Rena Rouge thought she might be the first one back to their meeting place, but she wasn’t. Chat Noir, Carapace, and Queen Bee were already there having a whispered conversation. As Rena landed on the rooftop, the three of them ceased their conversation and separated. She narrowed her eyes, wondering what was going on.
“What is this about?” she asked suspiciously, narrowing her eyes at Carapace. He immediately put on an innocent look, which didn’t fool Rena one bit. After having dated him on and off for the better part of four years now, she knew better than to think that was a legitimately innocent look.
“It’s nothing,” Carapace said, glancing over his shoulder at Queen Bee and Chat.
“Don’t lie to me. It’s clearly something,” Rena said, folding her arms over her chest. She didn’t like being left out of things. It reminded her too much of what it was like before she’d moved to Paris and found friends here.
Carapace looked over her shoulder rather than answer. Rena turned to look and saw that Ladybug and Paon were heading towards them. Carapace suddenly grabbed her arm and gently pulled Rena to the side. Rena gave him a confused look, but all he did was put a finger over his lips and wink at her. She frowned at him with confusion as Ladybug landed.
“Whew! I’m beat!” Ladybug announced, walking over to them. Paon landed behind her and approached too, running a hand through his bright red hair.
“Did you see anything?” Rena asked, since no one else said anything.
“Nope. All was quiet,” Paon said. “What about you?”
“Same for us,” Rena said, although she didn’t technically know that for sure in the case of Carapace, Queen Bee, and Chat Noir, all of whom were being suspiciously quiet.
When she turned to look at the three of them, she saw that Carapace had a huge smile from ear to ear.
Queen Bee was fidgeting, her blue eyes bright with anticipation.
But still, Rena Rouge didn’t understand what was happening.
Not until Chat stepped towards Ladybug. He stopped a couple of feet away from her and just looked at her. Ladybug raised an eyebrow in confusion. Paon looked pretty baffled too, Rena was pretty to note.
Then Chat dropped to one knee.
Oh… oh.
Ladybug’s eyes grew about three sides and both of her hands flew to her mouth as Chat pulled out a small box. Rena couldn’t help gasping and putting a hand over her mouth too. Carapace bounced excitedly on both heels.
“My Lady…” Chat said shakily. “I know we talked about this in the future, but I… I don’t want to wait. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you so much. Every time I think about my future, you’re in it. I just want to be with you every day and every night… and I hope you feel the same.”
He slowly opened the ring box. Rena glimpsed diamonds and blue sapphires the exact same shade of Ladybug’s tear-filled eyes.
“Oh Chat,” Ladybug breathed, and then she was dropping to her knees in front of him. “I love you too. Yes.”