#hi it's Multimouse again

[sillysiluriforme]

Hi it's deranged anon again my heads a bit more clear now I'm so sorry for the weird ask 😭

And masterpost isn't needed now(not implying you had to make one but still) because I binged all of the posts myself 👍 (I love being sleep deprived but also giggling and losing my mind over your au it's just ksidjsdb the sillies™ make me happy)

If it's not too kuch to ask I would like to know more about Marinette's multimouse situation pretty please 👉👈

(also your art style seems so delicate but unhinged and I love I gift you my left shoulder because it's so squishy(the deranged-ness is coming back))

glad you had fun with my blog ! i've been putting off making a masterpost forever now cause i suck at formatting and saying. things. ANYWAYS.

The Mouse Miraculous often causes out-of-body experiences and dissociative episodes in its users. Marinette hasn't used her Multimouse form enough to fully notice these effects, but with all her stress, she still gets a taste of them. She often feels like she's sleepwalking through her daily life, and the Mouse Miraculous’s side effects definitely don't help.

(Your left shoulder will converted into currency and used to buy assets for the shareholders)

[flightfoot]

hi there! i’m not entirely sure if you’re okay with people asking for fic recs, and if you’re not please feel free to ignore this!! but i really value your opinion on things and was wondering if you knew of any good fics of ml lovesquare domestic fluff lol. i would love to hear about what you personally enjoyed! :)

Oh yeah, sure! I don't know whether by "domestic fluff" you're talking about just fics that have Adrien and Marinette be married and aged-up, or whether you also just mean more generally Lovesquare fluff of them hanging out with each other. I'll see what I can do.

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48 Hours To Make You Love Me by @mysticraven20

“When did you stop?” “Stop what, M’Lady?” “Stop loving me?” When two heroes miss the minibus for their winter get away with the gang they have no other choice but to make their way to the resort by themselves. After avoiding their feelings for years, a freak snow storm makes them reconsider more than just whether to carry on driving. Luckily, they find a quaint little bed and breakfast where suddenly they’re thrown into a situation where their feelings can no longer be held back; but, is it too late? The interference of an elderly couple after an eavesdropping accident helps both Adrien and Marinette come to terms with their feelings and their actions. Through movies, hot chocolates and snuggling to keep warm, Marinette wonders if it’s possible to make Adrien love her again, and more so can she do it by the time they need to leave their little sanctuary?

This just has a lot of adorable Adrienette shenanigans, with a fun time travel twist that had me inwardly squealing XD. If you want some Lovesquare fluff, this is a good one.

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When Bunnyx Brings A Baby by DruWho

Marinette thought she was up to any challenge. She was Ladybug after all! But when Bunnyx arrives with a baby in her arms asking her to babysit, Marinette quickly learns that Akuma battles are easy compared to taking care of a baby. A baby that seems to know her and for some strange reason… Adrien?

An entry in the “Lovesquare has to babysit their future children” genre! This is just adorable.

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Patrolling with a friend for Christmas by @seas-of-silver

Adrien just wanted to gift his Lady some time off and hang out more with Marinette during the festive season - it didn't exactly go to plan, but somehow ended up… better?

This was adorable! Chat Noir tries to give Ladybug a break by recruiting Multimouse to replace her on patrols for a bit, and Ladybug returns the favor by recruiting Aspik to replace Chat. Yep, it’s Snekmouse!

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I know there's been pain this year (But it's time to let it go) by @ninadove

“What? Nooo! Adrien doesn’t hate Christmas.” “Are you absolutely certain? What was he like last year?” “Well, he —” Marinette furrowed her brow, scanning her own memories. Of course she was absolutely certain. At least, she thought she was. Okay — she could not ignore that Adrien had run away from home that night, wandering the snow-covered streets to escape the freezing cold of his own home. Nor could she brush away the disintegrated Morris column, cataclysmed for the crime of bearing his own face. Oh, and the shaky videos circulating on YouTube. That musical number was… Concerning, to say the least. Still, it was no smoking gun. Right? “Oh my god,” she squeaked, plopping down against the counter. “Adrien hates Christmas.”

I love Marinette and Felix doing their best to cheer Adrien up, it’s adorable. Especially Marinette’s attempt. It’s very Marinette, I laughed out loud XD. There’s a lot of senticousin bonding here, so if you like that, this is a good one to check out!

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Lost Little Kitten by soliea0death

Monarch hasn't been seen for a while, but that doesn't mean that Ladybug and Chat Noir aren't still needed as the heroes of Paris. Also, the new holder of the rabbit miraculous may need some more practice when dealing with time travel. One-shot Ladynoir ;);)

This is adorable. Ladybug and Chat Noir find a toddler wandering around and try to find her parents, to no avail, so they decide to take care of her (well Ladybug said she was gonna leave her with Marinette, but you know what that really means). Of course Bunnix had to come to collect her since she was displaced from time, but neglected to say who her parents were…

Anyway this was adorable, and I loved the explanation for how, exactly, the little girl ended up in the wrong time period.

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Miraculous Conception series by @ladynoirfanao3

First fic: The Power Of Creation

Everyone knows that Ladybug's cure fixes everything after the destruction wrought by Shadow Moth's akumatized villains. After an akuma with an unfortunate power leaves Ladybug and Adrien in an awkward position, Marinette has never been happier to simply forget. However, she soon discovers that her miraculous ladybugs have a limitation on their curing ability: a limitation that puts her in a situation she never expected to be in.

So basically, Ladybug and Adrien run into each other just as an akuma makes everyone in the vicinity extremely horny, and when they both start remembering things again, they’re in a pretty... compromising position. But it’s just an akuma so they put it out of their heads, until Marinette discovers she’s pregnant and has to decide what to do about it, whether to keep the pregnancy, tell Adrien she’s Ladybug and is having his baby, what to do with the earrings when she’s too pregnant to be Ladybug, etc.

I really enjoyed it! Just watching Ladybug and Adrien try and navigate the situation, especially with secret identities thrown into the mix.

The main fics in the series are basically the same story, it’s just that the first one is from Marinette’s perspective, while the second one is from Adrien’s. The Power of Creation is rated M while the Power of Destruction is rated E, but for both fics it’s just rated that for a single sex scene that occurs in the fic (with it being the same sex scene in both fics, just told from two different perspectives).

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Fate, Destiny... A Hamster by @mostmagical

After finally moving into his very first apartment per Ladybug’s suggestion, Adrien stumbles upon something no movie or TV show could have ever prepared him for: someone else's hamster. At least now there’s an excuse to talk to the new neighbor. (Adrinette Never Met AU)

Funnily enough, this is based on a true story. Specifically, the author’s own experience of having her hamster run out and be found by a neighbor.

Anyway, this is adorable! Marinette and Adrien become smitten with each other extremely quickly, with Marinette’s hamster keeping giving them reasons to talk. Very effective wing-hamster, that one XD.

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Villainous Matchmaking by @nedjsmlfavsmlfavs

When Paris’ favorite domestic terrorist realizes how Ladybug feels about his son, he comes up with his greatest plan yet: using Ladybug’s extremely obvious crush on Adrien Agreste to akumatize Chat Noir. A Ladrien/“platonic” Ladynoir fic

This is adorable and hilarious. Gabriel keeps on “accidentally” releasing things which makes it looks like Adrien and Ladybug are a couple in an effort to make Chat Noir jealous, while Adrien and Ladybug ae just over-the-moon about getting to spend time together and finding out that the other person loves them XD.

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Every Heartbeat by epcot97

Reeling from a brutally difficult day, Marinette finds her life becomes amazingly complicated after impulsively inviting Chat Noir to spend the evening with her. But when the suave feline begins to weave his way into her heart, she realizes rather quickly just how conflicted her feelings for her partner truly are. (part of MariChat May 2021)

Okay so I’m cheating on this one just a little. This story was originally uploaded in 2021, but was taken down and then reuploaded in 2023. I didn’t read it the first time around, and I really enjoyed it and this is my list, so screw it, I’m including it.

Really lovely Marichat fic here! Gabriel fires Marinette from her designer job for unfair reasons, so Chat goes to comfort her and help her set up her own fashion business, becoming closer and closer as they do so.

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Skinny Dipping in the Seine by sparksfly

When Marinette and Chat Noir cross paths one stormy night, an unexpected friendship blossoms, and between the two of them they’re both able to admit what they’ve been looking for the most — freedom. Vowing to tackle all of the things they’ve never tried before, they set out on a series of adventures to complete their bucket lists.

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From School Bells to Wedding Bells by @linnieluna

When the superhero duo takes on another exhausting fight against an akuma, Chat Noir does what he never hesitates to do and takes a hit for his partner. The problem being: neither of them knew what power the akuma possessed. That is… until he is transported into the future. More specifically, to his friend Marinette's wedding.

Ah I love time travel fics! Older!Marinette’s surprised, Younger!Adrien’s bewildered, and Older!Adrien is off knowing exactly what happened and giving his younger self some subtle heads-up.

It gives Adrien something to look forward to, to cling onto, through bad days in the future at least!

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The Power of Love by @nedjsmlfavs

In which Ladybug announces that she’s pregnant via her long term boyfriend and Chat Noir is a supportive partner. After all, he can hardly be upset when he’s been dating his Princess for years! A different take on the show’s tagline (“The Power of Love Always so Strong”) written for Valentine’s day 2023.

This is just a sweet, fluffy fic about Ladybug and Chat Noir finding out they’re having a baby, revealing to each other, getting married, and becoming parents. Gabriel actually tries to do better here, as he does actually care about getting to know his grandchild, and realizes that he can’t undo this timeline without undoing his granddaughter’s existence as well.

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Until I Found You by @linnieluna

Working their way up to a settled adulthood, Marinette and Adrien, now 23, gain a reason to believe that they are expecting—way earlier than they ever planned. Still unwed, it evokes a revelation on Adrien’s behalf. Was it time to take the next step forward?

I loved the emotions here, how Adrien and Marinette reacted to the results of the pregnancy test, how complicated their feelings about it were - and how it prompted Adrien to take action. It’s a really sweet fic!

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Valentine Surprise by choppa01

Adrien had the perfect plan for spending Valentine's Day with Marinette. Unfortunately Chat Noir has the worst luck when it comes to keeping to the plan. But it all works out in the end, right? Right?

This is adorable. Chat Noir keeps running into people who need help on Valentine's Day and sacrificing his own plans in order to help others. Luckily, all is not lost, even if everything he set up for his date is.

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The Course of True Love by @nedjsmlfavs

Dark Cupid haunts Marinette. Do the events of that fateful day mean that Adrien isn’t her True Love? With a little help from Chat Noir - who has absolutely no personal stakes in this matter - she’s sure to find out. She’ll also learn the unfortunate truth: the course of true love never did run smooth.

So this is adorable, there's some nice Ladrien dating in here! Though also some angst, Chat Blanc still takes place in this storyline, as does a Hawkmoth takedown, and all the angst and trauma that goes with those things. But with Marinette and Adrien together, the two of them can handle anything.

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Perfectly Platonic (Unless...) by @frostedpuffs

After accidentally revealing their identities in less than ideal circumstances, Adrien and Marinette must navigate their newfound relationship as both partners and friends. Becoming best friends was a quick process, but when romantic feelings begin to bleed into what's supposed to be a platonic connection, their friendship starts to change in more ways than one. Surely it can't be that hard to hide their feelings from their best friend? (A post-reveal, pre-relationship fic full of romantic crushes, best friend shenanigans, and a whole lot of dumbassery.)

If you just want a straight-up romance slowburn with these two just somehow being convinced their relationship is platonic (or that the other person wants it to be platonic at least), you'll find little better to scratch that itch than "Perfectly Platonic (Unless...)". It's a little smutty and definitely earns its M rating because of that. If you want mutual pining, there's a ton of that here!

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Season Of Giving by The_Rabbit42

As Christmas draws near, Adrien and Marinette want to find special presents to give their partner and... other partner. Combined with Adrien rediscovering what Christmas is without his parents, Marinette getting sick, and Alya and Adrien becoming closer friends, it's sure to be a memorable holiday.

I love this, it's a nice festive story, and I especially enjoyed Adrien and Alya getting to talk and bond and just... be friends with each other, rather than simply existing together in the same friend group! Oh, also, this takes place post-season 5, so Adrien's dealing with being an orphan now and all the complicated feelings that stirs up.

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After The Bell Rings by fettuccine(LFA)

After a failed stint as a freelance designer, Marinette takes a job as a design teacher at a middle school. It's a lot more difficult than she thinks it'll be, especially with popular creative writing teacher Adrien Agreste residing right next door. It's not him that's the problem. He's one of the only things making teaching semi-tolerable. Afternoon venting sessions and cups of tea in the teacher's lounge quickly lead to becoming best friends. So, no. It's not him. It's the students relentlessly shipping them that's the issue.

You ever wanted a teacher AU for the Lovesquare? You got it! They're adorable, even their students can see they belong together XD

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Mamma Mia! by @ladynoirfanao3

When Marinette discovers she is pregnant, she is distressed to realize any of the three men she slept with in the recent past could be the father; Chat Noir, Ladybug’s partner and ex with whom she had gone through a tearful breakup - the mysterious Cat Walker, Ladybug’s rebound - or Adrien Agreste, Marinette’s current boyfriend. Bit of a twist on the base concept of Mamma Mia, where she doesn't realize all three potential fathers are, in fact, the same man.

So this is a fun little fic. I loved seeing Adrien and Marinette independently wrestle with the situation - Adrien, with maybe being the father of his former girlfriend's children (but maybe not), and Marinette, with needing to tell her former and current boyfriends that they might or might not be the father, and having to deal with a potential change in their relationship because of that.

Oh yeah, this fic is rated M, but the sexual content is relatively mild. The foreplay is detailed, but the actual sex is just implied.

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Bend the World Around It by @kasienda

“Tell me it was real." She can’t look at him. She can barely stand the pain in his voice. She definitely can’t face it. “It wasn’t.” He shakes his head, and turns to her - his eyes swirling in their intensity. “That’s not what I meant and you know it. Tell me that you were there. We were there together, having the same dream.” She squeezes her eyes shut. She wants to lie to him. She needs to lie to him. But she can’t. Lying would be like it never happened. But it did happen. And if it’s all they get to have, she wants him to know it. “I think we were having the same dream,” she whispers, unable to meet his eyes.

So this is an adorable Jubilation aftermath fic, with Ladybug and Chat Noir both mourning the loss of what only they remember, of a dream that never was. And them deciding that screw it, it may not have been real to anyone else, but it was real to them. They remember those years together, and they want to live together, if only during the times when they can afford to be missing from home. They remember being happily married, and crave that life.

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Are You Kidding Me? by @11jj11

When Bunnyx appears, Marinette knows she has to be prepared for what may be her greatest challenge yet. Babysitting her future child wasn't exactly what she had in mind.

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Remember That Time When... by @mostlovedgirl-writes

Twenty-two-year-old Marinette Agreste was looking forward to the anniversary trip she would be taking with her husband Adrien that weekend. Those plans are derailed when she wakes up in her old bedroom… and she’s seventeen again.

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Pick-Up and Chase by SKayLanphear

After she accidentally trips into Adrien and apologizes about "falling for him," Marinette learns that he's no match for cheesy pick-up lines--whether they were unintended or not. And while she finds it flattering that he turns into a flustered mess with only a few words, Marinette comes to regret making him uncomfortable. That is, until she learns he's Chat Noir. At which point the phrase "just deserts" becomes a permanent fixture in her everyday plans. A story in which Adrien is flustered, Marinette is smooth as glass at dropping lines, and Chat Noir gets the romance he was always asking for--even if he doesn't quite know how to handle it.

[saltycollectormiracle]

Hi guys!!! I'm shocked, thanks for all your feedback!! I've never had so many before! I reread all your comments and reblogs several times a day. It means so much to me 😢💗

You gave so many good requests to draw, I even got stuck for a few days choosing. So today i tried to just draw what first appeared in my head

I really like multimouse and polymouse, their designs are so so cute! But I'm not good at picking up gray colors 😭 I can't figure out how to do it better, nothing fits.. maybe I'll try again later

BTW!! Can you recommended your favorite mlb fanfiction?? Preferably finished and not too long, otherwise I'm afraid I won't finish reading😭 Share the link or title in the comments or reblogs! Thank you in advance!!!

[knifedancer]

What-If: MultiFelix

What if Felix met Multimouse before his appearance in canon?

What if Adrien wasn’t the only blond crushing on a super heroine in the family?

~~~~~~~ “Shit!” Felix cursed as he dodged a wayward akuma blast, the wall of the store he had been hiding beside becoming nothing more than a crumbling pile of bricks in his wake. He stumbled as the ground shook again, hazel eyes darting around to seek out another route away from the battlefront before the akuma-of-the-week targeted the blond directly instead of the thinning crowds around him.

‘There! I can hide in that alley!’ Felix rushed forward, panting as he sprinted across the street towards perceived safety. However, just before he could breach it, another blast struck the building to the left and the debris blocked the mouth of the alleyway – a few bricks slammed into his left leg, their bruising impacts ripping his pants and leaving a smattering of cuts on his thigh. By the way the material of his black slacks bloomed matching glossy spots, there were likely more bloody wounds than those visible through the tears. Cursing under his breath, he spun to his right to begin limping further down the avenue when the sound of maniacal laughter sent chills down his spine. Felix turned and dropped into a fighting stance; hazel eyes focused on the threat approaching slowly. The akuma was dressed as a Medieval court jester; bells jingling as they bounced from foot to foot, legs and arms as pale as snow and unnaturally long like some sort of spider. Eyes wild and toothy grin wide, their head tilted like an inquisitive puppy looking at a new toy.

‘Well, new fear unlocked…’ Felix thought, his rising panic hidden behind a carefully constructed mask of indifference and splotches of plaster dust.

“When I was a lad, I was gloomy and sad / As I was from the day I was born / When other babes giggled and gurgled and wiggled / I proudly was loudly forlorn. / My friends and my family looked at me clammily / Thought there was something amiss…” the akuma’s unhinged, sing-songed limerick coming out dejected as it approached slowly, their grin temporarily dropping into an overexaggerated frown. Felix took a cautious step back, was this the victim’s backstory?

“What else could he be but a Jester? / A Jester? A Jester! / A funny idea, a Jester!” Suddenly the akuma’s mouth stretched up into an unnaturally feral grin, like some sort of horror game villain – equal parts terrifying and disturbing that would certainly not haunt his dreams later – and squealed with joy, clapping its hands around their marotte. “Only the sharpest eye, the keenest nose / the quickest ear and the fleetest toes / Can ever outfox the Jester! Can ever outfox the Jester! / Only the stoutest arm, the bravest heart / with a magic charm and a good head start / Will ever outfox the Jester!”

The hazel-eyed teen braced himself to fight as the akuma lunged with a sharp jingle, marotte extended above their head as if to club the blond over his skull rather than shoot a blast from the tip. Out of nowhere and with a quiet fwip, a pink jump rope shot in front of the jester, tripping them. Just as soon as the rope appeared, it retracted in the blink of an eye and, in its place, a grey dressed figure somersaulted in the air directly above the flattened akuma. Time seemed to slow as Felix watched her pink hair ribbons flutter in the air behind the space buns holding back her hair, tresses as dark as a raven’s wing. His breath briefly caught as bright, bluebell eyes flashed – focused and calculating – from behind the edges of a baby pink domino mask. She brought her black booted feet together and ruthlessly planted them directly into the back of the akuma’s skull, impaling their head into the pavement like some sort of avenging Valkyrie taking down a mythical beast. Felix felt breathless and his knees turned to putty watching the graceful, powerful display. Just who was she?

Shaking off the foreign feelings clouding his mind, the blond limped backwards, unsure if this lithe woman was a friend or foe. Perhaps she would attack him next. Why did he feel a thrill at the idea of sparring with her? Focus! The movement drew the attention of those enchanting blue eyes. She squeaked in surprise, as if just noticing him for the first time. However, they took on an intelligent gleam, quickly assessing his physical state – those eyes pausing on his leg – as she approached him with her hands outstretched in a placating manner. “Um. Excuse me, garçon, I’m here to help. You need to evacuate. Are you badly injured?”

Ignoring the way that her sweet voice – which sounded like silk wrapped around steel – made his heartbeat quicken, he evaluated her for a threat. She was petite and so thin that it looked like the next strong breeze might knock her over. Hazel eyes trailed down the woman’s grey suit – lines of pink breaking the black and grey tightly hugging her tiny frame, the fabric caressing each toned curve and valley in a way that made his mouth run dry – before taking note of a familiar pink jump rope hanging around her waist like a tail. He relaxed fractionally and cleared his throat. “You were the one that tripped him before, weren’t you?” he questioned, gesturing to the now thrashing akuma attempting to free itself from the ground. If Jester had not been struggling to free themselves, Felix would liken the akuma’s current state to an ostrich hiding their head in a hole – the blond choked on a laugh over that mental image!

The grey suited woman glanced back and nodded, “I apologize but…we need to get you out of here before Jester sees us and decides to get revenge.” She drew out the jump rope and stepped into his personal space. Felix realized just how much shorter she was, the top of her head just barely clearing his shoulder, before her words finally registered.

“W-wait, what are you—OOF!” The lithe figure quickly lifted him in a fireman’s carry over her shoulder with shockingly little effort before whipping out the rope and tugging them into the air as if snapping a rubber band. Watching the ground flash by beneath them at a dizzying speed, Felix was pretty sure he was going to be sick. ‘What a way to go…throwing up while escaping an akuma, being manhandled by some superhuman, spandex wearing, midget!’ He refused to admit that this position also provided a lovely angle on some of her finer assets…which was distracting enough to assuage the rising bile in his throat.

With a jolt, they landed on a rooftop, but she only paused for a moment. The woman returned the rope to her waist and shifted him into a bridal carry before dashing quickly across the uneven terrain as if it were second nature. Felix’s arms instinctually wrapped around her neck in a desperate attempt to prevent being dropped. He glanced over her shoulder to see the rapidly expanding distance from whence he was kidnapped – perhaps rescued? – off the street while the wind whipped noisily past his ears. ‘It appears she’s just as strong and fast, even with my added weight,’ the blond thought with mounting admiration. The grey suited woman began to slow and hopped onto a flat roof with a small garden next to a fire escape, finally halting their advance and gingerly returning him to his feet. The blond attributed his racing heart from the unexpected flight rather than their proximity.

“Sorry about that! We didn’t have much time and I needed to get you away from that akuma before they freed themselves. You should be safe here and, if you’re not in too much pain, you can easily take the fire escape down to the streets. Just try to avoid Rue de Rivoli or else you might bump into our crazed jester friend again.” Her lips curved into a gentle smile that made him feel fluttery—er, reassured.

Felix furrowed his brow, “Who even are you?”

The woman blinked and opened her mouth to reply when a cry of “MOUSINETTE!” came from his right, followed by a black blur crashing into the grey suited woman. She stumbled back a few steps with a giggle that sounded like wind chimes dancing in sunlight. Wrapped around Felix’s savior, belt tail seemingly interweaving with the hanging jump rope length, was none other than a grinning Chat Noir. “What are you doing here?! Milady said she was sending in help, but I didn’t think she’d send you after…” The cat hero trailed off, one hand gesturing towards her mask. Now what was that about?

“O-Oh…Yeah…She said that it was just temp-temporary since she’s…uh…” The young woman glanced over towards Felix and then back to Chat, dropping her voice to a soft whisper, “…indisposed.”

“Indisposed? But isn’t her kwam—” Chat Noir looked confused before finally realizing they had company, his mouth dropping into a silent ‘oh’. “Gotcha. Ixnay.” Then he grinned again and ruffled her hair, “It’s good to see you again, Little Mouse! No one deserves it more than you!”

Her cheeks flared in rosy embarrassment and her lips protruded in a pout at the hero’s praise. “Um…I-I…Thank you, Chat. That’s very sweet but…uh, don’t get your hopes up?” The mousey girl cringed and backed away, tugging her jump rope free as she prepared for her departure.

Felix’s lips quirked up slightly at her increased nervous vocal quirks, ‘First she’s badass, then she’s adorable. Just who is she?’

“Since you’re more, uh experienced than me, wo-would you mind checking out this man’s le-leg? I’m heading back to see if Jester has um…broken free from where I…uh…left him.” With that, she scurried away, using her jump rope to swing back towards the akuma.

“Wow! You don’t know it, sir, but you’re a very lucky man… saved by THE Multimouse!” Chat crowed with joy while slitted eyes watched her disappear from sight.

“…Multi-who?” Felix questioned awkwardly, wondering why the cat hero appeared to be so excited.

Chat chuckled softly before turning to him, “Multimouse. She’s smart and funny and strong and sweet…She’s one of the temporary heroes, our greatest strategist (next to my Bugaboo, of course)! Our heavy hitter!”

“Is she some sort of stealth hero? I don’t recall ever hearing about her online…” In fact, he had researched all the heroes before this trip and found not a single mention of a mouse hero.

The black clad cat deflated slightly and sighed, “Yeah…she’s only been out once or twice before this…never really been caught on camera but something happened last time and…well, Ladybug said we couldn’t call her back out. I guess Milady decided it was enough of an emergency… Not that I mind!”

Felix took in the goofy smile that slowly stretched across Chat’s face while he looked off in the direction Multimouse had retreated. Suddenly he felt nauseous, as if something ugly was twisting up and clenching in his stomach, causing his neck to burn red. Unable to control his emotions any longer, his tone became clipped and hard as a lump of anger gripped his vocal cords. “Aren’t you…supposed to be in love with Ladybug?” Did he sound jealous? It was definitely not jealousy!

Chat Noir’s eyes widened comically, his arms swinging wildly in the air as if to physically dispel any misunderstanding. “Yes! Milady is the only one for me! B-but—wait...” Green eyes narrowed with suspicion and the cat stalked closer to the injured teen, his entire demeanor flipping like a switch: from nervous house cat to dangerous panther. Felix struggled to keep himself calm and attention locked on the approaching predator so that he could leap away at a moment’s notice. The cat leaned into his face before a huge grin broke through, his voice a smug murmur. “Do you have a crush on Mousinette?”

Now it was Felix’s turn to panic – eyes widening, heart racing, body trembling, and face burning red – as the image of a grey suited, blue-eyed Valkyrie popped up in his head. His mind replayed the way the breeze tugged at the ribbons in her hair, the obvious strength her petite body contained while effortlessly holding him, the intelligence that showed in her eyes, the blush painted across her cheeks and a giggle that made something inside him sing!

‘Oh…’ he thought dazedly. Sure, Felix had always heard of ‘love at first sight’ but had excused it as nothing more than romantic fantasy! Some unrealistic and overused movie trope! Yet here he was…falling for some mystery heroine that hadn’t even spoken more than a handful of meaningless sentences to him. Mortification bled through the warmth expanding in his chest.

Chat Noir’s grin became sharp, as if he could hear the hazel-eyed blond’s heart beating in time to the heroine’s name. “You and I aren’t so different; I was the same way for Ladybug. Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”

~~~

He refreshed the Ladyblog and scrolled through the latest posts for possibly the hundredth time, the habit becoming a daily routine for the blond. There was no real evidence of Multimouse’s existence, merely anecdotal or the occasional passing comment about a pink jump rope appearing during a time of crisis. The only images captured during the Jester akuma were blurry and taken at too far of a distance, Felix checked. Thoroughly. He questioned his memory more with each passing day as little details seemed to slip away, like a well-worn film played so many times that the sound and images began to distort. He could recall that her voice and laughter were sweet but why was it so hard to remember the exact tone? Was she really as lovely as in his dreams? Did her eyes sparkle like the sun glancing off a lake’s surface or were they more like the color of a cloudless sky at noon? What was the shape of her face like again? Did she have freckles?

Frustrated, the blond refreshed the page yet again.

The next time that Felix visited Paris, he watched the skies for a streak of grey and pink. No matter how many akumas appeared, it was simply the original pair: Ladybug and Chat Noir. His attention was divided between his phone and the skies, constantly hoping for another glimpse of the heroine that stole his heart; enough that even his cousin seemed to notice the level of his distraction.

“Hey Fe, you seem really out of it. You okay?” Adrien asked, concern seeming to drip from every pore.

Felix sighed and dropped his phone back down into his lap, “Yes. Apologies, cousin, I’m simply…” He made a motion with one hand as if scrolling through a list of words before settling on one, “…distracted.”

The model approached and hung himself over the back of the couch like a discarded throw blanket, glancing down at what had captured his interest on the screen. “Oh, are you checking out the Ladyblog? My friend, Alya, actually runs it!”

The hazel eyed teen turned with interest, desperately he tried to keep hope from bleeding into his voice. “Do you know if she has a database of images of the various heroes, perchance?”

“Besides the gallery on the blog itself, no, I don’t think so. Why?”

Felix’s posture deflated a bit as he stifled a groan, “It’s…nothing.”

“Are you looking for a certain hero, maybe?” Adrien innocently asked.

“No!” The Londoner answered a little too quickly, unable to keep his ears from turning bright red as he denied the question emphatically.

A playful grin spread across the green-eyed blond’s face, “Yes, you are, Fe! Who is it? Was it a temporary hero during that attack you were caught up in last time?”

He gripped his phone and clenched his teeth, attempting to stifle the spread of the blush now blooming across his cheeks. Good gods, he would never live this down…but his cousin was a fan of the heroes, surely, he might have some information? He hated feeling vulnerable. Felix pressed his eyes shut as if pained to admit it, his voice coming out as more of a whispered hiss than he would care to admit. “…Yes.”

Adrien seemed to light up, “Really? Who was it?” Bouncing like a puppy with a new toy, the model’s eyes gleamed. “Viperion? Or perhaps Ryuko? Rena Rouge? Or...Carapace?! No judgment.”

Felix scoffed and looked down into his lap pensively, his fingers gliding over the darkened surface of his phone’s screen as he struggled to open up. “No…none of them. She doesn’t appear on the Ladyblog anywhere and there’s no pictures of her in battle…I—”

The model gently set a hand on his shoulder, finally hazel met green. “Hey, it’s okay to have a crush on whoever it is. I mean I…” He watched as his cousin blushed, his eyes looking out the wall of windows with a dreamy, far-off look. Felix couldn’t help but think that his cousin looked like some sort of melancholic-romantic lead pining for their lover. “I’ve…had a huge crush on Ladybug ever since she saved me.”

The formal boy stared at his cousin’s profile, dumbfounded at finding common ground with his lookalike. They had been raised so differently, had lost contact, lost parents, and pursued different routes in life… The model was like sunshine incarnate while the magician resembled that of a thunderstorm. All their lives, Felix had always been compared to Adrien and found lacking. Perhaps they weren’t so different after all?

Adrien sighed softly and turned his gaze back towards him, excited once more. “So? What was she like?”

“She…” He allowed his eyes to drift up briefly as he recalled the encounter once again. “She was…strong and agile. Small, but powerful, like some sort of petite battle angel.”

“Yeah… I’m a sucker for a strong woman, too.” Adrien climbed over the sofa and settled beside him with a chuckle, leaning back so that the model’s face looked up at the ceiling. “And beautiful.”

“Graceful,” Felix supplied with an agreeable hum, lost in thought as his eyes drifted down to his lap once again. Fingers tracing the edges of his phone case as the image of bright eyes framed by a pink mask flooded his memories.

“Kind,” his cousin sighed into the air around them, his mind’s eye bringing forward images of his Lady.

“Capable.”

“Smart.”

“Clever.”

“Confident.”

“…yet adorable.”

“Especially how her nose crinkles when she laughs…”

“Laughter that makes your heart dance.”

“And a smile that makes you feel warm all over.”

“With blue eyes as clear as crystal…”

“Hair the color of the midnight sky…”

Felix laughed wryly, “Almost sounds like we’re in love with the same girl.”

“Oh gods, I think we have a type!” Adrien’s whole body shook with his laughter.

“Seems so, cousin!” The formal boy’s chuckles died out as the original issue arose to the forefront of his mind yet again. “At least you can find pictures of Ladybug all over the blog. Multimouse doesn’t appear on camera nor is she called out much. It’s…It’s like she never existed!” He ran a hand through his hair in visible frustration.

“Yeah, I’ve…uh…heard rumors of a mouse hero. But I’ve um, never seen her myself,” the model admitted while twisting his ring. “Wait! What if I ask Chat Noir – he, uh…patrols nearby sometimes – to get you a picture?”

Felix scoffed at the idea, “That’s not likely to happen. Even that cat mentioned that she is hardly ever called out to help. Besides, I don’t need any of the heroes to find out about my…inclinations. They might think I’m some sort of stalker and never call her out again.” Crossing his arms, he glared at the tops of his knees.

“Oh. Um.” Adrien seemed to deflate a little, his eyes twitching back and forth pensively as if trying to find an answer. “Then…what if you describe her to me and I can try to get my friend to draw her for you? His name’s Nathaniel, he’s really good – even has his own Ladybug comic book! Here, I’ll show you some of his work.”

Felix watched as his cousin pulled up a few screenshots he had saved of the bug heroine – obviously full colored, pre-print cells from the final draft – and was begrudgingly impressed. “That…that might just work. I…” He furrowed his brow and cleared his throat; an uncomfortable tightness having lodged deep in his chest. Hazel eyes rose to look into the model’s face once again, his voice a murmur of gratitude. “Thank you, Adrien.”

A genuine smile stretched across the model’s face. “Hey, what is family for?”

~~~

A few weeks later, a small package arrived at Felix’s door in London with a return address from Paris.

Retreating to the privacy of his room, the blond allowed his emotions to go unguarded as he quickly peeled back the tape with anticipation. A small gasp echoed in the silent room as hazel eyes finally laid upon the contents. Inside the rigid packaging and protected by a stiff plastic sleeve, lay three realistic drawings of various sizes and poses, all professionally colored and inked in a way that made it seem almost like the heroine could jump straight off the page.

“Multimouse…” his whispered voice filled with awe and admiration.

Felix pulled the largest image from the sleeve, an action shot that he had described in great detail – repetitively – to Adrien. Jump rope curled around her waist, ribbons blowing in the breeze, her booted feet together and arms extended above her head as she came down upon the akuma… Suddenly he felt as if he was right back in that moment! The artist had drawn her form as if hovering in the air, looking like an instant frozen in time, and filled in the background with a simple watercolor burst that accentuated the grays, pinks, and dark blues in the rest of the piece. With trembling fingers, he reverently traced the curve of Multimouse’s domino mask. He gazed into the bright blue eyes that had bewitched him and haunted his dreams. Somehow Adrien’s artist friend had even perfectly captured the determined sparkle in her eyes!

Gently setting that drawing aside, he pulled the medium sized image out next and found another action shot of the heroine mid-flight. Jump rope extended beyond the paper’s edges, legs extended behind her in freefall, her eyes partially closed against the wind whipping at her face – it was a beautiful vision! However, what captured his interest and stole his breath was the bright smile stretched across her face. She looked so carefree and relaxed, as if she were simply patrolling the rooftops with the rest of the team. Had they used Ladybug for reference? Or did someone see her recently?

No, if she had been seen, it would have been on the Ladyblog.

Placing that piece beside the other on his desktop, Felix finally pulled the last from the sleeve. Unlike the others, this one was laminated and covered by a sticky note in Adrien’s usual scrawl.

Dear Fe, I asked Nath to make this one small enough to fit in your wallet. We asked my very good friend, Marinette, to pose for it. I hope you like it! ~AA

The hazel eyed teen scoffed and peeled it away, freezing once he revealed the image beneath. The mouse heroine was pictured sitting on the edge of a building, reclined back on one arm while glancing over her shoulder almost flirtatiously, the sunset and Eiffel Tower behind her so that part of her face was cast in shadow. One delicate hand was brushing her bangs from her eyes, a shy smile upon her lips, her body language open and comfortable. The angle was close enough to make out long lashes and a light blush on her freckled cheeks. It almost felt as if she were looking right at him!

Knees shaking from the weight of his overwhelming emotions and eyes still locked on the small drawing, he sat heavily into the desk chair with a sharp creak in protest. Felix raised a hand to his chest, as if trying to calm the rapidly thumping organ currently threatening to flee from his body. His imagination ran wild – supplanting memories of the Jester with daydreams of shy smiles, sweet giggles, and teasing banter as they watched the sunset…

‘Wow…’ thought Felix, looking back over the three drawings before his eyes settled back on the one still in his hand. ‘I don’t know how I’m ever going to return the favor for this… Perhaps I can help my cousin with his crush the next time I visit?’

After all, what could possibly go wrong?

~~~~~~~Author's Notes: I had a this thought and decided to type it up. I'm the only one to blame here. I couldn't stop myself if I tried. I swear, I don't know why my brain spits this stuff out…

Jester lines are modified prose from character dialogue in 'The Court Jester' (1955).

Jester's visuals were inspired by a combination of Spinel (corrupted) from 'Steven Universe', Joker from 'Batman', and Huggy Wuggy and Mommy Longlegs from 'Poppy's Playtime'. Disturbing enough? Check.

Marotte: Originally the medieval fool's stick or sceptre, a short rod topped with a small head.

Adrien hints about Marinette's secret mouse identity, said hint goes right over Felix's head.

[starwarsmum]

Day 8! How are we a week in already? Today we're back in Birds Make the Best Friends

@maribatserver

“Hey Dami, have you seen my sweater? I could've sworn I had it last night,” Marinette asked, frowning as she looked under the cushions and sofas. The kid snorted and Marinette glanced up at him from where she was crouching. “Is that a yes?”

“Tt, Drake has it, I believe,” Damian said gleefully, twirling the sword he had been practicing with expertly. Marinette frowned harder and squinted suspiciously at the door she had just come through. It was true that she hadn't seen Tim in a couple of hours but she had been pretty clear about how that sweater was hers and she would punish him severely if he took it.

“Right…thanks,” she muttered, making her way to Tim's room. When she didn't find him there, she mentally ran through the rooms she had already been in and headed to the closest drawing room that Tim enjoyed spending his downtime in.

She slipped into the room and stopped dead because- yep! There the little rat was, snuggled up in her Multimouse sweater. He had commented on liking it several times but she had made him one with his own superhero persona on it so she had assumed it was safe.

“Tim, why are you wearing my sweater?” Marinette shrieked, tackling him onto the floor. He gave a muffled yelp and tried to scoot away from her, hands scrambling as she yanked on his legs. “I made you your own Red Robin one! Why do you need to steal mine?”

“Mine got coffee on it, I didn't think you'd mind,” he whined, still trying to get away. Marinette sat on his feet and glowered at him.

“You absolutely knew I'd mind,” she said, smacking him in the stomach. “You can't just take my stuff! Especially the stuff I make for me! God, Tim, you have other clothes-”

“But nothing as comfy as what you make,” he said petulantly, trying to shove her off of him. “You weren't using it!”

“And now I can't because you're wearing it,” she snarked, reaching up to try pull at his hair. He yelped again and tried to swat her away but had to settle on grabbing her wrists instead. 

They continued to wrestle for dominance, Marinette with a clear advantage as she was spitting mad, until someone lifted her up and away. She gave a mouse-like squeak and twisted in the grip to try and free herself. She gave a growl when Tim cackled victoriously but she still wasn't dropped so she was stuck.

“What is going on in here?” Bruce demanded, immediately making Marinette feel guilty. She opened her mouth to blame Tim but he was quicker at the draw.

“Marinette went crazy and jumped on me! I was just trying to stop her pulling my hair,” he said, bottom lip jutting out. Marinette screeched and tried harder to get loose and start hitting him again but Bruce sighed and moved her behind him.

“You're both practically adults, I shouldn't be breaking up fistfights in my home,” he said, disappointment thick in his voice. “Alright, so that's Tim's side of things. Mari?”

“He stole my clothes!” She blurted, trying to think of a way to get Bruce on her side. He gave her a look of disbelief, like he couldn't see how a stolen sweater would lead to the scene he'd walked in on. “I made it for me, not to mention he has his own!”

“Marinette, it really isn't quite the same thing-”

“Of course you would take his side,” she said in an injured voice, pouting. Bruce sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, putting her down in the process. A rookie mistake as she took the opportunity to throw herself at Tim again, fists flying.

_ _ _

Several hours later, Marinette had her sweater back and Tim felt nettled. It had taken longer than he would ever admit to get her off of him when she had managed to attack again, even with Bruce's help. 

They still hadn't said anything else to each other and Marinette was scribbling in one of her sketchbooks. He refused to be the first one to speak because then she would win. So they continued to sit in annoyed silence, her with her pencil and sketchbook and him with his tablet.

“Have you two sorted out your differences yet?” Bruce said from the doorway, frowning at them. Tim glanced at Marinette and they came to a silent agreement that this was between the two of them, so they nodded. He was visibly relieved and nodded back at them. “Good, don't let me catch you fighting like that again, please.”

He left and they returned to their silent working, although Tim did glance up at her to gauge her mood. She was snuggled down in her sweater, moving the sketchbook around occasionally and adding seemingly random lines every now and then. 

“I see you retrieved your clothes. And without drawing blood, I am highly disappointed,” Damian said, coming into the room and sitting next to Marinette. 

“You didn't give me the sword when you sent me after him,” she replied absently, grinning at Tim when he made an affronted noise. “You can't tell me you're surprised that Damian ratted you out.”

“No, but I can be upset that you would have brought a weapon into it!” He exclaimed, glaring at his little brother when he smirked. “See if I help you any time soon, gremlin. You're my brother, not hers.”

“Tt, that is probably why I prefer her to you,” Damian sniffed, peering over Marinette's shoulder. “You are designing something new? Does that mean my new jacket is complete already?”

“Mostly, I'm just waiting for the kevlar infused fabric to arrive,” she agreed, grabbing her phone and showing Damian something on it. He nodded in approval at whatever he saw and Tim scowled at having to share his best friend. 

“Are you making yourself a new sweater then? I agree, once the pretender has worn something of yours it is best to burn and replace it as soon as possible.” 

“Hey-”

“No, I'm making him a matching one since he's such a crybaby about it,” she said, laughing when Tim jumped up and grabbed the book from her hands. And if he knocked Damian slightly as he did so, well that was just a bonus. “It'll be slightly different, mind you, so I can tell them apart. Yours will have a robin on the sleeve so you have no excuse for stealing mine again.”

Damian shouted in outrage as Tim hugged Marinette in excitement, the only warning he got before the little beast pulled a knife and pricked him with it. He yelped and jumped away, scowling at Marinette as she laughed at the pair of them.

Part 3

[kylimarz]

Miraculous Ladybug College AU Pt4

Adrien x FemReader x Luka

Part one Part Two Part Three

Guys, I'm so sick and stuck in bed, but that means I can write more!!! Go read the first three parts if you haven't already. Let's get into it!

"We need to talk."

Ladybug’s voice cuts through the settling quiet, her gaze locked onto Chat Noir.

He leans lazily against his baton, the way he always does—effortless, playful, like none of this weighs on him the way it does on her.

"Sure," he replies.

She exhales, sinking down to sit on the ground, exhaustion creeping into her limbs. "I don’t know if I can be in charge of all this."

Chat Noir’s casual stance stiffens slightly. "What do you mean?" he asks, his voice dipping into something more serious. "Didn’t you know what would happen when you took her Miraculous? You have the Miracle Box too, right?" His words come out rushed, worry taking over.

Ladybug rubs a hand down her face. "Yes. I have the Miracle Box. It’s hidden." She hesitates, voice quieter now. "But, Chat... this was supposed to be temporary. She was supposed to come back and resume her post."

His face falls. He walks toward her, finally squatting down behind her with a sigh. "She can’t come back."

"I know that," Ladybug snaps, then immediately deflates. "I know that," she repeats, softer, her fingers curling into the fabric of her suit. "But I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that it’s me now. That this is my responsibility."

A beat of silence stretches between them before Chat Noir tilts his head, forcing a small, teasing grin. "Well, you’re not alone. We’re partners. Or did you forget the perks that come with the job?" With that, he leans back and flexes his arms dramatically.

It’s ridiculous. It’s so him.

For the first time in what feels like forever, she cracks the tiniest smile and reaches out to poke his arm, watching him wobble from the unexpected jab. "I’m not sure I see many perks," she quips.

He gasps in mock offense, but she doesn’t give him the chance to respond before asking, more serious now, "Why did the previous Ladybug decide we couldn’t know each other’s identities?"

The shift catches him off guard. He falters for a moment before replying, "I’m not entirely sure. She always said it was because if one of us got captured, it’d be too easy to get the other’s identity, and then we’d all be screwed."

Ladybug hums in thought, gaze flickering downward. "Wouldn’t it be easier if we did know?" she mumbles, half to herself.

For years, behind Marinette’s back, she searched for who Chat Noir could be. Marinette had failsafes for nearly everything—ways to uncover the identities of any hero if absolutely necessary. Except for Chat Noir. He was the only exception. It seemed too easy to assume he was just some random classmate. If every other hero Marinette picked was someone she personally knew from their class, then she would have known already.

But then again, Marinette herself had faked being Multimouse to throw everyone off her scent. It wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

So she kept searching, going in circles, stressing over the unknown. And now? Now she had the Ladybug Miraculous, it would be so much easier to give it to the person more experienced, but she couldn’t even consider passing it to Chat Noir if she didn’t have a way to retrieve the Cat Miraculous in return.

"It would be easier," she murmurs.

"I don’t think so."

His voice is quieter this time, more hesitant.

She looks up, and for the first time, there’s no trace of humor in his expression. He’s staring at the ground, jaw tight, eyes conflicted.

"Over the years, she made up excuse after excuse for why we couldn’t know," he admits, voice strained. "But I think… I think there was something she wasn’t telling me. And maybe—" He swallows, looking at her finally. "Maybe it’s better that we don’t know."

"Ok..." she mutters, standing and prepping her yoyo.

Chat Noir watches her, his usual grin back in place, though there’s something softer beneath it. "Don’t be a stranger," he says, waving casually.

As she swings away into the city skyline, the words stick with her.

Don’t be a stranger.

Ironic, really. That’s all they’ve ever been.

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

Landing quietly in a dimly lit alley just a block from her apartment, she pauses, gripping her yoyo tightly. Her eyes scan over the familiar red and black design, fingers tracing its smooth surface.

Should I change my weapon?

The thought creeps in, unwelcome yet persistent. A change would make it hers—would solidify her as the new Ladybug. The idea feels too final, too much like claiming a title she was never meant to have.

Shaking off the weight of the thought, she exhales and starts walking toward her loft, digging her phone from her pocket. The screen lights up with more notifications than she expected.

Adrien: Hey, I hope you got home safe after everything that happened at the school haha. Art students can be so much drama lol Text me when ur home We should go out for coffee

Her face flushes as she scrolls through his messages, a warmth creeping up her neck. He’s always been friendly, but this feels… different. She types out a quick reply, trying to keep it casual.

haha Im headed home right now yeah art students are wild lol sure lemme know when

Before she can hit send, another message pops up on her screen.

Luka: I'm in ur house btw don't freak out You really need to lock your door

A small giggle escapes her as she reaches her building. Pushing the door open, she steps inside, the familiar warmth of home instantly wrapping around her.

The soft glow of kitchen lights spills into the living room, and she follows it, the air carrying the mouthwatering scent of something sizzling on the stove.

Luka stands at the counter, his back to her, stirring something in a pan. The rhythmic motion of his hand, the casual ease of his presence—it’s grounding.

The aroma drifts toward her, rich and inviting, and she practically moans at the smell. "Oh my god," she groans, stepping closer, "tell me that’s for me."

"Do you even have to ask?" Luka chuckles, glancing over his shoulder before turning back to the stove. He lifts the pot off the burner, moving with effortless ease as he plates their food.

They sit side by side, eating in comfortable silence, the warmth of the meal settling between them like an unspoken conversation.

When they finish, Luka grabs their plates and moves to the sink, rinsing them under the steady stream of water. "Do you have more ice cream?" he asks, already knowing the answer.

With a grin, she grabs two bowls and preps them, carrying them to the couch. As she settles in, she scrolls through different apps, searching for a movie they both haven’t seen but will still like. After a few minutes, she makes her choice and cues it up.

"Luka, come on," she calls over her shoulder, gesturing toward the spot beside her. "You can finish the dishes later."

He looks between the rinsed dishes and the girl sprawled out on the couch, weighing his options. It takes less than a second to make his decision. With a quick twist of the faucet, he shuts off the water and makes his way over, dropping onto the couch beside her.

She shifts, scooting back into him, and he adjusts, lifting both legs onto the couch until they’re fully leaning into each other. As she presses play, she nestles further into his chest, breathing him in, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under her cheek.

His arm, once resting casually at his side, relaxes—fingertips brushing against her thigh, then absentmindedly tracing soft circles against her skin. It’s subtle, almost absentminded, but the sensation sends a small jolt up her spine. Her focus on the movie flickers.

Her heartbeat quickens. She turns her head slightly, catching the faint smirk on his lips as he watches the screen, perfectly composed.

Oh… so maybe it wasn’t unintentional after all.

Biting back a grin, she shifts her hand, letting her fingers thread through his hair, scratching lightly at his scalp and toying with the strands at the base of his neck.

The reaction is immediate—a quiet, barely-there gasp that sends satisfaction curling through her chest. She grins, feeling his pulse quicken under her touch.

"You staying the night, Luka?" she murmurs, breaking the moment, neither of them truly paying attention to the movie anymore.

Caught slightly off guard, he tilts her chin up, fingers warm against her skin. His gaze searches hers before he speaks.

"Do you want me to?" he asks, voice low and careful.

"I do," she mumbles, voice barely above a whisper. Then, catching herself, she quickly adds, "Just to sleep."

Luka's lips curve into a small grin, eyes glinting with amusement. "Just to sleep," he repeats, as if testing the words.

Before she can react, he shifts, effortlessly scooping her up into his arms. She squeaks in surprise, gripping his shoulders as he carries her toward the bedroom. The moment they reach the edge of the bed, however, he abandons the tenderness and tosses her onto the mattress with a teasing grin.

A soft oof escapes her as she bounces slightly against the plush covers. "Rude," she mutters, though there's no real bite behind it.

Luka chuckles, stepping toward her dresser. "What do you usually wear to sleep?" he asks, fingers grazing over the handle of a drawer.

She feels warmth creep up her neck. "Um…" she hesitates, suddenly very aware of how little thought she puts into sleepwear. "There should be a t-shirt in there. Maybe some shorts."

"Maybe?" He turns back to her, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Lucky for you, I brought my own clothes." He gestures toward the living room, where his bag sits. Wandering over, he grabs it before heading into the bathroom. Just before disappearing inside, he pops his head back out, one shoulder bare from where he’s tugging his shirt off.

"No peeking," he teases with a wink before shutting the door.

She groans dramatically, flopping back against the bed for a second before forcing herself up. Wandering to her dresser, she tugs open a drawer, fishing out the first oversized t-shirt she can find. Quickly, she slips it on, the fabric falling loosely over her frame.

Next, she searches for shorts—only to come up empty. The only thing she can find is a pair of tiny boyshorts. Great. But it’s better than nothing, so she quickly pulls them on, shaking her head at her luck.

The bathroom door swings open, and Luka steps out, hair slightly damp from where he must’ve run wet fingers through it. He wears a soft-looking t-shirt and loose sweats, his usual necklaces still draped around his neck. Without hesitation, he flops onto her bed, stretching out with a satisfied sigh.

"Let's sleep," he murmurs, reaching his arms out to her.

She grins, unable to stop herself from launching onto the bed and crawling into his warmth. He shifts slightly, pulling her against him, the scent of his cologne lingering faintly in the air.

As she starts to drift off, his voice breaks the silence, softer now.

"I have some super fun stuff planned for tomorrow," he murmurs. "So sleep well, beautiful."

A sleepy hum escapes her in response, her body melting further into his warmth. And just like that, she drifts into sleep.

As the morning sun casts a soft golden hue over the quiet streets, Luka grabs her hand, pulling her toward the door with an eager grin.

"Let's go," he says, his excitement palpable.

She groans, dragging her feet just enough to make her point. "It's so early," she whines, her voice muffled slightly by the oversized hoodie she’s buried herself in. It’s the same complaint she’s been making for the past hour while he practically had to wrestle her out of bed.

Luka chuckles, unfazed by her dramatics. "It's a farmers market and a flea market—it starts early, but I promise you'll love it." He stops next to his bike, holding up a spare helmet and gesturing for her to take it.

She sighs but can't fight the small smile tugging at her lips as she pulls the helmet over her head. "Ok, ok, I'm coming," she relents, swinging her leg over the back of his bike and wrapping her arms around his waist.

With a rev of the engine, they take off, the crisp morning air biting at her skin but feeling refreshing nonetheless. The city blurs past, and she presses her cheek against Luka’s back, letting herself settle into the rhythm of the ride.

When they arrive, the market is already bustling with vendors setting up their colorful stalls and early shoppers wandering through, coffee cups in hand. The air is thick with the scent of fresh bread, spices, and something sweet—maybe caramelized nuts roasting in one of the nearby carts.

Luka helps her off the bike, immediately grabbing her hand. "C'mon, let’s find food first," he says, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease.

Their first stop is a little bakery stand overflowing with golden croissants, fruit tarts, and flaky pastries dusted with powdered sugar. She gasps at the sight of a particularly decadent-looking almond croissant, and Luka doesn't hesitate before ordering two.

"You’ve got good taste," the vendor remarks, handing them their pastries wrapped in parchment paper.

"She does," Luka agrees, nudging her playfully before taking a bite of his own.

They wander deeper into the market, stopping to sample fresh strawberries at one stall and trying homemade lavender honey at another. Luka dips his pinky into the jar, offering it to her to taste.

She rolls her eyes but leans in anyway, licking the honey off his finger. "Mmm, that’s so good," she admits, grabbing a jar for herself.

"Sweet, huh?" Luka grins, wiggling his eyebrows.

She groans, swatting his arm. "Lame."

Next, they move to the flea market section, where rows of vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, and trinkets are spread out on tables. Luka picks up a pair of tiny silver earrings shaped like crescent moons and holds them up to her ears.

"They suit you," he murmurs thoughtfully.

She feels her face heat up but plays it cool. "You just want me to match your whole ‘mysterious musician’ aesthetic."

"Maybe," he admits, smirking. "But mostly, I think you’d look beautiful in them."

She ends up buying them, of course.

Further down, Luka spots a rack of old band t-shirts and immediately starts digging through them. He pulls out a faded Jagged Stone tee and holds it up to her with a teasing grin.

"Absolutely not," she laughs, pushing it away.

"What? C’mon, vintage Jagged merch? You could wear it ironically."

"You literally know him."

"Even better," he winks.

She settles on a different oversized tee while Luka grabs a few rings from another booth, sliding one onto his index finger before offering another to her. It’s simple—just a silver band with a tiny engraved design—but the way he slips it onto her finger so naturally makes her heart stutter a little.

As the morning stretches on, they snack on fresh lemonade and warm pretzels, pause to watch a street musician strumming a guitar, and Luka buys a bundle of wildflowers for her on a whim.

"What's this for?" she asks, looking down at the flowers in her hands.

Luka shrugs, stuffing his free hand in his pocket. "Felt like it."

She tries to fight back her smile, but it’s impossible.

"Y/N? Luka? Is that you?"

They turn to see Adrien weaving through the crowd, his golden hair catching the morning sun. He jogs over, slightly out of breath, a bright smile on his face.

"Hey, Adrien," Y/N greets, a little surprised but happy to see him.

"What are you two doing here, did you also get here super early?" he asks, glancing between them with an amused look.

Luka shrugs with a lazy grin. "Yeah, I mean. Farmers market. Flea market. Food. Thought she’d like it."

Adrien raises an eyebrow, looking at Y/N. "And? Was it worth waking up at an ungodly hour?"

She rolls her eyes but smiles. "Yeah, yeah, it was fun."

Adrien laughs. "Told you! Farmers markets are underrated."

The three of them stroll together for a while, pausing to browse a stall selling antique watches. Adrien picks one up, examining the delicate gears inside, while Luka absently spins one of the rings on his fingers.

Just as Y/N is about to comment on a particularly gaudy watch, a loud bang erupts from further down the street, followed by screams.

The air shifts instantly—panic ripples through the market as people begin to scatter. A shadow looms over the stalls as an Akuma victim emerges, towering and menacing, dark energy crackling around them.

Y/N's breath catches. She immediately tenses, her instincts kicking in.

Luka, standing between her and Adrien, reacts quickly. His mind races—he knows they both need to transform, but they can’t let the other see. Thinking fast, he grabs Adrien by the arm, pulling him back.

"We need to get to cover," he urges.

Adrien hesitates for a second, his gaze flickering toward the chaos.

Luka narrows his eyes. "Now."

At the same time, Luka gently nudges Y/N toward a different alley. "Go that way, get somewhere safe," he tells her firmly.

She gives him a quick nod and disappears into the alley, her grip already tightening around her yo-yo.

Luka watches both of them slip away before exhaling slowly.

The Akuma—a hulking figure of dark energy and rage—swings its massive wrecking ball through the air with terrifying force, smashing through rows of market stalls. Wood splinters and fabric rips as the weapon cuts through everything in its path. The shockwave from the blow sends crates, tables, and debris scattering, sending people scrambling for cover, shouting in panic. The air is thick with dust and chaos, the street now a battleground.

Ladybug, focused and quick, flips forward with her yo-yo at the ready, landing beside Cat Noir in perfect sync. No words are needed; they know each other's movements without thinking.

Cat Noir leaps into action first, vaulting off his staff to launch a powerful kick aimed at the Akuma’s broad shoulder. His foot connects with a sharp crack, but the villain doesn’t even flinch. Instead, it lets out a deep, guttural growl, its dark energy swirling more violently around it.

Ladybug, undeterred, whips her yo-yo around the Akuma’s arm in a practiced motion, trying to restrict its movements. She pulls, attempting to hold the villain in place, but it’s no use—the Akuma yanks free with terrifying strength, sending Ladybug stumbling backward.

Before either hero can react, the Akuma swings the wrecking ball with such force that it sends both Ladybug and Cat Noir flying in opposite directions.

Ladybug manages to twist her body mid-air, rolling to absorb the impact as she crashes into a nearby stall. She springs to her feet in a heartbeat, eyes immediately searching for Cat Noir.

There he is—already back on his feet, barely fazed. They exchange a brief glance, the unspoken understanding between them clear: they’re not backing down.

They charge once more, their movements a blur as they close in on the Akuma. Cat Noir launches himself into the air, using his staff as a springboard to aim another roundhouse kick at the Akuma’s head. Ladybug follows, her yo-yo spinning through the air, wrapping around the villain’s arm once again, pulling with all her might. The two of them work in perfect harmony—every strike, every movement, coordinated. She shouts Lucky Charm and a comically large mallet falls into her hands.

For a fleeting moment, it seems like they have the upper hand. The Akuma stumbles back, reeling from their combined assault.

But then—

The Akuma roars, furious and unrelenting. In a split second, it swings its wrecking ball with such devastating force that Cat Noir doesn’t even have time to react. The ball collides with him mid-air, catching him square in the chest with bone-crushing impact.

The force of the blow is violent.

Cat Noir’s body is flung like a ragdoll, hurtling through the air before crashing hard into the concrete with an earth-shattering thud. The sound of his body hitting the ground echoes through the empty streets, the impact shaking the very ground beneath Ladybug’s feet.

For a moment, the world around her slows.

Her heart stops.

Dust rises in a thick cloud, enveloping the street as Ladybug watches in horror, her breath catching in her throat. The only sound in the chaos is the heavy breathing in her ears and the distant rumble of the Akuma’s growl. She doesn’t move. She can’t move.

The dust settles, and she sees him.

Cat Noir.

Lying there.

Unmoving.

His suit is torn, and his body is sprawled out at an unnatural angle. His baton is a few feet away, discarded. His face is obscured by his cracked mask, but his body—his limp, unmoving body—tells her everything she needs to know.

A sinking weight fills her chest.

He’s not getting up.

Her eyes burn, a thousand thoughts racing through her mind in a split second, but all of them come to one conclusion. No. Not like this. Not now. Not again it cant happen again.

The Akuma, having unleashed its wrath, stumbles away, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, smashing and terrorizing the market stalls with little care. It’s still wreaking havoc, its hulking form moving slowly as Ladybug watches it retreat.

She drops to her knees, her legs feeling like lead beneath her. Her hands shake as they hover above him, unsure for a moment whether to touch him or not. The sight of him so broken, so still, sends a wave of panic crashing over her. She finally reaches down, gently pulling his limp body closer, guiding him onto her lap, her hands trembling as she brushes his hair out of his face.

His breaths are ragged and shallow, each one spaced too far apart for comfort. The rise and fall of his chest is slow, almost imperceptible, and every time she feels the lack of strength in his breath, her own heart skips a beat.

With a shaky breath of her own, she reaches for his wrist, her fingers barely grazing his pulse. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat is faint, but it’s there. He’s still alive.

But for how long?

A cold weight settles in her chest. Her eyes glance downward, and in a flash of desperation, she notices the ring on his finger.

It’s so simple. So easy.

She could just take it.

The thought lingers. She could take the ring and make it all end. The struggle. The battle. The constant pressure of being the only one left to protect Paris. She could return the Miraculous to where it belongs, where it’s needed, to the one who knows how to handle it, the one who’s always known. They don't need me; they need her. She thinks to herself. It would be so easy. She wouldn't have to deal with any of this anymore. Everyone would be better off if Marinette was here instead of her.

Her hands reach for the ring slowly, almost without her permission, her mind a tangled mess of thoughts. Just take it. End it.

Her fingers brush against the smooth surface of the ring.

But then—

Images flood her mind.

Laughter as they taste the strawberries and the juices run down their chins.

Moments of joy found in the vintage clothing rack lining the stall.

Adrien rushing to join her, his voice full of life and warmth.

Luka's intense gaze everytime she smiles and he can't help but smile too.

Their unwavering belief in her, even when she felt like breaking.

The memories swirl around her, each one tugging at her heart, making the decision even harder.

Her hands shake harder now, her breath coming in short bursts as she realizes what she's considering. Can she let herself just leave them? Leave him?

But as she lingers, hesitating, something changes. His suit, once a vibrant black and green, starts to flicker. The edges dissolve like sand, his mask fading away to reveal… Adrien.

Adrien. Right there. In front of her.

The truth slams into her, her breath catching painfully in her throat. No. Not him. It can’t be him.

She pulls her hands away instinctively, a strange sense of guilt tightening in her chest. She takes a deep breath, steadying herself, trying to focus, trying to think clearly. But before she can overthink it further, she reaches beside her, tossing her Lucky Charm into the air.

A soft glow envelops Adrien’s form. His wounds begin to heal, the tears in his suit mend, and the once broken state of his body starts to restore itself. His chest rises and falls a little stronger, his breathing steadier. Her heart dares to hope.

She stands, glancing toward the destruction the Akuma left behind. The damage is still everywhere—more innocent lives in danger. With a flick of her wrist, she starts to head off in the direction of the chaos, ready to finish this once and for all.

But just before she reaches the corner of the street, she stops.

Her legs feel heavy. She looks back at Adrien. Without thinking, she crouches back down beside him. She shouldn’t do it. But her hand moves before her mind can stop it.

The ring.

She grabs it.

And as her fingers close around the familiar piece of jewelry, he fully de-transforms, his civilian clothes replacing the suit he once wore.

Ladybug lifts him carefully, cradling his body in her arms with surprising gentleness. Her breath is shaky but determined as she heads back toward where they last saw Luka.

When she finds him, she hands Adrien off to him, a weight lifted from her own chest, but the weight of the battle still lingers.

“Alright, time to wrap this up,” she mutters to herself, cracking her knuckles as the adrenaline surges through her once more. Her yo-yo swings in the air, and she summons a pair of fighting knives, their blades gleaming with lethal intent, connected by a chain at the bottom.

"Let’s go,” she says under her breath, her voice low and determined.

It’s time to finish this.

_____________________________________________________________

heyyyyy! Hope ya'll enjoyed.

Part one Part Two Part Three

Tag list:

@fatenpara

@00hellohello00

@crystalrainforest

[jessicavz-creates]

Better Place (Pt.1)

Miraculous Ladybug Fanfic written by JessicaVZ inspired by Rachel Platten’s song Better Place.

Art created by JessicaVZ.

Adrien sat at a table in the library tapping his pencil. He was there to work on a project but just couldn’t concentrate. Not when he had been paired with Marinette and her eyes drew him in every time he looked her way. Deep ocean blue waters that you could drown in until they sparkled like a lighthouse and sent you above the clouds. That was the first thing that made him think that maybe…

Sighing, Adrien put down his pencil. This thought kept coming back like an intruder seeking to complicate his life while fulfilling his greatest wish all at the same time. He so wanted it to be true, for Marinette to be Ladybug. Everything fit, well except for the time Marinette was Multimouse, but after years of being a superhero nothing seemed impossible anymore.

“Adrien… Adrien!” Marinette snapped her fingers in his face. He opened his eyes. “There you are! I was beginning to think there was a mind stealing akuma around here. What’s going on? Are you alright?”

Shaking his head, Adrien apologized. “Yeah, sorry. Just lost in thought I guess. What were we doing?”

Marinette crossed her arms. “There you go again pretending like everything’s alright. That was the fifth time you sighed in the last thirty minutes. And it’s not like you’re just having an off day. You’ve been like this all week. So what’s up?”

What could he say? I suspect you are Paris’ superhero Ladybug? Whether it was true or not, she’d deny it. And even if she did affirm it’s not like he could confess his feelings right away. She’d think he was only doing it because she was Ladybug. The truth was that to find out the two women who held his heart are the same and he would no longer be conflicted would be perfect, but she wouldn’t think that. Both Ladybug and Marinette were self conscious like that. It would make sense, if he loved the masked version of her what was to stop him from loving the civilian form? But if he was wrong… Adrien sighed again.

“I’m worried about a friend of mine. She’s amazing and helps others any chance she gets but leaves little time for herself. To top it off she doesn’t seem to realize just how wonderful she is and puts herself down so often. I’m afraid that one of these days it’s going to be too much for her and…” Adrien trailed off as he realized just how close Ladybug and Marinette were to the brink of akumatization.

“She’s the girl that you like, isn’t she?” Marinette’s words broke him out of his dysphoria. “The one that doesn't get your jokes?”

“Yeah… how did you?”

“The way you talked about her. She’s lucky to have someone like you by her side.” Marinette gave him a sad wistful smile.

“I just wish I could do something for her, even if it’s just words of encouragement to let her know I’m there. She seems to feel like she needs to do everything alone. Even though there are people surrounding her to help.” It was a little strange telling Marinette about herself in this way. And it amazed him how easy it was to describe her and Ladybug at the same time.

Marinette thought for a minute. “I have a friend that’s having a hard time too. He puts on a smile so that others think he’s alright. But I know he’s not. He seems pretty lonely but I don’t think he has much control over that. His family life doesn’t seem to be very supportive either.”

Was she talking about Cat? Or Adrien? Was she talking about both like he was? Adrien started to feel a little excited.

“And I want to do more for him too but in order to do that I would need to tell him how I feel…” Marinette’s voice got soft and her cheeks became roses.

Oh. She was talking about “Buttercup”. Adrien didn’t realize he had mumbled the name of Marinette’s secret crush. He was too busy freaking out about that little detail. And Ladybug’s special guy. But if Marinette and Ladybug were the same then the two guys…

“What?!” Marinette squeaked.

“Shhh!” A passing teacher scolded.

“Désolé.” They both apologized.

“Uh, yeah. Sorry about that. Cat Noir just let it slip one time that there’s a guy you like and you code named him Buttercup.” Adrien rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at Marinette apologetically.

Marinette’s breathing was calm but her eyes looked frantic. “Did… did Cat say anything else about him? Or how he found out?”

It was strange. As Cat, Adrien had no problem shouting his love for Ladybug but Marinette seemed to have the opposite reaction. She protected her secret love and found it hard to say. “Well, he said you practiced your confession with him. It was a little awkward at first but you finally came up with one from your heart. Cat Noir found it so beautiful and he wished that someone had words like those for him.” Adrien smiled at Marinette. “Whoever this guy is, I hope you tell him how you feel. You deserve to be happy.”

Marinette’s face flushed again. “Thank you, Adrien. That means a lot coming from you.” An idea seemed to cross her mind and her blush deepened. “A-Adrien?”

“Yes?”

Marinette hesitated. “What would you tell the girl you like, to let her know you’re there for her?”

This was it. If he told her and then said it to Ladybug too and she recognized it, then he would know for sure if they were the same person.

She turned to face him. “Pretend I’m her, what would you say?”

There was an eagerness in her eyes he hadn’t seen before. Marinette didn’t just want to help him, she needed to hear the words for personal reasons. But she was going into this believing the words were meant for someone else. Wouldn’t that hurt her?

“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable.” Part of him wanted her to back out, part of him wanted her to say yes so that he could finally know.

Marinette bit her lip. “I’m sure. I want to help you Adrien. And it’s nice to know I’ll be helping someone else in the process too.”

Adrien took a deep breath. “Ok.” He turned to face her, closing his eyes and taking a moment to think of the words. As his eyes refocused, her eyes bloomed in anticipation. And he knew what to do.

“Bluebonnet,” Adrien grinned and winked at Marinette as her cheeks started to bloom too.

“Take this seriously, Adrien!” Marinette gave him a playful slug to the arm.

Adrien chuckled, “I am! Now, where was I? Oh yes. Bluebonnet, I know you have a big job to do. It’s bigger than anyone or anything. And I know that you can and have done it on your own. You don’t need me. But I wanted you to know that you don’t have to do it alone. I am here for you however you need me: as your friend, your partner,” Adrien slipped his hand into Marinette’s and she gasped. “As someone who loves you. I will always,” Her hair was shining blue in the window light. “Be,” Her eyes were wide and hungry with longing. “There,” her lips were soft, pink, and slightly parted as deep breaths escaped her. “For you.”

Their faces were nearly touching when Adrien’s phone buzzed and Marinette flung herself backward resulting in Adrien diving over her chair in an attempt to save her but ended up being pulled on top from the force of her fall.

“I’m so sorry! So sorry! Your phone, it startled me, that’s all. I’m… I’m…” It was then she realized the position they were in and the heat rose to her face. Adrien wasn’t sure if her blush was from their closeness or maybe she had felt the soft hum that was his civilian’s version of a purr before removing her hands from his chest. But her voice was as clear as ever when she said, “I’m just clumsy. Madly clumsy Marinette.”

Madly clumsy? Hadn’t he heard that before? But not from Marinette… he heard it from Ladybug the first time they met. Adrien’s eyes widened under Marinette’s intense gaze. His phone buzzed again.

“I… I should probably check that.” Adrien gasped. They stood and he checked his phone. Two messages from his body guard saying it was time to go. “Guess I gotta go home. I’m sorry we didn’t get much done for our project.”

Marinette smiled, “It’s ok. We’ll just have to work extra hard on it tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I’ll see you then.” Adrien picked up his bag and turned to go but stopped. “Marinette?”

“Yes?”

He tucked a hair behind her ear. “This world has been a better place since we met.” Before he was aware of what he was doing, Adrien kissed the top of her head and left.

Pt.2

[starguardianniom]

The Paris Special irony

I'm gonna be real here people, the Paris Special was flooded with irony.

We basically got to see tons of stuff we wanted to see forever in it alone, many of which are also quite ironic themselves.

Akumatized Ladybug? Check. Well kamikotized or something similar. The purple Hatsune Miku look slayed.

Akumatized Chat Noir that actually sticks and isn't erased from a timeline? Check. Funny how he's still all white like Chat Blanc but also has white angel wings despite wielding the power of destruction, makes me think of Lucifer.

Evil Ladybug and Chat Noir? Check. Shadybug and Claw Noir are the new cool kids. And dang I want to have an entire series/spinoff of just them, heck I want an origin story of their first outting as villains and how they got their miraculouses cause I need answers on how that happened thank you very much.

Good Hawk Moth? Check. Still lousy parent I guess, unless Emodrien actually makes it difficult for him, like he lashes out and refuse to spend anytime with his dad and Gabriel just tries to respect his privacy and boundaries and thinks he might just need some time to grieve maybe, we only have Emodrien's side of the story, but it's probably more complicated than that, I mean if Emodrien is angry that his father seems to have moved on from his mother he might takes it as a personal betrayal and acts out in some misplaced retribution, but I have a feeling he doesn't bother explaining himself to his father like he does with Adrien, though there might still be hope for them now.

Ladybug using the Butterfly Miraculous? Check. Lady Fly is a stupid name cause it sounds she has the Fly miraculous instead of the Butterfly, but at least her outfit is ok.

Seeing the Butterfly miraculous being used to create heroes instead of villains? Check. Ubiquity my beloved.

Goth/emo/punk Marinette and Adrien? Check. And I love them for it.

Reverse love square? Mostly check with Emodrien having a crush on Emonette who has no idea that he knows she exists until the special.

Alternate Universes? Check. I wanna see more of that Mister Bug and Lady Noire universe and that Scarabella and Kitty Noire Universe, I lowkey wished to see an Aspik and Multimouse universe but oh well, at least this probably means that all the heroes and villains probably gets to wield all the different miraculouses across universes.

Emodrien was slowly dying and Good!Gabriel wasn't even aware of it, probably Emodrien didn't bother telling him and just covered it up with his makeup. Check.

Emonette actually knows Emodrien by name and sight unlike Marinette in Origins despite him never going to her school. I really found that funny.

Emonette and Emodrien having better fashion sense than the main heroes, check. Until they switched to become good guys. Still pulled a bit more effort.

Everyone else in the other universe have different designs, check. And thank god for it, they all look better than the ones we've seen in the show.

Nooroo actually being happy and treated well? Check, judging by the Gabriel opening.

PV universe actually existing and not just being a movie, check.

Identity reveal that actually sticks, check. For Shadybug and Claw Noir sure but at least it will be a lot less frustrating for them than their counterparts, thank god they'll have a break on that.

Seriously the special delivered so many nice ideas and concepts and also there was tons of stuff we wanted to see forever and we got our wishes and it's also ironic in some ways but like hell I'm gonna complain when we were all so well served.

Not gonna lie but it almost gives me hope for season 6. Almost.

Now I'm just gonna watch the show in the hopes of ever seeing the heroes Shadybug and Claw Noir again (yes I know they changed their names and I don't care it's less confusing to keep calling them their original names rather than their new names, like Shadybug, we all know you wanted to be more like Ladybug, but you didn't need to take her name when you almost copied her looks, which was also a downgrade for you sweetie).

[ali-annals]

I Knew You'd Come Back To Me

Cardigan AU Masterlist | Part 1 | Master Masterlist | drabble 1 | ao3

Jasonette, Chapter 2/2, ~6k?

I Knew You’d Come Back To Me

Two nights after defeating the Untitled, Jason showed up in front of Marinette’s door.

“Hi.” She poked her head through the doorway.

“Hey, Marinette. Can we talk?”

She considered his words momentarily, then opened the door wider in silent invitation. He followed her to her living room, where she curled up in the fluffy recliner and picked up her tea mug.

Jason sat nervously on her loveseat, noting her clear boundaries in the choice of seating.

“Would you believe me if I gave you a good reason for my odd actions?”

“I’ll decide ‘good reasons,'” she interjected. “Let’s hear them.”

“I’m Red Hood. I was on Bat and Hood business when I left all those times. I would have told you sooner, but I saw how hurt you were after you told me about Multimouse and I knew I couldn’t drag you into that again, so I just… kept quiet. I figured out you’re Onyx from the things you said and I saw how capable you are and… I had to… At least tell you why I did those things. I know I broke your trust and I am very sorry for that. I was trying not to hurt you, but in doing so I still hurt you in a way I promised myself I never would, and I am so sorry for that.”

Marinette sat in silence and Jason focused on his breathing so he wouldn’t panic while she considered his words.

“You’re the Red Hood…and you know I’m Onyx,” she finally said slowly.

Jason nodded.

“Why tell me now? We broke up. We could’ve avoided each other. Do you feel guilty that you figured my identity out, so you’re giving me equal footing?”

“Well, I do feel guilty, but mostly because I didn’t trust you enough to tell you sooner and let you make your own decisions about it. I did know you kept in contact with your hero friends, and I should’ve given you the choice of what to do with my information, at least. That is what I feel guilty about.”

Marinette put her mug down on the coaster and leaned forwards a teeny bit. “So was anything else a lie?”

“No, I never lied to you about anything except my night job, I promise, Pi- Marinette.”

“I need time to think about this, Jay. I’ll text you when I’m ready, okay?”

Jason nodded and left.

He wasn’t happy, but he was relieved that she had listened and was thinking it over. She’d also addressed him as Jay, not Jason, so that was a good sign. At least she didn’t seem to hate him completely.

He just hoped she knew how sorry he was, even if he never saw her again.

•○•○•○•

Marinette was back at school, but they avoided each other like the plague and barely saw even a glimpse of each other’s hoodie when they weren’t in the same classes.

Nine days later, Jason’s phone buzzed with the specific tone he had set for Marinette’s contact.

Pixie: Can we talk tonight?

Yes!

Me: Yours, mine, neutral ground?

Pixie: Mine is okay. Can you bring supper from your secret Chinese supplier?

Me: Absolutely. Usual order?

Pixie: Yes, please.

Pixie: Can you make it for 5:45?

Me: I’ll be there.

The three dots of typing ceased and Jason flung his phone onto his couch and commenced panicking.

What was he going to face?

What should he wear? Dress up nicely to show her he was making an effort, or his usual tee and sweats or jeans to keep it casual?

What was he gonna say? He should definitely keep apologising, but he didn’t want to sound like a broken record and seem like he was pressuring her into getting back together or forgiving him.

Oh, did his freezer have enough ice cream to last future-him’s depression if she said she hated him and would never talk to him again?

Finally, he slapped himself out of the spiral of anxiety and made himself think logically.

She wanted to talk, and she wanted him to bring them both dinner, so clearly she wasn’t going to yell and then kick him out. She didn’t completely hate him, because she wanted food, and she still trusted him to bring their dinner. Plus, it was one of “their” things to go on dates or study dates and then come back and have Chinese at hers and watch a movie or hang out; so she still wanted their tradition.

So far, she was giving positive signs.

Okay. He could work with that.

•○•○•○•

At 5:45 on the dot he knocked on her door and was let in.

His brain short-circuited momentarily as Marinette appeared in his her Wonder Woman tee and jeans, and then nervous anxiety set in as she took the bag of food with a slight smile and headed to the kitchen to set it out. He’d finally decided on toeing the line between formal and casual, wearing jeans and a green button-down instead of his usual tee and/or hoodie, but it appeared Marinette went for straight casual.

What if she felt underdressed? He didn’t want to make her feel even more uncomfortable (the tension in her body language was very obvious).

He finally got his feet to move and followed her to the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves as he went. It was a little breezy outside, but rather warm in her apartment. No wonder she hauled out the tees, even though it was only March.

•○•○•○•

Marinette impatiently yanked the door open for Jason, unsurprised by his punctuality and waiting nervously.

While she’d stress-baked and stress-cleaned she’d tried to nail down the wording she wanted, but kept getting distracted and more stressed. Now, she hastily combed her memories for her explanation while she had a moment alone since Jason was staying in the foyer, for some reason.

Oh dear, had she made him feel unwelcome?

Was this a sign of his reluctance to associate with her anymore? What if he wanted to stay broken up? He deserved someone who wouldn’t drag him down with their own traumas-

She heard him finally follow her and turned to smile welcomingly at him. He was focused on rolling up the sleeves of his shirt and oh, he knew what he was doing, maybe he did still want them to be together.

That was illegal, surely, or unethical at the very least, giving her health problems this early on in life.

Reminding herself to breathe, she got out two pairs of chopsticks (her own, not the small bamboo ones the restaurant provided) and tried to act unaffected by his blatant show of forearm.

“I thought we could talk in the living room and watch the sunset while we have supper,” she waved at the penthouse’s wide scenic view of Gotham’s Diamond District and the faint line of ocean blue on the horizon peeking through the skyscrapers.

•○•○•○•

“Sounds good.” He nervously flipped the knife in his pocket around his fingers.

Why was she still so tense? Maybe she was overthinking it too; that sounded like Marinette.

They settled by the window with their food, on opposite ends of the couch, and ate quietly for several minutes.

Finally, Marinette spoke up. “I have many conflicting feelings about everything, but I’ve simplified them and worked them out; the bottom line is, I forgive you. I know the struggle of wondering how much to say and worrying if those you care about will be in more danger if you tell them, so I know how hard that must have been.”

She sighed and chewed a piece of broccoli slowly. “It’s not easy being a hero.”

A spring roll later, she continued, “I won’t deny that I was hurt by your lack of trust, and I am still hurt, but I don’t hold it against you. I considered telling you that I was the Guardian, myself, but decided against it. I do appreciate you attempting not to hurt me, even if it didn’t work out.”

Marinette inhaled deeply and Jason almost fell off the couch in tense anticipation of her next utterance.

“If… You are still willing…I’d like to continue our relationship, but with mutual trust in each other this time.”

“You really want to? I know I really hurt you, Mari, I-”

“Yes, Jason. I’ve thought it over and weighed our relationship carefully, and I want to continue. No relationship is easy, and I must confess I was waiting for the other shoe to drop part of the time, even when I ignored the suspicion of your…activities. Now that we know where the other stands — we do know, right?” she looked at him suddenly, a little panicked.

“I think so, but we should go over them once you’re done talking, just to make sure,” he replied. “We know where each other stands now, so…?”

“…we can have a more trusting relationship and we’ll likely be a lot happier not hiding all the hero secrets?”

Jason smiled happily at her. “I’d like nothing better, Marinette.”

He was about to ask to clarify where each other stood when she burst out.

“Now that that’s settled, will you please stop calling me Marinette?”

“…uh… What else am I supposed to call you?”

“You always call me Pixie or Pix, except when you’re super serious, and I missed it,” She pouted.

“I thought you didn’t like that I called you tiny?” He grinned.

“…I liked your nickname, though,” she mumbled.

“Okay, Pixie. Now, where do we stand with each other?”

“We have no more secrets to hide, right?”

“I don’t think I’ve forgotten any…” he mused.

“Good. We know the other is a hero-slash-vigilante, we want to be together without any secrets, and if we need to go hero-ing, we’ll let the other know first. Did I miss anything?”

“I don’t think so. If we think of something, we can always bring it up at a later time.”

“That sounds fair,” she agreed. “Now that all the details are hashed out, can I have a hug? I missed you.”

Be still my heart.

“Of course, Pix, you don’t need to ask.” He held his arms out in invitation.

She moved their dishes to the coffee table and scooched over to snuggle beside him, his arm wrapped around her.

“Cozy, Pixie?”

She nodded. “Quite. I’m so glad we worked that out, I missed you so much. Even when I didn’t know you were a hero, I felt that you understood me better than most.”

“I’m sorry I never told you anything.”

She wiggled around to face him. “I forgive you, you can stop apologising now. We both kept secrets and that hurt us. We’ve learned from this, hopefully, and we’re planning on doing better in the future. We don’t need to keep rehashing an already finished subject…unless you think it’s necessary?”

“No, I just…you’re the best thing I have, right now, Pix, and I’m infinitely sorry that I hurt you. I guess I just need to forgive myself.”

“…If you’re sure that’s all, then. Try not to beat yourself up too much over it or I’ll be sad, okay?”

“Whatever my Pixie commands,” he pressed a kiss to the side of her head.

•○•○•○•

"Hey, Jay.”

Jason opened his eyes and looked at Marinette, curled up and leaning on his chest.

“Yeah?”

“I know it’s a sensitive subject, but how’s it going with your family?”

He sighed. “Not great. When we broke up I was really mad at B because I was always leaving you to help him and kinda blamed him for our breakup. I didn’t tell him about you, because then he would’ve gotten all nosy and you don’t deserve that, but I yelled at him for a lot of stuff. I probably set our progress back a few months.”

“I thought you were doing Bat or Hood business when you ran off?”

“…Wait, did I not tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Uh, Batman is my dad…and the rest are my siblings.”

Marinette was quiet for a worryingly long time. “I should have put that together,” she said at last.

“Yeah, it’s a…thing. It’s not really broadcast, because Hood is still on iffy terms with the Bats and it would be suspicious if Red Hood suddenly reconciled with them at the same time Jason Todd’s death was repealed. There are enough scarily accurate theories about the Waynes being the Bats, we don’t need to give them more information to prove their hunch.”

“The Waynes — the Waynes are the Bats?!” Marinette yelped, sitting upright and muttering in French under her breath.

“I didn’t tell you that either? I’m sorry, I thought you knew and were just being polite and ignoring the elephant in the room.”

“I ignore the news, especially about celebrities. It’s usually gossip or dramatically inflated rumours, so I never take it as a reliable source on any of them if I do see 'reports’.”

“I wish everyone had your maturity,” he half-joked. “Yeah, the Waynes are the vigilante protectors of Gotham — the Batfamily, as they are called by some — confirmed. More with Red Hood at 9. I’m Vicki Vale, Gotham Gazette,” he mocked. “You got the first-hand report.”

“That makes a lot of sense actually…” Marinette mused. “So that’s why you were so popular in the beginning of the school year?”

“Yep. It always pays to be in the Waynes’ favour, or at least not their disfavour. It’s actually part of what made me notice you, how you ignored me and challenged me instead of trying to grovel or be friends. That and how quiet you were with everyone else. You were new, too, but you seemed happy that you weren’t getting as much attention as me.”

“I just wanted a drama-free final year,” she mourned. “No boyfriend, no hero-ing, just school…look at me — a boyfriend, a breakup, defeating the Untitled after my Miraculous, being the translator for the Parisian class — what happened to my quiet year?”

“I’m sorry, Pix.”

“It’s fine. I got one fewer enemy after me and I got a wonderful boyfriend out of it! It’s not a bad trade-off, in my opinion.”

○○○○○○○

A Friend to All is a Friend to None A couple months later

“The Parisian class arrives today.” Marinette nervously picked at the hem of her skirt.

“It’ll be fine, Pix, I promise. I’ll be right here beside you all day. This is your turf and you’re fighting for it, remember? And you have a Wayne backing you, so the school will definitely not hold back if anyone tries anything.”

“Thanks, mon chére, you’re right; though I hope we won’t need to use your father’s name.”

“Don’t worry about me, Pix. And you know what I think? You’ve told me so much about how selectively dumb they are, that they probably won’t recognize you with your new style and last name.”

“You have a point. Honestly, they probably wouldn’t notice me even if I only grew my hair out,” she rolled her eyes and pulled him into the school. “Let’s get it over with.”

No one batted an eye at her blatant manhandling (emphasis on the man), since the past few weeks they’d acted much closer than before, likely from meeting to practise their French and go over the details of their volunteering. (Mrs. Perez’s Marison-shipping-heart was well-fed lately, and she took credit for forcing them to work together in the first place months ago.)

“Channel your inner Ladybug and your outer Marinette Stone confidence, Pix. You got this!” Jason whispered as they walked over to Mr. Patel, who was preparing for the welcoming speech and reiterating the rules for the host and visiting classes.

Thankfully, the speech was fairly short and their introductions brief.

Principal Luther introduced Jason and Marinette as the class’s hosts and translators, ‘Mr. Todd’ and 'Ms. Stone’.

Then everyone was dismissed and Marinette and Jason decided how to divide the class.

Once everyone was seated and introduced to their temporary classmates, Marinette quickly ran through the introductory notes she’d prepared.

“Good morning, I am one of your temporary translators, Marinette Stone. My partner, Jason, and I have already completed the content you will be learning, so we can help explain as needed. If you need help, just raise your hand and we’ll translate as you need. Please respect the fact that there are only two of us, so it may take a minute to reach you. Your teacher, Ms. Lee, also speaks some French, so she may be able to help as well. I hope you enjoy your time here.”

From the back of the room, Jason gave her a sneaky thumbs-up, telling her that his recording of her was complete. If her ex-classmates recognized her and tried something, he’d have video proof of everything.

She smirked back and headed to her seat beside him, which had a lovely vantage point of the whole classroom.

"So, you have Juleka, Chloe, Rose, Ivan, Mylene, Marc, and Alix?”

“Yep. I’m good with that, as long as you have Lila, Alya, Adrien, Kim, and Sabrina,” Marinette responded. “They’ll be the ones asking for the most help.”

“Chloe and Juleka know who you are, right?” Jason whispered.

"Yeah. No one knows C and I made up because I left fairly soon after, and Jules and I made up when Uncle Jagged talked to her. They’ll be fine.”

•○•○•○•

For the next two weeks, the exchange program went fairly smoothly - Ms. Lee wouldn’t buy Lila & Co™’s excuses/lies, Lila couldn’t flirt with Jason too much because he loudly announced that he had a girlfriend and she was making him uncomfortable, and the class didn’t visibly recognize Marinette with her new style and name change.

On the final day of the exchange, Jason and Marinette rode in on his motorcycle (that no one was allowed to touch).

The curious GA students were buzzing over the latest gossip — was this year’s most popular ship actually coming true?!

Money was to be made on this, after all, many students had secret betting pools on what stage the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers arc was exactly at.

One of Marinette’s kind-of friends bravely walked up was pushed forward by everyone else in the betting pool she was part of to ask about their relationship status.

Jason and Marinette laughed in their faces and said they’d been dating for months.

The news spread quickly among the gossip mills but was quickly silenced when over the intercom, their names were called and their presence requested at the front office.

The couple shrugged at each other and walked leisurely hand-in-hand to the office.

•○•○•○•

Caline Bustier, Lila Rossi, and Principal Luther were waiting.

Marinette sighed. “What?” she asked sharply.

“Mlle. Rossi here says you are a missing person from Paris and a con artist. You dated her boyfriend, M. Agreste, until his father’s company went broke, and then came here to trick the Waynes, she claims. She also says you were unprofessional and ignored her all the time when she requested help in class.” Thankfully, Principal Luther looked sceptical of Lila’s charges.

“Right. Well, Mlle. Rossi here also claims to have saved Uncle Jagged kitten from being run over by an aeroplane, and that she has tinnitus from that event, and later became Uncle Jagged’s muse,” Marinette stated flatly.

Principal Luther looked like she was repressing a smile. “I see. But how is this pertinent to the allegations against you?”

“It’s proof that she claims ridiculous things. You can call Uncle Jagged if — actually, his daughter, Juleka, is in Lila’s class. You can confirm with her about Lila’s stories, and prove that she is lying about them. I did date Adrien Agreste, but I broke up with him because he was cheating on me with Lila. It was just after we split that Gabriel went under, but that was because of his acts of terrorism. And I actually didn’t know Jason was a Wayne until a few weeks ago when he told me. He goes by Jason Todd, and I don’t pay attention to celebrity news, so I had no way of knowing he was a Wayne.

“Also, I came here because it’s Uncle Jagged’s hometown and he helped me escape Paris, which wasn’t helping with my PTSD - which is also partly caused by Mlle. Rossi bullying me. I did not ignore her in class, Jason and I already agreed on how to divide our translating responsibilities. I did not purposely not help her. If you want proof, Jason and I have texts detailing our dividing.”

Principal Luther scrutinised Marinette and Lila, then turned to Jason. “Mr. Todd, any comments?”

“Marinette isn’t a gold-digger. She didn’t know I was a Wayne ‘til I told her, and my family ran a background check on her — she’s clean. And Marinette isn’t a missing person or a runaway — her godfather Jagged had her parent’s blessing to help her move to Gotham, and her parents are working on closing their bakery and moving here to be with her. Her friends, Chloé Bourgeois, and Juleka and Luka Couffaine, knew she was here. Also, no missing person report was filed for her. I’ve been with Marinette for several months now, and I’m sure that she isn’t faking the repercussions of her PTSD and Li- Mlle. Rossi’s bullying.”

“Juleka Couffaine to head office, please.”

Juleka arrived a minute later and confirmed Marinette’s story. She also called Jagged and he immediately jumped to Marinette and Juleka’s defence.

“Thank you, Mlle. Couffaine. Please return to class. Miss Stone and Mr. Todd, I think it’s alright if I give you a pass. You can have the day off. Before you go, could I have a word with Miss Stone in my office?”

Marinette followed Principal Luther into her tiny, cramped office behind the larger antechamber where she’d been pleading her case.

“I’m sorry for the way they treated you, Miss Stone. If you knew it was your class, though, why didn’t you turn down the volunteer role? I assure you we wouldn’t have held it against you.”

“Um… I guess I was just used to my old school in Paris, and how they supported Lila, so it didn’t really occur to me. And I thought I’d like to see my friends, at least. Jason dealt with the ones who were the meanest to me or needed the most help, so I didn’t have to interact with them that much…..Plus, I was kind of planning my revenge. I wanted to get records of them to turn in to the proper authorities so they could be punished.”

Principal Luther sighed. “Marinette… alright. Is your mental health okay? Will you need another couple of days off?”

“No, I should be okay. Thank you, though. Jason has really helped me with my mental health, and I’m seeing a therapist.”

“Okay… Don’t worry about translating at the goodbye party tonight. I’ll find someone else to do it. Thank you for your help these past two weeks.”

“You’re welcome! Have a good day. I don’t envy you dealing with the class,” she sympathised.

She left the small office, completely ignoring Lila and Mme. Bustier’s mean faces, striding quickly to the door, where Jason awaited.

“Hey, Pix. Are you good?”

“Yeah, she wanted to thank us for our work and apologise for making me translate. We don’t have to translate tonight either.”

“Sweet! What do you want to do, then?”

“Go home and watch a movie?”

“Sure. Let’s go.”

Jason took her hand and they escaped to his bike.

○○○○○○○

Giving me Your Weekends

The next morning Jason got Marinette to visit the Manor for Saturday brunch. They pulled up at ten to eight, and Jason warned Marinette once again of the craziness and suspicion that was sure to barrage her.

“Jay, I’ll be fine. I’ll take their suspicion as a sign that they care for you, because they want to make sure I’m not going to hurt you.”

He smiled at her. “You’re so optimistic. But you’re right, that’s a good way to look at it. Thanks, Pix.”

He kissed her head and led her into the chaos.

Damian was chasing Tim downstairs with his katana. Dick was on the chandelier shouting for both of them to slow down with sharp objects and Steph was stealing a waffle from the stack Alfred had made, choking on its texture. Babs, Bruce, Cass, and Alfred were nowhere to be seen.

The chandelier spun as Dick wiggled on it and he caught sight of the newcomers. The shouting and chaos ceased immediately.

“Jay! You’re here for breakfast!” Dick flipped off the chandelier. “And you brought a guest, welcome,” he smiled charmingly at Marinette, but she could see the cloud of questions in his eyes.

Alfred materialised and gave Damian the 'put-your-katana-away’ stare.

“Master Jason, you came for brunch today? I’m so glad to see you, my boy. And who is this?” he smiled warmly at Marinette, who thrust a plate of homemade waffles at him.

“It’s nice to meet you, Alfred! I’m Marinette. I made some waffles for breakfast, and couldn’t just show up empty-handed. Hope that’s okay!” her voice was higher-pitched in her anxiousness to have Alfred like her, but he just took the plate and handed it to Tim with a stern glance.

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Marinette. Brunch is almost ready, and these look lovely. I’m afraid mine will never turn out as good, although I tried a new recipe today…” he saw Steph’s frozen face of revolt and sighed.

“Ah. This didn’t work either. I’m sure Stephanie would love to be your critic. Please sit down, everyone will be here momentarily.”

“Thank you.” She smiled at everyone, suddenly nervous, and Jason put his arm supportingly around her waist and leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“Ignore them, Pix, they’ll warm up to you soon enough.”

The present Batfamily members sat down at the table somewhat robotically, sizing Marinette (and Jason) up.

“So, you’re Marinette? I’m Dick Grayson, Jason’s older brother. I assume you’re his girlfriend?”

She smiled, “You are correct.”

“So… how’d you meet Jay?”

“Um, at school. A teacher paired us up on a project, and we got to know each other and liked what we saw.”

Bruce and Babs came in, discussing a new update to their filing system, and paused when they saw the visitors.

Jason stood up. “Cass, I know you’re here somewhere, so since we’re all here I’m only going to say this once: This is Marinette, my girlfriend. I expect nothing, but I hope you’ll be polite since she’s the reason we’re even here in the first place.”

The family eyed Marinette after Jason’s declaration until Steph broke the silence.

“These waffles are so good, Marinette! You said you made them yourself?”

“I did, Jason told me you all liked waffles. He helped, of course.”

“They’re amazing. Do you bake a lot?”

“I stress bake, and I grew up in a bakery, so I know how to make a lot of baked goods.”

“Welcome, Marinette. I’m Jason’s father, Bruce. It’s nice to meet you,” Bruce smiled at her but she could see him calculating. “Do I detect a French accent?”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, monsieur. And yes, you do. I’m from Paris. I moved here last summer for my final school year.”

Switching the focus from her, she casually asked as she took a sausage from the plate Cass handed her, “Jay hasn’t told me much about his family, beyond you being loud and crazy, so I’m looking forward to getting to know you all. What sort of hobbies do you have?”

Dick cleared his throat. “I’m an acrobat, and I teach gymnastics and aerial skills at a gym in Bludhaven some days. I also like solving puzzles, like most of the rest of us. Timmy is pretty good at computer games and stuff like that,” he nudged his brother jovially.

“Oh, do you know UMSIII?” Marinette leaned forwards eagerly to face Tim.

“Jay refuses to play with me anymore.”

“You don’t even leave me a chance, Pix,” he grumbled under his breath and she smiled sweetly at him.

“I’ve heard of it,” Tim acknowledged. “I take it you play? We mostly have MarioKart marathons in this house.”

“Oh, nice!” Marinette turned to Alfred. “Your French Toast is delicious, Monsieur Alfred.”

“Thank you, Miss Marinette. Perhaps we could exchange some recipes later?”

“I’d love to!” she grinned at him and looked at Damian, who was clearly eyeing her for nefarious intentions. “And I don’t believe we’ve been introduced yet, I’m Marinette.”

“Damian,” he grunted, sounding like a mini-Bruce. “Do you like animals?”

“I do! Unfortunately, I never got a pet because I lived above a bakery, so for health and hygiene reasons it wasn’t feasible, but I love playing with them when I can.”

“I will introduce you to Titus, Alfred the Cat, and Batcow after brunch if you desire,” he said stiffly.

“I’d love to meet your pets, thank you for offering!”

“So you attend GA with Jason?” Babs asked, finally speaking up now that most of the Bats had their mouths full of food.

“Yes. We were both the only new transfer students this year, so we had some camaraderie. We have most of the same classes together, which is nice.”

The inquisition calmed after that and normal conversation flowed, but all in all, it was the most subdued family meal the Wayne table had seen in a while.

After breakfast, Alfred requested Jason’s help with the dishes, presumably to interrogate him, and Damian kidnapped Marinette to meet his pets.

Titus absolutely loved her and became her new best friend. Damian was surprised at his Great Dane’s reaction since Titus was normally wary of strangers until he okayed them.

Even Alfred the Cat warmed up to her quickly, possibly smelling the Camembert on her from when she’d fed Plagg before coming for brunch.

“What are your intentions with my brother?” Damian inquired as he led Marinette to Batcow’s stable out back.

She smiled slightly at his protectiveness and replied, “I have no intentions with him beyond making him happy. I hope that means we stay together for a very long time, maybe eventually marry, but if we agree that he’s better off without me…then I’ll go. I don’t think that will happen, though.“

“I approve of your commitment. Father also wants to talk with you, I believe. Once Batcow has sufficient pets, I shall escort you to Father’s office.”

“Thank you, Damian. Oh, hello, Batcow! Aren’t you gorgeous, petit vache,” she cooed.

•○•○•○•

Damian showed Marinette the way to Bruce’s office, and she stepped inside when he bid her enter.

“I must admit I was quite surprised when Jason showed up for family brunch this morning, and even brought a guest,” Bruce started as soon as she sat in the comfy leather chair before his desk.

“Jason hasn’t been…very active with our family, lately. I believe I have you to thank for encouraging his visit?”

“Yes, M. Wayne. He hasn’t spoken to me about much of you – I didn’t even know his family were the Waynes until a couple months ago–but I did want to meet all of you, since you are all important to him.”

“Thank you for the encouragement, Mlle. Stone. I had wondered if I had driven him away for good, after the last fight we had. Looking back on it now, I think it was because of you that he was so angry with me. He certainly acted more strangely than normal, like he was protecting someone or something, with all his warnings not to spy on him.”

“He told me he was quite angry with you for constantly calling him away on our dates, and he worried he’d set your progress back months. I do hope that’s not the case.”

Bruce noticed a cold edge to Marinette’s previously polite, warm tone.

“Of course not, I was merely confused at his sudden anger. I didn’t know he was dating anyone. I can give you my word that it certainly wasn’t a targeted attack against him or your relationship.”

“Good. I think we should all get on well, then. Is there anything else you wanted to ask me?”

“…No. Thank you for your time, and for coming for brunch with Jason. I’m quite pleased to have met you.”

“You as well, M. Wayne.”

Marinette left the office and walked into an eavesdropping Jason.

“Hey, Jay. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just waiting for you. The others want to interrogate you now, but we don’t have to meet them if you don’t want to…” he nodded at Bruce’s now-closed office door.

"I’m fine, Bruce just wanted to thank me for coming and bringing you. I’ll go be questioned by the rest of your siblings now.”

“Yeah, they’re all hanging out in the family sitting room,” he took her hand and they walked side-by-side, following the increasingly louder noises of all his siblings in one room.

“Dami didn’t scare you away?” asked Dick as soon as they entered the room.

Marinette shook her head. “He was quite polite, and I really enjoyed my time with him. So, what do you guys do for fun around here? All Jay has said is that it’s loud and chaotic and you take things to extremes.”

“Regular games are too boring, so we spice them up with house rules or dares, stuff like that,” said Tim, slurping something out of a 42-oz mug.

Steph grinned sharply. “How about some icebreakers? Truth or Dare, perhaps?”

“I’m in,” Marinette said immediately, to Jason’s horror but not his surprise.

She plopped on the couch between Babs and Cass and motioned for Jason to join, which he did reluctantly.

Babs was usually the mediator/emcee/referee, so she explained Bat-Truth or Dare quickly and the game began.

They had cards specially made that said ‘truth’ or ‘dare’ on them, which removed any bias for one choice over the other. The second deck of cards, which were blank and only coloured in to match the ‘truth’ and ‘dare’ cards, were dealt as in Uno, though only 5 cards were dispersed, not seven; a separate, communal stack of the ‘truth’ and ‘dare’ cards was shuffled by Babs and placed in the middle of the table.

The first person to play a card of corresponding colour then won the right to give a dare or ask a question to the original card player.

Jason began and played a green ‘truth’ card.

Dick slapped the matching green card in his hand down and asked excitedly, “When did you first meet Marinette? Was it love at first sight?”

Jason groaned. “One question, Dick. This is all gonna be about our relationship, isn’t it?” he added to Marinette, who nodded sympathetically at him.

“I first saw her when we passed each other in the street. A couple days later, I officially met her at school, ‘cause we were both transfers and in the same class.”

It was Marinette’s turn and she picked up a pink dare card. Steph immediately played her matching card with a victorious crow and turned to her future sister-in-law.

“I dare you to let Tim post something on one of your social media accounts.”

Marinette made eye contact with Jason and they immediately knew what each other was thinking.

She handed her phone over to Tim, open to Janette@pothamcrack on Twitter.

He typed for a few moments, then tossed her phone back.

She caught it and read the tweet. “'I’m secretly a celebrity but I bet none of you will guess who’,” she giggled. “Oh really? Jay, I’m famous, too!”

She turned from her boyfriend to his brother. “Which celebrity am I?”

“Wonder Woman, of course,” Jason interrupted. “Because you’re just that wonderful.”

Damian physically cringed at the cheesiness, though the rest of the players cheered at it, and Marinette blushed only a shade darker than Jason, who realised he just said that in front of his family.

“MOVING ON,” Marinette announced loudly, as Cass leaned forwards for her card.

The game went fairly smoothly after that, though as Jason predicted, they were mostly encouraged to spill things about their relationship.

“Okay, final round,” announced Babs, seeing Marinette pick up the final card, which was a truth.

Jason played his card and asked, “What’s one thing you haven’t told anyone before?”

“Uh…I hope next time we play this it’s as the Bats so we can do even more unhinged dares!”

With that shocking revelation, she grabbed Jason’s hand and they sprinted to his bike before they could be detained for even more questioning.

They sped out of the Manor property and headed to Marinette’s apartment, making sure to take detours to drop the trackers in random places and lose their tail.

Marinette unlocked her door and they entered her apartment, giggling at the hoax they’d successfully pulled off.

They kicked off their shoes and Marinette headed to the kitchen to wash her waffle-making dishes, which she’d left to soak while they had brunch, and froze.

“Hello, Jason,” said an unfamiliar voice from her living room, soft but deadly.

Drabble 1

[generalluxun]

Small Problems: A Lukanette fanfic

Well, Lukamouse mostly. This is just chapter 1 of the fic. This Chapter and all the rest will appear on AO3 (Link in my bio) if this wets anyone's appetite. Chapter after the break.

"It's weird; holding these again. Did she tell you anything about how long?"

Cat Noir's green eyes glowed against the moonless night. The earrings, half of the most powerful magics the world had to offer, looked so small in his palm.

Multimouse knew just how heavy they really were. "No, just that she needed time, and that she trusted you."

He closed his hand around the earrings slowly, then with that same weight moved to put them on. "I hope she finds what she's looking for. I wish I could have done more."

The pain on his face was real and an answering pain twisted in Multimouse's chest. Her kitty cared , and so did she, but the only thing it brought them was sorrow. Sorrow and now for her, anxiety. The cold fingers of it squeezed her heart just as strongly, this new pain born not of affection, but of expectation. It was why she was here and doing this.

She waved her hands instinctively, then clasped them to avoid giving away too much through body language. "No, no. You did everything a partner can be expected to do. This isn't on you. Just like you must have a life, so does she. None of us are muddling through middle school anymore. I think hers is just hitting a little too hard right now."

His lips turned up into a smile. She'd known him long enough to see through that mask though. "Yeah. Maybe once it's all said and done, I'll take a little vacation of my own. Would you like a chance to be Ladybug's purrtner for a while?"

Argh! He was asking too much, talking too much. Multimouse was supposed to allow a quick drop off and run. As always though, she couldn't disengage. They were entwined, and as she had begun to feel, trapped.

Multimouse gave him a smile every bit as forced as his own. "That sounds like a bit too much for me. I think I really only got the tap again because the other mouse holder has ventured beyond Paris too. I'll do my best for now, but I will be happy when I can pass it on again."

His smile turned serious. "You have everything it takes to be one of the very best, Multimouse, don't ever sell yourself short."

The intensity shocked her. It was so long ago, it was easy to forget he knew. He knew, and they had shared a singular kiss without her mask. Even disguised, she could not escape herself. Her pulse spiked, pounding in her ears. That twisty pain became an overwhelming pressure. Her eyes burned. Her legs tingled… she had to get away!

"I- have to- I'll meet you again next week!" Multimouse bolted.

She ran and swung, jumped and slid. She was halfway across Paris in minutes, and finally the pounding in her ears was from exertion, not emotion. Multimouse slumped against a chimney stack and tried to block it all out.

Chat, Adrien, Ladybug, Sentis, The Butterfly missing still, the Kwamis, The Guardianship, the team, Fu, Su-Han, Felix, that damn statue mocking her, Zoé, Kagami, Alya in the States, the bakery, university planning, commissions, her portfolio, contacts, Mayor Bustier; they all combined to a tide that rose up, swamping her, drowning her. Multimouse curled in on herself and pushed. She pushed her little void of space with everything still left to her. It was enough, only just. Her racing thoughts receded, her pulse slowed. Multimouse gasped- she'd forgotten to breathe. Slowly life came back to her limbs. She stood shakily, steadying herself. If ever she doubted this was necessary, she had her proof.

The last thoughts to recede were of Chat and Adrien both. They were warm thoughts, loving thoughts, but even the loveliest roses would leave you bloody and scarred if held too long and too tightly.

It was time to let go.

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

The wind in her face as she ran across rooftops on patrol helped to clear Multimouse's head somewhat. Being her gray self helped too. Far fewer people noticed her as she ran, and those who did rarely looked twice. The other heroes were welcomed in Paris, but they weren't Ladybug.

Crime was still way down in the city. Even with half their number retired, the Miraculous heroes were a presence that discouraged villainy of all sorts. Emotions could override judgment in even the most peaceful of cities though, butterflies or no.  Multimouse also knew from experience that the new moon would bring out the few opportunists. She zigzaged across narrow alleyways and poorly lit neighborhoods as she made her circuit.

Shadows in a dead end street, a feminine yelp, harsh words. Multimouse homed in on the sounds and skittered to the edge of an overlooking gutter. She peered into the gloom. One person interposed between two others, a clear dispute. With another high-pitched wail one of the shadows fled. The other two squared off on each other, the interposing shadow now blocking the other from pursuing the one that had fled.  Multimouse strained to hear when there was sudden motion; a distinctive shape caught her eye. Multimouse dove into the mix. She covered the interposing shadow, *pop*. She tackled him the the ground *pop* *pop* *pop*. Bullets were hot, like bee stings against her back with the protection of the miraculous. The remaining shadow -the gunman- fled past them both.

Multimouse was in shock. Not from the assault, but because of the pair of familiar ocean blue eyes that blinked up at her. A million questions, a million things left unsaid, all spiraled through her mind.

All that came out of her lips was, "Are you okay?"

Luka Couffaine blinked up at her, eyes wider than she had ever seen them. Laid atop him, she could feel his heart racing against her chest. He swallowed, "Yeah…"

She pushed herself up, arms suddenly wobbly. "Stay down."

He remained where he was, barely breathing. "Yeah…"

Focus! Multimouse undid her tail-rope. "I will be right back."

A gunman, especially one with the will to use it couldn't be left free. Multimouse whipped her tail rope around a chimney and launched herself after him. She overtook him quickly. One multimouse became three and the trio ambushed, disarmed, and tail-tied him in short order. Two of herself took the culprit to the nearest precinct station while the third returned to Luka.

She found him where she left him, with his gaze turned skyward. She landed her still half-sized self right in front of him, but still didn't startle him. He just turned those so gentle eyes down to her, "Good, you're safe."

She wanted to hug him and she wanted to shove him. "Me? You were the one in danger! He had a gun!"

He absorbed her agitation, and gave none of it back. He just stuck his hands in his pockets and gave her an abashed smile. "Yeah, I didn't know he had one when it started. I simply heard him and the lady having an… ahh.. disagreement about how their date should progress. I wanted to be sure it remained civil."

Years fell away. Multimouse found herself watching his lips. There was more, history told her there was more.

History was right. He scuffed one foot and his smile bloomed further. "Thank you for saving me."

He was so unfair! Now all she could think about under that gentle gaze was pulling him down by the ears to her level and…

"Don't mention it!" She interrupted herself, a trifle too loudly.

He prompted, "Polymouse, right?"

She shifted from foot to foot. "Multi- actually. Poly- is retired for now, I'm just a temp."

"Do I make you nervous?" He asked.

"No," She lied, "Why?"

He gestured with one hand, the motion fluid as a conductor's. "Because you're strangling your tail so tightly I'm afraid you might lose it."

Multimouse looked down and eeped. She let go of her tail rope, letting it hang free from her waist. "Oh! I- uhmm… okay so, maybe I am a little on edge."

She didn't need to go into why, right?

"Would it help if I kept you company, until the rest of you return? If you want, I could even give you a lift to wherever they are."

Superheroes don't need a lift. I can do just fine on my own! What she actually said was, "Sure, if you don't mind."

He turned wordlessly towards the mouth of the alley and she followed. At first she had to trot to keep up, but he shortened his steps to match her pace. Her mind kept dumping thoughts and words on her, ways to fill up the silence. Every time she was close to building up to a word explosion though, the aura of stillness about him drew it all away.

That stillness turned to mirth when they got back to where he had ditched his bicycle and she tried to scramble up on it behind him. Half-sized Multimouse wobbled even when he left her the whole seat. She'd be clinging to him and praying.

Her Ladybug-brain was already considering putting her tail through his belt loops when he volunteered, "I have an idea."

His hands had always been strong, and now they encircled her waist and then some. He lifted her off the seat and set her gently in the oversized delivery basket on the front of his bike.

"How's that?"

She didn't think 'Can you carry me like that the whole way?' would be an appropriate answer, so she just faced forward to hide her pink cheeks. "This works. I feel a little like a kid though."

Luka mounted the bike again, and at her direction started off towards her other selves. "Nothing wrong with that. We barely get any time as kids when we're young. Dipping back into it now and then is healthy I think."

With those words lingering in her ears, Multimouse settled back into the basket. The whir of his bike, the sound of his breathing, and the breeze in her face all combined to whisk away more of her doubts and fears, despite herself. By the time her other two selves came into view, sitting on a low wall and kicking their feet, she was nearly asleep sitting up.

Her other two selves exchanged looks as the bike stopped. Multimouse stuck her tongue out at them while Luka couldn't see. She jumped down, and three became one. She turned back to Luka and was surprised by how much taller he still was than her. Has he grown in the last year? Jagged is a beanpole I guess.

"Thank you for the ride."

Luka dipped his head in a little bow, "My pleasure, thank you for your heroism Miss Mouse. I hope I'll get to see you again soon, under better circumstances."

Too many things she wanted to say were tangled up in all the reasons she shouldn't say them. Instead Multimouse snapped her tailwhip off in a flashy flourish, promptly lost her grip on it, and sent the whole thing flying into a nearby wall. With a defeated wail she ran over, snatched it up, and swung away before embarrassment killed her.

Luka's voice echoed after her, "I saw nothing!"

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

Luka Couffaine walked his bike down the plank to the Liberty's deck. It was a still night, save for the momentary excitement. He dropped himself into a chair on deck and looked for answers once more in the stars.  The image of an earnest mouse in pink and gray tickled across his mind, eclipsing the crime prevented and close call both.

"Y'r late." His sister's rich alto accused. 

He looked back over his shoulder as she approached. Juleka had their father's height even more than he did. She was a tall shadow even after stepping into the light.

Luka gave a non-answer, "I ran into one of your coworkers while I was out."

Her one visible eye narrowed accusingly, but her tone was gentle. "F'you wanted t' be h'ro, shoulda k'pt th' snake."

He gave her a smile tinged with sadness. "No, Jules. It never sat right on my shoulders. Time is a river, not a drain. You don't circle, you flow."

She gave him a little hmph and stepped closer, her hands settled on his shoulders. "y'not tuff 'nuff to be th' tiger," she teased. Then, "Who w's 't?"

"Someone new. A mouse hero, with the heart of a tigress herself, I think."

"MMmm, she made n'n 'pression."

He looked back again, "What makes you say that?"

Her hands left his shoulders. A rare smile bloomed on her face and she pointed down in front of him with one decaled black nail. Luka followed her line and-

"Huh…" He hadn't remembered picking up his guitar, but there it was in his lap. His fingers slid along strings dusty from lack of use.

Juleka left a giggle in her wake as she returned below decks. As Luka sat back again, his fingers continued to move of their own accord, searching out something unheard but felt. It wasn't long before a melody began to drift from the strings, single notes joining the stars in the night sky. A new melody to his ear, one without a name, but one with an owner nonetheless.

Luka let out a curious chuckle, "Well, this is unexpected."

[ringleaderscarletshadow]

A Day Off in Metropolis "with Adrien"

Ship(s): Chloe/Tim; Adrien & Chloe; Tim & Kon; Adrien/Kon

Rating: Gen Warning: None Category: F/M; M/M Media Type: Fic Word Count: 2,222 Additional Tags: AU - Scarabella, Day Off, Coffee Shops, Not Necessarily a Coffee Shop AU, Adrien is Adrien Allen, Bio-Dad Barry, Miraculous Holder Chloe, Miraculous Holder Tim, Fluff, Crushes, Kiss, Confessions, Wingman Kon

Summary: Chloe's day off with Adrien ends with him abandoning her to tackle her emotions alone. He is lucky that she was willing to look past him being a jerk in favor of trying to get to know the tired dark-haired man in the booth.

Note: I made this for @babyyouremyangel after this post about Chloe/Tim. I saw a rare pair giving me sad eyes and I could not say no. This is the first of hopefully many more pieces to come for people on Tumblr requesting to see these amazing pairings!

Ao3 Link: A Day Off in Metropolis "with Adrien"

“Adrien, are you being serious right now?” Chloe crosses her arms, staring down the dark-haired man across the shop.

Adrien had invited Chloe out for the day. It had been a while since Chloe had a break from traveling. Taking over a fashion business from your parent’s control was rather busy and exhausting.

It took quite a bit of work, but Chloe and Zoe made up. This is why Chloe could take time to hang out with Tim while Zoe kept an eye on the company for her. Obviously, if there were any emergencies Chloe would drop everything to go back.

Instead of being work busy, she now was given a new job. Helping the poor man that looked as bad as Marinette does when she overworks herself with commissions despite Chloe’s warnings. 

“Do you know that guy over there? I feel like he is right up your alley.” Chloe narrows her eyes at him.

“Chloe, it is rude to stare if you are not going to talk to him. Also, I am still looking for someone. He seems nice but not quite my cup of hot chocolate.” Adrien shakes his head.

“You and your hot chocolate. One day I will buy you your own hot cocoa shop. I am sure we can find someone competent enough to make decent chocolate.”

“Chloe, you are avoiding the topic at hand. Come on, let’s go say hi.”

Adrien gently grabs Chloe’s hand, dragging her along. It is not that she did not want to go meet this guy. It was quite the contrary. It is just… after her last attempts at getting into a relationship was so toxic, she did not want to repeat that.

The only relationship positive for her is that Multimouse and her had a mutual falling out after a couple months of dating. They both learned a lot about themselves and helped each other heal. Despite not knowing each other’s identities, they left on good terms.

However, this was different. It was a guy. It took Zoe smacking some sense into her that her love for Adrien was merely platonic and the showiness of needing to be next to him was only a cover up of her denying her true romantic feelings. Utterly ridiculous but right.

Chloe was too caught up in her thoughts of relationships of the past to realize that they made it to the booth of the dark-haired man’s booth. She makes eye contact with him and that’s when it hits her.

‘Oh shit, it is Multimouse all over again.’ she thinks to herself.

“Hey there, my friend and I saw you were over here by yourself and decided to extend a hand of companionship.” Adrien shines a smile as he offers his hand.

Chloe’s face goes red. Did Adrien seriously not realize how he sounded? Of course he did not.

She gets saved a little when another young adult grabs his hand instead. His leather jacket and sunglasses give off the exact vibes that she could not stop the smile appearing on her face as she stared Adrien down. He flusters horribly.

“I think we can certainly use some companionship here. Say, are you Alya’s camera man? Lois talks about work when I visit, and I want to say I have seen your picture before.” 

“I- I am Alya’s camera man. The name is Adrien.” The man cuts him off before he can continue.

“An Allen. An alliteration like mine. I’m Konner Kent though I go by Kon. This sleeper here is Tim Drake.”

Kon rolls his eyes with a soft sigh. Tim had fallen asleep after his coffee. He goes to poke the man, but Chloe grabs his hand. 

This draws Kon’s attention immediately. Instead of getting mad, he raises an eyebrow. That shifts to surprise as he meets her eyes.

“You are the sister. Zoe has mentioned you quite a bit. I am glad to see you have grown so much as a person. No need to apologize for your reaction. I owe both Tim and Zoe a solid so consider this a two birds with one stone situation.

Come on Adrenaline, let’s leave the two to connect. I can bring you over to my favorite shop. It is like a coffee shop, but it only serves hot chocolate.”

Adrien’s jaw drops. Chloe sends Adrien a wink as she watches him get dragged off. She also says thanks to Kon under her breath. He mouths ‘you are welcome’ as he leaves. She knew he would hear it.

Now, this was the tricky part. Introducing herself to a new person. She could feel the hit of romantic attraction toward him. Except, the thing she wanted was a new friend that no one helped her. 

Well, without helping by directly introducing them. It was hard to explain. Yes, she was getting help unintentionally by her sister as well as Tim’s friend, but she was being given the freedom to do the conversation herself. It was nice but also a bit scary.

Chloe gains the confidence to sit down at the booth. It was no use to wake up Tim since it was clear he needed the sleep. She would wait out the sleep no matter how long it took. 

She may have underestimated how long it would take. Her and Adrien had gotten there at about 3 in the afternoon. It was now getting to be 7. 

She had read through the newspaper twice, done both the sudoku and cryptoquip. Chloe had only gotten up a couple times to use the bathroom and get a drink. It was getting too late to stay any longer.

Chloe gets up, making sure to be quiet. She approaches the shop owner. They let Chloe know that it is quite alright as whenever Tim comes to town, he tends to fall asleep. He was given an honorary key.

“Tim’s not from Metropolis?” Chloe’s curiosity pokes through.

“Not at all. He is one of Bruce Wayne’s kids.”

“The Gotham Billionaire, Bruce Wayne?”

“Yup,” the owner nods along as they leave the shop. Chloe is left to be with the information and Tim.

“Well, this is surprisingly not the first time I have been stuck in a shop. Last time, it was just me and the shuffling of Marinette’s sleep sewing. I still have no idea how she does it.”

Chloe makes herself useful by packing up the couple items that Tim had. A laptop and glasses that had fallen off his face. 

“You seem to be quite the researcher. I wonder what you keep an eye on. Billionaire child life can be quite ridiculous.” She mutters to herself.

“Mostly crime,” Tim lets out as he yawns.

Chloe jumps at the voice. It was the first time she had heard him speak in the 4 hours they were in each other’s presence.

“Did Kon make you stay with me? He knows that Vin gave me a key. Wait, I could have sworn there was a guy alongside you.”

“Adrien went off with Kon. Something about work. I had no idea about the key thing, but I willingly stayed to make sure you still had company.”

Tim’s kind smile to her would have been enough of an answer on its own. It did not stop there, and she did not know where the confidence was coming from. 

“Would you like to go out for dinner with me? You waited all this time so I should treat you. Unless there is something else you would like to do. The night lights of Metropolis are rather bright but pleasant.”

“Certainly, more welcoming than Gotham’s,” Chloe lets out with an accompanying chuckle.

“You can say that again. I am surprised you seem aware of Gotham’s reputation. Have you been before?”

Tim throws his satchel over his shoulder. He offers his hand to Chloe as he motions to the door. She gladly accepts, walking the two out of the shop.

He did not press her for an answer to his question. It had been more rhetorical even if he did want an answer. Her presence and willingness to hang out with him was more than enough to make up for it.

The two make their way down the streets of Metropolis. Chloe takes in all the sights. It was nice to have a guide familiar with the town while also not being from it. It gave a nice change of pace.

She catches herself looking into Tim’s eyes multiple times throughout their walk. It is not until they make it to the steps of the Kents’ residence that it hits her. She had never answered that question he asked. 

“I have never been before,” Tim gives her a slight head tilt. “You asked if I had been to Gotham. The reason I know so much is I have a business meeting there next month. It is with Wayne Enterprises.”

“Oh, I see. That will be quite the experience. I guess I will be seeing you again soon.”

Tim shines Chloe a mischievous smile. She takes a moment to think over his words. It would make sense since he is a Wayne.

He places her crooked finger under her chin, raising it up. She smirks back, knowing exactly what he wanted to do. She wanted to as well. Yet her confidence did not peak through.

“May I kiss you, Honeybee?”

“You knew this entire time, didn’t you, Stallion?”

The two collectively laugh. How they both were able to figure each other out is a match made by the kwami themselves surely. Who would have seen the Bee and Horse meet then fall for each other?

Chloe finds her confidence, leaning up to start the kiss. Tim supports her waist as he reciprocates it. There was no denying their connection now.

A cough from behind them gets apart. Chloe throws her arms cross. Adrien gives Kon a kiss on the cheek before coming down the stairs, dragging Chloe away. 

She does not fight her friend’s actions. Chloe simply gives a wave to Tim as she mouths ‘see you next month, Stallion’. Adrien shakes his head in support.

When they get far enough away, Chloe breaks at Adrien. She just had to know.

“How did Tim know about me being Honeybee? That was an entirely different personality than my normal one. He was easy to find out cause his miraculous was just laying on the table ready to be taken. Pollen’s comb is hidden under my ponytail.”

“He’s a more precise version of Marinette’s stalking abilities. You know how she used to have my schedule down to the minute but would occasionally get things wrong if a sudden change happened? Tim would have already known and planned accordingly.”

“That’s mildly concerning. It is a good thing he is not a villain.”

Adrien nods in agreement. There would be no stopping him if he ever became a villain. Though it would be interesting to know how they would have worked out for a relationship if Chloe had never changed. Villain Tim with evil bee Chloe. 

‘Huh, that would be quite the universe. I wonder if there is also a universe where Adrien is the Black Cat wielder and Marinette as the Ladybug wielder. Maybe there is one where I get the Black Cat. As if,’ Chloe scoffs at the utterly ridiculous thought.

Meanwhile back with Kon and Tim

“Are you going to admit that guessing her as the Bee wielder was a complete miracle and was just a nickname you pulled out of your ass?”

“Hey! No puns. Allen is rubbing off on you already. I had my suspicions that she was a wielder or at least, temporarily. I was simply taking your advice.”

“That’s where you went wrong. Being flirty right off is not for everyone. You got lucky. Say, you think you are the Ladybug wielder in another universe?”

“Anything is possible Kon. I doubt I would ever get it though. There is already a perfectly good Ladybug user in this universe. Of all the people to make a Ladybug in another world, I would be the last.”

Kon throws his arm around Tim. He looks him straight in the eyes, searching for the wonder in him.

“What if Chloe is the Black Cat in that universe? Would you want to be the Ladybug then?”

“Well what type of question is that Kon? I’m sure you would want to be the Black Cat in a universe where Adrien is the Ladybug. You already know the answer.”

“For the record, I would be your amazing sidekick with the peafowl miraculous. I would rock that fan.”

“Right and Adrien would be the Butterfly user. The villains would have the Fox, Turtle and Bee miraculous and be threatening to take over the world if they don’t get our miraculous.”

“Nah, they would be doing it out of pure evil. Imagine it is our siblings.”

Tim stares directly at Kon. He raises his hands up. He was confident in what he said.

“Can I get the turtle then, please?” Jon says as he appears in the room.

Tim facepalms. Kon’s smirk returns. There were times when he wanted to voyage out of the room. This was one. 

“Damian could get the fox and Zoe as the Bee. It’s perfect. What do you think?”

~

Note: I don't know what Chloe, Tim and Kon are talking about with these alternative universes. I mean, who would ever give Adrien a miraculous? Adrien Allen? A miraculous wielder? Pfft sure, that will happen the same time fashion designer MDC is Ladybug.

You know what else is ridiculous to think of existing? Maribat Menagerie a Discord for Rare Pair, Bio-Parent, and Strange AUs.

It is utterly ridiculous to think that anyone would ever create such a thing. Imagine if there was also a @maribat-menagerie tumblr for hyping up all those things.

What's Next? You're going to tell me that the "Ringleader" there writes all of that stuff and will randomly write the ideas that people what to see more of. scoffs As if

(In all seriousness, I do this because I love it all. I have to allow myself a smidge of in character promoting every once in a while, right? Plus, I enjoy seeing others' joy at the ships they like having pieces so hopefully you all enjoy, and I will always take suggestions. <3)

[randomruff]

A Marichat Oneshot

Just simple Au that has no name that i created. Mari has the mouse miraculous instead of the ladybug one. That belongs to Chloe, Oh and Blanc is a cat. (If someone already created an au like this let me know and i'll tag it)

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

A certain superhero in black leather grinned at the adorable way bluebell eyes glared at him. Marinette's scowl deepened as she crossed her arms and huffed. "Put. it. down. Chat." The blonde only chuckled at her aggressive tone, his tail playfully swishing behind him as he circled around her. His emerald eyes gleamed mischievously at the girl, who groaned when she realized he would not be returning it anytime soon. If she was Multimouse right now, her tail would've been wagging nonstop in her annoyance.

not that wouldn't make her any less adorable

Marinette launched herself over to Chat to snatch the black and grey book from his paws. Unfortunately for her, he saw it coming and elegantly, —and silently — leaped away. His saccharine grin still plastered on his face.

The French-Chinese girl had been chasing him for about 5 minutes now. Ever since she spotted him cackling and waving the strange book around in a teasing manner, he didn't have time to peer inside the book. Which was a shame since he's been waiting an entire month to find this thing that his princess was withholding from him.

"Oh, come on Purrincess~ tell me why this book is so im-paw-tant that you had to hide it? It can't be your diary, I already read that. It's not your sketchbook either, also why are there green & pink paw prints on this thing?" Sakura pink blossomed on Marinette's cheeks as Chat kept talking. "NOTHING! IT'S NOTHING IMPORTANT WHATSOEVER!" she tried grabbing it again, but Chat lifted it higher in the air. He raised an eyebrow at the girl. What was in this book that was causing her to act so? "Kitty, I swear if you so much as glance in there I'll stop feeding you croissants and passion macaroons for a week!!!" she threatened and he almost considered it after all his love for Dupain-Cheng's sweets could rival Plagg's lust for cheese.

Maybe he should give in... but handing it back wouldn't be satisfying at all~ so how can he keep his sweet privileges AND find out what his princess is hiding?

His eyes slid to the harsh white and frosty blue-eyed kitten sitting on Marinettes's bed observing the two play tag around the room, he could ask him but doing that would remind him that, that thing stayed with his Souris everyday...

and he'd rather not be reminded of that

Chat narrowed his eyes, his pupils becoming slits as he watched the kitten jump off the bed and to his princess. His ears went flat on his head and his tail silently lashed out on the floor; he could hear Mullo snickering somewhere in the room but he didn't acknowledge it.

"Aw~ Mon petit minou veut aimer?" the cat rubbed its head against Marinette's chest, making her giggle. The book, and him, now forgotten as she petted the thing. Chat crossed his arms and glowered at the two, this is why he preferred—though reluctantly — his little mouse to hang out with that snake, or the fox, or even the dragon!

Those were the people he trusted (despite their rivalry for Mari's attention)

But this cat? He couldn't trust the bastard even if his nine lives depended on it.

maybe if he begged hard enough, Le Papillon might take this thing and take it far, far, far away from here

or he could just cataclysm it...

or throw it off the Eiffel tower...

so many options and hopefully only one life...

"Geez Chaton, you truly don't like Amour Blanc, do you?" Chat's eye twitched. Amour Blanc?... that's what she named it? Does she even realize how ironic that is? Probably not...

Chat closed his eyes and turned his head to the side, refusing to look and answer her. The last thing he needed was giving that thing satisfaction! his faux ear twitched at the sound of her walking towards him. Still though, he kept looking the other way.

He heard her stop before him and sigh. "I honestly don't understand what you have against Amour Blanc..." he felt her hand caress his cheek, and begrudgingly—it's not like he could ever deny her anything — opened his eyes and turned his head to her, his tail wrapping itself around her waist. He brought both of his clawed hands to cradle her cheeks, their foreheads touching.

Chat contemplated on whether or not he should tell her

....

Nah

He had something much better in mind

A grin made its way back to Chat's face as he quietly whispered. "So~ MariChat and MultiNoir, huh? didn't know you loved me so much that you shipped us Mari~" the adorable squeak that escaped her and the deep crimson blush that bloomed on her face made Chat purr with pleasure.

and she had nowhere to escape~

"YOU LOOKED INSIDE?!?!" the raven blue-haired girl yelled, mortified. "Oh? so that is what's in there?" if it was possible for Chat's grin to get any wider and for Marinette's skin to get any paler, then Plagg likes to eat cheap cheese.

"wait... you didn't look inside?"

"Non, I only guessed, didn't think it be true though~"

"HOW!?"

"Princess... Pink, Grey, Black, and Green? with Pawprints? Tsk, tsk, tsk gotta do better than that Mari,"

"Ugh! You stupid, sly cat! Get over here!"

"Why~? do you wish to kiss me that badly? could've just asked, and I'd happily oblige~"

"Eh? Re-really? bah! NO YOU MANGY CAT!"

[dansconcepts]

A Multitude of Resets (And In This One He Gets A Much Needed, Much Deserved Hug)

Another Aspik & Multimouse drabble with some angst and hurt/comfort below the cut.

It wasn't him who understood. He was on the verge of confusion every time. But always, as a constant, there were the stutters and there was the trust. He found it right when he wasn't sure what was wrong.

All he knew was that he trusted her. And that was enough.

Yet it crumbled from his fingers- in the way a Cataclysm did to mere objects- flaking into the wind uncontrollably, because what control can one have when the unthinkable happens?

Of course, he had to be quick again. He couldn't keep himself mourning. But he can now.

#303,117. 

There was a flash of light before he let himself shake. Just for now. Just because.

He can hear the murmurs of confusion around him, and the whispers of "What's wrong?", but he ignores all of it. They don't stop. He tries to get himself together, but he's going to need a couple… who knows, honestly.

"Aspik?" She asks. Framed in blue and adorned with pink, her frown deepens. He swore to himself he wouldn't do this to her again. 

But of course he's made hundreds of exceptions that he may as well accept his new normal. He can't deal with this properly. Distant images and words have become obscured over time. Mentally, he can't imagine how old he must be right now, witnessing this girl's death over and over again with the power of changing it, but not the influence to actually do so.

"Marinette." He breathes. Her sapphire eyes stare back at him, assessing, collecting, and then widening. 

Was she… perturbed? 

...Disturbed? 

Of course, he hasn't exactly looked in a mirror lately. He hasn't had enough time to do so (and ha, the irony of that. Being timeless is so funny). 

He faces her again. Her bubblegum face remains as it was- bubblegum. Before, that used to comfort him, but time and time again, there was a satisfaction in flustering someone normally so confident to become as red as watermelon. He wasn't so sure when the shift was. But he'd been so delighted that Ladybug was finally giving him the time of day at the time, yet he couldn't stop his mind from drifting back to periwinkle scarves and fuschia roses even with that fact.

And now here he was. Putting her in danger. Again. 

He would've tried to just… remove the miraculous around his wrist right now, but, he was so scared of being unable to go back in case something went wrong. 

So many things went wrong.

It spikes through him- that no, no, no. That nauseating force pulled him back from delivering that penalty. That final, irreversible verdict.

...Even now, it happens. But he knows why. He spent 5 minutes for him just gathering himself. And in spite of that, he still think he's going to need a little more than that.

He tries to smile at Marinette as best as he could, taking in her worried expression despite the fact that it's her who meets an untimely demise. It's her and he still hasn't figured much out about why, only the multitudes of how resonating in his skull and overlapping, but not giving him the comfort (or torture?) of every single detail, down to every last action he did.

It was like every choice he made was automated for a tragic end. But he couldn't afford that. There was a reason she asked him to use it for a second time. There was a reason he accepted it. 

For her. And for her. 

White obscures his vision again, but colour erupts soon enough. Silver with blush-colored accented strips. 

Multimouse. Marinette. Blue adorned with pink.

"Aspik. H-hey." She waves awkwardly into his face. She didn't have to move her hand so close, but he couldn't help how his lips turned upward. Clumsy, even in these little actions. It was undeniably adorable. 

"Hey, um, are you okay? You look a little…"

Haunted? His mind supplies. Tormented? Traumatized? 

"...shaken." She settles with. Her eyes marginally soften. Wow, how impossible it is for her to hide her worry, no matter whether she's in costume or out. Her compassion and concern for him is something he will never stop appreciating. He really feels like he needs the emotional attention, even if it's at her own expense.

However,  he doesn't want to lose much time now. Although he did already take a while here. 

He knows what he's about to do. 

His arms wrap around her tightly, almost constricting, afraid to let go. He'll be able to tell when 5 minutes are up, anyway. He'll let himself savour this for now.

He'll actually tell her next reset. 

"A-Aspik?" She squeaks. Just like her miraculous. A cute little mouse. Mousinette. Hmm. He may start calling her that as Chat. It'd be a shame to waste a cute nickname, even if it's only Chat who could really use it without revealing his identity. Identities? 

She sighs, and he could feel it, before also feeling the pats on his scaly back. "You went through a lot, didn't you?" He nods simply.

"Okay, okay. Just talk to me next reset, please? A plan and all that." He nods again, not really ready to think about the weight weighing on him, and focusing on the here and now, right where bluebells rang and sang, clutching him closely. If he were Chat right now, he'd be purring and nuzzling. As it is, he's a snake. Being the boa constrictor will have to do. 

[sleep-nurse]

hi im sorry i know the answer is most likely going to be no but can i ask you to make a drawing of multimouse from miraculous ladybug?

i didnt know if i should ask on your main or here but i figured this would be thr better choice.

i love your art style and i think every single drawing you put out is great so i would be super happy if you did this.

again sorry for bothering you with stupid little things

im very sorry but my main is vocal synth/proseka related only and this blog rarely accepts requests unless it has to do with my ocs/sona or my hyperfixations so no :( thank you tho

[melissak2802]

To systematize what we know on the complicated topic of secret identities in ML.

Season 1:

Two heroes. No one knows or is allowed to know anyone's identity besides the Guardian. There's an episode dedicated to the importance of secret identity, with Cat Noir and Alya learning to understand it ("Lady WiFi"). Everything's neat.

Season 2:

We have first temporary heroes, whom only Ladybug knows as guardian-in-training. (Remind me, does Fu actually know the identities of temps or it's fully on Ladybug without adult supervision?) Okay.

Chloe goes public, that gets her targeted then gets her incapacitated during Heroes Day when her family is targeted. Alya and Nino accidentally reveal to each other, that also incapacitates them during Heroes Day when their feelings for each other are used against them.

Everything's still neat, and the finale shows clearly without extra words why it must be secret.

Season 3:

More temporaries. Okay.

Chloe is personally targeted again and removed from the team for safety. Okay.

The Multimouse gambit had "Multimouse revealed her identity to Cat Noir and is removed from the team" as part of it. Okay.

Ryuko exposes herself, is removed, Ladybug breaks the rules to use her again, this is shown as serious mistake triggering Chloe's betrayal. Well, okay, heroes make mistakes too...

Miracle Queen happens with mass reveal of the temps, not just to someone, to the villain directly. And so things start.

Season 4:

The exposed temps are still active like nothing happened. They get personally targeted and still nothing happens. The author's explanation around the lines of "they had to take this risk" is not valid because they could easily redistribute Miraculouses. And this "dangerous necessity" is never even discussed by characters in canon.

Alya in particular gets personally targeted twice. First she is made permanent user, then goes Rena Furtive. Viewers are livid because the "new form, new identity" thing changes everything: somehow it was never an option for Queen Bee, Multimouse, Ryuko or any of Miracle Queen's victims.

Alya reveals herself to her boyfriend again (learnt nothing from Heroes Day), despite promising not to, and it is framed as good thing. It still backfires later, forcing her retire this time, and causes the loss of the Fox Miraculous, but still seen as good.

All while Marinette tragically parts with Luka because secret identities matter more.

But does share hers with Alya. (It is psychologically understandable, she is on peak of crisis, but this supposedly out-of-ordinary fact and the fact it does not backfire kind of loses its intended impressiveness considering how in this season almost no one cares of secret identities)

There is the second what-if episode where Ladybug and Cat Noir knowing each other equals apocalypse.

And Luka learns both and acts like nothing happened.

Nino gives away himself and Alya to Adrien for no good reason.

And Cat Noir keeps wanting a reveal (forgotten Lady WiFi, forgotten Heroes Day, forgotten the whole Chloe thing, forgotten the targeting of temps in this season).

Season 5:

Alix is sent into hiding with an extremely dangerous Miraculous. Her identity is made public with heroes' permission for no reason at all.

Luka after a risk of akumatization finally takes measures and has to leave Paris and his family in order not to be a danger...

While Kagami learns, does nothing, is akumatized several times, nothing happens.

And then she casually gives Ladybug (the Guardian, the hope of Paris and wielder of one of the most important Miraculous) away to Felix whom she had close interactions with for like several days and who recently was an enemy, had committed betrayal before and is known for good acting. (Which also is after she was tricked by one girl twice in a row, anyone should have gone paranoid especially knowing their own absense of social knowledge) And everything's apparently okay about it.

Have I forgotten anything?

[starwarsmum]

Day 25, APT. (totally one of my new dopamine songs)

@maribat-calendar-events

Marinette:

Should I bring some macarons? This feels like a macaron kind of event ❤️

Tim:

I don't think they need macarons, but if it'll make you feel more comfortable, go for it! Xx

Marinette looked at the messages and sighed. It had been three days since she had confessed to Tim and she was still feeling mushy whenever they text each other. Chloé had been unbearably smug with herself, smirking whenever they spoke. 

She and Tim had managed to avoid each other on the WatchTower for now but she was looking forward to getting the reveal to Dick and Bruce out of the way. She'd managed not to tell any of her team that she knew the Bats identities and was confident that she could keep it that way, at least for now.

“Alright, Tikki, are you ready for today?” She asked her Kwami, inspecting the outfit she'd chosen to wear under the transformation. She decided to go with space buns and a Multimouse inspired dress. 

“Of course, Marinette!” Tikki squeaked, nuzzling into her neck from where she sat perched on her shoulder. “Are you ready? Once you tell the bats, there's no turning back. It's likely that your identity will be input to their database.”

“Yeah, I figured that would be the case,” Marinette said with a grimace. “But I knew what I was getting into when I joined the League. They might have found out eventually anyway.”

Deciding she would rather be early than late, she transformed and yo-yoed over to the Zeta Tube. Another thing she and Tim had agreed on was meeting up there and using the Zeta tube that led directly to the Batcave. 

“LB!” Carapace called out, waving her over as soon as she landed on the Tower. She suppressed a sigh and headed over to see what he needed. His voice dropped before he continued. “Rena was wondering if you're coming back in time for her birthday? You know, as your usual self.”

“I should be!” She said cheerfully, before checking for the time. “Listen, I'd love to chat but I have to go to a meeting. Text me and we'll sort something out, okay?”

He nodded amiably and she continued to the room Tim had booked for them both. Even though she was ten minutes early, he was already waiting for her and she beamed at him as she walked in.

“Hey, are you ready?” She asked, holding back from hugging him. Even when Dick and Bruce knew her identity, they were going to have to keep things professional just to avoid her team working them out.

“Yep! They should be waiting for us, but did you want to discuss anything before we go?”

“No, I just want to get this over with so things can get back to normal, you know?”

He nodded and they walked together back to a Zeta Tube. She took a deep breath and stepped through after him, taking in the cave again as she arrived. It hasn't changed at all, though Tim has assured her that Jason wouldn't be part of this.

“Ladybug, thanks for agreeing to come to us for this meeting,” Batman said, voice less gravelly than previously but still lower than ‘Brucie’ mode. “I hope your team are settling in well with your new Snake?”

“Yes, Couleuvre is getting along well enough with everyone,” she replied, glancing at Tim. He shot her a smile before settling into a seat at the planning table. “I understand you have some questions for me, and I have something to discuss with your team too. When will Nightwing be joining us?”

“I'm here!” He shouted, bursting into the cave and flopping into a seat. “Sorry I'm late, stopped a robbery on the way. Good to see you LB!”

“Well, let's cover our questions first and we can take it from there,” Batman said, before Marinette could kick off her discussion. “We wanted to ask about a civilian that seemed to be present for a number of akumatisations but was only ever trusted with a Miraculous once; Marinette Dupain-Cheng. We've had a couple of run-ins with her and her record seems just a little too clean for my liking. What can you tell us about her? Specifically, do you have any concerns about her past interactions with Lila Rossi, the second Hawkmoth?”

“Um, I'd have to say no, no concerns,” Marinette said, shooting Tim a look when he coughed out a laugh. “But I think that if I cover my discussion with you, it will make things a little easier. Tikki, Spots Off.”

Tim tried not to laugh when Bruce froze on the spot, taking in who was obviously Marinette. Dick fell out of his seat and Tim lost the fight and snickered. Marinette stood still, chewing her lip apprehensively, which made Tim feel bad for laughing.

“Um, so, about the whole, suspicious of Marinette thing…are you married to the idea that I'm a villain or…”

“You're Ladybug,” Bruce said blankly, and Tim could see him trying to work out why he hadn't seen it before. Marinette had explained in detail that the magic really was just that powerful, and without strong evidence it just wouldn't let them see past it.

“Yes, which is why you probably found my history a little suspicious. Being a hero doesn't really leave a lot of wriggle room in background checks and whatnot, since I can't have my identity out there. But yeah, that's why I was involved in the different parts of the Paris issue so often.”

“Also, that's why she jumped in to help with the Jason problem,” Tim added, standing up to give her support. She smiled at him gratefully before turning back to them. “She was always told that her secret identity has to come first - some of her team have no idea who she is. And that's why she didn't share that she knew my identity straight away.”

“Oh my God, I can't believe you're Ladybug,” Dick said from the floor, apparently still too surprised to get up off of it. He looked comfortable enough at least. “How did we not see it? You have the same hair, the same eyes…you're even the same height!”

“The magic that gives me the suit is really powerful, it takes a lot to break the enchantment. I was in the same class as many akuma victims and they never worked it out. Hell, my best friend ran the Ladyblog and couldn't work out my identity.”

“And how long have you known, Robin?” Bruce asked, turning to Tim with a frown.

“I found out a few days ago, but only because she told me outright,” he replied, pulling a chair out for Marinette before sitting again himself. “She'd been thinking about it since finding out about us and she knows me best out of the three of us.”

The rest of her time spent in the Batcave was filled with the story of how she became a heroine.

_ _ _

When Marinette left, she didn't bother going through the Zeta Tube. It hardly made sense for her to, so she zipped out of the cave by herself to get some much needed rest.

Which left Tim to deal with Dick and Bruce, the former of which had a wide grin on his face. Dick was practically bouncing, presumably waiting for Tim to break the silence which he refused to do. After an excruciatingly long pause, he apparently could contain himself no longer.

“So…are you two dating now? I mean, you had a crush on her as Ladybug and as Marinette, you have to be dating now, right?” 

“How is that any of your business?”

“That's not a no!” Dick launched himself at Tim, hugging him tightly. “Aww, that's so cute! I'm glad she wasn't secretly a villain.”

Bruce snorted from his seat at the computer, a rare smile on his face as he updated his files. 

“Don't you have patrol to go on?” He asked, only to get a shake of the head. “Well, I guess I will then.”

He didn't wait for a response before hopping on the R Cycle and shooting away into the night. Dick's laughter followed him out but was quickly lost to the rushing wind and whir of his engine. 

The night passed relatively peacefully, the occasional mugging stopping it from being monotonous. As the dawn began to break, he headed back to the cave, hoping that the other two had gotten it out of their systems.

It was obvious as soon as he saw Dick that it wasn't the case but, fortunately, Bruce distracted him so that Tim could slip back up to the manor to get some sleep.

Across the city, Marinette woke early to a call coming in from Alya. She groaned as she prepared herself for a long day planning a trip to Paris for her best friend's birthday. What she hadn't prepared for was Alya dropping hints that she wouldn't mind if Marinette brought a plus one.

Though she blushed and stammered at the time, she gave it some real thought over lunch and decided she might as well. After all, the worst thing that could happen was he could say no, right?