#I could be completely wrong about Adrien theme in season 6 and maybe it will be something else

[kilfeur]

Je pensais à quelque chose pour Adrien et ce qui pourrait lui arriver dans la saison 6. Dans la dernière scène qu'il partage avec Marinette, il dit qu'il se sent libre. C'est quelque chose qu'il a toujours souhaité mais maintenant quoi exactement ? Je ne pense pas que juste parce qu'il voit son père comme héros. Qu'il a tout oublier, il le sait que son père est très loin d'avoir été modèle. Mais je me demande si certains vont pas justement avoir des attentes sur le fait que son père est un héros donc il doit en être un lui aussi. Mais surtout dans le public et pour faire parler pas comme il pourrait le faire avec sa double identité.

Tomoe Tsurugi pourrait justement faire sous déguisement d'honorer son père. Kagami, sa fille pourrait justement s'y opposer provoquant justement d'autres conflits avec sa mère. Ou bien sa liberté peut être volé par Lila alias Cerise en volant sa bague. Lui faisant croire à des mensonges pour qu'il soit de son côté et sous son contrôle.

La saison 4 était avant tout sur sa quête d'identité, lui faisant comprendre que justement chaque partie de lui sont importants et font parti intégrante de lui. La saison 5 était justement de comprendre comment marchent les relations amoureuses montrant aussi qu'il se détache de son père, le faisant face en tant que Chat Noir, sacrifiant son miraculous pour le donner à Plagg et ainsi le transmettre à Marinette par craindre de perdre le contrôle. Alors que Gabriel s'enfonce dans sa folie destructeur, lui va de l'avant ! D'ailleurs je trouvais que cette saison 5, il faisait plus ado, tu le voyais plus avec les autres personnellement. Alors que par exemple en début de saison 4, il ne voulait pas montrer ce qu'il est vraiment à Kagami dans la scène du dessin.

Donc celui qui pourrait mettre des limites et craindre que sa liberté pourrait être hors de contrôle, pourrait être Adrien. Ce qui donnerait un développement intéressant en terme de psychologie ce qui irait avec Marinette que j'y pense, aura un tiraillement concernant les mensonges envers Adrien.

I was thinking about something for Adrien and what might happen to him in season 6. In the last scene he shares with Marinette, he says he feels free. It's something he's always wanted, but now what exactly? I don't think just because he sees his father as a hero. That he as forgotten everything, he knows that his father was far from a role model. But I wonder if some people won't just have expectations that his father is a hero so he has to be one too. But mostly in the public eye and to get people talking, not like he might with his double identity.

Tomoe Tsurugi could do just that under disguise to honor her father. Kagami, her daughter, may oppose, provoking further conflict with her mother. Or his freedom could be stolen by Lila aka Cerise by stealing his ring. Making him believe lies to get him on her side and under her control.

Season 4 was all about his quest for identity, making him realize that every part of him is important and integral. Season 5 was all about understanding how relationships work, and how he detaches himself from his father, facing him as Chat Noir, sacrificing his miraculous to give it to Plagg and then passing it on to Marinette for fear of losing control. While Gabriel sinks into his destructive madness, he moves forward! In fact, I thought that in season 5, he was more of a teenager, and you saw him more personally with the others. Whereas at the start of season 4, for example, he didn't want to show Kagami what he really is in the drawing scene.

So the one who might set limits and fear that his freedom might be out of control, could be Adrien. Which would make for an interesting development in terms of psychology, which would go hand in hand with Marinette, who I think will have a tug-of-war about lying to Adrien.

[miraculous-content]

Miraculous Season 2: Episodes 1-6 (review)

A few people requested that I talk about the episodes of Miraculous that have aired in France. For those who maybe watch the show in other languages, I’ll be putting it all under a “read more”.

I’ll make another post - also under a “read more” - if anyone wants me to elaborate on any of my opinions, so feel free to send asks if you so desire!

Episode 1 - The Collector

Compared to the opening episode of Season 1, this - in my opinion - is a vast improvement. All of the tiny plot details mesh together beautifully and combine into a great episode.

Highlights

- The reveal of Gabriel being The Papillon. You already know before the de-transformation, but just the slow build-up is beautiful. It’s also great seeing Nooroo again eVEN IF IT RIPS MY HEART OUT.

- Marinette and Master Fu’s conversation. More plot development and another look at the fox and bee miraculous! I like seeing them occasionally.

- Chat’s reactions to Gabriel possibly being The Papillon. My heart was absolutely breaking.  Also, Ladybug being supportive of Chat is A+ 10/10

- The fight scene is really good (a lot of the fight scenes in Miraculous are, honestly). The angles are really dramatic, and my favorite shot is when the camera is moving in a circle as they fight.

Lowlights

- I know this is kind of a nitpick, but it bothers me how Lila technically gets away with stealing the book from Adrien. I appreciate the character it took for Marinette to lie and say that she took the book for herself, and I know that Lila still technically got yelled at (just not about the book) and also had that whole episode where she was akumatized but, I dunno. The fact that Adrien nor Gabriel ever know who really stole the book irks me just a little. Anyone else agree, or is it just me?

Notes

-  I wonder if the camera in Gabriel’s room only captures video, or only takes pictures every couple seconds? I looked back on Volpina just to check (the images don’t line up with the original footage by I digress--), and I feel like they’d at least hear Adrien talking to Plagg or see Adrien talking to seemingly nothing?

...Unless they really do know that Adrien is Chat Noir... oh dear.

- I no longer know how to feel about Gabriel.

- The biggest plot twist of this episode for me is that Nathalie knows. I was not expecting that at all. It also changed my opinion of her a bit because, I remember seeing her in Origins, looking away from Adrien when he was thanking her. At first, I thought she was just trying not to show emotions, but now I’m not so sure. How much does she care about Adrien, really?

- THE TAIL???? IT COMES OFF??????????????

the other big plot twist

Episode 2 - Baddy Bear

The “Chloe redemption” begins, I suppose? I know a ton of people have been wanting this for a while. I’m more of a “I love Chloe but I hate Chloe” person; I love how over-the-top she can be, but she’s really obnoxious when they don’t take her all the way with it. The episode finds a bit of a middle-ground with that, where I like her half of the time and find her a bit irksome for the other half.

Highlights

- Adrien being stern with Chloe made me gasp. I had been waiting for this moment since Kung Food and it was so worth it. (I think the scene itself is also very nicely shot.)

- The Papillon relying on Chloe’s “natural cruelty” had me laughing so hard. The fact that they actually referenced the fact that Chloe has akumatized so many people was a super nice touch.

- I already liked the butler from the Antibug episode (one of my few highlights from that episode), but I like him even more here! He’s so patient and nice and AHHHH.

- The Adrienette. Oh sweet love square, the Adrienette. This episode nearly killed me. Adrien, you oblivious fool. Also, Marinette’s look of complete dead as Adrien compliments her macaroon was beautiful.

- Chloe trying her best to be nice was enjoyable to watch, and she actually has some cute lines later on, like when she was helping Ladybug (right as she pulls on Chat’s tail and right before she starts turning the umbrella).

Lowlights

- Completely personal preference, but any comparison between Chloe and Marinette irks me (maybe because it reminds me of The Evillustrator?). I know Alya was teasing Marinette, but I kinda twitched at that one line. I suppose it just feels like a really obvious joke that the show’s above at this point.

- Chloe’s ego gets a bit cringe-y near the end of the episode. Ladybug and Adrien brush her off, but I still think they could’ve toned it down just a little bit.

Notes

- Nice subtle “Chloe’s mother left” for the few seconds we see Chloe’s drawing memories. I wonder if she left on a business trip or if she left because the mayor is such a jerkface. I could understand either.

- The bear is cute and I want it. WHERE ARE THE “CHLOE’S BEAR” PLUSHES, ZAG???

- I’m glad that Chloe didn’t turn in one episode, especially because I do feel that she made progress. She did something nice for the sake of Adrien, and now she just has to do something nice because she wants to.

- I know that most people hate that Chat got put under someone else’s control, but it doesn’t bother me when it happens, so I don’t have anything to say about it.

- I’m a dork for size-changing so tiny butler had me dying.

Episode 3 - Audimatrix

The meta is so strong in this episode. Also, CHAT JUST WANTS HIS KISS.

Overall, honestly not my favorite. I think it might be because I was getting second-hand embarrassment. I don’t think the episode is bad though. It’s good!

Highlights

- Ladybug’s entrance. It’s awesome and you can see her inner Marinette as she lands.

- Chat has finally seen the kiss. That alone is worth its own point in the highlights.

- The animation seems a little more bouncy this episode. It’s nice.

- I enjoy Audimatrix’s design and the lengths she goes to just to get her story. The episode reaches a bit of a dark place and I think that’s cool.

- Alya and Marinette’s talk when Marinette returns. I could really feel the friendship between them.

Lowlights

- I don’t understand how Marinette could make the mistake with her babysitting being on the same day as the interview? It’d be one thing if Nadja wasn’t doing the interview, but she is, so shouldn’t Marinette seeing Nadja remind her immediately of the interview on the same day? Whether Ladybug or Marinette accepted first, I feel like even fumbly Marinette wouldn’t make this mistake?

- Going off of the last point, the babysitting subplot feels a little awkward here. It might be because the plots of the last two episodes felt so solid, but the subplot and main plot feel disconnected.

- The people helping Nadja’s show are really frustrating. I know they’re supposed to push Nadja to her limit so she gets akumatized, but they have to nail her for every little thing that goes wrong. I’m guessing that maybe Nadja has already tried and failed to get her own show or something, but it drives me a little crazy.

Notes

- “I love croquettes!” Chat is cute.

- This episode has a different feel than other episodes, likely due to the interview. It’s not bad, not good, just different.

- Ladybug’s “lucky vision” highlighting all the boxes had my brain reeling. So many boxes...

- I need more of Ladybug just pinning akuma down. That move she did was rad.

- I was actually uncomfortable the first time I saw this episode because I didn’t have subtitles, and it made it seem like Ladybug was the only cause of Nadja’s akumatization, which I thought was so wrong because Ladybug has every right to leave after being pressured so much. I’m glad that wasn’t the case.

Episode 4 - La Béfana

Can we all agree that Chat Noir and Ladybug singing together is cute? Yes? Okay, great. Speaking of great, this episode was pretty great too!

Highlights

- Some plot development with the charm that Tikki gives Marinette! It’s so cute that Marinette turned it into a necklace.

- Marinette’s grandmother is a really solid character. Her design and personality are both very nice, and having her related to Marinette gives her a bit of an advantage since a connection is already there.

- This episode avoided a lot of tropes that I’d been steeling myself up for. I was ready for the whole “Marinette thinks they’re planning a birthday party but they’re not” since she was building it up so much, but no, they were actually planning her party! In-between, I was expecting the “Gina doesn’t understand that Marinette is a grown-up now” thing to go on forever, but they kept it relatively short. Then, I was ready for the akumatization being because “Marinette lies and talks about the dentist but then Gina comes across the party and realizes it was all a lie”, but they avoided that too by having Marinette be honest.

- Another interesting akuma, this time with both a witch and candy theme! How fun, considering this episode was first aired around Halloween!

- Everyone rallying together just to protect Marinette was so sweet. Not that I thought they’d just leave her, but the fact that they’re all trying to help really helps show that pretty much everyone likes Marinette, which not all episodes portray well.

- Yet another great moment with The Papillon - seems to be a lot of them this season - with him having to say “please”. My sides started hurting with laughter.

- So, this is the second look of complete dead from Marinette’s end, yeah? The Adrienette this season has been awesome and this particular one presents a nice callback to Gamer (regardless of how I feel about that episode, I’m fine with the lucky charm making a return).

- The fact that Marinette actually made something out of the tiny “shirt” that Gina gives her is precious. Marinette is almost too pure, honestly.

Lowlights

- Even though I am glad that they avoided those tropes I mentioned earlier, the first at least is still there, and even though it’s only about a minute long, it feels a little awkward having this motorcycle-riding grandmother doing all these simplistic things with Marinette. I’m guessing the reason is because, back in Gina’s day, she probably wasn’t allowed to do much at the age of fourteen, so she’s just a little back in her own time, but... I don’t know. I’m not saying it doesn’t make sense, but it’s probably the least fun part of the episode.

- I know that Gina wanted to spend the whole day with Marinette and she’s very attached, but seeing her sulk that Marinette is going to this other birthday party feels a little off. I’m sure Marinette would’ve taken her if it wouldn’t’ve been weird for a grandmother to be mixed in with all these teens, but yeah.

Notes

- This is our MariChat episode, and it delivers! Chat wishing Marinette a happy birthday warms my heart.

- Actually, Chat in general has a lot of good moments in this episode!

Episode 5 - Riposte

They somehow fit all four sides of the love square within the first five episodes and I am 100% okay with that. We also get another new character in this one, which is once again fun because this was a great episode!

Highlights

- This is another episode where the action is just top notch, particularly with Adrien and Kagami fencing. Marinette’s look of awe as it ends sums up my feelings pretty well.

- I felt bad for laughing, but the slapstick with Armand D'Argencourt was hilarious.

- It would’ve been so easy to have Marinette give Adrien the point just because it’s Adrien, but I appreciate how they made her seem very genuine in her decision. I legitimately believe that she thought Adrien touched first.

- I enjoy Kagami as a character. Even though she’s the akuma for the episode, you do feel bad for her, and she’s never aggressive with the other characters in her civilian state. She takes her loss like a champ, even if it upsets her. In akuma form, it also intrigues me how she doesn’t go after Marinette, the one who made the call that Adrien won. She just wants her rematch, and the akuma side of her is the one that doesn’t care if it’s an unfair fight.

- The character moments in this were nice and solid. Even though Adrien is still playing his “just a friend” card with Marinette, we see a little more of how he feels about her in general, and we get to see Marinette express a bit of sadness that she’s still “just friends” with him (after that dance in episode 2, can’t blame her). Tikki also plays her typical supportive role, which is good because I feel that Tikki is vital to keeping Marinette grounded emotionally.

- The Ladrien in this episode, I am so weak. I’m always happy whenever they’re just complete love-struck dorks with each other, and the kisses had me squealing.

Lowlights

- This is an extreme nitpick, but when Ladybug is calling Chat Noir, she talks about him “keeping them waiting”. I’m pretty sure she knows that they can only listen to messages on their communicator after they’re transformed, and Riposte hasn’t even been around that long, so the fact that she seems confused/irked by the fact that Chat isn’t here yet is odd.

Notes

- I went frame-by-frame in case you guys were curious; Adrien does actually touch first. I saw his “weapon” bending before Kagami’s did.

Episode 6 - Robostus

Probably the most fascinating akumatization; who knew a robot could get akumatized? Also, I couldn’t even believe it when this episode aired because it’s like, I know I’ve had my lowlights here and there, but I’m very picky and I’d actually liked the first five episodes so far. And then, guess what? I like this one too!

Highlights

- Markov. Just Markov. This little robot is so cute, so endearing, and I love his motivation for wanting to be human.

- Everyone who's been following me for a while know that I didn’t like Gamer, and I’m very pleased that I have an episode now that I enjoy where Max gets some good screentime. He hasn’t changed much in terms of my least favorite to most favorite students, but he plays a nice role here.

- The comedy in this episode isn’t half-bad. I started snickering when the lamp had taken over the mayor’s office. Honestly, I think it would’ve done a better job as mayor anyway. Also, Marinette tricking Ms. Mendeleiev into letting her talk to Mr. Damocles.

- My mouth dropped open as Robostus completely shut down The Papillon’s lair and started firing missiles at him. It blew my mind that Robostus could even do that.

- Bringing the virus back to shut down Markov was such a nice choice for defeating him, especially as the lucky charm also had to play a role in things.

- We got more explanation for how the miraculous wishes would work, so yes! More plot please! That’s always fun!

Lowlights

- I wish they’d used a different way of showing that the computer was infected with a virus. Both me and my best friend are computer nerds and... yeah, it kind of irked both of us. It didn’t ruin anything and it does show what’s happening better than portraying it as an actual virus would, but still. Also, the style of it doesn’t feel like it fits with the show.

- The animation feels a bit more stilted this time around.The animation on Markov and the electronics are fine, but, well, they’re mechanical, so that kind of makes sense. The other characters seem to move a bit more stiffly than usual. In addition, Master Fu’s eyes in the final scenes aren’t staring at Marinette correctly at times, and it’s a little distracting.

- I recognize that the akuma seems to pick its own appearance and Markov naturally wouldn’t be very creative, but I wish they’d either picked different colors or given Markov a human-ish design to fit with his desires.

Notes

- Mr. Damocles and Ms. Mendeleiev are so salty about Markov and Max fixing the computer and it’s very amusing.

- I’m not sure how I feel about Max debating on what to do with Markov, considering that Max has already been possessed by an akuma. I imagine the point is that he’s afraid Markov is too emotionally unstable, but still.

- I wonder if the miraculous wish had something to do with Fu and the Guardian’s temple being destroyed?

Overall

This season so far has surpassed all of my expectations! It’s incredibly rare for me to have this many positive things to say about episodes that come right after another, which means that I’m very much looking forward to the rest of the season!

As for if I had to rank the episodes (this is a bit rough because they’re honestly so close)...

1. Riposte

2. Baddy Bear

3. Robostus

4. La Béfana

5. The Collector

6. Audimatrix

[miraculoustrashblogger]

Season of Miracles Chapter 12

It’s the second last chapter!  What’s this?  A reveal?  Romance?  Alya freaking the fuck out?  Ding ding ding!

Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 X�� 13

AO3

December 26th

Chat Noir leapt through the air, taking a somersaulting dive onto a roof, before leaping up again and vaulting over his baton to the next roof.  The Eiffel tower was lit, as were the street lamps on the dark winter night.

He thought back to his day and chuckled.

He had begun the morning wondering if it had all been a dream.  It seemed far too good to be true, but upon seeing the video frame his father had given him, alongside his gifts from his other friends, he knew there was no way it wasn't real.

That knowledge was compounded by the fact that when he went downstairs to eat breakfast, his father was sitting at the table reading the newspaper.  Even better, he set the paper aside and the two chatted while they ate breakfast.  Gabriel had decided to come to the photo shoot and spend the day with him, after all, and shortly after they ate, they were out the door.

Arriving at the studio, several usually quite amicable staff members seemed quite nervous.  Adrien was used to having many of the same staff members in charge of wardrobe, makeup and lighting, so they had had a lot of time to get over the fact that his father was their boss, and treat him like a normal teen.  Gabriel's presence clearly changed the atmosphere into one of efficient professionalism, much like the one Gabriel exuded most days.

Otherwise, the shoot went as normal, until after lunch break.

Gabriel was looking over the wardrobe collection for the shoot, when he noticed something.

“I do not recall approving these for the shoot.”  He said, holding up two outfits, in their open garment bags.

One of the interns paled.  “A-ah, that's mine, sir.”

“And what is it doing in the line-up here?”  Gabriel asked coolly.

“I-I umm-- You see, I'm friends with the photographer, and it was a personal project I was doing, and he agreed to take photos when we were done today if I found someone to model them--”

“You designed these?”

“Yessir!”  Her face couldn't seem to decide if it wanted to be ghost white or strawberry red.

“And you put them side by side with the garments for todays work, why?”

“T-there was no where else to hang them up...sir.”

“What if they had been mixed up with pieces for the shoot?”  He asked sternly.

“I knew that was a possibility, but I made sure anyone who was handling the clothes knew they were mine.  Including the supervisor, Yvonne.”

Gabriel looked around. “Yvonne!”  When the woman came over to where he stood, he held up the garments to her.  “What are these pieces here?”  He asked her.

“They are Elise's.”

“So you are aware they were put side by side with the pieces for today?”

“She explained it to me before she hung them up.  What her and the photographer do outside of company hours is their business, I saw no harm as long as everyone knew.”  Elise had gone pale again, and even Yvonne seemed to be threatening to sweat under his scrutiny.

Gabriel pulled out the items from their bag and looked them over.  He tugged gently at seams, examined stitches, and felt the fabric under his hands.

“Elise, what is this personal project of yours?”  Gabriel raised a brow.

“Oh!  Um.. I uh....” She turned beet red again.

“Spit it out.”

“I-I'mbuildingaportfolio!” She stammered.

“A portfolio?”

“Yes... I uh... was going to apply for full time work after my internship finished, and I wanted to show what I learned during my time with your company.  My old portfolio has become a bit dated in styles, and I can sew a lot better now, so I was building up a collection, and wanted to show my work was good enough to be modeled too.”  Her voice slowly dropped off in volume, until she was barely heard.

Gabriel pondered at the girl, who was now staring at the ground, her hands pulling at the hem of her blouse.

“Were going to apply to my company?  Tell the truth.”

“Yes... among others.”  She answered.  “I wanted to keep my options open, as I figured not all of them would say yes to me.”

He examined the clothes again.  It was a detailed dressy black vest with zippers and a forest green liner, paired with dress slacks and a light green button up.  The buttons and zippers all matched--gold-- and the cuffs of the dress shirt matched the green liner of the vest.

“Adrien, go change into these.”  He handed him the garment bags.

“Ah, sir!”  Elise interrupted.  Gabriel looked at her with one eyebrow raised.  “It's just... only one of those will probably fit him.  The blue one is meant for someone larger.”

“Ah.  I see.  What was the theme you were going for?”

“I was kind of thinking a pair of brothers, sir.  We have a few male models here today, and I hoped that if I could find two that looked close enough, it would do.  I mean, I knew it might not happen, so I was ready to work with what I had, so...”

Gabriel took back the outfits and examined the blue one.

“Familial bonds, yes?  That was the theme you wanted for the photos?”

“Yessir.”

“Very well, I will wear it.”  And he started over to the changing area.

Elise looked like she was about ready to faint.

Gabriel and Adrien ended up doing a series of photos together, wearing the matching outfits.  The sky blue shirt and royal blue and silver accents of the vest suited Gabriel very well.  The fits were close enough that it only required a little bit of tailoring, which Elise attended to quickly and skillfully.

When they finished the shoot, Gabriel returned the outfits to Elise, who seemed to have actually fainted somewhere during the process.  She was fanning herself and had gone pale again, and Yvonne and another intern were puttering over her as she sat in a chair.

“May I please speak with Miss Elise alone please?”  Yvonne and the intern seemed surprised, and after assurances that the girl was fine, they left.

“I should hope now that if anyone sees your portfolio and sees the faces of myself and my son, that it should earn you enough respect to get hired in any company you choose.  I do hope, however, that you will choose mine. I would hate to lose such a talented employee.”

The girl was flustered and stammered out her thank you's and praises of his kindness.

As he walked away he gestured for Adrien to follow.  They left the shoot and climbed into the car, before Gabriel spoke quietly.  “That, Adrien, is how you build a team that is loyal.  That girl will remember my actions for a long time to come, and even if one day she is my biggest competitor, I can trust she won't stab me in the back.”  He looked down and smiled at his son.

Adrien grinned.  “So you're telling me... be nice to people and they won't be jerks in return?  I think I already knew that one.”  He sassed.

Gabriel smirked, and then mussed up his son's hair.

As Chat Noir raced to his meeting place with Ladybug, his mind returned to the problem at hand.  Marinette had most likely read his poem by now, and if she was half as smart as he thought she was, he was about to get scolded pretty badly.  She had always been a stickler for secret identities, and he knew she would at least be a little mad that he figured her out and left clues about his.  Of course, if she wasn't Ladybug... well, that was a whole new can of worms.

He landed on the roof right as Marinette-- Ladybug-- did.

“Good evening, Chat Noir.”  She said nonchalantly.

He was suddenly really nervous.  He was expecting a few different ways for this to go down, and for her to be nonchalant, it most likely meant he guessed wrong.

“H-H--” He cleared his throat. “Hey Ladybug!”  He smiled.

There was the faintest trace of a smile on her lips, but it disappeared very quickly.

“Ready for patrol, Chaton?”  She asked.

“Y-Yeah.” He gulped.  “Let's go.”  The pair, Ladybug leading slightly, ran to the edge of the roof, and vaulted off.  Chat purposely fell behind a little, gauging every movement she made, looking for any hint that she knew.  Please don't let me have been wrong.  Please.

Despite his worry, watching her made his heart swell.  Marinette or not, Ladybug was a beauty-- graceful and strong and breath-taking as she swung off streetlamps, hopped across roofs, and dived off of chimneys.  The street lights reflected off of her hair, and sparkled in her eyes.

If he hadn't already been in love with her for the better part of a year, he probably would have fallen from this sight alone.

She completely ignored him as they scouted the city, apparently oblivious to his heart palpitations, keeping her eyes peeled for signs of trouble.  Her lack of signal so far was making him anxious.  Should he just rip off the band-aid and bring it up?  Should he see if she was going to say anything?

He felt there was a pun in there somewhere, something involving Shrodinger's cat, but he couldn't quite figure out how to phrase it.

Finally, the heroes paused on the rooftop of Notre Dame cathedral to take a breather.

Ladybug stretched, looking out over the city.  She walked to the edge and sat down, dangling her ankles off the side.  She patted the space next to her, gesturing for him to come join her.  He obliged.

“How was your Christmas, Chat?”  She asked.

Was this an opening?  An opportunity to ask her carefully, to open the box enough to peek at the cat and determine it's state?

“The best Christmas ever.”  He answered honestly, smiling.

“Oh? Do tell.”

Was that a mischievous twinkle in her eye?  No, must have been his imagination.

“I spent it with a very good friend of mine.”  He thought for a moment.  “She's probably the kindest person I've ever met. Stubborn too.  I don't know how she managed it, but she actually got my father to spend Christmas with me.  He hasn't done that in years. She's incredible.”  He looked very deliberately at her.

Her face turned crimson, and he took it as a sign that maybe she knew more than she was letting on.  Time to amp it up, then.

“Not only that, she's beautiful.”  He stated, carefully turning his head away, pretending he wasn't talking about the girl next to him, but watched her every move still.  “She lights up a room just by being in it, and really brings out the best in people.”

Ladybug was motionless, mouth slightly agape as she stared at him.  He turned back to look.

“What's the matter Ladybug?  Cat got your tongue?”  He grinned.  “Or is it jealousy?”  He teased.

She shook her head.  “Silly kitty.  It just really sounds a lot like you love her.”

He looked at her, held her gaze for a few moments.  He watched the night breeze brush her bangs across her forehead, watched the light twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes.

“I do.” He said softly.

A slight, sharp intake of breath from her, and he was paralyzed.  The two stared at each other, locked in a moment, both too afraid to move, too enraptured to try.  Time seemed to still, neither really sure how long they sat there, motionless, trapped in the moment. Finally, Ladybug spoke.

“I love you too, Adrien.”  She breathed.

His eyes widened.  It's her.  It's really her.  Marinette.  She's Ladybug!  His mind repeated over and over.

She said she loves me!  It finally settled on.

His hand fumbled over to hers, he refused to break eye contact to look at what he was doing.

Taking it, he felt a lot of tension leave his body.  Perhaps the worry of it not being real, the fear of waking up from this dream.  But she was corporeal, she was physically there, and it was real, so very, very real.  Adrien.  She called him.  Adrien.  He was over the moon in excitement.

“Marinette.” He whispered, smiling.

She smiled back shyly.

She is so beautiful when she smiles.  Her cheeks are so cute, and her eyes shine, and her lips...

Caught up in the thought of how soft and kissable her lips looked, and curiosity about her lipgloss flavour, Chat leaned in slowly, his eyes closing ever so slightly.  She leaned in too, and the two hovered, centimeters apart.  His free hand found it's way up to her cheek, caressing it gently.

“C-Can I-I...”  He stammered.  He breathed in, and tried again.  “Can I kis—mmph!”

Ladybug's hands went to his face and pulled him, closing the distance between the two.  Her passion triggered something in him, and once his lips began moving against hers, he was hard pressed to stop it-- not that he wanted to, really.

It turned out her lip gloss was cherry flavoured, and he smiled.  He started humming the tune to “I Kissed A Girl” until Ladybug snorted and pushed him away.

“Way to ruin the moment, Chat.”

“I'd say it was worth it, but I'm really torn.  I wasn't done yet.”  He laughed.

She smirked and rolled her eyes.  This time she leaned in slower, their kiss beginning slowly and gently.  The glide of her sweet lips against his left him breathless, and when his tongue gently swept across her lips, she returned the motion with her own.  His hands wandered down her arms while they kissed, to her waist, while one of hers buried itself in his hair, and the other rested on his chest.

After a few blissful minutes, they broke apart naturally.

“You know...”  Ladybug said, reaching up to gently boop his nose.  “I was going to try and make you sweat first.  Pretend I didn't know anything.  Kinda backfired on me though, what with you turning into such a sap.”

“Oh, you had me sweating, don't worry.”  He chuckled, sitting upright now.  “I wasn't even sure it was you, so your silence on it was super nerve-wracking.”

“Wait. You wrote me that poem, and you weren't even sure you were right?”  She said, a little sharper than she intended.

“Uh... yeah.”  He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh no, now I really wished I had dragged that out longer. It would have been proper revenge for risking your identity!”  She playfully smacked his arm.

“To be fair, I was like, 95% sure.  There was no solid evidence, but way too many coincidences at once.”

“Ninety-five percent sure... with no solid evidence.”  She clucked her tongue. “Chat, you are clawsitively purr-paw-sterous.”  She smirked.

“Hey, now.  I was right and--- wait, did you just make a cat pun?”

“I made three, but who's counting?”  She teased.

“I love you.”  He swooned.

She snorted.  “Love you too... you mangy cat.”

“I'm your mangy cat, lovebug.  Long as you'll have me.”

“That's quite the commitment to make, seeing as I'm thinking forever.” She smiled, blushing deeply, looking off to the horizon.

He sat straighter, grinning from ear to ear.  “Furr-ever sounds purr-fect, my Lady.”

“Is it really necessary to include more puns?”

“Part of the package, bugaboo.  I wouldn't be me without my sense of humour.”

She hummed.  “I guess you don't really need your Christmas gift then...”

He perked up.  “What does my Christmas gift have to do with this?” He asked.

“Open it and find out.”  She said, handing him a moderately sized package.  Judging by the shape, size and weight, he was guessing it was a book of some kind.

“Where were you hiding this?”  He asked skeptically.

“Just open it!”

“No seriously, this is the size of my computer tablet, where did you hide this, and how did I not notice until now?”

“Oh shush.  You already know who I am under the mask, let me have some mystery, huh?”  She rolled her eyes.

He grumbled under his breath about secret pocket dimensions as he unwrapped the gift.  He had guessed right, it was a book.  A joke book, titled “No Pun Intended”.  His smile grew wider and wider.

“My Lady, here I thought you hated my puns, but you actually are supporting my habit?  I'm shocked!”

“Maybe it was never the puns I disliked and more the timing of them.”  She smirked.

He laughed.  “Alright, alright.  But you totally make puns during akuma attacks too!”

“Never!” She scoffed.  “When have I ever done such a thing?”  She gestured dramatically before breaking out in a grin.  He smiled back at her.

“I have your gift here too.”  He said, pulling out a small box.

It was a suspiciously shaped and sized box, and as Ladybug tensed up, Chat gestured for her to relax.

“I know what you're thinking, and I promise it's not that.  I mean, it is that, but it's no-- you know what?  Just open it.”

He handed her the box.  She stared at it in her hands, and his tail twitched in impatience.  She opened it cautiously, her eyes flicking to his hopeful and embarrassed expression, until she caught sight of the contents.  It was a beautiful ring, with a round red ruby, nestled in between two emerald triangular jewels.  It sort of resembled a rose with leaves, but the fact that it also looked kind of like a Ladybug on a leaf wasn't lost on her.  The band was delicate and simple silver, shaped around the gems carefully.

“It's not an engagement ring.  I may be incredibly socially awkward, but even I know it's way too early for that.  It is a promise ring, though.”  He rubbed the back of his neck.  She looked up at him, her surprise and awe apparent.  “I saw it and couldn't help but think of you, and when I began suspecting you were Marinette, and her-- your birthstone is a ruby...”  She stared at it again, and her continued silence set him on edge.  “I-If you don't like it, I can take it back and trade it for something else.  Unless the fact that it's a ring is making you uncomfortable, in which case I totally understa--”

He was silenced by her finger on his lips.

“It's perfect, Adrien.  I love it.”  She smiled, and he relaxed.  “But doesn't a promise ring require an actual promise to go with it?” She asked.

“Y-Yeah.” He stood up, pulling her to her feet too.  He took the ring from her, and knelt on one knee.  “I-- uhh... don't know if I'm actually supposed to go down on one knee for a promise ring or not, but I figure it wouldn't hurt, right?”  She giggled, and he pressed on, clearing his throat.  “Ladybug, since the day I met you, you have been the best part of every one of my days.  I know I can trust and rely on you, and seeing you being the brave, compassionate, and brilliant person you are has made me want to be the best person I can be.  I promise, for the rest of my lives, to protect you, to cherish you, and to always stand by you.  I promise to be your friend, your partner, and your reason to smile each day.”

“I accept your promise, Chat Noir.”  She smiled.  “On one condition.”

His ears twitched in surprise. “What's that?”

“You accept my promise to do the exact same for you.”  

He blushed, then grinned.  “I accept your terms, my Lady.”

He put the ring on her left hand index finger, and sighed in relief when it was the right size.  He had taken a guess-- if Alya had caught wind of him even breathing the words “ring” and “Marinette” in the same sentence, he's sure he would be deaf for a week.

As soon as the ring was on her finger all the way, she pulled him up into a kiss by his bell, and riding along her enthusiasm, he picked her up and spun her around.  She squeaked into his lips, but it just made him laugh, and soon they were both giggling and holding each other, foreheads touching.

“I love you, Bugaboo.”

“I love you too, Minou.”

“THIS IS THE BIGGEST SCOOP OF THE CENTURY!  LADYBUG AND CHAT NOIR ARE ENGAGED!  HOLY FUCK!”  Both heros heads whipped around, finally spotting the source.  Alya stood there, phone in hand, clad in pyjamas, and apparently still out of breath from running after them. “I PROBABLY JUST BROKE SEVERAL LAWS GETTING UP HERE BUT HOLY HELL WAS IT WORTH IT OH MY FUCKING GOD AND I GOT IT ON CAMERA!!!”

Ladybug and Chat Noir looked at each other in shock, snorted and laughed, and started running for the edge of the roof together, holding hands. They leapt from the roof, Alya calling after them.  As they leapt across the city, Chat spoke.

“How much trouble are we in?”  He asked.

“I think we're okay.” Ladybug replied.  “She called it an engagement ring, which means I don't think she was close enough to see the ring, hear names, or anything.  She probably only caught the last little bit.  We will see for sure when we see her next, no way she's keeping that to herself.  We can do damage control from there.”

They paused on a roof.  “Yeah, I think you're right.  Do we let her believe that Ladybug and Chat Noir are engaged though?”

“Maybe we should let her believe it.”  Ladybug suggested, smirking.  “It is only a matter of time until it's true anyways, right?”  She winked, before hopping off the roof.

Adrien stared after her, rooted to the spot.  Only a matter of time...?

He started scrambling after her.  “Ladybug!  Wait up!  What does that mean?!”

She just giggled and swung further away.

Marinette, you tease!  (I think she just stole one of Chat’s remaining lives)

Alya did indeed break into a cathedral in the middle of the night in her pyjamas.  Silly girl.  Maybe she was hoping for some Christmas canoodling!  (She certainly got her christmas wish!)

Stay tuned for the final installment of this fic!  New Years!