#adrien: i envy your horses :(

[buggachat]

the "adrien is a horse girl" theory is SO FUNNY and SO GREAT because Felix is literally a horse riding medalist. like if adrien is a horse girl he fucking lost

[katsintriis]

for blorbo meme, perhaps,,,,, fullmetal alchemist? or ladybug? or whatever youre itching to talk about!!!! :D

if you got this ask like three times i sincerely apologize orz skjdfhksdf

OHHH @armedwithapencilandpaper very nice choices :00 I'll stick with fma this time bc i think if i did this meme with ladybug all of the answers would just be variations of marinette and adrien lmaooo

blorbo (favorite character, character I think about the most):

- I have so many god damn feelings about Alphonse Elric it's insane. Edward is such a close second bc, again, I am a main character bitch at heart and he has so much complexity. But Al's character spoke to me as a fellow youngest sibling and as someone who was a painfully shy kid. Watching him come into his own and grow and stand up for himself and others is just *chef's kiss*

scrunkly (my “baby”, character that gives me cuteness aggression, character that is So Shaped)

- I feel like by definition this should also be Alphonse lol. But I'll pick someone else.... I always thought Kain Fuery was adorable. He gets overlooked a lot but he's always smiling and working real hard as a member of team Mustang. He's a good boy!!

scrimblo bimblo (underrated/underappreciated fave)

- Nobody talks about Winry enough, there, I said it. Winry is fucking awesome and I love her to pieces! She's literally a genius mechanic 15 year old girl. Queen shit.

glup shitto (obscure fave, character that can appear in the background for 0.2 seconds and I won’t shut up about it for a week)

- Lan Fan!! She's such a badass like she cut off her own arm???? Hello????

poor little meow meow (“problematic”/unpopular/controversial/otherwise pathetic fave)

- Selim Bradley. He sucks. He is ALSO my favorite homunculus. The twist of him being Pride, his freaky shadow powers, the fact that he is the oldest and yet is also just a little brat. Gets turned into a jellybean?? Absolutely fantastic character, I love him lmao

horse plinko (character I would torment for fun, for whatever reason)

- I think it would be funny to put Envy in the plinko. Why not.

eeby deeby (character I would send to superhell)

- PUSHES Solf J. Kimblee into the hell death elevator, fuck that guy

[olivia-anderson-fanfic]

Soulmarks, Part 13

First part

Previous

~~~

She heard a knock on her balcony door and opened it. He stood outside, his hands stuffed in his pockets. She glanced him over. He was definitely more prepared than she was, he looked like he’d just walked out of a spy movie with all his equipment.

She looked it over with envy. Ah, the power of money.

Marinette waved him inside. “I’ve still got to get some stuff out.”

She dug through her room. Unsurprisingly, her parents weren’t exactly aware of this particular ‘hobby’ of hers… which meant that she’d had to hide everything pretty well. They didn’t exactly go through her room, but they still came up to talk to her often enough that having stuff out in the open was a terrible idea.

She scooped up the last piece of equipment and turned around.

He was also poking around her room, though the reason why was probably less innocent than ‘looking for spy equipment’... which already isn’t all that innocent, so take that how you will.

Her face flushed as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Find anything interesting?”

His shoulders froze and he dropped the tiny Chat Noir plush he’d found. “Your room… it’s... uh… very… pink.” He coughed into his hand awkwardly. “Yep. Got everything? Good, let’s go.”

He made to leave and she grabbed his arm.

Tim paused and looked back at her, giving her his most innocent smile. He was probably anxious that she was mad at him for snooping around her room (she wasn’t, she’d do the same thing in his room if he had actually lived there).

She hesitated slightly and let go, pulling out her yoyo to mess with. Now for the part of the night that she’d been dreading most: “We need a backup plan in case we get caught.”

“I doubt we will,” he said with a cocky grin.

Marinette shrugged. “I hope not, but in case… you’ll need to have some kind of suit so we can say it’s superhero business.”

He winced and looked at the floor. “I don’t want to get back in the Robin suit,” he admitted, his voice little more than a whisper.

She nodded slightly. She’d predicted that. He hadn’t once mentioned wanting to get back into the Robin suit, nor had the soulmark made a reappearance. She held up a finger for him to wait and then walked over to her desk, picking up a tiny box.

She’d thought for a long time about what to give him. She had wanted to give him the fox miraculous originally, it was the most in line with what they were doing; Trixx would give them extra cover and they could get closer to Lila without her detecting them. On the other hand, giving the fox miraculous to anyone besides Alya was risky. There was a risk of her becoming akumatized. They really didn’t need that right now.

And, so, she handed over the horse miraculous. It would give them a quick out when needed.

Also, she thought he’d look cute with glasses. Sue her.

He raised his eyebrows slightly and pulled them on.

She was right!

He frowned slightly and started squinting through the glasses. “Oh, crap, do I actually need glasses these are helpi -- WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!”

“Shhhhh! My parents are going to hear us!”

He pointed at Kaalki, who crossed her arms (? hooves? legs?) over her chest.

“Who is that,” she corrected, then turned to Marinette with a sigh. “Is he at least famous?”

“Yep. Tim Drake-Wayne. Rich and famous, just how you like them.”

Kaalki beamed. “Finally, someone who actually deserves me.”

Marinette rolled her eyes and turned to Tim, who was slowly backing away from the tiny god. “She’s not going to hurt you.”

“Well, yeah, I can and will punt her.”

She rolled her eyes. “She’s literally a god, but okay.”

“A WHAT?!”

Marinette heard a knock on the bottom of her trapdoor and cursed, quickly diving onto it before her mom could come in. Her hands and knees were scraped, but it was much easier than explaining why there was a guy and a god hanging out in her room.

“Marinette? Is everything okay in there?” Her mom pushed up on the door and she threw all her weight into holding it closed. “Who’s over?”

“Yes, mom, everything’s fine! This is just…” She floundered. “A new superhero?”

“How do you know superheroes?”

“I have an amazing personality.” She caught Tim’s eyes and mouthed that he needed to take off all the equipment and then transform.

He looked reluctant, but he complied.

She waited until he was fine and then finally pushed herself off the door, giving her mother an awkward smile as the trapdoor opened.

“Hi, mom, meet…” She looked at Tim and shrugged. “Horse-guy?”

Tim raised his eyebrows. “Horse-guy? Seriously?”

She shrugged. “Do you have anything better?”

“Uh…” He looked down at himself. “Cheval Brun?”

“Should’ve gone with Horse-guy.” She smiled and waved at her mom. “Great, now that you know nothing is going on, can you… go? I love you!”

“Love you… too?” Said her mom, her eyebrows knitting together. She slowly closed the trapdoor.

Marinette breathed a sigh of relief and laid back.

“Tikki, spots on,” she mumbled.

Tim grinned and offered her a hand up. “Ready to go?”

She took it and smiled as he helped her to her feet.

“Of course.”

~

She pulled her night-vision goggles to her eyes. Lila was… on her bed, scrolling through her phone. Threatening.

“Y’know, it feels weird to stalk someone I don’t like,” she said with a pout.

“Right?” Said Tim, frowning as he set up his camera. “Stalking is for obsessions only.”

“Exactly.”

She heard her comm click. “You guys are really weird,” said Adrien, sounding exhausted. “Just… in the future, can you stick to only stalking each other?”

“Sounds romantic,” said Marinette.

“No,” said Dick. “No, it’s not.”

Tim grinned. “It could be.”

“No --.”

“I say we let them. At least it’s not us anymore,” said Barbara.

Marinette laughed. “Exactly. Be glad.”

She felt Tim lace his fingers through hers and she was lucky it was dark because her face was quickly getting warm.

“We’re turning off comms to listen. We’ll turn them back on if we need to.”

Everyone mumbled a bye (and Dick warned that they would pick up the conversation later) and the soulmates turned their comms off in sync.

They waited there for a long time, their ears pressed to the devices Tim had brought to help listen in. But… it was almost like Lila was being intentionally boring. They didn’t have to peek over the side to make sure that she was still there, because they could hear her shift around on the bed or laugh occasionally, she just seemed to be very interested in her phone.

“Christ, she’s more boring than Adrien. At least Adrien sometimes played piano,” she joked quietly, resting her head back against the wall with a tiny sigh.

Maybe they were wrong about Lila. They’d been going off of shaky evidence at best. Still, something in her told her that they were right.

The thing telling her this was definitely fuelled by spite, but she was going to pretend that it wasn’t.

So she continued to listen in. There was a lot of waiting involved in stalking someone if you’re looking for something.

Her eyes found their way to Tim, who gave her a tiny smile.

Well, she might as well kill time.

“So, we going to talk about Lila?”

~

His smile dropped and he tried not to tense up too much.

“Thought we already did?” He said.

She shrugged. “A little, but I’d like to know why you were so convinced. Yeah, Lila is like that, but you seemed pretty determined to believe her over me.”

He hesitated, looking down at their interlocked hands. He’d hoped that her history with Lila would be enough to convince her that was all, but he supposed he should have known she’d be smarter than that.

Man, why couldn’t he just lie? He wanted to lie, it should have been so easy to say ‘oh, no, she’s just really convincing, you know that’ but he couldn’t bring himself to. Not when he’d seen how hurt she’d looked at the cafe, not when she was giving him that smile that said she’d understand no matter what.

Tim sighed and closed his eyes.

“It’s just… you’re so… good, Nette.”

She raised her eyebrows.

“No, really. Like, yes, you’re probably more revenge motivated than you should be, and you can be a bit of a pushover, and you rival Bruce in the bad coping mechanism olympics, but… you’re also a heroine, you’re sweet, and it feels like you were made for me but…”

She ran her thumb over the back of his hand. She looked like she was going to argue for a second, but ultimately just prompted him to continue with a: “But…?”

“But... that’s just not how things go in my life. There’s always some kind of downside, some huge ‘oh fuck’. So you being some sort of terrible person underneath really would have just been par for the course.”

He felt tears form in the back of his eyes. Venting always feels good after the fact, even if it opens old wounds while you’re doing it. Damn. He couldn’t really afford to do this in Paris, but here he was, and now that he’d started he couldn’t bring himself to stop. If he did, he doubted he’d ever be able to bring himself to tell her, and he wasn’t fond of that, either.

“And, I’ve never really told anyone about this, but… I don’t really… talk to a lot of people.”

“I know.”

His head shot up to look at her. “Huh?”

“You’re my soulmate. It took you until fourteen to get a single person’s name. I kinda guessed.”

Oh. Right.

He sighed and closed his eyes. “Well, yeah, my parents sucked and every person who ever tried to talk to me did it because they were rich. I ended up just never talking to people. The whole ‘friends’ thing is still kinda new to me, let alone getting a possible girlfriend.”

He gave a short, somewhat bitter laugh. “Not that you want to date me. I’m a bit of a mess. So is my life. You’d be better off if we were just friends, and even better if you stopped talking to me entirely.”

He felt her head rest on his shoulder and opened his eyes to look at her. She gave him a slight smile, but her eyes were locked on a place over his shoulder.

A frown made its way across his face and he started to turn to see what she was looking at, only to feel her cup his cheek and pull his face until he was looking at her again.

She met his gaze and her smile dropped into a serious look. “Listen: I like being around you. A lot. I’m not nearly as perfect as you seem to think I am, but I still want to be something good in your life. Please, let me.”

He let himself relax, resting his hand over hers and turning his head to press a tiny kiss to her palm.

“I know you only said that because there was an akuma, but… I’d like that.”

She blushed faintly and relaxed a little bit as well. “I still meant it.”

He looked at her for a minute, expecting to see some hint of a lie, but there wasn’t one. She met his gaze and smiled, leaning up slightly to press a kiss to his cheek.

He couldn’t help it. He turned his head and his lips brushed against hers.

She blinked in surprise.

He looked at her wide eyes and paled. Shit. “Sorry! I don’t know what --!”

She kissed him again and he felt himself smile as he kissed back. It was both of their first kisses, so they were, admittedly, a little awkward, but he could definitely tell why people liked it so much. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d ever felt so energized.

But, eventually, they pulled away. His eyes fluttered open to see she was blushing like mad, and the warmth in his cheeks told him that he was likely just as red. She smiled at him and he felt his heart do a tiny flip in his chest.

Eventually, though, Lila laughed at something on her phone and he was pulled back to reality.

He blinked a few times and looked away. They were here for a reason other than kissing. They had a job. “Did you see where the akuma came from?” He asked after a few seconds.

She snapped out of it as well, pulling her hand from his cheek to point over his shoulder. “Back that way --.”

They both looked at where she was pointing, where the akuma was slowly disappearing on the horizon.

“What are the chances it’s going back to Hawkmoth?”

“Worth a shot, don’t you think?”

They followed after it.

~~~

Next part

A lot of people wait to do kisses until the end but idk I like writing people in relationships too much to

Taglist

@pawsitivelymiraculous @golden-promises @salty-fang @kitsunebell @sassakitty @octobitch @glastwime859 @miyla-lokidottir @onlyabatfan @ira-sairain @2confused-2doanything @ultimatetornshipper @ladybug-182 @laurcad123 @we-want-mini-mini @roguishredaxion @just-reblogs-by-h @futursworld @magic-miraculous @nathleigh @smolplantmum @vroomtaka  @emimar7 @toodaloo-kangaroo @charme-de-malchan @spicybelladonna @fusser90 @indecisive-mess-named-me @rosesgonerogue @celestialsiren @bluesimani @loysydark

[aalissy]

His 23,956th Chance

During his 23,956th try as Aspik, Adrien reveals his identity during the middle of an akuma attack. However, this time, Ladybug manages to purify the akuma and save the day. After Desperada is defeated, however, Ladybug and Adrien have to deal with this newfound information.

Sooo Desperada left me feeling things and I needed to write this. Lemme know what you think! I’m sorry if it seems rushed I practically ran to get it written down lol. Hope you enjoy this identity reveal!

AO3

“You know, Ladybug,” Aspik turned to look at her as they ran away from Desperada, taking a deep breath he allowed himself to reveal the very thing he had been keeping secret for so long, “I’m actually also Chat Noir, and I’ve been in love with you since our eyes first met.” Her eyes widened in shock as the familiar sounds of the trumpet played and Aspik prepared for Ladybug to once again disappear before his eyes.

“NO!” she screamed out instead, dodging the blast with a well-timed duck, shooting her yo-yo out at the akumatized musician. With a flash, both trumpets crashed to the floor and Ladybug was sliding under Desperada, quickly tying the horse saddle around her legs. With a giant tug, the villain fell forward, allowing Ladybug to quickly grab the guitar case and break it. Aspik blinked at her in shock as the akuma flew out of the guitar case and the bug-themed superhero quickly captured it.

“It’s time to de-evilize!” Ladybug shouted quickly, her yo-yo purifying the butterfly. Without sparing a second thought to wave the butterfly goodbye, she threw the horse saddle into the air, “Lucky Charm!”

“Wow,” he breathed out in both shock and awe as Ladybug managed to single-handedly save the day. He watched her pick up the girl, giving her a quick smile and explaining what happened before her head whipped around to him.

Her eyes narrowed sharply, “What did you just say?”

“I um said wow,” he rubbed the back of his neck nervously as she advanced upon him slowly.

Ladybug chuckled dryly, “No, no. That’s not what I was asking you about. I meant what you said before about being a certain superhero.”

“I, uh, um,” Aspik hesitated, “May I just say I really didn’t think we were going to win this time. I’ve been trying for a really long time,” he gulped as she stalked ever closer, “This was actually my 23,956th time, to be honest.”

With a fierce tug on his arm, Ladybug led him away from the open area they were within and led him to a much quieter alleyway. Her eyes softened considerably as she looked at the ground nervously, chewing her lip, “W-were you telling the truth?”

He blinked at her, unused to this shyness from the superheroine, “About what part,” he whispered.

“About being Chat Noir,” she glanced up at him from beneath her lashes and his heart gave a sharp tug.

I couldn’t lie to you even if I wanted to, bugaboo, “Ladybug, I-I’m so sorry. I honestly didn’t mean for it to happen like this.”

“Oh my god,” the superheroine breathed out before she began pacing and muttering to herself.

As he watched her tug on her pigtails in frustration, a wave of hopelessness washed over him and he quickly called off his transformation, “Sass, scales rest,” feeling the power rush out of him, Adrien quickly caught the tiny snake, who panted from exhaustion. Quickly feeding him some of the cheese he saved for Plagg, he turned to Ladybug who was still talking to herself in utter disbelief.

“Just casually slips out that he’s Chat Noir in the middle of a battle. Unbelievable! What am I going to do abou-,” Adrien cut her off as he grabbed her hands, stopping her mid-way through her short walks.

“Hey, listen to me LB,” he spoke calmly as he stared into her bright blue eyes, “I know you don’t love me too, but that’s okay. We can get through this together. I promise to always be by your side to protect you.”

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, “What?” Ladybug said before waving a hand in the air, “Oh, that’s not the issue here. The issue is...”

“Wait, what?!” Adrien burst out, “What do you mean that’s not the issue here!”

“Calm down, Adrien,” a gentle smile formed on her face, “If we’re being honest here... which apparently we are since someone,” she glared at him, “decided to reveal their secret identity today.”

He smiled at her awkwardly, “Whoops?”

“But yes,” Ladybug paused to take a deep breath, “I am in love with you too. I’ve just been in love with Adrien this whole time instead of Chat.”

The model’s mouth dropped open as he stared at her in disbelief. Opening and closing his mouth several times, he attempted to speak but was unable to get anything out. Breaking the awkward silence, Ladybug’s miraculous beeped warningly, and her hand moved to cover her earring.

“I, um, I have to go,” she turned around, preparing to race away, but once again his arm shot out, grasping onto her wrist to prevent her from leaving, “Adrien?” the superheroine turned to him, a silent question forming within her eyes.

“Stay,” he pleaded, “You know who I am. Isn’t it about time I know who you are?”

Her teeth came down to nibble nervously on her lower lip, “Adrien, I-I can’t. You know we can’t reveal who we are.”

“Have all my second chances really not proven anything to you, M’lady,” Adrien’s lips quirked up into a crooked smile, “I’ll always be by your side, fighting with you. I wouldn’t give you up for anything,” he rested a hand against her cheek. Her eyes fluttered closed for a second and she leaned into his hand. His heart pounded as he stared at her soft face in awe.

After a few seconds and another beep, she looked back up at him, “A-alright. I’m trusting you, Adrien,” with another deep breath, she called off her transformation, “Tikki, spots off.”

A rush of pink sparkles dazed his vision before a small, red creature landed in a girl’s hand. His eyes traveled up from her hand to her white shirt and finally came to rest on her bright, blue eyes that finally weren’t enclosed within a mask. Marinette stood there, tapping her two index fingers together as she smiled nervously.

“M-Marinette,” Adrien breathed out in a rush before wrapping her up in his arms and twirling her around, “It’s been you all this time!” he laughed as the girl squealed, “How could I not have known?! God, you’ve been sitting behind me for who knows how long!”

“Adrien! Adrien! Put me down!” A fierce, red blush had overtaken the fashion designer’s face and she looked about ready to pass out.

“Sorry, sorry,” he chuckled sheepishly before putting her down, “I’m just really happy.”

Marinette giggled shyly before twirling a piece of her blue hair around a finger, “Me too.”

He beamed at her in utter joy before his face darkened considerably as he remembered the events of that day. Adrien stepped backwards, away from her, as he realized, “But that means...”

“That means what?” she frowned once again, stepping towards him as he continued to backpedal away from her, “Adrien?”

“You’re-you’re Luka’s girlfriend,” the model hissed out in a panic, “I-I won’t be able to date you, or kiss you, or marry you like I’ve always wanted.”

“You’ve wanted to marry me?!” Marinette screeched as her face turned an even darker red.

He nodded quickly before shaking his head even faster. A dark seed of envy built from within his chest as he remembered the two of them playing the guitar together that morning, “But I won’t... I can’t betray Luka, Marinette. I love you but I can’t be the reason you two break up,” Adrien turned to go but a small, slender hand caught his wrist.

“Why in the world do you think Luka and I are dating?” the designer stared at him with her lovely, wide, beautiful, blue eyes.

“B-because Kagami said you were. A-and you and him were playing the guitar together this morning,” his eyes clenched shut as he envisioned himself teaching Marinette how to play the piano instead. His hands sliding over her daintier ones as he taught her which note came next. Adrien sighed longingly as he realized he’d never be able to do that now.

The girl chuckled quietly for a second before placing a hand slowly onto his cheek, “Adrien, open your eyes please.” He gave a firm shake of his head causing her to giggle cutely once again, “Please? I need you to open them so you know I’m telling the truth.”

Reluctantly, he opened his eyes and stared down at the small girl who gave him some of his happiest memories, “Marinette, I-” he began but she cut him off by placing a finger on his lips.

“Shh, let me speak for a second?” Adrien nodded, and she removed her finger, “I’m not dating Luka. We’re just friends. And it’s because I-,” Marinette paused to take in a quick gulp of air, “Because I’ve been in love with you since you handed me your umbrella. And I haven’t been able to tell you because every time I try to, I stutter and stumble. I mean even when I tried to write them down and tell you, I mixed up the letters and gave you the wrong one.”

His mind flashed back to his trip to London with Kagami and the serious expression on Marinette’s face as she handed him the letter, “I... really, Marinette?”

The fashion designer nodded shyly as she glanced up at him from beneath her lashes, “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to tell you before.”

“No, no it’s fine!” Adrien rushed to reassure her, “Actually it’s more than fine! It’s perfect! Would I... I mean would you mind if I, um kissed you?”

Her mouth practically flopped to the ground as her face turned a bright red. She nodded quickly before his lips were upon hers. With a gentle sigh, Marinette’s arms wrapped around the back of his neck as she stood up on her tip-toes to deepen the kiss. Adrien’s own arms curled around her waist as he finally got to kiss the girl of his dreams.

After a few seconds, Marinette pulled away and smacked his head in anger, “Ow! What was that for?!” he rubbed the back of his head, wincing in pain.

“For revealing your identity in the middle of an akuma attack, you idiot!” she glared, “You had no idea how close Desperada was to us! She could’ve been right there and you just decided to give it all up on a whim!”

Adrien chuckled as he listened to her exasperated musings, “God, I love you, Mari.”

The fashion designer paused her angry tirade to smile adorably, “I love you too, Adrien. But don’t think that means I’m not still mad at you!”

“Hey, Mari?”

“What?”

“I have the rest of my life to make it up to you,” he smirked teasingly at her.

Her face turned the shade of a tomato as a smile twitched against her lips, “You’re too smooth for your own good, cat boy.”

[chocoluckchipz]

Dance with Me, Chaton - 29

Read it on A03, WattPad, FF.net

Written for @ladynoirjuly2019

< Previous

29. Kwami Swap

Claws out.

Paired with the ring on his finger, this simple phrase, unique to Plagg and his students, gave Adrien full access to the Kwami Kave. For some reason, it was way more crowded today than the last time Adrien was here, and although he couldn’t fully understand the reason, there was definitely hype floating through the air. Music blasted through the darkened interior of the room filled with rays of colour, yet people around him hardly danced. Palpable, unexplained anticipation enveloped the scenery. Most people mingled around, a few glancing his way with interest. Adrien ignored them, his own chest rising and falling rapidly.

This was it. This was the evening he’d worked so hard for. This might be the evening Marinette would give him a chance to explain. Or it might be not. He’d know soon, though.

“Have you heard?” some man by Adrien’s side said to his neighbour. “Master Plagg’s debuting a student today.”

His companion puffed. “And pigs can fly. Tell me something I can believe.”

“No, seriously,” the first one said. “I’ve heard the rumours a few weeks ago, but I didn't pay much attention because you know, it’s Master Plagg. However, yesterday I overheard Master Sass and Master Wayzz talk about it. They wanted to be here tonight to see the person who could handle Master Plagg in person.”

The other man shrugged. “You must have heard wrong. There is no way Master Plagg will ever debut anyone.”

The first man frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said,” the second man shrugged. “He's never debuted anyone and he never will. Master Plagg is smarter than that.”

The first man frowned. “What do you mean? Master Plagg had students before. It just didn't work out. Not his fault they couldn't handle his teaching style.”

“Couldn't handle his teaching style?” the man puffed. “And why do you think that happened?”

“Different personalities—”

“Spare me that crap,” the man rolled his eyes. “Think about it logically. To keep his current title and all the prestige that comes with it, Master Plagg has to have students. But if he were ever to teach his methods to anyone else, that person would potentially become better than him in the future, taking his title away from him. Do you really think he’d like that?”

Adrien scowled internally. Plagg wasn’t like that! Sure he was eccentric, but he wasn't anywhere that trivial. Quite the contrary, Plagg was unnecessary selfless. Otherwise, he’d never drop everything to nurse Adrien back to sanity last week.

“I think you’re over-exaggerating,” the first man frowned. “Master Plagg might be peculiar, but he's not that petty. He didn't kick his students out; they dropped him.”

“Because he makes it impossible for anyone to learn from him. Really, he found the perfect way to keep his status and his title without having to share whatever secret he has for being that insanely awesome and constantly improving. One of the reasons I admire him so much. Master Plagg is smarter than he looks. He isn't the King of Kwami Kave for nothing.”

Adrien quirked an eyebrow. The King? That Camembert-obsessed glutton was the King of Kwami Kave?

“It couldn't be so—”

“Believe me, I know someone who started with him personally. It got so bad, they asked Master Fu to transfer them to someone else a week into their training. Master Plagg is merciless with his students.”

Adrien could believe that. He’d quit himself. Only it took him a little longer than a week.

“Well, I can’t argue because I don’t know what happened with others,” the first man said. “But he’s debuting a student today, and I bet they’re just as crazy awesome as Master Plagg to debut with him, right?”

“This person doesn’t exist.”

“But what if they do?”

“Than they’re a masochist,” the second man huffed. “Anyone would be to keep studying under Master Plagg. More so to debut with him.”

Adrien snickered to himself. Masochist, huh? He wasn’t sure about that, but weirdly enough, he felt sorry for those people who'd given up on Plagg. He couldn't blame them; he'd quit himself. Yet, going back and giving Plagg another chance was more than worth it because knowing the real Plagg, the one under all that harsh interior, was a life-changing experience Adrien would treasure forever.

“I envy them, though,” the first man said. “Can you even imagine? To be the King’s pupil? I’d kill for that chance.”

“You’ve got some nerve to show up here,” someone barked at him from the left.

Adrien looked to the side only to be met with Viperion’s murderous glare. Great. This was exactly what Adrien needed now.

“Leave before I kick you out myself,” Viperion seethed through his teeth coming closer.

“Hold your horses, Vipe.” Plagg appeared by Adrien’s side. “We don’t want to be rude to our guests, now do we? Especially if they’re here on the same rights as everyone else.”

Viperion glanced at the Plagg and back to Adrien. His lips pressed into a thin line, he narrowed his eyes. “Don’t tell me he is your student.”

Plagg stepped closer and, wrapping his arm around Adrien’s shoulder, winked. “The best I’ve ever had.”

“You can’t be serious,” Viperion growled.

“I am,” Plagg replied, his voice getting colder. “And you’d better be nice to him. What kind of a welcome is this, Vipe? Did Sass teach you that?”

“He should’ve been nice to Ladybug if he wanted to be welcomed here,” Viperion replied.

People around slowed down, whispering and glancing their way.

“Oh?” Plagg quirked an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chest. “And what do you know about that? I wouldn’t presume Ladybug herself had told you anything.”

Viperion flinched but didn't avert his eyes, pressing his lips in a thin line. “I know enough to say that Ladybug wouldn’t want him here.”

“Based on what?” Plagg challenged. “Your intuition?”

His jaw tense, Viperion snarled lowly, “Based on what my sister had told me after she visited Ladybug a few days ago. Your wife was there, Master Plagg. You should know better than to defend him.”

Plagg puffed, dismissively waving his hand in the air. “Few days is way too long in these matters. History can be changed in a day. Hate can cross to the Love side in a split moment. What made you think that in those few days, Ladybug hasn’t changed her mind and asked me to bring him here herself?”

Adrien held his breath. Was Plagg pulling Viperion’s leg or was it true? Could Marinette really ask Plagg to bring him here?

“She wouldn’t,” Viperion retaliated. “Not after she cancelled all of her plans and spent days cooped up at home with Mme Tikki by her side because of him. She’d never been so devastated before.”

“Then you don't know her very well,” Plagg challenged, smirking. “Remember, our little bug is impulsive and quick to judge. You should know that, Vipe, being her friend and all. She just needed some time to calm down and realize that it was all a huge misunderstanding.”

Viperion seemed to stumble for arguments, thinking Plagg’s words over. “Master Plagg,” he added a short while after. “I respect you, but I cannot allow him to be here unless Ladybug herself tells me she wants him here. This is her safe space. This is what this club is all about, isn’t it? Giving those who are hurting a refuge. He can’t invade it.”

Plagg looked straight at Viperion. “Then I suggest you should go ask her what she thinks before attacking him.”

Whispers around intensified, as the tension became palpable. Adrien swallowed, closing his eyes for a moment. He hadn’t expected everything to go smoothly, but a fight, even if verbal, between Plagg and Viperion was the last thing he needed right now. Marinette would never forgive him this way.

Side-glancing at Plagg, Adrien put his hand on his shoulder. “Let me handle this.”

Plagg’s gaze flicked over to Adrien. He gave him a slight nod and leaned back into a more relaxed stance.

Adrien took a step toward Viperion. His eyes locking on his, he said, “I appreciate your concern for Ladybug, and I’m glad she has friends who wouldn't hesitate to protect her. However, whatever happened between us is ours to deal with. I’d appreciate if you’d stay out of it apart from giving her the support she needs.”

“Do you see this?” Plagg nudged his neighbour somewhere in the background. Adrien could practically feel Plagg’s grin with his back. “A backbone. Do you even realize how hard it was for me to pull it out?”

Viperion spoke, his voice low. “I won’t stay back when someone hurts one of my best friends, and if I can prevent that from happening by keeping the culprit away, I will do so.”

“Hurting her was never my intention, and it isn’t now,” Adrien replied. “Ladybug knows I’ll be here tonight, so if she doesn’t want to see me, she’ll avoid coming.”

Holding his breath for a moment, Viperion pressed his lips together, silently staring at Adrien.

Plagg cackled dramatically. “Huh! And we both know she’s here, isn’t she, Vipe?”

Adrien’s breath hitched as Viperion didn’t deny Plagg’s statement. His eyes widened just a speck, his heart skipping a beat as Viperion shifted his gaze to the side. Marinette was here. She knew he was coming, and she still came? Adrien swallowed. Was she finally ready to hear him out?

“Let’s make a deal using your own words,” Adrien continued. “I’ll do what I’m here for, and then if she tells me to leave, I will. But Ladybug herself has to tell me to do so because I’ve worked too damn hard to simply walk away now.”

“That’s my boy.” Plagg proudly smiled, ruffling Adrien’s hair. “Don’t give up on your dreams because someone might frown at you.”

“Hey!” Adrien shooed him away. “Leave my hair alone.”

“What’s the matter?” Plagg teased. “You didn’t style it, did you?”

Adrien huffed. “No. As if you’d let me live if I did. But that doesn’t mean you can ruin my carefully not-styled messy chic.”

Plagg laughed. Winking at Viperion, he dramatically whispered, pointing to Adrien’s midsection. “You should see him shirtless, Vipe. The kid’s ripped.”

Both Viperion and Adrien yelped at the same time. “Plagg, what the—”

Plagg grinned wider, bumping Adrien’s chest with his fist. “Shredded, man. Crazy agile and flexible as well. A proper cat, if I do say so myself. The things he can do—the things he’d soon be doing with my training. It’s insane. He’s a natural, Vipe. Natural with a capital N. He was born to dance. Really. I was shocked he hadn’t started dancing on his own before meeting me. I mean we zoomed through the basics. He just—”

The music got quieter and the DJ called for Plagg.

“Well, you got the picture, Vipe.” Plagg winked at Viperion. “He’s a good kid. Let him be.” Turning to Adrien, he added, “That’s our cue, Chat Noir. Let’s go do this.”

“Right.” Adrien inhaled and looking back at Viperion, offered him a hand. “Do we have a deal?”

Viperion hesitated for a moment, but soon relented and shook Adrien’s hand. “If she doesn’t want to see you, I’ll escort you out myself.”

“But if she does want me around, you’ll get off my case.”

“Fair enough.” Viperion nodded and stepped aside.

Plagg headed towards the stage, Adrien trailing behind him. The voices got quiet as Plagg got on the platform, Adrien stopping just at the edge. His arms in his pockets Plagg strode across to the middle with a satisfied smirk on his lips and a glow in his eyes. The music became louder and Plagg broke into a dance. He started out slowly, doing nothing special or unusual as he moved in tact with music. In a split moment, though, Plagg was break-dancing, spinning on his head, quickly changing to his elbow. The crowd cheered. Plagg pulled a few moves on his hands, his body parallel to the floor, feet never stopping their movement. Then he raised his legs up to the ceiling, twisting on his hands in circles as if in slow motion. It looked mesmerizing and effortless, almost like an invisible force toying with Plagg, moving him about, and he was there only for the ride. People stared in awe, but Adrien doubted many of them realized just how much work Plagg had put in it to be that flawless. He wasn’t a King for nothing. Finally, Plagg jumped onto his feet and finished off with a few of his simpler moves, only a bounce off his back being somewhat risky. The crowd cheered.

“Show off,” he muttered under his breath with a smile on his lips. Camembert-obsessed, selfless glutton with a heart of gold and disregard for appearances. The best way he could describe Plagg now.

As if hearing his whisper, Plagg stopped and looked straight at Adrien. He motioned him to come on the stage, and once Adrien had joined him, Plagg grabbed his hand in his and raised it up, shouting into the crowd, “Chat Noir, ladies and gentlemen! The one and only, Apprentice of Destruction!”

The people in the room erupted, clapping and whistling. Some called out his alter ego name, others waved and jumped in tempo with the music. Plagg turned to Adrien. “Your time to shine, kid. Dance your heart out.”

Adrien nodded. “Thanks. I’ll make you proud.”

“You already did.” Plagg put his hand on Adrien’s shoulder, smiling. “Many more times than you realize. Now, it’s time for you to make yourself proud for once.”

Adrien couldn’t help a smile that split his lips. “I can try that. Doesn’t sound too complicated.”

The music stopped. The crowd stilled as Plagg bend his elbow and offered Adrien his hand. “You’ll do great. Knock their socks off.”

Unable to resist a grin, Adrien accepted his handshake. “Is this my test? The one I need to pass to get in?”

Plagg laughed, slapping Adrien’s back. “Your test was me, kid. Congrats. You’ve passed with flying colours. This is your inauguration. So, forget everything I’ve taught you. This is your moment. Claim it. Live it. Show everyone who you truly are. Tell her how you feel.”

Adrien didn’t answer, his heart pounding rapidly at the mention of her. Marinette was here, somewhere in the crowd, watching him at this very moment, and if a dance was just another way to communicate, if through dance he could express his feelings… then, was this the beginning of the conversation Marinette had promised him? Was this that chance she said she’d give him to explain everything? It might be. It might not. He’d tell her anyway.

Plagg stepped away as Don Diablo’s tune ripped through the space. Adrien remained in the centre, a multitude of people watching him with unbound curiosity. Nothing new for him. He was trained from his childhood to deal with that. Dancing in public didn’t scare him either. Plagg made sure Adrien was ready, going as far as helping him to perfect the routine he'd chosen for tonight.  

He closed his eyes, listening for the right moment to start. Heaven to Me. He’d first chosen this song to express his feelings for Marinette. That still applied, but now, he’d also dance to it to tell his story to everyone present in this room. Plagg’s words zoomed through his mind.

Relax. Forget everything. Cease to exist. Let your very being become the music. Let it move you. Let it consume you. The rain will fall; there is nothing you can do about that. Dance despite it. Dance because of it. Make yourself free.

And Adrien did.

His chest expanded, he let the vibrations fill him, moving his body to the music. Everything around him ceased to matter. Only him and his story. Him and his words to Marinette. In every arm shift, in every leg move, in every bend of his body, he spoke to her. His movements sharp and rapid at one point, graceful and elevating at another, Adrien voiced his story with every motion. Loneliness in arms clenched close to his chest; desperation, yearning for freedom as he fell to his knees. The love and joy she brought him; Adrien soared above the ground. His mistake. He curled in on himself, pain clear on his face even now. The agony of losing her. Despair; he crumbled to the ground. A hopeful outstretch of his arm toward an invisible her, pleading for forgiveness, a second chance he didn’t deserve.  

The song ended, and slowly coming back to reality, Adrien could barely breathe as the sounds attacked his ears. Clapping, whistling, people around him chanted his name, jumping to the music that was no longer there.

“Chat Noir!” Plagg yelled into the microphone. “Your newly crowned Prince of Destruction! Welcome to the family!”

The crowd roared, people rushing onto the platform, swamping Adrien in their arms. Words of congratulations, welcoming pats and embraces, Adrien could barely stand on his feet, overwhelmed by the amount of love everyone around had thrown upon him. Tears in his eyes, his lips trembled as he smiled at people he didn’t know but who suddenly had become more of a family to him than his blood relatives ever were.

“Yo! Chat Noir!” The DJ called in the microphone. “Someone here wants to talk to you.”

A new tune slowly filled the air. Adrien stilled. This song. This particular song had a tale behind it, a story Plagg had told him recently about a troubled time in his and Tikki’s marriage, about an argument that had grown into a full-blown fight, later transforming into them silently ignoring each other. It’d gotten so bad, Plagg moved back to his Parlour while Tikki consulted a divorce lawyer. They’d lived separately for weeks, neither of them risking to cut it off, neither willing to make the first step to reconciliation. Plagg hadn’t told Adrien the reasons behind the argument, nor had he bothered to explain how he managed to do that, but it was Master Fu who tricked the duo into coming to Plagg’s studio one night. He then proceeded to lock the duo there for a night with little food, a few bottles of water and no means of getting out.

“Us fighting was stupid,” Plagg had told Adrien. “The reasons for the argument were stupid, and we both knew it. But we were too damn stubborn to make the first move. Miserable, lonely, and stupidly stubborn.” Plagg bitterly chuckled at that part, remembering the events. “Master Fu is a genius, though. Crossing-boundaries weirdo, but genius. Don’t want to get into details now, but once we realized that there was no way out, we didn’t waste much time on trying to figure out who was right and who was wrong. Instead, we just danced.”

As a result of that night, the pair had made up, never to argue again, spare a few bickering matches they loved to engage in. They’d also created a new routine to commemorate their reconciliation and to put the promises they’d made into moves. Kwami Swap. A sensual, intimate routine to Liam Payne and Rita Ora’s For You. It spoke of loneliness and longing, love and passion, forgiveness and acceptance. It told the story of two broken hearts coming together in union again, forgiving and promising to do better from now on. Plagg had claimed he’d never taught it to anyone. It was too personal, too precious for that. Yet, back at French Riviera, he practically forced Adrien to learn it. He’d gone as far as dancing Adrien’s partner role; however morbidly embarrassing and awkward it was.

A partner!

Adrien glanced at Plagg. This routine required a partner. Why the heck was it playing while Adrien was standing in the middle of a stage alone?

The shameless glutton only smirked and pointed to the other side of the room.

Adrien turned back to look at the DJ and froze. The people stepped away, parting from one side. A girl in a black baggy capris, a red tank top, and pigtails with red streaks in her hair emerged from the crowd, the ladybug pendant he’d given her strapped to a choker on her neck.

His heart threatening to jump out of his chest, Adrien let her name slip from his lips just as Rita began to sing.

Marinette started to dance, her eyes piercing his soul with every look she’d sent his way. She moved her arms and legs gracefully, her whole body flowing with the rhythm effortlessly. Sadness and longing, misery and pain. She let the emotions capture her, every expression reflecting the hurt.

Captivated, Adrien was barely breathing, people around them silently watching, no one daring to utter a word. His heart ached as she moved closer. It must have been harder for Marinette than he’d realized. He must have hurt her much deeper than he thought.

Her moves slowly changed, betraying doubts, hesitation, and hope. A hint of a shy smile quickly surfaced and vanished when she looked at him again. Closing the gap between them with every step, Marinette enthralled. The moment she’d reached him, Adrien’s heart was threatening to give up. His breathing ragged, he couldn’t take his eyes off her, ignoring his own part in the routine… if he were her partner in this. The moment Marinette raised her hand to him, Adrien wasn’t sure how he’d survived, knowing what it meant.

“Dance with me, Chaton.”

Adrien swallowed. Marinette… she forgave him. His efforts weren’t in vain. Everything he’d done, everything he’d said; Marinette had listened to him, and she’d accepted his apologies because at this very moment, according to what Plagg had taught him about this dance, Marinette was holding out an olive branch to him in the language she knew best. An offering of peace. The answer to his prayers. All he had to do was to accept it.

“I want nothing more, my Lady,” he barely whispered, and, placing his palm against hers, interlaced their fingers together.

Marinette smiled, letting out a breath of relief. Waiting for the right moment, she slipped back into the routine. Adrien followed her lead.

Soft touches, gentle strokes. Marinette enveloped him with caresses as she glided her fingers along his jaw and down to his chest. Adrien returned the affection she’d showered him with against her back. Holding onto his hand, she dipped back. He pulled her back up, twirling her around to hold her flush against himself, her back to his chest. His fingers on her exposed skin, his lips whispering the lyrics against her neck, Adrien glided his hands from her tights up along her raised arms. Swaying her hips, Marinette sighed into his touch, sending a pleasant shiver down his body. Adrien pulled her closer. Wrapping his arms around her, he picked her up and spun her around, cuddling her petite figure to himself. She held onto him, their foreheads touching. Once on the ground, her hands were all over him again as she slowly swayed to the music… a little more than Adrien could handle at the moment.

Disregarding the rest of the routine, Adrien pulled Marinette to himself, burying his face into the crook of her neck. Holding onto her for dear life, he whispered, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Marinette. I swear I didn’t mean it. I never wanted to hurt you.”

The melody went on, people around them continued to dance. Marinette wrapped her arms around him and pressed closer for a split moment, before leaning slightly away. There was a glimmer in her eyes, tears in the windows to her soul.

“I’m sorry, too.” She cupped his cheeks, giving him a shaky smile. “I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. I should’ve let you explain. I should’ve believed in you. Instead… I felt so horrible when I calmed down because this wasn’t you, and I should’ve known that. I should’ve known that the man who begged me to pet him with tears in his eyes couldn’t be as vicious as his father made him out to be. It just isn’t you, Adrien, and I’m sorry I believed him.”

Adrien leaned down to place his forehead against hers. “No. I deserved you being mad at me. It was a mistake, but it was still a mistake I made.”

Marinette leaned into his touch, closing her eyes. “We all make mistakes, Adrien. They’re inevitable. What matters is how you handle them, and you handled yours beautifully. You deserve forgiveness.”

He pulled her back against him. It felt so right to do so. She was his comfort, his love, his anchor in this crazy life. He hadn’t known her for that long, but she’d become his everything. And she smelled so damn good!

Lump in his throat, Adrien struggled to hold back tears. Tightening his embrace, he pleaded, “Take me back, Mari. Please. I’m an idiot, I know that. The biggest idiot in the world, and I know I don’t deserve you, but I’m in love with you, so I dare to beg you… if you could… if you want… to take me back? Name your conditions, your boundaries. Anything you want. I’ll be fine with everything, as long as I get to be by your side. Even as a friend—”

“Gosh, you are an idiot,” she said, leaning away a bit, enough to cradle his face and pull him down into a kiss.

The music vanished into the background, as Marinette’s lips crashed into his. Moving desperately against his, they burned. His skin tingling under her touch, barely breathing, Adrien kissed her back just as urgently, holding her in his arms as reverently as he could. Her hands sneaked into his hair; Adrien deepened the kiss, pressing her closer to himself. She moaned against his lips; he wasn’t sure how he was still standing.

The music ended.

Out of breath, Marinette pulled away. Whistling, cheering, and clapping deafened them, rupturing the quiet bubble they had been in. They didn’t care, gazing into each other’s eyes. This was their moment. Nothing else mattered.

“Woo-hoo!!!” DJ yelled in the microphone. “Looks like our Ladybug laid a claim on Chat Noir, or are my eyes deceiving me? Hey, Ladybug. Is he yours?”

Her cheeks adorably rosy, Marinette smiled, tagging Adrien closer. “What do you say, Chaton? Mine?”

“Absolutely,” Adrien grinned. “Yours. Whichever way you’ll take me.”

“Can’t hear you here, Ladybug,” the DJ called. “Cause if he’s free, I have about five girls and a few guys forming a line over here.”

Marinette’s arms weaved around Adrien’s torso, as she turned to DJ and yelled. “Sorry, guys. Next time. This one’s all mine.”

“You heard the lady,” DJ said in a microphone and turned on the next tune. “Now, let’s party!”

“Are you sure?” Adrien hesitantly asked when Marinette turned back to him. “I mean what I did…”

She put a finger to his lips. “Never been sure of anything more. I love you, Adrien, and I want to be with you. Not just a friend. I want so much more. So, if you are okay with that, we can resume from where we left off? Will you be my boyfriend again?”

A stupid, lovesick grin stuck on his face, Adrien enthusiastically nodded. “Yes, please. I’d love that.”  

Appearing out of nowhere, Plagg slapped Adrien’s back, leaning on his shoulder and winking to Marinette. “He’s a keeper, isn’t he, Little Lady?”

“He is,” Marinette grinned, letting Adrien go, instead, taking his hand and interlacing their fingers together. “Thank you for looking after him for me.”

Plagg winked. “I’ve got your back. Now you owe me some Camembert. I’ll send you my invoice.”

Adrien chuckled. “Seriously, Plagg?”

“So, this is the infamous Chat Noir?” A woman emerged from the crowd and stood across Adrien. She looked not much younger than Marinette, being just a tiny bit curvier than her. Her hair, brilliant burgundy in colour, was cut just above the shoulder, gentle but messy waves giving the cut mischievous volume and interest. One lock was pinned aside, framing her blue eyes perfectly. Full lips a shade lighter than her hair, high cheekbones, she wore a pair of tight black capri pants and a black tank top under a loose off-shoulder red top that ended just above her waist. A matching red belt hugged her hips. A playful glint in her eyes, hands on her hips, she cocked her head to the side to look him over.

“You did well, Kitty Cat. Welcome to the Kwami Kave.” Taking one more step closer, she grew serious and crossed her arms over her chest. “Now tell, what do you think of Camembert?”

Adrien blinked. “Um…” He glanced at Marinette, then Plagg, but none of them were of any help, both curiously watching him back. “It stinks?”

The woman grinned, turning her attention to Plagg. “Told you, darling. One more person on my side, and not just anyone. Your prized pupil himself. You’ll have to give in and admit it on of these days.”

“Not in this life,” Plagg pouted and glared at Adrien. “We’re gonna have to talk later, young man.”

The woman laughed. Leaning toward Plagg, she booped his nose. “You want to scare away the only student who stuck around you?”

“He won’t go anywhere,” Plagg proudly smirked. “He already tried. It didn't work.”

“Only because of me,” Marinette said proudly. “I should probably give you a bill for it, though, since you’re charging me for you taking care of your student and stuff.”

“Taking credit for my awesomeness, Little Lady.” Plagg playfully puffed. “He would’ve come back eventually by himself. He’s a smart boy. He knows what’s good for him.”

“Exactly,” Marinette grinned. “And that is me, right, Chaton? I'm good for you, am I not?”

His gaze soft, Adrien squeezed her hand in his. “The absolute best.”

Marinette smiled in return, not taking her eyes off him, sending a swarm of butterflies to stir in his stomach. So beautiful. His Lady was the most gorgeous woman on this planet.

Plagg cleared his throat. “Before you start making out again, let me introduce you to my wife and goddess Tikki. Tikki this is Adrien. Adrien this is Tikki.”

She offered him a hand. Adrien obliged, lightly kissing the top of her knuckles in a customary greeting. “Nice to meet you, Mlle Tikki. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“I hope nothing bad?”

“Only the best. And often. I dare to say Plagg talks of you more than of Camembert.”

Tikki smirked. “You were right, Baby Bug. He is a flatterer. Keep an eye on him.”

“Let me assure you,” Adrien replied. “My flattery is nothing but politeness.” Turning to Marinette, he took her hand and placed a lingering kiss on top. “And my heart belongs to no one but my Lady.”

Tikki chuckled. “And a smooth one at that, I see.” Her arms crossed on her chest, she cocked her head to the side. “I hope you were just as good thanking my husband for everything he’s done for you. You did thank him for abandoning me for so long, didn’t you?”

“Not yet.” Plagg stood behind Tikki, wrapping his arms around her midsection. She relaxed into his touch. He rested his chin on her shoulder and added, “My considerate student thought it’ll be fair to include you in his apology since you were affected as well.”

“He did?” Tikki glanced at Plagg skeptically.

“Yup,” Plagg answered for him. “He’s taking us both out to dinner next week. Restaurant of your choice.”

“Is that so?” Tikki turned her attention back to Adrien. “I thought it was men whose hearts are swayed by their stomachs. Women have other preferences.”

“Men’s simplemindedness is exactly the reason it’s a dinner,” Adrien said with a chuckle. “I wasn’t given much of a choice in how to apologize to you for Plagg’s absence.”

Tikki snickered. “I see. Then I suppose Plagg wouldn’t mind if I invite my Baby Bug to tag along? Don’t know how much you’ll enjoy being our third wheel.”

“I’m sure he’d love that idea, right Plagg?” Adrien glanced at Plagg.

“I don't mind anything as long as there is Camembert on the menu.”

The trio of them groaned when a new song started playing. You Make Me Feel by Cobra Starship. Tikki stirred and turned to Plagg, her eyes locking on his. “I know a certain someone who has a soft spot for this song. Shall we leave them alone for now and indulge in a dance, my dear Camembert-obsessed husband?”

Plagg grinned. “You must be mistaken, my lovely, sugar-addicted wife. This isn’t Mika.”

Tikki smirked, leaning closer, stopping only when their faces were mere inches apart. Reaching forward, she let her fingers trace Plagg’s jaw, her eyes following the trail. Her voice silky and smooth, she whispered, “You know, we’ve been apart for so long, I’m willing to dance with you to whatever song you want. But… are you sure you want Mika? Because I can ask the DJ to put your favourite Mika song on, but then how will you survive this evening?”

Plagg’s eyes widening, he swallowed. Nervously chuckling, he grinned. “This song will do. Mika will come later.”

“Good boy,” Tikki practically purred, watching Plagg with her eyes half-lidded. In a moment, she blew him an air kiss and turned around to look at Adrien. “Glad to have finally met you, Kitty Cat. Be nice to my Baby Bug. Alright?”

There was nothing threatening neither in her words nor in her tone. Yet Adrien couldn't help but feel unspoken Or Else as Tikki watched him, waiting for the answer.

“Of course,” he said. “I’ll do my best.”

“I’m glad we understand each other,” Tikki smiled and looked at Plagg. “Are you coming, Stinky? Or should I look for a different partner?”

Plagg playfully howled and followed her, winking at Adrien. “See you later, kid. Enjoy the evening.”

“What Mika song are we talking about here?” Adrien asked Marinette as soon as the duo was out of earshot.

Marinette snickered. “Boum, boum, boum.”

Adrien stilled. “That’s his favourite song?”

“Yup. At least when it comes to dancing with Tikki.”

“He’s horrible.”

Marinette laughed. “They both are. Who do you think introduced him to that song by surprising him with a private dance for his birthday?” Noticing someone past him, Marinette wrapped one hand around Adrien’s arm and waved. “Hey, Rion. Come here. I want you to meet someone.”

Adrien turned to the side to see Viperion walking their direction a little distance away.

“I believe we’ve already met,” Viperion said, reaching them.

“Yes, I know,” Marinette said, smiling. “But then he was only a mysterious stranger from my work. Now, things have changed. Chat Noir, this is Viperion, also known as Luka outside these walls. His sister and I were in the same class in school and we used to be in a band together. Still friends after all that. Luka, this is Chat Noir or Adrien. My boyfriend.”

Luka let a small smile grace his lips as he stretched his hand to Adrien. “Welcome to Kwami Kave. You were fantastic just now.”

Adrien took his hand, immediately noticing the way Viprion’s grip was tight with a warning.  “Thanks. So, I’m guessing, I can stay?”

Luka nodded, glancing at Marinette. “Marinette seems happy with you around. I’ll let you be for now, but—”

“You’ll be watching me,” Adrien finished. “Right?”

Viperion chuckled, his eyes sharp. “I see you know the drill.”

“It’s pretty standard.”

“Good. Just know that Marinette has lots of friends willing to protect her.”

Marinette groaned. Bracing Adrien’s elbow, she sent Viperion a warning glance. “Rion’s kidding, right? No one is threatening anyone. We all are getting along or I’m getting Plagg and Tikki to help us.”

Viperion chuckled, raising his arms up. “No threats. Just a friendly warning.”

“I’d say,” Adrien added. “It’s more like an invitation to join the Protect Marinette Club, right?”

Luka quirked an eyebrow. “Want in a free t-shirt and cookies?”

“There are free t-shirts?” Marinette asked skeptically.

“There soon will be.”

“Then you’d better give me one or no more free cookies for your club.”

Luka chuckled, glancing at Marinette. When his eyes returned to Adrien, wariness surfaced again. “I’ll leave you two alone, but maybe we should get lunch together sometime soon. I’m sure Jules and Rose would want to join, too.”

“Sure,” Marinette nodded. “I’ll text Juleka to set it up.”

“Sounds good.” With a salute, Luka walked away.

Adrien turned to Marinette. The ladybug pendant on her neck caught his attention. He reached and ran his fingers over it. “I didn't think I’d ever see it again.”

Marinette smiled, gently placing her fingers over it. “Marc recovered it for me. Though, the chain’s still at the jeweller for a repair. I’m sorry I broke it.”

“No worries. It was a dumb and ill-timed present.”

“It was a great present at a wrong time,” Marinette corrected. “Your father had us all figured out even without it. But, let’s leave this talk for later. I want to dance now.”

“I’d love that,” Adrien replied quietly, his arms weaving around Marinette’s waist. Leaning closer, he nuzzled her cheek. “I missed you, my Lady.”

“Missed you too, Chaton,” Marinette replied, getting closer. “Very much so.”

With a light nudge, she pulled him down into a quick kiss. Adrien eagerly responded for just a moment before Plagg accidentally bumped into them.

“Night isn’t forever, kids,” he winked. “Better start dancing before it’s over.”

“Ignore him,” Tikki yelled from behind her husband. “Kiss that cat all you want, Baby Bug. You deserve some love.”

“I did deserve a few kisses.” Marinette grinned, looking at Adrien. “And so did you, Chaton.”

“Already have all I need,” he said, his eyes focused on her. Bringing her hand to his lips, he placed a lingering kiss on top. “Dance with me, my Lady?”

She smiled. “I thought you’d never ask.”

_______________________________________________________________________

Next >

[astrangetypeofchemistry]

Chloè Bourgeois’s Guide To Proving The Class Rep Isn’t A Selfless Angel

A very special thank you to @thedeathofablog for being amazing and absolutely saving me. I have a track record of giving up on stories after the second chapter because of how confused I get, and I’m glad I had someone helping me out this time. It doesn’t hurt that they’re... quiet eccentric. 

And @breeeliss who is a ray of sunshine for the Chlonette in the fandom. I hope you’re having a good day.

Here is, finally, the next chapter. 

Find it on AO3. 

Chapter 1 ~ Chapter 2 

Chapter 3: Chloè Bourgeois’s Guide To Explaining To Your Gay Crush That You’re Dating Even If You’re Not Dating

Shoving the door to the bakery open with a strained smile, Chloè Bourgeois felt herself fuming. With no regard to the multitude of customers, or the owners who were staring after the mayor’s daughter in shock as she threw her backpack across the shop , Chloè heaves up to the counter, standing right in front of the counter.

“Where is Marinette?” she demands, her voice as forceful as you’d expect it to be.

Sabine Cheng stands in a daze, pointing behind her, which definitely blows Chloè up even more.

(If we're being honest, Chloè has no clue why she's angry, she just knows she is.)

(And it is definitely not because she's hoping Marinette will get angry right back)

(Shut up)

When Chloè finds herself in the main part of the house, there’s no sign of Marinette, forcing her built up anger to go to waste as she made her way up the stairs she was sure lead to Marinette’s room. Pushing open the trapdoor, she found the target of her anger muttering at her desk, her head in her hands.

“Wow,” Chloè found herself saying, and when Marinette looked up, she found her visitor staring at the walls. There, in plain view, was the biggest evidence of Marinette’s crush. “Should I be jealous that you have pictures of someone else all over your walls?”

Adrien Agreste, Chloè’s best friend, was plastered all over the walls. In fact, Chloè was pretty sure this was every single campaign Adrien had ever done. She had to hide how impressed she really was as Marinette scowled.

“Leave me alone, Chloè. You forced me into dating you. And we’re not really dating.”

Dredging up all her stores of bitchiness, Chloè forced a harsh glare onto Marinette, ready to knock her off of her high horse.

“I haven’t forced anything, Missy.” Hands travelling to her hips as she stood in the middle of the room, Chloè began her lecture. It was time to knock some sense into Marinette Dupain-Cheng, once and for all. “If anything, it’s obvious you agreed to this, and for selfish reasons too. You want to keep me far away from Adrien because you’re desperate and manipulative.” Chloè’s hand flies up when Marinette opens her mouth in outrage, and her glare hardens even more, effectively shutting Marinette up.

“I asked you to pretend to date me, to satiate my own curiosity. To prove to myself that you really aren’t the kind and selfless person people think you to be. You’ve definitely proven me right.”

“Proven you right?” Marinette spluttered heavily, her cheeks flushed bright red. “I’ve done nothing-”

“Except try to turn yourself into the victim here, acting like I forced you into this when you damn well knew what you were getting into!”

“You kissed me without my consent!”

Marinette stood up, as if to give herself control over this argument, and Chloè smiled mockingly.

“Suck it up, honey. From what I remember, you agreed to serenading me. You’re going to have to get used to touching me.”

“I don’t have to get used to anything!” Marinette cried, and Chloè’s smile turned even more mocking, which was a shock in and of itself. Neither girl had thought it possible.

“In case you forgot, you’re trying to prove you’re not selfish. You’re definitely failing at that. But it all hinges on you managing to make me fall in love with you. You can’t make me fall in love with you if you’re repulsed by me.” And then, with a snort, Chloè added “And you can’t make Adrien like you by floundering around him.”

Marinette gaped at her, and Chloè moved closer, standing right in front of her.

“Get out of this victim mindset. You’re being ridiculous, and it’s not cute at all. You agreed to this- to trying to make me genuinely fall for you- and you won’t be able to do that by trying to guilt me.”

“I can only guilt people who have emotions, after all,” Marinette added, but it was weak and stilted, and definitely gave Chloè the courage to bring her arms up around Marinette’s shoulders. Her fingers loosely twined behind Marinette’s neck, pulling them both closer.

There’d been envy in Chloè since the day she’d met Marinette, wondering why every interaction they had always resonated with Chloè. Always a slight curiosity, that moment of contemplation when she didn’t understand why turning around and watching the enraptured look on Marinette’s face was so important.

“I need to stop bringing up how not real this is?” Marinette asked hesitantly, and Chloè gently released a breath, trying to make sure Marinette didn’t feel it. Judging by the way she shuddered, it had been a failure.

“Being told a relationship is fake doesn’t inspire warmth and fuzziness.”

Marinette somehow shuffles closer, and Chloe held her breath. How was it possible that even being this close, so impossible close, it still felt like there was a giant chasm separating them?

“You like me, don’t you?” Chloè’s eyes fell shut with another exhale, and their foreheads finally touched as Marinette continued. “That’s why you’re so determined. You’re trying to prove to yourself that I’m. Not likable. A terrible person.”

Sky blue eyes flashed open with a soft touch to her cheeks, Marinette’s hands gently cupping her face.

“I don’t have feelings for you, Chloè,” Marinette continued, her eyes pleading. Soft. Beautiful the way they always are. And Chloè somehow fell harder. How had they ended up here? All those years of cruelty, all those years of thriving off of each other’s failures, had lead up to this, this soft moment that would break everything.

Her hands reached up to encircle Marinette’s wrists, a soft “I know” falling from her as she gently pulled those hands away. Five minutes ago, it had felt like she was making Marinette feel ridiculous. Now, the tables had definitely turned.

It felt childish, the way that little boys pulling little girls’ pigtails to get their attention was. How could Chloè have expected Marinette Dupain-Cheng to like her just because they’d be forced to put on a show for everyone else?

Chloè stepped back, and this time, the distance seemed bigger somehow than it ever had in the past years of hatred they’d had. With a soft voice, she mumbled “The deal’s off.” With Marinette’s disbelieving gaze on her, Chloè straightened up, adopting the same haughty expression she always had. “It’s obvious you can’t win after all. I mean, you serenading me? You would’ve lost anyway.”

And then Chloè walks out, walks down the stairs and through the bakery, grabbing the abandoned backpack. There was no point in returning to school; she headed straight back to the hotel. There was no Marinette running after her, no cries and pleading, no voice calling to stay.

And in that moment, Chloè was reminded of her mother in a way her yellow jacket never achieved. 

Chapter 4