#adriens head doesn't look like it's lying on the ground

[zivazivc]

obsessed with the idea that adrien post hawkmoth's defeat becomes just some dude, just some bro. fashion? don't know her.

[walks-the-ages]

The link to easier to run still doesn't seem to work (for me at least)... idk, would you consider posting the fic on your blog maybe? You don't have to, of course

Here's the link to it on A03 since FF.n isn't cooperating, for anyone that wants to leave a comment.

Full fic under readmore, since it's pretty "short" as far as my chapters go :)

Copied directly from a03 so the summary's here too.

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Season 4 AU: What if Marinette had actually run away from home, to become Ladybug full time?

Well. A lot can happen from one small divergence in the timeline...

Friends and family deal with the loss of their loved one, Gabriel Agreste has one competent bone in his body, Adrien tries to pull his usual stunts, and Marinette embarks on a journey of self-discovery while dealing with memory issues, superheroing, Guardian duties, depression, anxiety and...

...voices in her head? (Plural!Marinette)

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Notes:

Adrien stans, leave. turn away. if you try to leave dumb essays in my comments about how wooby baby uwu Adrien is you will literally just be laughed at and deleted. you have all the fanfiction in the world you could be reading instead of my fic that is clearly tagged as adrien critical. If you keep reading after this, you only have yourself to be mad at.

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Marinette couldn't sleep.

For long minutes, she stared at her skylight, watching the lights of cars move across her ceiling, distorted into eerie lines that crawled across her walls like ghosts.

She tried to distract herself by counting the lights as they slid over the foot of her bed and up the wall to vanish again, but nothing could distract her from the dark thoughts in her head.

Rolling over to her side, Marinette didn't need to fumble for her phone; she'd been staring at the darkness on the inside of her eyelids long before she'd finally opened them up to look at the dark walls. Her eyes had long since adjusted to the night's gloom, and the white charger cord that was plugged into her grey phone stood out like a silver beacon.

Unplugging her phone and turning the screen towards her, Marinette hit the power button and squinted against the glare as the numbers blinded her:

3:56 am

Dragging her thumb down the screen, Marinette tried to turn the brightness down, but it was already at the minimum setting.

Resolved to being overwhelmed by the dimmest of lights, Marinette looked at the red lights tracing across the foot of her bed and knew she couldn't stand lying in bed for another three hours before she had to get up for school.

Sitting up, Marinette pushed her blanket down to the foot of her bed, balled it up, and chucked it down over the side of the bed rail, so it landed next her ladder with a soft thwump.

Climbing down the ladder, Marinette scooped up her blanket and slung it under her desk, into the corner. Retrieving her diary from it's rudimentary lock box, Marinette double checked that the Miracle Box was secure and that only a kwami could see it, then stooped down, and crawled underneath her desk.

Pulling the blanket up over her head and wrapping it around her like a cocoon, Marinette settled into the cramped spaced in the corner, feeling more grounded.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Marinette opened up her diary, turned her phone screen towards it, and hit the power button. Light flooded out, illuminating the blue-lined pages, and the handwritten text within it. It was set to tomorrow's date, still blank, waiting for her to fill it in the next night.

But Marinette did not pull out the glitter pen that was slotted in the back cover and begin to write a new entry; instead, she flipped the pages backwards.

Back through time, seeing each date pass her by, certain phrases and sentences jumped out of the coded text that only she could decipher, as bold in the text as it was branded in her mind, going backwards, just snippets from much larger entries:

Two days ago:

Chat Noir. Just. Won't. Stop. I can still feel lips against mine, no matter what I do to scrub it away. He did it again, but in front of a crowd this time. My mind went blank, and I punched him, but he just joked with the crowd that I was embarrassed with PDA. I feel sick.

Luka was there, and he doesn't know it's me, and we're not even together, but that just makes it worse. I felt like I betrayed him, and I didn't even want it to happen. He was the only one that tried to stand up to Chat Noir and tell him to leave me alone, but Chat Noir just laughed again and told him to mind his own business.

I left before Chat Noir could do anything else, especially when I saw Luka was trying to come up to me. If he tried to comfort me, I would have broken down right there and told him everything. I got away before everyone saw me cry, but now I just can't stop. The kwami have tried to cheer me up but I just can't stop crying. Why? Why does it hurt so much?

Four days ago,

Chat Noir kissed me. After I had just finished telling him, again , to stop. Why won't he stop? I yelled at him and pushed him away, but he just laughed at me. I think I had an anxiety attack because I literally don't remember anything after that, except 'waking up' at home, standing in the shower.

Five days ago,

I broke up with Luka.

I got an F on the test at school.

Why does everything have to go wrong? Does the universe hate me?

I can't stop crying.

A week ago,

I'm getting really worried now. I thought I was just being more forgetful than normal because of stress, but this isn't normal. This is getting really, really bad. I keep… blacking out. I have hours at a time that are just… gone. First I'm in class and then I 'wake up' later, but I'm on a rooftop, and apparently I fought an akuma, but don't remember it at all? I checked the Ladyblog but it didn't mention the akuma having memory powers… Chat Noir was being snippity again, I guess I said something to him that he didn't like, because he was being really sarcastic and pouty about us not being a couple again. Good fucking riddance, maybe it'll stick this time, maybe he'll finally stop, and leave me alone.

Ten days ago:

I'm confused, apparently me and Luka arranged to go to the museum together today? He came to pick me up and we had a really nice time, I thought he was surprising me, but when we got to the Grande Halle de la Villette, he asked me where my ticket was, and when I asked him what he meant, Tikki snuck it into my hand. Apparently it's been in my wallet all month. It was fascinating to learn about and see Tutankhamen and learn about his life, but I was distracted, wondering how I could have forgotten we had this date planned. It's the last time Tutankhamen will be on exhibit outside of Egypt, and it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I'm glad I'm old enough to appreciate it, I just don't understand why I can't remember planning it, no matter how hard I try.

Twelve days ago,

I totally forgot we had a project due today. Ms. Bustier is going to let me do a make-up essay, but I'll be marked down a letter grade. My overall grades have dropped from As to barely Cs, I can't afford to lose more points! My life is way too complicated right now, I barely have time for anything between hero duties, family, friends and school, and apparently I can't even keep up with school! What else have I missed?

Mom and Dad grounded me for the next two days, no hanging out with friends until my homework is done, but Mom is helping me with the essay, so at least I can focus. I don't want to disappoint them. Dad wanted to ground me for three, but Mom said something about important plans on Tuesday they could never make me miss. I wanted to ask what they were talking about, but got distracted.

Two weeks ago,

I totally skipped out on Luka today! I feel so bad, we were hanging out at his house, but then the news came on with an emergency alert about an akuma and I came up with the lamest excuse to leave! It's so embarrassing, I had to tell him I had cramps, but he didn't get grossed out or awkward, he just said Juleka has supplies in the bathroom and offered to get me a hot water bottle, and he understood if I wanted to go home. That made me feel even worse about lying.

I just wish I didn't have to deal with all these secrets! I just want to tell him the truth, I know I can trust him, he's proven that as Viperion, but… I don't want to put him in more danger than he already is. I couldn't stand to see him hurt.

Marinette read backwards through her diary, flipping through the pages, confirming with her own eyes, her own hand-written accounts of events that…. Just didn't exist in her diary. She never wrote down that she made plans with Luka to visit the museum the day they apparently planned it, when she flipped back to the date that the school project was apparently handed out, she hadn't mentioned it at all on the list of homework she included each day.

And she was meticulous about writing everything down each night, and even throughout the day! It was how she had always organized her life, for years now!

So why did she suddenly have these gaps in her memory, and nothing in her diary to show for it?

At least she knew she wasn't somehow imagining it.

There was no diary entry she could have reread, no sticky note taped to her school binder, no record at all of any of her missed time.

If it hadn't been obvious that her loved ones had experienced the lost time, Marinette might have seriously considered that an akuma had put a spell over the city⏤ but no one else had lost time.

That meant it was only Marinette effected.

And she had only noticed problems with her memory after Master Fu had transferred his title of Guardian to her.

Had… Had Master Fu done the ritual wrong? He himself had admitted he wasn't a true Guardian, didn't really know the proper teachings, had gotten some scraps of vague knowledge and then had to improvise for a hundred years⏤ not to mention he had been under attack, at the point of defeat, when he transferred his Guardianship.

Was Marinette going to start losing all of her memories because she wasn't a real, proper Guardian? Because a spell had gone wrong? Because…

Because…

Because another adult had proven once again she couldn't rely on them, on anyone to protect her?

Tears fell down Mariette's face as she slowly flipped back to the most current page, the one she had filled in, right before she tried to go to bed at 10:26pm, already yesterday as the sun was going to rise in a scant few hours.

The entry was the shortest she had ever written.

I don't know how much longer I can do this.

[miraculouscontent]

Perfect 1 shot idea (i read though your previous posts and agree with everything~) Marinette doesn't go to NY hangs with Luka and Kagami. I bet being with them will give her the clarity she needs! Idk about you but if i need clarity about something i like to be away from whatever it is. Then I'm not distracted or conflicted and can figure out how i FEEL and just dissect everything.

Sitting on the sidewalk and resting against a wall, Luka panted, thoroughly out of breath. Marinette, meanwhile, returned from her brief trip to the store, a bottle of cold water in hand that she promptly handed to him. He glanced up at her, then let out a soft, “Thanks,” unscrewing the cap and downing roughly half the bottle in one go. She could only nod at the gratitude, sitting next to him to wait out his exhaustion.

Luka exhaled in relief at the cold liquid going down his throat, then cast a regretful gaze to his bike, which was parked nearby. Sighing, he murmured, “I...I’m sorry, Marinette. I--” He choked briefly on nothing. “--I couldn’t... catch up to the bus.”

“No, it’s okay!” Marinette assured. “You did your best! Um--”

She turned, pulling her luggage to her and digging inside. She pouted at the lack of content that fit the current situation, but ultimately settled on a portable fan that fit comfortably in her hand and was full on power.

Zipping her luggage back up, she slid closer to Luka, turning the fan on and directing it towards his face. He looked briefly surprised at the sudden cool air, then chuckled at the fan and offered her a grateful smile.

She smiled back, though her eyes drifted away to where the bus had previously been. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t disappointed; after all, even regardless of Adrien, she’d very much wanted to go on the trip.

She dropped her gaze to her lap, her free hand gripping at the fabric of her capris. The memory of the bus getting away from her hurt, but not quite as much as the questions in her head.

Was this how it was always going to be? Her chasing after Adrien, friendship or otherwise, just to fail over and over again? Was it even worth it? She’d worked so hard to get Adrien on the bus just for none of her friends to work to get her onto it.

Well... none, except for one.

Marinette turned to Luka, who was eyeing her with concern. She smiled at him, briefly setting the fan aside so she could throw her arms around his waist and press herself against his chest..

“M-marinette?” he called, stiffening at the motion.

“Thanks, Luka,” she whispered. “Thanks for always looking out for me.”

He didn’t respond at first, but before she could worry that the hug was excessive, his hand came to rest on her back, returning the hug.

“You’re welcome, Marinette. You deserve it,” he whispered in return. His fingers briefly twitched against her back, followed by him asking, “What are you going to do about New York?”

She faked a scoff. “I don’t need New York! I can still have fun here, with you!” She paused, pushing off his chest as she realized, “Oh! And Kagami! It’s been forever since we’ve hung out! I should go call her!”

She was about to get up to retrieve her phone, but stopped as she glanced back at Luka, his breathing still noticeable. Her gaze wandered to her hands on his chest, after which she plopped back down, returning to their former hug.

“But... I’ll worry about it later, once you rest up,” she assured, “Your heart’s still beating fast from biking so hard.”

She heard a weak hum of acknowledgment from above her. “...Yeah.”

Had she looked up, she would’ve seen him blushing.

~~~~~

Marinette shifted uncomfortably at the entrance to the park, looking left and right in anticipation. “Do you think she’ll really show up?”

Luka placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Did she say she would?”

“Yeah, but she sounded... off? I don’t really know. She just didn’t seem that happy, which--I-I mean, she kind of already has this kind of monotone so I don’t think anyone can tell normally but--” She stopped herself, then nudged him. “Maybe you’re just rubbing off on me.”

He grinned. “I don’t think she has any reason to be mad at you, Marinette. Adrien wanted to go, didn’t he?”

“Yeah, but I’m sure she wanted Adrien to stay.” She slumped. “And it’s not like I can blame her or anything, since she would’ve been all alone if I’d made it to the bus. It was just, Adrien seemed so sad about his father, and--”

“No, you’re right,” a voice interrupted.

Marinette jerked her head up, gaping as she saw Kagami standing a small distance away. She looked around, noticing how unsurprised Luka seemed - had he stayed quiet on purpose? - then turned her attention back to Kagami. “U-um, what?”

Though her gaze was firm and serious as it always was, there was a sadness in her voice. “Adrien had no interest in staying with me. I couldn’t even get him to smile like he usually would.” Her head dropped to face the ground as she continued, “It’s for the best. Had he stayed behind, he likely would’ve kept thinking about how badly he wanted to go. I didn’t want that for him.”

Marinette fidgeted, unable to help feeling bad regardless of how right Kagami would’ve been. She glanced at Luka for a quick boost of reassurance, his eyes giving her an encouraging look.

She took a breath, steeling herself up, then turned her attention back to Kagami and walked towards her.

“Well... I’m glad you’re here,” she exclaimed, “because it means we can hang out!”

Kagami glanced up at her, a brow raising in confusion. Marinette could tell that things were awkward, but forged on nonetheless.

“We can have fun without Adrien! And then--” She paused to wrack her brain for possibilities, then spread her arms out. “... and then you can tell Adrien about everything we did! Yeah, and he’ll regret ever leaving you to go to New York!”

She wasn’t sure exactly how convincing she looked, but she knew it wasn’t much, not helped by the fact that she was surrounded by the two most observant people she knew. She could only stand there, looking as confident as possible while Kagami gave her the blankest stare imaginable.

Then, suddenly, Kagami brought a hand to her mouth, stifling a hint of what may’ve been a chuckle. She stood straight, tilting her head to the side in mild amusement. “Very well. We’ll try your idea.”

Marinette blinked, somewhere between excited and surprised. “R-really?”

Kagami nodded. She then cast her gaze over to Luka, who approached and offered her a polite nod as a greeting.

“I don’t think we’ve ever talked before,” Luka observed.

Kagami confirmed, “We haven’t.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

She looked him up and down, then squinted slightly. “I don’t know you well enough to say that yet.”

He didn’t look at all offended by the comment, merely shrugging as if to say, “that’s fair.”

Marinette glanced back and forth between the two, then brightened. Grabbing one of Kagami’s hands and one of Luka’s, she stood proudly in the middle and exclaimed, “Okay! Who’s up for orange juice?” She peeked over at Luka specifically. “Luka, when me and Kagami became friends, we stopped at a place for orange juice and it was so good! Did I ever tell you?”

He shook his head, but smiled, and Kagami’s expression assured that the new topic was welcome.

With that, the conversation became casual, and Marinette led the two along the sidewalk to the place she was speaking of.

Maybe not going to New York would be a blessing in disguise after all.

[toujoursmiraculous]

Thoughts and Reaction to Guiltrip!

Alright, so this one is a bit more of a serious one for me. But I'll be going in order of the episode so the more serious talk will be a bit further down! First thing we get is this lovely moment:

I've already addressed it in a post, but I'll say it again here. Guiltrip is episode 11, several episodes take place before Guiltrip that we haven't seen yet, so this is awhile after Marinette and Luka broke up. We also know that Marinette has always had feelings for Adrien, even when she was with Luka. Luka always knew that fact too. None of this is new and is to be expected, obviously, when Love Square is endgame. But! I also want to point out here that this is just a soft look. Very gentle, very common. I see people looking at each other both in real life and in other shows all the time. A look that says "I adore you". And I think it's sweet! Very subtle, but enough. Something's wrong with Rose. We never get told (in this episode anyway) what it is, but it's a chronic illness that's a worry in Rose's life, ever since she was young. I feel really bad for Juleka, knowing that her friend's been struggling with an illness, and whenever something happens she has to worry about it alone. Also that really sucks when you try to cheer somebody up and make a joke, that because you were mislead about a situation you end up making things worse. Poor Marinette. :c Adrien when he realizes he's bumped into someone (and the pink bubbles to remind us of Marinette's feelings for him):

Adrien when he realizes just who it was he bumped into!:

Scroll up now and look at how Marinette was looking at Adrien earlier that day. It's the exact same look. Yet, something feels different from usual to me, idk. But continuing on. Marinette gets slightly jumbled with her words, but manages to give herself a kick and says nope not now! Good for her! You can't expect to change overnight, but she's working on it.

She looks to the side, gathering her surroundings for a split second and she misses the top step. I'd like to say that this is just a joke for the show but well, this kind of thing has happened to me a lot because I'm that much of a klutz so I feel for her here. (On Halloween I forgot that there was another step as I was walking down as I wasn't paying attention. I couldn't walk on my foot for 2 weeks. It's a serious problem, guys. Really. xDD) Marinette had told Adrien she's concerned it was something she said that upset Juleka and Adrien tells her while sometimes she doesn't make sense, what she says is never mean. This scene reminds me of when Ladybug's worried about something and Chat Noir's there to keep her grounded and remind her of how things really are. I very much appreciate seeing such a scene with Adrienette! Makes the Love Square much more rounded. Also the way he stops her and says let him go talk to her to try to help the situation and any possible misunderstandings from taking place. ;-;

Can I just say... oh my gosh. He went from determined, to hearing Marinette trying to comfort her, to looking with confidence "This girl is amazing." and the whole Ladynoir vibe I'm getting from this scene makes me happy. The thing that's unrealistic about this scene though is you expect to tell me that 8 kids went down those stairs and came up behind them and Marinette, Adrien, and Juleka didn't hear? XD Now here's where the serious comes in. Rose is hospitalized with an illness we don't know about, but has been a long-term thing that has Juleka really worried a lot. That must be so stressful :c I'm going to be honest and say I never really saw Julerose romantically. Like I can see how people do, but to me, I could see that their bond was really unique. It didn't really fit completely in the "BFF" category either. But if felt like there was more to them that I didn't really understand. I think the best example off the top of my head was during Zombizou, when Rose was going to help Chloe after she slid down Chat's stick and she went too fast for him to catch her. Juleka seemed especially worried and concerned for her. Rose never seemed to get concerned about Juleka in the same way Juleka was about Rose. Juleka's always been more protective and worried and it was always one of those things that made me go "hmm, interesting". Now this episode finally explains why and I'm honestly super glad for it. Because this kind of a relationship is not a common one in media, especially kids media. Partially because having such serious illnesses in young people is not particularly common, and having someone who's so caring and protective of that person is even less common. And most people probably don't realize how amazing it is to have health problems and then have someone in their life who acts like Juleka does for Rose. I had a life-threatening illness as a kid, one that still affects me greatly today. When in school, my friends knew about it without me having to say anything unfortunately, and while they didn't usually treat me differently, sometimes they were pretty ignorant and didn't understand why I wasn't "normal" like them. They asked questions that were harder ones to answer, and tended to forget my answers. I got a lot of "I know you have X problem but I still don't see why you can't..." as well as thinking I was lying if I said I wasn't well and couldn't go to a party, and that was hard to deal with, being limited in what you can do which makes you different and being judged for things out of your control. So seeing these kids who only know something's wrong with her, but are willing to do so much to make her life better and happier, not judging her at all, wanting to take care of her no questions asked was really heart-warming for me. I only had one friend during that time that was anything close to this. I never had to explain anything to him if I didn't want to. He never asked me personal questions I didn't want to answer. And he seemed to know what he could do to make things for me easier if I was having a hard time without me ever saying so. And this is another reminder to me that this show is aimed at kids. To show kids that they'll likely encounter someone around their age that's going through something serious like a health problem, and what that kid needs most is kindness and not to be made to feel like they're even more different from the other kids than they already feel. The way they handled that aspect of it for such a short, limited intro to it, I think they did good. I discussed this next bit with a friend. She mentioned it first, the trope where those with chronic or serious illnesses are usually an "inspiration". With this episode, you kind of get the feeling that because Rose's been through so much, she's therefore a really positive and bubbly person and it kind of gives off the vibe that if you don't view things the way she does, then you're not doing it right. "What matters isn't the problem, but how you handle it." While I agree with this, and that when you come out of or regularly deal with

such hard times, automatically trying to see the world better and brighter can easily happen, but it's not exactly realistic either, at least not to the extent Rose and other people the media has portrayed. For one, I think you have to have always been more of that kind of person from the start to realistically be so positive. As my friend said and I agree, positivity is just who Rose is, she's not who she is just for the sake of a trope. But honestly, when you've gone through something so difficult, and if life continues to throw you more difficulties on top of it, being positive so much can sometimes turn into a negative and be harmful too. When you've been through a lot, it's important to allow yourself to feel the negative too because it's part of dealing with such problems. And if you've been through a lot in life and you haven't come out of it being all sunshine and rainbows, always looking on the brighter side of things, that's perfectly okay. Life's hard and tends not to work out how we'd like, or even for the better sometimes. If being positive and hopeful after struggling is hard to do, you're not bad or wrong for feeling that way, everybody handles things differently. c: ANYWAY, moving on to the rest of the episode! Juleka being all irritated and worried that the class was going to expose her spilling Rose's secret xD While the situation isn't ideal, it's nice that this is the most involved she's seemed with everyone in the entire duration of the show. But Rose knows something's up, and I love that she talks to her about it and realizes that she should've told everyone herself instead of Juleka being the only one who knew. Which has been such a burden on her. (Oh no, what if this is a reflection of Alya knowing Marinette's Ladybug later on? I'm hoping not.) Ugh these children and how much they care about Rose! These kids are the absolute best. But then they kind of ruin it a little with going overboard. Which, frankly, I think is just ignorance of her situation really. I mean, we don't know what exactly is wrong with Rose. Just that she ends up in the hospital. If they knew about her condition, what causes her to get sick, what to look out for, etc, they'd be much more informed and much less likely to be frantic whenever something's not perfectly "normal" with her. All of these kids are going to be overprotective parents someday, aren't they?

Okay so like... are Adrien and Marinette going to question at all how Ladybug and Chat Noir showed up immediately after Juleka was akumatized, and no damage had happened outside of the school for it to be known to the public? Literally the only ones that could've possibly known were the class to have shown up that fast. ??? I am confusion. "I can't help my best friend face his father." "No, Nino..." Two things: The fact that THIS is what he's feeling guilty about? My poor Nino! Dx I just love him, he really doesn't get enough love and appreciation imo. Also, um, isn't Ladybug like right by Chat? Didn't she hear that? What? Idk but I feel like we're really missing something here. Usually we get things that are kind of hints, that make us wonder if they know right, but this? This is a bit too blaring-in-your-face, and there's two major things so close together. Really strange. Chat about to use Cataclysm on himself. Good grief that was not expected. Chat Blanc threatened to destroy himself along with everything else. Now Chat Noir while affected with negative emotions from an akuma almost Cataclysmed himself. This show really is getting deep and dark isn't it. o.o Also is there something Adrien needs to work out with someone...? Daizzi and Rose saying the other's so cute, ugh they're both so cute! And Pigella's costume and transformation is so adorable omg. Okay so Pigella's power allows people to see their biggest wish, the thing that'd make them the most happy and feel positive emotions. I know some people probably think "That's it?" Considering that Shadow Moth preys on people's negative emotions, such a power is actually extremely useful facing Shadow Moth. (And let's not forget, that while that's her power, she has the ability to fight and make a difference just from being transformed too) BUT AWWW Juleka's wish! And her face when Pigella said it aloud. ;-; Am I the only one wondering if Pigella may someday use her power on Shadow Moth and that's how they learn his motive? I'm so impressed with how Rose knew how to handle everything. She knew she can't slip up with Juleka. She knew to sneak away to detransform and come back as Rose. She knew to subtly give the Miraculous back so nobody would ever know she had it. Even Chat Noir had no idea! I don't know why, I'm just so very proud of that. "She doesn't need a Miraculous to be a superhero." She really has the characteristics of one, and I can't wait to see more of Pigella. Also I'm really wondering. This scene here:

All the kids that are part of that friend group are there...except Marinette and Adrien, of course. Alya knows why Marinette isn't there. But is she wondering about why Adrien isn't there too? LOL Marinette being like "I'm taking your pillow back, sorry! Gotta wait for it like everyone else." and the boys being like LE GASP. Marinette's right, she's not fragile! The fact Rose jokes with her and makes everyone laugh, and Chloe saying "Hey, why doesn't everyone laugh when I say something like that?!" Adrien: Because in your case, it's never a joke. Chloe: Hm, that's true. Which is super funny, especially how he just so casually says it. But also it really shows again how Chloe wants to be liked. She wishes the kids would laugh when she makes comments, but it's because they're said in a serious/obnoxious way, instead of making light of something like in Rose's case here, that they don't. I know she talked about it with Ladybug in an episode, but it again shows that that's what she'd like. All that needs to happen is someone helping her get there. Maybe Zoe and Luka will somehow help with that later on. Anyway, this was a really great episode! I feel like some things might not make quite as much sense as they should if we got it in order, but what can you do when Gloob has to air them? Even a friend of mine who's been doing what she can to avoid spoilers, still got spoiled. She's having to delete tumblr to avoid future spoilers because people can't help themselves and tag things properly. So thanks Gloob. :P All we wanted was the episodes in order. We've waited this long for S4, we can wait a bit longer. But they gotta make money I guess. I'm glad other countries are trying their best to keep it in order anyway. c: Guiltrip also has some really great Adrienette moments, and covered a more serious topic which was really interesting and shows how much the show's changing. Especially with some of the choice of camera angles and movements! Like the zoom-in on the door with Adrien and Marinette, the boys LE GASP scene. Very cool artistic choices! Looking forward to the episodes that come before this one to try to help fill in some of the gaps! And apologies to those that frequently read these posts from me, I started writing it up late and couldn't finish so you get it the day after instead. xD

[mcheang]

Lila doesn't know that Marinette's parents own the bakery and thinks that she's just an employee. So, she tries getting Mari fired by acting like a Karen, complaining about the service, etc. Or, she just tells the Tom and Sabine about how Mari is a bully at school and other lies. Unbeknownst to Lila, one of her classmates or someone from school overhears and records what Lila said. Tom and Sabine either reveal that they're Mari's parents or she learns at school.

Nickname

I’m not gonna use the phrase “Karen”. It’s kind of sad that this name can also be an insult. I always liked the name ever since watching Mermaid Melody.

Everyone knows Chloé refers to Marinette as “Dupain-Cheng”. But how does Lila learn about it?

One morning, Lila saw Chloé lounging at her desk when Marinette rushed in, surprisingly on time for once.

Chloé held out her hand imperiously. “Dupain-Cheng.”

Marinette huffed. “I have a name you know.” And she handed over a T&S box of macarons.

Chloé: your point?

Lila turned to Nathaniel. “Does Marinette work at a bakery or something?”

Nathaniel: You’ve never been to Tom and Sabine’s patisserie before? You’ve gotta go today. They are the best patisserie in Paris!

Lila raised a brow. “Wow, Marinette must be quite the baker to have gotten hired.”

Nathaniel shrugged. “Well, she’s still learning but Marinette comes from a long line of bakers. She’ll probably be a professional by the time we graduate.”

Lila hid her scowl. She had not forgotten her promise of war to Marinette. And what better way to start then by sabotaging her job? After all, Lila had only just returned and while the class was under her spell, they won’t be so easy to turn on their old friend just yet. A professional bakery on the other hand...

Lila visited the bakery after school, when she was certain no one from class would be visiting it.

Down there, Lila wasn’t that impressed by the space, though the decor was colourful and elegant.

She ordered a macaron. After having a nibble of the admittedly scrumptious macaron, Lila made a face.

Tom: oh, is something wrong?

Lila: oh, it’s just that this is my first time in Paris and I was looking forward to trying the pastries here. I’m a popular food blogger you see. I travel overseas for holidays and recommend what to try and what to avoid on my blog. My fans were so excited to see my food recommendations, one of which was the macarons. But after this, I’m disappointed.

A waiting customer in line heard what Lila said and started filming her. Lila didn’t mind.

Tom was worried. “I’m sorry to hear that. Normally our customers love our macarons. Perhaps it’s because you are not used to french cuisine?”

Lila but back a retort, and instead sighed. “I gave this place a try after Marinette recommended it.”

Tom: our Marinette?

Lila: yes, she kept pushing me to come visit your patisserie. Even after I said yes, she kept badgering me and even the teacher reprimanded us!

Tom raised a brow. “That doesn’t sound like Marinette.”

Lila: she also promised me a free box of macarons if I visited. But now I’m not so sure. I’m afraid this is a definite place-to-avoid for my blog.

Tom was now suspicious of this girl. Marinette never pushed for reviewers to visit their place. She never needed to. Their bakery was doing splendidly. And it’s not like Marinette to just surprise them with a strange blogger without leaving a warning message.

Lila was hoping her representation of Marinette would paint her as a horrible employee. And she wanted some free macarons too from a boss hoping to salvage his company’s reputation.

But Tom just crossed his arms and gave a cold smile. “I’m sorry you didn’t like our macarons. But you still have to pay for the macaron you just ate.”

Lila frowned at the man. “So rude. I should at least have gotten a refund for the horrid taste.”

Tom’s face turned stern. “If you refuse to pay, I will call the police.”

Lila rolled her eyes. “Don’t be such a drama queen.” She handed over a bill. “Here.”

Lila stormed out, too upset to even enjoy the macaron in her hand.

When Marinette and Alya came inside, Tom called them over. “Marinette, is there a food blogger in your school.”

Marinette blinked. “Not that I know of. Alya?”

Alya shrugged, “Sorry. I don’t watch those.”

Tom: a girl came by today saying you had offered her a free box of macarons in exchange for her visiting. She also claimed to be a food blogger.

Alya: must have been a scammer.

Marinette: but how did she know my name? From the sound of it, she probably never came here before.

Tom: she had brown hair.

Alya: that’s it?

Tom scratched his head. “I’m not good at remembering people. But that’s the beauty of security cameras!”

Tom led them to the back where he showed the girls the Lila drama.

Marinette growled. “Lila!”

Alya: what the hell? You never go near her if you can help it, always claiming she’s a ...liar...oh.

Marinette: yeah.

Alya: well, I can see why you hate her so much now if this is her true personality. What a snob. Even Chloé doesn’t act like that.

Tom: so you do know her.

Marinette: Lila’s a new girl who likes to make up grand stories about herself and has somehow convinced our friends to buy her lunch.

Alya counted off her fingers. “Forgotten wallet, sprained wrist, allergic to the cheap menu items, donated all her allowance to charity...”

Marinette: which one did you pay for?

Alya: when she told me she was robbed. Ugh. That liar is going down!

Marinette: but Adrien thinks we should take the high road.

Alya: Adrien’s rich. We’re not! I’m busting her right now! Mr Dupain, may I film this scene?

Tom: sure. I have to get back to the counter to help Sabine.

But as Alya spread the footage to the class, another clip was being shared rapidly among Parisians.

The girls opened their messages to see a video link.

WHO IS THIS GIRL TO CRITICISE OUR BELOVED PATISSERIE?

It was the same scene, but shot from another angle.

The waiting customer was a fan of the patisserie and a regular customer. She was not pleased at hearing a supposedly famous blogger giving the shop a bad review from just one nibble. and Marinette was such a sweetheart, the customer didn’t believe the drivel that came out of Lila’s mouth. And so she posted this clip, calling Lila out on her rude behavior, and asking if anyone knows this so-called famous food blogger.

Alya eagerly replied.

This clip became so widely spread that it even made the evening news, told by Nadja Chmack, who had even interviewed Mrs Rossi and told her what Alya and other commenters have said.

Mrs Rossi was too stunned to give a comment and had retreated to her office.

Ironic that the diplomat had such a mob-rousing daughter.

Mrs Rossi’s public humiliation was perfect for akuma bait. She basically spent her time looking for Lila to confront her but was defeated before Lila even knew what was going on.

Mrs Rossi apologized to the heroes for doubting their ability.

When Lila came home, she was surprised to see her mother waiting for her. Were they actually having dinner together?

Not exactly. Mrs Rossi tore into Lila for her horrendous behavior and outrageous lies.

And because Mrs Rossi was in the spotlight for negligent parenting, she went for extreme measures. From now on, Mrs Rossi would call the school every day, once in the morning to see if Lila had arrived, and every evening to see her progress report. Lila’s allowance would be cut off since she had been cheating her classmates for lunch money. Lila would also be seeing a professional therapist regarding her behavior.

Lila was shocked and furious she had been exposed to Paris as a fraud. She was hoping for an akuma, but Mrs Rossi had realized her lecture would cause upset emotion so she had asked the heroes to keep an eye out while she lectured her daughter. Ladybug caught the approaching akuma quite easily. Chat Noir’s night vision helped.

Lila tries to claim she felt lonely but Mrs Rossi retorted that was no excuse for her behavior. Then Lila tried to blame her mother for neglecting her and forcing her to keep leaving behind any new friends she makes just because of her diplomat job.

Mrs Rossi paused at that. It was true.

“Fine. I’ll concede on that point.”

Lila brightened up until her mother continued. “You’ll be finishing one last semester here before I send you home to live with my parents. They’ll give you undivided attention (monitoring) and you’ll have friends for the long-run (which means if Lila gets caught for lying, she will face the consequences instead of moving away)”

Lila: you’re abandoning me again?!

Mrs Rossi: I’m going to leave you in capable hands. And it’s not like I don’t want to spend time with you, Lila. But someone has to keep a roof over our heads and pay the bills.

When Lila returned to school the next day, she scowled right back at the glares that came her way. Upon entering class, Chloé called out, “Look, it’s the famous blogger. Oh, wait, no, never mind. It’s just some bragging nobody.”

Adrien stayed silent. Alya had chewed him out for his advice and warned him he was on shaky ground. Yeah, Nino wasn’t happy with him either but defended his bro was unaware of the cafeteria activity since he was always at home for lunch.

When Lila sat down, Nathaniel drawled next to her. “Oh, did I mention Lie-la, that the patisserie you asked about is Marinette’s family business?”

Lila’s fingernails had splinters under them.

[fragileizywriting]

"i won't drop you," he whispers, smiling when she clings to him harder.

liar. liar. he's such a liar-- look at him, he's lying-- she eyes the water a few meters away, head snapping back up when she finds herself faint.

"i trust you. i just..."

"sure," he laughs again. "it's okay, mousey. i don't mind you telling me the truth, you know."

she whimpers. "i'm-- i just-- succubi were not made to be at high altitudes. very ground-level people, you know?"

"you call this high? i can still see adrien's fangs from up here." okay. yes. so adrien is only a couple of meters away. but those are a lot of meters away when it's height involved. she's certain that if she were glamoured back into her human skin color, she'd be paler than usual-- as it is, she can probably see that her ruby skin is a couple of shades lighter than that glorious eye-burning red.

"i--" sweet jesus, she's going to get vertigo if she keeps looking down! she wraps her arms around his shoulders and neck to the point it hurts, letting him hold her like she's a child, dimly watching luka's wings chrome from blue to gold when he bats them. up close, watching them glide in the air as he keeps her steady, it almost feels like a dream-- they blend into the sky and the ocean if she looks at it a certain way. he looks so happy, grinning at her with saltwater still running down the sides of his face and neck, causing her swimsuit to dampen where she makes contact with him. he looks good. honestly, he looks euphoric, and she wishes she could be the same, but looking down to how far away they are from the water just makes her feel like she's in a nightmare. "oh god."

luka hums as she squeaks in fear. "don't you fly in airplanes?"

"almost every year, yes!"

"and you trust a human pilot over me?"

she squeaks again. "i--"

"i'm kidding." she hears a 'mostly', but can't even fight it as he laughs and nuzzles into her hair. she wraps her tail around the closest arm like she's searching for a better grip, desperate to plaster herself onto him. she feels a little sick. to be fair, he doesn't move or jostle or anything-- it's incredible, but no matter how hard he bats his wings, she hardly feels the shakiness at all. she really does feel like she's floating, the best and worse ways. she whimpers when she pulls her feet up to coil in his arms. "are you okay? i'll take you back to shore if you really don't want to try diving in like this."

she sighs. "i do really want to do this, i'm just-- i'm just a little scared!"

"a little?"

"a smidge!"

"how little?"

"baby-sized!"

"ah, so it's not that scary, right? is it the height?" he waits until she shakes her head for a 'yes'. "but you told me you've gone cliff diving."

"many times in my life, yes. in the nude, too. those were always fun." she is not nude. she is most definitely in her swimsuit, legs curled over his forearm, half princess carry, half whatever. his fingers are cold against her back, where there are only strings holding the front piece to her body.

"what's the difference between then and now? aside from the nude part, of course."

"there isn't any real difference, i just-- you know-- the wings--" she screams when luka tips forward and narrows them. it's hard, given the size of them, but suddenly the ten meters are down to a pointed five, and-- oh god, the world tilts, the ocean becoming sky, the sky becoming water, and, and--

"breathe."

oh.

she sucks in a breath just before they fall back in to the water as if they've fallen. the ocean is warm as they crash, safe and endless, and bubbles scattering-- this is so much better. she feels safer here, where there's no way to fall.

jesus.

she turns in the water, kicking her feet to go right side up, catching the way luka grins and tries not to laugh-- oh, oh, his wings glide in the water like flippers? that's beautiful-- why did she ever imagine it wouldn't be a beautiful sight? after all, wings so perfectly designed to be aerodynamic, they must be good for water, too?

they're slow in gentle in the water, muted colors from the lack of the vibrant light from the sun, ebbing and flowing like he's breathing with them. the more she watches them, the more the gold flecks seem to come to life-- shining like coins. luka seems to struggle with them, though. against his wishes, they open up all the way, tip ends reaching the surface-- he scrunches his face as he tries to close them again.

she pulls on adrien's ankle when she gets close enough, earning a muffled scream from him as she resurfaces with a gasp. "i thought you two died! what the hell were you two doing down there, making out?"

"hot. but no. hold me," she attaches herself onto adrien, who complains as the two of them sink a bit. "holy hell that was so cool but so terrifying but so cool and oh jesus christ."

"was that too fast?" luka asks, as he resurfaces too. it's a struggle for him to get the hair out of his eyes, but he manages. sort of.

"no. yes. that was great. a little warning, next time--"

"not a chance, mousey."

adrien laughs as she continues to squeal to herself. "are you not going to drown with your wings out?"

"i normally don't drown with my wings out. only happened once." he winks. his wings look like sailcloths in the water, floating uselessly. "they float. float almost too much. i don't have to do anything."

"buoyant like my tail?"

"probably even worse. it's impossible to stay down at the ocean floor with them out." luka's smile gets wider. "you know, adrien--"

"oohhh no you don't. you're not convincing me to take mine out. no way. absolutely not." he huffs, helping marinette get onto the paddle board. she feels like a wet mop with how her hair sticks to her shoulders and cheeks. "no amount of curiosity will convince me."

"oh, really?"

"yes, really." even adrien doesn't sound convinced. "i'm positive. do not get close to me to force them open, i'll bite you."

adrien yelps when luka grabs for him and shoves him under.

[spooky-z]

Dodgeball

Maribat by @ozmav

This is part of my PACK AU. I decided that I would post one shots about this au and then, when I have more time, I will do a whole fanfic.

You can find parts of this AU here, here, here and here.

This is 1.6K!

They were at lunch. No one wanted to go to the bakery that day for lunch, as Sabine and Tom were busy with a huge order from André Bourgeois for a political event at the hotel.

So, they had arranged to bring food/sweets to lunch together in a forgotten room at school.

Marinette had brought a strawberry charlotte russe (the whole cake); Adrien had made chocolate chip cookies; Kagami arrived with various sweets and drinks that had been sent to her from Japan; Luka came with calissons; Damian set a box of mahmoul on the table; Chloe had baked a salted caramel pie; Max had brought croissants and Kim macarons.

The Kwamis were too happy to see the variety. (Plagg grumbled a little for not having Camembert, but Tikki managed to control him.)

It was a feast. Both for the food and for each other's presence. All eight were resting after eating everything.

Adrien lying on Luka and Chloe's legs; Chloe resting her head on the musician's shoulder while her hands hugged Kagami sideways; Kagami had Kim sitting on the floor between her legs and with his back to her; Damian's legs stretched over Kim's, Marinette in his arms; Max was lying fully on the floor with only his head resting on Marinette's thigh while playing a game on the phone.

It was calm and quiet. Or rather calm and quiet minus Kim. He kept twitching.

Chloe snorts irritably.

"I'll kick you out of the room if you don't keep quiet."

“Let's do something!” He moans. "I ate too much sugar and now I can’t calm down."

Marinette makes a murmur understanding the boy. She also felt energy rush under her skin from too much sugar.

"I think we're all in the same boat." Damian mutters against Marinette's neck.

“How about we play dodgeball?” Adrien says suddenly and sits down to look at everyone. “It will drain the excess energy and we can have fun too.”

"Hmm, I don't know…" Max replies. "Do you have clothes in the locker room?"

"No." Kagami nods negatively. “But that would be no problem. We can get some from Mari-hime's house.”

"Okay." Luka smiles, breaking away from Chloe and standing up. "I think we'll play dodgeball."

xxxx

Francois Dupont was not prepared for a dodgeball match between eight heroes.

Not even Ms. Bustier's class.

All the students had gone to the second floor, the floor that gave access to the classrooms, to give more space for the fierce battle that was taking place in the school yard.

It was easy to recognize the shock, disbelief, and envy on the students' faces each time Marinette Dupain-Cheng deftly deflected a ball that would probably be fatal (and painful) if it hit her.

When Kagami Tsurugi violently kicked a ball coming toward her back to Max, who just used another ball to escape the attack and the school choked on watching it.

They saw Kim Le Chien jump into the basketball hoop to catch a wandering ball and then, hanging upside down, throw the ball with unbelievable force toward Adrien Agreste.

Adrien, who exhibited abnormal flexibility in deflecting the most absurd attacks. Like when he fell to the floor with his legs spread like a ballerina without showing any discomfort with it.

Damian Al-Ghul was vicious. He seemed to be playing to draw blood, no matter if they were his friends in a friendly game. Each time he made his move, the ball bounced off the floor or walls in a loud, dry noise. Students shuddered every time this happened.

The biggest surprise of the audience was to see Chloe Bourgeois and Luka Couffaine in the midst of the carnage. Chloe for being the untouchable princess of Mayor Bourgeois and Luka for being known as a calm and very sweet guy.

But they were very different at the time.

Luka had a manic smile on his face, sliding on the floor like a pro and retaliating with power. Chloe giving no opportunity for the other team to retaliate before falling down by killing with multiple balls in various directions. She was flushed and sweating, but didn't seem to be bothered by it.

Nino shudders when Adrien is the first to be hit. The sound of the ball hitting the model's chest makes the DJ panic and he almost runs to his friend but is prevented by the blonde's amused laugh.

“That was great, Ure!” He makes a move, a kip-up and soon stands, not looking hurt.

"I know." Damian shouts back. “You're getting slow, kitty. I think we're feeding you too much.”

Ms. Bustier's class reacts with surprise upon hearing the nickname.

"Kitty?" Alya mutters.

“Is he getting slow?” Nathaniel chokes.

"Dude, they're feral!" A boy of Ms. Mendeleev's class says excitedly.

“Adrien is so beautiful!” Adrien's fan club sighs.

They watch Marinette eliminate Chloe in a skilled and powerful counterattack. The sound of the ball against Bourgeois's thigh made it clear that Marinette was sparing no effort to eliminate her opponents.

Even if it was her friends.

Someone (a boy) whistles in appreciation.

"This girl is good."

"She's hot." Another (boy) person responds.

Before Lila could say anything disparaging about Marinette, Kagami Tsurugi's blazing gaze stopped in her direction. In their direction.

Kagami was still in the middle of the game when she stopped to look at them. And even being distracted by them, she was still fully capable of deflecting Kim's shots.

“Is it my imagination or is she looking at us?” Boy #1 asks.

“Do you think she could hear what I said?” Boy #2 asks back.

“Impossible, she doesn't—” Kagami raises an eyebrow and they squeak in surprise.

She smiles sarcastically and then turns her attention back to the game as if nothing has happened.

“Holy shit. I think I pissed on my pants.” Boy #2 whispers.

Not just him. Lila could still feel the coldness of that look digging into her skin.

That group was scary.

Alya, on the other hand, was feeling in the twilight zone.

That could not be real. Marinette, who could barely walk on the paved ground without injury, was there, running and jumping, displaying a skill Alya had never seen before.

At least not from Marinette.

"I didn't know Max was so skilled." Ivan says beside her and she was forced to look away from the girl who used to be her best friend.

And- Oh! Another surprise.

She really couldn't understand anything else. She was lost.

xxxx

The game ended with a draw.

On one side left Marinette and Kagami, on the other, Damian and Kim.

They had come to a halt, no one being able to hit anyone and the game was dragging on. Even if it didn't let it be fun, the sugar effect was crumbling and they were already getting tired.

But even so, the game would continue if it wasn't for Luka (God bless such a good person) warning about the time.

Kim sighed hopelessly, but agrees. They needed to shower and change to sit in the classroom for the rest of the day.

The four soon emerged from attack positions and began picking up the balls thrown across the yard to store. Kim still upset that he didn't go on playing.

"Come on, we'll finish this game later and we'll know who's the best." Damian pats the boy comfortingly on the back and he cheers again with the promise of a rematch.

"Of course, it's me." He heaves his chest proudly.

Chloe laughs at that. "In your dreams, Capuchin."

Kim pouts at her and Max stands on tiptoe so he can rub his hair.

“We're done with the balls. Now let's go home to change clothes.”

Luka appears (he had gone out to fetch their bags and lunch’s trash), his hands busy. He was still sweaty despite being the second to be eliminated.

“I already cleaned and closed the room. Let's go because we'll be late otherwise.”

"Ok mom!" The seven respond and he rolls his eyes.

Marinette was going to take the bag from Luka, but Adrien stops her.

"Mariiiii." He calls, the bright eyes of a mischievous kitten.

She already knew what he wanted.

"Oh God. I can never resist those eyes.” She pretends to be angry and he laughs. "Okay, let's go. Just this once.”

Marinette turns her back to Adrien and stretches her arms back. Adrien doesn't think twice before wrapping his arms around her neck and wrapping his legs around her waist.

She holds his legs to give more security and starts walking, trying to reach the rest of the pack.

"I love you, Mari." Adrien whispers against her ear. "I love you all."

Marinette smiles.

"I-We love you too, kitten."

"And we will protect you." Kagami says, patting his back.

"Thanks. I'm so lucky.” Adrien hides his face in the back of Marinette's neck and sniffs.

They were lucky. Having each other. A family.

EXTRA:

“… Did she just carry him like he weighed nothing?” Mylene blinks once more to make sure she was seeing right.

“Chloe was laughing. Really laughing.” Sabrina says. She looked stunned.

"Kitty…" Alya mutters. She still couldn't get it out of her mind.

"Did Damian have a septum ring or was I imagining that?" Rose asks.

"Mom?" Juleka whispers.

"Kitty." Alya again.

“Capuchin.” Nathaniel puts his hands against his head and squeezes.

"Kim gave up on a competition..." Alix says in surprise.

“They looked very close.” Lila points out.

“KITTY!” Alya shouts.

Nino and Ivan just watch the class catch fire... and Alya lose her mind.

[tag list]

@northernbluetongue @gimme-more-caffeine @kris-pines04 @drarryismylife101 @puzzlelover431 @18-fandoms-unite-08 @krispydefendorpolice @asheanomhominem  @you-will-never-know-how-i-think @cutechip @just-an-avarage-nerds-blog​ @lirulua @j-a-n-e--d-o-e @naclychilli

[galahadwilder]

buggachat laptop fic: Ladybug keeps setting patrol schedules to pair up Multimouse and Aspik, having told Chat Noir it's because she ships Multimouse/Aspik. Chat Noir does not know what to think of this. Adrien isn't supposed to know Multimouse is Marinette; Marinette isn't supposed to know Aspik is Adrien. But there's still the nagging similarities between Marinette (when she doesn't think Adrien's listening) and Ladybug, and he only gave Multimouse his ring bc he KNEW she was Ladybug lying...

(2/3) Further to my Aspikmouse request for the buggachat laptop fund: substituting Adrien wielding any Miraculous but Cat, Snake, or Ladybug works too, as long as Ladybug knows it’s Adrien. As does substituting Marinette wielding any Miraculous but Ladybug, Rat, or Cat, as long as Chat Noir knows it’s Marinette. (Come to think of it, Snake!Marinette/Rat!Adrien could be all kinds of amusing…)

(3/3, two sentence prompts) (sometime after Desperada) “Why would I offer him a different Miraculous, Chat? Did I not put him through enough hell the first time?”

Unwise

Chapter 1: In Which Chat is Slightly Less Helpful Than He Thinks He Is

Fic written to help fund @buggachat‘s laptop repairs. Original idea from @sweetmeatdale.

*

Ever since Max got Akumatized again, patrol has been a quiet hell. Chat is fairly certain he knows why: based on comments she made during the Gamer fight, it seems like being Ladybug and training to be the new Guardian (and whatever else she has going on in her civilian life—she may not be Marinette, but given how similar they are he’s willing to bet she’s just as busy as a civilian) has left her with no time to do any of the things that calm her. Apparently Fu outright told her that her training was complete way earlier than she expected, meaning she has a mantle of responsibility she isn’t ready for but none of the choice that goes with it. His Lady is quietly collapsing, and try as she might to hide it, he can tell. The bags under her eyes are extending past the bottom of her mask, and her shoulders are almost constantly up by her ears.

It’s only been a week, and Chat realizes that if this keeps going on, Ladybug is going to burn out. Which means he has to do something. Her responsibility is Paris; his responsibility is her.

She misses a step, on a rooftop halfway through patrol, stumbles into his arms—he can’t help noticing how familiar it feels. “Okay,” he says, quietly. “We’re stopping here for tonight.”

Ladybug shakes her head. “I can keep going,” she mumbles, her eyes closed.

Chat cradles her cheek in his palm, and it’s a testament to how exhausted she is that she melts into it without even a token protest. “You keep telling me that ‘can’ doesn’t mean ‘have to,’” he says, trying to control his voice as she snuggles into him. “You need rest, Bug.”

“Hypocrite,” she mumbles, lazily smacking his side.

“Expendable hypocrite,” he retorts.

She opens her mouth to protest, but he sits down, yanking her into his lap before she has time to speak. She squeaks instead.

“Kitty purrs time,” he says, pressing her against his chest as he begins to rumble.

She gasps, quietly, snuggling in closer, and his purr interrupts for a moment as he swallows, trying to control his breathing, his blush.

They sit like that for a few minutes, Ladybug sinking into his arms, before Chat decides she’s calm enough to talk things through. “I think,” he says, “that we need to start bringing on some teammates. Full-time.”

Ladybug stiffens. “Chaton,” she whispers, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

He closes his eyes and sighs. “Bugaboo, we can’t keep doing this by ourselves,” he says. “How long has it been since you’ve slept a full night?”

She looks away instead of answering.

He begins to press his palms into the small of her back, working out the kinks in her muscles. “We need help,” he says, carefully avoiding the word ‘you’—if she thinks she’s the only one hurting, he knows she’ll accept that and keep shouldering the burden until it breaks her. The only way he can convince her is if she thinks he needs it too. “I know Rena would jump at the chance, and Carapace seems like he would do anything if she asked.”

“I don’t want to put this on them,” she grumbles. “This is our job. They have lives outside of—”

Chat snorts. “Your job is to protect Paris,” he says. “My job is to look after a hyperactive genius who thinks she can’t go to bed until she’s personally solved every problem in the city.” He squeezes her protectively, not missing the way she whimpers in his arms. “If that means I have to meow annoyingly at you until you agree to start sharing the burden…”

“Chaton, I’m fi—“

“MEOOOOOOOWWWWWW!” he screeches into her ear.

She shrieks, trying to pull away, but he’s holding her too firmly. “Dammit, Chat!” she cries. “We can’t just have the other Miraculi out!” She shudders. “What if Hawkmoth ambushes one of them as a civilian?”

“What if you’re so sleep-deprived you can’t figure out how to use your Lucky Charm?” Chat rebuts. “Or I’m too slow and you get hit by something I can’t block?”

“Chaton—”

“Meeeeoooowwwww!” he interrupts, then takes a deep breath. He didn’t want to do this, but… he has to go for her weak spot. He knows how painful this is to her—he knows about the night terrors she keeps having, the reason she was so wrecked once Gamer got taken down, but if it keeps her alive and sane he will do whatever it takes. “My Lady,” he says, “if we don’t start bringing on a team I am going to die again.”

She stiffens in his arms. “Don’t you dare,” she hisses.

“It’s not like I have a choice!” he snaps. “You can’t—”

She scrambles out of his arms, shingles cracking beneath the force of her footfalls, and jabs him in the chest with her finger. “Don’t act like you can’t do this without me too, Mister Bug!”

He snatches her wrist. “Not as well as you can, and I think Reflekdoll proved that!” he growls. Then he sighs. “Please, My Lady,” he says. “If you won’t do it for yourself… at least do it for me.”

She blinks up at him. “Chaton?” she whispers.

“I haven’t slept right in months,” he says. Not since Desperada, but she doesn’t want to know that part. “I keep seeing us… losing. You dead and broken and… and I’m by myself, and there’s nothing I can do to save you…” He’s shared more than he intended to, and his voice breaks as his chest squeezes tight. “Please,” he whispers. “At least Carapace. I can’t keep protecting you on my own.”

That got… uncomfortably truthful. He hadn’t meant to share that—hell, he hadn’t even known he was feeling like that. But it’s obvious now, after his mouth ran away with him, that he’s as overwhelmed as she is. He’s been putting on a good show for his Instagram, but… when’s the last time he’s slept a full night?

Ladybug stares at him, her lip quivering, and for a moment he’s sure she’s going to snap at him again. But then she sets her jaw. “I’m not bringing Queen Bee back,” she says. “I don’t trust her.”

The levee in Chat’s heart breaks, and his whole body is flooded with emotion at once. Instantly, his head is in her lap, pressed up against her stomach. “Thank you,” he gasps. “Thank you thank you thank you.” He’s sobbing into her lap, and she strokes his head, scratching just behind his ears in the way he loves so much; bliss shoots down from his scalp through his spine as he purrs urgently against her.

“Rena and Carapace, obviously,” she says.

He squirms, snuggling deeper into her arms. “Viperion seems competent,” he mumbles. “Thoughts on Monkey?”

“Hmm…” Ladybug says, and he can hear the mirth returning to her voice for the first time since he backed off the platform. “Childish and irresponsible. Keep him temp, I think.”

“Okay.” Chat nods. “I like Pegase, though.”

Ladybug nods. “Yeah, he’s pretty good,” she says. “I’ve been thinking about bringing Ryuko back too—she did pretty well against Gozen.”

“Agreed,” Chat says. Then the side of his mouth quirks down. This is probably not the best time to bring this up, not when she’s actually agreeing with him and this might cause her to reconsider, but… it’s kind of important. The rules are set for a reason. “Wait,” he says, “I know who Pegase and Ryuko are.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Yeah, so?”

It’s a bit petulant of him to ask, but… well, Marinette is so impressive that she’s the only person he’s ever seriously considered might be Ladybug, and if he hadn’t seen them both together on two separate occasions he’d still be pretty suspicious. “I thought you weren’t supposed to bring back wielders whose names I know?”

Ladybug launches to her feet, sending him sprawling out of her lap—then she leans down and locks eyes with him, and crushes his bell in her fingers. “No,” she spits, yanking him forward into a suspiciously exact replica of Marinette’s famous Penance Stare. “I am not putting her back in the field.”

He’s not sure what to say. He knows she doesn’t want Multimouse back but he doesn’t know why—he has suspicions, but there’s no way, right? He’s been so careful with this whole conversation, and now Adrien Brain, which is so obsessed with rules and consistency, has just launched his foot through the ground into an occupied fire ant nest. His lungs shudder at the fire in her eyes, unable to even speak.

(He’s disappointed in his Chat Noir Brain as well, for being so excited at the incongruity of her reaction. Even after everything, she’s still oddly vehement about not using Multimouse.)

He wants to tell her that’s not what he meant, that he’s worried about bringing Ryuko and Pegase back but—something about her refusal to bring Marinette back rubs him the wrong way.

“Why?” he croaks, finally. His bell clonks a little bit in her hand instead of jingling. “You know she’s the best temp we’ve ever had—she did both of our jobs!”

Ladybug’s eyelid twitches, and he realizes he’s crossed a line he didn’t know about. There’s something between her and Marinette; something he’s not aware of. The two girls have had some kind of relationship since before Evillustrator…

Ladybug trusts Marinette so much and has never specified the gender of the person she likes. And nobody seems to know who Marinette has a crush on. Is she… trying to protect her girlfriend?

She stares for a second, then collapses next to him and sighs. “Maybe I should bring her back,” she grumbles.

“What? No!” Chat says, gripping at her wrist. “If you don’t want her back—”

“It’s not a want thing,” Ladybug says. “I’m just… not sure she can.”

Chat bristles. “What?” he cries. Maybe… not girlfriend? Does she… not like Marinette? Is that it? “My Lady, I love you, but I will not allow you to besmirch the abilities of my precious mouse.”

Ladybug opens her mouth, but all that comes out is a weird gagging noise as her face turns bright red. “You have… that much faith in her?” she croaks.

Chat raises an eyebrow. “My Lady,” he says, “I only gave her my ring because I thought she was you.”

Ladybug chokes.

Chat can’t tell if she’s flattered or angry. “I remember you were friends,” he says. “Did something… happen between you two?”

Ladybug closes her eyes, licks her lips. “Have you ever worn two Miraculi at once?” she murmurs. “It… does things to your body.” She leans back against the shingles. “I think I asked more of her than I ever should have.”

“Oh,” Chat says. “No, I—no, I haven’t.” He has, actually; he’s wondered why he felt so tired as Aspik. He thought it was just being awake for three months, but Viperion never seemed to falter. “Is she okay?” He doesn’t think Marinette’s been any worse, physically—but then, she’s been running so ragged lately, how can he tell?

Ladybug shrugs. “She’s fine,” she says. “Just needed a good night’s sleep.” She sighs, pressing her chin into her fist. “Wish I could bring Adrien back on,” she mumbles.

Chat’s heart inflates painfully in his chest like a balloon hooked up to an oxygen tank. Even after he failed her so many times, she still wants to bring him back on? “That guy you chose for the snake before Viperion?” he squeaks.

Her head snaps toward him. “You—you knew about that?” she hisses.

Chat snorts. “I saw Agreste with the egg-hood,” he says. “That is not what Viperion looked like.”

Ladybug frowns. “Right,” she says. “Also?” She reaches up, flicks his nose. “Not happy with you for stealing his joke.”

Chat rolls his eyes, jabbing her in the tummy. “He stole mine, My Lady,” he says. “Anyway. Bringing him back on sounds like a great idea!”

She smiles, her cheeks dusting pink, then her face falls. “No,” she says. “No way.”

Chat’s chest squeezes. Oh, good, she hates him. “Why?” he says. “I mean, he may not have been the right snake, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t be good for another—”

“Why would I offer him a different Miraculous, Chat?” she snaps. “Did I not put him through enough hell the first time?”

What?

Chat looks at her with confusion. She… doesn’t hate him? She’s been concerned about him?

“He spent three months trying to save me without sleep,” she says. “I’m… pretty sure it broke him.” She clutches at her shoulders. “I trust him, Chaton, but… I can’t put him through that. Not again.”

Oh. Oh god.

“My Lady,” he says. He can see the guilt is killing her—he doesn’t want her to keep beating herself up over something that was his choice. “You… he talked to me about that, actually.”

A look of horror flashes across her face. “What?” she says. “When?”

“Party Crasher,” he says. That’s plausible—Viperion was there, it was Adrien’s house, and there was a period Ladybug was unaccounted for. “He was actually hoping he’d get another shot to help you out.”

Her eyes widen, her cheeks dusting red. “What?” she squeaks.

“I—”

“Okay!” she yelps, shooting to her feet. “Okay okay.” She starts pacing, pressing her palms to her forehead. “I—Okay. So, I—I can bring him back?” She does an excited little bunny hop, and his head leaps. “I can bring him back!”

“You’re—pretty excited,” he says. “You know him?”

She freezes, her foot skittering on the roof. “That’s… complicated?” she says. “Anyway, we should decide who pairs up with who.” She sits back down, folding her knees into her chest. “Multimouse might be more comfortable with a more… experienced wielder?”

His eyebrows shoot up, and his stomach begins to flip. “Aspik has more experience than anyone except us,” he says. “You said three months, right?”

“Yep.” Ladybug starts shaking a little. “And… oh, this is—I’m not sure this is a great idea.”

“Why not?”

“Well, uh…” Ladybug bites her lip. “She’s, uh, she’s in love with him.”

Chat’s ears—both his human ones and his cat ones—are suddenly crushed under a burning vise, and his lungs are full of cotton candy. “She’s what?” he croaks.

She looks askance at him. “Wait,” she says. “You didn’t know?”

“No?” he says.

Ladybug snorts. “Come on, Chat,” she says. “You’ve been watching that class, right?” She reaches out and squeezes his shoulder. “I think the only person who doesn’t know about her crush is him.”

“Who did you hear this from?” he asks. “The—the Ladyblogger? She’s not exactly objective when it comes to them—”

Ladybug shakes her head. “Marinette told me herself,” she says. “She just hasn’t been…” She closes her eyes. “Able to say it.”

*

Marinette loves him. She said she loved Chat Noir, and Ladybug said she loved Adrien.

He arrives at the meeting place for his and Multimouse’s first patrol, unspooling the trompo into his hands, and sees Multimouse’s familiar space buns. That’s Marinette right there—Marinette, his best civilian friend aside from Nino. A girl who he would—and has—dropped everything to help. A girl he hasn’t been able to get out of his head for the last week, since Ladybug dropped her bomb on him. A girl who, if it hadn’t been for Ladybug, he would absolutely be in love with.

She looks up at him, her eyes widening, and she squeaks. “H-hi!” she yelps. “Are you, um, Queen Bee’s replacement?”

“Yep,” he says, pressing his fists to his hips with an exaggerated gaze off into the distance. “Sapis, at your service.”

“Sapis?” she says. “Wisdom?”

He grins. “Old Latin pun,” he says. “Si sapis, sis apis.” He holds out a hand to shake hers. “If you’re wise? Be a bee.”

She stares at him, and for a moment he’s worried that he’s ruined his third first impression with her—but then she lights up, and starts to laugh.

It’s bright and sunny and it shoots right through his heart, and he realizes: I am completely and utterly screwed.

[chronicallylatetotheparty]

Float Like A Butterfly Ch.2 Boundaries

Summary:

Adrien remembers a promise amid chaos.

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

"You know, dude. You don't have to let her do that."

"Huh?"

"Chloe," Nino clarified, watching said girl go with a scowl before his eyes flicked back to Adrien. "You don't have to let her drape herself all over you like that."

Confusion clouded Adrien's face. "What? No, it's Chloe. She's fine."

"Bro, you can set boundaries for your friends! They're the dudes that're supposed to be the most chill with that!" Nino didn't mean to push but he knew how Adrien was about his friendships. "I know you're not the best when it comes to personal space-"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"-but, like, you should really start getting with the groove."

Adrien didn't like the worried frown Nino gave him and hurried to reassure his best friend. "Seriously bro, I'm fine! It's fine." He gave Nino a bright smile as proof.

Nino didn't look convinced. "You'd tell me if it wasn't. Right?"

"Of course, dude! You're my best friend." Stifling a twinge of superhero related guilt with practiced ease, Adrien held his fist up.

The concern in Nino's eyes faded a little. "Okay, bro." Holding up his own fist, Nino returned the gesture. "Just... Remember that if you feel someone's being uncool you can just leave or something, yeah?"

"Promise," Adrien replied with a smile.

"I mean it, man." This time Nino returned a small smile despite himself. His voice losing its gravitas. "Anyone gives you rancid vibes just get the hell away from them."

Truthfully, Adrien hadn't remembered. Oh, he didn't forget. But it stayed in the back of his mind. Untouched despite the many times people he knew gave him 'rancid vibes'. Never once did Nino's words resurface...

Until the Guardian drove him away.

----------

Adrien didn't want to be in class today.

Even if it was Mme. Bustier's birthday. He didn't feel like smiling so Nino wouldn't ask him if he was okay. Like he did every day.

And Adrien lied because... He didn't know why he kept lying to Nino. There was no point anymore, was there? No point in keeping everything bottled up. In holding back tears so his friends wouldn't ask questions he couldn't answer. Shouldn't answer.

His hand was shaking.

I shouldn't think like that. Adrien subtly grabbed his uncooperative limb, holding it still. Trying to shake his brain loose from its spiral. It was a special day. He shouldn't ruin it by-

"-Chloe Bourgeois!"

Adrien bolted upright in his seat. The sound of Marinette's anger shocking him back to the present. What- Chloe did what? But just as soon as Adrien's brain caught up Mme. Bustier and Marinette were out of the classroom.

Everyone was glaring at Chloe. She was ignoring them in that far too deliberate way she had. With her head to the side and her chin up, Chloe was the spitting image of, I don't care what you think. An almost perfectly crafted lie.

Then their akumatized teacher showed up and it was chaos.

Adrenaline surged through Adrien, keeping him grounded as he ran with his classmates. Despite his obtrusive thoughts.

Of course, Zombizou was after Chloe! Why wouldn't she be!? Grabbing a discarded mop when his surviving friends barricaded themselves in the locker room, Adrien turned and-

There she was. Shoulders set in determination, face serious, bluebell eyes red around the edges. Ladybug's mere presence was enough to calm everyone.

Adrien's grip on his makeshift weapon tightened, knuckles white. He turned away from her and took a breath. Trying to keep his turmoil off his face.

You should be helping her, said an admonishing, guilty voice.

She didn't want my help, an angry, bitter voice replied.

"Ladybug vouched for you."

Adrien wondered if that was true.

They were on the school's roof now. Adrien didn't remember how they got up there. Apparently the kissing zombies were becoming an epidemic. And Zombizou was still very focused on a particular individual.

"Chloe! Ha, always Chloe!" Alix advanced on her angrily. Backing the taller girl up to the roof's edge, with kissing zombies below. "You only think about yourself!"

"I don't know why we don't just give them what they want!" Alya added.

"Yeah! Good idea!" Nino backed her up.

... I should say something here, right? Adrien knew he should defend Chloe. Or at least try to de-escalate the argument. Because, by God, did Adrien know Chloe wasn't going to do it.

"Is it my fault that I'm better than all of you?"

Adrien should say something. But Ladybug beat him to it. In two short sentences she quelled his classmates righteous anger. She was right, of course. Chloe didn't deserve to get hit. And she was the perfect bait.

Ladybug's always right...

Thankfully, the zombies' attempts to climb after them kept Adrien focused on protecting those around him. Instead of wallowing in self-pity. Using the mop he still had, Adrien shoved the zombies back while the rest of his classmates went down Ladybug's yo-yo zipline.

But more kept coming.

"C'mon, Agreste!" Kim yelled, giving Chloe a push down their escape line.

Adrien ran and the zombies swarmed.

"Look out!" Max stretched out his arms and used his body as a shield, distracting the zombies.

"Max!"

Strong arms lifted Adrien up and put him on the zipline. Placing his mop handle so he could grab it and not the razor sharp wire. Kim sent Adrien off just as he was swarmed.

... No one had ever sacrificed themselves for Adrien before. He didn't like it.

Rose slipped from the roof of the bus and cried out as a zombie grabbed her leg. Ladybug quickly retracting her yo-yo and saving her.

He saw the look on Ladybug's face. Gazing out at all of the infected people that surrounded them. Adrien could feel the weight on her shoulders through that gaze. The weight of a city. Ladybug felt responsible for every citizen of Paris. They were counting on her. She let out a low growl of determination and went into the bus.

Inside, Ladybug stared at the driver's seat for a moment. "Anyone know how to drive?"

And when no one else spoke up Adrien replied. "I... can." It was the first words he'd spoken to her since...

"But we are a team aren't we? I'm tired of all these secrets."

"O-Oh! Thank you, Adrien."

Adrien didn't think he deserved any thanks but he nodded and got them on their jarring, halting way. Heading for the Eiffel Tower.

Ladybug's proximity was distracting. Not in the usual way, where he couldn't take his eyes off her and his heart sped up excitedly. His heart was speeding but it wasn't from excitement and his jaw hurt from how hard he was clenching it.

Adrien felt... like when Ladybug didn't come to his surprise. Or when Chloe got the entire school punished for something she did. He wasn't sure how those two things were related but the feeling now was much the same. Only worse.

Focus, a familiar voice said. They're counting on you.

So, Adrien shoved his feelings down to where they usually went in public.

Then someone screamed.

Ladybug kept Alix, Juleka and Rose from kissing anyone else while Adrien sped towards the Eiffel Tower. Coming to a fast stop in its shadow. Grabbing Chloe's wrist in one hand and his mop in the other, Adrien bolted for the elevators. Alya and Nino on their tail. Barricading the doors just as Ladybug made it inside.

But they didn't count on zombies in the elevator.

"Alya!" Nino rushed forward to restrain the infected people, pulling them off his girlfriend.

"...There's nothing we can do for her," Adrien found himself saying. "C'mon!"

"He's right," Alya sat up to look a kneeling Ladybug in the eye. There was nothing but trust in her gaze, a gentle smile on her lips. "Just go and save us all."

Without taking her eyes off Alya, Ladybug slowly walked into the elevator. "Nino?"

Tipping his cap, Nino smiled as the doors closed with him still outside.

"Nino!" Ladybug threw herself at the doors as they started their ascent. Her fist struck the glass in frustration.

"...You'll fix it all in the end anyway," Adrien said. He meant it to be reassuring. It came out accusatory.

She doesn't need me.

Shut up!

"Only the best remain." Chloe felt the need to comment.

She doesn't need Chat Noir.

Not if he's wallowing in self-pity, she doesn't!

A growl left Ladybug's lips. "He's your best friend." Her eyes were on him as she ignored Chloe.

She didn't need you then and she doesn't need you now!

... It doesn't matter.

"You'll fix it," he repeated. Staring her in the eye.

And for some unfathomable reason, Ladybug seemed to accept that.

They arrived at the top... only to be surrounded by zombies.

"Ladybug!" Adrien cried out as he shoved Chloe toward her.

The swarm made to chase after them. So, ignoring the kisses already dotting his skin, Adrien used his body and the mop handle he still carried like a barrier. Stretching out his arms the way Max had.

There were so many of them. Pushing him. Grabbing him. Kissing him. Adrien spread his feet and pushed against the floor as leverage.

"Adrien!"

Looking up he felt Ladybug's palm on his cheek. Despite himself he found it comforting... Her eyes were so afraid. "Go!" he pleaded.

"No!"

"You're the only one who can fix this for us. No arguing now!"

So she didn't.

He watched her hurry away as foreign hands grabbed at his body. Cotton was a poor substitute for the protection of his magical, impervious suit. Strangers' lips slathered the skin on his arms, his neck, his face. The last thing Adrien felt was his flesh crawling in disgust as his strength gave out...

---------

Ladybugs swirled around Adrien as the far too familiar sensation of his free will coming back washed over him.

Just in time to see how close Chloe's lips were to his own. Adrien jerked his head back. Chloe followed his movement. NO! His hands shoved her away before he knew he was doing it.

Adrien stared at her on the ground. The alien sensation of unwanted lips on his skin ghosted over his flesh. Without a word Chloe picked herself up and dusted herself off. Adrien turned on his heel and strode away from her.

Ladybug was also staring. At Mme. Bustier coming out of the akumatization. She held her fist at eye level, a melancholy expression on her face. "B- Bien joue," she whispered.

Eyes stinging suddenly, Adrien looked away. Shutting them tight.

"Ladybug? What on Earth-" Mme. Bustier let out a gasp. "The akuma overtook me. Oh, no! I let my negative emotions get the upper hand. How terrible! I'm terrible..."

A jolt went through Adrien at her words.

The teacher's distress apparently pulled Ladybug back from her own distant sorrow. Shoving away things she couldn't do anything about Ladybug focused on what she could do. "...That's not true. It wasn't your fault. Papillon is the one to blame."

It's not the same, he told himself.

Isn't it?

"But I hurt a lot of people."

"No," Chloe's voice rang out. "I did." All three stared at her in surprise. "I forgot your birthday, once again." She didn't sound like herself. "And when I saw everyone prepare a gift for you, I totally lost it." She sounded... remorseful. "Because I too would've liked to offer you something." Sincere. "I'm sorry, Mme. Bustier."

Snakes slid themselves into knots in Adrien's stomach. He could remember the last time Chloe had apologized for anything. They were eleven.

"Thank you, Chloe. Those words are the best possible gift you could ever give me." And Mme. Bustier wrapped her in a hug.

Chloe's eyes found Adrien's and he felt... unpleasant things.

"Um, I should be going!" For some reason Ladybug was addressing Adrien specifically.

"Right... Thank you."

"No problem." Ladybug smiled despite the strain around her reddened eyes. She waited a moment, expectant. But when nothing was forthcoming she swung away. An odd mixture of relief and guilt on her face.

Adrien didn't speak to Chloe as they took the elevator down. He didn't speak to her as Mme. Bustier, still shaken from her ordeal, went home. Didn't speak to her as the Gorilla pulled up and she got in without asking. It wasn't until they were on their way to Le Grande Paris and the privacy screen was rolled up that Adrien spoke.

"...I don't want you kissing me." He didn't look at her.

"What? Adrikins what're you-"

"I don't like it." His tongue felt heavy and there was a tightness in his chest. "I don't like that nickname."

"...You never complained about it before." Chloe didn't say it dismissively, like she would for anyone else. Because Adrien wasn't anyone else.

Adrien did look at her then. "It was fine when we were kids and then, when we got older, I told myself it didn't bother me. But it does." He felt queasy. Adrien wished he had Chat Noir. Chat Noir never had this much trouble expressing himself.

"Well... okay then." Chloe threw her ponytail behind her. "Just Adrien, then."

And Adrien was so relieved when a knot untangled itself in his stomach that he almost let it slide. Almost. "I don't want you trying to kiss me."

"I'm just greeting you." There was no inflection in her words, like she expected what was coming. "Everyone does it."

"Don't. Lie. To me." And it's the first sign Adrien gave of the anger behind his words. Superseding even the guilt in his gut. Not breaking eye contact no matter how much he wanted to.

Chloe broke it first, looking down. "Maybe... when I realized that you were the only boy I could stand I... Started thinking of you as mine. You were my friend!" Her eyes flicked to Adrien and away again. "And I, maybe, thought I was the only girl who was good enough for you."

"That's not your decision," Adrien snapped. The words are out of his mouth before he can stop them. And he didn't really want to stop them.

"Well, someone had to make a decision!"

Adrien's eyes burned into her.

Chloe winced. Even her infamous tactlessness had its limits. "Adrien..."

He turned away from her.

"What do you want me to say!" Her voice rose. "That I was selfish!? That I wanted you all to myself!? That I was a terrible friend!?"

"No," Adrien replied evenly, still looking away. "I don't want you to say that."

Chloe took a shuddering breath. "I'm sorry... Adrien."

Oh. The sharp spike in Adrien's chest grew smaller. He looked at her. There were actual tears, tiny ones, in the corners of her eyes.

Before he could say anything the car stopped. And Chloe was out the door.

---------

Adrien stared at nothing. Arms wrapped around his knees on the bed. Allowing the tears that had built up all day to fall.

He didn't want to think about Chloe. Didn't want to go over every time she'd lean in and he'd lean away. Hated the way his skin burned at the memory of unwanted contact. Like it was still touching him.

Wrestling himself away from that train of thought only brought up Ladybug. Adrien didn't want to think about her either. Thinking about Ladybug made the writhing in his stomach worse.

Ladybug was as amazing as always. He could see her setting whatever she felt aside for the sake of the mission. Serious and focused like a great hero should be. No wonder the Guardian likes her more than me.

If he still had Plagg then Chat Noir could've helped instead of running around with a mop of all things! Could've actually been useful.

Chat Noir didn't stop you from being useless before.

A bark of laughter escaped Adrien's lips.

Not one person. Not one person mentioned Chat Noir's absence.

They kinda had more important things to worry about, the rational part of his brain pointed out.

Howling laughter came out of him, shaking his frame. I know. And the knowledge only made him feel worse. Friends, people he saw every day, had their minds taken from them. And here he was, what, whining about not being appreciated?

Fresh tears streamed down Adrien's face as he covered his mouth. Laughter turning into wailing sobs. What is wrong with me!?

Smothering the sound of his sobs with his pillow, Adrien screamed himself hoarse. Fingers futilely clawing at the fabric. Realizing, in between breaths, that he cried out for Plagg most of all. Heat built rapidly in his face as his chest constricted. Adrien let himself mourn Plagg's absence all over again. Everything was too hot, too much. He didn't remember how many times he'd cried over the sarcastic, arrogant little jerk but it didn't feel like enough.

Eventually, the raging storm in Adrien calmed. At least for now. He wiped at the dry tear stains, swallowing thickly. Taking slow, deliberate breaths. Blinking his reddened eyes, Adrien's sight landed on Plagg's mini-fridge.

A painful twinge pulled at his heart but Adrien was far too drained for it to last more than a moment. He stared at it. Having avoided touching the only piece of Plagg that still resided in his room.

Standing on shaky legs, he made his way over to Plagg's things. Kneeling, Adrien opened it, seeing nothing but Camembert. His nose too stuffy from crying for its intense odor to have any effect.

Adrien smiled even as his eyes watered. Closing Plagg's fridge he called for a cart to take the Camembert away. Without Plagg he really didn't need so much cheese.

It was time to let go. Even if it took him years. Adrien had experience with letting people go, after all.

[miraculously-quality-content]

OctoGOD: Chapter 8

Lucifer was going thru some books when Taurus, one of the Minotaurs that helps him with directing guests to what they're looking for, came up to him.

"Sir? A few gods are at the entrance."

"And you or one of the other Minotaurs can't help them because..?" Lucifer didn't even look up from the book he was currently reading.

"They said something about introducing you to a new goddess."

"Ah yes, I suppose that would require me wouldn't it?" Lucifer finally looked up to Taurus with a small grin. "Here, I think this book was misplaced. So far I think it belongs under "history of heroes" and not "monster hunter guides". Would you finish checking it while I check with our guest?"

Taurus took the book handed to him, and bowed to Lucifer. "Of course sir."

Lucifer nodded his head, before going up the stairs leading to the ground floor. Once he got to the ground floor, he could hear the gods before he saw them.

Once he did see them, he could instantly tell which one was Lila. Heck, with how all the others were surrounding her, he probably would have known without knowing who the others were.

Nino, who was standing right next to Lila, saw Lucifer as he approached. "Hey Teach! Come meet the new goddess."

"That is why I'm personally coming to see you." Lucifer then turns to Lila, and gives a light nod in her direction. "So you're my kid's other half, are you?"

Lila face scrunched up, just for a second, before she gave Lucifer a sweet smile. "Your child? I thought Gabriel wasn't allowed on Olympus."

The other gods present flinched, and Nino got ready to put himself between Lila and Lucifer, as Lucifer's face grew into scowl. "That pathetic excuse of a god doesn't have a son. I, Lucifer god of knowledge and teaching, am the one that raised Adrien. Therefore, he is my child."

Lila, noticing her mistake, waved her hands in front of herself. "Of course! My bad, with all the traveling I did as a mortal, I never did learn to much about the gods and their relationships."

Lila hung her head. "I'm sorry for insulting you."

Lucifer removed his glasses before rubbing at his eyes. "It's fine, you just made an honest mistake."

Lucifer put his glasses back on, and opened his eyes to see the other gods had calmed down.

"Well, I hope that you bare no ill will to me, as when Adrien and I get married, you and I will see each other often." Lila looked to Lucifer, and he could swear he saw a gleam in her eyes when she mentioned marriage.

"If you two get married."

Lila faltered at that.

"I-if? We are two halves of a whole. Surely we're destined to get married."

The other gods begun to voice similar opinions before Lucifer cut them off.

"No, you two are destined to be close. Whether or not that means marriage is up to the two of you."

Lila's eye twitched. "Well, then do you know where Adrien is? I haven't seen him for a few days."

Lucifer frowned. "Really?" Lucifer then realized that if Adrien is still gone, then he may still have reasons to suspect Lila of lying, "well, I'm sure where ever he is, I'm sure it's important business he had to attend to. Trust me, he has been looking forward to meeting the life goddess for some time."

No one but Lila seemed to notice the emphasis on "life goddess" besides Lila.

"Hey guys? Do you mind if you give me and Lucifer some space to talk? Just for a second."

The other agreed quickly, with Nino being the most reluctant as he's the one tasked with watching over Lila, and go wait out front.

Lila then turns to Lucifer with a scowl. "What's your problem with me?"

Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "Who said I don't like you? Do you have a reason as to why I wouldn't like you?"

"Don't play coy with me, I can tell you have a problem with me! You'll probably try to turn Adrien against me!"

Lucifer crossed his arms. "Who's to say that Adrien isn't the one to give a reason to not like you?"

Lila blew a raspberry. "Of course he likes me, I'm his other half!"

"So you say..."

"Are you trying to say I'm a liar? All the clues point to me being the life goddess!"

"Or it could be a series of coincidences that lead people to believing that."

"Listen here-"

In that moment a drake rushed up to them, startling Lila into scream.

Nino then came running in. "Lila! Are you alright?"

Lila quickly plastered on a scared look for Nino. "One of Lucifer's beast tried to attack me!"

Lucifer was now kneeling in from of the drake. "No, that's not why he ran at us."

"Why else would he-"

Before Lila could finish the question, the drake ended up burping out fire, causing sparks fly everywhere.

Nino and Lila stepped back to avoid the sparks, while Lucifer simply gave the drake a treat before standing up.

"Uh, teach?"

"Yes?"

"Why did one of your drakes burp on you?"

"For this." Lucifer then held a hand out, and blue energy flowed out of it.

The energy took the form of tendrils that reach out to catch all the embers that were still in the air. When caught, the sparks were then brought into Lucifer's hand.

When all the pieces were in his hand, it then glowed a golden color. When the light dimmed, it revealed a paper wrapped with a bow.

"Just a messenger."

"Who's that from?" Nino asked once he got over the light show.

"That's private, sorry. I would suggest you two head out. Because after I respond to this, I should be getting back to work."

Lila almost protested, but Nino talked first.

"Of course! You're pretty busy. We'll get out of your hair. Come on Lila, Rose wanted to show you the gardens."

Lila smiled for Nino, but Lucifer could tell it was forced. "Right, we were going to go to the garden, huh? Well, goodbye Lucifer, I hope you and I get along well in the future."

Lucifer smiled with a cold look in his eyes. "So long as you don't wrong me or my family, we should be fine."

With that said, Lila and Nino left the library.

Once they were gone Lucifer then looked to the letter. "Now, let's see what she wanted to tell me without risking others seeing."

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

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[mcheang]

Packed lunch

A prompt from @agent-numbuh-227

My prompt is: Lila claiming to know the Head Chef of The Grand Paris hotel but doesn't know that the Head Chef is Alya's mom. Lila starts sprouting a bunch of wrong information like calling the chef "he", having meet them when they visited Italy, being like family to them, etc. Bonus: Chloe is the one who tells Lila who the head Chef is and once Lil hears the surname Cesarie, she turns around to see Alya and Nino glaring at her.

Alya and Marinette like to bring food to eat at school. Not only does it save money, but considering their parents are in the food industry, the food tastes better than standard cafeteria food.

Anyway, Lila had joined Alya, Marinette and Nino for lunch as a forced get-along thing set up by Alya. Marinette promises to be nice if Lila doesn’t talk to her or mention her or anything related to her. It was slow progress but it was progress.

As Lila decided to talk about her feats, Marinette calmly listened and ate her food. It was rather like listening to a parrot blathering nonsense. Marinette could just ignore this stuff. By now, she had lost count of the number things Lila had made up which her friends believed. What was a few more lies?

Alya was smiling. This was progress. Marinette wasn’t reacting at all to Lila. Sure it wasn’t ideal; but it was better than scowling and calling her a liar.

Of course Lila wasn’t content about this. But how to provoke Marinette?

She noticed that both Alya and Marinette had lunch boxes. “Oh, your lunch set looks delicious Alya!”

It was grilled venison with mashed potatoes and gravy and carrots. On a restaurant plate, it would look impressive, but in a plastic lunch box, it looked cramped.

Alya: thanks. But my mother’s a Chef. Kind of goes with the territory!

Brilliant. Lila could use this.

Lila: say, I know the head Chef at Chloe’s hotel. Maybe I could introduce your mother to him and they could exchange ideas?

Lila didn’t know much about the Chef, but considering how Chloé once addressed him as Chef Martin (this is a girl who can’t remember her loyal butler’s name, let alone the mother of a disliked classmate), it was a safe bet that the Chef was a male.

Alya: what did you just say?

Lila grinned smugly. Marinette was still eating away, Lila’s voice had become background noise by now. Something to ignore. But not for long.

Lila: oh, he used to work for my family before he started working for the mayor at his hotel. Can’t blame the guy for wanting a promotion. And this way, he’ll get more recognition from hotel guests instead of my house guests. Still; I’m sure you all can agree that Chloe wouldn’t have her head Chef at her hotel if it weren’t for my mother insisting he come with us on every trip. Not to say that Chef Martin isn’t talented. He was once known as the most talented Chef in China before quitting to start a career in Italy. (A dig at Marinette’s uncle). My mom discovered him when she tried his pastries. They were divine. I tell you, Chef Martin’s pastries are probably the best in the world, he can make all kinds of foreign goodies.

Lila knew that Alya would think she wasn’t intentionally insulting Marinette’s bakery. But even Marinette has her family pride.

What Lila didn’t expect was that Marinette truly wasn’t even listening to her. The nerve! And instead of looking impressed and envious, and possibly even begging for an introduction, Alya was glaring at her and Nino was gaping.

Um... was Alya insulted on behalf of her mother? Family pride issue?

A mean-spirited laughed entered the classroom. Chloé stood there, delicately nibbling on a honey macaron. “News flash, Rossi. The hotel head Chef is called Marie Cesaire (ok, she can get surnames right at least). And I don’t know if I would boast about her baking skills if I have to get my desserts elsewhere.” Sabrina was holding a Dupain-Cheng box.

Lila froze. Reluctantly, her eyes shifted to Alya and Nino, both glaring at her.

Quickly backtracking, Lila said, “Chef Martin must have moved. He probably couldn’t stand Chloé’s tyranny.”

Alya: except my mother has been head Chef since before you arrived. There was no chance for her to be replaced by some Chef you made up! Marinette was right about you. You’re a liar!

Lila: no, I’m not!

Alya: oh, yeah? Prove it?

Lila: why are you being so mean to me? I’m telling the truth.

Nino: did you not just hear Alya telling you how she knows you’re lying?

Lila: I...I...i have a condition that makes me lie uncontrollably. Marinette can attest to that.

Markov: there is no such disease.

Max: but there is compulsive lying.

The argument had garnered class attention.

Rose: you don’t know Prince Ali, do you? But where have you been all those months you were supposed to be at school?

Lila: i do know Prince Ali!

But the class was interrupting her now.

“Let’s visit the embassy and ask them ourselves!”

“Um...we’re teenagers.”

Alya: I’m Vice President and I’m within my rights to ask Mrs Rossi on Lila’s health and attendance record.

Chloé: oh you’re all ridiculous. I can just ask daddy to inquire about how Ladybug saved the ambassador’s daughter.

Lila obviously runs away, hoping to catch an akuma. Adrien runs after and sends Plagg to cataclysm the akuma. He does so, but causes the ground to crack beneath Lila, trapping her.

Lila makes the news, along with her misdeeds.

All the while, Marinette finally looked up when she realized there was an angry mob staring out the door. “What I’d miss?”