#YOU’RE SAFE WITH ME: 11 OF THE BEST BODYGUARD ROMANCES

[betterbooksandthings]

“Bodyguard romances provide an excellent opportunity for a unique dynamic. You have your physical (and sometimes emotional) well-being in the hands of a bodyguard. They commit to keeping you safe from others and, sometimes, from your own reckless choices. There is a tension that develops then, between the protector and the person they are protecting. Sometimes, romance clouds a bodyguard’s judgment, so they avoid it at all costs. Sometimes, it provides the perfect opportunity for a close emotional bond to form. Especially when you end up mixing in a “there’s only one-bed” trope into the mix.

We cannot forget another crucial component of bodyguard romances: eminent danger. A bodyguard is protecting someone who needs defending. Even if they can defend themself, they cannot always do it alone. They could be a royal, a noble, famous, or a political target. In that case, bodyguard romances can break down the clear communication boundaries between separate classes. All the other reasons someone needs a bodyguard also make for unlikely pairings. I also cannot deny the appeal of knowing the plot has an element of danger attached to it. 

I think an aspect of medieval courtly love echoes in bodyguard romances. In medieval romances, courtly love was a kind of relationship dynamic seen in poems between ladies and knights. They were not married but had a kind of “suffering in love” approach. Knights would sacrifice anything to love their lady. A great example is Marie de France’s Lais from the 1100s in modern-day France. This relationship was not reflective of actual knights and ladies in the period, but it was popular in entertainment. I don’t care what era you’re talking about; everyone loves wistfully looking back on an imagined past. Especially when that imagined past contains a knight that will protect your body and heart.“

[masterskywalkers]

De Sardet Questionnaire

Original questionnaire can be found here, put together by @visceralcoma​!

This got a little long (as is usual with me) but here’s the questionnaire for my De Sardet, Caleb!

1. What is De Sardet’s given name? Caleb De Sardet. 2. What is the name Arelwin would have given De Sardet (assuming Petrus told them and its different than their given name)? Arelwin would have named him Tawa, which means sun. 3. What was their relationship with Constantin like when they were teens? Caleb and Constantin always had a near inseparable connection to one another. Where one was you'd usually find the other, and that didn't change as they grew older. Caleb was the one to always make sure Constantin wasn't doing anything too stupid or questionable, and Constantin was the one who helped to gently pull Caleb out of the shy shell he cocooned himself in throughout his childhood, making sure Caleb found a comfort with himself. Together the both of them built a unique level of trust and comfort, as well as a safe space where they could just be themselves without any of the judgements and expectations of the outside world. 4. What is a special heartwarming memory of your De Sardet and Constantin? As children, both Caleb and Constantin were obsessed with adventure. They'd play make believe games where they were explorers or heroes, and such games usually involved the two of them running around the house brandishing wooden swords. On one day in particular, the two of them were playing in the gardens. As was usual a young Constantin was trying to play a noble hero, brandishing his sword and speaking some over the top soliloquy. Something that was said started Caleb laughing, and Constantin's shocked reactions to his humour only set Caleb off further. Constantin didn't really mind however (even if he did act offended - his growing grin and eventual own laughter was a big give away to his lack of true annoyance), he was just happy to hear his cousin laughing so freely. 

5. Did your De Sardet and Constantin ever have a fight? If so, about what?Nothing really serious that would have caused any strain or lasting effect on their relationship, but there were of course some disagreements. Caleb would point out when Constantin was being particularly reckless to the point he would be putting himself in danger - but mostly Caleb's annoyances would be born out of concern over Constantin's well being. Constantin might occasionally push Caleb too much when it came to moments where Caleb wanted to be left alone, and that could often spark some bickering between them. They always apologised and made up not much later though. They didn't much like being angry or upset with the other for too long. 6. What was the relationship like with Princess Livie (their adoptive mother)? Caleb and her were very close. She always had a caring hand to offer him, and Livie was very much a source of comfort for Caleb. Livie would always tell Caleb how proud she was of him, and as he grew older how much she admired the man he grew up to become. Some of Caleb's kindness and compassion comes from that which Livie showed towards him growing up, and Caleb more or less adored her. 7. Did De Sardet ever have a pet growing up? What happened to it? Nope, Caleb never had any pets. 8. What was De Sardet’s relationship with their uncle (Constantin’s father)?Uncomfortable. There was always something about his uncle that unnerved Caleb, but as a child he could never really put his finger on what the underlying problem he had of him was. He assumed it was simply because he didn't understand nor like how he treated Constantin, but that didn't stop the squirming discomfort Caleb would feel when it came to his uncle's behaviour towards himself. Caleb always felt he was under some kind of scrutiny or trail. It's not until Caleb learns the truth later that he realised that the reason he never felt comfortable in the presence of his uncle was because his uncle never saw either Constantin or he as people, but rather as pawns in his own political game. Caleb was very much seen as an asset, and Constantin was just 'the child he resented had lived while his oldest son had died'. 9. Did De Sardet ever get into trouble with their mother and uncle? Were they a frequent troublemaker? There were ... instances where Caleb would end up being told off by his uncle. Those occasions usually involved Constantin, and his uncle would always manage to say something like 'I suspected it of you, son, but not of my dear nephew'. It was always words used to wound Constantin, and there were many times where afterwards Caleb would end up hugging him as his cousin cried, wanting to know why his father detested him so much. Caleb's mother on the other hand was more lenient with the boys. She wasn't blind to how her brother treated his son, and could see no harm in Constantin and Caleb playing and acting like the children their age should be. Of course there were times where she would remind one or both of them that they were of noble standing and had to be a little more respectable, but otherwise she left them to it. 10. Did De Sardet have many other friends? He didn't have any other friends. Only Constantin. 11. How did they handle growing up with their mark? Did people mention it? Talk about? Treat them differently? How did De Sardet respond to them? Badly. The mark was always something that unsettled people. Children would whisper, laugh or outright avoid him, and even adults would occasionally comment on how strange and unusual it was. It frustrated and upset Caleb, so much so that both his mother and Constantin would find him crying over it. Constantin would often defend him from the other children, feeling a protective streak over his cousin. Livie would rub his back as he cried into his pillow or his sheets, telling him things like how beautiful a boy he was both inside and out in an attempt to make him feel better. When he got older, Caleb grew his facial hair out in an attempt to try and cover most of the mark up. It ... helped stop some of the staring, enough that Caleb learnt not to care about what other people thought. 12. What are De Sardet’s favourite: food, colour, music (genre/instrument), weather, season, and animal? Food: Crab. Wine. Colour: Blue & Red Music: Piano. Weather: Sunny. Season: Autumn. Caleb likes the different colours of the leaves that fall. Animal: Horses. 13. What was their first thought of Vasco, Siora, Aphra, and Petrus when they met them? Vasco: I don't think we're going to get along, he seemed quite upset that I called his ship a boat. Siora: I have only been in this city for five minutes, but I will already try my best to help you in whatever way I can. Aphra: ... Still not convinced she wasn't going to shoot me if her gun hadn't fallen in the water. Petrus: Not quite sure what to make of you, but for now I'll leave my suspicions be. After all, diplomacy amongst our allies is imperative right now. 14. If they had one, who was De Sardet’s first kiss and/or love? You know, I don't think Caleb's had any real love or romance before heading to the island. I always imagine that Constantin is the one that's had many lovers, and then comes back and ends up telling Caleb about the newest person he's 'in love with' (it never lasts. A few days later and Constantin's found something else to fascinate him). Caleb listens to Constantin because he doesn't have much choice likes to see Constantin happy, even if he there a lot of moments that end up like: Constantin: Cousin! I'm in love with them! Caleb: ((shrugs)) okay fine you're in love with them - you've been with them a day. Do you even really know them?? Then one day after a 'breakup' (that's not really a breakup but rather Constantin getting bored of his most recent lover), Constantin's complaining to Caleb about them, and it comes up that they weren't even a good kisser. And Constantin is like 'you know when you find someone and you kiss them and it's like ... magic?', and Caleb's like 'I don't, actually'. At first Constantin is sad for his cousin because he thinks Caleb means he's never had a lover or someone whose kissed him that way, but then he realises that no, Caleb means he's never been kissed full stop. Constantin is shocked, but then considers how Caleb never talks about his love interests and realises it's because he hasn't had any, and suddenly Constantin is determined because 'this won't do. You can't never experience a first kiss, cousin." Constantin ends up being his first kiss, and Caleb still doesn't really understand how. ... Caleb also never acknowledges how he felt in that moment and shoves his feelings away into a box and locks it away to the back of his mind because that is Constantin and he certainly shouldn't be having confusing thoughts over him. Caleb's first love is Vasco. He ends up falling pretty deep into that love.   15. Did De Sardet have any childhood/teen crushes on anyone? Describe how they realized it and how they behaved. Hmmmm not really? I reckon there were some visitors that Caleb ended up thinking 'oh wow' about, but not in any real attraction or 'oh no I like them' way. He wasn't really interested when he was younger, and tended to avoid a lot of people until his mid teens. 16. What subjects were their favourite to learn while being taught by Sir De Courcillion? History and magical studies. 17. What was their relationship with Kurt initially like when he became their bodyguard and/or when he became their Master of Arms? At first Kurt intimidated him, but that quickly dissipated once he got to know him. Caleb really respected Kurt's talents and training - even if he did push him to the limits a lot of the time. He could tell Kurt was passionate about his swordsmanship, and although he couldn't really see why a bodyguard had been assigned to him, Caleb eventually learnt to appreciate it. The two of them got along well and developed a friendship. I imagine Kurt was one of the first to discover Caleb's interest in pistols, and ended up gifting him his very first one. It was very much a 'you're better with it than you are with a sword, Greenblood'. Caleb later adapted his fighting ability to include it alongside his magic ring. 18. What was Kurt’s initial assessment of De Sardet when he began teaching them to fight? That Caleb was absolutely useless with a real sword. It was very much that 'hands on hips and long suffering sigh as he mutters 'we have a long way ahead of us'' type of feeling for Kurt, knowing he had a lot of work cut out for him in order for Caleb to be able to defend himself in a way that was actually half decent. 19. What did De Sardet specialize into first and why? Magic ring, mostly because it was a big interest of his. There was ... a lot of trail and error. Courcillion still has a burn mark on his desk from a rather significant failure of a magic lesson. 20. What did they feel when they learned they were adopted and the circumstances behind it? Oh, Caleb was absolutely crushed and so lost. He didn't really know where he belonged for a while knowing that the family he thought was his by blood never was. He felt too much ingrained with the Congregation to ever find acceptance with the Natives anymore, and he didn't feel as if he would ever really fit in as a Naut - even if Vasco assured him he would be accepted with open arms. Yet at the same time he began to understand why he felt like an outcast growing up - because he was never truly meant to be a part of the Congregation. Vasco, Kurt and Siora really helped him get through things, and Constantin's reassurances that nothing changed between them even if they weren't cousins by blood helped. But it wasn't until he met his true aunt that Caleb found a peace in himself. While it was nice knowing that he still had a familial connection alive and well, it was one of the first pieces in a wheel that allowed him to realise that it didn't matter where he came from or where his origins stemmed from, at the end of the day he would set his own path to become the person he wanted to be. Him and Vasco had a long talk the night after returning to New Sérène over their familiar feelings.

[tk-duveraun]

Bloodlines 19/?

Title: Bloodlines Fandom: SWTOR Rating: M - Implied sexual content Genre: Romance & Drama Summary: Aquila and Malish just need to talk. Please, by the stars, the ancestors, just talk to each other. Yes, research is consuming, yes, being a bodyguard is complicated, but you’re only making things worse. Communicate, you idiots. At least before you fall in love. Parts: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

The Force flows through Aquila like blood, beating in time with her heart and lending her strength. Still, when she and Aran are together they move with the synchronicity of creepy twins from a horror holo. Their armor snaps and fastens together with singular, loud snaps that echo in the mining base. Aran takes after their father with lighter skin and hair that’s red without sunlight. He wears it pulled back in a tight ponytail that explodes in a complex mass of braids - Morathis’ handiwork.

“Missed having you around on ops,” he says.

“We’ll go on a hunt once Sai’s better.” Aquila checks over her weapons and loads them one by one into her armor. Her hands linger over her lightsaber hilt, normally hidden in her cuirass. The crystal is one of Malish’s. One he plucked from Ilum with his own hands. One that resonates for both of them like a song binding them together.

“You’ve been throwing a lot of stones at Galaar, considering.” Aran gives her an open-handed slap on the shoulder.

Aquila shoves her own mass of braids into the back of her chest piece and shrugs. “Our situations aren’t analogous. Their relationship is based on working together. If buir reassigned him, everything would fall apart. Spectacularly, I might add. You’d think Xalonie was Aucht’s kid with how much she postures.”

“And yet, you and Dad still have all of the charisma in the entire Sa’alle family.” Aran poked her cheek when she scowled at him. “That’s a good thing! But you’re changing the subject. You’re back on regular duty now. What are you going to do?”

Metal clinks as Aquila straps down her last weapon - a vibrosword. “Holocalls.” She shrugs again. “He’ll come by the yaim when he has time. I’ll drop by when I’m on Kaas. Send him chintzy garbage that sparkles real nice.”

“Just… Like that?”

“Just like that.”

“Ancestors in the sky, you really are Dad.”

They knock their foreheads together and laugh. “You came out like Papa, somehow.”

“And that’s why I’m buir’s favorite. The only one of the brood with any sense.”

“I’d argue that Vee’s the favorite.”

“She’s making him the next leader; she can’t love him that much.” The clack the backs of their gauntlet’s together and leave the armory. The mining base has only Aucht’s soldiers and the Mandalorians. Lestére’s forces, and Galaar Cerar, are preparing on his capital ship with the jetii zealots. Part of Aquila misses the cold disdain of Xalonie’s soldiers, if only because it’s so familiar. They might not get along personally, but her men are top notch.

Malish waylays them in the corridor, pulling them off to the side. He clearly hasn’t looked in a mirror because he still has the eyebrows Aquila drew on his face with felt-pen while he slept. The right is smeared and smears more when he rubs the ridge. “Aquila.”

She signals for her twin to stay and then squeezes Malish’s shoulder. “Yeah?”

“I know you know the plan, just let me talk. I’m staying here, in the base, to provide mental protection since Father is… Anyway, I can’t be there. It’s for the best. I’m useless in a physical fight. I don’t even know any combat sorcery outside of Force Lightning, but-”

“I’ll keep an eye on her. And Aaron. I can’t promise they won’t immediately fuck off to go do Sith things after, but they’ll be fine.”

“Thank you.” Malish stands on his tiptoes and presses their foreheads together. “She means so much to me.”

“I know. And I’ll make sure someone sends you a holo if I have to throw her across the battlefield.” She kisses him, smears his left eyebrow and rejoins Aran. “What?”

“Nothing!”

“You’re making a face.”

“A little. I guess I expected him to ask you to stay safe.”

Aquila snorts. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m mando’ad.”

“I know, but he’s not.”

“No, but he loves me. That’s enough. And if it wasn’t, he trusts me to take care of myself. He wouldn’t dishonor either of us by telling me to be careful. I’m always careful. And good thing. If I wasn’t-”

“Are you gonna brag about the headcrab again? Because If you’re just going to retell that story-”

“It’s funny!”

“-then I’m gonna call Vee. Cakara brought something up in training I wanted to clarify.”

Aquila crosses her arms over her chest and pouts. She shoves her face in her brother’s to be sure he can see her pouting and then pouts more, lips sticking out comically.

“You can tell everyone when we’re in the launch ship.”

[thatwriterchickrachel]

Mysteries at Midnight - 27.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Relationships: Adrien Agreste/Marinette Dupain-Cheng; Alya Césaire/Nino Lahiffe; Chat Noir/Ladybug

Characters:

Chat Noir (Miraculous Ladybug)

Ladybug (Miraculous Ladybug)

Alya Césaire

Adrien Agreste

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Nino Lahiffe

Plagg (Miraculous Ladybug)

Tikki (Miraculous Ladybug)

Madame Bustier (Miraculous Ladybug)

Chloé Bourgeouis (Miraculous Ladybug)

Nathaniel Kurtzberg (Miraculous Ladybug)

Lila Rossi (Miraculous Ladybug)

Additional Tags:

dance au

Ballroom dance

College

Grown up AU

Royalty AU

Language:English

Read on Ao3   [for reliable updates please read on Ao3 I forget about tumblr]

Chapter 1                        Chapter 2 Chapter 3                        Chapter 4 Chapter 5                        Chapter 6 Chapter 7                        Chapter 8 Chapter 9                        Chapter 10 Chapter 11                      Chapter 12 Chapter 13                      Chapter 14 Chapter 15                      Chapter 16 Chapter 17                      Chapter 18 Chapter 19                      Chapter 20 Chapter 21                      Chapter 22 Chapter 23                      Chapter 24 Chapter 25                      Chapter 26

Chapter 27 - Protection and Paranoia

Summary: The kids tackle the issue of getting professional help, and Adrien shows his darker side.

Marinette sat doodling in her sketchbook in Nino and Alya’s living room, whilst the boy unpacked his DJ equipment, music playing softly in the background. They had grabbed some snacks from the pantry, and the now empty packets were scattered in between the mess of unpacking.

Marinette looked up at the clock, and then out to window to the setting sun.

“Alya’s been gone a while, should we call her?”

“She’s a big girl, Marinette. Plus, she’s probably found something on Volpina. She’ll come home when she’s ready,” Nino shrugged, taking a swig from his can of drink.

“You really aren’t worried about her?”

“Of course I am, she’s my girl. But she’s also badass and knows how to take care of herself. Plus, if she wasn’t going to be back for dinner, she would have called,” he explained and before Marinette could reply, their attention was turned to the door opening, the girl of the moment dropping her bags in relief as she crossed the threshold.

“Told ya,” Nino grinned as he moved to greet Alya.

“Hey babe,” Alya hugged him and pecked his cheek before she seemed to fully register Marinette. “Mari? Hey, I didn’t know you were here.”

“Y-yeah, I didn’t want to hang out by myself this afternoon.”

“You okay? You rushed out of class pretty quick this afternoon,” Alya asked as she slouched into the seat beside Marinette, Nino sliding in next to her, arm around Alya’s shoulders.

“Um, well…” Marinette took a deep breath. “I went to go see Nathaniel.”

Nino’s eyes widened a little, but Alya gasped and began asking questions before she could explain.

“What? Why? I thought you had weird vibes from him, right? Why would you go look for him?”

“Well… I thought… I mean… I know… Nathaniel is Dessinatuer,” she managed to choke out. “He was the one who took the photos of my sketchbook,” she added.

“That little snake!” Alya hissed. “When I see him, I swear to God, I’m gonna-”

“Babe, no. Marinette handled it,” Nino interjected and Alya froze, looking at him confused.

“What? What do you mean handled it?” Alya asked, but Nino just looked at Marinette, who took a deep shuddering breath and pushed back tears that were forming after such an emotionally stressful day.

“I-I confronted him, after class. He accused me of using the stuff with Ladybug as a reason to get close to Adrien; he told me he joined Volpina after the ball and had been helping her since to keep me safe,” Marinette said quietly, feeling good to finally be able to tell her best friend most of the truth.

“You’re kidding me! You mean that jerk has been helping this psycho stalk you AND Adrien?” Alya snapped, but then covered her mouth as she realised what she said.

“Wait, Adrien?” Marinette asked carefully.

“Adrien? What? He’s being stalked too? Alya, what? Why did you tell me?” It was Nino’s turn to be sent reeling now. “I’ve been practically forcing this kid to get out more often and now you tell me he’s being followed? Oh man, I am the worst friend ever, how did I not know this?”

“Nino, this isn’t your fault,” Marinette said hurriedly before meeting Alya’s eyes for her help.

“A-Adrien had a hunch but wasn’t sure,” Alya said hurriedly. “We found something today – a USB with a video message from Volpina…addressed to me,” she added after a moment. “She addressed me directly and told me she wanted Adrien and that if I didn’t help her she would ruin my credibility as a journalist.”

“Alya what?” Marinette gaped.

“That’s it! We need help; we need to call someone,” Nino said shaking his head. “This has gone too far. What next? We find out Volpina is one of our old high school friends? No way. I’ve had enough,” the boy stood up and moved to his phone, but Alya was already there.

“I’ve already been there today,” she said carefully, the phone held behind her back. “And so has Max. I talked him down and Adrien talked me down, so it’s my turn again. Give it the weekend, Nino, please.”

“You’re asking me to leave my best friend’s life on the line?”

“Alya has a point, Nino,” Marinette said quietly, still seated on the couch. “It’s clear Adrien already had a hunch about this, otherwise he wouldn’t have been able to talk Alya down, right?” she asked, looking at her friend, trying to sound like she wasn’t sure. Of course, she had already known, but that was Ladybug, this was Marinette. It was time for a different mask – one she knew better than anything.

“He’s not stupid by any means. He’s more than likely asked his bodyguard to stick around longer each night and to be a little more aware. He’s a smart guy and he deserves credit.”

“Yeah, but-”

“No, Nino,” Marinette cut him off, standing now. “You need to remember that Ladybug and Chat Noir are doing everything they can. Adrien is not in any immediate danger as long as Volpina doesn’t see him making any drastic changes. Who knows what calling the police would do to her ego. We need to have faith that this will play out right. We need to have faith in Ladybug and Chait Noir,” she finished, blue eyes blazing.

The room was quiet for a moment as he took it in and then Nino took a few deep breaths.

“Fine, but we need to be there to support them every step of the way – one hundred percent, okay?” Nino looked from Marinette to Alya who nodded fiercely beside him.

An hour later, Marinette finally stepped across the threshold of her apartment and let out a heavy sigh. The last twenty-four hours had been non-stop and she was ready to fall asleep on her couch; but her phone had other ideas as it shook violently in her jacket pocket.

Marinette begrudgingly pulled it out and answered without looking at the caller ID.

“Hello?” she sighed.

“Well, Princess, you certainly don’t sound like your usual self. Everything okay?” Chat Noir’s chipper voice send a jolt through her as she remembered the conversation with him the night before.

“Uh, yeah, I guess. I mean, it’s been a long day,” she stuttered.

“I saw Alya’s blog,” he replied, sounding sympathetic. “Are you home?”

“Um, yeah, I actually just got in, why?” she asked as there was a knock at her door.

“No reason,” Chat responded calmly as Marinette moved to her front door.

“You’re standing on the other side aren’t you?” she sighed.

“Must you be the one to ruin the romance!” He cried from the other side of the door.

“Romance?” she raised an eyebrow as she looked through the peep-hole.

“Yeah, the mystery of the charming stranger who comes to check up on you after a long day,” he grinned, as if he knew she was looking. He threw in a wink for good measure.

“I don’t let strangers, or strays, in, Chat Noir,” she warned.

“But I brought ice-cream!” he protested and with a sigh, Marinette unlocked her door and let the blonde-haired boy give his exaggerated bow before presenting a shopping bag with a carton of cookie dough ice-cream in the bottom.

“You really didn’t have to,” she told him as he made his way in – trying not to smile at his thoughtfulness.

“I know, that’s what makes me so wonderful,” he grinned, running his fingers through his hair. They hung around his neck for a moment before he dropped his arm.

“I’m okay, really. Nino helped me figure some stuff out, I’m better, I promise,” she explained as she opened the ice-cream and prepared two bowls.

“Nino? I thought you were close with Alya… or has this whole blog this caused some issues with you two?” he added carefully.

“If you think I blame her for what happened, you’re wrong,” the girl scolded gently as she put the carton back in the freezer and handed Chat his bowl with a spoon. “I know it’s not her fault.”

“Well that’s good,” he replied waiting for her to sit in her chair before he sat as well. They both sat in the silence, Marinette playing with the scoop of ice-cream in her bowl more than eating it.

“So… what are you going to do about your designs?” the boy asked after watching her for a bit, biting his lip and watching carefully for her reaction. “Are you going to use the ones that have been leaked?”

“Well, honestly, Ladybug’s design wasn’t what I wanted, so at least I can review it and improve it; and your outfit wasn’t spoiled so I can finish that at least,” she said, opening her sketchbook to the page and handing it to him.

“A-are you sure?” he asked, his hand hovering just out of reach of the book, a look of concern in his eyes as he deliberately not looked at it.

“May as well,” Marinette sighed. “Gives you a chance to pretend you’ll like it,” she added with a grim smile, unaware of how his expression fell at her words.

“You know what, Princess? I trust you and I trust in your ability to design stunning clothes. You wouldn’t be showing me if you hadn’t had had your trust violated. You can show me on your own terms, when it’s finished,” he added with a wink.

Marinette looked at him for a moment, for the first time not just glancing, or rolling her eyes at his antics, but really looking at him. He was so kind, his features soft in a way she hadn’t noticed before. The green eyes full of determination and concern. Chat really cared; he made that abundantly clear, especially in the philosophy he held for one’s privacy.

“That’s what you said to Ladybug,” she whispered softly, before catching herself.

“Oh, she, er, she told you that?” the boy’s face was suddenly bright red and he was rubbing at the back of his neck.

“Hey Chat?”

“Y-yeah?”

“You’re a really good guy. Thank you,” Marinette said with a soft smile, hoping he understood how much she meant it.

~~~~~~

Adrien left Marinette’s a short while after, realising she was exhausted. He hadn’t heard from Ladybug all day, he thought as he checked his phone for what was probably the twentieth time that day. Though she was probably lying low… something he probably should have been doing as well.

But he just couldn’t sit at home, knowing Marinette was probably still reeling from the blog hijacking. She had disappeared after dance class, and Adrien had wanted to help Alya find out more, he hadn’t given it a second thought at the time. He was glad that Nino had been able help Marinette, and that she was still going to keep designing. She had looked at Chat differently tonight, after he declined to view her work. He wasn’t sure why exactly, but something about her had changed towards him slightly. Adrien hoped it was a good thing.

Adrien snuck into an alley and pulled off his mask, tucking it into his pocket before sliding back out onto the street. It wasn’t until he got close to his apartment that his calm was diminished, as he saw Gideon standing against his car out the front of the building.

“Gideon?”

“You have a masked guest waiting for you upstairs,” he replied lowly.

“Really?” Adrien’s heart caught in his throat. Had his lady come to see him? Wait…

“What’s wrong?”

“You wouldn’t be on alert if it was Ladybug,” Adrien said slowly, his voice lowering.

“You are correct.”

“Volpina? Again?”

Gideon nodded and Adrien sighed.

“Guess I’ll take care of it.”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer I call the authorities?”

“N-no. We are handling it,” Adrien replied carefully.

“Adrien, this is getting dangerous. If this isn’t put to an end quickly, I will have no choice. I am your guard. My job is to protect you; nothing and no one else, do you understand?” Gideon’s eyes were hard and with his harms crossed over his chest, Adrien was reminded of why he had nicknamed him ‘Gorilla’ in the first place.

“I know,” the boy sighed, falling back into his Adrien Agreste façade as he had his whole life. “The competition is Saturday; everything should be over then. If it’s not, do what you have to. I won’t stop you.”

The gorilla just stared down at him.

“I’m sorry… about the whole sneaking out thing, making your life and job harder than it needs to be,” Adrien said softly before taking a deep breath, stuffing his hands back into his pockets and making his way in and up to his apartment.

Sure enough, the girl with the fox mask was standing by the door; a smile on her face and a large orange tote bag slung over her shoulder. Another piece from the Agreste line – up to date too. This girl knew the trends and was clearly not afraid to show Adrien she knew who he was and where he came from.

“Adrien!” she smiled brightly. “It’s so good to see you!”

“Volpina,” Adrien said with false surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, can’t I just stop by?”

“It’s a bit late for visitors,” Adrien said, holding his watch up for emphasis.

“Oh nonsense! It’s still early!” she brushed him off but he didn’t reply. They both stood in silence; Adrien making no move to unlock his door, despite knowing Plagg would soon start to get impatient and scratch at the door.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” Volpina asked suggestively, raising an eyebrow behind her mask.

“Honestly, I’m less inclined to invite in people who hurt my friends,” Adrien said carefully. He knew he still had to play it safe; but it would be suspicious if he wasn’t upset at all.

“What? Oh you mean the little leak of Ladybug’s pitiful dress?” Volpina snickered.

“You really upset Marinette and Alya.”

“Oh I’m sure they’ll bounce back,” Volpina dismissed with a wave of her hand.

Impulsively, Adrien grabbed her wrist. “I do not take kindly to people who threaten those close to me,” he almost growled.

Volpina’s eyes widened for a moment. “My my, Adrien, you seem to be spending too much time with Ladybug and the stupid tomcat that follows her. You’re starting to get on my nerves,” she hissed, snatching her arm from his grip.

Adrien glared.

“Though, I will admit, this side of you; this protective, primal thing… it’s very attractive,” she purred, stepping closer to him. He took a step back, but she kept moving forward until he was backed against the wall.

“I think you should leave,” Adrien frowned. “I don’t associate with people like you.”

“Oh darling, how would you know what I’m like?” she asked, looking up at him. The height difference was minimal, but enough that she had to tilt her head upwards.

“I know enough,” Adrien said firmly, fighting against his urge to shove her away from him. “You need to leave,” he said again, a little louder this time, but she didn’t move away.

Instead she moved her face closer to his, her eyes never breaking contact. Adrien was frozen for a moment; his mind flashing to when he and Ladybug had almost… Volpina’s eyes closed just a split second before their lips met and Adrien was able to move. He quickly hit a button the intercom to the left of them; the crackling startling Volpina and causing her to pull away, a frown on her face.

“Gideon, please see Miss Volpina out of my building,” Adrien said calmly, his insides feeling quite different to how he sounded. He didn’t hear a response, but he heard the lobby doors slam shut through the receiver.

“Oh boo, you’re really going to cut our fun?” she pouted.

“If it’s me you want, you really ought to go back to being a decent person. Word to the wise; the Agreste family don’t take kindly to threats,” Adrien said carefully as he saw the elevator light flash on to indicate Gideon was on his way up.

“You should be more careful of how you talk to me, Adrien,” Volpina said as she adjusted her jacket. “I will be the one to destroy Ladybug after all. And then you’ll be back,” she added with a wink.

“It is a shame, Volpina. I thought I could talk some sense into you. Guess I was wrong,” Adrien sighed.

“Oh darling, you have a lot to learn,” she winked again as the elevators dinged and Gideon stepped out, arms folded over his chest as he waited for Volpina to join him. “I’ll see you soon, my love! Don’t lose that fighting spirit!” she added, blowing him a kiss before stepping into the elevator.

Gideon looked at Adrien, waiting for confirmation he was okay, before stepping in and escorting the masked girl out.

Adrien found his keys and unlocked his door with shaking hands; for the first time ever glad that his building had the (until now) seemingly useless extra intercoms on each floor. His heart was pounding as he shut and locked the doors behind him and fell against them. Plagg slowly approached him silently, sensing something wasn’t right. The feline nuzzled into Adrien’s knee until the boy picked him up, at which point, Plagg started purring, resting his head on Adrien’s shoulder.

Adrien stayed like that for a moment, letting his friend calm him until his phone buzzed in his pocket with a message from Gideon, promising that the guest was gone. He sent an apology followed by the promise of staying in and not accepting any more visitors for the night.

Once he had calmed down, Plagg began to squirm and meow, sensing that now he could demand his evening meal. With a soft chuckle, Adrien buried his head in Plagg’s coat for a moment longer before heading to the kitchen, pushing Volpina from his mind for the rest of the night.

He did allow himself a moment of thought, in between some episodes of his favourite anime, when he logged in to the messaging app and sent a message to Ladybug. He wanted nothing more than to be able to tell her everything, but it wasn’t the right time, he knew. Instead he sent five simple words. They weren’t profound or anything, and Ladybug would surely be confused without the context, but it was enough

Let’s kill it this weekend.