Work Text:
Grinning, he hid among the shadows, waiting for his unsuspecting prey to make her approach.
He glanced down at his watch for the dozenth time.
At nearly five minutes past their usual patrol time, his favorite vision in red dropped down on the roof.
She glanced around the rooftop—worried for him, he errantly hoped—looking for some sign he was still there. “Chat Noir? Is that you?”
Finally, he ducked out of the shadows and fell into a familiar bow. Admittedly, it was far more awkward to manage in the giant banana costume without practically tipping himself over. “Correct as usual, my Lady.”
It was all worth it to see the half-amused, half-stunned look on her face.
Her fingers drifted up to her temples, covering her eyes. “Why?”
“Why not?” he volleyed back, smirking beneath the giant foam.
She gaped. “Are you even transformed under there?”
He shrugged. “Not at the moment. Although Plagg is fueled up and ready to go when I need him.”
“Valentine’s Day is tomorrow,” Ladybug pointed out, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Right,” he conceded. “And since you banished roses of all colors, I knew I had to leap once I found you the most appealing gift.”
After a few moments’ hesitation, her hand finally reached out to take the small gift box from his hands.
Frowning, Ladybug gingerly opened the yellow wrapping paper.
Though she couldn’t tell from beneath the felt and foam, he was waiting and watching with bated breath.
Her eyes scanned the box. Her gaze raced over the words again, before shutting her eyes and sighing. “Bananas for you… Really?”
He waved his hand, “you already knew that, I know. It’s the chocolate bananas that made it all worth it.”
She gestured at the banana suit. “You got all dressed up, just for that?”
“If you’re going to do something, it’s worth doing it right.” His hand managed to wrap around the back of his neck…or at least close to where that was. “Besides, there might also be something tomorrow.”
“Kitty,” she sighed. “You promised not to overdo it.”
He chuckled ruefully. “I didn’t want to ruin the surprise. And I’m not sure the chocolate would last until next year.”
“I’m trying very hard to fight the temptation to turn you into a banana smoothie right now.”
“Ah, bugaboo.” He smirked. “I’m already a smoothie.”
“Chat Noir!” Ladybug groaned.
“On that note…” Banana Noir sprinted off on instinct, winking for good measure. “I’ve got to split.”
“Wait,” she screeched, a half second too late. “You’re not transformed!”
He felt the tug of gravity before he could stop his own momentum.
Luckily, the whirr of her yoyo cut through the air, catching him before the ground could.
Although the string around both legs was anything but comfortable.
Ladybug propelled herself down, hovering nearly face to banana-suit face with him just inches above the ground. “I really wasn’t going to make you into a banana smoothie. Even with the bad puns.”
“I appreciate that,” he murmured.
With her free hand, she reached out, patting the suit near the face. “Just promise me that whatever you’ve got planned for tomorrow will be simple.”
Banana Noir grinned, “That I can promise.”
With far more grace and care than she usually allowed, Ladybug let the string out enough that he could slowly flop onto the ground—thankfully without splitting.
“Thanks a bunch!” Groaning from where he was still face down on the concrete, Banana Noir struggled to turn over and sit back up.
Her yoyo string recoiled around where she’d hooked it above, before whirring back into the yoyo itself. “Make sure you get home safe, Chat Noir.”
“Good night, Ladybug.” He watched her launch back up and disappear onto the rooftops, hoping he had lowered the bar enough for her to truly like tomorrow’s gift.