#marinette drunk

[verfound]

FIC: "Of Lost Luggage, Shirts, and Other Things" (MLB; Lukanette; LBSC Lukanette Month 2024)

@lovebugs-and-snakecharmers is doing a Lukanette Month for September 2024, and we all just kinda tossed some prompts in the disco to compile a list?  We ended up with 71 prompts, so I decided I’d roll some dice to pick a prompt, do a twenty minute (ish, bc we all know sometimes they run away from me) sprint, and try to get some short fics out this month?

(This one is also kinda @rierse's fault, based on a prompt she dropped in the disco about someone wearing their own merch. 😂)

Read on Ao3

Prompt 69: Airport

Luka stared at the woman behind the desk with…honestly, he wasn’t sure what expression was on his face.  He was going for disbelief, but with how exhausted he was – and how long the last few days had been – it was probably something more akin to disdain.

He was, admittedly, probably doing a fairly decent impression of the Captain’s scowl.

It wasn’t her fault, he reminded himself.  She was just the messenger.  You don’t shoot the messenger.

…he was in desperate need of a coffee.  And a shower.  And some clean fucking clothes.

(And a T-S specialty, because the airport Cinnabon Crusher had bought him as an apology was still sitting too heavy and too much on his stomach, even nine hours later.)

“What…do you mean…” he started, slowly, closing his eyes and forcing himself to take a deep, calming breath, “…you lost…my luggage?”

“I am so sorry, M. Stone,” the poor girl said.  She looked like she was about to piss herself – which was probably fair.  He was still new enough that she probably hadn’t heard of Luke Stone yet.  Most likely, the poor girl just saw ‘Stone’, saw the VIP party his ticket had been attached to, and remembered the horror stories he was sure she had heard about Jay over the years.  She was probably expecting a wild crocodile to come barreling out of boarding, ready to chomp her head off for daring to lose a Stone’s luggage.  “It…it appears it’s not here.  It…looks like it might be in Barcelona?”

…they hadn’t been in Barcelona since the beginning of the summer tour.  How the shit had his suitcase traveled to Barcelona from New York, when the rest of them had made it to Paris just fine?

“We can have it back to you in a few days,” she said.  “I am so sorry, M. Stone, but –”

“It’s fine,” he said, his jaw clenching uncomfortably as he held up a hand.  God, he just needed to sleep.  And a shower.  And a clean fucking shirt – he’d smelled like bad Indian takeaway since New York, thanks to Crusher.  “Just…call me when you have it.”

He slumped away from the counter, rubbing his hands over his face.  A throat cleared nearby, and he looked up to find Penny holding a shirt up for him.

“It’s not ideal, but at least it’s clean,” she said.  “Until you get home.”

“They lost my bag,” he said.  There was a niggling in his stomach, an unpleasant reminder of…his eyes widened as he stared at Penny.  “…Penny.  They lost my bag.”

“I know,” she said, putting her hands on his shoulders and squeezing.  “Breathe, Luka.  It’s all right.  We’ll get it sorted.  Luggage gets lost all the time – it’s not the end of the world.”

…it felt like it.  Penny knew just as well as he did what was actually in that bag and how very important it was that it was not lost.

“Penny –” he started, but she shook her head and pushed the shirt into his hands.

“Go change,” she said.  “Go home.  Get some sleep.  I’ll track down the bag, and it’ll be back in no time.  Everything will be fine.”

“It’s a sign,” he groaned, dropping his head back into his hands.  “Penny, Gina flew out specifically to give me that…oh my God.  Oh my God.  Gina’s gonna kill me.  Tom’s gonna kill me.  It’s –”

“Stop that,” Penny said, swatting his arm.  “Go home.  Sleep.  Catch up with your…Marinette.”

…he almost smiled at that.  Almost, because as much as he loved the sound of ‘his Marinette’ she was only going to be his Marinette if that damn bag wasn’t lost, which it currently was.  God, this day couldn’t get any worse…Penny rolled her eyes and pushed him towards the exit.

“Change.  Sleep.  Stop freaking out – this means nothing, Luka!” she called as he wandered off.  “It’s going to be fine!”

…he wished he could believe her.  Usually, he would.  But he had too much riding on that damn bag – like the rest of his whole damn life – and he couldn’t help but wonder if losing the bag meant everything really was about to fall apart.

. : .

It didn’t take him long to change his shirt.  The other one – the one Crusher had spilled his curry on before the plane took off – went straight into the bin.  It was probably stained beyond saving, anyway, and it was just an old white shirt.  He could easily replace it.

But when he tugged the new shirt over his head and stared back at his reflection in the mirror of the airport restroom, he couldn’t help but think maybe the curry-stained shirt was preferable.

There was no way Penny could convince him that the only clean shirt in his size they had extras of was the summer tour shirt.  He looked like such a tool, walking around with his own face slapped on his chest.

He was not awake enough for this, he thought as he scrubbed his hands over his face.  Coffee.  He needed coffee.  If he was going to make it home, he needed coffee.

Airport coffee wasn’t always the best, but it was still better than nothing, so he found himself shambling towards the food court before making his way into the city.  It was probably for the best, anyway – he’d have a time finding a cab now, and the others were probably already on their way to their respective homes.

…like he would be.  If the stupid airport hadn’t lost his stupid luggage with the stupid…

He was going to be sick.

Maybe coffee wasn’t the best idea after all…

“Oh my God,” a voice gasped in front of him.  His brow furrowed, his expression scrunching.  That voice…there was something familiar about it, but he couldn’t quite place what…  “I love that artist!”

…fuck.

He did not have the mental fortitude to deal with fans at the moment.

“Oh my God,” he said, his voice maybe a tinge more sarcastic than he had intended, “yeah!  Me, too!”

There was a beat – a longer-than-necessary pause – where the person had grown uncomfortably silent, and he sighed as he shook his head.

“…sorry,” he said, rubbing his eyes.  “Long flight.  Yeah, um…he’s ok.”

He finally looked up at the fan, and his brow furrowed as he stared at her.  Large, dark sunglasses covered her face, and her short hair was tucked into a bright pink scarf.  She was dressed simply enough, in short pink overalls with a white shirt underneath – but there was something…familiar about that shirt.  Something that was trying to click in his jetlagged brain but just wouldn’t.

Something he felt he should recognize about the bits of green – leaves? – peeking out over the top of the overalls.

“More than ‘ok’, I’d say,” she sniffed, her lips turning in a frown.  “Though he’s kind of being a butt right now.  Might make me reconsider how cool I usually find him.”

“…that’s…fair,” he said, nodding.  “Again.  Sorry.  Long flight.”

“It’s a shame,” she said, sighing as she turned away.  There was a bag at her hip, and he would swear he watched it snap shut without her even touching it.  What the hell…?  “Usually, I’m a pretty big fan.  I’d even venture to say his biggest, though I know some people who would fight me for that title.”

She looked over her shoulder, and her cheek moved in a way that made him think she had just winked at him.  He blinked, his brow furrowing again as he tried to focus on her.  It was…kind of hard, when she was kinda blurry and there seemed to be two of her.

“Anyway,” she said, stepping forward as the line moved ahead of her.  “I’d heard his flight was coming in today.  I was hoping to surprise him, big fan that I am.  But traffic was terrible, and I heard I just missed him…and how bad that flight actually was.”

She heaved a longsuffering sigh, and he shook his head as he scrubbed at his eyes again.  That voice…

“So I thought I’d get him some coffee, but you see how long this line is,” she said, turning back towards him.  “I’ll be lucky if I catch him at all at this rate.  Don’t you – mmf!”

The pieces finally clicked into place, and he grabbed at Marinette’s wrist to tug her against him.  He bent her back, slipping her shades onto her head as he kissed her stupid.  Her hands gripped at his shoulders, and he would swear her foot even popped behind her.

“…about time,” she giggled at him.  He chuckled and shook his head before stealing another kiss.

“Asshole,” he huffed, rubbing their noses together.  “You were enjoying that entirely too much.”

“You’re adorable when you’re jetlagged,” she teased, her hand coming up to caress his jaw.  She frowned at the touch before tapping a finger against his skin.  “You need a shave.”

“Flight from hell,” he sighed, sagging against her.  “…forty-eight hours from hell.”

“Penny said they lost your luggage,” she said.  A throat cleared behind them, and she rolled her eyes before pulling him out of line with her.  He whined as they lost their place, but she leaned up to kiss his jaw.  “You know their coffee will taste like feet, anyway.  Let me get you home.  We can stop at my parents’ and get you some proper food.”

The mention of her parents had his stomach seizing all over again.

“…your dad’s gonna kill me,” he groaned, dropping his forehead on her shoulder.  “The suitcase, Marinette.  They lost my suitcase.”

“It’s ok,” she said, laughing as she patted his back.  “Penny said it’s in Barcelona – it’ll be here by tomorrow.  Day after at the latest.”

“No, but I can’t see your parents until I have the suitcase,” he said, shaking his head.  “Tom already knows – he’s expecting…I can’t…”

“Luka, Luka, hold on,” she said, placing her hands on his face to try and steady him.  She smiled as her thumb brushed beneath his eye, and he took a deep breath to try and calm himself.  “What’s going on?  It’s just a suitcase.  You have clean clothes at home – ones that don’t scream I’m an Egocentric Rock Star.”

She was teasing, he knew, but it still made him frown as she poked the face on his chest.  His face still scrunched as he caught her fingers.

“Hey,” he said, “I happen to love the person who designed this shirt.  Lay off.”

Her smile warmed, and she pulled his face back to hers for another kiss.

“She loves you, too,” she whispered against his lips.  “But it’s still a little tacky wearing your own merch, don’t you think?”

“If it was one of the other shirts – with the album logo or lyrics or something – it wouldn’t be as bad,” he sighed.  “It’s just because it’s the stupid tour shirt, with my stupid face on it, that makes me look like a stupid idiot.”

“Hey,” she laughed, hugging him tight, “you’re anything but.  Stop being so hard on yourself.”

“I lost my luggage, Marinette,” he groaned, pulling her close.  “I lost the ring.  How could I lose the ring?  I was supposed to hold onto it until it was safely on your finger, where it belongs, but now it’s lost in stupid Barcelona and you’re gonna say no and –”

“…Luka,” she said, her voice suddenly too-quiet with an odd edge to it.  He hummed, and her hands fisted in his shirt and tugged.  “Luka.”

She pulled back, staring up at him with wide eyes that had no right to look as beautiful as they did, not in the shitty airport lighting.  She tugged on his shirt again, and he frowned as she swallowed.

“What?” he asked, shaking his head to try and clear it.  She swallowed again, and he was distracted by thoughts of wanting to bite her neck.

“What ring?” she asked, and his eyes widened as his brain finally started to catch up to him.

…shit.

[coffeebanana]

🐕‍🦺for the summary

A drunken game of Twister somehow lands Marinette in Adrien's bed. And there's cuddling. The sort that feels like maybe it's leading to something a little less than platonic. So when an Akuma interrupts the fun, Marinette is NOT about to let Hawk Moth win. Not tonight. This would have been a lot easier if she'd remembered to transform.

"Come on, Adrien." She yanked his hand harder as they raced down the stairs. This would have been so much easier if she could just carry him, but superpowers or not, she didn't exactly trust her coordination right now. "We just need to get to the--fuck!"

Skidding to a stop on the landing between the second floor and the lobby, Marinette stared in horror at the purple smoke that was already creeping through the cracks around the door below. They'd been too slow. It was time for plan B.

Letting go of Adrien's hand (regretfully), she reached for the yo-yo hooked to her--wait. why was it in a pocket? Why did her suit have pockets?

Well, probably for the same reason her transformation had given her a fuzzy onesie and slippers in the place of her usual transformation. Tikki must have been affected by her drunkenness.

None of that mattered so long as she could still do her job and get Adrien to safety. Smoke was quickly filling the landing below, but it hadn't yet reached the hole in the middle of the staircase, which extended to the parking lot floors below. All they had to do was drop down there and they'd be able to find a new exit.

Marinette tossed her yo-yo towards the bannister, frowning as she watched it in midflight. Even her weapon didn't look the way it usually did. It was red, sure. But it lacked its usual spots. And as for ease of handling...it crashed to the floor half a metre away from its destination.

Ugh. Apparently she was going to have to do this the hard way. She bent down to pick up the yo-yo, and was about manually wrap it around the bannister when Adrien grabbed her wrist.

"Marinette, I'm not sure--" Adrien broke off when she whirrled around to face him.

"Adrien, I know you're scared."

"Oh. I'm not actually--"

"But you have nothing to worry about. You're safe with me." She stepped closer, raising a hand to cup his cheek. She had to keep herself from licking her lips at the tiny gasp he let out. There would be time to explore whatever that meant later. "You're always safe with me."

His gaze softened, and he gave a small chuckle. "And normally, I wouldn't doubt that. But..."

Marinette dropped her hand, frowning. Why was there a but? She was freaking Ladybug! And even if she weren't, she'd still find his lack of faith insulting.

He certainly hadn't looked at her that way earlier, when she'd had to crawl underneath him to place her right hand on green.

...

thanks for the ask!! 💜

[celestiall0tus]

Court of Miracles - Chapter 15 - Guest of Honor

Beginning || Previous || Next

            Juleka walked down an aisle of herbs as she checked on them. She paused when the lights flickered on as soon as darkness fell over the greenhouse. She stared up through the glass at the cool-colored cosmos like an artist painting. She smiled at the beauty of it before she continued with her nightly check. She paused again when she heard heels against stone in the silence. She furrowed her brows and turned as Jagged tackled her. She hissed and snapped at him, but he held her close.

            “Juleka! My favorite daughter! How’ve you been?” Jagged asked.

            “What the fuck are you doing here, Jagged?” Juleka hissed.

            “I came to see you. You are my favorite daughter.”

            “I’m your only daughter, idiot.”

            “As far as I know. Hey, want to come to a party?”

            “No.”

            “Aw, c’mon! It’ll be fun. You can get out of this musty, humid greenhouse. Mingle with the court. Maybe we can help you get some good dick.”

            Juleka hissed. “I like girls you fucking fool!”

            Jagged grinned. “You like girls? So do I! I know a lot of girls. C’mon, let’s get you some pussy.”

            Juleka yelped as Jagged scooped her up and stole her away. Her mind blanked as they teleported away before it caught up with her. She hissed and shifted to naga form as they landed. Jagged screamed and threw Juleka down. She scrambled up to be faced with Jagged, Luka, and Ziggy.

            “What the fuck am I doing here? And why the fuck is your hair purple? And this fucking getup? You decided being the golden child was too good for you and decided to hit the streets to pick up your entourage?” Juleka snapped.

            “Juleka, it’s-,” Luka started.

            “It’s a party, Juleka! We’re celebrating you and Luka tonight. Isn’t it exciting?” Ziggy asked.

            “Party celebrating me and Luka? Who the fuck do you think you’re fooling? Whenever the fucking golden child is included, it’s only a party for him. What makes this any different?” Juleka demanded.

            “That’s because you two are shifters and our newest heirs,” Ziggy answered.

            Juleka’s blood ran cold. “What?”

            “That’s right! Velze changed Luka into a goat. Turns out he’s a shifter too. And! Velze named Luka the goat heir and you the snake heir. So, we celebrate!”

            Juleka stared at Ziggy in disbelief. She looked between Ziggy and Luka before she looked away. Disappointment tore through her not for being named the snake heir, but not being the only shifter anymore. She didn’t care for this change and everything with it, but it made her special. Even if it trapped her in this world, it made her worth something deep down. She hated it, but loved it. Now that was taken from her too. She was nothing but another shifter now with Luka one too.

            Juleka hissed and turned. “Yeah? Well, fuck you! And fuck all this shit! What makes you think I want to celebrate anything with that fuck stain?”

            “Because it’s also a party for you?” Ziggy asked.

            “That doesn’t mean anything to me. Did you honestly think it would?”

            “I mean, why not? C’mon, just cut lose a little, meet some of the other heirs. I know there are plenty that have wanted to get to know you.”

            “No.”

            Ziggy sighed. “Fine. How about a deal? Finish one drink of my choice, then you can leave.”

            “Uh, Juleka, I wouln’t-,” Jagged started.

            “Fine. Just give me your stupid drink so I can get the fuck out of here.”

            Ziggy smiled. She waved her fingers around and created a small purple bottle. She tossed it over to Juleka, who caught it. Juleka raised a brow as she looked the bottle over, but it was blank.

            “What is this?”

            “The drink of my choice. A simple blend. Drink that and you can leave.”

            Juleka glared at the bottle before she turned to Jagged. “What the fuck is this?”

            Jagged smiled nervously. “Uh, well, that’s Ziggy’s special blend. It, uh, brings out the inner party in people?”

            “You fucking what? I’m not drinking this!”

            Ziggy smiled and shrugged. “Then I guess you’re not leaving, so get comfortable, sweetie.”

            Juleka seethed as Ziggy, Luka, and Jagged headed out. She slithered around in a huff when she heard Ziggy’s voice overhead. She tossed the bottle aside and snuck around to the main room. She shrank back at the sheer number of people gathered. Ziggy’s words were lost to her before the room erupted into a boisterous party.

            Juleka shifted to her normal form as she hid in the back. She watched everyone party and make merry. She grimaced until she saw Luka melt into the fray as he became the center of attention. Annoyance tore through her seeing Luka enjoy himself so easily. Her annoyance flared to anger as everyone gathered around him and vied for his attention. She snorted as it was Marc that stole away Luka from the other court members. She rolled her eyes and slinked away. She walked away from the party until the music died away and she heard crying. She headed to the sound and found Penny in an office.

            “Who are you?” Juleka asked.

            Penny gasped and wiped away her tears. She stood and held out her hand. “I’m Penny Rolling, the ant heir. Pleasure to meet you, Juleka.”

            Juleka eyed Penny’s hand and cautiously shook it. “Uh, likewise, I guess. What are you doing in here?”

            “Oh, working. An ant’s work is never done.”

            “Is crying part of your work?”

            “Oh, pay no mind to that. I just… I had a rough day.”

            “What happened?”

            “Oh, just… just seeing Jagged get an heir. Which, good for him. He can retire to the Elders. But there’s still no ant heir and now that he has an heir, he has no intention of, well, having intercourse with me.”

            “Ew. Why would you voluntarily have sex with that disease-ridden reject?”

            Penny sighed. “I just… it’s complicated.”

            “Don’t keep me waiting.”

            “I… no. I shouldn’t be bothering you. You should be out there celebrating.”

            “I’d sooner kill myself than be out there.”

            Penny flinched. “Doesn’t that sound extreme?”

            Juleka rolled her eyes. “Right. Anyway, why bother with Jagged? If he has not interest in you and you need an heir, why not fuck anyone else?”

            “I… I can’t. Jagged is Highborn.”

            “So?”

            “So, everything! I’m one of the last Midborn ants that can have kids. Everyone else in my clan are Lowborns. With Jagged, I could possibly have a kid that’s Midborn or even Highborn. Then the ants would have a proper heir.”

            “Is it really that important to have Highborns?”

            “It’s everything, Juleka. They once ran the court. They were everywhere. But they were lost. The blessings and our connections got weaker until they were nothing but Lowborns with the few Midborn and Highborns. Our bonds with our kwamis so weak that we might as well be abandoned. I thought if I could have a strong child after being as devoted to Mill and her concept, it could strengthen the blessing. I just needed a Highborn and that was Jagged.”

            “I mean, I suppose I get it, but why not just try your luck with someone else? Better than just pining after a man like him.”

            “I know, but I couldn’t. Giving up is for quitters. I knew if I worked hard, then I would succeed.”

            “Uh, huh. And where did that get you now?”

            Penny opened her mouth but broke down in a sobbing fit. “Nothing! It’s so unfair! Jagged gets a Highborn heir and I’m stuck with nothing! My clan is doomed!”

            Juleka pursed her lips as she watched Penny cry. All the annoyance and frustration melted as pity pooled in the pit of her gut. She felt bad for this stranger when she had no place to care. She felt the quiet desire to help her, but wasn’t sure how or if she even could. The powerlessness festered into anger that she directed towards Jagged and Luka.

            Juleka sneered as her rage grew. This was all Jagged and Luka’s fault. Jagged was a lousy man and failure of a husband. Luka was a self-centered, egotistical jackass that demanded all the praise and admiration. The memory of Luka in the crowd of partygoers ran on repeat as it fanned the flames. She hated that Jagged dragged her away from her sanctuary to torture her with reminders of how much better the golden child was. How much everyone would always love him over her. How insignificant she is and had always been.

            “Fuck this shit! Sass, where are you?” Juleka blurted.

            Penny startled as Sass materialized in the office.

            “Finally asking for help to get out of this deal you made with the devil?” Sass asked.

            “Fuck that! You’ve experimented with liquor, haven’t you?”

            Sass narrowed his eyes. “What are you doing?”

            “These motherfuckers want me to fucking party? Let them fucking regret bringing me here. Get me the hardest shit you have.”

            “You know we can just leave. I can-.”

            “Fuck that! I want them to fucking suffer. You said it yourself! Fuck around and find out!”

            Sass sighed. “This is a bad idea. You’re going to get yourself in a lot of trouble.”

            “Good.”

            Sass pinched the bridge of his nose and summoned a tall bottle. Juleka snatched it out of his hand and downed it. She gagged slightly at the harsh, unforgiving bitter taste. She shook it off and chugged the entire bottle. She took a deep breath as a rush crashed into her. She took a step as her knees buckled. Sass caught her as her vision blurred and head spun.

            “You shouldn’t have chugged that. A shot would have been fine.”

            Juleka waved her hand lethargically. “Puh-lease! I’ve had way worse.”

            “Can you even stand?”

            “Of course, I can! What do you think I am? A child?”

            Juleka pushed herself away from Sass as she spun and fell face-first onto the floor. Sass sighed and pinched his nose.

            “The floor hurt me, Sass!” Juleka whined.

            Sass rolled his eyes and helped Juleka to her feet. “Let me help you out to the party at least.”

            “No! I can take care of it. I know which way to go. I can smell the purple from here.”

            Sass sighed and let Juleka go.

            Juleka stumbled out of the office and to the party room. She fumbled around as she crashed into everyone on her way. They yelled out and cursed her out as she hissed and snarled back at them. Her step faltered as she listened to the music. She curled her lip as she swayed back and forth to the beat of it. She smiled as she swayed in circles through the dance floor. She closed her eyes and let the music guide her through the crowd when she fell over someone.

            “Ow! Who’s the big bitch that got in my way?” Juleka hissed.

            Marinette giggled and held out a hand. “Did you have a nice fall?”

            Juleka knotted her brows. “Fuck you.”

            “Well, I’m certainly not saying no to you.”

            Juleka’s face turned bright red to her ears. “You, uh, would want to do a sex with me?”

            Marinette laughed. “Oh, you’re so much fun. I like you.”

            “I-.”

            “Marinette,” Felix said.

            Juleka’s eyes crossed for a moment as Felix stood beside Marinette.

            “What the fuck are you doing here, ankle biter?” Juleka hissed.

            “Do you have a problem with me being with my fiancée?” Felix hissed back.

            “Fiancée? You’re engaged to pint-sized here?” Juleka blurted.

            Felix stood between Juleka and Marinette. “She is, and we’re happy together, worm. So, crawl back to whatever hole you crawled out of.”

            Juleka snarled as she shifted to naga form. She hissed and swatted Felix with her tail that sent him barreling into the crowd. Gasps tore through the room as the music came to a dead stop and everyone stared at Juleka. She slithered towards Felix but was cut off by Luka.

            “Juleka, stop!” Luka ordered.

            “Fuck you! I don’t take orders from the likes of you or that fucking housecat!” Juleka roared.

            Luka recoiled at Juleka’s breath. “Are you drunk?”

            “Of course, I’m fucking drunk. It’s the only way I can even remotely suffer an outing like this. It’s the only way I can suffer you!”

            Luka flinched. “Juleka, please, let’s just step aside and we can-.”

            “We can what? Talk? What’s the matter, golden child? You don’t want to air our dirty laundry to the entire stupid ass court that just absolutely loves you? Are you scared that you’ll lose all that praise and not the be the favorite anymore?”

            “No. Juleka, you’re making a scene.”

            “Good! I want you, all of you, to see this! Are you all fucking looking? You better fucking be!”

            “Juleka, please, let’s-.”

            Felix charged in, pushed Luka aside, and punched Juleka in the gut. She hissed as she was launched into a wall.

            “Felix!” Luka yelled.

            “Get out of the way, Luka. You all may have forgiven her for her transgressions for the Solstice, but I will not let a personal attack with no provocation go unanswered. She will be punished. Kim, to me!” Felix roared.

            Kim took his place by Felix and stood ready.

            “Wait! Please! Let me talk to her. I can reason with her!” Luka begged.

            “Reason with what? She’s no civilized person, Luka. Just look at her. She’s nothing more than an unruly, savage beast!” Felix hissed.

            “That’s not true! She’s hurt. She needs our help. She needs-!”

            “Enough!” Juleka screeched.

            Everyone turned as Juleka sat coiled on the floor and using her arms to keep herself propped up.

            “Juleka, please! Let us talk. Let me help,” Luka begged.

            “Help? You want to help after fucking years of ridiculing me? Of looking down on me, treating me like trash, of making me feel like I was utterly worthless? You think just like Anarka, don’t you? You think you can just ignore all those years and start fresh. You think you can just act like the past never fucking happened.”

            “No! I want to make things right! I want to help!” Luka countered.

            “Lies! All fucking lies! You never loved me. You never cared about me. I was the inferior one. The one that should have been tossed aside. The one that should have been thrown into the Seine to fucking drown!”

            “What? No. No! You are my sister. I always loved you. I always cared. I do want to help you, please.”

            “Fucking lies! Every single one of them! And I’m so fucking sick of the lies. I’m so fucking sick of feeling absolutely worthless. I’ll never be anything with you around. I’ll only ever be second best. And most of all, I’m fucking sick of looking at that ugly ass mug of yours and attention seeking slutty clothes. I just want you to fucking DIE!”

            Lights flickered as a few went out. Dark energy swirled around Juleka that shot out. Luka froze as it headed for him. Felix grabbed and pulled on Luka but was caught in the blast. Breath left their lungs and their hearts stopped beating as they collapsed. Screams tore through the crowd as everyone flew into a frenzy.

            Juleka blinked as everything slowed down in her blurred world. She squinted as fuzzy figures closed in around her. She raised a brow before she toppled over and passed out. The darkness around her moved and morphed into Sass. Everyone froze as they stared at him.

            Sass snorted and walked across the floor to Felix and Luka. Everyone watched as Sass restored life to the pair. They took deep breaths as they looked around frantically. Sass hummed and turned away when Felix yowled.

            “Sass, I’m placing your heir under arrest for this transgression. She fucking killed us!” Felix roared.

            “Really? I don’t see any bodies, cat.”

            “Don’t get fucking cheeky with me. She killed us. We’d be dead if you didn’t come to fix her mistake! She is a menace and needs to be contained. And you better believe the Elders will hear about this!”

            “What? No! No, we got this. Please, Felix, we have this!” Marc begged.

            “Fuck you, Marc. I’m not letting this one slide. You can ignore the facts all you want, but she is a danger.”

            “She’s not a danger! She just needs help!” Luka countered.

            “And who’s going to give her that help? You? Feel free to try again. I think I would like to read your obituary.”

            “I’ll help!” Marinette and Zoe yelled.

            Felix looked at Marinette and Zoe. “Marinette, with all due respect, you are to not go near that monster. Zoe, I have no issue with throwing you to the beast. If you think you can tame it, by all means, but it is your death.”

            Zoe glared at Felix.

            “Aw, Kitten, can I please help? I know I could,” Marinette cooed.

            “No, Bug. Even with your pet turtle, I don’t want you to get hurt. I couldn’t bear the thought.”

            “This is cute and all, but your endeavors will all be for naught,” Sass declared.

            Silence fell over everyone as they turned to Sass. They watched him scoop up Juleka’s unconscious naga body.

            “You all have lived comfy lives in this realm, blind to everything. You have long since grown complacent with these frivolous lives. You all have forgotten what your concepts have truly meant and what burden that comes with. All except for one,” Sass announced.

            “That doesn’t-!” Felix started.

            “Silence!” Sass bellowed.

            Silence.

            Sass turned and glared at Felix. “Tell your pitiful Elders. Run crying to them like the worthless, trained housecat that you are. Fight against Juleka. Fight against me all you wish, but I promise you one thing. I will not lose Juleka as my heir. Be ready, kitten. The viper will strike back.”

            “Challenge accepted, worm,” Felix hissed.

            Sass tsked. “May the bluebells toll your death and the ground embrace you when you fall. It will be the last embrace you feel before the cold grip of death.”

            “Pretty words mean nothing, and that’s all it ever is from you worms.”

            Sass snorted. He raised a hand and snapped his fingers. A shock passed through Felix followed by excruciating pain. Felix’s eyes widened as he felt the scars all along his body open. Felix gasped as crimson poured over his eyes and he fell into a pool of his blood.

            “No snake is to heal his wounds. If I find out a snake or cow healed him, I will reopen the wounds, and punish the snake responsible and have Terra take care of the cow,” Sass warned.

            “You fucking asshole!” Felix roared.

            Sass looked back with a smile. “Not so pretty words are they now, kitten?”

            “This means war.”

            “Awe, how cute. The little kitten thinks it’s tough while mewing on the ground, curled up after a little injury. Sure, whatever makes you feel better, little Colt.”

            Felix roared as Sass took Juleka and teleported away.

Patreon || Discord || Ko-Fi

[monpetitchattriste]

The reason I love ladynoir so much is thet no matter what they have each other back.

Through think and thin they will stand by each other because they know each other without truly knowing each other

That even if things go wrong they will have someone to pick up the pieces had help eachother out.

Sure the same could be said for Adrienette but it's different because ladynoir can't truly know what the reason for their problems are. They no next to nothing about each other besides minor details but they trust their lives with each other.

It's just a different vibe.

All sides of the locer square have unconditional love but for ladynoir it has a different meaning

It's unconditional in a life and death manor that makes it so appealing

[ladyofthenoodle]

Okay you shouldn't have to but i would love to hear how Socqueline is to Alya what Zoé is to Chloé and Adrien 🫣 that intrigues me

you are so right but here it is. here is the earth. damn that is a sweet earth you might say. ROUND. but

the ml writers don’t think so. they are le tired. fire ze missiles! they are zoe and socqueline and it is season 5. the missiles are laser targeted to the gaps in the narrative that adrien, chloe, and alya could have filled. maybe all blondes with shitty parents are interchangeable. maybe marinette can just switch one savior for another. maybe the fans won’t notice that the characters they’ve been invested in since season one have their screen time and purpose split with a character who was just introduced. and if they do notice, those fans are just salty and not real fans so we can dismiss them. who cares that they’ve spent countless words and energy defending their faves for the first 3 seasons if they’re not willing to automatically love these new characters that we tell them to love without question.

admittedly. i am an alya stan and not a chloe stan. so i have my own biases! but zoe and socqueline and both late additions that we are told we are supposed to like, even as they take screen time and meaning away from the characters we’ve spent years invested in. they aren’t bad characters but they haven’t earned the loyalty the show wants us to give them. and they aren’t worth pushing the characters we are already invested in - for better or worse - to the back burner.

[drtwit]

Miraculous Ladybug: No More Heroes - Chapter 18

Gabbi Grassette's Bizarre Adventure - Summary:

29 years ago, Gabriel and Colt get drunk and rob a national landmark. This was the day that Gabriel's journey to Hawkmoth began.

"Gabriel, be honest. It wasn't Emilie's death that made you a villain, it wasn't the world, and it wasn't the miraculous. It was always you - You were a villain long before you created Hawkmoth." Three years after his death, Gabriel Agreste awakens to a Paris ruled by akumas. He has no idea how he's alive, he has no idea what happened to Paris, all he knows it that he was the one who allowed this to happen. Hunted by the ghosts of his past, with no miraculous to protect him, and his greatest enemy now his only ally, Gabriel must brave this nightmare with Marinette Dupain-Cheng and make a choice: To become the villain he knows he is, or to find a way to become the father he failed to be.

Fandom:

Miraculous Ladybug

Relationships:

Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

Gabriel Agreste/Nathalie Sancoeur

Characters:

Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

Gabriel Agreste

Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir

Nathalie Sancoeur

Colt Fathom

Lila Rossi

Nino Lahiffe

Chloé Bourgeois

Félix Fathom

Luka Couffaine

Alya Césaire

Max Kanté

Additional Tags:

Gabriel Agreste Redemption

Has a long way to go

Chloé Bourgeois Redemption

Retcons

Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir Needs a Hug

Identity Reveal

Ladybug/Hawkmoth team-up

Gabriel Backstory

Gabriel being an asshole

Protective Nathalie Sancoeur

Félix Fathom Is Bad at Feelings

Lila Rossi Being Lila Rossi

Hurt Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir

Story switches between two major points in time

Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug Needs a Break

[lycorogue]

Latest Story: Tell Me You Want Me When You’re Sober

I- was NOT expecting to write something today! Hooray for random shocks from my Muse!

Actually, for this story, I'd like to thank @ceejles​. Some minor spoilers for the story, but ceejles’s SpyxFamily fanart inspired this piece. I just kept thinking about these three opening panels to her one fancomic, and picturing Loid as Adult Adrien and Yor as Adult Marinette. Add in the song "Siren" by April Fooze*, and you get this story. (Boy, it's fun to actually KNOW where inspiration came from!)

*April Fooze is the streamer Fuslie’s GTA NoPixel character.

Summary: While at Alya and Nino's house-warming party, Marinette wandered off to take a breather. Noticing her vanishing act, Adrien went to look for her. Hidden away in the guest bedroom being used as a coat-check room, the two take a moment to themselves. The fun little intimate moment between friends becomes more intimate than either of them anticipated.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 1470

Status: completed one-shot

Continue reading below, or find this story over on AO3, on FFN, or on DA.

Tell Me You Want Me When You’re Sober

“Adrien! Dance with me!” Marinette downed the last of her tequila sunrise before slamming the highball glass onto the guest bedroom dresser and pulling Adrien to his feet.

Adrien chuckled. “There isn't any music playing.”

Pouting at him, Marinette fumbled for her phone, and brought up some slinky, sultry club music. She slammed her phone on the dresser beside her glass and then gestured towards it.

“How am I supposed to dance to this?” Adrien laughed again and placed his hands on his hips.

“Oh, like you can't slink around?” Marinette stuck out her tongue. Her hips and head swayed with the music. Her hands slid up her sides, along her jawline, and then met above her head. As her hands traveled, her eyes closed. A smirk crossed her lips just before she gently bit her lower one. Her humming along with the song was what finally hooked her prey.

Adrien's hands wrapped around Marinette's waist, feeling it sway. Her shirt slid up a touch, and his ring and middle fingers brushed against her skin.

“Marinette, maybe we should go back to the party,” Adrien suggested in a hushed tone.

“Mm-mm.” She shook her head and pivoted in Adrien's hands so her back was towards him. She gathered her hair up and off her neck. “I like it in here.”

“Alya and Nino are going to wonder where we've vanished.”

“They have other guests. They won't notice.”

Adrien leaned into Marinette's ear. “I think they might.”

“Mmmm. I wanna dance. There's no place to dance out there.”

“We're in their spare bedroom. There's no place to dance in here either.”

“There's plenty of space.” Marinette slid out of Adrien's hands, kicked off her shoes, and climbed up onto the bed piled with coats.

“That's not a very sturdy dance stage.”

Trying to prove otherwise, Marinette planted her feet and started dipping low as she continued to sway with the music. Her hands traveled across her body before stretching out and beckoning for Adrien to join her.

He shook his head no and curled a finger to beckon her to him instead.

Stubbornly, Marinette twirled on the bed. Her foot caught on one of the coats, throwing her off balance.

“Marinette!” Adrien rushed forward as Marinette tumbled sideways off the bed. He easily caught her in a bridal carry. “You okay?”

She nodded, and he placed her back onto her feet, his hands still firmly on her sides to help steady her.

“I told you that wasn't a good place to dance. Come on, let's get back to the party.”

Eyebrows stitched together in mild frustration, Marinette grabbed either side of Adrien's shirt collar. With a tug she pulled Adrien the few inches down she needed to reach him while on her tiptoes. Their lips collided with a satisfied moan rolling from Marinette's chest.

Eyes wide with a start, Adrien kept a millisecond to register what just happened. As the heat from Marinette's lips reached his brain he leaned into the kiss, slamming her gently into the wall a few inches behind her. Their bodies pressed against each other; her hands still tugging hungrily on his shirt. A low growl rumbled through Adrien's throat. Marinette's tongue pressed against his lips, asking for entry.

With a quick inhale, Adrien pulled away; the spell of the music, low lighting, and muffled sounds of the party around them broken. The faint tang of orange clung to his lips; transferred there from Marinette's tongue.

“Adrien?” Marinette was still pinned against the wall. Her hair was matted around her head like a sloppy halo. Her eyes were half lidded and luring. Her lips were barely parted and a deep red from their brief encounter. The rose in her cheeks had bled to her ears, and Adrien wasn't sure if it was from the booze, the dancing, or the kiss.

“You're drunk,” he whispered.

“I am.” Her right hand followed the trim of his collar to the back of his neck. She gently pulled on it; instructing him to lean back into her.

Adrien rested his forehead against hers; his eyes closed. “You don't know what you want.”

“No,” she whispered back. “Being drunk means I know exactly what I want. But now I'm not going to stop myself from getting it.” Her right hand continued to press on the back of his neck as her left skirted around to his back.

Adrien's breath hitched. He stood frozen with his forehead against hers as she hungrily pulled on him to bring him back to her mouth. The song transitioned to another; this one a bit more upbeat with some rap. Neither of them noticed the music anymore.

Adrien nuzzled against the side of Marinette's face and whispered in her ear. “Marinette. Listen to me. Listen carefully, okay?”

She hummed acknowledgment and tilted her head away; opening her collarbone up to him.

“Marinette, I want you.”

“I want you too, Adrien.” She kissed his jawline. “So, this works out well, doesn't it?” Her hands slid down his body and caught on the waistband of his pants.

“No.” He took a step away from her, catching her hands in his. With an intensity that Marinette didn't recall seeing before, Adrien repeated himself. “I want you. I don't know exactly how drunk you are, so, I'm hoping it's not black-out drunk. I need you to hear this and remember it.” Dropping one of her hands, Adrien cradled her chin instead. “If I'm truly what you want – who you want – know that I want you too.”

“I'm right here, Adrien. I am right here. We're alone. There's a bed-”

Adrien covered her mouth. “Stop! Stop this! Marinette, I know this isn't how you want to do this. This wasn't how you wanted to tell me. This isn't how you pictured us getting together. You don't want it to be while you're drunk and we're hidden away during our best friends' house-warming party. If you truly want it at all.”

Marinette batted his hand off her and ripped her other hand out of his. “Don't! Don't you dare tell me what I do and don't want. You don't know. You're not in my head. You don't know how I feel. You don't know how hard it is for me to not do this every second we're in a room together. Just let me have this! Let me be free! Let me finally get out of my own way! This isn't about Alya or Nino. This is about me and you and us!”

“Then do it right.” Adrien was calm and gentle, almost pleading.

Marinette shook her head in confusion, “I- I don't-”

“Get out of your own way when you're sober! Marinette. I. Want. To be. With. You! I didn't want to tell you that while you're drunk, though. I don't want us getting together to be something you might not remember - or worse - regret.”

“Adrien.”

“I want this to be true. God! For years I've wanted for this-” he gestured towards Marinette and the bed, “-to all be true. Now that it looks like it is?” He heaved a sigh. “Call me tomorrow. When you're sober. We can pick this up again then. If you still want to.”

She stared at him, her eyes frantically scanning his face. His gaze drifted to her still parted lips. With a subtle shudder, he turned towards the dresser. Closing the music app, he scooped up her phone and handed it to her.

“Come on. Let's get you some water and get back to the party before anyone misses us.”

“Adrien?”

“Hmm?”

“You want me?”

“I mean, yeah?”

“Why didn't you tell me?”

“Why didn't you tell me?”

Marinette folded into herself. “That's kind of apples and oranges, isn't it? I mean. I'm me and you're- you.”

“Exactly. I'm surprised you're so shocked that I'd be too nervous to say anything before.”

“Nervous? But, I'm-”

“One of my first friends? Someone who basically has her pick of guys to choose from? The most amazing and kind person I've ever met? Absolutely gorgeous? Yeah, no. What do I have to be nervous about?”

“Adrien. You were a literal model who lived in a mansion.”

“Point?” He smirked.

“Call me tomorrow? If I forget to? If I get in my own way again?”

He nodded and held out his hooked arm for her. She threaded her arm through his and he escorted her to the kitchen for some water.

.

The next day, she made the phone call they had both been waiting on for years.

.

** Thank you so much for reading! Please let me know if you want me to tag you on any of my writing updates**

@discoveringmiraculouswriters

[solaneandbawb]

Buttercup and Bourbon

Multimouse has had too much to drink, and Chat Noir is just wanting to escort his Purrincess home!

Based on the Snippet Sprint:

Characters - Multichat Prompt - Buttercup & Bulletin Board

First posted on the Miraculous Discordance Server!

--------

The sound of giggling drifted down to the streets below. Passersby would glance up occasionally, curious what was causing the two heroes of Paris to cause such a ruckus. The people had become complacent when it came to heroes, butterflies, villains, and the destruction caused by all three. Seeing the shadow of a figure leaping across overhead was a typical sight, and would only lead to speculation as to whether it was a weekly patrol or a supervillain on the prowl. Akuma alerts had become a regular occurrence, and measures were in place to help evacuate highly populated areas should an Akuma appear. However, laughter from the rooftops was less common, and it was a bit unnerving to hear it filter down unrestrained.

"Chat!!" Multimouse laughed, spilling her drink slightly as it sloshed around in her cup. "It's not so easy being a hero. Late nights! Lost homework! Boy troubles!!"

Chat Noir was certain that joining Multimouse--Marinette--for a drink had been a bad idea, but he also was glad that she was with him and not roaming the streets like a drunk little mouse--or worse... mice!! "Mari-Multimouse! Maybe you've had enough to drink. It's time to get you home."

"Oh, Kitty!" She crowed, and he was hit by the strong, overly sweet smell of alcohol, "Home is where the heart is!"

"That may be the case," Chat said as he moved to help her to her feet--a failed maneuver as the moment she took his hand, he was pulled down next to her. "Oof!! ...b-but you still need to head back."

She gazed at him longways, staring intently as if deep in thought. "Has anyone ever told you that your eyes look like a cat."

He let out a laugh of his own, "Yes. Many times. It comes with the Miraculous." He rolled aside and got back to his feet. "Speaking of Miraculous, I'm sure Ladybug wouldn't want a drunk mouse running around the city. So please let me escort you home!"

"But I'm not done!" She took another drink, "And besides, once I'm home, I'm just going to be surrounded by all the things I hate the most."

"The things... what things?" His curiosity was peaked, and he had to remind himself that he shouldn't bait her into talking more than she already had. She would be angry if she spoke too many of her own personal secrets to him--no matter how much he wanted to know what was going on inside the mind of the most (second most?--he still wasn't sure) brilliant girl he'd ever met.

"Eyes. They stare at me. Eyes everywhere!" She said as if telling a ghost story, earning a raised brow from the cat hero.

"Eyes?"

"Yes!! The eyes of Buttercup!!" She said dramatically, . "He stares at me when I sleep. When I work. When I wake up, he's the first thing I see. Plastered all'ver my bull'tin board. Onm'walls.Onmy'puter." Her words were starting to slur together, but he was certain he understand enough to get the idea.

"Let's get you home, Mari." He whispered, finally getting a good enough grip on her to gently lift her into his arms without resistance. "You need food...and sleep."

"I can't sleep with the eyes." She replied, burying her face into his neck and breathing in too deeply, "You smell nice."

"Thank you, but again--that comes with the Miraculous."

"You smell like... Adrien."

He froze, waiting for her to continue, choosing not to stick his foot in his mouth with the drunk hero in his arms.

"I us'd to buy i' all the ti'e. Radiant...Carefree..." She sighed, and he let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "...Dreamy..."

His cheeks dusted pink with a blush, but she was too distracted to notice.

"I should throw 'way the botl's." She mused. "And get ri' of the eyes..."

"Don't make any rash decisions, Princess." He tucked her in closer as he began leaping across rooftops. She was relaxed in his arms, and he wasn't even sure she was awake when they arrived. Landing gently on the balcony, he maneuvered so that he could open the trap door without disturbing her.

Once inside, he gently laid her on her bed. She snuggled deeper. "Can you get rid of the eyes..." Chat's keen ears picked up her mumbled words.

"Sure, Princess, you'll be safe here." He looked up, ready to make up some sort of story to remove this fictional monster she insisted existed in her room...

...and all he saw was green. Green eyes. Staring at him from every direction. He looked down at the girl, then back at the walls, hoping that his imagination (and the little bit he'd had to drink) were to blame, but he was not so lucky.

Adrien Agreste stared back at him.

Adrien Agreste in everyday clothes, latest fashion, and group photos of friends. Hearts decorated many of the photos. Drawings of flowers surrounded others--buttercups.

Buttercups.

Buttercups!

...

... Adrien Agreste is Buttercup ...

[mochinek0]

Looking Back (Part 2)

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

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

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

"Congratulations!" Mari smiled.

Lila tried to keep the shock off of her face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mari just waved and kept walking.

'I will not be ignored!'

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

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

'Lola?'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Huh?'

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

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

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

"Excuse me?" Lila gasped.

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

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

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

"Yeah!" the rest cried out.

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

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

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

'Seriously?'

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

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

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

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

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

They both laughed.

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

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

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

"How?" they replied.

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

Lila heard the other person snort.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[verfound]

FIC: "Of (Not) Telling the Parents" (MLB; Lukanette; LBSC Lukanette Month 2024)

@lovebugs-and-snakecharmers is doing a Lukanette Month for September 2024, and we all just kinda tossed some prompts in the disco to compile a list?  We ended up with 71 prompts, so I decided I’d roll some dice to pick a prompt, do a twenty minute (ish, bc we all know sometimes they run away from me) sprint, and try to get some short fics out this month?

Direct continuation of Of Lost Luggage, Shirts, and Other Things. Quick & Rierse know what they did. 😂🖤

Read on Ao3

Prompt 63: Stage Fright

Luka wasn’t used to having this problem.

He was a professional rock star.

Like…still starting out on his solo career, sure – he had a handful of EPs under his belt, and he was working on his first full-length album.  He had opened for Jagged friggin’ Stone – had played in Jay’s own band! – before sold out arenas across the globe.  He’d been on TV – he’d been on Saturday Night Live!

And every time he took the stage it was…effortless.  Making music had always felt like breathing to him.  Playing was second nature.  There was nowhere that felt more like home than behind his guitar.

…well.

Maybe one place.

Marinette’s arms were starting to feel more and more like home with every passing day.

…which was probably what had led to the current problem.

Standing outside her parents’ bakery.

Marinette tucked against his side, her arms wrapped securely around his middle.

And scared absolutely shitless to go inside.

“…I can’t do this,” he said, shaking his head.  “We should come back tomorrow.  Darning, I am not rested enough for this.  I am not caffeinated enough for this.”

“Well, that’s why we’re here, isn’t it?” she giggled, looking up at him.  “Breakfast.  Decent coffee.  Exciting news.”

“We can come back tomorrow,” he insisted, squeezing her hand.  “Or the day after.  Technically, there is no news yet.”

“Bullshit,” she said, tugging him down for a kiss.  “There’s news.”

“I haven’t technically asked yet,” he insisted.

“There is news, Luka Llewellyn Couffaine,” she huffed, kissing him again.  “You aren’t taking this one back.”

“I can’t take back something I didn’t –” he tried again, but she just pulled him into another kiss that…honestly?  Left him a little dizzy.  It probably wasn’t safe for public display, either – even in Paris.  Especially in front of –

“SABINE!!!!  SHE SAID YES!!!!”

…shiiiiiiiiit!

The next thing Luka knew, Marinette’s mouth had been jerked away from his own as Tom hoisted them both up in a bear hug.  The world started spinning around him, and he groaned as he ducked his face against Tom’s shoulder in an attempt to calm his flipping stomach.  That probably wasn’t the best idea, because Tom was still whooping and hollering and was entirely too exuberant for the way his head was pounding.

“I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!” Tom whooped.  “See, Luka?  What did I tell you, son?  There was no possible way she’d ever say no – she’d be crazy to!”

He clapped a hand on his back, and Luka hadn’t even realized he’d put them back down until his knees buckled under him and he went tilting towards Marinette.

“Luka!” she cried, rushing forward to catch him.  He groaned as he slumped against her, and she laughed breathlessly – maybe a bit manically – as she rubbed his back.  “He’s had a long couple of days – maybe…go easy on him?”

“Isn’t that what I should be telling you, mon choux?” Tom asked with a wink that had Marinette shrieking at him as her face lit up with a fiery blush.  “Oh, relax – I’m not that ignorant to what young people in love get up to!  Especially young people in love who are about to be married!”  He leaned in even closer, and Luka wasn’t looking but he was pretty sure Tom winked at them.  Winking would be a very Tom thing to do, especially when he followed it up with: “Besides, where else are my grandbabies supposed to come from?”

“…kill me now,” Luka groaned, his voice just low enough that he hoped only Marinette heard him.  She smiled and patted his back, and he almost smiled when she kissed his shoulder.

Until Tom laughed, grabbed his other shoulder, and pulled him back into a half-hug.

“Now, now, Luka, none of that,” he chided gently.  “This is good!  We need to celebrate!  Have you two thought about any details yet?  Themes, colors, your cake, a date…?”

“Tom, please,” Sabine chided as she followed a customer out the door.  She waved goodbye to the woman, who was giving her a knowing smile, and turned back to her husband.  “He just got in today – within the last hour, from the looks of it.  Let the poor boy find his footing first.”

“Oh, pah – he’s fine!” Tom said, shaking him.  He turned to Marinette with a grin.  “Well, mon choux?  Let’s see it!  I’ve been waiting years for this!”

“Papa…” Marinette sighed.  Luka looked up just in time to notice Sabine’s eyes had looked to Marinette’s obviously, painfully bare fingers.

“Marinette, sweetheart?” she asked.  Marinette looked up, her eyes widening when she saw Sabine’s pointed look.  “Is…there something you maybe don’t need to tell us?”

“What?  No,” Marinette said, quickly tucking her hands into her pockets.  “We’re engaged.”

“We are not,” Luka groaned, dropping his face in his hands.  “We can’t be engaged until I ask you, and I’m not asking you until…just tell them, darning.  This day can’t get any worse.”

“Luka, stop it right now,” she huffed.  She stepped over to him and pulled him into a hug, thwacking the back of his head before bringing it down to her shoulder.  “Dummy.  I don’t want to wait for a stupid ring – yes, you dummy, it is just a stupid ring,” she bit when he tried to argue, because it wasn’t.  It was her nonna’s ring that she’d been in love with since she was a little girl, and using it as her engagement ring was supposed to be this big, stupid, romantic gesture that she was going to love, and he’d gone and lost the damn thing like the damn idiot he was.  Why would she want to marry him after he lost her nonna’s ring?  “I want to be engaged to you now.  I want to be married to you now.  Stop making such a big deal out of this – it’s just the jetlag talking.”

“It is not,” he insisted, but then he shook his head and pulled away, blinking at her.  “…you still want to marry me?”

“Yes, you idiot,” she laughed.  “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you since the airport!”

“But I lost the ring,” he insisted.

“You what?!” Tom yelped, and he winced as he glanced back at him.  He leaned closer to Marinette, whispering probably not quiet enough as he kept his eyes on her father.

“…don’t tell Tom,” he said.  “Marinette.  He’s going to kill me.”

“Oh, son, I’m not…” Tom sighed, his expression crumpling, but Marinette was already turning Luka’s face back towards her for another kiss.

“You didn’t lose the ring, Luka,” she said.  “The airline did.  You just…made a rookie mistake.”  She looked around him as he slumped against her, smiling sadly at her parents.  “He left it in his suitcase.  And the airline put it on the wrong plane – we’ll have it back in a few days.  He’s just…it’s been a rough couple days, and he’s too tired to be sensible about it.  Or to accept that I’m saying yes with or without a stupid ring.”

“He was really excited about…” Tom started, but he shook his head and chuckled.  “It’s all right, son.  These things happen.  Next time you’ll know to keep the important stuff in your carryon.”

“Ask him about the time he lost his lucky rolling pin sometime, dear,” Sabine said, reaching over to rub a hand along his back.  “It took us a month to get it back, all because he was afraid security would consider him a terrorist.  He was inconsolable.”

“All right, all right – don’t get me started on questionable packing choices, sweetheart,” Tom said, smiling fondly at his wife, “or I’ll tell them how your brother got us hung up in security for three hours for smuggling contraband into the country.”

“Oh, he’s already done that,” Marinette teased.  If he was more awake, he would probably beg her to not spill his secrets like that.  Especially the embarrassing ones.  Especially to her parents he needed them to keep liking him…  “He loves his Lucky Charms.”

And he might have laughed, if he didn’t feel like they were all ganging up on him.

“Why do I feel like I’m losing here?” he asked, sighing as he pressed his forehead against her neck.  She was too comfortable – he was going to fall asleep where he was standing, if he wasn’t careful.

“You’re not losing,” she said softly, her fingers running through his hair.  “You get to marry me.  How is that losing?”

“…I can’t marry you yet, though,” he sighed.  “Stupid Crusher.  Stupid Fang.  Stupid airline.  Stupid me.”

“I should get him home,” she sighed.  “I thought coffee might help, but I think sleep will work better.”

“Of course, dear,” Sabine said, leaning in to kiss her cheek.  “Get him home.  We’ll celebrate later – because we are celebrating, yes?”

“Yes,” Marinette said, nodding firmly.  “It wasn’t how he wanted to…ok, fine, technically he didn’t ask, but you can’t tell someone you have a ring waiting for them and then…yes, we’re celebrating.”

Tom laughed and scooped them all up in one last hug, and Luka groaned as he lost his balance again.  It was all right, though: Marinette was still holding him, and Tom was holding all of them, and Tom would never drop them on their asses like that.  He was pretty cool like that.

“Of course we are,” Tom said, and Luka groaned as he ruffled his hair a bit too enthusiastically.  “You two are getting married!”

Luka glanced up at Marinette as those words sunk in, and a stupid smile filled his face as he saw the grin on hers.

Suddenly, he wasn’t so afraid anymore.  They were going to get married.

And that…that was pretty damn cool.

[starscay]

Drunk on Your Love

“Marinette!” He calls, running over and throwing his arms around her. She returns the embrace as he burrows his face into her shoulder.

“I thought you left,” He whines, his breath hot against her and smelling vaguely of the tequila shots she had seen him taking with Juleka earlier.

—

A very drunk Adrien, his lack of object permanence, and his love for Marinette (1.1k words)

[sir-adrien-swagreste]

Marinette, The Table Lifting Queen!!

so basically my headcanons of marinette throwing huge ass heavy ass tables at akumas is pretty much canon cos she’s strong :)

[sariahsue]

Adrien, drunk: I love you.

Marinette: How many people have you said that to?

Adrien: Everyone.

Marinette: Everyone?

Adrien, giggling: Yes, I've been telling everyone that I love you.

[saytr]

Chat: Thanks for calling me, i take it from here

College classmate: Sure man, she kept talking and crying about a "kitty" and we called her "pick up if drunk" contact. To be honest, didn't see a literal superhero to come, haha!

Chat: Ha! Yes, the world is a small place

Marinette: kitty, chaton...wh y here?

Chat: Because you are drunk

Marinette: Are y...mad at me? (Tears up)

Chat: No, a bit worried and frustrated but never mad

Chat leans in and presses a kiss next to her ear.

Chat: we talk at home...

Marinette: okay...

[flightfoot]

Could you recommend good written rarepair fics?

Sure! I don't know what you qualify as rarepair, so I'll use my old standby of "everything that isn't Lovesquare". I've got a lot of these to recommend, so I'll split it up by ship, unless there's only one fic in the pairing, in which case I'll dump it at the end.

I've split this up by pairing. If I have multiple fics to rec for a pairing, I'll give it its own category, if not, then it goes into the "one-offs" category at then end.

I have categories for Adrino, Marigami, MarcNath, Lukadrien, Julerose, Chlobrina, DJWifi, Alyanette, and FeLuka, in that order.

---

Adrino:

Within Your Heart by Inkyibis

It’s Valentine’s Day and Ladybug just wants to her superhero partner to find his love. And what she wants, the Lucky Charm will create. If only she could remember what it is she did last night.

Adrino fic here! Marinette’s drunk and feeling awful that her superhero partner is alone on Valentine’s (she’s in a loving and committed relationship with Alya), so she creates a Lucky Charm to help Chat find love! In this universe, Ladybug’s Lucky Charms have the power to create new rules for the universe to follow, such as making one that demands that if you have any magic in you, you have to tell the truth or else you’ll freeze. Or in Adrien’s case, that he has to wake up in the arms of his true love every day XD. It’s very sweet and I love both Adrien’s and Nino’s relationship, and the relationship between the rest of the Miracuteam members as well, even though that’s not the focus.

---

I’ll give myself a name (something stupid and pretentious) by @bbutterflies

Nino looked at the number and didn’t recognize it. Usually he wouldn’t answer, but he had nothing better to do – and could still really use a distraction – so he did. “Hello?”

“Hey, Nino.”

Nino stood up quickly, chest tightening. He knew that voice. He’d been waiting to hear it again for over two years. “Adrien?” he whispered.

“Yeah. It’s me."

-

When Monarch is defeated (and revealed to be Gabriel Agreste), Chat Noir immediately goes missing. Adrien disappears not long after. When Adrien finally shows up in Paris again, Nino would do anything to make sure he doesn't disappear again.

Ah this is lovely, Adrien’s been in a lot of emotional turmoil since Monarch’s defeat, convinced that everyone would hate him, SHOULD hate him, for not realizing that his father was the villain, and should hate him even more for disappearing like he does. But slowly Marinette and Nino get through to him, convince him that they just want him back. 

And also Adrien and Nino smooch. Multiple times. So that’s a bonus XD.

---

Would Trust You With Everything by @kasienda

Nino breaks off, tears streaking down his face. Adrien wishes he was here as himself instead of Chat so he could offer a hug.

“It’s not like I don’t think she deserved her privacy. It’s just it felt like I was her last priority. And if I knew why, then maybe we could overcome it. But when I don’t, I’m not willing to be her last thought. You know? I always put her first.”

“Yeah,” Chat agrees, able to relate too well. He always put Ladybug first too, and he’s not sure it has ever been the same for her. “I’m sorry you’ve been so alone through this."

“I haven’t been totally alone,” Nino disagrees, holding up his phone. “My best friend has been keeping me company virtually most of the day.”

“Yeah? It helped?”

“I don’t know if any of the stuff he sent helped, but like, given what I know he’s up to, he totally had to move heaven and earth to talk to me so much, and that really helped. You know, just knowing that someone was thinking of me.”

“I’m glad,” Chat Noir said. “I wish he could be there in person for you.”

Nino sighs. “Yeah, me too, but at least you’re here."

...

Season 4 au - canon divergent from Rocketear Rocketear led to DJWiFi breakup.

Ahh, Adrino my beloved XD. I love the identity shenanigans in this one with Adrien being around Nino as both Adrien and Chat Noir, and both of them vaguely describing their situations to each other. It takes Adrien a bit to figure out that he has a crush on Nino, but once he does...

---

The moment I knew (I’d no choice but to love you) by @bbutterflies

“He’s dating me,” Nino said, taking Adrien’s hand in his own.

Adrien could only stare back at him in shock.

“How dare you all force him to come out?” Nino continued, glaring at the reporters. “That was disgusting.” He pulled Adrien over to the car, guided him in, and shut the door behind them.

In the relative quiet and privacy of the backseat, Adrien finally processed what had just happened. “So… when were you going to tell me we were dating?”

This Adrino fic is delicious XD. Reporters keep hounding Adrien about his love life, so Nino finally gets them off Adrien’s back by fake-dating him. Problem is, Adrien’s actually been madly in love with Nino for years but has never been able to tell him. And now as they’re spending more time together, Nino’s beginning to find that he’s enjoying all these “couple” activities more than maybe he ought to if it’s entirely platonic...

If you want to see Adrien and Nino PINING for each other while “fake” dating (is it really fake if both parties want it to be real?) then you’ve come to the right fic!

---

Chemistry With Him by @bbutterflies

It kind of sucked Nino was taking chemistry, but classes had filled up fast and he needed to take something and his advisor had said the credits would, somehow, count towards his major. It really sucked he was taking it first thing on a Monday morning (and Wednesdays, and Fridays, unfortunately). But he could get through it. He knew he could.

So no more boys. No distractions. He could do this all on his own.

“Is anyone sitting here?”

Nino looked up to find the source of the voice. A blond, green-eyed, absolutely beautiful someone.

Okay. Maybe one distraction.

Ah, adorable Adrino. This is a universe where Adrien never went to public school, so while Chat Noir, Ladybug, Carapace, and Rena Rouge all know each other (and Marinette, Alya, and Nino all know each other’s identities) they’re unaware that they are all already friends with Adrien. I loved seeing Chat and Carapace excitedly tell each other about their awesome crush/boyfriend, not knowing they were talking about each other XD.

---

Awaken by InkyIbis

The previously white butterfly, now oozing black and purple as a conduit of the butterfly miraculous powers, flutters softly within the silvered-gloved hand.

It sits there for a long time.

"Go, my akuma," The soft sigh pushes the butterfly, the akuma, out towards the despair of a love not returned. The same ache within his chest. On a level so great that he's willing to sacrifice the city to mend it.

It's okay if he's the villain for now. He'll force the miraculous of creation and destruction to be revealed, and once he gets his hands on them, none of this pain, none of his loss, will ever happen.

This is essentially a canon rewrite for Miraculous (specifically seasons 1 and 2, with a bunch of the events mixed around) that focuses primarily on Adrien, with his relationship with Nino being the main driving relationship of the fic. (Don’t worry, Marinette’s still treated fine, she’s just not the focus). This is the best “rewrite Miraculous with more of a focus on Adrien” type fic I’ve seen, with it reworking the plots of the episodes so that they’re different enough to be their own distinct thing - it’s not trying to just rewrite the canon episodes but from Adrien’s POV, there’s a lot of lore changes going on as well, and things occur in different orders.

Like lorewise, Chat’s given a more important role in cleaning up the mess the akumas leave, with his power helping to cleanse akuma victims and he and Ladybug needing to use their powers in tandem in order to cast Miraculous Ladybug. There’s also no Miracle Box holding the kwamis. Instead, Chat sometimes surpasses his limits and ends up summoning kwamis, which is dangerous to him, but very useful.

What really makes this fic great though, is its focus on Adrien’s emotions. You really get a feel for Adrien’s insecurities, especially when it comes to not feeling like he’s good enough for Nino, with not wanting to bother him when he absolutely should, with feeling like he’s not a good enough friend to him, and then there’s dealing with all of Gabriel’s usual abuse on top of that.

Speaking of Nino, this is an Adrino fic (though several characters get crushes on Adrien, Nino’s the one who matters most for this), though a slowburn one. Nino’s clearly head-over-heels for Adrien, but Adrien has like, no context for what a romantic crush feels like and is basically viewing Nino the way he viewed Marinette in canon prior to season 5. He clearly cares for him a lot, including romantically, he just... doesn’t get it.

Anyway, if you want an interesting canon rewrite fic from Adrien’s perspective with Adrino as the main pairing, this is a good story to pick up!

---

If I hold you too close by @bbutterflies

Paris didn’t come to a screeching halt for akumas anymore. They were so commonplace, so frequent, no one stopped their lives unless they were in danger. They trusted the heroes to fix everything if something did go wrong, save them if they got hurt. Adrien was still fighting the urge to find Plagg and go running into battle. Plagg wasn’t here, though. --- Post-season 5 where Adrien got sent to London sooner and gave up his Miraculous to keep Paris safe.

If you know this author, then you've probably already guessed that this is an Adrino fic (seriously if you like Adrino, check out bbutterflies fics, though honestly if you ARE an Adrino fan, you probably already have).

So in this scenario, Adrien was sent to London and didn't get to return, so he gave Plagg the ring so he could find another Holder. In this case, Nino. After a few years, once he's an adult, Adrien manages to come back from London, but he's in ROUGH shape. He drinks a lot, he has a reputation for partying hard and causing disruptions, and is really depressed and hates himself, and hates Felinoir (Nino's Black Cat form) even more, for having what he lost.

But even while Adrien's pushing everyone away to protect himself, his old friends refuse to give up on him, even though he's given up on himself.

While Adrien's problems are the primary focus of the fic, they're not the entire focus. Nino gets a POV, and he has personal issues and insecurities of his own. He has trouble holding down relationships, he doesn't have a lot of close friends these days, and he's struggling to keep up in school with all the akumas he's had to fight. He and Ladybug are fine coworkers, but they aren't much more than that - they aren't friends like Chat Noir and Ladybug were.

Oh, also, Nino's a transman. That's also caused some issues in making and keeping friends.

It's a beautiful story of one person hitting rock-bottom and gradually being pulled back out of it again, until they can stand on their own and push themselves up the rest of the way, and of a friend who discovers their childhood best friend (and crush) has changed enormously since they last saw them, and not in good ways - only to find that their friend is, at their core, still there. They just need help seeing it themselves.

---

Marigami:

Plans Aren’t Everything by BeeRye

Feeling a bit fed up with constantly having her dates with Marinette cut short, Kagami sets aside some time in order to plan the perfect outing for the two of them. Despite being the holder of the Miraculous of the Black Cat, she believes one day of romance isn’t too much to ask for. As long as she treats it all like she does everything else in her life, the results she wants should come to pass. She doesn’t quite know what to do if that ends up not being the case.

This was adorable and captured Kagami’s mindset well, she decided, rather optimistically that she could just brute force the date into going well. Unfortunately, that’s not gonna stop Hawk Moth. Fortunately, Marinette has her own back-up plans…

---

Anchor by @liiinerle

“Marinette. Please take that sabre out of your neck.” “Right. Thanks. I forgot it was there.” She grabbed hold of the guard and pulled; the blade slid out like it had only been run through butter. After dropping it on the floor, she picked up one of the teacups and picked up a biscuit from a tin she’d brought in; she placed the biscuit on the saucer plate and handed the whole thing to Kagami, who could only really resign herself to accepting it. —– Marinette has raised Kagami from the dead, and also happens to be dead herself. It turns out some bad choices were made in the past. But that doesn’t mean they’ll lead to bad outcomes for them now.

I love this, Marinette’s incredibly blase about being a zombie - which makes sense, given how long she’s had to get used to the idea. And she’s waited so long, tried so hard to bring Kagami back as well, though if she didn’t WANT to be back, she’d accede to that request. Luckily, Kagami doesn’t seem to mind as long as she’s with Marinette XD.

---

Galaxy In Your Eyes by @liiinerle

Arriving in Paris, Kagami almost immediately finds herself assaulted by a dark, infectious butterfly. When she wakes up, a ladybug-themed superhero is standing over her, and her eyes are like holes into an empty, vast, and incredibly alluring universe… An AU where the two main Miraculous function differently from the norm.

Nice Marigami fic here! Or should I say, Ladygami - technically Marinette doesn’t exist, only Ladybug, who’s an immortal creation goddess, or something like that. But she still fights to protect Paris from Hawk Moth alongside Chat Noir, who is still a normal, squishy human underneath the suit.

Anyway, there’s a but of inspiration from Nimona here, with a lot of people being scared of Ladybug because she’s a bit… out there, especially when she shapeshifts to have like, 6 extra arms and a lobster tail. Kagami’s into it though XD

---

Accidents Are Also Miracles by @liiinerle

After a few turbulent days where four new people discover her secret identity, Marinette loses faith in her ability to keep the secret hidden. Wracked with doubts and insecurities, she pleads with Alya to take over as Scarabella, but she still can't let those worries go. Especially not once Monarch starts taking a particular, and personal, interest in her.

Along the way, she also starts to date Kagami, and has to deal with changing feelings about herself, Adrien, Alya, Kagami, and the idea of being Ladybug. At the same time, Alya works to uncover Monarch's secret identity, while Kagami struggles against a controlling parent, and a girlfriend who seems bent on destroying herself - with or without Monarch's involvement.

Fantastic Marigami fic here! You’ve got three major POVs in this fic: Marinette, Kagami, and to my delight, Alya. I loved getting to see Alya cope with taking over as Scarabella especially.

But of course, this fic centers more around Marinette and Kagami, with Marinette struggling with Monarch targeting her, and Kagami struggling against her abusive parent, as well as both of them trying to navigate their relationship together when they know that not everyone will approve. 

There’s also some other plots going on in here, like Sabrina breaking away from Chloe and becoming more independent (and closer to Adrien in fact), as well as a Lila takedown plot, though thankfully not one that involves demonizing other characters. While there are conversations about people believing Lila and siding with her, no one’s actually attacked for it except for Lila herself.

Oh yeah, and while this fic may not have much focus on Adrien, he’s still treated fairly and with respect, even when he messes up. He can make mistakes, but people understand where he’s coming from, and are still kind to him and want things to be okay, and to help him escape his abusive circumstances.

---

Marcnath:

Day 7: Book by Andromeda612

During one of his works, Marc comes across a rather interesting book.

MarcNath AU fic here! Basically Marc is a super powerful warlock, and is brought in to help with the case of a lying witch who apparently caused a lot of problems for people, using her magic to help fool everyone. She’s actually dead by the time the story starts, and everyone’s trying to go back through and figure out what she’s done and why memories surrounding her seem to be foggy. Meanwhile there’s a book she left behind which appears to be sentient, and which Marc’s taken a liking too...

---

don't you worry child by @mexicancat-girl

Marc and Nathaniel have a good life, married and living together in a cottage in the woods. But they consider having children at some point. Marc in particular really wants to start a family with his husband. He knows the fey are real, so he goes searching in the woods to find one to strike a deal. He may get a bit more than he bargained for in the process.

This is based on a tumblr post that’s been going around, which I think a lot of people will recognize as they continue going through the story. That post is credited at the end of the fic, so as not to spoil the plot.

---

Confession Plans of Questionable Sanity by yellow14

Nathanael Kurtzberg has a confession to make. He’s in love with his big classmate Ivan. With the help of Marc, Marinette, Adrien and Nino, he’s going to confess, using increasingly complicated schemes. Marc meanwhile, is busy coming up with even more complicated schemes to sabotage those schemes so he can confess HIS feelings for his redheaded friend. Nothing could POSSIBLY go wrong with this, right? Written for the March 2023 gift exchange on the Miraculous Fanworks Discord forum for CassieTheweirdWolf.

This fic’s just really funny. These kids love to make things waaaaay harder than they need to be. But hey, everything ends up working out in the end, even if it’s not the way they planned!

---

Evillustrator Reimagined by onewaywriteturn

A full, mostly-standalone rewrite of the episode "The Evillustrator".

Nathaniel never planned to tell anyone about his secret crush on his friend Marc, but his world changes when Chloe picks up his sketchbook and mocks his art in front of the whole class, inadvertently outing him as bisexual. Now as the Evillustrator, he has two objectives: to take vengeance on Chloe for what she did to him and to go on a date with Marc for his birthday.

At the same time, Marinette is already struggling to defend Sabrina from Chloe when she learns of the Evillustrator's crush on Marc, one of her good friends. And while getting Marc involved with an akuma fight is messy enough, the fact that Marc has secretly liked Nathaniel for a long time complicates the situation so much more.

If you ever wanted to see Evillustrator rewritten to focus around NathMarc, this is the fic for you! The two of them just PINE for each other so hard and are so convinced that the other person couldn’t possibly actually want to date them, even with Evillustrator making it uh. Exceedingly obvious XD.

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I'd Do Anything For $20 (To Feel More In Control) by Shroomifyiy

Bee!Nathaniel AU one shot (because I think he's silly teehee) Nathaniel hated keeping secrets, especially from someone he cared about. But unfortunately, it's not up to him to decide that. Marc feels hurt from Nathaniel's actions. He just wants his boyfriend to be honest with him. Hawkmoth is a bitch ass motherfucker. Enough said.

Fun Nathmarc fic here! I love seeing Nathaniel's interactions with Pollen, and him cope with the strain on his relationship with needing to run off all the time to go fight akumas with only the flimsiest of excuses. He loves Marc deeply, as deeply as Marc loves him. But Marc's getting suspicious and wondering what's going on, and Nathaniel doesn't think he can tell him.

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Handle With Care by @dragonchris

AU where soulmates can feel each other's emotions. But having a soulmate isn't always beautiful and romantic. Sometimes it's messy. Sometimes it hurts. Marc and Nath have to learn what that means for them.

This was cute, I loved seeing how Nathaniel and Marc both thought about their soulmate, and how they cope with the aftermath of Reverser in this AU. Helps that Alix is a platonic soulmate of Nathaniel's here (Nathaniel has two soulmates).

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Lukadrien:

When feelings are too big for words by ClockworkCaptain

When Luka takes a gig playing for a drag show he's falls hard and fast for the drag queen Buttercup who uses her performances to work through her own emotions. Meanwhile Adrien's been using drag to work through his own emotions and thinks maybe Luka coming back into his life and showing interest might mean a second chance. Made for @mlsecretsanta 2022

One of the issues I tend to have with Luka shipfics, and with Lukadrien especially (though I think Lukanette actually has this problem worse) is how Luka tends to disappear within the fic and the pairing, feeling more like “The Love Interest” than his own person. Not so here! While most of the intrigue surrounds Adrien, I still got the sense of Luka being his own person, not just existing in the fic for Adrien.

I adored Adrien getting to display an aspect of himself through persona and performance - that does align well with how he approaches Chat Noir - and overall I just had a lot of fun with this fic!

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forever (and a little bit) by @rainbow-arrow

Now the world was out of tune. It was messy and blurry and Luka could not fathom waking up tomorrow and accepting his new life. He had less than nothing. How could he care about anything when the better half of his melody was replaced with silence. --- see also: Luka's villain origin story

This is a tragedy, don't go into it expecting a happy ending. Adrien breaks up with Marinette because he's upset over her lying to him about his father's fate and not telling him he's a sentimonster, and gradually becomes closer to Luka instead, first as a friend and later as a lover. There are fragments of story from the future that let you know this love story isn't going to last...

It's rated M, though I think that's mostly because of Adrien's injuries. I can see why it's M rated, but I think most teens should be fine reading this.

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Two is Company by Shadownoble

Adrien’s father wants him to play for an upcoming party. Only this time he won’t be doing it alone.

This Lukadrien fic's adorable! Luka's got selective mutism, which Adrien takes in stride. I love how their relationship develops, they're smitten with each other! Though of course while Gabriel brought the two of them together, he's an obstacle too. Because he's a dick.

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Julerose:

How Could I Not? by SorryJustAnotherPerson

In fairy tale books, Princesses were saved by nights from ferocious dragons. Those books were not their story, but Rose was happy to flip over a new page with her Juleka every single day. Many years ago, she was put to this tower by her parents and her kingdom, along with a fire breathing dragon, so she could find her prince charming one day. How foolish for them to not calculate her falling in love with the dragon. I mean seriously. How could she not?

I love fairy tale type stories, especially fractured fairy tales. And Juleka being a dragon is awesome. This is just a fun and adorable story.

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You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess by @mexicancat-girl

With Team Miraculous now full-time holders, Ladybug has them patrolling in pairs like her and Chat Noir. New partners Pigella and Purple Tigress get along phenomenally, their easy banter and similar wavelengths making working with each other a joy in and out of combat. But sometimes Tigress is surprised just how close she is with her partner. Sometimes she tries not to feel too guilty thinking about it.

There’s some nice Julerose here! I love them kinda getting into a lovesquare with each other, though it’s not as much of a problem as it is in canon since it’s reciprocal in every relationship and they’re both down for a poly. It’s fun, and I love the “Luka attempting to woo some of his love interests” plot going on in the background XD.

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Chlobrina:

Tides of Time by JayJoy3000

Chloe, to her disdain, attends a prestigious university in London where she happens to run into her traitorous, ex-best friend who left Paris years ago without an explanation. But Sabrina is not the shy pushover she once was... Or, the one where Chloe Bourgeois absolutely does NOT spend months pining after Sabrina Raincomprix. No, that would be ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous.

I love how this fic handles Chloe, this is a Chloe who's realized her parents are crap and decided to try to be better, and made some real friends with Juleka and Luka (and seems to be on decently friendly terms with the rest of the class, but they don't come up much), but still has a ways to go, with not really understanding why Sabrina ghosted her, that Sabrina wasn't as happy as she thought.

Also at the beginning of the story Chloe still believes she's straight. Chloe is the ONLY one who believes Chloe is straight XD.

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Hanahaki by @generalluxun

First fic: Late Bloomer

On what might very well be the last night of her life, Sabrina Raincomprix pulls out a very special scrapbook, pressed between the pages is the past, the past she has never shared with anyone. She relives how she got to this moment one page at a time, preparing herself for the end. A phone call interrupts her self-imposed exile and brings news that could change her life forever. Even if it does though the question looms... change it how?

I love this series, how it shows how both Sabrina and Chloe have changed, how bad Chloe's circumstances are, and how much she needs help. She's not in good shape when Sabrina reunites with her - she's got a pretty severe eating disorder, for one thing - and Sabrina can't just... leave things like they are.

I love the delving into of Chloe's and Sabrina's psychology and viewpoints, and them both growing as a result (this is solely from Sabrina's perspective, but Chloe's the focus of the plot, so you see a lot of her).

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DJWifi:

Strangely Familiar by @sunfoxfic

Alya Césaire’s life is perfect. Indeed, between the success of the Ladyblog, how well she’s doing in school, and the fact that she’s a superhero who has never bore the weight of a crisis of epic proportions, her life almost couldn’t be better. Almost. But Alya has always been a go-getter, and so she’ll chase after that perfect life if it kills her. Which is how she ends up rushing to move out of her father’s apartment and in with Marinette, Adrien, and a complete stranger: Nino Lahiffe. And in fact, her life does seem perfect — she and Nino are fast friends. They spend a lot of time together and get to know each other really well. But in the end, fortunate situations will bear unfortunate truths, and she learns things about herself that aren’t quite comfortable. Like I said, though: Alya has always been a go-getter, and she won’t let new feelings deter her from chasing after her perfect life.

This is the single longest DJWifi-centric fic on AO3 (which is a travesty) and it is GLORIOUS. Alya and Nino are both well fleshed-out here, with their own problems and baggage they’re dealing with, but it’s easier together.

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disconnected by just_an_ordinary_fan

Lady Wifi believes she might be the only one who does not want to obey Hawkmoth's orders. When she sees another akuma hesitate in the battle, she finds she might not be entirely alone.

I actually wrote my own fic, Nullius in Verba, based off of this one. It’s short but has an intriguing premise, with all the akumas being transported to this warehouse after the fight’s over, having been basically forced to do Hawkmoth’s bidding. The akumas also don’t seem to remember who they were before, or even that they WERE ordinary people before, which is an interesting twist.

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Alyanette:

is it chill that you're in my head? by bringthestorm

Alya stared at the picture plastered across the homepage of every single tabloid and news site, whispering every curse she could think of under her breath. SHOCKING SECRET ROMANCE BETWEEN LADYBLOGGER AND PARISIAN SUPERVILLAIN REVEALED!!! the headline announced, casually shouting the words she had been dreading for all of Paris to read. --- Alya had always assumed that someday Paris would discover that she had secretly been kissing their most wanted vigilante, but she had never thought it would happen so soon. As the domino effects of her relationship with Ladybug go spiraling through her life, Alya turns her sights towards the one responsible: the elusive superhero Hawkmoth. AKA Someone outs Alya and her girlfriend so she retaliates by deciding to take down Hawkmoth 

I recommend this to anyone who either A. Loves Alya and wants to see more of her in a starring role, or B., wants to see an AU where Parisians could feasibly believe that Hawkmoth is the good guy, and that Ladybug and Chat Noir are, if not villains, at least reckless.

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the best laid plans (of bugs and bakers) by @mexicancat-girl

Paris is buzzing with the appearance of a new ladybug-themed hero, Scarabella. Alya decides to use her second hero identity to help her best friend Marinette. A bit of her flirting with Marinette is bound to make Marinette’s crushes jealous and finally ask her out! Her plan is fool-proof…! Except when it’s not. Not enough people are talking about Scarabella flirting with Marinette. How can Alya properly help her best friend if the news can’t be bothered to cover Marinette’s budding romance with Scarabella and only posts things about Marinette with Chat Noir?! So Alya puts her all into her plan, upping up her flirting each time she appears as the newbie hero Scarabella. This totally does not backfire in any way.

I adore fics that center on Alya, I haven’t exactly been shy about that fact. This is a nice one for some Alyanette adorableness! (And some Scarabella and Chat banter, I really enjoyed reading that as well). “Fake” flirting to make crushes jealous tends to turn real very quickly, and this is no exception. It’s hilarious, Alya’s the last one to figure out that her romantic relationship with Marinette is very much real XD.

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Feluka:

Boomer!Luka: FeLuka Ending series by @19thsentry-blog

In the Shadows (the first fic in the series) summary:

On one side is Luka, 140-year-old Snake Miraculous holder and keeper of the Guardian's secrets, on the other is Marinette Dupain-Cheng, a relatively newly minted hero of Paris and Guardian of the Miracle Box. Each is looking to fulfill their promises to their now gone mentors to reunite the Kwamis and keep them safe. Sounds simple--until you throw in a rocky start, the Atlantic Ocean, Félix Graham de Vanily, and a whole host of secrets…and suddenly simple becomes complicated (story of Marinette's life, right?).

So this is obviously way outside my normal wheelhouse. I don’t typically read Lukanette fics, even ones that turn into FeLuka later on in the series (though boy it becomes apparent quickly that the author’s fascinated with FeLuka’s dynamic.) But this one is really good, with the best Luka-centric fics I’ve ever read, and some of the best Felix-centric content as well. I love how Luka has his own baggage here, with all the pressure of wandering around for over a century, looking after the few Miraculous he found, trying to keep what’s left of the Order alive, unaware of Fu’s survival or of the Miraculous user’s re-emergence in Paris. There’s a lot of focus on Luka’s own feelings and thoughts and problems, not just on helping other people with them. 

The plot works even without the romantic aspect, so even if Lukanette isn’t a pairing that draws you in, I still recommend this fic, so long as you don’t actively dislike the pairing itself. And even though it’s a Lukanette fic, Adrien and Alya are treated fairly and with respect. Adrien may not end up with Marinette and is bummed about it, but the narrative is still kind to him overall, there’s clearly no ill well towards him, or Alya for that matter. (There are later fics in the series that focus more on Adrien just healing and coping and living after finding out that his father’s a villain and his mom’s been in the basement this whole time, and in the multiversal travel fic, Alya gets some standout appearances as Scarabella which are fun).

And FELIX - it’s clear that 19thsentry has this whole conception about Felix’s psychology. He’s wrapped in a ton of self-loathing until it started to consume him, made him lash out. Him being a sentimonster, wanting to get the Peacock Miraculous, actually gave him some direction for that at least. And he’s just in this pit of his own making, until he meets Luka, who can see through him when no one else can, who cares for him even though he doesn’t understand why, who’d been through so much over the years and yet kept himself kind. He’s attracted like a moth to a flame, infuriated that he cares, yet not able to stop himself from caring about this mysterious, infuriating musician. 

Yeah if you can’t tell this is the series that really sold me on FeLuka as a couple.

Oh yeah, one of the fics in here is M-rated, and it does earn the M rating for sexual content, though it’s nothing too major.

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See This Chance by @19thsentry-blog

Luka died in 2016. Yep. Crushed by the Arc de Triumph when Mayura’s Robustus slammed into it. It was kind of a big deal, but once you’re dead, you’re dead—especially when there’s no Lucky Charm to bring you back. Luka’s been dealing with it in the typical ways. Written for FeLuka week 2023.

Yes, this is FeLuka. Not one of the typical ships I read, but I ain’t opposed to it, and this is a nice foray into the pairing. I love ghost AUs! Luka’s just fumbling around, unsure what to do with his incorporeal existence, until he starts haunting Felix. It’s an intriguing plot and I gotta admit, I wish it was longer so it could be fleshed out more, but what’s here is good.

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One-offs:

Come Take My Hand by @carelisswriting

Luka heard his soulmate for the first time when he was ten. All he knows about her is that she likes fencing. It's just a coincidence that Kagami likes fencing, right? (Lukagami Soulmate AU, written for the Miraculous Ladybug Secret Santa Exchange!)

I’m a sucker for soulmate fics, and this had an interesting take on it, with your soulmate able to hear you thinking only about the thing you’re most passionate about. Loved Kagami’s way of showing Luka she’s his soulmate especially!

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Attack of the Crystal Zombies by @trainsinanime

Kagami had spent more and more time hanging out with Zoé, talking about things like families, expectations and crushes on Marinette. It was only natural, probably, that she would help Zoé practice flirting. That was definitely a great idea. Granted, the deadly Akuma battle around them was a bit of an issue…

Quality Zoegami fic here! I loved how Kagami kept thinking she was bad at flirting, but it was sure working on Zoe XD. The akuma attack going on around them, interweaving with their conversation, added a bit of spice to the whole affair!

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All Of Them? Every Single One? by @liiinerle

It turns out that Marinette loves a lot more people than she’d initially thought.

This is hilarious and adorable. Tikki lays out how Marinette has a crush on basically every girl she’s met - and even girls she doesn’t know are girls yet XD. 

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Emotional Mountain Ranges by @liiinerle

After Zoé’s attempted romantic confession to Marinette is interrupted by an incensed Chloé and Audrey Bourgeois, she’s left distraught and adrift, a crying mess in an alleyway far from home. Ladybug saves her from the incoming akuma, and tries to help her back on her feet - and Zoé wonders what she could possibly have done to earn this much attention from a superhero…

Lovely Zoenette fic here! I especially like how Marinette talks to Zoe, reassures her that she’s good enough, that she (as Ladybug) isn’t as perfect and composed as she thinks, and just… tries to get Zoe to have more confidence in herself. It’s mostly from Zoe’s perspective too, which I like since there aren’t a lot of Zoe POV fics.

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Swimming in Circles by @generalluxun

Life has moved on for Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She’s not where she thought she would be seven years ago, but she’s still in a good place. Classes, hobbies, friends, her life is full despite the lingering shades of her faded yet sweet middle-school romance. Then just as quick at the first time, someone drops into her life and turns her into an absolute mess once more. Love and crushes might be her undoing, but she’s got a little more experience this time to weather the storm. This fateful stranger stirs memories as well as emotions inside of her, and with a forthrightness her old self would be jealous of, Marinette takes the plunge.

So this is a Trans fic, with Marinette’s new crush being a trans version of a certain classmate who she doesn’t recognize, who’s changed a lot, for the better. I like how it deals with the baggage she has with that person, has her think that through.

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Three’s company by @torvalvt

Kagami has been doing her best for years to ignore her feelings for her friends. It doesn’t help that Adrien and Marinette insist on spending as much time as possible with her, even going so far as inviting her along on their dates together. If only the affection she felt for them wouldn’t get in the way of their relationship. Because it is growing harder and harder to tamp down her feelings with how close they are getting to her.

This is adorable. Adrien and Marinette really want Kagami to join their relationship and she just doesn’t dare hope for it. If you want some adorable Adrigaminette from Kagami’s perspective, I recommend checking this fic out!

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Stone Streak by kingxuppu

Ladybug and Violet Tigress had been fighting the mysterious Duskwing for eight years now. Through the years, the two have grown stronger together and even gotten married, they are waiting until they finally beat Duskwing to start a family. At least, that was the plan. When Juleka gets confronted with the realization that her friends are starting families of their own, she realizes just how badly she wants to be a mother.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, Juleka and Marinette get the chance to adopt Juleka's young modeling friend Adrien.

Maybe they aren't quite a traditional family, but with magic, rockstars, and fame, normal was never an option.

Via Discovery: There are actually two terms of venery for tigers, depending on the makeup of the group. The first is a streak of tigers and this refers to a female tiger and her cubs.

Now this is a rare pairing, there’s not a lot of Julenette fics! Adrien and Rose actually have some ship tease going on, the whole kid group in canon got broken up into two groups here, one that remained around canon age (so like 13) which notably consists of Chloe, Rose, and Adrien, and then I think everyone else are adults in their mid-twenties. It’s weird seeing Adrien as Marinette’s and Juleka’s son, but hey it works! I love how Juleka really showed Adrien the ropes on modeling and became a Mama tiger for him, the fic’s mostly just very sweet, though with a surprisingly dark final act. 

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In Direct Opposition by @generalluxun

Alya Cesaire is a brand new student to Francis Dupont, to Paris even. The first student she meets is one Chloé Bourgeois, and Alya is determined to make a friend. Things advance Chaotically. Her new 'friend' is definitely a handful, and suddenly Paris has a supervillain and two brand new superheroes! Alya finds herself balancing a lot of things, trying to live up to her ideals and those of her icons.

And then reality seems to contradict itself.

As time progresses it seems to happen more often. Becoming a hero, battling villains, staying alive, working through friendships. Something is lurking, tweaking events at times, changing them, and no one seems aware. Alya will need all her wits to get to the bottom of this. Her investigative mind can only get her so far though, and then she needs to rely on her friends. This is not a foe you can beat head on.

I betaed this entire fic, it’s really good! I adore the focus on Alya’s philosophy here, her determination to be a hero, to help people and defeat evil - and that defeating evil means trying to reform the people doing bad things when possible, to try to save EVERYONE, even the “villain”. I thought it was really clever the ways Alya would redirect Chloe and subtly encourage her to be a better person, while also trying to get the people around her to give her a second chance and keep an open mind. 

Also Alya and Chloe are an adorable sapphic couple XD.

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Herbs And Steam by @liiinerle

Juleka le Flor Blef, nature witch from near the forest of Couffaine, arrives at Eiffel Castle so she can partake in the Queen's Trials - a contest to determine the strongest witch in all of France. She wants to prove the strength of her magic, but when she arrives, her attention is quickly distracted by two very interesting women: Kagami, the princess, who seems to act nothing like a princess should; and Marinette, the blacksmith, who has created a magic all her own through metal, steam, and ingenuity. Juleka is immediately besotted with both of them, and needs to work extra hard to focus on her magic. Juleka also soon becomes aware that there is stronger magic at Eiffel castle than she had expected. For one thing, there's a tree in the courtyard put there years ago by a witch whose powers seem to surpass hers; for another, there's Alya la Pluvie Versaunt, who must be the most powerful mage Juleka has ever met...

Unusual poly here, there aren't a lot of Juleka/Kagami/Marinette fics! I love the world here, getting to see all these different witches honing their craft, and Juleka making friends with many of them - though especially the nonwitches Kagami and Marinette, of course XD. If you like some femslash or a good fantasy AU, this fic should scratch that itch!

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Graveyard Love Series by @liiinerle

A brief two-parter series which chronicles what happens after Lila dies suddenly, and Marinette finds out that she's the one saved as Lila's emergency contact on her phone. In part one, Marinette seeks answers with Alya's help - and what she finds ends up testing their friendship. In part two, Alya seeks to rebuild their relationship - and perhaps build it into something more.

First fic in series: Absent Soul

Just for a moment, Alya seemed speechless, her eyes as wide as the hallway was long. “You’re really going to start to believe her now?” Marinette sighed. “It’s not her I believe. I just… I don’t think she could manage all… this if it was fake. And besides… me, her emergency contact? That’s too bizarre to be a lie.” Even more than that, it was too bizarre to be true. So what could Lila possibly hope to achieve? “I’m not sure I agree with you,” said Alya. “But I’m not gonna let you go this alone. And I’m pulling you away if I smell anything cooking.” The thing was, Marinette wasn’t sure she agreed with herself. Nothing made sense. Even just knowing more would help settle the tumult in her brain, which felt like it had been speeding up almost imperceptibly for every door she’d passed through since the balcony. --- Marinette suddenly learns that she's saved as Lila's emergency contact on her phone... the same day she learns that Lila has been in a fatal accident. She is then pulled through a week of responsibilities and discoveries she never imagined having before, and a growing fondness for someone she once hated.

So this is fascinating, I love how it explored the insanity of whatever bizarre situation Lila has going on. Marinette's great here, she doesn't understand why Lila did the things she did, or what her background truly was, but if she had no one else, then at least she has Marinette to make sure her remains are taken care of properly. Though perhaps to a worrying extent. Thankfully, Alya's here as well to give support, and perhaps an intervention if things go too far. The second fic in the series focuses around Alya giving that intervention, of a sort.

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And Mark Ronson Can Get Stuffed by @liiinerle

Marinette gets a call from Vivica, Jagged Stone's guitarist, with a proposition. She wants a producer - and she's heard Marinette's the best one for the job. At least, that's what Jagged says, and well, the only real competition is Bob Roth... ... but Marinette still isn't prepared for the whirlwind of feelings she'll get spinning through her brain whenever she sees Vivica play. Or for the realisations she'll make about herself as she sits engulfed in a type of music that feels like it gets her, and gazes up at the angel who's holding the guitar.

So this is a RARE rare pair, I've never seen Vivinette before! Man though, is this a great first fic for the pairing! I love seeing Marinette's efforts to be the best producer she can be for Vivica, not totally realizing at first why she's so nervous and determined to be the best she can be for her... and then becoming all too aware of her feelings XD. I especially adore how enamored Marinette becomes with Vivica's songs, being deeply affected by them but unable to put her feelings into words well enough to give feedback.

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Stop Time by @liiinerle

— she put her hand on the page, blocking it so the words wouldn’t scream so loudly at her. They had screamed more than enough already. Gritting her teeth, she pulled her fingers together, crumpling the paper slightly — just enough that it didn’t look so pristine and mocking. It needed to be full of despair, in every possible way. “Marinette —” started Mullo. “No! Never again. Marinette is… gone, forever.” She let go of the paper. Now it lay alone in the light, as the last thing she could ever tell them. That she loved them, that she’d miss them, that she would never talk to them again. A suicide note. Of sorts. ----- Fu accidentally names Marinette as the new guardian, and not Ladybug. She's forced to fake her own death and go into hiding in order to get away from Hawk Moth. She finds a hiding spot in the Louvre, but there she's forced to face the effects of her going away by a very unexpected source: her friend Alix.

Definitely mind the tags on this one! But if it ain't triggering to you, then I highly recommend reading it. You can really feel Marinette's struggles here, with basically making herself homeless, unable to reach out to her friends and family, needing to steal just to feed herself and the kwamis, and then dealing with everyone in her life grieving... and then moving on. Except for a few people who don't...

It's just... it's really good, really heart-wrenching.

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The Only Love We Keep by @nemaliwrites

Zoé is used to wanting things she can’t have — loving people who do not love her back. She’s made peace with that. But as soon as she meets Scarabella, she’s a goner. Or, five times Zoé’s love wasn’t reciprocated, and one time it was.

I love this analysis of Zoe and her circumstances, her mindset, her philosophy based on how she's grown up. How she yearns for her mom to actually love her, but she just... doesn't. And how she finds friends who actually care for her, and someone who actually wants her.

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The Black Cat of the Family by Anonymous

To Felix, Chat Noir is freedom. Pure freedom, unhindered by anything (well, except perhaps a little too much dedication to Ladybug). He goes where he pleases when he pleases. He acts so ridiculous, like no one was ever watching, even when everyone was watching. He chafes at orders and authority, even when the orders are coming from Ladybug herself. He's free to be whoever he wants, in a way Felix only wishes he could be. So of course he starts flirting with the catboy. It also doesn't hurt that the superhero is easy on the eyes. Chat Noir, meanwhile, is simply trying to figure out how to reject his cousin without revealing his own secret identity. But when has anything in his love life ever worked out for him? Or, in other words: Somehow the Fathom-Graham de Vanily-Agreste family becomes even more dysfunctional in brand new ways.

This was fun, I liked the natural way Chat caught Felix's attention with his kindness, wit, and hidden depths. It makes sense why Felix would slowly develop a crush on him, while Chat just thinks that he's having fun with his cousin.

Also Chat's reaction when he realizes that Felix is, in fact, confessing his crush on him, is just priceless XD.