#Kwamis choice

[deimalor]

Kwami's choice pt1

[mamayura]

Rewatching Kwamis choice is still wild

Adrien is doing all the work in the Adrinette development, all Marinette is asked to do is raise her hand at perfectly phrased yes-no questions that already include everything important she can't say. So by all means, she's just not asked to say it at all.

Why are Marinette stans even okay with this? I feel offended FOR HER that the narrative portrays her as needing to have Adrien putting in maximum effort into desperately cuddling her to get even just crumbs of her love, bc apparently Marinette herself could never overcome this without a perfect prince charming mind-reader doing all the work for her to give her the poor little princess treatment for the next half of the season.

Not to mention that this is a pretty icky pay-off for 4 seasons of Marinette making being friends with your crush out to be the worst thing possible, borderlining emotional torment (special shout out to Adrien in Protection basically confirming THAT jfc)

The narrative now agrees with her. In Elation, the episode before this, Chat Noir admits to Ladybug that he isn't romantically in love with her anymore or simply wants to move on now, asking her if she's okay with him loving her as a friend, she says okay

And next episode both leave.

Marinette already wants to leave before Plagg initiates the plan so Adrien can find love and happiness bc already at the end of Elation Marinette categorized Chat loving her as a friend now as him not wanting her at all anymore.

Which I guess wasn't completely wrong bc he left too after this, but at least Adrien tried solving it normally first by being Marinette's FRIEND and only when PLAGG came to him, after Marinette rejected him, he agreed to leave so he can tell her he was Chat Noir and clear up what happened. He immediately took initiative to still pursued her civilian identity/ the hurt girl he loves to make him leaving worth it

Tho, Marinette apparently was already ready to leave Chat behind at the beginning of the episode and only her depressive phase of feeling like she's not worthy of love made her stay with him as Ladybug so his presence can remind her over and over again that he doesn't love her romantically anymore so she can hurt herself emotionally with that knowledge while looking at him?? I guess ??

Why is being friends THIS demonized??

And Tikki had to take the miraculous away from Marinette to get anything rolling, and pretend like the two of them aren't obviously gonna see each other again bc Marinette still is the guardian of the Miracle Box, Su-Han knowing her and Alya still in the know, Rena Rouge and her co-guardian?

What was the narrative's issue here pretending like Marinette made some drastic step here away from everything? Adrien was the one who actually did that.

He and Plagg seriously did all the work, huh? wth :/

For all it is, Alya and Marinette could have just asked Kitty Noire next time if Plagg can now - that Adrien stopped being his holder - quickly come to Marinette and Tikki going to him so the Kwamis can lead them together so they can be friends as civilians.

It's wild that the episode and the fandom are pretending like Adrien horribly abandoned Ladybug for no reason, but, I mean, Plagg made it plain obviously that this plan is going down FOR ADRIEN'S SAKE to find happiness and love by revealing his former secret identitiy to Marinette. Plagg decided to leave, and made Tikki do the same with Marinette, so Adrien can he happy and by extension Marinette.

Meanwhile Marinette, even after having given up her Miraculous, still had all the resources to make it possible that her and Chat Noir can be friends now, but the narrative didn't acknowledge that bc it would require that Marinette actually uses all the resources she has to be the one for once who reaches out and communicates in Ladynoir to keep their bond alive if they, but especially SHE (the one with the resources), wanted it.

But the show can't have that bc apparently being friendzoned is the worst thing on earth, and reaching out and communicating is only Adrien's primary job now in either dynamic

:/

And don't twist my words. I'm saying all this bc I want better for Marinette’s character.

I mean, good gosh, the narrative didn't even acknowledge that Marinette could have finally told her parents about her having been Ladybug to get unconditional and endless support and comfort right on spot.

Not doing that is understandable from ADRIEN'S side, but while Tom and Sabine aren't perfect parents one would think that's one of the first things Marinette would finally have done after she wanted to tell Adrien so badly bc "no one can understand what she's going through"

But no, the episode pretends like that option never even existed and Adrien (and Alya once she's back as Scarabella) is all Marinette got, even when Adrien then leaves after the akuma fight.

Gurl. Go downstairs, tell your parents and eat their freshly-baked goods they're lovingly making for you while you lay crying in their arms, hugging them and telling them what you went through.

You HAD that option on a silver plate. An option Adrien could only dream of bc even if Gabriel weren't Monarch Adrien would still be in serious trouble for having been Chat Noir. Why are we pretending like she has no one and no resources to get help? By all means, that's Adrien and he's doing better - despite NO RESOURCES - than Marinette who has everything bc for some reason Marinette cannot develop much further than this for the rest of season 5 bc Adrien must give her the princess treatment for the love square to work.

Man, I just want better for her. She really got screwed over when it comes to personal development in s5.

Also: RIP Ladynoir

[aalissy]

Yes Hand/No Hand

Andddd here’s the second and final chapter for today! I hope you guys like both! Lemme know what you thought. Ooh, but also please don’t read this if you haven’t seen Kwami’s Choice yet bc it contains spoilers!

AO3

Adrien’s eyes instantly lit up as he spotted Marinette. She was humming quietly to herself, carefully placing books in her backpack from her locker. He practically skipped over to her, desperate to see her after their conversation yesterday. He had gotten her to reveal her true feelings to him yesterday. And, though Adrien now had his kwami back he was determined to be in a relationship with Marinette. 

He loved her. It had just happened so slowly over time that he hadn’t realized it until it was almost too late. She had almost given up on him because of how long it took him to realize his feelings. So, from now on, Adrien was focused on making sure Marinette knew just how much he completely and utterly adored her. 

Plus, it didn’t hurt that he had a new method that helped her to speak her mind.

“Guess who?” He breathed quietly into Marinette’s ear, enjoying her adorable squeak as she whirled around, bumping against his chest lightly.

There was a pretty pink flush to her cheeks as she stuttered, “A-Adrien! H-hi! W-what, um, what are you going here? D-doing! What are you doing here?”

A slow, adoring smile grew on his face as he gazed down at her. How could she be so cute?  

“I’m getting my books from my locker.” 

“O-oh, right.” Marinette bit her lower lip, peeking up from beneath her lashes.

Boy, that look was going to absolutely kill him. Adrien’s heart stumbled in his chest and he allowed himself to get lost in her eyes. How had it taken him so long to realize his feelings were more than just friendship? This felt so familiar.

Slowly, though, as he found himself at a loss for words he saw Marinette’s eyes begin to widen with panic. Shaking his head, Adrien snapped himself out of it before he completely spooked her and caused her to bolt out of the locker room. 

“That’s not the only reason I’m here, though. I was also looking for you.” His voice was quiet and soft. Unable to stop himself, he brushed a stray strand of hair out of her face, his hand lingering on her cheek.

“M-me?! You were looking for me?” Her eyes practically bulged out of her head and Adrien felt suddenly anxious. 

Too much too soon! Snapping his hand back to his side, he scratched the back of his neck, feeling suddenly awkward. Clearing his throat, he said, “Yeah. I, uh, actually had a few questions I wanted to ask you.” 

Marinette still looked tense and ready to bolt. Determined to make her more comfortable, Adrien exhaled for a while before asking, “Did you maybe want to do what we did last time? Remember? With your right hand for yes and your left hand for no?”

Instantly, her shoulders loosened and he felt relief consume him. Slowly, she nodded at him, looking adorably shy. Her right hand came up as an indication of yes and slowly he began to feel nervous. It was time to finally ask Marinette out. 

Sucking in a shaky breath for courage, Adrien asked, “I was wondering if you’d like to hang out with me.”

There was a small pause where his nerves began to get the best of him before her right hand rose again. Joy like he’d never felt before flooded his senses, making him almost envelop her in a giant hug. 

Stifling the urge, he continued to ask the series of questions he had prepared, “Are you free this weekend?”

Faster this time, Marinette’s right hand rose. 

A giant smile stretched across his face at her answer. “Would you like to go see a movie?”

She looked a little dazed at his question and Adrien wondered for a second if she’d prefer something else before her right hand eventually rose. Yes! He was now three for three.

Feeling more confident, he continued, “And would you be alright getting ice cream with me afterward?”

Once again, her right hand rose. Marinette was nibbling on her lip, gazing up at him hopefully. 

This was it. It was time for his final question. Adrien suddenly felt overwhelmed with anxiety. This was the most important question. And, truthfully, it felt like all his hopes and dreams were resting on her answer. 

“A-and is it alright if we call it a date?” He held his breath, crossing his fingers behind his back. Please, please, please ! I promise that I’ll always love you and treat you right, he pleaded in his thoughts. 

Quick as a flash, her left hand rose and his hopes crashed to the floor. Adrien was rather certain that his face fell right along with them. He was flooded with an even worse sense of rejection than he had ever gotten from Ladybug. 

But it didn’t matter! Marinette had loved him for so long whilst he had no idea! The least that he could do was try to be her friend once again. Even if all he wanted to do was kiss her again. Slowly, though, he’d prove that he was the right guy for her! 

He’d somehow manage to calm his feelings down and be her friend first and foremost! But, somehow he’d woo her! If he made her fall in love with him once he could definitely do it again.

Nodding to himself with determination, Adrien opened his mouth to agree that it was too quick. 

Before he could, though, he heard Marinette giggle. “Oh, oops!”

Slowly she took down her left hand and rose her right one. She bit her lip even as she smiled. “S-sorry. I, um, got my right and left confused again.”

Adrien sputtered out an exhilarated laugh. Shaking his head at her amusedly. “You have to stop doing that! There’s only so much my poor heart can take.”

She flushed, looking down at the ground embarrassedly.

“But that’s a yes, then? Yes, it’s a date?”

Waiting with bated breath, he watched as Marinette rose her right hand even higher, nodding her head. Adrien let out a cheer before scooping her up in his arms and twirling her around giddily. He planted a quick kiss on her cheek, enjoying her squeals of laughter. 

“I love you so much!”

Marinette covered her face with both hands, still a mess of giggles when he finally put her back down on the ground. “So, this weekend will be our first date. Can I pick you up at noon?”

She uncovered her face, a bright red flush on her cheeks before she nodded. “T-that sounds wonderful, Adrien.”

Kissing her one last time on the cheek, he sent her a bright beam. “I’ll see you then. I’m looking forward to it.”

Leaving the locker room with a skip in his step, Adrien completely forgot about the books he was still missing. But it didn’t matter! He was going on a date soon! With Marinette! Best day ever!

[atlasshrugd]

friendly reminder that marinette has a full-body cat pillow in her bed

[rena-rain]

Reacting to Deflagration

Yeah yeah yeah, I'm late to the party, but I can't keep this to myself

...bi Zoe? Lesbian Zoe?? Queer Zoe???

Plagg is such a bro. What a loyal little pile of chaos

High key wondered if I was hallucinating Gabriel's dance scene. DANCE. I haven't seen him move like that since Simon Says!

I am increasingly convinced that Nathalie loves Emilie way more than she loves Gabriel. I'm quite happy with her character arc thus far.

There's another one...and another one...and another one...Gabriel is going to properly lose what shreds are left of his sanity if he keeps using half a dozen miraculous at a time. Marinette got tired just wearing all of them.

This feels like commentary on surveillance. I know that's obvious and an understatement but it must be said.

Oh sure, NOW the writers remember Ladynoir's relationship.

Aw, Nino's sweet in this scene. I'm having such flip-flopping feelings about his character these days.

Creepy. Creepy, creepy, creepy, Gabe. I don't even know why I'm surprised to find him lurking in a school basement spying on teenagers. WHY am I surprised

This lunch date is just the pinnacle of "relationship in exciting early state where every interaction causes unspeakable anxiety"

Is it just me, or is Chloe getting more and more cartoon-villain-ey?

I LOVE ZOE

He's got the miraculous! I don't know how we're gonna get out of this one, folks...Is Sass gonna save the day?

PLAGG'S GOING TO DESTROY HIS OWN RING????????

This is the Plikki content I live for

I was really, really hoping the trash can would bonk him on the head when it came back down

"We'll turn you into singing shoes!" lmao

Okay, Adrien nabbing the earrings is one of the coolest, most cathartic moments in this whole series

We deserved more Zoe and Plagg's relationship.

Ladynoir is BACK BABY - THE DREAM TEAM IS BACK

[zukoandtheoc]

no thoughts, just the stupid fucking dance Gabriel does at the beginning of deflagration

[ladybuggingme]

Just watched transmission (kwami's choice part 1) for the first time, and had thoughts

What if, marinette, after seeing that chat noir has stepped down too, asked scarabella to reach out so she could talk to him

Then when he (bananoir) answers the ladyblog post, meets up with the superheros, and is verified and brought to ladybug in a homemade mask and ladybugish outfit adrien recognizes her as marinette

So he gets changed into the outfit + mask she has for him (maybe the mask she used for the clara nightingale thing) and they sit down to talk and she's very friendly and saying how she missed him and didnt anticipate him retiring or she would have done things differently and he

Thinks that shes trying to cheat on [adrien]!

With [chat noir]!

Or something

[beguilingcorpse]

people complained SO MUCH about kitty noire's design but like. look at her

she has dip-dyed neon green hair and highlighter lipstick to match. she has entirely useless zippers on the upper part of her sleeves. her bangs are totally uneven and look like she did them herself with craft scissors. she's wearing a crop leather jacket over a leather undershirt and SUSPENDERS. zoe lee is 14 years old and designed her cat superhero oc to Kick Ass and if i was 14 i literally would have done the exact same thing

[westywallowing]

sketches for my fruits basket au while I figure the fuckity out of my tablet pen :)

[ladygoofus]

I never noticed that she raises her left hand when she says "right hand" and her right when she says "left" to match how she mixed them up in the previous episode. This is the most capable person in Paris. May we never stop infodumping about her.

[gale-gentlepenguin]

I’m gonna say it.

Replace the whole Kwami’s choice episode arc with the Loveybug AU.

After the rejection instead of having her give up the miraculous, have her become Loveybug, and in response to Adrien feeling distracted as chat noir. He becomes Chat Walker again.

It would allow for growth and allows for the whole development of the reverse lovesquare.

[mamayura]

You know what just hit me like a truck?

Marinette at the end of the Paris special traveled through several universes and in all of them Chat Noir was the partner by her side

In all besides ONE universe where Scarabella and Kitty Noire had the Ladybug and Black Cat.

The Paris special took place before episode 4, so way before the Kwami Choice two parter. I wonder how Marinette felt whne she realized (or at least in the theoretical case of her realizing) that at that point the one and only universe became their reality too where Chat isn't by her side at all and that she has made alot of active choices to heavily contribute for it to end up this way.

I mean, she too literally CHOSE to leave and she already wanted to do it before Plagg initiated his plan. That happened. No way around it.

I wished the show wouldn't just throw in such awfully heavy implications without paying it off. I was glad that Marinette having seen Kitty Noire in another time line explains why Marinette didn't think of worrying about if this new Black Cat truly is a good person and not a bad one who happened to get her hands on Plagg after Chat renounced (though Alya isn't off the hook for this. She didn't even care to ask for a HERO NAME. The non-existent security around the Black Cat Miraculous from the two leader girls at the top of the hierarchy is just insanely irresponsible. Literally ANYONE could infiltrate the team as Black Cat through Adrien's isolation and be welcomed with open arms as long as they aren't straight up announcing themselves as the villain)

But now having realized that Marinette saw that she and Chat Noir are a team in so MANY universes besides ONE and it's exactly THAT one which ends up coming true through alot of her own decisions no less?

That's harsh. That is such a harsh thing to simply throw in there and then do nothing with. As if that wouldn't be an extremely crushing realization for her to have.

Same as Adrien being kamikotized into Celestial Cat who looks way too much like Chat Blanc and they just... did nothing with that. Marinette had NO reaction to it whatsoever.

Both kamikotizations came with such heavy baggage, but they just did nothing with it. It's just THERE.

[marinetteplztakeabreak]

If Hawkmoth already knows Scarabella’s identity then why can’t Alya just go… “hey ladyblog proud to announce i am scarabella and also retired. Anyway kitty noir if youre out there hit me up on twitter i miss you” i think she should be allowed to do this,,,, i think it would be funny for everyone,,,,, just to be like “yes i know this is so cool and exciting, but im not taking questions at this time, please only contact me if youre my kitty thank you 💕💕💕” just imagine being Anyone in that situation. Imagine being Hawkmoth and you figure out a ladybug’s secret identity and she’s just like “okay whatever” and calls you a little bitch on twitter and then proceeds to continue working to take you down with even more teenage spite than before. Like “oh hawkmoth you think you have secret knowledge. Not anymore” (tells the entire world)

[multimousefanatic]

It’s really interesting to me that Zoe has such a similar backstory to Marinette (Only having one friend, being bullied, having roaches put in her locker, Chloe specifically treating her like garbage) and she played the role of the “superhero of creation” for that one movie, a role Marinette even says she’s perfect for… A movie the in-universe Thomas Astruc is a part of making. Also, Marinette pretends to be Zoe to get into the Diamonds ball. It’s clear they want us to see how similar they are to each other, but it specifically seems like they want us to see that Zoe is well-suited for the Ladybug miraculous. Yet in kwami’s choice, she’s chosen for the Black cat Miraculous and in the Paris special we also see her wielding the black cat in another universe. What's up with that?

[izanogi]

so that dance scene, huh?

[wackus-bonkus-maximus]

Oh no :(

OH YEAH.

summary:

Marinette and Adrien give up their Miraculous. Ladybug and Chat Noir never meet again.

excerpt:

“Can you tell me where to find him?” “No.” Plagg’s eyes gleam an understanding that pierces her, shriveling through the years she has wielded the counterpart to his magic. “I can’t tell you anything except that last time I saw him, he looked happy.” “Why didn’t he say anything?” Marinette whispers. Plagg’s green eyes burn her into the ground. “Why didn’t you?”

this au came from me wondering, "what would happen if adrien and marinette never took back their miraculous after kwami's choice?" the idea lived with me for weeks until i wrote it, so here you are <3

hope you enjoy!