Worth The Wait - Chat Noir x Fem!Reader

CHAPTER TWENTY - Masked in the Moonlight

"You are so goddamn addictive"

Word count: 2022

I slowly opened my eyes. My gloved fingers gripped the gilded invitation for an anchor to reality. My nails dug slightly into my palm, centering me. I centered my matching white mask, making sure to secure my identity.

All good.

I took a deep breath, smoothed the skirt of my dress, and walked down the stairs.

The hotel was beautiful. Lavish red carpeting covered the floor, giving way to checkered tile. Marble columns held the domed ceiling up, which was painted with rosy-cheeked cherubs.

The chandelier cast a warm light on my dress, catching the warm orange undertones beneath the lighter yellow layer. It gave the appearance of a dress glowing with flame. A sheer white covering framed my shoulders, hanging on the crooks of my elbows. A simple gold necklace hung from my neck, accompanied by pearls dangling from my ears.

"You outdid yourself, Trixx," I whispered to the fox kwami embedded in my transformed costume. I felt the dress caress me gently, her way of expressing gratitude.

I gave a trained smile as I walked across the ballroom, earning a few discrete awed whispers. I looked for a familiar face and recognized the mayor.

"Thank you for inviting me," I said gratefully, curtsying.

"Of course, Rena. This ball is in the honor of our heroes." He gestured at the full ballroom proudly and shook my hand. "Thank you for your service."

I thanked him again, nodded, and searched for a familiar face in the sea of strangers.

Glowing green eyes staring back at me.

His black suit is opaque and seems to repel light; a stark comparison to his golden hair glowing in the light. His cufflinks are emeralds to match the tie and pocket square. His harsh claws are hidden by gloves. His mask is similar yet more classy by its lace features.

"Chat," I greeted him after walking over to meet him in the middle of the room.

"Rena." Chat nodded, offering his hand. "May I have your hand, my lady?" He bent to kiss it delicately, keeping steady eye contact as he did.
"Such a distinguished gentleman," I joked, allowing a small smile.

"As always," Chat countered, smirking. He cocked his head, still holding my hand. "May I have this dance?"

"Yes, you may." He guided me around the room in a waltz. I looked him up and down before settling on his eyes. Chat blinked slowly, his face softening. I leaned in slightly...

And saw we had an audience.

"They're watching," I whispered in his ear, his hair tickling my mouth.

"Let them watch," He murmured, completely at ease.

I leaned back, my eyebrows furrowing slightly. "They're staring at us."

He smiled slightly, mesmerized as he spun me. "They're staring at you."

I grinned, tilting my head playfully. "Really."

"Look at this dress." His fingers trailed along the skirt near my hips before settling on the sash at my waist. "It's beautiful. You are beautiful."

His fingers tightened slightly on my waist, and he led me through the dance faster. I twirled, my head spinning as I became a blur of a soft dusty orange.

"Aw—" I steadied myself by gripping onto his shoulders tighter. My finger traces small circles on the starchy fabric of his blazer. "Are you jealous? Of all those eyes on us?"