#abrilove

April showers!

It’s my birthday today (April 30th, thank you to everyone who celebrated with me!) and I wanted to post something special! I’ve been meaning to contribute to @abrilove month in some way so what better than our best girl? Rainy spring days are my favourites.

Tem um cansaço que nunca acaba

Um peito dilacerado

Abri o baú procurando meu coração

Perdido em meio ao caos

Encontrei roupas pequenas que já não servem

Um monte de objetos quebrados

Guardados cheios de poeira e sem valor

Não encontrei meu coração

Abril Day 19! @abrilove

While I love me some balcony aesthetics for Bridgette and Chat Noir, I couldn’t resist imagining Bridgette retreating to the roof of her apartment complex, climbing up the steep Parisian roof to a spot that she claimed as HERS… only to see Chat Noir sitting there, absentmindedly staring at the Eiffel Tower. 

Now a short drabble for this absurdly specific AU in which Bridgette doesn’t have a balcony:

Before becoming Ladybug, Bridgette always found herself looking at the bit of roof poking out next to her over-head window when she woke up in the mornings. After a particularly bad day at school and pacing around her room in a frustrated frenzy of letting off steam, she decided to open the window to let in some fresh air. 

The part of the roof right beside the window seemed to be easily accessible and longing for some fresh air… yet she was still grounded… so she decided on a whim to climb out. She pulled on a heavier pink jacket rather than her light blazer, and grabbed a half-filled thermos of peach tea and poked her head out into the chilly evening air of an early spring.

The sunset was beautiful, casting gold light onto the side of white and blue buildings, an iron tint reflecting off windows. But it was hard to see beyond that. There was only a bit of the sun poking out above some taller buildings, the winding chimneys casting strange shadows over other rooftops. 

Bridgette suddenly wanted to see the entire sunset. So she pulls herself up and over the edge, pushing the glass with her head as she wriggles through. Legs shaking a little, she carefully stands up on the sloped roof because knowing her bad luck she’ll just slip on a loose shingle and then everyone will know where she is when she starts screaming. 

Her eyes grow wide, the genetically impossible blue color of them entirely reflecting the bright golden-pink of the glorious Paris sunset. The molten orb was nestled comfortably on the city-scape, casting its orange glow over all the city’s inhabitants. It is a lovely, unblocked view of the sunset.

She looks up, seeing a flat section of the roof not too far from her window. She looks down, swallowing nervously at the height just a few feet from her own feet. 

But Bridgette is determined if anything, so she tucks her thermos into her pocket and starts the climb. It’s a pretty quick climb, using her neighbors’ attic awnings as little pit stops. She comes across a flat section of the roof that offers her a grand view of the Eiffel Tower and rest of the city she has come to love after moving from her childhood home in China. 

It was still her place, small and tucked away from the city that sometimes seemed too large when the miraculous duo worked tirelessly through the night. She sometimes found herself sitting there on particularly restless nights, comforted by the warm lights in a romantic city that spilled out its orange glow on the rooftops and shone in the darkness of big buildings.

Tikki asked her only once why Bridgette insisted on climbing up to that spot without her miraculous when it was safer and faster. Bridgette cheerfully declared that it’s more fun to struggle up the roof with her pillows, fluffy blankets and snacks. And besides, this is her rooftop. Makes sense to get up there as Bridgette. 

Tikki merely laughed, her laughter sounding more like bell-like chimes than human laughter. “You’re still you, with and without the suit Bridgette!” And just offered to carry her bag of snacks for her. 

After a year of climbing to her roof by herself, Bridgette liked the company of the little kwami she came to regard as one of her best friends. She loathed to admit it, but the Parisian rooftops seemed emptier without her wisecracking and stupidly flirty cat who made jokes like he was going to run out of air if he didn’t.

But still, she liked her spot.

“WWWHHHHYYY” She wanted to groan when she saw the cat boy on HER roof, sitting in HER spot. But something about his wistful face stopped her. And the fact that his belt… tail…? gently flicked about on the roof much like his namesake. 

It was kind of cute.

She wasn’t sure how to announce her presence but he did that for her, turning to look at her with a bit of tenseness… perhaps thinking that the Mime was sneaking up on him. His face changed to an unsure yet still cautious expression. Meanwhile, Bridgette was grinning, unsuccessfully holding in the beginnings of a laugh.

There was something about the stiff way he turned with that weird eyebrow thing he does that just tipped her over the edge as she burst out laughing, hugging the mass of pillow and blanket tightly as she almost doubled over, giggling madly. 

His “um” and “uh” and “hrm…?” just made it harder to sober up. Shoulders still shaking with  remains of laughter, she makes an attempt to straighten up, looking up to the sky to avoid looking at his probably very confused face. “HAH! Sorry about that, you’re just very uh… funny-looking.”

She looked back down to seeing his irritated, almost offended grumpy cat face that revived her quieting giggles in laughter again. “Wait nonono-” She chokes out as she totters over to where he was, dropping the plush objects in her arms onto the roof. “I just meant that you just looked so cautious! I didn’t mean to laugh.”

“Well… It’s fine.” He responded, rolling his eyes, jumping when she dropped the blankets and pillows right beside him. “What are you doing!?”

“You’re in my spot.” She says, shaking her head as she squats to set up her usual set up, shooing him to move a bit.

“What- wait- why are- how did you even get up here!?” 

“I climbed up, obviously. Want a cookie?”

“….” This would be the second time in one day she would be offering him the cookie actually, the first time being in the library. He was so sure that not a lot of people noticed that little study space in the corner but then Bridgette comes out of nowhere with the brightest greeting that he has yet to see anyone top and plops herself in the seat next to him. She chatters about their last shared class as she takes her laptop out from her bag, already pulling up an assignment that Felix would later point out is due next week. He smiles when her head whips to gawk at the screen, her eyes widened almost comically. They easily engage into a comfortable conversation for the rest of the afternoon, snacking on cookies she made last weekend, and he was surprised to find that he was a bit sad when she had to go, finding himself waving at her with a smile as she hustled out of their little study area. 

“Sure.” Chat Noir sighs, taking the cookie. He looks at her little set-up, not sure if he should stay or go. But Bridgette makes the decision for him when she looks over and pats a spot next to him on the big green cushion. 

“Staying out of trouble?” He asks snarkily after a few minutes of peaceful silence. He bites in the cookie, a pleased sound making its way out of his mouth just as Bridgette squawks in indignation.

“Last time I saw you, you almost became mincemeat.” He retorts after chewing. “Just be more careful, the reporters are already a handful, I would like to,” not risk not being able to save you in time “not have to look out for a pesky civilian on top of that.”

“Well, like I said, it was by accident! How I was supposed to know there was a…” She gestures with her macadamia cookie, trying to find words to describe the saw-blade wielding villain but having no luck especially since Ladybug and Chat Noir avoided interaction with the news let alone release any information to the public. “Strange knife lady with uh, gray skin.” It’d be more than suspicious if she used jargon that the two used when discussing Papillon’s victims. 

He snorts at her description. “Talk about taking a stab in the dark.”

She just pokes her tongue out at him, pointedly turning away to take another bite of her cookie.

He finishes his cookie, patting his gloves to get rid of crumbs. He sinks into the comfortable plush of a second cushion up against a surprisingly clean chimney.

“You seem rather prepared.” He comments. “What are you doing up here?”

“I needed space.” She replies. “… To just think. What about you?”

- One night soon after defeating an Akuma, Bri recieves a message, on her newly additioned yoyo, from Chat saying: “Going around the city tonight, you wanna with?”

- To hell with it, why not? “Meet you in an hour”

- She met with him at the precise time and is standing in front of him with her hands on her hips.

- “So what did you want from me this time? You didn’t kill anyone did you?” Her oh so familiar teasing tone brought a smile to Chats lips.

- Oh this is what he called her for.

- “Chat...” Head lowering to the side a little, her eyes drooped in pity.

- The silence that followed was suffocating.

- “I understand Milday. But please hear me out.”

- Not having the heart to stop him, she let him continue.

- “To me, your everything I’m not. In my eyes youre so much more beautiful and capable than you ever think.”

- Ladybug stares at him dumbfounded, unable to approach with what to say for once.

- “For just this one night, let me show you what you mean to me?” Chat reaches his hand out to her as an invitation, a sign of acceptance, something more meaningful than just causal flirting or cheap pick up lines to woo her.

- And with a bit of hesitation she gives him a polite grin and puts her petite hand in his- larger than hers, clawed one.

- He pulls her to his side by her hand. His face close to hers he said:

- “betcha I’ll catch up.” He smirked mischievously.

- Ladybug paused, unexpectedness shone in her eyes. Soon it fades into something more competitive. Her excitement peaking.

“We’ll see about that.” She figures she should have a good time.

- Ladybug leapt over the wide chasms between the tall buildings of downtown Paris with ease. She ran across the rooftops with little effort, placing her footsteps with strategic planning. Her eyes focused when increasing her speed.

- Chat was even almost close catching up.

- He closely observed her jump, flip, and land with perfect grace and his mind was like a broken record. Only adding to the list of reasons why he continued to love her so much. Nothing had been more intensional than this very night.

- At one point Ladybug missed her footing on one of low buildings and slipped inside of an alleyway dumpster. She yelped out of surprise and landed her butt inside of a metal trashcan.

- Chats ears perked at the sound of her falling and went to check on her as fast as he could, his head poked out as looked down at her. Whiplash present in ladybugs eyes but otherwise fine.

- He hopped across to the other roof on all fours and offered his hand to her with a soft smile to help her climb out

- Ladybug smirked at her own clumsiness and accepted his gesture. She stumbled forward when she tried to stand but was caught by the weight of her partners chest and arms securely bracing her.

-They continued on. A cat and mouse chase where ladybug played mouse running from the predator. The feel of the air swirling around her limbs as she swung and jumped had adrenaline bursting through her veins.

——

- Ladybug awes at the moon. She loves the way it goes at an angle in its crescent shape as the stars scatter around it.

- She sits on the heavy bars of the Eiffel Tower as their final destination. Her legs hung over the edge and stares out into the open sky. She hasn’t had the opertunity to really appreciate it in a while.

- Chat has one leg up to his chest with his arm propped against it. His chin leaned against his hand on his knee, appreciating the way his ladys eyes sparkled.

- “Chat, is what you said... did you really mean it?” She brought up. The way he looks at her, it’s so much more different than how Félix does.

- She can’t even resent him for it. Bri kept pushing her luck. She doesn’t deny how Felix goes on avoiding her. Still she can’t help but keep caring for Félix and wanting to be there for him.

- Despite all of her advances he’s never looked at her with the same fondness as Chat has. Still she’d like to be the reason she makes Félix smile. No matter it be romantic or not.

- She also really cares for Chat noir. Her partner in crime through everything.

- “Milady, if there was anyone I could be with tonight. I’m happy it’s you.”

——

- That night it was hard for her to sleep that night

- Bridgette laid in her bed with a smile she couldn’t stop presenting since she got home. Everything that happened made her feel so alive and free. And with Chat being by her side it felt like they were one in the same.

- It was all shown to her loud and clear. But it’s hard to move on from a guy you like so quick... however when another shows you a whole new perspective...

- She burries her face in her pillow, unable to stop the blush creeping onto her face.

- She can’t believe this, it’s all too confusing.

- Tikki floats next to Bri’s head with a somewhat worrying expression. “You looked like you were having fun.” She attempts to break the ice.

- The girl turns her head to the side, staring off into space. She did. She never felt so alive when chat guided her through different sections and corners of the non-busy streets that had more room for her to fly to heart’s content.

- And how gentle he’d been. It was just like any other normal evening between them. Except for the adorning eyes which laid on her that he made sure never went unnoticed.

- Is this what is feels like to have someone like you?

- It was hard for Bri to imagine herself. One one hand, Felix. The stone cold guy who Bridgette knows has a soft spot in there somewhere, a place that would be willing to trust others if she just kept trying.

- And then Chat. Her partner whose saved her from more than a few crises, saving Paris together and trying to defeat hawkmoth for good.

- The witty chestshire who always knows how to get under her skin. She thinks fondly. For the past few years they’ve been through everything together. Knowing almost everything about the other except who they are under the masks.

- Bridgette frowns at the faint memory of the promise that Chat offered her in concealing their identities.

- She respects his wishes to no end but sometimes she wonders whose behind those brilliant green eyes of his.

- And right now he really is just following his heart huh?

- Slowly, her heart begins to pound inside her once again. Her mouth forming into a thin is shown as she becomes red once again, unknowingly gripping her pillow tightly in her fist that she laid on. The confliction is tearing her apart.

- In the morning she’ll figure it out. Tomorrow she has a test she forgot to study for.

..

"What are you doing?" asks Allegra, her head suddenly over Bridgette's shoulder and her limbs dangling from her bed. This startles Bridgette enough that she nearly shoves her phone upwards into Allegra's face by reflex, but she manages to stop herself before anything happens, and lets out a breath of relief.

"Please don't do that," she scolds. Allegra gives her a toothy grin. And geez, she really should take Bridgette's strength seriously, because Bridgette is pretty strong. She tries for a disapproving look, but Allegra seems to find it cute for some reason, if her soft chuckles are of any indication.

"Sorry, sorry," she says, still giggling, not really looking sorry at all. "What are you looking at?"

"My photo gallery."

Her eyes widen with interest. "Ehh, lemme see."

"There's not much in here though," Bridgette says truthfully, scrolling through the pictures for Allegra. It's mostly art she has saved from various sites, and some event prompts. Also some pictures she's snagged from some celebrity or model's social media, because you can never have enough art reference.

Allegra hums. "Can you give me your phone for a sec?"

"Sure," Bridgette hands her the device easily. "But really though, most of the stuff in there is just art ref. I'm not really a picture taker."

And of course Allegra stops to show her the camera gallery, which is filled with pictures and pictures of random things. A flower she found growing out of the cracks in the sidewalk. A tiny pin with colors of a pride flag replacing a normal pin in keeping a poster up. A silly motivational quote scribbled onto a school desk. A game of checkers, marbles all laid out and ready to be used.

She turns her head, slightly embarrassed for a reason she cannot seem to find. It's not that her friends doesn't know her habits when it comes to things like these, so probably she's just cringing at the fact that there are more pictures of... other things. Other people. Most people have selfies, photos of themselves and their friends, right? "Of people, I mean."

Allegra is smiling one of her amused and endearing smiles. "I suppose I should have expected this from someone who has the most interesting of collections in her home." This earns her a small hey! from Bridgette and laughter from both ends.

"Don't you have any pictures of yourself?"

"Are you a mind-reader?" she says, squinting her eyes. She continues before Allegra could say something back. "Nope. I don't take many pics, and most of them are deleted because they're too ugly. I suck at taking selfies, and no one ever takes any for me or my friends. Ugh." She sticks out her tongue to show that she's mostly joking, though the slightest bit of bitterness there is as real as everything else. She's never really seen the appeal in taking pictures, but sometimes she sees old friends posting stuff on social media and she finds herself struck with nostalgia all of a sudden, which is ridiculous because Bridgette does keep mementos of special memories, just in the form of little trinkets she manages to pick up here and there, and she wonders and wonders.

"Then there's no choice. We'll just have to start filling it up from now on."

"Allegra, that's-"

"Okay? We can take one right now." There's a quirk to her lips as she says this. She's already switching the camera to selfie mode in her left hand, her right hand slipping around Bridgette's shoulder.

"You're stealing my lines," she pouts.

"I am. You kinda need it."

"I'm in my-" she looks down at her blue nightshirt self-consciously, then takes another look at Allegra, who's still smiling. "Well, fine! We can take one picture now. Next time we should take one with the boys."

"Okay," Allegra says, cheerfully. "Now smile!"