Chapter Text
“What’s wrong, Bugaboo?” Chat inquired, trying to gain the attention of his currently distracted partner, whose gaze was currently fixed on observing every single Parisian that walked below the roof-top they were perched on.
“Nothing…” Ladybug sighed, her chin resting against her wrist.
“You sure about that? Because the fact that you haven’t spoken a single word since we started patrol says otherwise, bug.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Well, to anyone else, no. But I know you, Ladybug.” Chat smiled softly. “Being partners with someone for almost four years only teaches you so much about the person, you know?”
“Yeah… I guess…” Ladybug giggled.
“Anyway, do you want to talk about it? As long as it’s not, well, too identity compromising.”
“Well yeah, I don’t think it can really reveal anything about my identity.”
“Then go on, m’lady. I’m all ears.”
“Alright. So, umm… I moved out of my parents house about a year ago…”
“Mhmm…”
“And, well, my best friend moved in with me. But now she’s moving out, a-and-”
“And?”
“It’s just, I don’t know if I’ll be able to afford my apartment's rent without her paying half of it…” Ladybug sighed, leaning back against the wall behind her.
“Oh…”
“It’s not her fault either. She told me that if I wanted her to stay, she would. But she’s moving in with her boyfriend. They’ve been together for years Chat, and I know this is something that they’ve been wanting since they started dating. I didn’t want to make her feel guilty for leaving.”
“Oh, well I’m happy for your friend, Ladybug. But, why don’t you just look for a new apartment?”
“Well, I’ve tried that too. But, the apartment I’m in right now is the only one that’s close enough to my university that doesn’t cost a fortune. I could just live with my parents, but they live halfway across the city, so that isn’t a feasible option either.”
“Aww, I’m so sorry bug.” Chat frowned.
“It’s okay.” Ladybug smiled weakly. “Hopefully some sort of miracle happens and I find a way to make it all work out. Because or else, mom and dad, here I come!” Ladybug said, laughing weakly.
“Move in with me!” Chat blurted out, his mind only registering what had spilled out of his mouth after the deed had been done.
“W-What? Move in with you? As in live together, in the same house?”
“W-Well, yeah! Why not? Just think about it, Ladybug! We wouldn’t have to look for each other during Akuma attacks, and we’d be so much more prepared!”
“I know, Chat. B-But… I don’t think I’m ready for a reveal just yet.”
“O-Oh… right, our identities.” Chat sighed.
“A-And, what if I’ve been to your apartment before? Then I would find out your identity! And how could we possible expect our kwamis to keep us transformed for a whole day, Kitty?”
“Y-Yeah, I guess you’re right…” Chat admitted, his head hung low.
The two of them sat in an uncomfortable silence, Chat disappointed at the prospect of spending every day with his lady being crushed.
“W-Well…” Ladybug stuttered, her eyes finally meeting Chat’s.
“Well?”
“I-I think I know a way that we could, you know…” Ladybug trailed, biting her lip.
“We could…?”
“Actually move in together without an identity reveal. We could wear make-shift masks when we’re at home, so that we don’t reveal ourselves to each other, and don’t tire out out kwamis. But I still don’t know about moving into your apartment, Chat.”
“We could look for a totally new apartment.”
“W-Well, are you sure about that, Chat? I don’t want you to leave everything behind just for me, Chat. That sounds like too much of a burden.” Ladybug giggled nervously.
“Oh, it’s no problem, don’t worry about it. And for the record, bugaboo, you are never a burden.”
“God, Chat. You’re too sweet.” Ladybug smiled. “Wait! Do you have a roommate? You’re not leaving them just for me, are you?!”
Chat laughed. “Don’t worry, m’lady, this cat’s on his own for now.”
“Oh, alright… But wait-”
“M’lady, are you going to keep asking me questions or are we actually going to ever start planning?”
“Shut up.” Ladybug groaned, rolling her eyes. “What about your lease agreement?”
“Well, I don’t think I’d have to worry about that. My dad actually owns the whole building, so…”
“WHAT?!” WHOLE BUILDING?!”
“Y-Yeah…” Chat said, scratching his neck. “I guess you could say I’m kind of well off so-”
“Kind of?! More like crazy well off.”
Chat only laughed. “Well, does that answer all your questions, m’lady?”
“I guess…” Ladybug trailed. “But just because I know you're rich now doesn’t mean you get to rent us out some huge million-euro pent house, okay?!”
“I can’t make any promises, Bugaboo.” Chat smirked.