#relationship: Alya Cesaire & Marinette Dupain Cheng

[bittersweetresilience]

AT LONG LAST THE HOW FAR WE'VE COME AMV HAS ARRIVED

thank you endlessly to the spouse house for supporting me through every brainstorm, every episode search, every cry session, and every celebration of the show i did along the way 💍🏡

[masilvi]

Here’s my piece for the @adrinettezine !

I loved seeing how everyone’s work came together in this funky little zine, I hope you enjoyed them too 💖

[Print]

[mochinek0]

Diner Girl

"So, we finally get to meet your girlfriend, in person?" Tim questioned.

"I'm already regretting this decision." Damian declared.

Jason chuckled, "Why? You think she'll like us more?"

"More like drive her away." Damian snarled.

"Relax, Little D." Dick smiled, "We won't do anything of the sort. Besides, it's been three years."

Damian sighed as they pulled up to the diner. Marinette had stated she was busy working until 5pm. The Wayne boys couldn't wait to meet her and asked if they could meet her at her work for a quick bite. They even said they could head out from there and take her home. He knew his brothers would try to convince her to change and go out instead.

Marinette heard the ding of the door opening and turned to see her boyfriend and his family. She smiled and looked at the clock.

'Thirty more minutes until I get off the clock. Maybe they'd like some appetizers.'

The Waynes sat down and saw Marinette subtly wave at them.

"My God, did you see her?"

"It suits her."

"I'm shocked she hasn't dropped anything yet."

Tim quickly took out his phone. He made sure to look interested at it, as he noticed the people in the booth behind them point at Marinette. He made sure his phone was still focused on them as his little brother's girlfriend approached the table.

"Sorry, for the wait." Mari spoke, "What can I get you to drink?"

"Hey, Pixie. Can I get a strawberry milkshake?" Jason questioned.

"Pixie?" she repeated.

"Because you're tiny and cute." he smiled.

His answered earned him a quick kick to the shin by Damian.

"Ow! You brat!" Jason yelled.

Damian flipped him off.

"Ignore them." Dick commented, "I'll take a limoncello float."

"Black coffee." declared Tim.

"Damian?" Marinette questioned, "Chai tea?"

"Yes." he answered.

Marinette smiled and walked away from their table.

"Oh, so she knows you favorites now?" Jason teased.

"Shut up." Damian growled.

"The butter knives aren't sharp enough and you know it." Tim sighed, noticing the girls in the next booth glaring at them.

Tim continued to appear interested in his phone.

'This isn't going to end well.'

Lila smirked as she tipped over her drink and it clattered to the floor.

"Oops." she spoke.

Alya snickered as the drink covered the floor.

"Clean it up, Lila." Adrien declared, "Now."

"Why would I do that, Adrien?" Lila questioned, "I don't work here."

"Well, if that is how you think, I can say you won't have a job anywhere." he replied.

Alya, Nino, and Lila looked at him shocked.

"You can't do that!" Alya shouted.

Adrien smiled and leaned back, "It's my father's company. Father expects perfection everywhere; especially in public."

"But my wrist hurts!" Lila whined, "It's why I spilled it. It was an accident."

He sighed, "We both know you're full of shit."

"Adrien!" Alya gasped.

"You are only special in your own head and it shows." he declared.

"Dude!" Nino cried out, surprised.

Marinette walked towards the table behind them and slipped on the scattered ice. Damian quickly grabbed her, preventing an accident, but the drinks still fell to the floor.

"Marinette!" the manager shouted.

"It-it wasn't my fault!" she stammered.

"You're fired!" he roared.

"But-" Marinette tried to refute.

"It's fine, Habibiti." Damian spoke.

"Yeah." Jason replied, "We'll leave."

The manager glared at her, "See! Now, you are making the patrons leave."

"The only reason we came here was to see Marinette." Dick annouced.

"Besides, " Tim spoke, "maybe you should hire Sausage Hair, there. Seems she'll be out of a job soon."

"Were you spying on us?" Alya shrieked.

"Recorded your conversations, too." Tim commented, "Planning to trip her? Classic."

"You're just jealous that Pixie Pop is better than you." Jason replied.

Lila stood up, in outrage, "I'm the daughter of an ambassador! I am a model for Gabriel Agreste! I travel the world and help with various charities! I know Prince Ali of Achu and Jagged Stone. I help Prince Ali in his environmental charities and I'm Jagged Stone's niece!"

The Waynes laughed. The manager noticed Marinette covering her mouth, but she was laughing, none the less.

'What is going on?'

"One: Prince Ali works in children's hospitals, not environmental projects." Dick stated, "He donates to our charities, all the time."

"Two: Marinette knows Jagged Stone. She is his 'niece', as well as his personal designer." Tim declared, "She doesn't even need this job, but she thought it would get her out of having kids thrown her way for unpaid babysitting gigs, at the last moment."

"Three: You are a waste of space from what Blondie was saying." Jason scoffed.

Damian smirked, "Go ahead. Tell her who we are Agreste. You've spoken to us before."

Adrien relaxed and smiled, "You're the Waynes. Your father is an international billionare."

Lila and the manager's faces drained of color.

Damian turned his glare to the manager, "Four: The only reason we were in your pathetic place was because of the angel in my arms."

"What's so special about her, anyways?" Alya snapped.

"She's my girlfriend." Damian announced.

The Waynes smiled behind him. Lila tensed up and looked between Marinette and the Wayne. Adrien just smiled and the manager sensed he had made a huge mistake.

"Come along, Angel." Damian spoke, "We'll take you home and we'll treat you to dinner."

"I have five restaurants ready to take our reservation in three hours." Tim declared.

Dick smiled, "We can settle it in the car."

"Sorry, I was such a bother, Damian." Marinette whispered.

Damian leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips, "You are never a bother to me. Though, you also have to thank Agreste there. He was trying to get the bitch to clean up the mess she made, before you came over."

Marinette smiled, "Thanks, Adrien."

"Oh, you're welcome, Mari." Adrien replied,, "Sorry, you ended up falling and getting fired."

Marinette just shrugged it off, "Like Tim said, I don't need this job. I just tired of Alya and Nino dumping their siblings at me for free babysitting gigs. I mostly took this out of spite. I'll be moving out of my parents' place this year; I didn't want to deal with packing and trying to take care of kids for some people who hate me."

"Come on, Pixie Pop!" Jason shouted, "Let's blow this popsicle stand!"

Dick smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder, "We can drop you off and we can go change in our suits that you made us."

Marinette smiled brighter, "They fit, right? Nothing needs to be adjusted?"

"Are you kidding me?" Jason asked, leading the way out the door, "Like a glove! Best monkey suit I've worn!" making her giggle.

"Do we need to stop anywhere to get you dressed up?" Tim asked.

Mari scoffed, "You think I wouldn't have dressy clothes? I have to travel with Jagged to his functions."

"Rock and Roll!" Jason smiled.

Damian kept his arm snug around Marinette's waist as they left the diner with a smile.

"Move, Lila." Adrien demanded.

"Huh?" she spoke, confused by the hostility coming out of his mouth.

"I need to leave." he declared

"But-" Nino spoke.

Adrien pointed to the door as Natalie walked in. She quickly spotted the blonde's coiffed hair and walked towards them.

"Adrien, those were-" she bean.

"The people Lila just humiliated herself in front of and they recorded the whole thing?" Adrien stated, throwing her fully under the bus.

Natalie glared at her as she quickly moved, allowing Adrine out of the booth. Adrien walked around the mess and spotted one of the dishtowels that Mari had dropped onto the floor. He picked it up and threw it right in Lila's face. She sputtered as she removed the soaked towel from her face. It was painfully obvious by the two toned skin color that most of her makeup was wiped off on the wet towel.

Adrien smiled, "You might want to get use to your new job."

"They know Marinette Dupain-Cheng?" Natalie questioned.

"Marinette is dating the youngest Wayne. Unless, Mari puts him in a good mood, Lila is likely to-" Adrien declared as his phone went off rapidly.

He pulled his phone out as Natalie looked towards her tablet.

"Oh, never mind. Timothy Drake-Wayne blasted Lila on twitter. The co-CEO of Wayne Enterprise just showed the world how two-faced Father's model really is." Adiren overdramatically sighed, "He posted the whole video of Lila pretending to be injured and purposefully making Marinette slip. He also posted Marinette getting horribly fired and all of the Waynes calling Lila a huge liar to her face. That's really not a good look for Gabriel."

Natalie tightened her grip on the tablet, "I'll call your father to see how he wants to deal with this new situation, seeing as we were suppose to meet the Waynes tomorrow."

Adrien smiled, "I'm pretty sure that the girl Lila got fired is the Waynes' personal designer."

Lila gulped and slowly sat back in the booth.

"If that is the case, I agree with Adrien, Miss Rossi; I would start looking for a new job." Natalie commanded.

Adrien walked out of the diner with Natalie in tow. Lila sat there frozen until Alya reached out and touched her hand.

"It's gonna be okay, Lila." Alya smiled, "It's-"

Lila tore her arm away from the journalist grasp and glared at her. She got up quickly and tried to rush out the door. In her hurry, she had forgotten about the spill and slipped. Lila fell forward but landed awkwardly, attempting to catch herself. She was rushed to the hospital with a broken arm.

As Nino drove Alya home, she sniffled as she looked through her phone. Her blog was being torn to shreds by people around the world. They were pointing out every lie and detail on how everything Lila said was fake. The comment that hurt the most was: I can't believe this blogger wants to be a reporter! Doesn't this girl know the basics for a reporter? It's called fact checking! Google isn't that hard to use!

TAGLIST:  TAG LIST:  @animeweebgirl @a-star-with-a-human-name @meme991001 @vixen-uchiha @abrx2002 @alysrose-starchild @fandom-trapped-03 @dood-space @moonlightstar64 @saltymiraculer @marveldcedits20 @09shell-sea09 @icerosecrystal @animegirlweeb @insane-fangirl-of-everything @blueblossombliss @nickristus-dreamer @megawhitleycalderonpaganus

[galahadwilder]

After a week of insisting to Alya that no, he and Marinette were not going to get together, he's in love with another girl, Adrien is both delighted and mortified to learn that actually, the other girl is Marinette and he's been acting like an ass all week. He falls into being Marinette's boyfriend quickly and easily, with all the gooey idiocy expected from a Lovesquare relationship, but one question keeps eating at him:

What is he going to tell Alya?

After all, he's been telling Alya no for a week. It won't be believable if he just suddenly claims he changed his mind, and he doesn't want her to think that he considers Marinette a second choice or backup option. He needs an explanation that sounds plausible while also not making it clear that he's not settling.

He shuffles through explanations with desperation. Maybe he and Marinette were secret pen pals? Or they knew each other from virtual Mecha Strike events, but only by their gamertags? They've actually been secretly dating for months but had to hide it from his dad? He'd realized he'd fallen out of love with the "girl from his work" and realized he'd actually been in love with Ma--no, she'd never believe that. He was so used to Anime relationships that he'd mistaken respect for love? Maybe, hard stretch, not great.

The next day at school, Alya sees the two of them necking and asks what changed, and Adrien launches into a long, complicated, incomprehensible explanation that he hopes will mollify her while protecting their identities.

This is approximately when Marinette realizes that she forgot to tell him that Alya found out a year ago.

[thorcep]

Jagged and anarka were having The Biggest dick measuring contest of their life, honestly a wonder how they (or any one of them tbh) didn't become akumatised

BY THE WAY that little "cant handle this shit sober" was not about anarka and jagged but MARINETTE calling him DARLING

Masterlist || First || Previous || Next

(and a little extra about how paris reacted to thAt colourful exchange)

[knifedancer]

The Kissing Booth

Marinette's class opts to run a kissing booth for their school fair fundraiser. Unfortunately Chloe drops out at the last minute and Marinette is selected to replace her. She's really uncomfortable with being a 'kisser' at the booth but then something unexpected happens...

Also posted on AO3.

“I don’t know about this, Alya!” Marinette anxiously tugged on the fabric that would be her blindfold for the next hour. It was canary yellow with little bees and flowers embroidered on it. She had handmade one for each participant.

“Come on, girl! You agreed to the kissing booth idea when we were planning what our school fair project would be,” Alya replied.

“But I didn’t plan to participate! This is so humiliating,” the bluenette bit her lip as she mentally panicked. “Why did Chloe have to back out at the last possible minute?”

The other girl shook her head, “Doesn’t matter. Don’t you see? This is your chance! You’ve been in love with Adrien since collège and we’re in lycée now. You’re no longer that short, awkward classmate that tripped over herself in Sunshine’s presence. He’ll kiss you and it’ll be magical. You’ll get married and have three kids and a hamster named—”

“Marinette, it’s your turn at the booth!” Rose’s excited voice called out from the other side of the curtain. The girl in question felt the pit of her stomach drop at the pronouncement, being overtaken by nerves.

“Look, I pulled some strings so you won’t be scheduled for the same hour as Adrien. That way he can come and support you instead of being tied up at the other side of the booth from you. Now get out there!” Alya shoved her from the small prep area they had curtained off and towards the back entry.

Marinette knew the booth set up by heart as she had helped design and build it. It was a long chute with two aisles that led to a set of booths where a male and female student would stand. Both booths were separated by a barrier and an exit curtain would lead the attendees away. Six students in total had signed up to be participants, equally split between sexes, and all had to be eighteen to avoid extra approval paperwork with the school. A few student staff members would stand at the entryway, before the two aisles diverged, to collect the required entry fee. Next to the entry was a bulletin board where the current participants’ photos would be posted. Participants would sit or stand at the booth while blindfolded, kissing whoever approached. They had set the whole thing up to keep things as anonymous as possible so that other students wouldn’t feel pressured to go one way or another, avoiding embarrassment, and keep from any awkwardness happening after in school.

It had been a good plan but Chloe, who had initially volunteered, had decided to flake out at the last possible moment. It left them in a lurch as they needed another female student to take her place and there were very few girls in the class that were eighteen that were willing to fill in: Juleka and Marinette. The Adrienette club, consisting of their various friends from Bustier’s old class, had tapped the designer to do it. She was very uncomfortable with the idea and expressed her desire not to participate – she hadn’t even had her first real kiss yet! No, she didn’t count the ones as Ladybug! – but they were adamant. They had brushed off her concerns without a second thought. It didn’t help when they heaped on the guilt about not being able to reach their fundraising goal for their class trip without their sixth person. Railroaded into accepting, the bluenette had been barely holding back a panic attack ever since.

The Ladyblogger gestured for her to take a seat on the stool and helped her put on the blindfold. “Alright, there you are! Now…I know you’re nervous but don’t worry about it! You’re going to be fine! But, if it helps, I’m your first customer,” with that, Alya gave her a friendly peck on the cheek that caused them both to laugh. “Don’t worry, you got this.” With that, she turned Marinette towards the front of the booth and exited the area, leaving the girl alone.

The young designer sat and wondered who might come to her side of the booth. With her luck, Adrien wouldn’t come at all. Not that she was necessarily hoping for that outcome. She had been waiting for three years for him to notice her, three years to figure out a way to tell him how she felt, three years of helping him with dates or gifts for other girls… Was someone worth waiting for that never noticed you or thought of you as anything more than a friend? She wanted to matter to someone! Marinette had resolved herself to let the silly crush go.  She had grown into herself since making that decision, becoming more confident and outgoing, losing her stutter, as well as finally gaining a little height (170cm). She was finally taller than her maman! Plus the physical exertion she experienced as Ladybug left her with athletic, lean muscles stretched over a pear-shaped frame. She wasn’t as curvy as Alya or Mylene, but she was happy with her more feminine curves. Even with all those changes, Adrien had still not noticed her, so she felt more assured than ever that she made the right choice.

An hour of time can pass in a blink of an eye or feel like a lifetime. For Marinette, it was the latter. After a little while, she found herself still sitting alone. She had propped her elbows up onto the small counter of the booth and rested her head on her hand. The walls themselves were not very thick so she knew Kim, who was sharing other side of the booth for the hour, had received several customers. Satisfied ones at that, if the moans and giggling were any indication.

‘Jeez, Kim… I’d tell you to get a room but you actually have one already…,’ she thought to herself as she blushed from a particularly raunchy noise. ‘Guess I didn’t have anything to worry about, no one really wants to kiss me.’ Tears pricked at her eyes behind the blindfold at that thought. Not that she wanted to be kissed by any random person, especially for her first kiss, but it still wounded her feelings a little. Almost every girl worries that she could be unattractive, Marinette was no exception.

And so, time passed awkwardly accentuated by muffled noises from next door. When it got closer to the end of the hour, Marinette could hear a commotion towards the entryway but could not make out what was being said. She could vaguely hear Alya questioning someone, but the response was lost on the bluenette. She wished she was up there instead, handling angry customers had become second nature to her from all her years working at her parents’ bakery. Anything was better than just sitting here!

Within a few minutes the commotion outside had stopped and she could hear footsteps approaching. “Miss Dupain-Cheng, your hour has finished. It is time for Miss Kubdel’s shift. I have come to retrieve you,” came the familiar voice of Felix. Adrien’s cousin was still the haughty boy he always had been but had mellowed out enough to participate in class fundraisers. Like Marinette, he had also gone through changes over the last three years. While Adrien had the height and strong shoulders, he had taken more after his mother – a lithe form with lean muscles. It turned out for the best, allowing the model to take on more androgynous looks that appealed to Gabriel’s larger audience. Felix had grown to over 180cm, developed broad shoulders and a bulkier muscular structure, and began styling his hair in a shorter version of the Harvard Cut. He still wore the same formal clothes but now had the stature to match his superior attitude. He certainly cut an intimidating figure.

Marinette untied her blindfold, sliding from the booth to join him by the exit curtain. She rubbed her eyes with a stretch, feeling stiff from sitting for so long. “Thanks, Felix. That was a long hour! How did we do on fundraising so far?”

“It appears we made our goal,” he replied blandly.

“Wow, really? Mon Dieu, I guess Kim was really popular!” Felix seemed to stiffen at her statement but did not say anything. “At least whatever we raise from the third shift can be used in our rainy-day fund.”

Felix, ever the gentleman, lifted the curtain aside for her and she nodded her thanks. They politely parted ways – he back to the front to monitor security and money handling practices; Marinette back towards their classroom to grab her wallet so she could enjoy the rest of the fair. Walking among the booths, she selected a one serving a delicious pasta before moving on to the crafts areas. Everyone was so creative and excited!

Her perusal of some bracelets was cut short when someone tugged hard on her elbow. Catching herself from falling over, she looked over to find a very frustrated red head. “Hey Alya, what’s up?”

“Girl, what is going on between you and Felix? Because he made a huge scene earlier at the booth!”

“What scene? There’s nothing going on between us, you know that…,” came Marinette’s puzzled reply.

Alya led her away from the busy booth areas and towards a quieter corner, pulling out her phone and presenting it to her friend. “Here. Watch the video I took during your shift.”

~~~ The Video ~~~

The camera shook as it came into focus on the entryway to the kissing booth. A small crowd of students had gathered near the bulletin to see who was participating and the schedule of kissers for the day. Ivan and Juleka were standing next to the collection box that they would add to as students approached. Suddenly a male student walked back through the entry and angrily huffed as he left, followed by another and another. Some asked for their money back but were otherwise either disappointed or angry looking as they left.

“What the heck is going on…,” came Alya’s disembodied voice as the video began progressing into the entryway. First down Kim’s area, where one could clearly see the jock lip-locked with a guy in a ponytail and red football jersey. Then the camera traveled back up the chute and into the other side.

There, Alya encountered a small crowd of agitated students that were stopped. Pushing through, Felix’s towering form was seen at the front. He had planted himself in the middle of the chute, arms crossed, glaring down anyone that dared to pass him. When one brave boy tried to step around him, Felix appeared to snarl something, too low to be heard by the camera, before the unknown boy paled and backed off. “Any other takers?” Felix asked the crowd calmly, staring them all down. “No? Then please leave.”

“Hey! You can’t stop paying customers… I want a kiss from the hottie in the photo!”

“Yeah, I want a kiss too!”

“I wouldn’t mind more than a kiss, if you know what I mean!”

“Ooooh!”

“Not before I get my turn with her!”

“It’s not like she belongs to you, man!”

Many in the crowd echoed similar sentiments, not noticing the darkening countenance of the tall young man in front of them. Felix uncrossed his arms and advanced, looming over the first student that insinuated getting more than a kiss from Marinette. The crowd’s mutterings had fallen silent, those in the front trembled or shivered from the look on Felix’s face. He seemed to exude a deadly aura, even the light in the room seemed to dim in his proximity.

“Excuse me? Who do you think you are, you sexist guttersnipe? It appears your parents raised you to think of women as merely playthings to be owned or used,” he slowly looked around, making sure to glare into the eyes of all those present. “You all disgust me. The person down this chute is a respectable, hard-working, intelligent young lady that does not deserve your slimy paws or ghastly thoughts directed toward herself. I will not let you proceed. Regardless of gender, none of you are worthy of her time. Leave immediately or…,” his voice seemed to growl with malice, “I’ll make you leave.”

The crowd dispersed back to the front with nothing more than upset mutterings. The recording drew closer to Felix, who had turned to look with mild interest. “What do you think you are doing? We’re trying to run a kissing booth here!”

“I know, Césaire, and I have a booth to protect,” he replied nonchalantly.

“By what, scaring off all our customers?!” Alya questioned angrily.

“Alya, I’m sure there’s a good reason Felix did that,” came Adrien’s soothing voice. He must have either joined in the investigation or split off from the crowd that had been excused.

“Quite right, cousin. Miss Dupain-Cheng was incredibly uncomfortable about the prospect of performing at the booth as a participant today. No one should be forced to do something that they do not want,” Felix remarked as if schooling a student that had asked a dumb question.

“Excuse you? Marinette didn’t have an issue! She would have told me!” came the blogger’s offended cry.

“Yeah, Felix. Besides, it’s not hurting anyone!” Adrien contributed.

The emerald eyes of the boy in front of them flashed and narrowed on them. “Did you even bother to ask Marinette how she felt? Or, knowing you two, bother to listen?” Felix crossed his arms and stood straight again, taking advantage of the additional 5cm he had over Adrien to now loom over the two friends. “Let me take your silence as a no. You didn’t ask, you didn’t listen. You pressured her until she agreed and then forced her to partake in an activity that she did not want to do in the first place.”

“But she…we didn’t think…,” began the other blond, cowering from his cousin. From his stance one could almost imagine a cat with its tail tucked between its legs while in the presence of a larger predator.

“That’s right, you didn’t think, cousin. You’re both no better than the ignoramuses I have been chasing off. You assigned me security for the day and that’s what I’m doing. Her welfare matters more than your ridiculous kissing booth,” he responded coldly.

“And how are we supposed to make up the money that we just lost to refunds? That had to be at least two dozen you chased off!” Alya questioned, clinging to her anger.

Felix clicked his tongue, looking less deadly than before but no less commanding. “Forty-two in total were sent away. If you’re concerned about the money, then I will pay triple for all the kisses Miss Dupain-Cheng was to give today.”

The camera had picked up Alya and Adrien’s choke at the statement but, before they could reply, Felix pointedly looked at his wristwatch. “Seems the hour is up. I will escort Miss Dupain-Cheng out to make sure she is not bothered by any lingering riffraff. I will join you at the front of the booth to settle the payment after.” With that he turned and walked down the chute towards the booth area.

“What the hell was that abou—,” Alya’s voice was cut off with the end of the recording.

~~~ Back to Present ~~

Marinette stood stunned as her friend took back her phone. She had never seen Felix be so protective before! Especially of her! She pressed a hand to her heart as it raced in her chest, hearing the blood pumping loudly in her ears.

“So? Did he say anything to you?” Alya demanded.

“No…he didn’t say anything about that…,” the girl replied slowly. “All he said was that we reached our goal…”

“Damn right we did, because he paid triple the rate for every person he turned away,” her friend exclaimed. Then her face changed to one of concern, “Was what he said true? Were you not comfortable participating as a kisser?”

Marinette winced and looked down, mumbling, “Yeah… I didn’t want to participate but none of you seemed to listen… I’ve been on the verge of a panic attack since yesterday and it was a relief when no one came to kiss me during my shift.”

Alya threw her arms around her and hugged tight, her tone contrite, “I’m so, so sorry! I should have listened to you. Can you forgive me?”

The designer returned the hug with a small smile, “Done. Just don’t push me into these things again, okay?”

They pulled apart with a giggle of agreement, the bespectacled girl grabbed her shoulders and looked curious. “So…Felix really didn’t say anything to you? Did you tell him how uncomfortable you were?”

“No, nothing…,” Marinette replied confusedly, replaying his words from the video in her mind. Her heart began to race again; she needed to talk to him! She glanced down at her phone to check the time, noting that he should be helping with the tear down right now. “Alya, I gotta go. Call me later, yeah?”

With that, she took off running. She summoned every Ladybug reflex she had and dashed through the throngs of people that still drifted between the food and craft stalls. She finally made it back to the booth location and looked around, not seeing the tall blond anywhere. Marinette approached Ivan, “Have you seen Felix?”

“Uh…yeah, I think he was taking the collection box back to the classroom,” he replied. “Good work today, by the way! I heard you were the big money maker!”

Marinette blushed and took off again, heading towards the main building. She slid to a stop at the classroom door and threw it open with a loud bang. Felix looked up from his task with a glare before realizing it was her. “Would you please close the door? I should have locked it while I was counting but didn’t think anyone else would come in here.”

She gingerly closed and locked the door, unsure how to proceed with this conversation. “Felix… Alya told me what happened at the booth earlier.”

The blond stiffened and sat back in his chair; he pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand. “I see. I’m sorry if I overstepped—”

“No, no, you did the right thing! It’s just...,” Marinette pulled at her fingers as sought out what to say. “How did you know I was uncomfortable? I mean…the rest didn’t seem to notice and…”

As she rambled incoherently, Felix had gotten up and approached the table in front of her. He sat on the edge of the desk and sighed, “I notice everything about you, Marinette.”

Marinette met his eyes with a jolt, staring into them as if trying to figure out her lucky charm. “Why?” was all she could manage, her voice taking on a fragile tone.

“In these three or so years that we’ve attended school together, I’ve grown to respect and admire you.” The blond’s voice dropped to a quiet, humble murmur, “Because you matter to me more than you could ever know.”

Not breaking eye contact, she stepped forward into his personal space. She reached out her right hand and hesitated, watching to make sure he was comfortable with it, before settling it on his left pectoral. She could feel his heartbeat beneath her fingers, pounding the same tempo as her own. His eyes were wide with surprise and she could hear his fingers gripping the edge of the desk so tightly that it creaked in protest.

“…Part of the reason I was so uncomfortable today was because I’ve never been kissed before,” she stated hesitantly. She noted the way the muscles in his chest seemed to tense beneath her hand at the confession. “For a long time, I thought it was just because no one was interested in me...” She saw his brow furrow and lips open as if to refute her statement, but Felix stopped when she applied just a little pressure.

“I think I was actually just waiting for the right person,” her hopeful blue eyes met his stare. She was scared of being rejected but, as soon as she saw how he had reacted in the video, she knew she had to take the chance. Because he had somehow wheedled his way into her heart without her noticing. “Felix, I…”

The boy’s hands released the table and one reached up to gently cup her cheek, as if holding a precious jewel. The other came to rest over her hand on his chest. He gazed into her eyes; she watched as something seemed to melt in their depths. Her left hand came up to cover the one on her face, leaning into it with a small smile. Marinette had never felt so safe and treasured. She could feel his heartbeat pick up slightly. Felix looked down at her lips as he leaned in, stopping just as their noses touched. She knew he would not proceed without her consent. They made exhaled a shared shaky breath, as if under great strain, before she closed the distance for him.

His lips were warm and slightly chapped from being in the sun all day, but she had never felt anything so soft before. His lips moved against her own and she eagerly matched his rhythm. The hand on her cheek traveled down to her lower back and pulled her close, her body fitting perfectly between his thighs and against his broad frame. Her hand, now free, moved to the back of his neck and toyed with the soft short hairs there. They kept the kiss languid and gentle, neither wanting to push too far.

When they finally broke away, their faces had matching ruddy complexions. She gently bumped her nose against his, reveling in their new found intimacy. Felix chuckled and wrapped his arms loosely around her, keeping her against his chest but making sure she didn’t feel trapped. Marinette felt some of her old anxieties creeping in. “Was…was that okay?”

“More than okay, my dear. I admit, I am not versed in the art of kissing either. But, if you so desire, I would be willing to practice with you…,” Felix offered slyly, leaning in to nuzzle her neck. “Perhaps for the rest of our lives?”

Her breathing hitched at the implications of his words. Marinette imagined what a life shared with him would be like, the joy and warmth, the teasing and banter, protected and treasured… She felt an overwhelming sense of rightness at the prospect. She must have been lost in thought for too long because Felix leaned back with a look of concern.

“Marinette, I didn’t mean to make the assumption—” he was cut off by her finger to his lips. She smiled at his expectant but shocked face.

“Less talking, more practice, hot stuff.” Felix broke into a grin then happily pulled her into another kiss. The second of many in their future.

Afterall, he had paid for them…

~~~Author's Note:

"Best investment I ever made." - Felix, on his wedding day.

[seas-of-silver]

Marinette: winces

Alya, Nino and Adrien: look at Marinette

Nino: "Are you okay?"

Marinette: "Yeah, just need to make an appointment with my chiropractor."

Nino: "Oh, for your back?"

Adrien: "Lower back."

Marinette, Alya and Nino: look at Adrien, wondering how he knows the answer and why he's answering on Marinette's behalf

Marinette: "Uh, yeah."

[mickeljewel]

Adrien glanced over at Alya, “You know, don’t you?”

Alya played innocent, “Know what?”

“That I like her.”

Alya smirked, “You said it not me.”

“You already knew though. Didn’t you?”

“You can’t hide things like that from me, Sunshine.”

“It’s complicated… right? With all the… secrets that have come up?”

“Yes.”

“So can I implore you not to… meddle? And not to say anything?”

Alya leveled, “You can ask, but remember she’s my bestie. I won’t go running and say “Marinette…… Adrien’s totally in love with you and wants to marry you, get a hamster with you, and have children with you….” But don’t you think that’s a little late considering the many love confessions that have already been said?”

“Yes, but she rejected me. And I’m not re-confessing. Her friendship is too important to me.”

Alya raised an eyebrow. Nino looked between the two.

“It’s not my place to tell you what to do.” However, when she saw Adrien’s gaze drift to the door that Marinette walked out of, she gave a meaningful glance to Nino as if to say “but you and I are talking later”.

Adrien’s eyes hovered at the exit of his love, sad and mopey.

“Alya… what’s going on with her?”

Alya sighed, “You know. Everything is complicated.”

His eyes never wavered, but pouted at her response. Then he wondered, Wait… how did Alya know that I wanted a hamster…?

Meanwhile Alya shook her head and mumbled to herself, “These two are going to be the death of me.”

[nirby-wirby]

AN: This work is for @maridotnet! I was your @mlsecretsanta :) I hope you enjoy this fluffy Adrienette fic! I really enjoyed working on it. Summary: Marinette, Adrien, Alya, and Nino have a sleepover at Marinette’s house. Will Marinette and Adrien finally confess their feelings? Title: I loved you then and I love you now

Adrien stared into his reflection in his bathroom mirror, determined. He was having a friendly sleepover with Nino, Alya, and Marinette. He was going to have a nice time and when Alya and Nino fell asleep, he’d confess his feelings to Marinette. Maybe. Hopefully.

His previous attempts hadn’t been so great. After waiting for a couple months to see if Marinette had ever confessed to buttercup and gotten a boyfriend, he’d realized that he was paying attention because he didn’t want her to get with the mysterious boy. Of course he wanted Marinette to be happy— she was one of his closest friends— but he wanted her to be happy with him.

Then, the reveal happened. They’d both rushed into an alley to transform and hadn’t noticed each other until bright green and pink lights illuminated the small space and they’d almost been blinded. They hadn’t had time to talk about it at the moment because an akuma was wreaking havoc in the city, and they hadn’t really had time in the past few weeks.

Of course, he’d tried to talk to her. He’d wanted to talk about the reveal and confess his feelings for her. But every time he got to the point where he’d say he really cared about her, she’d say something like, “Right! Because we’re very good friends!” then laugh nervously and run away with an excuse.

But tonight would be different. Possibly.

He smacked his cheeks lightly, trying to psyche himself up. He could do this! He’d just correct her before she could run away. And where would she even run? The sleepover was at her house. It would be after the bakery closed. If she made an excuse this time, then maybe she just wasn’t comfortable being near him. He frowned. He thought they’d gotten past this. 

Adrien shook the thoughts away as he checked the time. “Plagg?” The kwami appeared beside him, popping a triangle of camembert into his mouth and swallowing it whole. “It’s time to go. Don’t you think you have too much cheese for one night?”

The kwami looked at the bag he’d filled with seven camembert wheels. “No? Why would this be too much?”

Adrien rolled his eyes. “Whatever.” He’d just make sure the bag was sealed completely so Marinette’s room wouldn’t stink.

A knock came from his door. “Adrien,” Nathalie called, “your driver is ready.”

“Coming!” He grabbed his overnight bag as Plagg hid in his shirt pocket.

He could do this, he reminded himself as he stepped out of his room. Tonight he’d confess his love for Marinette and, hopefully, everything would be fine. 

————

“I can’t do this!” Marinette exclaimed, hands pulling at her hair. She was pacing in her room as Alya watched her from the chaise lounge she reclined on. “Why did I think this was a good idea? A sleepover? At my house? In my room? With Adrien?” The girl whirled around to face her best friend, “Why didn’t you talk me out of it?”

Alya laughed, “Relax, girl. I’ll be here and so will Nino. If you need anything, we’ll be here for you. There’s nothing you need to worry about.”

Marinette frowned. That was easy for Alya to say. Somehow she always managed to be calm, cool, and confident. And Marinette was cool and confident, too! …Just not so much around Adrien. And definitely not calm. If she was Ladybug, then yeah, she could be calm. Sometimes.

Which Adrien knew. Because he was Chat Noir. Her partner, her best friend, and her kitty. Marinette blushed, she still couldn’t believe they were the same person. Silly, flirty, easy going Chat Noir that she could always be herself around was the same boy she could barely hold a normal conversation with. It also meant that it was Adrien who kissed her hand and winked at her and called her his lady. Oh god. She was not going to survive the night with that knowledge.

Marinette groaned, pulling her hands down her face as she sat down next to Alya. Alya put an arm around her shoulders, rubbing one in a comforting manner. Marinette placed her head on her friend’s shoulder. “I don’t know if I can confess tonight. I’ve never been able to, so why’s tonight any different?”

Alya gently nudged Marinette off her shoulder and placed both her hands on Marinette’s shoulders. “Hey, look at me.” Marinette slowly looked up at her. “You don’t have to if you’re not ready. But I know you can do this! If you just can’t get the words out, then have fun tonight. It’s a sleepover with your best friends! We were able to get Garba— I mean, Gabriel Agreste to let his son leave the house. That’s something to celebrate! Right?”

Marinette smiled. She was so lucky to have such great friends. “Okay…thanks, Alya.”

Alya grinned, hugging her. “Anytime.”

“Marinette?” Her mother called. “Can you get the door please?”

Marinette pulled away from Alya, nervousness creeping back into her. Alya patted her shoulder reassuringly. Marinette nodded, taking a deep breath. She could do this. She was going to survive the sleepover.

As she walked down the stairs, Marinette hyped herself up. It was just one night. Just a normal sleepover with her friends.

(And the love of her life. But if she thought about that, then she wouldn’t survive the night. And she couldn’t let Adrien have a bad sleepover experience. And if she died at a sleepover, then what would her tombstone say? “Died from being too close to Sunshine Child who also happened to be Charming, Flirty Kitty”? And—)

She was at the door. Ok, Marinette, she told herself, just open the door. You can do it.

Her hand closed on the handle. She turned the knob, then—

“Hey, dude!” Nino smiled as he waved at Marinette.

Oh, it was just Nino. Marinette breathed a sigh of relief. She could deal with Nino. “Hi! Come on in,” she grinned. As Nino walked in, Marinette caught sight of blond hair. Oh no.

“Hi, Marinette,” Adrien said, his smile dreamy as ever. Marinette’s heart picked up speed and she felt her cheeks heat up. Did she really just call his smile dreamy?

“Heeeyyy, Adrien,” she replied.

Two seconds. Two seconds was all it took for her to be a jumbled mess around him. How was that even possible? Did he put some sort of spell on her? No, he wouldn’t do that. Adrien was too nice.

Marinette stepped aside to let him in her house. “You guys can go upstairs,” she told the boys, “Alya’s already there.” She closed the door as they headed up to her room.

Her mom smiled at her as Marinette reached for the tray of snacks she’d prepared for them. “Good luck,” she said.

Marinette’s face burned with embarrassment. “Thanks,” she muttered. But, really, she did need the good luck wishes. She needed all the luck in the world if she was going to survive the night. 

Marinette stopped at the bottom of the stairs, staring up at them. They’d never seemed like much of a challenge, but in that moment, they seemed like the longest hike. 

Marinette shook her head to clear her thoughts. She was Ladybug! She could handle a sleepover with her crush and her best friends! It wasn’t the end of the world. Right?

————

Adrien didn’t think he’d ever had so much fun, or sugar, in his life. (Which was kind of sad, but he wasn’t going to think about it.)

Marinette and her parents had a steady supply of delicious pasteries that seemed to never end. Alya and Nino had also brought soda, chips, and candy. They’d played truth or dare, they’d taken random online quizzes, they’d challenged each other to eat sour candies without making faces — which had been hilarious — they’d had a pillow fight, then they’d built a pillow fort. (Adrien didn’t think he’d ever made a pillow fort before.)

Now, in the comfort of their small pillow fort and some warm blankets, they watched a movie on Marinette’s computer. But Adrien couldn’t really pay attention to it. Not when Marinette’s hand was centimeters away from his. They’d had to squeeze in close to all fit in the pillow fort, and of course Alya and Nino wanted to be next to each other. Naturally, Marinette sat beside Alya, which had left just enough room for Adrien to squeeze in next to her.

He wanted to hold her hand. So badly. He wanted to so much that he was actively holding himself back from closing the tiny distance between their hands. They’d held hands before, of course, but that was when they were running away from danger or his fans. He wanted to hold her hand in a romantic sense, like when they were cuddled in a pillow fort and enjoying small moments or walking along the Seine at the end of a wonderful date. And he really, really wanted to hold her hand in that very moment.

Instead, he moved his attention to Alya and Nino who’d fallen asleep. It was the perfect chance to get Marinette alone and tell her his feelings. He glanced at Marinette as she idly chewed on the popcorn they’d made for the movie.

Gosh, she looked so pretty. Her hair had come undone from the usual pigtails in the pillow fight and she’d just left it like that. Did she know what it did to him? Did she know that it only strengthened the yearning to play with her hair as she falls asleep? (Maybe one day he’d get the chance.)

Marinette’s eyes caught his and he quickly looked away, face burning. She’d caught him staring. Oh, no. What if she thought he was weird for staring? No, no, he just had to play it cool. Yeah. He could do that.

He cleared his throat and looked at her again. She looked back at him and — oh, why was he so nervous? He’d confessed so many times to her before, so why did he suddenly feel so anxious?

Adrien then realized he hadn’t said anything for a while after clearing his throat. “Uh.” Wow, what a great start, a voice that sounded a lot like Plagg said in his head. Maybe he was spending too much time around the sarcastic little guy. He tried again. “Do you…wanna get some fresh air outside?”

Marinette smiled and his heart stuttered. She was so pretty, and for what? To kill him? Probably. “Sure.”

Quietly, they tiptoed across Marinette’s room and out to her balcony. It was somewhat chilly, and Marinette was smart enough to grab a blanket on her way out. Adrien was grateful for his warm pajamas.

They stood side by side, leaning on her balcony railing and watching the streets below. It was late, but it was also the weekend, so people were still out and about. Adrien watched as a couple laughed, swinging their joined hands with much enthusiasm. Their wildly swinging hands came back to a normal swing as their laughing subsided. Adrien wished he could do that with Marinette. Maybe he would if he’d just confess.

Adrien looked at Marinette, grasping her blanket in one hand to keep it in place around her shoulders. She was smiling serenely as she watched the street below them. Her twinkling balcony lights cast a golden glow over her face. She looked breathtaking.

Ok, he told himself, you can do this! You’ve done it before and she looked just as gorgeous then. You can do this!

“Marinette,” he murmured, stepping in a little closer, “for a while now, I’ve been wanting to tell you this. You know you’re very important to me—“

“Right! Because we’re very close friends!” Marinette interrupted loudly, a nervous laugh escaping her. She turned on her heel to leave, but he couldn’t let her go yet again.

Gently, he grasped her hand, sighing, “Yes, we arevery close friends, but…” He looked her in the eye, mesmerized by the sea of blue that met him. “I want to be more than that. I love you, Marinette. I always have, whether I realized it or not, and knowing that you were the girl under the mask only made my feelings stronger.” It felt good to get it off his chest. “It’s ok if you don’t feel the sa—“

“I love you too!” Marinette blurted, her words leaving her so fast it took him a moment to register what she’d said.

“You…love me, too?” She nodded, tears in her eyes. Adrien laughed, picking her up at spinning her around in his arms. “You love me, too!” He exclaimed as Marinette giggled, cheeks flushed from joy.

He paused, his heart beat thundering in his ears. He wanted to kiss her so badly. But would it be too soon? They stared at each other, love in their eyes.

Then, Marinette blushed and whispered, “Can I kiss you?”

Adrien grinned, leaning in and meeting her half way. Her lips were soft and warm, and her lipgloss tasted like passion fruit. When they pulled apart, he asked, “Did you wear that lipgloss on purpose?”

Her cheeks got even more red. “Maybe.” They giggled as he twirled her around again. “I’m so happy,” Marinette murmured.

“Me, too, Marinette, me too,” he replied softly, leaning in for another kiss.

————

Alya opened her eyes and grinned up at Nino. Nino grinned back. The two of them knew their friends were having trouble getting together so they made yet another plan. They’d encourage the two to confess as they always did, but also give them the opportunity to do so.

Obviously, Adrien and Marinette weren’t going to confess with her and Nino being right there, even though they both knew they liked each other. It was understandable that they’d want to be alone for that. The best way for them to be alone was if they thought she and Nino were asleep.

So, Nino suggested they watch a movie, then the two of them pretended to fall asleep within the first twenty minutes. It was hard not to smile when Adrien asked Marinette if she wanted to get some fresh air. Now, they just had to hope they finally confessed.

“Do you think it worked?” Nino whispered.

“I don’t know why it wouldn’t,” Alya replied. But then again, that’s what they’d thought about other attempts. “I’ll go check.”

Alya crept up the ladder to Marinette’s bed loft and carefully opened the trapdoor just enough to see Adrien’s feet on the ground, and Marinette’s in the air. He was twirling her around. Then Alya heard her giggle and say, “I’m so happy.” With a giant grin, Alya quietly closed the trapdoor and hurried over to Nino.

“They did it!” She whisper-yelled as she hugged him tightly.

“Finally!” When they pulled away, he kissed her cheek, softly. “Now, we can go on double dates without them complaining about being the third wheels.”

“But you know they’re going to be insufferable in their first month or so of dating.” The honeymoon period for those two would be as if honey was poured on cotton candy — sickeningly sweet.

Nino shrugged, “I think it’ll be better than hearing them pine over each other.”

“Good point.” The trapdoor opened. Alya and Nino tried to be casual as they turned to watch Adrien and Marinette move back to the pillow fort. “There you guys are.”

“Needed some fresh air?” Nino asked.

Marinette and Adrien looked at each other. “Yeah.” Adrien lightly swung their joined hands.

“Oh, and what’s this?” Alya asked as though she didn’t already know what was going on.

Adrien smiled softly at Marinette. “We’ve decided to start dating.”

“That’s great! I’m so happy for you guys!” Nino nodded in agreement.

The two squeezed back into the pillow fort. “So,” Nino clapped his hands together, “who wants to try some more sour candies?”

The others cheered. Soon, they abandoned their movie and continued with their sleepover shenanigans. As Alya looked at the happy new couple, she grinned. This was surely a night to remember.

[starsfic]

Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Girlfriend of Ladybug

Summary: During another invasive interview pushing her towards Chat Noir, Ladybug panics and claims that she’s dating someone. Who? Oh, just her civilian identity. Dominos unexpectedly topple.

Ko-Fi

-_-

It was a heat of the moment thing.

Ladybug really couldn’t blame herself. Well, technically she could, considering she had agreed to another hour-long interview with Nadja and Chat Noir. Where, of course, the topic inevitably turned back to the nonexistent romantic relationship between her and her partner, not helped at all by the fact  that Chat kept egging it on and nobody seemed to notice or care about her discomfort. The moment Alya appeared on screen and asked “So when are you going to admit your feelings for each other?”

She snapped.

“I have a girlfriend.”

Dead silence encased the studio. Chat gaped at her, Alya gaped at her, Nadja gaped at her, everyone gaped at her. It was only until a hand reached out of the audience that noise came back in. “Excuse me?”

“Yes, I have to agree,” Nadja said, a flustered blush making her cheeks red. “Excuse me?”

Welp, she had already said it, so might as well. “I have a girlfriend,” she repeated. Chat and Alya continued to gape at her. She took a deep breath in and plastered on a stern look. “Nadja, did you ever think the reason why I don’t confess my feelings for Chat is because I don’t have any?”

Silence encased the studio, but it was the silence where people were muttering to each other. Ladybug waited. Chat continued to gape, but Alya shut her mouth and made an odd squeaky noise.

Nadja finally took a deep breath in. When she opened her eyes, she seemed to be staring at her in a different way. Not as an icon or an idol or a celebrity, but as if Ladybug was a real person. She hadn’t even realized that she hadn’t been looking at her that way. “No,” she said. “I’m…so sorry, Ladybug. I hadn’t considered that.” Ladybug nodded but didn’t say a word. “May I ask who it is?”

Well, crap. She hadn’t expected that. She was tempted to say, “No comment,” but then it would be possible that people would catch on to the fact that she was lying. She needed someone. Ladybug thought for a moment and then prayed Tikki wouldn’t be too mad.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng.”

Once again, the room descended into muttering silence. Chat was pulling out his staff with the angriest look she had ever seen on his face. Ladybug couldn’t help but raise a brow at that. But then Alya spoke with a “NO WAY!”

Ladybug raised a brow. “Are you calling me a liar?”

“Yes!” Alya said, seeming to not care about the fact that she was being televised live. “She’s in love with Adrien Agreste! He’s her soulmate, I’m sure of it!” Geez, Alya, thanks. Chat’s muttering stopped. “She’s been struggling to confess to him since the attacks first began! He’s-”

“A boy, Miss Cesaire,” Ladybug cut her off, keeping her voice bored. Yes, she did have a crush on Adrien once. But her feelings had faded over time, especially when she thought of how he reacted to Chloe and Lila hurting her. “A boy that is well-known and popular with the female population of Paris. A boy that would be expected if a person asked about a celebrity crush.”

Alya stared at her. She could practically see her put the pieces together. “What about Luka Couffaine? She dated him for…a few months!”

“Her and Luka Couffaine, I have discussed with her,” Ladybug said, keeping her voice calm. Her mind raced- she would definitely need to talk to Luka after this. “I will not pretend to be a good girlfriend, Miss Cesaire. Marinette does not know who I am under the mask- if anyone says that they do, they are lying-” Hopefully, that dealt with Lila. “Our relationship had to be kept secret. I cannot take her out on dates or meet her parents. So, we agreed to an open relationship.”

Nadja cleared her throat. “She does not know who you are?”

Ladybug shook her head. “No. We agreed that, after Hawkmoth is defeated and I can retire, I will reveal myself to her and discuss our relationship from there. I’m only being open with my relationship now since she knows I am uncomfortable with people trying to ship me with Chat Noir-”

“Because they know we’re meant to be!” Chat burst out. Honestly, she was surprised that he hadn’t spoken up sooner. He grabbed her hand and tried to pull her close. “My Lady, think about it! We have so much more in common than some random civilian!” His eyes were dark, sending shivers up her spine. “You’re lying about Marinette, right? There’s no way you could fall for some random person-”

“Hey!” Alya spoke up, her voice bordering on fury. “Marinette’s not just some random nobody!” The camera shook as something slammed, most likely Alya’s fist slamming into the desk. “Marinette is the smartest, most creative person I have ever met! She’s probably the greatest actress of all time, and I would say that she has done so much more for Paris than you ever have on your own!” She took a deep breath. “Ladybug, you have great taste.” And with that, Alya’s camera cut short.

Nadja nodded. “Okay, next question,” she said, her voice still a touch strained from the bombshell that was just dropped on her.

Hopefully, this didn’t blow up.

-_-

It blew up.

Tikki, thankfully, didn’t seem mad. “It was clever,” she said before encouraging Marinette to go to bed.

When Marinette woke up surprisingly early, it was to a ton of messages on her social media and email. By the time she left for school, it was a flood that she was too afraid to look at. Her parents were surprisingly happy for her, with her dad apologizing for blowing up in such a way on Chat Noir. “It’s okay,” she said, hugging him. “It was awkward, but it kept Chat from following Ladybug.”

“Which I can’t believe he did!” her mother groused. “You think he would know better!”

“Yeah,” Marinette sighed, old annoyance flaring up. “Me too.”

Thankfully, there wasn’t a crowd of reporters- yet. So Marinette wasted no time in rushing over to school before one did form.

Once she was there, she found herself pausing. A large portion of the people she saw were wearing Ladybug’s spots or LGBTQIA+ merch, from full outfits to just hair clips. Several stopped to smile and give her friendly waves, while others looked starstruck. This was a bigger reaction than she was expecting.

She waved back and headed to her classroom. She sent another prayer to the surprisingly quiet Tikki that nothing happened and opened the door.

The classroom was surprisingly quiet, with Lila sitting in the back looking like she had all the life drained from her, until Marinette stepped inside. “Marinette!” Alya said, jumping to her feet. She had switched her orange flannel for one bearing the pan colors. She wasted no time in rushing up and practically scooping her up in a hug. The shock meant that it took a second before Marinette realized that Alya was apologizing into her hair. “-so sorry, I should’ve thought more about Ladybug’s feelings, I never meant to hurt her, swear-”

“It’s okay,” Marinette said, pulling away to smile at her bestie. “I know how people can get with superheroes, I think Ladybug forgives you.” She poked Alya’s nose. “Although I’m annoyed that you tried to air out my crush on Adrien to all of Paris.”

Alya sighed, nodding. “I know. Now that I think about it, it was super not cool.” She tried for a smile. “I’m sorry, girl.”

Despite herself, Marinette couldn’t stay mad. “I forgive you. But, don’t do it again.” Alya nodded and with that out of the way, she could move on. She looked around and couldn’t help but raise a brow. “But what’s going on? Why is everyone either wearing Ladybug stuff or pride stuff? If I had known, I would’ve dug my pride stuff out.”

“Oh, haven’t you checked online?” Nino called, his headphones decorated with bi stickers.

Marinette shook her head. “I’ve been too afraid to,” she admitted. “My social media has been flooded with messages and emails.”

“Oh, I can sort those for you, dudette.”

“Thank you,” she sighed, handing over her phone. “The code’s still the same.” Nino nodded as he began to fiddle with her phone.

“Anyway,” Kim said, wearing a transmac hoodie instead of his regular red hoodie. “The entire queer community adopted Ladybug as a queer icon after her interview last night. People have been debating for hours whether she’s a lesbian or bi.”

“Uh huh,” Well, at least the community was supportive. “I’m glad people are supportive.”

“Of course they are,” Alya said, leading her to their seats. “It’s Ladybug and you, the biggest sweethearts in Paris. If anyone isn’t, they look-”

“RIDICULOUS!” Chloe stormed in, wearing her normal clothing. Her gaze could’ve set Marinette on fire as she marched up and slammed her hands on her desk. On closer inspection, her eyes were rimmed red. “Break up with Ladybug.”

“Excuse me?”

“Are you deaf?!” Chloe shrieked, slamming her hand down. “Break up with Ladybug! There is only one girl that is perfect enough for her to date, and it’s certainly not you!”

“And I’m guessing that’s you?” Alya scoffed before Marinette could figure out a proper response that wasn’t not in your life. “Please, everyone knows Ladybug hates your guts.”

“She does not!” Chloe shrieked, tears beading up in the corner of her eyes. “She thinks I’m great! She chose me to be a hero! She knows I’m great! She-”

“Lost the Miraculous by accident, and you refused to give it back.” Marinette interrupted. Chloe’s jaw dropped, and she gaped at her. “Yeah, she told me about that. She thought you would do better, be better if you understood how your actions affect Paris. But you didn’t.” She leaned forward and that angry spark in her, the one that had been burning in her since Adrien pouted and moaned, burned. “Your actions are why people were celebrating that you were leaving Paris when you decided to go to New York.”

“Marinette!” Adrien called, also dressed in his normal clothes, but she held her hand out.

“You are nothing to Ladybug. Just a hazard and a safety risk.” Marinette leaned back in her chair. “The only reason I made that party for you is because Adrien asked. Nobody else.”

Chloe shut her mouth. She looked around the room. Sabrina looked away. Nobody else did, staring her down, bonded in silent agreement. Marinette expected her to rage, to scream, to throw a fit. Instead, she straightened up and walked to her seat. The moment she sat down, she hid her face.

“Marinette!” Adrien barked. “That was horrible! You-”

“Told her what Ladybug thought of her and what she needed to hear,” Marinette said, interrupting him. She leaned forward, allowing the anger brewing in her at him to burn in her eyes. “And if you don’t stop and think about your actions, so will I.”

Adrien stared with wide eyes. Without another word, but a nasty glance back, he turned and sat down. Nino scooted away from him before turning and holding up her phone. “Here, Nette,” he said. “There was some hate mail from people like Chloe,” Chloe flinched. “But a lot more of people supporting you.”

“Oh, that’s sweet,” Marinette said, taking her phone back.

The rest of the school day passed in silence. Twice, Adrien tried to get her alone, apparently undeterred by her threat, but Alya and the rest of the girl squad made sure there was a bodyguard nearby until Adrien had to leave for a photoshoot. (Rose was tiny but fierce in her desire to protect Marinette.) The rest of the school left her alone, excluding a few people who asked for her autograph and pictures and a whole bunch of gifts and letters in her locker. Marinette tried to ignore the heat in her face with all the love and care. 

Finally, the school day was over. Marinette walked out and breathed a sigh of early relief. She could see a few news vans waiting outside the bakery, so she had that to stress about, but she had gotten through the school day relatively unscathed.

The sound of a guitar met her ears and she paused, coming to a stop on the stairs.

Right. Luka.

She meant to talk to him after the interview, but Chat Noir had been following her, insisting to talk more about them, that she hadn’t been able to. So, here she was, standing on the steps, trying her best to not be seen by the musician as he strummed his guitar, probably waiting for Juleka.

It was tempting to run. But Marinette had to be braver than that. 

She took a deep breath and marched down the stairs, coming to a stop right next to him. Luka paused in his playing, staring at her. Marinette couldn’t look him in the eyes. Instead, she found herself staring at her feet. “Hi, Luka,” she said and immediately wanted to facepalm. Hi, Luka? Just that? Not, hey Luka, did you see the interview where Ladybug revealed I was two-timing you with her even though we’re the same person-

“You should’ve given me a heads up that we were poly,” Luka’s voice broke through her haze. She glanced up. Luka smiled at her, although it was edged with something. “I have a cute boy in my class, his name’s Felix, and I think you two would love each other.”

Marinette’s mind blanked, at first wondering what he was talking about, and then realization. “You…you aren’t mad?”

“I…I don’t know how to feel,” Luka admitted, and it was strange to see him admit that. Luka was the only boy she knew who was best in touch with his emotions. “On one hand, it makes a lot more sense than you pining over Adrien like everyone thought. On the other-”

“I lied,” Marinette admitted. “I lied, a lot, to you and everyone.” She gripped the edge of her shirt. “I kept ditching dates for something dumb, not related to her,” Luka raised a brow, but she continued on. “Sometimes I wished she didn’t exist because I trust you, Luka, I trust you so much but I keep having to lie because I care about her too and hurt you and and and-” Warm arms engulfed her but she couldn’t allow it, she needed to say it. “I’m so sorry, Luka.”

Luka didn’t say a word, just held her. Finally, he sighed. “I’m sorry too, Marinette,” he admitted. “I should’ve been better, maybe then-”

“No!” Marinette shoved him away. Luka stumbled back, looking hurt, but Marinette wasted no time in gripping his shoulders, staring him down. “You were wonderful,” she said, making sure he understood. “You were wonderful. I was the one who should’ve been better. I should’ve communicated better, I should’ve explained better about why I was leaving you in the lurch.”

“I was the one who got akumatized,” Luka said, staring back with wide eyes. “I went after you.”

“It was my fault you got akumatized in the first place!”

“No, it was not-” And now Luka was holding her shoulders, making sure she was looking at him. They probably looked strange, gripping each other’s shoulders like this, but Marinette didn’t care. “It was not your fault. It was Hawkmoth’s fault.” Right, right, Marinette needed to remember that. He was the one who took advantage of people. “We’re both crappy at communicating. We can work on that.”

Wait…

“You…want to try again?”

Luka paused and then nodded. “Now that I know more, enough to possibly understand some things,” He took in a deep breath. “Only if you want to?”

Marinette nodded back. “We can try,” And isn’t that what they all could do? “Maybe you can introduce me to Felix, and I can introduce you to…” She held up her hand at the sight of a familiar red car. “Hang on real quick.”

Luka blinked but nodded. Marinette smiled as they released each other before she turned and marched up to Kagami, who paused with a raised brow. Much to her delight, she wore gloves marked with the queer pride flag. “Wanna go on a date?” she asked promptly.

Kagami blinked. She opened her mouth, closed it, and then hummed. Marinette waited patiently. If Kagami had to think about it, than she was willing to wait. “Yes,” she finally said. “If your girlfriend is alright with it?”

Marinette nodded, feeling her face heat up. “Luka and I are trying again,” she admitted. “So he’s introducing a friend of his on our date. I wanted to introduce you to him, because I think you guys would be good friends, if not datemates.” She wanted to be honest where she could.

Kagami’s eyes brightened at the mention of friendship. “Then I certainly will come,” she said. “You have my number, so let me know the details.”

“I will.” She held out her hand and Kagami didn’t hesitate in giving it a squeeze. “Maybe after practice today, we can have our first date? At our usual spot?”

Kagami smiled. It was awkward, but it was sincere. “I would love that.” With one last squeeze of her hand, Kagami marched into the school.

Luka was chuckling when Marinette returned. “I guess we’ll have a full table,” he said, pulling out his phone. “I’ll talk to Felix and figure out a good time for us.”

Marinette nodded. “Let me know the details.” She paused. “And, thank you, Luka.” Before he could respond she took off running.

Lying about her girlfriend went better than expected!

[morphomixz]

Eclipsed Character Chart

Name: Y/N Vaugrenard-Bourgeois

                  Alias: Y/N Bourgeois, Rogue, N/N, The Serpent

Age: 15

Height:  5'6

Miraculous: Bat Miraculous of Fear 

               Kwamii: Bazoo (Baz-zoo)

Likes: Playing piano, baked goods, her cousin Chloe (sometimes), sleeping. Currently does not know of any other likes.

Dislikes: STAN culture, liars, Bob Roth, being told what to do with her body, Chloe (sometimes), her Aunt, her parents, bullies, people looking at her weirdly, whispers, Lila Rossi, when her Aunt uses Life360 to demand something from her.

Love Interests: Alix, Kim, Luka, Kagami, Marc, Dante, Felix, Lila

Alignment: Good/Neutral

Friends: Marinette Dupain-Cheng,  Alya Cesaire, Bazoo, Alix Kubdel, Kim Le Chein, Max Kante, Luka Couffaine, Juleka Cuffaine, Rose Lavillant. 

Enemies: Bob Roth, Hawk Moth, Mayura.

Recommended Artists: If there's no given playlist or video with a song some artists I listen to while writing this story include: Faouzia, Camilla Cabello, Sleeping At Last, and Demi Lovato; if you wish for the whole experience on how I intended this book to be read with background music. 

Background Trivia:

- Her Aunt essentially adopted Y/N after her parents gave her up. She still speaks to them once a year but hasn't seen them since she was six. 

- She's 15 in this story

- Her and Chloe's relationship is unstable due to her working with Chloe's mom

- Her Uncle is the closest thing she has to a parent

- Her parents live in Switzerland and moved there after giving her up

-She has two older brothers who she doesn't speak to; Raphael Vaugrenard and Raoul Vaugrenard; twins aged 24

A/N: I haven't forgotten this story, I've just been busy with life. The next chapter has been in progress since June but is taking a while to write. 

[mybuginette]

My favorites fics

So, im a spanish speaker who is still learning english and my teacher said that if i want to improve i need to write/speak more in my ordinary life...and theres no better way of doing that that writing about my hiperfixations on Tumblr, so here i go.

This is the first long post that i do, so im sorry if i have any grammar mistake, im trying i swear 😔✌️ 

So here's the list (without order):

The Growing Pains Of Child Soldiers by BloodWolf13 What do the citizens of Paris do, when they realize that their heroes are literally growing up before their eyes? They freak the fuck out. Or everybody realizes that the heroes of Paris are young teenagers and are a little (extremely) worried about children fighting a terrorist.

I have always been wondering if in canon parisian knows that Ladybug and Chat Noir are just teenagers.

I mean, in season 1 we have Theo having a crush on Ladybug (ik that Thomas said that hes like 16/19 but still weird) so i asumed that people thought that they were adults but then remembered that in Bubbler, he didn't talk to Ladynoir as if they were adults.

Then Sabine is worried about them bc they have been working a lot and this fic shows how it could be if the other adults of paris worried about them too.

It was interesting for me because its like a realistic version of mlb paris socity, the discussions about mental health, ethical dilemmas and literally has a university essay in the first chapter. Its an amazing fic and if somebody knows if the author has a tumblr let me know pls.

Review of Les aventures de Ladybug et Chat Noir by @sunfoxfic Alya Cesaire, moderator and writer for the Ladyblog, reviews the newest movie in France — Les aventures de Ladybug et Chat Noir. How will this movie hold up to the hype? How will it hold up to the truth? All on the Ladyblog.

In-universe fics are my favorites, i like to see the events of the show from the pov of a normal civilian and the love that parisians have for Ladybug and Chat Noir. In this fic we have a review of the Ladybug and Chat Noir movie by Alya, one thing that i found funny is how in-universe Lady and Chat have like 2 or 3 movies while in real life we just got the 1 movie 3 months ago 😭.

Also, its funny that poor Adrien probably was forced by his father to do that role just like in Frightningale and he had to act like Chat Noir good enough for his father but not so good that anybody could tell that it was the same voice.

Miraculously Ladybug? by @the-angst-lord ON HIATUS FOR UNTIL SEASON 5 PROBABLY Marinus "Xiang" Dupain Cheung just wanted to go to school and keep his head down, design clothes, and bake cookies. Instead, he finds himself jumping across rooftops, defeating supervillains and partnered up with a cat who has the ability to destroy anything he touches. What a first day of school. Adrien Agreste just wants friends and the freedom to live his life outside of his father's influence. He's all too eager to become a hero of justice and defend the people of Paris. Gaining a handsome ladybug-themed partner who embodies said ideal is just a bonus.

I really enjoy the genderbend fics and this has to be the best rewrite of the show that i've ever read.Marin has the best features of Marinette, but with his own essence and characterization, when you read you really know that he is a reinterpretation of Marinette character and i looooooooooved him.

The situations, the relationships and the reinterpretation of Chat Blanc was so goooood.

I also loved the Dupain-Cheng family background in Shangai special ✨

(and it has drawings too and the suits are soo pretty)

@the-angst-lord i love your fic man

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

I just lost count of the times that i've re-read this fanfic, the jokes are so funny and Adrinette acting like Ladynoir and Ladynoir acting like Adrinette >>>

These idiots are so horny and so in love, i need more 😭😭

[mochinek0]

Robin Hoodie

Marinette hugged her hoodie closer as she walked out of school. She had been so busy the past three weeks and Damian wasn't fairing any better. All they had time for was a quick 'Good morning' or 'Sweet dreams' these days. She couldn't blame him being so far away from her. Their schedules were always so small, but she missed him; the eight hour difference was taking it's toll. It's why she had dressed up that day. She had made an oversized black hoodie with the Robin logo on it. It was the best thing she could think of to comfort her. The only thing better would be-

"Habibiti." a voice called.

Marinette froze.

'I'm hearing things. Right?'

Marinette looked up and saw her boyfriend at the bottom of the steps.

'Damian!'

Marinette rushed over, as fast as she could, and hugged him.

'It's him! I'm not dreaming! It's Damian; my Damian! This is his cologne and shampoo. It really is him.'

"What-What are you doing here?" Marinette asked.

Damian opened his mouth but pulled back, taking in what his tiny girlfriend was wearing.

'She's wearing my colors; my logo! The hoodie appears to my size. Is this the reason those morons parade their girlfriends around in their jackets?'

The hoodie sagged a bit around her waist and a bit over her back shorts. She was wearing black knee high socks and dark green boots with bright red laces. He was quick to realize, he wouldn't mind if he brought Marinette to his school dressed like this, showing off she was his and his alone.

'Angel, are you trying to kill me?'

"Someone on your mind?" Damian questioned, pulling her back into his arms.

Mari simply blushed.

Suddenly, Marinette was yanked out of her boyfriend's arms. She was surprised to see Alya, Adrien, and Nino standing between them.

"Hey!" Nino shouted, "Who do you think you are?"

"Back off ya creep!" Alya sneered.

"Guys!" Marinette squeaked, pushing through them and back into Damian's arms, "This is my boyfriend!"

The trio was silent.

"He's from Gotham, hence the outfit." Mari continued to explain, "We've both been busy. We haven't had time to video call. It's been nothing but quick texts for about two weeks. I wore it because I was starting to feel lonely and I missed him."

Damian kissed the top of Marinette's head, "I missed you, too. How about we take a walk? Maybe we can find this Andre you keep telling me about and we can talk about dinner, tomorrow?"

"I'd like that." Marinette smiled, as they began to walk away from the school.

"Did you know?" they shouted at each other.

"No!" they all answered.

They turned and looked in the direction that Marinette left. She was smiling and obviously very happy with her surprise visitor.

Alya sighed, "We can questioned her tomorrow."

"You mean you'll question her tomorrow." Nino replied.

"Exactly." she smiled.

"Do we have to?" Adrien asked, "She looks really happy."

They looked again to see her brightly smiling at the guy. He looked at her like she was the only thing worth paying attention to.

"Maybe, only a little bit." Alya answered, "We at least need to know some basic stuff about him. Like, maybe how long have they been dating or I don't know, his name!"

The boys looked at each other in shock. The realization sunk in that they never asked for his name. They had no clue Marinette had left with.

"Oh, my God!" Nino cried.

"Yeah." Alya sighed, as the boys continued to panic, "That's what I thought."

"Did you see which way they went?" Adrien shouted, "Do you think we can catch them with my driver?"

"Marinette is gonna get kidnapped and we can't even defend ourselves!" Nino whined.

Adrien shook Nino, "Why did you let me, let her leave?"

Alya pulled out her phone and texted Marinette.

A:Boys are idiots. Give me something to keep the pair of idiots from panicking.

M:Panicking about what?

A:Realized they don't know who you left with and can't see you. Thinking you'll be kidnapped and shit.

M:I'm with my bf. I already called my parents and told them where we were going. I'm assuming I'll be interrogated tomorrow.

A: Yep. Before it was just me but I think the boys just got on board.

M: Damn

"You guys!" Alya shouted.

"What?" Adrien asked, "We are forming a plan and-"

Alya waved her phone at them.

"I texted her and she told her parents where they were going." she smiled, "She said she'll see us tomorrow."

Adrien and Nino relaxed.

"Oh." they mumbled.

TAG LIST: @animeweebgirl @a-star-with-a-human-name @meme991001 @vixen-uchiha @abrx2002 @alysrose-starchild @fandom-trapped-03 @dood-space @moonlightstar64 @saltymiraculer @marveldcedits20 @09shell-sea09 @icerosecrystal @animegirlweeb @insane-fangirl-of-everything @blueblossombliss @nickristus-dreamer @megawhitleycalderonpaganus

[imsparky2002]

Miraculous Beatles - Luke's Family and Partner

Luke Lennon (Luka Couffaine/John Lennon)

Juliet "Jules" Lennon (Juleka Couffaine)

Birthday - October 9, 1942

Personality - Luke's twin sister. She certainly stands out with her pale skin and tall stature. She is quite shy and finds fascination with the macabre and morbid. Her and Luke have a talent for writing demented and dark songs, something they've done since childhood. Jules is secretly dating a peppy and adorable girl called Rosie Wallace (Rose Lavillant), and they want to start a band together. Jules plays the bass.

Jack Lennon (Jagged Stone)

Birthday - July 14, 1912

Personality - The father of Luke and Jules. Unlike the canon Jagged Stone, Jack actually stuck around for his children, and he's a damn good dad. He taught his kids to go with the flow in life, but to fight for what they believe in. Jack is an amateur jazz musician, and his voice ain't too shabby. He is the one who created guitars for his children and taught them how to play it.

Anna Lennon (Anarka Couffaine)

Birthday - March 12, 1954

Died - July 15, 1958

Personality - Luke and Jules' mother and was quite possibly the most badass woman in the universe. She taught them how to sing, how to defend themselves, and how to be activists. Anna had a job entertaining children as a pirate, and had picked up an occasional swashbuckling accent from her line of work. Tragically she died in a car accident. It's hard to keep going on, but the family carries on, always making sure to honor her memory.

Kagami Ono (Kagami Tsurugi)

Birthday - April 23, 1942

Personality - A Japanese-American girl who is dating Luke. She is incredibly calm, stoic at times, but knows how to have fun. Kagami is a guitarist as well as a singer. She's friends with all the boys, but is besties with Mary Powell-Pang (Marinette Dupain-Cheng) as well as good friends with Alya Cox (Alya Cesaire) and Jules Lennon (Juleka Couffaine). Kagami and Mary created a singing duo called Kawami, with Kagami being the more subdued and technically brilliant singer, while Mary is the lively and creative singer.

Ok, so that's Luke's family and romantic partner. As you can see, I took one or two elements from John Lennon's family, but overall Luke certainly has a happier relationship. Next up is Adrian McCartney's family and partner. @artzychic27 @msweebyness

[mlwritersguild]

Giving up & Giving In

Giving up & Giving in by AzuriteArtist

[Day 1: Alyanette] Short Alyanette fluff surrounding a gay reworking of Deflagration

Words: 483, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 1 of Miraculous Ladybug Femslash February 2023

Fandoms: Miraculous Ladybug

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/F

Characters: Alya Césaire, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Zoé

Relationships: Alya Césaire/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

Additional Tags: Femslash February, Miraculous Ladybug Season/Series 04, Episode: s05 Deflagration, Deflagration, The Kwami's Choice, Kwami Swap, Deflagration Spoilers, POV Alya Césaire, Lesbian Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Lesbian Alya Cesaire, mlbfemslashfebruary

Read Here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/44720569