#and immediately the focus is on Marinette feeling bad for falling for his tricks and Adrien having to comfort her

[saltywhovian]

seven minutes in heaven is hard when there’s four people in the closet

Marinette loved Alya. She was her best friend, her confidant, her rock. But Marinette was going to strangle Alya. She was going to murder Alya, ressurect her, and then murder her again. If she made it out of this closet without being suffocated to death. But hey, being suffocated during Seven Minutes in Heaven is such a good way to die. 

                                                  Earlier

“Marinette! I’m having a little sleepover tonight, nothing fancy, just a few friends, some chips, some bad movies, will you pleaaaase come??” 

Marinette glances over at Alya, who is practically down on her knees begging Marinette to come to the sleepover. “Alya, I-” Marinette makes eye contact with Alya, who has become the literal definition of puppy eyes. Marinette sighs, and grabs her phone. “You know what, I deserve a night off. I’ve been working myself too hard. Let me ask my parents.”

After getting a positive answer from her parents, Marinette gives Alya a thumbs up. Alya squeals, and throws her arms around Marinette. “Girl, you won’t regret it!”

“Okay weirdo,” Marinette chuckles. “Let me finish this homework.”

As Alya walks away, she grins to herself. 

She goes up to Nino and Adrien, and after planting a big kiss on Nino’s cheek, she turns to the boys. “Hey, I’m having a sleepover, do you two want to come?”

Nino nods, and Adrien furrows his brow. “I’ll have to clear it up with Nathalie and my father,” 

Alya interrupts him with a grin. “Uh-uh my friend. I already got approval from Nathalie. You can check with her right now.

Adrien, who is even more confused, pulls out his phone, dialing Nathalie. 

“Hey, um, Alya invited me to a sleepover, and-” he stammers.

“Yes, I am aware of Ms. Cesaire’s get together. You already have your father and I’s consent to attend. But of course, it is your choice on whether or not you go.” Nathalie responds.

“No, no, I want to go! Th- Thank you Nathalie.”

“Have fun Adrien.”

Adrien turns to Alya, amazement in his eyes. “How? Just- how??” 

Alya walks away dramatically, calling over her shoulder, “A magician never reveals her secrets.”

After inviting Alix and Rose, Alya goes to Juleka. “Hey girl, I’m having a little sleepover tonight, do you and your brother want to come?”

Juleka smiles, and shoots a text to Luka. “He would love to come.”

Alya smiles slowly. And that makes four.

You see, Alya was smart. And although everyone except for Adrien knew about Marinette’s “little” crush, Alya knew there was more. Because whenever Kagami was around Adrien, Marinette would get jealous whenever they touched each other. Not just if Kagami initiated the touching, but if Adrien did too. And whenever Marinette was with Luka, they were gentle, they were the same in a quiet kind of way.

So Alya dug a little more. She grilled Adrien enough to know that he’s head over heels for Marinette, just in denial.  She then accomplished the harder task, figuring out Kagami’s feelings. It took nearly a month of careful plotting, and finally, finally got Kagami to admit that she wanted to take Marinette into her arms, and.. Alya stopped Kagami there. 

And then she dug more. Kagami and Adrien weren’t hard to figure out. And the moments that Luka and Adrien shared were so sweet, Alya thought she might get diabetes. As for Kagami, and Luka? There was definitely something there. It just needed a little push. 

Alya did such a good job figuring this all out, she was considering a career as a detective. So with all this information, what was she going to do?

Well she was going to scheme. But she couldn’t do this by herself. So she enlisted Nino, and then after some careful thought, she pulled Juleka into the planning.

After another two weeks, they had a plan. Operation Seven Minutes was a go.

Honestly, the hardest part was convincing Kagami and Adriens parents to let their children attend a co-ed sleepover. Alya went to Nathalie first. She explained that Kagami would be there, and that they would be doing meditation, to relax and tame their emotions due to stress of everyday life. She said that it would be beneficial and would allow Adrien to focus more on his duties. Nathalie gave her a smile, and told her that Adrien had her permission to attend the sleepover. For Kagami, it involved simply stating that Adrien Agreste would be in attendance, and Gabriel Agreste approved of the affair. Ms. Tsurugi approved immediately. 

So she invited the four, and a few others to create less awkwardness in the room, so she could trick the idiots into a false sense of security. 

Technically the main objective of Operation Seven Minutes was to get the four idiots together, but the true objective was for Alya to live all her shipping fantasies and be as amused as she can possibly be. 

She sends a text to Operation Seven Minutes.

Red -The birds are in the bush

Purple - What?

Green - Everyone’s coming.

Purple - Why couldn’t Alya just say that?

Red - Code names, Purple!

Purple - They’re kinda dumb

Green - She’s got a point, babe

Red - Whatever, whatever. Time for Phase 3.

Evening

Marinette rings the doorbell at Alya’s place, face slightly flushed at her late arrival. Alya opens the door, and pulls Marinette in. “There you are, girl! I got worried for a second that you weren’t coming!”

“I’m so sorry Alya, there was an emergency at the bakery…” Marinette trails off as she takes in the people in the room. Nino and Alix are engaged in fervent conversation that’s no doubt involving some extreme dare, Juleka and Rose cuddling, and…

Adrien, Luka and Kagami all sitting together looking mildly awkward. Scratch that, really awkward. 

Marinette slowly turns to Alya, her face twitching. Before the situation escalates, Alya snatches Marinette’s bag and yeets it into a corner.

“Alright, gather round, gather round!” Alya beckons. “Now that Marinette’s here, we’re going to play Uno!”

Marinette balks at the circle, unsure on where to sit. Kagami tugs at Marinette's sleeve, indicating a spot in between her and Luka. “Sit next to me Marinette.”

Marinette smiles, which the team notices, thanks to a nudge in the ribs from Alya. “O-Okay Kagami.”

Luka makes a small wave at Marinette as she settles in. “I’m glad you’re here, Marinette.”

Adrien leans over from Luka’s other side. “Me too!”

Kagami gently scoots in closer to Marinette, leaning into the conversation. “I as well Marinette. I always seem to enjoy myself when you’re around.”

Marinette is practically speechless, already furiously flushing. Nino, Alya and Juleka fist bump, whispering “Pound it!”

Uno goes better than Alya could ever imagine. Sure Alix is another +4 away from murdering someone, but that was a foreseen circumstance. No, Alya is very pleased because the four have been slowly snuggling closer and closer to each other. And because of how competitive Marinette gets, she is no longer stuttering around anyone. 

Kagami looks at Marinette, her eyes gleaming in regret. “Marinette, I’m so sorry, I have no other card..” She places the +4 card down. “I hope you can find it in your heart to ever forgive me.”

Marinette meets Kagami’s eyes, her own filled with understanding. “It’s okay Kagami, I know you would never willingly betray me. Besides, you’ve given me the perfect opportunity.”

Luka looks at Marinette in alarm, clutching his three card deck to his chest. “Marinette, you couldn’t. You- you wouldn’t!”

Marinette shrugs, looking nonchalant, but a smirk is threatening to break through her casual expression. “I’m sorry Luka, but you are a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”

“Marinette, it doesn’t have to be like this!”

“Oh but it does.” She slams the +4 card down on top of Kagami's card. “Uno.”

Luka stares at the card, disbelief taking his body. Adrien rubs his back, mourning the defeat.

Marinette tenderly places a hand on Luka’s face. “I’m sorry it had to be like this. Maybe in another lifetime it would work. But it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.” 

Luka gasps at the touch, much to Juleka’s delight. But before he can respond, Alix leaps to her feet, eyes raging, pillow in hand. “I’ve had enough! This means war!” Alix then swings the pillow into Ninos face, knocking him to the floor. 

The room erupts into chaos. Everyone scrambles to grab a pillow, and attack the foes around them. Adrien immediately jumps in front of Marinette, acting as a human shield. “Marinette stay back!” he yells. “I’ll protect you!” 

On the ground, Marinette looks up at Adrien, who is practically glowing in the fluorescent lighting, framed by feathers floating around them. The moment is ruined by Adrien being shunted to the couch by a pillow to the ribs. Marinette rushes to his side and clutches his hand. “Adrien! Are you okay?”

He looks up to her, and hands her his pillow. Marinette nods, determination in her eyes. “I’ll avenge you.” 

She rushes into battle, the power of the past Ladybugs flowing through her veins. Kagami and Luka, who are currently fighting back to back, can only watch in awe as Marinette, crowned with righteous fury, slams her pillow in Ninos stomach, causing him to fall into Alya.

 “Oh girl I’ll get you for that!” she cries, hoisting her pillow into the air.

In a blink, Kagami rushes to block Alya. While engaged in a furious standoff with Alya, she cries “Luka, now!”

Alya looks back to see Luka leaping into the air with his pillow above his head.

From the couch, Adrien yells “Finish her Luka!”

And finish her he does. With one final blow, Alya is struck to the ground. The battle ends with Luka and Kagami flanking Marinette, while their friends lay fallen around them. 

Rose looks up, and starts laughing. “I think that’s a good segway to pajamas, huh?” 

Marinette fidgets with her pajamas, displeased with her selection. She had picked them based on the thought that it was just going to Alya, Rose and Alix, so she’s wearing a silky tank top and short combo that she made herself. The pink tank top sometimes rides up to show a little stomach, and the shorts show way too much leg than she is comfortable letting Luka, Adrien and Kagami see.  “Alya,” Marinette hisses under her breath. “I cannot go out in this!”

Alya tugs a stubborn Marinette into the other room. “Girl, relax. Once you see what everyone else is wearing, you’ll calm down.”

Marinette doesn’t exactly calm down, per say. She doesn’t really notice what Alix and Nino are wearing, but sees that Rose and Juleka are matching. But she stops right in her tracks when she sees her crushes. 

Kagami, who is watching Luka and Adrien squabble, is wearing the prettiest red nightgown Marinette has ever seen. It’s big and billowy, falls right above her knees, and the puffy sleeves give Kagami this innocent yet beautiful look. Kagami rushes to Marinette’s side, clutching her arm. Marinette is trying, and failing to ignore how Kagami's fingers feel against her bare skin. 

“They’re fighting because they’re matching,” Kagami whispers into Marinette’s ear. 

Marinette finally looks at Adrien and Luka, and almost faints. Luka and Adrien are both wearing Ladybug onesies, both with hoods and feet, and are in a heated argument over the matching.

“I’m just saying that you should change because I’m the biggest Ladybug fan.” Adrien argues. “I’m literally Chat Noir- I mean in the animated movie.”

“Any true fan knows that the movie sucked,”  Luka counters. “Just because you are ‘Chat Noir’,” he mocks with air quotes, “Doesn’t entitle you to the title of the biggest Ladybug fan.”

Marinette whispers back to Kagami, “I should probably intervene before this cat fight gets ugly.” Shouldering her way inbetween the onesie clad boys, she gives both of them a stern glare, silencing them. “Boys, you’re both pretty. Besides, I think Chloe wins that title. She literally has an expensive Ladybug cosplay, wig and all.” 

The boys nod in agreement, mostly distracted by Marinette’s choice in pajamas. Luka hates to prove the “boys are distracted by girls shoulders” stereotype, but he cannot stop staring. There’s something about the dip from her next to the shoulder that just makes him…

“Alright, losers, let’s play some truth and dare!” Alix’s challenge breaks the spell. The boys and Marinette sit down where they are, and Kagami joins them at Adrien’s side. “Alright, Rose, truth or dare?”

Rose blinks at the question, weighing the options. “Truth!”

“If you could kiss anyone in this room, who would you kiss?”

Without any hesitation, Rose blurts out “Juleka!” 

Juleka, who is settled in at her side, slowly turns to Rose, her face the same shade as Rose’s pjs. “Um, really?”

Rose, who is also bright pink, nods, and pulls Juleka into the hall. The rest of the room sits in silence until the two come back a few minutes later. 

Juleka breaks the silence. “We’re dating now.” 

The room, once again erupts into chaos. Luka rushes to his sister, crying about how proud he is, Alix to Rose saying that it’s all thanks to her. In the chaos, someone bumps into Marinette, causing her to tumble right smack into Kagami. Thanks to some cruel twist of misfortune, Marinette’s hands… are dangerously close to where they shouldn’t be. Marinette flings herself back, stammering out apologies, but Kagami silences her with a hand and a smile. 

“Marinette, I know you would never purposely do anything to me,” Kagami assures Marinette. “You are pure and true. That’s why..” 

But Kagami never finishes her sentence. With a roar, Alya silences the room. “Okay, we can all agree that we all just witnessed something beautiful. Now let’s get back to Truth or Dare.” She peers around the room, eyes landing on Adrien. “Adrien, truth or dare?”

“Uh… dare?” the blonde answers.

“I dare you to sit in Luka’s lap until dared to move.”

Adrien is practically red. “I, uh, erm…”

Alix whoops, “You’ve got to do, blondie. A dare’s a dare!”

So Adrien makes his way over to Luka. “Are you okay with this, Luka?” Adrien asks, desperate to not be placed in this situation.

Luka, who most definitely wants to be placed in this situation, shrugs, trying to hide his excitement. “Yeah.” he pats his lap, wiggling his eyebrows at Adrien. “Sit down, Monsieur.”

Adrien slowly drops himself into Luka’s lap, gently moving until he’s comfortable. 

Alya sneakily takes a picture. 

After a few more truths and dares, it’s Juleka’s turn to ask. “Marinette, truth or dare?”

After a few seconds of thinking, Marinette answers “Dare.”

“I dare you…” Juleka makes a huge show out of thinking up a dare, but the one she has is one memorized from Alya’s meticulous planning. “To give Luka a kiss on the nose.” 

Adrien looks at the two, who are starting to look like Ladybug’s costume, and asks “Do I have to move?”

Juleka shakes her head. “Stay where you are.”

Marinette sputters, but makes her way over to Luka and Adrien. Leaning past Adrien, who melts at the feeling of Marinette breathing by his ear, Marinette locks eyes with Luka. “I’m going to kiss you now,” she whispers. He nods, and Marinette brushes her lips onto the tip of his nose. Luka cannot control the sigh that escapes him. Marinette pulls back and returns to Kagami’s side, who straightens up, and looks to Adrien.

“Adrien, truth or dare?” Kagami asks him. 

“Uh, dare I guess?” Adrien answers, intimidated by her intensity. 

“I dare you to sit in my lap.”

You can hear a pin drop.

The team was not expecting the operation to go this well. 

“You heard her right, Adrien.” Rose chimes. “Go sit in her lap!”

Luka, who is very reluctant to give up Adrien, watches as he goes, and settles into his second lap of the evening. Kagami leans forward into his back, and whispers into his ear, “I missed you.” 

Adrien thinks he is going to die. 

This time, Nino takes the picture.

After another round that results in Alix reliquenshing her hat to a very delighted Rose, Alya takes the reins. “Luka, Kagami, I dare you two swap pajamas. One of you can change in my bathroom, the other in my bedroom.”

Lukan and Kagami make eye contact, an unspoken message coursing through the room. Kagami taps Adrien’s lower back. “I’ll be back.” 

He stands up, sitting with a very delighted Marinette, allowing Kagami and Luka to go to Alya’s room. Once in the room, Kagami closes the door and turns to Luka. Luka is the first one to break the silence. “What’s your game at?”

“What game?” Kagami drawls, not breaking the stand off. 

“Well, I just found it odd that you dared Adrien to sit in your lap while Marinette was right there, and you’ve been glued to her side all evening.”

“I do not hesitate, Luka. I know what I want, and I get it.”

Luka raises his hands in a sign of peace. “Hey, I’m not trying to start a fight or anything. I’m just trying to figure out if we’re on the same page.”

“What page, Luka?”

“Do I really have to spell it out?”

Kagami’s silence is all the answer he gets.

“Fine, fine. Listen, I’m in love with Adrien and Marinette, and I’m almost positive that you feel the same.”

“You are correct about almost everything.”

“Almost?”

“You failed to account that I might be in love with you.”

“Oh.”

Kagami raises an eyebrow. “Oh? I confess to you and all you have to say is oh??” 

Luka backtracks, trying to explain himself, but Kagami interrupts. “It’s okay. I’m not going to be selfish.”

“No, no no!  You’ve got me all wrong, Kagami!” Luka slides a hand through his hair. “You’re like, part of my harmony. The four of us, we’re like a four part harmony. I… need all of the chords to sound good.”

Kagami gasps, a blush dusting across her cheeks. “Oh!”

Luka chuckles, and Kagami shoots him a glare. “The irony is not lost on me. However, the main issue at hand here is the fact that we’re being set up.”

“Definitely. But, I’m not mad about it..”

Kagami raises an eyebrow. “Hm?”

“Well, think about it. Do you think we would’ve ever figured it out on our own? I lo-love all of you, and you’re probably the smartest of us all, but we’re kinda dumb. Marinette will figure out if given many many hints, and Adrien…”

Luka falters, not wishing to insult Adrien, but continues. “When it comes to crushes, Adrien’s about as smart as a rock. Not like a cool rock. Just a rock.”

Kagami snorts at the comparison, and turns to Luka, smirking. “I say we play along, and enjoy ourselves. Besides, whatever’s going on,” She laces her fingers into Luka’s, who is smiling, and squeezes her hand back. “It already led me to you.”

“Let’s finally complete the dare, huh?”

Kagami nods, and they split to change, fingers touching until the very last second. 

When Kagami and Luka leave, the sitting arrangements have slightly changed. Alya and Nino are cutely snuggled up. Alix is sprawled on top of their laps, smirking at Adrien and Marinette. Alya sees the pair, and motions to be quiet. Adrien and Marinette are holding hands, red as Adrien’s onesie. Their feet are brushed up against each other, and Marinette is very pointedly not looking at Adrien.  

Marinette would later swear she felt Adrien purring. 

Kagami leans over to Alya, whispering, “Where are Juleka and Rose?”

Alya whispers back, “Alix dared them to play Seven MInutes in Heaven, which should be up right….” A timer beeps off, and Rose and Juleka stumble out of the coat closet, mildly disoriented but both foolishly smiling. 

Luka and Kagami make eye contact, an unspoken thought passing among them. Marinette finally notices Kagami and Luka and squeaks when she sees them. She’s mostly excited about how cute Kagami looks in the ridiculously oversized Ladybug onesie, but her and Adrien quickly notice the nightgown on Luka falls smack in the middle of his thighs. Both Adrien and Marinette fight an urge to touch his legs. 

Alya wiggles her eyebrows, and nudges Nino, who grabs Juleka’s attention. They all know it’s time for the final phase of Operation Seven Minutes. It’s perfect that Alix already made a segway to having people playing it, really, this is going way too well. “Hey Marinette, you haven’t had a turn in a while. Truth or dare?”

Marinette chuckles, somehow miraculously still holding Adrien’s hand, decides “I’m feeling a dare.”

Time to go for the kill. “I dare you to play Seven Minutes in Heaven with someone of your choice.”

Marinette looked ready to murder Alya. Twitching hands, and a very fake smile. Nino jumps in, as according to plan, in case Marinette couldn’t pick. “C’mon Alya, don’t make her pick! She’ll take so long, that we’ll all be 80. I’ll pick.”

“NO!” Marinette practically screeches. “No. No. Alya dared me to pick, and so I’ll pick.” She doesn’t pick. 

After a minute that felt like an hour, Juleka speaks up. “I have an idea. How about Marinette goes in the closet, and whoever wants to play Seven Minutes in Heaven with her will follow. Anyone opposed?”

When no one speaks, Marinette nods, and shuffles off to the closet. As she sits in there, her mind begins to race. Why is no one coming? It’s because no one likes you, you should’ve just picked Alya and hugged her for 7 minutes..

While Marinette worries outside, her friends sit in silence. Suddenly, Kagami stands up and rushes to the closet. Luka leaps up, hot on her tail. After a few seconds, Adrien jumps up, and scrambles after the two, muttering “Crap, crap, crap!”

Alya, Nino and Juleka just stare in amusement, and Rose and Alix...are going to need a moment.

Before Marinette can spiral any more, Kagami slams the door open, then attempts to lean on the door nonchalantly. “Uh, hey-” she’s promptly interrupted by Luka's body slamming into her, causing both of them to fall in with Marinette. She squeaks as they both fall in, and if it wasn’t awkward already, Adrien also trips and stumbles in. Alya makes no time in quickly shutting the door, and the fours eyes widen hearing the lock click. “Seven minutes starting now, have fun!”

Marinette is the first to speak up. “So, um, all of us are in here. In here, in this closet, for s-seven m-m-minutes in heaven. Hm, hm, so I uh, hm..”

Marinette is so cute that the three might die. 

Kagami smiles. “Marinette, may I?” Marinette cues her with a nod. “I believe that Marinette is pointing out the fact that we all wanted to play Seven Minutes in Heaven with her, a party game for the sole purpose of making out. I know that I would love to make out with Marinette.”

Luka nods in agreement. “Same here.”

Marinette is a squeaky, blushy mess. They all turn to Adrien.

He is blushing just as bad, if not worse than Marinette. “Y-yeah…” 

Marinette almost faints. “I, um, would like to uh, make, make, um up, no out, with all of you too.” 

Kagami, who would later claim that she already knew this and just wanted the others to know, lets out a faint “Yes!”

“Erm.. Continue.”

Marinette nods. “I, um, also, notice, that you guys, all kinda, you know, um, like each, each, other, and  I um, like, want to sugg- suggest,”

Luka tries to rub her back to encourage her, but because of how small the closet is, he ends up being squished a little too close to Marinette, with his face mere inches from Adrien’s.

Adrien is going to give Alya the entire Gabriel fortune. He’s going to give her the entire company. 

“I-” she gulps. “I would like to suggest us, being in like, a poly group. Only, only if everyone's okay with it, and I know we would have to work out all the kinks-”

Marinette is quickly silenced by a swift kiss from Kagami. While the two girls kiss, Luka and Adrien are both trying to decide to get jealous, or kiss each other. Kagami takes her sweet time pulling away, and whispers, “I would love to date you. All of you. If-if you’ll have me.”

Surprisingly, Adrien speaks up. “It would be a dream to date all of you. I, have to admit, I loved Marinette first, deep down, and then Luka and Kagami came into my life, and I’ve, I’ve never been the same.”

Everyone looks to Luka, who lets out a hearty chuckle. “Of course I want to date you guys! All of you are my harmony. My beautiful, beautiful harmony.”

Marinette looks up at all of them,  tears brimming in her eyes. “I love you guys!”

“We love you too Marinette!”

“You know,” Luka mentions, wiggling his eyebrows at Adrien. “Alya shoved us in here to play Seven Minutes, and those seven minutes are ticking by…”

Outside, Alix glances over to Alya. “Did you set the timer?”

“Oh no!” Alya gasps, most definitely insincere. She makes a huge show out of picking up her phone, and pretending to be surprised that the timer isn’t set. “I’ll just set it to seven minutes now. I just hope they don’t mind!”

Nino rolls his eyes, snaking an arm around his girlfriend. “I’m almost positive they won’t babe.”

After the actual seven minutes, Alya finally unlocks and opens the door. “Times up,” she calls, “I hope you guys weren’t too..” All four of them topple out of the closet, tangled and flustered. “Uncomfortable.” she finishes with a smirk.

Marinette smiles, stands up, dusts herself up, and pulls up her girlfriend and boyfriends, kissing each of their cheeks. “We managed.” 

Later that night

“M’lady,” Chat Noir calls, settling next to her on the Eiffel Tower. “It’s 1 am, are you okay?”

“No, yeah! I’m actually great!” she assures him. “I called you here to tell you something. So, you know how I kept rejecting you?”

“Yeah, about that-”

“Wait. Just, let me finish, kitty. I’m dating the boy now, and I’m also dating two other people that I really love, and I thought was a rival for me to the boy, and the other boy the boy thought was his rival and I’m telling you this because you’re my friend and my partner..”

And in that moment, a fog is lifted from his mind. He places his hand on Ladybug’s shoulder, and whispers, “Marinette?”

“How-” and the fog is lifted from her as well. “Adrien?”

He pulls, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. They pull each other into a deep hug, and sob into the night. 

“Of course it’s you,” Adrien cries into Marinette’s shoulder. “It’s always been you.”

They share a tear soaked kiss, weighted down by each other, by their love for each other, by their love for the two still with Alya. 

Marinette stands up, and pulls Adrien to his feet. “Let’s get back before Luka and Kagami notice we’re gone.”

They’ve already noticed, but they will let the duo tell them on their own time. For now, they just let the two snuggle in close, and hold them tight. After all, that’s what love is. Trust. 

https://archiveofourown.org/users/saltywhovian

[miracul0us-multishipper]

Lady Wifi (part 1)

Marillion AU

“Come on...”, Marillion whispered into the glowing outline in front of her. “You can do it! You've practiced the entire morning, you've got this!”

“But they're all looking at me!”, her champion - The Magician, an amateur entertainer with stage fright from Mendeleiev's class - whispered back. After failing at a simple trick this morning her brooch had alarmed her of his distress, and since she couldn’t focus until it was resolved she had akumatized him. It was supposed to be quicker than talking to him as Marinette, but her lacking experience with a miraculous showed: she'd had to spend almost half an hour convincing him that letting out his frustration on the Eiffel Tower wouldn’t help him. Now, instead of making Paris' most famous monument disappear, he was trying to impress children at the Trocadero. Not the greatest challenge with his new magical powers, but that wasn’t the point.

“It doesn’t matter.”, she calmed him. “You can’t fail! You are using real magic now, they'll be so amazed they won’t even know you’re nervous.”

“But it won’t be forever! And then I’ll just do regular card tricks, and probably ruin it again.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. But in my experience, when you’re feeling scared you're twice as likely to make a mistake! I'm just helping you to get some experience with crowds, so that you'll feel surer next time. Some positive feedback is always good to lift a creative block.”

She always went to her parents when she couldn’t finish a design. Their genuine awe and pride of her abilities never failed to get her back on her feet. But since the Magician didn’t want to call his parents, the job to encourage him fell to her.

“Okay... I... I'll try!”

He stepped forward and took off his cylinder, ready to create a cloud of white butterflies. The kids cooed and awed, and the Magician smiled hesitantly. Marillion gave him a thumbs-up from her hiding place on the roofs.

It went flawless, after that. He made little lights and clouds of colorful smoke, more butterflies and even made himself dis- and reappear a few times. The children were utterly fascinated and their laughter and applause warmed her heart. And her champion's as well: soon the clouds of butterflies were joined by a freshly purified akuma and the Magician transformed back into a carefree, laughing boy.

“See?”, she said to no one. The link to her champion had gone vacant when he had detransformed. With a last smile towards her freed akuma she turned around and vanished with a swirl of her tailcoat.

This had been a great morning after all.

-

“This is a horrible morning!”, Alya complained to Tikki. Not only had she failed to identify her nemesis via a cutout of Marillion, she had even been caught by Bustier! And Marinette wasn't here to distract her!

“Well, I did tell you to focus on your lessons.”, her cherished but unbearably goody-two-shoes friend replied. “Besides, it’s impossible to recognize the wielder of a miraculous. Your masks are magical, remember?”

“It was worth a try.”, she shrugged. “And hey, its not like you’re the one who has to focus for two hours on the most boring subject there is. Oh! Rose, Juleka! Have you seen Marinette?”

Tikki hurried to hide in her bag while her classmates shook their heads and she moved on.

“Where is that girl?”

“She said she didn’t feel well. Maybe she went home?”

“But she left her bag here!”

Tikki raised an eyebrow - or at least the skin where her eyebrows would be, if she had any.

“Because your friend never forgets anything, right?”

Good point. She loved her BFF, but Marinette sure was a mess.

“I‘ll look at her locker. If she's not there I'll just bring her bag over to her home.”

Any excuse to go by the Dupain-Cheng Patisserie was fine with her. The croissants were incredible, and Tikki barely ate anything except their delicious macarons. In her mind she was already sinking her teeth in the artwork of a pastry when a ruffling sound stopped her. Was that... Chloé?

Indeed. The blonde b... beast was hurriedly packing something into that overly expensive handbag of her, and she looked very keen on not being watched. Alya's eyes narrowed and she hid behind a corner. Suspicious!

Her spying- observing turned out to be worth it. Thanks to her infallible intuition and sixth sense as superhero, she was able to witness it: Chloé Bourgeois, heiress to the mayor of Paris and his empire of hotels, meanest little brat under the sun... pulled a purple mask out of her locker. A butterfly shaped mask. And ribbons that matched Marillion's.

The bell rang and startled Alya out of her stupor. She quickly disappeared into the yard before Chloé - Marillion! - could spot her.

“Did you see that?”, she hissed to her Kwami, still not believing her luck. “Oh my god, Tikki! Did you see that?”

“I... uh, I did? But Alya-“

“This is Perfect, with a capital P!”, she cackled. “Oh, I can’t wait to tell everyone! By tomorrow I'll have thwarted my nemesis AND the school bully. Admit it, I’m the best superhero you ever had, right? It hasn’t even been a week since Stoneheart!”

Tikki struggled to keep up.

“Alya, you know I believe in you and your great potential, but I really doubt that-“

“I'll have to prepare my article for the Ladyblog! This is gonna be the scoop of the century, Tikki!”

“Maybe we shouldn’t rush-“

“This spoiled little brat really thought she'd get away with it, huh? Thought that just 'cause she's pretty in purple I’ll have mercy? Well, think again, Marillion! Now that I know who she really is, I suddenly don’t find her attractive in the slightest!”

“Wait, you think Marillion is attractive? Why didn’t you say anything-“

“I don’t! Not anymore, at least, and even if she weren’t Chloé... She isn’t that pretty. Villainy is not her color. Oh! I gotta remember that line for when I confront her. It could be my new catchphrase.”

“Alya!”, Tikki called out with more volume than should be possible for her tiny body. Immediately her chosen fell quiet. “Alya, please think this through! We don’t have any proof of Chloé being Marillion. And her suit is created by the miraculous! Why would Marillion carry her mask around if she can make it appear with a few magic words?”

Alya scoffed.

“You don’t know her. Chloé has an Ego that thwarts the Eiffel Tower, she'd totally be the type to wear her own merch. Besides, no one ever said supervillains were smart, hm?”

“But Marillion saved Chloé, don’t you remember? When Stoneheart dropped her. They can’t be the same person, we’ve seen them together!”

“Well...” This time Alya actually paused, but soon waved it off. “Don’t you think that’s weird? First Marillion causes her to fall, then she catches her... sounds a little staged to me. She totally did that to deceive us! She's got the means, her miraculous is really op.”

“But-“

“Nah-ah. You can’t apply logic where Chloé - or magic! - is involved. But if you insist on a second opinion, I'll go and tell Nino! Oh, and I'll leave a message for Marinette.”

Tikki sighed deeply as her chosen talked on. She loved Alya with all her heart, but sometimes her creativity expressed itself in ways that weren’t always... productive. This was going to be exhausting.

-

“Did he just... die?”, Marinette asked, baffled by that utterly random turn of events. What a ridiculous ending!

Nooroo didn’t answer, instead he desperately shoved popcorn into his little mouth.

“Hey, are you crying?”, she gasped and moved to grab the tissues. Stubborn her Kwami shook his head, despite the obvious tears that ran down his little cheek.

“Oh, honey!”, Marinette tried to comfort him. “It's just a movie. They're okay in reality, I promise!”

“'M not shad!”, he insisted, the words muffled by the sugary popcorn in his mouth. “I kno' they're oh-righ.”

He hiccuped and hurried to take the tissue she offered, blowing his nose. His voice a little clearer now, he swallowed and rubbed his eyes.

“It's just that... he wanted to be better, didn’t he? He wanted to be good! And then, when he finally did it, he... he...”

Oh. Maybe this movie had been a bad idea after all.

“He was good now.”, she assured him. “And he was happy! For... a moment.”

Admittedly, that was a weak argument. Gosh, time to distract him.

“Maybe we should watch Pride and Prejudice next? No bad endings, I swear! Plus, the dynamic is really similar and I'm sure you'll adore Keira Knightley!”

Nooroo sniffled and looked up at her.

“Are you sure? It's almost four o’clock in the morning.”

“What?!”

A panicked glance at her phone confirmed Nooroo's statement and she all but hauled herself up the ladder to her bed.

“I’ve got school tomorrow!”, she wailed and frantically tucked herself in. “That means I'll have to get up in three hours! That means I won’t get enough sleep! That means I’ll have bags under my eyes and yawn like a hippo just when Adrien looks at me! Alya is going to think I’m a freak who stays up all night like a vampire! This is a disaster!”

“Uhm... are you sure that's going to happen?”

“With my luck? Definitely.”

-

Contrary to her fears, she did not wake up dead tired and embarrassed herself in front of everyone. No, she didn’t wake up at all!

Until Nooroo gently nudged her shoulder, that is, to inform her that they had overslept.

“Noooo! No, no, no!”, she all but cried as she shoved her homework into her bag and got dressed. “Damn Disney for making this many movies!”

“Marinette, you lost something!”

Eagerly Nooroo caught the note that had fallen out of her bag and gave it to her.

“It's from Alya!”, she realized and her eyes widened. “What?! She found out who the real Marillion is?”

Her Kwami gasped.

“Oh no!”

“We gotta hurry! Before she tells anyone!”

-

“I'm telling you, she is Marillion!”, Alya insisted and pointed at Chloé. “So what if I took a measly photo of her locker? She's a supervillain! You have to search her for her miraculous!”

Monsieur Damocles cleared his throat.

“Mademoiselle Césaire, I understand if you feel embarrassed, but that’s no reason to make such accusations. Please don’t aggravate your situation.”

“Aggravate her situation? She broke into my locker!”, Chloé - that little monster - complained. “How can it get worse than that?”

M. Damocles blinked.

“She, uhm, is kind of accusing you of terrorism?”

“What, because she called me Marillion? That’s a compliment, though not one I want to her from the likes of her. But what about my locker?! Suspend her already!”

The headmaster sighed deeply. He wasn’t paid enough to deal with these kids.

“A week of suspension, and now out of my office.”

“WHAT?!”

-

When Marinette entered the class, she was prepared for betrayed looks and roared accusations. Instead, everything was silent as Bustier wrote something on the blackboard. And Alya was missing.

Nervously she tapped Nino on the shoulder.

“Where is she?”, she whispered and nodded to Alya's vacated seat. Nino shook his head. “She got into a fight with the Principal because she thinks Chloé is Marillion. She's even been suspended!”

“What?!”, she yelled, but she wasn’t the only one. Adrien had been surprised as well.

After Bustier rebuked her for the disruption, Adrien leaned over to Nino as well.

“What do you mean, Chloé is Marillion?”

“That’s what Alya thinks. Crazy, huh? Not that I wouldn’t suspect Chloé of being a supervillain, but... yeah, it doesn’t make any sense.”

“That's horrible!”, Marinette murmured, masking her relief that her secret was safe. Poor Alya! “We've got to do- Ah!”

With no warning a wave of hot red anger crashed into her, searing through her brooch. She barely noticed Madame Bustier sending her to the Principal, she was already on her way out and running towards the bathroom.

“Marinette!”, Nooroo worried as she gasped in air and waited for it to pass. “Oh, this is bad. The closer your bond to a person, the stronger you feel their emotions!”

“Don’t worry about me.”, she said, the pain already receding. “Worry about Alya! She must be so hurt and we've got to help-“

She fell silent all of a sudden. Nooroo paused.

“Marinette? What happened?”

She shook her head, confused.

“It... stopped.”

Her eyes widened.

“I can’t feel her anymore.”

- - -

Any guesses what movie they watched? ;)

[giuliafc]

Stuck in a Cabin (with you) chapter 3

Read on Ao3 || FFN || Wattpad (link to chapter 1)

Summary: Summoned to save his Lady's life, Adrien gets stuck with her in a cabin during a blizzard. Identities get revealed, feelings come out...but who's been plotting to kill Marinette? Will the culprit be punished? Read to find the answer :) (Adrienette)

Read previous chapter here on Tumblr

Written by: JuliaFC

Betas: Khanofallorcs, Agrestebug, Etoile-Lead-Sama and genxha. Thank you all so much!

Cover Art credit: Rosehealer02 on Deviantart

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by (c) Thomas Astruc, TS1 Bouygues, Disney Channel, Zagtoon, Toei Animation. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Chapter 3 — Prince Chat-ming

“WHERE IS SHE, TIKKI?” cried Chat Noir when they reached the lake. The place was silent and not even the sound of the cars in the distance seemed to come to his ear, probably muffled by the billowing wind and the snow that had already wrapped the whole park in its white canopy. If he hadn’t been this terrified, the view would have been breathtaking. But the adrenaline rush running through his body kept his concentration on the task. His eyes darted around, looking for the signs he had seen the evening before when he had come here after the first half of the photoshoot. But he couldn’t find any, they were all vanished in thin air.

A really bad feeling started growing in his gut. This looked like a set up!

“I don’t know…” admitted the kwami, breaking his thread of thought. “I had gotten a couple of landmarks but the new snow must have covered them.” She zoomed away and started zipping around the whole length of the lake, appearing to be always more reckless and anxious. She zipped at the centre of the lake mostly, then she went on the other side, then back there again. Until she erupted in a scream.

“Here, Chat Noir, here!” She pointed at where she wanted him to be.

He ran as fast as he could, while he picked up the blue slice of cheese and put it into his mouth shouting, “POWER UP!” he barely managed to transform into his aqua form before diving into the water. For a second he literally turned into ice. God, it was bloody freezing! The water seemed to be stabbing his skin everywhere even if he was wearing his suit. But he forced himself to get used to the temperature and to the dim light quickly, and his gaze started darting in the water trying to find his Lady.

And that’s when he saw her. His heart stopped.

‘No. It can’t be. It can’t be her. No, no, no, no, no… that’s impossible!’

“MARINETTE!!” he screamed, as he swam towards the motionless form and grabbed her with one hand in a manic frenzy, using his enhanced swimming capabilities to get to the surface quickly. It didn’t seem to work, his limbs were too cold and the water felt almost thick against his arm. Shoot. He looked at Marinette’s face and his heart skipped a beat.

His very good friend Marinette. The one whose smile always lit up his day. His everyday Ladybug. The cute, shy, awesome girl who was also one of the strongest people he knew and had been able to stand up to his dad when they had gone to New York. Creative, sweet, determined Marinette. She was his Lady. How did she manage to trick him that well? He clearly remembered having suspected her, but having changed his mind when Kwamibuster attacked because he saw her next to Ladybug! Did she use the Fox Miraculous? She was too clever for her own good.

‘FOCUS! Don’t think about it. Save her now. Freak out later!’

Suddenly, he thought back to the time they faced Evillustrator, when Marinette had shown him how to use his own baton. His lips curled into a small smile. Of course. He picked up his baton from the small of his back and extended it, while holding it tight. The baton reached the bottom of the lake and then started propelling them up and up, until they were out of the water. He waited until it reached a long enough length to have a panoramic view of the lake, and then used the baton to make himself and his Lady fall to the snow-covered grass on the shore. His eyes were full of tears as he held Marinette bridal style to his chest, his heart pounding inside his throat. Was he too late? She was so pale! And cold!

“S-SHE’S N-NOT B-B-BREAT-T-HING!” he said with his teeth chattering, in utter panic, as his ear pushed on her chest to see if she had a heartbeat. A new layer of snow was starting to dust her figure and her hair was already almost covered.

“She must have started to drown, Chat Noir! You need to help her breathe.”

Chat Noir tried to think, although the shivers running through his body and the chattering of his own teeth were so distracting. “I-I n-need t-to… C-P-R…” he managed to say, but then he hesitated.

“What are you waiting for, Chat Noir? Please help her!” begged Tikki. “I can’t do it.”

Although the cold was still biting at him like a rabid dog and he felt his hands slowly turning into ice, he couldn’t help blushing as he nodded warily at Tikki’s plea. Luckily, his father had demanded that he take a first aid course when he had started modeling, as part of the health and safety regulations of the Gabriel brand, and there he had been explained what to do when performing CPR. He knew he had to do it, or she would die.

But it still felt so much like a kiss.

‘Focus, Adrien. She’s dying!’ he thought and gave himself a firm slap in the face to shake himself up. With a determined frown, he moved her head up by pushing on her chin, to give her more room to breathe. Then he put his hands on her chest as he had been shown in the course and started compressing (why had that been such a long time ago? Shouldn’t he have gotten refreshers from time to time, he wondered), trying to remember what to do and how long to count.

Thirty compressions.

Then he gulped and with a firm movement, he opened her mouth and started blowing air into it.

One. two.

Repeat. Chest.

Thirty compressions.

Repeat. Mouth.

One. two.

Repeat. Chest.

Thirty compressions.

Repeat. Mouth.

One. two.

His heart was racing madly in his chest, hoping that he was doing it correctly, as he remembered from the course that if it was performed the wrong way it could have been even more detrimental.

‘Please, Marinette. Please breathe! Breathe for me!’

Hands on her chest. Thirty compressions.

Air in her mouth. One. T—

Marinette started coughing and a massive sigh of relief filled his lungs. He suddenly remembered something that his instructor had said and refrained from hugging her, paying attention to move her a little on the side so she wouldn’t choke again on the water coming out of her mouth. The sound of her laborious breaths was the most beautiful sound he’d ever heard. Now that she had breathed a little, he dared picking her head up and gave her a hug, tears flowing down his eyes on his cheeks, almost getting frozen mid way.

“I need to take her to the hospital,” he announced, picking her up bridal style. She had fallen unconscious again.

“She needs to be warmed up, Chat Noir, and quickly. Do you know where the closest hospital is?” asked Tikki, zipping in front of him and floating on his nose.

He sighed. “No idea. But,” he picked up his baton from the ground, “we can easily check.” He turned on his communicator and saw yet another news alert. He opened it up and saw Nadja Chamack already talking. “—ed. I highlight: Code Red. Stay in. Stay safe. More accidents have been reported on the road. The queue at the local hospitals has increased to three to four hours just to be registered, and even longer to be seen. If you don’t need to go out, sta—” The screen of his baton flickered and turned black. Chat Noir blinked and gave it a shake, trying to get the screen to turn on again.

“What’s going on?” he said to himself, not really expecting an answer.

“Either your phone has died in the cabin or there’s a loss of GPS signal so big that the baton cannot function properly,” said Tikki.

“Shoot!” cursed Chat Noir under his breath. “My phone was nearly dead earlier. What do I do now?”

Tikki sighed. “You heard Madame Chamack. Marinette doesn’t have three to four hours to wait, she needs to be looked after now.”

“Usually, emergencies are dealt with much faster,” argued Chat.

“Can you take that chance?” Tikki looked at him with utter concern in her big blue eyes. Chat Noir lowered his gaze.

“No,” he said in defeat. Then he looked at Tikki again. “I’ll look after her. The cabin should have some blankets, and it’s much warmer than outside.” He saw the wee Goddess of Creation finally curl her lips into a smile and he held Marinette more safely in his arms, bridal style.

“S-so c-cold—” muttered Marinette in his arms, shivering like a leaf. That was the final incentive. Chat Noir grabbed his baton and used it to propel himself forward, trying to reach the cabin as quickly as possible.

oOoOoOoOoOo

“Claws in,” said Adrien as he placed Marinette carefully on the small sofa in the cabin. He made to look for a blanket into the cabinet near the heating system, but as he was walking towards it, Plagg zoomed in front of his face.

“CHEESE!” he demanded.

Adrien raised an eyebrow. “You’ve eaten it all earlier, Plagg. How big is your stomach exactly?”

“You have no idea!” whined the wee black furball, but Adrien didn’t give him any more attention. He opened the press and started rummaging for a blanket, which he found almost immediately. He walked straight back to Marinette and made to wrap her under the blanket.

“That won’t be enough, Adrien,” said Tikki, flying in front of him and stopping him. “You will only make the blanket wet.”

“What do you mean? She’s cold, she needs to be covered up.”

Tikki kept her tiny body between the blanket and Marinette. “You need to take her clothes off. She can’t warm up wearing freezing wet clothes.”

“WHAT?” Adrien's face flushed the color of Ladybug’s suit. “Tikki, I-I c-can’t undress her!”

Tikki gave him a scrutinous look and frowned. “Why? You have two perfectly functional arms and hands. You can certainly take her clothes off.”

“I-I’M A BOY!”

“And she’s a girl who could die of hypothermia!” Plagg appeared munching a crumb of cheese he must have found somewhere in the room, and floated next to Tikki, giving him an amused stare. He folded his tiny paws on his chest and added scornfully, “Who cares if you’re a boy, a girl or even a dog?”

“B-B-B-B-U-T…” Adrien started breathing heavily. “She’s going to kill me!”

“I don’t think so,” said Tikki and Plagg continued, “You need to do it or she will die. I’m sure she will be grateful, gamin.”

“C-cold…” muttered Marinette from the couch. He dashed to her to check if she had woken up — but no, she was still unconscious, probably talking in her sleep. God, she was so pale, she was still shivering badly, her teeth were a constant chattering and her lips were blue. He touched her hands, and they were pieces of ice.

He took a big breath. “O-okay,” he said and started taking her coat off, and then her black blazer, and put everything on the ground next to the small sofa. When she was left in her bra and underwear, he gulped and hesitated.

“Would this be enough?” he asked, looking at his two small companions with a fearful frown. To keep himself occupied he started drying her skin with a dry towel. She was still shivering.

“Would you like to sleep with freezing wet underwear on?” asked Plagg in response.

No, he wouldn’t. But… he couldn’t possibly justify. No, he couldn’t. He ran a hand through his hair and thought carefully of the situation, scratching firmly the nape of his neck. He tried to gain some time by picking a towel and starting to dry her hair. He suddenly realised that she was still having her hair combed into her pigtails, so he put the towel down to take off the elastic bands that held them together.

Shoot. He’d never thought that it would be that hard to detangle elastic bands from wet hair. He felt her wincing as he gave the elastic a firm push and took it off. Quite a few strands of hair came off with it—he felt terrible, but he picked up the towel and carried on drying her hair for a few moments, trying to take away most of the wetness.

He still had the other problem, the wet underwear, which he didn’t want to remove. At least not without her being covered. Wait, that’s it! His face brightened and his lips curled in a triumphant smile, as he’d just had an idea and it could really work. He picked up the blanket and placed it on the now soaking wet leather sofa. Then he quickly dashed to the cabinet and got another blanket, which he wrapped around Marinette’s body. Good, now that she was covered, he breathed easier. He moved her towards him and put his hands inside the blanket, starting to fiddle with the little hooks on her bra. Finally, after some effort he managed to open it up and take it off, with some struggle (he was trying to prevent the blanket from falling off as he did so). Then, he picked up a smaller towel and passed it blindly on her wet skin to dry it, making sure that he wasn’t touching anything inappropriate with his bare hands. But as he proceeded to move to the other piece of lingerie that was left on her, he stared at his hands, literally shaking.

“Told you he was useless, Sugarcube,” muttered Plagg from somewhere behind him, his voice full of mockery and mischief. Adrien turned his head to glare at this little friend.

“I’m not,” he argued.

“You are,” argued back Plagg. “Take that piece of fabric off already. You covered her, right? You won’t see anything.”

Adrien sucked his breath in. His heart was in his throat right now. He moved his hands underneath the blanket and had to run them on her body trying to find the border of her knickers. Oh God, she was so cold! When he found the underwear, he pulled it off, let it fall on the floor on top of the other clothes and gave even that part a blind and very quick drying.

When he let even the towel slip on the floor, he breathed better, his head resting against the blanket that wrapped Marinette. Thank God, that bit was done. He thought he was going to die! He carefully let go of Marinette and placed her on top of the blanket he had wrapped on the sofa.

“Good, about time,” muttered Plagg. Again, the wee black furball zipped in front of his nose and looked at him, a gleam of mockery shining through his electric green eyes. “Now it’s your turn.”

Adrien gave Plagg the most confused look ever. “Huh?”

“Adrien,” said Tikki moving next to Plagg, as her little paw touched Adrien’s cheek. “Marinette needs body heat. You need to undress and get under that blanket with her, and hug her until she warms up.”

His heart stopped. “I NEED TO DO WHAT?” he squealed, his eyes as big as saucers as he looked at Tikki in pure and utter terror. "She's naked, Tikki!"

“Come on, you’ve always wanted to do this. Take your clothes off and cuddle her already!” Plagg snorted.

Tikki blinked and then rolled her eyes. “Stinkysock! You’ve got no tact, at all.”

“It's not a question of tact. I know him, Sugarcube. If we let him take his time, Pigtails is going to freeze to death.” Plagg snorted again. “Gamin, come on. Man up and do your job. You want to protect her, right?”

“Adrien, please. The longer you wait the worse Marinette will get. Do it for me. Or for h—”

“—or for whomever. As long as you do it. Her lips are getting bluer than Duusu.”

Adrien gave them a pleading look. Then he gulped, looked at Marinette’s blue lips, shivering limbs and pale complexion and gave them another pleading look.

“Please, Adrien, we would do it ourselves if we could, but we’re too small!”

Adrien whimpered, but his hands started working their way to his coat. He took his coat off and his skin was greeted with the cold temperature of the cabin. God, it was freezing! Did the heater even work? He hadn’t turned it off before getting out of the cabin, it had been on all day! He proceeded to take off his overshirt, and then his black t-shirt. He shivered.

“Ugh!” he muttered and folded his arms around his chest, trying to warm up. The heater was at full heat, he noted, but the cabin was still freezing.

“Come on!” ordered Plagg. Adrien glared at him, but stood up and took his jeans off. Uh, bloody hell, he had goosebumps!

“What are you waiting for, Christmas?” asked Plagg when Adrien had been left with only his boxers to cover him. Adrien forced himself to get out of his self-induced panic and slipped into the blanket, shaky hands reaching the body of the girl of his dreams and pulling her close.

She. Was. A. Piece. Of. Ice! Oh God!!

He gasped so loudly that Tikki flew near him and looked at him with a frown.

“Are you okay?” she asked worriedly.

“Just being spineless,” spurted Plagg mockingly, gaining another glare from his chosen.

“She’s so cold!” whimpered Adrien, but forced himself to embrace her firmly with his arms and squeezed her against his chest. He wrapped his body around her, trying to keep contact with as much of her skin as possible. His hands started rubbing her back and arms, trying to create heat from friction.

Slowly, very slowly, so slowly that for a while he thought that Tikki and Plagg had been mistaken and he really should have taken her to the hospital, Marinette began warming up. As she warmed up, the rigidity in her limbs faded and without waking up, she started hugging him back.

When he realised that Marinette was finally warm and out of danger of hypothermia, Adrien detangled himself from her hold and let himself fall off the front of the sofa.

“Are you hurt?” asked Plagg, looking at him with no real concern from the cushion he had placed himself.

“No,” answered Adrien, “Marinette isn’t frozen anymore. I want to find some clothes to change her into. You know, to prevent her from killing me when she wakes up.” He shivered as the freezing cold of the cabin hit his bare skin, but he proceeded towards the wardrobe.

Plagg sighed and shook his head. “I told you way too many times that you worry too much, gamin. Sleep and when she wakes up she can dress herself!”

“At least a t-shirt, come on…” muttered Adrien chattering his teeth. He rummaged among the spare photoshoot clothes that were left in the cabin — sometimes a t-shirt or a pair of trousers didn’t fit the ensemble and had to be changed. There was no lingerie (and if there had been, Adrien wouldn’t even have touched it. Ew!), but after a quick scan, he finally emerged from the pile holding an XXL t-shirt that he would easily be able to put on Marinette. It was so oversized that he was sure it would cover enough of her minute figure to make it safe. It wasn’t really nice to look at, but it was something.

He approached Marinette and lifted her head softly to put the neck hole of the t-shirt on. Then he proceeded to put one of her arms in the arm hole, and as he was doing that he noticed that Marinette had opened her eyes. Blood drained from his face.

“Mhhhhh,” she murmured, and drifted off back to sleep instantly. Adrien breathed a sigh of relief. He finished to fit her arm on the t-shirt and then moved her slightly to put on her other arm, making sure that the blanket was covering Marinette’s chest. When the t-shirt was on, he pulled it down and admired his work. Yes, it was reasonably okay, the t-shirt was covering her enough.Of course she was still naked underneath it, but at least it was one layer to separate her from… him. With one firm movement, he buried himself again underneath the blanket, and as if she’d been there waiting for it, Marinette wrapped herself around him again subconsciously.

Soon after that, Adrien’s adrenaline rush dissipated. Marinette was finally warm and soft against his body and the smell of coconut and wildflower coming from her hair hit his nostrils. Her regular breathing was tickling the crook of his neck, and he found himself gently stroking her hair, the only part of her body that was still a bit damp, and cold. Her hug had grown stronger as her temperature raised, and now she was holding him tightly.

It was becoming always more difficult for him to keep his eyes open. He hadn’t thought about it as he panicked trying to rescue her, but the run and the manic CPR session, had really taken a toll on him, even if he’d been transformed. Add to that the long day in school and the even longer afternoon posing for the photoshoot—Adrien was exhausted. He placed a light kiss on her forehead.

“Mhhhhh, me and you against the world, mon Chaton,” she murmured in his ear.

His heart started racing as a smile curled his lips. He grabbed one of her hands, tugged around his waist, and placed a kiss on her knuckles.

“Always, My Lady,” he whispered before drifting off to sleep.

---------------------------------

Author’s Note:

Hi again! Here’s chapter 3. Marinette is safe. Adrien… hum… don’t know about that XD

In the next instalment of “Stuck in a cabin (with you)”, “Trapped”:

— “What can be more urgent than the ceiling risking to fall on our head?”

— “Look at me, I’m the IMAGE of calm.”

— “Well, this gentlecat deserved a reward, right?”

So… I hope that you enjoyed the fluff at the end of the chapter. This isn’t the end, though. Let me know what you thought about it and drop me a comment! I will continue soon :) can’t promise I will publish every week, but let me know what you think and I’ll publish as soon as I can. Please subscribe if you’re interested in knowing what is going to happen, so you will know when the next update is!

And please check out my other WIPs, “When Magic Fails”, “Caught in the Loop”, “Errata Corrige” and “La Caverne du Papillon d’Or”!

Last but not least, as usual, if you read this and you’re not part of our wonderful Discord server already, but you enjoy reading, writing and talking about Miraculous, please join our Discord server, Miraculous Fanworks (for people on FFN, discord dot gg slash mlfanworks). See you there soon. Not sure when I will update this story but it won't be too long! Promise!

[angelofthequeers]

Not a Good Look: Chapter 4

@thequeenofpotatoeunicornss @lady-charinette tagged as requested :)

Chapter 3 | Chapter 5 | AO3 link

Disclaimer: I don’t own ML.

“– wake him up?”

“He needs the sleep, though. That was an enormous shock.”

“Yeah but his bodyguard’s picking him up at eight and he needs time to recover so he can act normal.”

That voice…it’s the voice of an angel. It’s his lady! His princess!

“Maribug…” he croaks around the weight in his chest. The hushed voices around him immediately die.

“W-What?” Maribug’s voice squeaks. Adrien should open his eyes but...it’s peaceful, drifting in this sea of darkness with his lady’s voice nearby. It feels like a pleasant dream after the nastiness of the shock that the voices had been talking about, although what that shock could be, he’s got no clue apart from a niggling little feeling in the corner of his brain.

“Of course she’s you. Of course you’re the most incredible girl, Maribug. Buginette. I like both. Just like Ryuumi. Kagyuuko.” He sighs and prays that this dream of amazing girls who could kick him over the Eiffel Tower never ends. “Girls. Please step on me.”

“Uh, Marinette, what’s he talking about?” says a voice that’s familiar but just evading Adrien’s addled mind.

“N-Nothing! I have no clue! He’s just delicious – uh, delirious!” Maribug babbles in a high voice.

“Really,” the second voice says flatly. “Because it sounds like he’s saying you’re –”

“He’s just delirious, okay?”

Everything after that fades into a buzz of voices and background sounds that brush over him but don’t sink in. He’s not sure how long it is before he’s finally able to open his eyes; it could be minutes, or it could be days. Either way, by the time he groans and cracks his eyes open, the light that meets him is emanating from a lightbulb instead of through the windows across from him, which show the dim skyline of the city outside lit by brilliant orange. How long exactly had he been out?

“Adrien?” says an angel from nearby, and some warm pressure envelops one of his hands. Craning his head brushes his cheek against soft pink fabric, informing him that he’s lying on the chaise in Marinette’s room, and this conclusion is confirmed when his brain focuses enough to inform him that the person kneeling on the ground next to him is Marinette. Kagami’s sitting cross-legged next to her, so close that the outsides of their thighs are touching, and she appears to be the source of the warmth in his hand, since she’s laced their fingers and is resting her head on the edge of the chaise just next to his side. Marinette’s blue eyes crinkle as she reaches over to brush the hair back from his forehead, and for a moment, this is Adrien’s whole world: just the three of them, him and his lady and his heart’s thunderstorm, and he almost forgets why he’s even in this position until someone else speaks.

“It’s around six.” This new speaker is Alya, who’s sitting cross-legged in Marinette’s desk chair and regarding him with the same sympathy as Marinette. “We figured you needed the sleep after that panic attack.”

“Alya!” Nino hisses from the floor next to the chair. Alya shrugs.

“What? He was gonna ask eventually.”

“Panic attack?” Adrien lets out a hoarse laugh. “I haven’t had one of them since…wow, I don’t even remember. Especially not one that bad.”

“Understandable, after what you learned,” Kagami says. She’s still wearing Kaalki’s glasses, and everything pours back into Adrien’s brain in a rush: Nathalie most likely being Mayura, his own father possibly being Hawkmoth and making a deal with Lila using him as collateral – collateral in a supervillain’s terrorist plot –

“Hey. Hey, Adrien.” A warm hand grabs his unclaimed hand and squeezes, while his chest once more begins to tighten. “Five things you can see.”

“Huh?” he rasps.

“Tell me. Five things you can see.”

“Um…” Adrien squints around the room, trying to direct his focus to the task he’s been given instead of the way his chest is clamping down on his lungs. “Your computer. Mannequin. Alya and Nino. Kagami. Uh…you. Your smile.”

Marinette’s soft smile seems to sharpen, drifting more into focus. “Good. Four things you can feel or touch.”

“The – the chaise.” His fingers twitch and brush against soft material. “My shirt.” He flexes his fingers in Kagami’s hand and she pushes right back, counterbalancing and grounding him. “Kagami. And…and you.”

“Good.” Marinette squeezes his other hand, and it’s like she’s breathing new life into him by the touch alone. “Three things you can hear.”

Adrien draws in a deep breath – much easier now that he’s not suffocating – and focuses. “The cars. They’re outside. Um…there’s a dog barking somewhere. And you. Your voice.”

“Almost there. Two things you can smell.”

“Strawberries and vanilla,” are the first words out of Adrien’s mouth in answer to that. While there are other fainter scents around him – fabric, the cool city air fluttering in from the cracked window, cooking food from downstairs – the smell that overwhelms him, that demands his attention, is Marinette. Her forehead creases in response to his words, but she thankfully doesn’t question them.

“And one thing you can taste.”

Instinctively, Adrien raises Marinette’s hand to his mouth and presses his lips to the back of it. “You,” he says, while Marinette’s face flushes as brilliant red as her suit when she’s Ladybug. God, Adrien loves this girl so much. How did he get so lucky that he fell for her twice over?

“Ghat’s tood – that’s good!” Marinette stammers. Kagami lets go of his hand with a small frown, and although Adrien wants nothing more than to erase that look from her face forever, his fuzzy brain can’t quite figure out how to do so, or even much of what’s going on right now. “Better feel a bit?”

“You’re so cute when you stutter,” Adrien’s mouth says without his permission. Marinette’s face turns even redder, darkening to the crimson of Ryuuko’s suit, and it’s that comparison that makes him realise: Kagami’s probably upset that he’d kissed Marinette’s hand like that. Shit. But how does he explain that he doesn’t love her any less? That he naturally gravitated to Marinette because she’s his partner, the one who’s had his back since the very beginning, not because he loves her more or something? The answer is that he can’t; not without exposing his identity, and he’d never betray his lady like that when they’ve agreed on the importance of secret identities, especially since he’d only just found out her identity. God, this is all so confusing. How do people do this feelings thing?

“Um…what do you remember?” Marinette forces out. “Since you got back here?”

Adrien frowns. “Not much. I know you guys comforted me – and you’re all the best friends anyone could have.”

“Damn right,” Alya says, while Nino salutes.

“Anything else?” Marinette’s tone is cautious, like there’s an elephant in the room that she’s stepping around. Adrien squints at her.

“Then I woke up and Alya told me that it was six.”

“Oh,” Nino says. “So, you don’t remember –” He hisses when Alya kicks him in the ribs, though it doesn’t look like there was any force behind it.

“Remember what?” Adrien struggles to sit up, though his body is less like a solid block of concrete thanks to Marinette’s grounding exercise, so it doesn’t take too much effort. “What did I do? Or say?”

Marinette looks over her shoulder at the others and bites her lip. Adrien’s gut lurches.

“Mari,” he says, leaning forward, and she starts at the nickname. “What happened? Did I mess up? Did my father or Nathalie –”

“No, no, nothing like that!” Marinette throws her free hand in the air, then takes a deep breath and looks down at the floor. “Just…Adrien, how did you know I’m – that I’m Ladybug?”

Adrien.exe crashes. Oh. Oh no. When had he let slip? It must have been in the fuzzy grey realm between getting back to Marinette’s room and waking up to a panic attack, because if Alya and Nino and Kagami didn’t know then Marinette wouldn’t have said it in front of them. But how can he give an answer without revealing his own identity?

Bit selfish of you, isn’t it? says a nasty little voice in his head. Worrying about your own identity when you just blew Ladybug’s, especially to the Ladyblogger.

Adrien swallows and then runs his free hand through his hair, which is much more Chat Noir’s messy mop than Adrien Agreste’s perfect style. “Um…your earrings gave it away,” he says slowly. Marinette’s forehead crinkles in that adorable way that it does whenever she’s trying to think of what to do with her Lucky Charm.

“How? They’re not – they’re plain black – I didn’t have my Ladybug transformation –”

“Well, for one, it occurred to me that jewellery doesn’t carry over to our transformations. But if it was a Miraculous?” Adrien leans in closer, holding himself on the chaise so that he doesn’t nose-dive off it, praying that he’s reading this right and he’s not just about to massively screw everything up. “And last time I saw Multimouse, she didn’t have any earrings.”

“…What?” Marinette blinks. “But you’ve never seen Multimouse –”

“Of course I have,” Adrien says. “She found it very sweet that I thought she was Ladybug, and I couldn’t help but trust her with my life as soon as she spoke, even if I didn’t know who she was. I don’t know how I let you trick me like that when I’ve had your back more than anyone else and I know what your brilliant mind’s capable of. It’s always been us two against the world, hasn’t it?”

It’s rather fascinating that Adrien can pinpoint the exact moment when Marinette’s brain crashes and blue screens. First off is the deathly pallor of her face, followed by her mouth falling open and emitting strange, strangled sounds that don’t in any way resemble speech, and then she’s grabbing his hand and yanking it up to eye level, causing Adrien to inevitably face-plant into the ground and hang off the chaise. But even though he can’t see her, he can certainly feel her running her fingers over his silver ring, and he knows very well that she’s aware of what the Black Cat Miraculous looks like after her stint as Lady Noire, even if the ring had looked different for her like her earrings had changed for him.

“Oh my god,” Alya whispers in the background. “No way – it can’t be – I’m such an idiot –”

“Yep,” says Plagg’s familiar voice as Adrien wrestles his other arm to pull himself fully onto the floor without crashing in an undignified heap. Great. The little gremlin’s going to take full advantage of this situation to milk all the admiration he can get to feed his overly large ego. “You’re such dim-witted creatures. Never see what’s right in front of your nose, and I think these two are proving my point.”

“You don’t need to be so mean about it, you stinky sock!” says a high voice that Adrien recognises as Tikki’s. Well, at least she also recognises that the cat’s out of the bag, so to speak.

“What?” Plagg says innocently. “I had higher expectations of Fox Girl there after she figured out Turtle 2.0 was her boyfriend –”

“How do you even know about that?”

“I know things. I’m an all-powerful god –”

“You’re so adorable!” There’s the sound of feet crashing on the floor. When Adrien finally manages to roll onto his back and groan, hoping that he doesn’t look like a total lost cause, he’s greeted with the upside-down sight of Alya cupping Plagg and scratching him behind the ears. Although Plagg’s wearing a look of annoyance, his loud purrs are a clear betrayal of his attempt to be a grumpy little goblin.

“I’m a creature of darkness! I’m the thing you fear in the night! The ancient avatar of destruction and misfortune!” Plagg yowls, but he makes no attempt to escape Alya’s furious scritching. If anything, his purrs grow louder, and Tikki hovers nearby with a particularly smug look on her face. Traitor. Turning his back on Adrien as soon as someone showers him with affection.

“Okay,” Marinette says faintly and helps Adrien sit up and lean against the side of the chaise. “Okay. I think I’m with it now.” Then she jabs him in the chest and immediately transforms from a dazed airhead to a terrifying demon. “Why the hell would you take the Snake? You could’ve said no! I was waiting for you to show up –”

“You said I was perfect for the job!” Adrien’s voice pitches and cracks, betraying him just like Plagg has. “I kind of had a massive crush on you, remember? I wanted to…well, get you to like me, since you didn’t like Chat Noir. And you said you didn’t need Chat –”

“Oh.” Marinette’s fury dies down like an enraged ocean smoothing out into calm ripples. “Oh, kitty. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to imply – well, I was wrong, okay? I meant what I said after Anansi and during our fight against Miracle Queen. You’re irreplaceable and it’s always going to be us against the world no matter what. I was just, um…more than a bit lovestruck with Adrien Agreste. I wanted to make a good impression on you for your first mission.”

“Really?” Kagami says dryly. “Ladybug wanted to make a good impression? I think I was mildly infatuated with you as soon as you saved me when I was Riposte. You made such an impression on me that you made me realise I wasn’t heterosexual.”

“Join the club,” Alya drawls. “I was so gay for her from the moment she saved me from Stoneheart. Well, pan, if you wanna get technical.” She and Kagami exchange knowing smirks.

“Uh, I know it’s not gay for me, but yeah,” Nino says. “I think we’ve all got a little something for Ladybug, dude. Although to be fair, Chat Noir’s just above her on my freebie list, and only half of that’s ‘cause Alya would deck me if I took Ladybug from her.”

“Damn right,” Alya says and rewards him by bending down to kiss the top of his head.

“I know that’s dumb now!” Marinette huffs and crosses her arms. “I’m a teenager in love. Sue me. And I’m going to ignore that all three of you would do me. Well, my superhero self.”

“Nino would do me,” Adrien says smugly because yeah, it’s just a bit of an ego boost that your best friend finds you hot, even if a) he’s taken by the girl of his dreams and b) you’re hoping to be taken by the girl of your dreams.

“Damn right, bro,” Nino says. Adrien grins.

“Bro.”

“Oh. My. God.” Alya throws her free hand in the air but quickly returns to petting Plagg when he hisses at her. “All this time, both my ships have been the same people! Marinette’s into Adrien – Adrien’s into Ladybug – Chat Noir’s into Ladybug too, and Ladybug’s into Adrien – but Marinette and Ladybug are the same people, and so are Adrien and Chat Noir! You’ve liked each other all along! What the hell is wrong with you two?”

Marinette catches Adrien’s eye and chews her bottom lip. His chest spasms, he gasps, and then he’s slumping against the chaise in a fit of laughter so hard that he can barely breathe, and Marinette’s lying across him and laughing just as hard. By the time Adrien finally manages to catch his breath, hiccupping, his eyes are stinging and blurry and Marinette’s face is buried in his chest, dampening his shirt with her own mirthful tears.

“Okay –” Adrien pants and drops a laugh-leaden arm around Marinette’s waist. “Okay – we need to – we need a plan –”

The reminder that his father is very likely Hawkmoth only slightly pops the atmosphere, but the sheer what-the-fuckery of everything that’s just gone on at least keeps everyone smiling. Wiping her cheeks, which are now stained red, Marinette scrambles backwards away from Adrien and then jumps to her feet and promptly face-plants back into the carpet.

“I’m okay!” she cries, leaping up again and stumbling towards her wardrobe. Alya shoots a mystified look at Adrien as Marinette rummages in her wardrobe, but Adrien’s eyes widen in understanding of what’s going on as soon as she emerges with a ladybug-patterned egg box. Alya and Nino and Kagami don’t seem to have a clue what it is, although to be fair, they’d been brainwashed when they’d seen it, so he’s not expecting them to have any memory of it.

“So, bugaboo, hit us with your incredibly convoluted plan,” Adrien says. Marinette pokes her tongue out at him in response.

“This,” she says and presses the top black spot to cause a cavity to open and show the slots of the main seven Miraculouses, while the other spots open to reveal the zodiacs, “is the Miracle Box. It’s where they’re all kept. And since I’m the Guardian now, I can control who gets which Miraculous without having to go to the Guardian every single time I need one.” She pauses and her face clouds over, so Adrien reaches over to squeeze her knee. Although she’s not the only one mourning the loss of Master Fu, she’s definitely taking it harder than Adrien is, since she knew him better and she’s now got all this responsibility on her shoulders.

“Wait, so that’s where you went every time you had to get help?” Alya leans in, eyes gleaming with her signature curiosity, though she makes sure to still keep scritching Plagg. “So. Cool! Uh, what happened to the other Guardian?”

This time, Marinette’s face is so clouded over that even the other three can pick up on it. Alya’s smile fades and she slumps back in the desk chair and mumbles an apology.

“Every time a Guardian passes on the title, they lose their memories,” Adrien says so that Marinette doesn’t have to answer and address something that’s no doubt been haunting her since that battle. “It’s a failsafe to protect the identities of the other holders and the Miraculous knowledge.”

“That’s bullshit!” Nino bursts out. “C’mon, dude! I get not remembering the identities and Miraculous knowledge and stuff, but all their memories? What the hell?”

“Nino’s right,” Kagami says with a terrifying little scowl on her face. “That seems like a very poor reward for that kind of service.”

“We don’t actually know much about it,” Marinette says. “Maybe there are different levels of memory wipe. Maybe Master Fu only knew about that one, since he wasn’t trained properly. We won’t know until we talk to the Order, which I’ve been meaning to do – but not right now.” Her features settle into the same determination of Ladybug in the middle of an akuma battle. “We’ve got a supervillain or two to catch. And here’s the plan.”

[2manyfandoms2count]

#MarichatMay Day 25+26

In which Marinette and Chat Noir adopt some kittens, and Marinette realises Chat is a lot more like a cat than she realised (also a prequel for the next prompt). Hope you enjoy!

@marichatmay

---

Day 25: Blep + Day 26: Toe Beans

Marinette was feeling morose. She couldn’t quite say why, but something told her the last akumatisation had something to do with it. She had no memory of it, apart from another Ladybug coming in, erasing what she’d been writing on her gift for Adrien and the next thing she knew she was standing on the steps of the Trocadéro, empty-handed and an awfully bad feeling in her gut. She had put on a brave face, tried to pretend everything was alright, but there was a constant nagging, at the back of her head, accompagnied with flashes of bright white and icy blue, which distracted her a lot.

Chat and Adrien both noticed her change of mood in their interactions with her. Her classmate had thought, at first, that the characteristic slower pace of the ending school year could explain her lack of focus. But the lighthearted, funny, sunny girl he was used to hanging out with as Chat had also disappeared. She was almost apathetic at Home, her latest projects half-abandoned in various places in her room, but there was a restlessness, an anxious edge to her as well, that was seemingly soothed by Chat’s presence. He noticed that lying next to her, she would fall asleep easily, despite her comments on her current insomnia.

Marinette wanted to talk to Chat about how she was feeling. She really did. He was the only person who could probably understand. If she had been affected by previous events, surely he must have been too? She had tried to broach the subject with him, but she didn’t know how to go through with the conversation without saying something she shouldn’t. The fact she struggled with expressing her feelings didn’t worry Chat as much as the panic in her eyes when she talked about them did. He couldn’t think of a way to help her in the long run. He thought being there for her, while giving her emotional space, to let her process her feelings was probably the best he could do. He’d be damned if he’d leave her alone with her thoughts, and if he wouldn’t help her get a break from them sometimes, though.

Hence the kittens in Marinette’s room. Three babies Adrien hadn’t been able to resist as he walked by a pet store in the school vicinity. He’d immediately thought about Marinette as he saw them, how sure he was they would make her feel better. He’d found an alley to transform as he walked out and had gone straight to her place, mindful of the beings in the box he was carrying. He’d barely been able to contain his excitement as she let him in, her curiosity piqued by the container he was holding.

“Purr-incess, you’re going to love this!” He had opened the lid very slowly, as if performing a magic trick. She had gasped at the site of the baby cats, one of which was asleep.

“Chat they’re so cute!!” She squealed as she delicately picked one of the awake cats, an orange tabby cat, which meowed gently at her touch. 

Chat mirrored her, cradling his own grey kitten and scratching its belly. “I meow, right?” He grinned as he felt the baby’s tiny claws on his glove.

“They’re so tiny! Look at the little toe beans!” She cooed in response to the meowing. 

“Hey, how come you never compliment my toe beans?” Chat asked, slightly offended. 

“You have toe beans?” His goal to distract her and amuse her was going very well, he noted.

“Purr-haps you should check for yourself.” Chat carefully set down the kitten he’d been holding out of the way before rolling onto his back and lifting his legs up so Marinette could see his feet. 

“Oh my goodness, you actually do!” She gently placed the tabby in the box, and focused on the bright green squishy pads on her partner’s soles, an almost awe-struck expression on her face. She reached out to touch them.

“Whoa, there, Purr-incess, what do you think you’re doing?” Chat recoiled at her approaching hands.

“I want to touch them!” Her pout turned into an devilish grin as she slowly crawled closer to him. “Kitty, don’t tell me you’re... ticklish?”

“Me? Meow way!” He scoffed, although instinctively inching backwards as Marinette approached.

“Why don’t you stay still for a moment then, so I can test that theory?” 

She got close enough to graze his foot, triggering a kicking instinct in him that she barely dodged, her usual escape reflexes impeded by the fact she was laughing.

The cristalline sound Chat hadn’t heard in a while filled the room, Marinette rolling on the ground, clutching her stomach as she gave in to the merriment. It felt so good to laugh. She couldn’t remember the last time she had. Chat wiggled on the floor in delight, feeling satisfied. This was all his doing. What a great friend he was. He blepped unconsciously, closing his eyes as he basked in her laugh. It faltered a little as the girl tried to catch her breath, but the combined sight of Chat and the blepping kitten next to him sent her in another fit of giggles, complete with tears streaming down her face.

“Chat... I’d never noticed... how much... of a cat... you are!” She managed to fit between intakes of breath, fishing for her phone to take a picture.

Chat cocked an eyebrow as he opened an eye. “Being a cat is literally the job description, Purr-incess.”

Marinette managed to control her laughter enough to resume a normal conversation, although her shoulders still shook occasionally. “I know, but it just hit me! I knew about the purring, but you blep, too!!” She all but shoved the picture she’d taken in his face, her laughter erupting again. Adrien would have to move over. That photo was making it on her wall, next to her bed so she could wake up to it every morning.

“Maybe one day I’ll let you see my reaction to cucumbers.” He winked, turning to the kitten at his side which had started meowing.

“No wayyyyy.” She grinned.

Noise emerging from the box caught her attention. The third kitten was now awake, its green eyes contrasting with the black of its fur. 

“Look, this one looks just like you!” She gasped as she lifted it out of the box. She stroked it lightly. The cat purred under her fingers, and attempted to lick them. “Aren’t you the cutest little kitty?” She cooed as she played with it, dodging its claws.

Chat felt a pang of jealousy, which he knew was completely uncalled for. How could he be jealous of a cat. He smiled at the sight of happy Marinette. He’d really missed her. He hoped she would get better soon. 

“Do you want to keep it?” He blurted. He knew a pet could not replace a therapist, or someone to talk to in general, but it could be some well-needed emotional support.

“Really? Could I?” She looked up, and there was such joy in her eyes he wouldn’t have been able to refuse her even if he’d wanted to.

“Of course! If your parents are okay with it, of course, I wouldn’t want you to get into trouble...” He thought of his own situation. He probably would get into trouble himself if his father found out he was harbouring two cats behind his back. Then again, he had managed to hide Plagg, and he was high maintenance. He was actually surprised no one in his household questioned the amount of expensive cheese he insisted on keeping in his room. His room was probably big enough to hide animals as well, but purr-haps leaving one here would be safer.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine with it, Papa’s been talking about getting a cat for a while. He says it’s to prevent mice from invading the bakery, but I think secretly he’s just soft for them.” She said in a hushed tone. “I’m sure you’ll be very happy here, Kitten Noir.” She added for the cat, lifting it up to eye level.

“Kitten Noir? Fur real?” Chat asked, his heart fluttering in his chest. She was naming the cat after him.

“It’s very fitting, don’t you think?” She shone a bright smile his way. “He can be our baby.” She reached for his hand and squeezed it. 

Chat’s heart rate was off the charts at the sign of affection and the insinuation that they could be parents together. Holy Camembert, how much he would like that. Reluctantly, he let go of her hand, gathering his remaining kittens in an attempt to conceal his fiery cheeks.

“Well then, I guess I’ll have to come around more often to make sure he gets a paw-per upbringing. I don’t trust you to teach him puns.” Chat said, straightening up and trying to act casual.

“I would really like that, Kitty.” Marinette said softly, almost shyly, as she got up as well. 

They walked up to her balcony. Chat didn’t particularly want to go, but the orange sky told him he should be on his way. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun, he thought, calculating that they must have spent at least a couple of hours playing around. Marinette tugged at his free arm before he left.

“Thank you, Kitty. For everything.” She stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek. Chat refrained himself from bringing his fingers to the spot.

“Anytime, Purr-incess.” He smiled, a warm feeling spreading inside of him. “You can always count on me, Mrs. Noir.”

She smiled fondly at him and waved as he leapt off the roof. She clung to the inner fuzziness Chat jokingly calling her his wife had created. She didn’t know how long it would last, but she enjoyed feeling herself again. She skipped back down to her room, humming. She picked up Kitten Noir and stroked him absentmindedly, waiting to hear her parents to go downstairs. One thought filled her head as she waited. She couldn’t wait to see her Chaton again.

[iggy-of-fans]

Daminette AU idea part 5

Firstly, I have no idea how to tag properly, so if I missed you or the tag didn't work properly, I'm really sorry. Secondly, I'm so sorry this took so long, my day got busy and I've never been good in fight scenes, but there's no way I'm not writing one because that's what you deserve! And lastly, after this I think there should only be a couple more parts. So here's to part 5 of 7!

When it Rains

From the start the heroes knew they were at a disadvantage. The League of Shadows members were all trained to escape and bond, Bane alone would take several people to take down. Scarecrow was already starting to release his fear toxin, making it near impossible for some heroes to get within fighting distance of him. The robots are immune to heat vision and ice breath. On top of everything it seems Luther found out about the message Max and Nino sent and is keeping them behind in his tower. Their plan goes out the window quickly. The Assassins hold a grudge and they focus and flush out the batfam, forcing Robin to abandon Guardian Angel early in the fight. Red Robin went back to the cave to get a few vials of nerve toxin to subdue Bane and hopefully some of the others. As it stands, they don't have much that will hold the highly trained assassins anyways, Wonder Woman's rope being one of the few things forces her to leave active battle for prison guard duty. Nightwing watches as Beast Boy, who was left alone by Raven falls to the fear Toxin and some robots.

"second chance". Nightwing jumps from the building he's taken vantage from, pulling Beast Boy out of the way of wave of Robots. Beastboy is barely lucid anymore, fear toxin coursing through every corner of his mind. Nightwing comms Oracle to send someone for rounding up those too badly hurt or incapable of continuing battle. He goes back to scanning the battle "what am I missing? I see everyone…. Except Robin….. And… Raven?" he sees a flash of navy Cape and sees Raven crouching on the far side of an alley, watching a fight within… "what is she doing?" 

Now Raven had just wanted to give Robin a chance to grow up a little bit. For him to come into himself and be a little more open about himself with others. She missed her window it seemed, when the Parisian whore worked her way into the picture. Did Robin not realize she was only using him? Who the hell would believe that story? Besides, Raven could sense that she was impure. Tainted by the blonde wanting his classmate back. Being magical had its advantages, as she thought back to the Gala. She'd been hurt that Robin had brushed her off so casually, his eyes never straying from the temptress. Raven had been so patient, waiting for her opening, making sure to always be "less annoying than the banshees he deals with at school", always there for him when he was around. She knew she just had foster that bit of "I don't dislike you" into an "I love you". She'd been close, she knew. She also knew that it was a risk going up to him in the gala. She'd dressed to the nines in a long white dress that brought out her hair and eye colour, put the slightest touch makeup to make her less pale. Only for him to not ever look at her. She'd been furious. And when the alert came and everyone scrambled to get changed, she just magiced her usual fight clothes on in a corner. So she knew that Robin had the black cat ring that the Parisians wanted. And she made it easy on the teens, sending the message to Luther that he'd been betrayed and that Robin had the cat ring and the whore had the earnings and to separate  the two of them. She'd get the ring herself, and the girl would be easy to overrun from there. So when the battle started she simply walked away in the chaos, biding her time until Robin was completely isolated. The Parisian had said he would include her in his wish, to end up with Robin as hers. It was a win/win in her eyes. So when Robin's katana got knocked away, she grabbed it and ran towards the whore, knowing that a confused Robin was taking off after her as well. 

Nightwing watched, horrified as Raven plunged his brother's katana through Guardian Angel's back, disappearing quickly for GA to turn around to the wide, terrified eyes of Robin. No! Robin ran to her, crying out, and just held her, trying to explain even as her life faded with nothing but hurt and betrayal in her eyes. Raven swooped in a second later, ripping the earnings from her and running towards the back of the siege, where the two teens waited. "second chance" Nightwing barely managed to choke out. 

The battle was not in their favour thus far. Superman couldn't get a handle on the robots. These were obviously specifically created to counter his son, cousin and himself. How had Lex managed that? If that wasn't enough, Superboy had been hit with the fear toxin. And while it didn't affect them as strongly, his son was now shooting blind, and Superman could see the Flash working his way through the throngs, trying to get the heroes out of the way of the rogue laser beams. His son would surely be traumatized from the amount of casualties he was witnessing. With Wonder Woman guarding prisoners, Nightwing for some reason staying above the fight, only intervening when things get a little too close, and Red Robin doing calculations on the side, only occasionally swinging his staff to intercept and Raven being no where in immediate sight, and several people being taken out by fear toxins or Bane… things were definitely not in their favour. He decided to take his son down to metabolize the toxin without further injuring anyone, and then landed and did some floor work, taking out soldiers and assassins. It was only because he'd decided to land that he saw Raven going for Guardian Angel with a Katana. He shot forward immediately, intercepting the sword and knocking her out. Guardian Angel looked back, shock evident on her face as she looked at a hero she had trusted. "Thank God! I didn't think I'd reach her in time!" Nightwing called, landing beside them. Guardian Angel made an OH face. Before frowning. "Why would she turn on us? Or go for me?" she asked. "She has a crush on Robin" Nightwing shrugged. Starfire had filled him in during one of their chats. Guardian Angel frowned and looked sad, but Robin snorted and glared. "She's known me for years. Why go after me when I'm taken?" 

"She was biding her time, letting you" grow up"" Nightwing said. 

"I was never going to change unless I had a reason to." 

The comms cracked to life, "I'm sorry Guardian Angel. The Miraculous you entrusted to me is gone" Wonder Woman stated. While they were distracted, the Assassins had over powered her, taking the earings. 

"Dammit! Nightwing, we need a second chance!" 

"I can't! I have to refuel!" 

"Damn! Okay… Think, what do we have that can end this quickly? Red Robin, Oracle, what will take out the robots? Heat doesn't work, neither does crushing them" 

"We've been analyzing them, they're ridiculously easy to kill with some water in the right pocket. They're just difficult to reach." Red Robin stated. He'd joined the fray for real, moving his staff much faster than ever before, able to deflect bullets. 

"Okay, I have something for that. Nightwing, refuel and get ready just in case. Red Robin, I need to do something for me too. Here's the plan everybody" Guardian Angel would let them feel like their victory was close. But this was far from over. 

Adrien smirked in victory when the familiar earnings landed in his hand. Halfway there. Half the heroes were taken out of the fight, and those still standing were weakened and injured. He admitted, it had been a clever trick to switch Miraculi. But he hadn't seen the new costume and immediately knew she was faking somehow. It took a while to find out that the real Ladybug miraculous was with Wonder Woman. But the assassins had of course reported a bright red thing flashing around her once in a while. Maybe if she'd been transformed she would've been unstoppable. But she wasn't and Ladybug had miscalculated. And now he held half of the answer to all his problems in his hands. He looked over to his left, where Marinette stood as always at his side. She smiled brilliantly at him, eyes bright. "I'll hold you in my arms by tonight, Princess" he whispered to her, wanting so badly to cup her cheek, but knowing his hand would go right through her. He hated Ladybug with a passion. He considered transforming and joining the fray, but he had an insider that knew where the black cat was and would be bringing it to him soon enough. Really, Ladybug should know that he knows her best. Her silly tricks don't work on him. Finally he heard over the comms from Bane. 

"I have Robin." Excellent. 

"Bring me the ring!" he barked at Bane. 

"He doesn't have one" ugh, incompetent baffoon! 

"Just bring all of him, I'll carve it out of his flesh if I have to!" 

The end is finally here. He would get his wish and bring his love back to life and make the world perfect, just for them. 

Cliffhanger?

As Guardian Angel issued orders, the heroes that were left scrambled around. She certainly had a presence to her. A comm was snatched from Scarecrow, who'd finally been taken down by the Flash, who was able to metabolize the toxin quickly enough to not be affected. And then the plan came to life. 

Alya watched as Robin was carried over, kicking and screaming still to Adrien and herself. When he stood in front of the shorter blonde teen he spat in his eyes and kicked up into his face before Bane retrained him more completely. 

"It's too bad I promised that chick she could have you. Once my wish is complete, people like you will be absolutely useless" Adrien stated. The world would be perfect for his Princess. Alya smirked as she started taking off layers of costume to see where the ring was, starting with his gloves. She admitted, she was enjoying this part. She knew that Adrien would wish Nino to be her perfect boyfriend, but Nino had betrayed them today, and she was allowed to look, right? When the left glove came she saw it and grabbed for it. 

"Cataclysm" Robin muttered, making it impossible to take off without disintegrating. 

"Che, using my own old trick? How pathetic. You know I only have to wait five minutes before I can take it off anyways" Adrien scoffed. Robin smirked. 

"Except my time limit is much longer than five minutes, you Rapist scum" Robin growled out. Adrien scowled, but Marinette put her hand on his shoulder and smiled reassuringly.

"He isn't more powerful than you my love. He's bluffing" her voice whispered to him. He nodded and smirked. 

"Well, we'll see about that, won't we? I just have to wait out your transformation. Let's go, we'll take him with us and kill him on the way" Adrien ordered. Robin became slightly paler, his smirk fell and he glared. 

"Coward" he spat. 

"I'm taking what's rightfully mine and making the world a better place. No need to make it perfect for everyone. Don't worry, you'll have your pretty Raven girlfriend. In hell" he said, walking towards a helicopter, away from the carnage behind him. As he was walking he was hit from the side by a baton, breaking his rib cage and throwing him into the side of a building. When he didn't get up, Alya rushed to his side, checking on him. He would never fully recover from that hit. His head was bleeding profusely, his side looked slightly caved in, and his arm was awkwardly bent. 

"Let's see how much you like drowning, with no help in sight" Guardian Angel whispered, "Water Dragon." 

Her form disappeared and the street started flooding, short-circuiting the robots, washing away the rest of the toxin and cleaning the streets from blood. Alya scrambled to keep afloat, barely holding Adrien up with her. The flood didn't get high, nor did it last long, but it was enough to make her tired. When the water receded, Bane was captured in Wonder Woman's lasso, the assassins captured and surrounded by Superman, boy and girl. Scarecrow was knocked out and tied up by Batman. The robots all dead. Alya made to grab the Miraculous to transform, only for her hand to fall through smoke. Robin landed beside Guardian Angel, pushing down the hood of his costume and revealing the orange ears of the fox miraculous. Red Robin landed beside him, two black triangles barely showing in his dark hair. Guardian Angel picked held up her hand and Tikki flew from inside the building that Adrien was knocked into with the earnings in hand. 

"It's over Alya. You need to learn that consequences really do exist" Guardian Angel said. The police GCP decided that moment to swarm the street , piling the criminals into reinforced vehicles. 

To be Continued…. 

PS: I know I'm late posting this, but I realized late that I really don't know the Justice League nearly as well as I wish I did. I also readily admit that I downloaded the Justice League soundtrack to write this (it did work in my favour a bit).

Happy Monday!

@thatrandomfandomsgirl @lunar-wolf-warrior @zazzlejazzle @zebrabaker @constancestruggle @unabashedbookworm @ginamarie1512 @mindfulmagics @bitterheart12224 @captainmac6 @blue-peach14 @enduskdragon @multishipper1needshalp @abrx2002 @bookreader20003 @mooshoon @artxyra @spicybelladonna @northernbluetongue @kuroko26 @mystery-5-5 @2sunchild2 @iwantswifttoblessmysoul @zelladane @ellerahs @thedarkwhiteangel @resignedcatservant @scribblinggraveyard @alexzandria-747 @nyctamaximoff @mysteriouslyswimmingfan-blo-blog @sapphiraazure2708 @tinybrie @dudet

@throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen

[missbugaboo]

That Other Guy (6)

“Why does it matter so much to you? What’s so terrible about Adrien Agreste that you can’t stand him as your competition – even though it changes absolutely nothing for you? What in magic’s name makes him such a hateful rival?” Or, Chat Noir finally learns who Ladybug’s dream guy is, but somehow, he’s not pleased at all. For more reasons than one.

LadyNoir, Adrienette.

fanfiction.net / AO3

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Chapter 6: We Need to Talk

The photo shoot was a catastrophe, no pun intended.

Not objectively; after all, the morning was clear, with no more than a few clouds passing over their heads and the warm September sun that had rose no more than an hour afore. The lightning was spot-on, the temperature pleasant, while the team began and finished their work enthusiastic, despite the early hour and the tight schedule they undoubtedly needed to follow.

Adrien was surrounded by competent yet friendly people, in a scenery that could be called nothing but soothing, and following instructions that turned out to be the simplest he'd faced in a while.

And yet, it was a catastrophe.

It was a disaster.

He wished he could blame it on the absurdly small amount of sleep which, by the way, was exactly the excuse he'd used whenever someone asked him if he really was feeling as well as he claimed to. He knew they would notice the change in him as soon as they laid eyes on him - after all, it was there job to ensure that his looks were impeccable and thus were more than critical about what they saw; and so instead of pretending there was no problem at all, he clung to the one cause that seemed both probable and safe.

He was grateful to see it work, when quite frankly, he'd been more than dubious about his success.

After all, the dark bags under his eyes that required much more make-up than usually were one thing - the hollow, unseeing gaze was something else entirely.

They seemed to have bought it, however and went on with their plan without as much as a comment about his obvious lack of professionalism (though he sure was going to hear about it at home). They did his hair and put on his make-up, dressed him up like the doll he was and placed him wherever they thought he looked best.

Again, none of it was bad; it was routine, that's all.

Business as usual, for everyone but him.

"So, how much longer before we can go home now?" Plagg asked with a yawn, sticking his head out of Adrien's bag and gazing at the boy expectantly. "I'm hungry. And keeping a kwami hungry is a risky move, kid."

Adrien glared down at him with a frown.

"Get back inside before someone notices you," he muttered under his breath, hiding his lips behind a water bottle, while he prayed inwardly that everyone was too busy to notice him having yet another conversation with his accessories. "Also, there were at least two whole rolls of camembert in my bag, it should've kept you full for a day."

"Yeah, there were three actually. I ate all of it."

"All of it?"

"Look, it's not my fault I have a fast metabolism."

"You have an eating disorder, that's what you have. It's an addiction that I shouldn't encourage," Adrien was relentless. "What's more important, however, is that the amount packed is exactly what you usually need, so I don't understand how you could devour it so quickly. And I haven't even transformed today!"

"You did last night, though, didn't you? And given the emotional state you were in for most of that hellish patrol, you can be sure it wasn't exactly the time of my life, either. I don't remember you feeding me any cheese after we'd come home and since I can be considerate and tactful, I didn't treat myself with any while trying to talk to you. Oh, and I don't think I've had a chance to have a proper breakfast in the morning, with you storming out of the room like you did, only to wait for Nathalie for twenty minutes because - surprise, surprise! - we were there too early."

Adrien snorted discreetly.

"You could have very well had that meal after I'd gone to sleep," he answered viciously. "It's not my fault that you've decided to flee the moment I did, and for reasons you can't even explain to me."

"Pettiness doesn't suit you, kid," Plagg retorted calmly. "Also, I didn't flee. And surely not immediately after you'd gone to bed."

"That's not the point here."

"No. The point is that you're still mad and you're blaming everyone but yourself for it."

Adrien's glare grew even more steely. "Only yesterday you were talking about how I can't take all the blame and now you're giving me this?"

"Yes."

"You're contradicting yourself, Plagg."

"Not if I mean you should stop looking for the guilty party in general," was his companion's even answer. "Also, I think your make-up lady is coming."

He was gone before Adrien could utter a single syllable, hidden at the very bottom of the bag, safe from the curious eyes of said lady as well as the the young model's glares. Adrien sighed deeply and raised his hand to rub his face wearily - and then put it back down, remembering all the beauty products that were currently covering his face.

Smearing it all over his face right in front of the make-up director was hardly a good idea.

The shoot continued for a little more than an hour after that. When it finally finished, Adrien was sure he had never been this exhausted after so little work in his life, and that there was absolutely no exaggeration on his part in that regard; so when he was, at long last, told that it was all, he felt like he could quite literally kiss the photo shoot director in thanks for that news. That, or to crash on the ground and fall asleep that very second.

Considering that the director was about three times his age, the second option was far closer to his wish.

Still, as alluring as taking his nap right there and then was, Adrien stood firmly, determined not give the team any more reasons to worry - or worse, to call his father and ask him for the cause of his son's awful state.

So now he was back on the bench, pretending to be reading his history textbook, while he waited for the Gorilla to pick him up. He was aware of the glances and smirks (as well as the few awed sighs) he'd thus provoked, knowing full well that people expected him to fiddle with his phone rather than study, and especially in such a busy, noisy place. Not to mention, after the work he'd just done.

And yet, just this once, he wasn't in the least tempted to look at the device.

"You sure you don't need to check that?" Plagg asked in a dramatic whisper, as if he knew that he was supposed to be hiding but at the same time realised that his voice wouldn't have been heard in the mix of sounds around them. "Your phone's buzzed about ten times so far. Doesn't that mean it's something important?"

"No, it just means that Nino still hasn't learnt to write long messages and texted me a bunch of short ones instead," Adrien replied with an impatient sigh.

Gosh, just let him study.

"I know you're not reading this anyway, so you may as well drop the act and focus on me."

The glare Adrien gave him in response truly was a murderous one. "What have I told you about reading my thoughts?"

"You asked me not to do it, and I'm not. But I don't need to, either. It's written all across your face."

The boy let out a growl. One of his fellow models, who happened to be passing by on that exact moment winced, taken aback. She glanced down at him with an odd look on her countenance.

Adrien wanted to curl up and die.

"Sorry," he mumbled, fixing his eyes on the book in his hands, praying that the girl wouldn't linger around and just moved on with her undoubtedly more interesting life.

Luckily for him, she shrugged and did just that.

Adrien sighed again, and this time it was full of relief. Maybe it was a good thing that the fashion industry was were all kinds of eccentrics gathered.

At least no one paid attention to all the weird things he did.

He shifted his gaze to the textbook once more, determined to actually read the words printed on its pages, no matter how many more disruptions might come in a way. He was not going to look at his phone; he was not going to look around, searching for his bodyguard. And he sure as hell wasn't going to give Plagg the satisfaction of meeting his imploring stare again.

As if that changed anything.

Yet, he was to be unmoved. Despite the feeling of his kwami's gaze burning on his side as well as the noise said kwami was making (purposefully, no doubt), he didn't even stir, all the more intent on looking unfazed. He moved the book a little closer and pushed his bag under the bench with his foot without as much as peeking at it. He turned the page with the same fake-serene expression reflecting on his face.

He was fine, he was cool. There was no reason why he shouldn't be.

He was -

"I think Marinette is calling you, kid."

He was none of these things.

Several things happened at once then. The textbook Adrien was holding so firmly suddenly fell out of his grasp and landed next to his feet, only to be accidentally kicked away by him when he stood up rapidly and turned towards Plagg with the same violence characterising his moves. His eyes were wide with shock as he stared down at his bag; his hand shook when he reached out for it and took out the phone which, to his surprise, showed no sign of missed calls.

The few messages from Nino - ones he had already expected - were all he could see on the screen.

And yet, his heart was beating fast, his body stiff while he simultaneously felt trembling inside. With his gaze fixed on the phone and blood pumping in his ears, he nearly missed it when Plagg quietly cleared his throat.

Nearly.

Adrien looked at his companion and realised that what he'd been told was a lie, a ploy meant to provoke a reaction on his part. He frowned, annoyed and opened his mouth to scold the kwami for playing tricks on him in this way; yet, Plagg clearly wasn't going to let him beat him to it.

"I think we need to talk, kid," he said with a mixture of gravity and firmness. "And now."

Adrien couldn't help but swallow painfully.

He was screwed.

They didn't talk, however, and not due to Adrien's reluctance towards the subject. He was not going to give in to Plagg's suggestion of course (which, considering his deadly glare and infinite power of destruction, was more of a threat, really), not without putting some fight first, anyway; though he also realised that such a fight could not be of much use when his friend was so intent to have that conversation.

The very thought of having it made Adrien dizzy.

He was rescued by the sudden arrival of his bodyguard, who pulled up not a moment after Plagg had uttered the damning sentence. Aware as he was that this barely meant pushing the dreaded talk away for a while, Adrien couldn't help but sigh in relief, silently vowing to repay the Gorilla whenever he got the chance.

Now, however...

"Sweet block of cheese, I thought that ride would never end," Plagg said, once again making sure that his yawn would be heard just as much as the note of boredom that resonated in his voice. "To think that today of all days would be when we got caught in a traffic jam."

"It wasn't that bad," Adrien contradicted him, before glancing at his watch. "We're still earlier than I thought we'd be. Not as early as to make it to the current class... but enough to be left waiting for the next one to start. We've got about twenty minutes until that."

"Oh, now that's fantastic. You can finally tell me all the things I need to know without the risk of anyone overhearing."

Adrien set off towards the entrance with a grunt. "I told you I didn't want to talk about it."

"And I told you that I didn't care about your whims."

"What about my needs then? And weren't you supposed to be nice and tactful for once?"

"I'm always concerned about your needs, kid," Plagg retorted with renewed seriousness. "Which is precisely why we must talk; preferably before you walk inside and run into someone."

Before you run into Marinette, Adrien's mind readily supplied.

He wanted to bang his head against the door.

"Do we really have to?" he asked weakly, with his hand frozen on the doorknob and his forehead really coming close to resting against the wooden surface. "Will it really change anything?"

"It's not about changing anything, Adrien."

"What is it about, then? What's the point in going back to it, in reliving that horrendous time once again, if it's not going to make things better? Do you really just want to drag me through the mud so I remember how awfully I reacted last night?"

Plagg landed on his hand and shook his head with conviction.

"You know I don't. But there are things you should face before meeting up with anyone. Things you should think through before anyone asks you about them."

"All I've done since we quarrelled was think things through, Plagg," Adrien contradicted him. "Also, it's not exactly like I can talk about this entire situation with anyone without revealing my superhero alter ego, which we know isn't an option. If anything, I should come up with a good excuse for feeling unwell, but then again, if the make-up crew bought the one about lack of sleep, there's no reason to believe that Nino or Alya won't."

"And what about Marinette?" Plagg suggested with a meaningful look.

"Well, she will have to accept it, too," Adrien as much as spat, a new, sudden wave of anger overcoming him against his expectations or will. "Just because I've figured out her identity doesn't mean I'll share mine with her at the first given opportunity. Not to mention, I hardly feel like having her comfort me right now. Maybe it's unfair, maybe it's rude; but I just can't talk to her today."

"Yeah. Because you're disappointed it's turned out to be her."

Suddenly, all reluctance on Adrien's part was gone.

If that's how Plagg wanted to play it, then so be it.

He wasn't going to run anymore.

"Okay, you wanna talk? Fine," he agreed out of the blue. "I'll tell you everything you want to know and explain everything you can't grasp on your own. We'll find a place to hide until the next lesson starts and talk for as long as the time allows. In return, you'll promise me to stop nagging me about it later on. And I mean it: no sly questions, no meaningful looks and certainly no suggestions that I should go speak to Marinette about anything."

Plagg allowed himself to smile wearily.

"I can work with that," he consented eagerly. "So long as you don't hold back, either."

"I won't," was all Adrien cared to say, before finally pushing the door open and entering the hall.

Plagg followed right behind.

[amynchan]

CAN I JUST TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THIS EPISODE???

Mainly Chat’s reaction?  Because I can be super proud of him and all, but his entire reaction is something I just wanna dig into and rant a bit about.

LE SPOILERS UNDER LE CUT!!!

So obviously the whole thing starts the way all dates ought to start:  him asking LB out.

LB’s answer is pretty solid, actually.  She says she can’t because she’s with friends.  Chat says he’ll be out if she changes her mind and her answer is a ‘we’ll see’.

He asked her out and she said no.  Then her answer changed to ‘we’ll see’, which is still not a yes, but it’s not specifically a no.  But given that ‘no’ was her original answer, it’s still kind of Chat jumping the gun here.

This next bit has nothing to do with LB, actually, but has to do with Adrien himself.

He’s tired of being stood up by a father who claims to care about him but doesn’t.  He wants company, he wants to not be alone, and Nathalie isn’t exactly being warm and nurturing here.

But that’s still not an excuse for him jumping the gun.  Adrien’s taking her ‘we’ll see’ as her answer and saying that “she didn’t say no”.  Even so, Plagg warns him that:

Ladybug’s told him and now Plagg has, too.  He’s been warned a couple of times that she may not come, but he kind of goes on with his optimism and goes on anyways.

AND SETS ALL OF THIS UP!!!  Pretty intense when he knows that she may/may not be coming.

So we’ve got the asking, the setting up (and emotions before the setting up), and then...  surprise surprise, she doesn’t show.  This is actually where we get to see his optimism go away.  The classic “love me, love me not” game, but he goes “a little, a lot, madly, not at all” and ends on:

(look at this poor boy)

But honestly, he knew the possibility of her not showing could happen.  He was warned by LB and by Plagg, but I honestly think that being stood up by his father (another expected occurrence that still hurts him) just kind of had him start projecting.  He may or may not be losing faith in his dad’s affections (he only ever gets affirmation of his dad being proud of him at all when Gabriel speaks to Chat Noir), but landing on the ‘not at all’, while kidlike, does have an impact on him.  He may think that LB doesn’t care at all in his moment of projecting.

What happens next?  He reaches out to a friend who he thinks has no clue of what just happened, what he had planned for the evening, and how that left him.  All he really says is:

I think it’s kind of because he knows how bad being alone with your bad thoughts can be, and it’s cool that he reached out, but look at his face.

He’s a pouting cat.  He keeps this face almost the whole time.  At this point, he’s hurt and doesn’t quite know what to do about it.  But when Marinette says she’s hurting too, he just pops up with an idea.  He takes her to the surprise he set up for Ladybug.  I think he thought it would help lift her spirits, it gave him something nice to do, and it wouldn’t really all go to waste, but our glorious Marichat moment feels like a distraction for him so he wouldn’t feel bad.

Which...eh...worked a little bit.  He cheers up for a moment, but then goes back to being sad.

But skimming over all that, Marinette and Chat do have the conversation that the reason he’s hurting is because he wanted to believe she would be there.

They only get to talk about it for a little bit before they’re interrupted by the akuma of the day.  But by the time Chat drops Marinette off at her house, he seems to have moved from sad to a bit bitter.

So now he’s gone through asking, setting up, having her not show, and now he’s gotta face her.  He was optimistic she would come despite the warnings, heartbroken that she didn’t show, and now...  now he’s bitter.

This...  I’m not gonna deny it.  This is just plain rude.  He knew she probably wouldn’t come, and even Marinette during their chat said maybe Ladybug got held up.  He was told by (to his mind) three separate people before and after the fact that LB probably wouldn’t or couldn’t make it due to something else.  LB told him she’d be with friends.  Now he’s just lashing out and shutting down.

Granted, after realizing how much effort he put into the surprise, I’m surprised Marinette brought up the couple thing so quickly and nonchalantly, but that’s an aspect of her personality that I kinda wanna dig into later.  But Ladybug didn’t know about the surprise to Chat’s mind, so here she is, probably thinking “he said he’ll ‘be out’, but nothing else” and getting this kind of ‘tude.

Unfortunately, she does land on a landmine when she suggests to pretend they’re a couple.  Chat lashes out again:

He’s obviously upset at this and tries to directly attack their akuma, ignoring Ladybug’s lead and trying to do things separate from her (as opposed to when he took the lead in season one’s episodes of Animan and Pixellator, where he took action expecting to assist LB or further their goals as a team).  As it’s established they’re a team, this is bad.

So far, he’s been really crappy to LB.  He hasn’t directly said what’s bugging him, been giving her the cold shoulder, and been all around jerkish.  She’s trying to get this done and he’s really not helping. They’ve got a job to do and he’s been really out of it.

But finally, finally, finally he says what’s been bugging him after LB prods him a little.

I can’t get a good cap of it, but his response is “What do you think?”.  Which, hello, as established, she said she may not come, Plagg told you she didn’t say yes, and Marinette explained that maybe she was prevented from coming.  He’s acting really impulsively because he’s been hurt, and I get that, but it really doesn’t excuse his behavior.

Still, Marinette elects to be the bigger person here.

He should have been fine with this, but in his mind, LB doesn’t know what he went through.  Perhaps that’s why he felt he had to say that:

He’s still mad.  And he really doesn’t have any ground to be mad on.  But he is.  LB once more pacifies:

And this seems to do the trick.  Because finally, finally, FINALLY we get this:

He doesn’t just simply accept her apology.  No, he turns it around, thinks on it, and realizes he’s the one who should be apologizing.  And a simple ‘sorry’ isn’t enough for everything he did.  It’s one thing to say sorry and not do anything that would back it up, (which would be a sucky thing to do) but Chat’s been a person of action.  He wears his heart on his sleeve and his words are always earnest.  You can see in his expression that even though he’s still hurt and upset, he seems to realize that what he’s been doing to his partner is not cool.

He says that maybe they could do what he had in mind another time, then looks at the akuma, then starts to fix his act.

He takes LB’s lead.

Goes along with her idea.

And keeps going.  He’s surprised in the moment before, but that smile actually made me feel better because, to me, it seemed as though he knew that she’d never hurt him intentionally.  Her apology was sincere and he knew it and knew she wouldn’t do anything to seriously hurt him.

It even gets him through THIS

Which, hello.  Give a dude some warning, LB.  X’D  She explains it’s part of the plan hurriedly, and then he goes along with it again, and the akuma’s defeated and their space and teamwork is regained and okay.  Throughout the rest of the fight, they work as a cohesive unit, which is great.

So he asked, prepped, she didn’t come, he had to relearn how to face her (she apologized for not coming and he apologized for being a jerk), and now they kind of reach a final stage for this episode.

Ladybug finally arrives.  Chat’s happy and all, but now LB knows that his feelings for her are genuine thanks to our lovely Marichat moment.  And it leads her to say that she doesn’t want to play with his feelings.

She starts to fumble through her words, but eventually Chat gets the hint.

This.  This is the point where we get to see what Chat will do.

THIS LOOK ACTUALLY FREAKED ME OUT SO BAD!!  I was thinking ‘noooo, please tell me he doesn’t...’

And then....  he didn’t.

He didn’t fall back into giving her the cold shoulder.  He didn’t lash out at her again.  He didn’t make her feel bad about crushing on someone else.

(the cheek kisses are normal for friends over there, so I feel it’s important to say that he’s not overstepping his bounds here.)  He doesn’t say he’ll give up, but he does say that he understands and reaffirms the friendship she’s given him.  He’s not sulky or angry or any of the things he was before.  He’s being a good partner, a good friend, and a good person.

And even while alone, he doesn’t plot ways to woo her immediately or draw up some sort of convoluted rival with some person whose name he doesn’t even know.  He does say that he’ll love her and he wants her to love him too, but he’s happy to be friends with her.  He’s happy she’s in his life and that’s all he needs at the moment.

It feels like there was a lot going on for Adrien as a character here.  We get reaffirmation of his impulsive nature, his sometimes almost dangerous optimism, and we’re reminded of the fact that he acts on his emotions.  He’s not perfect, and if he hadn’t apologized or cleaned up his act, I would have been a severely disappointed mama.  But he did.  I hope he doesn’t pull that kind of stunt with LB again, but I think it was good for the fanbase to see that he did.  He can be irrational, angry, and frustrated with literally anyone he cares about.  It was kind of like seeing him upset during the Christmas Special.  But what makes him good is despite the fact that he allows his emotions to take control sometimes, he chose to fix it.  And then, when he was tested again literally after he fixed his behavior, the alterations stuck.  He didn’t take out his frustrations on LB and he didn’t do what he did during the fight.  He said ‘ok’ and was kind.

But...hey, this is just my take on it. And I’m a bit of an Adrien and a bit of a Chat Noir fan, so....  X’D  In my focus on Adrien/Chat Noir, I didn’t really go over what I think Marinette did wrong or right as a character (Honestly, I think she was mainly right except for literally one point), but yeah....

Anyhoot, this is just my ranting and some of my thoughts that I somehow managed to organize.  X’D  I hope you sort of enjoyed??  ^^;

[blankworddocument]

À la porte de la mort

Word count: 1939 Rating: Gen Warnings: Death in the background?? Description: Marinette is a Keeper - her job is to bring souls of those who have died on earth into the afterlife. It’s an emotional job sometimes, but she’s been doing this long enough that nothing is really unexpected anymore. That is, until she meets Adrien.

“What? Where… Where am I?”

Those are the first words he speaks to her. It’s not uncommon, she hears that a lot. Most people are confused and foggy when they come to her. He’s not speaking to her yet, though. She hasn’t revealed herself quite yet. She always finds it’s better for them to adjust to their surroundings before she approaches. She takes her time to look at the boy. That’s all he is, only a boy. Can’t be older than six. His blonde hair is windswept, his green eyes terrified. It’s time for her to come out.

“Don’t be afraid,” She says softly, appearing out of the mist. The boy jumps regardless of her words and nearly falls over himself in his rush to face her. His eyes betray his every thought. He is scared. So very scared. But he looks at her like she’s hope. And it makes her old heart ache. “I’m here to help you.”

“I can’t find my mommy.” The boy says. He thinks she can help. She wishes she could. But there’s only one thing she can do for him now.

“It’ll be okay.” The words are soothing for the boy, but she doesn’t mean them in the way he hopes. She isn’t going to help him back to his mommy. But when she helps him cross over, he will be at peace. “I’ll take you home.” She reaches out and takes his hand in hers. He holds on like she’s his lifeline.

She isn’t lying about taking him home. As they walk through the mist, pieces of the world around them start to fall into place. There’s a park to the left that swims into view, only to be engulfed by mist a moment later. A row of light posts appears, their light breaking through the fog before being diminished. The farther they walked, the closer they got to their destination. The closer they approached, the more transparent the boy beside her became. It wouldn’t be long before he himself was gone in the mist.

Before long they’ve reached the mansion. Not the real thing, of course, but what the boy remembers of it. He lets go of her hand in excitement, bursting through the front doors.

“Maman! Papa! I’m here, I’m here!” His voice echoes through the mist. Parts of the house appear and disappear as they flash through his memory. No one answers his calls.

“Adrien.” She says his name softly, and he turns those big green eyes on her. He looks so hopeful, so desperate. “It’s time to go.”

“No,” He shakes his head confused, almost frantic. “No, I’m home! You took me home! I can’t go! Maman and Papa will come for me!”

They were trying to. She could see them on earth, searching through the blizzard for the lost little boy. Cursing themselves for letting him out of their sight. Screaming his name in the wind. But by the time they find him, it’ll be too late. It already is. But the boy doesn’t need to know that. The next time he sees them is when their souls are reunited in the afterlife.

“They will come to you soon. But not right now. Right now I need to help you go.”

As heartbreaking as it is to help a child pass on after death, it’s routine. After doing it for so long, she practically had a script for how every interaction went. It hurt, but like everything else, that too passes on. It was time for this boy to go as well. It’s how it always went.

Until it didn’t.

The fog was clearing rapidly. Faster than she had ever seen it go. It didn’t make sense! Everything was too bright and too dark at the same time. The boy! Instead of fading through, passing on, he was coming into focus. His features sharpened, his colours flushed. What was happening? There was the sound of rushing wind that nearly deafened her, and then she was gone.

The last thing she saw was the boys wide, green eyes and dazzling smile. He was thankful.

It was very rare for someone to return to the land of living after meeting her. It had never happened in all of Marinette’s time as a Keeper, though she knew it was technically a possibility. Witnessing it was… otherworldly. Even for her line of work.

The little boy that had wandered off while on vacation with his parents and got trapped outside in a snowstorm had beaten death. She supposed she should have been happy. Or perhaps she should be neutral? All she knew was that she was incredibly curious.

Time passes, or at least she thinks it does. It’s hard to tell sometimes. Life, or whatever existence she has, moves forward. That’s the motto in her line of work: everything moves on. And yet sometimes she still sees those green eyes staring back at her in another lost soul. It’s never the same boy, only a trick of the imagination.

She’s good at her job. Restless souls are calmed, terrified children are soothed, the inconsolable are filled with peace. Sometimes she wonders if this was what she was like in life. Did she comfort people as a living being? Is that how she became what she is? Was she ever a living person to begin with? Such questions have no answers, and yet Marinette still wonders.

He’s here again. What a strange feeling, seeing the same person here twice. He’s older now. Fifteen. His hair is longer and combed carefully. His eyes are guarded. He’s the same person but he isn’t the little boy that she first met. She watches him with fascination. He’s beautiful. It almost seems like an abomination to have to guide him on. But she has a job to do.

“Don’t be afraid,” She says as a greeting. It tends to be the best way to let people know that they’ve died. “I’m here to help.”

“It’s you.”

She’s never had anyone recognize her before. Sometimes she appears to people as someone familiar, like someone they have met but can’t put their finger on. But this time it’s different. The recognition on his face is genuine. He remembers her.

“They told me I made it up. They said you weren’t real. But… You’re here. The lady in red.”

She held one gloved hand out to him. “Let me help you get home.”

He looks at her for a long moment. His eyes are guarded and she wonders what happened to him to make him so shielded. Finally, he takes her hand in his. They walk in silence, but he’s fidgeting in a way that suggests he has a lot to say. She’s used to that. She waits for him to find the words.

“What’s your name?”

The question startles her. She’s never been asked that before.

“I… I’m the Keeper. Keeper of the Keys. I unlock your door to the afterlife.”

“Keeper of the Keys… Wow what a pretty name. Are you like my guardian angel?”

She smiles at that. “Not quite. I don’t watch over you in life, but I do help you pass on after it.”

“So, I really am dead.” He quiets after that, and they walk on. The path ahead was as foggy as ever. Marinette watched as scenes played out in his memory. They walked passed school children gossiping with each other. They faded in and out of vision. Marinette was fascinated by the pop of flashing camera bulbs, but those too disappeared. Adrien wasn’t paying attention to any of it.

“How did I die?”

Now this was a common question. Marinette pauses their steps and turns to face Adrien. She takes both of his hands in hers and closes her eyes. The scene plays behind her closed lids, and it’s as if she’s there herself.

“You are running. Running away from someone, running towards something. You are in a hurry. There’s the sound of a bell in the distance, and that makes your heart pound faster. You imagine someone behind you is yelling your name, and your heart beats faster still. The school is within view and you can almost taste victory. You don’t look when you cross the street. You think about it but it’s too late because you’re already in the intersection. The delivery truck was late as well and was travelling too fast.” She doesn’t say what happens next. She imagines he can fill in the rest of the pieces. Such an avoidable death. They happen every day. Just bad timing. Bad luck. Had the boy not tripped over the crack in the sidewalk after leaving his house he would have made the crosswalk in time. If the truck driving had looked up a moment sooner he could have stopped. So many ways it could have gone differently…

And yet here he was. Staring at her, hands entwined. She lets go of him quickly, feeling the heat from his fingers burn through the thin red gloves she wore. Suddenly red was no longer her favourite colour.

“I’m sorry. But yes, you’re dead.”

They fall into silence as Marinette continues guiding the departed soul. The building ahead is coming into view. It isn’t his house this time, but the high school that he had been so desperate to reach. When Adrien saw the building, he huffed a sigh.

“If I lived, all Pere would have to say is I told you so.”

“Your father is in deep mourning.” Marinette said softly. She could feel the pain radiating off of Adrien. The connection was weak because of how faded Adrien had become, but she could still feel it. “He never wanted to be right, not like this. He never wanted to lose you again, not you too. He never wanted to be alone.”

Adrien stopped walking. Marinette knew immediately she had said the wrong thing. Why oh why did she have to say that?? Every Keeper knows you never bring up the pain of love ones left on earth. It only made the souls wistful.

“Adrien, there’s nothing we can do now. He will only find peace if you move on. The longer you linger, the more he hurts. Please, let me help you.” She hated using guilt to help people move on, but it usually worked. Adrien apparently liked being the exception.

“The only help I need from you is to help me get back.” He wasn’t angry or upset. He was determined.

“Adrien, that’s not how it works. I wish I could help you get back, but I’m afraid that-”

“You did it last time!” He interrupted, turning to face her with those damn hopeful eyes. It hurt her heart to see how desperate he had become in just a few short seconds. “Last time, you brought me back! You saved me. Do it again! Please, you have to!”

Marinette opened her mouth to say something, to tell him that it wasn’t her who brought people back to life, but her throat was closed shut. She felt like crying. It was a strange feeling. She couldn’t remember wanting to cry before. And then things got strange. At least this time she knew what it meant. She felt all the air leave her lungs in one large gush, heard the rushing wind, watched the fog roll away.

And she was gone.

It happened again.

She sat in the darkness trembling.

Who was this boy.

Who was the boy who escaped death not once, but twice? Accomplishing a feat never before heard of in all of her existence?

Who was he? And why did he refuse to die?

[imthepunchlord]

Me Rewatching ML: Princess Fragrance

Chat puts hand on LB, LB not in the mood for touch. Since usually Marinette is very physically affectionate and is usually fine being in touch with Chat; I’m guessing he was a real big goof this fight and LB wasn’t in much of the mood for it. 

LB comforting the victim, Jean Duparc, a boy that attends Francoise Dupont. He was Magician of Misfortune, first akuma we hear that doesn’t get actual focus, suggesting that there are other akuma battles we haven’t seen. 

...Why did he want to make the Eiffel Tower disappear? I suppose it would’ve been the ultimate magic trick? Also, by this, Jean Duparc likes magic, and was likely akumatized because he didn’t have an appreciative crowd or he wound up messing up. 

I like that Marinette’s bangs hang down more when wet, it’s a small detail but it’s nice to include. 

Tikki is sick from being in the miraculous during the rain. It’s actually really curious since Plagg was exposed to the cold and he seems find, suggesting that between the two, Tikki is a lot more sensitive than Plagg... or maybe delicate would be the better word?

A kwami being sick is serious enough that Tikki is inclined to go Fu, even before Marinette is officially ready to know about the Guardian. 

Marinette doesn’t question there’s a kwami doctor. And it escapes her logic that if a doctor can treat kwamis, they probably know what a kwami is. 

And by looks of it, I say this happens with lunch at school ending, and Marinette is late to return to lunch. And by the events of PF with Chloe taking Tikki, it’s after school. This gives enough time for the events of PF and for Rose to spend time with Ali with no worry of returning to school. At least I’m guessing. 

Tikki is willing to wait till Marinette’s out of school to head to the doctor. I’m guessing this likely is happening not long after Jackady and her parents may still be on guard about Marinette skipping out and Tikki is inclined to avoid that issue. 

Ivan sleeps trhough physics. 

Prince Ali is hosting a toy fundraiser for a children’s hospital. 

PRINCE ALIIIIIIII. Why do you get so little attention my sweet son? There needs to be more Prince Ali, he is so adorable and sweet and precious I love him. 

Rose gets watery eyed when talking about her celebrity crush. 

Juleka looks amused with Rose’s reactions. 

Rose just really wants to let Ali know how much she admires him. 

Oooch. That looks like it hurt, and probably wasn’t good for Tikki. 

Mendeleiev isn’t amused by Marinette’s lateness. And either Marinette has lied about being locked in the bathroom or she has actually locked herself in the bathroom before... I wouldn’t be surprised. 

There are physics formula on Mendeleiev’s lab collar. 

Mendeleiev is one of those teachers that notices a lot, locking onto Rose not paying attention in her class and messing with perfume. 

Chloe doesn’t like the smell of Rose’s perfume, though that could be her just being mean since I think she has the exact same perfume in her locker (Lady Wifi).

Marinette takes the chance to sneak to her desk. Alya is amused by Marinette’s fib. 

Mendeleiev has a shirt covered in formulas. 

I wonder how many kids the principle winds up seeing, cause they seem to go to him for the smallest things. Speaking up, drawing in class, not paying attention; and it seems it’s Mendeleiev who usually sends kids. I can only think of once that Bustier sent someone to the principle’s office (Lady Wifi). 

Mendeleiev will be quizzing them on lab safety, she was inspired and wanted to do a refresher and see how many students do remember lab safety. Not too bad an idea. A bit of an oh shit quiz though. 

Adrien was gone long enough to miss the rest of school. Since Fu healing Tikki didn’t take that long, and Plagg seems much sturdier than Tikki when facing the elements, I think it’s more likely that Adrien was at a shoot. While it is possible Adrien might’ve met Fu, I do think that would’ve gotten focus. Plus, there is the factor that Adrien isn’t ready to meet Fu yet since he doesn’t take heroing as seriously as Marinette. And if Adrien has already met Fu, Plagg would’ve probably suggested to take the book to Fu, just stating that Fu could be trusted with it. But Plagg doesn’t bring up Fu to Adrien at all, so I think Adrien went to a shoot instead of taking care of a sick Plagg, which I think is much rarer for him since he was able to take being frozen and came out fine. 

Clever Alya doing her matchmaking. 

It doesn’t immediately click in Marinette’s mind that she could be the girl to give Adrien notes for the class(es) he missed. Another instance where Marinette is inclined to keep to her other responsibilities (getting Tikki to a doctor), Alya though wants to see her ship sail. It almost feels like a mom sending her kid out on a mission they’re reluctant to go on. 

Tikki is probably regretting agreeing to wait till after school. 

Oh hey Justin Extra.

And there she goes. 

There they both go, poor Tikki. 

Adrien moves in to catch Marinette. 

Tikki that’s a creepy face. 

This makes me really wonder the kwami texture, how they feel. Does Tikki feel smooth like a ladybug’s shell? Does Plagg have fur? Does Wayzz have scales? 

I wonder when Chloe gets Pollen, will she remember Tikki and note the similarities, and remember who wanted to get Tikki back? If there’s a reveal s2, what if the reveal is Chloe learning LB’s identity? 

“Prince Ali will forget all about those sick kids.” Godamnit Chloe you are awful. I really, really hope we see you have a hard redemption. I feel you need one. 

Chloe and Sabrina sass squad team-up. 

Poor Rose. It’s even sadder that she’s just left alone gathering up pieces of the torn letter. Marinette hurries after to get Tikki, and Sabrina just walks away smiling. 

Chloe is fully aware that Tikki belongs to Marinette and is enjoying the idea that Marinette won’t ever get her back. I do think she could maybe realize LB’s identity if Pollen does make her think of Tikki. 

 ROOOOOOOOSE. Her being sad feels like seeing someone kick a puppy. I don’t like it. 

I do like that she’s an akuma who likes to sing. And she makes others sing. It’s a cute touch that feels very Rose. 

“Chloe doesn’t have any friends.” The doorman doesn’t count Sabrina as Chloe’s friend, despite them hanging out here a lot. Not too surprised, I wouldn’t count them friends either. 

Convenient trash is convenient. 

Doorman falls for Marinette’s disguise. 

“It’s usually sushi.” Sushi confirmed to be Chloe’s favorite dish (she also thinks that’s what Wang Cheng should’ve made in Kung Food). 

Chloe refers to pizza as peasant food. 

Angry Marinette mutters. 

Fragrance refers to herself as an actual princess, and does take time to request to be let in. 

PRINCE ALIIIIIIII. My son you’re beautiful. And would really rather be somewhere else. 

Ali is excited for fireworks, suggesting that he doesn’t get to see them often. 

Ali is still learning French. 

The mayor is sad that Ali has a busy schedule and may not have a chance to see the fireworks. 

The mayor refers to Chloe has his princess. 

Chloe offers her hand for Ali to kiss, something saved for a woman that is above you, and Ali raises a high brow at this gesture. Even his aide looks a little surprised. 

Ali counters it with hearty handshake. Can this be how he continues to greet new people? Hearty handshakes? 

Chloe eye twitch. Lmao, this isn’t going how she expected. Ali isn’t charmed at all. 

Chloe takes a selfie with Ali, something she does with those she deems friends or she likes. This makes me think back to a post that shows selfies between best friends, how Marinette, Alya, Nino, and Adrien all look at the screen together smiling, while Chloe and Sabrina selfie, only Chloe is looking to the screen and not Sabrina, which could symbolize future issues between her and Sabrina (there are issues there). Considering this and how they both stare at the camera, I wonder if it’s a foreshadow of a possible friendship that could form between Chloe and Ali, especially if Chloe winds up loosing Sabrina, and Ali I do feel will come back and probably join their class. 

Chloe is horrified to be stinky. 

Rose likes having a bit of a flashy entrance. 

Ali is baffled and curious to see his first akuma, Chloe presses close to her father who wraps his arms around her. 

Plagg likes to hang in the trash bin. 

To Plagg, eating Camembert is more important than akuma trouble. 

Lmao, even in danger everyone still backs away from Chloe. 

Yeeeees, Marinette untransformed facing an akuma. There is no hesitance in her actions, Antibug has backed for Marinette that she is capable in and out of the suit and we see her acting out on that this episode. 

The mayor mistakes Marinette for another akuma. 

“But he is your father!” 

“Who cares!” Damn Chloe. 

The butler doesn’t react at all to pink smoke coming in. He is so chill. 

Ali’s aide is holding his hand as Fragrane approaches. 

Going down a staff is far more dangerous than an akuma, apparently. 

Ali and Adrien are going to be ultimate bros, I can feel it. 

Ali notices Tikki’s sneeze and is like wtf. Tikki’s oh shit face is beautiful I love it. Ali is very suspicious, eyeballing Tikki. 

Ali’s aide has a priority of keeping to Ali’s schedule as much as possible. Chat thinks that’s crazy. 

Tikki purposely dropped out of Ali’s pocket to avoid the smoke. 

SCOOTER! SCOOT SCOOT.

Fragrance caused a huge accident. Where did all those people go? 

Tikki deems LB is more important than her health and LB should go and stop Fragrance. I am curious on what could happen if Marinette did, if Lucky Charm and ML would even still work, or would she have a more limited time? 

Tikki shivers. It’s so sad to see. 

A gong is involved in healing kwamis, and the phonograph that contains the miraculouses is also playing. 

Fu likes to proverb. Marinette is confused by proverb. I want Fu to be like Iroh please! That’d be amazing. 

Either the dormant state of the turtle miraculous is a pale turquoise and activated it takes on a more green appearance (possibly), or maybe being a Guardian makes the turtle miraculous unique? Or maybe they don’t have a dormant state down for the turtle miraculous? We do see that the earrings, ring, and brooch have a dormant state, so technically the turtle should too. Either being a Guardian makes it unique,  this is the turtle’s dormant state, or it’s just not done yet. 

Fu requests Marinette to be quiet, but is the one making small talk. He’s enjoying Marinette trying to keep kwamis a secret from him. 

Fu has a balcony garden. Red flowers I’m suspecting to be roses. 

Tikki’s tail wags when she sees Marinette. 

Miraculouses likely originate in China. 

CUDDLES. Another really cute scene between Marinette and Tikki. 

Fragrance calls Chat servant. 

In Fragrance’s minions, Ali is the only one who isn’t a servant. The rest respond to being servants. 

LB knows how to use Chat’s staff. 

Cataclysm answers to Chat’s want, and for this, instead of destroying the ship, he caused the system to malfunction and set off the fireworks. This suggest he didn’t rush in with the intent to destroy LB, I thinkt he intent was to cause her transformation to malfunction and force it to drop. 

Chat, under the spell, was licking himself clean. 

Ali is surprised and curious about Rose, definitely starry eyed to see LB. Actually doesn’t know LB, asking who she is. This suggest that LB and Chat aren’t globally known yet. 

LB is aware that Rose is Ali’s fan. I wonder if Rose also talked about Ali to Marinette, though it is something Marinette can easily piece together. 

Ali is touched that Rose likes him for how kind he is.

Ali is able to kindly refuse Chloe and is up to go to the children’s hospital with Rose instead. 

Rose actually wishes Chloe goodbye. This girl is too pure. 

Chloe rages and Ali and Rose are able to enjoy the fireworks together, Ali more excited than Rose by looks of body posture.

[roughstar]

Big reveal theory

Here’s a quick summary of how I think it’ll go down:

1. Marinette finds out Adrien has a crush on Ladybug

2. Alya discovers Adrien is Chat Noir

3. Ladybug rejects Adrien

4. Chat Noir and Ladybug get in a fight

5. Marinette finally believes Alya

6. Adrien/Chat discover Ladybug knows who he is

7. Adrien and Marinette start dating

8. Adrien keeps talking about how Ladybug he still loves Ladybug despite his rejection

9. Marinette confesses to being Ladybug

10. Adrien can’t handle that his girlfriend lied to him and hurt him

11. Bigger fight

12. Things get better but these two aren’t fully dating, yet

Reasoning under cut

The first thing to happen is that Ladybug realizes she’s the object of many’s desires, including Chat and, in fact, Adrien. Because of this she doesn’t really think he loves her like he does, but rather like a silly crush on a celebrity. She finds it funny at first cause she thinks it totally could happen but then doesn’t find it enjoyable after a while because she still doesn’t see herself as ladybug all the time, and Adrien won’t love the Marinette part of her.

Alya, being the most observant in the class, still believes Chat and Adrien are the same person, so she decides to investigate Adrien to find a link between the two. She finds some proof that’s damn near irrefutable and immediately tells Marinette. She still finds like a tiny flaw that may put it in question, so she doesn’t believe it, cause after all, how can the dreamy, sweet, totally-not-annoying Adrien be the blunt, unfunny, awkward Chat Noir? Doesn’t make sense. Marinette still tells Alya that even if somehow Adrien WAS Chat, she can’t put it on her blog cause a superhero identity is sacred. Even an assumption puts those assumed to be heroes in danger.

After realizing that Adrien’s feelings towards Ladybug are More than a silly crush and in fact almost Unhealthy, she decides she needs to let him down. She meets him as Ladybug somewhere, they talk and she brings up the fact that she’s scared that he won’t love who she really is, which he thinks is unreasonable but she can’t trust that. She says he needs to find someone more realistic, maybe someone like Marinette (cause you know, she’s probably not unwilling to dating him and is cute or something).

Later on, Chat and Ladybug are working to capture an akuma but aren’t themselves. Chat clearly isn’t himself, he stopped punning and flirting with Ladybug, who actually misses that part of him, and Ladybug keeps acting distracted. Chat is mad that Ladybug rejected the real him, and Marinette keeps thinking about how she hurt the one she loves. They end up failing and they project their issues on each other. This doesn’t help, so they decide to try individually to get the akuma and eventually get it done, but decide they shouldn’t try to be a superhero duo until they’re themselves again.

After the fight, Marinette starts to put two and two together. Chat is upset with Ladybug as soon as Ladybug rejects Adrien. Adrien is being all mopey in school and acting exactly like Chat was before the fight. Alya has proof that they’re the same person. Suddenly, it’s seeming to be more and more obvious to her. So obvious she’s kinda embarrassed how long it took for her to notice. She doesn’t tell Alya she realized it.

The next fight is awkward. Since Chat can’t cleanse an akuma, he needs Ladybug for that part. The battle goes kinda well as Chat does most of the fighting and Ladybug just watches from a distance, then they win and cleanse the akuma and go on with their lives. Ladybug says “See you later, Adrien” as she leaves, not realizing what she said until later.

In school, Marinette knows exactly what’s going on with Adrien. She can easily talk to him now, and he starts falling for her cause she’s being so sweet and taking care of him and being so supportive. They start spending more time together. Every time they almost kiss something or someone interrupts them, so this is like a strained relationship to the viewers.

A big part of this new relationship is that Adrien can calk to Marinette about how he feels about Ladybug, and Marinette doesn’t seem to mind too much (at first). She keeps trying to tell him that pursuing a relationship with Ladybug won’t go anywhere, that she’s even told him that she won’t love him as Ladybug but as who she really is, so he should probably focus more on what’s in front of him than what’s most desirable

Adrien is dumb as a brick sometimes so Marinette, out of anger or frustration or something, decides you know what, he wants ladybug so bad he’ll have his ladybug and flat out tells him. He’s been with Ladybug, the REAL Ladybug this whole time but he can’t get over himself long enough to really love who the REAL ladybug is. Marinette thought this would make things better. It doesn’t.

Adrien gets pissed that Marinette was Ladybug this whole time, she KNEW who he was, let him down, broke his heart, and tricked him into dating her anyway so he’s done with the lies. He just wants to have a normal relationship that’s just straightforward and secrets aren’t involved. He needs time to think about things so he leaves (as in break up) Marinette, but not like on shitty terms. He just wants to sort it out.

Next time Ladybug and Chat see each other, it’s painfully awkward. They’re acting a lot more like their real selves now. They get the job done, but once they have time to discuss what happens it turns out real bad. Chat/Adrien is pissed that Marinette toyed with him. Marinette/Ladybug is mad that he can’t converge his feelings for each part of her, which in a way validates her fears way in the beginning. They eventually agree that neither one of them is happy with their relationship, so they decide to make it go back to how it was.

Things are almost back to normal. Each one said they’re over the other completely, but that’s a lie. It helps them work together again though. Chat still flirts with Ladybug, but she thinks he’s just being coy. Marinette still pines over Adrien at school, but they’re still friends. It’s like this for the rest of the show until maybe the end of the series, where they finally decide they can date again.

So why do I think it’ll happen like this? Cause this is a tv show, and one of the largest appeals of this show is the love square. It won’t make sense for them to find out, get together, and live happily ever after as a power superhero couple. Nobody wants to watch that. They want to watch them GET together. So, extend the process and the show is more successful.

Okay, well how would we do that?

If Chat/Adrien finds out Marinette is Ladybug, it’s highly likely that Adrien will start crushing on Marinette, and I’m assuming he’s better at talking to a crush than she is. It’ll likely quickly lead to a strong relationship and that’s about it. Can’t do much with that.

What if they find out at the same time? Same issue. Might even be easier to get them into a strong relationship.

So, it makes the most sense to have Marinette/Ladybug find out first.

And then what? Drama sells, so let’s make the relationship complicated. Marinette needs to know that Adrien loves Ladybug first, since she’ll most likely have an internal struggle about Adrien loving Marinette versus Ladybug.

These two things are crucial to driving the romantic plot, and everything else kinda just falls into place.