Gabribug "Stop blushing like that."
“Stop blushing like that.”
He was startled out of his distraction by her command. Gabriel raised a hand to his cheek and felt the tell-tale heat of the alleged blush. Oh, for the love of- Being reverted to a young adult had some very uncomfortably unintended consequences (like getting lost in the contemplation of a young woman in a form fitting costume and the incidentally difficult to control physiological response to said contemplation). He shifted in his seat behind his desk and tried to scowl. “I’m not blushing,” he grumbled at the desk.
Ladybug watched out the window and looked down at the communicator in anticipation. “Don’t worry, M. Agreste. Chat Noir and I will make sure everything is turned to right in no time… wherever he is…” He tried to concentrate on paperwork, on sketching, on literally anything other than the feminine figure across the room. The light of the setting sun kissed her face. Warm, dusk hued rays brushed highlights through her midnight locks like twilight in a pixie cut. His eyes traced the swells and ebbs of her outline.
When Ladybug shifted her weight on her feet, wiggling her hips in agitation, Gabriel choked back a groan only to elicit some strangled bastardization of a gurgle. And he was caught. (Next time, Hawkmoth was not leaving his lair no matter the danger of suspicion). Had he really forgotten how to comport himself with some semblance of gentlemanly behavior in the face of hormones? The heat was back. Ladybug turned, wide eyes meeting his. He could feel himself getting warmer and redder despite trying to hide his discomfort with a few coughs and averted gaze.
If he had kept looking at her, he would have noticed her own face turn three shades of pink along the edges of the mask.
“Please, M. Agreste.”
“I am so sorry, Miss Ladybug. My behavior is inexcusable. I, uh, I haven’t been this… young… in some time.” He stood suddenly, startling a little squeak from the scandalized Ladybug. “I’m sure I’ll be fine if you’d like to find your partner and settle this matter.”
“N-no. You’re great- I mean, it’s great- er- fine. You’re fine! EVERYTHING’S FANTASTIC!” She paused and he could only stare at her fluster. “Chat and I agreed that I would stay with you until this is figured out, and I’m not leaving you alone. J-just…” Her eyes implored, “please, stop blushing like that.”
He cleared his throat. “I… wish I could. But why?”
Her face reddened, she craned her neck to look at the ceiling, and she groaned. “Because I can’t stop wondering how far it goes.”
Suddenly, Gabriel’s mouth was parched. He licked his lips. His heart raced. “Well, we may be here a while, so you could… find out.”
On AO3
