#mlfamfiction

[agrestenoir]

Everyone should go kudos this fic because it hurts and is the most wonderful thing ever and I really want the author to break 1000 kudos bc she’s 5 away

[miraculousstorytelling]

What Baking Can Do

Happy birthday @zoenightstars! I hope you’ve had an absolutely lovely day! :)

The smell of flour had always been soothing. Even on days she was up before the sun, mixing and preparing and dividing and shaping her way through an endless supply of dough, Marinette enjoyed that familiar, subtle scent filling the air.

The sound of dough on metal was equally comforting as she mechanically ran through the motions of weighing and slapping and folding and tossing aside each piece, preparing it for the oven. Following this familiar routine kept her thoughts from wandering too far while she calculated how many of each sort of bread the bakery would need that day.

“Marinette?”

Marinette jumped, dropping her dough cutter and knocking over a small bag of flour in the process. She grimaced and turned to face her mother. “I’ll clean that up. Sorry, Mama, I wasn’t expecting anyone else to be up yet.”

“I thought I heard something down here.” Sabine looked over at Marinette’s handiwork. “You’ve been busy.”

“I couldn’t sleep.” Marinette shrugged. “I figured I might as well do something productive.”

“Is this about your crush?” Sabine asked, handing Marinette a broom while she scooped up the dough cutter.

“Well, yes.” Marinette frowned, sweeping up the fallen dough. “But, um, about that…”

“Have you talked to her yet?”

Marinette froze and stared at her mother’s back while Sabine scrubbed the tool clean. “I...what?”

“Or is that why she’s coming over for dinner tonight?”

Marinette slowly set the broom down. “When did you figure it out?”

Sabine chuckled. “Sometime between the day you redecorated your room and the time you begged me to help you make Alya’s favorite kind of cookie.”

“Was I really that obvious?” Marinette leaned back against the counter, her floury mess long forgotten. “Do you think Alya figured it out? She pays attention to everything. But, if she knows, why hasn’t she said anything?” She could feel herself falling into that familiar pattern of babbling out every fear that crossed her mind, panic rising in her throat. “Does she want me to say something? Does she want to keep things the way they are?”

Sabine set the dough cutter aside to dry and grabbed a fresh bag of flour for the table. “Why don’t you help me finish this batch?”

Marinette bit back another verbal torrent of anxiety and reached for the dough, trying to fight the urge to ask more questions and give voice to more of her concerns. As her mother dusted the table with flour, Marinette fell back into the rhythm of preparing for the morning rush. Unfortunately, her mind was working too fast to be distracted now. “Do you think she feels the same way?” she finally blurted out, too nervous to look up at her mother across the table.

“I think you’ll find out tonight.” Sabine smiled as she worked. “I hope she does.”

Even though it wasn’t exactly the answer she wanted, Marinette relaxed and nodded. “Me, too.”

When her father woke up to join them, Marinette and Sabine were already finished with the morning preparations. He arrived in time to help clean and make a special breakfast before Marinette left for school. While she enjoyed eating something besides her usual cereal, part of her regretted it when she realized it meant more food to churn in her stomach while she walked to school and imagined seeing Alya when she arrived.

“Hey!” Alya waved from the steps when she spotted Marinette. “You look more awake than usual.”

“Yeah, I was up early to help with baking.” Marinette smiled, hoping her nerves didn’t show. “Are you ready for dinner tonight?”

“I’ve been looking forward to it all week!” Alya grinned and slipped her arm in Marinette’s. “We’re having honey lavender macarons, too, right?”

“Yeah!” Marinette had spent hours on the perfect batch yesterday, knowing they were Alya’s favorite, but those were her backup in case her plan didn’t work. “I, um, was thinking you could come over right after school and maybe I could show you how to make them.”

“You know I’ve never baked before, right?” Alya raised a brow as they walked up the steps together.

“Oh, right.” Marinette shook her head. Good thing she was cautious. “Maybe we could make cookies instead. Those are a little easier.” Marinette chuckled, her arm tingling where it came into contact with Alya. If she was lucky, Alya wouldn’t notice the beginnings of a blush on her cheeks, but given how often it had been happening lately, she was due for Alya to see something. Luckily, they reached the classroom without any comment from Alya or anyone else.

Marinette spent most of class trying not to stare and not to let herself imagine all the ways a confession could go horribly wrong. Every flash of copper hair made her pulse race, and each time she caught sight of Alya’s focused expression from the corner of her eye, Marinette fought the urge to talk herself out of it.

If this went wrong, she knew it would go horribly wrong.

Finally, after Marinette managed to survive a day that felt more like a week, Alya grabbed her hand and led her outside, all smiles and energy now that the weekend was ahead of them.

“So, I’m thinking we start with the cookies and then we can catch up on some shows before dinner, and maybe after dinner, we can try talking our parents into a sleepover so we can join everyone else tomorrow for the race and…” Alya’s voice trailed off as she looked over at Marinette. “You okay?”

“Huh? What?” Marinette jolted back to the present and turned to look at her. “Oh, yeah! It’s fine! I’m just, you know, that early morning is catching up to me.” It was only a half lie, really.

“Maybe we should add a nap into the schedule.” Alya shook her head. “Honestly, girl, when do you ever sleep?”

“Me? You’re the one spending all night on the Ladyblog!” Marinette pushed the door to the bakery open and waved to her mother while they walked to the back.

Sabine managed a quick hello between customers, and Tom called out a greeting from the back while Marinette led Alya to the stairs behind the shop.

“At least I don’t fall asleep in class,” Alya teased.

“That happened once!”

Alya scoffed. “Once a day, maybe.”

Marinette rolled her eyes dramatically while she unlocked the door. “Maybe I just think French is boring.”

“Oh, please, you love French poets.”

Marinette grimaced. “Okay, you do have a point there.” She set aside her purse and began pulling out ingredients. “Want any tea?”

“Nope.” Alya tossed her bag aside and scooped up a few chocolate chips. “What kind of cookies are we making?”

“Chocolate chip?”

“Sounds good to me.”

“Okay, so we just need some sugar…” Marinette rummaged around in the cabinets for the bag. “It should be right here. I- Oh!” She grinned and reached out to grab it. “It was just pushed back a little far.”

Unfortunately, her grip wasn’t as solid as she expected, which meant the new bag burst open and spilled all over her and Alya in a sudden shower of powder.

For a moment, the two of them sit in shock, staring at each other, slack-jawed and silent. Finally, Alya grinned and nearly doubled over with laughter with Marinette following soon after.

“I should have guessed you’d be a sugar magnet.” Marinette managed between bursts of laughter. “You’re sweet enough.”

Alya stopped and glanced up at her, a half-smile on her lips. “Keep that up, and I’ll think you’re trying to flirt with me.”

“M-maybe I am,” Marinette stammered out, afraid to look away.

“Are you?”

Marinette swallowed, struggling to access an ounce of the confidence she carried as Ladybug now that she was actually giving voice to her feelings. “Yeah. I really like you.”

“Oh.” Alya brushed some of the sugar from Marinette’s cheek. “Well, good. I like you, too.”

“You do?” Marinette brightened, a thrill of excitement chasing away her lingering apprehension.

“Yeah, who wouldn’t?” Alya chuckled. “I mean, aside from all the tripping and the whole dropping bags of sugar thing.”

“Well, that’s good, because I think that was the last of the sugar up here.” Marinette handed Alya a cloth for her glasses. “So, we won’t really be able to make cookies after all.”

“That’s okay.” Alya grabbed the chocolate chips. “We can just snack on these.”

Marinette grinned. “That sounds good to me.”

[krazy-ky-sta-hatter]

Rose Gold...

Shut up! It’s fucking pink!!!

[agrestenoir]

in a slightly different twist of fate, this is extremely applicable and easy to insert into canon for some canon au.

Ralph—Adrien/Chat Noir with the power of destruction, who’s only power is to break everything he touches

Felix—marinette/ladybug with the power of creation, who has to fix everything Adrien breaks

Fed up with being deemed as Paris’s worst villain, Adrien sets off to become a hero the hard way.

cursed au for consideration:

wreck it ralph ralph/felix au where marinette is felix and adrien is ralph

[agrestenoir]

because i fucking love all these people, imma do a shoutout to everyone @mlfanfiction because they’re wonderful and beautiful and i love you guys and i don’t know where i’d be in life if i hadn’t met you!! you’ve all truly changed my life and i’m so thankful to you guys like you have no fucking idea.

[miraculousstorytelling]

ot4 + food!!!

“Adrien, sit down.”

Adrien glanced between the three of them. “Is…something wrong?”

“It’s about the Camembert,” Nino explained as Alya gestured to the free seat they’d left for Adrien.

“We’re worried,” Marinette added, frowning up at him.

Adrien sank into the chair with a low groan. “Okay, it’s not-”

“You know there’s other food out there, right? Other cheeses, too.” Alya leaned in closer. “But every day, we all have to kiss you while you smell like Camembert.”

Nino made a face. “And every time you come over, our rooms always smell like the angry ghost of an abandoned cheese factory.”

Adrien raised a brow, but Alya and Marinette both nodded in agreement.

“There’s just so many other things you could eat.” Marinette grinned. “We have some other options for you if you’ll just-

“Wait. You don’t understand-” Adrien began again.

“Look,” Alya interrupted, holding out her hand, “Just give up the Camembert, and we can introduce you to food that tastes way better and doesn’t smell like it could kill you.”

“It’s not mine!” Adrien shouted.

The trio shared a look before Nino asked, “Okay, whose is it, then?”

“It’s um…” Adrien scrambled to figure out a plausible excuse for a moment. “It’s Nathalie’s.”

“Nathalie?” Marinette asked, brows furrowed.

“Yeah… We, um, go by a cheese shop on the way to school and we pick some up for her.” Adrien knew the excuse was flimsy at best, but maybe, just maybe, he’d be lucky and Alya wouldn’t question him.

“Why doesn’t she carry it herself?” Alya asked.

So much for luck. “She, uh…” Adrien considered for a second. “Well, my father can’t stand the smell, and she’s around him all the time, so I offered.”

“Really?” Alya watched him for a moment, no doubt looking for any kind of sign that he was trying to lie to her. “So, you don’t like Camembert? At all?”

Adrien nodded. “Trust me. I hate Camembert.” At least this was one question he could answer honestly.

“Fine.” Alya settled back in her seat. “I guess I believe you.” She jabbed a finger in Adrien’s direction. “But, you have to talk to Nathalie about something that helps with the smell, okay?”

“We’re still eating the snacks and everything, right?” Marinette asked, peeking back at the table they’d hidden just out of view. “I mean, we missed lunch for this.”

“Yeah, of course.” Nino grinned. “But now we can watch whatever we want instead of food documentaries.”

“I spent hours looking for those,” Alya grumbled.

“It was sweet of you to find them. But…” Marinette reached out to squeeze Alya’s hand. “They were a little dry, and my dad found a bunch of cheesy old horror movies last night.”

They spent the rest of the afternoon squeezed together on Marinette’s couch, exchanging snacks, laughing at movies together, and threatening to exile Adrien to the floor if he made one more cheese-related pun.

Send me a non lovesquare ship and a prompt, and I’ll write it!

[agrestenoir]

kung fu tea is good, y'all just mean

PSA @transannabeth thinks kung fu tea is good please bully them

[reyxa]

completely accidental mlfamfiction discord rainbow

[ladriened]

jess is already memeing and its been less than a day

[krazy-ky-sta-hatter]

What I’m Writing

I was tagged by @pizzabuttqueen

Okay um... Let me just...

Let me just give you an idea of...

I have a spreadsheet with a list of Fic WIPs (titled ‘How Fucked Am I? - because the answer seems to be very).

That little bit at the bottom, the ‘60′... that is how many fics I have going for Miraculous Ladybug at the moment, and it is far from the only fandom I am writing for, seeing how I have 145 bloody fics in total!!! ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIVE!!!

That being said, I will be taking a two-week hiatus from writing as I have two weeks to finish my study. So I’ll be going hard out.

Of the already posted fics that I am focusing on, Once Upon Akuma, Shatter Me, and Fate of the Gods are at the top of those lists.

I have also been writing some newer fics, my faves being In My Defence (ML) and More Than Meets the Eye (Voltron).

So... Long story short...

What am I writing?

Everything.

Tagging: @soundwaves-and-screams, everyone in  MLFamfiction @mlfanfiction (mwahahaha), @chocolatequeennk . And, well, anyone who wants to do it, really.

[breeeliss]

What do you think of MLFamfiction in general?

anti-honesty hour: MLFamfiction is comprised of a bunch of pieces of shit who i definitely don’t talk to every day and love with all of my heart and appreciate in all of their beauty and grace. like no way in hell, fuck that shit. 

[agrestenoir]

things i’m thankful for

so I know that thanksgiving has passed for me, but there were a few shoutouts I wanted to give to certain people who mean a lot to me, and I couldn’t go long without saying something. So here’s just a short list of some people I really appreciate.

To @agermanshepherdpatronus and @thatcrazybookwyrm: you guys mean the absolute world to me. You’ve been with me through thick and thin and are some of the best friends I could ever ask for. I know I’ve been MIA for the last couple of months as life picks up, but it’s thanks to you guys that I am where I am today. You’re so important to me, and I hope you know that. I wouldn’t be who I am today without you. You two have changed my life forever, so now you’re gonna be stuck with me till the end, okay? I hope you get all the wonder and happiness you deserve because you guys have given me the world, and I want to give it you in return. Never change, and keep those hearts of gold always shining. I love you, Oz & MG. <3

To @nebulousrose (Honnah): I know you deactivated, baby, but you’re still a star in my sky, and I hope you know that. I always look back on our messages we’ve shared over the years and I hope you know how much you mean to me. At one point in time, you were the only person who could make me smile, and you always saw the best in me. Someday I hope I can become the person you always believed I was. <3 Love you, darling. I’ll see you on Facebook and Snapchat if I ever get my ass on there and be active.

To @perfectlyrose and @dimensionhoppingrose and @nottheopera and @skyler10fic and @tinyconfusion and @chocolatequeennk and SO MANY OTHER blogs and content creators. [This is Erin/atimelordswife, I just realized I posted this on the wrong blog]. I’ve followed a lot of you for years, and you’re all so wonderful and ridiculously talented. It’s been an absolute privilege to watch you all grow. And I KNOW there’s a bunch of people I’m forgetting because you fuckers keep changing your URLs and I can’t keep up. I’m a 22 year old college student in a long term relationship with her coffee cup, so please please bear with me. Regardless, I love you all and thank you for blessing me with your content and wonderful blogs. 

To @breeeliss: You’re too wonderful for words, and I am so happy I met you! You’re so accepting of me and so encouraging and supportive. You’re also god-spanking talented, like I can’t sometimes because I’m in awe of your skills? You’re one of the people I go to when I need to smile because you’re so fucking hilarious, and you’re so entertaining and fun to talk to. Like I’m so blessed that we’re friends? Thanks for putting up with me, Gabie <3 

To @stardusted: You’re another person I’m so happy I got to know. You keep me on my toes and always make me laugh. You are such a wonderful person and friend, and I am so appreciative of you. Also I know you’re gonna make it big someday with your raw talent and the passion you put in everything you do. You’re one of the best people I know, and I just want the best for you <3 Thanks for putting up with me too, darling! I know I can be a handful.

To @flusteredkeith: You are one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. You are always there to listen to me scream and your fics hurt me in such a good way. As a person, you always make me smile, and I love talking to you. The heart you put into your work and thoughts always shines through. You make me fall in love with things [Sheith], which is a very powerful tool. I just love your gusto for the things you love. You’re also so fucking supportive and there for me when I need it, and I just love, love talking to you. I’m so glad I know you, J <3 Thanks for everything!!!

To @miraculousstorytelling: CLAIRE, MY PASTRY, MY EASY-BAKE OVEN. You keep me on my toes, you make me laugh, your zest for life and your kindness and heart are just some of the most amazing things about you. I love your compliment wars, I love your writing because dear GOD do you have a tendency to break me, I love your passion and effort that you put into things. And your passion for people and you’re just... I love everything about you, Pastry Puff, and please never change. You’re always there for me, you’re so encouraging and I’m so grateful for everything you’ve ever done for me. You deserve the world, babe. <3 Thank you.

To @panda013: PANDABEAR. You are one of the most talented people I know, you’re so good at everything you do, like it’s not fair how good you are. You’re so hard working and your strength is a thing of beauty. I admire you in everything you do, how you approach life, and I know things can be rough at times, but I always know you’re gonna pull through and be wonderful. You’re destined for amazing things, Panda. I believe in you so much, and thank you for always being there for me <3 People like you give me a reason to smile!

To @ladyserendipitous: My muse, the story voice, O, the Mom of the Server. You are literally the voice of reason sometimes, and I hope you know how appreciative I am of you. You always make the best comments and are fucking hilarious, but you are also the realist I need to be because I have a tendency to be jump off walls a lot. You’re an anchor to a lot of people, and I really admire you. Plus you’re like super good at writing, and I love your work, and more people need to read them. Thank you for always being there, for having the best ideas, and just being awesome in general. I aspire to reach your level someday!

To @megatraven: You are the epitome of sunshine on a rainy day, the gold at the end of the rainbow, the world does not deserve you. You are literally the kindest person I have ever met, the most supportive and encouraging, and even though you can be a walking shitpost of your icons sometimes, all it does is make me throw my head back in laughter. You deserve the whole world, you deserve all the happiness. From treadmills to bees, from Melon Rodeo to Meggi, you are a shooting star. I love you, I adore you, thank you for everything <3 ALSO YOUR FUCKING WRITING KILL SME THANK YOU.

To @sadrien: What can I say about this incredibly talented person? Your stories give me life, your IRL stories give me life, you’re incredibly awesome in general. You’re so wonderful and kind, and I am so happy I met you. I wish you only the best because you deserve all of it, and just thank you so much for the laughter? The kindness because I don’t think you have a mean bone in your body? I just want you to know how much I love and appreciate you, Tea, and keep being wonderful because the world needs more people like you! <3 Thanks for putting up with my dramatic ass.

To @zoenightstars: I know you don’t use Tumblr, but for when you ever come online and hopefully see this, just know that I love and appreciate you. Your passion for the things you do, your talent that knows no bounds, your smarts and snarkiness are things I struggle to keep up with. I know college applications are draining, but I firmly believe that you’re gonna go on to do great things. You’ve got the passion and the drive and will to go far, and I can’t wait to see where life takes you. Thanks for always being there to make me smile!

To @ninoirs: you are a bubbly, accident-prone smol that we all must protect. Literally, I don’t know how you’ve made it almost eighteen years. But like they say, the best things come in small packages, and Rey, you’re a blessing, honestly. Ridiculously talented, so bright and brilliant, and just so amazing at everything you do. You’re so supportive, so much fun, and thank you for putting up with me. You’re honestly so wonderful, Rey Rey. (And your boyfriend is cool too). 

To @amillionsmiles: I literally just started to get to know you, but you’re still incredibly talented. Also it’s kind of scary how good you are. I have always been a fan, and you fucking slay me with everything you do. You’re gonna do great things, I firmly believe that. Thanks for always breaking my heart and putting it back together <3

To @adribug: You’re too smart for words, too brilliant to measure, and your graphics fucking kill me, so thanks for that. You’re just a bubbly person, and your personality shines in everything you do. I love talking to you, you’re so much fun. Thank you for being awesome, thanks for dealing with me, and thanks for just being yourself. You’re amazing, and I know you’re gonna do awesome things <3

To @larvesta: the lady who can sometimes be my twin and who is so fucking talented that her art has legit made me cry. You are one of those people I couldn’t have been happier to meet, and you are so fucking amazing. Your talent knows no bounds, your kindness has no measure, and you are just so... ASKSDGHLGD That’s all I can say, Liv. Thank you for putting up with me, for your endless support, and for being so incredible. I love you ;3

To @miracujess: you’re a walking meme and shitpost. Like I can’t with you, Jess??? You’re fucking hilarious, so incredible, so entertaining and fun. Like I can depend on you to put a smile on my face when I need it, and to be so genuinely awesome that you make me cry. Thank you so much for everything. The world deserves more people like you who are the embodiment of sunshine. 

To everyone else at @mlfanfiction: you guys have become my second family, literally. You’re all so supportive and wonderful and fucking awesome. Thank you for putting up with me, for being there for me, for the support and encouragement. For being so talented and giving me people to look up too. To Erica, Teal, Rae, KC, Kiwi, Sarah, Maha (I can’t fucking remember your TUMBLR URLS SO IM GONNA GET YOU ALL IN VERSION 2.0; I’m sorry it’s literally 10:30 PM at night. I can’t be on top of everything now, especially when I’m on break from school). You guys are so fucking talented and I weep tears when I talk to you or read your stuff. Thanks for the laughs, for the snarks, for the kindness, for making the good days the absolute best. <3 

To everyone at @queermiraculous: thanks for giving me a place I can be myself. Thank you to all the people I’ve met, all the friends I’ve made, I’m too tired to list you cause there’s a fuck ton. You’re all so supportive and encouraging and fun, and I just wish you the best.

To everyone at the MLArtist server that @larvesta runs: You guys are so talented, so supportive and so encouraging. Thank you for giving me a place to learn and grow as an artist, and just for being some of the best people I’ve ever met.

To everyone I didn’t mention, thank you! If I’ve talked to you even once, you belong on this. But I’m a 22 year old college student married to her coffee cup, it’s 10:30 PM, and I’ve gone 26 hours without sleep. Please bear with me. Just thank you for everything, your support and encouragement, acceptance, talent, your passion, your strength, just everything. You all mean the world to me, and I can’t thank you enough.

Just thank you all my followers as well. <3 I don’t know how you got here, but you deserve so much. Thanks for putting up with me. <3

[agrestenoir]

can’t believe the Costello to my Abbot is doing this to me

redriotted replied to your post: Lance or Allura?

Butch you gotta answer the fucking question

i don’t have to do DIDDLY FUCKING SQUAT ERIN 

[miraculousstorytelling]

Marichat May - What if?

"Did you see that video on the Ladyblog last night?" Adrien grinned and sat beside Nino. "It was amazing!"

Nino nodded along, covering a yawn. "Oh, yeah. It was great."

"And Chat Noir, too!" Adrien beamed as he pulled out his supplies. "Did you see how he took out that akuma?"

Nino chuckled. "Well, Ladybug took out a bunch of clones with a toy helicopter. That was impressive."

"That's exactly my point!" Adrien turned to look at Nino. "They're both fantastic, so it makes sense they'd be even better together."

"This again?" Marinette grumbled as she walked past them to her desk.

Alya chuckled. "It's not our fault Adrien and I are the only logical ones here. Ladybug and Chat Noir are obviously perfect for each other."

"As if Ladybug would fall for that silly cat," Chloe snapped from beside them. "She deserves way better."

Nino raised a brow. "Who exactly do you think Ladybug deserves?"

"Me, obviously." Chloe scoffed. "I'd treat her like a queen."

"I think Ladybug could do way better." Alya smirked and leaned forward. "I'd treat her like a goddess."

"Maybe Ladybug's happy single," Marinette suggested with a small smile.

Nino smiled. "Yeah, she seems like the kind of girl who could treat herself exactly the way she wanted without anyone's help."

"Exactly. Thank you, Nino."

He blushed and nodded. "Sure, Marinette."

"Marinette, look out!"

Ladybug grabbed his tail before he could run to Marinette's side. "Don't bother, Chat Noir. It's an illusion."

Chat Noir glanced back at her, briefly confused, but he didn't question her. "Okay, LB, let's take care of this akuma, then."

As much as he didn't want to wonder, he noticed little things that began to inspire some curiosity. How did Ladybug know right away? Did Ladybug and Marinette always have the same hairstyle? Had he ever seen the two of them together?

He'd promised Ladybug that he wouldn't ask about her identity or push, but if he figured it out on his own, could he really be faulted for that?

He was considering that question when Marinette spotted him pacing along a rooftop.

"Chat Noir?" she asked from the street below.

He paused and looked down at her. "Oh, h-hey Marinette."

She waved. "Is everything okay?"

He landed beside her. "Yeah. Just, um, getting some night air."

"Yeah?" She raised a brow. "You look like you have something on your mind."

"I do?" He chuckled and tugged at one of his leather ears. "Well, maybe."

She considered him for a moment. "I live close by. Do you want to talk about it? We can walk together."

He nodded. "It is getting dark out."

"So, what are you thinking about?" She began walking down the road, setting a slow pace.

He joined her, easily matching her pace. "Well, I have this...friend. I promised I wouldn't ask about something they're keeping secret, and I think I accidentally figured it out. I don't know what to do."

She tensed beside him, confirming the suspicions he was afraid to voice. "You should tell them. Explain it was an accident, and tell them the truth. It's better they know."

"You really think so?"

She nodded, staring ahead and avoiding his eyes. "It's better that way."

"Okay." He stopped and waited for her to do the same. "I know it's you."

She slowly turned to face him. "Me what?"

"I know you're her."

She exhaled slowly, the color draining from her cheeks. "You figured it out?"

"I didn't mean to, I promise." He stepped closer. "I can tell you who I am."

"No, don't." She held up a hand. "At least one of us can keep our identity secret."

"But-"

"Chat Noir-"

He frowned. "I know you, though. We see each other every day."

"What?"

He lowered his voice and moved closer. "I sit in front of you."

Her eyes widened. "Wait. You're-"

"Yeah."

She bit her lip. "How did I miss that?"

He shrugged. "I missed you for a while and we've been in the same class for years."

"True." She chuckled. "Plus, it's hard to tell without the headphones around your neck."

"Hey, they're comfortable."

She smiled. "They're a bold fashion choice. I'll give you that."

@larvesta thank you for the musical inspiration for this! Also, clearly, the what if part of this is what if Nino was Chat Noir instead of Adrien.

[miraculousstorytelling]

Get In Loser, We’re Running Away

@zoenightstars​ saw this post, and mentioned that it would be cute as an Alyadrien story, and I was only too happy to take the idea and run with it. Hope you enjoy!

Normally, midnight is the perfect time to work on the Ladyblog. Her family doesn’t bother her, and ambient noise from outside helps her to concentrate. Except, tonight some persistent driver keeps honking right outside her room. She storms over to the window on their fourth honk, ready to shout some choice profanity down at them, but she stops when she sees who it is.

“Adrien?”

He’s leaning out of the window so she can see him, waving up at her when he finally sees her face in the window.

She scrambles back to change into something other than her pajamas before running downstairs. “What are you doing here?” She bends over to speak to him through the passenger window.

He grins back at her. “Get in the car. We’re running away.”

“When did you learn how to drive?” she asks, eyes narrowed.

“I didn’t.” He settles back in his seat. “This is all Mario Kart.”

“I am not getting in this car.” She frowns. “Where did it come from anyway?”

“My dad.”

“He just let you borrow a car?” The idea of Gabriel Agreste allowing his unlicensed son to drive one of his cars so late at night is just a little more than Alya is prepared to believe.

“Well…” Adrien’s smile fades. “Not exactly.”

Alya watches him for a moment, and now that she’s paying attention, she wonders how she could have missed it earlier. Something is wrong. Adrien’s grip on the steering wheel is too tight, and the way he looks at her is just shy of desperate. Her stomach twists in concern, and she almost asks what’s going on, but she can tell by the set of his jaw that isn’t what he needs now.

So, Alya reaches out, opens the car door, and sits beside him. “Where are we going?”

“I couldn’t breathe…” he murmurs finally, so soft she almost misses it.

“What?”

He keeps his eyes on the road while he speaks, but she can’t keep her eyes off him. “It’s my birthday next week, and all he can talk about is designs and shows and fittings. I asked him for the weekend off, and he just told me this was a pivotal point in my career, and I couldn’t afford to miss any opportunity that comes my way.”

“Your father’s a jerk,” she grumbles.

“He’s…” Adrien grimaces, on the verge of defending him, but then he sags back against the seat and sighs. “Yeah. He is.”

“At last he sees the light.” She nudges his side. “I’ve been telling you he’s awful since the day I met him.”

“I know, I know.” He lets out a long, slow breath. “I just hate being in that house. It feels like a cage.”

“That’s because it is a cage,” she insists, straining to keep the anger out of her voice. “And I’m glad you broke out.”

“Me, too.” He manages a glance in her direction. “Thanks for coming with me.”

She smiles. “Hey, you really think I’m gonna let you make a stupid decision like this alone?”

He laughs, and she joins in, happy to see him actually relax.

When they finally pull over, it’s almost dawn. They’ve been giggling over nothing for the past hour, and Alya is pretty sure they’ve driven through the same stretch of road five times somehow. They’re definitely lost, and both of them left their phones at home.

“We don’t have to go back yet, you know.” She jokes, “Maybe if we keep driving, we’ll find an alternate dimension where your dad’s not the worst.”

He chuckles. “Could you imagine? Maybe we’d actually have a normal picture of animals or a landscape over the stairs.”

She groans, thinking of the depressing image of Adrien and his father that now hung there instead. “Oh, that portrait is the worst. It’s like it’s designed to suck the joy out of you as soon as you go inside.”

“Maybe it is.” He jokes. “Maybe my father feeds on other people’s joy.”

She snorts. “That would explain a lot. It’s probably why he never eats with you.”

After a moment of shared laughter, he sighs. “We have to go back eventually, though.”

“I know. But, that doesn’t mean now.” She looks over at the back of the car. “You know, it’s pretty roomy back there.”

“Yeah, I think Nathalie had the seats taken out to transport some outfits.”

She grins. “I have an idea. Drive over there.” She points to an open space out of sight of the road.

He shrugs, but he does it anyway. “Father’s going to notice I’m missing pretty soon. He can track the car.”

“I know. Come on.” She steps out of the car and pops open the trunk to crawl inside and pull out a stack of blankets. “I’m guessing Nathalie left these here.”

He follows her and smiles. “Yeah, she wraps them around the outfits in case there’s a crash.”

Alya nods and spreads them out over the back of the car, folding a couple and arranging them near the back of the seats as she does. “The sun’s rising soon.” She motions for him to join her as she lays back on the blankets. “And we’re pointed the right direction.”

He perks up and climbs in, laying next to her and positioning himself to watch as colors light up the sky. “It looks gorgeous.”

“You look gorgeous,” she teases, leaning over to press a soft kiss to his cheek.

“So do you.”

She scoots closer, ducking under his arm and laying on his shoulder. “Yeah, but I already know I’m gorgeous. I think you’re the one who could use a reminder sometimes.”

“I’m a model,” he points out with a small smile. “You don’t have to tell me I’m attractive.”

“I know you’re a model, Mr. I Have a Giant Billboard of Me Wistfully Staring Into the Distance. That’s not what I mean.”

“What do you mean exactly?”

She raises a brow. “It means I like looking at you. Your stupid face makes me smile.”

He laughs and reaches over to hug her. “Right, of course.”

“Can’t believe I had to spell that out for you,” she teases, pressing a light kiss to his cheek.

He’s quiet for a moment, watching the golden light spill over the sky, bathing both of them in warmth. “It looks different outside.”

She sits up to stare down at him. “Hey, you know you’re not stuck there forever, right?”

He tenses and watches her for a moment. “I know.”

“I mean it.” She darts down for a quick kiss. “You’re almost old enough to move out, and then you’re never living somewhere with bars on the windows again.”

“You really think so?” he asks, so low it breaks her heart to know he doesn’t believe it.

“Absolutely.” She flops back beside him, only too happy to paint him a word picture of the very different future she knows he has in store. “We’ll move somewhere with a great view. You’ll be able to see all of Paris from our balcony, and we’ll make everything in the place Ladybug-themed. Even the curtains.”

He laughs. “They sell Ladybug curtains?”

“We can pay Marinette to make them.” She waves a hand. “I’ll be famous enough by then that we’ll be able to afford a custom job.”

“You have everything planned out, huh?”

She chuckles. “Well, I have an idea. But…” Her eyes soften. “Look, I know your dad has this elaborate life plan for you. All I want you to do is be happy. I don’t care what that looks like.”

He relaxes against her. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. You can even laze around all day if you want. Be my house husband, study physics, fight crime in a Ladybug suit, work as a stunt double, help run the Ladyblog, whatever…”

“A stunt double?” He laughs.

“Hey, I’ve seen you on that rock climbing wall in your room. You could totally pull it off. I’ll even film your audition tape.”

“What if I don’t want to be any of those things?” he asks, and she can tell it’s half serious by the way his grip on her shoulder tightens.

“Then, you can just be my brilliant, gorgeous, pun-loving husband instead,” she murmurs, a hint of laughter in her voice.

He grins. “Are you proposing?”

“I mean, I guess you are kind of cute.”

He tucks her in closer and turns to murmur in her ear. “I think you’re the most beautiful person in the world.”

“Says the literal model.”

“I mean it.”

“I-”

“Adrien!” The two flinch when they hear Nathalie’s voice, followed by the sharp sound of a car door closing.

“So much for that sunrise,” Alya grumbles, sitting up.

Nathalie reaches them seconds later, breathless and wide-eyed. “Did you drive out here? What were you thinking? Your father was worried sick when you were missing this morning.”

“Yeah, I can tell.” Adrien glances over at his bodyguard, approaching the car alone. “He isn’t here, is he?”

Alya bites back a snicker. On one hand, she feels a little sorry for Nathalie, who likely bore the brunt of Gabriel’s frustrations this morning, but on the other hand, it’s always nice to see that she’s been a good influence on Adrien.

“No, but he sent us to find you.” Nathalie frowns. “Get in the car. I’ll drive Alya home.”

“Can we at least finish watching the sunrise first?”

Nathalie pauses, glancing down at her tablet and up at Adrien. “I…”

“It’s really gorgeous from here.” Alya winks at Adrien as she indicates a seat at the end of the trunk. “A lot prettier than an angry Gabriel Agreste.”

“I just want to see a sunrise outside for once in my life,” Adrien says, so low and pleading, Alya can almost feel it tugging at her heart, too. Nathalie, however, seems far more affected by the quiet hope in Adrien’s voice. She looks back at the sunrise, then down at Adrien.

The two of them can see the exact moment Nathalie decides to join. Adrien’s bodyguard must see it, too, because he pulls out a phone to call Gabriel and steps away.

“It does look nice,” Nathalie whispers as she sits on the edge of the trunk.

Adrien knows he’ll have to deal with his father’s repercussions once all of this is done, but he doesn’t regret it. Even when he’s saying goodbye to Alya and riding home alone, the memory of her warmth still clinging to his side. Even when Plagg is looking up at him while he waits for his father, the two of them on edge and worried about what Gabriel will say. Even when his phone and computer are confiscated and he’s grounded for two months, his father looking frustratingly unruffled as he delivers the news. Even when Adrien is laying in bed, staring up at the dark ceiling with nothing to do but count down to the day he’ll wake up to Alya and Ladybug curtains blowing in the breeze.

He falls asleep to the sound of her laughter in his ears and the remembered sight of bright reds and golds from the sunrise blanketing her in color.

[miraculousstorytelling]

Who Do You Love?

An early birthday gift for @megatraven whose birthday is tomorrow (y’all should all go and wish her a happy birthday!). Here’s some Alyabug for you, my dear Meggibee! Thanks for being your absolutely sweet and precious self, you delightful ray of sunshine.

Ladybug made the decision without ever really thinking about it. In fact, up until she landed on Alya’s balcony, part of her hardly even realized what she was doing. Sure, she’d taken the long way home after a short patrol, and sure, that was the way that took her past Alya’s home, but somehow denial had kept her from connecting the dots.

Ladybug chewed at her lower lip, indecision building in her chest as she looked inside. The lights were low in Alya’s room, but that could just mean she was pretending to be asleep so her younger siblings wouldn’t interrupt her. Besides, knowing Alya, even if she was asleep, she wouldn’t mind being woken up by Ladybug.

Before she could change her mind, Ladybug tapped on the window and stepped back, fingering her yo-yo and wondering if she should take the chance to fly away while she could.

A soft thump from inside made the decision for her. Seconds later, Alya was opening the door and peeking outside. “Ladybug?” she asked.

Ladybug nodded. “I, ummm… I missed you earlier today.”

Alya sighed and leaned against the doorframe. “Yeah…” She motioned down to the cast on her leg. “My mom threatened to ground me if I went akuma-chasing.”

“That’s probably smart.” Ladybug stepped closer, kneeling to examine the cast. “What happened?”

“I tripped, believe it or not.” Alya chuckled. “I was chasing after Ella in the park, and I totally missed the tree root in front of me.”

“Oh, no!” Ladybug frowned.

"It's fine. I have a friend who can catch me up on akuma news." Alya flashed her a hopeful smile. "But, I wouldn't mind an interview to make up for it."

Ladybug chuckled and stood. "Anything for my number one fan." She looped Alya's arm over her shoulders and helped her back to her chair. "Besides, I want to sign that cast of yours if I can."

"Of course!" Alya rummaged around on her desk once she was seated. "I have a marker here somewhere."

"Great!" Ladybug settled nearby, perched on the edge of Alya's bed. "I'm sorry we won't be seeing you at the akuma sites for a while."

"Yeah, I guess it's for the best," Alya grumbled as she handed over a permanent marker. "At least that's what Marinette keeps saying."

"Well, I have to admit, it's nice to not worry about you getting hurt." Ladybug gently lifted Alya's leg and settled it so her ankle was resting on Ladybug's knee. "Now, where's a good spot?"

"This one's pretty empty." Alya pointed to a blank spot on the cast. There weren't many, Ladybug noticed. Alya's sisters had taken advantage of the blank canvas and drawn a variety of pictures for Alya, including a unicorn and a stick figure that almost looked like...

"Is that me?" Ladybug asked, indicating the red and black stick figure.

Alya chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, Ella drew that."

"I'm flattered." Ladybug smiled and doodled a ladybug nearby. "Tell her I think it looks fantastic."

"Oh, I will. She'll be glad to hear I got to see you." Alya sighed and leaned back. "She actually feels pretty guilty about the whole injury thing. She thinks it's her fault."

Ladybug shook her head. "Poor Ella."

"Well, maybe hearing Ladybug liked her drawing will cheer her up."

"I can swing by sometime and tell her in person if you like."

Alya chuckled. "Look, I know you and Chat Noir handle villains all the time, but I'm not sure you're ready to take on my family. My sisters can be a handful."

Ladybug laughed and finished up her signature with one final dot. "I think I'll take my chances."

"Suit yourself." Alya tossed the marker back onto her desk. "Don't say I didn't warn you, though."

Ladybug nodded and set Alya's foot back on the ground. "So, interview time?"

Alya grinned and picked up her phone, ready to record. "Nino said the akuma this morning used the sun?"

Ladybug grimaced. "Yeah, he melted buildings with the heat of the sun. It was actually kind of scarier than I thought."

They settled into the familiar pattern of question and answer. Ladybug avoided anything too personal as she usually did, and Alya pressed for details even when Ladybug held back as she usually did.

"So, what's going on with you and Chat Noir?"

Ladybug rolled her eyes. "We're partners."

"So, dating partners or...?"

"Why, do you have a crush?" Ladybug teased. "You always ask me-" She cut herself off when she saw the way Alya froze.

"I'm just asking for the blog," Alya clarified, her throat tightening as she spoke. "Nothing more."

Ladybug took the phone from her and turned off the camera. "Alya, wait a minute. Do you have feelings for me?"

Alya scooted back in her chair. "What? No way." She waved a hand dismissively even as her cheeks darkened. "I'm just asking because the public wants to know."

"If I told you things between Chat Noir and I are strictly platonic..."

Alya shrugged. "I'd put that on the Ladyblog."

"And you'd feel..."

"Like I got answers," Alya answered, tone flat and expression neutral.

"And if I told you I did like someone..."

Alya tensed, but she covered it with a small smirk. "Well, then I'd have a new line of questioning."

"Hmmm..." Ladybug settled back on Alya's bed. "What about you, Alya? Do you have a crush on anyone?"

"As a matter of fact, I do."

"Really? Anyone I know?" Ladybug asked, the teasing lilt back in her voice.

"I don't know. Do you go to College Francois Dupont?"

"You know I can't answer that."

Alya brightened. "How about a game? We'll see who can guess the other person's crush first."

Ladybug chuckled. "Is that really fair? You don't even know my identity."

Alya shrugged. "Do I know your crush?"

"I think you might."

"Then, it sounds fair to me."

Ladybug considered for a moment, then she smiled. "Okay, why not?"

"Is your crush famous?"

"You could say that."

Alya huffed an irritated sigh. "That's vague."

"Well, how do you define famous?"

“If you asked a random person on the street, would they recognize your crush’s name?”

Ladybug considered for a moment. “Probably not.” She smiled. “But they will.”

“Okay, I’ll still count that as a no.” Alya motioned towards Ladybug. “Now you ask a question.”

“Is your crush famous?” Ladybug leaned forward, elbows resting on her knees.

“Not yet.” Alya chuckled. “Do you see your crush every day?”

“If I’m lucky.”

“You’re the embodiment of luck. Of course you’re lucky. Is that a yes?”

Ladybug grinned. “Most days I do see my crush, yeah.”

“Hmmm…” Alya frowned.

Ladybug raised a brow. “Do you go to class with your crush?”

“Yes.”

“Really?” Ladybug raised a brow. “Is-”

“Hey, now. My turn.” Alya folded her arms over her chest. “Does your crush like you back?”

Ladybug hesitated, frowning as she considered her answer. “I don’t…” She brushed traced a spot on her knee as she spoke. “I actually don’t know.”

Alya moved closer, resting a hand on Ladybug’s knee. “Hey, if they don’t yet, I’m sure they will. You’re Ladybug. Who wouldn’t like you?”

Ladybug smiled up at her. “Well, you don’t even know who I am under the mask.”

“No, but you’re not a totally different person. You’re brave and strong, and you’re a really sweet. I mean…” Alya leaned back. “You came and visited me out of the goodness of your heart.”

Ladybug nodded. “I guess that’s true.”

“So I’m thinking the answer is probably.”

Ladybug laughed. “Well, what about you? Does your crush like you back?”

“You can’t just ask the same questions,” Alya chided.

“And you can’t avoid the question just because you don’t like it, Ms. Hard-Hitting Reporter.”

Alya grimaced. “No, sh- they don’t.”

“She?” Ladybug asked.

“That was a slip-up, and you can’t use that information against me,” Alya ordered, only half-serious.

“If you can use my slip-ups against me, I can use yours against you,” Ladybug shot back. Then, she frowned. “She doesn’t like you back? You’re sure?”

“Oh yeah.” Alya waved a hand. “I’ve lost her to the sweetest boy in class. It’s actually annoying, because I can’t even be mad at him. He’s like sunshine incarnate.”

Ladybug inhaled sharply. “Wait… You-”

Alya grinned. “Don’t worry. I can handle a little rejection. I’ll find someone else to fall for-”

“Is your crush Marinette?”

Alya’s eyes widened for a second before she settled back into a scowl. “Okay, for one, it’s not your turn. And for two, you have to be more specific.”

“Is your-”

“Hold on! It’s still not your turn!” Alya took her time considering her options as Ladybug shifted impatiently at the edge of Alya’s bed. “Do you go to class with your crush?”

“Yes. Is your crush Marinette Dupain-Cheng?” Ladybug asked all in one rushed breath.

Alya nodded. “I didn’t think you’d guess so fast. Do you know Mar-”

“Why do you think she doesn’t like you, too?”

Alya raised a brow. “Okay, slow down. Do you know Marinette?”

Ladybug chewed at her lower lip. “Well…”

“Wait, you do?” Alya sat up. “Does she know you’re Ladybu-”

“Is it because she had a crush on Adrien?”

“Does Marinette know you’re Ladybug?” Alya tensed. “Wait, did you say had?”

Ladybug scooted back. “I, umm… It’s getting late.”

Alya quickly grabbed Ladybug’s wrist. “Oh, no, you don’t. You have some questions to answer.”

Ladybug glanced back at her. “I… I do know Marinette.”

“Does she know you’re Ladybug?”

“Why do you think Marinette doesn’t like you back?”

Alya arched a brow. “I asked first.”

Ladybug shot back a smirk. “Yeah, but it’s not your turn.”

Alya finally released her wrist. “Fine. Yes, it’s because of her crush on Adrien. The girl is still head over heels for him.” Her eyes narrowed. “And you said had. Past tense. Don’t think I didn’t notice.”

“Is that a question?” Ladybug settled back into a comfortable position on Alya’s bed.

“More of an observation. Does Marinette know you’re Ladybug?”

“I can’t really answer that question, but if she did-”

“She knows you’re Ladybug!” Alya shouted, quickly unlocking her phone. “And she didn’t tell me. I can’t believe-”

Ladybug snatched the phone away. “Hey. I never said she did.”

“Does she or doesn’t she?”

“I’m not answering that question,” Ladybug repeated, holding the phone out of Alya’s reach. “If she did, she wouldn’t be able to tell you. My identity has to be secret.”

“She totally knows! Give me my phone!”

“Not until you calm d-” Ladybug fell back with a soft whoosh of air, Alya sprawled across her stomach.

Alya grimaced, regretting the decision to lean in too close, particularly now that she was tangled with Ladybug. “I can’t believe my best friend and Ladybug are working together to keep secrets from me!”

“It’s an important secret!” Ladybug tried to wriggle back, but somehow Alya’s casted leg was caught between Ladybug’s knees.

Alya gasped in pain. “Okay, hold still for a second.”

Ladybug fell still, painfully aware of the soft curves of Alya’s hips so close to her own. She tried to control the blush dusting her cheeks as Alya carefully untangled their limbs, the warmth of Alya’s fingers easily seeping through the skin of her suit. “Sorry. Is your leg okay?”

“It’s fine.” Alya snatched her phone back and sat back in her seat with an irritated huff. “And I can keep a secret. You don’t trust me?”

Ladybug chuckled, staring up at Alya’s ceiling in the hopes that her blush will fade before she sits up. “Of course I trust you, but you do have a blog that’s dedicated to finding out who I am.”

“I wouldn’t tell anyone. I just want to know.”

“Have you considered that I want to tell you, but I don’t want to put you in danger?”

Alya fell quiet at that. “No. Do you?”

“I’ve wanted to since-” Ladybug sighed. “For a while.”

Alya’s weight shifted onto the bed. “Since when?” She laid next to Ladybug.

“I can’t-”

“Can’t answer that,” Alya mimicked. She glanced over and frowned. “Wait, are you blushing?”

“No.” Ladybug turned away.

“You are.” Alya leaned over her middle to check. “Why are you blushing?”

“I should probably head home. It’s getting late-”

“No, hold on.” Alya grinned. “Are you thinking about your crush?”

“I’m thinking about the fact that you have school tomorrow.”

“We have school tomorrow, you mean,” Alya corrected. “Remember, you said you go to class with your crush.”

Ladybug froze. “I… did say that.” She hadn’t even realized at the moment, given how consumed she was with the need to confirm that Alya’s crush was her alter ego. “So, yes. We both have school tomorrow, and we need sleep.”

“Do you go to my school?”

Ladybug sighed and flopped back, staring up at Alya. “I can’t answer that.”

“But you do go to school.”

“You did manage to get that out of me,” Ladybug answered, her lips quirking into a soft smile.

“With your crush.” Alya grinned, propping herself up by her elbow as she spoke. “So, is he cute?”

“He who?”

“Your crush.”

“You’re asking if my crush is cute?” Ladybug chuckled. “But the game’s over.”

“Call it round two.”

“But what am I trying to figure out?”

“I don’t know.”

Ladybug frowned. “Well, this isn’t a really fair game if we’re not both asking questions.”

“You can ask questions.”

“Fine.” Ladybug smirked. “So, it’s my turn. What makes you think Marinette still has a crush on Adrien?”

“She’s always talking about date ideas. Romantic restaurants, good movies, flower gardens…” Alya shrugged. “I keep telling her to just go for it, but she says she’s not ready. I keep saying it’s been years, but she’s still worried he’ll say no.”

Ladybug bit her lip. “Hmm…”

“Have you asked your crush on a date yet?” Alya teased.

“No,” Ladybug looked up at the ceiling, avoiding Alya’s curious stare. “Have you considered that maybe Marinette wasn’t talking about Adrien?”

Alya paused and moved into Ladybug’s line of sight. “Did Marinette tell you who she has a crush on?”

“Not exactly.” Ladybug looked away, but Alya followed her eyes.

“Then how do you know she isn’t talking about Adrien?”

“Why don’t you ask her?”

Alya watched her for a moment, then she leaned back and pulled up Marinette’s number in her phone. “Fine. I will.”

“No! Wait, not right now!” Ladybug sat up and covered the screen. “She’s...probably busy.”

“And how would you know that?” Alya asked, eyes narrowed.

“I just think-”

“Did she tell you she’s busy?”

“Not really. I just…. She might not pick up.”

“Then, I’ll leave a message.”

“Or you could just wait until tomorrow,” Ladybug suggested.

“Why don’t you want me to call Marinette?” Alya asked.

Ladybug immediately backed off. “Call her if you want.”

“Fine.” Alya paused, a dangerous look in her eyes. “Or… since you and Marinette are so close, you could just take me to her place.”

Ladybug paled. “What?”

“Just a quick visit. Then, you two can explain how you know each other.”

“I can’t do that!”

Alya raised a brow. “Why not?”

“That… It’s rude to just drop by someone’s house unannounced.”

Alya folded her arms over her chest, staring pointedly.

“Okay, I came to check on you,” Ladybug said. “That’s different.”

“Well, I want to check on Marinette, then.”

“She didn’t break her leg.”

Alya smirked. “And how do you know that?”

Ladybug frowned. “I just do.”

“Did you talk to her today?”

“Trust me. I just know she didn’t break her leg.”

“You don’t know. She could have tripped over her fabric basket and twisted her ankle.”

“Fine,” Ladybug scooted to the end of the bed. “I’ll swing by and check on her while I’m on my way home.”

“Hey, we’re in the middle of a game here. You can’t just leave!”

Ladybug raised a brow. “I thought you were worried about Marinette!”

Alya frowned. “Well, now you’re just using my words against me, and that’s rude.”

“Says the reporter.”

Alya bit back a smile. “Okay, fine. I guess Marinette can wait until I figure out your crush.”

“I thought you might say that.” Ladybug flopped back onto Alya’s bed, grinning up at Alya. “So, was it my turn?”

“I’m pretty sure it was mine.”

“Okay. What’s your question?”

Alya scooted over so she was laying beside Ladybug. “You never answered if your crush is cute.”

Ladybug smiled. “Yeah, my crush is gorgeous. Prettier than yours.”

“Excuse me, have you seen Marinette?” Alya shook her head. “That girl’s prettier than Adrien, and he’s an actual model.”

“I think you might be biased,” Ladybug teased.

“I’m a reporter, I’ll have you know. I deal in facts.”

Ladybug laughed. “Fair enough.” She peeked over at Alya. “So, if you were going to ask Marinette on a date, what would you say?”

“I don’t know.” Alya chuckled. “Probably something like ‘Wanna go to dinner at a nice restaurant? It’s totally not a date.’”

Ladybug shook her head, suppressing another round of laughter. “Somehow, I feel like she might get the idea it isn’t a date if you do that.”

“That’s the plan.”

Ladybug sat up on one elbow to look down at Alya. “How about you just ask her to a movie?”

“Do you think Marinette likes me back?” Alya looked past her to the ceiling of her room, her expression as deliberately neutral as she could manage.

Ladybug smiled. “I do.”

Alya finally met her eyes and smiled. “Really?”

Ladybug nodded and sat up. “Talk to her tomorrow. I think you’ll both be happy with how it turns out.”

Alya sat up beside her. “Are you leaving?”

“It’s getting late, and you need to rest.” Ladybug placed a hand on Alya’s shoulder. “And trust me when I say you’ve got this.”