#chloe is still the owner of the bee miraculous TO ME

[outofcontextfossil]

i think the best way to be a miraculous fan in the year of our lord 2023 is to not take anything seriously. there is no lore. everything from the season 3 finale and onward hasn't been real. the only stuff that has been canon to me now since then have been the crazy shit like tikki and plagg being eldritch horrors actually (???) and the shadow the hedgehog ladybug OC

[rachelsshowerthoughts]

Sent a response regarding the Aware AU stuff, I hope it was interesting, also had other Kwami thoughts.

Cos like, I love the substitute angle but I doubt that'd it sustainable long term once more Kwami start coming out.

Kagami is likely on lock for an early Kwami due to Marinette, meanwhile Chloe may need to get one by 'accident'.

I do love Queen Bee, though Benom is so low key over powered it can make fights vexing, but I also love Snake!Chloe & Tiger!Chloe.

The latter also fits given how similar but distinct one can make the Tiger Miraculous, especially if they get creative with it, or so I feel.

Roaar: Well now, you aren't who I was supposed to be with, & I'm not where I was supposed to be >:3c Chloe: I get the sense that isn't a problem for you. Roaar: No way, I'm Roaar, let's cause havoc!

Cue Chloe & Adrien showing up with supremely destructive Kwami and the tagline from that art piece, "Supreme Feline Violence!" as their new catchphrase.

so, first of all, I read that last line as "Sublime Feline Violence!" which . . . sounded odd until I reread it, but anyway!

So, one thing I meant before, about my problems with the Kwami, is I see a lot of problems with them as . . . well, kind of being the Order's fault? Like. The implication I keep getting, is that the Order BOUND the Kwami to their will, basically, which is why they have to do whatever their "owners" say. Like, just. I don’t know how to describe it properly, just.

Ok. Let's try this. The Kwami don’t read as "partners". They read closer to indentured servants. They aren’t allowed to do anything without asking their "owners" for permission. Gabriel can literally take Nooroo's speech capability away. Yes, maybe it’s convenient that the Kwami have NO IDEA about the power ups and stuff, as it means Gabe doesn’t know about it, but the implications . . . the Kwami aren’t allowed to know about magic that affects them, that CHANGES how they work (imagine this as a medical procedure you are REQUIRED TO HAVE, but aren’t allowed to know what someone will be doing to you). And the reason why is that they HAVE to answer their "masters". They CAN'T say no. Seriously, imagine the series with the only change being that the Kwami don't HAVE to answer questions. They can keep their own secrets and thoughts. How much shit gets solved if that happens?

Just . . . I don’t think I can explain properly how UNCOMFORTABLE the Kwami's situation makes me. Like, it feels like the only difference between Gabriel and the Order? Their goals. #FreeTheKwami

(Moving on, I'm not sure how coherent this is . . . )

I think the substitute angle would still be in play, but after the Big Conversation (not sure if you saw my take on that?), I feel like Marinette starts pushing a little more, and in my head, I see a compromise that looks odd from canon-view. Part of Fu's argument would, weirdly, be that the doubles are in danger, because the Miraculous are still primarily Adrien's and Marinette's. Like, Yes Chloé and Adrien spend maybe equal amount of time as Chat Noir, but the split is probably closer to 60-40 in Adrien's favour, with Chloé taking over the 40% he CAN'T get away without risking consequences with his dad. And Marinette, once she gets the go ahead, would split that even less, still primarily being Ladybug, with Kagami only taking over in the case of illness, or if Marinette REALLY can't leave without hurting someone (babysitting or similar comes to mind). So the rest of the time, Chloé and Kagami would be defenceless against Hawk Moth, should he figure them out or target them.

Marinette, of course, agrees. She does often have an easier time seeing things from Fu's point of view, especially because despite his hang ups, it isn’t like he's outright WRONG. The doubles ARE in danger without a way to protect themselves. Her solution? Hand the doubles a Miraculous of their own!

Yeah, this is where it gets loud.

Fu is STRIDENTLY against this. Oh no, no way, no how, absolutely NOT, Marinette, I expected better from you-! But Marinette stands her ground. She argues right back, and I think a combination of Fu seeing her more favourably, and Marinette making some very good points might sway him.

Having more Miraculous out is dangerous? Having the ones ALREADY out is dangerous, how much more danger are we talking here?

Fu doesn’t know who the doubles are? Well, Ladybug and Chat Noir don’t know who each other is, and that’s seen as a layer of security.

The doubles are defenceless? They don’t have to be!

Just this intense back and forth (Chloé and Adrien are watching this like a tennis match) before Marinette plays her trump card. Fu says he trusts her judgement. Well, Marinette trusts the Chats Noir, and her friend, Ladybird (Kagami's Ladybug handle? Not a major fan, i see it more as a combo name for Ladybug/Peacock, but I don’t currently have other ideas). More than that, the fights are clearly getting harder. They NEED back up. SHE needs back up. Back up she can TRUST.

eventually, Fu caves.

As to which Miraculous they get, I too love Queen Bee, but hear me out. Kagami gets the Bee (maybe can extend the trompo-top stinger into a fencing sabre?), and Chloé gets the Turtle. Yep, Fu gives up Wayzz. Why?

So Wayzz can SPY on this unknown Chat. Because while Fu trusts Ladybug, he still is wary of the second Chat Noir, this one he still doesn’t know. He knows who Adrien is, so he KNOWS he's an only child. The closest "sibling" he can see is Felix, who lives in London, no way he can get to Paris that fast. He also doesn’t suspect Chloé, because he's been taken in by her outward persona. But if Duchess Noire has Wayzz, then Fu can maybe figure her out. He knows the limitations of the Miraculous - if Duchess tells Wayzz "don’t tell anyone who I am", he won’t be able to tell Fu who she is. But he'll still have insight into how she works, what her morals are, if they can REALLY trust her. Plus, Fu knows Wayzz, they've been partners for CENTURIES. Fu knows not just how to fight with the Turtle, but how to fight against the Turtle. If this second Cat turns out to be bad news, the Turtle is the Miraculous Fu has the best chance against.

(Also, random sidenote: I discussed this with @princess-of-the-corner, cause she always makes the Tiger's thing Invisibility, and I was saying I'd sort of like it if the Tiger had both that AND Clout, so I think what we ended up with was the Tiger's thing is related to Confidence. High confidence, you get Clout, low confidence, you get Stealth. You CAN figure out how to access both, but it can take awhile. Cause, also, you know, a Tiger's whole THING is that it's camouflaged, invisible in its environment, until suddenly you get slammed with several pounds of muscle, teeth and claws.

Also, if you feel that Venom is too OP, I’d institute a time limit. Like, the five minutes you have until you detransform, that's how long Venom lasts? Something like that.

also-also, I see your Snake!Chloé, and raise you Snake!Nino. )

[baenyth]

Bethany's Bizarre Miraculous Reviews: Episodes 5-10 and 5-11: The Scarabella, Kitty Noire, and Butterfly Miraculous Two-Parter!

Honestly, I'm chilling with this. Zoe was relevant for, like, two episodes. I want her to have more character than just being the new holder of the Bee after Chloe was groomed and had a relapse. Also in general I'm tired of all this Marinette focus. Frankly, I think there should be hour-long Miraculous specials focusing on other side characters of the Miracucast. It can be called the [characters] hour and can have a cute title screen like this!

And when we finally get back to Marinette we get:

Anyways, on with the show.

Depression

title theme reference lmao

Aromantic Marinette

Even the 'not there' message is depressed!

She took down all the pics with no Adrien. Now there are only my favorites up there.

I'm still unsure about this. Marinette was only implied to have gotten over her stalking. What if she'll relapse with Adrien dating her?

Oh. They're partying.

Monarch, that's your son.

See? At least you have some standards.

Dramatic Irony but the party makes me want to deteriorate

Oh hey! Zoe's being sane!

Throw the ring once he's out of sight. Throw it.

Evil-ass smile. Guess he doesn't have as many standards as expected

Eh. Close enough.

And now the Kwamis are breaking up with the holders!

Damn, Monarch hit the jackpot!

Freedom

And yet she still cannot admit her love for Adrien.

And now they're planning. Alix died for this.

Oh, so they were going to go with Alya and Nino!

Yes! Sane Zoe!

Ah, that's the ring thrown!

Honestly, Zoe's already ready for this! Girl's smart! I'm starting to really like her!

Acting

Oh boy. They still trust the Alliance rings.

Wait, the second intro's still Alya? Couldn't we get a brand new intro one time like the Parallel Paris Special?

Honestly, I like the dynamic Scarabella and Kitty Noire have! It's bright and they both add in spice.

Foosball with myself

meta

Damn, even Alya's getting tired of this narrative.

Cheese

Chloe jumpscare

Oh hey! Chloe eats ice cream alongside sushi and bananas! Probably rarely!

New headcanon: Zoe has contemplated killing Chloe before. She came to the conclusion she wouldn't be able to get away with it.

Also doesn't Plagg just love stench in general? I know he doesn't like people mistreating owners nice to him but the point still stands.

Oh! Here it comes!

At least he's got style for himself.

Spy TF2

Oh boy. They made Chloe into a goofy Saturday morning cartoon villain.

Does anyone have any good classical allegories for what Marinette is going through? Sisyphus is about fixing a mess that keeps on spawning, maybe Tantalus? Marinette is being pressured to pursue Adrien, but can never reach him. And when she does, the apocalypse happens. Would the apocalypse happen if Tantalus finally grabbed the fruit or drank from the water?

I don't think even Chloe's VA wants to do this anymore.

The horror

Adrien and Marinette nearly got together, and the apocalypse is starting once more. Doomed relationship.

Yes! The battering ram! Countering invisibility! Rose elbow dropping Monarch! Get his ass!

So does the Resistance do anything past this special or was all this for nothing? Also I'm gonna go read a fic where Alya apparently calls out Marinette for stalking Adrien. It sounds good.

[cornholio4]

Scarlet Lady Au: Two Halves of Marinette’s Heart

Author’s Note: Based on Zoe-Oneesama's Tumblr comic Scarlet Lady which is my fave Ladybug fan content or tied along with LadyBugOut. Only there and the amnesiac Adrien in the episode Oblivion do I ship Adrienette. Also happy birthday to Zoe.

@zoe-oneesama

Marinette Dupain-Cheng was smiling as he was riding on the back of one of her boyfriends Luka Couffaine's bike as he had insisted on giving her a ride to school. He and Adrien Agreste had recently revealed their feelings to her and she was torn between them: the cute and nice Adrien and the cool but also dorky like her Luka. It was tough to think it through even after they had both assured her that they don't want to hurt their friendship with her no matter what she choose. It was Alya who stepped in after healing her dilemma had said that she can just date them both since she had two hands for the each of them. Luka and Adrien were fine with this as long as Marinette was happy and it was then their relationship happened over the weekend.

They had let their family know and they accepted it well: Anarka was quite over the top in her excitement, Marinette's parents and embarrassed her by saying that she had got them 2 sons in law; Juleka had likewise already claimed Marinette as her sister in law and Adrien's father... Marinette and Luka looked at him in sympathy when he just shook his head saying that he was too busy to get a chance to tell him. Marinette comforted him with a hug not really liking how her favourite designer was so cold to his own son. Pollen was more than happy about his Miraculous' owner's new relationship and said his queen deserved all the love that she gets.

Marinette kissed Luka on the cheek after she got off and Adrien was there to greet them as they posed together for a picture smiling which Juleka took with Adrien's photo. Luka and Adrien showed off their custom necklaces around their necks made by Marinette of two halves of a heart with "Marinette's heart" inscribed on them.

"Are you sure that you are ready for everyone to know about you three?" Juleka asked giving Adrien back his phone and they nodded without hesitation.

"I don't really care as much for father's opinion but he seems to like Marinette as an up and coming designer so I think he will give approval." Adrien said with a huffed voice which had them silent.

"I wouldn't want to hide being with Marinette at all; I would sing it with my soul." Luka said Adrien posted the picture on social media with the caption:

Me with Luka Couffaine and our amazing new girlfriend Marinette Dupain-Cheng!

They got in and as students saw the notice they began crowding Marinette and Adrien as they came in holding hands as they went to their classroom. There were students wanting to get a look at 2 3rds of the new couple as they heard the comments:

"Marinette scored herself with 2 cute guys!"

"Are you going to be modelling Marinette's designs now Adrien?"

"So are you going to be Marinette Dupain-Cheng-Agreste-Couffaine in the future?"

They ignored them and walked into class with Juleka not far behind them to see their excited classmates wanting to know the details.

"So Adrien, will you and Luka be fighting eachother to get the most out of Marinette's time?" Alix asked as Marinette glared at her while Rose was squealing about how romantic it was. Marinette was taken aback when she noticed Lila and Sabrina glaring at their direction while looking quite jealous.

She was shocked by this thinking that she was getting along with Lila and Sabrina was forming a good friendship with her while helping her start over from her toxic so called 'friendship' that she had with Chloe. Marinette's eyes widened when she noticed that Adrien went to get to his seat and their looks were going to his direction, so it was Adrien they were angry at?

"Can I please ask if Adrien has done something to anger you?" Marinette asked as they both shook their heads and there were laughter.

"Marinette, they are just jealous that Adrien and Luka got to you first!" Alya told her grinning as they ended up nodding slightly a bit embarrassed.

"You helped me be more truthful about myself and I still remember how in love that I felt when I heard you badmouth that terrible Scarlet Lady!" Lila said as Marinette was open mouthed wondering just could she possibly remember that since she was Volpina at the time. Marinette did remember that while she was telling the love struck Volpina that she hated Hawk Moth more than Scarlet Lady, that she a bit scared that Volpina was going to kidnap her as a bride for her comment alone.

"You've always been so nice to me Marinette and never held what I did for Chloe against me, even when I tried to steal your diary for her and lied my way into your room. You've been more of a friend to me than Chloe ever was and you are so amazing." Sabrina told her as Marinette didn't know what to say.

"I bet Luka and Adrien wouldn't mind if you wanted to date Marinette as well, if Marc is alright with Nathaniel wanting to go after Marinette as well." Rose suggested as Marinette, Sabrina, Lila and Nathaniel were now red in the face.

"Dupain-Cheng!" screamed an unwelcome voice as the entire class groaned in unison as they should have dreaded this reaction as Chloe came in looking angrier than they had ever saw her which was quite an accomplishment for her. "How dare you steal my Adrikins away from me! I could care less if you wanted to waste your time with that loser with the guitar as losers belong together, that do you think that I was going to sit back and let you keep them both for yourself when Adrien is mine!" Chloe thundered as the class glared at her.

"Watch what you say about Marinette or my brother!" Juleka said speaking up using courage that almost never comes to her.

"Adrien is not a prize to be won or yours to claim Chloe; it's his choice who he wants to be with!" Marinette told her as Chloe smirked getting out her phone.

"Managed to get a picture of your little notebook when you had it open and wasn't looking Dupain-Cheng." Chloe said showing off a drawing of a love heart around Chat Noir as Marinette was open mouthed at that picture being shown to the class and red in her face but while angry at Chloe, Adrien couldn't help but smile a bit at the picture. "So do you want to claim the mangy cat as well Dupain-Cheng with how pathetic you are?" Chloe snarked looking victorious but Adrien spoke up.

"Nothing wrong with having a celebrity crush Chloe, I have one on Marigold myself." Adrien said taking out his notebook and showing that it had a photo of the Bee heroine Marigold with a heart drawing around it as Marinette was redder in the face while Chloe was open mouthed.

"Nothing wrong with that dude, she is pretty much the best hero that Paris has now!" Nino said with everyone smiling and nodding in agreement besides Chloe and Marinette. Marigold has with her fighting tenacity, warm comforting words to Akuma victims after they were being freed and happy to help civilians in need made her a more popular hero. She had given interviews and how valued Chat Noir was as a partner and helped Paris realise how hard he had to fight against the Akumas.

"Excuse me but Scarlet Lady is by far Paris' best hero!" Chloe retorted by Alya got out her phone and showed the poll that the news station had made asking Paris citizens who they liked the best.

Marigold was in the lead followed by Chat Noir, Maotif the one time temporary Chat Noir was in 3rd place and in a very distant 4th place with barely 1% vote was Scarlet Lady. "Paris disagrees Chloe." Alya told her and Chloe was furious. People were being interviewed and the stories of people's interactions with Scarlet Lady were now circulating.

"Adrien, you can't seriously be okay with this! I'm your friend and we would be much better than stupid Dupain-Cheng!" Chloe told Adrien but he shook his head.

"'Were' your friend Chloe, 'were' as in we used to be and haven't really been friends for a long time but I am just making it official!" Adrien thundered and Chloe was open mouthed and this surprised the class. "Sorry Chloe, I have tried to give you some time to better yourself but you keep pulling these stunts while being a cruel bully to our classmates and treating me like a possession of yours. Calling my girlfriend and my new bro losers was me losing all patience and I can't pretend anymore. I am sorry Chloe but I can't be friends with you anymore, you are different from the friend that I used to have." Adrien said and Chloe furiously charged at Marinette.

Adrien caught her hand and glared at her hard before letting go, Chloe began ranting and shouting on the spot while kicking the desk and Ms Bustier had to tell her off and send her to the principal's office.

"Sorry about that Adrien..." Marinette said since as much bad blood as there was between her and Chloe, the bully did used to be a friend to Adrien.

"You have nothing to be sorry about, just keep being the girl that I love." Adrien told her and she smiled back.

Later in the week, after school they were at a park bench as Marinette was at Luka's lap and Adrien was in Marinette's as the three relaxed together. However they heard screaming and saw an Akuma attacking people in the streets.

Marinette jumped out of Luka's lap and helped Adrien up who was in a similar panic as her's. "Sorry guys, I hate to break up a perfect moment but... I have to get a cake to Nadja and I don't want to be earlier than I was last time since it didn't go so well..." Marinette said thinking on the spot.

"Don't worry... I just remembered an event that my dad would want me to be at..." Adrien said as they both ran off in separate directions.

Luka smiled as she dusted himself off and went home chuckling at them, after a few days of this did they really think that he would not pierce it together? No matter, this means that he could talk to Adrien about Marigold and bond over them crushing on her.

[mc-lukanette]

- Luka sees the bees coming and warns Marinette. Marinette pushes him, demanding that he get on his bike and go. Luka hesitates because she's basically asking him to leave her, but Marinette asks, "Do you trust me?" which Luka does and bikes away while she runs in the opposite direction.

- Meanwhile, Adrien and Kagami's kiss goes through. They both see the bees and, similar to Luka and Marinette, head off in different directions.

- Both Aqua Ladybug and Aqua Chat Noir re-find Luka and Kagami, then bring them into the water/have them jump in and give them the breathing apparatuses.

- They go to the battle taking place with Miracle Queen. The only difference in the Miracle Queen scene is that Luka and Kagami aren't there and Nino also looked up at Master Fu when he was told to get his miraculous, making his identity as Carapace obvious (that was always weird to me in the episode how Nino didn’t really do that).

- Ladybug still feels like this is all her fault. Luka and Kagami can't offer verbal help, but Chat helps and Luka+Kagami place reassuring hands on each of her shoulders.

- Ladybug devises a strategy. She pulls out the dragon, asking Kagami to help one more time because she has an idea.

- Cut to Miracle Queen. Out of nowhere, they hear, "WIND DRAGON!" and the bees are thrown a massive distance away. Miracle Queen clutches the Miracle Box for protection and we see the snake disappear from its slot. When everyone starts looking around, Miracle Queen notices that Max isn't Pegase anymore.

- Hawk Moth is shocked, then hears a sound coming from inside Fu's Shell-ter. Aqua Horse-Chat pokes his head through with a Cheshire grin. "Don't mind me. I'm just here to pick up my grandfather." Fu grabs Chat's hand and Chat pulls him inside.

- With everyone still in the water (Fu holding his breath), Ladybug gives Fu a hug and explains that they'll need Shell-ter since Ryu Kenshi (the new Ryuko, decked out in a new outfit to protect her identity: "kenshi" is the word for a practicer of kendo but it can also mean "swordsman"/”swordswoman”) can't use Wind Dragon again. However, Fu slips off the turtle bracelet and hands it over to Ladybug, metaphorically symbolizing the future transfer of guardianship.

- Everyone leaps out of the water, Chat carrying Fu. The aqua transformations drop. Luka transforms into Viperion. Ladybug feeds Wayzz with a macaron and has him unify with Tikki.

- They land on the battlefield. The bees charge forward and the butterfly sentimonster gets into the fray (due to no longer having Fu's shield to break into). Turtle Bug (that's apparently the naming theme so why should I bother? :P) smirks at Hawk Moth, then uses a combination of Shell-ter and ladybug to make a large pink shield that seems to have the spinning effect that the yoyo shield does, making it hard to peer inside.

- Hawk Moth shouts to get the guardian, Miracle Queen chiming in with, "YEAH, WHAT HE SAID."

- Fight ensues. It's Rena Rouge, Roi Singe, and the butterfly sentimonster (technically Nino and Max too but--well--you can imagine how useful that is) against Turtle Bug, Chat Noir, Viperion, and Ryu Kenshi. Fu is a distraction of sorts since the mind-controlled heroes want to get the guardian.

- It’s also the most even team Chat Noir will ever be on since he knows both Kagami and Luka’s hero identities, which is a nice bonus for him.

- Similar scenario happens to before (the set-up using Roi Singe), but there's more tension because one single part of the shield can't be opened like in the original. The shield is dropped, the bees charge forward, but Chat gets Roi Singe to throw the power-disruptor at Miracle Queen (who's been comically circling the shield this whole time, trying to figure out what's going on). The bees explode into confetti, Turtle Bug pulls Miracle Queen in, and Chat Cataclysms her object.

- (note that Miracle Queen could also have been participating in the fight provided that she can't summon her bee minions)

- Since she's already used Shell-ter and doesn't need it anymore, Turtle Bug dismisses Wayzz. Same happens as in the episode where Ladybug tries to convince Queen Bee not to be on Hawk Moth's side and Queen Bee, in response, starts throwing on miraculouses. Fu shouts at her not to do that, but she's not listening. The butterfly sentimonster (worn down from the fight but still able to move) tries to attack again, but Ladybug ties it up with her yoyo.

- Hawk Moth is confident with Queen Bee throwing on the miraculouses, but same thing happens where the kwami won't transform Chloe since she doesn't know their names. Fu makes a speech about how you can't get a miraculous you feel entitled to. Hawk Moth comments on how he's still going to win and force Fu to tell him the heroes' identities.

- Ladybug smiles, pointing up at him. "Really? Because Ryu Kenshi looks ready to fight you up there."

- Hawk Moth and Mayura turn around to see Ryu Kenshi (yeah, really should’ve thought about the whole “being on an unprotected roof when the superheroes can jump” thing), who's grinning at them. They pale and Ryu Kenshi uses Lightning Dragon to zap them, knocking them off the rooftop. The butterfly sentimonster reacts and frees itself from Ladybug's yoyo, catching the two and immediately flying off. Ryu Kenshi, angered by the retreat, starts to shout for Wind Dragon before remembering that she's already used it. She and Chat go off to see if they can catch the villains.

- Queen Bee tries to escape with the Miracle Box. Ladybug gets her with her yoyo and Queen Bee falls over, dropping the box. Master Fu walks over and picks it up gently, giving Queen Bee a critical look as Queen Bee rants about how the miraculouses are rightfully hers.

- "I'M Queen Bee, I'M the rightful owner of that box, and I--" Suddenly, the de-transformation light washes over her. She turns around, seeing Viperion holding the bee miraculous with a Did you seriously forget I was here? expression.

- Chloe is enraged, flipping out as she removes all the miraculouses and tosses them to the ground since she's surrounded now. Viperion and Fu are in the process of picking them up (absolutely ignoring her like this is just a typical Monday) while Chloe rants to Ladybug about how she betrayed her.

- Chloe leaves in a huff. Ryu Kenshi and Chat Noir return, disappointed that they couldn't catch Hawk Moth or Mayura. Ladybug uses Lucky Charm to prepare to use Miraculous Ladybug, summoning the key ring that she does in the original. Fu recognizes it and admits that, even though she may have made a mistake, she couldn’t have predicted Hawk Moth following her and he would've seen her identity had she gone to de-transform. He adds that this is also partly on him as well; he took far too long to start training "his protege" (being vague about who that is because the other heroes are here) and he clung to the Miracle Box because of it. Though, he adds solemnly that Hawk Moth has the tablet with the translated grimoire. Ladybug gasps, but Fu assures her that he still has his phone (the thing he used to take pictures of the grimoire pages in "The Collector"), and he can easily translate the pages over again since he's already done it once.

- Ladybug uses Miraculous Ladybug and everyone parts after Viperion and Ryu Kenshi give back the miraculouses. Fu stops Ladybug from leaving and simply states that it's time he pass on the guardianship to her. He hesitantly goes to recite the phrase, but Ladybug stops him and reminds him that he already changed the "dumb guardian rules" in order to teach her, so why can't they do that here? They then smile at each other and Fu hands over the box, promising to send Ladybug the translated grimoire over text.

- Fu still goes off with Marianne, the two promising to go back into hiding together just in case Hawk Moth thinks to go after them. Marinette is a little sad to see them go, but Fu assures her that she can call him if she needs anything. He also gives her the non-Lucky Charm version of the key, assuring her that everything she needs (like the thing he used to hide the Miracle Box in, though Marinette would repurpose/repaint it to fit her room and look stylish) is in the locker that the key fits into.

- Same scene with the ice cream happens, but while Luka still plays his song, Marinette is considering the stuff Fu wrote in the letter in the locker (it's still all philosophical and stuff even though no memory wipe ended up being needed) and Fu had noted that the burden Marinette carries is heavier than ever now and she shouldn't be afraid to rely on others should she need it (you know, like he should’ve).

- Finally, Marinette looks over to Luka and says, "Luka, do you remember what you said to me when you were--" She blushes lightly at the memory of them hugging. "--you know?" He nods, and she pauses before adding, "I do actually have something to tell you."

- The next scene is Marinette taking Luka into her room and revealing the location of the new Miracle Box, signifying that Luka is essentially Marinette's confidant now.

- Cut to Gabriel with the fixed peacock miraculous for tension and the episode ends.

[artxyra]

What if Damian and the miraculous class are friends and they have movie nights, but since Damian is in Gotham he sneaks out of the manor and portal via Max & Kalki to participate. The Fam get suspicious and try to figure out where Damian is going every week. When they find out he goes to Paris they try to follow him but the portal closes and they use the tubes instead. They end up crashing in on them watching a horror movie which freaks the class out. Insert yelling and things being thrown.

To: Demon From: Angel

Are we still on for movie night?

To: Angel From: Demon

Yes. Just need to get away from the family.

To: Demon From: Angel

😀

Marinette looks over smiling from her phone. Today is a good day. There were no akuma that needed Ladybug’s attention, nor had she broken up a fight between Max and Kim about the latest game. So yes, she was ecstatic to know this is how her day is going.

“Hey Mars, is Damian coming tonight?” Adrien asks seating next to her playing with a strand of his hair. Ever since he came out to her, their relationship has blossomed beyond a crush to a blooming brother-sister relationship. That and Luka were more than willing to take on the blonde without a second thought. She kind of feels bad for Juleka having to see Adrien on a near-daily basis and with her brother no doubt.

“Yup,” Marinette continues to smile, “I just received word that he’s good to go. All we need is for Kaalki and Max to open up a portal at the designated time.”

“Sweet, I hear that Kim was the one picking out this week’s movie. I hope it’s nothing horror-related.” Adrien pouts causing Marinette to laugh that the poor kitty’s face.

“I’m sure it’s nothing too crazy.” Marinette hopes that it was something simple to follow and an action pack rather than horror. She may love horror games but kwami be damn if she watches a horror movie in the dark that wasn’t comedic.

“It looks like break is almost over, we’ll continue you this later.” Adrien sends Marinette a comforting smile before jumping down into his assigned seat next to Nino. Alya and Nino just walked in holding hands.

“Hey, lovebirds, who’s ready for a night full of fun?” Alya greets the two causing them to roll their eyes at the nickname that no longer pertains to them.

“Hey Als, I should be asking you that instead.” Marinette lifts an eyebrow that accompanies her smirk. Nino and Alya’s faces turn red and they side glance each other. Marinette and Adrien laugh at the couple.

“After class, I’ll be giving a quick speech regarding tonight’s plans,” Marinette states pulling out her classwork and books for class. They all nod in understanding. Just then the rest of the class filed in with matching smiles and asking pertaining to tonight’s activities.

To: Angel From: Demon

Save me from the idiots that I call my brothers?

To: Demon From: Angel

Can’t love, I’m sure it not that bad.

To: Angel From: Demon

For some idiotic reason, they are watching me like a hawk today. I’m currently in the bathroom with the doors locked listening to them bicker outside.

To: Demon From: Angel

Yikes 😬. I’m sure it will die down before you’re required to leave.

To: Angel From: Demon

I doubt that.

To: Demon From: Angel

About that, why did we move our weekly movie night from Saturday to Friday?

To: Angel From: Demon

It’s a half-day at school.

Shit. Talk to you later.

Marinette places her phone down and slowly turns her attention to Mme. Bustier. The red-haired teacher tried to keep her students engaged with the content, but she was losing them faster than on average. Marinette turns to her classmates. Alix and Kim were trying to out strength each other, Juleka and Rose was trying to pay attention but the drooping in Rose’s eyes say otherwise, Sabrina and Chloe—well doing what they usually do—living in their own bubble, Nathaniel was sketching something down in his notebook while Max was pretending to take notes as Markov does it for him. Finally, Mylene and Ivan were also in their own world.

Hours seemed to past in Marinette’s mind before Mme. Bustier concluded today’s lesson. She was so caught up in watching the time that she didn’t realize that was sketching an outfit in her own notebook. Whoops.

“Marinette is there something you would like to add?” Mme. Bustier prompts sending the class’s designated designer a smile.

“Yes,” Marinette gets up from her seat and walks down to the podium. “Tonight is our weekly movie night instead of tomorrow. Do you remember what to bring? If not, please message me before the event. Remember that we are having this event at Chloe’s family’s hotel as it a makeshift theatre room.”

“Daddy says we can have the popcorn maker also.” Chloe interrupts. The class cheers at the thought of the infamous popcorn maker that was usually locked behind the hotel kitchen doors.

“Thank you, Bee, for that tidbit. Now, Max, you are to arrive at the bakery no later than six o’clock. The demon is having a half-day today and I’m ninety-nine percent sure that he’ll want to be here no later than that. Everyone else, you are free to do.” With that and a pretend gavel, Marinette dismisses the class to their next class for the day. 

For Damian, being at school felt like a blessing even if it was a half-day. His brothers have been hounding him all morning. It’s like they are looking for something that isn’t there. Damian’s emotions? Yeah right, they all know he only shows emotions to his beloved animals or animals in general. Damian had to double, triple check the security on his phones because who knows what Drake would find if he had access inside it.

For over six months, he had been going to Paris for movie nights with his beloved and her classmates. At first, he had done it through the zeta tubes but after gaining their trust just enough to be in on the Miraculous Team of Paris, his trips became a lot more frequent. He would make up an excuse about going to a classmate, or Jon’s, house for the night, or to work on a school project. He had gotten away with it for a while, but Tim was the first to notice the lie.

Tim and Conner were having their usually meet up when the Damian had told his family that he was spending time at Jon’s, something that was no unusual. All was fine and dandy until Jon came home with a Damian Wayne. Tim, well it was mainly Dick, had grilled into the young hero about Damian’s whereabouts. Jon either lied or literally had no idea. Which prompted the Batbros to start the search on Damian's weekly disappearance.

Everyone took the day off to “spend time” with Damian. They wanted to trap the teen inside the manor and watch his every movement. Like that isn’t an invasion of privacy or trust.

Alfred brought Damian to the manor around noon. This gives them enough time to hide any open-source of weaponry they could find or items that Damian could use against them in battle. That was a lot of items on the list. Dick inquired for Bruce to hold off on the tracking device as a last resort. He wanted to start everything out with a discussion, but Jason laughs that idea out the window as he cleans his guns.

“The young master is residing in his bedroom,” Alfred speaks walking down into the Batcave.

The Wayne family knew this was it.

To: Angel From: Demon

I’m ready.

To: Demon From: Angel

ETA in 5

Damian smirks at his phone. He loves his girlfriend and how quickly she can manage an entire group of classmates and plan a weekly movie night event.

He had packed his belonging that he usually brings with him when he does to Paris. Which isn’t much.

Four minutes.

Damian thought his ears were playing tricks on him, but they weren’t. He could hear the stampede of footsteps that were no doubt from his family members aside from Alfred. Alfred’s footsteps are like a ghost, you never hear them.

Three minutes.

“Hey little D, since you had a half-day today, why don’t you spend it with us,” Grayson asks the second his bedroom door swings open. Alfred the cat sends a glare to his owner’s family.

“Yeah, Demon spawn, we all took the day off to spend time with you,” Jason adds gas to the fire that was already burning intensely.

“Damian…” Not his father too.

Two minutes.

Damian doesn’t say a word. His eyes bounce from one person to the next and repeat. He didn’t know who to answer them. “Tt.” Was the only word? Sound? That had escaped his lips.

“You need to leave like now.” Damian refuses to have his family find out the very secret he had kept hidden for so long. His quick need for them leaving only pushes them to stay. Worried about various reasons from teen problems to joining the League of Assassins again. They didn’t want to take any chances.

One minute.

Damian could sense the user of the horse kwami becoming active. Soon a blue swirling portal opens up behind Damian. Damian looks at his family and side glances at the portal. The portal wins. The family of vigilantes runs to the portal only for it to close.

“Am I hallucinating or did that just happen?” Tim asks wiping the sleep away from his eyes.

“No, replacement, that really just happened.” Jason states. Tim nods in understanding.

“I’ll do track him down.” Dick sulks at the thought that Bruce was right.

It didn’t take long for the results to come in.

“Uh…so how the hell is the Demon in Paris, France of all places?” Jason shouts from behind his older brother and Bruce.

“The swirling portal thingy?” Tim states the obvious, but it sounded more like a question as he sits down and drinks a cup of coffee.

“Boys we’re going to Paris.”  Bruce states over his sons. From afar, Alfred sighs and goes to prepare the zeta tubes with the destination in mind.

“Uh, civvies or uniform?” Dick asks as they all start to make their way to the zeta tube. This was one of those questions that they linger on for a hot minute.

Before they knew it, Damian had gained an hour over his family.

“It doesn’t matter, we need to know where the little demon has been hiding all this time.” Jason screeches talking over to the zeta tube and teleporting to the location.

Bruce turns to the remainder of his sons who shrugged and follow suit.

Entering Paris, they were further from Damian’s location than anticipated. They follow the tracker with some interruptions. Dick wanted to buy something for Kori, Jason wanted food and Tim needed for coffee. After all that was done, they officially made it to the supposed location of Damian’s whereabouts.

“Why would the little demon at a hotel?”

“Hum, this coffee is really good,” Tim says before taking another sip.

“Boys, focus on the mission.”

“I am focus, Bruce.”

“I didn’t say you were, Dick.”

“Touché.” Dick rubs the back of his arm.  

They enter Le Grand Paris with tensions high and were surprised by how calm and relax the employees were. Jason swears this was just a hoax and they were torturing Damian behind one of these doors. An employee asks them if they are in need of anything. Bruce states that they were looking for his son.

“Is he friends with Chloe and her classmates?” The employee asks.

“Who?” Dick and Bruce ask simultaneously. Jason had dragged Tim off somewhere to look at some things.

The employee eyes the family skeptically.

“Well if he’s not friends with Mlle. Bourgeois, then I suggest heading to the police department and report a missing child.” The employee states before walking away. Bruce sighs and pulls out the tracking device. Damian is so close to them.

“We’re going to find him, right?”

“And drag the brat back to Gotham?”

Bruce in the direction that would be location, he gestures for his children to follow.

Damian was having a blast. In his arms, Marinette sat on his arm clinging to his shirt cursing Kim’s name throughout the film. Kim had chosen a horror movie for tonight’s showing and by kwami it was fantastic. There was no comedic relief, actual horror storytelling leaving the class on the edge of their seats.

Adrien was curled next to Marinette in Luka’s arms. He was also clinging to a body, a certain musician as if he was a frightened kitten.

Just as the MC was about to open the door to the attic, a series of figures jump from the ceiling. Screams in real-life match those within the movie. Popcorn, empty cartons of candy, soda drinks are thrown at the figures. A string of curses follows not long after that.

“Damian, tell your friends to stop.” He knows that voice from anywhere, it was Grayson’s voice. Marinette slides herself off himself.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” He screeches in English. Most of the class didn’t have a clue what was being said.

“We wanted to see where you were?”

“We thought you were kidnapped?”

“I just came for the scenery.”

Damian’s eyes twitch.

“That’s nice and all, but can you move? We’re trying to watch a movie here and you’re ruining it.” Chloe stands up demanding the bat-family to move. They all look to one another before subtly moving away from the screen.

Damian places a quick kiss on Marinette’s cheek and guides his family out of the room. He was not happy that they came in ruining his night with Marinette. Now he has to make up for it with something romantic, not that he’ll do it anyway.

“What made you believe that I was kidnapped?” He asks, the second they were out of the room.

“The portal thingy.”

“You not answering any of our questions.”

Damian breathes through his nose. “You’re all idiots.”

“Well movie night is a bust, but we all agree to stay here to continue rather than going home.” Marinette walks into the hall after a moment of them talking—well it was more of a screaming match between Bruce and Damian with some input from Dick. “Will your family be fine without you for a couple more hours?”

“Habibti, these dunces are my family,” Damian states gesturing to his family,

Marinette nods, “Well then, hello, and can we keep Damian for the night?”

Damian walks over to Marinette and wraps his arms around her. “I’ll return from before it’s nightfall in Gotham, father.”

“Uh, sure. Boys lets go.” Bruce accepts the came and walks down the hall. Before either of the brothers could pester Damian about this newfound relationship, Bruce gave them all the bat-glare and demanded that they follow.

“You know you’re going to get pestered, right.” Marinette laughs.

“Don’t remind me.”

“Come on, we have a movie to finish.”

With that, Damian takes Marinette’s hand and walks back into the room.  

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[heartsywritesthethings]

The Tickler (Pt. 1)

Author: GA!babe

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

~~~

*Insert MLB Intro here*

The College Francoise Dupont, the french secondary school that is plain in overall looks and grades. However, the students of this secondary school are anything but ordinary. 

Unbeknownst to the staff and faculty, France’s most prized superheroes regularly walk the halls, stress about homework, and rest in the library. Ladybug and Chat Noir, mere classmates when akumas aren’t around and superheroes when people need saving. 

It’s actually kind of sad that no one had ever noticed how both Adrien Agreste and Marinette Dupain-Cheng are never around when Chat Noir and Ladybug appear to save the day. 

Sure, there have been close calls regarding their secret identities, but they both remain comfortably under the radar (somehow) of regular Parisian citizens and the owner of the Ladyblog, Alya. 

“Girl, you are absolutely ridiculous. Why are you so worried about this party? Adrien even said he wouldn’t be able to attend.” Alya said, patting her best friend on the back comfortingly. Marinette yelped, the wrapped present in her hands almost falling onto the ground. She juggled with it for a moment before it settled back into her grasp. 

“Phew…” Marinette sighed while Alya giggled at her. She looked at the present and then up to the school. “Well, since he isn’t going to be there, I have to give this to Chloe now while we’re in school. There’s no point in going to the party with everyone anyways. I don’t want to get into an argument with her in front of everyone.”

“I still don’t understand why that happened. Maybe she got akumatized and accidentally sent out everyone an invite,” Alya scoffed, looking down at the e-vite still in her email. 

Today was Chloe Bourgeois’s birthday. Her 15th birthday to be precise. It was hard to remember that she was one of the oldest in the class when she 1) acted like such a stuck-up brat and 2) rarely told anyone she was celebrating her actual birthday until days after she came back from some far off celebration.

This year, Chloe had basically invited the entire school body over to the hotel her father owned. There were going to be celebrities, DJs, clowns, dances…basically everything a rich girl could buy with her parent’s money. 

“Maybe she’s getting better, Alya. She has helped Ladybug and Chat Noir save Paris multiple times,” Marinette said, forcing a smile on her face.

“Yeah, only after creating the problem in the first place. She even tried to destroy all of Paris after they wouldn’t give her the bee miraculous back!” Alya huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I’m sure she knows that what she was doing was wrong. She’s getting better, you know? At least she’s not like–” Marinette started before someone ran right into her, sending her sprawling onto the pavement. 

“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry Marinette!” a familiar voice said, practically dripping in insincerity. Just the sound of her voice sent Marinette’s teeth on edge. 

“I was captured by the akuma yesterday and my sense of balance is all out of whack.” Lila said, placing a hand on her head to sell the idea that she was dizzy. Alya helped Marinette to her feet before looking back at the redhead.

“Are you okay, Lila? Do you need some help walking up the stairs?” Alya asked, offering a hand out to her as well.

“I don’t remember seeing you being captured, Lila. When did that happen?” Marinette asked, brushing herself off and placing her present under her arm safely. 

“Oh, I was grabbed and pulled away pretty soon. I was taken all the way over to the Eiffel Tower and when it came down when Chat Noir cataclysmed it, I almost died!” Lila said dramatically, wobbling on her feet, unsure. Alya moved closer to her to have Lila lean up against her shoulder.

“I didn’t see that in any of the footage of the fights,” Marinette grumbled with a roll of her eyes. Of course, she knew that Lila was lying as she had made sure no one was in the Eiffel Tower when fighting off the akuma yesterday, but she couldn’t prove Lila wrong without letting her secret be known. 

“Well, maybe if Alya had been there to capture some better footage for the Ladyblog, you would have seen it. Where were you yesterday?” Lila asked innocently. 

Marinette tensed, looking between Alya, the fox miraculous holder, and Lila.

“Oh, I was at home. My cousins were too scared to be left alone. Maybe I could interview you for the blog!” Alya said with a happy smile on her face as she led Lila up the stairs.

“I would love that. Ladybug and I are such good friends after all.” Lila said.

Marinette had to chew on the corner of her present to stop herself from saying something then and there. The small red kwami floated up from her bag.

“It’s alright, Marinette. You know the truth, and you know that Lila will eventually be found out. Don’t worry about it too much.” Tikki said reassuringly. Marinette sighed.

“I know. It’s just so…so frustrating to see her lie like that. Alya didn’t even see her yesterday and she’s still utterly convinced. How does she do that?” Marinette asked. Tikki went to respond, then hid inside Marinette’s purse again before getting caught.

“How does she do what?” Another familiar voice asked, causing Marinette to jump again, though this time her fall was stopped by a pair of strong arms wrapping around her waist. 

In front of her were Adrien’s deep green eyes and his soft smile. Marinette flushed bright pink and was suddenly very aware of how close she was with the love of her life. She quickly jumped out of his arms.

“Oh! Uh, hi Adrien! I was just laking about Tyla! I mean walking about the aisle-uh.” Marinette stammered nervously before taking a deep breath and trying again. “Just talking about Lila to myself,”

“Lila? Is everything okay? Did she say anything to you?” Adrien asked, his smile vanishing and his brows furrowing. He had always tried to give Lila the benefit of the doubt as she seemed to be living a very sheltered life, much like his own, but there were times when that just couldn’t happen. She always seemed to be out to hurt Marinette and Ladybug and he couldn’t let that happen. 

“Oh, not really to me. She just gets on my nerves sometimes,” Marinette said, rubbing the back of her head nervously. 

“I know what you mean. Let me know if she bothers you again and I’ll talk to her,” Adrien said and pat Marinette on the shoulder. That’s when he noticed the present under her arm. “Is that for Chloe?”

“Uh this? No way! I mean, yeah! Of course it is!” Marinette said and held up the present for him to see. It was wrapped in golden wrapped paper with a shimmering gift bow placed neatly on the top.

“Aren’t you going to the party later? Why’d you bring the present to school?” Adrien asked, tilting his head to the side.

“Oh, well, I have to go to the bakery after school and you know all the schoolwork that I’ve been missing because I’ve been sleeping in so much. I have to catch up on that and, yeah.” Marinette rambled.

“That’s a shame. My father is allowing me to go tonight. I would have loved it if you were there, Marinette. I know you two don’t get along very well, but I think you’re a good influence on her.” Adrien said. Marinette’s blush grew brighter.

“Uhhhh, yeah, really? To the party you? Going? Well, maybe I could talk to my dad about letting me leave the bakery. I wouldn’t want to let you down. Or let her down.” Marinette continued. 

“Look out!” Alix’s voice called out as she zoomed towards Adrien and Marinette on her roller-skates. 

Quick as a flash, Adrien grabbed Marinette by under her arms and moved her out of harms way. Alix slowed herself to a stop and spuna around to see if she had hurt anyone.

“Sorry about that guys.” She said and gave a little salute, “Could you tell Miss Bustier that I won’t be in class today? My grandpa wanted me to run some errands for him,”

“Okay, Alix!” Adrien said with a smile, not realizing that he was still holding Marinette by her underarms. That was, until Marinette started giggling uncontrollable. He set her down quickly, a fond smile on his face.

“Sorry about that, Marinette. A little ticklish?” He asked with an eyebrow raised. 

“Pssh, what? I mean, a little maybe? Perhaps. That wasn’t even my worst spot. Not that I have a worst spot. What are we talking about? Oh, the party! Right, yeah. I’ll see what I can do about being there for the party. Thanks, Adrien!” Marinette rambled, making sure she had both Chloe’s present and her handbag before bolting up the stairs. 

Adrien just shook his head as he watched her stumble and almost fall again. Marinette was so weird, but in a good way. It did make him kind of sad that she could never act normally around him like this, but at least she was still a good friend. 

The only times he had ever really seen Marinette as herself, without stammering or falling over every five seconds, was when he was as his superhero persona, Chat Noir. 

“You know, Adrien,” Plagg said, floating up from his shirt pocket. “Marinette’s laugh is kinda cute, don’t ya think?”

“Marinette? Of course she is.” Adrien said before walking back up the stairs to class. 

~

Marinette stumbled into class, falling into her seat next to her friend rather ungracefully.

“What took you so long, girl?” Alya asked, resting her hand on Marinette’s shoulder.

“Adrien just tickled me,” Marinette said in a soft whine so that no one would hear what she had just said. 

“He– what? Why?” Alya asked, amused yet thoroughly confused.

“He was just moving me out of the way and picked me up by my arms. He picked me up like I was nothing and I completely embarrassed myself by being so ticklish. He’s gonna think that’s so childish,” Marinette said, resting her head on top of the desk as she pouted.

“Well, you’re lucky he didn’t find your death spot, Marinette.” Alya said, wiggling her fingers menacingly at her friend.

“Ahahalya!” Marinette giggled, scooting away even though Alya wasn’t even tickling her yet.

“Maybe I’ll tell him where they are. Wouldn’t that be fun? Oooh maybe having him tickle you would make you act more normal around him.” Alya teased. Marinette playfully pushed her friend on the shoulder and Alya poked her in one of her death spots – a spot between her uppermost ribs.

Marinette squealed and toppled off of her seat. The majority of the class laughed it off, and Marinette blushed.

“What a klutz.” Lila huffed with a roll of her eyes. Kim turned around.

“Aren’t you ticklish, Lila?” He asked innocently.

“It’s probable that she is, Kim. Roughly 73% of people in the world are ticklish to some degree,” Max said with a small nod.

“Oh, well I must be a part of the 27% of people who aren’t.” Lila lied. “I actually have a really rare condition where I can’t laugh at all anymore. It’s really sad,”

“Oh, the Pseudobulbar affect? That’s so sad, Lila. I’m so sorry to hear that.” Max said and looked over Lila with a sense of pity.

“It is, but I get by. Maybe it’ll be cured by a true love’s kiss, but I don’t know of anyone who would want to do that for me.” Lila sighed dramatically.

“I could for you!” Kim offered and puckered his lips.

“Thank you, Kim, but I think it has to be someone who has a crush on me. Like, for real. I actually think Adrien might have a crush on me, but I could be reading it wrong. Oh well. Guess I’ll never be able to laugh,” Lila sighed.

“Don’t worry, Lila! I’ll talk to Adrien at the party tonight! We’ll get you laughing in no time!” Kim offered triumphantly.

~ ~ ~ ~

“This had better be the funniest clown ever. This is my birthday party after all and I can’t have it be anything less than perfect.” Chloe said while her servants ran around the hotel wildly, setting up decorations and putting together different games for the children to play.

Chloe looked at her phone invites in disgust.

“It was really nice of you to invite everyone from school, Chloe. Everyone is going to have so much fun!” Sabrina said excitedly.

“Of course, Sabrina. A party without lots of people would be ridiculous, utterly ridiculous. Besides, Adrikins needs to be able to see that I’ve grown since my last birthday.” Chloe said.

Just as she finished her sentence, the clown for the party stepped in. He was a slender guy with a brightly colored suit on and a big round nose. Le Pitre, his clown name was and he was the best in all of Paris. 

“Knock knock, is that the birthday girl?” Le Pitre asked as he wandered in.

“Is this supposed to be the best clown in Paris? He at least dressed the part, maybe you could give my classmate Marinette some fashion tips, ahahaha,” Chloe laughed and then walked away to focus on some other aspect of her party. Le Pitre watched her walk away and then shrugged.

“Not exactly the laugh I was going for, but it’ll do! I bring laughter and joy to every part of the city i’m in!” Le Pitre said.

Little did he know that there was one person in all of Paris that would stop him from achieving his hilarious dream…

<3 GA!babe. 

[matt0044]

Miracle Queen Was Good Actually BUT...

...I get why some might feel otherwise.

To start tangentially, I feel like Chloe’s Failed Redemption Arc works well if one has “Miraculer” comes midway through Season Three. After she renounces Pollen, she‘s still insisting on Ladybug calling her into action as seen in “Stormy Weather 2” and “StarTrain.”

It comes across as her hoping she can wear down her hero despite how firm Ladybug was. In fact, we see this in “Loveater” where she breaks out the Bee Signal in hopes that this‘ll be the one. It’s only when Hawk Moth comes to her in person then that she decides being a better person isn’t worth it.

I personally feel like it was a bold choice but not one made haphazardly like, say, a character shown wearing her heart on her sleeve blows up innocents to kingdom come on a dragon.

Chloe was spiteful since day one. She might’ve had some progress in Season Two but that’s like scrubbing away at a bad stain set in an otherwise decent rug. You can make it less bad by scrubbing it but getting it all out is going to take some major work outside of just a few days. If you not consistently working on it, it stands to get worse and worse.

Ladybug herself isn’t entirely innocent in this but even she knew the risks of a Miraculous owner’s identity being known to the public. His Akumas can exploit their weaknesses when knowing who they are as regular people. Kagami at least accidentally transformed in Hawk Moth’s presence primarily.

Now... does that mean Chloe should be disallowed from starting again on her progress. In a way, I’m reminded of Zuko in “Crossroads of Destiny“ and Majin Vegeta were two antagonists seem to have grown out of their old ways only to be prodded into a major backslide.

For me, “Miracle Queen” works in a similar fashion despite what Thomas Astruc had to say on the matter. Now whether he’ll change his mind in future or not remains to be seen but I can respect his decisio. I only hope that we’ll get something intriguing out of this. Maybe she could’ve kept the Bee Miraculous as an Anti-Heroine and go after Hawk Moth when he let her down too.

[nobodyfamousposts]

Miraculous Death Note

Now before I begin, the only real thing carrying over from Death Note is the Death Note itself.

Oh. And it’s going to be kind of dark. Which is a given, considering it DOES involve a Death Note.

DARKNESS LIES BEYOND THIS POINT!

It turns out that at some point shortly before the whole “Hawk Moth” conflict, Plagg got a little petty at one point. Maybe he was jealous of all the attention Tikki was getting. Maybe he was annoyed with her attitude? Maybe they got into an argument and someone threw out an off-handed comment that Plagg can’t actually create anything except chaos and destruction?

To which Plagg replies: “WATCH ME!”

And thus Plagg, the kwami of destruction and bad luck managed to actually create something.

His creation just happened to be a Death Note. Which is naturally a source of chaos and destruction.

“Oops.”

He would never hear the end of it from Tikki or the others if they found out, so Plagg took it upon himself to quietly get rid of the cursed item.

But it’s Plagg, so he just sort of looks around briefly for anything that stands out before seeing a nearby river. He figures that’s about as good a place as any to ditch it. After all, the book is useless if it gets wet, right?

Now to be fair, it was a good idea. In theory. There were just a few minor details Plagg failed to take into account.

For one, they are already in Paris by this point, so the “river” in question happens to be the Seine. Which is a fairly popular and thus populated area.

For another, Plagg just dropped the Death Note from a height and flew off without checking to see where exactly the book landed.

In any other universe, the Death Note WOULD have landed in the Seine so this would all be a non-issue and thus much less interesting. But in THIS particular universe, a rather unlucky burst of wind hit at the right time and from the right direction just enough to send the Death Note landing on concrete instead of water.

“What’s this?”

And in front of an as of yet unaware soon to be owner of what might very well be the most dangerous artifact the world may never know.

Luka Couffaine was a normal teen. And an all around good guy. Certainly not someone with a god complex like another certain someone we could mention. Or two. Or three, if you count Kira.

As such, given that he is most certainly NOT a complete monster, when Luka found the Death Note and read through the rules, he did the relatively smart thing and promptly decided he was NOT messing with that. Nope. Not even going to test it “just to be sure”.

Of course, the word “relatively” is used because he doesn’t outright throw it in the Seine. To be fair, he wasn’t sure it could be destroyed and he was rather worried about what might happen if he should try. All the same, he wasn’t about to see it be used and possibly cause harm, even if by accident.

So instead, he put the thing in a box and hid it in his room, fully intent on ignoring its existence until he could find a more permanent place to hide it where it would never be used.

...that wasn’t to say he wasn’t tempted at times, though.

Like say, finding out his sister had been locked in a bathroom and cheated out of her place in her class picture because of a certain bully.

Or learning that said bully stole a Miraculous and almost crashed a train in order to show off.

Or dealing with his father in a more permanent fashion in case he ever tries to show his sorry face again.

Then there was this new girl who appeared. Lila Rossi.

He knew she was lying. Manipulating and enthralling everyone around her, including his own sister.

But every time, he held back. Always reminding himself of what was right or wrong. And in each instance, he always felt he made the right choice not to act, regardless of whether or not the Death Note would actually work.

The closest he had ever come to fully WANTING to use it was during the whole scandal with Bob Roth. Seeing XY taking credit for his music was bad enough. Seeing them also steal Marinette’s designs was somehow worse. But it was threatening her that made him see red and changed the melodies in his life into a discordant screech.

It was fortunate, perhaps, that he had been akumatized at that time. And it had all worked out, with everyone safe and the truth made known. He had even been able to confess his feelings to Marinette, something he had been wanting to do.

And he told himself that this was proof that things could work out. It was a sign that no Death Note was necessary. And furthermore that it should never be used.

...Then Miracle Queen happened.

That brat of a mayor’s daughter betrayed everyone. She agreed to help the madman terrorizing their city and willingly took on an akuma. She took control of everyone in the city, including himself. He only hoped Marinette had been spared, as what Miracle Queen had inflicted on him was not something he ever wanted her to have to experience.

But the worst part? Despite the chances Ladybug had given her, she had turned her back on the hero for her own selfish gain. And furthermore, she revealed every single Miraculous user Ladybug had ever called on for aid, forced them to fight for her, and had nearly gotten people killed. All for the sake of her own ego.

And not once had she shown any remorse.

He was angry, certainly.

He was tempted, yes.

And given how things turned out all right with Ladybug and Chat Noir winning in the end, he could very well have let it go just as he had with every other instance.

Except...

There was Marinette, breaking down in front of him. Looking lost and oh so pained by burdens she couldn’t share.

Except...

There was Marinette, sad and grieving after the events of that day, but unable to talk to him or anyone else about it.

Except...

There was Marinette, who right before his eyes disappeared in a burst of pink light only to be replaced with none other than Ladybug.

The hero of Paris who had put herself on the line for them all.

Who was so burdened by her role and responsibilities.

Who had lost what little support she’d had and now felt truly alone.

Marinette. Who was Ladybug. Who was Marinette. Who he loved.

Who was suffering because of that damn brat!

It was enough to break even the greatest of patience.

She betrayed everyone, he thought as he went to his room.

She stole the Miraculous twice, he thought as he reached his bed.

She’d created more akumas than any other person, he thought as he pulled out a simple-looking shoebox.

She willingly let herself be akumatized and tried to do it again, he thought as he opened the box.

She agreed to work with the one terrorizing the city, he thought as he took out the precious artifact inside.

She revealed the other Miraculous users and forced them to do her bidding, he thought as he took the book to his desk.

She had been tormenting everyone for years, he thought as he opened the book.

She hurt his sister, he thought as he grabbed a pen.

She hurt Marinette, he thought as he placed the pen to paper, marring the once clear and pristine page.

Honestly, he would be doing the world a favor.

She deserved this. If there was any justice...if ever he needed justification, surely this was more than enough.

And it would be for the best...it would be better for everyone...

...wouldn’t it?

He paused.

Could he really do this?

Real or not...could he live with himself if he actually tried this?

...

A single thought formed.

She made him hurt Marinette.

Within seconds, the first name was written in the book.

CHLOE BOURGEOIS

Little bumble bee, little bumble bee

Buzzing around, causing such a buzz

Let's see you be crushed by your dreams

He releases a breath, feeling a strange sense of relief.

Of course nothing happens.

Of course it was just a normal book.

Of course it doesn’t actually kill people.

Of course...

But at the very least, Luka no longer felt the rage.

He was still upset with Chloe, certainly. She was a vile person who had done horrible things. Hurt the city. Hurt Marinette. Time and time again. And despite all the second chances she had been offered and all the people who truly tried to help her, even defend her...even as she only hurt them in return.

It was such a waste.

At the very least, he’d gotten the feelings out and avoided being made into an akuma himself. It was too dangerous, especially with Hawk Moth being aware of his identity and even moreso with what he now knew about Ladybug.

About Marinette...

It was just a normal book. Nothing more. His writing a name and method of death hadn’t done anything. It just allowed him to vent and work out the stress. That was all, and that was even enough. But perhaps he should stick to music from here on out though.

Because a book couldn’t kill people. That was just silly.

And when Luka learned a few days later that Chloe Bourgeois suddenly died when that stupid bee signal of hers was to be replaced with a fancier version by her demand, and that new one accidentally fell on her?

Surely it was just coincidence.

[spartanxhunterx]

Miraculous comeuppance

A short story based on @isitsusi 's miraculous idea. Honestly couldn't get this out my head and had to write it. But two things first, I haven't watched a lot of MLB and I've changed the prompt a little. (I added Chloe, cause that girl needs redemption)

--

In the three years, four months and two weeks of being the - somewhat proud - owner of a miraculous, Marinette had never expected it to come to this. She had never anticipated that she would be able to see the end of her journey, the end of the fight.

The defeat of hawkmoth.

Or at least she had that planned for later. She was at the park currently, under the shade of a tree, a notebook and many, many pictures before her. All of them the same, yet not, each a different angle taken of the agrest mansion. To her left sat her friend, boyfriend and superhero partner Chat Noir, untransformed as his civilian self Adrien.

Some few weeks ago he had come to her - as ladybug - with vital information, the identity of Hawkmoth. Gabriel Agrest.

When asked, he said he had seen him transform, not directly, he had been peeking into his father's office to see him and had just... Seen it.

The reveal that immediately followed was messy, sputtering, blushing and a whole week of avoiding each other until they got their act together. Then they were unstoppable, both in and out the mask.

They defeated akumas faster, more effectively. Out of the mask the two were a power duo, who's unwavering loyalty was known by many of their ex-friends.

Now, the two of were planning just how to take him down and reclaim both the stolen miraculous. Well, they were just making complete sure that they understood everything before making a move really, the planning was done.

 "Ugh, could you two stop being cute for like five minutes." The superhero duo looked up to the third member of their team, Chloe borgulous. "The last thing I need is getting a cavity cause of you two."

 Yes, Chloe borgulous was the one the two of them trusted the most, enough to earn back her miraculous. Even after the events of Miracle Queen, it was quite easy to hide her identity again, change the comb into a bracelet, change the hero's costume and give her a new name. Now no-one knew that she was the new bee flying around. She even got to keep the miraculous on her person permanently.

Pollen was good for her anyway.

 Chloe placed down a familiar box, filled with baked goods from the dupan-cheng bakery.

 "I should warn you though, we've got a..." She jabbed her thumb behind her towards a large and recognisable group. "Possible situation."

 " Ignore them chloe, they're not important. " Marinette partially turned her nose up when she saw their classmates across the way, having what looked to be a picnic. She could already make out Lila, no doubt in the middle of weaving another tall tail of how she had saved an animal, knew a celebrity or had just done something impossible.

"This is important," she tapped the notebook with one hand as she reached for the box with the other before it was slapped away. She couldn't help but give a glare at the blonde girl. Both knew it wasn't real anyway.

" They're not just for you Mari, the cheese bread is for Plagg, The honey glazed donut is for Pollen and the cookies are for Tikki. " Oh, yeah. She was even in on their identities. "The rest is for us."

Before either of the three could blink the three aforementioned Kwamis had zipped out of their chosens clothes pockets, grabbed their snacks and had snuck back into a little nook in their clothes that hid them from view of the public eye. They were none the wiser.

"Alright, so you two understand the plan right? Cause I don't want to leave anything to chance."

 Chloe hummed as she bit into her croissant, savoring the flavour before swallowing it down. "Wait for an Akuma, kick its ass without using our powers, go to Hawkdouch's house, kick his Ass, save the day."

 Plagg and Pollen both giggled while Adrien gave a quiet chuckle while Marinette groaned but had an amused smile on her face.

"Ok, so you remember the back up plan should we fail and our identities be revealed?"

" if we fail then Hawkmoth will have our miraculous, there is no back up plan for that. " Adrien slumped his arm around Mari's shoulder, giving her a tentative squeeze. "We do have a plan for after outing my... My father's identity."

" We also have a plan should we win and reveal our identities, so we're covered on all fronts. " Chloe moved one hand down to pet pollen on the head, reassuring herself that she still wasn't dreaming.

"Yeah well I jus- Chloe on your six." Quicker then anything the kwami's flew back into their Chosen's pockets , abandoning their food. Mari had packed up the pictures and notebook, not wanting to leave anything out in the open.

Chloe turned to see several of their classmates quickly heading their way, Alya up front with a crocodile tear crying Lila at the back of the group. Yes group, most of the class was also coming along with the two of them.

What lie had she said now?

The trio quickly stood, not wanting to be left sat on the floor while everyone would stand above them. They couldn't get a word out before Alya had rounded on to them.

"What is wrong with you!?"

She sighed, Adrien wrapped and arm around her waist as he leaned his chin on her shoulder and Chloe simple rolled her eyes at the tabloid writer.

"I think that question is best when directed at you, don't you think?" Marinette couldn't stop the snort that erupted from her mouth at Chloe's words and it only brought on a glare from her ex-friend.

"You think this is funny!? Is this some kind of joke to you!? Not only have you three been the worst people I could ever have the displeasure of knowing but I can't believe you three out attack Lila... Again!"

This time Chloe snorted before dragging her hand up to look at her nails lazily. "Please, as if I'd dare risk the chance of breaking my nails, even if it meant putting a scratch on her. She's simply not worth it." 

"Then explain the many bruises she has on her. " The 'Bruises' she had was nothing but a small smudge on the lower bottom of her right cheek. Honestly how stupid could they be?

Best not to get an answer.

If they were to attack Lila? There be a lot more then one mark smaller then that of a baby's fist.

"Alya, it's probably best you leave, the rest of you too. We were having a... Nice day before you bothered us." Mari rolled her eyes at her boyfriends passive behaviour but understood that it stemmed from not wanting to draw his father's gaze, especially now.

"No, I don't think we will. At least not until I put you three menaces straight. " The trio turned towards the new voice. 

a girl that they hadn't seen before or noticed among the group. A first glance they could tell she was slightly taller then Marinette, her hair a dark shade of blue that made Marinette's hair seem brighter in comparison, clearly it was dyed. Her facial features conformed similarly to her as well, slightly. As small glance while in a darker environment might have you mistake the two of them but only an idiot would do so outside of those conditions. Her hair was even tied up just like Marinette's too, although it looked really sloppy.

"And you are?" Chloe had already puffed out, an air of superiority emanating from her.

"I am Brigitte, a friend of Lila." Oh, great just what they needed, another sheep to follow the wolf. "I am also Ladybug."

Wait. What?

it took a moment before it registered but when it did the three of them just put laughing, Chloe had to hold her stomach while Marinette and Adrien had to hold each other up and stop themselves from falling over.

"Of course you are, and I'm still queen bee and adrien's father is actually competent." She sneered at the false bluentte before turning her nose up at her. She couldn't believe this girl, to claim to be someone she wasn't.

"Well I am, the only reason I am gracing you with that information is because I can't approach you three in my uniform, not unless I wanted to attract unnecessary attention." Brigitte turned her nose up at Chloe trying, and failing, to put the blonde girl in line.

"Alright then, why are you going around telling everyone your identity then? Surely it's not safe to share that information with a tabloid journalist."

Alya sputtered slightly. " I am a reporter, not some low grade tabloid writer. "

"Keep telling yourself that. You might just believe it."

The only thing that stopped Alya from lunging for Chloe was Ivan , who had grabbed her to hold her back. At the back Of the group Lila out on a who new set of false tears and began to shake her shoulders, as if she was truly heartbroken.

"All I've ever tried to do was be your friend, to all of you, and this is how you treat me? It's all I've ever wanted really and you three keep pushing me away." Of course the immediate action taken up by everyone else was to glare at the trio while rose and Sabrina comforted the sausage haired girl.

Adrien sometimes questions why he wanted them to be his friends, what has he seen in them before?

"Right," and now false-bug was talking again. "As my authority as ladybug I hereby ban the three of you from ever being near my friends again."

" Works for us. "

"I will also have to send you three down to the station, I do believe the three of you are working for Hawkmoth, given the number of Akuma that the three of you have caused."

That caused the three of them to straighten up, not because of the threat but because of the clear misuse of a non-existent power.

"Hey, Chloe has changed a lot in the past few months and me and Adrien have cause two maybe three Akumas over the past three years, if we're going on who had caused the most Akumas then you should arrest Lila. " Mari removed herself from her boyfriend before walking up to her not quite accurate doppelganger.

"Besides I'm not convinced you are ladybug, where's your Miraculous, I don't see them. "

"Like I'd actually wear them out in public, putting them at risk like that. besides why would I reveal them When I suspect that you work for Hawkmoth, would be pretty stupid on my part wouldn't it? "

"Sorry dudes, " Nino spoke, doing his best to help Ivan calm down Alya. "But she makes a point, it would be pretty dumb and reckless."

 " Just like plastering her face and confession onto a well known website in case Hawkmoth ever saw it... But I suppose I shouldn't have to worry right? " Alya blanched slightly before she sunk back at adriens words.

before anyone else could say anything a loud shout echoed across the yard, sending everyone's fight or flight instincts into overdrive.

"I AM MOTHER NATURE! AN I WILL COVER THIS CITY WITH THE SEEDS OF THE EARTH!"

Each member of the class had shrunk in on themselves , trying to look as small as possible, even their 'ladybug '. The real superhero trio stood up tall, shoulders squaring out as they looked for the akuma, many plants were growing rapidly on the other side of the park but everyone has already ran away.

"Go on ladybug, save us. "

"Come on, go kick their ass LB."

" Show Hawkmoth that he's nothing. "

Brigitte, for her part, actually began to back off from the group, clearly neither she nor Lila had expected a real akuma to show up, how would it look if the real ladybug showed up while she was stood there?

Fortunately for them the class was in for one big show.

While that was happening the trio was staring at each other, having a mental conversation that transcended anything anyone else could have understood, after a moment the tree of them nodded.

"Full theatrics?"

Marinette hummed at adriens question before nodding. "Fuck It, why not? "

"Tikki."

"Plagg."

"Pollen."

The class had turned to them quickly , those that had used miraculous before dropping their jaws.

"Spots on." "Claws Out. " "Buzz On."

Just for the sake of running it in their classmates faces each of them went through their old routine , showing off what they posed as they transformed before their very eyes.

Before anyone could say anything, the three were gone, already fighting the akuma as a well oiled machine.

They watched, stunned, as they managed to do it without the use of any of their powers. They watched as they left the scene all three bounding off in the same direction.

later that day the trio would drop a beaten and bloody Gabriel and his assistant, they have a short speech on that they had won, Hawkmoth was defeated, the threat was no more, Paris was safe. Th he people were safe to weap once more.

The next day Alya had tried to go to the bakery to speak to Marinette but she had been quickly chased out by her large father, later that day the bakery put out a sign stating they were closing down.

A week passed and they were gone, without a trace, no-one has seen them since the incident at the park. They were gone without a trace.

[moonlightsbeams]

The Queen’s Court Chapter 1

The turtle creature awakes, horror filling his eyes. Flying out of the gramophone, he goes to the Guardian, who looks at the creature. “Wayzz, what’s wrong?”

“Master Fu, it’s Nooroo. I- he’s resurfaced, but.. He’s being used by a powerful negative energy, I fear that Paris is in immense danger if Nooroo’s new owner is left unchecked.”

The Guardian nods, and motions to Wayzz. The Guardian raises his hand to transform, but is struck down by crippling pain. 

With a shaking hand, he opens the gramophone, surveying his choices. He deftly selects the Ladybug and the Black Cat miraculous, but falters. “I cannot send them out alone, can I, Wayzz?”

Wayzz tilts his head. “I’m not sure I understand, Master.”

“While the Black Cat and Ladybug are strong, I cannot send them out against the Butterfly alone.”

“But who should aid them, master?”

Mater Fu examines his choices, and reaches for one last miraculous box. “The Bee is the perfect choice.”

------

Chloe Bourgeois knew she was perfect. Her daddy told her all the time, and all of Paris knew it too. She prided herself on always looking like it, and nothing, nothing stopped her from being perfect. 

So what the hell is she going to do?

She stares in distaste at the situation in front of her. A large garbage truck is rumbling by, trash stacked precariously out of it, and an elderly man in a hawaiin shirt trots next to it. She does not want to go anywhere near the truck but.. She doesn’t like his chances if that trash falls onto him. Her decision is forced into motion by the trash toppling out of the truck. 

Muttering “Ew, ew, ew, EW!” under her breath she darts close to the man, grabbing him by the nape of his shirt and quickly pulling him out of the way of the falling trash.

After thoroughly examining herself to make sure she’s still perfect, she turns to the old man, unsure on what to tell him.

Luckily for her, the man speaks up, bowing his head in gratitude. “Thank you so much for saving me, young lady. That trash would have severely injured me, and definitely would’ve humiliated me. You truly are courageous.”

Chloe pauses by the compliment, a genre of which she’s.. Unfamiliar with. She quickly preens, trying to hide her genuine pleasure. “Of course I am! I- I couldn’t just let it happen. I’m going to tell my daddy about how ridiculous these trash workers are!”

The older man nods, a thoughtful smile on his face. “A good use of your power, young lady.”

She snorts, unable to think of anything else to say. “Whatever, I need to get to school.”

She storms off, feeling slightly better than she was before.

School was uneventful, except for Marinette Dupain-Cheng thinking that she could steal Chloe’s spot behind her Adrikins! And then some new girl had the audacity to tell her off! She was going to have to put them in their place.

She sulks all the way back to the hotel, and throws herself down on her bed. “Ugh, could this day get ANY worse?”

She rolls over and is greeted by a red and black box that was definitely not there before. “What’s this? It looks old, so maybe it’s an expensive gift for me?”

She gently opens the box, and is immediately blinded by a large flash of yellow light. After it clears up, there’s a… giant bee in her room.

Chloe shrieks, throwing herself across the room. “WHAT??? BUG?? BIG BEE!!!”

“My queen, please calm down!” The bee reassures her. “My name is Pollen, I’m the kwami for the bee miraculous!”

“The bee WHAT!” Chloe screams, holding a pillow in front of her like a shield.

“The bee miraculous!” Pollen squeaks. “With it, you become a superhero, my queen!”

Chloe lowers the pillow, peeking out behind it. “A-a, superhero?”

Pollen nods. “Indeed, my queen! You will also fight along two other heros, with powers of their own! Your power is Venom, the power to immobilize anyone you want!”

“How do I turn into this superhero?”

“First, put the miraculous in your hair and say, ‘Pollen, buzz on!’ The detransformation is ‘Buzz Off!’” Pollen instructs, a reassuring smile on her face.

Chloe goes back to bed, picking up the red and black box. She pulls out a silver bee shaped comb. She tucks it into her hair. “Pollen, buzz on!” 

“My queen I still have to tell you-”

Chloe knew exactly what to do while transforming, after all, Adrikins forced her to watch far too many anime shows. After her beautiful and stunning transformations, she examines her suit. Her suit is a yellow base, with a few black stripes that dip in the middle. Her gloves end at her elbows, and are lined with black faux fur. Her mask covers her eyes, and is a yellow honeycomb pattern. Her hair is pulled into a low ponytail, slightly curlier than it was before. She spins around, as translucent wings draped like a cape flutter behind you “This is…”

“AMAZING!!” Chloe squeals, admiring herself. “Pollen, I’m beautiful!” She looks around, noticing her disappearance. “Pollen?”

Before she can look for Pollen, her phone buzzes with an emergency alert. “Giant stone monster rampaging around Paris? That sounds like a job for a superhero!” 

She finally notices a top slung around her waist. “What does this do? OH NO IT’S SPINNING!” Chloe quickly figures out how to operate the top, and swings out of her window. “Look out, Paris, here I come!”

She lands on a building, examining the scene around her. “Yikes, the police have no idea what they’re doing, huh?”

Suddenly, a scream cuts through the air. Someone slams into Chloe, knocking her down. The person jumps up, and reaches a hand out to Chloe. “I’m so, so sorry! I- I just haven’t gotten a knack for the staff yet! I’m um, guessing, you’re one of the other superheroes?”

Chloe’s first instinct is to snap at the girl, insulting her on everything and anything. But, she shouldn’t act like herself, right? Secret identities are the most important thing about superheroes, right? So she takes the girl's hand and gives her a smile. “You’re fine! It took me way too long to figure out how to use my top. And yeah, I’m…” What’s my name? What had Pollen called me again? “My Queen”?

“Queen Bee. And you are?”

The girl blushes, tugging on one of her twin braids. “I have no idea. All I know is that some cat..bug..thing told me I was a superhero, and I turned into this leather… furry!”

Chloe snorts, and takes a moment to notice her costume. A leather bodysuit similar to her, except that the girl has glove fingers pointed like claws and kneehigh boots. The girl has a cute half cloak with a blue cat paw fastening the hood. And..

Chloe gasps. “Oh. My. Goodness. Do you have cat ears and a tail??” 

The girl blushes, her ears flattening in embarrassment. “Yeah.. I guess it’s ‘cause it’s the Cat Miraculous? It’s super embarrassing.”

“Hey, don’t sell yourself short, chatonne,” Queen Bee teases. She’s not going to unleash the full Chloe treatment, but she can’t not tease her.. “It’s purr-fectly cute!”

The girl’s face reddens, but she groans at the pun. She opens her mouth to retort, but is interrupted by the roar of the monster. “We’d better take care of this, huh?”

Queen Bee nods, a determined smile spread across her face. “Let’s go!”

The two make their way over to a stadium, lading in front of what looks like a golem made of rocks, chasing...Kim?

“Chatonne!” yells Queen Bee. “Can you get Ki- the boy away from the monster?”

“On it!” she shouts back, expanding her pole to stop the monster from getting Kim. 

“Good work, chatonne!”

“Hey, Queen Bee, aren’t we supposed to have another..” As if summoned, a blonde boy in a red and black spotted bodysuit and a black cape draped off of one shoulder lands next to Queen Bee.

“Am..I late?” He asks, clearly nervous. Nervous of what? The monster..or her?

Chloe would chew him out, asking where he’s been.. But Queen Bee wouldn’t. Queen Bee simply rolls her eyes and smirks at him. “Haven’t missed much, bug boy. So, you’ve got anything up your sleeve?”

“Um..” The boy launches a...yo-yo.. At the stone monster. Seriously? A yo-yo? Was the cat miraculous the only one with a sensible weapon? As soon as the yoyo makes contact with the monster, it roars again and..

 “IT GROWS EVERY TIME YOU HIT IT?!?!?” The cat girl yells, staring in disbelief. “HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO FIGHT A MONSTER THAT GROWS IF YOU HIT IT??”

Queen Bee curses under her breath. Cat girl had a point. Her plan was just to beat it until the cops could apprehend it.. But where would they even put it anyway?

“Wait!” The bug boy calls. Cat girl and Queen Bee turn to him. “What was my power again.. Oh! Lucky Charm!” 

Queen Bee watches as the boy throws his yo-yo in the air and gets.. A wetsuit. “Planning on going swimming, bug boy?” she quips. The momentary confusion is disrupted by a giant stone fist swinging down. Chloe and the boy roll aside, narrowly missing being flattened. 

“Oh! I have a power too!” The cat girl yells. “Cataclysm!” The girl's hand is now encompassed with dark energy. 

Queen Bee dodges another fist. “What does it do?” she yells.

“Destroys anything I touch!”

“Seriously?” the boy groans. “You get to destroy anything and I get a wetsuit?”

“Where do you think the akuma is?” Cat girl shouts.

“The what?” Pollen did not mention anything called an akuma.

“The thing that turned whoever’s actually in there.. Into that!”

Huh. Maybe Chloe should’ve paid more attention to what Pollen was saying. 

“By the way, who are you two?” The boy yells. 

“I think introductions are necessary when we’re being attacked by a giant monster!” Queen Bee retorts.

“It’d be easier to call you something other than bee girl and cat girl!”

He has a point. “Call me Queen Bee, bug boy.”

“I’m Princess Kitten!” Comes a shout. Seems cat girl decided on a name.

“Well, if the two of you are going with a royalty theme, who am I to mess it up? Call me.. Sir Cocinelle!”

“Why? Are you some knight in spotted armor?”

He actually perks up at the remark. Oh no, Queen Bee can’t make fun of someone that wholesome. “I would be honored to be your trusted knight, my queen!”

Wait.. “Guys I have a plan!” She shouts. “Meet me at the top of the stadium!”

“Okay, but make it quick!” Princess Kitten yells back. “I have only 5 more minutes until I detransform!”

Yeah. Chloe should’ve really listened to Pollen. After some tricky jumps, the trio made it to the top. “So, I have some weird ‘ladybug vision’, and I think the akuma is in that fist,” Sir Cocinelle points at one of the fists.

“You’re probably right, Sir Cocinelle.” Queen Bee appraises, noticing the boost in his confidence. Is- is this kid okay? “Okay, so my power is Venom. I can freeze the monster. I was thinking, once I do that, Sir Coccinelle could pull him down with the yo-yo, and you could use that ‘ladybug vision’ to force open the fist while he’s down. Princess Kitten, can you ‘cataclysm’ the akuma and..” She notices the two staring at her. “What?”

Sir Coccinelle speaks up. “Nothing, it’s just, you’re really good at this. It’s like you’re a natural.”

Queen Bee flushes. “Oh. Um..My dadd- my dad works..in a leadership position. I guess I picked up some stuff. Does the plan not work or…”

Princes Kitten shakes her head. “I think you’re great! The plan! The plan is great!”

Queen Bee smiles at her, murmuring, “Thank you, Princess. I really appreciate it.” She turns to Sir Coccinelle. “Listen, I have no idea how your powers work, but I have a feeling that they’re the key to getting the akuma, and chattonne’s powers are the only way to destroy the akuma. Are we ready?”

Sir Coccinelle and Princess Kitten nod.

 “Let’s go!”

She signals for Sir Coccinelle to topple the monster, and quickly calls “Venom” to freeze him before he can get up. That new girl… Alexis, right? For some reason is still there, next to.. A fire hose! “Hey you! Toss bug boy the hose!”

Wide eyed, she tosses the hose to Sir Coccinelle, who looks at the hose, the wetsuit and the fist, cogs turning. He shoves the wetsuit in the fist, and begins filling it up. Cracking the fist open, he gets a purple rock, and pumps his fist in celebration. “Boo-ya!”

Queen Bee smiles, but the victory is short lived as the rock monster starts to stir. “SIR COCCINELLE GET THE ROCK TO PRINCESS KITTEN!” She screams. 

Sir Coccinelle nods, and lobs the rock at Princess Kitten, who catches it with her Cataclysm hand, turning the rock into a crumpled note.

 Sir Coccinelle throws the wetsuit in the air, with a cry of “Miraculous Sir Coccinelle!” ladybugs rush over the city, restoring all the damage, and turning the stone monster into.. Ivan? Huh. 

Princess Kitten turns to Queen Bee, wide eyed. “How’d you know that was going to work?”

“Yeah, Queenie,” Sir Coccinelle pipes up. “I didn’t really know how my powers would work, yet you did.”

“First off, bug boy, I’m your Queen, not ‘Queenie’, and since you mentioned ‘ladybug vision’, I figured that the wetsuit would actually come into use. Chatonne, you told me that you could destroy, so I used that to get rid ourselves of the akuma. All I really did was look at your powers and figure out how to use them in the situation.” She mutters, very much liking the attention. She holds out her hand in a fist. “You guys did really good. I’m proud to be a superhero with you two.”

Princess Kitten lightly bumps her fist into Queen Bee’s. “Give yourself more credit. Sure, Sir Coccinelle did some wacky thing with the wetsuit,  but it was you were the one who figured it out.”

Sir Coccinelle fist bumps the two of them. “Seriously, Queenie, you did great. Princess couldn't've gotten to the akuma without you guiding her. I think we make a great team.”

Queen Bee rolls her eyes, but smiles. “A team. I like that.”

Ally? Alexa? Rushes up to the three, a huge smile on her face, phone clutched in her hand. “OH MY GOSH YOU GUYS ARE ACTUAL SUPERHEROES!! CAN YOU TELL ME EVERYTHING ABOUT YOURSELVES??”

The three exchange awkward glances, until a beep from all three of them goes off. “I believe that’s our cue to go,” Queen Bee drawls. “ But If you must know, the dashing knight is Sir Coccinelle,” he offers a flourishing bow, “The beautiful lady is Princess Kitten,” she nods her head, “And I’m the regal Queen Bee.” She winks at the girl. “I’ll see you around, huh?” Queen Bee leaps off, leaving a blushing girl.

She sneaks back in through her window, crying “Buzz off!” The transformation disappears in a flash of yellow and black, and Pollen reappears. “That was amazing! I was like, woosh, and boosh! And…” Chloe falls on her bed giggling.

“My queen, I’m glad you enjoyed it! You did such a good job, you truly are meant for the Bee Miraculous!”

Chloe looks at Pollen, her eyes gleaming. “Really?”

Pollen claps her hands in delight. “Of course, my queen! Now can I tell you what you need to know?” “Oh. Yes, please.”

“So! Your partners hold the Ladybug and Black Cat miraculous, which are the powers of creation and destruction…”

Chloe listens to Pollen, furiously memorizing everything, occasionally asking questions. “Wait.. so I can’t tell anyone? Not even Sabrina?”

“No, we can’t risk anyone finding out your identity and using your loved ones against you.”

“That makes sense..” Chloe notices Pollen flutter down. “Hey, are you okay?”

Pollen nods, “I’m sorry my queen, but I need to recharge.”

Chloe perks up. “Of course! What do you need? I have access to anything and everything I want.”

Pollen smiles appreciatively. “I would like some almonds, if it’s not too much trouble my queen.”

Chloe shakes her head. “I’ll get some sent up right now. I think I’ll get some chocolate covered ones for myself.”

Her phone buzzes. She picks it up, and.. “What? There’s more stone monsters?? Pollen, what’s going on?”

“My queen, did you purify the akuma?” Pollen chirps.“Was I supposed to do that?” Chloe asks, starting to panic.

“No, no! That was Sir Coccinelle’s job. You did everything right, my queen. We can figure this out in the morning, it’s getting late. Get some sleep, my queen. You did good.”

Chloe nods, trying to push away unease in her stomach. “Yeah… let’s get some sleep.”

Chapter 2

[2sunchild2]

Just Watch: Daminette au

I’m like a few hours late but that’s okay!

@ozmav not sure if u wanna read the angst but lol whateves

Tag list: @realrandomposts @maxdark158 @slytherinsheashire @mindfulmagics @chloe-bourgeois-is-big-gay @im-here-for-the-content @drama-queen-supreme @jaynintodd @starry-bi-sky @northernbluetongue @miraculous-mangoes @kceedraws @fanboy7794 @someone-ev @zebrabaker @kelelamentia @maribat-archive

I hope it rips ur heart out!!! ♥️♥️♥️

They had been watching an old television rerun when it was interrupted by the sound of the news channel.

“Breaking news with Lois Lane.”

“This just in, we have just received news of a terrorist attack in Paris. The anonymous message has linked a video of said attack and the number to one of their news channels. We are currently in contact with Miss Nadja Chamack.”

All activity suddenly ceased in the household, all eyes now watched the screen anxiously. The screen split in half to show Nadja, looking out of breath and afraid. The sky was dark, which was normal since it was eight in the afternoon. What wasn’t normal was the screaming and the burning buildings in the background.

Lois Lane appears worried for a quick second before gaining her composure and keeping a professional face.

“Miss Chamack, we received some disturbing news about a terrorist attack would you mind giving us some insight on the situation?”

Nadja cleared her throat and tried to regain her composure. The fear was still very evident on her face and she seemed to flinch at every scream she heard.

They began to worry. News of this didn’t usually get spread around and normally stayed in Paris. Bruce had put his phone down and Tim began typing furiously on his iPad.

“In Paris… we have these things, called akumas. They’re like,” she paused for a moment struggling to get the word, “c’est quoi le mot…. demonic! They’re these demonic butterflies controlled by this villain named Hawkmoth. Our heroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir usually stop them from causing too much damage. But.. this time… this time it’s different.”

Damian sucked in a sharp breath. Akumas were never this big. They never caused this much damage. He watched the destruction behind Nadja. The sky was dark and full of smoke. He could see burning buildings and collapsed monuments.

He turned to Tim, who was still furiously typing on his computer, his eyebrows scrunched together. Tim was trying to find that damned blog. The one that was blacklisted a while back. Sure, it wasn’t the most resourceful blog, but the owner always made sure to put s video of the battles. And that’s exactly what he was looking for.

The tv was disconnected and Jason yelled in outrage before being shut up by Dick, who looked at Tim and nodded. The tv was reconnected, only this time, to Tim’s computer. It was a live stream of the akuma battle. And a gruesome one too.

This akuma, no, this monster, this thing has been causing chaos and terror in the streets of Paris.

The screen showed Ladybug, Cat Noir and a few other heroes taking a defensive stance against the creature. Their eyes hard and their faces scowling. They noticed the turtle gagging at the thing. And when the camera focused on it, they understood why.

It was horrific. The giant spider-like thing was as big as a two story building. It’s body was mainly composed of what looked like mutilated animal bodies holding together. Said bodies were inside out and were oozing in the most gruesome way.

Dick felt like throwing up. He put a hand to his mouth and began coughing.

The thing let out an ear-piercing roar and began to charge. The Ladybug and the Bee swung in action, the Dragon running beneath them and the others following.

They wrapped their yo-yos around the thing, earning disgusting gooey sounds in return. The Dragon yelled out a faint “Viperion!” The snake came up and aided her. The creature whacked them away with its tail and they the wall of a building a good mile away. They fell to the floor, unconscious.

Next was the bee, the fox and the turtle. The heroes were scattered on the floor, bleeding and in tremendous pain.

The Cat and the Ladybug remained.

Damian’s shoulders tensed.

Five down, two to go.

He watched as they talked to each other, their eyes still trained on the gruesome creature.

The Waynes watched the quiet stare down.

“Call the league.”

Cat Noir lengthen his metal staff and Ladybug spun her yo-yo.

“They’re heading to the planes as we speak.”

The two remaining heroes fought. They got beaten, scratched and grown but they managed to get back up and fight. They were getting battered and bloodied but they still fought without faltering. The buildings around them seemed to crumble with every minute that passed. Streetlights were bent, cars were wrecked and trees were quite literally toppled over.

The world had never seen Paris in such a state.

Damian had never witnessed his Angel battle a monster this destructive.

They watched the cat yell something incomprehensible and his hand was surrounded by a black aura. He glared at the monster before rushing to it, ignoring the ladybug, and preparing to attack.He was grabbed by the waist, a mutilated tentacle holding him up and throwing him to the Eiffel Tower. It disintegrated as soon as he landed.

The ladybug remained.

Damian stiffened and he felt Jason squeeze his shoulder, an indication for him to relax. But he couldn’t. On god he couldn’t. He was feeling something he’d never felt in his life before. This feeling was so strange and he didn’t like it. He didn’t like it at all. And when the ladybug was slammed against the ground, Damian knew what he was feeling. He was afraid. For the first time in his life, he was afraid. His teeth clenched and his leg bounced. He was afraid, not for himself, but for his Angel taking a massive beating on the other side of the world. And he hated that he couldn’t do anything about it. He hated that he had to sit there, on a couch in his home, and watch the love of his life battle for her life. He hated how helpless he felt when he watched her clutch her bloody arm and how she could barely stand up on her own. He hated that calculating glare on her face. He knew she would do something logically irrational. And he hated it.

He watched as the monster hurled itself towards her, grabbing each of her limbs with its many arms and held her up close, inspect her with its beady eyes. She glared back at it with those beautiful bluebell eyes.

Ladybug watched her opponent carefully. It snarled at her and she could practically feel the drool dripping down her arm. She was trapped.

“Come on Dupain-Cheng, don’t die on me. Don’t you fucking die on me today,” he whispered to the screen. His brothers glanced at him wearily. He only called her by her last name when he was worried. And with the bouncing knee and the teeth biting, they knew he was stressed for her.

She had to get out of this. There’s no way she could. Not today, she was ladybug for fuck’s sake! She wiggled her arm loose, hoping it’d work, and let out a sigh of relief when it did. That did not last long.

She glared into the beady eyes of the akuma. She had so much to live for, she knew that. But at what cost? She couldn’t get out of this, her teammates were knocked unconscious or were severely injured. She thought about everything she could’ve achieved at this point. She thought of her friends. She thought of her love. She closed her eyes blissfully, remember ping every detail of his face, from his jet black hair to his stern green eyes. She looked up at the sky, her way of saying goodbye before looking back at the creature and gave it one last smirk.

“I’ll see you in hell.”

Damian screamed at the tv as the monster ripped through her torso. He watched, horrified, as it dropped her body on the ground as if it was nothing. As if, as if she was worth nothing. His tears fell freely as he watched her decent to the ground.

He watched as the snake, the bee and the dragon rushed to catch her. She watched as she weakly took off her earrings and detransformed. The other heroes cried harder in shock. She handed her earrings to the dragon. She and the bee left to end the fight, the other followed. He watched as the snake began to shake, holding her like she was fine china about to break. She coughed up blood and looked at the boy with a smile on her face.

Her hand fell to the ground.

§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§

Everyone has a different way of coping with death. Dick had been in denial about it for a week. Tim had locked himself in his room and only came out to get more coffee. Bruce buried himself in his work.

And Jason?

Jason was nowhere to be seen. He had been off the grid for a month. Not a call or a text. He disappeared after the incident.

Damian refused to accept the death. No, she couldn’t die. She was ladybug! She was Marinette! She had a solution to everything!

I guess this time was different. He darkly thought. He sat on one edge of the bed, fiddling with a small velvet box. He had planned for this moment a week after they started dating. And now she was gone. She laid six feet under in the cold, hard ground.

She was only twenty two.

[mango-forest]

more than survive (part 3)

part 1, part 2, part 4

Marinette finds that recently the problem isn’t so much as akuma battles or staying up (though they do contribute). But now she’s realizing that she just. . . doesn’t have the energy or motivation to get out of bed. Especially when it’s just to go to school. Tikki pulls at her hair and Marinette tiredly asks, “Do we have to get up?”

“Marinette,” Tikki counters. The noirnette groans and rolls of her bed. After struggling with her hair for a solid minute, Marinette puts up her hair in a messy bun. She puts the bare minimum in her outfit, just shrugging a sweatshirt hoodie over her bra and thick, soft leggings tucked into combat boots. Before she leaves the room, Marinette grabs a pair of pink fuzzy earmuffs from her desk.

It isn’t long before Marinette is arriving at her classroom, bursting into the room just as the bell rings. Ms. Bustier gives her a disappointed look. “Technically, I’m not late,” Marinette points out with an out-of-breathe smile on her face.

Ms. Bustier sighs. “Just take your seat, Marinette.”

The teenager walks to the back with a sheepish smile, sliding into her seat while the class snickers. She catches Adrien giving her a disappointed gaze before Lila tightens her grip, and he turns his head back to the front. Marinette tried to fight back a sigh. In hindsight, she dodged a bullet with her old crush. Good thing she tested down all his pictures years ago.

“Alright class,” Ms. Bustier announces, “I am happy to announce that we are taking a trip to Gotham!”

The class erupts in whispers.

Ms. Bustier laughs. “Alright, that’s enough, everyone. We are leaving soon, the exact date is in the packets Alix is going to be handing out.” Said girl obediently grabs the packets and starts passing them out. Marinette exchanges a nod and smile with her when she got her packet. “Please get your guardian to sign them and turn them in before the due date.”

Ms. Bustier sits behind her desk when she’s finished speaking, likely going on to her computer and finishing some work. As the class gets up and starts talking, Marinette sits with a small smile on her face. She’s going to Gotham! Maybe she can meet up with Damian. Against her will, Marinette hears Lila talk. “Oh I’m so happy to go back to Gotham,” the Italian girl says loudly.

“Oh yeah.” Alya snaps her fingers. “Didn’t you talk about your boyfriend, Damian Wayne?”

“Uh-huh,” Lila smiles. “I can’t believe you remembered that, Als!”

Marinette scoffs inside her head. Als.

“Unfortunately,” Lila continues, “He’s probably gonna pretend not to know me. You know, the Waynes don’t like a media scandal! Oh, I can’t wait to see Dami-boo again! It’s a shame he’s not gonna want to see you all.”

Marinette honestly feels a bit bad for whoever this Damian Wayne is. Even if Damian—her Damian—says he isn’t important, no one deserves Lila to be lying about them. She leans on her fist as she thinks about the Gothamite. Last call she had, Marinette forgot to ask him about the one before. To be fair, she was a bit distracted with working not the project, so when he called it caught her off guard.

Without thinking, she grabs her phone and texts, something big happened.

After her finger hits send, she’s struck by the realization that it would be very, very early in the morning for Damian. To her surprise (and slight worry) a text immediately pings back.

Are you okay?

What?

Oh yeah, I’m fine. I’m talking about something else

Okay?

Second thought go to sleep

What did you want to tell me?

Tell you later. Sleep.

Fine.

Marinette stares at her phone with pursed lips. She doesn’t like how late Damian is staying up. Well, Marinette thinks, she’s certainly got no room to criticise. Although she does have a better excuse, being a superhero and fighting akumas. That will have to be paused during the trip though. Marinette fiddles with the front page of the packet.

The alarm blares and she suppresses a groan. The last year or so lots of public buildings have gotten an “akuma alarm.” Which is basically a fire drill, but sounds different and instead of going back inside, school is cancelled for the day. Marinette shoves her stuff into her backpack (a new one she got last year, pink with large black spots) and walks out of the classroom with her fellow classmates, breaking out into a jog when she gets to the bottom of the front stairs.

It's a second nature by now for her to slip into an alley and let Tikki zoom out of her purse. “You know the drill,” Marinette tiredly says. “Tikki, spots on!”

The bright light hurts her eyes and the cold seeps into her body. Ladybug struggles not to swear as she heads to Master Fu’s. Her warm clothing has disappeared along with her earmuffs. The superheroine pauses at a rooftop. Then, with a wince, Ladybug changes direction to head for the bakery. Her limbs feel heavier and she just knows that her reaction time is becoming more delayed.

She doesn’t linger, only opening the skylight and swiping the jacket she tossed on her bed that morning. The jacket helps keep her blood pumping as she tries to race to Master Fu’s. Ladybug knows she just wasted some time. The akuma is out there and no other miraculi are with their owners. Chat Noir might, but it is highly unlikely he’ll break his streak of arriving after the battle.

When Master Fu shows the miraculi, she pauses. “I am going to a trip soon,” she says. She tries not to think about how many are suffering from the akuma by now. “Ladybug will not be able to protect Paris.”

Master Fu stares at her and Wayzz hovers over his shoulder. Carapace and Rena Rouge have not seen the field in a long, long time. After a few moments the kwami and guardian share a look. “We trust your judgment, Marinette,” Master Fu says, smiling at her.

Ladybug nods determinedly and reaches out. The snake and dragon are easy to choose. Her hand hovers over the bee miraculous. After a tense second, she moves her hand away. Even if she did want to make Chloe a permanent protector, that can wait until after the trip.With a nod to Master Fu, she took off.

When the Miraculous Cure is sent out, she stops Viperion and Ryuko from leaving. Ladybug knows she’d usually visit them both separately to collect their miraculi but today is different. “I will not be in Paris soon,” she starts. At their alarmed looks, she continues hurriedly, “I am coming back, but for now I think you both are ready. If you choose to keep your miraculi you accept to become a permanent protector of Paris and defend it from Hawkmoth. Turn them in and it’ll stay just as it is now. The choice is yours.”

Viperion grins. “Of course!”

Ryuko’s more quiet with her happiness. “I will not fail you Ladybug.”

Ladybug grins at both of them. “Well this is great! Now we shall probably leave before Chat Noir comes or we detransform, huh?”

When she gets back she sends out a request to Damian and heads downstairs to the kitchen with her backpack slung across her arm.. She grins as she sees her mom get cookies out of the oven. “Oh Mama,” she sings. “Can you please sign this?”

As Marinette’s fishing for the paper in her backpack, Sabine sets the tray down and dusts off her hands. “Depends on what it is,” she teases as she takes the offered paper. She trails off as she reads. “Oh, Marinette. . .”

Marinette scrunches her face. “What?”

“I don't know, honey. This much time in a foriegn city with your classmates? You said you weren't doing well in school with them, and I know they don't come around nearly as much, are you sure you want to go on the trip?”

Marinette smiles at her. “It’s okay, Mama. Honestly, what’s the worst they can do; it’s not like we’re gonna be glued by our hips!”

Sabine sighs. “Alright, Marinette. I’ll sign it. But Gotham has a high crime rate, so make sure to check in every day or so! You miss one check in and we’re flying you back.”

Marinette quietly cheers. “Thanks Mama!”

Sabine signs the paper and hands it back to her daughter, smiling as the teen bounces back up the stairs.

“Oh can you believe it, Tikki?” Marinette says as she sits down on her spinney chair. “Maybe I’ll even see Damian!”

“Gotham isn’t that small,” Tikki gently reminds her.

Marinette sighs and nods. “Yeah, it's nice to imagine though.”

“Maybe you can bring your project along! The packet did say there’s a formal event!” Tikki suggests.

“Oh my god, I can!” she exclaims. After a pause, she adds, “I’ll have to finish it first.”

So Marinette gets out the notes and the fabrics and the thread and the needles. She works while pricking her fingers, she works while eating the cookies, she works while Tikki plays games on her phone. She works as Tikki discusses Chat Noir with her. She works until she hears Damian’s voice coming from her laptop. It's faced towards her, so she doesn't really need to move but she still gets up to lay closer, on her stomach. “Hey, Angel,” he greets. “What are you working on?”

Marinette sucks in a breath and quickly turns the laptop around. “Nothing,” she says, getting up to lie down again in front of the screen. “Just an outfit for myself.”

“Oh and I can’t see it?” he teases.

“Nope,” she responds.

“Mmm.” He smiles at her.

“Oh!” Marinette exclaims, snapping her fingers. “Uh, you remember the video call before last? Like, the one where I was half asleep? Did-Did your brother come in. . . ?”

“Yes, he did,” Damian answers honestly. “Why?”

Marinette groans and buries her face in her arms. “Nothing, I just didn’t have the best memory since I was sleepy.” Not like she could forget anything before the last video call. Chat Noir, his talk, knocking on her skylight, everything before that. That’s still burned in her mind. “So you live in Gotham, right?”

“Yes,” Damian says, arching an eyebrow. “Why do you ask, Angel?”

“Well my class is taking a trip there soon!” Marinette does awkward jazz hands.

Damian perks up. “Really? Angel, that’s amazing. What hotel are you staying at?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know. We’re supposed to be touring a place called Wayne Enterprises, so probably close to there.”

“That’s close to where I live!” Damian says. “Maybe we’ll see each other!”

“That’d be amazing.” Marinette grins.

Damian smiles too. Marinette wonders if she can die from anticipation.

@god-is-dead-and-so-am-i @birb-didnt-survive-the-snap @iggy-of-fans @never-neverland @urbanpineapplefarmer

[cheeseeatingtrashmonster]

Sweet and Sour Secrets

Ao3

Day 4: Spa Day

-

"Hey, Bee."

Marinette's voice through the phone was off. Chloe didn't know how, but it was off, and she didn't like that. She was Chloe, though, and didn't know how to ask what was wrong, so what she ended up saying was:

"I expected your call hours ago."

Chloe cringed. Not the worst thing she could have said. Definitely not anywhere near what she wanted to say, either.

"I expected to get to call you hours ago." She sighed. "It was just one of those days, you know?"

Chloe glanced at the papers strewn around her. Her father refused to come out of his room, too depressed and hurt from a fight with her mother to do his job as mayor or hotel owner. She'd been trying to do both, along with her homework, for most of the week.

"Yeah, I do."

Marinette hummed in sympathy. "Is your dad still not up to working?"

Chloe flicked a request for emergency increased funds for street cleaning across the desk and watched it slide off the edge to the floor. "Apparently not. But that's boring. What happened to your day? I barely saw you at school today. Didn't you have some sort of babysitting thing this afternoon?"

Marinette whimpered and a repetitive, dull thudding sound came through the phone that Chloe recognized as Marinette lightly bonking her forehead into her desk. "He tore a design."

"What?" Chloe screeched. "Some snot-nosed brat laid his hands on your gorgeous work of art?"

"He's not... that bad..." She did not sound convincing.

Chloe tapped her pen against the desk, narrowing her eyes at nothing. "Which one?"

"Um... the... the dress. The red and pink one."

She gasped. This was the piece that Chloe had been pestering Marinette to make for herself for an upcoming gala they were both invited to attend. "How bad was the damage?"

"Um..." She took a breath and said in a rush, "It's kind of most definitely ruined but I think I can save some of the panels from the skirt so it's not like I'd be starting completely from scratch?"

"Marinette!"

"His mother paid me double and said she wouldn't ask me to watch him again."

Chloe sighed. "Does paying you double at least cover the cost of the fabric?"

"Mmmmaybe?"

"Honey, that's really not-"

A screeching crash interrupted them.

"Akuma," they said at the same time.

"I'll see you in a minute," Chloe said.

-

"Ladybug!" Queen Bee gasped and covered her mouth with both hands. "What- what happened to you? We were just talking, and you didn't say anything about-"

"Bee, we really don't have time for this," Ladybug said, closing her eyes and suppressing a sigh. "But I know you, you won't let up. I got caught in the rain at the park while babysitting. That's why I had to take the kid up into my room. I haven't had time to fix my hair since."

Ladybug's hair was messy and frizzy, bits sticking up everywhere, and her pigtails were standing stiffly at odd angles from her head. Usually, no matter what the team members looked like before transforming, if they were able to put it out of mind, it didn't become part of their appearance when transformed. Marinette must truly be frazzled for her disheveled hair to be visible after her transformation.

"Come over after this," Queen Bee said, whipping her spinning top at the akuma. “I have this great new deep conditioning treatment-”

“Good evening, ladies!” Chat shouted as he yeeted himself directly at their opponent.

“I haven’t done any homework yet, I have an essay for history due tomorrow.” Ladybug took a running start and wrapped her yo-yo around one of the lower beams of the Tower and launched herself feet-first into the akuma’s side.

“We could do the treatment another day,” Queen Bee said before charging up Venom.

“That sounds great. I really need a nice, relaxing self-pampering day,” Ladybug said, hooking the akuma’s arm with her yo-yo and yanking him off balance.

“I found a great new eye cream you two have to try,” Chat said, using his baton to knock Queen Bee out of the way of the akuma’s flailing tail.

“One of these days, whenever we reveal,” Ladybug said, “you’re coming over for self-pampering day, too.”

Queen Bee finally got an opening and stabbed her Venom into the akuma, freezing him just before his claws would have crushed her into the ground.

With the akuma purified and Chat escorting the victim home, Ladybug leaned against Queen Bee. She didn't comment on how much of Ladybug's weight she was supporting, but it worried her to see her girlfriend so out of sorts.

"This has been building up for a while, hasn't it?" she asked, wrapping an arm around Ladybug's waist and ignoring the beeps from their miraculouses.

"My current state of frazzlement?" Ladybug pulled on a pigtail for emphasis.

"Ugh. Ridiculous. That's not a word." She ran her gloved fingers over the flyaway hairs on Ladybug's head. "Being Ladybug is a big job."

Being Marinette is a big job, too, she thought. She hoped Ladybug could see the thought in her eyes.

"I wouldn't trade it for the world, though." She kissed Queen Bee's cheek and unclipped her yo-yo from her waist. "Have a good night, Queenie. And keep thinking up things for our home spa day!"

They both headed home, but Queen Bee felt her heart get heavier with every inch she added to the physical distance between them. There had to be a way to make Marinette feel better and get a break for herself.

Chloe hadn't even fully detransformed before the idea hit her.

"Jean Jean! Grab paper and a pen, write down everything I say, and follow me!"

-

Marinette had barely stepped out the door the next morning when she was grabbed and thrown in a car parked around the corner from the bakery.

“Chloe, what the hell are you-”

"Give me your phone." She held out her hand, ignoring the way Marinette was struggling to right herself from where she had been dumped half on half off the back seat of the car.

"Chloe, whatever this is, can we talk about it on the way into school, please?"

Chloe reached into Marinette's purse, patted Tikki on the head, and took her phone. She unlocked it with the code she had watched Marinette put in so many times and started scrolling through her contacts.

"We aren't going to school." Chloe held Marinette's phone to her ear. "Hello, Mrs. Cheng? I'm Marinette's mystery girlfriend. I'm taking her out of school for today so she can rest and recover from her life for a bit."

There was a pause. Marinette strained to listen to her mom's response, too stunned to take the phone away from her clearly bonkers girlfriend.

"I will give you a number to reach us in case of emergency, but I'm turning her phone off." Another pause. "A spa. I'm paying." A pause. "Good to hear. Thank you, Mrs. Cheng."

"Let me talk to her!" Marinette squeaked.

Miraculously, Chloe handed over the phone.

"Mom?"

"Go rest, honey. We're talking about... all of this when you get home, but I saw how miserable you were last night. I'll call the school and tell them you're sick."

Marinette didn't realize she had started crying until Chloe's fingertips brushed her face. "Thanks, Mom."

"We expect to meet her. Soon."

Marinette looked over at Chloe and thought about how that get together was going to go. She broke into giggles and couldn't stop. Chloe had to take the phone and say goodbye for her.

"Take a nap once we get on the plane," Chloe said, pulling her close. "This is not the kind of place where uncontrolled laughter would be a good idea."

"A nap sounds fantastic," Marinette said, letting herself sag into Chloe. "And you're taking me to a spa? What about all the mayor and hotel stuff?"

"Jean Stuart and I came up with a plan last night. Oh, I got the student council meeting after school postponed, so you don't need to worry about that, and I got extensions on all your schoolwork." She was staring out the car window, straight-faced. Marinette booped her nose just to watch it scrunch and her eyes cross to see the offending finger.

"You did all that just because I had a bad day?"

Chloe softened. Her eyes, her shoulders, the smile she gave to Marinette alone. "I did it because I needed to have a way to help."

Marinette gently pulled Chloe into a kiss by the back of her neck. "You don't have to whisk me off and solve all my problems to help. You listen to me. You help with akumas. You make me happy. You make me happy. Not who you can influence for me, or what you can buy me."

Chloe kissed her again. "Thank you," she whispered. She left her eyes closed and touched her forehead to Marinette's. "Thank you."

They sat there, eyes closed and wrapped in each other's arms while the car's motion soothed them.

Until Marinette pulled away and sat bolt upright.

"Did you say we're getting on a plane to get to this spa? Where is it? Are we leaving the country?"

"Shhh," Chloe said, pulling her back into their previous cuddly position. "Not important."

"Chloe!"

"Also, a shipment of fabric will be delivered to the bakery today. You'll be able to make ten dresses to replace the one that brat destroyed."

"Chloe!"

Chloe kissed her nose. "Oh, just let me do this, Honey."

Marinette buried her face in Chloe's shoulder and breathed in her perfume.

"I love you too, Bee."

[p-artsypants]

Longest Night (30) Rising

Ao3 | FF.net

I offer no excuses.

—

The day went on, the sun hiding behind November clouds. Lady Lacrima and Grimalkin slept the day away, nestled in their bed. The third floor kept nice and warm despite the nip in the air. As if the world knew they were resting, things seemed quiet. No construction, no endless honking, just peace.

Just before sunset, Grimalkin roused with a rumbling stomach. Exhaustion fogged his brain, and all he registered around him were the cloud-like bed and the angel upon it. He pressed himself further against her, his purr rolling in his chest.

And then the rumble of his stomach got in the way.

He sat up, noting the time on the clock above her bed. 4:30 pm.

Lady Lacrima groaned softly, disturbed by his movement.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead and urged her back to sleep.

Then he weaseled his way out of the blankets and snuck downstairs, his stomach being his guide. The air was stale and the blinds were all shut, making the house dark. Despite sitting empty for so long, the house still retained the sweet smells of the bakery, of sugars and spices. Surely, the Dupain-Cheng’s kept their kitchen well stocked.

Right?

Disappointment took him as he found a barren fridge. There were sauces and dressings and jams. But nothing to make a meal. No fruits or veggies, no milk, and no meat.

He riffled through the pantry, finding spices, and mixes for various dishes.

The only thing he found that was edible by itself, was a can of baked beans.

He plopped it on the table and sat at the high chair, head resting in his hand.

He supposed he could eat that. Or...

There was a corner store about a block down the way. He and Ladybug would often stop there for sodas and snacks during long patrols.

The owner was a kind old man, who was always happy to see them. Surely, he wouldn’t turn him away.

But just in case, it was probably smart to take a disguise. Grimalkin rifled through the apartment, eventually finding a coat closet. Tom’s rain coat was huge on him, but did the job of covering his suit. He struggled to tie the waist band, but eventually got it to stay closed. Then he found a hat and a pair of sunglasses. Of course people would notice the mask, but it would be better if they couldn’t see his blood red eyes.

His stomach growled again, and he hissed right back at it. He was working on it!

Now all he needed was money. The state of the apartment made him wonder if thieves had pilfered through their belongings already, but some things were still in place. Like the TV. There was probably some spare change around here somewhere, right? His first guess was that they forgot to clear the register before they left.

And what luck he had. He felt a little guilty for destroying the register drawer to get it open, but he was far too hungry to pay too much thought to it. He stuffed some bills into his pocket, and then returned upstairs.

Back in Marinette’s room, Lady Lacrima was still sleeping peacefully. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and climbed up the ladder to the balcony.

Her cable with grappling hook that got them up to the balcony was still hooked to the railing, and he used it to ease himself down to the street.

Once his feet touched the sidewalk, dread fell on him like a blanket. What if something happened to his lady while he was gone? What if Hawkmoth and Carapace and Queen Bee attacked him and she lost him? He looked back up to the balcony with a whimper, but his stomach growled back.

He was beginning to feel more nauseous than hungry, but figured food would help with that. The sooner he went, the sooner he could return.

So, with great reluctance, he headed down the street.

As he walked, he felt the stares of people watching him walk. Surely they all knew what he was guilty of. He was a murderer, not a hero.

A failure.

He shouldn’t be walking the streets. He should be locked up. He wasn’t safe.

But before he could beat himself up anymore, he arrived at the grocer. Down a stairwell plastered with flyers, he pulled the coat a little tighter and popped his collar.

The door chimed with his entrance, prompting a voice to call from the other side of the store, “Guten Abend!” which startled him.

He didn’t reply, not that he could.

His senses were so heightened in this state, despite being an akuma. He was able to map out the room in just a glance. The owner of the store, the name that escaped him now, was in the aisle with the alcohol, stocking shelves. There was another customer by the bread. Other than that, the store was empty. Perfect.

He just tried to quietly and inconspicuously walk to the refrigerator to get a bottle of milk. Should he have grabbed a basket? How much was he getting? How much did he have money for? Probably not much, since he only had one arm to carry it all back with.

The door chimed again, a group of college aged boys coming in. Grimalkin paid them little mind, only noticing that they had separated, one staying by the door.

As he closed the fridge door with his hip, something pressed into his back.

“Don’t move.” A young man’s voice warned.

Did they find out where he was? Were they with the police? He didn’t really want to fight anymore. He just wanted food!

“Hands in the air! Where I can see them!” Came a shout from a few rows down.

Grimalkin relaxed slightly. They weren’t here for him. But he’d be damned if he’d let them leave.

Chat Noir was alive deep down inside…somewhere.

He quickly turned and nailed the guy behind him in the head with the glass bottle, shattering it on impact.

“—the hell!?”

Grimalkin slunk behind some shelves, making his way over to where the leader was holding up the owner of the store.

“Please please, I give you money in register, ja? No need for knife, ja?”

Indeed the leader had a knife in his hand, and the collar of the owner in the other. “Shut up, old man!” He shouted. He looked frantic. “Sound off!”

“Door’s blocked!”

“I’ve got a weird looking dude over here.”

Then where there should have been a third voice, there was silence.

“Hey Jean! What’s going on over there?!”

Still no response.

“I swear to God you better not be goofing around over there!”

Grimalkin snuck closer, keeping his steps light. The owner noticed him and held back a gasp.

Then he pounced, knocking the leader to the ground, and subsequently the owner of the store. Grimalkin yanked the robber away from him, allowing the owner to run behind the counter and call the police.

“Who the hell are you!?”

Grimalkin took off the sunglasses, and bared his fangs.

The robber looked like he was about to piss himself.

Not wasting a second, Grimalkin swooped in and grabbed the man’s arm with the knife, and cranked it backwards, against the way it was supposed to fold, and dislocated the elbow.

A second man, who had been holding up the other customer, ran out of his aisle, also holding a knife. At the sight of Grimalkin, he dropped it on the ground, kicked it away from him, and fell to his knees with his hands behind his head.

The last man, who was standing guard at the door, peered around the corner, saw what had happened, and attempted to flee. But Grimalkin dashed to him and grabbed his ankle just as he cleared the doorway. He dragged him back in, as the man took desperate hold of the the door frame.

“No no! Please! I’m sorry! Don’t hurt me!”

With a grunt, Grimalkin suplexed him into the ground next to his leader. Then he frisked him while he laid groaning on his back, found a knife, and destroyed it.

Breathing became hard again, though he hadn’t done much, for his enhanced abilities at least. He stood in the middle of the grocer, panting while his knees trembled.

“Yes, a customer has disarmed them. Three are injured.” Said the owner of the store.

So much for being inconspicuous…

With a little whine, Grimalkin crawled back to where he smashed the milk bottle, finding a white puddle taking up most of the floor. He’d have to run soon, but it was such a waste…Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was animal tendencies, or even his own hunger clouding his mind, but he crouched and began to lap up the milk on the floor with his tongue.

An arm linked with his and pulled him away. “Oh Chat Noir, you shouldn’t drink that. The floor is dirty…”

Grimalkin whined, and met the eyes of the stranger.

No, not a stranger. A tall man, wearing a gray and pink suit with a hat. Mr. Ramier. “Thank you for stopping those muggers, even though you’re in no condition to do so.”

Grimalkin wanted to hiss and pull away and hide, but the pigeon man had always been kind to him. Unless he was akumatized, and even then, it was a relief to be fighting him.

“Come along now, the police will be here any minute.”

Grimalkin whined again and tried to pull away, with little effort.

“Mr. Kemper wants you to hide in the back room. No doubt they’re looking for you!”

He…wanted him to hide? That was unexpected, but not unwelcome. Grimalkin followed Mr. Ramier to the back room that Mr. Kemper was gesturing to.

“Wait here, okay?” Then he almost closed the door, letting the light in a crack.

Sitting in the dark, Grimalkin pondered the circumstance. Alya, Hawkmoth, Chloe, and…and Nino…they were all trying to get the Miraculous from him. But Mr. Ramier wasn’t. He was trying to hide him from the police. Who was the bad guy? Wasn’t he? He was an akuma after all.

All this thinking gave him a headache. The haze from hunger and akumatization was thick on his brain, making it nearly impossible to think straight or logically. That’s why he had his lady. She had the plans, the itinerary…he just followed her lead.

The door rang, and many voices entered.

“Thank you for coming so quickly!” Mr. Kemper called out.

“You said a civilian incapacitated these men? Where are they now?”

“Oh they left as soon as it was over. Didn’t stick around for gratitude.”

The man chuckled. “Another vigilante. Unbelievable.”

“Are there a lot?”

“You have no idea. Ever since Ladybug and Chat Noir were captured, there’s been people walking pickpockets down to the station daily. It’s hard telling them to stop. Ah well. This guy did a number on them.”

A EMT called over from one side of the room. “He’ll be alright, just concussed.”

Grimalkin waited for the police to clean up, listening as the EMTs took care of the injured robbers.

Then, when he was afraid his rumbling stomach would give him away, Mr. Kemper opened the door. “You can come out now. They’ve gone.”

Skittish, Grimalkin slunk out of the store room and stood awkwardly beside the counter.

Mr. Ramier appeared with a basket. Milk, eggs, sausage links, all sorts of foods. Even a bottle of wine.

Grimalkin licked his lips.

“Thank you for saving us, Chat Noir!” Said Mr. Kemper. “I told Mr. Ramier, you know, ‘he is my best customer!’ Didn’t feel the same without you coming in here every week!”

Grimalkin just slowly blinked.

“We take care of each other,” he assured. “You take care of the robbers, I take care of you! All of this, on me! Ja?” He gestured to the basket.

Grimalkin’s lip twitched a sort of half-smile before nodding meekly.

“That’s a good boy! You’re so hungry, right Mr. Noir? I know you’re hurting…so please take care of yourself and your Lady Love? For me please?”

Grimalkin nodded again.

“Do you need help carrying this?” Mr. Ramier offered, seeing his arm trapped inside his coat.

Chat looked at the three bags of groceries and humbly nodded.

“Ah, here, don’t want your ears to give you away.” He plopped his hat on his head.

With a stilted nod of gratitude, Grimalkin took one of the bags on the counter and headed back out into the street.

Mr. Ramier walked beside him, street side, to help hide him.    

“You know what they’re saying about you on the news right?” The man finally asked.

Grimalkin glanced up at him, saying nothing.

“They said you and Ladybug murdered 27 people.”

Was that right? Why did it feel like more?

“But I’m not afraid of you. I don’t know if anyone who knows you really is. I know you’re just trying to protect yourselves.”

Grimalkin huffed, and turned the corner by the bakery.

“Oh, here?”

Grimalkin held a finger to his lips, demanding the man to stay silent.

“Oh of course, I won’t tell a soul. But uh…how do you plan to get this all up there?”

Grimalkin looked up to the balcony, an idea forming in his head. He dropped his bag to the sidewalk, and then climbed up the rope to the top (which was a feat with only one arm.) Once at the top, he dislodged the grappling hook and lowered it to the ground, so Mr. Ramier could drape the handles on the hooks, before raising it up again.

Mr. Ramier gave him a wave and headed back down the street without a word.

He pulled the groceries up to the balcony, and then fell into the chair, breathing hard. His back ached.

“Kitty?” A sleepy voice spoke from the trap door.

Grimalkin flopped onto the floor and scooted over to her.

Lady Lacrima caught his face with her hands, petting him gently. “Where did you go? I woke up and you were gone!”

He whined slightly, blinking his kitten eyes up at her.

“Oh, you brought us food? Did anyone see you?”

He cooed.

“Mr. Ramier? I suppose that’s not the worst person to catch you.”

He brought his quarry over and helped her bring it inside and down to the kitchen.

“My my, what a wonderful spread you got us, kitty! Eggs, milk, ham, cheese…I think we could make some omelets with this. Does that sound yummy?”

His stomach answered for him.

She smiled in return, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Then wash up, and you can help me cook.”

—

About 15 minutes later, they were huddled together on the chair on the balcony, a blanket on their laps and a shared plate between them. Lady Lacrima held it so he could eat.

The faintest bit of sunset remained, slowly disappearing over the horizon, casting the sky into lush pinks and purples.

“We can’t continue like this.” She decided.

He hummed at her, resting his head on top of hers.

“I can’t allow you to be like this anymore. You…” her mind flashed back to the closet. To the deep breathing, the exhaustion, watching him collapse on the floor… “We’re not getting any better. Hawkmoth never intended for us to stay transformed this long.” She looked at her hand, the black material had turned red, and no amount of water would wash it clean. “I wonder…are we already dead? Is spite and wrath controlling our bodies like a puppeteer?”

Of course, Grimalkin didn’t answer. The parts of him that held wisdom and conversation laid dormant. So she was forced to think this through alone.

A yawn pulled from her, as the bed below them called out to her. “I’m still tired,” she confessed.  

He took the empty plate from her hands and set it on the floor, then stood, holding his hand out for her. Together, they dropped back down into the room, and snuggled into the blankets.

“Kitty…I don’t know what happens next…but I love you.”

He purred and nuzzled his nose against her cheek before kissing her lips. I love you too, was what he said.

—

It was Tom who suggested going to the bakery.

“They wouldn’t go there!” Alya protested, “Marinette would know that’s the first place we’d look!”

“Well, did we?” He countered back. “I know my daughter. When she’s feeling scared or hurt, she wants to be home. And she wants a hug from her mama and papa.”

Gabriel sat nearby, wearing an old t-shirt while his arm rested in a sling. “I suppose that’s what children should do. When they’re scared, they want their parents.”

“Then why didn’t Adrien come here?” Alya snarked back.

Gabriel knew the real answer to that question, but instead stated, “One, Hawkmoth told them that we were all here, and two, he’s following Marinette’s lead.”

“So, what do you suggest we do?” Asked Alya. “Ambush them there?”

“Nope.” He looked at Tom and Sabine. “We’re taking a different route this time.”

—

The Gorilla drove Gabriel, Tom, Sabine, Alya, and Nino over to the bakery, while Chloe stayed at the Mansion with her father. And even for the plan, Alya and Nino were just there for back up.

The real MVPs were the parents. And even then, Gabriel was going to be quiet.

After Tom unlocked the gate, Gorilla stood guard at the door. Sabine went up the stairs first, keeping her steps light. When she found the apartment empty, she urged them all up. There were groceries on the counter, and a recently used pan on the stove.

With a swallow, Tom and Sabine pushed up the trapdoor to Marinette’s room.

The room was dark, as the blinds were closed, but there was a large form on the bed.

As Tom opened the trap door all the way, it tapped against the floor. The form in the bed shifted and a sleepy pair of red eyes peered over the rail.

Sabine held her breath as Tom’s hand squeezed her shoulder.

Grimalkin blinked a few times, as he realized what he was seeing. He sat up fully, and let the blanket fall off of him. Then he crawled over the mattress and crept down the stairs, his tail lashing. Not once did he bare his teeth, but he didn’t appear welcoming either.

Sabine tried to put him at ease. “Hi Sweetie,” she said softly.

Grimalkin’s ears went back and his eyes dilated.

“Hmm…Kitty?” Lady Lacrima’s voice spoke from the bed. She sat up, and immediately made eye contact with her mother.

There was a tense silence for only a moment as Sabine stared at her, tears gathering in her eyes. “My baby…” she choked out.

Lady Lacrima swallowed harshly, and looked to Grimalkin, who was watching her carefully.

She got out of bed, coming down the ladder to stand next to him. Then they just stared.

Tom took a step closer. “My beautiful little girl…won’t you let me hug you?”

She hesitated, clenching and unclenching her fist. Finally, she asked, “you…couldn’t do anything?”

Sabine let out a sob. “We did everything we could! You know the second we found out where you were, we would have gone in person to save you! Please believe me Marinette! We love you so much!”

Lady Lacrima could not find fault in her parents. What influence did bakers have?

But she spotted Gabriel, who was hiding behind them. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him. “And what about you?”

Gabriel opened his mouth, and then shut it with a trembling lip as Grimalkin snarled at him.

What a thin rope to tread.

“Honey…Mr. Agreste has also worked really hard to find you. He almost paid a ransom to get Adrien back, remember? He only didn’t because Adrien asked him not to. Don’t be mad at him…”

Grimalkin crept closer, staying on his knuckles, and each step halting, until he was right in front of Tom. Who was, despite his teddy-bear disposition, the biggest threat in the room.

Tom gave him a soft smile, and simply scooped him up in a hug, and held him in a cradle. “There there, just relax.”

Tom felt the way he tensed, his breathing becoming erratic, and his pulse quickening. Like a cat that was about to bolt.

“Shh, I gotcha.” He assured.

Gabriel stood by, and began to pet his hair. “It’s alright, son. You’re safe now.”

Grimalkin melted. His eyelids grew heavy as a loud purr cut through the tension of the room.

Sabine watched the interaction fondly, before turning her eyes back to her daughter. Lady Lacrima still stood back, watching from the corner of the room. Sabine walked to her slowly, holding out her hands in a comforting way.

Lady Lacrima watched her approach, but didn’t run. She didn’t want to run.

Sabine’s hand rested on her cheek, and swiped across the black lines.

“They’re stains.” Lady Lacrima explained. “They won’t come off.”

“Oh, I see.”

Lady Lacrima swallowed and admitted out loud, because it felt too much like a sin not too, “we killed 34 people.”

“Yeah,” Sabine nodded. No berating, but no condoning. Just acknowledgement.

“I thought…it was supposed to make me feel better. Hurting those that hurt me. But…I just feel worse. I’m sorry, maman…”

Sabine kissed her cheek. “My precious baby girl…I am so so proud of you. You’re brave, and smart, and kind and so creative!” Her voice was warm and soothing, in the way that a mother’s was. “You’re my hero, and I love you so much!”

Lady Lacrima exhaled with relief and slumped against her mother. “I’m so tired.”

“I bet you are. We’ll get you to a hospital, and then you can rest. No more secrets, no more hiding…just healing and love. Is that alright with you?”

Lady Lacrima looked back over to Grimalkin who appeared to be almost asleep in Tom’s arms. “And him?”

“You’ll be together. Through all of it. Right, Gabriel?”

Gabriel didn’t even pause from stroking Adrien’s head. “Of course. Every second of every day, you’ll be together.”

Wordlessly, she went to her kitty, touching his cheek gently. “I guess the jig is up, love.”

He nuzzled his face against her hand, purring louder, and she couldn’t help but smile broader. Then she went to his pocket and took out the Ladybug earrings.

“Here,” she put them in her mom’s hands.

Sabine nodded to her in reassurance, and put the earrings in.

In a pink flash, a little red sprite appeared, looking panicked. She met Sabine’s gaze with confusion and fear. “Where’s…?”

“Tikki.” Lady Lacrima said softly.

Tikki whirled around to face her, a gasp ripping from the being violently. “Marinette!”

Lady Lacrima looked away, hugging herself. “I…I didn’t want you to see me like this. But I know it’s for my own good that you do.”

“Oh Marinette!” Tikki wailed. “You’re…you’re hurt…and an akuma?”

She nodded.

“What…how long have I been dormant?”

Lady Lacrima gained another stripe under her eye before saying, “a little less than two months. We were captured, and she took our Miraculous…”

“And then she…hurt you?”

“Yeah.”

“I—I….” Tikki tried to find the words, but ended up dissolving into sobs as she nuzzled her cheek. “I’m so so sorry Marinette…”

“It’s not your fault, Tikki.”

“If the earrings had fallen off or if you took them off without denouncing me, I could have been active and saved you!” Another thought occurred to her. “Where’s Chat? Where’s Plagg?”

“Plagg’s still dormant. And Adrien’s right over there.” She gestured to Tom.

Tikki flitted over to him, and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Everything’s going to be okay now.”

Grimalkin furrowed his brows at her, but didn’t respond.

Tikki came back to Marinette.

“I know you’ve seen her, but you’ve never formally met. Tikki, this is my mother.”

“A pleasure,” Sabine smiled.

“Tikki is what allows me to turn into Ladybug. To put on the suit, all you have to do is say, ‘Tikki, spots on.’”

“Tikki, spots on?”

In a whirl of pink, Sabine’s clothes changed from her simple white Cheongsam, to a red and black robe, that tied at the waist like a ruqun. She wore black leggings and black flats that were visible under the tails of the robe. A silk mask tied securely around her face.

“You look lovely, darling.” Tom complimented.  

“Oh you!”

Lady Lacrima couldn’t help but smile. “All you have to do is capture the akuma with the yo-yo, you do that by drawing your finger down the middle.”

“Oh yes, I remember seeing you do it. Then I just fling it at them?”

“Yep, the yo-yo will catch and purify. Then you let them go.”

“And how do I cast the cure?”

Lady Lacrima hesitated, her fingers curling into fists.

Gabriel came over a rested a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Her body is at the morgue. If the cure brings her back, she’ll be in police custody. There’s absolutely no way she’s getting away.”

She screwed up her lip, still thinking it through.

“It’s for the best, Ladybug. No one will hurt you ever again, alright?”

She swallowed. “To cast cure without a Lucky Charm, all you do is toss the yo-yo up in the air and call ‘Miraculous Ladybug’ and it will activate. To detransform, say ‘spots off’. Pretty simple.”

Sabine patted her cheek. “Only because the akuma is being so understanding.”

“Let’s hold off on this for just a moment,” suggested Gabriel. “Let’s call an ambulance and have them here when their transformation drops.”

Sabine and Tom agreed.

Gabriel took out his phone and headed back down into the apartment to make the call.

“I’m…I’m scared. Doesn’t Paris hate us now?”

“No no, darling. They never stopped loving you.”

“Even after this?” She gestured to her bloodstained suit.

“That’s why the cure is a good idea. Yes, we’re all upset that Sa—er…that woman will be alive again, but there’s some people that got caught up in the violence that didn’t deserve it. Police officers, blackmail victims…”

Lady Lacrima nodded in understanding, though she tightened her fists. “I did what I had to.”

“And now everything is going to be okay. I promise…I can’t promise it’ll be okay right away, but it will someday. I swear.”

Gabriel returned. “The police are outside. It seems that our car was spotted by the paparazzi. An ambulance is on the way.”

Nerves built up in her. “Will they yell at me?”

“There will probably be shouting, but you don’t listen to them.”

“With any luck,” said Gabriel. “You’ll be asleep before you even get that far.”

Lady Lacrima went back over to her partner, smiling at him as he continued to lazily purr. “We probably won’t remember these last few days. And…I’d honestly rather forget, but…we must remember to thank Kelly and Jillian, the Cesaires, and Mr. Ramier. Promise that we’ll remember to thank them?”

He chirped at her.

There was a clamber of footsteps before two EMTs peeked their heads into the room. “We have our stretchers down in the bakery, whenever you’re ready.”

Lady Lacrima cupped Grimalkin’s face. “Ready, my love?”

He raised a claw to her neck, before nodding. Then he broke her collar with his claw and released her akuma before doing the same with himself.

Sabine caught the two rogue butterflies with one swipe, and released them to fly away. “Bye bye little butterflies.” Then with a sigh, she tossed the yo-yo up in the air. “Miraculous Ladybug!”

The healing light exploded, rushing through the room, removing the suits from Adrien and Marinette and healing Gabriel’s shoulder before disappearing out into Paris.

The ring that was in Grimalkin’s pocket dropped on the floor, and Gabriel was quick to grab it and put it in his pocket.

Marinette remained standing, though she leaned heavily on her father for support.

Adrien’s eyes were almost open, as the slow cello-like breathing returned. In the absence of the suit, his wounds immediately started bleeding again.

“Let’s hurry,” Gabriel urged, reaching to carry Marinette.

“I can walk,” she said briskly, not taking her eyes off Adrien. Though the blood oozing down her back said otherwise.

In the apartment, she didn’t even take notice of Alya and Nino before following her father down into the bakery.

An EMT rushed to her and tried to coax her over to a stretcher.

“No, I need to be with him!”

“He’s alright now, Ladybug. You need to lay down.”

“No! He needs me!” She shoved the man way from her, weakly.

Tom placed him on the stretcher as the EMTs automatically got to work. A mask was placed on his mouth. As they secured a brace around his neck. “Patient is pale and unresponsive. Will require a blood transfusion immediately.”

“Adrien!” Marinette reached for his hand, before another EMT took hold of her’s first. “Come on, Miss Ladybug, let’s get you on a stretcher.”

“No! I need to ride with him!”

“If you want to help him, you have to help yourself. Please.”

A wave of dizziness took her as she swayed on her feet. The paramedic caught her and helped her lay down. “It’s alright, Ladybug. You’re both safe. Just rest now, okay?”

She didn’t really have a choice anymore, did she?

Another mask was placed over her face as the bed started to move. Someone covered her with a blanket, affording her an ounce of privacy.

They rolled out of bakery, and into chaos of flashing lights and shouting.

“I’m right here, honey.” Her mother said, taking her hand. “Adrien’s in the other ambulance with your father. Just breathe. Everything’s alright.”

Alright.

Alright.  

[takaraphoenix]

I just noticed that you liked Miraculous Ladybug. I have a question for you. If you were to rearrange the Miraculous, or give a certain Miraculous out to someone else, who would you give them to? You can limit this to just the main 7, all the ones used so far in the show (legitimately used, not that bullshit that Chloe did or the quick use during Multimouse), or all of the known Miraculous. I love you and all the work you've done! You're amazing!

Well, firstly thanks for the love and praise.

Okay, so my inner magical girl fangirl needs to do this by color-association. I know Marinette and Adrien don’t overly prominently wear their respective colors, but listen.

(Also, linking the Kwamis because… I sure don’t remember what all of them look like and I assume some may feel similarly, also this helps me keep track of which ones I already assigned.)

Chloe, genuinely, was the most projected from the get-go, she’s always been yellow bee-themed looks so the Bee Miraculous is one I really wouldn’t move…

Another one I wouldn’t change is Alya with the Fox Miraculous. The color-scheme, the power, it fits her so perfectly that when Lila first played Fox-owner, I was really upset because “No give that to Alya!”.

Marc would go well with the Dragon Miraculous, color-wise at least, I don’t know about powers/personality though but it could be an interesting match-up.

I would have gone with the Rooster Miraculous for Kim, both color-wise and also… his stupid hair-do that makes him already kind of look like a rooster… (Even though the Monkey does fit his personality).

When we first met the other Kwami, I… uh… thought the Bull Miraculous was purple he looked purple and I wanted him to go with Juleka, but it turns out he’s actually… blue? And doesn’t fit that well anymore. I think the Horse Miraculous would fit Juleka’s character (teleportation? For the shy girl who is often trying to get away? Gee!) and color-scheme rather well also Juleka does strike me as a… horse-girl and honestly I really do find this one - aside from the ridiculous costume-get up - to be a weird match for Max, so I’d give it to Juleka.

Luka’s fits! Even though I thought it’d be the Bunny Miraculous because that color seemed to go better with his hair. So, if change, then give Luka the bun.

I guess personality-wise, the Mouse Miraculous is gonna fit Myléne, but color-wise…? She is the most colorful character on the show, why does she get the gray one…? I would have given her the Monkey Miraculous, to be honest.

I genuinely thought that Max was going to be the next carrier of the Turtle Miraculous, like… for one, clearly, the color-scheme I mean come on how did the guy wearing the brightest green end up with the black-brown color-scheme? Also, shield kind of like… fire-wall? I assumed that the powers could be translated to technology then.

Alix is harder… I don’t know, maybe by color-association, the Goat Miraculous…?

Oh, Nathaniel should definitely get the Mouse Miraculous, really. It fits his color - he is literally the only one wearing gray in this show - and it also fits his personality. Both, him being shy as well as the multiple personalities aka his thing with superheroes and secret identities.

Nino, clearly, the Bull Miraculous (though prior to the reveal of what happened to the Peacock, I genuinely thought he would ABSOLUTELY get that one to be the dark blue in the original rainbow line-up, what with him being Adrien’s best friend).

Rose is a no-brainer. She gets the utterly adorable and very pink Pig Miraculous. I swear, this one has to happen.

I think that, with the bunny with Luka, I would have given the Snake Miraculous to Sabrina.

For Kagami I think that, yes, the dragon is absolutely a fit for her, with how I switched them around, I’d give her the Tiger Miraculous, which would absolutely fit her personality!

Which leaves exactly one person and one Miraculous! Lila and the Dog Miraculous. Which could be an interesting match-up and yes, I do think it’d be interesting to see some not so stellar use of Miraculouses. (I am also still waiting for that evil bitch team-up between Lila and Chloe, tbh.)

So, that is it. That’s my color-associated Miraculous line-up! xD