#alicepink-me

[alicepink-me]

The New Guardian

New story idea I’m trying. I thought of this back in October and have been writing it since then. It’s very different from my past works and I’ve added a lot of characters and plots that are completely my own. I love reviews and comments. I’ll be posting updates daily.

Story Summary: Marinette Dupain-Cheng is an adult in the real world, guarding the Miracle Box in Master Fu's place. She's in love with Chat Noir, but refuses to tell him her feelings. New holders appear to fight the duo and shake up their lives. Marinette makes a tough decision about her future as Ladybug.

Chapter 1: A New Visitor

Years after obtaining the Ladybug miraculous, defeating Hawkmoth, and graduating high school, Marinette Dupain-Cheng is now 21 and has her own apartment away from her family. While facing several enemies over time, Marinette has also served as guardian of the miraculous, a replacement for Master Fu.

Her apartment was dreary with a dark color scheme and lonely feeling. It was only one room, which had her bed and dresser, a kitchen, living room area and a bathroom off to the side. Marinette laid on her bed, scrolling through her phone, all the kwamis floating around her.

"Hmm." Her thumb slid across the screen. "What do you guys want for dinner?"

"Something sweet." Pollen answered.

"Something spicy." Trixx said.

"Definitely chocolate. Anything chocolate." Duusu squealed.

Marinette rolled off her bed and headed to the kitchen. "Let me see what I have first." She opened the fridge and released a breath. There was only a few ingredients on the shelves, three eggs, and a half gallon of milk. "Not much to work with." She mumbled.

"You don't need to cook us anything, Marinette." Tikki said. "We'll be okay."

"It's fine. I don't mind cooking and if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to talk to you guys." Marinette denied. Tikki sighed. "Since I'm not wearing all of the miraculous, I have to feed you all regularly." She pulled out the milk and poured a glass. "It's not a big deal, so I'll just go to the store." 

"Maybe you could invite Alya over." Tikki suggested, flying in front of her. "You haven't hung out with her much since high school."

"I can't do that, Tikki. I have you guys to think of first." She took a sip.

"We can go back in the miracle box for the time being." Tikki replied. "There's nothing to worry about, so surely you can invite your friends over from time to time."

"Yes." Sass slurred. "We'll stay quiet and hidden."

"No need to." Marinette walked back to her bed and grabbed her phone. "As part of being a guardian, I have to focus on the miraculous first and that means no one, but me enters this apartment. No one can even see the box, let alone you guys. It's the least I can do for Master Fu. No friends, no boyfriends, not even family can come in here. It must stay private or else I've failed as a guardian."

"But you still have a life to live, Master." Nooroo advised. "Your job is sacred to us and many others, but it does not take away your humanity."

She grabbed her keys and purse. "I'm an adult now and I have my responsibility to you guys above all else. My high school friends are a close third and my family is put second after you." Marinette made excuses. "Besides, I'd only be lying to them. I could never tell my family or friends anything. The only person I could ever be almost completely honest with was . . . "

"Chat Noir." Tikki finished.

"Yeah . . . " She replied, staring into space.

"Why don't you call him?" Wayzz asked.

Marinette inhaled sharply, dropping her keys. She looked forward in a daze before reaching down to pick them up. "No."

"Aw, but you two were so cute." Duusu cheered. "He was always planning things for you two; all of his gestures. It was so romantic!"

"Chat Noir doesn't love me, Duusu." Marinette stared down.

"Sure he does." Pollen insisted. "After all these years, he only wants you."

"He has a girlfriend last I heard." Marinette stated, playing with her keys. "Chat Noir moved on awhile ago, so I'm sure he's forgotten all about me by now."

"But you still love him." Tikki countered.

"I can't tell him that, Tikki." Marinette turned around. "After every rejection and temper tantrum I threw over his romantic gestures . . . it's not right and it never will be." She paused. "How could I even do that? I won't . . . put him through any pain again. I don't deserve him at this point, so I'll just have to get over him."

"But why?" Fluff asked. "Everything would be so much easier. I couldn't imagine him denying you and it's not a crime to love."

"It's not l-" She stopped herself. "It's too late in my life for this. I need to move on and focus on other things. Not everyone went through three and a half years of guardianship training, so my future is set in stone. I've made my choices."

"How do you know he's made his? How do you know he's given up?" Ziggy questioned. "You only see each other every once in awhile now that Hawkmoth isn't in the picture anymore. Maybe you've forgotten his ways. When was the last time you saw him exactly?"

"Um . . . three months ago." She shifted her weight. "At a store robbery."

"You could use a refresher. Suppressing your memories because of your feelings is weakening your partnership." Pollen informed, flying in front of her face. "Call him." She ordered.

"How about I get to the store?" Marinette headed to the door, ignoring them. "Tikki." She called.

Tikki flew in her purse and the others stayed behind. Marinette closed the door behind her and locked it. She sighed and closed her eyes, taking a moment to breathe.

. . .

Marinette walked down the sidewalk towards the store. She continued to type the rest of her shopping list as she walked before bumping into someone.

She looked up. "Sorr-" She stopped. Everyone around her had stopped on the sidewalk staring at the road. Marinette put her phone away and moved to the edge. A bright, dark orange line was painted along the road. She bent down and ran her fingers over it. The mark was made of some sort of dust. It stained her fingers. "What the?"

"This is Nadia Chamack, bringing you the latest news." The reporter began. Marinette moved towards her. "Parisians left their homes this afternoon to find our streets covered with mysterious orange lines. This is the first unusual event in almost two years to happen in Paris. Is this an attack, a warning, or a simple prank? What does all of this mean? More updates will follow." The camera panned down.

The crowds didn't seem too worried, just confused. This definitely wasn't an akuma, but what were they to think? It's been a few years, but they still remember Hawkmoth.

Marinette needed to transform. She ran around the corner, into an alleyway. The crowds began to spread and the people started filming. Once she was hidden, she unclasped her purse. Tikki flew out.

"Tikki, Spots On." She whispered. Once she was red clad, she wiggled her fingers. Her suit felt new and unknown. It looked the same, but it felt like forever since she wore it last. Her yo-yo beeped as she flipped it open.

"Breaking news!" Nadja yelled. "A woman here at The Seine is claiming the orange lines across Paris as her own. She has a miraculous, but is she a hero or a villain?"

"Paris . . . I am Ginger." The woman smiled. "I am not here to harm any of you, but I would like a word with Ladybug and Chat Noir."

Ladybug shut her yo-yo. "Great." She muttered, swinging up to the rooftops.

Ladybug swung over to the Seine and saw her. The woman had an orange suit laced with purple and burgundy shoes that looked like anthers. Her mask has purple and lime details like petals. She had a brown bob hair cut and strong green eyes. Ladybug sprinted down the road until she came face to face with her.

"Well that was quick." The woman grinned.

"Who are you?" Ladybug asked.

"And why are you in Paris?" Chat Noir finished, sliding down his baton next to her. He flashed his signature smile. Ladybug's eyes widened as she looked at her partner. "Long time no see, M'Lady."

"Aw, you two are even cuter in person." She had an subtle English accent. "You're miraculous are like little onesies."

"Kind of hypocritical considering yours isn't so different." Ladybug replied. "But who are you?" She repeated.

"I am Ginger." Her eyes looked them up and down.

"We already know that from the news." Ladybug rolled her eyes. "Where did you get a miraculous?"

"My master of course." She smiled. "I started training from a young age to be a miraculous holder and now I've been granted the opportunity for mine. This is my first mission, but don't think I will go easy on you because you have ones like I do."

"There aren't many guardians though." Chat Noir said. "In fact I've only ever met one, so seeing someone completely new is strange."

"I'm sure one of you knows something." Ginger looked between the two of them. "Whichever one of you is the guardian." She stared, searching for answers. "But I'm not here to chitchat. I must be going, but I do have a purpose today."

"Purpose?" Ladybug raised an eyebrow.

"I bring a warning for you both." She smirked. "We are coming for you."

"What does that mean?" Chat asked.

"I must be going." Ginger used her right foot to draw an orange circle around her. She twirled at the end and disappeared in a cloud of dust.

Ladybug sighed. "I guess . . . we're back to the old days."

"Good old days." Chat shrugged. "It's been . . . almost two years since then, Ladybug." He turned to her and smiled. "But it's nice to see you again."

That smile killed her and she refused eye contact. "Yeah." She agreed, her cheeks pinkening.

[mochegato]

My 3 year old got really excited when she saw @alicepink-me profile pic. "Mommy!!! Do we have marinette's phone number now?!!! Can we call her! "

[secretagentspydetectiveninja]

miraculoussparrow replied to your photo “alicepink-me: I thought it was so sweet how Kim liked Chloe. He got...”

Alix and Max at the same is even better.

Omg yes... the brot3/ot3... it’s perfect

[alicepink-me]

Secrets Revealed

By: Alice Pink (Btw I was 14 when I wrote this, so not my best work)

Story Summary:

Chat Noir's goal has always been to find out Ladybug's true identity. Can one hint about Ladybug lead to the truth? Secrets will be revealed about the past as mysteries unfold. How will Marinette and Adrien react to everything?

Chapter 3: The Charm Bracelet

"What are you doing Marinette?" Tikki questioned.

"Just looking at the bracelet Chat gave me. It's really pretty and I can't believe that he would get me something so nice." Marinette said putting the bracelet inside her purse. She could not erase the smile she had on her face. Chat Noir's gift had made her happy.

"Well," Tikki said with a smile,"He is in love with you."

"Or so he says." Marinette's grin grew. "He's Chat Noir. He could say that stuff to every girl. Who knows how he really feels?" Marinette fell back onto her bed and looked up at the ceiling. She had just wasted 20 minutes staring at the charm bracelet. She couldn't look away from it. She loved the way it sparkled in the light. The only thing Marinette hated was that she couldn't wear it outside of her house. If anyone saw Chat Noir give Ladybug that bracelet, then they might figure out that she was Ladybug. And her identity would definitely be given away if Chat Noir saw her wearing it. So she must keep it in her room.

Tikki flew over to the bracelet's gift bag and looked at it. She wanted to get a closer look at what Chat Noir had given Ladybug. "Hey Marinette. Did you read this note on the bag?"

"What?" Marinette said, sitting up on her bed. "What note?"

"This one." Tikki said, pointing to the side of the bag.

"No." Marinette said, grabbing the bag.

Marinette found a small sticky note with a message written in red pen. "Ladybug. Your hair's as dark as night. Your eyes sparkle like the stars. I can't resist a smile when you're around. I look forward to seeing you every moment we meet. Happy Birthday Princess. I hope you think of us every time you see this bracelet." Marinette stared at the note for a minute thinking. "Well Tikki, I guess I know how he feels about me."

"He must really like you Marinette."

"I guess that explains why he's always smiling at me. It's like every time I look at him, he's smiling back. Sometimes it's weird, but other times I smile back at him." Marinette put the bag down and smiled at Tikki. "That also explains why he's always staring at me."

Tikki smiled. "He did say your eyes sparkle like the stars."

"Stars." Marinette spoke quietly, started to think again. "Stars! Stars Tikki."

Tikki was now confused at what Marinette was saying. "What about stars?"

"They're perfect for my dress. You know, the dress for my birthday party. I know just what to make. I gotta get designing."

Marinette ran down to her desk and immediately got out her sketch book. She stuck out her tongue as she thought of her dress. She had to stop thinking of Chat Noir and start working.

. . .

Marinette woke to the loud sound of her alarm after it had gone off nearly three times. She had stayed up late working on her dress and barely got any sleep. Luckily, she had finished it. It was a knee length black dress with blue and yellow stars on the bottom half.

"What . . . NO! I'm gonna be late!" Marinette shouted as she scrambled out of bed. She got dressed, grabbed her stuff and started running to school. She had been late to school so many times before that her teacher would probably kill her for being late again. It was 8:25 when Marinette got there, so she had 5 minutes until class started. But Marinette was too busy running to school to notice the time. Actually Marinette was too busy trying to get to school that she wasn't watching where she was going and she ran right into someone. Marinette immediately realized who she ran into by the sound of his voice.

"Are you okay?" Adrien asked, helping Marinette to her feet.

"Oh uh . . . Ya. I-I'm fine. Just running to you. No I mean you r-running to school. N-No I mean running to school. Where I ran into y-you." Marinette stammered.

Adrien now had a confused look on his face as he tried to decipher what Marinette was trying to say. He handed her her backpack as Marinette picked up her purse. "Don't worry Marinette. We have five minutes until class starts."

Marinette tried to think of something to say, but she couldn't think of anything that could make sense. She opened her mouth to speak, but then Alya suddenly came and dragged her away. Alya pulled her to a corner of the school.

"Girl I have big news." Alya whispered. "Sorry for taking you away from Adrien, but this is important."

"Don't apologize. I couldn't think of anything to say." Marinette assured.

"I found out that Ladybug and Chat Noir go on patrol almost every other day! I've been keeping an eye on them and looking at every video and picture of them. I even found out that they meet on top of our school! Can you Believe that Marinette? Paris's heroes meet on top of our school to protect us." Marinette's eyes widened as Alya talked.

'I guess me and Chat Noir have to find a new place to meet for patrol. And I'll have to try and stay away from Alya a little bit as Ladybug so she doesn't figure anything else out.'

"Uuuh . . . ya Alya. I can't believe it."

"You watch Marinette. I'm going to figure out their real identities." Alya said with such determination in her eyes. Some times that scared Marinette. "Oh, I gotta go tell Nino. See you in class." Alya ran away quickly to go find Nino and left Marinette at a corner of the school.

. . .

Marinette had managed to watch where she was going for the rest of the day. She didn't want to be embarrass herself again by crashing into Adrien. Who knows how she controlled her clumsiness for the day? But now the school day was over and she could go back home before she does something stupid to embarrass herself.

Marinette had actually had a really good day. Alya was happy (Even though it involved her as Ladybug and Her and Chat Noir had to find a new place to meet for patrol) and Adrien had smiled at her a couple of times (Marinette somehow had managed to stay calm when she saw him. Luckily he didn't try to talk to her because she hadn't thought of anything to say to him yet.).

Marinette crossed the road to the bakery. She went to the back door and noticed a small box sitting in front of the door with her name on it. Marinette grabbed the box and quickly ran up to her room. She sat on her bed with the box as Tikki flew out of her purse.

"Tikki." Marinette began. "Look at this box I found in front of the back door."

"What is it?" Tikki asked, flying over to Marinette's shoulder.

"I don't know. But there's only one way to find out." Marinette said as she opened up the box.

Inside of the box was Marinette's charm bracelet with a note.

Marinette immediately knew it was her bracelet (After all, she did stare at it for 20 minutes the day before admiring it). She picked up the note that was inside and read it. "I know you're Ladybug." Marinette was shocked to realize what she had just read.

"Someone knows I'm Ladybug, Tikki. But how?" Marinette looked at Tikki for an answer.

"Marinette you lost your bracelet. Someone must have connected the dots and figured out the truth about you."

"But my bracelet was in my purse all day."

"You left your purse open all day. I tried to tell you but you were running to school and then you were in class. I didn't have a chance. I don't remember when it fell out. It could have been anywhere."

Marinette looked down at the note again. "I wonder who found it." Marinette then realized there was something written on the back of the note. It was a date and place.

"Tikki look." Marinette said, showing her the other side of the note. "Meet me on Saturday May 23rd at the park at 3:00. See you then Ladybug."

"I guess I'm going to the park tomorrow Tikki."

[alicepink-me]

Secret Admirer

WARNING: FINAL CHAPTER

Story Summary:

With the help of Chat Noir, Marinette sends a love letter to Adrien. After that, there’s an exchange of many letters between Marinette and Adrien. Marinette is excited but later questions if she is actually writing to Adrien and thinks Chat Noir might actually be writing to her instead. Marinette tries to make sense of her love life and who her secret admirer actually is.

Chapter 15: Together Forever

Ladybug swung through Adrien's window and landed by the couch, detransforming back to Marinette. Adrien was sitting at his desk, focused intently on his computer. Marinette smiled. She walked up behind him and slid her hands over his shoulders and around his neck, hugging him. Adrien leaned into her and sighed.

"Are you busy?" Marinette mumbled. "I can come back later."

"No." He twirled his chair around she sat in his lap, her arms still around his neck. "I was just working on my Chinese lessons. My teacher was sick, so she emailed me some practice work."

"So you are busy."

"Skipping a lesson won't cause any problems. I've been fluent since I was 10, so I'll be just fine. Besides, I'll always make time for you." His hand rested on her leg.

Marinette smiled. "So I'm guessing this isn't a great time to introduce me to your family?"

"You mean my dad and Nathalie?" He chuckled. "No, they're still a little cranky that I'm not with Chloe or Lila and I'm not too sure how they'd react to you. I think they expected me to either stoop low enough to be with Chloe for the money or be with Lila for a better image. Whatever is best for my career." Adrien kissed her nose. "But I didn't need either."

"I'd hate for your family to despise us being together. Maybe one day they'll like me."

"I hope so."

"Whatever happened to Lila?" Marinette asked, standing up. "I haven't seen her since that day. What did you do after the akuma attack?"

Adrien stood and pushed his chair in. "I took her home and . . . I told her mother everything. I remembered everything as Adrien and as Chat Noir. I told her about the lying, the manipulation, and everything that Lila said and did while akumatized." Adrien walked over to the couch and pulled out a blanket.

Marinette sat next to him. "Did she believe you?"

"I think so. I don't know if she would have if I wasn't Chat Noir, but she had said she was getting a little suspicious of her daughter. Lila lied to everyone and her mother wasn't exempt from it. Her lies may have been outrageously unbelievable, but she spoke them so easily that no one could deny them. I'll leave it Lila to come clean to the school and be honest, but I had to tell her mother the truth."

"I think you did the right thing." Marinette said, covering herself with the blanket. "But what's her mom going to do? Did she tell you?"

"At the moment, she didn't know, but I came back a few days later to check on them both."

"And?"

"They're leaving Paris. Her mother thinks that's what's best. She's thinking England, but they haven't decided yet." Adrien said. "But they'll be gone before the summer ends. Lila is also going to therapy now and her mother thinks staying here would just trigger Lila to go back to her old ways."

"Would that really work though?" Marinette leaned on her hand. "Lila is sneaky and can get away with almost anything. She could easily put on a show to make sure people believe her. How do we know she'll actually change?"

"I believe she will." Adrien admitted. "Whenever I came back, her mother told me everything. She said Lila's father was never home because of his job and she was always working to pay the bills. They never gave Lila the attention she needed and when they were together, they never agreed on anything. They had different opinions from the beginning, so they never had a good relationship. Her mother even recalled a time where she picked Lila up from preschool and the teacher said Lila told her classmates that her mother was super rich and would be putting her in a far more expensive school. She had bragged that she travels the world with her family throughout the year. That's when her lying started, but that day was kind of forgotten. After that, her mother never heard of any incidents."

"But why would Lila lie from the beginning? She didn't get along with her family, but they were the basis of her lies in the beginning."

"Her mother suspects that Lila just wanted to be adored and given attention. If her parents weren't always there, then she would've had other targets for affection. If it was just her, there was no one to prove her wrong. She could invent a dream family and lifestyle without any rejection."

"I kind of feel bad for her now." Marinette frowned.

Adrien nodded. "Her mother always asked about her day when she came home, but Lila seemed to resent her. She did try, but her daughter was always focused on everything else. With all those lies, maybe that's why Lila was so dedicated to getting me to like her. She wanted to create a perfect life and the perfect lover."

"Perfect?" Marinette questioned.

"I know I'm not perfect." Adrien announced. "But apparently I fit her list of her wants."

"Sounds like you two would be great together." Marinette joked.

Adrien put his hand behind her head and immediately pulled her in for a kiss. Marinette clutched the couch, surprised. Adrien pulled back. "Never." He breathed. "I only need you in my life."

"I meant as a friend." Marinette laughed. "You both have a lot in common. You two can find middle ground and maybe . . . you could be honest friends."

"Maybe." Adrien said as Marinette wrapped her arms around him and returned the kiss. Adrien smiled and held the sides of her face, deepening the kiss. The two felt at ease, but a surprise knock was heard at the door.

"Adrien?" Nathalie's voice was heard. Adrien pushed Marinette down on the couch and broke the kiss. They were so close. Marinette stared up at him, her face burning. Adrien's eyes widened. He covered her mouth with his hand and sat up just as Nathalie walked in. "Adrien, have you finished your Chinese lessons for this evening?" She asked, pulling out her clipboard.

"Yes, Nathalie." He answered, his heart pounding as he shifted his eyes quickly between her and Marinette.

"Your father has scheduled you an interview at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning for a teen magazine." Nathalie looked up. "Your script will be ready in an hour and you must memorize your responses before the interview. No Netflix after an hour. You must stay focused. As always, nothing rated R."

"Thank you, Nathalie." Adrien replied. "I'll be up by six tomorrow."

"Very well then." She turned and left. "Goodnight, Adrien."

Adrien let out a sigh and looked back to Marinette. She laid spread out from when he pushed her down. She began to laugh against his hand that covered her mouth, cheeks still pink. Adrien leaned down and kissed her again. Marinette stayed there, laughing.

"Perfect time to introduce me." She chuckled. Adrien rolled his eyes before pulling her up. "Maybe not to find me on the couch with his son though. The situation might seem rather suggestive."

Red spread though Adrien's cheeks. "I-I don't know if they would've thought that." He rubbed the back of his neck. "You know what? Let's watch some Netflix. We shouldn't have anymore issues until they bring me the script." Adrien grabbed the remote off the table and turned the TV on.

"Sure." Marinette stretched. She scooted closer and adjusted the blanket as she snuggled up to him.

"We should watch something completely scary and definitely rated R." He smirked. "Especially since it's getting dark."

"I'll leave." Marinette said. "I cannot do scary stuff."

"Come on, I never have anyone to watch scary movies with and . . . you can hug me anytime you're afraid. It'll be fun."

Marinette rolled her eyes. "Maybe for Halloween." She knew she'd go back on that later, but for now, she might win this decision.

"Fine. It is August after all." Adrien pulled out his phone and started typing. "But I will hold you to that. I'll set myself a reminder."

"You're insane." Marinette pushed his phone down.

. . .

45 Minutes Later:

Marinette was practically laying on top of Adrien. Adrien was still wide awake, but Marinette did fall asleep for almost ten minutes earlier in the movie. She slowly removed her arms from around him and tried to move, but Adrien had a tight hold.

"Adrien." Marinette yawned. "You need to let go."

"No." He held her tighter. "Stay."

"I have to go to the bathroom." She said. "And Nathalie should be bringing you that script any minute. I probably shouldn't be in the room when she walks in."

"You can hide like last time. It'll be fine."

"Yeah and I'll hide in the bathroom this time." Marinette tried to move.

"But you're so warm. I don't want you to leave me." Adrien pulled his arms back in defeat.

"You'll survive." Marinette patted his side and sat up. Adrien paused the TV. Marinette stood and walked to the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

. . .

Marinette washed her hands, but stopped when she heard noise in Adrien's room. She turned the water off and quickly dried her hands before pressing her ear against the door.

"Make sure you have this script memorized." Nathalie reminded. "Your father wants to keep a clean reputation for you both. Even a simple sentence error could diminish our image."

"I understand, Nathalie." Adrien nodded.

Marinette turned around and sat on the countertop. She'd have to wait until Nathalie leaves and hopefully it wouldn't be long. Marinette turned to the mirror and adjusted her hair, combing through her bangs, but something caught her eye. Looking at the reflection, she saw a picture frame behind her with a familiar pink heart inside. Marinette hopped off the countertop and walked closer. She recognized it. It was her letter; the very first one. She reached on the tips of her toes and took the picture frame off the wall.

Tikki flew out of her jacket. "Is that . . . "

"Yeah." Marinette answered.

It was the first letter she sent him and signed, with the help of Chat Noir. The pink heart was kept new behind the glass, holding every memory. She read over the message all over again and burst into tears, covering her mouth. Marinette knew she had kept the letters she received, but she didn't think he'd save his as well.

Nathalie's head jolted. "Is someone here, Adrien?" Her eyes narrowed towards the bathroom.

Marinette held her breath.

"No." Adrien said, standing. "It's just me here."

Nathalie approached the bathroom. "I could've swore I heard something or . . .  someone." She suddenly slammed the door open, making him jump. Silence. The bathroom was empty without any signs of something unusual. Nathalie straightened and composed herself.

"I must've left the light on." Adrien suggested.

"Alright." Nathalie turned around. "Make sure you're well rested for tomorrow, Adrien." She passed Adrien and left, closing the door behind her.

Marinette sighed from in the bathroom. She stayed behind the corner of the shower, clutching the frame to her chest. If she wasn't slightly eavesdropping, she might've been caught.

Once the coast was clear, Adrien ran to the bathroom. "Marinette?" He whispered, stepping in the doorway.

Marinette ran from her spot, setting the frame on the counter before meeting Adrien in a kiss. She held the sides of his face, pulling him down as she deepened the kiss. Adrien wrapped his arms around her, pressing her closer. Marinette's fingers ran through his hair as she tilted her head.

Marinette pulled back. "I love you! I absolutely, undeniably, really love you!" She blurted, kissing him again even though she could barely breathe.

"Woah." Adrien panted, cupping her cheeks. "What happened in here?"

"You kept my letter." Her eyes pointed towards it. "The first one." She smiled.

"Why wouldn't I?" His thumb rubbed her cheek. "This all started because of that one pink heart . . . plus your confidence to send it."

"Oh please, I needed you even then." Marinette rolled her eyes. "Without a certain hero, I wouldn't be anywhere near you right now. I'd probably be in my room with Alya, fantasizing about my next plan to confess my feelings to the Adrien Agreste."

"And I would probably be . . . at a photoshoot, still as clueless as ever, not knowing what was right in front of me the whole time." Adrien leaned his forehead against hers, closing his eyes.

Marinette sighed. "I'm so glad you found me that day."

"Me too." He smiled. "And I'm not going anywhere."

"I kept your letters too." Marinette said. "They're all in my desk in my room."

"I hope you have room for more." He joked.

"More?" She opened her eyes.

"I'm gonna have to write you a letter every week or so now." He laughed. "To keep this spark alive."

"You don't have to."

"But I will." Adrien kissed her. "Because I love you . . . and I always will." He grinned and grabbed her right hand. "Now let's go out." He ran in the living room and to the window.

"Don't you have to study?" She asked. "And it's getting late."

"Come on, Chat Noir doesn't follow those rules." He hoped on the open window edge with a huge grin. "We're gonna have some fun." Adrien grabbed her hand and jumped out, taking her with him in a freefall. "Plagg, Claws Out!" He called as he dove farther down. Marinette screamed the whole way. Once transformed, Chat Noir landed on the ground and caught Marinette in a swoop before leaping to the rooftops. "Let's go!"

"Where are we going?" Marinette wrapped her arms around his neck.

Chat smiled. "Everywhere."

. . . 

@liebredavinci @i-am-so-done-like @yo-jes @ashtheteenagewitch @too-involved @ms-epicness @zazzlejazzle @cocoa-beanzzz @thedisneyestprincess @lightkeykid

[alicepink-me]

Secret Admirer

Story Summary:

With the help of Chat Noir, Marinette sends a love letter to Adrien. After that, there’s an exchange of many letters between Marinette and Adrien. Marinette is excited but later questions if she is actually writing to Adrien and thinks Chat Noir might actually be writing to her instead. Marinette tries to make sense of her love life and who her secret admirer actually is.

Chapter 14: A Date

Marinette laid on her bed with her hands resting behind her head. She had her ankles crossed and a smile on her face. It has been six weeks since Marinette wrote her first letter. It felt like just yesterday she was a nervous wreck about her crush, but now, everything was totally different. Six and a half days ago, Ladybug gave Adrien her diary and early the next morning, Chat Noir visited her.

So much had happened that morning. Maybe they were both just sleep deprived or confused, but they knew one thing either way; they were meant for each other. They both had expressed their feelings and chose one another. The two haven't really talked about their feelings again since a week ago, but Chat Noir or Adrien visited almost each day. Tons of Ultimate Mecha Strike games, tons of her dad's baked goods and pestering when Adrien visited, and lots of walking around Paris together, at night of course. The city was the most beautiful at night and the heroes could see all the better views. With the two playing video games sometimes, Marinette even made a matching hoodie for herself, but hers had her own favorite video game character on it.

Marinette closed her eyes and let out a sigh. "I feel like my life is finally in order, Tikki."

"I do too Marinette." Tikki cheered. "And whatever life throws at you next, besides having me, you now have Adrien by your side. You never have to face any challenges alone, especially Ladybug business. Together you two can face anything."

"Let's just hope we can beat Hawkmoth now." Marinette laughed. "Maybe he'll focus on the enemy better now that he doesn't have to worry about winning me over."

"I don't know." Tikki flew over to the vase of wilted flowers on her desk. "You're in love. It might have the opposite affect during akuma attacks."

"I was in love with Adrien before and did just fine."

"But now you know Chat Noir is Adrien and he is flirting with you. It might get complicated. Adrien is flirting with you in disguise."

"Well if you put it that way."

Tikki flew up with a rose. "What if he hands you rose and professes his love to you up on the rooftops? You'll be a blushing mess and will probably forget all about the akuma."

"Chat Noir's always had horrible timing like that." Marinette laughed. "I'll just have to ignore him. He might get all cranky, but I can make it up to him whenever Paris is safe again." She opened her eyes slightly and took the rose, twirling it between her fingers.

Tikki sat on the pillow next to her. "Maybe he'll be extra dramatic."

"I bet he will be." She smiled. A small creak was heard and a letter slowly fell down to Marinette, landing on her stomach. She turned her head towards the trap door above and her smile widened. Marinette picked the white envelope off and ripped it open. She pulled out a black card with a lacey border. She opened it and scanned the white ink. "You are proudly invited to a moonlit picnic under the stars." Marinette sat up and showed it to Tikki. "A date tonight, Tikki."

"Fancy." She examined the card. "What are you going to wear?"

"I don't know, but I'll figure that out later." Marinette turned on her side and snuggled into her pillow.

"Marinette, your date is in one hour."

Marinette's eyes shot open as she sat up. "What?!"

"It says 8 p.m." Tikki pointed to the line.

"One hour?! Oh I am so going to kill him!" Marinette hit her fist against her hand. "Who asks for a date with that short of notice? Actually, he didn't even ask. What if I was working or something? He could've showed up and saw me in my pajamas. And if I was in my pajamas, I wouldn't leave at that point."

Tikki flew over to the closet and sighed. "So are we going to keep debating about how dumb and in love Adrien is or are we going to pick your outfit?"

. . .

"Okay, I'm going with the pink top." Marinette said, frantically buttoning the last button. She wore a black skirt with a short sleeved, petal pink, collared shirt. "I only have five minutes. I can't waste anymore time staring at my closet." She tucked her shirt in.

"You look amazing Marinette and I'm sure Adrien will think so too."

"Wait, what if I'm too dressed up? What if I'm supposed to be more casual?" She panicked and a faint knocking was heard. "Oh no!" She began to sweat. "He's here." Marinette sprinted up to her trap door and slowly cracked it open, peaking through. Adrien stood in black and white, holding a picnic basket. Marinette dropped to her bed and ran back down her steps. "He's in a suit, Tikki!" She shrieked. "Maybe I'm underdressed now." She looked in her mirror in the corner. Marinette opened a drawer and pulled out some pink lip gloss. "I need to at least look somewhat as hot as he does."

"You look fine Marinette." Tikki shook her head, watching her chosen vigorously apply gloss. "If you stay in here second guessing yourself, you're just keeping your suitor waiting."

Marinette released a breath. "Okay, Tikki. No need to panic, right? He already likes me." She ran back to her balcony and stopped to take a breather. She pushed open the trap door and crawled through. "Sorry about tha-" Marinette's jaw dropped.

The entire balcony was covered in small, white, sparkly lights. A giant, pink quilt laid on the floor with the picnic basket in the middle. Adrien stood in the corner with a huge smile on his face, rose in hand.

"How did you do that?" Marinette awed.

"Do what?"

"I-I was just up here and . . . there weren't-these weren't . . . none of this was like this." She stuttered.

"I guess you can say it's magical." Adrien said, winking. He walked over and held out the rose.

Marinette took it and stared down. "Over the top much?"

"What?"

"Nothing." She smiled. "So what do you have planned for this 'magical' night under the stars?" She moved closer.

"I'm glad you asked." Adrien grinned, taking her hand. He led her to the quit and they both sat down. "Well . . . " He opened the basket. "I know you told me that you love rotisserie chicken, so I got one, actually two. I don't know how much you eat, so I got an extra."

"Don't worry, I could eat a whole rotisserie chicken with my bare hands in like a minute." Marinette stared at it before shaking her head. "I mean no I wouldn't! I-I would never eat a whole chicken on a date. I don't know why I said that."

"You can if you want to." Adrien laughed, picking up a tray. "I also brought chocolate covered strawberries, cherries, cookies, and pretzels." He smiled awkwardly. "I didn't know which was better, so I kind of got all of them." Marinette took a strawberry. "I brought us some sparkling grape juice too." He pulled out two glasses and two bottles. "White and red."

"I'll take red." Marinette said, grabbing her glass. Adrien nervously poured some. "This better not be alcoholic." She smiled before taking a sip.

"No, I could never have alcohol. My dad would kill me." Adrien poured himself a glass. There was silence. Marinette ate a few more strawberries and eventually pried the plastic off the rotisserie chicken. She took a few bites, looking up at Adrien each time. He was watching her. It made her a little nervous, but it worried her more. Adrien gulped. "So did I do this right?"

"What?" Marinette swallowed.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "I didn't really know what to do for a picnic or any romantic stuff at all. I just want to make sure it's right and . . . this is . . . kind of my first date."

Marinette wiped her fingers off before reaching for his hand. "It's perfect." She smiled. "You don't need to try so hard. I'm already impressed." She rubbed her thumb over the back of his hand. "We could be downstairs, cleaning the bakery or something, and I'd still be happy. I'm not going anywhere."

Adrien leaned forward and kissed her slowly. Marinette beamed, starring into his green eyes.

"I love you!" She blurted. Adrien was about to speak, but she interrupted him. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you days ago when you told me. I didn't know what to say or how to say it. I got really nervous and I didn't know what to do. I'm really really sorry I made you doubt my feelings for you. I promise, I do love you. I should've told you way sooner, but I really needed to make sure you knew now." Marinette rambled, taking a deep breath at the end. "I'm so sorry." She looked down.

Adrien tilted her chin up and smiled. "I still love you." He pulled her into a delicate hug, smoothing the back of her hair. "You shouldn't feel like you need to rush your feelings because I've already made up my mind. I'd wait a thousand years for you, Marinette."

Marinette pushed back. "I've always been rushed into crazy situations, but I love you." She slid her hands down his arms. "I've waited and I would've waited longer for you." She smiled. "I'm just happy I don't have to wait anymore and I really wanted you to know how much I care about you because I don't want you to wait any longer to hear it."

Adrien brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, staring at her. "Why did you give me your diary?" He asked.

"I didn't want anymore secrets." She answered honestly. "I felt like I was hiding too much even though being Ladybug was really the only a secret. I wanted you to know everything, but I didn't know how to start and at the time I didn't know how you felt." Marinette sighed. "I just needed you to know, even if it was embarrassing."

"You wrote a letter to me everyday after we stopped talking. You labeled them on certain pages and I read them hundreds of times. You didn't forget our connection for even a day." Adrien held her tighter. "If I could go back in time . . . I'd march right up to your doorstep as Adrien and . . . I would've asked you out on day 1."

Marinette smiled. "And I would've imagined I was dreaming. I would've been a stuttering mess and probably would have denied it all and said there was no way I liked you. Then I'd walk right back inside and beat myself up about it later."

"Really?" Adrien sounded shocked.

"Yeah, I'm too anxious to have just invited you in."

"Well you're not anymore, right?" Marinette laughed to herself, grabbing Adrien's hand. She pressed his palm against her chest, her heart thumping against his skin. The beat was too rapid to even count. "Noooooo." Adrien whined, moving his hands to her cheeks. "Calm down." He chuckled. "I know you can't help with all of your anxiety, but I love you. You don't need to feel like you should second guess yourself around me. You shouldn't feel so nervous. I won't leave you."

"I think my heart will always beat fast around you." Marinette placed her hands on top of his and moved them down. "But I'm glad I have you to curb my anxiety. I know I'll be nervous for awhile. That's normal and I know I can tell you anything."

"You can. I'm always here." Adrien leaned forward and kissed her.

"Now I have a question for you." Marinette announced.

"Oh." Adrien's grin widened. "I'm kind of scared of what you might ask."

"Why . . . " She started. "Did you do all of this for me? Not the date, but all that stuff as Chat Noir? Why did you stop to help me back then?"

"I would've helped any of my friends." Adrien answered. "But you were such a mystery to me, Marinette. I never figured you out before and then I suddenly found you in the street. How was I supposed to know if you were okay or if you were going through something? I had to stop. I couldn't just leave you there. And then there was more. You gave me a chance to help you and that sort of fed my curiosity."

"But why the letters?" Marinette stared at their interlocked fingers. "Did you like me from the start or . . . did you just send me them to make me happy?"

"If I'm honest . . . " He paused. "I don't know why I did it, but that doesn't mean I didn't care about you." Adrien kissed her knuckles. "I think it all started as an interest in you as a person and as I learned a lot, I wanted to be around you and speak to you more. I never knew much before, but I grew intrigued. In fact, my kwami saw it before I did. He told me that this isn't what friends normally do; This isn't how they act. And . . . eventually . . . I accepted it. I had fallen for you."

"Really?"

"Now the big problem was Chat Noir. You fell for Adrien first and I didn't know what to do. I didn't have a plan and I acted on impulse. I wanted to be close to you, but doing so as Chat Noir would be a problem, and it was."

"But it's better now." Marinette squeezed his hand. "And I think we'll be okay."

"I think we'll be great." Adrien smiled.

She laughed. "Well Mr. Agreste, I think this was a rather charming night." Marinette said, brushing crumbs off of her outfit. "It's been a pleasure. Unless you have anymore surprises."

Adrien stood up, a giant grin on his face. "How about we go get some of Andre's ice cream?" He held out his hand. " I still owe you that date."

Marinette took his hand. "It's almost nine."

"I know." He flashed a grin.

"Are you talking about Andre's insomnia ice cream?" Her eyes lit up. "The equivalent of insomnia cookies, his specialty ice cream that is only available once a month, and the rarest ice cream in all of Paris?"

"I thought you kept up with his stand?"

"I do." Marinette interlocked their fingers. "And I'd love to go with you."

Adrien took a step back, keeping eye contact. "Plagg, Claws Out!" He called, speeding through his transformation.

"I thought I was going with Adrien?" Marinette joked.

"What? You still don't like Chat Noir?" He grabbed her hands. "I'm sorry, but . . . my dad can't know I left my room. And there are always Adrien fans everywhere I go. Someone will see and next thing I know, I'll be all over the internet and taken out of school."

"I understand." She nodded.

"Plus, I don't think the world is ready for my gorgeous girlfriend yet."

Marinette smiled and pecked him on the cheek before backing up. "Tikki, Spots On!" She transformed and walked over to the railing. She pulled out her yo-yo and rapidly typed, stopping at a map on her screen. "Last one there is paying." Ladybug laughed, swinging off and over the city.

"What?" Chat catapulted after her.

. . . 

@liebredavinci @i-am-so-done-like @yo-jes @ashtheteenagewitch @too-involved @ms-epicness @zazzlejazzle @cocoa-beanzzz @thedisneyestprincess @lightkeykid

[alicepink-me]

Secret Admirer

Story Summary:

With the help of Chat Noir, Marinette sends a love letter to Adrien. After that, there’s an exchange of many letters between Marinette and Adrien. Marinette is excited but later questions if she is actually writing to Adrien and thinks Chat Noir might actually be writing to her instead. Marinette tries to make sense of her love life and who her secret admirer actually is.

Chapter 12: Secrets

"Calm down, Hawkmoth." Lila rolled her eyes and jumped off of the brick box she trapped Chat Noir in. She walked up to his hand and held it, gazing at the ring. "Aw, poor cat." She fake pouted. "I guess the cat fight's over."

"Cataclysm!" He shouted, his hand sparking black.

Lila jumped back just in time. "Guess not." She chuckled. "But that'll only work for now. Your miraculous will run out, Chat Noir, and your ring will be mine."

"Not gonna happen!" A muffled shout could be heard from inside. "Ladybug will come any minute now and stop you!" He pointed at her tauntingly.

"Can't wait." Lila smiled, crossing her arms.

. . .

Ladybug stood at the top of a building, watching the encounter between Chat Noir and Lila. She needed to help Chat Noir and Lila was a vicious opponent, so she needed to be cautious. She backed up, so they wouldn't see or hear her.

"Lucky Charm!" Ladybug called. A stick of butter covered in a Ladybug wrapper fell in her hands. She stepped forward to see Lila talking to the trapped Chat Noir. She knew what to do. This would fit right into her idea. Ladybug turned back to her team. "Remember the plan?"

"Of course." Queen Bee flipped her hair.

"You can count on us." Rena Rouge twirled her flute.

"Good. Let's get started." Ladybug tossed Queen Bee the butter and nodded. She looked back to the enemy. "It's our turn to join the fight."

The two heroes ran off while Ladybug watched. She waited a minute before launching her yo-yo in front of Lila. The villain looked up at her with a smirk.

"So . . . you finally showed up." Lila walked closer. "Kind of a lousy partner if you ask me."

"I'm not asking you." Ladybug kept her chin high.

"So are you gonna come down here and fight me already?"

"No." Ladybug shrugged.

"No?" Lila furrowed her brow. "Why not?"

Ladybug sat down on the edge of the building, resting her chin on one of her knees. "You're after my miraculous, aren't you, so why should I be chasing you? My powers won't be taken away if I don't follow orders."

"Don't you care about your partner?" Lila crossed her arms. "I'm about to take his miraculous and you're just gonna leave him helpless?"

"Guess so." She smiled.

"That's quite sad, you know?" Lila huffed, shaking her head. "I should've tried to team up with Chat Noir myself. We would've been way better than you, Ladybug." She glared, her purple eyes flashing a shade darker. "I always knew you were the real villain anyway."

"Maybe." Ladybug replied. "But I already know who he is, so it doesn't matter to me. And besides . . . I'm more powerful. Even if you obtain the power of the black cat, you can't beat the ladybug."

"Fine, Ladybug, then I'll have to take you out first." Lila flew up to the building as Ladybug stood back up. "I'm getting sick of that smile anyway."

. . .

Queen Bee peeked out from behind the walls that imprisoned Chat Noir. Ladybug and Lila had run off fighting. Bee still held the stick of butter that Ladybug gave her and she unwrapped it.

Queen Bee rolled her eyes. "This is a real low point in my career." She rubbed the butter around Chat Noir's wrist with a disgusted look on her face. "I hate this." She complained, moving her hand back. "Try moving your stupid wrist, Chat, so I can stop doing this!"

Chat Noir groaned as he tried to fight against the wall. He tried twisting and turning his wrist, but couldn't move. Chat sighed, but then his wrist suddenly budged a little. Barely, but enough that he could reach the tips of his fingers to the wall. The wall disintegrated. Chat breathed heavily, relieved.

"Oh that goodness!" Bee exclaimed. "I couldn't have done that any longer."

"What's her plan?" Chat asked, brushing off some of the rubble.

"I'll tell you, but you need to recharge first. I just barely had time to help before your power ran out." Queen Bee replied. "Besides . . . you're still needed."

. . .

Ladybug ran along the rooftops, Lila chasing her. They had been running for a few minutes now. Lila kept building walls, but instead of running into them like Chat Noir, Ladybug dodged them and swung over with her yo-yo. Ladybug had a plan, but she was still thinking. She still needed to calculate a few things, but she knew what to do. Ladybug looked behind her quickly, but looked back again and stopped running. Lila had stopped. She stood in the middle of roof, staring at the ground.

"You stopped?" She asked.

"I will not chase you." Lila looked up, her purple eyes piercing Ladybug's soul. "I've done so much to get where I am and I will not let you ruin it. I'm your enemy." Lila walked forward. Ladybug didn't move. She wasn't afraid. "I could ruin everything for you." Lila explained, passing Ladybug. "I'm not chasing you anymore. I will beat you. If I can't do it like this, then I'll just take Chat Noir's ring and gain that power too You won't stop me them."

"Go ahead." Ladybug smirked, putting her hand on the side of her cheek. "I'm not stopping you."

Lila turned back. "I won't lose to you, Ladybug."

"You will."

"We'll see." Lila huffed and walked to the edge of the building. She jumped over the side, into an alley, hoping Ladybug would follow.

Lila looked ahead to see Chat Noir leaning against a wall. She panicked, looking between the two heroes. Ladybug watched over from the edge of the building.

Chat Noir twirled his trail. "I've got plans later, so let's make this quick, shall we?" He ran towards her, almost in a Naruto run.

Lila watched them both. She couldn't jump up because of Ladybug and Chat Noir was charging her. She was backed into a corner. They beat her, but . . . they couldn't have.

"No." Lila's eyes twitched. She put up a rock wall in front of her and above her. She leaned against the building behind her with a sigh. "This can't be happening . . . " Lila held her head.

"Venom!" Queen Bee's stinger shot through the building and hit Lila in the back, paralyzing her. Her pain drained from her face.

"Cataclysm!" Chat destroyed her rock walls.

Rena Rouge appeared out of nowhere, swiping away her illusion. The alleyway and a few buildings disappeared and showed that the team was just standing in the street. The last building Lila was on was the last one in the row, but earlier it looked like there was a whole five extra after it.

Ladybug jumped down. She stared at Lila, thinking for a moment. "I'd say the akuma's probably in one of her rings or her necklace."

"Try the necklace." Chat said.

Ladybug grabbed the necklace and threw it against the ground before stomping on it. The purple butterfly flew out. "No more evil doing for you little akuma. Time to de-evilize!" Ladybug spun her yo-yo and caught the butterfly. "Gotcha!" She waved. "Bye, bye, little butterfly." Queen Bee handed Ladybug the crumpled up butter wrapper and she threw it in the air. "Miraculous Ladybug!"

Lila's eyes faded back to their original color. There wasn't much damage, but all the randomly placed walls disappeared. Lila stood still even though she wasn't paralyzed anymore. She looked down. "Pound it!" The four heroes cheered, bumping fists. Queen Bee and Rena Rouge started to run off and Ladybug followed. She stopped and looked back at Chat Noir.

"I'll take care of her." Chat assured, moving over to Lila.

Ladybug smiled before running off with the heroes. They ran into a nearby building and closed the door. Queen Bee detransformed first. She took out her hair comb.

"Come looking for me again next time you need help." Chloe flipped her hair before leaving. She paused at the door, tapping her fingers. "Thank you . . . " She left. Ladybug smiled.

Rena Rouge detransformed and took off her necklace. "See you next time." Alya smiled as she gave Ladybug her miraculous. Her phone buzzed and she pulled it out of her back pocket. "Oh! I was supposed to watch my sisters this afternoon. I gotta go!" She waved, frantically running out of the building.

Ladybug opened her yo-yo and put both miraculouses inside. She bit her lip as her transformation wore off. She looked down at her lock box that reappeared in her hands. She was still thinking about Chat Noir. Even as she fought Lila, he was on her mind. She felt guilty, but she needed to return the miraculouses to Master Fu.

. . .

Later that Day:

Marinette ran up the stairs and through her trap door. She ran to her desk and grabbed her lock box. Because of the akuma, she was late for work at the bakery, so as soon as it was over she had to drop off her diary and head downstairs. There was no time to see Adrien until now.

Tikki watched Marinette. She didn't want to ask her anymore questions or try to talk to her. She wanted Marinette to decide her life without feeling pressured by anyone.

Marinette stared at the box. Her fingers traced the top. She smiled. "Let's go, Tikki." Marinette set the box down and looked at her kwami. "I have a plan. Not a good one, but a plan."

"I'm proud of you, Marinette." Tikki encouraged. "I know you'll make the right decision."

"Thanks, Tikki." Marinette smiled. "Tikki, spots on!"

Ladybug picked up the box and left from the balcony. She headed towards Adrien's house. Since she got home late, she also had to work later. Now, the sun was setting and the stars were appearing. Ladybug stopped and stood across from Adrien's room. His window was still open, but she was nervous. Ladybug threw her yo-yo forward and swung inside. She stood up and saw Adrien asleep in his bed. She smiled at the scene and walked over, standing at the edge of his bed. He looked so peaceful. It was a long day after all, so there's no surprise he's tired.

Adrien blinked his eyes, adjusting to the light. "Ladybug?"

"Ah!" She screamed, her arms flailing as she backed up. "I didn't mean to-I didn't do anything! I swear!"

"No, no, it's fine." He sat up.

"You know I should get going! I didn't mean to interrupt! You should sleep anyway! I'll come back another time!" She rambled, backing to the window with the box behind her back.

"Wait no!" Adrien threw his covers off and ran over. "Why are you here? Is something wrong?"

Ladybug stepped closer, looking at her feet. "No I . . . I . . . nothing's wrong, I just . . . I . . . have something for you."

He furrowed his brow. "You have something for me?" Ladybug pulled out the box and gave it to him. Adrien held it delicately. He gasped. "This is-"

"I need to get going!" Ladybug blurted as she bolted to the window, realizing what she was doing. Her face burned red as she saw his hands move to open it, the moment etching in her mind. She panicked and she needed out before she regretted her decision. She didn't want to be here when he opened it. "See you later!" Ladybug dove out the window before swinging to the buildings. She was gone before Adrien could process it.

. . . 

@liebredavinci @i-am-so-done-like @yo-jes @ashtheteenagewitch @too-involved @ms-epicness @zazzlejazzle @cocoa-beanzzz @thedisneyestprincess @lightkeykid

[alicepink-me]

The New Guardian

New story idea I’m trying. I thought of this back in October and have been writing it since then. It’s very different from my past works and I’ve added a lot of characters and plots that are completely my own. I love reviews and comments. I’ll be posting updates daily.

Story Summary: Marinette Dupain-Cheng is an adult in the real world, guarding the Miracle Box in Master Fu's place. She's in love with Chat Noir, but refuses to tell him her feelings. New holders appear to fight the duo and shake up their lives. Marinette makes a tough decision about her future as Ladybug.

Chapter 2: The Guardian

Ladybug sat at the edge of the Eiffel Tower, staring at the streets in front of her. The sun was high and their unusual enemy or friend had only visited earlier this afternoon. The orange lines still remained on the streets. Something about them seemed so familiar; not the color or substance, but the pattern. The police were still decided on the best cleanup methods.

Chat Noir is supposed to meet her here in twenty minutes. He was busy when Ginger made an appearance, so he had to get back home quickly. He had to at least come up with an excuse for whoever he was with. It made sense. Chat Noir probably has a family or friends whereas Marinette on the other hand hasn't had time for any of that. The kwamis are the most important in her life.

Ladybug scrolled through her yo-yo to find the latest news footage. Most of the stories were theories about Ginger. Paris was partially distressed, but because they are in the dark, they're slightly enthused to have a new "hero" in the city. Ginger couldn't have been much older then her, but she's not to be underestimated. Whether she's telling the truth about training for years or not, she's bold enough to make a scene in Paris.

Ladybug halted her scrolling when she saw a helicopter video. The video panned over the entire city, showing every orange outline and mark. Together, they all formed a familiar symbol that Marinette would recognize anywhere; the miracle box. The symbol of the miraculous was painted across the entire city. Now that's a sign. Seems like Ginger has a devious plan in mind.

"Sorry for the wait, M'Lady." Chat Noir used his staff to sit next to her. "But I did get back earlier than expected."

"I found something." Ladybug showed him her yo-yo. "Ginger left us a sign all over the city."

"That's the . . . "

"Miracle box." She finished, trying to think. "We are coming for you . . . " She muttered.

"They're coming to take you or hurt you or something like." Chat said. "I don't know what their plan is, but I won't let them do anything to you, Ladybug." He grabbed her hand that held the yo-yo. "I promise."

Ladybug blushed, but moved her hand back. She looked down.

"Do you know anything about their miraculous?" He asked. "When Master Fu trained you to be the next guardian . . . did he mention anything like this?"

"He taught me the history behind our powers and the miraculous." Ladybug exhaled. "There are several miraculous boxes out there and a few guardians. Whenever that ancient sentimonster from Master Fu's past was brought back by Mayura, many secrets were brought up, but once everything was restored, so was the guardian's temple. The temple, its people, its resources, and all of its secrets were restored. That's probably where Ginger came from and there's probably more, many more."

"So these new "heroes" might actually be telling the truth?" He questioned. "They may all have guardians now and years of training?"

"Master Fu said he had visited the temple after it was restored, but the guardians were in shambles. He stayed with them for a month and they eventually forgave his past mistakes." She continued. "But because of the lost time, almost all training and rituals were halted until further notice. They needed to update their lives and modernize first." Ladybug turned so she was facing him and leaned back against the metal. "I guess that time's up." She sighed.

"But why would they come for you?" Chat turned as well. "They may have caught up with time, but what business do they have with us?"

"I don't know . . . revenge?" She shrugged.

"But we didn't do anything. We were chosen by Master Fu to protect Paris and if they want revenge on him well they can't because . . . " Chat Noir took a deep breath. "He's dead." Ladybug looked to him, listening. "If they forgave him like you said, then they shouldn't want revenge. And they shouldn't need revenge because Master Fu's childhood mistakes don't entitle a lifetime of sorrow. He was a good and honest teacher for us. He was our Master and he made us the people we are today." Chat's nose flared as his claws slid across the metal before balling into a fist. "Why can't they just let him rest in peace?!" Ladybug stayed quiet. "The miracle box is safe, right? And our other miraculouses?" She nodded. Chat reached forward and grabbed her hand that rested on her knee, Ladybug's cheeks heated. "Please, Ladybug, think of anything else of importance that Master Fu told you. Anything that could help us or give some clues. Did he mention any tensions?"

Her hand shot back to her side. "I-I don't know anything." She stuttered.

Chat furrowed his brows. "What was that?"

"W-What was what?" She twirled a lock of hair, looking away.

"Are you nervous?" He leaned closer. "You're stuttering."

"I always stutter." Her heart beat faster.

"Not around me." He grew intrigued, inching closer. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I stutter around everybody. I can't help it." Ladybug stood up, Chat Noir doing the same. "I swear I don't know anything else. I can't help you."

He wasn't buying it. "You got quiet as soon as I mentioned Master Fu's death. Are you okay?" Chat stepped forward. "Is guarding the Miracle box too much for you? Do you need any help? What can I do?"

"I promise, Chat Noir, I'm fine. I always am." Ladybug moved away as he reached out, gripping her yo-yo. "We'll just have to wait until Ginger comes back. For now . . . we wait." Ladybug swung off the Eiffel Tower.

. . .

Marinette's Apartment:

Marinette threw her purse on a chair and collapsed on her bed. All the kwamis flew over her in excitement.

"What did you bring us Master?" Wayzz asked. "You were gone for a long time."

"Yeah, I'm starving." Roarr said.

"Where's the food?" Trixx asked.

"Sorry guys I-uh . . . " Marinette rubbed her eyes. "I didn't actually get to the store like I was supposed to. I got held up, so . . . you'll just have to eat some snacks."

"Aww." They all whined.

"What happened, Master?" Nooroo asked.

Marinette rolled off the bed and went to the kitchen. "Tikki can fill you guys in while I look for something to eat."

They all crowded around the red bug. Marinette searched her upper cabinets for snacks before finding a white box in the back. She pulled it out and turned back to the kwamis.

"I have macaroons everyone." She said, opening the box.

"You saw Chat Noir, Marinette?" Duusu squealed.

"Yup." Her eyes widened for a second.

"How was he?" Trixx asked.

"Interesting." Marinette took a macaroon. "He's still the same Chat Noir I've always known."

"Oh no . . . " Tikki trailed.

[alicepink-me]

The New Guardian

New story idea I’m trying. I thought of this back in October and have been writing it since then. It’s very different from my past works and I’ve added a lot of characters and plots that are completely my own. I love reviews and comments. I’ll be posting updates daily.

Story Summary: Marinette Dupain-Cheng is an adult in the real world, guarding the Miracle Box in Master Fu's place. She's in love with Chat Noir, but refuses to tell him her feelings. New holders appear to fight the duo and shake up their lives. Marinette makes a tough decision about her future as Ladybug.

Chapter 5: Soulmates

Three Days Later:

Adrien laid on his back in his bed, staring at the ceiling. Plagg flew over him with a shard of cheese.

"Oh, she kissed you." Plagg teased. "So when's the wedding?"

"She only kissed me to break a spell." Adrien said, closing his eyes. "It didn't mean anything."

"To you or her?" No answer. Plagg smiled, landing on his pillow. "You still have feelings for Ladybug and you're afraid to say anything." Adrien frowned. "I wonder how long you'll last against these new holders before you shout your feelings in the streets?"

Adrien's eyes shot open and he jumped up. "What am I supposed to say, Plagg?! Profess my love to her on the rooftops? That never worked before." He sighed. "I can't say anything. The kiss . . . was just a kiss."

"You might explode if you don't tell her. That could put a dent in your partnership." Plagg took a bite of his cheese. "And besides . . . maybe her feelings have changed.

"Why would they? She's made her mind up already and her feelings are pretty clear." He sluggishly sat down. "Ladybug always said she loved another guy and that she couldn't have feelings for me. I tried for years and faced her rejection several times, so why would she change so fast?"

"You're 22, Adrien." Plagg laughed. "Childhood, teenage, and adult crushes are often not forever."

"What's your point?" He asked negatively.

"There's no denying that you and Ladybug have changed since you were fifteen." He swallowed the rest of his cheese. "Your feelings haven't changed, but you have as a person. Who's to say her feelings aren't different?"

Adrien closed his eyes and fell back. "I don't think that's possible."

. . .

"Do you think they're coming back?" Chat asked, sipping his mug.

"It's been three days." Ladybug answered, staring down at her coffee as she mixed it with a spoon. She leaned back against the cold metal beam of the Eiffel Tower.

"It's odd for them to make a scene like that and then just disappear like they did." Chat said. "Either they're planning or something big is going to happen. It can't be over yet."

"Maybe they gave up." She suggested. "We beat them, so maybe they've accepted that we're stronger and moved on."

"I don't think so." He shook his head, looking at the city below. "They attacked the whole city, not just us. They wanted to create a scene that was bigger than us and honestly . . . I don't think it's just those three. I think there's way more. Maybe the entire academy is out to get revenge on us and Master Fu."

Ladybug stared at her drink as she listened to his theories. She couldn't make eye contact even if she tried. Their kiss has been the only thing on her mind for the past three days. Even if Chat Noir didn't remember or feel the same, she wouldn't forget it. She should because the kiss was only to solve the problem at hand, but that would be near impossible. Hopefully, Chat Noir is wrong and these attacks are over. Maybe she can get over the whole mess and they can move away and avoid each other again.

Chat Noir sipped his coffee and looked back to her. "What do you think, Ladybug? You're a little quiet right now and . . . it's kind of scary."

"I'm . . . just processing." She answered, taking a drink awkwardly. "I don't really know what to think. They have guardians and they have miraculous. We don't know how bad this could get because they could be lying and what if they aren't? We're still in the dark no matter what they say." Ladybug suggested. "This could go either way and we might lose."

"Why would you assume we'd lose?" He scooted a foot forward. "We've crushed so many enemies before. These three popped up out of nowhere . . . and don't hold a candle to us." Chat smiled. "We're an unstoppable couple."

"Couple?" Ladybug mumbled, her eyes widening. "We're just . . . a team. Two members of a team. Not much else. Those three obviously have the numbers and probably more. They could crush us."

"We always have our own friends." Chat countered. "We can have a larger team for the battle."

"No." She shook her head. "We can't get them involved in this mess. This enemy is completely different than anything we've ever faced. They know too much about us and there's so much that we don't understand. For all we know, they're baiting us to give out every miraculous in the box for support only so they can pull out some secret weapon that destroys us all. Then they have our miraculous and we lose . . . everything." Ladybug sighed. "We don't know their resources enough to increase out numbers like that without an actual plan."

"I guess you're right." Chat agreed. "We'll just have to be stronger than them then. Our connection is better than theirs anyway."

"Our connection?" Ladybug's cheeks turned red and she looked up.

"Yeah." Chat smiled. "Those three were arguing half the time and they didn't seem compatible like we are. Our teamwork totally tops theirs."

"Sure it does." She smiled, taking a sip. "Master Fu specifically chose us."

"Yeah, but we were two complete strangers back then." Chat said. "We never could've known how great of partners we'd be."

"Well Master Fu told me Ladybug and Chat Noir are meant for each other." Ladybug stirred her coffee. "They're always soulmates."

"What?" Chat Noir questioned, concerned. "We're . . . we're soulmates?"

"No-o, no, no, no . . . no." Ladybug anxiously set her mug down and stood up, rubbing the back of her head nervously. "We aren't-we're not . . . Master Fu just always said that Ladybug and Chat Noir are made for each other and they'll always end up together." She panic laughed. "That's why our connection's so strong and why we should be attracted to each other. It's only n-natural. O-Or that's, that's . . . just how . . . Master Fu put it." Ladybug breathed, staring at the metal beneath her.

"So . . . we are supposed . . . to be together?" Chat stood up and stepped forward.

"N-No we-we were never. Not possible. Clearly we aren't made for each other. We hardly get along. In fact, we aren't so different from those three." Ladybug rambled. "It's only been true with every other Ladybug and Chat Noir that came before us, but history shouldn't effect us. Why should it effect our lives or our decisions?" She panted as her face grew hotter. She could hardly comprehend what she was saying. "It's not that big of a deal really."

"It is to me." Chat insisted, stepping forward again. They only stood a foot apart. "That could've changed everything years ago."

"I don't know about that." Ladybug looked away, feeling her pulse catch in her throat.

"But it could've." Chat said. Ladybug's eyes met his and it felt like lightning between them. Both of them seemed to be searching for something. It was strange for Ladybug to look at him differently. "I don't think for a moment that we would've lost contact like we did if we had known."

"Well I knew for years and that didn't change anything for me." A lie. An obvious lie. "Master Fu has been dead for years and I knew way before that. And since we aren't together, it clearly didn't have any effect on me, Chat Noir." Half of a lie.

"But-"

"I need to go, Chat Noir." She turned, grabbing her yo-yo. "Thanks for the coffee though." She swung away before he could protest.

Chat Noir was left alone on the Eiffel Tower. He sat down and stared off, leaning his cheek on his fist. "Soulmates . . . "

[alicepink-me]

Secrets Revealed

By: Alice Pink (Btw I was 14 when I wrote this, so not my best work)

Story Summary:

Chat Noir’s goal has always been to find out Ladybug’s true identity. Can one hint about Ladybug lead to the truth? Secrets will be revealed about the past as mysteries unfold. How will Marinette and Adrien react to everything?

Chapter 6: In Betweens

"Hello. Wake up." A southing voice called.

Marinette awoke to someone shaking her. Marinette's eyes shot open and she immediately lifted her head off of the ground. She saw a young blonde woman staring at her.

"Good. You're awake. You've been sleeping for a while."

"Where am I?" Marinette said, sitting up.

Marinette saw that she was sitting on the floor of a humungous library. She looked around and examined the room. There were very few windows and it looked like it was dark outside. The room was really nice and comfortable. But the woman was sitting next to her on the floor watching her.

"You're in The Betweens." She said, quietly.

"What?" Marinette exclaimed, confused. "Where is The Betweens and why am I here? How long have I been asleep?"

"The Betweens is in your mind. If your strong enough, which you are, your mind goes here to live a "better" life. And you've been sleeping for about a day."

"A better life? What does that mean? How did I get her? And who are you?" 

"My name isn't important right now, but you must have had something evil inside of you. See, normal people's minds just get extremely angry, but if your strong enough, your mind comes here. This place is supposed to be a refuge. Each door in the main hallways leads to a perfect world, but what no one realizes is that there is no such thing as a perfect world. Once you enter a world, you can't ever escape." The woman said in a sad voice.

"You seem to know this place really well. How do you know all of this and why are you here?"

"My . . . partner was like you, but I came here after him and never escaped. I've stayed here in the library. The library has every book and I love to read. This building is mainly filled with hallways and doors that lead to perfect worlds, but there is also the library where we are, the top floor which has bedrooms, and the fountain. I can only access the bedrooms and the library though . . . but you on the hand . . . can leave." The woman said, looking down at the floor they were sitting on, playing with a ring on her finger.

"How long have you been here?" Marinette asked, concerned.

"About six months."

"Six months! That's awful." Marinette said as her eyes started to water.

"I don't get hungry, but I do age. You won't get hungry until you leave. But if you're here for more than a week then your body in the outside world will disappear and you'll start to age like me."

"I hope I'm not here for a week. I don't remember much of what happened before I came here though. I know that I was akumatized, but I can't really remember what happened next. I do know that Chat Noir was there." Marinette looked up at the woman. "Did anyone notice that you were gone when you first came here?"

"Only my partner and that's because he was with me at the time. My partner's mind was sent here, since something evil was inside of him, and I found a spell book to rescue him. I used a spell to enter this world through him. I entered, but I didn't know everything that I know now. We both weren't strong enough to leave on our own. But I had a miraculous that would make me strong enough to leave and I gave it to him so that he could go instead. I had stay and he was transported back. I've been here ever since." She faltered.

'She knows about miraculouses. But how? Who is this woman?

The woman's eyes watered as if she was about cry. Marinette could tell that her partner must have been someone special that she had lost.

'How much has she lost? She might have lost a lot more than her partner.' Marinette thought.

"If I get out of here, I'm gonna find a way to get you out too. By the way my name is Marinette." She said, standing up. "Now how do we get out of The Betweens?"

"Well." The woman said, standing up. "It's not exactly easy to escape. Thinking about it is, but as you walk past the rooms, they'll call you. They whisper to you, trying to get you to go inside. They'll try to convince you and get into your head. I had found another person here in Betweens before, but she couldn't resist. She walked in a door and was trapped there." The woman reached for a book on a shelf and opened it up. "This book has a map of all of the Betweens. We need to go to the fountain. The fountain has transporters around it and there is a barrier that you can get through with your miraculous. Let's get going." She sighed.

. . .

Marinette was suspicious and confused by this woman. She wouldn't tell her her name and she was acting completely normal about this. She's really nice and caring. Marinette thought if this woman, who's been here for half of a year, really wanted out of here that she would have tackled her and stole her miraculous.

They walked through the many hallways as Marinette awed at the place. It was magnificent. Almost like a museum and a hotel with beautiful paintings hanging all over the walls.

Marinette suddenly started to hear the whispers as they passed an old red door.

"Marinette . . . Marrinette . . ." The voices whispered. Marinette jerked her head around and looked at the door.

"Don't worry." The woman started. "Just ignore them. They'll get louder as we go."

The woman seemed very familiar with the building, but still used the book's map to find her way around. They had passed multiple doors. Everyone was different and they all whispered.

"Marinette. Come on, Marinette." The door spoke. "Famous fashion designer Marinette. Come on inside."

"I'm not a fashion designer yet." Marinette responded, stopping at the door.

"In here you are. You are the best designer in all of Paris."

The voices sounded soothing and sweet. They were peaceful and intriguing, which made them very hard to ignore. Marinette smiled, but quickly shook the thoughts from her head and kept moving forward.

"We're almost there." The mystery woman ahead said.

The voices got louder and louder. It was getting harder and harder for Marinette to ignore them.

"Marinette. Open the door." Another room whispered. "In here . . . you . . . and Adrien Agreste are together. You're even a fashion designer for Gabriel Agreste." The voices creeped.

The mystery woman turned around to see Marinette stopped at a door.

Marinette smiled and started to open the door a little bit. She peered inside, marveling the light and beauty.

"No! What are you doing!" The woman said running over to Marinette and slamming the door shut. "You can't go in. You'll never be able to leave. You have a chance of getting out of here. Don't blow it! If I had the option to leaving, like you, I wouldn't be standing here.

"Sorry." Marinette said, covering her ears the rest of the way down the hallway. She didn't want to hear the doors anymore and make a horrible mistake.

. . .

"We're here. Just walk through the barrier and step onto one of the transporters by the fountain." The woman said pointing ahead. "Once you walk through the barrier, you can't come back through. So don't drop anything. And make sure you're securely wearing your miraculous."

Marinette stepped through the barrier as the woman watched with an undefinable look on her face. Marinette turned around to face her from the other side of the barrier.

"I'll find a way. I will get you out of here. I won't give up." Marinette encouraged.

Marinette stepped onto a transporter by the fountain and waved goodbye to the mystery woman.

"I don't know if there is a way for you to get me out of here . . . but . . . will you deliver a message for me?"

"Yes. Anything. What is it?" Marinette asked, knowing she only had seconds.

"Tell Adrien Agreste . . . " She started quickly. "The family portrait, 09-26-01."

Marinette was now even more confused by this woman now.

"Wait how do you know Adrien?" Marinette shouted just as she was teleported away.

[alicepink-me]

Secrets Revealed

By: Alice Pink (Btw I was 14 when I wrote this, so not my best work)

Story Summary:

Chat Noir’s goal has always been to find out Ladybug’s true identity. Can one hint about Ladybug lead to the truth? Secrets will be revealed about the past as mysteries unfold. How will Marinette and Adrien react to everything?

Chapter 4: Save the Date

What would Marinette say to this the mystery person? With every thought running through her head. Marinette had laid on her bed all morning thinking about it. Today's the day Marinette would meet with the person who knows her identity. Yesterday she was shocked to find out that someone had discovered she was Ladybug. Now all she could do was wonder who it was. Marinette didn't have a clue who it could be. She'd just have to meet them to find out.

Marinette had wasted most of the day thinking about everything. She still didn't know what to say or do. It all depended on who found out.

Marinette sat up from her desk and checked her phone for the time. She saw that it was 3 o'clock and grabbed her purse.

"I guess I have to go to the park now, Tikki. Time to find out who knows my secret."

"Are you nervous?" Tikki asked, flying into Marinette's purse and poking her head out.

"Just a little. But now I know that I need to be a bit more careful as Ladybug. I can't let anyone else find out who I am."

Marinette closed her purse (She made sure that her purse was shut. She wasn't making that mistake again.) and started to walk to the park. She found a bench under a tree and sat down to wait. Marinette looked around. Watching everyone and everything. She watched to see if anyone would come towards her or look at her.

. . .

Adrien watched from atop a building near the park. He stood there, thinking of what to say.

What could he say? Everything was mind blowing to him and he couldn't believe it. He would have never thought that Marinette was Ladybug. Now all he had to do was tell her. And that would be harder than he thought. Adrien might have been more confident as Chat Noir, but now he knew who was hiding under that mask. He realized that he loved Marinette. What's even worse is that he couldn't think of anything to say. He was anxious thinking about it.

Adrien, already transformed into Chat Noir, leaped from the building and on top of a tree. He dropped down from the tree and landed right in front of the bench that Marinette was sitting on. His heart was now racing and he had a thousand thoughts going through his head.

'Be cool! Be cool! I can do this. Would it be wrong to ask her out? Maybe. No! Yes? Maybe I should just tell her to go on a date with me. Maybe that would be easier.'

. . .

"Ah!" Marinette shouted after being spooked by Chat Noir. "W-What are you doing here Chat Noir? Is there an akuma attack?"

"No, no, my lady. Everything's fine." Chat Noir assured. "I'm here to see you."

"Me? Wh-Why me?" Marinette said, standing up from the bench.

"Because you're my Ladybug." Chat said, kissing Marinette's hand. "Lets go somewhere more private to talk." Marinette didn't have any words. She had a shocked look that wouldn't leave her face. Before she could say anything, Chat Noir scooped her up and carried her to the top of a building. The same building he had just been watching from.

Chat put Marinette down on top of the building where no one could see them. He stepped back from Marinette, waiting for a response. Marinette stood up and looked at Chat full of questions.

"What?! How did you find out? And where did you find my bracelet?" Marinette demanded, crossing her arms.

'Adrien knew how he had found the bracelet. He saw it on the ground when Alya came and jerked Marinette away. But he couldn't tell her that yet.'

"Let's not focus on the details." Chat said stepping closer to Ladybug. "So. You're my Ladybug. I can't believe it was you the entire time." A smile had appeared on Chat's face as he said that.

"Yeah. I'm Ladybug. Now you know."

Chat's smile grew as he listened. "Well . . . do you want to know who I am?" Chat asked happily. He had always wanted to tell her, but it was her choice if she wanted to know.

But Marinette had to think for a moment.

'Do I want to know who Chat Noir really is? He already knows who I am.' Then a thought came to her head. 'Wait. I like Adrien and Chat Noir loves me, so Chat might try to ruin anything I have with Adrien by trying to kiss me in front of him. Adrien will think I'm taken and never like me! I can't know who Chat Noir really is.'

"No." Marinette answered, making Chat's smile disappear.

"What?"

"I don't want to know who you are."

"Why not?" Chat asked with a sadder voice.

"It can mess up everything." And before Chat could object, Marinette immediately said "It just can. I don't need to know yet."

"Yet." Chat said with his smile returning.

"Yes. Yet." Marinette said, rolling her eyes.

"Well Ladybug now that I know who you are . . . I know who I get to go on a date with." Chat leaned closer to Marinette with a smirk.

"Whoa, whoa! Who said we're going on a date? I didn't agree to anything."

"I say we're going on a date."

"And why would I do that?"

"Because I know your secret. Unless you want me to reveal my identity to you, then you have to go on at least one date with me."

"Really? You're going to force me to go on a date with you?"

"Don't worry princess, it will be purrfect."

"You don't know that . . . I could wear sweat pants and a stained shirt."

"No. It has to be perfect. Wear a dress and I'll wear something nice."

"Fine. If I have to. But only one date." Marinette couldn't believe that Chat Noir was making her go on a date. "Now can I go home?"

"Okay. I'll take you home." Chat said as he picked up Marinette again and dropped her off at her balcony.

"You do realize that I can walk." Marinette said walking to her trapdoor.

"I'll see you later for our date, My Lady. I'll pick you up here at 7:00."

Chat Noir leaped off of Marinette's balcony and headed into town. He was determined to make tonight amazing. He'll finally get to go on a date with Ladybug.

. . .

Marinette walked down the steps from her bed and sat at her desk. She laid her head down and looked up at Tikki (who she had just let out of her purse).

"I never thought you'd have to go on a date with Chat Noir." Tikki said, starring at Marinette.

"At least it's only one date." Marinette said, lifting her head up. "I should have expected this. He was bound to find out sometime and I should have knew he would try to date me. He did try to kiss me every chance he got."

. . .

After talking to Tikki for about an hour, Marinette thought she should try to find the dress she'd have to wear on her date. Marinette got up from her desk and went down stairs to a closet. She pulled out a pink and white dress and went back up stairs to put it on.

"What do you think Tikki? This is the dress I'm going to wear when I go on a date with Chat Noir." Marinette said, looking in the mirror.

"It's nice Marinette, but don't you need to be Ladybug when you go on a date with Chat Noir?"

"Ugh! Tikki, I'm so stupid. I can't be seen as Marinette with Chat Noir. But what do I wear Tikki. Chat said that I have to wear a dress. And I need to be Ladybug, but I don't have a magical mask."

"You need to visit Master Fu again Marinette. He has a special ladybug necklace that you can use."

"What would a special ladybug necklace do?"

"When you are transformed as Ladybug, you put the necklace on and your suit will change into a ladybug dress. When you need to fight, take the necklace off and the dress with change back into your ladybug suit."

"That seems easy."

"It is.." Tikki said. "Superheroes do get invited to a lot of parties and most people would probably wear a dress or a tuxedo to a party."

"I guess it's a good idea that Master Fu created a necklace for Ladybug." Marinette said, smiling.

"And every dress is different for every Ladybug. Now all you have to do is get the necklace from Master Fu. You should go visit him."

"I'll go right now Tikki." Marinette said, as Tikki flew into her purse. Marinette ran down the stairs and headed to Master Fu's shop.

. . .

"Thank you Master Fu." Marinette said happily.

"You're very welcome Marinette. You know, Chat Noir was just here for the same reason. But instead of a necklace, Chat Noir has a watch. Did Tikki tell you how the necklace works?"

"Yes. I know what to do. Well . . . I'll see you later Master Fu." Marinette said, waving good bye to Master Fu.

Marinette walked out of the shop and headed back to the bakery where she sat in her room sketching designs until 7:00. Then, she transformed into Ladybug and went through her trap door to her balcony to wait for Chat Noir.

. . .

Chat Noir used his staff to leap through the air and land on the railing of Marinette's balcony.

"Hello, My Lady." Chat said bowing at Ladybug. "Are you ready to go?"

Marinette stood up and smiled at Chat Noir. "Yep. I even got a special necklace to give me a ladybug dress."

"Me too. But I have a watch instead." Chat Noir walked over to Ladybug and suddenly pulled out a blindfold and tied it around her eyes.

"What are you doing?" Ladybug asked.

"I want our first date to be a surprise. You'll be blindfolded and I'll carry you to the spot for our date." Chat Noir immediately her picked up and started carrying her through the air. After being carried through the air for about a minute, Chat gently put Ladybug down.

"Okay take your blindfold off."

Ladybug took off her blindfold and looked around to see where Chat Noir had taken her.

"Tada." Chat said full of joy.

Chat Noir had brought her to the Eiffel Tower and they were standing at the very top. She saw that there was a table with some ice cream sitting on it.

"I would have brought you to a restaurant or an ice cream parlor, but I thought you'd like it better if we saw the sun setting from the Eiffel Tower."

Chat smiled and slid his watch on his wrist. His cat suit vanished in a matter of seconds and changed to a black and green tuxedo.

"What do you think?" Chat Noir asked grinning at Ladybug.

"Nice." Ladybug said, putting her necklace on. Her suit sparkled away and changed to a red polka dot dress with black tights and heels.

"I guess this is my dress b-" Ladybug fell forward before she could finish her sentence. Luckily, Chat Noir had caught her in his arms. "But I think the high heels are a mistake." She finished as Chat Noir helped her up.

"You look amazing." He said, handing her an ice cream cone.

"Thanks. You look amazing too."

They both ate their ice cream cones and watched as the sun was starting to sink in the sky. They both had easily got used to there new outfits as they both ate their ice cream.

"Hey Ladybug."

Ladybug turned towards Chat Noir with a smile.

"It's 7:30."

Ladybug's smile grew as she ran to the edge of the Eiffel Tower and leaned over. She watched as the entire Eiffel Tower lit up with bright sparkling light.

"I love looking at the Eiffel Tower. It's so pretty. I've created a bunch of designs and outfits just by staring at it."

"You like to design clothes?" Chat Noir asked, knowing the answer. 'Chat had witnessed some of Marinette's designs before as Adrien, but she didn't know that.'

"Ya. I hope that one day I will be a fashion designer. And my dream is to meet the famous fashion designer Gabriel Agreste."

'I can't believe Marinette's dream is to meet my dad. I never would have guessed that, but one day I'll make her dream come true.'

"I bet you'll be a great fashion designer."

They both stopped talking to listen to some music they could here off in the distance.

"Do you hear that?" Chat Noir asked.

"Yes. That music is from one of Chloé Bourgeois's parties. She throws a party every month, but this party is to celebrate the end of the school year. My friend was actually trying to convince me to go to the party, but I wasn't interested. She especially wanted me to go because she thought that the guy I like might be there."

Chat jumped back when he heard her say "the guy I like". 'The guy she likes. Who does she like. I need to know who.'

"So . . . who is this crush of yours?" Chat asked, smiling at Ladybug. His smiling made her realize what she had just said.

"U-Uh. N-No one." Ladybug stuttered.

"C'mon. I gotta know who my competition is."

"You don't have any competition and I doubt he likes me."

"Why wouldn't he like you? Your awesome."

Ladybug laughed at that and listened as the music got louder. "Fine I'll tell you. But only because we're FRIENDS." She said with a stern voice.

"I like . . ." Chat leaned closer to her at the edge. "Adrien Agreste." She said in a quieter voice."

"What?! You like him?" Chat was more surprised than ever when he heard that.

"Yes. Have you heard of him?

Chat Noir was now blushing a little bit. Ladybug liked him and she didn't even now that she had just told him that. "U-Uh. Yes. Yes I've heard of him. Why didn't you think that he would be at that party?"

"Well he's always busy and even if I did go I probably won't be able to have an actual conversation with him. I can never speak clearly to him. I always stutter or say something really stupid."

"You never know. He could be there. You should go to the party. "Chat said leaning against the railing.

"I don't know Chat. He might not be there and I'm on a date with you right now."

"Well my dream is to make you happy, so you can leave to go and see the guy you like."

"Okay, fine. I'll go to the party."

Ladybug walked over to Chat Noir and hugged him.

"Thanks Chat Noir. But I feel bad for leaving you and this date. I'll make it up to you. I owe you a date."

Ladybug jumped off of the tower and swung through the city on her yo-yo all the way to the Le Grand Paris hotel.

[alicepink-me]

The New Guardian

New story idea I’m trying. I thought of this back in October and have been writing it since then. It’s very different from my past works and I’ve added a lot of characters and plots that are completely my own. I love reviews and comments. I’ll be posting updates daily.

Story Summary: Marinette Dupain-Cheng is an adult in the real world, guarding the Miracle Box in Master Fu's place. She's in love with Chat Noir, but refuses to tell him her feelings. New holders appear to fight the duo and shake up their lives. Marinette makes a tough decision about her future as Ladybug.

Chapter 4: The Sleeping Spell

Ladybug laid in her apartment, on the phone(yo-yo) with Chat Noir. Her small TV was turned to a news channel, showing a helicopter view of the incident.

"You're seeing this, right?" Ladybug asked, tossing her TV remote to the side..

"Yes, but they haven't drawn any cat symbols, so maybe they only want a chat with you." He joked.

Ladybug watched the channel pan over again, showing ladybug symbols painted at the base of the Eiffel Tower. "You're funny if you think I'm going into an obvious trap alone just because you didn't think you were invited."

"Fine, I'll go with you." Chat laughed. "But I don't think we should move in right now. They haven't actually "attacked" Paris yet and we don't know how far they'll go to get to us. They don't exactly have akumas and it's all new to us. Even if we don't have a plan, it's better to stay safe instead of walking into a trap."

"I guess." She rolled her eyes, smiling. "They're gonna have to do a lot more than graffiti to get our undivided attention."

"Hopefully they don't try anything drastic."

Ladybug squinted at the TV before turning the volume up. "Breaking News! The three new heroes have now attacked the Eiffel Tower. After leaving mysterious ladybug signs around the city, one of them sliced the tip of the tower off!" Nadja reported. "So far, no one has been injured, but what is this trio planning? They insist we give them Ladybug and Chat Noir, but the heroes are nowhere in sight. More updates will follow."

"Did you hear that, Chat Noir?" Ladybug asked.

He laughed. "I'll be there in a minute, M'Lady."

. . .

"There they are." Ginger said, smiling. She watched the two propel themselves across the city, landing at the base.

"Took them long enough." Lavender muttered.

Ladybug and Chat Noir looked up at the enemies. They sat on the edge of a beam halfway up tower, but there were only two of them this time.

"Where's Magenta?" Ladybug asked, looking between them suspiciously.

"Oh, Mag didn't want to come." Ginger said, standing up. "Seems you really got on her nerves yesterday."

"Oh, my bad." Ladybug shrugged. "Any new demands for us today?"

"No, the offer's still the same." Ginger said. "And if you won't give us what we want, we will reign terror on this city. Lavender could put the entire population to sleep or maybe he'll only put the ones driving to rest. That way, there'd be plenty of people to scream in the chaos." She smiled evilly. "The only way we'll stop is if you give up the Miracle Box and all of its miraculous, yours included."

"Or . . . we could take your miraculous instead." Chat smiled. "Your plan doesn't have to be what wins." Chat ran forward before propelling himself up the tower, reaching them.

"Chat Noir." Ladybug said under her breath, following him. She jumped up to the tower, but stumbled back from the sudden flash of pink.

"Hello." Magenta grinned maniacally.

"You're here." Ladybug breathed.

She shrugged. "Guess my partners are liars."

. . .

"You can't run forever." Chat shouted as he sprinted.

Ginger smiled. "I can try." She met a wall and turned around. Lavender caught up behind Chat Noir. "I guess I lost." She shrugged.

"What are you thinking?" Chat muttered. "That's too easy."

"Ginger!" Lavender yelled. "Now!"

Ginger smiled and ran towards Chat Noir. She mumbled something inaudible. Chat put up his baton in defense, but she jumped over his head. Ginger sprung high and began to spin like a figure skater. She stopped above Lavender and spun faster. Orange pollen began to rain down from her feet and sparkle. Slowly, the dust landed on Lavender and faded his image away. He was gone and Ginger landed back on the metal in a pose.

"What was that? Where did he go?" Chat questioned, scanning the area around him.

"I guess I didn't explain all of my powers earlier." Ginger crossed her arms. "Pollen does stain, but it also grants me the power to conceal. I could paint or hide anything I want."

"Why would you . . . " Chat's eyes widened. His vision grew hazy as he felt two hands slide over his head and to his temples.

"Sleep." Lavender commanded.

"No." Chat struggled.

. . .

Ladybug ran away up the tower as Magenta rapidly launched spikes at her. She was getting tired, but she couldn't stop. Magenta was right on her tail and seemed to have an unlimited supply of thorns. She swung around the tower and behind a pillar, panting.

"Lucky Charm!" Ladybug shouted. A pair of spotted earplugs fell in her hands. She looked around, but didn't see any use for them yet. Ladybug had been running for over five minutes and needed a breather, but she needed to help Chat Noir first. She peered around the pillar.

"There you are." Magenta grinned. "Now where were we?"

Ladybug panicked. She grabbed her yo-yo and launched it away from her. It wrapped around one of the spikes and she swung away. Magenta snapped her fingers and the thorn disappeared, causing Ladybug to fall from the top of the tower. Magenta caught her midair and began to land as she struggled.

. . .

Chat Noir fought the urge to sleep, his eyelids heavy. He really needed a nap, but that was just the enemy's power talking. "Ladybug." He mumbled. He saw a flash of red above him. "Ladybug." Chat stumbled up, eyes widening. He saw Magenta carrying an angry Ladybug away and knew he needed to act fast.

"How are you fighting it?" Ginger asked, frustrated. "That's almost impossible!"

Chat Noir breathed heavily, staggering forward. His will was all that carried him. He ran ahead and jumped in the air, kicking Magenta right in the side. He swiftly scooped up Ladybug when Magenta let go and fell to the metal, rolling. They stopped before the tower edge and Ladybug ended up on top. Chat Noir was knocked out cold. Ladybug sat up and looked at Chat Noir, horrified.

"Oh no. What did you do?!" Ladybug put her head on his chest. Chat was still breathing, but not moving. He was completely out of it. "You're asleep." She mumbled, brows furrowed. Ladybug gasped and immediately put her ear plugs in. She remembered what Lavender had said before about his powers.

Ladybug looked down at him, her hand touching his face. Why was he always risking his life for her? He's been hurt before and it always pains her to see it happen again. The last time there was a love spell on him, it required a kiss. Actually, he's had a few love spells over the years. Miraculous tend to favor the magical solution. Maybe a kiss for sleeping beauty is the cure for this one too. The circumstances and her feelings were completely different this time. If there was any chance, she had to try for him. It was worth a shot, but what if it didn't work? She'd make a complete fool of herself and if he remembered, that'd be even worse. She might die.

Magenta coughed, rolling over and pushing herself up. "Geez, you couldn't get him asleep a little faster." She groaned.

Ginger ran over, looking between the two heroes and her partner. Ladybug's head shot up to see them. It was now or never. She'd either save him or lose him, but she wouldn't risk the worst. Ladybug grabbed the sides of Chat Noir's face and smashed her lips to his. This wasn't the first time, but it felt so different than all the others. Her heart was racing and every part of her felt on fire. Maybe this would be bad for her in the end, but it felt so right in the moment.

Chat's eyes slowly blinked open and saw her. Rather than ruin the moment, he closed his eyes again. His hand slowly reached up to her face, but Ladybug shot back from his touch and scooted away, flustered. Her eyes glued to the floor. Chat looked around, comprehending their situation.

"Cataclysm!" He yelled, pressing his hand on the metal next to him. The tower began to crumble. "We need to get out of here." Chat sprung up and grabbed Ladybug, jumping over the edge.

The tower fell with their three enemies. Chat held onto Ladybug and propelled across the city. They stopped on one building and laid flat on top in case the three saw them. Ladybug stared off into space, still processing. She couldn't believe she kissed him. It felt amazing, but it wasn't right. Even though Chat Noir probably wouldn't remember it like last time . . . it still bothered her.

"Ladybug." He spoke.

"I kissed you . . . " She mumbled, her fingertips grazing her lips.

"Ladybug!" Chat turned on his side and touched her arm.

Ladybug blinked, coming back to reality. "Oh, sorry." She took out the earplugs and looked at him for a moment before sitting up. She threw the lucky charm in the air. "Miraculous Ladybug!"

Ladybug fell back and sighed. She rolled over and looked over the edge of the building. The tower repaired itself and the three enemies were gone.

Chat Noir watched her. Ladybug seemed too anxious, but he wouldn't bring it up right now.

"I uh . . . " Ladybug cleared her throat and hurried up. "I need to go." She breathed, rushing off the building before he could respond.

Chat Noir laid there, quiet. His hand reached to his mouth, unsure. He closed his eyes.

"I remember."

[alicepink-me]

The New Guardian

Story Summary: Marinette Dupain-Cheng is an adult in the real world, guarding the Miracle Box in Master Fu's place. She's in love with Chat Noir, but refuses to tell him her feelings. New holders appear to fight the duo and shake up their lives. Marinette makes a tough decision about her future as Ladybug.

Chapter 7: Battle of Emotions

"Can you believe that?" Marinette stirred a pot of soup. "This guardian council or something sent another team to deal with us? Why can't they leave us be?"

"I'm assuming they have unfinished business with Master Fu and wish to fix everything from before his time as guardian." Wayzz said.

"Well I am not going back there again unless it's an emergency." Marinette began to cut a carrot. "Chat Noir and I aren't a match for them and they're just using signals to draw us out into the open. We're better off not engaging with them. I can't risk you guys or the Miracle Box."

"But Marinette, you can't turn your back on Paris." Tikki said, sprinkling some salt in the pot. "You must protect the city.

"I am by protecting all of you." Marinette replied. "If I give them a chance at that much power . . . Paris will fall and many other places could too."

"Do you really think they'd hurt innocent people?" Duusu asked.

Marinette emptied her cutting board into the pot. "If revenge and power is on their minds, they might do anything out of anger, even if that means going against their own laws; whatever those are."

. . .

"Can you believe it?" Duusu squealed. "Chat Noir still loves her."

"I always knew it." Pollen smiled. "Those two were meant for each other."

"Master did choose them himself." Wayzz added.

"Marinette has no reason not to tell him now." Nooroo chimed.

"What do you think, Tikki, will she do it? Will she reveal her feelings?" Trixx asked.

"Marinette is . . . stubborn." Tikki admitted. "As long as she feels guilt from her past, she'll bundle all of her emotions up until it's too much to bare. It took years for Marinette to tell Adrien and years more to get over him. We can encourage and support her, but Marinette's feelings can't be rushed."

"We've got to give her some confidence!" Mullo shouted. "If she's going to use her energy to keep us out of the Miracle Box then we're going to use it to her advantage."

"Yeah!" The kwamis cheered.

. . .

Marinette sat at her dinner table, eating a bowl of soup. Each kwami had a small teacup of soup in front of them as they happily ate. Right as Marinette lifted her spoon to her mouth, her phone vibrated. She closed her eyes and breathed. She tapped her phone.

"A news update." Marinette announced.

"Those two have probably returned." Tikki said, flying over to her. "You should open it.

Marinette set her spoon down and picked up her phone, clicking on the story. "This is Nadja Chamack reporting to you from the Channel 11 news chopper. The two new villains with miraculous powers have returned again this week to attack the city. There is a blind miraculous holder who just launched a peculiar mist around a crowd of bystanders at the Louvre museum. Citizens reported loss of sight, smell, and taste." The mist is shown spreading. "Citizens scream in terror as the attack continues. Paramedics cannot reach the people as long as the mist is there. It seems to go through gas masks so at this point, there is nothing we can do. Will Ladybug and Chat Noir show up to help us in this desperate time?"

Marinette set her phone down and pushed her bangs up, sighing. She took a deep breath before standing up and pushing her chair in. "Tikki, Spots On!"

Ladybug quickly locked her front door before moving to her window. She pushed it open, jumping out and swinging through the city. Ladybug landed on a row of buildings and ran towards the Louvre. Chat Noir headed towards her from another direction and joined her sprint from the side.

"Good evening, M'Lady." He smiled.

"Hello, Chat Noir." She panted.

"Looks like these two are even more serious than the three." Chat said. "We'll need to end this conflict between us and them today."

Ladybug chuckled. "Well they're clearly stronger and we don't have a single step to a plan."

"Stay positive, M'Lady. We've got this." He smiled.

"I hope so." She mumbled.

They reached the Louvre, looking down at the growing crowd of panicking civilians.

"Mint, stop!" Ladybug commanded. Mint's head turned to her with a diabolical smirk. "These people aren't a part of this!"

"But they are, Ladybug. This is your city after all." She taunted.

"It's us you want and more likely what I have, so leave them be." Ladybug said. "Suppress your fog."

"A few more minutes? Unless you'd like to come down now." Mint breathed in, listening to the screams.

"Stop!" Chat yelled. "Why would you want to prolong the wait to fight us? You're thirsty for our blood after all."

"True." Mint agreed. "Defrost." The mist shifted over to her and disappeared inside of her.

The citizens regained their senses and bolted, leaving an empty space. Once the mist was gone, Sage seemed to appear next to Mint. Ladybug and Chat Noir jumped down.

"We were only having a little fun because you two wouldn't come out to play." Sage said.

"Well your fun's over." Chat glared.

"I don't know." Sage put her hand under her chin. "We have some interesting ideas."

"We might not even engage in combat though." Mint frowned. "That's kind of a let down, but mental torture is far more pleasurable."

"I don't know what your plan is, but I'm gonna guess it has something to do with her." Chat Noir looked to Sage. "She has yet to use her power."

"Maybe strays aren't worthy of it." Sage said proudly.

"Stray?" Chat stepped forward, but was stopped by Ladybug's arm.

"Do not engage." She commanded. "We shouldn't jump in so carelessly." Ladybug sighed. "Let me try my power." She threw her yo-yo up. "Lucky Charm!" A pair of spotted ear plugs fell in her hands. "Again? Why do I need these now?"

"Right now, we have no idea what her power is." Chat whispered. "Maybe it's better to play it safe instead of waiting to figure out both of yours."

Ladybug nodded. "I'm sorry I only have one pair." She apologized, putting the ear plugs in.

"It's better this way." Chat smiled.

"That won't work." Mint announced. "Sage."

Ladybug turned to the heroine, their eyes meeting in what felt like time stopping. Sage smiled and raised her hands in front of her. "Weep." She commanded, their eyes instantly locking. Ladybug couldn't look away. "Now . . . " The feeling between them was frightening.

Her head began to burn. "Ah!" Ladybug shrieked, her tranced breaking. Her head throbbed and she could move again. Her head felt like it was on fire as ideas bounced against her skull. Her mind was racing and she couldn't straighten her thoughts anymore. Ladybug dropped to her knees, shaking.

"Ladybug, what's wrong?" Chat rushed to her side. Ladybug harshly pushed him back, blushing hard.

"I have set her emotions ablaze." Sage grinned. "Ladybug's emotions and memories have been intensified. She can't think clearly or handle what she says right now. She's lost all control . . . she will weep."

"Let her go!" Chat shouted, trying to help her, but she hit him away each time. Confused and shocked, he turned back to the enemy. "Why won't she let me near her? What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything." Sage turned to Ladybug with a demonic smirk. "Why don't you tell him?"

"No!" Ladybug breathed, trying to focus. The ear plugs didn't work with Sage inside of her head. Her lucky charm was useless. "I-I can't!"

"Stop this! You're hurting her!" Chat growled, his fist clenching.

"Tell him why you won't let him near you." Sage demanded, ignoring him.

"I-I can't let him get too close, I can't let him near, and I can't let him touch me." Ladybug blurted, shaking her head. It hurt too much. Chat froze, speechless. "Ah!" She held her temples. "Please s-stop."

"No." Sage denied emotionlessly.

"Why can't I get close to you?" Chat asked, slightly hurt.

"Answer him, Ladybug." Sage felt pleasure in her torment. Ladybug dug her fingers in the sides of her head. "Answer him!"

"Because I love him!" She blurted, fear filling her eyes as she paled. "I-I am in l-love with Chat Noir." A tear streamed down her face. An agonizing weight was lifted only to create a landslide of emotions.

Chat stopped breathing, his heart pounding in her ears. This could all be a dream or a nightmare, but who knows how it'd actually end. Maybe he'd wake up any second now. Sage grinned, watching everything before her unfold.

"Tell him the rest." Sage ordered.

Another tear fell. Ladybug stared at Sage as if she was in a trance. "I can't tell Chat Noir because I rejected him for several years. I played with his heart because I was in love with another boy. I was rejected by that boy and soon realized how much I regret rejecting Chat Noir myself. I miss his flirting and crazy ideas. I miss everything. I may not know who he is behind his mask, but I know that I love him."

"Ladybug-"

"Let her finish!" Sage snarled, turning back to the bug. "What do you feel now, Ladybug?"

"Guilt." She winced, blinking.

"Hmm." Sage grinned, tapping a finger against her cheek. She looked between Ladybug and Chat Noir. Chat Noir stood motionless, barely blinking. Ladybug held her face in her hands. "Well, I think I've done enough relationship counseling for today." Sage looked over at Mint before staring Ladybug. "I release you."

Ladybug gasped. She felt an enormous load lifted off her chest. She steadily regained her balance and eased up off the ground. Her thoughts were starting to straighten, but her heart was still rapid and her head dizzy. Ladybug had a massive headache that blurred her vision, but she knew one thing. She needed to leave and she had to do it now. She needed to run.

Ladybug released a breath and took one last look at her enemy before fleeing, tossing the ear plugs along the way. They purified the city, even though there wasn't much damage. Ladybug's never moved so fast in her life, but she had to escape. From this day forward, she would never see Chat Noir again no matter the circumstance. There's no akumas to purify, so another hero joining him without Ladybug shouldn't be a problem. She can choose a new holder. She is the guardian after all. It's her job.

Chat Noir used to work really well with Ryuko, so maybe it's her turn as Paris's leading heroine. Either way, Ladybug needed out and she was going to do everything in her power to stay away.

Ladybug ducked into an alley and detransformed, landing as Marinette. Her head felt dizzy as she stumbled back, hitting a wall. She slid down and burst into tears. With her mind returning to order, each thought stained her memory. The incident replayed over and over again. Her sleeves were soaked within a minute and her nose began to run. She wasn't strong enough. She couldn't fight anymore.

. . .

Marinette unlocked her apartment and walked inside. Once shutting the door behind her, she leaned against it and slid down to the floor. She needed a moment, but there wasn't any time to process this. Marinette needed to move on. It's been a long day, but she needed to clean the kitchen. The kwamis were all passed out on her bed. They probably finished their soup awhile ago and she needed to pack away any leftovers, plus do dishes.

Marinette managed to pick herself off the floor and made her way to the table, gathering the teacups on a tray. She reached her bowl and sighed. It was almost full since she was interrupted earlier. She had lost her appetite in today's aftermath, so it'll have to be saved for later. Marinette steadily carried the tray to the to the kitchen and set it on the counter, a cup falling from the top, but she caught it in a swoop. Marinette checked the pot before digging in her cabinet for a container. She pulled one out and poured the leftovers in.

Marinette grabbed a towel and began to wipe down the countertops. She stopped, feeling a slight draft pass over. She forgot to shut the window when she came home. Marinette turned around and gasped, dropping her towel.

"What are you doing here?" She almost trembled.

Mint smiled. "I stopped by to see you of course." She sat relaxed in the chair next to Marinette's bed.

"How do you-how did you even find me?" Marinette asked. "How did you know my civilian identity?"

"That's a long story that I don't feel like telling, but I have other things to discuss with you." She announced.

Marinette awkwardly crossed her arms. "Like?"

"The Miracle Box." Mint sat in the chair like she owned the place.

Marinette looked over at the kwamis on the bed. "Why haven't you taken it yet? All that power . . . is right there. It's right in front of you and yet you're acting peaceful for once. You never seemed like the one to actually talk things out."

"Well I'm usually not one to do this." She admitted. "Fighting's much more fun anyway, but I've reconsidered my tactics and have decided to have a chat with you."

"Lucky me." Marinette moved to the couch area, standing across from her. "So does that mean you're ready to reconsider the rest of your plans too?"

"I still need the Miracle box and all of the miraculous." Mint informed. "I'm just trying a more peaceful method."

"Which is?" Marinette looked skeptical.

"I think you should return to the guardian's temple with me." She said. "Nothing big, but you'll need to bring the box with you."

"And why would I do that?" Marinette snorted, crossing her arms. "I don't trust you in the slightest."

"Because if you don't come along, the council will send dozens more to fight you until you give up all of your power." Mint sighed. "Those three that were sent to Paris before me and Sage had lied to you. They said they would take the Miracle Box from you without a choice, but there is another option. You can train at the temple as a way of pardoning your crimes."

"Hold on, didn't you two say the exact same as those other three? Your threats weren't so different."

"I may have fibbed a little." She shrugged.

"And crimes?" Marinette glared. "I have protected this city. Chat Noir and I have watched over Paris and fought every villain that threatens the peoples' safety. We haven't committed any crimes."

"In some eyes you have." Mint admitted. "Your guardian never finished his training and put the temple underground for almost two hundred years. There are several furious elders there who want to repeal any decisions he has made. Some on the other hand have voted to give you a chance, but you must go through training."

"Master Fu trained me years ago to be a guardian."

"On his terms." Mint corrected. "Fu never finished, so that means you didn't either. Plus, you never trained for your miraculous. Obviously the curriculum would be bent a little to accommodate you, but most people at the temple study and compete to be considered for one. People spend years pushing themselves in class to get a miraculous, yet you received one so easily. The least you can do to make up for it is go through some basic classes."

"How many years did you train for?" Marinette asked, slightly interested.

"I started at the temple when I was eleven, I received my miraculous at seventeen, and I finished training with the Eucalyptus miraculous at nineteen. I'm twenty-two now."

Marinette shook her head. "I don't have time to just drop everything and leave for over five years of training."

"You don't have to." Mint stood up. "The council just wants you for a year. You already know a majority of the history and are pretty familiar with your miraculous, so the full ride isn't necessary."

"I don't know." Marinette looked at the kwamis. "I have other priorities."

Mint sighed. "I know you don't like me." Marinette chuckled. "But I think you should go." She finished. "You need a break and as far as I can see . . . you and Chat Noir aren't doing so good."

"Thank Sage for that." Marinette snarled.

"Sage didn't embarrass you or anything. She only made you tell the truth."

"Against my will!" Marinette took a deep breath.

"I don't know, but I believe there shouldn't be secrets between you two." Mint shrugged. "Avoiding your feelings and lying to the one you love is a steady drive straight off of a cliff. It would've never ended well, but at least now he knows."

"Am I supposed to thank you?" Marinette questioned.

"No, but moping around won't solve the rest of your problems. Whatever you two do now is up to you . . . or him, whichever you allow to happen." Marinette stayed quiet for a moment. "It's your choice, but you will face the council soon. Will it be in peace or battle?"

Marinette took a deep breath. "Fine, I'll go."

"Marvelous." Mint smiled.

"What's the first step?" She asked, shaking off her anger.

"Renounce those kwamis back to the box." Marinette looked confused. "I can feel their energy just like I can feel your judgement."

"I'm not-" Marinette walked over to the passed out kwamis. "I . . . renounce you." Each one faded away back into the box.

Marinette grabbed the Miracle Box and walked to the window. "Let's go."

"Wait." Mint muttered.

Marinette turned around. "What?"

"Yeah, so flying through the air, not being able to feel a thing, is not really my style." Mint said. "I prefer the ground where I can see or at least get an idea of where everything is at."

"Fine." Marinette turned back. "How do you travel then? You guys don't exactly have yo-yos and extendable batons."

"Come here and don't make this weird." Mint held her hand out. Marinette walked over and took it, confused. "I use teleportation. It's my specialty besides my eucalyptus." She sighed. "I'll show you what it's like and then I'll bring you back to pack your things."

"Fine. A little test run won't hurt." Marinette said. "Just don't kill me."

"Oh." Mint laughed. "That would be so much fun, but I'd really like to keep my powers."

The two flashed out, leaving the apartment empty.

[alicepink-me]

The New Guardian

Story Summary: Marinette Dupain-Cheng is an adult in the real world, guarding the Miracle Box in Master Fu's place. She's in love with Chat Noir, but refuses to tell him her feelings. New holders appear to fight the duo and shake up their lives. Marinette makes a tough decision about her future as Ladybug.

Chapter 22: The Cube Part 2

"Marinette!" Alya whisper shouted as she ran into the room, holding a blue cat. Adrien, Nino, and Juleka followed behind her and closed the door.

"Alya?" Marinette slid off of Luka's bed. "What's the . . . a cat? Why do you-"

"Shhh!" Alya hushed, setting the cat down. She ran over to Marinette and grabbed her hand, moving her across the room, away from everyone else. "There's an akuma outside, so we have to hide. I knew you'd be in Luka's room, so we came to "look" for you while we searched for a good place."

Marinette blushed. "But where's Luka? He went to get something about a minute ago." Alya's eyes shifted to the small cat on the floor. "No." Marinette's eyes widened and her mouth gaped open. "There's no way." She crouched down next to the feline. "Luck really isn't on my side of relationships." She pouted.

"We have ourselves a cat." Alya shrugged, turned to her friend. "And not just one. There are tens in the streets and probably more by now."

"An akuma?"

"Of course." Alya said, crossing her arms. "There's a cat woman turning the people of Paris into cats and we thought she'd be afraid of water, but sadly, she chased us anyway."

"Why would someone want to turn us into cats?" Marinette asked.

"I heard her earlier." Nino started, leaning against the wall. "When she was threatening Luka, she said that she had a few stray cats by her house, but her parents wouldn't let her take them in. She fed them everyday anyway and took care of them, but she witnessed two strangers abuse them. In a fit of rage, she was akumatized to turn everyone into her pets." He sighed. "It's a really strange solution."

"Then she turned Luka." Adrien added. "We tricked her for a moment after and bolted with the new blue cat."

"Poor Luka." Marinette patted his fluffy head.

Adrien stared. "So uh . . . Marinette, what were you . . . doing in here?"

"Oh u-um." Marinette gulped. "I was . . . looking for the bathroom!"

"The bathroom?" Alya squinted, obviously not believing it.

"Yeah, I had to go." Marinette said, backing towards another door on the other side of the room. "And since you guys barged in before I found it, I should probably keep looking." She turned around.

"Wait!" Alya said, Marinette taking a deep breath as she turned back. "Aren't you forgetting that Luka has one?" Alya moved to one corner and tapped her knuckles on the wooden door. "Right here." She said, looking at her friend strangely.

"Oh, I must have forgotten." Marinette's eyes widened as she smiled awkwardly. Everyone stared at her as she moved across the room. Alya would probably have questions later, but for now, there was an akuma and she had to do her job. This wouldn't be the first time for awkward situations and lame excuses anyway. "Thanks." Marinette's hand touched the door.

"We'll talk later." Alya whispered. "Look, I know you were trying to get close to Luka earlier, so your thoughts aren't gonna be entirely clear, but when you're done in there, we must focus on the akuma, even if two boys you've been interested in are in the same room, one being a cat at the moment."

"I get it, Alya." Marinette smiled, turning the knob. "I'm just overthinking a lot of things right now and my emotions are everywhere after talking to Luka earlier." Marinette tried to think of something that wasn't too random. She opened the bathroom door and slid inside.

Juleka picked up her cat brother and sat on the bed. "So what are we gonna do about the akuma?" Juleka mumbled.

"Ladybug should be here soon." Nino replied.

"Yeah, we can always count on her." Adrien smiled, feeling slightly guilty at his own heroic absence.

Marinette leaned her head against the bathroom wall. There were no windows and a zero chance for her to slip away. How could she possibly be Ladybug when Marinette was needed here? She couldn't talk to Tikki because Alya was probably still on the other side of that door. She could mutter her transformation discretely and maybe a lucky charm, but nothing more. Ladybug could never leave this tiny space to fight.

"Spots On . . . " Marinette whispered, closing her eyes. Without an escape, there weren't many options, but she needed something. Ladybug pressed her ear against the door, listening in on the other side.

"Uh-my dad just messaged me." Adrien blurted. "He cancelled my photoshoot because of the attack, but he wants me home immediately."

"But there's an akuma." Alya scrunched her eyebrows.

Adrien panicked. "I-I know, but he . . . needs me for something."

"Come on, man." Nino hit his shoulder. "You could get hurt if you leave and Ladybug and Chat Noir will have things handled in no time. There's no harm in staying."

"Okay." Adrien sighed.

Ladybug could tell by their voices that none of them were right next to the door. She took a step back in the small space. "Lucky Charm." She swung her yo-yo up, trying to be as quiet as possible. If she were any taller, it would clank off of the ceiling and shock them all, revealing her identity in the end, or maybe she was only overthinking. A small spotted mouse and controller fell into her hands, luckily unpackaged. Neither were bigger than three inches.

The villain was a cat, so this could come in handy and if she knew anything from her partner, cats can be fooled or easily distracted. But the hardest part now would be doing her job without her suit.

"Spots off." She mumbled, her transformation releasing. Marinette looked down at the mouse and controller before shoving them in the microscopic front pocket of her jeans. She took a deep breath and unlocked the door, slipping out. Everyone stared at her as if she was hiding something. I mean, she was, but they weren't supposed to know. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" Her eyes moved between them nervously.

"What was that light?" Alya tilted her head.

"What light?" Marinette froze. Adrien looked at her strangely.

"There was a flash of light." Alya stepped closer. "We saw it shine under the door."

"Yeah, it looked sort of like an alien abduction." Nino added.

"So what was it?" Alya asked again.

"M-My phone." Marinette pulled it out of her purse to show them the screen. "I saw a report . . . about Ladybug. She uh-just arrived at the scene to fight." Marinette made up. "It shouldn't be too long now."

"Really? There's already a report?" Alya whipped out her phone and moved back toward the boys. "I have to share a link to my blog imm-"

Suddenly, the cat woman burst through the door, debris flying everywhere. She shot a strange pink band at Alya that pushed her back, binding her wrist to the wall.

The band imbedded in the wall as Alya tried yanking on it. "A collar?" She inspected, turning to the enemy.

Marinette wouldn't laugh, but the enemy resembled herself when she was Ladynoir a few years ago. The only difference with this enemy was the giant canon like gun she carried, her red pixie cut and the brown color to her suit. Otherwise, she could easily be the female Chat Noir without puns. Hopefully there's no puns.

Adrien and Nino moved to attack the villain, but she shot them both with collars, one around Adrien's arm and one around Nino's neck. Adrien was bound to another wall by his elbow and Nino was turned into a cat with a green spot on his head.

"You guys will be the perfect additions to my litter." She grinned, hoisting her gun on her shoulder. Her eyes scanned the room. "I'm in need of two miraculous, but it seems Ladybug and Chat Noir haven't showed up yet, so . . . " Her smirk widened. "Maybe if I had a few hostages . . . they'd run to the rescue."

"They would come either way because you're turning everyone into cats." Juleka mumbled.

The woman took her gun and launched a collar that wrapped around Juleka's neck, transforming her into a black and violet, longhaired cat. "Maybe so." She replied. "But they may come faster if a few citizens cry for help in eminent danger."

"Hostages? So you won't turn us into cats?" Adrien questioned. He could feeling Plagg laughing inside his jacket.

"Don't worry, I will." She moved around the room. "But not until I get what I want."

"Which is?" Alya asked.

"Power." The villain stopped. "After I've handled my boss and given him what he demands, I can finally get my revenge."

Marinette had to play her cards right. Either as a cat or imprisoned, and if she maneuvered right, maybe she could do this right. Maybe this enemy hadn't noticed her yet, or she had just bypassed zapping her with the others. Marinette looked down at her hands. She needed to be in two places at once, but she had a plan. Marinette ran forward and stopped, holding her hands in front of her with her wrists together. "Wait, wait! You don't have to do this!" She shouted.

The cat woman immediately launched a red collar at Marinette, binding her wrists together. She internally sighed, thankful that she wasn't turned into a cat. "What do you want?" The woman asked. "If you're going to fight me, I'll just turn you now."

"No, wait!" She held her hands up. "I just want to . . . hear your side." Marinette said, dropping to the floor as if she was defeated. "If you are going to turn us into cats, we should at least know why."

"Marinette!" Alya shouted. "Don't charge the enemy like you have a death wish."

"I'm sorry, Alya." Marinette's hand inched to her front jean pocket. "I must not have been thinking." She watched the enemy as she slowly pulled out the tiny controller. Part of her plan included dropping the mouse back where she was standing outside the bathroom, so now, Marinette was one step ahead.

"Girl, you need to be careful." Alya sighed. "This is an enemy, not Ms. Bustier's classroom."

"Quit talking!" The woman pointed the gun to Alya before back to Marinette. "But since you're interested, I might as well tell you while we wait." Marinette smiled. "Recently, my pet was abused by a couple of strangers and I needed to take revenge. Maybe if everyone in this city had to live as felines, they wouldn't mistreats such animals. They'd actually understand. Maybe they'd think twice and respect all lives. It could be different. I could change things."

"They shouldn't have done that to your pet." Marinette agreed.

"I know, right?!" She yelled. "I mean, who does that? How sick of a person can you be?" She took a deep breath. "See that's my point in this. I deserve justice. You all need awareness and punishment."

"But why us?" Adrien asked. The woman rolled her eyes over to him. "Why not just punish the ones who committed the crime? We haven't done anything wrong."

"Are you questioning my methods?" She hissed.

"No-"

"Why aren't you listening?" She asked, stalking towards him. "That girl over there asked for an explanation and it's quite rude of you to interrupt my story."

"I just wanted to understand why we have to suffer for someone else's crime." Adrien reasoned.

"You still continue to keep me from finishing my story!" Her fingers tightened around her gun. "You know I should just get it over with and blast you all!" She rose her weapon, aiming at Adrien. "I wouldn't have to listen to you babble on. I could start my terror without your pathetic heroes. Wouldn't they have shown up by now if they were coming for you?" She grinned.

A small squeak was barely heard. The cat woman's ears perked up, twitching at the sound. Her eyes darted near Alya to see the tiny rodent toy crawling around. Her pupils widened. The mouse began to move towards her and her brown tail lifted.

'Please go after it. Please go after it.' Marinette hoped. The woman's eyes follow the toy.

"Look at the spots." Alya said.

"Ladybug." Adrien's eyes widened. "She must be nearby."

"Where is that stupid bug?" The villain asked, her eyes not leaving the mouse. Her gun dropped to the floor with a bang as her hands began to shake. "Maybe she's drawing me to her." The mouse hit the tip of her steal toed boot, striking a nerve as she closed her eyes. "What is she thinking?"

Marinette began to sweat. Her lucky charm couldn't have been wrong, but maybe she misused it. 'I really hope this works.' Marinette thought. 'I don't have many options without revealing myself.'

Suddenly, the cat woman dropped to the floor, her pupils expanding. Marinette quickly moved the mouse across the room, the villain chasing it. Alya and Adrien's eyes widened in surprise. Maybe she used it right.

For about a minute, everyone's eyes followed the tiny rodent as their enemy mindlessly followed it. By now, the woman was almost hypnotized and entranced with it. Marinette directed it towards the door, leading her out. The three looked to each other.

"Marinette." Alya whispered, motioning to her arm. "Try to get these collars off of us while that cat is distracted."

Marinette slyly slipped the controller back in her pocket as she stood up. She dashed over to Alya and tried yanking on the collar, her wrists still bound. "They're too strong." Marinette analyzed, pulling harder. She inhaled. "Maybe I should go look for something to cut them."

"Don't be dumb, Marinette." Alya said. "You'd walk right into a trap if you leave."

"Marinette can do it, Alya." Adrien spoke. "The enemy went the other way and Marinette only has to find something sharp enough. And besides, Ladybug's here now."

"Yeah . . . " Marinette agreed. "I mean not here here! Ladybug's not here! On the boat, but definitely not in this room! No! Why would-she's . . . I'm gonna go look for something to help." Marinette rambled before quickly exited through the other door and shutting it behind her. She sighed, leaning against it. Marinette looked around. She was in a red kitchen and dining room. While scanning the room, she set the small controller on a cabinet next to her. "Spots on." She whispered. Tikki zapped into her earrings and Marinette transformed again, grabbing the controller.

There was a wall of windows and glass doors at the end of the granite counter top. Ladybug tiptoed over and slowly turned the handle, wincing at the quiet shriek as she pushed it open and closed. Once outside, Ladybug jumped to the roof of the boat, creeping towards the front. She peered over the edge to see the woman suspiciously picking up the motionless mouse. Ladybug pressed on the joypad of her controller, reanimating the rodent. The enemy began chasing it again.

Ladybug watched from above, leaning on her fist as she thought. She'd spent the last minute trying to figure out where the akuma is, how to beat her, and where Chat Noir could possibly be. Besides the enemy at hand, Chat Noir should have been here by now. Maybe he got held up like she almost was. They are almost adults now, so their routines are a lot harder to accomplish. Ladybug really hoped he'd show up soon. She hadn't seen him in a few days. She smiled.

"Ladybug, where are you!" Cat woman shouted, dashing towards the rodent. Ladybug's smile dropped. "Show yourself!"

Ladybug squinted. 'Could the akuma be in a shoe? There's not many accessories on her suit.' She thought. Her eyes focused on the brown belt on her brown suit. 'A bag?' A small pouch, nearly unnoticeable, was tied to the villain's belt. 'It has to be there. That's too random to be a coincidence, especially since she hasn't used it yet. It could be a power, but that's highly unlikely.'

Ladybug stopped moving the mouse in circles, and directed it towards Luka's keyboard in the corner. The woman swatted at the mouse as it weaved around the legs and cords. Ladybug leaped down, standing over her with one leg on each side. She reached down and ripped the pouch off of her belt and tore it apart.

"Catnip." Ladybug analyzed, noticing the scattered bits as the black butterfly flew out. "No more evil doing for you little akuma. Time to deevilize!" Ladybug swung her yo-yo, snatching the insect. "Gotcha! Bye, bye little butterfly." The now white bug fluttered away as she waved. "Miraculous Ladybug!" Ladybug launched her remote in the air. The mouse disappeared as everything fixed itself.

As soon as their collars disappeared, Alya and Adrien rushed out of Luka's room with the now human again Nino, Juleka, and Luka. Ladybug jumped to the roof, out of sight in time, and sprinted back to the kitchen area. She passed a window garden box and slid, backing up to it. Perfectly timed and somehow impossible, a pair of small garden shears laid inside in the dirt. Ladybug snatched them and ran inside.

"Spots off." She uttered, pushing through Luka's bedroom door. Marinette tripped over her feet in the doorway and faceplanted on the floor just as her friends returned.

"Marinette?" Alya questioned, walking closer. "Where were you before and why are you on the floor? I guess Ladybug beat the akuma while you were gone."

"I . . . I went to get something to cut your collars, remember?" Marinette breathed, pulling herself off the ground and waving the shears in the air. "But you know me, I'm clumsy."

"Were you running with scissors, Marinette?" Adrien chuckled.

"Not my best idea." Marinette admitted. "But at least I wasn't turned into a cat."

[alicepink-me]

The New Guardian

New story idea I’m trying. I thought of this back in October and have been writing it since then. It’s very different from my past works and I’ve added a lot of characters and plots that are completely my own. I love reviews and comments. I’ll be posting updates daily.

Story Summary: Marinette Dupain-Cheng is an adult in the real world, guarding the Miracle Box in Master Fu's place. She's in love with Chat Noir, but refuses to tell him her feelings. New holders appear to fight the duo and shake up their lives. Marinette makes a tough decision about her future as Ladybug.

Chapter 3: The First Encounter

Marinette laid asleep on her bed, kwamis around her, passed out. Her earrings started to vibrate like a phone, waking her. She rolled over, ignoring them as she tried to stay asleep.

"Marinette!" Tikki called, flying in front of her. "Chat Noir is trying to call you."

"Let it go to voicemail. I'll get it later." She groaned. The kwamis flew up.

"But what if it's important?" Tikki whined.

"Ugh, fine." Marinette shot up and stood on her bed as it bounced. "Tikki, Spots On!"

She transformed and pulled out her yo-yo. One new voicemail from Chat Noir. She clicked on it.

"Good evening, M'Lady, I hope you're having a nice day so far, but we have a few visitors waiting for us by the Seine." His voice spoke. "A trail of spikes are scattered in the street, blocking traffic, so I'm assuming they're trying to make a scene similar to yesterday's. And without knowing their demands, it might me best not to keep them waiting much longer."

The message ended and Ladybug groaned. "Of course."

. . .

Ladybug followed the trail of spikes and found Chat Noir standing in a defense pose on one side of the road with three unknown heroes on the other side. One sat on a lamppost, another laid on a bench, and Ginger stood with her hand on her hip. Marinette landed next to Chat Noir.

"Took you long enough." The one on the lamppost said. The other on the bench sat up.

"Why are you guys just staring at each other?" Ladybug whispered. 

"They insisted we wait for you." Chat answered without breaking eye contact.

"Oh. Why? What are they waiting for me for?" She scanned them.

"I don't know." Chat replied.

"We're not here to fight you today." The one on the lamppost said. She had loose, mid-length, black hair with dark pink highlights and dark eyes. She wore a pink and black outfit that matched her hair. She had a mysterious sword-like spike on each arm and leg. They looked as if they almost grew out of her skin.

The one that laid on the bench was a man dressed in purple. His outfit was very similar to Chat Noir's but without the bell. He had dark brown hair, blue eyes, and dark skin. Each one of them seemed like normal miraculous holders, but they all looked like warriors.

"It's nice to see you again, Ladybug." Ginger smiled.

"Wait, so we aren't fighting?" Chat straightened.

"Why are you guys here?" Ladybug asked. "I see you brought friends, Ginger."

"We have questions for you and to make it fair, we will tell you about us. Deal?" Ginger said. "But . . . if you don't cooperate, we will use force."

"We already know about your miraculous, but we'll tell you about ours." The man said.

"I'm the lily miraculous holder." Ginger said. "You already know my hero name is Ginger. I have the power of pollen. Pollen stains." She looked at the bottom of her foot. "It's practically paint as you've probably already noticed."

"I'm Magenta." The woman on the lamppost said. "I'm the rose miraculous holder. I have the power of thorns. They're sharp, they can stab things, they can cut things . . . you get the point."

The man on the bench crossed his arms. "I'm Lavender and I'm the lavender miraculous holder. It's pretty straightforward. I can calm you down and make you fall asleep instantly."

"Our powers are from the Gardenia Miracle box." Ginger said. "We've gone through years of training in order to get the opportunity to even be considered for a miraculous. It wasn't handed to us so easily like you two. We had to earn ours and with them, we are sent on missions."

Magenta rolled her eyes. "We are sent on missions, Ginger, not you. This is your first one and you barely qualified."

"I'm still a part of the team, Magenta." Ginger's eyebrow twitched.

"You're only 18 and you're new. We are not a team."

"Well yes, but if you count that us three and the temple were gone for 172 years, then I'm actually 190 years old." Ginger turned around. "And I graduated at the top of my class and was given my miraculous instantly. I'm just as qualified as you and Lavender."

"If you were as great, you wouldn't be graduating with your class." Magenta growled. "You'd surpass them enough to leave them years earlier."

"Sorry, not everyone is a prodigy like you." Ginger shrugged.

"Enough you too." Lavender stood up. "If you two would stop fighting, maybe we could finish this." He turned to Ladybug and Chat Noir. "Your miraculous are all different. The Ladybug has earrings and the Black Cat has a ring. All of us from our Miracle box have rings; the same type." All three held up their hand. "They look like diamond wedding rings right now, but when we aren't transformed, they just look like cheap candy machine rings. Each one is a different color, hence why our names are colors."

"So . . . are you good or bad?" Chat asked, Ladybug hitting him in the arm.

"We can be either." Lavender answered. "Whatever our mission is and whatever is approved by the council of guardians determines that."

"So far, no, but if you don't comply with our wishes, we'll be Paris's new Hawkmoth and Mayura." Magenta smirked. "Your master already let this city down by losing a few miraculouses, which it turn resulted in those two villains. It's funny how he brings this city such harm even after his death."

"He doesn-" Ladybug stopped herself, her eye twitching. "What wishes? We don't owe you anything."

"Which one of you is the new guardian?" Ginger asked, neither moving.

Chat Noir seemed to lean more towards Ladybug. Magenta squinted her eyes before swiping her hand over her forearm, launching a spike. Chat Noir jumped in front of Ladybug and hit the spike to the ground with his baton. Another one grew on Magenta's arm to replace it.

"It's her." Magenta straightened.

"So what if I am?" Ladybug glared. "What do you want with me?

"The Miracle Box." Ginger answered. "We need it and both of your miraculous. It's that simple."

"And why would we do that?" Chat asked. "I kind of like destroying things."

"It's not up for debate." Lavender said. "They don't belong to you and they never have. You must give them back."

"The council wants the entire box back and you have no right to keep them from us." Magenta said. "If you will not listen, we will take them by force."

"Looks like we'll be fighting after all then." Chat smirked.

"Bring it on kitty cat." Lavender smirked, walking forward.

"Lavender!" Ginger yelled. He stopped. "Not today." He glared. "Ladybug and Chat Noir, you will see us again . . . and Ladybug . . . you will surrender."

"That won't happen." Ladybug insisted.

"We'll see." Ginger said before running away.

Magenta snapped her fingers and the spikes disappeared. The other two left. Ladybug turned to Chat Noir to see him holding his fist out.

"Pound it." He said, stepping closer.

"We didn't even do anything."

"It's our mission." He smiled. "And we didn't necessarily lose."

Ladybug smiled. "Pound it." Her fist hit his. It had been so long since they'd done that. It brought back so many memories.

"Alright, I gotta get home. Keep the Miracle Box locked up." Chat said, backing away. "Sleep with one eye open incase those three have some secret plan."

"I will, Chat Noir."

"Stay safe."

They both split.

. . .

Adrien grabbed a glass and opened his fridge for some grape juice. His room had been remodeled after he graduated, so now, he has a mini kitchen. Since he stood up to his father and they now co-manage the Agreste brand, he hasn't had much time to play foosball and watch every movie ever made. Besides managing, he designs apparel and continues modeling, but on his own terms.

Plagg flew over. "So you got to see Ladybug again?"

"It's not the that big of a deal, Plagg." Adrien took a sip.

He opened the cheese cabinet. "I haven't heard you flirt yet and that's kind of scary, so something's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong. I just don't know if I should. We're adults now." Adrien took another drink. "Ladybug might just think I'm immature for that. I've had a crush on her since I was fourteen. It's highly unrealistic that we'd ever be together let alone her have any feelings for me."

"But you still like her." Plagg joked.

"I do." Adrien sat down. "But after Kagami and I dated . . . I realized . . . I only ever truly loved Ladybug. She was the one." He sighed. "But she never liked me."

[alicepink-me]

Secrets Revealed

By: Alice Pink (Btw I was 14 when I wrote this, so not my best work)

Story Summary:

Chat Noir’s goal has always been to find out Ladybug’s true identity. Can one hint about Ladybug lead to the truth? Secrets will be revealed about the past as mysteries unfold. How will Marinette and Adrien react to everything?

Chapter 5: The Revealer

Chat Noir laughed as he watched Ladybug swing away.

"Amazing. She truly is amazing. But still clueless." He smiled.

'Marinette just told me that she has a crush on me and she doesn't even know it. I never knew, but how did I not see it before. She would stand up for her friends in front of the entire class, but she couldn't speak one sentence to me. I've got to go find her. She's off to find me at the party and I have to make sure I get a dance with her.

Chat Noir leaped through the air and headed for the Le Grand Paris hotel.

. . .

Ladybug hid in a corner outside of the hotel and detransformed into Marinette.

"Luckily I didn't change out of my pink dress earlier, Tikki."

"See, I knew you weren't stupid like you said." Tikki laughed.

"I can't control when I'm smart. I only succeed when I don't try. Now lets go inside Tikki."

Tikki darted into her purse as Marinette walked to the front entrance. Marinette went inside and noticed Alya at a table full of desserts.

"Hey Alya." Marinette said, tapping on Alya's shoulder.

"Marinette?! You actually came? I didn't think you'd come." Alya said, confused.

"I changed my mind."

"Did you changing your mind have anything to do with a tall, blonde haired model?" Alya smirked.

"Is he here? Did Adrien come?" Marinette blurted.

"Ya and Uh . . . " Alya peered behind Marinette's shoulder. "It looks like he's staring at you."

"What?!" Marinette shouted, instantly turning around and meeting the gaze of Adrien Agreste.

Adrien smiled at Marinette, making her blush as he moved across the room to her.

"Hey." Adrien breathed.

"U-Uh hi."

"Would you like to dance?" Adrien asked.

Marinette's face turned even brighter pink as Alya quietly laughed at her.

"What? W-With me?"

Adrien nodded his head as he continued to smile at Marinette.

"You want to dance with me? Uuuhh . . . sure."

Adrien's face lit up with joy. He grabbed Marinette's hand and led her to the center of the dance floor. Marinette could hardly feel her feet as Adrien Agreste held her hand.

'Why does Adrien want to dance with me?'

As Marinette and Adrien reached the center, the music had changed to a slow dance.

'A slow dance! Me slow dancing with Adrien Agreste!'

Marinette's heart dropped as Adrien wrapped his arms around her waist. She had stopped breathing for a few seconds, but managed to put her hands on his shoulders.

"You look beautiful, Marinette."

Marinette jumped at the sound of his voice. "Thanks. Y-You look beautiful too. I mean you look better than me. You look more beautifuller than everyone here. You Uh . . . always look beautiful." Marinette looked at her feet in embarrassment for what she had just said.

Adrien lifted Marinette's face up and looked deep into her bluebell eyes. "No one in this room could even compare to how beautiful you are." Adrien whispered to Marinette. Adrien leaned in to kiss her as Marinette's face froze.

'I can't believe it. He's actually going to kiss me!'

Adrien was about to kiss Marinette when Chloe noticed them. She had been looking for Adrien since the slow song had come on.

"Adrikins!" Chloe ran over and pushed Marinette to the ground. Chloe hugged Adrien firmly and tried to kiss him.

Adrien and Marinette just stared at each other for a moment in surprise.

"Oh poor little Marinette." Chloe said in an annoying voice. "You have such a pitiful little crush on my Adrien. It's just sad that you can't realize that me and Adrien are together. You're just so awkward that Adrien would have never liked you." Chloe laughed at Marinette as Adrien released Chloe's grip from him.

Marinette's eyes watered as Chloe continued to laugh. She had never been so embarrassed.

'Chloe told Adrien that I liked him before I even got the chance.'

Marinette stood up and ran outside of the hotel. She slid down against the wall and put her head in her hands.

"I should have been the one to tell Adrien that I liked him." Marinette cried to herself. "But I had kept it a secret and now look what happened. Keeping secrets never gets anyone anywhere. All secrets should be revealed!"

An evil purple butterfly appeared near Marinette and found its way to her charm bracelet. Suddenly, the Hawk Moth symbol appeared over Marinette's sad eyes.

"Look what secrets have done. No one has to suffer like you have. You can reveal all secrets, so everything will be better. But first, you must bring me Ladybug and Chat Noir's miraculouses."

Marinette smiled at the thought and her mind never thought of it being wrong. "Yes Hawk Moth."

Marinette's hair formed into a bun on top of her head with her eyes turning dark blue. Her outfit became a white dress with black spots. It was almost the opposite of her ladybug dress. The charm bracelet disappeared from her purse and appeared on her wrist. She was no longer Marinette.

. . .

"Chloe what is wrong with you?!" Adrien shouted, full of anger. "Why would you say those things to Marinette? Me and you will never be together because I love Marinette."

Chloe was astonished by Adrien's reaction. "What?! You must be kidding. She's awkward Marinette."

"You're wrong about her. She's amazing Marinette."

Adrien left Chloe and ran outside to look for Marinette. As soon as Adrien made his way out of the hotel, he heard a scream. After hearing that, he knew he had to transform. He hid behind a nearby bush.

"Plagg! Claws out!." He called.

. . .

Chat Noir used his staff to reach the top of a building and saw what was going on. People everywhere were angry and crying. They were uncontrollably speaking their minds and secrets to everyone. They couldn't stop and all they did make things worse. Friendships were ruined, fights were sprung, and hearts were broken.

Chat Noir had spotted the akumatized villain, but she looked way too familiar to him. He had to get a closer look. He leaped from building to building until he reached her. He immediately knew who it was.

"Marinette?" He spoke in a sad voice.

She turned towards him and smiled. "Oh Chat Noir, you finally showed up. But my name is not Marinette. My name is Mari and I am The Revealer. I reveal all secrets. No secrets should be kept! All secrets shall be revealed!" She shouted.

"No. You can't do this. It's wron-"

"No! Everything is right. Secrets are lies and secrets hold people back! They ruin everything."

Mari rose up higher in the sky and started to reveal more secrets again. She was a different kind of villain though. She didn't blast people like normal villains. Instead, she'd look at you and somehow find a way into you mind and make you confess your secrets. You can't escape.

Chat Noir thought of what he could possibly do. She could make him confess to many things and he didn't know any of her weaknesses.

'Wait. I know one of her weaknesses. Me! This all started because Chloe made fun of her crush on me.'

Chat Noir found Mari staring at at poster of Adrien on the side of a building.

"You know Adrien has a crush on you too."

Chat Noir's words woke her from her thoughts. "No he doesn't! Adrien Agreste will never like me!" Mari screamed.

"Yes he does." Chat said, walking closer to Mari. "He never got to tell you."

"Your lying, Chat Noir! I messed up everything between me and Adrien with my secrets!"

"No, you didn't. He still likes you." Chat said, stepping closer.

"I wouldn't take another step if I were you! I could make you reveal your identity to all of Paris right now. And I should because I need your miraculous."

"No you don't need my miraculous. Hawk Moth does for some reason. You're Marinette. You're a designer and caring friend. You like Adrien Agreste and he likes you. That's who you are." Chat pleaded.

"Stop saying that! I'm not that person and you wouldn't know if Adrien liked me! You are not Adrien Agreste!" She cried as her eyes watered again.

Adrien looked around and saw that everyone had fled the streets. He saw a chance to do something and he knew exactly what to do.

"Cataclysm!" He shouted as he placed his hand on the sidewalk they were standing on. The ground crumbled beneath Mari before she could fly away. Only everything above her waist was free. She could still look at Chat Noir, but she could not escape.

"Now Mari, I want you to know something. And it is entirely true."

"What?!" She barked.

"Adrien Agreste doesn't just like you . . . he loves you. And I know this because I am Adrien Agreste. Claws In." Chat Noir's transformation vanished as he moving closer towards Mari.

"Now do you believe me?" Adrien leaned in and kissed Mari. As he kissed Mari, he lifted her from the concrete and took her bracelet. He stood her on her feet and finished the kiss. But as he released, she fell to the ground. She stood still as if in a deep sleep.