find out it had been him trying to pull a prank on her– god what a nightmare. She had, ridiculously, managed to control the damage she had nearly caused. Their friendship was important to him, he had made that clear, and she could live with that. The strongest relationships started out as friendships, because who could say they loved you for you without seeing you in all of your best and worst moments the way friends did?

She had been willing to wait, for however long she had to for him to return her feelings, but Adrien in a single line, had shattered her heart without knowing it.

"The girl I'm in love with doesn't like them either."

He had said it so casually, so easily. It was no wonder Adrien only considered her a friend and nothing more. He had already given his heart to someone, and she would be a fool for not loving him back. Whether she appreciated his jokes or not.

So slowly, despite the pain and random bouts of crying, she had let him go piece by piece. They were meant to just be friends. After she had gotten past the awkwardness she had created between them and apologized for it, they really did become better friends to her joy. No more stuttering or falling all over the place, it was a win-lose situation, but better than losing him forever.

There was a part of her that still loved him though, even now. She couldn't get rid of it, like the universe itself was refusing to let her forget him completely.

He would compliment her, or give her a small smile, and her heart would flutter.

Chat Noir, being the genuinely kind guy he was underneath the bravado, had understood her hesitation when one night she had finally had enough and laid it all out for him. She had told him everything she was feeling about him, and why she was so hesitant. She didn't want to cross a line with him, not knowing he loved her completely when she couldn't give him her heart with the same openness. Until she was sure that her feelings for Adrien were pure friendship, she refused to hurt her chaton that way.

She shouldn't have been so surprised that he hadn't cared one bit. The only part he had heard in her entire thirty-minute rant was what she had said in the first two minutes of it. 'I'm in love with you, and I want to be with you.'

He had looked at her with so much love and understanding. He had promised to give her whatever time she needed because he would always be waiting for her. Chat knew in his heart that his lady was meant for him, and his heart was hers with no reservations.

Walking hand in hand now towards the stage, she knew she felt the same way. Her denial was completely gone.

"Chat, do you want to go have dinner with me tonight?" She asked before she could change her mind.

He stopped dead in his tracks, staring forward at nothing for a second before he looked at her slowly, "I'm sorry, I, I know I heard you wrong."

She smiled at him knowingly, "I asked if you would like to go have dinner with me tonight. If you have plans already that's okay."

He shook his head, "No! No I don't have plans. I'd love to I," he frowned like he hated himself for asking this, "Are you sure?"

She nodded, "Yes. I think," she corrected herself and said it more confidently, "No, I am, ready to move forward. I'm tired of feeling like I'm at war with myself and I feel like I can say it knowing its one hundred percent true now." She saw his eyes glistening and she said it longingly, "I love you kitty, completely. You don't have to try to steal my heart because it's yours, all of it."

He closed the small gap between them slowly, putting his arms around her and lifting her up as he swung her in a circle. She let out a short squeal, making him laugh as he set her down with tears falling out of his eyes, "I promise, you will never regret this."

She wiped his tears away and smiled, "Never."

Then she stopped holding back.

She kissed him with an urgent gentleness, and knew that she was his. This one kiss sent a spiral of power down her entire body like a bolt of lightning. She knew in her heart that no man would ever make her feel like this, no one but her chaton.

He leaned her back, keeping her completely steady in his arms as he continued to kiss her.

He pulled away slightly, telling her in a soft voice as a promise, "I will find a way to prove to you every day that no one will ever love you the way I do." He brought her back up to an upright position and she told him gently, "You already do mon amour."

He hugged her tightly at that, burying his face in her hair before telling her, "I really love your hair like this by the way. I love that I can run my hand through it if I want or just bury myself in its softness."

She giggled and they stared at each other for a moment with the same content smiles.

Someone cleared their throat near them and it snapped them back to their senses, making them both turn to look.

There were actually quite a few people standing there staring at them, half of them with their phones out.

One of them, to neither hero's surprise, was Alya – who was no doubt the one the throat clearing had come from. Nino was standing at her side, smiling at them like he was apologizing for something. It only confirmed for them that Alya had done the deed.

Alya had a wicked smirk on her face as she asked excitedly, "So, can we take it that you two are officially an item?"

Chat looked straight at her in hope, and she grabbed his hand as she said it, "Yes, we are together."

The crowd around them instantly erupted into roar-deafening applause. Chat had the grin of all grins plastered on his face, wiggling his eyebrows at her in silence but the message was clear. 'I'm not the only one who was waiting for this day.'

She rolled her eyes but he just laughed out loud as they stood there, letting people take their picture.

Alya was the only one to ask questions, "So, where are your usual suits?"

Chat Noir answered her, "We decided to dress up for the day, but our clothes are still covered by magic. If we need to we can change back at a seconds notice."

"What changed your mind about deciding to be more than partners?" Alya asked no doubt dying to know.

Ladybug answered her this time, "Deciding that I'd rather risk," Chat squeezed her hand and she corrected herself with a smile, "That we'd rather risk being together, then let Hawkmoth dictate our actions any longer. We are both tired of having to hide how we really feel."

Alya asked instantly, "And how do you feel?"

They said it together, "In love."

There was a slight increase in the number of camera clicks going on but neither of them cared. This was a big risk they were taking, but it was one they would take together.

Alya told them smiling, "I'm happy for you both, I think everyone is. I know you are probably going to hear this a lot today, but personally, I am grateful to you both for everything you do. This city would have been lost a long time ago without you."

They both smiled at her, Ladybug thinking that this is why she loved her best friend so much, and Chat Noir thinking that this had to be one of the reason's Marinette loved Alya so much.

"We are always going to do what we can to protect the city."

"Until Hawkmoth is defeated, we are going to fight everyday if we have to."

"You have our word." They said together.

More clapping followed until Alya finally yelled over the crowd, "Can I please get a picture with you guys, I swear I am dying over here!"

They laughed and nodded. Alya ran up to them and the parted for her to get in the middle. They followed her move and held up a peace sign towards Nino as Alya threatened him, "You better take a good picture or I am dumping you Nino."

Ladybug and Chat both laughed as Nino nodded, "I got it, don't worry."

He took the picture and showed it to Alya who nodded in approval before Nino asked sheepishly, "Me too?"

They took a picture with Nino, and that started the line. About an hour into taking pictures with various citizens, a set of fraternal twins came up to them. One was dressed in a very authentic looking Ladybug costume, and the other was dressed in a very similarly authentic Chat Noir costume. They even had a baton and a yo-yo.

This was one picture they couldn't pass up.

After asking everyone to politely put down their phones for just a few seconds, they changed their outfits out in the open back to their regular hero suits.

The kids were absolutely ecstatic, and with permission from their parents, Ladybug picked up the little Chat Noir while Chat picked up the little Ladybug. All sorts of cameras went off. They posed in various fighting stances with the kids until their parents finally pulled them away, all four of them sighing in disappointment.

After another hour of pictures, they were both getting hungry and promised everyone that they would be back in about an hour to take more pictures.

They walked around for a few minutes, finally finding something to eat and choosing to get away from the crowds for a while. They found a nice rooftop overlooking the festival and ate happily, talking about all of the people they had met while taking pictures.

Ladybug saw a band getting set up on stage and said it excitedly, "Oh hey! Kitty Section is performing!"

Chat looked over and smiled brightly, "That's awesome!" He looked at her curious, "You know them?"

She felt herself tense up but then nodded, "Yeah. I know them. They are great. I'll have to tell you how I know them after tonight though."

He looked genuinely confused, "Tonight?"

She nodded, "Dinner?"

He nodded but was still confused, "I'm not making the connection. Am I missing something?"

She thought back to their conversation earlier and realized she may have not been clear enough, "You didn't think I was going to make us wear masks all night did you?"

He frowned, "Weren't you? I know how important keeping your identity a secret is to you."

She grabbed his hand, "I'm sorry. It's my fault for making you think that way after all this time." She said it slowly, "I think its time Chat. If we are going to do this, if we are going to be together, I don't want any secrets. I promise that no matter who you are under the mask, I am going to love you the same. I am going to love you for you, who you really are because I know you, and nothing will change that."

He pulled their interlocked hands to his chest, absolutely beaming, "Really? Giving me everything I want in one day. You are trying to overload me on happiness aren't you?"

She smiled, "I'm glad you are okay with it."

"I think it's pawsitively purrfect bugaboo." He said slyly, his smile turning into a smirk as she smacked his arm lightly.

He said it happily, "I'll find the one that gets you one day, and then you will no longer be able to deny that I am, in fact, hilarious."

She said it with a smirk of her own, hitting the bell on his collar lightly, "All in one bell swoop huh?"

His eyes widened in absolute joy as he threw his arms around her so fast that he basically tackled her to the ground, "YOU ARE THE WOMAN OF MY DREAMS!"

They laughed uncontrollably from where they were, Chat Noir sitting up slightly as he hovered over her. They were both smiling and trying to catch their breath when they simultaneously realized what kind of position they were in.

Chat was almost literally straddled on top of her, his hands resting on either side of her head where he was holding himself up.

Neither of them moved for a second, until her hands started moving on their own. They rested on either side of his toned, leather wrapped, stomach. Slowly she followed the contours up to his chest until she found her fingers wrapping in the texture of his silky hair. She rubbed the same spot at the base of his neck softly, watching his eyes close as he let out a rumbling purr. Her smile was instant, knowing how happy her kitty was. She pulled him down gently, giving him a gentle kiss.

He let his forehead rest against hers as he whispered it hoarsely, "I think, we should, go back to the festival."

She said it in mock disappointment, "If you really want to."

He groaned, "Manners. A gentleman. You are not a savage." He moved from on top of her and buried his face in his knees, "What kind of torture did I sign up for? I'm going to lose my mind."

She laughed lightly, rubbing that same spot on the back of his head that had caused him to purr earlier. It only took seconds for the sound to return and he let his head rest sideways. His eyes were closed in content as he told her, "I will never not love that."

She kissed his temple, "You are right though, we should head back down."

He took a deep breath with a nod as she moved her hand. They stood and he asked her somewhat shyly, "If you want to really show each other who we really are, do you think we could ditch this a little early? I'd really like to talk to you about your civilian life before we go to dinner, if that's okay."

She nodded, "I'd like that."

He smiled and they jumped down together before heading back into the crowds. They stopped to take a few more pictures as they made their way towards the stage where Kitty Section was finishing a song.

Luka saw them nearly right away and smiled. Ladybug pointed between her and Chat Noir, and the stage. Luka nodded knowingly, waiting until the song ended before he made the announcement, "Our guests of honor, Ladybug and Chat Noir!"

They made their way on stage, thundering clapping following them. They waved out at everyone, waiting until the clapping died down a little before Ladybug took the offered microphone from Rose.

"Chat Noir and I just wanted to take a minute to thank all of you for your continued belief and support in us. We know a lot has changed in the past two years, and that sometimes it seems like there is no end in sight. We know its tough to stay positive, but we are glad that everyone tries their best. It is all we can ask for, and we hope everyone knows that we are doing our best to find Hawkmoth to stop him once and for all."

Chat looked at her and she gave him the microphone with a smile, "We promise all of you here and now that we will find him, and we will stop him. This is our city. It belongs to all of us. We will protect it with everything we have and there is nothing Hawkmoth can do that will take that from us."

The crowd starting clapping again, including Kitty Section behind them. After a few more waves they made their way off stage, taking each other's hand instantly.

They walked a little ways, happy to see how much hope there still was left in the city. Before they left, they stopped at a couple of the barriers, saying goodbye to the people who were leaving. Ladybug and Chat got separated as they moved in opposite directions slowly.

She said goodbye to the little boy she had been talking to and looked over to see her chaton letting a little girl touch his ears. It made her smile at him lovingly, seeing how content he was.

Chat stood and was waving them off excitedly, the little girl yelling from her father's arms that she loved him. Even from here she could see the red flush on his cheeks. He was still so innocent her kitty.

Then she felt her stomach turn. She looked around, waiting to notice something out of place. Nothing was. Everyone was smiling and happy. There was no trace of panic or terror, so what was this terrible feeling she had suddenly?

Chat was saying goodbye to a few more people as she approached him slowly, not sure what was happening. She could swear that she saw a small red dot hovering just over Chat's heart.

A small red dot…

A small red dot…

A small red dot like, a laser pointer?

A small red dot, her feet started moving faster, like a laser pointed guide on a sniper rifle.

"No." She moved without thinking, her stomach knotting in fear as she screamed out in pure panic, "CHAT!"

He turns slightly, his eyes widening as she pushes him as hard as she can away from that spot. Something rips through her left shoulder, throwing her back with a vengeance. She feels her head slam full force into the concrete, spotting her vision.

"LADYBUG!" Chat cries in pure terror.

She only see's him for a second as he is getting to his feet, rushing over to her before the world goes dark around her. A pair of beautifully piercing green eyes, is the last thing she sees.

Thanks for reading! I know I'm a troll so please don't hate me!

The next chapter is coming right up so don't fret!

Au Revoir for now!