#[[ this definitely broke Adrien for a moment ]]

[countlessrealities]

@mcltiples sent:

On top of the building, Ladybug landed right next to her partner. A sigh escaped from her lips as her utility yo-yo settled into her palm. She took her time to seat herself on the ledge.

"Chat Noir, I need to tell you," She squished her body, hunched over, eyes fixated on the ground beneath them. "I found out who Monarch is... was,"

Brows furrowed in concentration. For a minute, she let the words hang in the air. Just enough time for them both to process what she was about to say.

Then as she turned to gaze at Chat Noir, determination within blue eyes, she spoke. "It was Gabriel Agreste, the famous fashion designer."

{ To Chat Noir from Ladybug >:D }

For the few days that had followed Monarch's demise, Adrien had allowed himself to believe that, after all, things were finally taking a turn for the better. Paris was safe from the relentless attacks that had been plaguing it for far too long. He wouldn't have to lie to his loved ones every single day to lead his double life, but just once in a while. He could freely be with the girl he loved.

Of course, he missed his father, but knowing that he had done the right thing, that his sacrifice had been what had allowed the world to become a better place was a comfort. Besides, he hadn't been left alone. Not only Natalie had stepped into the role of his legal guardian, but his aunt and cousin had moved to Paris, into the Agreste mansion, to be by his side.

The only thing that bugged him a little was Félix's odd behaviour towards him. The other watched him like a hawk, with a slightly creepy, unreadable expression. Adrien had tried to approach him to ask what was up with him, but they had been interrupted every time his cousin had been about to give him a proper answer.

In spite of this, he had still decided not to worry about it too much. After all, Félix had always been a little weird and he had even worse social skill than Adrien himself. Eventually, he would have told him what it was all about.

So, when Ladybug had asked him to meet so they could discuss an "important matter", the last thing he had been expecting was for the talk to be about their late enemy. And, even less to hear those words.

I found out who Monarch is… was.

Even before she was done saying that sense, Cat Noir's heart had jumped in his throat, making it feel tight and uncomfortable. He could feel it, like a bad omen hanging over his head, ready to drop and stab him right through the heart. She wouldn't have said it with that tone, if she hadn't been about to reveal a heavy secret.

It was Gabriel Agreste.

Gabriel Agreste.

GABRIEL AGRESTE.

His father and Monarch...the same person?

Adrien's brain was frozen, unable to process that piece of information. He knew that his father could be strict. He had been forced to acknowledge that the man had made bad choices and mistakes for the sake of his own beliefs. He had hurt his own son, in the name of doing what was best for him. He had uprooted him and locked him up in a white room with no windows, for crying out loud.

But being a supervillain? That was a whole different story. Yet, Ladybug had no reason to be lying to him. She didn't even know whom he was.

"...W-What? That...That's can't be right," he stuttered out, green eyes wide with shock. "It makes no sense. Why...calling him a hero, if he was the one behind it all? Why did you...? Why would you want to protect his name?!"

His hands balled into fists without him realising it, claws leaving marks against the tiles. Now that the surprise was slowly fading, there were other, darker feelings bubbling their way towards the surface. He could feel them mounting in his chest, threatening to explode out of him with the same destructive energy of one of his Cataclysms.

Pain. Horror. Desperation. Anger. Betrayal.

All the innocent people who had been used, hurt, traumatised. All the destruction that had been rained on the city and on their lives. All the fights, the sacrifices, the lies, the empty promises. The neglect, the disappointments, the wasted efforts he himself had made. And for what? What was Gabriel trying to obtain? What kind of wish was worth ruining all those lives, including their own?

...Did he even truly know the man he had called "father"? Or was he just seeing what he had to see, because the truth would have led to a catastrophic ending?

Like in his nightmares.

In the blink of an eye he was on his feet, unable to stay seated anymore. He couldn't stay there with her. He couldn't be around anyone right. He shouldn't even be Cat Noir, not when he was feeling like that. It was too dangerous.

"I...I have to go. There's...I have something urgent to do, that I had forgotten," he blurted out in a rush. He didn't even know if she had started to answer his questions, and honestly he didn't care. He just needed to leave. "I'll...see you soon, Milady."

And with that, he hopped off the roof, landing in a side alley and dashing away as soon as his feet hit the floor. He couldn't risk having his partner following him. Not this time, not when he needed to transform back so urgently. Before that, however, there was one thing Cat Noir needed to do.

His father wasn't a hero. He wasn't a good person. He wasn't even a decent human being. He was a monster, and Adrien just hadn't wanted to see it.

That painful, devastating truth rose so many questions, what was he supposed to be as the son of said monster first and foremost. All interrogatives he had no answer to. Perhaps, he would find them, once his mind would have been clearer. Now, he clung to one and only thought.

Gritting his teeth, he took a sudden turn, changing direction so that he could head towards the part, near Marinette's house. He didn't know what he would do, whom he could talk to. He didn't know what he wanted to do about all this. However, one thing was crystal clear to him: Gabriel Agreste didn't deserve the shiny fake light he had been put in.

And if he couldn't destroy the lie in itself, he would turn its symbol into ashes.

[anna-scribbles]

Any songs on the tortured poets department or the anthology that remind you of Emilie agreste or any other ML character? (though I know Emilie’s your special interest) I feel like the albatross and I can do it with a broken heart remind me so much of Adrien, and I always love your Taylor swift lyric analysis posts.

EXCELLENT question considering taylor swift just released an emilie agreste album. (and you’re so right about the adrien songs i definitely thought so too.) there were 6 songs that stood out to me as emilie songs, the first being:

I Can Fix Him, No Really I Can

this one is. well. it’s obvious that emilie is into toxic men. i love the idea that when she first got entangled with gabe, he was just an absolute broke problematic punk bisexual disaster (we can't ignore the harriel evidence) who her parents hated sooooo bad. and like literally everybody was so right that he was bad news but emilie was so confident that she could fix him until she finally realized that she was fr dying and he was actually going to terrorize the world about it. oops.

I Can Do It With A Broken Heart

already mentioned as an adrien song (which it is) but emilie and adrien are admittedly very similar and this song hits on exactly why. it’s about having such a tight control on how you’re perceived by others, putting on a fake persona that can be idolized and adored by everyone no matter how you’re feeling inside. it’s about being SO good at your job that you can’t actually get out of it. accidentally mythologizing yourself. losing your grasp of what is performance vs authenticity. you get it

Clara Bow

OKAY THIS ONE MAKES ME CRAAAZY. okay okay okay. so SPEAKING of accidentally mythologizing yourself, the song clara bow hits on a lot of the same themes as icdiwabh but there's this added sense of inevitable circularity to it that just drives me insane. I especially think a lot about adrien almost inheriting his mother's space in the public eye - the way emilie's acting career and universal adoration paved the way for adrien to be famous from birth, the kind of fame that makes his life almost unlivable at times. the whole bridge articulates it beautifully, I think - "beauty is a beast that roars down on all fours/demanding more" and "it's hell on earth to be heavenly." the idea that the world demands beauty from emilie, and she gives and gives until her ambition eventually breaks her, and she passes the performance down to adrien. and he takes up the mantle. the future's bright, dazzling.

Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus

so again, we return to the alleged bisexual punk disaster youth of gabriel agreste😭 this song is mostly related to my personal way that I imagine gabe and emilie's early years lol. I imagine that one of the things that drew emilie to gabe initially was that he was so opposite of the way her british nobility family was, and she was trying to escape that life. but eventually, once the money and success got to him, he became someone exactly like the family she once ran from. and she became different too, in a way she always regretted. hence the "say that I loved you the way that you were." the part of this song that feels VERY emilie to me is the "I changed into goddesses, villains, and fools/changed plans and lovers and outfits and rules/all to outrun my desertion of you." I think that emilie is very malleable, easily adapting her personality and presentation to fit whoever she's trying to please at the moment. but she never plans to stick around for long.

I Hate It Here

this one makes me laugh bc "I'd say the 1830's but without all the racists😒" ABSOLUTELY feels like something emilie agreste would say😭 and feel like she cured racism. but as for the actual song, I see emilie as always tending toward escapism. no matter how content she's trying to be in her situation, she's always stitching together an escape plan in the back of her mind. she doesn't like being tied down. she's such a romantic, and constantly disappointed by reality. always planting secret gardens in her mind

The Bolter

THE BOLTER!!!!! IS THE EMILIE AGRESTE SONG OF ALL TIME. TO ME. okay okay every single line but especially verse 2. "he was a cad, wanted her bad/just like any good trophy hunter/and she liked the way it tastes" just SAY gabriel and emilie. just say it. also the "splendidly selfish, charmingly helpless" SCREAMS emilie to me. one of the first things that ever came to me about emilie was her being flighty and kind of unreliable, as well as deeply attention seeking. I think of her as someone who gets restless if she's in the same place for too long, who has trouble with commitment. it's easy for her to feel trapped, and her impulse is always to break free. thinking about how content she was to leave behind her loved ones, "there's an escape in escaping" really defines her character to me. and of course it bleeds into adrien's struggle with confinement and tendency to run away when he's feeling unwanted etc etc <3

THANKS FOR ASKING A QUESTION SO RELEVANT TO MY CURRENT INTERESTS<3 umm I will throw in a bonus adrien song which is robin. ok goodnight

[jennagrinsoverml]

hii! any oblivio fics recommendations?

Yesss, so happy to rec fics for my favourite episode!! 💕💕💕

the wonderful part of the mess that we made by heresie_irisee

They knew.

They knew, and there would be no magical reset button for the memories they'd made today. She'd have to  see him at school every day, and she'd see the Chat in him, as surely as  he'd see the Ladybug in her.

One-shot. This is such a great alternate take on Oblivio!! The mutual pining is so, so, so good! Especially love Marinette struggling to assimilate Adrien’s identities and Adrien’s obliviousness. There's a reason this is one of my absolute favourite fics in the fandom.

breath of fate by @11paruline44

Was it really True Love's Kiss that broke Dark Cupid's spell? Marinette is, of course, an absolute mess in the wake of the akuma in which she kissed Chat Noir. But, amidst her embarrassment and copious internal screaming, her mind is too curious not to wonder. Overwhelmed by four opponents at once amidst the Puppeteer's attack, one of them being her own Chat Noir, the idea pops into her head: If True Love's Kiss worked once, who's to say it wouldn't work again?

One-shot. I'm OBSESSED with the premise of this fic! I love the use of true love's kiss, love the angst and the messy feelings and the reveal with Oblivio and I don't want to spoil it, but this fic left me with the biggest smile on my face!!!

Panicked Thoughts and Needed Talks by jillie_chan

After the kiss, in that moment everything was perfect. And then that moment ended. OR Chat Noir: You remember too? Ladybug: *pterodactyl screeching*

Multi-chapter. An alternate ending for Oblivio where they remember everything and react appropriately (lol). This is such fun and so cute and I really enjoyed it!

memory restoration by @raibo888

Alternate ending to Oblivio. What if Ladybug and Chat Noir regain their memories after defeating Oblivio?

One-shot. This one is super cute and I loved it!

Small Talk by @lnc2

All she wanted was a cup of coffee.

One-shot. Another "what if they remembered" take on Oblivio, but this is set a little after the episode, rather than in the immediate aftermath, which sets it apart. I just love the dynamic here.

Visceral by word_devourer

Neither Adrien nor Marinette has the slightest idea what happened when Oblivio attacked. All each of them knows is that they've been left with an aching love-sickness that they can't seem to shake.

One-shot. This fic is so cool! It really messed with my head but like in a good way. Definitely different than most Oblivio fics!

Amnesiac? More like Amnesi-Chat by therealjanebingley

Oblivio's back, and this time only Chat Noir gets hit. Based on his limited knowledge and the way Ladybug acts towards him, he makes some assumptions.

One-shot. This is hilarious. From Chat’s genuine glee about his superheroes to Ladybug’s affectionate indulgence to having Chat provide an “outside perspective” on Ladybug’s non-platonic behaviour towards him to the teasing… I could see this actually happening in an Oblivio 2.0 episode.

The Open Line by @sariahsue

"Maybe, Cat Noir admitted as Oblivio knocked him back once again, maybe it was his fault. Just a little. But in his defense, Ladybug was at the top of her game today, and it was absolutely irresistible." An Oblivio alternate ending, where she never learns his identity but remembers what it was like to fall in love with him, and how she slowly falls in love with him all over again. (More like a PG than a G.)

Multi-chapter. This one starts as an Oblivio alternate ending, but it develops out into so much more and is a really gorgeous ladynoir love story.

[kawaiichibiart]

Matagot AU

In case anyone wants to know where this started:

Not sure how far I'm going to get into this AU, but I figured some of y'all would be interested. So... :)

First thing ya gotta know, I never plan for any ship in the lovesquare to be the end goal. Just not my thing, I don't like it. And in all honesty, whenever I think of the Matagot AU, I don't see any romantic relationships developing. Purely platonic friendship and familial love.

Because he knows he can change the way his costume look, it'd easy for Adrien to change his appearance to ensure no one makes a connection between Chat Noir and Matagot. The only reason Ladybug can is because of the bond they've developed and her knowing his identity.

↑ Unfortunately, despite them having revealed themselves, it wasn't the happy moment they both wished for.

And while some would have argued for Ladybug to take back the cat miraculous, seeing as Monarch was dead, she didn't want to. Even if she did, she wouldn't be able to.

There are many ways kwamis bond with their holders. Stories of "true holders" have circled around for centuries, people who had been "destined" to wield a certain miraculous. But the reality is that those so called "true holders" actually formed a sort of soul bond with their kwamis. A special connection between the two that added some additional protection to them and the miraculous. One of which is only they can remove the miraculous.

Plagg formed one with Adrien shortly before Monarch made his first appearance, and Tikki planned on forming one with Marinette but could never find the right time to bring it up.

Of course things aren't easy at first. Trauma aside, Adrien has a lot of trust issues and things he's internalized. As I mentioned in the linked post, people wanted someone to blame because Gabriel was dead. And who better than his son? A lot of blame was shoved on to Adrien to the point where things that were unrelated to Monarch and people being akumatized were also blamed on him: You got fired? It's Adrien's fault. Your significant other left you? It's Adrien's fault. You got expelled? It happened because of Adrien. You were robbed? Failed a test? Broke your grandma's favorite vase? It's all Adrien's fault. It happened enough that he began to internalize it and now feels like he has to apologize for literally everything. Because it's all his fault, right?

*Catwoman entering the Batcave with Matagot, each with a smoothie* Nightwing:...what ya got there, Catwoman? Catwoman: a smoothie

Bruce and Selina definitely get into "minor" arguments about her taking in a boy and teaching him how to break into places and steal.

Honestly, it's kinda fun not having to be hero in Gotham. Chat Noir and Catwalker were both heroes. Matagot isn't. Vigilante, anti-hero, either works. Maybe people back in Paris would question it. But, he can't really find himself caring. He will feel bad if it reflects badly on Ladybug though. He's not gonna stop but he'll feel bad.

Personal therapist Harley Quinn, most of their "therapy" sessions is just breaking shit with bats. Sometimes they're joined by Jason /Red Hood. Don't tell Bruce/Batman.

When Marinette makes her way to Gotham, it's part of a school trip that students had to pay for. The trip was divided so some students went to Gotham and some went to Metropolis. The reason she chose Gotham over Metropolis was because she had been visited by Wonder Woman.

Originally, Diana planned to train Marinette herself, but after learning that the holder of the cat miraculous ran away, she told her she'd help her get in touch with her friend, Batman. If anyone can help her find Adrien, it's him and his team. And, if she's willing, she'll talk him into giving her more training. With that, Marinette decides she's heading to Gotham.

Adrien avoids his old classmates and friends like the plague when they arrive. While they didn't really do anything, some of them did participate in blaming him for everything. If he sees one of the few he fully trusts is alone, he might talk to them. Might.

[aalissy]

Emma, Louis, Hugo

Whoohoo!! Welcome to the end of Adrienette April for this year!! I really hope you enjoy this lil ending chapter <3. Also, please feel free to join me tomorrow as I begin Marichat May :)

AO3

Adrien and Marinette sat on the balcony of their cozy Parisian apartment, sipping on hot cocoa as they watched the city lights twinkle in the distance. The soft glow of the moon bathed them in a warm embrace, casting a serene ambiance around them. They finally got to take a brief moment of rest as their kids were inside, sleeping for what would hopefully be the rest of the night.

Marinette sighed contentedly, leaning her head on Adrien's shoulder. "I dreamed about times like this, you know," she mused, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips. “Us and the three kids. I had their names picked out since middle school and everything.”

Adrien wrapped an arm around Marinette, gazing into her eyes with affection. "And what beautiful names they are," he said, brushing a kiss against her forehead. "You know, I’d still give everything to go and tell younger you that someday you’d end up married to me. And that we’d use those names you picked out and everything. I’d just love to see you blush and stammer again."

She shoved his shoulder, rolling her eyes at him even as her lips twitched with amusement. “And I’d love to go tell middle school you that he’d end up married to Ladybug. I’m sure he’d turn just as red if not redder.”

She stuck her tongue out at him and Adrien threw his head back in a loud laugh. “You know, you’re probably right,” he managed to say after his laughter subsided.

A comfortable silence settled between them as they sipped on their hot cocoa. They looked out at the beautiful, twinkling stars, listening to the sounds of the streets of Paris that came from below them. It was peaceful. A wonderful, warm night.

Marinette eventually broke the silence by giggling, her eyes twinkling with fond memories. "Remember when Emma turned our living room into an art studio, and we found paint on everything, including Plagg?"

Adrien chuckled, nodding in agreement. "How could I forget? Plagg wouldn’t shut up about that incident for weeks. He forced me to buy him boxes and boxes of camembert to make up for it." His voice turned more nasally as he attempted to do an impression of the kwami. “Gods are not meant to be purple, Adrien. Tell your offspring to paint the canvas. Not me.”

Marinette snorted. “Yes, I do remember that! Tikki was positively delighted by Plagg’s little color change. She laughed at him every chance she got. Between you and me, I think she even tried to get little Emma to do it again.”

“My lips are sealed,” Adrien said, making a gesture of zipping his lips shut.

"And what about sweet Louis?" Marinette continued with a playful glint in her eyes. "Our little explorer who once convinced us to go on a 'treasure hunt' in the park, only to find a collection of shiny rocks and leaves."

Adrien laughed, shaking his head fondly at the memory. "He's got my adventurous spirit, that's for sure. And adorable, baby Hugo has always been fascinated by the simplest things in nature. I love how he finds beauty in everything around him."

"He gets that from you too, Adrien," Marinette remarked, a soft smile on her face. "You've always had a way of seeing the beauty in the world."

“Then little Emma definitely inherited your artistic talent.” He grinned back at her.

“Of course she did!” she said proudly, lifting up her chin. “Who do you think also grew up painting the walls in my parents’ home?”

As they reminisced about their children's antics and milestones, their hearts swelled with gratitude for the family they had created together. Adrien squeezed Marinette's hand gently, his gaze filled with love. "I'm so grateful that we managed to find each other and make a family. Every day is a wonderful adventure with all of you."

Marinette leaned in, pecking a kiss on his cheek. "Me too, Adrien. Our family is everything to me. I wouldn't have it any other way."

They sat together in another companionable silence, basking in the warmth of their affection and the knowledge that their home was filled with the laughter and love of Emma, Louis, and Hugo. As the night grew deeper, they knew that their bond as a family would only continue to grow stronger with each passing day.

[darklydeliciousdesires]

Sky Full of Stars - Chapter Twenty Six + Epilogue.

Well, besties, here we are at the end of Jade and Adrien's story. Big thanks to those who have stuck with me through it all, I cannot thank you enough for all your love! :)

Previous chapters - One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen Seventeen Eighteen Nineteen Twenty Twenty One Twenty Two Twenty Three Twenty Four Twenty Five

Tag list - In the comments

Words - 5,157

Warnings - 18+ content throughout. Minors DNI!

No morning in Manhattan was ever quiet, New York truly being the city that never slept. One part of it was especially noisy, though, one bedroom in particular filled with the helpless moans and wails of a woman near out of her mind with pleasure.  

His cock sank in and out of the velvet wet of her cunt with slow, yet firm thrusts, his chest sliding against her back, her leg hooked under his arm as Jade saw in seven in the morning lying on her side, being fucked very thoroughly. There had been moments in her pregnancy where she’d swung between wanting to be on him all the time, and unable to bear being touched at all due to discomfort. Now, in the final days of it, all she wanted were sex and food.  

Being well laid and well fed were her number one priorities. Her husband had her covered on both counts.  

“Oh my god, oh fuck, that feels incredible!” she virtually growled, feeling his fingers massage in gentle rotation at her clit, his mouth hot in each kiss he peppered against her neck. It sparked golden through her, tingled her veins until they glowed alight, a ceaseless wave of pleasure that continued to lap over her until the crest finally rose, broke her shore and fell again. It left her shaking and fluttering around him as he filled her with cum, teeth gently crushing a bite on her shoulder with a soft groan.  

They dozed for a little while before getting up, taking a shower in turn before Jade went to order breakfast, wanting to hide in the warmth since December had brought with it a very bitter winter to Manhattan. Apparently, back at their house upstate they were already under a few feet of snow, the flurries in the city beginning to intensify more.  

While she loved their apartment, she did miss Stone Barn Castle, all of her animals, too. To be close to her chosen hospital ready to give birth, though, it meant a change of location for a couple of weeks. Little baby Brody had actually been due two days before, but was making his arrival into the world on his own terms, it seemed.  

Yes, they were parents to a boy, as they’d found out shortly after returning from Europe four and a half months ago. Maximus Patrick Steven Brody, as he was named, was definitely very comfortable where he was. His mother was not so content with that. So much so that she rarely left the apartment, her only visits being to see her doctor, and one coffee (herbal tea for her) date she’d been talked into by her good friend, Tony. Mr. Bourdain had greeted her with his usual comedy, standing to hug her and exclaim, ‘hey fatso!’, which had her laughing so hard, she’d nearly peed her pants. 

Apart from the discomfort, she loved being pregnant, not suffering much in the way of emotional outbursts any longer, but definitely still tickled beyond her control by anything comic. Case in point, sitting contentedly in the lounge after they’d eaten, Jade propped by many cushions and a heat pillow on her sore lower back, crying with laughter at a comedy special by British standup comedian named Gina Yashere. Jade had a natural gravitation to her fellow mouthy Londoners. 

“I swear, if you pee on the couch,” Adrien warned lightly, his stomach hurting at both the comedy stylings of Ms. Yashere and the utter hysterics of his wife, tears streaming down her face. “I love you, but not enough to clean up a piss puddle.” 

“I'm fine, it’s only a risk when he’s wedged his head on my bladder,” she gasped, falling apart again, holding her hand to her stomach as her laughter turned to a slight groan. “Oooh, ouch.”  

Eyebrows were raised. “General big belly discomfort, or do we finally have lift off?” 

“I don’t know, but that felt like a twinge,” she revealed, rubbing the swell of her bump, the slight discomfort passing fairly quickly. “I’m still hungry.”  

He couldn’t help but laugh. She’d just demolished a cheese omelette with four eggs, two slices of toast, hash browns and a side of steamed vegetables. He’d never seen her have an appetite like it, bar on the rare occasions she’d been stoned in the past. “Pickle chips?” 

Her eyes lit up. “There’s some left?” 

“I might have hidden a secret stash to prevent you from wailing when there’s none left,” he winked, getting up off the couch. 

“How very dare!” she shouted after him, just about able to reach and smack him on the butt, “I do not wail!” 

“Lies,” he called from the hallway, rooting around for the bag of Lays dill pickle chips he’d hidden in there in a box she wasn’t likely to go nosing in. “You’re a little snap dragon and you know it.” 

She supposed he had her there. Although emotional outbursts were few and far between, she did become a little panicked over the smallest of things. Case in point, her favourite chips not being in plentiful supply.  

“But I’m an adorable snap dragon,” she beamed, doing her best comic cutie voice. 

Leaning to her after passing the chips, he nuzzled her, kissing her forehead. “You got that right, Moo.” After demolishing most of the contents, she began to grow tired, Adrien taking the bag from her hand and wrapping her in a blanket, leaving her a note atop her bump to say he’d gone to the gym. Her afternoon naps sometimes lasted for anything up to three hours, so he had time to kill.  

True to form, he was there and back, showered and changed before she’d even woken up, Jade stretching as she yawned. “You’re in different clothes.” 

“Went to the gym,” he explained, stroking her thigh. “How was your nap?” 

“More like a small coma.” Her statement had him snort laughing as she shifted a little, rubbing beneath her bump. “I still feel a bit uncomfortable, not like usual discomfort either. Lots of pressure. I can’t be in labour, though. It’d be worse than this.” 

His shoulders dropped, letting out a small breath. Reaching for him, she smiled, stroking his cheek with her thumb. As her due date had neared, she’d noticed it, the fact he’d seemed nervous about the impending birth.  

Most might say he had nothing to fear from it, him not the one having to go through something so physically horrific as childbirth, but Jade knew him too well. That was exactly why he was nervous; knowing that she had to endure something so painful, and there wasn’t a thing he could do to take that away or make it better for her. He just had to sit there and spectate the love of his life as she went through the worst pain she’d likely ever be in.  

“It’ll be okay, you know,” she assured him, pulling him near to plant a kiss upon his lips. “Well, it’ll be hell and probably hurt more than I can even imagine, but just as long as you don’t pass out on me.” 

He had a thing about blood. “Yeah, I’ll be fine just as long as I don’t see anything south of your waist. I’ve no desire to watch him coming out. I’ll throw up or keel over. Plus, I really can’t deal with seeing the physical manifestation of you being in so much pain, but trust me, I will be right by your side the entire time.” 

“I understand, don’t worry. You were bad enough when Katie cut her hand open on the kitchen knife at that party a while back. Damn, Bug. You went so pale!” Laughing at the memory, she felt her abdomen tighten significantly, grimacing. “I think this might be it, you know. This feels like what I’ve learned to expect from a contraction.” 

“Is there anything I can do?” he asked, stroking the swell of her bump. 

“Not right now. Just being here is good enough, and holding my hand when I inevitably start panicking a bit,” she chuckled, shuffling to lean into his embrace. “It’ll be a while, too. First labours are always lengthy, as we were told.” 

Despite her vouch that she’d likely begin to panic eventually, Adrien had to marvel at her composure. And her natural knack to find comedy in any situation.  

“It’s odd, though. You and the blood thing, because you have no qualms about sex when I’ve got my period,” she mused, making him snort laugh.  

“Yeah, but that’s in the shower. Self-cleaning system,” he pointed out, grinning a little. “Plus you’re always so damned horny, if I didn’t nail you, you’d yell at me.” 

“Me? Yell?” she began, comically aghast. “You must have me confused with somebody else.” Wincing a little more, the tightness began to subside, Jade getting up with his help and having a little walk around. She’d read that it could help to stay gentle active, assisting in the baby moving down into the pelvis. It also made her sore back much more manageable. 

A few hours passed with little in the way of her discomfort becoming more frequent, even venturing out for a little fresh air and a tea at her favourite coffee shop in the West Village before slowly heading home.  

“Oh, fucking bloody blimey!” she exclaimed, resting a hand to her side as she chopped up salad vegetables to accompany the chicken they were having for dinner.. “Okay, that was way sharper than the rest.” Looking at her watch, a gorgeous Van Cleef timepiece she’d received from Adrien for her birthday that year, she breathed deeply, counting how long it lasted for. Twenty-eight seconds from start to finish, and her elevated pains had begun roughly nine hours ago. Things were progressing, albeit slowly, but she definitely thought this was the early onset of her labour. 

“Want me to help you back to the couch?” Adrien asked, flipping over the chicken breasts he was frying in the pan before him. 

“Nah, Bug. I’m good for now. Here, crack some of this onto the chicken. Always makes it taste better,” she spoke, handing him the truffle salt. Returning to her salad prep, she got that done and plated up, the dishwasher loaded and dinner ate before she felt the pain return, grumbling as she held Adrien’s hand and breathed deeply.  

“How is it now?” 

Muttering a few cusses, she leaned forward, soothed as he rubbed her lower back. “I feel like I have a little horse trying to exit my spine, and my stomach is really tight. Not bad other than that, though.” Not able to get comfortable on the couch, she went for a shower, feeling fresher, the heat working nicely for her pain as well. A few more hours passed, lying on her side with a heat pillow beneath her bump and Adrien’s warmth curled around her, unable to do much more than doze as her contractions steadily worsened in severity, but came no more frequently than every twenty minutes or so. 

Upon waking at 7am, Adrien saw his wife sitting up, stroking her bump as she focused on her laptop screen, watching Grey’s Anatomy since there was no TV present in the bedroom. 

“How long have you been awake?” he asked as she removed an ear bud, turning to him. 

“About an hour, but I didn’t sleep well prior, as you know.” He did indeed, surprised she’d slept at all, given her discomfort.  

Kissing her arm, he rubbed her belly, moving his head just beneath where the laptop was perched to kiss the swell. “Hey, you in there. Hurry this along, boy. Your mom isn’t happy, and we kinda really wanna meet you now, too.” 

She loved it whenever he talked to the baby, Jade smiling as she stroked his hair, her hand then gently flapping as she hissed, checking her watch. “Well, you must be fucking magical. Ouch, shit, ow, ow, ow!” she began, taking deep breaths. “That one was exactly fourteen minutes after the last, so it’s starting to speed up.” After almost twenty-four hours, she was glad of it, but the worsening pain was not welcome, even if the onset of her actually getting to meet her son was. 

After getting up, she showered and dressed with his help, her contractions gradually progressing to every ten minutes by midday, and then every five by late afternoon. This equalled time for them to travel to hospital. Once comfortable in her private room, checked out by a nurse before meeting Brielle, the midwife who would be delivering their baby. While the nurse had a much more stoic manner, Brielle was a complete breath of fresh air. 

“This is so, so surreal for me,” she explained, sitting on the side of the bed. “I love your music and now I get to deliver your baby!” The look of pure joy made a very uncomfortable Jade laugh, feeling reassured.  

Her own doctor who had overseen her pregnancy and been scheduled to deliver the baby was unfortunately unavailable after he’d become injured in a car accident, a dislocated shoulder and broken clavicle preventing him from being there. His replacement was an absolute delight, though. Professional without being too formal. “Okay so you’re five centimetres dilated, which is to be expected at this time. You could be in for a long wait on active labour, but I’ll keep coming in to check on you, as will the nurse.” 

In that tedious waiting time, they managed to find their own entertainment, counteracting their mutual mounting nerves.  

“You have to try this!” she spoke, giggling after taking another breath of the gas and air, handing it to Adrien. He duly accepted. 

“Woah!” Another huff was taken. “Damn, that’s good! That’s stronger than when you get nitrous at the dentist!” 

“Isn’t it?” she giggled, stroking his face. “And now you look high as fuck rather than freaked out. It’s a win, baby.” 

His phone began to ring in his pocket, Adrien groaning. “Oh god, it’s your mom. I can’t do this while I’m high!” His widened eyes had her cracking up. “Help me!" 

Those words only made her hysterics worse. “Put her on speaker, we’ll muddle through.”  

“Adrien! How are you? How’s my buba?” Gemma chirped, the man himself snorting with laughter.  

“He can’t talk right now, mum. He’s high as hell,” Jade laughed, watching her husband rest his head down on the side of the bed while holding his phone aloft.  

“He’s what?” the voice on the other end of the line boomed. “He’s about to become a father! This is no time for recreational nonsense!” 

“It’s gas and air, mommy,” Jade hissed, her own head spinning, “I told him to take a huff and now he’s all whacked out.” 

The disparaging sigh was audible. “You two are thirty-eight and forty-three years old. You should know better than this!” 

“Yeah, but what are you gonna do?” Adrien spoke, emerging once his laughter had subsided, feeling a little less woozy. 

An unimpressed snort sounded from his phone. “Don’t make me come down there.” 

“She will, too,” his wife spoke, grimacing. “Mommy, give me a minute. Contraction.” Grabbing Adrien’s free hand, she squeezed hard, growling softly. God, they were like someone was locking her entire midsection in a vice and tightening it fully. Some wincing, a few more huffs of the gas and she was able to speak, Adrien leaving her to it for a few minutes while he went to fetch a soda.  

“Oh, it’s so bloody boring, mum,” Jade lamented, her head spinning a little. “It’s apparently progressing as it should be, but it still feels slow. I’ve been here for four hours and haven’t dilated any further!” 

Gemma knew her eldest’s patience would wear thin fast. “I found a book helped, something I could get lost in and try and forget about the boredom and the pain,” she began, tidying up the lounge while she spoke. “I just finished a really good one by Zadie Smith if you want me to send daddy with it? He’s just taking a nap before going back in for his next surgery, but said he’d leave early so he can visit with you before he starts.” 

She agreed to it, although between the pain, fear and the gas, Jade didn’t know how much she’d be up for immersing herself in literature, if she was honest. Her mother always gave excellent advice, though, and she was prepared to at least give it a try, especially since it very much appeared that her son wouldn’t be arriving anytime soon.  

“Max, you’re making your mama very, very uncomfortable,” she spoke to her bump, stroking it while breathing her way through a contraction. “Ugh! This is torture!” 

“Well, if it counts for anything, I think you’re doing really well.” Adrien spoke, stroking her arm as he stretched his legs out. She was right, though. Apart from the excitement that their precious son was on his way into the world, awaiting that arrival was very tedious. Another few hours passed, and she was still no closer to active labour, but in the kind of pain that really began freaking her out. And him.  

“Are you sure you don’t want to go down the epidural route?” Brielle asked, after checking her over and confirming she was getting closer, now seven centimetres dilated.  

Jade grimaced, weighing it all up. “I do and I don’t. I’m bloody terrified of needles, and the thought of one going into my spine really spooks me,” she revealed, the midwife nodding with understanding. She wouldn’t be the first labouring woman to be put off by such, or the last. “I know I had piercings, but still, the piercer has had to hide the needle from me every single time so I haven’t freaked out. Ahh, shit. I don’t know. I really don’t.” 

Brielle could sympathise. Although she’d given many epidurals over her tenure in the profession, she knew that she herself wouldn’t relish in receiving it. “Well, from a medical standpoint I can say that if you feel you’re able to endure it, it would help of course with the anxiety you’re going through with the pain starting to really take a hold. However, you’ve mentioned that your back discomfort it getting worse, and I was going to suggest you perhaps consider kneeling for the active labour as this helps ease the pressure. With an epidural that wouldn’t be possible. It can also sometime prolong the active labour, too, since you’ll be completely numb and unable to use your muscles as normal to push.”  

She looked thoughtful for a few moments. “Think I’ll continue as I am.” Turning to Adrien, she stroked his face. “If I start cussing you out and telling you I’m never going to have sex with you again, just ignore me. You know me and pain don’t mix well.”  

He shook his head, taking her hand and kissing it. “Yell as much as you need to, baby love. If it makes you feel better, I can take it.”  

“You say this now.” Her widened eyes made him laugh, Brielle leaving them to it.  

He kissed her hand again, stroking her fingers. “I mean it, too. Ain’t me who’s gotta go through it, Moo. I’m fully expecting a tirade. And a broken hand.” He’d had words with himself, while she’d lay there agonising over her epidural. It wasn’t about him, or his own fears borne of an inability to make it better for her, what she was facing. Not panicking, being his usual calming influence was all he had to do.  

So, he did.  

In the end, Jade didn’t cuss him out, or tell him she was never having sex with him again, but god, how she screamed his eardrums to near perforation. Again. He didn’t give a damn either, that he was almost deaf in his right ear as he sat upon the edge of the bed with her kneeling behind him, her arms clutched tight around his shoulders as she squeezed his hands. He didn’t care that he felt like his knuckles were about to dislocate from the force of her grip.  

The only thing that mattered was her as for the hour of active labour, she did something that earned his respect a thousand times over, hiding his fear from her entirely as she showed more bravery and courage than he’d ever witnessed. Finally, at 2:04am, her efforts were paid off in the sound of their son’s cries filling the room.  

Two had become three.  

Epilogue 

Serenity. It hadn’t been a word Adrien would have expected to use, but the energy within their apartment was exactly that. At two days old, Max was of course making his presence known, but the baby was soothed very easily when he fussed. He would be placated at his mother’s breast, or lying contentedly upon his father’s chest, his cries ceasing once they’d understood what it was he was communicating that he wanted.  

His hold me, I’m hungry, or I just filled my diaper wails all sounded slightly different. The first was accompanied by a lot of disgruntled snuffling, the second was all out, tiny person rage, and the third more of a grumbled cry than the full-on dramatics of the former. At five in the morning on his second day at home, the noise coming from his crib was definitely hunger, Jade rising to pick him up and carry him back to the warmth of their bed, settling on her side to feed him as he lay between her and his daddy.  

“I know I’m biased, but he’s so cute,” Adrien spoke, turning to stroke Max’s little puffy cheek as he fed. “And he’s so good, too. As soon as we know what he wants, he gets it and he’s quiet again.” 

“He’s like his dad, very unfussy. All of this will be subject to the ultimate test, though. When he’s old enough to have keys and can’t find them.” She winked, and it had him laughing softly though his nose, knowing what a nightmare he could be while under the duress of misplacing an item.  

Adrien raised an eyebrow, and a middle finger, laughing quietly eventually. “Yeah, alright. Guess I have to take that one.” 

“Or when a plan changes at short notice.” 

“Okay, Burtie! That’s enough haranguing of your husband.” he spoke, reaching to gently flick her arm as she chuckled, her eyes flitting down to their baby. She had taken to motherhood like a duck to water, something Adrien had very much expected. Seeing how she was with their animals had always clued him in to her deeply maternal nature, the way she liked to look after something, or someone.  

Her caring side was completely unsurpassed. He’d never forget years ago when a young fan had been waiting in hope to meet them at the backstage doors one afternoon, Jade picking up immediately that the young girl looked like she’d been crying. She’d crouched before her and held her hands as the young fan had recounted the ordeal of having her bag stolen, no phone, no wallet, her only saving grace being that she’d had her passport and plane ticket back to Ireland stashed in her jacket.  

His wife had gone above and beyond, calling the hotel she was staying at and paying for her room on her own card before giving her two hundred pounds in cash so she had enough money for necessities before going home. That girl was Saoirse, a promising art student who now worked in merchandising for the band, designing every single piece of apparel sold on Seventh Gate’s online store.  

Once Max was fed, Jade put him back down, she and Adrein grabbing another precious hour of sleep before they were alerted by his cries again, this time a full diaper needing disposing of. While Jade sorted him, Adrien went and made them breakfast, yawning as he did. And the broken sleep would only get worse, but his baby was worth every ounce of slumber deprivation. 

While Jade showered, he held him on his legs while watching the morning news, Max snoozing, his adoring father beaming at him. He’d never seen anything so precious, and he was his. Later that morning, a couple of others more than agreed with that too. 

“Oh my god, homeslice!” Jen gasped, holding out her arms. “Gimme him, I gotta get a good munch in!” Adrien placed him carefully into her arms, Jade beaming from where she sat in the armchair adjacent as she watched her best friend cradle her son for the first time. “Hi, tiny person! You’re super, hella cute, man! I ain’t biased at all either, some babies come out looking all busted up, but not you! God damn, he’s beautiful!” 

“Hey now, don’t you be changing yer mind here, Jennifer!” Nick warned, waving a finger at his wife. “Just because he’s cute does’nae mean we should have one!” 

She laughed softly, gently stroking Max’s ear with her fingernail. “Nah, I’m good playing auntie. I’ll leave the tingly ovaries to the other girls, man.” And boy, when Charlotte, Katie and Jess met him over the coming days, they experienced just that. It was a constant stream of joy for them both, watching their loved ones meeting their little baby for the first time, Patrick especially as he rocked his grandson in his arms. 

“Now, little one. This painting right here is a Beksinski, your mother’s preferred choice. I cannot say I care too much for him, but John Williams Waterhouse, I shall educate you in. As well as the more standard grandpa things. We’re going to go to a dreadful place called Coney Island, yes! Cotton candy and fairground rides ran by the great unwashed. We will fill our bellies with soda and corndogs, and in doing so I shall probably enjoy such an escapade much more than I will ever let on. Yes I will, young man. Mmhmm.” 

He made good on his promise, too, when Max was old enough to appreciate it and the family returned to the city to visit their parents. Four years sped past in the blink of an eye, two thousand and twenty rolling around and bringing with it one of the biggest life changing events to hit the entire world, the Covid-19 pandemic spreading like wildfire.  

Jade, Adrien and Max were in England when it hit badly, the eventual closing of the borders meaning they spend the best part of that year at their home in Buckinghamshire. It was the home they’d spent the least amount of time in out of their three, and while they missed Cleveland, it was good to settle in the English countryside for a few months. It was also the home they welcomed their second and third children in, Jade giving birth in March to twin girls they named Harri and Henri. 

Both had wondered when the twin gene that ran through Gemma’s side would land upon them.  The girls brought further joy into their lives, as well as a lot of energy and noise. So much noise. Harri was the quieter of the two, a very contemplative child, while Henri... well... there was a reason why as she grew up, they nicknamed her Louise, after the character Louise Belcher in the animated series Bob’s Burgers. She was pure chaos.  

“Dad! Can we gallop, can we?”  

Why? Why had he decided to take her with him as he rode Saxon over the fields of their Cleveland abode, his high-energy five-year-old squirming as she sat at the front of the saddle.  

“No, honey. I can’t control a horse at that pace and make sure you don’t fall off,” he spoke, being met with a huge frown. 

“But why? It’ll be lit!”  

He could kill Jen for teaching her as much slang as she could remember. “Ain’t happening, Henri.” 

She was thoughtful for a few moments. “I know, I know! We go back, grab mom’s snowboard, attach a rope to Saxon and then I can ski along behind you! That’ll be awesome, we have to do it!”  

“No, it won’t,” he spoke. More wiggling and shouting followed. 

“But why?” 

Yes, she had definitely entered her why years. Why this, why that, and then a little more why sprinkled on top of that. Most days, she made him feel much older than his fifty-one years. If he even let her do half of her madcap suggestions, he wagered he’d feel even older still.  

“Because it’s dangerous,” he advised. 

“I live for the danger, dad!” 

He shouldn’t have laughed, but he did. “Don’t I know it, kid.”  

They turned back after a further half hour, riding onto the sun filled yard, the summer in full bloom. Jumping down from Saxon, one of their staff who worked on the yard took him from Adrien, Henri running off to where her sister was busy feeding the large group of ducks milling around at the top. Yes, thanks to Jade, Stone Barn Castle had practically been restored to a farm once again, more stables built, a few more horses within them, ducks present. They even had a small goat herd.  

Heading into the house, he saw his wife and son in the kitchen, Max helping his mother make the huge bowl of guacamole that would go with their chili later that evening. Jade had been all set to go and buy some fresh fish, but as usual, the children had different ideas. They often got their own way when it came to their mom’s chili. She did happen to make it very, very well.  

They ate outside that evening, Jade and Adrien relaxing on the outdoor couch with a glass of wine each as they watched their kids playing in the fading sun.  

“Henri!” she called, pointing. “What have I told you? No weaponizing chickens against your sister! Put her down!” 

“It’s an assault by leghorn!” the child cried, the hen eventually being placed back down to scurry off to where the others pecked contentedly at the grass. 

Adrien chuckled, winding an arm around his shoulders. “She reminds me of you when you’re drunk.” He received an elbow to his side, laughing more, kissing her head. “Wouldn’t have her any other way, though.” 

“The volume is a bit much as times, but no. Neither would I.” Looking out at her beloved babies, she smiled with pure contentment. “Wouldn’t have anything any other way.”  

And neither would he. Fifteen years before, he’d begrudged being dragged along by Lewis to that open air music festival. If only the younger man in the crowd could have possibly known all that would come from one beautiful woman screaming in his face. He’d have never believed it, but he knew he wouldn’t change any of it at all. 

The End.  

[seas-of-silver]

Adrien looked up at the dark clouds and down at Marinette's hand in his and thought, "maybe that kiss in the rain I've always dreamed about will happen today."

Adrien looked up at the dark clouds and down at Marinette's hand in his and thought, "maybe that kiss in the rain I've always dreamed about will happen today."

He wasn't sure when he first started to desire for such a kiss. Perhaps it was the day that Marinette tried to return his umbrella to him, and the umbrella closing in on them, trapping them together in a moment that could've made the perfect scenario for a sneaky kiss as the waterproof fabric hid them from the world, keeping such a sacred moment between just the two of them. Possibly it was because of that time he and Marinette were standing in the rain, the air filled with tension before his father demanded he get in the car and go home to Paris. Or maybe it was when he first gave Marinette that umbrella on that wonderful day they first became friends - he had always felt more for her than "just a friend" (even if he didn't realise it until after that fateful day in the wax museum when their lips brushed due to her prank- wait, was it really a prank? He had to store that thought away for later), but maybe it became a subconscious desire that stemmed from that moment? Or perhaps it was because of his mother's guilty-pleasure go-to movie, The Notebook? Nah, it couldn't be that. But what about-

'Hey,' Marinette's gentle voice jolted him from his musings and he looked at her as they still stood under the shelter of their school entrance, 'a euro for your thoughts?'

'A euro?' Adrien repeated, amusement lacing his tone. 'My thoughts aren't that expensive.'

'I beg to differ,' she teased, smiling up at him, and he felt his breath escape him. 'Your thoughts are worth at least a hundred euros.'

'No, see, that's how much your thoughts are worth,' he countered with a grin, 'whereas mine are worth... yeah, five cents.'

'Liar,' she rebutted lightheartedly, 'but while we both know your thoughts are worth a thousand euros at minimum, we're getting off track - what were you thinking about?'

Right. His thoughts. About kissing. In the rain. He felt his face heat up quicker than a pan on a stovetop.

'I... uh, erm...' Adrien stammered.

She lay a hand on his arm and looked up at him sympathetically. 'If you can't say, that's okay.'

She had a heart of gold and he was going to cry- or propose- or do something stupid because he loved her so much. He had such an understanding girlfriend!

'I was just wondering about kisses in the rain and what it's be like if we kissed in the rain!' Adrien spat it all out so fast that he sure all Marinette heard was a garbled mess of vowels and consonants that didn't hold the slightest resemblance to the French language, yet somehow-

'You want to have a kiss in the rain?' she asked kindly.

All he could do was nod. It wasn't weird, right? To want to have a romantic movie moment where you kiss your love in the rain?

Silently taking his hand, she led him out into the rain. Their eyes never broke contact as they made their way further into the downpour. It was cold and uncomfortable as the chilly rain hit his clothes, hair and skin, but this was for love and for science! Well, maybe not science, but definitely for love and romance!

His hand cradled her cheek, just as her hand came up to his face. Perhaps when they were kissing they'd begin to feel warmer? He leaned forward, as did she, and their lips met. They were wet and tasted a little salty, and he was still cold. Maybe he needed to amp it up a little?

He deepened the kiss and held her closer, really giving the kiss his all. Kissing Marinette was always an absolute delight that made his heart flutter, just like it was doing now, but-

'I'm sorry, Marinette, but it's way too cold and all I can think about is us catching colds,' Adrien admitted as soon as he broke the kiss.

'Oh thank god,' Marinette sighed in relief, 'I thought I was the only one thinking that! Wanna head over to mine and warm up?'

Adrien could think of nothing more wonderful, and in lieu of responding, he took her hand and made a beeline for the Dupain-Cheng bakery. Soon, they were towel-dried, huddled in blankets like burritos and soothing the bone-deep cold with the molten heaven that was Marinette's special hot chocolates as they sat in front of the heater.

'Better?' Marinette asked.

Adrien leaned over and kissed her soundly. Now this was how a kiss was meant to be!

'Yeah,' he admitted breathily, eyes fixated on her irresistible lips, already leaning in for another kiss, 'much better.'

~/~

Ask game: Give me the first sentence and I'll write a short piece for it!

[exammole]

Obviously we know that the writers project their problems onto Chloé, and that’s ultimately the reason why she was replaced last minute by Zoé. But both girls are such wasted potential, and if the show was written by competent writers we could’ve had a really good arc for them both. Ig this post will be my unofficial character rewrite post for the both of them.

Link to my og rewrite post

Some of these ideas probably wont stick, especially with the ones with Zoé since a lot of them are in service to other characters. But ig this is my first draft.

I’d keep Chloé roughly the same in Season 1, she and Adrien are still close, her “friendship” with Sabrina and her admiration for Ladybug are still there. But I would probably change the way she bullies Marinette and have it done more secretly, especially after how Soqueline broke her phone last time she did it publicly. (She’s lowkey important now btw) And I’d also make her friendship with Mrs Bustier more important to her character.

There’d be moments in Season 1 that hint at a future one; but her arc would only properly start in Season 2 with the introduction of Audrey. Chloé would begin showing her vulnerable side, wanting to be seen as exceptional by her mother. She would be given the Bee Miraculous like how she gets it in the show, and would ultimately reveal her identity to prove her exceptionalism to her. Marinette would still lend her the Bee due to necessity, but the public identity rule would definitely be enforced with her and others afterwards.

Where I’d change her arc in Season 2, the changes would mostly lie with her views on her mother. She would first seek her approval whenever possible, but I’d have her realise that she would never be enough for Audrey and would stop caring about getting approval from her. I feel she would definitely start seeing Mrs Bustier more like a mother figure than Audrey too but idk. This would be around the same time Lila starts taking her place as a villain.

Season 3 would come the arrival of Zoé because I feel Season 4 is too late. Zoé would move to Paris after Audrey decides to live there permanently; and where Chloé wanted to be more close with Audrey, Zoé would want to be more close with André. In this choice, I’d want to emphasis how bad both the Bourgeois parents are in terms of parenting; and how the two sisters learn from eachother and bond over their shared experience. I imagine at the start they’re relationship is strained.

In this rewrite, I will have Zoé be the permanent Bee holder. But to make up for this. I’d have Chloé be the one to give her the Miraculous instead of Ladybug. And Idk the exact word for this, but I’d also make her almost a supplier/rich supporter(?) where she has her dad make this giant superhero base for the team where they can train, does that make sense? After that, I’d have Chloé properly better her relationships with Sabrina, Marinette, and Soqueline and Alya maybe.

Anything after Season 3, I can’t think of much when it comes to Chloé. Maybe I’d have her in Season 4 develop new relationships with other characters like Luka and Kagami for example. And with Zoé I’d have her slowly start to become more confident in herself and her abilities, kind of like a mirror to S1 Marinette. Zoé might still have a crush on her too, but I’m kinda conflicted on it since I imagine she’d be a protégé to Ladybug in this rewrite. But maybe it could still work idk.

This rewrite would end at Season 5, and I’d have it that the entire team would stop Monarch instead of just Bug Noire. This would include Marinette/Ladybug, Adrien/Cat Noir, Alya/Rena Rouge, Nino/Carapace, Zoé/Honeybee (because I don’t care for Vesperia), Kagami/Ryuko, and Luka/Viperion

[dragonbugsuperior]

MLB Ship Tier

Marigami

ranks at the top because of the their interesting dynamic though they were off to a rocky start due to them being rivals for Adriens affection. I find their moments in the show to be funny, cute, and amusing. (They both enjoy drawing which would be a cute date) I also feel like Kagami would make a great candidate for Ladybugs partner. Shes smart, articulate, efficient, and determined to succeed. Marinette teaching Kagami how to be open with other people and herself, and Kagami teaching Marinette how to be more comfortable in her skin. One of my headcanons and theory is that while everyone may assume Kagami is the top in the relationship its actually marinette, another theory of mine is that Kagami is the top and Marinettes a bratty bottom but canonically they give me switch energy. However like other things and relationshis in the show its a shame how their interactions aren't explored more or touched upon beyond their liking to the same bland white guy (who doesn't deserve either)

Lukanette

This ship is a very sweet ship to me and one that I shipped awhile ago (when it was first introduced) I believe on of the many reasons Adrien stans and love square shippers hated Luka so much was because he did what Adrien couldn't. He's able to give Marinette actual good advice (*cough cough* Adrien take notes) Marinette is comfortable around him so we dokt get embarassing cringey 24/7 and......say it with me everyone

Respects.

Her.

Boundaries.

Awe what's wrong? Adrichat can't do this? What's that?

Ur favorite white catboy is unable to respect his love interests boundaries? But Luka can? Awwww...too bad.

He doesn't push Marinette further than what she's comfortable with and many Adrien stans argue that this makes Luka "bland" (since when is respecting someone bland???) Other than that I like their interactions in Canon, I'm glad he's one of the very few people marinette can actually talk to and doesn't get embarassed around. It feels good to know she liked a guy and was actually able to talk to him. One of my most unpopular and controversial theories is that Luka would make a pretty decent deuteragonist. Seeing how the writers pretty much wrote Luka & Kagami off so they wouldn't tear the love square (they really weren't going to anyway) and broke up the only actual healthy romantic relationship Marinette had, (because Marinette can't have nice things, am I right?) I know for sure there's no reviving Lukanette despite this, it still makes the top of the list. RIP to a really good healthy relationship✊🏾😔

Chloedrien (fanon)

This ship surprisingly ranks high. I can see them together especially in fanon. But because the writers are incompetent in the progression department and development their Canon relationship is definitely lackluster. Chloe invades Adriens space, he's visibly uncomfortable (feel familiar?) Chloe complains about her "Adrikins" Yada Yada. However if the show were written differently and Chloe actually talked to Adrien in attempts to strengthen their friendship I can see a good relationship.

Fela

Not you....

You.

This ship only interests me friendship wise. I can't see Lila and Felix together as a couple in spite of the similar personalities manipulative, cunning, discreet, calucating, and sly. I see power imbalance, trying to outsmart and manipulate each other and both of them being unable to think of anyone but themselves. Which is why a friendly alliance between both anatognists suits better because I can see them easily challenging Marinette and Adrien.

*signs*

Green eyed monsters

Nialya

This Canon couple is pretty decent, the feelings are mutual and we see many episodes with both being concerned about the other one (which is cute) and the consistent normal interactions they have are okay I can definitely see Alya being the dominant one in the relationship.

Lukagami / fanon /

It fanonically works better due to reasons (I'll list for Canon version) but in fanon they work pretty okay. I can see like Marinette & Adrien they're supposed to be opposites despite them having few interactions in the show. It'd be nice see their different personalities communicate. I cant say too much abt them.

Fecloe

This pairing is a easy hit or miss. I can understand them relating to each other as far as their dysfunctional families but I see Chloé annoying Felix with ease. She'd be a childish distraction (i argue the same with her relationship with Lila) and Felix would break up her instantly Felix is the type to basically desensitize himself from any emotions and rationalizes everything. And Chloe already an insecure brat with a touch of entitlement and narcissism is the cherry on top of it all. And with the direction the writers are attempting to go with Felix (being a antihero and having a moral gray compass) I don't see him supporting Chloes unexplained Bullying (which is rlly annoying bc why exactly do we sill not know Chloes reason behind Bullying people especially Marinette for so long?) But yeah this is one of those pairs they could be alright acquaintances at best but....romantically no. And working together? Hell no.

Alyanette

It's already bad enough their friendship isn't healthy with alya not respecting marinettes feelings or boundaries actively going against marinettes wishes and attempting to get her and Adrien together (physically holding her hands in place likes thats totally ok) thinking she knows what's best for marinette than marinette herself and not even trusting Marinette enough to believe she wouldn't do certain things (but a girl u just met can be trusted?) The OOC writing these past seasons is so painful to watch it makes my ass itch. I can already see her being overbearing and domineering in the dynamic. In Canon their personalities complement well however I don't see the connection romantically

Chlila

This dynamic is better as close acquaintances who help each other sometimes. (Keep in mind sometimes) Like Chloes relationship with Felix the one with Lila is no different as she would clash with her constantly. I also feel like Lila's the more rational one with the plan and Chloe is more impulsive and dives into things for the fun of it. Automantucally making their motives contrast and their characters. Their relationship reminds me alot of Cleo and Torelai's relationship (Monster high) I believe seeing more interactions between the two would be fun.

Lukagami / Canon/

Ah yes, the love rivals who could've served as good development and plot progression but like everything else with this garbage dump of entertainment, they never met their full potential. I don't ship this ship because it feels more like a way to bring them further away from the Love Square and just a way for people to say "hey on the bright side everyone wins!" But luka and kagami deserve better than to be casted as plot devices , which it feels like than it does a actual genuine ship and the only time we really seem them interact directly is in Determination which was centered around Marinette & Adriens relationship (its almost like they said "Hey! Fuck any progress we almost made, let's write the characters completely OOC and inconsistent moving forward. Either way the ship could work....but with how the show is already written I wouldn't pair them as a couple canonically.

Lukzoe

This ship isn't bad it's cute however I wouldn't pair them together canonically or in fanon I like how the writers already have Zoe liking Marinette and I honestly like Luka and alot of other characters without a relationship because I feel like it isnt needed. Though I feel like their friendship would be amazing.

Feligami

A controversial Canon ship that I had to recheck to see if it was actually Canon before saying

What the hell.

This ship is another hit or miss and to be honest I feel like the writers knew that they'd have to write Kagami and Felix OOC for this pairing to work in the first place. The pairing feels like a cop out for Kagamis unresolved feelings for Adrien and the writers went "Oh yea! Let's pair her with Felix, Adrien's "evil" twin" who happens to look just like Adrien just is less "Nice" having the ability to stand up for what he actually believes in and for Felix....I cant see him in a relationship. He's one of those characters that I feel does really well solo (like Lila) when u add people in the bunch it mushes his characterization up. They decide to pair them up in Representation and the two get into a secret relationship. They pair Kagami with Felix guys. The same guy who SH Ladybug, wiped all of Paris out (except for 3 people), as if that wasn't bad enough they have them both conspire a plan to deceive Marinette (so much for being marinettes friend). Kagami defends her newfound boyfriend to Ladybug and Chat Noir in Pretension. I liked Kagami better single, it's almost as if she had "more" braincells that way.

Lilanette

Aside from the pair being abusive and toxic, their interactions as enemies canonically are interesting. I'm interested in knowing just how far Lila's willing to go with Marinette with her lies and deceit, thus shipping doesn't work as a couple undoubtedly because of how abusive it is and I can't see Lila caring abt Marinette as much as Marinette would Lila (if she werent a villain) Feels more like a cat and mouse dynamic.

Lilalya

Lila and Alya feel lackluster to me and Canon makes my feelings on them no better. Their relationship in the show doesnt even make the slightest bit of sense. Firstly I'll say in the beginning when we first meet Lila her lies are believable but as time goes by and seasons go on the lies get less and less convincing and Lila isn't seen as this smart evil genius (she wasnt even before just a manipulative insecure teenage girl who wants attention wherever she can get it because her caregiver(s) neglect her ) the class including Alya shouldn't even be this dense still after 5 seasons in, just shows u how bad the writers of this show are at writing a believable consistent storyline and characters. I feel like Lila would love bomb Alya until she squeezes all the juicy information and benefits she can get from her then hang Alya out to dry.

Adrigami

I wouldn't have much of a problem with this ship if it weren't for.......the one and only notorious bland...blonde....the Adrien Agreste (the main reason I also don't support the love square) While I see them understanding where they both come from, I honestly can't see a what Kagami seen in Adrien. He's blander than oatmeal, and is described as not just by the Fandom but the shows creator himself "this perfect, innocent, catboy whos sheltered from the world and needs protecting and sympathy all. the. time. boo hoo. Not only did he lie to Kagami, which led to the breakup, but he technically cheated on her. by harassing his partner Ladybug (who clearly tells him she doesn't like it almost.every. episode.) while in a relationship with Kagami. Them being together doesn't feel rewarding seeing how he has treated her and how he treats other female characters in the show in general, especially Ladybug/Marinette. She deserves a lot better than what Adrien has to offer, and so does Marinette.

The Love Square

Ah yes, saved the best for last, this quadrupled pair ranks lowest of all for many reasons, if u didn't know by now, now u know I hate the Love Square and the message it sends the audience. If it isn't Marinettes forced embarrassment and humiliation to cover for the writers blatant misogyny and racism because Marinettes character persecution is set up as the shows comedy go to and her struggles are made out for a "good laugh" because thats really funny Thomas.....haha. Then theres Adriens problematic creepy predatory harassment towards Ladybug that's seen as generally "ok!" And cute and romantic *kiss kiss* he does as Chat Noir bc no one knows whos under the mask leaving him to get away scots free the general message it sends is its okay to keep harassing the target of your affections with enough determination and charisma added with a sob story you'll get them in the end. Doesn't matter if they're visibly uncomfortable or disgusted doesn't matter if they vocally say they don't reciprocate ur feelings all u gotta do is Try try try again!

Let's not even get started with how bad Adrien's jealousy gets....

Right.

He gets antsy whenever he sees a new Temp helping LB out as if he actually helps her in a major way anyway. He refuses to help her when she declines his romantic offers and grows really petty, snarky & sarcastic when things generally don't go his way with her. He doesn't take his job serious enough to even have his spot as a permanent miraculous holder and not to mention one of the most powerful miraculous there is "misusing the miraculous many and multiple times, making corny embarrassing puns and failed flirtations during battle essentially distracting Ladybug making her job harder. I honestly don't think it'd be much of a difference if he weren't chat noir.

Not to mention the double standard that exists between Marinette and Adrien in general

Marinettes' actions while problematic are checked in the show like her exaggerated obsessiveness, jealousy tendency, impulsive issues, and awkwardness around Adrien (and by many fans, sometimes to the point of bashing and purposely highlighting what has already been established) Adriens are all glossed over and we're expected to feel sorry for him. His dad abuses him and his mommy is nowhere to be found so now the writers use our female protagonist as emotional support when she herself needs emotional support. The writers are so bad at writing they can't even make the main couple communicate clearly and simply ever. Thomas himself goes out of his way to say to the world "Adrien is not flawed, the world is" yet his stans have the audacity to say mArinEtTes mOre Of a MarY sUe thAn He iS!. Her jealousy is called out but Chat Noirs is swept under the rug and is seen as her responsibility. Let's not mention how literally every female character that has had interest in Adrien has been pitted against Marinette but Luka, Nathaniel, and Adrien coexist just fine in kumbaya because remember kids

"Girls are spiteful petty backstabbing and catty while boys are practically angels who see each other as /bros/"

While also saying in the same breath this show is all about "girl empowerment " but has the white male deuteragonist harass, abuse, and manipulate our biracial female protagonist for 5 seasons straight, right?

Just making sure.

[trishacollins]

Plagg nipped his chest through his shirt - that was his first clue that something was not right.

Marinette didn't seem to notice, chatting with the friend ahe had made last time they had both been in Shanghai, and the girl seemed just as relaxed.

He tried to play it cool, shifting back from the girls to look around. He was used to being good at subtle - two years as Chat Noir had given him that.

But when he turned his head he locked eyes with a tall, vaguely constipated chinese teen standing next to a slender Japanese girl wearing traditional a cheongsam similar to the one Marinette had been pushed into by her local relatives- though 16 years as Gabriel's son let him recognize that the girl and her party were wearing clothes of much higher quality.

The teen dropped his hand to an ornament at his side only for the girl to reach out and lay a hand on his arm.

The gesture starlted him, because he knew Ladybug had done the same to him, quieting him.

The teen glared at him for another moment, but the girl led him away into tye crowd.  

People who were obviously bodyguards fell in around them. 

"Who was that?" Marinette breathed by his side. 

Close enough that he jumped.

"That? That is further north than it should be." Fei looked uneasy. "I guess he really is taking her on a tour of the kingdom. "

Marinette stared at Fei, Fei blinked. "You really don't know? I thought you were keeping up with magical gossip?"

"You are?" Adrien asked, turning away from his study of the crowd to look at his girlfriend.

"I-uh! Yes, but-haha-just as a hobby. I mean with everything going on in Paris! You know!"

"That's really cool, Marinette." He tried for a reassuring smile, but she still looked miserable.

Fei was looking at her oddly, eyes darting to him. "Right. So. Ok. That was Syaoran Li. The heir to..you know. The Li family, one of the most powerful magical families in the world?"

"The most magical, thank you." A female voice announced cheerfully in his ear.

And it wasn't his fault that he hit her, it really wasn't.

It was his fault that she flipped him directly into the pavement- but he still maintained that it was her fault she broke his nose.

It definitely was not his fault - but wow - that Marinette threw his attacker through one of the stalls.

"Meiling!" Cut acrossed the panicked screaming like a whip before whatever Fei had been about to do could land.

"He hit me first!" The pile of fabric called, as the girl untangled herself.

The Japanese girl was holding of all things a card between her fingers.

"I don't know the rules." He told her through a mouthful of blood. He might be concussed. This felt like a concussion.

"The rules?" She asked, biting her lip.

"Adrien!" Marinette knelt next to him, trying to stem the bloodflow.

"You threw her!" He said, or tried to say. He ended up giving her a thumbs up to show that he approved.

The guy said something in rapid Chinese his mandarin couldn't quite keep up with, and handed the stall owner a card. "You will be compensated for anything damaged or destroyed."  

The stall owner bowed.

"Syaoran..." The girl said softly, but he shook his head and the card varnished.

"Bring them back to the hotel." The teen ordered. 

"On whose authority?" Marinette snarled, still holding fabric to his nose.

"On my authority." The teen said in a dangerous voice.

Marinette stood up, letting Fei take her place. "I don't recognize your authority."

"Marinette!" Fei hissed.

[disorganizedkitten]

You'll Survive Chapter 5

Miraculous Ladybug | 2018 | 520 | Ao3 | Masterlist | Prev | Next

 Alya opened her eyes to stare again at her bedroom ceiling. She should be asleep already. She had been exhausted when they broke, but the moment she touched her bed she was suddenly wide awake.

 Alya wanted to blame it on Trixx and nocturnality, but even the fox Kwami was asleep by now. There were no noises coming from any of the other rooms, not even the muted ones of Chloe writing another debate or press conference outline, or Marinette and Tikki moving around to grab supplies for a midnight design mock up, and definitely no talking from the living room.

 She was alone in consciousness for the time being.

 After a couple more minutes of fruitlessly trying to sleep, Alya quietly rolled out of bed and moved to her door. Maybe a snack would help.

 She snuck down the hall, past Marinette’s closed door and towards the living room. Adrien may be the only one able to claim being as quiet as a cat, but foxes were could be quiet too. It's useless to scream in wait, but silence will draw prey in.

 Maybe having a Miraculous had gotten her to do more in depth research on animals and symbolism. Oh well. It was good information!

 There were no noises other than her own soft footsteps as she went, and it was both calming and alarming. In her head Alya knew it was normal, but some nights just felt laced with an energy that was out of place. Maybe it was because the five of them rarely sat in silence. It was a better use of time to converse.

 Nino and Adrien were both asleep in their separate bedding cocoons (Nino didn't like it being called his shell, and Adrien just tossed out a pun before enjoying having one, not really caring about the name) on the living room floor, but Alya still made it to the kitchen without anyone the wiser.

 When she thought about it, it would be nice to talk to someone since she was awake anyways, but after living for her entire life with siblings, and then moving in with Marinette, and Chloe joining them later, even deceptive solitude like this was a bit of a thrill.

 Alya opened the fridge and dug out an apple, then made her way back to her bedroom.

 Not that it wasn't nice, but it was a little surreal for the usually loud and chaotic apartment to be so peaceful, especially at this hour.

 That thought had just finished making itself known in Alya’s head when her phone lit up and started vibrating, a loud ringing following close behind. Four similar sounds responded from the other rooms in the apartment, alertunh everyone to the situation.

 Akuma sighting at eleven at night. Ugh.

 A crash reverberated through the walls, followed by a shriek of “Tikki I’m up!” A scuffle, probably from the living room, came soon after. Alya turned to Trixx’s bed, finding purple eyes looking at her expectantly.

 “Let's make sure the others are ready first.”

 “Strong, brave, and considerate,” Trixx complemented, as though this was a new trait.

[inner-sakura]

Theoretically Forever: Chapter Two (TEASER)

Chapter Summary: Adrien gets a rude awakening, an eyeful, and the last word. 

In that order. 

chapter two

Adrien Agreste was in the middle of a Very Nice Dream.

A dream so nice, in fact, that his enjoyment of it was not at all affected by the knowledge that none of it was real.

It was, and yet it wasn’t. Dreams were weird like that.

He and Marinette were laying on a blanket in the backyard, the remnants of the picnic lunch they’d just enjoyed strewn about with little care, both of their minds suitably occupied with other pursuits.

“Adrien,” Marinette breathed in his ear.

“Mm, yeah?” He murmured, chasing her lips with his own, craving the sweetness of the strawberry lip balm she wore. To his frustration, her mouth remained just out of reach, the warm puffs of her breath taunting him with their nearness.

“Adrien, wake up,” she leaned forward, placing featherlight kisses onto each of his eyelids.

His eyes fluttered.

“Five more minutes,” he mumbled into the hollow between her collarbones, his tongue willing to promise her anything if it meant that she would stay close to him for even a moment longer.

He eyed the soft skin before him, licking his lips.

I wonder what she tastes like…

“No more minutes!” Marinette’s hands came to rest on either side of his head as the earth roiled beneath them. The feeling of warm sunlight on his skin shifted, settling more heavily across his chest, almost like a physical weight.

“Noooo,” Adrien said, his eyes slipping open. He squinted blearily against the brightness.

And there she was, exactly as she had been moments prior. Haloed by the morning light streaming through the windows, her long dark hair dangling loose between them, blue eyes bright and more beautiful than even the most vivid summer sky.

“Mari?” He breathed, hardly daring to believe that she was there in front of him. Had he willed her into being? His heart swelled, pressing against the underside of his sternum as though longing to be closer to her.

“Am I dreaming right now?”

“Nope, not a dream,” Marinette said, her voice surprisingly tender. “Your dad sent me to wake you up.”

Adrien paused, his fond feelings dissipating like smoke. “My...dad?”

Why would Dream Marinette bring up my father at a time like this? Adrien frowned. Talk about a buzz kill.

Her eyes twinkling as she stared down at him, Marinette’s lips stretched into a slow smirk. The expression was unwittingly enticing.

Well, Adrien could acknowledge, the whole situation certainly had the makings of a scene out of one of his better dreams. Except the dialogue didn’t quite match up. It continued to play back to his sleep-addled brain like a badly dubbed martial arts film, which could only mean one thing.

He most likely wasn’t asleep at all.

Adrien groaned, trying to shake off his lingering foggy-headedness.

“Mm, probably not a dream then. If it was, you definitely wouldn’t be talking to me about my father...”

As he gradually came to wakefulness, Adrien grew increasingly aware of his physical state, noting that he wasn’t on a picnic blanket but rather his bed, which was to be expected.

What was less expected, however, was the way that Marinette sat astride him, in a position that looked like it had come straight out of one of his most risqué fantasies.

Adrien blinked several times, trying to dispel the image.

Nope, she was still there, straddling his lap triple X style.

His brain promptly stopped functioning.

UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

“What the hell are you doing?” He blurted, wincing as his voice almost broke.

“Waking you up, what does it look like?” Marinette tilted her head, wearing the same look of innocent confusion he had seen her don a million times before. It was clear by her expression that she genuinely had not clued in to the suggestive nature of their current position, or the effect it was having on his body.

Adrien glanced down involuntarily, tracing the pale expanse of her bare thighs with his gaze, riveted by the way her muscles flexed as she braced herself above him.  

Sweet lord in heaven help me. 

-x- 

If you haven’t already, be sure to read chapter one here, and stay tuned for the rest of chapter two, which should be ready to go by the end of the week! 

[kasienda]

Celebrity Status: Ch 2 - Temporary Refuge

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3

Read on Ao3

Chapter 2: Temporary Refuge

Ladybug was positively sick of akumas.

The week hadn’t gotten any better on the akuma front since Marinette had been grounded. There was at least one every day, and sometimes more. She knew she was playing with fire leaving her room for every one of them, but what else was she to do? 

And Ladybug hated this akuma in particular. First, its power set was particularly irritating. She seemed to be able to change her appearance at will. Everytime, Ladybug broke line of sight, the akuma would change forms and blend it with the crowd like some kind of chameleon. Second, she also seemed to have some kind of vision ability that allowed her to zone in on her target no matter how close or far away he was. And last, her target was Adrien. 

“Do you think we lost her?”

Ladybug scanned the horizon from their rooftop vantage point, too anxious about the potential threat, to even enjoy the fact that Adrien was currently pressed up against her.

His arms were literally wrapped around her shoulders completely at ease, like he casually hung out with Ladybug hanging precariously from the sides of buildings every day. Her free hand gripped his waist like they were about to dance, rather than launch skyward to flee a super powered villain that had it out for him.

“I doubt it,” she answered. 

Where was Chat Noir?

“I’m sure he’d be here if he could.” 

She glanced at Adrien, her cheeks warming. Had she said that aloud?

“Look, I’m just getting in the way,” Adrien said. “She hasn’t reappeared in several minutes. You should leave me here and do your thing.” 

She grinned. “My thing?” 

His hands drew a nonsensical pattern in the air before them. “Yeah, your thing,” he repeated. “You do it very well.” Pink suddenly dusted his cheeks.

Okay, she was enjoying this. 

“Ladybug?” 

And now her cheeks burned. “Right! Yes! I have a plan!” she exclaimed, jerking away from him, only to remember at the second they were suspended from her yo-yo, and if she let go she was going to fall. 

Luckily for them both, he had more sense than her. He grabbed her pinwheeling arm and stabilized them both.

“What’s your plan?” he asked, seemingly not fazed at all by her insane antics. 

“I umm… I need Chat Noir.”

The hue on his cheeks darkened. “He’s not here?” 

“Right.” And now she was repeating her nonsense. “But I can’t just leave you.” 

“Why not?” 

“She can literally track you!”

“Better reason for you to leave me here, so you can defeat her before she finds me.”

She hated it. 

But she also didn’t have a better idea other than waiting for Chat Noir to show up. And having her senses filled with all things Adrien definitely wasn’t helping! 

She looked around desperately, hoping for inspiration to strike her upside the head, but nothing happened. Where the hell was Chat?!

She waited anxiously for another several moments, her eyes on the helicopters hovering two blocks over where she assumed the akuma was wreaking havoc unchecked. It didn’t help that those helicopters were most definitely heading in their direction. Chat Noir still was nowhere to be seen. 

“Seriously. I’ll be fine. You should just go,” Adrien insisted. 

She pulled them both up to the actual rooftop, then swung them another four blocks away for good measure, tucking Adrien into a bell tower where he at least couldn’t be spotted from the ground. 

“Please, stay here,” she said firmly. 

He nodded in agreement. “Where else would I go?”

“I’ll come back to take you home when it’s safe. 

He nodded again, smiling. “Go get ‘em!” 

God, she loved his smile. 

With a salute, she launched herself back towards the akuma. 

“Where is he?” the akuma demanded. 

“Don’t you know?” Ladybug mocked. 

The akuma growled in response, and Ladybug threw herself into the fight. Chat Noir joined in thirty seconds later.

“Nice of you to show up!” 

“I apawlogize for my tardiness, m’lady! I had to wait until I wouldn’t be spotted .”

She rolled her eyes at the puns.

“Can we please make this fast? I’m grounded and it’ll be a miracle if my parents don’t discover my empty room before this is over.”

“Fine by me!”

Now that he was here to keep an extra set of eyes on the akuma before she transformed, it was harder for her to change without them seeing and the battle was over in a few minutes. 

The akuma transformed back into the jilted fan who apparently felt entitled to Adrien’s attention. Ladybug wasn’t all that sympathetic, but Chat Noir was gentle with her. He was good at this sort of thing - being compassionate and patient with everyone, whether or not they deserved it. She watched him fondly as he helped the girl back to her feet and said something that made her smile.

“How many spots?” she asked him, when he returned to her for their fist bump. 

“Three.”

She winced. It wasn’t ideal. “I gotta go grab Adrien and take him home.”

“Why don’t you let me do that?”

“What?”

“I’ve got more time left. And you said you were grounded? I will take Adrien home. You get back before anyone notices you’re gone.”

Normally, she would have been disappointed at the lost opportunity to spend a little time with Adrien even if she was Ladybug for the moment. But today, she only felt relief.

“Thanks, Chaton! That would be amazing. I left him over in that belltower there.” She pointed.

He followed her hand. “On it! See you later, Bugaboo!” 

They were about to part when his cat ears swiveled. The action had long ago stopped seeming weird. 

“What is it?” she asked. 

"We have picked up an extra tail," he pointed with his eyes. She glanced and saw the two reporters on bikes and groaned. These two were familiar and positively relentless, they had followed her almost all the way home before she had realized they were still there. 

"Thanks for the intel. I'll be careful."

He waved good-bye and they took off in opposite directions. Unfortunately, this meant she couldn't go straight home, which likely meant her grounding would be tripled if it somehow wasn’t already. 

Her earrings beeped. Two minutes.

She dove off the edge of the building, her yo-yo catching her at the last second and yanking her back into the sky. Some quick chaotic swings meant that a tail on foot or in a car would never be able to follow her, but she had to always set off in a different direction. She couldn't be seen always heading towards the same neighborhood day after day.

Beep. One minute.

She had probably lost her tail. But she wasn’t quite close enough to home. She needed an oasis.

She turned a corner and suddenly knew exactly where she was. She turned toward the Agreste mansion. Adrien had a window open and everything.

She should have just taken him home like originally planned.

She didn't think about it, just quickly dove towards the potential haven.  It wasn’t ideal, but it was better than throwing herself at the mercy of some stranger. Hopefully, if she didn't quite make it she'd be able to trust Adrien not to look.

She landed on the smooth marble floor with a thud.

"Ladybug?" surprised green eyes greeted her. “Did you need something, after all? Chat Noir said–”

"I'm about to time out," she interrupted.

He pointed to his bathroom. She dove forward. The door hadn’t fully closed when her transformation dissolved, and an exhausted Tikki fell into her hands. She let herself release a sigh of relief. That had been far too close.

"Uh... Ladybug? Are you okay?"

She suddenly realized where she was and exactly who was on the other side of that door. Heat flooded her cheeks.

"I-I'm fine," perhaps she should explain. She opened her purse, only to find it cookie-less. She cursed.

"You sure you're okay? Can I get you anything?"

"Ummm... Do you have any cookies? Or sweets?"

"Cookies? That's not fair..." his words faded into dissatisfied mumbling.

"Y-yeah. Cookies. Is that okay?"

"Just a second!"

His footsteps faded. 

She took the opportunity to check her phone. She had two texts from her maman, and several pictures from Alya. 

Maman: 

Where are you? You better not have snuck out to go to that concert.

Marinette winced. At least she had a ready made excuse to explain her whereabouts, which meant she probably needed to remain “missing” for a few more hours.

And Alya had provided lots of evidence in the form of pictures of the event. Marinette smiled at the last selfie. Looks like she had pulled off the shot with Fang. The picture featured an absolutely ecstatic Alya who had dragged a clearly freak out Nino into the frame with Fang on the other side. Marinette smiled. At least, they were having fun. 

Adrien tapped on the door, and she started, remembering where she was. She wasn’t Marinette right now. She was Ladybug. 

She opened the door a crack. And his hand slipped in, holding out the treat.

"You're in luck! My diet usually prohibits sweets. But my friend, Nino, occasionally hooks me up with some black market macarons from the best bakery in all of Paris."

Tikki inhaled the pale sandwich cookie in one bite. Before giving Marinette a nod.

"Tikki, spots on," and in a flash she felt the rush of Ladybug's power flow over her, somehow making her both less and more anxious. She opened the door.

She pasted on a seemingly confident smile worthy of a superhero. "I'm sorry for stealing your rare treat. I promise I will make it up to you."

He waved away her concern. "Don't worry about it. I'm always willing to make a sacrifice or two for my favorite superhero."

"Me? I'm your favorite?" she asked, heat blooming under her mask.

"No competition!"

"T-thank you."

They stared at each other awkwardly, before looking away.

"Uhh... Do you mind if I lay low here for a bit? I was trying to lose a reporter who was following me. I hope they lost track of me by the time I ducked into your room, but I'm worried they'll keep combing the neighborhood for a while. If they did see me come through your window, at least we have the excuse that you were the akuma’s target today."

"You don't have to explain. I completely understand." She was struck by his sincerity. His eyes were so soft and green like a meadow in the spring. She could stare into them for hours. 

She had stared into them for hours, but a magazine cover could never compare to the real deal.

"My room is your room!" he gestured grandly for her to take in the whole area.

She giggled. "I don’t know if this actually counts as a room," she commented, taking in everything from the grand piano to the foosball table to the rock climbing wall to the arcade. "It's more like an amusement park."

Adrien shrugged, some of the brightness in his eyes fading a bit. "My father tries to make sure I never have a want for anything."

"Do you not like it?"

He shrugged again. "It's pretty cool, but what’s the point if there's no one to share any of it with?"

She took another look around. With that context the room felt positively cavernous.

“Sounds lonely.”

He ducked into her line of sight, a smile stretched across his face. “I don’t have to be lonely today. You’re here.”

She blushed, and offered him a shy smile. 

“So, what’s it like being a superhero?” he asked, gesturing for her to sit on the sofa. 

He was obviously trying to change the subject. She allowed it.

"Flying over rooftops is pretty cool. Constant life or death situations are stressful. What’s it like being a supermodel?"

He laughed. "Lots of obligations. Very little freedom."

"Sounds boring."

"Yeah."

"Let's do something fun then." Alya and Nino shouldn’t be the only ones. 

“Yes!” And he was clearly so excited, she was suddenly glad that she had ended up in his room. If only she could make this a regular thing. 

…

[kiichikonoes]

SPOILERS mlb derision

I was really surprised when I saw Marinette used to like Kim of all people??? But I get it. MARINETTE WAS SO CUTE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE THING.

I liked the whole Marinette panic attack thing even though it was short lived and I thought it was absolutely AMAZING to see a really confident 8th grader Marinette. Like she really was just broken down by Chloe’s bullying to the point of it making her completely clumsy. I fully believe that those three years prior when she was in 5th grade, she was the confident ladybug we know today. It’s not something she developed, it’s her innate nature. The clumsy Marinette is NOT the REAL Marinette and I’m so proud of how far she’s come today to get that sense of self back. She’s really trying but she knows she needs time and Adrien’s their to help just like she’s their to help him through his emotions when he’s expressing himself through Chat Noir.

Also, CHINESE GIRLS UNITE. POC GIRLS UNITE. The Socqueline plot hole of her suddenly appearing was fixed just by her saying she wasn’t going to be there in their 9th grade year ahahaha. I love the solidity they had together as POC girls. More Socqueline definitely could have been ladybug moments? I think she definitely deserves a miraculous. But, knowing that confident Marinette is the untraumatized Marinette that shows herself when she’s working as Ladybug, I don’t doubt that Marinette is perfect to be her.

OKAY BUT ADRIEN GOING FOR THE KILL WAS REALLY FUNNY AHSHDJSIIS. ANGRY BOI ABOUT HIS SWEET GIRLFRIEND.

Thank youuuu stupid Kim for realizing your mistakes. Ondine’s “girl liked you and you broke her heart” was GOLD AHAHAHAH. Really called him out. “The pain is still there” YEAASSSSS.

Still wish they wrote Marinette like this in earlier seasons even though I know they decided to finally take s5 in a different direction. Not completely satisfied with the explanation of Marinette’s obsessive nature, but I’ll accept it cuz she was 13, I guess. I’m glad they also gave a reason for Marinette’s anxiousness around Adrien. I mean now we know she might have actually been having panic attacks a couple of those times. My baby girl is battling trauma.

But, yea. I do view Marinette differently now and I feel horrible that she had to go through so much to the point of it literally changing her.

Also my bb Adrien getting sum character development and finally standing up to people that deliberately hurt other people. He’s starting to finally listen and take action. Good bb. I see you.

Here’s angry adrien:

Gasp not the fist

[monarch-maelstrom]

Marinette doesn’t want to admit it, but she has feelings for Adrien.

It’s been six years since Shadowmoth was defeated. And Marinette thinks that her life is going smoothly. She just bought a house and a store. She’s an official fashion designer. She has a dog. And things have been pretty tame as a superhero. Plus she doesn’t have to deal with the struggles of Shadowmoth. Yep everything is amazing. Except for her love life. Things are complicated with Adrien. After they revealed their identities they started dating. But then once they went to college they broke up. But something has been bugging Marinette ever since they broke up. She can’t shake off the feeling that she made a mistake. Now Marinette has to try and get rid of her feelings, which will be difficult because Adrien’s moving in with her. It couldn’t be that difficult to hide your feelings from your best friend. Right?

This is kind of just a story with my thoughts about after the reveal and for me to write when I’m not feeling great. So it won’t really have a plot it will only be random scenarios and fluff and probably stupidity. It’s meant to be a feel good story with very very few angst moments. So I hope you enjoy it and it makes you feel as good as it makes me feel when I write it. If anyone has a name for this story just tell me I don’t have any ideas right now. :)

1

“Isn’t it just perfect!” Marinette said twirling with her arms wide, her pink ombré dress spinning with her. She stumbled a little bit but caught herself. Adrien looked around. It was dusty and the carpet on the ground was stained. But the layout was good. He guessed. He turned to face Marinette who was excitedly looking around. “Think of all the possibilities!” He smiled. At least she liked it.

“I think it… has potential?” He said, smiling awkwardly.

“So much! I could put a counter over here and then paint the walls… OOO! And I could put some of my old clothing sketches on this wall and…” She rambled on about how she could renovate the store. Adrien sighed and crossed his arms. Then Marinette gasped excitedly. “I haven’t even shown you the house!” She said, She grabbed his arm and dragged him into the back of the store. Then she opened a door and pushed him up the stairs.

She opens another door and the small platform they were on expanded into a massive room. A living room unfolded before him, or what he assumed was a living room. There was no furniture. There was a staircase on the right side and a room separator on the other that led into the kitchen. Marinette bounced excitedly. “Isn’t it so cool! There’s three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Maybe I can make one of the bedrooms a kwami room…” I mean it was better than the store downstairs.

“Isn’t it a little… Uhm big? For one person?” Marinette deflated a little and he instantly felt bad. “Uhm I mean! It’s really cool! And I think it would be an amazing place for you!” Adrien said, trying to redeem himself. Marinette fidgeted with her hands.

“I wasn’t really intending to live here by myself…” She muttered. He gasped.

“Marinette! Is someone going to move in with you?” Adrien said teasingly. He crossed his arms and leaned towards her. “Do tell.” Her face turned red all of the sudden.

“N-no! It’s not like that! I just-“ she frowned. “I just don’t want to be alone?” He frowned too.

“C’mon that’s not as juicy as you having a secret partner that is going to move in with you.” Even though he knew he most definitely didn’t want that to be reality. Even though he knew Marinette didn’t like him, he couldn’t help but have feelings for her. Then he dramatically gasped. “Wait! Do you have a crush, Marinette?! That you’re going to ask to live with you!?” She blushed even harder. “You do!”

“N-no! I don’t have a crush!” He twirled around her.

“Do I know them?” He said, placing his hands on her shoulders. He could smell her perfume that smelled like roses.

“It’s not like that!” She screamed, annoyed. He laughed. Her face was now red with anger.

“Then who were you planning on inviting?” He whispered into her ear. She��s breath hitched for a second. Almost as if she was uncomfortable with him being near…

“I-I Uhm I was w-wondering i-if…” she took a deep breath. “It was just someone I thought might want to live here!” She said quickly.

“Mhm.” He said slyly. She deflated. Then he spun around to face her. “I think it’s a great place for you, Marinette.” She smiled. “And your crush.” She groaned while he laughed.

“I really hate you sometimes.”

“I know.”

……….

“I couldn’t do it, Alya.” Marinette said sadly. Marinette’s blue French Bulldog, Bleu Buttons, tried to chew up a leaf on the street. Marinette gently grabbed Bleu’s muzzle. “No Bleu, no. Don’t eat leaves. Leave it.” Bleu spit out the leaf and it landed back onto the street. Marinette almost could imagine all of the puns Adrien would've made out of that sentence and the smirk that would play on his lips.

“Bleu tried to eat a leaf again?” Alya asked, laughing through the phone.

“Yah.” Marinette said letting Bleu prance off again. Marinette continued to walk down the street with Bleu Buttons.

“What couldn’t you do? Ask Adrien if he would move in with you?”

“Yah.” Marinette had been wanting to see if Adrien would move in with her for months now. He had been living with Natahlie ever since they defeated Shadowmoth. Which was 6 years ago. And she guessed it was fine since she was his legal guardian now, but she thought he might want a space of his own. I mean of course he would be sharing with her but still. She also wanted to see if spending more time with him would change her romantic feelings for him.

“I don’t get it though Mari. If you refuse to have romantic feelings for him, isn’t moving in with him counter productive?” Alya said, confused. Marinette could hear Alya’s fingers tapping on her keyboard.

“No, maybe if I move in with him I’ll realize that he is annoying and not at all what I thought he was and then my feelings for him will change to platonic.”

“Marinette. I have to admit. That is the most stupid thing I’ve ever heard. You’re probably going to fall in love with him even more. It sounds like this is just a cover up so you can live with him. I also don’t understand why you can’t just ask him out again.” Marinette groaned. Maybe this all was just an excuse to move in with Adrien.

“It’s awkward though. If I ask him out again he’ll be like why did you break up with me in the first place and then I’ll die of embarrassment.” She said, Bleu looked over her shoulder at Marinette. Then she noticed a squirrel climbing up the tree next to Marinette and she started barking at it. Marinette pulled Bleu and her attention shifted back to the walk. “And besides I’m pretty sure he doesn’t like me anymore.” She muttered. Alya sighed.

“Okay girl this is your love life but I think you’re overthinking this.” Alya said. Marinette heard a door open on the other end of the phone, then someone talking. Alya sighed again. “I’ve got to go Mari. I’ll see you later. Love you.”

“Love you too, All’s.” Alya hung up and left Marinette with her thoughts.

[mirrorroad]

Thinking very hard about the role reversals in the lovesquare and how it’s going to affect season 5-

Marinette has always had trouble hiding her feelings. This is a plot point! She cant contain her fawning over Adrien most of the time, and usually can’t not speak up when Chloe or Lila bother her. She likes expressing herself, and she says what she thinks is right. It’s definitely a character trait of hers. 

And, she avoided Luka when they broke up not because of anything he did, or how it ended, but because seeing Luka would bring on much too strong of emotions for her to handle for a while.

You see this in Ephemeral, too, before she started to accept Adrien as Chat she avoided any confrontation as even seeing an image of Adrien elicited too strong emotions for her to handle at that moment. 

In a more negative example, look at all her failsafes to make sure she doesn’t know Chat’s identity. She’s trying to avoid Chat Blanc, avoid what she think caused it. Some of her favorite coping mechanisms are avoidance, distance, “think about it later after you’re done.” She needs time to process things, she’s had to compartmentalize so much of her life it takes time to unpack it, time she doesn’t usually have. It’s made her careful but it’s also made her solutions complex. 

So how do you think she is going to handle not being able to trust Adrien? She’ll need to take her time, she’ll be heartbroken she can’t fully think of Adrien in her old light. She’ll avoid him.

The last conversation that Adrien knows Marinette and him had is the one about his situation, about his father. He was already hesitant to share his feelings under the influence of Risk, but...

I think there is a very good chance Adrien is going to assume Marinette is avoiding him because of what he said about his situation and his father. He’s very used to people not meaning what they say (Félix said he’ll help him, huh? His father sure doesn’t show he cares sometimes, huh?). He’ll assume Marinette said she understands to be nice, but ultimately, he made her uncomfortable with dumping his issues on her. And if Marinette, one of the nicest classmates in his school, can’t face him after what he said, then no one else can either. 

So he’ll shut up, even though his father seems more erratic than ever, even with Nathalie’s declining health, even with Lila becoming more and more a part of his daily life. Maybe even if wielding so many miraculous causes Gabriel to be even more ignoring, or stricter, or angrier, or if his standards for Adrien become more unreachable, or he becomes so much more controlling...

What he thought was true. No one wants to listen to his problems. He just has to keep his head low, and focus on supporting Ladybug. If he doesn’t draw attention to himself, it’ll all be fine.