#but each time adrien walks through the door

[mochinek0]

Looking Back (Part 2)

Lila looked around the reunion, annoyed. Adrien wasn't anywhere to be seen. The people she had control over weren't either. Lila smiled, spotting Marinette.

'Time to ruin her day. It'll be just like old times.'

"Marinette!" Lila smiled, walking up to her, "You can call me Mrs. Agreste. Adrien and I got married, after all."

"Congratulations!" Mari smiled.

Lila tried to keep the shock off of her face.

'Where are the tears? Where is the screaming?'

"We should go." A man walked up to Marinette spoke, "The kids are asleep, already."

'Kids? Marinette knows this guy? He's hotter than Adrien! How could she know him or his kids?'

"Already?" Marinette asked, "Oh, I guess it is late."

"Kids?" Lila asked, trying to keep the conversation going, "You.....have kids?"

"Oh, this is my husband." Marinette answered, "We got married seven years ago. We have a five year old and a two year old."

Before she could find out more, her husband pulled her towards the exit.

"Bye Mari!" her friends shouted, "Bye, Damian!"

Mari just waved and kept walking.

'I will not be ignored!'

"Bye Marinette!" Lila cried out, "I can't believe you're still so rude to me. You couldn't even say bye?"

Marinette stopped, turned and smiled, "Sorry, Lola. Bye."

'Lola?'

Lila seethed in anger. She had always thought of Marinette as her enemy, but it seemed she was just some distant memory to her.

Marinette's friend group continue to laugh after she had walked out of the reunion.

"I can't believe she called her that!" Ivan laughed.

"I wish I had recorded it." giggled Rose.

Lila stomped away, humiliated. She rushed outside of the venue and called Alya.

'She always answers! She's hopeless without me!'

Lila didn't expect Alya to be with the others.

"Oh it's you! Miss 'Popularity' herself!" Alya smugly replied.

"Excuse me?" Lila asked, "Alya this isn't like you."

"Oh, it's not?" she questioned, "Maybe I should drink more often then."

'She drunk. So she's useless. Wait! Maybe, I can use this to my advantage!'

"Alya, Marinette was so mean-" she began.

"All of Marinette's friends are successful!" Alya shouted, "Why do we all suck?"

'Huh?'

"Yeah!" Kim shouted, "We've listened to you since junior high! We trusted you! I have a gut and stuck as a PE teacher! Odine is at the Olympics!"

"Nino listened but he only hangs out with Adrien! After we broke up, he just got.....better!" Alya sneered, "He's a DJ who travels all over and I'm stuck running errand for other people at Tvi. I'm not even a reporter!"

"Why does Adrien saying you're un-fuckable?" Alix questioned.

"Excuse me?" Lila gasped.

Nathaniel scoffed, "He said he never dated you and he never would. Mr. Model was crying how he missed out on marrying Marinette and how you're not even his type!"

"Kitty Section listened to Marinette and they're famous!" Alix continued to rant. "Max works for her husband's company and he makes millions. It's like a millionaire club with them."

"Why are Marinette and her friends amazing people and all the people that listened to you miserable?" Alya sneered.

"Yeah!" the rest cried out.

Lila scoffed and hung up the phone. She tried to make the best of it and talk with other people, but she could see people pointing at her out of the corner of her eye. She pretended not to see them giggling and whispering at each other. She quickly made a break for the bathroom to collect herself. She hid in one of the stalls and took a deep breath. No one could know they got to her. They probably heard her call herself Mrs. Agreste.

'Stupid! I should have whispered it to her.'

"Who knew Marinette was such a savage!" she heard a girl say, as the door opened.

'Seriously?'

"She's matured so much!" Lila heard another voice speak.

"I know." the first voice answered, "I'm so happy for her. She went through so much shit with Chloe."

"Hey, did you believe about her being a bully?" the other voice questioned.

"Bullying Rossi?" they scoffed, "Hell no! Lila is a whiny bitch. She acted like she was four."

The second person laughed, "And those fake 'Pity Me' tears."

They both laughed.

"But Marinette callign her Lola-" they continued to laugh.

"Lila Rossi really is the Loud Obnoxious Lying Anti-Christ." one giggled.

"Juleka told me it use to be worse." the other continued.

"How?" they replied.

"Before she was 'LOLA', they would call her the 'STB: Stupid Thoughtless Bitch'." the girl answered.

Lila heard the other person snort.

"Then, they had to teach her safe sex before Wayne, so Mari started calling her an STD cuz she was like an infection that was hard to get rid of." the same girl continued.

"Wait?" one girl spoke, "Why did they have to teach her? She must have known by then."

Lila heard a giggle, "Apparently her and Wayne were eye fucking each other so badly when Mari started working at WE. You know she's the Wayne family's personal designer, right? Jagged Stone introduced them."

"Oh yeah. Didn't she make his Eiffel tower sunglasses when she was 13?" the other questioned.

"Yep. She did those and then worked on his album covers." one declared, "Not to mention the outfits he wore on stage, but seriously imagine undressing your future husband before even being with him."

"I can certainly see the perks." they replied.

"Anyways, the tension was so bad that Kitty Section went to Bruce's office to say he would likely get a grandchild soon, if his son didn't man up an d ask her out." one recalled, "They said it was like being one snap away from them going at it like animals at the office. Damian walked in and told them to stay out of his life and slammed the door. Bruce shouted he'd love grandkids and the next day Wayne asked her out."

"Damn." the other laughed, "From Ice Prince to Simp for Paris' Sweetheart?"

"Better than being known as Paris' Trashy Whore." the other scoffed, "Did you hear Rossi was trying to claim to be married to Adrien?"

"Shut up!" the other yelled, "She did not!"

"Yep." the other stated, "Hard to believe when Agreste was eye fucking Mrs. Wayne til Lola's Pack took him to the bar."

"Guess she's not such a frined now, huh?" the second girl called out.

"Let's go before Lola shows up." the first one declared, "She's bound to skulk in some bathroom 'til her group shows up and saves her from embarassment."

Lila heard the door open and close. She hadn't moved a muscle from whn they started talking. It wasn't until she blinked that she realized she was crying.

'That's why she didn't care.'

Marinette had always been the winner. No one had believed her. The few people that did were slowly turning against her. They were too drunk and were now blaming her for making their lives miserable. By tomorrow, they probably would have forgotten they said that.

Alya was constantly complainign about Nino's success now. Kim had lost to Odine too may times after their break up that he started to compulsively eat. He had lost his swimmer's body and had a giant gut. He'd poke it and complain about his life. His dating life wasn't that much better. He was constantly telling people 'He wasn't always like this. How he was ruined.'

Neither she nor Adrien modeled anymore. He worked for Gabriel and was plain miserable. He constantly complained about being watched and how he felt like he as under a microscope.

On the other hand, she would bring up about being a model and the date wouldn't end well. They would usually huff and tell her to pay for herself. Lila had finally shouted on one of her dates and questioned why. They replied they would only be wasting money on a salad or for her to throw up in the bathroom later. She stopped bringing it up after that.

Lila looked around. She was still in the toilet stall. Marinette was married with kids. Marinette was wealthy and married wealthy as well. Marinette had friends; she was famous and doing what she wanted.

She was still trying to find a guy to seduce to let her be a housewife and have access to an unrestricted credit card. Lila couldn't stop the sob that escaped her mouth. She had threatened Marinette in the bathroom and the bathroom is exactly where her dreams were shattered. No 'Prince Charming' was ever coming for her. She had chosen the wrong path in life and was now stuck on it. Her friends were just as friendly as she was. Everyone in her life was just as two-faced as she was and she hated it.

[coffeebanana]

Post-wish AU where the world is re-created so that Emilie never died, Gabriel never became Hawk Moth, there was no Ladybug and Chat Noir, etc... Adrien never ends up going to school, so he and Marinette don't end up meeting until later in life.

They never become close friends, but somehow they keep showing up in each other's lives. They attend the same university, but are in different programs, only briefly crossing paths in the library from time to time. They have apartments next-door to each other for a year but only say brief hellos as they pass in the halls. Their kids end up in the same class. They're seatmates on a plane.

There are a hundred different ways the universe keeps trying to bring them together, but it's either not the right time or they somehow mess things up. They go through their entire lives feeling like something is missing.

In the last scene, Adrien visits the cemetary to lay flowers on his late spouse's grave. Marinette's tombstone is the one right beside it.

---

[Inspired by my morning walk and listening to the song Parallel Lines by DVBBS (ft. CMC$ and Happy Sometimes)]

[princesssmars]

late night visitors

a ladynoir x reader

most people don't get visited by paris's notorious superheroes at night. luckily, you're not most people.

wc : 1982

contains : fluff. just a bunch of fluff ngl. polyamory. mari and adrien's ages arent stated but they grew up with me in my head so they're about 17/18 here idc.

f/f - favorite flowers

a/n : we love starting a fic and not finishing it until a year later <3 i made this short (?) and sweet before i went overboard. enjoy :)

one thing paris didn’t get enough credit for was its quietness. during the day the city bustles, each arrondissement’s streets filled with tourists and families enjoying the city of love. but you loved it at night. the air grows cold and the roads are deserted, only a few stragglers walking about. the city lights twinkle against the skyline and blend into the clear night sky to create your favorite sight.

you had spent a while sitting on your balcony and just enjoying it, having finished your homework and chores and ready to just be. you let all of your worries about school and friends and villains go and finally relaxed, staying outside for an hour before heading off inside for a night of rest.

tap tap tap.

you grumble, slowly rising from your sleep at the sudden noise you've heard at the other end of the rom. sitting up and rubbing at your eyes, you look around your bedroom to pinpoint where the disturbance came from. from what you can see in the dark nothing fell from your bed, and your closet and bedroom doors are closed so that only leaves one other spot.

tap tap tap.

letting out a huff of air through your nose, you rise from your bed and throw on your robe, quickly noting the alarm clock on your dresser telling you its already past midnight, before moving to the window that looks into your balcony.

not able to see anything, you carefully open the door, shivering and only stopping for a second to again look at the beautiful view of paris before looking around your balcony, only to see a small flower pot that rose had gifted you knocked over.

figuring it to be some dumb bird or a stray, you turn back towards your room just to see a giant pair of bright green eyes staring right into your soul.

it’s pure luck that you're able to muffle your short scream in your hands to not wake and alarm your parents and half the of the arrondissement. unluckily, paris’ beloved hero chat noir is on the brink of laughing his stupid leather-covered ass off.

he somehow manages to calm down, but that means now he’s talking. and god help you when chat noir decided to speak.

"i knew you could be jumpy when scared but you leaped higher than a startled cat! you should've seen it!"

he makes more jokes and lets out little laughs as you stand still in front of him, glaring at him in your pajamas. the fact that your bottoms were covered in pink cupcakes didn't help your case.

“if you seriously woke me up at midnight just to tease and laugh at me so help me god chat,” you squint your eyes in a warning, barely noticing the figure cloaked in red and black sliding up to your side.

“nope, we brought something else,” you hear whispered into your ear. not flinching this time, be it because you were too pissed off or less on edge from the last time. you turn and smile softly when soft baby blue eyes meet your own. “how was your day, mon cheri?”

you hum as your hands find their way around her shoulders and hers wrap around your middle, “better now that you're here, can't say the same for others though.” ladybugs body rocks with a silent laugh as chat looks at the two of you shocked.

he goes off into one of his usual dramatic rants about how the “loves of my life have left me behind for each other! the stereotypes are true!” as you both watch him in amusement.

“alright fine, you big oaf. get in here,” you sigh, moving your arm from around ladybug to open in his direction. he puts on his model-worthy blinding smile and rushes into the hug, squeezing the both of you and raising you off the ground. sometimes you forgot how strong they could be.

during the day, marinette and adrien were the pinnacles of perfectly normal teenagers. it’d been an honor to not only see them grow up from stumbling middle schoolers bestowed with unfathomable power to where they are today.

when you first met mari you thought she was weird, to put it frankly. you’d reflected on how nervous she would get around you and adrien and how you caught her following you a few times, much to her embarrassment at the memories. but after giving her a chance at the behest of alya you found out how amazing she could be. she was incredibly smart, excelling in her studies and being the group's designated tutor. it was only during one of your late-night tutoring sessions, the blue-haired girl smiling at you sweetly and praising you when you got a problem wrong, that you realized you had feelings for her.

and adrien was so radiant it was scary. you figured since he was rich and childhood friends with chloe bourgeois of all people that he’d be another snob for you to ignore. but then that day happened when chloe was jealous of all the attention you were getting on your new hairstyle and dumped a tiny carton of milk on your head. normally you didn't let her get to you, but you couldn't help but tear up and run to hide in an empty classroom. it wasn't until a little later that a soaking-wet adrien sat down next to you, telling you he was sorry for what chloe did, and said “if she’s going to bully my friends, she’ll have to do the same to me.”

after that, it was hard not to harbor feelings for the two of them, and you were so glad when they confessed not only to each other but to you as well. you weren't expecting the whole superhero reveal thing, though. but it warmed you inside to know they trusted you enough with this secret.

“let’s head inside, its getting colder and i don't want you to get sick.” ladybug pulls out of the hug, holding the back of her hand up to your head.

“i’m fine, bug,” you assure her, pulling her hand away and smiling at the way her cheeks tint pink. “what’d you bring me?”

ladybug waves her hand to chat, the boy coming up behind you before your vision goes dark with his hands covering your eyes. you hear the sound of ladybug’s yoyo, then the familiar whssh of her body traveling through the air.

“can you give me a hint at least?” you plead. its been a solid three minutes of waiting for marinette to come back and the excitement is making you antsy. not to mention your leather-clad boyfriend standing right behind you.

“no can do, babe. we both know you'll figure it out and then ladybug will figure out that you've figured it out and then she figures out its because i told you and then-”

“ok ok! i get it! ill wait patiently.”

luckily you don't have to wait long, chat removing his hands to show you marinette standing in front of you holding a bouquet of f/f and a box of your favorite pastries.

“i made them this morning so they'd be fresh in case something happened, thank god we only had to deal with some thieves.” marinette hands you the flowers, the pair of them thankful when you bring them up and take in a deep inhale of their scent, holding them close to your chest.

“i wouldn't call ten men breaking into the louvre just any regular thieves, my lady.” chat chuckles.

ladybug shrugs. “didnt seem so tough to me.”

she shrugs. “didnt seem so tough to me.”

“c'mon you two, lets head inside before some insomniac catches a picture of you two.”

they follow you inside, the both of them able to sneak well after years of practice. you put the flowers in a spare vase on your dresser, gently placing them inside with a smile. you hear a slight smack followed by a 'ow!’ and a laugh. you turn to see your girlfriend scowling at your boyfriend, whose mouth is stuffed with one of the pastries.

“i made them for y/n! at least let her have the first one.” ladybug chastises him, setting the box down on a coffee table before sitting on your white chaise.

chat ignores her, too entranced by the deliciousness of her baking. “whatever you say, buggaboo.”

you smile, loving to watch how they interact with each other. they worked so well together, and sometimes when you admired them it seemed like they were made for each other. if it wasnt so sweet you’d be more jealous, but they never made you feel excluded.

“ill go put these in your kitchen so you can have them for breakfast.” chat puts some of the pastry on a napkin and leaves it on the table for you before picking up the box and slinking out of your door with a wink.

you send him an appreciative smile, looking to the side to see ladybug still slightly pouting.

“its fine bug, i appreciate it no matter what,” you sit down next to her, reaching up to take her mask off as her baby blue eyes look at you fondly. “ill have to repay you somehow. just tell me what and its yours.”

mari looks at you silently for a few seconds more before brining up her hand to cup your face and bringing you in for a sweet kiss. mari's kisses were some of your favorites, the girl always making sure to assert herself as ladybug and it travels into her intimacy.

you pull away reluctantly, her looking at you with a lovestruck grin.

“you already repay me by being mine, mon cheri.” she whispers, placing a gentle kiss on your warm cheek. you start to flirt back when a force plops onto the chaise next to you, a mop of blonde hair landing into your lap.

“i second what she said, my love. only if i get some kisses too obviously.” adrien says, his mask now off to show off his dazzling emerald eyes.

you roll your eyes in playful annoyance but relent, leaning down to give him a kiss as well. adrien’s kisses are just as amazing as mari’s but they feel…desperate. not in the way he kissed you when he underestimated a villain and nearly lost his life, rushing back to your apartment and kissing you before holding you in a tight embrace for an hour.

he was desperate for physical touch, the reminder that he’s yours and your his and that you wont leave him. but no matter how much the two of you pretend to be exasperated at his constant touches and flirting, you want to assure him that you’ll always be here for him no matter what.

the kiss ends and you nearly giggle from the sight of his dopey grin and hooded eyes, quickly widening when mari roughly grabs his cheeks and kisses him dramatically.

“there, happy not, kitty?” she asks, the boy laying limp across your lap.

“yup. perfect.”

after a minute of mari teasing chat for his dopey reaction to your kisses and adrien pointing out how she acts the exact same, the time of night catches up with you and you feel your eyes start to droop. just when you feel the lull of sleep taking you away, a strong pair of arms lifting you up and placing you in bed. when they start to pull away, you tiredly reach your arm out to hold their wrist, whispering a quiet “stay.”

thankfully your loves cant say no to you, the two of them resting on top of the covers as they cuddle you from either side.

its quiet as they stay with you, and you’ve never loved the quiet of the city more.

.

.

.

[greenapplespider]

Blood in Moderation is long, arduous, a bit overly esoteric, has too many characters, and I write it like a spastic maniac jumping from one non-congruent scene to the next based off vibe. But, because it’s me, the story is dark and whumpy.

There’s a massive portion of two characters back stories (Jeffery and Romulus), that I’m iffy on whether to leave vaguely mentioned or to just delve into it hog wild.

Here’s the whump scenario, between these two. Also, I write my notes like little stories.

—

After being turned into blood-suckers by, Adrien. Our newly minted mutants are imprisoned and experimented on for years until a moment of chance occurs and Romulus is able to escape his cell. Hastily, he looked for his friends but is only able to find Jeffery, before they are beset upon by the guards.

Despite having his magic bound, Jeffery powered through- with the assistance of some blood magic- and is able to narrowly teleport the both of them away, but with great harm done to himself.

Jeffery and Romulus eventually make their way to one of their old bases, a seldom used old-world bunker, a weeks walk from Torch City and in the middle of an old-growth forest.

The two intend to regroup and rescue their friends but being a blood-sucker is a difficult thing. You don’t think right, everything seems to be teetering on a knife’s edge of insanity, all your instincts are new and intense. Denying even one intrusive thought is an monumental task; paired with the unending urge to eat and fuck and nest and rip and tear and-

Higher thought can be an even more difficult thing for a fledgling, especially when half starved on animal blood and under-stimulated.

Months turned into year and years into decades, time a meaningless swirl only disrupted by occasionally tearing each other apart.

In the midst of it all, Jeffery slowly started coming back to himself, sooner then Romulus. Being beat half to death, during another fight, was a final straw for him, regardless of how regretful Romulus seemed. Jeffery decided it was probably best for the two of them to part ways.

Romulus, still rather insane, took issue with this. Jeffery was, quite literally, the only thing he had left and he would rather kill himself then be alone, at this point. There was a part of him that knew it was fucked, that Jeffery was right and that they couldn’t keep living like this. But the animal part drowned out any reason to be had.

They fought, Jeffery still recovering from their last bout, was easily over powered. Romulus locked him deep inside the bunker, within one of the magic retardant rooms, forcing the old magic restraints on him, and chaining him to the wall.

Weeks passed before he’d come down from it enough to realize the line he’d crossed. But it was too late, he couldn’t undo what he’d done; the guilt was gnawing and not something he wanted to think about. So Romulus didn’t.

It was years before the part of him- he wouldn’t call it human as he was anything but at this point; but it was the part of him that was more then just the debased animal he’d become- had matured enough to be sobered by his actions.

Romulus finally forced himself to unlock the door he’d pointedly avoided for who knows how long. He didn’t realize how much he hated himself until then. How much of a pathetic coward he’d become.

Looking at the still, emaciated, figure lying on its back, covered in old and crusted blood. Claw marks littered the walls and door, it seems at some point Jeffery had gnawed off his own hands and feet, to slip the cuffs; enough time having past that the limbs had even regrown.

He looked like a monster. Pale, hairless, elongated arms, widened mouth, with clawed hands and no genitalia to speak of. The creature, once deathly still, was on him snapping its jaws before it chirped and began smelling him, burying its face in the crook of his neck. Romulus could feel a slight nibble break the skin, the creature taking only a taste before chirping again and moving off him. Gangly limps moving clumsily, quickness and grace gone once it was clear there was no food to be had. The creature laid back down and began staring at the ceiling again.

Romulus sat up in the doorway. That was his friend. He’d done this to his friend.

So he started to feed him, feed him as much and as often as he could. Forgoing food himself most days just to make sure Jeffery had his fill. Animal blood wasn’t enough, Romulus knew what was needed but he didn’t want to risk leaving his friend unattended. So he hunted as much as he could and grew skinnier and skinner.

Jeffery began filling back out, his hair started growing in, covering his head and lower torso in a red peach fuzz. He almost found it cute. It didn’t help how happy Jeffery was whenever he brought him food, chirping excitedly when he’d arrived. Sometimes nipping at him, as though to convince him eat. Sometimes Romulus did and it broke his heart at how delighted it made the other.

The healthier Jeffery became the more physical he wanted to be, always trying to touch him. Burry his face in his neck, nipping at him, and even other things; guiltily, Romulus let him.

Eventually, Jeffery seemed, physically, more or less recovered but his mind was still elsewhere. Completely animalistic, but sometimes he’d wake from a nightmare and for a moment the look in his eyes made Romulus nauseous.

Romulus decided, then, if Jeffery was ever able to regain himself he would let the other man kill him. Do whatever he wanted with him- it would be his right.

—

Physical attributes of feral blood suckers:

Emaciated figure

Hair falls out

Enlarged mouth and sharpened teeth

Elongated arms with clawed hands

Both sets of genitalia shrivel up and recess into the body

Does not appear able to urinate or defecate 

Stronger then average human but weaker then a well fed blood sucker

Extremely slow healing but undeterred by injuries

Mages turned feral are able to perform the most base spells at their disposal

Reacts only to outside stimulation

Enters torpor without stimulation

Incapable of speech or high order thinking (completely animalistic)

Driven purely by the need for food

With proper food and close proximity to nest mates for a prolonged period, there is a chance of regaining one’s faculties and human form

[uptoolateart]

What We're Made Of - Chapter 17

PREVIEW:

As Adrien walked up the path to his therapist’s front door, it opened and another man walked out. Without thinking, Adrien smiled and waved at him. The man did a double take, probably mistaking him for Felix. Then he looked at his feet and stuffed his hands in his pockets, hurrying away down the street.

Just like they did every damn time he tried to exercise basic friendliness, these days.

Forcing back a wave of irritation, Adrien carried on walking up to the door, where his therapist was waiting. In an ideal world, he wouldn’t be here today. But his psychology master’s mandated a set number of sessions per year, and he’d fallen quite far behind.

Juliette looked different from the last time he’d seen her. Something had changed in her eyes. There was a haunted look that saw more than was there – a sure sign of memories hovering at her heels like hungry wolves.

He greeted her with a small wave. ‘Hi, Juliette.’

‘Hi, Adrien.’ She glanced around him, as if checking he was alone. Then she motioned him into her home.

He entered the apartment, following her through the living room and down the hall, to her office – a small room with two comfortable chairs and a desk. He took his usual seat opposite her, and they stared at each other in silence. Sometimes, therapy was like a fencing duel, both of them waiting to see who would strike first.

It would be him. Anything to end this awkwardness. ‘I…know it’s been a while.’

She nodded. ‘First time in three months.’

The first time since the war.

He gave a tight shrug. ‘I’ve…had a lot going on. It’s been…. Well, it hasn’t been easy for me.’

‘I can imagine.’

There was an undercurrent to her words. She thought he was talking about Felix’s announcement. That was definitely part of it, but….

Read at Ao3

[ladyofthenoodle]

Opening Line Patterns

thanks for the tag @nemaliwrites!

Rules: List the first line of your last 10 posted fics and see if there's a pattern.

part time soulmate, full time problem

Marinette wasn’t sure exactly why she felt so very small standing in front of the sliding glass door of the Gabriel tower.

skipping past lies of attrition since @wackus-bonkus-maximus wrote the opening lines for that one!

2. you will never sleep alone (i'll love you)

Marinette had saved up for months to be able to afford this vacation.

3. here comes the rush before we touch (come a little closer)

Marinette just happens to be strolling by the park on a dreary, overcast afternoon that may or may not be reserved for a Gabriel™ photoshoot, not that she knows anything about that because she is just very conveniently walking by when the akuma attack happens, which is how Ladybug is on the scene so quickly, not because she heard Adrien would be modeling swimwear and was trying to catch a glimpse, or anything.

4. all's well chat ends well

Alya: girl breathe!! don’t let them get to you, it’s just their fear talking. remember a few days ago when all of paris was cheering for you??? the whole city has your back, miss hero

5. married in a gold rush

It turned out that one’s father being ousted as a supervillain meant a lot of paperwork.

6. we are the foxes

The sharp clacking of heels against the tiles echoed through the cavernous foyer of the estate formerly belonging to Gabriel Agreste.

7. wax lips to wax lips

Adrien has been struggling to make sense of Marinette all day.

8. oh, look now, there you go with hope again

Adrien Agreste was sitting alone in the cafeteria.

9. (that kiss of mine is) a carved notice of destiny

Chat Noir’s heart pounded in his chest as he leapt across rooftops towards the akuma battle, frenetic drumming in time with the voice in his head chanting: late, late, you’re late, you’re late, you’re late…

10. you don't even know me at all (but i was made for loving you)

They didn’t remember each other.

well, i sure like starting with character's names! but otherwise not seeing much of a pattern.

tagging @kasienda @coffeebanana @heartfulselkie @jattendschaton @miabrown007

[celestiall0tus]

Tales of Bloody Bug and Chat Noir - Chapter 30 - Gigantitan

Beginning || Previous || Next

            Alix looked out at the Louvre from her bedroom window. A large portion of it was closed off by the request of Gabriel Agreste for a photo shoot for a new, upcoming line. She watched as a few people went in and out until Adrien arrived with Kagami beside him. She waited until there was a knock at her door. She turned as Alim stepped inside.

            “You’re all set. I’ve had the section Tikki showed me sectioned off separate from where the photoshoot is happening.”     

            Alix smiled and hugged Alim. “Thanks, Dad. Did you let people know too?”

            “Yup. You won’t have to worry about anyone bothering you.”

            Alix grinned, threw on her hoodie, and ran out to the Louvre. She ran through the museum to the statue of Joan of Arc Listening to Her Voices. She inspected the base of the statue when she found an odd symbol. She pressed her kwatagama against it. The room darkened and she was surrounded by red portraits of past ladybug holders. She marveled at all of them until she saw one that was distorted with no clear display.

            “That one,” Tikki said, pointing to the distorted portrait.

            Alix reached out and touched the anomaly. The other portraits vanished as a red silhouette of an adult woman materialized. She watched in awe as the light faded to reveal an older version of her suited up in a ladybug-themed roller derby outfit. The older Alix’s eyes fluttered open and she smiled.

            “Hello, Mini Me.”

            “No way. You… you’re… you’re me!”

            “Almost. I’m from a timeline that no longer exists.”

            “What? How is that possible?”

            The older Alix let out a breath and took a seat. “It’s quite a tale. Come, sit, and I’ll share the events that brought you here.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “See, this timeline, you as the ladybug holder, it’s because of me.”

            “How?”

            “Come and I’ll tell you everything.”

~~

            Adrien took a seat as a breather. He looked around at the empty corridors with each end guarded by Kagami and Gorilla. He sighed and took a breath. A creeping sensation crawled up him the entire time he had been out. He had tried to shake it, but it never let up.

            “Adrien, why don’t you take ten and stretch your legs while we set up?” Vincent offered.

            Adrien nodded and waved down Kagami. “Let’s go on a walk.”

            Kagami nodded and accompanied Adrien as they walked around the desolate museum. They encountered a few others in other areas. Adrien hoped that would help his unease, but it grew as they walked around.

            “Adrien, are you ok? You seem unwell.”

            “It’s… well, it’s something. I just feel… uneasy. Like something is coming.”

            “Noted. And, in the future, you’ll do well to let me know these things sooner.”

            Adrien nodded. They continued their walk around when a chill came over him. He turned and Kagami was gone. His eyes widened as he turned around in search of her when Marinette appeared beside him. Panic shocked him as he jumped back.

            “Marinette. You scared me.”

            “S-sorry. I… I hope you don’t mind, but I was hoping we could… you know… talk?”

            “I… I don’t know. I really should be getting back to the photoshoot. Besides, I should find Kagami and-.”

            Marinette paled as she took a step closer to Adrien. “Please, Adrien, give me a chance. I…!”

            “Get away from him!” Kagami roared.

            Adrien turned as Kagami charged in, tossing Alya into a wall. He moved closer to Kagami when Alya jumped up and tackled Kagami.

            “No! You stay away from him! You’re ruining this for Marinette!” Alya howled.

            “She has no right to be near him. Not when he belongs to me!” Kagami yelled.

            “What?” Adrien gasped.

            “You’re wrong! He belongs to Marinette!” Alya countered.

            Adrien’s jaw dropped as he stepped back.

            “Wait, Adrien! I promise it’s not what it sounds like!” Marinette pleaded.

            Adrien shook his head and ran. Plagg poked out from his jacket.

            “Plagg, I don’t know what to do. I can’t-!”

            “Do you know where the statue of Joan of Arc Listening to Her Voices is?” Plagg asked.

            “What? I mean, yes.”

            “Go there. Now.”

            Adrien nodded and headed for the statue.

~~

            Alix let out a breath as she took in the story the older Alix told her. “That’s… I’m sorry that happened. But, with this wish, you made this timeline?”

            “Something like that. I wanted whatever led to the events of Chat Blanc to never occur. I thought so long as I was one of the holders, I could stop it. And here you are, as the ladybug. Though I do worry with my timeline being remembered if something will happen.”

            “Tikki said something would. That a condition would be unmet that would need to be fulfilled later. That it was worth the risk because she trusts me, and she wanted me to find a new guiding light in… you.”

            “Did she? She’s a sweetheart, isn’t she?”

            “And a bit of a nag. Almost like… like a mother.”

            The older Alix smiled. “It almost sounds like you need not look far for your guiding light.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “Come on, what’s the fun if I tell you? Besides, I don’t think I can be much. We don’t seem too different. You and I. Us.”

            “Maybe not, but we’re also different. You survived an apocalypse while I’m bitching and moaning about my dying mother leaving me. Seems incredibly different circumstances, no?”

            The older Alix chuckled. “Alright, I’ll give you that. Maybe I can help then, though I’m not sure how.”

            “Well, how did you do it? How did you survive for so long given everything? You could have given up at any point, but you didn’t. How?”

            “Hope.”

            “Hope?”

            “Yes. You’re right in a lot of things. I had no reason to keep going. I lost everything. My home, my friends, my family, and my future. I lived just to survive, nothing more. By that reasoning, I should have given up, but I couldn’t. Not so long as there was hope. Hope and a single fool fighting for the impossible. After all, no cause is lost so long as there is still one fool willing to fight for it.”

            “What if all hope is gone? What then?”

            The older Alix chuckled. “Hope is never gone. You simply need to remind yourself what’s worth living for, but also what’s worth dying for.”

            “What about with me? I… I had hoped to see my mother again in death that I nearly left my friends and family. I… I also can’t deny a part of me still wants to find her, but… you know.”

            “And is our mom your only reason for living?”

            “No! I have my friends, family, and myself.”

            “Then why do you want to give up just to see one person when you have so many more worth living for?”

            “Because… because I miss her. I feel like she left me too soon. When I needed her most. I know people come in and out of our lives, that death is a natural thing, but it doesn’t ease the pain. I don’t even understand how you managed seeing Dad and Jalil’s deaths, including your own.”

            “Because I redirected that grief to help me drive forward. I could have laid down and died like you, but I couldn’t. I knew I could set everything right, but not just for the living, but the dead too. I carried their burdens with me, using them to remind myself what I could save. In your case, I would use it to remind myself why I still live. You say you feel like Mom abandoned you, yes?”

            “I do.”

            “Then redirect it. Use that feeling to push you forward to be there for those in your life. Your friends and family. Always be there for them when they need you, just as Mom was once in life. Let your strength come from your defiance, just as I did. Accept the outcome but defy fate the outcome it desires. Create the outcome you want through your defiance.”

            Alix knotted her brows in thought when she saw Adrien stumble into the room. He took several deep breaths when he spotted her. He broke down in tears as he tackled her.

            “Alix! Oh, thank goodness you’re here! I need your help. Please!”

            Alix furrowed her brows and opened her mouth when Marinette, Alya, and Kagami ran into the room after Adrien.

            “Great, you’re here,” Alya hissed.

            “What the hell is going on?” Alix demanded.

            “Nothing. Stand aside,” Kagami ordered.

            Alix sneered. She pushed past Adrien and stood against Kagami. “Never. You have no power over me, bitch.”

            The older Alix whooped and hollered. “Ata girl! You got it! Show them they can’t oppose such defiance. Protect the one you care about!”

            Alix’s eyes widened slightly before she smirked. “I would sooner like to know what the hell happened that Adrien is running from you.”

            “I was doing my job of protecting him. Nothing more,” Kagami reflected.

            “I don’t believe you. Adrien wouldn’t have ran unless something happened. So, I’ll ask again. What did you do?”

            “Yeah, cunt ass bitch! What the fuck did you do?” the older Alix yelled.

            Alix grimaced, aware that none of them could see the older her besides her and Tikki. Though she did admire her older self’s energy.

            “Fine. If you must know, I told them to stay away from Adrien because he is mine. Our parents have arranged our betrothals,” Kagami admitted.

            “What?” Adrien, Marinette, and Alya yelled.

            “Oh, that’s fucked. You aren’t going to let this stand, are you?” the older Alix asked.

            Alix shook her head. “No, I’m not. Neither of your parents have any right to arrange such things without your consent. And I know damn well Adrien had no idea.”

            “That doesn’t matter. We owe-.”

            “You owe nothing! Who fucking cares what your parents want or what they did. This is your life, not your parent’s. You should live it as you want, not how they dictate.”

            “My mother gave up everything to raise me. The least I can do is this,” Kagami countered.

            “I’m sorry, but how the fuck is your mother being the leader of cutting-edge technology and CEO of her own fucking company her giving up everything to raise you. Seems very far from giving up everything to me.”

            Kagami snarled. “I don’t expect from French, wanna-be punk girl to understand how things are with my family. I am from a family of samurai women. We follow orders because we choose to. And I’m choosing to bring face to my family by following my mother’s orders. What are you doing that remotely brings face to your muddled, watered down bloodline of a family?”

            Alix considered as she glanced back at Adrien and her older self. She felt doubt cross her, but it faded when she saw them. Adrien, who counted on her, and her older self, who was the embodiment of defiant will, but also her mother. Without even remembering their mother, they were so much alike. A pang of guilt and regret hit her heart, before a fire was lit.

            Alix turned and decked Kagami in the jaw. “That. That is what I’m doing to bring ‘face’ to my family. We don’t bow to fucking overlords who think they rule the world. We don’t bend our knees to corrupt shitheads that think they know better. We rise and fight against assholes like you. My mother used to when she was alive, and I will always do it. For her, for those I love, and myself!”

            Kagami glared daggers at Alix. “You’re going to regret this, crossing paths with me. All your talk of chaos and purposeless fighting with be for nothing. You will bow to my will, and that of my mother’s. Just you wait and see.”

            “You’re wrong. I know what I fight for… and what’s dying for. Do you?”

            Kagami opened her mouth, then shut it before she stormed off.

            Alix snorted and turned to Alya and Marinette. “As for you two, stay away from Adrien. Marinette, he’s already told you he’s not interested.”

            “No, he didn’t. He-!” Alya started.

            “No, I did. I very much told her and Lila that I’m not interested,” Adrien butted in.

            Alya furrowed her brows and turned to Marinette. “He did? Why didn’t you tell me?”

            “Uh. Well, because… because it wasn’t, uh, important?” Marinette attempted.

            Alya shook her head and grabbed Marinette’s wrist. “That’s it. We’re leaving.”

            “But-!”

            Alya dragged Marinette away before she could get another word out. Alix sighed and turned back to Adrien and her older self. Adrien approached her and sang his praises, but her focus was on her older self.

            “You did good. I’m proud of us, you, me? Ah, forget it. I’m proud.”

            Alix smiled. “Thank you.”

            “Uh, for what?” Adrien asked.

            “Not you. The other me.”

            “Other you?”

            “Yeah. You can’t see her. Only I can. Tikki brought her back so we could meet, and I couldn’t be happier.”

            “Oh? What’s she doing?”

            “She’s showing me how to be the best version of myself.”

            “Nah. I’m showing you the person you always have been. You said it all yourself. Now let’s see you practice what you preach, bitch. Once you do, you’ll be where you need to be. After that little display, I can say you’re well on your way,” the older Alix reassured.

            Alix smiled, but it faded when screams tore through the air. She hid in the corner and transformed before she headed out to the source. She stopped dead when she saw a giant baby in a neon onesie.

            “What the hell is that?” Bloody Bug asked.

            “Seriously? Hawkmoth brought this back?” the older Alix asked.

            “He used this before?”

            “Yeah. I remember the thing just wanted a damn lollipop, and that my Ladybug-,” the older Alix started.

            Bloody Bug’s eyes widened as she used her Lucky Charm to create a massive lollipop. She held it up and gave it to the baby. It gleefully took it while she looked it over for the Akuma. She eyed the bracelet, broke it, and released the Akuma. She caught it, purified it, and let it go. The giant baby reverted to a normal sized one as she grabbed the lollipop. She threw it up and used her Miraculous power.

            “That was so much simpler than what my Ladybug did. Fuck this! How the hell was Marinette more worthy than us?” the older Alix complained.

            “Wait, what?”

            The older Alix opened her mouth as light particles flew up from her body. “I’m sorry. Time’s up. For now, I hope.”

            Bloody Bug nodded. “See you soon.”

            The older Alix bowed her head as she vanished.

            Bloody Bug sighed. She turned to the baby as its mother came back for it. She headed back to the room with the statue and de-transformed. She didn’t see Adrien, though she assumed he returned to his photoshoot.

            “So, what did you think?” Tikki asked.

            “That was… amazing. Did you see how cool she was? Or, well, me? And the fact that she went through all that and never gave up. Not like I did. But I’ll be better now. That I can promise.”

            “I’m glad she was able to help you. But now that you have, be prepared for the worst to come.”

            “I’m ready. I know what I must be, though it won’t be easy, but I’m not alone. Right?”

            Tikki giggled and nuzzled Alix. “We’ll be here at your side. Always.”

            Alix smiled and cradled Tikki. “Then let’s face the future together, always. Now, let’s go check on Adrien, and piss off that bitch ass puppet.”

            “I don’t know, Alix. Do you really want to make her angrier than she already is?”

            “I will, for Adrien because he’s worth fighting for to see him happy.”

            Tikki smiled. “Then let’s go.”

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[cosmxcmxrk]

Slowly posting my oneshots here, reminder that in my works characters are always aged up and consenting.

Marinette's sewing machine rumbled against her crafting table, her tongue perched between her lips as she pushed yards of fabric through the haste needle. A curious Tikki sat nearby, sorting sewing needles into a pin cushion.

She hummed as she reached the end, snipping the thread and pulling it out to look at it. Tikki flew to her side. "Is it everything you imagined it to be?"

She smiled and sighed happily. "Yes, Tikki. He's going to look amazing in this."

She folded the shirt and stuffed it in her bag before sprinting to the door to leave. Tikki scrambled to her side, finding her usual spot in Marinette's purse.

Adrien wrapped his plush, designer towel around his waist and combed at his slick hair in the mirror. He turned his face side to side, examining it.

He had just shaved yesterday and already golden specks peppered his jaw. He tsk'd his tongue before reaching into a drawer to pull out a small razor meant for this exact predicament.

"Chat Noir 1,000 years ago would be devastated to see you limit your beard potential." Plagg chided.

Adrien smirked. "That's not really my look. Besides, I can't hide this face behind a beard. Marinette needs-"

"You to pose for her website, yeah yeah. I thought you quit modeling."

Adrien took a powder sponge to his nose. "I told you before, I love modeling Marinette's designs. Adrien Agreste is exclusive to her handcrafted work now, plus I'd do anything for her."

Plagg sighed and shoved a piece of cheese into his gaping mouth, chewing obnoxiously. Adrien toned it out with a blow dryer. His phone buzzed against the marble counter, his eyes glancing down to squint at the message.

Lady of My Dreams✨: I'm on the way, mister model.

He smirked happily, heart thumping faster. He quickly tossed his hair around, wishing it would dry faster.

Marinette rung the doorbell to the Agreste mansion, the gate promptly opening. "The Gorilla" stood at the front door with the same displeased expression.

"Good morning!" She said happily as she passed him by, handing him a bag of fresh warm croissants. He cracked a smile and nodded.

She happily skipped up the stairs, clutching the bag containing the newly crafted outfit she made for her boyfriend. She reached the top step and raised her knuckles to knock at the tall, black door.

Before she could make a sound, the door cracked open. Adrien peaked around and looked down happily at his little seamstress. "Hey, Bugaboo."Marinette looked up with red cheeks and smiled.

He snickered and pulled her in quickly by the shoulders. Her hands immediately clung to his firm neck as they leaned towards each other for a kiss. They stepped back into the room, sharing praiseful greetings and loving smooches.

It took only a few more seconds for her to realize her Chat was only wearing a bath towel placed so low on his waist it was almost indecent. Her hands suddenly felt hot against his bare skin, she looked him up and down and stammered.

Adrien laughed and gave her a smug glance. "Sorry, M'Lady. Putting on clothes seemed redundant."

She ran her eyes down his happy trail, the smallest patch of blonde hairs poking out at the top. Her legs stiffened, teeth clenched. "T-This early in the morning?" She said quietly.

"What was that?" He asked.

Her head snapped back to his. Her eyes were blown with bewilderment. "Nothing! You just...should really put some clothes on before I explode!" She shoved the bag into his hands and pushed him into the bathroom.

He snickered at her reaction and shut the door reluctantly. They had seen each other naked several times before, but he loved how she always became incredibly flustered when her eyes met his bare skin.

She walked around in a circle, fanning her face. That conniving cat always found ways to mess with her and tease her relentlessly. The door opened and she turned around quickly trying to play it cool.

He stepped out, striking silly poses. His face was plastered with an impressed smile. "My personal designer once again hits the nail on the head."

Marinette's eyes were glazed over with infatuation. "Woooooow." She cooed out with hands clasped together.

She was ogling, gawking. Her brain wasn't on the same plane of existence anymore. He looked at her smugly. "Looks like the bugs in a trance again."

She pulled out her phone and started snapping a few photos. "I'm changing my fashion website into a blog of just photos of you." She joked.

He snickered. "You'd get so much traffic it'd crash."

She gasped and widened her eyes. "You're right! I have to keep these for myself!" She continued snapping at different angles.

She thought about how incredibly lucky she was. She of course had always kept photos of the model on her walls, computer, phone, etc. but nobody got to see all of the photos she took for her website but her. The thought made her giddy, stomach fluttering.

As he moved his arms, the bottom of the shirt rose, exposing his mid-drift. She stared at the top of his v-line, biting her tongue. His stomach was hard and tan, his hip muscles poking over the hem of the shorts.

A sudden, erotic thought disturbed her focus causing her to freeze. Adrien looked at her perplexed and stopped posing. "Everything okay?"

The thought of Adrien not only posing for just her, but posing with skin showing, perhaps nude, giving her a brain wave. She thought of all of the scant poses she could make him do. Touching himse-

"Earth to Marinette!" He said waving his hand in front of her face.

She looked up at him with a sheepish look. "Sorry...I was thinking about something..."

Adrien knew what that meant. This wasn't the first time she daydreamed while he modeled for her. He smiled down at her slyly and pushed her phone down.

"Care to share?" He said softly.

She dug her toes into the floor anxiously. "Just the u-usual..."

He stepped closer, placing his hands on her hips. "You're getting worked up from taking photos of me again, aren't you, Little Bug?"

She hummed at the nickname, feeling hot where he touched her. "I...think I got enough photos." She said looking up at him wantonly.

He smirked and stepped away, walking toward the couch and sitting down, patting the cushion next to him for her sit. She followed suite, sitting close to him and handing him the phone.

She didn't bother looking, knowing they were flawless, all she could look at was the chiseled side profile of her Chat. He also, did not care too much about the quality of the photos, wanting to focus on his lady.

"Maybe I need to take some photos of you next time." He said turning his head to look at her.

Their faces were only centimeters apart now. She couldn't help but admire his features in her head. His eyes were like twin emerald jewels, lips like silky cherry blossom petals. She loved how clean he smelled, and how petite she felt next to him.

"You're so handsome, you know that?" She said with a blush developing, reaching her hands up to cup his face.

He smirked as he watched her eyes dart to his lips then back at his eyes. Her lashes were long and her pupils were shiny. He squeezed the top of her thigh, trying his hardest not to pounce her.

"Enlighten me, M'Lady." He said in a hushed tone.

Marinette pulled him closer to her by the collar of the handcrafted shirt, with both hands. She looked down at his peach colored lips with half lidded eyes one last time before attaching hers to them. He kissed back eagerly, bringing a hand up to hold her wrist as she held his neck.

The kiss was slow, and passionate. Marinette felt her body heat up as they made out at such a pace. Her abdomen swirled, letting herself know she needed more.

She hummed at how enchanting his mouth felt on her own. There was nothing more delicate than the dance of her and his lips. Adrien always liked to tell himself they were made for his in the pique of his late night thoughts.

Adrien nipped softly at her top lip as she pulled away for a second, only to go back in immediately. He lowered both hands down her sides and gripped her hips, pulling her closer to him, chest to chest.

He felt her hum in delight into the smooch. The feeling of her touch was certainly something he was accustomed to, but it still made his blood run hot. He grunted at the tightness of his pants, cursing himself for being so incredibly whipped for Marinette.

She slid her hands higher, gripping onto his golden hairs, her favorite spot. He felt a shiver run up his spine at the soft touches of her fingers. "I love it when you touch me like that." He whispered between a kiss.

She moaned in response, tangling her fingers further into it, guiding his head against hers. Without taking his lips away from hers, he leaned her back onto the couch. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his torso.

He continued exploring her waist with his hands, finger pads running along the soft skin of her stomach and hips. Her body twitching in response to the cold metal of his ring grazing her skin.

He felt her begin to impatiently rock her hips against his. He grunted at the slight friction of her ass on his hardening dick. The movement of their mouths against one another becoming slightly quicker, and wetter.

His hands made their way higher, snaking under her shirt. He traced the delicate lines of the lace on her bralette, searching for the peaks of her nipples. She moaned lightly as he thumbed over them, arching her back at the sensation.

He pulled away from her lips, immediately going back down on the side of her mouth. She rubbed her hands back down his neck, slipping them into his shirt, slightly scratching at the skin of his upper back and shoulders.

He kissed softly down her jawline to her neck, grasping the fabric of her bralette and pulling it down gently. She gasped at the feeling of her hardening nipples being freed, being teased by the fabric of her shirt.

He gave the sensitive spot on her neck a pressed smooch, eliciting a moan. He pulled away his face and looked at her with lustful eyes.

"You make the sweetest sounds for me." He said quietly.

He kept the intense eye contact as he pulled her shirt up. She blushed, tightening her legs around him. He smirked before lowering his mouth to her right bud, giving it a kiss.

The heat of his mouth, and the soft wetness of his lips on her nipple made her close her eyes, scrunching up her eyebrows. She bit her bottom lip lightly, trying to contain her moans. He knew how much she loved when he sucked her nipples, and her stubbornness to moan just spurred him on even more.

He planted another open mouthed smooch on the soft pink skin, then swirled his tongue around the bud softly. She leaned her head back, back lifting higher off the couch.

"Ah! A-Adrien..." She gasped.

"I could do this for hours." He grunted before closing his mouth around it, sucking it softly, simultaneously flicking his tongue at it inside his mouth.

She finally put her pride aside, moaning and grinding herself harder into his clothed, neglected dick. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, moving his hips with hers as he sucked greedily on her nipple.

"I l-love it when you kiss me there, Chat." She moaned, pulling at his hair.

He didn't need her words of validation to know she enjoyed it. He gave the now swollen bud a hard suck, pulling it gently then releasing it. He kissed his way over to the left one beginning the same maneuvers. He pulled his right hand loose and brought it up to play with the sensitive bud as he worked his mouth on the other.

She wiggled in his arms, feeling overwhelmed by his touch. She felt like she could cum just from him doing this alone. And so could he.

He finally pulled away from the left with a pop and sat up, placing both hands on her chest to thumb the tender buds. She looked at him with a lewd face, squirming in pleasure. He loved how sexy she looked with wet, swollen nipples, and even more were the sounds coming from her mouth.

He felt another painful twitch from his shorts and lowered his hands down her waist. He latched his fingers onto the hem of her pants, pulling at them. She lifted her hips slightly to allow it, the cool air against her skin giving her immediate goosebumps.

He pulled both her pink capris and panties off in one go, tossing them to the side of the couch, then went for the askew bralette and shirt. He knew she always felt embarrassed, but he loved when she was stark naked in front of him leaving him in his clothes.

He felt his stomach flutter at the sight, and his cheeks went red. He leaned down to reattach his lips with hers, her kissing back with need. The feeling of her naked heat against him was almost too much for him the bear.

He pulled away from the kiss to look down at her body, moist folds staining the material of his shorts. He grunted and looked back up to her face, which was painted with slight embarrassment and full arousal.

"You take my breath away." He praised, bringing a thumb to her cheek.

She brought her hands to the bottom of his shirt and began lifting it upward. "Take away mine too, Chat."

He loved how needy she sounded, and happily aided her in stripping him of the shirt she worked so hard on. She leaned back on her elbows, and watched in awe as her boyfriend's skin stretched over his abs and arm muscles as he sat up to lift the shirt over his head.

He leaned back down and placed his hands on her knees. She whimpered as she looked down at his hand as he rubbed it down her thigh to the aching lips of her pussy.

He leaned his face down, nearly touching noses with her as he lowered three fingers to her vulva, feeling around the slick folds. She wrapped her hand around his wrist tightly as he rubbed the digits into her clit.

He paid close attention to the way her body reacted to his touch. Her legs shook slightly, breath catching when his finger completed a circle.

She ground her hips into his touch, wanting more friction. She could feel her entrance fluttering, begging to be filled by his thick tan fingers. Her stomach churned at the thought.

"Adrien...please finger me." She moaned, pulling his hand lower.

He muttered a curse under his breath, loving the way she was looking at him with such intensity and lust. He obliged, carefully pushing two slicked fingers inside her entrance.

She pursed her lips together, moaning at the sensation, squeezing his wrist. He started a slow pace, massaging his finger pads along her soaked walls. His dick was incredibly jealous of his hand, causing him to grit his teeth at the ache.

She noticed the action, mentally punching herself for being so selfish. She took her other hand to his belt buckle, doing her best to unlatch it with one hand.

His fingers found the soft, textured spot deep inside her, and immediately began thrusting them up into it at a rougher angle. Her body jolted back with each thrust of his hand, moans turning more into cries of pleasure.

In the midst of her immense arousal, she was able to free his dick of his shorts. She matched the pace of his fingers, pumping his tip that was dripping with precum. He let out a deep, relieving groan.

"Fuck, M'Lady. You turn me on." He growled.

They both continued staring wantonly into one another's eyes as they worked their hands on each other. He pressed his forehead to hers, his eyes squeezing shut. She had only been touching him for a minute, and he already felt his orgasm approaching.

The feel of his girth in her hands made her squirm, her body becoming impatient. She stared down at the twitching organ, admiring the thick vein that ran up the shaft.

"I want you inside me, Adrien. I want your cock to make me cum." She said softly.

He felt his head spin at the words, and the sounds she made following. Her legs tightened around his hand, her thumb rubbing a circle into the slit of his dick. He tensed his stomach trying his hardest to hold back his orgasm.

"As you wish, M'Lady."

He pulled his fingers away, opening her legs. She brought both of her hands to his waist, gripping the hard muscles of his stomach. He pushed his shaft down with his thumb, pressing slowly into her.

They both moaned at the feeling, already overly sensitive from the foreplay. He leaned down, meeting stomachs with her, elbows on either side of her head. He placed a hand on the side of her face, thumb locking under her jaw, rocking into her at a slow, but forceful pace. She brought her arms up to wrap around his neck, leaning her head back and closing her eyes.

He brought his head down to attach his mouth to her exposed neck, biting down lightly as he thrusted. He could feel her legs shaking harshly against his sides. Not only were her moans delightful to hear, but being able to feel them on his lips from her throat made it all the better.

His dick was throbbing, begging to be relieved. The pace of his thrusts were slower, more sensual, and it felt incredible for the two of them. The build up was slow and exhilarating. As much as he loved pounding Marinette until she saw stars, it was just as fun if not more to rock his cock into her, feeling up every inch of her insides.

She loosened one hand and laid it back to reach for his that was resting beside her head. He intertwined his fingers with hers tightly, holding her hand down above her head.

He groaned after every thrust inside, his pelvis hitting flat against her mons. Her breath escaped her lungs, loving how deep he was, tip pressing firmly against her erogenous zone. Her walls fluttered around him, the two not being able to hold back any noise that escaped their lips. It was euphoric.

Her whole body squirmed, the pleasure becoming overwhelming. She felt her body continuously contracting, orgasming over and over. The pressure of his body on hers kept her from spasming about. She could feel his hips sputtering, he pulled his mouth away from her neck to look her in the eyes.

"I can't last much longer, Bug. You feel too good." He groaned feeling her insides squeeze him tightly.

"Cum inside m-me, Adrien. I want it." She gasped out. She ground her hips up against him with fervor, getting a high from the feeling.

He moaned at a higher pitch, grinding harshly into her, hips circling. "F-Fuck, ah...I'm cumming, Marinette."

She squealed as he filled her, fingers digging into his shoulders. He continued grinding as he came, body convulsing against hers. She watched him with awe in her eyes as he orgasmed, face flushed and eyes squeezed shut.

He finally pulled himself out, dick twitching hard, cum still spurting out onto her stomach. He ground his dick into her folds, cursing at the pleasure.

She giggled, admiring the sight of it. "Wow, Kitty." She gawked.

"That was fucking amazing." He laughed, wiping his forehead of the light sweat that percolated.

She pushed her hips up into him, feening off the friction on her clit. His breathing settled as she ran her hands along his pecs. "I don't think I've ever cum so many times in a row." She said with embarrassment in her voice.

He gave her a smirk. "Nothings impawssible, M'Lady."

She blushed hard, pounding his chest with her hands. "You seriously have the worst comedic timing!"

"I know you love it." He leaned, down pecking her cheek relentlessly.

She would never admit it, but she did. She melted into him, wishing he would never stop. And he didn't. His playful pecks turned into loving smooches against her flushed cheeks.

She pulled his face away by his hair and turned to look at him and gave him a sheepish look, pulling him back down to kiss her lips. An action he would never turn down.

They instantly began grinding against one another again, kissing harshly. They would always want more of each other, nothing ever felt like enough.

Adrien broke the kiss to groan. "Goddamnit." He muttered.

Marinette giggled. "What?"

She didn't have to ask to know, because she could feel it against her stomach. He looked at her embarrassed. She smiled and pecked his nose.

"You know I want it too, Kitty." She whispered, leaning back in to smooch his upper lip.

He cocked an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"

He sat up, pulling her up and flipping her around onto her stomach. He grabbed her by the hips and lifted her onto her knees, ass in the air. She gasped at the sudden movement and looked back at him from over her shoulder.

"I think you'll have to remind me, Little Bug." He grabbed his dick, dragging the tip up her folds from behind.

She gripped the cushion of the couch, wishing he'd just put it in without the teasing. "I always want you, my love. I love it when you fuck me." She wiggled her ass against him, desperately wanting him to put it back in.

He gulped at the sight, placing both hands on her hips and pressing her firmly into the couch. He lined himself up to her and pushed the tip in teasingly. She smiled back at him with a moan.

"Good girl." He praised before slamming himself into her, immediately thrusting at a fast pace.

She squealed, toes curling at the sudden pressure against her insides. "Fuck, yes!" She screamed throwing her head back and squeezing her eyebrows up in pleasure.

"Damn, Bug. Is this what you want?" He grunted.

The sudden change in the mood of the room felt exhilarating. Her body was going limp, all she could focus on was how amazing his cock felt ramming into her guts. "Y-yes! I love it!"

"Fuck, you like it when your kitty fucks you hard, huh?" He growled, becoming high off the feeling.

The words sent lightening up her spine, causing her to squeeze her knees together, eyes rolling back in her head. She was a rag doll at this point, completely merciless to him.

Adrien felt mesmerized as he watched her lips wrap around him, pulling him in after each thrust. The way he felt in this moment was so different from a few minutes ago, like his brain switched from pure love to aggressive lust.

She tried her best to rock back on him, body jolting forward with each thrust. His hands were digging harshly into her lower back, causing her to arch downwards into the couch.

He groaned, biting down on his lip before reaching down to pull her up by the arms. She reached an arm behind her and latched it onto his neck, the other holding herself up. He kept one hand on her waist, the other wrapped around her front to grip onto her stomach.

He pressed the hand into her abdomen, fucking into her at a deeper angle. She tightened her grip on his hair. "You're so good at fucking me, Adrien." She moaned with a love drunk smile.

He leaned his face close to hers as he felt the warm sensation in his stomach build. "You're so good at taking me, Marinette."

She felt herself clench around him, wanting desperately to release. She rocked herself back on him. "Oh God, I wanna cum, Chat! I love your cock inside me! Don't s-stop!" She moaned.

Adrien kept his gaze on her face, resting his head on her shoulder. He nudged his mouth against her ear and nipped at the skin. "The way you're squeezing my dick is fucking amazing." He growled.

She moaned loudly, a shiver running up her spine as his breath hit her ear. His tongue teased at her nape, throwing her closer to the edge. Her legs were shaking harshly, barely being able to hold herself up. "I-I'm cumming!" She squealed.

Adrien lowered the hand on her abdomen lower, reaching greedily for her vulva. He dipped his hands below her folds, massaging softly at her clit. She screamed, feeling overstimulated as she orgasmed again. He continued his actions, knowing she thoroughly enjoyed being fucked senseless.

Her slick dripped erotically down his shaft, the warmth of it eliciting a deep groan from Adrien. He took both hands to her hips, pulling her down on him as he reached his own orgasm. Her upper body fell forward, her arms barely able to hold herself up as he came deep inside her.

She looked back at him with a blown out expression. Her legs twitched hard, fingers gripping the cushions to where her knuckles were turning white. He pulled out slowly, watching intently as his and her essence poured down her inner thighs.

"You need to make me shirts more often if this is what it entails." He joked.

She smirked tiredly. "Why do you think I want you to model my designs?"

Adrien pushed her hips back down to lay on her side, making room for himself to lie next to her. She immediately pulled herself closer to him, placing her hand on his jaw to trace her fingers along his skin.

"I'm going to need another shower." Adrien said breaking the silence.

Marinette giggled and kissed his nose. "Are you implying what I think you're implying?"

Adrien teased at her hips causing her to gasp and twitch. "You know the shower is one of my favorite places to-"

Before he could finish, Marinette was already scrambling off the couch to run to the bathroom. "Hurry up, Chat boy."

[cardiac-agreste]

I'm particularly proud of the idea I had for today's Olympics-related ficlet, so I decided to share the full text here instead of just leaving it on Ao3.

FWIW these are hastily written and not beta'd, but for me that was part of the challenge. I'm writing a story a day during the Olympics, intended to be a reaction to the day's events. This is the least reactive, since it takes place during the Olympics but doesn't mention a single competitor. Most involve ML characters as spectators (e.g., Kagami going apeshit cheering for the Japanese fencing team that won gold in team foil).

Citius, Altius, Fortius, Miraculous - Aug 6 - Day Eleven [Adrien & Félix - Equestrian]

Adrien and Félix walked the grounds of Versailles, having decided to take a break from watching the equestrian events.

“How was lunch with Zara?” Félix said, fiddling with his fingernails as the grass swished beside his feet with every step he took.

Adrien smiled softly. “It was nice. It felt like coming home.” He stopped walking. “You know, she was the first from the extended family to reach out after Father died. It was really nice… It’s not like we really know each other. Mother never got to take me to see anyone in England. Father wouldn’t allow it. But still…”

Félix turned slowly and looked at Adrien, considering the way the light filtered through the trees on his cousin’s face. He clenched his fists a few times, relieving anxiety that had wrapped tightly around his forearms like shackles. “Colt wasn’t too keen on seeing the family, either. He’d received the imprimatur of our grandparents to marry Mum, but it wasn’t enough for him. As I got older, he was more…forcefully against it. Thought they were always judging him for being arriviste… And he knew that selling weapons could never buy him passage through certain doors.”

Adrien closed the distance to Félix and put his hand on his cousin’s shoulder. “I used to be so jealous of you, that you lived closer to family.” His eyes were half-lidded in sympathy. “I’m sorry you had to—”

“I’m a sentimonster.”

Adrien’s hand flinched at the abrupt admission. “You’re a…” He swallowed. In the distance, a horse’s hooves thudded on the green.

“Well, sentibeing. Though I doubt Ladybug would be so charitable.” Félix smirked, but shifted nervously from one foot to the other.

“You’re a… a sentibeing? H-how?”

“Well, when a man loves a woman very much, he acquires a magical jewel…”

Adrien took a step back and looked straight into Félix’s eyes. “Fé, I’m serious. How?Is that how you knew there was a Peacock Miraculous? Did you know Mayura’s identity and stole it from her? Or…did you know Hawkmoth?”

Adrien had gotten to the important questions faster than Félix had expected. The spectators in the distance politely applauded a performance, and he waited to see if Adrien would ask anything else—anything more pressingly personal. A minute passed, and Adrien was still looking at Félix with concern.

“Um, does this change how you see me?”

“What? Of course not. It’s like magical IVF, who cares? You’re still human.”

Félix breathed a sigh of relief.

“Does Ladybug know?”

“Yes.”

“And she still trusts you to have a Miraculous?”

Adrien’s words had breathlessly fallen out of his mouth, and Félix wondered if this conversation was about something he hadn’t picked up on. Well, if Adrien was surprising him like this, then he might as well be honest with his cousin. “She does. Not that she has a choice. She’s not getting the brooch from me.” Félix huffed. “And to the extent she’s worried, it’s because—you might recall—I killed pretty much everyone on Earth so you and I could have some peace.“

Adrien looked down at the three rings on his hand.

Félix had been wondering lately about the one his cousin had been wearing before he put on the Graham de Vanily rings.

“I… I think I might be…”

Félix held his breath and let Adrien keep talking.

“We’re nearly twins. And your father had the Miraculous before he died…” A lone tear snaked its way down Adrien’s cheekbone and toward his chin. “Félix, who did you steal the Peacock from?”

A frustrated rider yelled at a horse in the distance.

“I didn’t steal it. I traded for it.”

Adrien looked down at his hands and fiddled with his fingernails. “But she told me he helped defeat Monarch…”

Félix remained silent.

“Why wouldn’t she…”

Félix put his hand on Adrien’s shoulder. “She was terrified to tell you, so I volunteered. Actually, I begged her to let me be the one to tell you.”

Adrien didn’t make eye contact. He kept his face toward the ground, sniffling. His shoulders and chest trembled. But as soon as it started, the quivering stopped, and he took one final sniff. He wiped his eyes and looked back at Félix, giving him a watery smile. “It’s like magical IVF. That’s what I just said, right?”

Félix wasn’t sure about this swift change in emotion. “…Right. But still, he was—”

“An asshole. And abusive.” Adrien laughed, a little wild, a little mirthful. “I guess that explains why I avoided Marinette. And why, after talking to Nathalie, that weird feeling stopped.” Adrien swallowed, his developing Adam’s apple bobbing as if it were tracking his acceptance of the truth. “Oh. Nathalie…”

“Yeah…”

“Sentibug…”

“Who?”

“Mayura—well, Nathalie—made a girl like Ladybug, and then…and then she killed her. She knew she was like me, and she killed her!”

Félix felt his blood pressure rise. He hadn’t known about that. But he swiftly pressed the emotion down. “How are you feeling?”

Adrien smiled. “You know, I beat his ass the day he sent me to London.”

Félix’s eyes widened. “Really? Wow, cousin, I didn’t think you had it in you. And I’m surprised he didn’t stop you…”

Adrien pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek, and then he spoke. “Who else knows? You, me, Ladybug, Nathalie… I’m guessing your mom…”

“There’s this Super Guardian guy who probably knows about both of us.”

Adrien fiddled with his original ring, sliding his index finger and thumb along the smooth metal as he spun it. “Do you think I should tell Marinette?”

“That’s a decision I think you should make on your own. But I think she’ll surprise you. When I pretended to be you at the Diamonds’ Dance, she broke in, you know. She’s obviously in love with you. And she doesn’t care about the family name or anything. Actually I think she hated your dad.” 

Adrien laughed. “Yeah, there was this whole thing about pancakes she told me about. I don’t really get it, but you’re right.” He beamed with pride. “She’s so perceptive. She’d give Ladybug a run for her money in that department… I called her that once, you know. My ‘Everyday Ladybug.’”

Félix choked back a laugh.

“Wait, have you told Kagami?”

“Oh, she has zero problem with the senti-stuff if you know what I’m saying.” Félix crossed his hands over his chest to signify a certain kind of prowess. He leaned in and cupped a hand to his mouth, pretending to share a secret. “Prestidigitation…”

It was typical of Adrien to turn everything back to others. Always trying to understand how everyone else felt, how everyone else was acting. He supposed it was the model training in Adrien, that he’d done so well because he’d learned to mimic and follow orders.

But could he blaze this path himself? Félix had struggled with it, and he had that rebellious streak, titanium lacing his backbone.

But Adrien had him. And Marinette. Ladybug. A family that loved him.

Just so long as Chat Noir didn’t come calling with a Cataclysm. Well, he’d skin the cat alive if he went after his cousin.

Félix looked down again at Adrien’s ring.

[whumpurr]

Adrien and Sawdust part 23

cw: pet whump, self degradation, unreliable narrator, male whumpee, female whumpee

masterlist

--

Sawdust perked up at the sound. It felt as though it had been so long since he was around another dog, and he had never been around another dog like him. His head swiveled, looking for the source of the sound, his food forgotten on the floor. It took all he had in him to not just plod out into the main office to look.

“Are you done with your food, puppy?” Ma’am asked from above him. He nodded his head, hoping that he would be taken outside to look now that he was finished eating. Ma’am picked up his bowl and, sensing his excitement, led him over to the door.

The instant the door was opened, he saw her.

Her hair was bleached pure white, and curly to match the clip in dog ears she had. They were floppy, covering her human ears on either side of her head. Her whole outfit was matching white and fancy. A puffy tutu, a fitted top, white boots on her feet and gloves on her hands. She was standing on two feet next to her owner. Sawdust felt disgusting in comparison. Ma’am had put him in a t-shirt and soft, stretchy, loose pants. It was nowhere near as beautiful as the other dog. She was beautiful. He regretted ever wanting to meet her.

She looked down her nose at him.

“Missy,” The owner, an older woman, said, regaining her pet’s attention. Sawdust flinched at the commanding sound of her voice, but Missy simply calmly turned back towards her owner.

“I already asked Charline, she said that you and Missy could have a little playdate today! I have to work late, so you two can keep each other occupied.” Ma’am leaned down and told Sawdust.

Sawdust wandered back to sit next to Ma’am’s desk. Missy was the epitome of what a good dog was. She was beautiful, she walked with grace, she obeyed her master’s orders. She looked perfect. Sawdust scrutinized his own skin. It was sickly pale and clung to his bones, his scars from the other dogs rippled across his body. He would be dirtying her by even being near her.

His thoughts wandered for the rest of the day. Sawdust was only pulled out of his melancholy when Ma’am would sometimes reach down and pet his head. When she finally got up and went to lead him out of the room, he wanted to resist. Sawdust wanted to fight the very idea of going to meet Missy even though it was what he had been looking forward to all day. Yet he could not disobey the orders given to him.

The room he was led to was bare. There was a cluster of chairs, a small table, and rug rolled out on the floor. In the corner he could see some dog bowls, and a small refrigerator. It smelled like other animals in here.

“This is the pet room,” Ma’am stepped in with him. The room was on the same floor as Ma’am’s office, but it was tucked out of the way in a corner of the floor. Sawdust rocked nervously on his paws. “Missy should be here soon, Charline is also working a bit late but she said she’d meet me here right about now. Can I leave you here so I can get back to work?”

Sawdust nodded, not because he believed it to be true, but because he did not want to disappoint her. Not after she’d treated him so nicely. Ma’am ducked out of the room and Sawdust was left trembling on his own. If he had a tail like a real dog, it would be between his legs.

The fluorescent white lights above him did little to hint at the passage of time. He had no clue how much time passed before the door was finally opened again and Missy stepped through. She sat on one of the chairs, like a person. Her owner was not with her.

She crossed her slender legs and put her paws on her knees. She looked upset. Many times Sawdust opened his mouth just to close it again. Nothing he could possibly say could ever make any difference. Nothing he could say would be good enough for her to hear. 

“I don’t get why Charline brought me here.” Missy pouted. She looked down at Sawdust and her eyes were a light brown that looked like honey when they caught the light. “I don’t know why you couldn’t just take care of yourself.”

Sawdust blinked at her. Was that what her owner had told her? That he needed someone to watch over him? Well, that wouldn’t be incorrect. 

“You’re dirty.” She muttered. Sawdust wasn’t sure if that was directed at him or if she was making an observation to herself. But again, she was still correct. Sawdust looked dirty even when he wasn’t. His hair was poorly maintained and the tails and ears he used had seen dust, dirt, and damage over the years he’s had them. Sawdust looked down at his paws in shame.

“Do you not talk? Did your owner not teach you?” 

“I can talk…” Sawdust muttered even though he had nothing to follow it up with. Missy chuckled.

“So like, what’s your deal then?”

She had a manner of talking that was completely opposite to Adrien’s deep timbre. Her voice was high, yet rough, and she spoke quickly.

“Hello? I asked you a question.”

“My… deal?” 

“Like, your life! Your story, all that, I don’t know. Just say something, you’re freaky sitting there all quiet.” She yapped, crossing her arms and bouncing her leg.

“I got bought by my Master,” Sawdust did not know how much he should reveal but he supposed that maybe if he said more, she would stop being so mean. “He bought me from some people in the forest. But before that I was with my old Master and he kept me with other dogs.”

Something in Missy’s expression changed, in the few seconds Sawdust could stand to look into her eyes.

“The dogs were mean and they fought me sometimes, I do not know what happened to them after my old Master got taken away.” Sawdust fiddled with his paws, “What about you?”

“Charline got me from a pet store.” She stated as though it were obvious. 

“You call your owner that?”

“Charline? It’s her name, duh.”

Missy sighed and Sawdust could see the stretch of her skin while she moved. He could see her toned muscle beneath it, she must be trained by her owner. She speaks quickly, she must have been taught as well. Stronger and smarter than Sawdust. More dressed, prettier. Better.

Sawdust was jealous.

“You’re not supposed to do that.” He said matter-of-factly. “And you shouldn’t sit on chairs.”

Missy’s eyes went wide for a moment before she rolled them. Her boots slammed on the floor as she stood up. 

“What would you know? Charline told me about your incident in the cafeteria, you stupid mutt.” She towered over Sawdust, who was still sitting on his knees. “You can barely speak, I bet that you can’t even really think. Can you read? Can you swim? I can. I know more than you, so don’t talk like you know anything.”

In front of him, Sawdust saw a… being. Dog wasn’t right, no dog was ever this cruel to him, even the ones that bit and tore at his skin. And she was far too restrained for a human. A human would rip him apart with tools or their hands if they were to ever get so angry at him. She was a being that was smart and strong, obedient to her owner and able to survive in the wild. Things Sawdust could never be. He trembled.

Towering over the frail, meek puppy dog, Missy raised her boot and struck Sawdust in the stomach.

--

Taglist: @starnight-whump @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @neuro-whump @whump-me-all-night-long @cupcakes-and-pain @whumpzone @whumpcreations @dancinglifeboat @pinkraindropsfell @looptheloup @cowboy-anon @meetmeinhellcroutons @thingsthatgo-whump-inthenight @firewheeesky @maracujatangerine @it-will-all-whump-out @theydy-cringeworthy @kim-poce @bluetheautisticrat @whump-in-progress @wh-wh-whu @mylifeisonthebookshelf @grizzlie70 @wolfeyedwitch @nicolepascaline @melancholy-in-the-morning @jumbledbyrd @batfacedliar-yetagain @no-terms-and-conditions-apply @scp-1269 @whumpdreamz

[mochinek0]

Daminette December 2023: 18-Hiding in the Shadows

Marinette looked around her pent house in Paris. She had everything she wanted as a teenager. Well, almost everything. She was a well-known fashion designer, to the people that were aware of her. She kept her business a secret and used an alias. Her clients all came from judgement on her other clients. Others designers knew her as 'Passion' after her store's brand. Very few knew her as Marinette Dupain-Cheng: Gabriel Agreste, Audrey Bourgeois, and Jagged Stone.

Marinette had enough money to pay her rent, her fabric, all of her equipment, anything a business woman could need. Marinette herself, not so much. She missed being able to walk out and go sit at a café for a bit. When she saw Wayne Enterprise opened a section in Paris, she came up with an idea.

'Wayne Enterprises is a place that usually pays big. Even a part time job should be fine. A little play money couldn't hurt. A few extra euros so I could eat out, get some comfy clothes so I'm not rushing between orders and messing up wouldn't hurt.'

Damian Wayne sat at his desk, looking through potential applicants. Many of them were attached to big names or had one of their own. As he rang background checks, he could see they were all connected to each other in one way or another. He smirked at his idea.

'Let's put on a show. I want to see what kind of people these applicants are around each other. Would they out themselves?'

Mari was escorted to a waiting room as Damian Wayne got through other interviews. When the door opened, the last thing she expected was to see some familiar faces: Chloe, Adrien, and Lila.

"I don't know why you're even here, Dupain-Cheng." Chloe snarled, after the door was closed, "This is a big company that would love to work with our families. You have nothing going for you."

Marinette sat down and smiled, "Is that right? I guess I must have sent the wrong order to your mother and that's why she wore my design down the red carpet at the MET Gala."

Chloe tensed up and refused to meet her gaze. She could tell Adrien and Lila were surprised as well.

Chloe cleared her throat, "You're lying."

"Call your mother and ask." Marinette shrugged, "Oh, that's right! She doesn't like you; she prefers your half sister, who can actually work and living on her own, instead of leeching off of her Daddy."

"This isn't you, Dupain-Cheng." Chloe declared.

"No. This is me." Marinette shrugged off the concerned looks, "I'm just not being forced to coddle you to make Caline Bustier's life easier. 'Oh, just show Chloe some love, so she'll know what it's like and she'll get better eventually. You'll see.' Even she knew you were a horrible person. She basically thought you were The Grinch. That with enough love, your heart would grow three sizes and you wouldn't be such a bitch anymore."

Everyone was speechless at Marinette's attitude. This wasn't the Marinette that they grew up with.

"Chloe Bourgeois." a security voice called.

Chloe held her head high as she walked into the office.

"Damian Wayne." Chloe stated.

"Sit!" he demanded.

Chloe was shocked by his attitude.

'Doesn't he know who I am?'

"Do you know who I am?" she shouted.

"A spoiled brat; Ive read the articles on the internet." Damian stated, "You are known for crying for your father when you don't get what you want. Even though you are the oldest, your half-sister is who your mother relies on to bring customers for Style Queen in New York."

"My father-" Chloe snarled.

"Isn't the mayor anymore. He hasn't been the mayor in three years." the Wayne heir spoke, "If you're thinking of blackmailing me, you chose the wrong person. Spread whatever lies you want or cry to your father, the hotel owner. I could make one post about how horrid his hotel is and he would go out of business. Could you live with that?"

Chloe stood there, speechless. The only person who talked to her like this was her mother.

"I'm in charge, here, and if it came down to it, your job would be scrubbing toilets all day." Damian declared.

Tears formed in Chloe's eyes.

'He's glaring at me, just like Mommy. He doesn't look happy. He looks at me like he wishes I was gone or someone else.'

"We're done here." Damian stated.

Chloe quickly rushed out of the office. The three saw her rushing away, crying.

'I knew she wouldn't last.'

"Marinette, I can't understand why you're like this." Lila spoke, as she took her seat.

'He made that Daddy's Girl cry. I better go at this carefully.'

"Oh, shove it, Lila." Marinette sighed, "All three of us, here, know you're a lying manipulative bitch. You don't have to fake it."

"I don't know-" Lila continued.

"Adrien already told me years ago that he made a deal with you. He made one with me, too. Did he ever tell you that?" Mari questioned.

Lila glanced towards Adrien, who kept his head down.

"Oh, he didn't." she giggled, "You see, I was already designing for Jagged Stone when you arrived to our school. Adrien even had me autograph things I designed for him."

The model had turned towards Adrien and was now glaring at him.

"I could have made your whole 'tinnitus-kitten bullshit' story go up in flames since day one." Mari smiled, "I could have video called him and you would have been labeled as delusional."

"I took all our friends away!" Lila cried out, in victory.

"No." Mari answered, "You took away people, who were finally talking to me. Chleo ensured that for seven years, I had no friends. Those 'friends' just went back to not talking to me. You didn't actually do anything. If anything, you helped me. You took away the class president duties from me and I had more free time. You turned Alya and Nino away, so I couldn't babysit. I designed more clothes and got more clients. You didn't make my life worse, Lila, you made it better."

Lila fumed. Adrien had played peace maker between the both of them. From what Marinette was saying, she could have won the war in an instant! She thought she had chased Marinette Duapin-Cheng out of school all those years ago and here she was smiling, practially laughing at her, saying it wasn't true. She had thanked her and said she made her life better.

'I need this job so I can rub it in her face! I need to win against her!'

"I do hope you at least did some research into Damian Wayne." Marinette stated.

"I've known Damian Wayne since we were children!" Lila announced.

"Is that what it told you, you should say when you looked up how rich his family is?" Mari inquired.

Lila stood up, in rage.

'How dare she!'

"Lila Rossi." security called out.

Lila smirked, "I'm coming."

"She really should have done her research." Marinette spoke out loud.

"Why do you say that?" Adrine asked.

"Lila likes to play off her tears and looks." Mari declared, "Damian Wayne hates going to galas because of girls that try to attach themselves to him."

"And?" Adrien questioned.

"He broke an Italian model's arm two months ago, for lying to him." the designer stated.

Adrien paled at her words. Marinette merely smiled and pulled out her phone and dialed emergency services.

"Hello, what is your emergency?" the voice asked.

"I think we need an ambulance at Wayne Enterprise." Marinette stated, "I think someone's arm is broken."

"Are you with this person?" the voice questioned.

"No." the designer answered.

"I have sent medical to your location." the voice declared, before hanging up.

"That was pretty extreme, Marinette. I have faith in Lila!" Adrien shouted, "I don't think he would do that! The Waynes have an imagine to uphold!"

"Maybe, you should have done your research." Mari shrugged, "You still have time. Maybe five minutes."

Lila sauntered her way into the office.

"Hello, Mr. Wayne." She spoke, calmly.

"Sit." He demanded, not looking up.

Lila waved off his decleration. She moved past the chair in front of his desk and walked her way to his side.

"Can I sit on your lap?" She asked, "You see, I have tinnitus and-"

"There is nothing in here that would activate your tinnitus. Tinnitus is when you can't here anything for a brief amount of time, but a loud ringing. It's usually followed after hearing an extremely loud sound. I should know; I went to medical school." Damian stated.

'Shit. My usual tactics won't work here.'

Lila nodded and made her way back to the seat.

"Why shoud I hire you?" The Wayne heir questioned.

Lila fluttered her lashes, "I'm a model for Gabriel Agreste."

"Former model." Damian interjected, "You now model on Instagram and Only Fans."

Lila turned red. She didn't expect them to aware of her new lifestyle.

"Now, Miss Lerouch-" he continued.

Lila paled, "Wh-What did you call me?"

"Cerise Lerouch." Damian stated, "Did you think I would not delve into your background? I have to know who I am working with."

Cerise quickly leaped up from her seat and rushed around the desk.

"Don't touch me." Damian demanded.

"I'll do anything." Cerise cried out, grabbing onto his arm.

The Wayne heir growled, "Let go."

"I can help you relieve stress in other ways, you know." Cerise pleaded.

Damian grabbed her wrist and twisted it behind her back, harshly. Cerise screamed in pain.

"I have no need for whores." Damian spoke.

He grabbed the back of her shirt, arm still twisted, and walked her to his office door. He grabbed the knob and threw her out, in front of his security team.

"Drag this whore out by the hair, if you have too, but I want her off Wayne Enterprise grounds and blacklisted!" Damian shouted.

"Yes, Mr. Wayne." they spoke simultaneously, as he slammed his door shut.

"Shit, I think her arm is broken." the one on the left declared.

"She would call an ambulance?" the one on the right asked.

"Please, help me! It hurts so much!" Cerise begged, cradling her arm.

"You shouldn't have pissed him off." the one on the right declared, "Damian Wayne isn't one to mess around."

A man rushed towards them with medical workers.

"Did you guys call for an ambulance and someone with a broken arm?" the new guy asked.

"No, but perfect timing." the one on the left stated, "Girl with broken arm right here."

Cerise was walked by the waiting room. Inside, she could see Adrien looked horrified before turning to Marinette. She was smiling at her. Then, the baker's daughter flipped her off.

'She knew! That bitch knew how this would end!'

Cerise burst into tears as she was carted off.

"I guess that just leaves you and me, Agreste." Marinette stated.

Adrien began to feel uncomfortable.

"I do hope you do better than they did." She spoke, "For your Father's sake."

"Huh?" Adrien asked, confused.

"Damian Wayne isn't one to back down, not even to his father. He can make his father bow down to him. You have no idea how......attractive that is to a woman, Adrien." Mari smiled, "A man with a spine."

The model gulped, watching Marinette lick her lips.

"You should grow a spine." she declared, "Maybe then your father won't force you to model for him. I' sure that's why Kagami chose Felix over you. Your cousin has a spine. It looks good on him. Maybe, that's why Kagami didn't take my advice on how to get back with you after the break up."

Adrien only looked at her in shocked.

"Alya told me you broke up and I went to see her." Marinette continued, "I tried to help, but she didn't want to. She said it was better that way and well, Felix and you did look alike as teens. The same face with a spine; kind of hard to resist. They're so happy and their twins are adorable."

"Adrien Agreste, Mr. Wayne will see you now." the voice spoke over the intercom.

The model looked over at the designer. She waved at him, but said nothing. Adrien stood up and stood tall.

Adrien walked into Damian's office. It was intimidating; Marinette was right. He was scarier than his father.

"Why should I hire you, Adrien Agreste?" Damian questioned.

"I hate modeling. I prefer computers and science. I want to break free of Gabriel." Adiren admitted, "You don't have to worry about me telling him anything because I never learned anything about fashion. I couldn't even tell you the names of two different shades of fabric. If anyting, you should hire Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Marinette has always been an amazing designer. She was recognized by Father and Style Queen when she was only thirteen. She's the one who would know everything about fashion."

Damian hid his smirk behind his hand and looked down at the papers about Adrien again.

'What a miracle worker you are, Miss Dupain-Cheng. Agreste grew a spine.'

"We may have an internship available in our science department." Damian spoke, "Do you still live with your father?"

"Yes." Adrien spoke.

"We have a company home we prefer our interns reside in." Damian continued.

He noticed Adrien seemed relieved about that.

"The internship isn't a guarantee." The Wayne heir continued, "We need to see you commitment and dedication first hand. If you can't keep up, we'll put you in a different department. If you keep failing to meet our expectations, you'll have no choice but to keep modeling for your father."

"Tell him we'll work with him for one year, as a test." Damian continued, "You have one year to get your affairs in order. You'll need to move in one month from now and if not, consider the contract cancelled. I will inform them you are expected."

"Thank you." Adrien smiled.

Damian waved him off and Adrine walked out of the office, happy.

Marinette stood up when her name was called. As she walked towards the office, she saw Adrien smiling at a paper. She entered the office and closed the door.

"Please sit Miss Dupain-Cheng." Damian ordered.

Marinette immediately took a seat in front of him.

"Why should I hire you?" He questioned.

Mari shrugged, "You don't really have to."

"Oh?" Damian pushed.

"I'm only here for a part time job." the designer answered, "You know, helping out on the floor, coffee grabber, secretary gig. That sort of thing."

"Excuse me?" he asked, shocked, " Aren't you a fashion designer."

"With my own clients and I can pay for my own things." She smiled.

"Then why are you here?" Damian questioned.

Marinette sat back further in the chair and got comfortable, "Play money. I spend my own on my deisgns, fabrics, equipment, rent. Why not have a little extra to treat myself to a night out or a night in, for once?"

That was not the answer he had been expecting.

Damian laughed, "What if I decide to keep you?"

"Keep me as in?" Marinette pushed.

"I decide I want to become one of your clients." he offered.

"Are you offering?" the designer asked, "I've seen some of those suits you wear to galas and it doesn't bring you out to your full potential."

"And that would be?" he asked.

"You're outshined by your father, your older brothers, and the company." She spoke, "You can stand out, but maybe you want to fade into the back, less people to grope you."

Damian chuckled and stood up from his seat. He made his way around the desk and rested on it.

"What would you dress me in, right now?" Damian questioned.

"Depends." Marinette smiled, "Do you always wear a suit to work or are you interested in a change?"

"Tell me about this hypothetical change." He demanded.

"Ever heard of quick change wear?" She asked.

"No." he replied.

"It mainly takes woman into factor. Clothes that can go from working at the office to going out on a date or partying." Mari answered, "Just a few adjustments and possibly a new shade of makeup and usually people tend to think they took all day to get ready."

Damian took what she said into account, "And for men?"

"Most don't really have the option." Marinette shrugged, "Shame, but on you.....your figure. Well, there's nothing sluttier than a man wearing a sleeveless turtleneck."

The Wayne heir couldn't help but think of his old League of Assassin's outfits.

"No one at work would know if you have a blazer on and buttoned." She continued, "It is your office so you can always install a closet here and keep an extra pair of clothes. Jeans, if you prefer. Who is to say that this whole time, you weren't wearing sweatpants and just dressed from the waist up."

He chuckled ather way of thinking.

'Effective, but true not the less. I could kick out anyone who entered my office, should I choose to dress comfortably, and there was a closet hidden behind the cabinets.'

"Another thing most people tend to do is incorporate their culture into their clothing, as well." Marinette spoke, "Personally, I use apple blossoms in most of my designs for myself."

"Miss Dupain-Cheng, you are not what I was expecting." Damian declared, "I like to expect everything."

Mari smiled, "I've been known to be...unpredictable."

"You want to work part time in the fashion section." The Wayne heir stated, "Even if it's just grabbing coffee or lunch for others."

"Correct." she answered.

"Fine." Damian spoke, "You can work here, part time, at least three days a week. I f you have a big comission, I want to know about it. You can keep the details to yourself, but I want a time frame."

Marinette nodded, happily.

"I also want you to make me something to relax in the office that could pass for office wear." he suggested, "I'll pay for fabric of course. I can send you the details of my heritage via email, later."

Marinette stood up, "I'll start on that and bring it by Friday."

Damian grabbed her hand and kissed it, "I'll see you Monday morning, at 9AM, for work. We can go over your schedule then."

Marinette felt her face flush as his lips connected with her hand. His gaze was piercing.

"Yes, Mr. Wayne." She answered, flustered.

Damian waved his hand, dismissing her, but he still followed her to the door.

"You know, Miss Dupain-Cheng." He whispered, pressing himself to her back, "They may not be able to see it, but I see what lurks in the shadows. I can see what you hide there. I can wait a bit longer for the side of you that wants to come out and play."

"Is that so?" Marinette whispered back.

"I'll enjoy getting to know you, in the future." Damian spoke, before opening the door.

Marinette took a breath before she walked out the door.

"Marinette, did you get the job?" Adrien asked.

"Yes." she answered.

The model sighed in relief, "I told him you were good. I told him about Father and Audrey."

"Did you think I wouldn't be able to get it on my own?" Mari questioned.

"That's not what I meant!" Adrien cried, surprised at the question.

"Then, don't belittle me and my work." Marinette declared, "He already knew who I was. The Wayne keep a check on everyone and everything. Did you seriously not expect him to know about our families? He was probably listening to us in the waiting room."

Adrien gulped in response.

"Besides, I wasn't apart of whatever you three were fighting over." Marinette smiled, walking away.

'What did she mean by that?'

Adrien turned to see Damian Wayne leaning against the door, wearing a smirk on his face. Damian took notice of the model and hardened his gaze. Adrien gulped as Damian stood tall and closed his door again.

'What was he staring at?'

Adrien turned his head back down the corridor and saw Marinette speaking to the receptionist.

'He was after Marinette the whole time!'

'He already knew who I was.'

'He was probably listening to us in the waiting room.'

'Besides, I wasn't apart of whatever you three were fighting over.'

TAGLIST: @maribat-calendar-events @animeweebgirl@a-star-with-a-human-name@meme991001@vixen-uchiha@abrx2002@alysrose-starchild@fandom-trapped-03@dood-space@moonlightstar64@saltymiraculer@marveldcedits20@09shell-sea09@icerosecrystal@animegirlweeb@insane-fangirl-of-everything@blueblossombliss@nickristus-dreamer@megawhitleycalderonpaganus@missmadwoman@meira-3919@princessdaisysolosyourfaves@blep-23@fangirlingfanatic@darkhinauniverse@ravenr22@im-a-satanic-ritual@ravennm84@bianca-hooks123@a-slytherinish-gryffindor@starling218

[floraracoon]

Gems of Dupont - Rewrite

Since it's been bothering me these past few days, this is a list of how I would rewrite a fic I wrote last year, called The Gems of Dupont on Ao3 if I were to do so.

Spoiler Warning if you want to read the fic then read this

Premise: There is a group of students who while anonymous, are known to have a lot of power. Namely, they have a history of getting rid of unsavory figures in the school or associated with it. Their current targets are Marinette (stalking, minor abuse of power, and her actions towards her 'rivals'), Adrien (bystander, actions as Chat Noir towards Ladybug, etc.), Lila (obvious), Alya (misinformation, slander, and something else), Mme. Bustier (bystander, emotional manipulation, poor teaching methods), Mr. Damocles (fraud, neglect, etc.), and Fu (facing the consequences of his own actions)

Problems: A scene that I did not flesh out enough to show the reasoning behind it, too many characters involved in the takedown, illogical plot points, involving characters that make no sense, and moving too fast due to me losing interest but not wanting to go on hiatus or abandoning the work.

The Rewrite:

Establishing the Gems -

The sign of the Gems (a wreath of gems on Mme. Mendelieve's door) is shown, causing rumors to spread through the school

Adrien, Alya, and Lila ask what they are, giving them the full explanation

The Gems are a group of six that every year go through and gather evidence of people's wrongdoings, before giving them to those that would cause the most change. This most of the time results in someone leaving the school. When they are done, gems are left where the person sits. Each gem represents something, and while there are six Gems, there are more gems.

Chloe scoffs out loud while Lila internally scoffs. Chloe thinks she is immune, as she has never been hit before. Lila scoffs because she thinks she hasn't been caught, to begin with.

Cut to a group chat, where two people are arguing over the nicknames they have in the chat. "Eye candy" seems particularly frustrated and claims they bring something more to the team than their good looks.

Safety Measures -

We see a week pass, with people becoming more and more anxious waiting for something to happen. Some sign that this wasn't a fluke. The first week is always when it is that they send out the warnings, where are the warnings?

But one day, as Nino walks in, having not arrived with Alya due to her running off to record an akuma fight, he finds a note sitting on his desk. The note contains a list of numbers and timestamps. A small doodle of a gem sitting in the corner.

On another day, Rose finds a small slip of paper that has Prince Ali's phone number on it, also with a small doodle of a gem in the corner

Luka opens a note left on his bed. He finds the chords for a song, with no lyrics. Each page has small annotations of cherry blossoms in places where lyrics would be, and a doodle of a gem in the bottom corner.

Kagami is surprised when a note falls out of her locker, with a message in brail saying "He hesitates, where is his backbone?". A gem is engraved on the page

The first -

Alya is the first to go down. After a fight between her and Nino that results in their break up, she learns that her parents got a similar note to the one that started the fight.

The numbers and timestamps were coded for different videos on the Ladyblog. The one for Nino was instances where Alya endangered him and those around him. The fight was about her recklessness, and her want to get up close to akuma fights with little regard for her safety.

The one her parents got, however, was every single time she had endangered herself.

The two of them were busy with work often, so they only really watched the videos Alya sent them. Often those were the ones where she stayed safe for the most part or had a lot of views.

So they opened her blog, to investigate what these timestamps were, only to find their daughter once again throwing herself into situations she shouldn't have. Along with countless posts trying to figure out the identities of people who were trying to protect the city and a single post that had them questioning her integrity.

The next day, Alya was pulled into distanced learning. She was also grounded until further notice, with no blog posting for one day per timestamp listed.

Will continue this post tomorrow, as this is getting really long

[thechatsmeouch]

Ladybug Blues

Chapter four- Her Funeral

The energy of the room was suffocating. Adrien couldn't bring himself to look her parents in the eyes. How they managed to greet and hug all of Marinette's 'friends' with so much love, he'd never understand.

He'd spent the entire night practicing how he'd apologize to the Dupain-Chengs, but when he saw their dull and glazed over eyes, he decided against it. So, he just sat there, fidgeting with his sleeves, unable to look anywhere but at the floor.

Finally, after a fierce whisper argument with Plagg, Adrien stepped towards the casket.

She looked so beautiful, he almost thought she was asleep. Adrien tried to resist reaching out to touch her face, but ultimately lost to the temptation. His fingers grazed her cheek, then her hair. The tears that had been threatening to spill since he'd first arrived at the funeral finally fell, landing softly on her shoulder. He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead, feeling her cool skin against his own.

"I'm so sorry, Mari." he whispered.

Her eyes remained closed. The sun's glow seeped in through the windows casting a soft, warm light across the room. The funeral was quiet, with only the occasional sniffle from one of the chairs and whispers of condolences. Adrien wanted to leave, to get away from the overwhelming sense of loss that seemed to weigh down every breath he took. But he couldn't bring himself to move. Not just yet.

He shifted uncomfortably, glancing around at the pictures of Marinette that were scattered about the room. There she was, as a child with her parents, as a teenager with her friends. Each photo was a testament to her life, a life that had been cut far too short. He closed his eyes, trying to block out the memories that threatened to overwhelm him. Memories of their laughter, their arguments, their shared moments.

Adrien felt a fiery distain for Scarabella. She was an utter stranger, wielding his Lady's miraculous and acting as if it was nothing. He should have snatched the earrings from her ears the moment the opportunity presented itself. He wanted nothing more than to fight alongside Ladybug again, to hear her laughter, even to be scolded by her once more. His hateful thoughts were interrupted by a loud sob, and he looked over to see Alya collapsed in tears.

"I-I can't do this, I can't be here!" She wailed, ripping herself away from Nino's grasp as she ran out of the room.

Adrien's heart clenched. He shared a look with Nino, who nodded at him sadly.

He walked the halls until he heard faint sniffles coming from the women's bathroom. Adrien knocked on the door lightly, not wanting to startle Alya. After a few moments, she unlocked the door and peeked out. Her eyes were red and puffy, her face streaked with tears. She looked at him with a mixture of guilt and sorrow.

"Are you okay?" Adrien asked quietly, a worried look etched into his face. He held out a hand to her, silently offering her support.

Alya sniffled, wiping her nose on the back of her hand, and shook her head. "It's a-all my fault..." She mumbled, burying her face in her hands.

Adrien pried her hands away and held her gently by the shoulders. "Alya, you need to stop blaming yourself. You had nothing to do with this." He sighed, guilt prickling at his own chest. "We all wish we could have done something, but Marinette wouldn't have wanted us to be in pain like this. She'd want us to remember the good times. What could you have done to cause this, you were a great friend to her!"

The girl slid down into a seated position, avoiding Adrien's gaze. "No, I wasn't."

He crouched next to her, waiting for her to continue. When she didn't, he rubbed her back comfortingly. "What do you mean, Als?"

Suddenly, Alya looked at him, tears welled up in her eyes. "I... The day that Mari... passed, I told her I couldn't be friends with her anymore. That she made me look bad because no one trusted her." Her voice broke, and she let out a choked sob. "I-I never thought she'd do this, Adrien, I'm sorry!"

Adrien's smile slowly fell as Alya revealed what she'd done. By the end of her sentence, Adrien stared at her in disgust.

"You did that?" he asked, his voice trembling with anger. "You're the person she trusted the most, you were all she had other than me and Nino... You're right, you shouldn't be here."

Alya's face crumpled at his words, and she buried her face in her hands, sobbing even harder. "I'm so sorry, Adrien. I didn't mean it, I-I just-"

"You just what?" Adrien interrupted. "What, you wanted to fit in? To join all the people who left Marinette over some stupid lies from Lila?" He stood up, his anger pushing him to pace the floor. "Well, you know what? You're just like them. You're no better- you're worse! You were supposed to be her friend!"

Alya flinched at his words, but Adrien couldn't stop. "You should have been there for her. You should have stood up for her, like she would've done for you. She trusted you, Alya! She trusted you more than anyone! And you threw that away!"

Adrien took a deep breath to compose himself. "If it wasn't clear, you and I aren't friends anymore either." He turned his back to Alya, not wanting to see the pain in her eyes anymore and went back to the funeral, stepping up to the microphone.

"I just want to say a few words about Marinette," he said, looking around the room of people who'd abandoned her.

"Marinette was a wonderful, kind-hearted girl. She was brave, and she had a heart of gold. She was always there for her friends, always ready to lend a hand, always ready to listen. She was the type of person who made everyone feel special, just by being herself. And even though she's gone now, her spirit will live on in all of us. We'll never forget her smile, her laughter, her love. We'll carry it with us forever, and we'll make sure that the world knows what an amazing person she was."

Adrien locked eyes with Tom and Sabine, their chins quivered as they tried to hold back their tears. When he stepped away from the microphone, Tom enveloped Adrien into a bone crushing hug, squeezing him tight. They stay like that for a moment, before Tom releases him.

"We know how much our little girl loved you, we want you to know that our doors are always open for you, son." Tom said, his voice cracking. "And if you ever need someone to talk to, or just... someone to be there for you, you know where to find us."

Adrien nodded, wiping a tear from his eye. "Thanks, M. Dupain-Cheng. I appreciate that." He turned to Sabine. "And thank you, too. For everything."

"Tom," the man said. "Call me Tom."

Adrien just nodded again, feeling a little overwhelmed by their kindness. He soon found Luka, who'd been talking to some of Marinette's other friends. The two of them exchanged hugs, and then Luka pulled away, wiping a tear from his eye.

"That was a really good speech you gave, Adrien," Luka said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You really put into words how Marinette would've wanted to be remembered."

Adrien smiled a bit, feeling a little more composed. "Thanks, Luka. It's just... I wish she could've been here to hear it."

The next day, Adrien woke up early, his heart still heavy with grief. He went through the motions of getting ready for school, but everything felt strange and off. He couldn't believe that Marinette was really gone. He kept expecting to see her come around the corner as he walked the halls of school, her cheeks flushed and a wild grin on her face.

At lunchtime, he found himself sitting alone in the courtyard, staring off into space, lost in his thoughts. He couldn't bring himself to eat anything, even when his classmates tried to get him to join them. His mind kept wandering back to the last time he'd seen her, the last time they'd talked. He wished he could have said something different, done something more.

When a sudden crash echoed through the streets of Paris, his stomach dropped. He dreaded akumas now that Marinette was gone. Without his Lady, there was no point in trying to win.

Even so, he pushed himself to his feet, and scrambled for a place to transform.

The villain was powerful, their powers unlike anything Chat Noir had faced before. They were fast, agile, and seemed to have the ability to control the very air around them with their sword. Chat Noir struggled to keep up as they bounded through the city streets, causing chaos and destruction wherever they went. The citizens of Paris cowered in fear, ducking into alleyways and hiding behind whatever cover they could find.

Scarabella was late- again. Chat Noir was beginning to think she was purposely trying to make him wait. Then, of course, she zips into view, landing on a nearby rooftop with a flourish. "Sorry, Chat," she calls down, her voice tinged with amusement. "I hope you weren't worried about me."

"As if," Chat Noir mumbled under his breath, rolling his eyes. "Ladybug was almost never late..."

Chat grunted as he vaulted onto the rooftop, now crouching next to Scarabella. He eyed the jewels in her ears, glinting in the sunlight, and sighed heavily. She raised an eyebrow at him, but said nothing. They both knew what they had to do. The city was depending on them.

The heroes fought tirelessly, their movements in perfect sync. Chat Noir leapt through the air, his baton flashing as he struck at the villain, who easily dodged each attack. Scarabella, on the other hand, was more of a support character, using her agility and speed to distract the enemy and create an opening for Chat Noir to strike. They moved as one, and as much as Chat hated to admit it, she was doing well.

The realization hit Chat Noir like a truck, and anger simmered deep inside of him. In an unlucky twist of fate, the villain got the upper hand, sending Scarabella flying across the rooftops with a powerful blow. Before Chat Noir could react, the villain was upon him, their eyes narrowing as they prepared to strike once more.

He quickly leapt forward, rolling to avoid another blow. His heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to catch his breath. The villain was too fast, too powerful. He had to find a way to turn the tide of the battle. Looking around frantically, Chat Noir spotted Scarabella, still lying motionless on the rooftop.

This was his chance. Chat Noir sprinted away from the villain, all of his attention focused on the spotted earrings Scarabella wore.

He leapt onto the rooftop, landing next to her. Her eyes fluttered open, and she let out a weak groan. "Chat?" she murmured.

He hesitated, his hand reaching out to brush the hair from her forehead, before slinking down to her ears. His fingers closed around the studs, and with a swift motion, Scarabella shot up, sending a kick to his abdomen.

"What do you think you're doing?" she hissed, her eyes blazing with anger. She covered her miraculous defensively, ready to spring into action at any moment.

Chat Noir clutched his side, gasping for breath as he stared up at Scarabella, surprise and faux hurt flashing through him. "I... I was just trying to help," he managed to get out between ragged breaths. "I thought you were in trouble." he lied.

Scarabella narrowed her eyes, still ready to pounce. "You could've just asked me if I was okay instead of trying to steal my earrings," she snapped, her voice laced with suspicion.

The villain had caught up to them now, and was closing in fast. Chat and Scarabella exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with determination. They knew they had to work together if they were going to defeat him. As the villain drew near, Chat Noir leapt into action, using his staff to block the villain's attacks while Scarabella circled around him, her agile movements making it difficult for the enemy to land a solid hit.

"Any idea where the akuma's at?" Scarabella shouted as she dodged another of the villain's attacks. The villain was quick, his movements fluid and precise as he swung his blade at them.

"That sword he's holding looks mighty similar to a pen!" Chat shouted back. "Oh, the puns are still strong..." he muttered to himself, feeling a bit proud.

The two regrouped for a moment to catch their breath, taking in the chaos that had ensued. They had barely escaped the clutches of the villain, and now they needed to find a way to put an end to his reign of terror. Chat Noir glanced at Scarabella, noticing the slight tremor in her hand as she gripped her yo-yo. She called upon her lucky charm- an entire encyclopedia.

"Woah!" she gasped as the book fell into her hands. "What the fuck do I do with this?!" Scarabella exclaimed, looking around frantically. The villain was still close by, his sword at the ready. Chat Noir glanced at the book, then to the villain, who'd began charging at them.

"I'd think of something quick, cause he's getting closer!" Chat Noir yelled, his heart pounding in his chest as he braced for the next attack. He glanced around frantically, searching for anything that could help them defeat the villain.

Before the villain could strike, Scarabella muttered a 'fuck it' under her breath (heard by Chat) and swung the encyclopedia at his head, landing a devastating blow to his cranium. With a pained grunt, the villain stumbled backward, releasing his grip on his weapon.

"Chat, now!" Scarabella yelled, commanding Chat Noir to use his cataclysm to destroy the akumatized object.

Chat Noir growled, but obliged, summoning the dark, destructive energy into the palm of his hand. He lunged towards the sword, scratching the handle. Chat watched as it crumbled into dust, leaving a tainted butterfly trying to escape.

Scarabella purified the insect, allowing it to roam free. Chat Noir couldn't help but feel enraged as he heard her say Ladybug's phrase. A beep from his miraculous reminded him to get out of there before she could confront him about his actions.

As he walked back to school having destransformed along the way, he felt a pang of shame hit him. What was he thinking, trying to steal her miraculous? No, he had to. It was for the greater good to have Ladybug back!

He was no better than Hawkmoth.

No! This was for her, for Marinette! His Lady!

But what would she think of this? Would Marinette want this?

Adrien found himself in the bathroom, staring into his own green eyes. The bags under them had only gotten darker since she left him. Plagg hovered next to him in the mirror, a look of worry on his little face.

"It's a dark road you're about to go down, Kid..." Plagg muttered, shaking his little head. "You know you can't undo this. Once you take her miraculous... Well, it's not like you can just give it back. You're playing with fate now, and fate has a funny way of turning on you."

Adrien let out an almost growl-like sigh, gripping the porcelain sink.

"I know, Plagg. I know. But I can't let her go. I can't..." He trailed off, staring at his reflection with a haunted expression. "I have to do this. For her. For us."

That night, Adrien laid in his bed wearing Marinette's hoodie, pulling the side of the hood to his nose every once in a while, as he scrolled various social medias. He loved to stare at her pretty face at night, he'd memorize every freckle on her perfect nose before going to sleep. He wished he could tell her how much he missed her, how he needed her. But he couldn't. Not until he fixed things.

He decided to visit the Ladyblog, Alya's website. He hadn't looked at it for a while now, not since that Scarabella took over. He looked for any information on her that he could, with no luck, typical.

Adrien sighed. "I guess I'll just have to find her myself, won't I, Plagg?"

[mysticraven20]

Chapter Six: Reverse Crush

@adrinetteapril

Excerpt:

It had been almost two weeks since it started with Elise, and even though they were meeting up to be ‘papped’ frequently, she hadn’t even attempted to flirt with him since the evening at The Ivy. Instead, she’d been quizzing him about his girlfriend and asking to see pictures – it was a good job his phone was full of them.

She truly believed it, always fawning about how perfect they looked together, like they were made for each other… Where had he heard that before? Cue the eyeroll.

Marinette was still going out on her dates, and he had yet to inform her of the faux pas he’d got them both into. Luckily, it wasn’t like Elise and Marinette were ever going to meet, so he had no real problems at the moment, except the huge one he was about to come face-to-face with.

Lana had summoned both him and Elise to meet her at The Shard for cocktails and a briefing. What she wanted to brief him about was anyone’s guess. Pulling his hat further down on his head, he continued to walk in the direction of the hotel. He just hoped he wouldn’t have awful hat hair by the time he arrived.

He stepped through the door and was met by a doorman asking him where he was heading to. The look on his face said he was ready to throw him out at any moment. No baseball caps allowed.

Adrien stretched up and removed the hat from his head, the doorman almost going into shock at Adrien’s appearance. “Mr. Agreste, it’s a pleasure to meet you! I’m a big fan.”

Adrien smiled with a nod, not an uncommon meeting. “Thank you, it’s always great to meet a fan. Could you direct me to the ‘Aqua Shard’?”

The man almost skidded over on the shiny marble floors as he led Adrien to the lifts and pressed the buttons for him, saying a goodbye and waving all the way until the doors closed. Breathing out a sigh of relief when he was alone in the elevator, Adrien removed his phone from his pocket and pulled up the guys’ group.

Continue reading here

[decent0distraction]

Oof, ok

I just did a deep dive analysis regarding the What If of Marinette had the Cat Miraculous and Adrien had the Ladybug Miraculous

And oh my god is it tragic

But first, a breakdown:

Marinette fits best with the Ladybug Miraculous because being Ladybug made her confident of her choices; her leadership; her own desires and dreams

Ladybug opened the door but Marinette walked through it. The girl at the beginning (Origins) versus the girl we see now (most recent episodes) are two very different people.

I’m not trying to say that Marinette isn’t an anxious, insecure person anymore; it doesn’t work that way. But I think being Ladybug has proven to her that she’s stronger than she thinks.

As for Adrien, who has had no freedom or basic autonomy, suddenly has a way to be what he could never be as himself. I truly believe that becoming Chat Noir saved his life.

He was already pretty brave and outspoken beforehand (going to school without permission; standing up for what he believes in) but the common denominator in crushing that spirit was his father and his desire to be what his parents wanted him to be.

But I think Chat Noir showed him that he could be so much more; he could be his own person.

Adrien needed Chat Noir - more than Marinette needed Ladybug.

So when they’re switched from the beginning (as if they were given the other Miraculous instead of accidentally switching them in Reflekdoll), the results are less than ideal.

But let’s slow it down.

First up, Marinette as Lady Noire.

Origins!Marinette in this universe would be, as I imagine, prone to bad luck but somehow always manages her way out of it. “The luckiest unlucky girl in town” kind of thing. She’s clumsy but lands on her feet (quite literally) and catches what she knocks over. She’s agile and quick but she’s very nervous and jumpy.

She still saves Fu from the oncoming traffic, but while rushing to school to avoid being late, never once letting up on her speed and dexterity, impressing Fu with her skill but also her attention to detail, checking to be sure the old man was alright before leaving him.

In this universe, her clumsy luck provides a humble, hesitant confidence; the type of confidence that keeps you quiet until you have a reason to speak up.

So when she’s bullied or intimidated, she doesn’t accept it. Instead, she ignores it, enraging Lila

(Lila in this universe being the bully will make sense when I talk about how Chloe and Hawkmoth are different in this universe)

Anyway, Lady Noire is everything Marinette is but amplified. Plagg sees both her confidence and her intelligence and finds it incredibly impressive. So the gift he gives her (instead of gifting Adrien the freedom to be something he isn’t) is the freedom to be something she’s always been but couldn’t see

She’s funny and cunning; witty and quick. She can also be aloof and deceitful; cautious and manipulative.

Next; Adrien as Mister Bug

The holder of the Ladybug Miraculous is creative, caring, and careful.

This version of Adrien is more than his parents could have ever hoped for and this concerns Gabriel very much.

He sees his son make his schedule; handle meetings and difficult clients; all so Gabriel has less on his already too full plate.

They have many arguments about this; how the father should be the father and the child should be-

-But the father works too hard and makes himself sick-

-So that warrants the son making himself sick too?

No, but what good is a father if he dies just like Maman-!

…

You get the idea.

Adrien in this universe wears each responsibility and burden wonderfully well.

He wants to go to school - of course he would love it, but he’s needed at home.

But when his father insists, to try to give him an inch of normal, he goes anyway.

He meets his childhood friend Chloe again for the first time in years; since before his mom got sick.

She looks different now; older. She looks more a lonesome queen rather than a student.

They share tired smiles, vaguely aware of what the other one is going through, but aware enough.

He meets Nino and a girl named Marinette and her friend Alya.

And it isn’t until he has to leave early due to his schedule that he sees Fu fall outside the school.

He rushes to his aid, ignoring his busy life to help someone else’s.

Fu sees the leadership and thoughtfulness this boy has and knows what to do with this observation.

Like Marinette in canon, he isn’t nearly as eager to accept being a superhero as his counterpart.

But Tikki offers him an outlet; a calling.

And Adrien, ever helpful and kind, accepts.

Mister Bug is calculated and thinks before acting; a trait that Lady Noire finds incredibly boring.

But no one has ever made him laugh as much as she does.

Now onto Chloe.

Since Adrien was never the sheltered, overprotected model like he is in canon, Chloe didn’t have the access to such a carefree life as she did in canon.

Instead, her mother uses her to show off her designs; demanding what outfits she wears and what events and dinners she presents herself to. All the while, Chloe cares for her ailing father, who is making all the wrong decisions as mayor.

Her parents’ actions alone create enough turmoil and chaos for Hawkmoth to akumatize people.

Fu, knowing a hero needs to be found and that the Cat and Ladybug Miraculous are not ready to have holders again, he searches for a holder for the Bee Miraculous.

Spotting Chloe outside a local bakery, he watches her give her fresh purchase to a homeless man.

He doesn’t test her right away, as he has to be sure.

But on his way to leave without her noticing, he trips and falls, injuring his knee.

Chloe notices and insists on calling for help, respectfully shooting down his claims that he was fine enough to walk. (He wasn’t.)

And as he’s taken to the hospital, Pollen sneaks into Chloe’s bag.

Almost a year later, a full year after Emilie’s passing, Chloe is secretly Queen Bee.

She knows Fu is choosing two new holders, but she can’t know who.

She doesn’t say anything, but she secretly hopes it isn’t Adrien. He doesn’t deserve anything more to worry about; certainly not the safety of an entire city.

In this universe, Chloe is kind but isn’t afraid to sting. When Adrien arrives to class, the other students swarm him, overwhelming him with their shouting and excitement.

She sees her friend drowning and commands that everyone return to their seats and wait for class to begin.

Everyone obeys her, her regality hard to ignore.

And… Lila.

Ugh. Ok.

So this one goes hand in hand with Hawkmoth. Er, Gabriel. Both.

Anyway, Gabriel loses his wife. His son becomes a depressed and anxious mess desperately to keep his father alive so he picks up half the work load. Gabriel becomes desperate too; desperate for things to be as they were before.

But he needs turmoil and hatred for his butterflies to stir up chaos. So he hires Lila, a young, ambitious aspiring actress.

The twist? She blames Queen Bee and all and any other superheroes for everything and anything. Why? Who knows? Maybe she doesn’t even know. Like when you press on a bruise knowing it’ll hurt, only to do it again.

She bullies just to hurt; she loves just to hurt; she does her job and she does it well.

And that’s all I have for right now.

But here’s a snippet of this AU that I wrote:

Adrien woke up to his alarm blaring, one hand emerging out from under the covers to turn it off.

He sighed into his pillow, wanting desperately to sleep in. However, he knew that it was better to get up, as it was the closest he’d probably either get to the same routine as anyone else his age, all of them getting up to prepare for their school day.

But for Adrien, he was homeschooled by his father’s personal assistant Nathalie, kept on a tight schedule to ensure his safety.

His father refused to tell him why he was so protective, insisting that as his father, he knew what was best.

The only time he did leave their mansion was when his bodyguard and driver took him to photo shoots as a model for his father’s fashion company.

Despite his father’s insistence on the security and overprotection that’s turned Adrien’s house into his tomb, he refused to lose hope.

“Today will be the day,” he told his reflection.

Clean and dressed, he went downstairs for breakfast. He had hoped his father would be there, but he wasn’t surprised to see the only other chair in the dining room empty.

“Is my father still working,” he asked Nathalie.

“No, Adrien. I’m afraid most of your father’s time was kept by meetings about his upcoming collection. And by the time he returned home, he still needed to piece together his plans for the finishing touches on this weekend’s photoshoot. He didn’t get to retire for the night until after midnight, so he’s still asleep.”

“I understand. Will you make sure he doesn’t overwork himself today for me, please, Nathalie?”

“Yes, Adrien. I’ll do everything I can.”

He smiled at her. “Thank you. Is there anything I need to know about the photoshoot now or do we have some time before the weekend?”

She checked her calendar. “Hmm, well, it’s only Wednesday, so I see no reason as to why we can’t hold off until Friday. The magazine editor is superstitious. He’s requested that none of the models involved wear blue the day before or of the shoot.”

“Then I’ll have to be sure he’s comfortable enough to allow the shoot to proceed as planned. My father doesn’t need to worry about a reschedule or any other upsets. I’ll be taking advantage of social media to provide proof that the shoot’s main model is respectful of the editor’s concerns.”

She made a note on her tablet. “Very well. Would you like me to inform your father?”

“Only when he isn’t distracted, Nathalie. And it can definitely wait until after he’s eaten.”

Adrien finished his own breakfast before standing. “I’ll be preparing the music room for my piano lesson myself today. After that, I’ll arrange the sitting room for my Mandarin lessons. This is very important, Nathalie. Unless my father tells you otherwise or it’s entirely necessary, I need you to stay with him. I know he’s capable of taking care of himself, but we both know he neglects a lot of it when he gets as busy as he’s been.”

“Of course. I’ll tend to him however I can.”

“Have you mentioned to him what we discussed?”

“I have. And he isn’t entirely pleased with the idea of you having to worry about his responsibilities for him.”

He sighed. “I’m going to worry either way. At least with a little less off of his shoulders, we can all sleep easier.”

“I understand, Adrien. I really do. But you’re only 14. You should be attending school; spending time with other children-“

He hugged her, catching her off guard. “I appreciate your concern, Nathalie. But if this is how I’ll be spending my time, I’ll be spending it helping my father. I can’t lose him too.”

She hugged him back. “I know.”

“I miss her.”

She smiled at me. “She’s with you. She’s all around you, even though you can’t see her. She’s this very house. That’s why your father cherishes it, and why you must too.”

He took terrible comfort in that. “Thank you.”

-

About an hour after his Mandarin teacher left, his father called him into his study.

“Is everything okay, Father,” he asked calmly, despite his concern.

“Yes, of course, Adrien. Why would anything be the matter?”

He got closer to his father, who sat at his desk. “I know about last night. Are you trying to get sick?”

“Adrien-“

“-You’re always so concerned about me, but you never stop to think about yourself. Do you have any idea what that does to me? To always be worried about you? My father; my parent?”

“I know. And I’m truly sorry for concerning you.”

Adrien calmed himself down almost immediately. “No, I’m sorry for getting upset. I know you’re doing your best. Did Nathalie inform you that I’ve already worked out how to handle the editor?”

“Yes. And I’m proud of you; you show so much initiative. However, you’ve seem to forgotten your youth. I’ve been thinking that given your old friend Chloe will be attending the local high school, that you might attend as well.”

Adrien felt sick; he wanted this for so long but it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

“I’m needed here,” he said firmly.

“No, Adrien. You need to think of yourself. It will only be for 6 hours 3 days a week, as you won’t be attending a Physical Education class nor a study program during school hours. And given your current schedule that only be slightly adjusted despite Nathalie’s best efforts, the 3 days you’ll be attending will be in the middle of the week. Doesn’t that sound acceptable?”

He looked his father in the eyes. “And you’re sure you’ll be alright without here to take on the press or your portfolios? I’ll still be having my piano and Mandarin lessons so even on those two days that I’ll be here, I won’t have much time. Hmm, and we’ll have to reserve the weekends for photoshoots. Maybe Chloe’s mom can pull a few strings to let us stack shoots.”

“Adrien!” His father held his shoulders. “Do you hear yourself? You don’t have to worry about any of that. Nathalie has already rearranged your schedules. If you truly don’t want to attend school, you don’t have to. But you’ll have to attend some sort of consistent event with your peers.”

He made his father sit back down. “Of course I want to attend school. But not if it means neglecting my responsibilities.” He turned to Nathalie. “Show me the update agenda for the next three weeks.”

She didn’t exactly that.

“Very well,” he decided. “I’ll do it.”

-

Marinette woke up to her alarm having reset itself, her mother calling for her to wake up or she’ll be late.

Rushing down the stairs, she began to prepare her breakfast, distracted by her nerves.

In the process, she started a chain reaction in which everything started to knock over, catching things and setting them upright before anything could break or end up on the floor.

On her way out, her father showed her the box of macarons she intended to bring to her class, adorned with the design she drew as her parents’ bakery’s logo. She tripped over her own feet and knocked into him, the macarons having gone flying if she hadn’t caught them.

As she caught them, she spun around, walking backwards as she waved goodbye and out the door.

She knew herself as the most self sustaining klutz in the world, always tripping or falling but always catching herself or landing on her feet, like an unlucky cat.

While waiting to cross the street, she saw an old man walking into oncoming traffic. Whilst still holding the box of macarons, she darted across the street and dodged the moving cars, getting the man safely across.

“Thank you very much, young lady,” he said.

She smiled at him. “You’re welcome, sir. Are you alright?”

“Yes, thank you.”

She offered him a macaron, which he complimented.

She startled when she realized the time. “Oh! I have to go or I’ll be late! Excuse me, sir!” She bowed to him before running away, dodging another set of cars and jumping stairs and railings until she just barely made it to her seat on time.

She didn’t much time to catch her breath however before Chloe Bougeious approached her.

“I’m very sorry, Marinette, but I’m afraid you’ll have to sit somewhere else,” she said firmly.

Marinette sat up. “Really? Why?”

Chloe glanced at the door, unsure of herself for a second and a second only before that monarch like confidence came back. “A new student, a friend of mine, is starting today and while it’s not entirely my information to share, I will tell you that he’s my responsibility.”

She stood up. “Oh, I understand. But um, where am I supposed to…?”

Chloe hummed in thought, looking around for a fair and decent spot. Her friend Sabrina tapped her shoulder and pointed at the seat next to a girl none of them recognized. Chloe smiled. “How about her? She’s new too. And it’s right up front, even better than this one.”

Marinette thanked her and sat down next to the girl, who introduced herself as Alya.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Marinette.”

“Hello, Marinette. I am sorry if I sound strange. I am still learning French.”

Marinette understood. “American?”

Alya nodded.

“I can help you, if you want.”

She agreed and they worked on it together until the bell.

Watching them, Chloe smiled knowingly. She was distracted when the teacher told Nino, always wearing headphones, to sit up front instead this year.

Chloe watched him, wondering something while she listened to Sabrina talk about her new favorite book.

-

I had a panic attack this morning. I haven’t had a panic attack since I was little.

Why am I acting like this? I’ve wanted this for so long.

“Adrien?” Nathalie has been trying to get my attention.

“Yes, sorry, Nathalie. What is it?”

“We’re here.”

I stared out the window at the school.

“Thank you,” I said to my driver, who looked as worried as Nathalie.

She got out with me. “Adrien, are you sure you want to do this?”

I faced her. “I am. Why? Do you think I shouldn’t?”

“It’s not that.” She cleared her throat, looking uncomfortable.

I heard something behind me and turned to see an old man had fallen down.

“Are you alright,” I asked as I ran to help him up.

“Oh, yes. Just an old man uneasy on his feet.”

I glanced back at the car. “Would you like my driver to take you somewhere? We could call someone for you.”

He patted my hand. “Oh, no, that’s quite alright. I’ve just seemed to have lost my cane.”

I looked around for him and found it had slide a few feet away from him. I retrieved it. “Is this it, sir?”

“Yes! Thank you, young man.”

I watched him leave, still concerned for him.

I returned to Nathalie. “I’m sorry, Nathalie. You were saying?”

She smiled. “Just to wish you a good day at school.”

I smiled back, not fully convinced but not about to pressure her. “Thank you. I’ll see you later.”

Once they were gone, I took a few deep breaths before finally entering the school.

-

I had been up since about 4 when my alarm went off. I turned it off quickly, but Pollen was already stirred awake by the sound.

“Sorry, Pollen,” I said. She yawned.

“Good morning, my queen.”

“Are you ready for today? We have to meet Master Wu before school.”

“Why do you even have to go to school,” she complained.

I rolled my eyes but smiled at her. “Because it’s just what’s done. And besides, my childhood friend Adrien is attending school for the first time and his father is worried for his safety. So I’ve been asked to look after him.”

I placed Wu’s letter in my bag. “And in case you’ve forgotten, Pollen, the chosen ones for Plagg and Tikki attend the same school as me and Adrien. Wu will be giving you their names today so I can help you give them their Miraculous.”

She flew around me nervously. “What about Hawk Moth?”

I sat down to address her fears. “If he tries anything, I’ll use the situation to excuse myself to safety and we can transform. But only if the Ladybug and Cat holders need the help.” I picked up her gently but addressed her firmly. “Now, Pollen, it’s very important that you do not tell me the identities of the holders. It’s what’s best for everyone’s safety.”

“Yes, my queen,” she said, bowing.

I tickled her, causing her to let out of the respectful but stiff position.

Pollen had to hide behind me when my mother let herself in.

“I brought you today’s selections. It is vital that you wear the entire piece or it’ll be for nothing,” she fussed.

“Okay, Mom,” I said, examining to the two sets of outfits and accessories that would later be on sale for the rest of the world. In the meantime, I would be her walking mannequin.

I chose the jacket and pants option over the skirt and sweater, both in a mix of yellow, gold, white, and black, my mother’s signature color scheme.

Despite her coldness towards me, I still had a much better situation than Adrien. If I could, I had him live with me. At least he wouldn’t have to model and spend all of his time worrying about his father and the family name.

But he would never leave that house or his father; it’s all he has left of his late mother.

“Your father has a state dinner tonight so either be here on time properly dressed in my latest design or don’t return until after 9.”

“I’ll make sure to call if I’ll be home late,” I promised, pretending she was concerned about my curfew like a normal parent.

She smiled and gave me a chased kiss on the forehead before leaving.

Once she was gone, Pollen checked on me. “Are you okay, my queen?”

I smiled at her, even though I was exhausted by my mother’s antics. “Of course, Pollen. Let’s get going.”

-

When I opened the classroom door, for two seconds, I was normal. But then everyone turned and stared, recognizing me almost immediately.

Almost all of them swarmed me, talking over each other.

I tried to be polite but I couldn’t make out what any of them were saying. The panic started swirling in my throat again.

“That is enough. Everyone, back off immediately.” I watched Chloe, my oldest and only friend, order everyone back to their seats.

She approached me. “Are you okay, Adrien? Take a deep breath,” she whispered.

I did as she said and it helped me calm down.

“You were almost late,” she said causally. “The teacher is still on her morning break so we have a little time. But she’ll be back shortly. You should sit down.”

“Where should I go?”

She gestured to the empty seat next to a boy with headphones on. “I’ll be in the seat directly behind you. If you need any help and you don’t feel comfortable asking Nino there, you can always come to me.”

All of our lives. “Thank you, Chloe. I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”

She nodded. “Anytime.”

As soon as I was sitting, Nino introduced himself.

“Hi,” I said back, still a little nervous. “I’m Adrien.”

I expected him to tell me that he already knew who I was. “Nice to meet you, Adrien.”

[intercoursefluids]

WDIB Chapter 21

Marinette was watching out of the cracked bathroom door, waiting for Adrien to walk past so she could drag him inside.

They needed to talk.

In private.

Soon.

If only he would walk away from that Damian guy!

Seriously, Adrien finds out he has a brother and they are immediately attached at the hip.

She has a twin (that she didn’t know about-) and they weren’t that close to each other yet! Marinette was not upset that they were trying to bond already, but still! She needed to talk to him, in private, they needed to separate at some point.

Marinette watched Adrien happily accept a small portion of Damian’s meal to his plate. (After realizing how limited Adrien’s meal options had been before, his new brother seemed determined to introduce him to new options. Which was sweet.)

Marinette sighed, looking around the bathroom for anything she could use to catch his attention.

There was a small hand mirror on the counter, the lights from the vanity, and the crack in the doorway.

Marinette grabbed the mirror, angling it just so to catch the light, planting a little dot of it on the table next to Adrien.

Marinette wiggled the mirror back and forth, making the light dance in an attempt to catch Adrien’s attention subtly.

Unfortunately, it would seem Damian is far more observant than Adrien.

He spotted the dot of light, look over to Marinette who had frozen at being caught.

They stared at each other for a moment before Damian finally broke eye contact, leaning over to whisper in Adrien’s ear.

Adrien looked over almost immediately, excusing himself to the bathroom and calmly making his way over to her.

Marinette backed away from the door, letting Adrien inside and closing the door behind them both.

Immediately she whirled on Adrien, mild panic obvious in her wide eyes and the slight tremble in her voice.

“What’s the plan?” She hissed, leaning towards Adrien as she sent a furtive glance to the door.

Adrien placed his hands on Marinette’s shoulders, pushing her back slightly and leaning down to meet her eyes.

“Calm down. Take a breath.” He told her, pulling her forward into a hug and swaying them from side to side.

Marinette sighed, hugging him back tightly as she tried to relax.

There was no plan.

No plan set in stone at least.

Everyone was content on playing it by ear and Marinette was going a little crazy because of it.

As things were, she and Adrien would not be staying in Paris. She had been basically banished by Rolland and Gabriel had tried to kill Adrien. They couldn’t stay.

Their only other options were Gotham and Metropolis. Marinette’s biological family had come to get her, and they had a plan.

Rolland had made that plan go straight into the trash so there was, once again no plan.

They needed to find Gabriel and get him arrested. Find someone to take in Adrien or get him emancipated, but it seemed like that was fine because Bruce Wayne (?) was apparently his biological father and he seemed intent to take Adrien in but there was still all the legal work to make that happen.

There was also the matter of school and Hawkmoth and her own akumatization that she needed to deal with, but she really didn’t have the time to worry about them when there was so much else going on.

Honestly there was a lot of things Marinette needed to work through regarding herself and her situation but she just.

She couldn’t.

If she started thinking about it she would start spiraling and she couldn’t spiral right now. She needed to focus.

She needed a plan but no one had any-

“Marinette!” Adrien hissed, shaking her slightly.

He sounded fuzzy.

Like he was talking through TV static.

It hurt her head.

Marinette vaguely registered the bathroom door opening and two large figures shuffling into the crowded bathroom.

There was a hushed conversation and Marinette just barely caught Adrien talking about pressure before a large pair of arms pulled her into a firm hug.

They squeezed her tightly, rocking her side to side as she was enveloped in their arms.

Whoever was holding her was strong.

Stronger than her friends were.

It was honestly really nice.

No one could ever squeeze her tight enough but this?

This was good.

It was tight and crushing but exactly what she needed.

Marinette sighed, taking in shuddering breaths as she rested her head against the figure's chest, listening to the steady thumping of their heartbeat.

They loosened their hold and Marinette barely stopped herself from sobbing.

She didn’t want them to let go. They were holding her together and she knew that the second they let go she would fall apart.

She had been trying to hold herself together for so long and someone was finally doing it for her and she just, could not restart.

She reached out, burying her face in their shirt as she clung to them as tightly as she could.

The arms wrapped back around her immediately, going a step further and lifting her off the ground for a moment before depositing her back down in what she assumed was their lap.

Marinette curled up against them listening to their heartbeat and trying to convince hers to slow down enough to match it’s pace.

Come Find Me In The Maribat Discord!<3