#Nino is a DJ and travels the world with Alya

[afkaskus]

For some reason, I'm really invested in knowing what future Miraculous character will be doing.

This are my headcanons so far and why:

(long post, in the tags you can read the resume)

Marinette: Designer. We all know this is meant to happen, it's super clear. BUT, I'm not meaning designer as a fashion designer, I meant it as a costume designer. She works mostly on movies but loves working on theaters. Sometimes she also helps with scenography and for some reason she knows a little about lighting as well. She still takes little commissions from a few artists. I like believing that she saw the fashion desing world with another pov and decided to not be part of it. Taking the Agreste company? I think she will enjoy to destroy that empire, and also will want to have her own name.

Adrien: I LOVE "Baker!Adrien" headcanon. Yes, he works with the Dupain-Chengs, and he loves it. He has the family he has always dreamed of. Also there has been a few mentions in the show of Adrien as a food seller. Tom will be thrilled to adopt Adrien and show him everything he knows. Tom will also be happy that he has someone to take over the bakery when he retires.

Gabriel: In jail. He deserves no other place to stay.

Nathalie: haven't think that much about it. But I don't think she will end up in jail like Gabriel. She's smart, she's better than that.

Alya: an reporter. It's meant to happen. She also has a few enemies because she DOES tell the truth. Maybe she will travel with Nino and they'll match their works with their travels, so maybe she's an independent reporter.

Nino: The best DJ in the world. As I said before, he matches his work travels with Alya's work, but also, they are pretty independent from each other. They love the feeling they get when they haven't seen each other in a few weeks and then they meet again in a total different country.

Kagami: Ok, hear me out in this one. Kagami is a tattoo artist. She's very good at drawing and art, but I don't think she will enjoy being in a place where rich can control everything. She's already rich and she might have the contacts to be a very recognized artist, but, let's be honest, that's not something the both rich kids want. After realizing that her mom is not the one who controls her life, she decided to be rebellious and got a tattoo herself (big thing for being japanese), after that, her friends convinced her to become a tattoo artist and she ended up loving the idea. I also like thinking that Tomoe paid a lot of people in the art industry to not let people accept Kagami as an artist, but I think is kind of brutal. Now everyone has a tattoo made by Kagami. Luka and Adrien have a competition to see who gets more tattoos.

Luka: He has his little shop, the one he named in Wishmaker. He loves making people happy finding an instrument that's made for them, specially kids.

Juleka: She's an stylist. She's the best and most revolutionary. She has a lot of knowledge in makeup and hairstyle.

Rose: She's a famous singer and songwriter, she's also Juleka's muse and they go on tour together. Juleka and Marinette help her with her style.

Chloé: She's an influencer and has her own cosmetics brand.

And that's everyone I have thought of for now.

[midnightrosebell]

Marinette Dupain-Cheng deserves better, let's begin.

This is super fucking long for no reason.

ALSO, there is charater bashing, cursing, and I would love to hear your opinions in the comments as this is what is post is for!

Firstly, Marinette Dupain-Cheng:

Marinette Dupain-Cheng is no matter how much that fucking theme song says it, NOT your average girl.

Firstly she is the daughter of the two most famous bakers in paris, that is shown during the series as we see a long line of people froming outside the bakery as the seasons progress. From this the Dupain-Cheng's have a substantial amount of money as we can presume. And she has a famous uncle in Shanghai, and during this we see her parents pay for her to go jest because she wants too. If we take a look at her grandmother we can see that she travels the world with her motorcycle, although this may be an in expensive way of travel compared to the normal plane cost; over the years of her doing this it will add up. And seeing how little we know of sabeins family and how Marinette is the only child, we can presume that she will have a big inheritance when she's older. Basically she has her life set for her the day she was born.

She not only can from a rich back-round but also made her own back-round for her self as a self though (seeing that we never seen her attend actual classes) and Purely hand made designer. She not only made designs for jagged stone but presumably has commissions from Clara Nightingale, has be recognized by the Queen of fashion, Audrey Bourgeois (controllingassmotherfuckingchildneglecter) And the one a only Gabriel Agreste (hawkbitch). She also made costumes for their school play, and did commissioms for outside people/friends. She also knows a lot of famous people/friends with the children of said people. Like alya's mother who is the head chef at Andrea hotel. Alya also runs a pretty famous blog called they ladyblog witch highlights the attacks on paris and has core footage for the hero's. This can be said for the reset of the classes future cause as of right now, they have something that, already is successful. Like max, he built a robot, helped successfully bring back dinesours and has already has planned projects for the future. Rose, she is the leading female singer for the kitty section and also has made her own perfume. Nino, he made a play at the school and is a DJ and has performed for so major events. Nathalie, he and Marc makes comics about Paris's superhero situation and has already gained a large following as we can presume. Then there is Luka son of jagged stone and lead singer in the kitty section. His sister juleka daughter of jagged stone and and been dabbled in the modeling industry. We all know about Adrien and Cholé, but what about Sabrina? Well, she is the daughter of the police chief in Paris. Kim is a Olympic swimmer, Alix a professional skatter and the Kagami, an professional and Olympic fencer.

Needless to say she has quite the backing.

Now, let's ge into the actual reason we're here.

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚜.

•firstly she babysit for her classmates little siblings and Nadia and she also makes commission (as mentioned above)

•She provides emotional support the characters and makes sure they don't get akumatized. Not only that, she also listens to understand and gives advice to the person. Even BEFORE the akumas.

•She helps ALOT in the bakery ever since she was young and takes her time to make, box, and give out pastries so those who she thinks need it. It also helps her parents out and bring in new customers. She bakes for special events for her classmates like brithdays.

•She is also the class president and is in charge of everything in the class, wether it be, fundraisers, class trips, brithday party's , class hangout, so on so forth.

•Lila. Just fucking Lila Rossi who's names predicated her fate. She made marinette life a living hell even after she left, through CHOLÉ (hang on we are getting their) And got her expelled, turned the class on her, attempting to turn her mother as well and threaten her to keep her mouth shut. SHE ALSO FUCKING AKUMATIZED HER SELF TO GET BACK AT HER.

•CHOLÉ BOURGEOISIE. She TOURNAMENTED Marinette for nearly SIX FUCKING YEARS. This is why I HATE CHOLÉ redemption arc. She bullied, embarrassed, and destroyed Marinette in more ways than one. She told everyone Marinette had a crush on Kim, thus getting Marinette embarrassed after Kim openly mocks her WITH cholé. She destroyed her self-esteem by this and by also at every little moment, put her down whenever Marinette had a single ounce of pride in herself. She JOINS Lila to make her life a living hell and keep her away from Adrien.

•She had to watch, one by one, as herclassmates fell for Lila's lies, had to watch Lila lie and framed her, watch their disgust and disappointment. Watch as them turn against her, watch as they slowly froze her out. Only to act as if nothing happened when Lila had left for one of her "trips" and when she was exposed as a lying mole. Now for them to come retreating back, even now, not trusting her as they used to. Not even her parents.

•she can't even cry, scream, or shout about how much they hurt her because she is the "right example. " The sign of hope that they can look up to as she has never been akumatized. She is the class representive, the golden child, the sweetest and the most forgiving girl that always owns up to her mistakes. She is the everyday ladybug.

•Marinette can't lean or rely on anyone. Who would their be to help her? She is supposed to be the person OTHER people can rely on, that they can talk to advice on what they can do. To help and comfort THEM in THEIR time of need. Not Marinette she is the therapist.

•After all of this, you bet your ass that she needs therapy. She went through so much seeing her family, friends, classmates and her citizens go through so much pain, so much anger that they can't even express at the fear of being akumatized. She watched her city, burn, flood, explode, controlled, over and over again. She watched as the ones she loved would die before her eyes knowing, knowing that she can't do anything about it.

𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲𝐛𝐮𝐠

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚜 𝚊𝚗 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗-

○Ladybug fights akumas almost every other day.

○She can bearly express her emotions both in and out of battle as "She is ladybug".

○She has to handle and take care of all the kwamis. 19 MINIATURE GODS by her self without being caught. Then had to deal with the responsibility of being a guardian and most likely has to go through training in the future. Not to mention the possibility of more gardians visiting in the future

○She has to deal with reporters everywhere she is asking questions upon questions after her long and tiresome battles. Such questions even step into her bongeries, making her uncomfortable, but they don't care, and she doesn't want to come off a bad and have her citizens lose belief in her. Not to mention that one episode with Nadia when she interviewed the two heroes and accused them of being together. Honestly, the joke chat noir had made as well was a little too far seeing they were only a few months into being heroes.. and she was what? 11?

○Then there is chaton would matter of factly keeps trying to make advancies towards her and getting in her personal space and keeps persisting on a data and how their are "meant to be" and "their the only ones for each other" "are bond to be together" I don't even think chat knows he doing this. However I doubt that theory as well as he guilt trips and manipulates ladybug into feeling bad about not showing up on dates (even though she states that she wouldn't be as to attend) and when rejecting him, she sates her reasons clearly but guilt trips her more (by staying that he understands but he still loves her AND Threatened to stop being chat) making her feel bad. During this he doesn't listen to her, legit ignores her and is snarky towards her and in general he's a bitchy pussy cat in a few episodes. HE EVENS THREATS PLAGG TO TELL HIM WHAT WRONG WITH LADYBUG OR ELSE HE'S TAKING OF THE RING. Honestly, I love adrien. I really do. But the boy needs some major help, okay

○Then there's a hawkbitch who decided to target children to bring back his dead wife WHO WILLINGLY DIED TO BRING ADRIEN INTO THE WORLD AS A SETIMONSTER Akumatized the entire world to come after ladybug (mostly likely knowing that it'll probably kill her in the process) AND THEN THERE IS NATALIE– He teams up with a child and that child did something he's been trying to do for the past 3 years. Then He sends Lila after her make her life miserable. Then he sacrificed himself to be with Emily, RIGHT IN FRONT OF MARINETTE. Imagine your tournamenter of your city turns out to be the person you aspired to be when you grow up- And then jest fucking suicides in front of you.

○Has to fight no matter what, time, place, in side and outside suit. What the actual Fuck she can't even take a break.

○The ENTIRE FUCKING WORLD IS ON HER SHOULDERS. (Even tikki said that)

○She was thrown into being a hero with no training what so ever. (I am looking at you master Fu)

○She has to watch her city be destroyed over and over again. The place where she grew up, the people she loved, she can't even save them as she has to focus on the akumatized victim.

○She had to watch people die in front her eyes. Bruned, drowned, decapitated, frozen, stabbed, crushed. Then right after see them walk and talk as if nothing ever happened.

○Not to mention how many times she had to risk her life over and over again for this city.

○Risk her identity and safety of those around her is she is ever found out.

○she can't even ask for goddamn help mentally because of her identity as a hero and was betrayed by someone she thought she can trust. She has to keep this all to her self while being Paris's knight and shinning Amour.

○Also, chat blanc. That- that episode was fucking traumatising. Also if you didnt realise after this episode, marinette started to act differently. This is because her tendency to over think grew from there. She started to overthink more because she realised that one action may have a chain reaction that she might not be aware of. She started to really overthink from there about her actions and responses.

○Fuck hawkbitch and felix. Natalie deserves better. Adrien needs a mental evaluation and marinette need to go on vacation.

i would like to say I don't not have any thing against the characters it is jest my opinion on what I've seen through out the show, if you do not agree please jest ignore it or comment on this post! I would love to hear your reasons and responses!

[gale-gentlepenguin]

ML au: Lonely Cat of the Night

(Basically an exploration of this)

_____________________________________________________________

-Adrien and Plagg agreed that this whole situation was rather ridiculous. And decided that they wouldnt be involved anymore.

-Chat noir had left paris that night.

-He did leave a few notes. One for his father, one for Nino, one for Kagami, and one for Marinette.

-Gabriel was shocked when he noticed his son was gone the next day. It was a top story, the disappearance of Adrien Agreste. He practically had all of Paris searching for him. But he was gone.

-Gabriel read the letter his son left him.

-It was heart wrenching. The emotion, the anger adrien had put in that letter. Gabriel could finally see what he had been putting his son through.

-"...In the end, I do understand why you are doing this. But I cant... I cant help you. I wont help you. I wont go against you, but I wont help you become more of a monster."

- Gabriel shed a tear for his son. Seeing the other letters, he did have them delivered. Maybe as some small shred of care for his son. He didnt open them, and ensured each one was given to its proper person.

-Nino's letter was stained with tears. He said it was hard to leave his best friend. That he owes the best time of his life to the DJ, that he wishes that he could take him with him.

-"Being bros on the road would have been amazing... but you already have a good life. Live it well, and I hope to see you again."

-Nino was devastated.

-Kagami's letter was quite emotional. Talking about how he owed this boldness of his to her. That she helped him see the lie he had been living.

-"You helped me see the lie that was killing me on the inside. You are someone that made an impact on my life, far greater then many. You will always be the better fencer, please watch over my friends."

-Marinette's letter was the longest.

-There was a confession in there. He confessed he was in love with her, how he had always been, and had been so blind not to see it. But he also knew that she didnt feel the same way. That she never truly saw all of him and could never have. He says it isnt her fault. He wrote how part of him wanted to stay and be by her side, but that would also betray another part of him.

-"You always were miraculous."

-Marinette broke down after reading it. Adrien never confessed he was Chat noir, but he implied it.

_ despite the powerful emotions, shadowmoth didnt capitalize on it. He too was emotionally damaged.

____________________________________________________________

-There were no akuma for 2 weeks after the disappearance. Shadowmoth only sent one out at the insistence of Nathalie, who said people would be suspicious if he didnt act.

-Ladybug and Rena Rouge were able to handle the akuma. Rena tried lightening the mood, but Ladybug was still not herself.

-two months past with lack luster akuma fights that Rena Rouge and Ladybug noticed that Chat noir had stopped showing up.

-Ladybug left a message.

-Ladybug got an immediate response back, but it wasnt from chat noir it was plagg.

-"This contact is blocked. Dont call again."

-This was confusing to Ladybug and Rena Rouge.

-A few days later Alya showed Marinette a video of a volcano eruption and Chat noir stopping it. His costume different but it was no doubt the cat hero partner she knew. (He no longer had a bell)

_____________________________________________________________

-Chat noir had started living life on the road. He had taken a good chunk of cash and headed out. From there, chat noir did odd jobs for cash and would go around saving lives.

-Plagg had snuck into Marinette's house and gotten the notes on potion creation, knowing Adrien would need a few to help him get by. Though he didnt bother memorizing them. Marinette had made copies of the recipes so no big deal.

-Adrien spent most of his time transformed. Only detransforming to feed Plagg or sleep. If Adrien didnt have a place to crash he would stay transformed, he didnt run out of energy as long as he didnt use his power.

-Chat noir made friends all over the world, and picked up new languages as he traveled. Plagg also acted as a translator for when he didnt know enough of the language.

-It was rough at first but he and Plagg adjusted.

-After about Two years, things had gotten stable and Adrien had gotten use to the life of travel. He had never felt so free... but he did miss paris at times.

-He would ask Plagg if he should check on them, but that cat always convinced him that he needed to keep that in the past. They can go back once everything with Shadowmoth is settled, either Ladybug wins or his father wins. That was the agreement. They were going to remain neutral.

_____________________________________________________________

[jacquesthepigeon]

Updated how I picture the kids as young adults

Marinette: Studied and obtained degrees in fashion design and engineering with a minor in business; did a cultural immersion program in China for a year. Lived in NYC for a few years before returning to Paris. Lives in Rolland’s house after he gets arrested for punching someone during a heated argument about bread; she is gradually renovating the house. Has become emotionally distant from some friends and family but still loves them and tries to be there for them however she can. Has a cat. Rides a motorcycle. Bullies other guardian students her age by being better than them. Mostly works freelance and commissions. Gave up her dreams of romance after an engagement fell through because of superhero/career stuff.

Adrien: Had a crisis straight out of school and went backpacking for a year and a half in China during which he grew a beard and was an overall mess. Moves back to France to enjoy the life of an unemployed student with savings from celebrity days. He switches majors every semester. He has been in 30+ clubs while trying to figure out what he’s passionate about. Has apologized for his past behavior with LB and takes being CN seriously now. Pretends to be on relatively good terms with his family to investigate their nefarious affairs. Overall a disaster but working on it.

Alya: Renowned superhero journalist. The Ladyblog has expanded into a small company of multiple journalists and photographers. Has drastically improved her reporting and is careful with sensitive information. Openly and comfortably a lesbian. Is technically roommates with Nino but practically lives in her office.

Nino: DJ and amature film maker. Has a podcast. Lives in a basement unit with multiple small dogs; it always floods when it rains. Travels often for gigs. Is in a poly relationship with another man and a woman. Is the only person that stays updated on what Adrien is studying at any given moment.

Kagami: Trying to find her way in the art world. Juggling her own ambitions and her relationship with her family. Sometimes assists Adrien in investigating their families’s sketchy business. Wants Marinette to stop riding that death trap. A lesbian.

Luka: An instrument maker. Makes more money from his side gig in a band than from his main job, depressingly enough. Desperately looking for a permanent studio after nearly losing a finger while working when the boat rocked one time.

Chloé: Uses her funds and connections to start a corporate superhero group, The Hive, with her as the leader obviously. Works to discredit LB and CN and have her company’s “heroes” be recognized as better. Still a prick.

Lila: Living it up like Anna Delvey. A supervillain. A menace.

[goggles-mcgee]

Too Late: Alya & Nino (commission for miner249er)

Fourth chapter of @miner249er ‘s commission

Chapter Summary: The truth is harsh. Teens are harsher.

Previous Work

Last Chapter                          Next Chapter

Truth.

As an aspiring journalist it was something Alya strived for. It was the most important thing she could give the people who followed her so diligently. She thought she had been giving them that. She had been so good about giving them the truth, her truth, and Ladybug’s truth in the past, she foolheartedly believed she was continuing to do so despite taking shortcuts later on in the road. Why didn’t she fact check herself? Why did she throw that very thing in Marinette’s face? What kind of reporter was she? What kind of friend was she? The answers were all around her and yet she still wasn’t ready to face them head on. There was still that voice in her head that was telling her that this was all Lila Rossi’s fault. 

But is it? Alya thought as her and Nino ate together at her house, the TV on in the background. At first it had been on the news but Alya was done with the news for a long while, all it had been was coverage of The Protector and Nino had immediately taken the remote and changed it to cartoons. This was hitting him hard, harder than Alya had expected if she was being honest. When they found out Ladybug and Chat Noir had, in fact, not defeated The Protector and instead the akuma, that Marinette had gone missing, it hit the class hard. Hard because they learned the truth about Lila in that time and that had been rough to work through. Then they had to come to the realization that they believed Lila over Marinette, the sweet, kind, selfless girl that had all at one point been friends with. 

Then the lies got to them. It poisoned them. That’s what Alya had written on her blog anyways. They were victims of a silver-tongue and they had paid the price, one they had not been prepared to pay for. Their friend was missing, had been missing and they couldn’t do anything. Alya had been searching through as many local papers and news around the world for any clues if Marinette had possibly gone to those places. Everything was coming up empty. She had even made a separate website along with Max all about Marinette and what had happened, she left ways to reach her and her classmates in case anyone had any info. Nino said they should have added Tom and Sabine’s information as well but Alya was too scared to ask them if they would be okay with it, last time they had all been at the bakery the tension had been palpable. 

They weren’t banned like Nathaniel had worried they would be but every time they went in with their families, because that was the only time they went in there, it was always awkward. Tom and Sabine were much too nice to ban them even if they felt like they deserved it. How did everything go so wrong? Even school wasn’t as fun as it had been. Walking into their classroom was like taking a walk of shame, people from other classes, even teachers just stared at them. Some even glared. Then there were the whispers, Dieu the whispers, they followed them everywhere not just school, but they were the most prominent there. Her, Nino, and their classmates would find notes in their lockers, none were really threatening but they tore at her heart all the same. Things like, ‘You’re the reason she’s gone,’ or, ‘Are you guys proud of yourselves now?’ ‘Were the lies worth it?’ ‘You traded in a gem for fool’s gold.’ ‘What a reporter you turned out to be.’

All the notes hurt. That was the truth. That last one? She had found it in her locker this morning and it burned. Alya had been bullied before, she never liked to think about it, who would? But she was and she had to acknowledge it because she had told herself she would never allow herself to be bullied again, and most importantly, she would never turn into a bully. Wrong. She was wrong, and it wasn’t the first time she had been made aware of this since everything happened. Since everything changed. It was a blessing that Nino and her were still together, he never partook in the “tough love” the class had been giving Marinette before she...before she had been akumatized. Sure he didn’t stop them, and that was bad, but he didn’t go out of his way to not invite her to things until she stopped being “jealous” and started acting like the bigger person. Nino wasn’t the one who ignored her text messages, which now that Alya read them, were pretty telling that her friend had been hurting and she had only made that worse. 

“What are you thinking about babe?”

Alya looked up from her half eaten bowl of soup to see Nino gazing at her in concern. “Marinette.”

“Oh…” He breathed out as he put his spoon down and looked down at the table before placing one of his hands on hers and giving her a small smile. “Everything will be okay Alya. Someone will find her and then she’ll be back home.”

Empty words. Empty words fed to him too much from adults who didn’t have any updates on anything. “You don’t believe that. And even if she did...who's to say she would even want to talk to us!? What’s to say that anything would be better? We would still be seen as the bad guys! We will still all have to eat lunch at our houses or the park just to avoid the stares and the whispers and the tossed trash our way and the “accidentally” spilled drinks!”

Alya had never understood just how much their class had been living in its own little world. Not to say they were completely unattached to the rest of the school, Alix, Nathaniel, Rose, Chloe, and Sabrina were in the art club (the art teacher and the rest of the club had made a mural of Marinette without notifying them or asking for their help. Everyone is encouraged to leave notes about Marinette on the mural. The art room even has a chair decorated in honor of Marinette that no one else can use. That was announced very pointedly Alix later shared.), Rose was in the scrapbooking club (no one asked to use her materials anymore like they used to), and Max was in the gaming club which Marinette had helped him set up (people weren’t showing up lately.) They weren’t kicked out, but they were reminded of Marinette all the time,it was like everyone’s way of punishing them. It had never occurred to any of them how popular Marinette was.

So popular that the whole school seemed to hate them. Even Mlle Mendeleiev seemed to be harsher than normal and that was really saying something, it would seem like she had a soft spot for Marinette. In their class everyone avoided Marinette’s seats in class, Alya had to step up as class representative but the silver lining was that Nino had stepped up to be her deputy. Though another negative was the fact Nino had stopped making his music and taking DJ gigs. At first he hadn’t said anything to her or their friends, Alya found out because of Chris actually, but then her and Adrien confronted him and he broke down. He cried and he didn’t stop for a long time, but when he had calmed enough to talk he pulled out old pictures of him and Marinette, told them stories about how they had grown up together. It had made the pit in Alya’s stomach grow, she had just been thinking about her and how much she blamed herself and how much she missed her best friend, she hadn’t even thought how this was affecting Nino.

“I...I need to believe it Alya. I need to. Because if I don’t I will break apart. Mari...Marinette and I were best friends in l'école primaire. I never thought she would ever not be a part of my life. Then the whole Lila thing happened and I turned into a coward again, like I had with Chloe! No, worse than a coward! I don’t even know what I would call myself but I know I can’t call myself her friend.” His voice rose the more he spoke and near the end it cracked. 

“Nino…”

“No. I know that’s the truth! And I know, I know that things at school have been rough. Hell, they’ve been awful, everyone sees us as these villains in some trashy young teen novel when all we’ve done is make a mistake! Yes. It was a big mistake but it was a mistake nonetheless but we’re...we’re kids dammit. We’re just kids.” Alya felt tears race down her cheeks as she saw her boyfriend break yet again, his cheeks wet with his tears, his voice choked with his guilt. 

“I know. I just...I just want her back. I want everything back. I don’t know how many times we have to apologize to the school, but they’re not even the ones that need to hear the apologies! The one we need to have hear us isn’t here and…” Alya could feel herself breaking but she tried to hold on. Nino needed her to be strong. Her class needed her to be strong. Her family needed her to be strong.

“I can’t take the stares! Or, or hear Rose’s cries that she tries to hide from us. Mylene hasn’t been eating and I know she thinks we don’t notice and Adrien, god Adrien. I’m trying to hold it together because my bro is falling apart at the seams! First Marinette gets...gets fucking akumatized, then his dad and Nathalie get taken to the hospital from some supposedly random attack but it’s pretty obvious it was Mar-the akuma’s doing, his mom freaking pops out of nowhere but of course that can’t just be a good thing because everyone has to talk about how his dad and Nathalie were probably Hawkmoth and Mayura! And I’m over here trying not to think too much about all that because it makes actually too much sense, but then we find out that Marinette was most likely Ladybug! LADYBUG!” He lamented, not bothering to hide the fact he was crying, more like sobbing. It just made Alya cry more.

“I...I wanted the truth for so long, but not like this. Not like this. I...I know this makes me sound like the worst person on the planet but I kind of wish stupid Gabriel Agreste wasn’t Hawkmoth because then I could be akumatized and maybe I could be some kind of time-travelling akuma and we could go back and fix everything and school wouldn’t be hell and the twins wouldn’t act like they had to walk on eggshells around me all the time and my dad wouldn’t look like he’s always so disappointed in me and my mom wouldn’t look at my with only pity in her eyes and Nora would talk to me and Marinette would be back!” Alya sobbed out. At this point her and Nino had moved from their seats to the kitchen floor and were huddled together hugging each other for comfort. 

The two just sat there soaking up whatever comfort they could and dreaded the time that passed. For each minute that passed, was a minute that brought them closer to having to go back to school. Alya didn’t know if she had the strength to go back and deal with everything, she didn’t know if Nino could handle it either, but she knew her mother would be by any minute to give them a lift back to school. If there was a way she could just finish school online, Alya was willing to do it, but her father wouldn’t ever allow it. He had put his foot down, Otis Césaire was mad, then he was disappointed and he thought it only fair that Alya face her peers and continue on at Françoise Dupont. It didn’t feel fair, it didn’t feel fair at all, it felt like punishment. Hadn’t she been punished enough? Even in sleep she wasn’t safe, all she dreamed of was Lila and her making her act like a puppet. She would see puppet her do all these things to Marinette and she would wake up in sweat and tears.

“Okay I’m here, I hope you two are ready to head ba-” Alya looked up to see her mom standing there staring at her and Nino, her mouth agape. “Oh Alya...Nino...How about I call the school and tell them you’re not feeling good? And I’ll call your parents Nino.”

Alya was going to respond, she really was, but when she opened her mouth nothing came out but a choked off cry and nod. Nino nodded as well as he took in a shaky breath. “Th-Thanks, Mme C.”

“Nino, you know I told you to call me Marlena. Now you two go rest in Alya’s room while I make those calls. Then maybe I can get the rest of the day off and-” 

“No manman. Things...things are already bad enough, don’t make it worse by not going back to work. I don’t...I don’t want to be the reason why you get fired.” Alya mumbled as she and Nino got up off the floor.

“Oh...Oh my little one, that won’t happen. And if it did, not because of you. Never. Don’t you think that.” Alya’s mother breathed out as she pulled her daughter into a hug before taking her daughter’s face in her hands and doing her best to wipe her tears. 

“Papa and Nora would! Nora still won’t talk to me and Papa only looks at me like he’s disappointed he ever had me!” Alya cried out before she could stop the words from coming out. Her mind completely forgot that Nino was standing right beside her until she felt him hold her hand and give it a squeeze. 

“Your Papa is just being stubborn, but you listen to me, he could never ever be disappointed in having you. You are our daughter. You made a mistake yes, but I know you know you made a mistake and that you are sorry. Your Papa will realize that. He just needs time. And Nora...she just needs time too. I just think she doesn’t know how to handle everything and that she’s mad that she couldn’t protect you sweetie. She’s always been the protective older sister, and this was something she couldn’t protect you from herself. They’ll come around. I’m sure.” 

“If you’re sure manman…”

“I am. Now you kids go relax. I’m going to take the rest of the day off and go to the store for dinner ingredients, I’ll be back soon. I know things are hard my little Melusine but they won’t always be like this.” With a kiss to her forehead and a swift hug to Nino, Alya’s mom left the two teens in the family apartment.

At first they just stood there in silence and sniffles, but Nino made the move to put their plates in the sink and rinse them out while Alya gathered their schoolwork back into their bookbags. Then they  made their way to Alya’s room and kicked off their shoes before sitting on the bed. Nino nudged Alya who looked at him in confusion until she saw him give her a crooked smile and open his arms which she fell easily into. She took off her glasses and placed them on her bedside table while she felt more than saw Nino take off his cap. For a while they just sat there in the quiet of the moment and Alya was content to do just that, to just have a moment of peace, but she slowly pushed away and reached for her remote to turn on the TV and quickly pulled up Netflix. Her mom wanted them to relax so why not fry their brains with some television. 

“Anything in particular you want to watch?” She asked as she settled back against Nino.

“As long as it has nothing to do with school or superheroes...I’m good.” Nino responded with a hollow chuckle. 

“I’m glad we don’t have to go back too…” She murmured, “Should we...tell the others?”

“Probably. But if I’m being honest I don’t really feel like talking to them and them asking how we are and if we’re okay when they know we’re not. I just. I don’t think I could handle that. Not today.” 

“I get it. Sometimes I feel like everyone else even blames me for what happened. Like... Like it was my responsibility to not fall for the lies and to warn them. Like my word would have made a difference! Mari...Marinette’s didn’t so why would mine?” Alya huffed as she scrolled through all the movie and show choices and tried her best not to cry again. 

“If they blame you then they need to blame me too and blame the people in the mirror. We all fell for the lies. Sure you’re the budding reporter, but the blame could just as easily be pushed onto Max who is so smart he created a living AI. But we have no one to be mad at but ourselves and we can only do that for so long.” Nino sighed as he held her closer and kissed her temple. Alya relished in the warmth of it all. 

“When did you get so wise?” Alya teased softly.

“When I decided to rewatch Star Wars. But no seriously. If anyone in class bothers you please tell me because we should be sticking together not at each other’s throats.” Nino stuck out one hand and Alya slid her hand into his.

“Cross my heart and hope to die. I will. And you’re right, we do need each other, especially now, especially at that school.”

“Especially at that school, yeah.” He laughed out. “We’re going to get through this. I don’t know how, but, we are and we’re going to do it together.”

Alya smiled wryly before she looked up at Nino and it slipped into a real small smile. “Together.” She agreed softly.

Last Chapter                             Next Chapter

l'école primaire - elementaryschool

manman - Haitian Creole for Mother

[hauntedbythefanficsofmypast]

Goodbye Paris: Lila Rossi

I don't know what it was about Marinette Dupain-Cheng that made me hate her so much but I did. 

Maybe it was her goody two shoes nature. 

Maybe it was the fact that the whole class loved her.

Maybe because she was one of the only people to actually know I was lying.

Or Maybe it was her clear attraction to Adrien.

Who cares about why though, she decided to challenge me, and in the end that's why I took her down. It was easy to turn the class against her. It was funny, when I first arrived they sang praises about Marinette. All it took was a few lies and one by one the class left Marinette by herself. I started with Alya, the girl's so called best friend, luring the girl in with secrets about my 'best friend' Ladybug. Slowly painting Marinette in a bad light and wiggling embarrassing secrets about Marinette out of her. Tricking Alya had landed Nino in my grip as well. With a few well placed name drops the wannabe DJ was eating from my hand. The rest of the class just fell in line well except for that Chloe Bourgeois girl. Though all it took was one measly akuma to scare her away. With Chloe out of the way I had every idiot under my thumb. 

All it took was some faked texts, injuries, and destroyed items and the class believed Marinette was a big bully. 

It was amazing, but it wasn't enough! 

I wanted to ruin her, completely and utterly. 

My first try was a failure, turns out the girl removed her pathetic attempt at a fashion website. So instead I went after her parents. Nice people, nice easily manipulated people. They were so thankful when I told them their beloved daughter was heading down such a bad path. Oh I loved seeing her come to school more and more resigned! She didn't talk unless Madame Bustier called on her! I loved it! 

But she wasn't broken yet, I could still see the fire in her eyes. 

That good for nothing brat! 

I started lying to her parents even more. And they fell for every single lie! 

They were convinced that Marinette was sneaking out at night to hang out with gang members. That she was failing all her classes, and had someone faking the reports of good grades. They even believed me when I told them that Marinette didn't even plan on going to college!! 

Then I won!

 Marinette was gone! 

Gone!! 

It was perfect, the class was mine and her parents were too! On top of that I could blame the lack of funds for our school trip on Marinette as well! The only thing that marred my win was Gabriel being exposed as Hawkmoth! Costing me my job, but it was easy to find work as a model. I was just no longer a company's star female model. I still couldn't believe Adrien was Chat Noir, and the lies I had to come up with when stupid Ladybug said she was leaving! 

Unbelievable! 

Luckily all these sheep fell for it. At the end of the year we managed a trip to Disney Paris and it was the perfect opportunity to put Marinette down even more. A few tears and the entire class was heading for that stupid bakery. I wasn’t prepared for a limo to be parked outside, or for Jagged Stone to get out and hug that annoyance. 

Then!!! 

Then she got into the limo with him and they left before she even noticed us! When we were finally over the shock I was able to ask Tom and Sabine what happened. I held back a snort when they told me she was going to college and they still didn’t believe her. I made a quick comment about her being unable to since she dropped out and they all ate it up. 

It's a shame, I was hoping to rub my win in a little more.

Over the next couple years I kept them all under my thumb using them to force Adrien into dating me. Laughing silently every time one of my promises fell through. 

Oh, but they never blamed poor little Lila-no. 

They blamed the people I claimed I knew! Alya was so excited when I told her of the interview I got her with Lois Lane. 

But when the time came, she never showed up! 

Oops.

All I had to do was let a few tears drop as I was ‘calling’ dear Lois, and Alya was cursing her name!

It was the same with every single one of them! God it was so easy and fun to manipulate them, and dear Adrien. Oh he begged me to stop, but all it took was telling him that all I needed was one lie.

Just one.

And no one from the group of sheep would talk to him again. He shut up letting me do anything I wanted. Then the Gotham earthquake happened and I was quick to jump on it. Telling them all how worried I was for the Wayne family, of course they believed me! So I decided to go a step further, I pulled myself from the public eye for six months hiding out in my apartment with Adrien. Sweet little Adrien knew better than to say anything about me not actually being gone. When I finally appeared it was so easy to convince them that I was in Gotham, helping the Wayne family rebuild. 

I wasn’t prepared for the class to slowly start drifting away from Adrien and I, but I used it to my advantage. It was easy to convince Adrien to ask me to marry him, a few sweet words. That's all it took and we were married, I am now Mrs. Agreste.

And I once again won, taking the name that stupid Marinette Dupain-Cheng dreamed about. 

Life is good, I’m rich, beautiful, and famous. I have my own trophy husband and I travel the world just for photo shoots! The only downside is I can’t get any modeling gigs under designer MDC! It's ridiculous but I’m going to change  that at this Wayne Gala. Some of the models employed by MDC told me she’d be there. I’ll charm her just like a charmed everyone else.

BUT THEN SHE SHOWED UP! WITH TWO IDIOT KIDS AND DAMIAN WAYNE HIMSELF! MARINETTE DUPAIN-CHENG!!!!

She didn’t just show up with him, she is married to him. She is married to Damian Wayne! While I’m married to Adrien Agreste. And to top it off!! 

TO TOP IT OFF! SHE IS MDC!!! THE SAME DAMN WOMAN THAT I”VE BEEN TRYING TO WORK UNDER!!!!

That's it, I’m going to ruin her tonight! I don’t know who but I am! 

I’m going to destroy her image, I’ll show everyone thAT I’M THE ONE THEY SHOULD LOOK AT NOT HER!!!!

Everyone is out to get me!! No matter what I do I can’t get to her people keep getting in my way!! This is perfect, the stupid-STUPID Wayne Patriarch is giving a speech! I just need to slowly get closer and closer to her. 

No, no, no, NO, NO!!!!! 

WHY IS SHE WALKING UP THERE WITH DAMIAN!!! Pregnant!? She is pregnant and she thought that was some big news! 

AND EVERYONE IS CHEERING FOR HER WHEN I’M RIGHT HERE!!!!

Look at her smiling looking so HAPPY! She shouldn’t be happy, she should be miserable! I spent the rest of the night attempting to get closer to her, I’ll frame her for something! ANYTHING!!

I’ll-I’ll claim she pushed me down!!

Or that she threatened me!!!

I’LL DESTROY HER TONIGHT!!

Wait, wait-what is Adrien doing!! What are they talking about?!?! 

WHY IS HE LOOKING AT HER LIKE HE JUST FOUND A LONG LOST LOVE!!

How dare he make a move towards her!!!

I’ll destroy him too! 

YES

YES

YES

ITS PERFECT!!!!

I’ll tell everyone that he has been cheating on me with Marinette!! They’ll fall for it and it’ll tear Marinette’s marriage apart! Then I’ll make my move on Damian!

I’LL TAKE MY RIGHTFUL PLACE ABOVE MARINETTE!!

ALL EYES WILL BE ON ME!!

All eyes are on me!

Perfect-wait, why are all eyes on me?

Kicked out!?! Adrien got us kicked out and banned from all Wayne Gala and functions!?!

No. NO. NO. NO!!!!!

HOW DARE HE DO THIS TO ME!! HOW DARE HE GET IN THE WAY!! I’M GOING TO DESTROY HIM!! I’LL DESTROY ALL OF THEM!!!!

@chocolateherringtacofan

@blackmagicforever

@mythogaychic

[wmsvibe]

MIRACULOUS LADYBUG FUTURES

disclaimer - this is just my opinion obviously none of this is canon :)

Marinette - Ya’ll already know this girl went on to build herself an entire fucking fashion empire. After defeating hawkmoth and getting with Adrien she goes off to fashion uni and later builds a company from the ground up. Her and adrien get married and have 3 kids. She travels quite a bit for work but it’s cool because that means her and adrien get to visit their friends more often and the kids get to experience all different cultures.

Adrien - After defeating hawkmoth he gets with Mari and realised that he doesn’t have to do shit for his dad anymore. He goes to uni and gets a degree in science-y stuff (i feel like this boy is probably really nerdy we just don’t talk about it). He becomes a researcher for science-y stuff but when he and Mari have their first kid he becomes a stay-at-home dad.

Alya - Once again, we all know this girl is gonna become a reporter. She goes to uni, gets a degree in journalism, and then moves to New York with Nino (her fiancé of 2 years). She becomes a top notch reporter in New York and eventually her and Nino settle down, move back to Paris, and have 2 kids. Obvi she stays in contact with Mari and they meet up whenever they can.

Nino - Mans becomes a Dj. He doesn’t go to uni unlike his friends he in fact gets a internship at a record label company (basically like becca in pitch perfect). When he and Alya move to New York he works in clubs doing Dj shit and he works gigs all over New York.

Luka - Obviously Luka becomes a musician. He starts up a rock band and he hits it big at 19. He never goes to uni and instead chooses to go on tour with the band and they basically become mega famous. He is still in contact with Mari and they meet up whenever they’re in the same country. He gets married in his 30’s to a girl he met on the road. They adopt 2 kids.

Chloe - My girl Chloe finally gets over herself at age like 17. She realises that she’s a bitch and she changes her ways. Her and Sabrina fell out ages ago but she attempts to rekindle their friendship after she sorts her own shit out. She goes to therapy for a lil bit to help her sort out her need to be adored by everyone cause of her parents fucked up marriage. She comes back stronger than ever and she goes on to Uni to get a business degree. She starts off as an assistant at a big company but she slowly works herself up the ladder and becomes CEO at 32. She’s proud of herself. She gets herself a gentle giant of a boyfriend who supports her through her tantrums. They never get married.

Sabrina - Sabrina finally ditched Chloe at 16. She realises her worth and she grows up. She goes to uni and gets a degree in law. She becomes a defence attorney and slowly but surely rekindles her relationship with Chloe. They never go back to being as close as they were. But they keep in contact and meet up for coffee whenever ever they’re free. She lives the single pringle life for a while but eventually settles down with the barista she gets coffee from every morning. They have 1 kid.

Kagami - Kagami is kinda tricky because I can honestly see her becoming an amazing professional fencer and shit but idk whether or not I want her to drop her mother like Adrien did with his dad. If she were to be a fencing champion I imagine she would do it for herself and that she would enjoy it. Her and Adrien would see each other from time to time for a friendly fencing match, and sometimes she would meet up with Adrien and Marinette for coffee but apart from that she wouldn’t really see anyone else much. She accidentally falls in love with her rival and they have an enemies to lovers romance that ends in them married.

Max - He gets a scholarship to a really smart school and becomes a robotics engineer. He sees his mum whenever she’s back from outer space and he stays in contact with Kim and Alix. He never marries cause my mans is aro/ace.

Kim - He gets a sports scholarship and becomes an olympic swimmer. He and that swimmer girl break it off after high school and he doesn’t get into another serious relationship for a while until after uni. He settles down with her after his swimming days are over and they don’t have any kids.

Alix - She goes to uni for art but drops out her 2nd year. She travels for a while, a lot of hitch hiking and couch surfing and she starts up a vlog channel. She goes back to uni in her mid 20’s and gets a degree in art-history. She moves back home with her family and she takes on the museum. She never gets married.

Juleka - My girl gets scouted for modelling after a bunch of pictures of her modelling Mari’s designs when they were in college go viral. She moves out at 17 to go work for a big modelling company. She waits for Rose to finish Uni and then they go around the world for a few years. She becomes a big time model and becomes known for collaborating with Mari. Her and Rose get married in their mid 20’s and they have 2 kids.

Rose - She goes to Uni to get a degree in music. After uni her and Juleka go travelling for Juleka’s work and whilst they’re around Rose writes lyrics in her spare time. Writing is more of a hobby but she does end up writing a few songs for Juleka’s work and for favours and stuff. She never gets very big. They have twins, a boy and a girl.

IM NOT SURE ABOUT MYLENE AND IVAN BUT I CAN IMAGINE THEM OWNING A LIL MUSIC SHOP IN PARIS AND HAVING 4 KIDS.

ALSO PS- LILA IS A BITCH AND IM NOT INCLUDING HER BECAUSE SHES GONNA STILL BE LIVING WITH HER MOTHER IN HER 30s

[storygirl000]

ML Fic: Never Had A Friend Like Me

Summary: Lila’s making good on her promise, and Marinette is finding herself increasingly isolated from the class. At least she still has her best friend by her side.

Ao3 link here.

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

A/N: So guess who’s sick of Alya and Nino getting the short end of the stick in salt fics?

Seriously, guys. “Chameleon” was a poorly-written episode in regards to every character it featured, but everyone still treats it like it’s the final word on what Alya and Nino are like. All I want is ONE salt fic where they actually support Marinette throughout Lila’s reign of terror.

And then I thought, “Well, if you want something done right...”

So enjoy this rare pro-Alya salt fic!

00000

The day after Lila had threatened her in front of the school, Marinette opened the bakery door to find Alya there, tears streaming down her face.

Marinette brought her inside, asking her what had happened, and listened intently as her friend poured her heart out to her. In a way, she wasn’t that surprised by what she heard.

Apparently, Alya had finally thought to do some research on Lila, and (naturally) had discovered that all of her claims of meeting various celebrities were false. This had led to her deleting Lila’s interview from the Ladyblog, posting a lengthy apology to her readers, calling Nino (who had been equally horrified by the revelation), and concluding that she was an irredeemably horrible person who didn’t deserve the friendship of someone she threw under the bus for a stranger.

Touched, Marinette told her that she forgave her, and that they could still be friends as long as she’d truly learned her lesson. Alya accepted that, and the two of them spent the rest of the day eating cookies and discussing various things.

Like how they were going to break this to the rest of their classmates.

00000

Four weeks after Lila’s threat, school had become more difficult.

On the upside, most of the class accepted the evidence Alya had provided and cut ties with Lila. And as it turned out, several of them were close to discovering the truth themselves beforehand.

On the downside, Lila still had several members of the class (Kim, Max, Ivan, Mylene) and several teachers under her thumb. And Ms. Bustier’s “set a good example” policy meant that if any of them tried to argue with Lila or question her authority, they’d get punished.

And frustratingly enough, Adrien still stuck by his original mindset. No matter how many times the others tried to convince him, he kept insisting that Lila wasn’t doing any harm and that they were in  the wrong.

Needless to say, his friendship with Nino and Marinette’s crush on him disappeared.

But, for all the friends they lost, they gained some new ones. Aurore and Mireille became a part of Marinette’s inner circle after she designed some outfits for them. Nathaniel and Juleka brought in Marc and Luka, respectively. Kagami joined them as well, slowly being eased into the idea of having friends. And – most surprisingly – Chloe and Sabrina joined them, both having long seen through Lila’s facade. While there were still the occasional clashes, Chloe’s relationship with most of the group soon became a vitriolic friendship (and maybe a little more with Kagami, though she wouldn’t admit it for a long time).

Alya was confident they could make it through Lila’s reign.

00000

Two years after Lila’s threat, Alya discovered that her best friend was Ladybug.

Hawk Moth and Mayura’s attacks had only gotten harder to deal with over the years, and it didn’t help that Chat Noir had become a horrible hero, refusing to help out unless Ladybug gave in to his increasingly unwanted advances.

The heroine needed some permanent help. Someone she could turn to when the times got tough, someone she could trust with her secret identity. Someone who could help when Chat Noir refused to.

She chose Alya and Nino.

Now, Rena Rouge and Carapace regularly joined Ladybug on patrols, helping her fight akumas and sentimonsters. The Ladyblog quickly received a boost in popularity, thanks to the increasingly common interviews with the heroes themselves.

As the time passed, more and more heroes would come and go – the indomitable trio of Queen Bee, Ryuko, and Good Girl, the brother-sister-sister’s girlfriend team of Viperion, Tigress, and the Pink Princess, the genre-savvy Gallus and Chevre Blanc, the crowd-pleasing Cloudjumper and Souris, and the ever-mysterious time-traveller Bunnyx – but the core trio of Ladybug, Rena Rouge, and Carapace remained.

Chat Noir’s popularity dropped like a stone. Alya made sure of it.

00000

Six years after Lila’s threat, Marinette finally launched her brand.

With the help of a website designed by Alya and positive word of mouth thanks to Jagged Stone, MDC Designs quickly grew in popularity. Soon, celebrities across the world – ranging from the children of the popular businessman Bruce Wayne to singers like Clara Nightingale and Austin Moon – all wanted an MDC Original in their closets.

Eventually, Gabriel Agreste himself reached out to her and asked to do a business partnership. Not only did she refuse, she went on to do an interview detailing exactly how badly Gabriel’s heir and his girlfriend treated her in high school.

Adrien Agreste and Lila Rossi became the biggest punchlines in the entertainment business since Lindsay Lohan. Marinette, meanwhile, met the love of her life doing a commission for the president of Okumura Foods, who introduced her to one of her close friends.

All in all, Alya figured they were doing well for themselves.

00000

Eight years after Lila’s threat, Chat Noir lost his Miraculous on live television.

From what Alya could piece together, Chat had seen Marinette and Ren interacting while the former was in-costume. Naturally, the entitled brat had decided to seek out Ren and threaten him, all while spouting his beliefs that Ladybug was destined for him.

Hawk Moth promptly took advantage of Ren’s anger, creating one of the most powerful akumas the team had ever fought.

The akuma had immediately gone for Chat, stripping him of his ring in front of a live news crew and revealing to the world that he was none other than Adrien Agreste. He then verbally tore into the former golden boy, revealing every horrible thing he’d done as both a model and as Chat Noir.

The team managed to purify the akuma and rescue Ren, but Adrien escaped in the struggle and disappeared. Not that it mattered; they had the Cat Miraculous back, ensuring that he wouldn’t be able to misuse it anymore.

Five days later, the public was introduced to Kuro Neko.

Two days after that, Hawk Moth publicly announced his and Mayura’s retirement from supervillainy.

One week after that, Monarch and Pavone Cristallo took their place.

Life went on.

00000

Ten years after Lila’s threat, Alya was in Los Angeles, watching the Oscars live.

Marinette had been nominated for Best Costume Design for her work on a movie that had been nominated for several other awards, and she had invited Alya, Nino, and Ren to come with her to the ceremony. Naturally, they’d accepted.

As the various announcements and performances went on, Alya thought over what the past ten years had been like for her and her classmates.

Rose and Juleka had gotten married practically as soon as high school was over, and their wedding had been a gothic fairytale straight out of a Grimm Brothers book. Juleka eventually became one of Marinette’s top models, while Rose became a teacher, striving to be better than the one she had in high school.

Marc and Nathaniel had started publishing their Mightillustrator and Reverser comics, which soon became popular for their positive portrayal of a gay couple and the general lack of angst most superhero comics at the time had. A movie adaptation was currently in the works.

Chloe had taken over her father’s hotel business, and was still doing her best to become a better person with the help of Kagami (her girlfriend, now a world-class fencer) and Sabrina (now a politician on the campaign trail). She also modeled for Marinette on occasion.

Luka was currently on tour as one-half of the musical duo Fangs, alongside his fiance (a lovely girl named Avril that Alya was, regrettably, not well-acquainted with). Their wedding was scheduled for next year, and everyone was dying with anticipation.

Aurore and Mireille had also gotten married, and both had become regular models in Marinette’s lineup. Aurore had also gotten a job as TVi’s weather girl, and Mireille was the new host of KIDZ+.

Alix had become a popular street artist, with her art regularly being featured in Parisian museums. She’d also taken over as Collège François Dupont’s new art teacher after Mr. Haberkorn’s retirement, which kept her in regular contact with Rose and Juleka.

The ones who had followed Lila’s word to the letter back in high school eventually managed to break free from her influence, though they knew nothing would ever be the same between them and the rest of the class. Kim and Ondine had gotten married, and they now worked as coaches in the same school as Rose and Alix. Max had managed to get a job as a scientist for a major computer company, and worked hard on various projects. Mylene and Ivan had also gotten married, the former becoming an actress on a popular TV show.

Lila and Adrien had both opted to stay out of the public eye after all the scandals they’d been a part of. Alya had no idea what they were up to these days, which was probably for the best.

And Alya herself? She was quickly climbing through the ranks as a journalist, and the Ladyblog was as popular as ever. She and Nino had finally tied the knot last year; he’d become a successful DJ, and was recently breaking into directing, with Nath and Marc’s film being his first job.

Her musings were interrupted by a cry of joy coming from her right.The winner of Best Costume Design had finally been announced.

As Alya watched, Marinette walked up to the stage to accept her award, tears pricking the corner of her eyes. Everyone in the hall started applauding her – Alya, Nino, and Ren doing so the loudest.

She took the statuette, cradling it in her hands, and started on the speech she’d been rehearsing before they’d gotten here.

“The first person I want to dedicate this to is the person who’s stuck by me all these years, through thick and thin,” she said. “My best friend, Alya.”

Alya felt Nino’s hand on her shoulder, and she smiled.

They made it. Together.

[miraculous-ladybug-bitches]

Cut Up Promises

‘European Head of Law Enforcements, Chloe Bourgeois and her girlfriend, French Fashion Designer, Marinette Dupain-Cheng clash with model and heir to Agreste Industries, Adrien Agreste: Adrien Agreste is a homophobe and verbally abuses the celebrity couple.’

- by Alya Cesaire

“And that’s the tea,” Alya said, munching on chips on Marinette's marble veranda with Greek arches, overlooking her generously sized pool.

“What a mouthful,” Nino says, arm slung around Alya’s shoulder.

“I can’t believe you did that, Chloe. It doesn’t seem like you,” Kagami says.

Chloe scoffs, checking her nails. “That prick was asking for it, with his bitch-ass attitude.”

“You're telling me,” Marinette grumbles, flopping on top of Chloe.

The blonde took out Marinette’s hair from her tight bun and raked her fingers through the midnight blue hair.

Kagami was a 3 time winner of Olympic fencing and Alya was a travelling international reporter. Chloe was a prestigious lawyer that had law firms all around Europe.

Chloe and Marinette had been dating for 2 years and were incredibly happy. Alya married Nino, an international DJ sensation. Kagami was with Luka, the lead guitarist in a world famous band.

“What made you go off your rocker, Mari?” Luka asks, guitar long forgotten in his hands.

Chloe immediately sneers and Marinette’s lips part in a snarl.

“Apparently he’s friends with Nino so I was nice to him at the beginning.” Marinette starts but is cut off by Nino.

“Nah, man. I’d never betray you or Chloe like that. I ditched his ass when I figured out what he said,”  Nino said, seriously.

Alya places a comforting hand on her husband’s and gestures for Marinette to continue.

“But, like Nino said, that motherfucking piece of shit had it coming. He was such a dick. Let me start from the beginning. So, we just met and….”

The night of the gala

Chloe and Marinette emerged from their limo, Chloe’s hand curled possessively on Marinette’s waist.

Chloe wore a beautiful yellow dress. It had no sleeves and was made with a delicate satin. It cling to her body, highlighting every curve and showing them off with a classy look. She had large black hoops for earrings and wore 2 diamonds rings on her right hand with a third on her left. She had a simple gold and obsidian intertwined necklace.

Marinette was adorned in an ombre black to red dress. The top was a thin strap for sleeves, and had a cut through the middle to show off her assets till her waist. On her waist lay a beautiful silver embroidered belt and below the dress flowed off into a rich red. She had a ruby pendant, courtesy of Chloe, with one simple gold ring on her left hand. She wore her favorite black earrings. They were triangle shaped with elegant carvings inside.

Every and all parts of the two’s outfits were designed by Marinette, of course. Both of their closets were custom designed by Marinette. The two girls would always tell you they lost track of whose closet was whose, with all the clothes sharing.

Cameras went off as the two women smiled and waved.

“Where’s everyone else?” Marinette asks, tilting her head up once they were out of the paparazzi frenzied crowd and into the sophisticated gala.

Chloe leans down to whisper in Marinette’s ear, “They can’t come because they don’t give a flying fuck.”

Marinette giggles and goes on her tippy toes to press a kiss to Chloe’s cheek.

Instead of usually teasing Marinette for her lack of height, Chloe’s eyes turn cold as she sees a familiar head of blonde in her peripheral vision.

“Chloe? What’s wrong, mon amour?” Marinette asks.

Chloe purses her lip. “You know that really close childhood friend I told you about? The one that ditched me for being gay. The one that started bullying me by spray painting words like ‘slut’ and ‘dyke’ on my locker and using his friends to beat me up or touch me to convince me that being gay is a phase and all girls like boys? Well, he’s here.”

Marientte’s lips part in shock. Then her eyebrows furrow in anger.

“Let me give that shit a piece of my mind.” Marinette hisses, moving toward the crowd.

Chloe chuckles at her girlfriend's anger and pulls her back.

“Where are you going, ma chérie? You don’t even know who you are going to. You won’t be able to do anything to him. He is too powerful,” Chloe says, a small smile on her face.

Marinette huffs. “Will you at least tell me who it is?”

Chloe raises a perfectly done eyebrow. “Do you promise not to kill him?”

Marinette holds her chin up high and crosses her arms. “I’ll try.”

Chloe sighs. “That’s the best I’ll get from you. Adrien Agreste. His name is Adrien Agreste.”

Marinette’s jaw drops through the floor. “No. Mother. Fucking. Way.”

Chloe looks at her with alarm. “What? What happened?”

Marinette fumed. “He’s supposed to be my model for my next shoot.”

Chloe lets out a small ‘oh.’ Then she shakes her head. “Don’t let my bad relationship with him hurt your chances to become a better designer.”

Marinette narrows her eyes. “Fine. But one wrong comment and I kick his sorry ass so hard, he’s gonna wish he wasn’t born.”

Chloe laughs, kissing Marinette. “Deal.”

They spend the rest of the evening mingling with the guests before a voice destroys the rest of their evening.

“Chloe Bourgeois! I thought I recognized that hair!” a cheerful voice says from behind them.

Chloe turns and forces a smile once she sees who it is. “Adrien. A pleasure.”

The eccentric man grins, opening his arms. “This must be Marinette. I hear we’re working together soon.”

Marinette lets out a fake smile. “Yes, we are. How delightful.”

Adrien gestures for the two of them. “So, you two are awfully close for friends.”

Marinette’s eye twitches. “We’re dating.”

Adrien blinks in shock before laughing. “Got mad skills and jokes. But really though, what’s up with you two?”

Chloe smirks and girls her head back. “We’re actually dating, Adrien, and we are very happy.”

Adrien looks between the two and sighs. “It’s sad you haven’t grown out of this, Chloe. Marinette, I expect. Didn’t she grow up as the poor daughter of a baker? She doesn’t have anything. You were born rich, Chloe! You could get a real man and actually be happy instead of living on some ‘gay’ phase.”

The entire ball room is baffled by the man’s statement.

¾ of the people there looked as though they wanted to punch him or make him choke on his dick. The other ¼ wanted to do both.

Marinette opens her mouth to retort, when she is cut off by Chloe’s booming voice.

“That is enough, Adrien. It is one thing to say that shit to me, but never to Marinette. Do you know what kind of shit you put me through? My family ‘disowned’ me but to keep up their good image, they just ignored me and let me do whatever. And then you, my best friend, turned on me. Do you know how much it hurt every time I would have to stay after school to wash my locker because it had the words, ‘bitch’ or ‘attention whore’ written on it? Do you know that I started having panic and anxiety attacks?” Chloe snarls, her voice raising in volume with each line.

Adrien raises his hands in mock surrender. “Jeez, sorry for poking your buttons but-”

“I’m not finished, you son of a bitch, so sit your motherfucking ass down on the damn chair,” Chloe yells. “I went into depression because of you. I also almost did up something stupid because of you. That’s right, Adrien. I cut myself. Many, many, many times. And then I got into drugs and alcohol. And that’s how I met Marinette. She found me, cocaine in my hand, breath reeking like alcohol, and cuts all over my arms. She saved my life and became the only reason I wanted to live. I fought to see her smile. To see her laugh. And she helped me heal. And I love her for that. And I always will. She is the reason I made my enterprise and fortune. She’s the reason I’m not at the bottom of a river, dead.”

Chloe felt Marinette’s hand slip into hers and she feels tears running down her face. She belatedly thanks herself for wearing waterproof mascara and eyeliner.

Adrien looked appalled.

Current day

“….and he tried to apologize. So that’s the tea,” Marinette finishes, quoting Alya’s earlier words.

It was so silent, you could hear the crickets chirp.

“He’s a dick,” Kagami finally says, her formality and politeness temporarily forgotten in a haze of anger.

Luka nods, unable to say anything at the moment.

“Work next week is gonna be interesting, huh, Mari?” Nino says.

Marinette blanches. “I’m going to need a shit ton of alcohol for next week.”

[soap-lady]

Super salty Alya

This is based on a post by @vixen-uchiha You can find it here: https://vixen-uchiha.tumblr.com/post/190974839815/alya-was-salty-before-lila-came-to-school

Alya Cesaire strolled confidently through the halls of Francois Dupont. She was riding a week-long high; the Ladyblog was one of the most popular sites for news about Paris’ heroes, her “relationship” with Nino was going well, and Audrey Bourgeois herself had agreed to a Facetime interview. The only thing that could make her life better was an interview with the city’s newest hero, Le Renard.

She would have loved to have gotten her hands on whatever gave the heroes their superpowers. She could have done a story from an insider’s perspective. Then again, she’d have to risk her life chasing supervillains and leaping off rooftops. She didn’t train with her sister three times a week to risk her smoking hot bod like that. Still...the traffic on her site would have been spectacular.

She paused near the doorway to Mlle. Bustier’s classroom (idealistic sucker) when she heard some girl chattering away about how she saved Jagged Stone’s cat on a runway. Really, who’s the idiot who not only let a rock star’s cat wander off but allowed a teenager near a moving plane? She hoped they got fired.

Nino was listening wide-eyed as the girl talked about how Spielburg was at her thirteenth birthday party and promised to introduce the DJ to his idol.

Alya looked her over. She was okay looking, with long auburn hair, olive eyes, and a pointed face like a fox. Her outfit was strange; really, who wore tights under shorts to class? She looked ridiculous and the ambitious blogger almost wanted to give the other girl Marinette’s number. Almost. There were several free commissions she wanted for herself first.

The girl glanced at Alya out of the corner of her eye and then turned towards her, hands clasped over her chest.  “Oh my gosh! You’re the Ladyblogger!”

Oh, nice, a fan. Alya adjusted her glasses and grinned.  “That’s me. Alya Cesaire,” she held out a hand to the other girl, “and you are?”

The fox-faced girl grabbed the would-be reporter’s hand with both of her own. “Oh, sorry! I should have introduced myself first.” She looked contrite, bottom lip jutting out. “I’m Lila Rossi. My mom and I just moved here from Italy because she works at the embassy.” The auburn haired girl smiled at Alya. “It’ll be nice to finally settle somewhere.” She laughed and waved a hand. “Don’t get me wrong. It’s been wonderful travelling around the world and going to exotic places like Achu but I want to live somewhere long enough to make friends my own age.” The girl’s smile was wistful. “I mean, Clara Nightingale is the sweetest person alive but she doesn’t understand what it’s like to be a teenager these days.”

The blogger nodded and gave the new girl an understanding smile. “And on top of that, being the new girl in the middle of the school year. Trust me,” she put her hand on Lila’s shoulder, “I know all about being new and not knowing anyone.” “Or knowing how you fit in a new social order,” the newcomer added, looking relieved to be understood.

Alya’s reporter brain was in hyper drive. Even with all the connections she’d gained via her classmates, an interview with Jagged Stone or Clara Nightingale would send her views through the roof.

“Well, I’m relieved to meet a few nice people on my first day here,” Lila giggled. “Ladybug tried to reassure me that Parisians are a lot nicer than people think but I just couldn’t help being nervous.”

Conversation stopped as everyone stared at the Italian girl. “Y-you know Ladybug?” Alya very quickly got in Lila’s personal space. “Well enough she gives you advice?”

The new girl blushed and glanced down, looking humble. “I don’t mean to brag but...she’s my best friend.” She looked up and smiled at Alya, opening up to the blogger. “She saved me from an akuma and we got to talking. Ladybug is the sweetest, most modest hero alive. I’m so lucky to have her as a friend.”

Not nearly as lucky as I am, Alya thought to herself. Putting on a huge smile she asked Lila, “I would love to interview you for the Ladyblog about your friendship with our little red bug,” Alya told her eagerly, “that is, if you don’t mind.”

Lila shook her head, bouncing with excitement. “Not at all! I would love to be interviewed!” she smiled. “Everyone knows the heroic side of Paris’ defender so it’s only fair they hear about her softer side as well.”  She thought for a moment then said, “but I can’t answer any questions about her true identity,” she raised a hand and looked solemn, “I promised her I’d never do that.”

Well, crap. Alya shook her head earnestly. “Relax, I totally get it. I’d never ask you to break a promise like that.” Mostly because you already said you wouldn’t.

The wannabe reporter slung her arms around the shoulders of the Italian girl. “Let me walk you to class and tell you all about life here at Francois Dupont.”

Lila’s smile was wide and grateful. “I’m so lucky to have made such a good friend already!”

Alya laughed. “Trust me, girl. I’m only the first of many.”

[marinette-fangirl]

For @cornholio4

Who asked: I came up with this idea inspired by a story by Miraculous of Salt. Say Alix finds the rabbit Kwai and eggs the pocket watch miraculous to work, she lets Alya, Nino and others in their class know and decides to be quiet about it to marinette and alya. Their plan is to go to the future and tell Lila of her amazing future and give a warning to Marinette about what is in store for her if she doesn’t stop being mean to lila

however they go to the future and are not prepared for what they find

adrien’s career went downhill

they find that chat noir had been replaced

alya is a small time tabloid with lawsuits against her

Their other lives are Not so good

they are pleased to find out chloe’s attitude finally got the better of her when her father lost an election and she was mean to he wrote people with lawsuits against her and she was in prison when it turned out she became  willing accomplice of hawk moth, didn’t surprise them that much]

They are shocked to find out Hawk Moth was `Gabriel Agreste in prison

however they find that marinette has a successful career as a designer and is happily married to Luka a successful rock star

they find out Lila is in prison; turns out she later gets expelled from university and had lawsuits for defamation and slander and she ended in prison for her crimes especially when it turned out she became chloe’s partner to Lila as accomplices of Hawk moth

the future Ladybug and a different Chat noir who are together find then with bunnyx who sends them back with their knowledge

At the time it seemed like a genius plan to Alix, Alya, Nino, and the others (minus Marinette, Lila, and Adrien): use the Rabbit Miraculous to travel into the future and see what awesome lives they would lead! Especially when Lila came through on her promises, and use it as a cautionary tale to Marinette, as a warning of what would happen if she didn't start acting kinder towards Lila. 

Their futures would be filled with untold riches! 

But that had been before Alix's much older self along with a new Ladybug and Cat Noir had found them, and after much begging, finally agreed to show them what the future would hold. 

It would be a perfect world! 

But alas it wasn't. 

The hopefulness of a peaceful utopia was shattered. 

Dread filled them as they discovered that Gabriel Agreste and Hawkmoth had been one in the same, his brand never recovered, the man was serving an indefinite life sentence in prison, and Adrien had fled Paris as soon as he turned 18 the shame and guilt too much for him to bear. 

It seemed that Chloe had served some time in prison after it was found that she had been Hawkmoth's accomplice along with someone else. And her father losing the election seemed to have humbled her greatly. 

Alya was not the big time reporter she had dreamed of being, instead she became what she feared the most: a tabloid who would do anything for a quick story. And she faced many lawsuits for lies and slander. 

The others weren't as good. 

Kim taught at the local swimming pool. 

Max taught tech at Francoise Dupont. 

Mylene taught local acting classes. 

Nino wasn't the famous DJ he thought he would be.

Even more dread filled their stomachs at their less than perfect futures. 

What could have caused this to happen?

"No! No! This can't be our futures! It just can't be!" It was Alya who cried out in outrage. This wasn't how she imagined it! "Lila promised that she would use her connections to help us! She promised-" 

Whatever words Alya was going to say next became stuck in her throat as the scene changed to that Lila Rossi in a prison jumpsuit, just like they had witnessed with Gabriel Agreste. "W-why is Lila in prison?" Asked a visibly shaken Mylene who was clinging to a silent Ivan. 

It was Cat Noir who spoke. "Rossi's kingdom of lies finally came crumbling down." 

"Thanks to her own arrogance, she never thought that university professors would actually do their job and actually fact check to make sure what she was telling them about her medical history was in fact true. Caught cheating on tests and stealing from students was what got her expelled. But what landed her in prison was people finding out that she along with Chloe, willingly helped Hawkmoth. A terrorist." Ladybug spoke in a calm voice, even as her fists clenched from the rage she felt. She exhaled and gave a nod of thanks to Cat Noir who placed a calming hand on her shoulder, offering his silent support. 

"What about Marinette? Is her life horrible too?" It was a worried Juleka who asked. 

With those words, came a new scene with the adult version of Marinette in a studio surrounded by mannequins that was dressed up in such stunning designs, that left it everyone speechless. Everyone expect the three heroes who matching soft smiles as they watched the raven haired woman float from one mannequin to the next making sure each creation was perfect. 

She was always a perfectionist. The three thought in unison. 

"Mari! Are you here?" They watched as a much older Luka walked into the studio, gliding past the mannequins as if he had done it hundreds of times before. 

"I'm here, Luka!" They witnessed as Marinette met him half way and greeted him with a kiss. 

"Ah, there's my wife, the international fashion designer. Hope you're not too busy for a lunch break with our friends Nathienal and his husband Marc, along with Juleka and my adorable sister in law Rose?" The teasing tone caused her to giggle. 

"How could I say no to such a charming invitation from my rockstar husband?" 

"Why my little pixie, you can't!" The last thing they heard was Marinette's laughter as Luka carried her bridal style out of the studio, before the scene faded altogether. 

The silence was deafening. 

It was the adult version of Alix who broke it. "Now that you have the information, it's up to all of you what you'll do with it. But I truly hope that all of you will do better by Marinette." 

After making sure they returned to their timeline safely, she came back to the new Ladybug and Cat Noir. 

"Do you think they'll listen?" 

She sighed. "I don't know, but we can only hope." 

Cat Noir let out a snort. "I highly doubt that. But maybe this will be the wake up they need." 

Ladybug's smile was strained. "Maybe. Just maybe." 

"Well, Bridgette, Felix, shall we go?" 

With a nod from the duo, the three of them set off. 

A/N: Yes, the new Ladybug and Cat Noir are Bridgette and Felix. This is the first time I wrote a time travel au. The lukanette scene was fun to write, I can't lie. Word count: 1,150.

[bumblebeug]

A Presentation to the Matchmaker Pt: 5 Confession

Well, here it is - the final part of A Presentation to the Matchmaker. It’s been a whole bunch of fun to write and marks the first finished multi-chapter story I’ve ever written. So I’m pretty Happy. Congratulations to those that correctly guessed who Marinette was going to confess too. I hope that even though I went full sappy for the ending, that you guys enjoy it. 

Pt. 5: Confession

Monday

“You could send her dozens of flowers – she loves flowers. Has her own rooftop garden,” Alya suggested as she munched her way through a bag of chips.

“If she has a garden,” Felix began as he rolled an apple thoughtfully between his hands, “Then wouldn’t it be a better idea to give her a couple of potted plants?”

Alya gave him a flat look, “Are you seriously suggesting giving Marinette, the most accident-prone girl we know pottery?”

“Hmm.” Felix chewed thoughtfully, “What about seeds?”

“Too grandmotherly,” Alya sighed.

Tuesday

Alya crossed her arms over her chest, “Music? Are you serious?”

Felix patted down a couple of wild flyaway strands of hair and nodded earnestly, “Music is a way into a heart. You should know – your boyfriend is a DJ, right?”

“Yeah, but he didn’t ask me out through song. We were locked in a cage together by Ladybug and just… sorta hashed it out,” Alya pointed out.

Felix raised an eyebrow at her, “Are you suggesting I ask Ladybug to lock Marinette and I in a cage together to ‘hash it out’?”

Alya smiled in spite of herself, “Nah, too hard to track down a hero…I could lock you two in a closet together accidentally, if you know what I mean.”

The expression of open horror Felix gave her made her double over in laughter. After a minute, Alya straightened and wiped her eyes, “Haa, I’m sorry. I was joking!” She clapped her hand on his shoulder to prevent him from walking away. “Sorry,” she apologized again, “I mean it.”

Felix shook off her hand but made no move to leave, “Do you really think the music idea wouldn’t work?”

“No, no, it could work,” Alya said, “But music is tricky – it has to be from the heart or else it won’t be able to travel to another person’s got it?”

Felix nodded along as she spoke.

“I have no idea what that means,” he deadpanned.

Nino could have explained the concept better, she thought a little wistfully.

“You know what? It’s not important,” Alya hand-waved, “If you’re confident in this plan, then go for it.”

Friday

“Hey,” Alya greeted Felix at lunch as she passed by to go sit with Marinette, “Can’t stay and chat for long but, are you still feeling good about the plan?”

Felix picked at his scant lunch for a moment, “As ready as I think I can be. Is it still going to be in the music classroom?”

Alya nodded, “Yup. She doesn’t have a clue. Once the bell rings, I’ll make up some excuse and Marinette and I will walk there. You’ll be sitting quietly at the piano. I say I’ll be lookout. And then it’s confession time.”

“Got it.” Felix gave Alya a queasy smile and half-heartedly picked up a carrot stick, “Go sit with your group.”

~~

Felix drummed his fingers on his desk and glanced at the clock for the umpteenth time.

To him, it felt like the seconds were actively resisting the march of time and, judging by the restless fidgeting of his classmates – he wasn’t the only one.

He brought a hand down to check that the paper in his pocket – the paper that contained the contents of his heart – was still safely where it was supposed to be. He peeked back at the clock and held back a groan, hardly two minutes had passed. Felix resumed drumming on his desk and tried not to stare a hole through the back of Marinette’s head. But Marinette must have felt the weight of his stare because she turned around and smiled at him.

He smiled back, pretending like she hadn’t been the focus of his attention, and tried to exude a nonchalant-ness that he didn’t feel. Encouraged by his smile, Marinette rolled her eyes towards the clock and back to him with a look that said the final bell is taking forever. In response to her eye-rolling, Felix quirked a brow in agreement, puffed out his cheeks and blew out a long breath. Felix couldn’t help the real smile that overtook his strained one at the sight of her eyes crinkling in amusement.

He was beginning to feel confident about the plan when the final bell rang, prompting two dozen people to spring to their feet in a race to leave school for the day.

Leaving just four people lingering in the classroom.

Felix sat frozen at his desk as he watched Adrien help Marinette gather her spilled bookbag, ignoring Alya’s frantic shooing gestures. Was this the moment? Felix thought, stomach squelching in panic. Was he going to witness Marinette confess to Adrien right in front of him?

Marinette’s face flushed as she grabbed a folder from Adrien’s hands, opening her mouth.

“You ready to go?” Alya asked Marinette loudly, startling Marinette enough to make her forget what she was about to say.

“Oh!” She jumped, clutching the folder to her chest. “Umm, no?” Marinette answered once she took a breath.

“I, uhh, have to talk to Felix about something.” She gestured loosely with her folder. “Uh… band stuff.” She added on. “You two go ahead – I’ll catch up later.” Marinette gave Alya a significant look that Felix didn’t understand – surely talking about band stuff wouldn’t take long.

But if the widening of Alya’s eyes was anything to go by, she understood exactly what Marinette wanted.

“Oh, uh, ok, right,” Alya stammered, giving Felix a brief wide-eyed look before snapping back into character, “Adrien! Want to see some exclusive new features I’ve just added to the Ladyblog?”

Adrien’s delighted expression was pure sunshine. “Sure!” He said enthusiastically, waving a cheery goodbye to Marinette and Felix.

Suddenly, four became two.

Felix racked his brains on how to maneuver them to the music room and tried to not hyperventilate. None of this was part of the plan! The music sheet was burning a hole in his pocket. How was he supposed to confess without a piano? He thought as he walked down the aisle steps, coming to a stop in front of Marinette. The answer came a beat later. A poem! He thought. All he had to do was read his song as a poem. That would work right?

“Marinette –”

“Felix –”

They said simultaneously and tried again.

“Sorry –”

“Sorry –”

They stopped once again.

Marinette’s giggle did nothing to placate the butterflies that had hatched in his stomach. Marinette motioned at him, “You go first.”

“Right, ok.” Felix stuttered. Swallowing hard, Felix carefully unfolded the music had he had agonized over writing for days and cleared his throat.

“Marinette.” He began before breaking off, concentration scattered by the sight of her curious expression.

“Marinette, I –”

This isn’t working, he realized as he tried to ignore the melody he had written and find his place, a song won’t cut it. Felix crumpled the sheet into a tight ball.

“Marinette,” Felix solidified his resolve and began for the third time. “I wanted to write you the perfect song – one that would make you feel soft and warm and loved, but,” He let the crumpled paper fall to the floor, “I failed. I can’t even read it to you.”

He reached to hold one of Marinette’s hands but his hand fell back to his side when he realized neither were free. “I’m not even sure that there’s a song in existence that could perfectly encapsulate how I feel about you. And –,” He cleared his throat, more nervous habit than need, “And I’m sure that I’m messing this up too because I’m sure I’m not appropriately conveying, in words, what you mean to me. But I like you. A whole lot.”

“And I hope, I hope what I’m saying is enough. That I’m enough.” he inhaled through his nose sharply and stared at the ceiling, unable to look her in the eyes at the moment. In a fit of bravery, Felix brought his eyes down to meet Marinette’s, “So, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, will you please go on a date with me?”

A long silence stretched out between the two of them. He braced himself for rejection – ready to take whatever she said head-on. But instead of rejecting him, Marinette pressed her folder into his hands. Unsure what to expect, Felix gingerly opened it. Felix’s lips trembled before breaking into a wide smile because, inside, sitting on top of a couple of sheets of facts and figures was a simple, unlabeled Venn Diagram that read:

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

Well, that’s it guys.

 Hope the ending wasn’t too, too predictable. <3

Part 4

Taglist!

@call-me-nerdy​, @vivilakitty​, @a-6-yearold-inside, @the-real-gingakid, @redscarlet95, @ashes-wind, @worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry, @kali-girlonfire,  @aegyobutpsycho2,  @gal-egg-xy,  @kris-pines04,  @bleeding-heart-romantic, @juhavs, @symwinter, @eva-emaria, @umiko9692, @7-sage-7, @northernbluetongue, @nightstarblue, @marinettepotterandplagg, @hauntedfreakdeputyhero, @greenishivy, @gal-egg-xy​, @goblinwhoships​, @risingmoonyue​, @ladybug-182​, @slyreader07, @bee-wrecker​

[quickspinner]

maybe colourblind soulmate au where they meet at a concert? either Luka is playing or they're both watching the same person? I love your work btw ❤️

Ohh this was fun. Although I am not super knowledgeable about soulmate AUs so hopefully I got this right. I went with the color being triggered by eye contact and threw in some platonic soulmates (also, I know that logically if one can see purple one should also be able to see blue and red, but I’m kind of ignoring that in favor of the fun option, so). Hope you like it!

Some part of his brain can’t help but note that this really couldn’t have happened at a worse time. It’s the biggest show they’ve ever played, a huge opportunity for the band, and he’s going to blow it for them all if he can’t get his shit together. 

But he can’t, no matter how hard he tries. The riot of color suddenly visible to him is almost enough to make him nauseous, and coupled with the heat of the stage lights and the frantic need to get to her, he’s starting to have trouble breathing. It’s like a normal stage rush times a thousand and his blood is pounding in his ears.

It’s a miracle they locked eyes at all. The stage lights keep him from seeing much of the crowd, but somehow he looked up just as the spotlights traveling the crowd passed over her, and then—

Then he couldn’t see anything else as color suddenly flooded his world. Juleka’s grip on his arm steadies him—not much, but enough to keep him from passing out on stage. “Are you okay?” she asks urgently, and Luka shakes his head, still not taking his eyes off her. She’s close to the front, close enough that he can still see her dimly even though the spotlight’s passed, but too far for him to get to if he jumps off the stage. 

He seriously considers it anyway. 

“Tell Rose to call a break,” he tells Juleka. They aren’t quite halfway through their set, but it’s close enough.

Juleka doesn’t ask questions, just relays the request. 

Luka tears his eyes from hers long enough to look towards the backstage door, and then looks back to her again. He sees her nod, hears Rose call the break, and then he shoves his guitar into Juleka’s hands and runs.

***

Marinette sees him leave the stage. “I have to go,” she says, still dazed from the impact of meeting his eyes.

“Go?” Alya echoes, confused. “The show’s not even half over. Marinette, are you sick?” She grabs Marinette’s arms. “You don’t look so good.”

Marinette twists herself free, mind whirling. “I’ve got to find the door.”

“Door, what door?” 

“I have to get to him,” Marinette insisted, beginning to go from stunned to on a mission. It occurs to her that there’s only one person she needs to convince, someone who knows this venue and can get her where she needs to be. She whirls and grabs him. “I need to get backstage,” she says, and points. “Over there.”

The DJ stares at her, and exchanges an incredulous look with Alya. Impatiently, Marinette shakes his arm where she’s holding onto him. 

“Nino,” she says desperately, “Your socks don’t match.” 

Nino looks down at his feet, where two identical socks peak out between his shoes and pants—except one is orange and one is red. The only colors Marinette has ever seen are green and yellow.

His eyes snap back up to hers, and he grabs her hand. “I got you,” he says, and begins pulling her through the crowd, a still-confused Alya trailing behind.

***

Luka doesn’t make it past the stage door. Ivan grabs him as he reaches for the handle.

“Luka, if you go out there, you’ll get eaten alive,” Ivan points out. 

“I have to find her,” Luka says urgently, pulling against his hold, but Ivan pulls him back easily and places himself between Luka and the door. 

“Find who?” Ivan demands, but he must recognize something in Luka’s wild eyes, because then he says, “Oh.” He shakes his head, though his face is sympathetic. “If you go out there the fans will mob you, and even if by some miracle they don’t, you’ll never find her in that crowd.”

“Watch me,” Luka says vehemently, beginning to regret not just jumping off the stage as he futilely tries to push his way past the big man. He only stops struggling when Juleka catches him around the waist.

“Calm down,” she orders with quiet authority. “There’s gotta be a smarter way to do this, we just have to think.”

A laugh bubbles up in his chest. He hasn’t been able to think coherently since he saw her. “Her eyes are the same color as Rose’s,” he says nonsensically. 

“Blue,” Juleka says, and he can hear the smile in her voice. “Yours are too, actually, just a little bit darker.” 

The door behind Ivan opens and all of them freeze.

“—trust you on this, Nino, but it’s asking a lot,” the bouncer was saying as he let two people through.

“I promise, dude—“ 

Then Ivan moved out of the way and Luka didn’t hear anything else, because she was there, her face stark white and her hair black and her eyes blue and the rest of her a rainbow of colors he couldn’t match names to yet. He knows purple because of Juleka but he’s never gained a color from anyone else. 

And now he sees them all.

“Hi,” he says breathlessly, and feels Juleka let him go.

“Hi,” she replies, with a smile that trembles. “Luka, right? I’m Ma-Ma-Marinette.”

He laughs breathlessly and opens his arms. She runs into them and they both fall to their knees. She’s small. Luka curls around her and sighs. They rest there for one quiet moment before Juleka clears her throat. 

Luka sighs, face buried in Marinette’s hair. “I have to go back on and play what’s either going to be either the best or worst set of my life,” he tells her. “Will you stay?”

“Always,” she murmurs back, and Luka smiles. He pulls back and takes her hands.

“Wait for me,” he says, “I’ll be back.” He looks up at the bouncer. “Take them somewhere in the wings where they can see?”

“Sure,” the bouncer agrees. 

“Okay,” Luka says, but he meets Marinette’s eyes again and he suddenly doesn’t want to let go. “Okay,” he repeats, and feels Juleka’s hand on his shoulder. 

Marinette squeezes his hands. “Go,” she whispers, and then clears her throat so she can say it stronger. “Go on.” Her smile still trembles, but it’s real. “I came to hear you, after all,” she says, and suddenly there’s no more question about whether it’s going to be the best or the worst set of his life. 

Luka lets go of one hand to cup her cheek. “Okay,” he says a third time, and this time he actually manages to let go of her and back away. “I’ll play for you,” he promises. “Wait for me.”

[deathbymeow]

For You, I’d Die. Chapter 8: Official

Marinette watched Adrien as he ate the pancakes he’d cooked, while hers sat untouched. They smelt so good, but she was to lost in thought to eat. She was sure Adrien had said Purrincess but that was impossible. Wasn’t it? Both Adrien and Chat had blonde hair, amazingly green eyes and would be about the same height and build but that didn’t mean they were the same person. They’d both came into her life almost at the same time ten years ago. If Adrien was Chat surely she’d have noticed by now. Then again Adrien had never suspected her as Ladybug.

“I promise, you won’t get food poisoning. My cooking’s not that bad, well at least I hope it’s not.” Adrien said looking a little worried as he nudged what was left on his plate with his fork.

Marinette blinked a few times then smiled at him. “It’s not your cooking. It’s just everything that’s going on and stuff.” She picked up her fork and poked the maple syrup covered pancake a few times before breaking some off and putting it in her mouth. “Mmm… Mmm this is actually really good.” She mumbled through a mouth full of pancakes.

Adrien laughed. “Ha, see I told you.”

They were sitting on the soft rug with their plates on the coffee table. The only sound in the apartment was the pitter patter of rain against the windows. Marinette felt like the weather matched her mood. How was it even possible to be so happy one minute and miserable the next? The guilt was overwhelming knowing that Luka had found out like that. Luka had even questioned her feelings for Adrien on more than one occasion. Now only two weeks after the breakup she’d proved Luka right. On top of that, the whole world now knew how she felt about Adrien. Did Chat know too? And why was she even thinking about Chat.

Adrien’s cell phone beeped, and he picked it up. Marinette watched him as he read something. His brows rose then scrunch together as he frowned and looked up at her.

“Nathalie emailed me the statement. It’s nothing exciting but you should read it anyway.” He said passing her his phone.

Marinette took the phone and read the short statement.

Hi Adrien,

As discussed, this morning with your father, attached it the statement. Could both you and Mlle Dupain-Cheng read it and get back to me ASAP.

Adrien Agreste and Marinette Dupain-Cheng have been close friends since school. Recently Mlle Dupain-Cheng ended her long-term relationship with Luka Couffaine.

As a result, M Agreste and Mlle Dupain-Cheng have been spending more time together.

The media have wrongfully tried to claim the two are engaged. This is false news and as such should be dismissed.

M Agreste and Mlle Dupain-Cheng do not wish to put labels on their relationship as of yet, as it is in the early stages. The couple would appreciate their space so as to develop their relationship without media interference.

Meanwhile M Agreste’s disagreement with DJ Buster was provoked, that being said M Agreste would like to publicly apologize as he doesn’t condone violence.

Regards, Nathalie

Marinette handed back the phone. “It’s so formal.”

“Yeah, best to keep it straight to the point or they try to read too much into it. Are you okay with it? I can ask Nathalie to change it if you’re not?”

“No, it’s fine it’s just… kinda weird I guess.” Marinette looked down, she felt overwhelmed and exhausted.  

Adrien nodded then quickly responded to the email, once finished he threw the phone on the coffee table and brushed his fingers over her cheek. “You know I love you right?” He softly kissed her forehead. “That doesn’t mean we have to rush things. I’ll wait as long as I have to.”

Marinette looked into his green eyes, he looked so vulnerable. She knew he was trusting her with his heart and at the same time begging her not to break it. Tikki’s speech floated into her head and she closed her eyes. ‘Damn it, just stop over thinking Marinette and listen to your heart,’ she internally scolded herself. When she opened them Adrien was silently watching her. A tear ran down her cheek. He brushed it away and she smiled at him. She knew no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t ignore her feelings any longer. It was already out and as much as she hated the way it happened Luka knew.

“I think I could get use to you saying that, but just to make sure, maybe you should say it again.” Marinette lent against him and wrapped her arms around his chest, snuggling her face under his chin. He relaxed against her and kissed the top of her head.

“I love you.” He breathed into her messy hair.

Marinette lifted her head to look him in the eyes as she whispered, “I love you too Adrien,” against his lips.

It started as a sugary kiss, soft and sweet. Marinette broke away first only to brush her lips against the sensitive skin just below his ear. Adrien shivered and moaned softly as her kisses travelled down his neck, stopping at his collar bone. Her hands ran under his hoodie and she lifted it up. Adrien didn’t hesitate to help her remove it and he pulled it over his head ruffling his blonde hair in a very Chat like way.

Marinette watched his muscles flex as he threw the hoddie on the floor. He caught her looking at him and smiled wickedly at her then grabbed her butt and lifted her onto his lap. She let out a little squeak in surprise then giggled as he brought his lips to meet hers.

“We can stop whenever you want too.” He breathed against her lips.

She responded by smiling innocently at him while her hands came to rest on his smooth chest, then playfully pushed him to the floor.

“Oh, so it’s like that is it.” He said, running his hands up her thighs and grabbing her hips under her shirt.

“Mm hmm. You scared Agreste?” She asked playfully while she took the belt off and undid the top button of her shirt.  

Adrien smiled then in one swift movement, grabbed Marinette and rolled on top of her. The weight of his body gently pressing against her.

“Of you? Never.” His hands made quick work of her shirt and before long Marinette was in nothing but her black and lime green bra and matching panties.

His skin was warm against hers as he kissed her again and again. Her hands ran down his sides and lingered at the waistband of his pyjama pants. She felt him shiver as she let her finger slip under the waistband.

As if on que Adrien’s cell phone started to ring on the coffee table. “Ignore it. It can go to voice mail.” He begged against her lips.

“Mmm hmm.” Marinette said pulling his face back to hers.

The pair continued to kiss but by the sixth call the mood was lost and Adrien grabbed it in frustration.

Marinette almost felt sorry for the unsuspecting person on the other end when Adrien snapped “What do you want?” into his phone.

Frowning he passed the phone to Marinette. “It’s Alya. She thought I’d killed you or something cause your phone is dead.” He flopped back down next to her and wrapped his arm around her waist.

She took the phone giggling at his grumpy face.

“Alya. What’s up?”

“Did I just interrupt something?”

“Yup.”

“Oh, dear, god! During?”

“Just before.”

“Soo, you’re okay?”

“If frustrated is okay, then yes.”

“Sorrry! Charge your phone and call me back later, K bye.”

Marinette hung up and put the phone down. Resting her head on Adrien’s shoulder, her hand traced the muscles on his flat stomach. He shivered under her touch and she giggled.

“I swear, you just want me for my body.” Adrien said dramatically while trying to keep a straight face.

“Mm-hmm, too bad we keep getting interrupted or I would’ve stolen your innocence and left by now.” Marinette rolled on top of him and winked at him before licking the tip of his nose.

“Come on… now that’s just teasing me.” He kissed her lips but pulled back before she could deepen the kiss. “Why can’t people just leave us alone today. It’s like the universe hates me.” He grumbled pouting.

The message tone went off on his phone.

“You have to be kidding me.” He grabbed his phone and looked at the message and groaned before covered his face with his free hand as he turned the phone so Marinette could read the message.

Nino – Bro!!!! I’m so sorry Alya just cock blocked you. Rookie mistake. TURN OFF YOUR PHONE NEXT TIME!!!!!!!

She covered her mouth laughing as her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. “Well he has a point.”

Adrien looked at her, then shook his head and threw his phone somewhere behind them.

“I don’t think the universe hates you but maybe it’s telling us we should talk about stuff.” Marinette held his gaze as she ran her finger down his perfect nose.

“Talking’s good. We can do that. But first.” He shifted her weight so he could stand up with her still in his arms, plonked them onto the lounge, grabbed a blanket and threw it over them in one fluent motion. “There. So, what’s first on the agenda?”

“Smooth Agreste.” She giggled while adjusting her head against his chest. “Umm, well there’s those rumours and pictures. How do you feel about that?”

Adrien was silent for a moment before he answered. “To be honest, it doesn’t really bother me. I’m used to it. What shits me is that they’ve dragged you into it. I don’t care if the whole world knows how I feel about you, but I get the whole Luka thing and I’m so sorry that those parasites are trying to make you out to be the villain.”

“I kinda asked for it. I really didn’t think about any of that last night. I’m just me, I’m not Luka traveling the world with millions of fans, so I forget that people are watching what I’m doing.” Marinette sat up and looked at Adrien. “I think I have to call Luka. I owe it to him.”

Adrien nodded. “My phone charger is next to my bed.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll be on the roof, so you can have some privacy.”

“You don’t have to leave your own apartment.” Marinette grabbed his hand as he stood up. “Adrien it really is over between Luka and me. I just… we’ve been through so much he deserved to hear about this.” She motioned to Adrien then herself. “Us… whatever it is from me.”

Still holding her hand Adrien pulled Marinette to her feet. “I get it Marinette. I don’t want to start our relationship with your old relationship still hanging over us. I want to be your boyfriend. I want to know I can kiss you whenever I want and not care who sees. I want to take you out in public and have people say look there’s Adrien and his girlfriend Marinette, not look there’s Adrien with Luka’s girlfriend. I want you, all of you. And I’ll wait, I promise if you’re not ready for that yet, I’ll wait until you are.”

“You want me to be your girlfriend?” Marinette knew he’d said he loved her but actually putting a label on their relationship so soon made her giddy with happiness.

A goofy smile spread over Adrien’s face and his cheeks turned an adorable shade of pink. “Only for about two years now.”

“Only Two years?” She teased giggling.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Well I’m a little bit oblivious, but better late than never, right?”

Marinette answered by kissing him. “We don’t need to wait. I’d be honoured to be your girlfriend and partner in crime.”

Tilting his head to the side Adrien gave Marinette a lopsided grin. “Partner in crime. I like that.” He kissed her forehead, grabbed the shirt she’d been wearing and headed for the door. Turning halfway while still walking backwards he gave her a two fingered salute before disappearing down the hallway.

Marinette was left dazed. No, he didn’t just do that... Did he? It was such a Chat thing to do. Why all of a sudden did she see so many similarities between Adrien and Chat? If it wasn’t enough that she felt guilty about Luka, now she felt guilty for comparing the two blondes in her life. Sighing Marinette picked Adrien’s hoodie up of the ground, threw it over her head and headed up stairs to find her phone.

Tikki flew out of Adrien’s wardrobe smiling. “Marinette! Did I just hear that you are officially Adrien’s girlfriend?” The little kwami clapped her little paws together in excitement.

“Tikki, I can’t believe he loves me. He really loves me. Thank you for reminding me that it’s okay to be happy. I still feel guilty though. I have to talk to Luka.” Marinette went from smiling and bouncing on her toes to shoulders slumped and twisting her hands together.

“Marinette, it won’t be easy, but Luka loves you enough that he wants you to be happy no matter what, even if it means that’s not with him.” Tikki snuggled Marinette’s cheek.

“I know Tikki. Argh why is everything so complicated all the time. Just once can things be normal and easy.” Marinette threw her hands up in the air then dramatically flopped onto Adrien’s unmade bed.

“I don’t know about normal Marinette. You are talking to a kwami and that’s not normal for most humans, but things will get easier. I promise.”

“Maybe. Tikki, I have to ask you something. Do you know who Chat Noir is?”

Tikki stopped mid-air, her little antennas drooped. “Marinette. It does not matter if I know or not. It is not my place to say.”

“So, I’ll take that as a yes then?” Marinette raised her eyebrows at the kwami. “Please don’t make promises if you can’t keep them Tikki.”

“Marinette it will all work out. You will see.” Tikki zoomed to Marinette’s bag and came back with her phone. “You should call Luka, Marinette. It will make you feel better.” Tikki handed her the phone and then kissed her cheek again.

“You’re right Tikki, but I don’t think it will make me feel any less guilty.” Marinette scratched Tikki under the chin. “You must be hungry. Adrien’s gone to the roof, you should go and eat while he’s not here.”

“Good idea, I wonder if he has any choc chip cookies. Good luck with Luka.” Tikki gave her another kiss and zoomed down to the kitchen. She wasn’t hungry but she couldn’t tell Marinette that. How would she explain that Adrien already fed her a plate of cookies when he gave Plagg his smelly cheese this morning? The little kwami couldn’t wait for all the secrets to be out in the open, everything would be so much easier.

Marinette’s head was spinning. So much had happened since last night. Adrien had confessed his love for her, and she had done the same. They had kissed multiple times, something that she would never get sick of and now she was lazing around in his clothes in his bed after he’d asked her to be his girlfriend. Still, she knew the phone call she was about to make would be one of the hardest she’d ever made.

The phone finally turned on and beeped several times. There were missed calls and texts from Alya, her mum and Luka. She quickly texted her mum first, letting her know she was okay and that she would call her later. Suddenly the phone seemed to weigh a ton as her finger hovered over Luka’s number. Taking a deep breath, she pressed the number and held the phone to her ear. Closing her eyes as she waited for him to answer. He answered on the second ring.

“Lucky? Are you okay?”

Of course, only Luka would ask that even though Marinette had only waited two weeks to move on. “Hey Luka. I’m fine… Umm I think I owe you an apology.” Marinette managed to say, her eyes still tightly closed.

“Lucky, you don’t owe me anything. I won’t lie, it hurts. But it’s nothing I didn’t already know.”

“Luka… I…”

“It’s okay. I know you’ve loved him for a while. Adrien is a good guy. I want you to be happy Lucky.”

The tears were running freely now, and Marinette sobbed into the phone. “Luka I’m so so sorry. I… I never wanted to hurt you and… and I didn’t want you to find out… out like that.”

“Breath Lucky. Breath. I’ll be okay… eventually. I’d be lying if I hadn’t thought of beating the shit out of Adrien… but he didn’t do anything wrong. You’re a hard person not to love. I just hope he doesn’t hurt you because then I will beat the shit out of him.”

Marinette took his advice and took a deep breath and exhaled. “Luka… I never lied about loving you… you were never my second choice…”

“I know Lucky. You shut me out though.”

She knew he was right she owed him a proper explanation, so she let everything that had been on her mind for the last few months out.

“I wanted to make it work, god I wanted the long-distance thing to work Luka. I just missed you so much I missed us, and I couldn’t do it anymore. I know you would have left the band if I’d asked but I couldn’t let you do that. And then Adrien was there. Nothing ever happened, I would never have cheated on you. I was so confused and then you proposed to me and I knew I couldn’t lead you on anymore, it wasn’t fair. I’ve been a mess the last two weeks. I didn’t mean to rush things with Adrien, it just happened and then the media took everything the wrong way.”

“So, you’re not engaged?”

“God no. You should know better than to believe everything you see.”

“But you did go back to his apartment?”

“Yes… but…” Marinette was suddenly very aware of where she was lying.

“Are you still there?”

“Luka…”

“Mm hmm. Its okay Lucky, I shouldn’t have asked. Guess I’m just a sucker for punishment.”

Marinette wanted to say nothing had happened and that nothing would but then she would be lying. “I’m so sorry Luka.”

“Stop apologizing Lucky. I told you to be happy.”

“Yeah, I know, but you deserve to be happy too. I don’t know how to say this without it sounding insensitive but umm sooo, Adrien’s publicist is going to release a statement to the press. Nothing to personal but just to clear the air. It’s going to mention that we broke up though. I just wanted you to know.” Marinette wiped her eyes with the sleave of the hoodie. Luka didn’t answer right away and when he did, she could hear the strain in his voice.

“Yeah, being in the public eye is, how can I put it without sounding ungrateful. Fuck it, it’s fucked. My publicist wants to do the same, but I didn’t want to until I’d talked to you. I won’t lie I was hoping you’d changed your mind.”

Marinette heard people yelling in the background and then Luka’s muffled voice saying something back.

“I have to go Lucky. I’ll get my people to email you the statement before they publish it. I love you and I’ll always be here for you, if or when you need me.” His voice was thick with emotion.

Before Marinette could answer she heard the dial tone. She had never felt so distant from Luka and it hurt still. The phone slipped from her shaking hand. Curling up into a tight ball she clung to one of Adrien’s pillows. Tikki was instantly by her side and tried to comfort her as she sobbed into the pillow.  

Chapter 1.....7

[trainsinanime]

Miraculous Ladybug Car Headcanons

You didn't ask for it, I kinda didn't want to write it, but it's been spooking around in my head for so long now that I just had to get it out: Overly justified head canons for what car which Miraculous Ladybug main character would drive once they're adults (say early twenties). Of course it's still based on today (January 2020), because canonically in ML, time makes no sense and you shouldn't worry about it.

First off: As people living in a big European city with good public transport, there's a good argument to be made that they wouldn't drive (or at least own their own) cars at all, especially for Marinette, who would have to search ages for a parking space. I'm just going to ignore that here.

Adrien

The car: Jaguar I-Pace, black, possibly with some green on the wheels or the mirrors.

Why: It's a black cat! A big, driving pun! How could he resist? More specifically, I think Chat Noir has based at least some of his ideas of what it means to be a cool, suave super-hero on certain British spy movies, for better or worse, and it would make sense that his ideas of cool cars might be influenced by them as well. That would imply Aston Martin, but then again, cat, so Jaguar it is.

Here you might go for something actually cool, like the F-Type, and I could even imagine Adrien doing that… until the first time he, Marinette, Alya and Nino want to travel somewhere and he realises they won't all fit. Just imagine his face when he realises that he has to leave some of his friends behind. I'm fairly certain he'd insist that they all take the bus together instead, and he'd definitely trade in his car the very next day.

There would be other alternatives even within the Jaguar brand. I'm partial to the E-Pace, which tries to look cool but just ends up looking adorable, which makes it basically a Plagg or Chat Noir on wheels. But in the current climate conscious times, I guess it would make more sense for him as a rich guy to go the electric route. Plus, there's much more trunk space, which is very useful whenever he helps Nino move his DJ-ing equipment, or whenever he helps Marinette move fabric, clothes, mannequins, sewing machines, furniture, or all of those together in an indeterminate ball. And yes, he is genuinely happy and ready to drop everything and help Marinette move stuff whenever she asks, just to see her adorable blush and her beautiful smile. She's a really good friend, you know.

Rejected alternatives:

Any german car. Not many people know it (even though it seems blindingly obvious), but as someone who worked in the german car industry for years, I can confirm: German cars have no soul. They're good for the Gabriels and Chloes of the world, maybe, but they're all just so boring. I read at least one aged-up no powers AU story where Adrien had a quirky unusual Subaru Station Wagon (which I really like as a car idea for him), but then trades it for a generic Audi, and that somehow represents him growing up. Sorry, the rest of the story is great, but this? Nope. If growing up means driving Audis, then I never want to be old.

Lexus, Infinity or whatever: Why would you want to buy a japanese car trying to be a soulless german car? Could just as well go with the soulless original, or better yet, buy something fun to begin with.

Some Peugeot. It would fit because of cat pun and also french, but I think they're just not that exciting.

Any Tesla. I had a boss once who drove a Tesla. Spent every lunch break gushing over his car. Every single one. No offence to him, he was a perfectly nice person, but damn, that was annoying. So I have a strict "No Tesla Talk" rule nowadays.

Marinette

The car: Renault Twingo, first generation, pink or red.

Why: It's small, french, and thoroughly charming, much like Marinette herself. It's also going to be in her (or her parents') price range. Plus, the small size makes it easy to park, crucial when you don't have a giant estate like some people. And if she needs to move something really big, Adrien has made it very clear that she can always count on him. (She's a bit self-conscious about asking him all the time, but he never minds, and it is an opportunity for her to get him alone and have him smile at her) There's lots of other small french cars you could go with, but I'd argue that the first-generation Twingo hits the sweet spot between being recent enough and interesting enough.

Rejected alternatives:

The same car, but in red: I'm thinking that's too on the nose. But maybe if we assume that the car was once red, but then slowly bleached out to pink over time?

VW Beetle (old): Yes, I get it, but I already gave Adrien a car based on a pun, two is excessive. Plus, I personally think that it's just not that charming. On a more practical level, this is nowadays a historic car for enthusiasts.

VW Beetle (any of the two newer generations): Less historic, but also less charming, and getting to the thing where german cars have no souls that I mentioned above.

Renault Twizzy: I did consider giving her an electric option as well, but I don't really like any of them. The Renault Zoe would be obvious but boring. The Twizzy is quirky, but also rather pointless, at least for someone who already lives in a city instead of having to commute into it. If we're going that route, then I think the electric Vespa would be a better choice. We already know she's comfortable on motorcycles.

Actually, there are a lot of reasons why a Vespa or any type of scooter would be a better choice for her than a car. There are the obvious parts of being cheaper and using less parking space, but also consider the increased flexibility in chase scenes. Plus, it gives us lots more cute scenes where Adrien has to (or in his opinion, gets to) drive her to and from the discount yarn store, as well as scenes where she has to deal with him clinging on really tight to her on her scooter. But that's not the premise of this post, I guess.

Driving

Yes, Marinette is a bit air-headed and uncoordinated, but I really don't want to do old sexist boomer tropes. So let us instead focus on her miraculous ability to recover from whatever flailing she's gotten herself into. This is not always entirely consistent in canon, but it's definitely there. With the added benefit of a bit of growing up, we can assume that Marinette will get into all sorts of close calls that will scare her friends a bit, but that her car will remain entirely spotless (or as close to spotless as is possible in Paris).

Adrien, on the other hand, is chill, level-headed, focused, and rarely turns his music up loud, resulting in entirely uneventful drives.

Of course, that is in normal situations. In an emergency (such as needing to return to Paris ASAP because of a new Akuma), both will drive scarily fast but entirely accident-free. And it doesn't matter that Adrien has an order of magnitude more horsepower than Marinette: She will arrive there first. (That's if she is in her own car. If they had to trade cars for some reason, then she will show in detail exactly how much quicker the more expensive car can be.)

In costume, they're obviously not going to use their cars normally. But there will be situations of Ladybug in Adrien's car, or Chat in Marinette's car (weird, why does he know the specific way required to wiggle the old, busted door handle? Eh, best not to think about it). There's also a general understanding that they can always use each other's cars as cover in a fight. That, or as projectiles, or as power sources, or as a general source of spare metal and parts for more convoluted "Lucky Charm" plans. Even if they have doubts about whether the Miraculous Cure works. After all, neither of them may know that Adrien/Marinette is right next to them, but they do know for a fact that they won't mind if it's for a good cause.

The cars are also very useful as quick places to transform. You might say that they have windows, and that others might realise that something is up when one person enters the car and then a suspiciously similar looking person in other clothes leaves it. But remember the canonical rules: As long as there exists at least one possible view point in the vicinity, and one object or landscape feature of any size, so that a hypothetical observer at that viewpoint would consider Adrien or Marinette to be behind that feature, they're safe. Or if all observers who have been shown on screen are currently looking somewhere else.

(Personally, I'm fairly certain that there must be characters who know perfectly well that Marinette is Ladybug, and just never realised that it was supposed to be a secret.)

So, what do you think?

[unforgetabelle]

A place to land

(4932 w)

ao3   fanfiction

Alya stared up at the flashing screen, her eyes repeatedly skipping between two different departures as the board scrolled through the day’s flights. One to St. Petersburg, the other to Vienna. Both left in thirty minutes, one headed where she should go and one where she wanted to go.

Resigning herself to the option she knew would win out in the end, she walked to sit in her terminal, took out her phone and texted Nino. Pausing only momentarily to gaze at the lock screen, a sunny picture of them both in Barcelona taken months before, she quickly opened up the messenger app and started typing.

How much longer are you in Vienna?

My gig is for another two weeks.  His reply took no more than a minute to come through and Alya smiled, leaning back into her seat. They were in the same time zone for once, but it was nearly 10 in the morning. There was only one reason Nino would be awake at that time on a Saturday, and it was because he was stalking her flight progress. Three years of a long distance relationship, each of them jetting off to often-times far flung places, and Nino still insisted on having detailed flight numbers and schedules of her travels. Without fail, he would track her progress until she reached her destination and called to check in. Her parents often joked that they never needed to worry about her travels because she had an ever present vigilante in Nino.

Her boyfriend wore the label with pride, and while she rolled her eyes at times, Nino was always quick to remind her of when she got stranded on a layover in southern India during monsoon season. Without cell service, and the wifi down, Alya had been sure she would be stuck in the country indefinitely, certainly missing Marinette’s line debut two days later. Nino, having tracked her progress, wasted no time in booking her a train north to an area where flights were not grounded and got her a one-way ticket to Paris. When a member of the airport staff had called for her and then proceeded to hand her a print out of the messengered tickets they received from Nino, Alya had never before been so grateful for Nino’s quirk.

With anyone else, his behaviour might seen crazy, but with Alya flying across the world constantly, to far off and sometimes to unfriendly regions, she knew it was his little way of looking out for her from afar. Besides, crazy was normal for them. And without Nino, Alya would have missed her best friend’s debut as a fashion designer. Without him, Alya would be traveling the word listlessly. She may not have an apartment as home base, but she had a Nino. He was her place to land, always. Her home, and she hadn’t been home in months.

The Austria flight was looking more and more appealing by the second.

Why? Nino texted again. She knew his schedule, so he (correctly) assumed there was an ulterior motive to her questioning.

How would you like an unexpected guest?

Alya held her breath, watching as his typing bubbles appeared on screen.

Depends. Is she a redhead? I have a soft spot for redheads ;)

Alya smiled at the comment. She’d known Nino for over a decade. He didn’t have a soft spot for redheads. He had a soft spot for her.

She’s currently veering dangerously towards a copper-head, she typed back with a grimace. Too much time in that Moroccan sun.

Alya grabbed a wayward curl, pulling it taut and nearly doubling its length. Morocco had been surprisingly humid during her time there and extremely sunny. Her mother would scold her SPF usage to see how dark her complexion had turned, and her hair, usually a subtle auburn, had lightened considerably. While she usually passed as brunette in most lights, there was no denying the decidedly orange turn her hair had taken.

A little more foxy than normal?

His reply came and Alya snorted out loud, drawing a bemused glance from those sitting near her. The word “foxy” took on an entirely new meaning between the two of them and Alya couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the reference. One halloween when they’d both happened to be in the US for work, she‘d thought it’d be funny to dress up and partake in the holiday. Finding a cute little fox onesie, she bought a box of temporary hair dye to match the orange color scheme. The hair dye, as it happened, was not temporary. Nor was Nino’s memory of the incident. Still, remembering him coming home to their apartment and finding her snuggled in the pajamas, with a matching turtle pair for him, was one she cherished. They leaned into the American tradition, watching zombie movies and handing out candy to the never-ending stream of trick-or-treaters that knocked on their door. Better to reminisce on the night itself than on the true horror that came days later when, her hair still orange, a bemused Nino fished the dye box out of the trash and read out her fate.

Choosing to ignore his bait, she responded.

Nothing a nice dose of Viennese winter won’t cure

Nah ;), his text came through with a wink. I’ll pass. Wouldn’t want to make my girlfriend jealous

Alya felt her face drop into a deadpan expression as she responded.

I think she’d be okay with it

I think she has an assignment in St. Petersburg for the next month, Nino shot back. If my calculations are correct, she’s on her way there right now.

Not if she changes course to Vienna

Alya

Nino

You are on your way to St. Petersburg, right?

She pursed her lips, looking up that the monitor that proudly displayed a departing flight to Russia, already starting to board, but felt her eyes wander to the terminal across the way. How hard would a ticket transfer really be? Would it hurt to at least check and see if there were seats available?

Yes, she finally texted back, resigned. But I could be on my way to Vienna. I’m in Prague. It’s a short flight from here!

Alya, don’t, his response came almost instantaneously and Alya felt a pout start to form on her face. Her boarding group was called and she reluctantly shouldered her bag and stood in line. Just to rub salt in the wound, she ended up directly behind a couple, arms wrapped around each other as they giggled at something on the girl’s phone. Alya’s own side felt dramatically cold watching them, but she tried not to be too bitter. How many times had she stood with Nino exactly the same way? Gushing over some comments on her articles or listening along to a new mix he’d pieced together? She’d inevitably laugh at something he said, triggering a chain of events so reliable she could set her watch by it.

His hand would squeeze her side. She’d look up with a smile. He’d place a kiss on the tip of her nose. She’d crinkle it in response and then frown until he gave her a proper kiss.

Someone else might call it predictable, but Alya called it tradition. They’re own little ritual. It had been over a year since she’d been in Paris and seen her family, almost a year since she’d seen Marinette, and four months since she’d seen Nino. She’d been so far from any semblance of home for so long. For someone many would consider rootless, Alya craved her traditions, especially with Nino.

We haven’t been this close in forever. Alya knew her whine would be easily detected through text, but she didn’t care. She rarely whined.  Not a needy person in general, the sentiment carried over to how she was in a relationship. It was a big part of the reason why she and Nino could be apart for long periods without either of them going insane. They found contentment in each other no matter the distance. Even the months they lived side by side, neither was attached at the hip, easily sharing their time while still remaining independent people over all. He was her complement in every way. They both valued their space just as much as their intimacy.

And when they were apart, even in the moments she missed him like crazy, she had very much a ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude. They were solid, and he was only a phone call away. Their separations were always temporary, and as far flung as they traveled, home was always a call, or a plane, away.

Still, even the calm and collected Alya Cesaire gave in and whined every once in a while when she missed her boyfriend. Balance was the key to any relationship, after all.

Don’t you miss me? She asked, trying to suppress her smile as his response came immediately.

That’s a ridiculous question, the green dialogue bubble popped up, followed aggressively by two more. I haven’t seen you in months, the second read before being pushed up by a third. I missed you as soon as you stepped on the plane in August.

Then it’s decided. I’ll see you in Vienna!

Alya, no. You have to go to St. Petersburg. Nino’s messaged pinged as she handed her passport to the smiling flight attendant.You already accepted the contract. Isn’t this the story for that anthropology magazine you’re trying to work for?

Yes…

And you’re just going to, what? Not do it? Nino’s messages started coming in with a fury, but Alya was having far too much fun to break the news that she was already on the plane.

Alya Charlot Cesaire, he spelled her full name deliberately. Are you running AWAY from a story?

No. She typed back insistently, annoyance at his accusation pricking even as she knew he was baiting her. I’d be running TOWARDS my boyfriend

What happened?

Why does something have to have happened? She asked as she walked onto the already crowded plane, making her way slowly towards the budget seats in the back. A seat was a seat, and for a two hour flight, she was not paying a 150% markup for the promise of 2 centimeters more legroom.

Because Alya Charlot Cesaire does not run from her responsibilities, and she never breaks a commitment once made. Nino wrote back. How do you think I convinced her to stick with this travel weary DJ?

1.Stop referring to me by my full name, you weirdo. I feel like my mother is scolding me. Alya rolled her eyes, typing in her second to the list before stowing her bag in the overhead and falling into her seat with a plop. 2.Let me live my life

The last of her row to arrive, Alya sunk into her aisle seat and buckled up. Sharing a polite smile with her row mates to be civil, she quickly turned back to her phone to protect herself from opening up the floor for any airplane-small-talk--arguably, the worst incarnation of the discourse.  

And you’re stuck with ME, she added after Nino hadn’t responded in a few minutes. Which is why I’ll see you in Vienna in a few hours. BYE!

Alya, his answer came instantly, but she didn’t respond.

ALYA, he tried again. DO NOT GO TO VIENNA

Why :(, she shot back. I’ve never been to Vienna! It’ll be educational!

She saw his typing bubbles pop up, but didn’t give him the chance to interject.

I can even make a few blog posts about it, she wrote.Come on. Show me around your home of the last few months!

His typing progress appeared and disappeared a few times before his answer came through.

Alya, no, he finally responded, just when Alya started to worry she had actually managed to convince him. Nino appeared to be soft spoken to most people, but Alya knew he was as stubborn as she was once he made up his mind. For her entertainment value that morning, she was counting on it.

Please?

No

Nino :(

No

Pleeeaaassseee??? She added the letters to draw out her whine, and smiled when she saw his response hesitate.

...No?

Alya chuckled, mentally amending her earlier evaluation of Nino’s resolve. He was stubborn...until it came to her.

:D That was practically a maybe

That was my will weakening as I imagined your damn pleading eyes, he responded, And that stupidly cute dimple you get in your left cheek when you pout. Alya could practically see him now, taking off his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose with a sigh.

God dammit, Alya!

Admit it, she texted back, smile on her face in full force now. You miss me

I have admitted it, he wrote back. In this very conversation, no less

She felt a soft smile come to her face, as she leaned back into the seat. The flight attendants were saying something over the loudspeaker now, but she was only paying attention to Nino.

Doesn’t mean I think you should come to Vienna

But, Niiinnnnoooooo

Stop. You have a job to do, his response came through, and Alya knew instantly she was dealing with serious Nino now. One after another, the statements popped up in her messenger.

You have contacts waiting for you

People you’ve been emailing for months in preparation for this

People who trust you

People whose story you promised to tell

Are you really going to up and desert them?

:( Alya texted back with a sigh, and though Nino had ended her fun, her heart warmed. He got it. He understood why it mattered; understood the compulsion she felt to explore the world, telling people’s stories. He understood her, even in the moments she really wished she could be the type of person to throw responsibility to the wind and go see her love.

Just two more months, he wrote, instantly consoling. We’re going to spend all of February together in Reykjavik. 28 whole days. You’ll be sick of me by the end.

Impossible, she wrote back. I will never get sick of you. Of that, I am positive.

Her neighbor opened the visor on the window, and a flash of gold on her finger urged her to add, And I have a ring on my finger to prove it

You have my class ring--which you stole--on your finger, his response came, and Alya imagined Nino rolling his eyes on the other end.

Same thing

Absolutely NOT the same thing, Nino wrote, taking her bait as he always did.(And when I offer you the real thing, you better act excited, and not like we’ve been engaged since uni)

It was an open joke with their friends and families about when the two would ‘settle down’. To Alya, it really didn’t matter. Nino was her other half, and everyone who was important knew that. She didn’t need a slip of paper or a party to announce that to the world. Nino, on the other hand, took the topic of their marriage very seriously. While he hadn’t proposed to her in so many words, Alya never doubted the inevitability of their marriage. The official commitment in the act was important to Nino, so whatever her personal feelings about the redundancy of it, it was important to her by proxy.

Nino, you’ve been stuck with me since lycee, she reminded him gently. Ring or no ring.

But , she added with a smile. I’m a fantastic actress and I promise I’ll give you your movie-magic proposal moment

Remind me how I ended up with you again? His response came, reading in a fondly exasperated tone.

Sheer luck and a bizarre zoo incarceration :)

Nino sent a smiling face back before changing back to the topic at hand.

How much time until you leave for PIE?

A few minutes, she admitted. I’ve been on the plane for a while

I figured

I still miss you. Next time, I’ll actually be getting on the other plane

If you had set your mind to come, there would be no stopping you. I wouldn’t bother to even try

Alya smiled at her phone,

Good, as long as we’re clear

Call me when you get there

Yes, sir

I love you

I love you, too, she typed.Even though you refuse to let me come tell you so in person.

Nino sent an annoyed face, but she wasn’t done.

I’m just so unwanted :(

Believe me, his response appeared. Nothing could be farther from the truth

Oh? Do tell ;)

His typing bubbled hesitated, before a wink emoji appeared teasingly on the screen.

Spoilsport, she responded, her eyes catching the flight attendant as she started to make her way down the aisle, no doubt beginning to instruct them to turn their phones to airplane mode.

It’s a good thing you’re so cute, she continued in a hurry. Otherwise I’d have tired of your antics long ago

Yes. Thank god for my devilishly good looks and charm

Who said anything about charm? She asked, blinking innocently at her phone as if he could see her facial expression through it.

My girlfriend. Do you know her? He wrote.Tall. Red hair. Loves to mock me?

Great ass?  She typed back, just as the attendant passed and gave her the stink eye for not heeding her ‘shut off and store’ warning.

The best

You lucky boy, she risked one last message, catching his response just as she went to switch off her service and the plane began to move.

Don’t I know it ;)

~*~

Nino looked at the monitor to confirm the flight one more time before finding somewhere to sit and wait. He let an exhausted sigh release from his body as he settled into the cool metal bench and let the familiar sounds of travelers calm him even as his fidgeted with the small ring circling his pinky.

Airports had always been a comfort to him. Even in his earliest memories, they were a constant. What started as multiple trips a year to visit family abroad had evolved into his roaming lifestyle, and throughout it all, airports were a constant. No matter where you were, whichever culture and whatever language, airports all felt the same. There was a familiar logic and atmosphere to the transit hubs, and Nino had always felt at home on these cusps between worlds.

In the last few years, airports had taken on even more meaning to him. They represented the worst and best moments in his life. So many times, in the stark fluorescent light and gleam of over-polished tile, he’d watched her walk away from him. His only consolation was knowing that months later, he and airports would once again be on good terms, because as many times as he’d watched her walk away from him, Alya would always walk towards him once more. Nino never had any doubt that she’d be back. Alya always came back to him, and he to her. No matter how long they were apart, or how far they traveled, they anchored each other.

People often viewed the depth of their relationship with incredulity. How could people who were apart so often truly have anything lasting and stable? Even his best friend looked at them with confusion at times. While Adrien was the last person to question their dedication to each other, he often wondered how Nino could stand being away from her so long. His dude was on edge after only a week away from his home and his wife. Nino and Alya’s far-flung relationship was probably Adrien’s nightmare, and a part of Nino understood where he was coming from.

He’d be lying if he said he preferred the long absences of his other half, but it didn’t throw him into anxiety like it did Adrien. Alya had a passion just like he did, both of them chasing dreams and music and stories wherever they called. It was such a large part of what made them who they were as individuals, sacrificing it for the sake of being in the same geographical location had always seemed frivolous.

And while they both had plans to settle one day--or at least, to control their careers enough to be vagabonds together--even if it stayed like this forever, Nino wouldn’t trade it for a stationary life with anyone else. A week by Alya’s side was worth an eternity with anyone else, and despite her teasing, he knew she felt the exact same way. Nino may not always know what city he would live in next, or when the music would call him, but if there was one thing he was forever sure of, it was her. Alya was his home. Wherever he traveled, he knew she held half his heart, a beacon guiding him to wherever she was should he ever find himself too weary of his roaming.

Which, currently, happened to land him in St. Petersburg.

When the owner of a franchise of clubs had approached him about a month-long gig in Russia the week before, Nino wasted no time jumping at the opportunity. His current location had certainly given him exposure over his months there, but he had tired of living his life with the constant possibility of being dropped from the schedule. They contracted him weekly, which wasn’t unheard of in the industry, but after being a regular for two months, Nino had expected some confidence to be reflected in an actual contract. It wasn’t. While he was prepared to finish out the three month engagement they had agreed on verbally, when he was offered the opportunity to move along two weeks prematurely, he felt no remorse about informing the club about his change of plans. He’d appreciated his run, and had secured multiple invitations from talent hunters of other cities while there, but the owners had never felt the need to formally bind him to stay the length, and therefore put their money where their mouth was. Which made it all the easier for Nino to jump at the opportunity that would take him to where he truly wanted to be. And to whom he truly wanted to be with.

A week later he was in St. Petersburg.

A gush of air announced the opening of the automatic doors leading out from the international baggage terminal, and Nino was instantly on his feet. The St. Petersburg airport wasn’t busy in the early afternoon on a Saturday, but Nino would have found her had she been one in a crowd of thousands. Hair knotted in a long braid that fell in an escaping tangle over her shoulder and rucksack secured to her back, Alya walked through the doors in a huddle of other passengers, nose already pointed at her notebook as she prepared for her next piece. As convincing as her promises to drop it all and come find him in Vienna would have been to anyone else, Nino knew better. Nothing could keep her from a story for long, especially not one she’d been preparing for over six months. A decade of growing up by her side, and nothing had changed that.

Which Nino was grateful for, otherwise her impulse earlier would have turned his carefully planned surprise into a unfortunate missed connection.

Nino smiled as he tried to catch up, watching her artfully weave her way around other travelers, eyes never once leaving her notes as she made her way towards the exit. Alya only stopped when the sliding doors opened and a rush of winter air reminded her she certainly wasn’t in Tangier anymore. Tucking her book under her arm, she reached to pull gloves out of her pocket, one falling behind her, directly where his feet had just come to rest. He snapped down to get it and was waiting as she turned to look for the lost article.

Eyes scanning the floor first, Nino tried not to laugh at the comical nature in which her gaze froze as they reached his boots--the same ones she’d bought him for Christmas last year--before shooting to his face. He didn’t even had the chance to speak her name before Alya was in his arms. He buried his nose in her hair as she wedged her face against his neck and Nino took his first easy breath in a month. Yes, they had no qualms about living apart, but that didn’t negate the fact that the shape of her pressed against him was something  his body mourned like a missing limb when she was gone. She wasn’t necessary, but his life was better when she was in it. Only in her presence, did he feel truly whole.

Just as he closed his eyes, savoring her nearness at last, the love of his life and other half of his heart pulled away and deftly punched him in the arm.

“Don’t, Alya,” she glared at him, her voice deepening in the approximation of a man’s. “You need to go to St. Petersburg, Alya.”

“Is that supposed to be me,” he grimaced, adjusting his glasses but not avoiding her gaze. Even annoyed, he didn’t want to miss a second of her.

“You’re a little shit, you know that? I can’t come to Vienna, but you can drop everything and come to St. Petersburg?”

Alya planted her hands on her hips, but didn’t move away when he stepped forward, grabbing her one bare hand and beginning to slip her dropped glove over her fingers. Her nails,  green the last he’d seen her, were now a muted orange. Still chipped at the edges. Always chipped at the edges.

“We both know, had you really intended to come to Vienna, I would have had an Alya on my doorstep, not one texting me what ifs,” he started, slipping her fingers one by one into the glove even as she pouted. “Besides, I was already here when you texted. You were about to ruin the surprise.”

“Because I love surprises,” she grumbled, but he gave her a pointed look. “Okay, fine. I like you surprises.”

He smirked, finally having the the glove securely on her left hand, Alya still completely unsuspecting.

“How about one more Me surprise?” Nino asked, lowering to one knee before her and watching as Alya’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“Wha--Nino--”

“Alya Charlot Cesaire,” he began, trying not to laugh at the way her eyebrows shot up in surprise and eyes started to dart around the now-empty arrivals gate.

“Now?” She squeaked and he couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Now,” he confirmed. “I’ve spent too long waiting for the perfect moment, wanting to give you all the magic you deserve, but every moment with you is miraculous. Good, bad, near or far, you are the home I come back to time and time again. You make my life indescribably brighter, simply by existing. Would you do me the honor of calling me your husband?”

Alya’s eyes shone with unshed tears as she lifted a hand to cup his cheek.

“Dammit, Nino,” she whispered, a single tear tracking down her face as her lips tipped upwards. “I’m supposed to be the level-headed one in this relationship, and here you are turning me into a complete sap.”

“So, that’s a yes?”

“Of course, that’s a yes, you goof,” she rolled her eyes with a laugh, her hands grasping his collar and pulling him back up to standing. “Now are you going to kiss me, or--”

Nino wasted no time, cradling her head in his hands. His lips seeking hers through their pair of ridiculous smiles, and just barely managing some approximation of a kiss.

“Jesus Christ,” he tried to grumble even as his shoulders shook with laughter. “Will you stop smiling? I’m trying to kiss my fiancé, here.”

“Oooo, fiancé?” Alya wiggled her eyebrows but held up her left hand. “Such a fancy title, and yet...I don’t see the hardware to back it up.”

Nino lifted an eyebrow, and, with a swift tug, deftly dislodged the very glove he’d put on her hand minutes before.

“Oh, no?”

Alya looked at her hand and gasped, her face dissolving into true shock now as she took in the diamond and topaz ring sitting in place of his old class ring. The same ring Alya had admired over a decade ago at the first family gathering he’d brought her to. The same ring his grandmother had given him when he turned eighteen...and reminded him to use yearly.

“You sneaky bastard,” she cursed, shaking her head with a smile. “You really did it.”

“Gave you a movie-magic proposal?”

“Made me fall even more in love with you,” she replied instead. “And people think I’m the overachiever.”

“I’m only an overachiever when it comes to you,” he grabbed her hand, still suspended in shock between them, and placed a kiss to her palm. “My fiancé is a hell of a woman. It takes a lot to keep her on her toes.”

“So what you’re saying is,”she walked her fingers up his chest as he stepped forward. “I now officially get an eternity of Nino surprises?”

“If you think you’d be okay with that,” he shot back.

“Okay with it?” Alya smirked, her hands having reached his chin to angle his face closer to hers. Her lips caught his in a searing kiss that shot through his body like molten lava, his knees slackening as her arms encircled his neck before she pulled away, breathless.

“I can’t wait.”