"Forbidden" part 4/4 (ladynoir) (Patreon)

"I can't."

"It's okay, Chat Noir."

He gave his head a little shake, the dead and cold gust of wind tousling his golden hair. Ladybug held up the rose to him and he turned a little away, as if doing so would make her change her mind. "It's either going to turn into dust or it'll grow dangerous thorns. I don't want to hurt you again."

She smiled softly. "You wont hurt me. I just want to show you how beautiful it looks up close." She held the rose higher in her delicate fingers. "You have to trust me."

There was a beat of silence as he looked at her. 

"Always." He said, just as softly.

She cupped his hands as he cradled the rose carefully. Instead of turning to dust, it bloomed brighter. He stared at it in awe.

"See?" She said lightly. "My powers balance out yours when we're together."

"It's forbidden." He muttered, even though he didn't want to. She glanced at him and a hint of sadness passed her eyes, before they crinkled at the edges with a smile. 

"That doesn't mean it's not meant to be."