#bale boucher (OC)

[awholelotofladybug]

Bale: A Stammering Adrien AU Short-Story.

Based on this AU.

This is a nonprofit story. The only characters or locations I own are the ones I make up.  All other fictional characters and locations about Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir are the property of Thomas Astruc and Zag. Please support the official release.

Adrien had decided to take his dog, Buddy, for a walk. Things started out normal enough. Adrien held on to Buddy’s leash while Gorilla accompanied him, the sun was out, and Adrien was smiling. Just then, who should he spot but his former bully, Bale Boucher, wearing a black leather jacket, chewing on a toothpick, and leaning against the wall. When he was spotted, Gorilla got ready to fend him off.

“Easy, Gorilla,” said Adrien. “I’ve worked things out. We’re... We’re cool.”

“I hope we’re cool,” said Bale, walking up to Adrien.

Adrien smiled nervously. “Salut, Bale.”

“So Agreste, word on the street is your mom is marrying your nanny.”

Adrien blushed. “Nathalie is n-n-not my nanny. She’s my mom’s assistant... And yeah, the wedding is this weekend.”

“Whatever,” said Bale. “I just hope you’re ready for what comes next.”

“What comes next?” Adrien asked.

Bale adjusted his jacket. “Comments, glares, people telling you and your moms that they shouldn’t be together, that they’re indecent just for holding hands...”

“It’ll be that bad?” Adrien asked.

“Yeah,” said Bale. “But block it all out. Don’t let them tell you it’s wrong. It’s not.”

“Thanks, Bale,” said Adrien. “But how do you know all of this?”

Bale blushed and pulled his shirt collar down to reveal a necklace. It had a small, heart-shaped medallion with the LGBTQ+ pride stripes.

Adrien’s eyes widened, then sparkled. “Bale... You mean you’re...?”

“SSSHHHH!” Bale hushed. “Yes, okay? I’m gay. Just don’t go broadcasting it, alright? I’ll tell people myself. You know... When I’m ready.”

Adrien smiled and put a hand on his former bully’s shoulder.

“Thank you for t-t-t-trusting me with the truth.”

Bale scoffed. “Whatever. See you around, Adrien.”

As Bale walked away, Adrien noticed he called him by his first name. Adrien was a little stunned. He was used to Bale calling him “moneybags” or “Agreste,” but this time, he was “Adrien.” Adrien felt his heart grow warm as he watched Bale leave, unable to see the smile growing on Bale’s face.

[awholelotofladybug]

I have already started redeeming Bale Boucher, and Katrina Blanchet will get there too, but what about Corbin Coste and Georgette Barbier?

[awholelotofladybug]

"Corbin Coste" just isn't rolling off the tongue. So I'm going to change his first name. Here are the options.

[awholelotofladybug]

Adrien vs Bale: A Stammering Adrien AU Moment.

Based on this AU

Gorilla is sick and has the day off, which means that Adrien, in the eyes of the public, is defenseless. This makes him a perfect target for his longtime bully, Bale B. Boucher. So Bale waits until Adrien is walking down the street, all alone, and then, he strikes.

Bale: Hey! Moneybags!

Adrien: Huh? Bale?

Bale: Eat this! *throws a punch*

Adrien: *goes down, and comes back up with a black eye* Ow! Bale! What are you d-d-doing?! I thought we were over this!

Bale: *slugs Adrien in the stomach*

Adrien: OOF! *topples over, but gets back up*

Bale: You were over it. *cracks his knuckles* I'm not. *throws another punch*

Adrien: GAH! *dodges the punch* Bale, I don't g-g-get it! What's your issue with me?!

Bale: My issue? You're a spoiled, good-looking, rich little twerp, that's my issue. Now hold still. *throws another punch*

Adrien: *dodges the punch* Come on, B-B-Bale! Is this really the b-b-best way to deal with these issues?

Bale: It's how I do it. Now stop being such a wimp, and either fight back or take it like a man! *throws one more punch*

Adrien: *catches his fist, then punches Bale*

Bale: *falls backward, then gets wide-eyed* Wh... What the...?

*The two boys start exchanging punches until Adrien kicks Bale in the jaw, and sends him falling to the ground*

Adrien: *panting* I'm not afraid of you anymore, Bale Boucher. You've been torturing me ever since we first met, but not anymore. If you threaten me again, I will d-d-defend myself. *wipes his mouth* See you around. *starts walking away*

Bale: *gets up, and feels his own black eye* Wait! Agreste!

Adrien: *turns around*

Bale: I... That is... *sigh* Look, you're right. I've been a creep. And... *fake cough* I'm sorry.

Adrien: *is a little shocked* I, um, well, *clears throat* I forgive you.

Bale: *sarcastic* Yeah, big shock. *clears throat and offers hand* Truce?

Adrien: *shakes his hand* Truce. *walks away*

[awholelotofladybug]

Team Miraculous defeated Red Ettin please

Ladybug: LUCKY CHARM! *lucky charm forms a giant rubber band* A giant rubber band? *tries to put an idea together* Okay, I think I've got it. Queen Bee needs to be launched in between the heads, and sting them in the middle so he'll...

Queen B: I'm sorry, Queen Bee needs to what?

Ladybug: Okay, look, I know it sounds bad, but...

Queen B: No, no, no. If that's what I need to do, then I'll do it. I just really hope I don't miss.

*Ladybug and Chat ready the rubber band. Queen B steps back into it as far as possible, and then launches herself*

Queen B: Dontmissdontmissdontmissdontmiss... VENOM!

Red Ettin: AAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUGGGGH! *is petrified by the sting.*

Queen B: *lands, panting*

Chat: *leaps up, and aims for their club* CATACLYSM!

Ladybug: TIME TO DE-EVILIZE! *cleanses the Akuma* Bye-bye, little butterfly. *tosses the rubber band in the air* MIRACUOUS LADYBUG! *everything goes back to normal*

Ladybug: Way to go, Queenie! You did it!

Queen B: Thanks. Now if you'll excuse me... *faints*

Ladybug: *catches her* Let's get her out of here.

Chat: And fast.

Later

Mr. Damocles: And consider yourselves on thin ice, young ladies!

Katrina: Yes, sir!

Georgette: Yes, sir!

Lila: Yes, sir!

Ms. Mendeleiv: I can't help but feel the punishment should be more severe.

Mr. Damocles: It would have been, but Katrina is head of the debate team, our star tennis player, and her father, or rather, her father's lawyer, thinks we should go easy since it's her "first offense"

Ms. Mendeleiv: Well, I'll be keeping a sharp eye out.

Mr. Damocles: Please do. *looks to Bale and Corbin* As for you two, you may have been framed, but you still had a hand in all of this. I had better see some improvement, or you're both out of here.

Bale and Corbin: *gulp* Yes, sir.

[awholelotofladybug]

Verity Queen: Why did you do such a thing to my daughter?! You hurted her!! *use her sword to attacks Katrina and Lila*

Verity Queen: Why did you do such a thing to my daughter?! You hurt her!! *uses her sword to attack Katrina and Lila*

Ladybug: *uses her yo-yo to tie and restrain Verity Queen's arm* Mrs. Cheng, stop this! This won't help your daughter!

Verity Queen: Be gone, Ladybug! These girls got my daughter in trouble, and they must PAY! *tugs the rope*

Chat: *helps Ladybug pull* This w-w-won't help! It might even m-m-make things worse.

Verity Queen: You two wouldn't understand! You're too young!

Ladybug: *thinking* If I had a franc for every time she pulled out that one... Ugh! Focus, Marinette! You need to help Mama! *draws back her yo-yo* *speaking* LUCKY CHARM! *Lucky charm makes a bag of marbles* Marbles

Chat: Ooh, I love marbles!

Ladybug: Hmm. *sees Verity Queen rush towards them* Oh, duh, Ladybug. *lets the marbles loose* Some of these are so obvious, but at least they work.

Chat: *takes Verity Queen's hair flower* CATACLYSM! *destroys the flower, and the Akuma

Ladybug: No more evil-doing for you, little Akuma. TIME TO DE-EVILIZE! *clenses the Akuma* Bye-bye, little butterfly. *tosses the marble sack in the air* MIRACULOUS LADYBUG!

Later

Bale Boucher: So yeah, Blanchet's locker fell open, and some stuff fell out. Dupain-Cheng was just putting it all back

Katrina: And you didn't say something because...?

Bale: I had other things to do! Give me a break!

Mr. Damocles: Well, now that we have all the evidence, I can safely say that Marinette is no longer suspended. I apologize for the hasty conclusions.

Sabine: As long as we have everything cleared up. *leaves the room, doing the "watching you gesture at Katrina, Lila, and Georgette*

[awholelotofladybug]

Stammering Adrien AU: Verity Queen BtS (before Sabine got Akumatized)

Corbin is walking on a hallway when he sees his partner in crime, Bale, bashing a locker door.

Corbin: Bale! What are you doing?!?!

Bale: Katrina paid me 50 euros for just bashing her and her two friend's locker doors!

Corbin: NICE!

Corbin is walking on a hallway when he sees his partner in crime, Bale, bashing a locker door.

Corbin: Bale! What are you doing?!?!

Bale: Katrina paid me 50 euros for just bashing her and her two friend's locker doors!

Corbin: NICE! Let's do it!

Marinette: Hey, what are you two doing?

Bale: None of your business, pigtails! Go slobber all over your boyfriend! We're busy!

Marinette: *blushes and gets angry* Are you guys seriously breaking into someone else's lockers?

Bale: *sees Katrina walking up* Not exactly. *tosses her the hammer* See ya, pigtails.

Corbin: Yeah, and wouldn't want to be ya.

Marinette: Hey! You two get back here!

Katrina: *gasp* Marinette Dupain-Cheng! How could you?!

Marinette: *looks at Katrina, then the lockers, then the hammer in her hand* Oh brother...

[awholelotofladybug]

(Stammering Adrien AU) Bale: Hey Agreste, can i... . Adrien: Just call me Adrien. Bale: Ummm, Are you sure about that?

Bale: Hey Agreste, can I...?

Adrien: Bale, we're friends, now. Just c-c-call me Adrien.

Bale: Ummm, Are you sure about that?

Adrien: Yeah, go ahead.

Bale: Okay. *deep breath* Adrien, can I, well, get an autograph? *blushes* It's for my cousin. *hands him a magazine*

Adrien: Oh. Yeah, sure. *signs the magazine, and gives it back* Here.

Bale: Thanks. *leaves*

Corbin: *follows* Wait, Bale, why did you do that? I thought Agreste was uncool. Doesn't being friends with him make us uncool?

Bale: No! I just... I just said that 'cause I thought he was stuck-up, alright? Besides, we are SO cool, that our coolness can rub off on any uncool friends we might have.

Corbin: I guess that makes sense?

Bale: It does. Now come on. If I'm late for my cousin's birthday, she'll never shut up about it.

[awholelotofladybug]

(SA AU) Katrina: *whimpers* W-Who are you? Red Ettin (Corbin’s head): Remember us, Katrina? Katrina: *gasps* Corbin and Bale?! Red Ettin (Bale’s head): *evil smiles* You’re absolutely correct. It was us, Corbin and Bale.

Katrina: *whimpers* W-Who are you?

Red Ettin (Corbin’s head): Remember us, Katrina?

Katrina: *gasps* Corbin and Bale?!

Red Ettin (Bale’s head): *evil smiles* Bingo. It's us, Corbin and Bale. The guys you threw under the bus!

Katrina: I have a reputation to keep! What did you expect?!

Red Ettin (Bale's head): You stuck up, useless little...

Chat: Put her down, tough guy.

Red Ettin (both heads): You! *drops Katrina* Ready for the beating of a lifetime, pussycat?

Ladybug: We hear you barking, big boy. *takes a fighting stance* Now let's see you bite.

[awholelotofladybug]

Bale and Corbin got akumatized into Red Ettin (a two headed red demon-like Akuma).

After some investigation, Katrina's plot to sabotage Marinette was revealed. In a desperate attempt to save her reputation, Katrina threw Bale and Corbin under the bus. Angered by her betrayal, Bale and Corbin are enraged, and Hawkmoth is all-too-eager to take advantage of that.

Hawkmoth: Red Ettin.

Bale: Huh?

Corbin: What?

Hawkmoth: I am Hawkmoth. There is a rage within fanned by the sting of betrayal. Agree to bring me Ladybug and Chat Noir, and I will give you the power to use that rage to destroy all who betrayed you, and any who stand against you. What say you?

Bale: *smirks* I'm in.

Corbin: Me too.

*The boys merge, and become a large, red-skinned, two headed ogre with black hair, horns, and long tusks, wearing only a brown loincloth, and carrying a club

Red Ettin: *ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAR*

[awholelotofladybug]

The Zit!: A Stammering Adrien AU Story

 Based on This AU.

Disclaimer: This is a nonprofit story. The only characters or locations I own are the ones I make up.  All other fictional characters and locations about Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir are the property of Thomas Astruc and Zag. Please support the official release.

Big thanks to @thefangirlsarecomeing for his ideas involving Alya and Nino

Adrien was panicking as he stood in front of his bathroom mirror, on what promised to be a dreadful Tuesday morning. This could not be happening. How could it happen? Adrien always made sure to take the proper precautions ever since Nathalie gave him the talk about puberty. He kept his face clean, he managed what he ate, at least most of the time, he even moisturized until his skin was baby-soft, and yet there it was, right in the middle of his forehead, staring back at him in the mirror. Puberty’s ugliest side-effect. It was the most hideous thing Adrien had ever seen on his own body. There was no denying it. Adrien Agreste,  a teen model and son of a renowned fashion designer, had a zit. This was a disaster, at least in Adrien’s mind. This zit could ruin his modeling career, and destroy his social life. In a state of desperation, he covered his forehead and did the one thing he could think to do.

“MOOOOOOM!”

That was when Emilie, as swift as lightning, barged into his bathroom, followed by Nathalie and Gorilla.

“Are you okay, sunshine?” Emilie asked as she rushed over and took him by the shoulders.

“N-n-no! I have a huge z-z-zit on my forehead!” Adrien said while still panicking.

Nathalie and Emilie sighed, relieved that he wasn’t hurt or sick.

“Oh Adrien, I’m sure it’s not that bad,” said Nathalie as she walked up to him. “Now come on, let me see.”

Adrien slowly and timidly removed his hands, revealing the bulbous blemish.

“OH, MY WORD!!” Nathalie shouted.

Emilie took her son by the head to get a better look. “How on Earth did you get that?!”

 “I d-d-don’t know! I woke up, and it was…and it was there!” said Adrien, covering it back up. “What am I going to do?! I can’t go to s-s-school like this! I look like a mutant!”

Emilie took Adrien aside. “Honey, calm down. I know it looks bad, but everyone gets acne. You should have seen me when I was your age. Mine cleared up, and so will yours.”

“Maybe makeup can hide it, or maybe I should just p-pop it,”

“Adrien, no!” Nathalie said. “Makeup can make acne worse, and popping it will leave a scar, and maybe even make it infected.”

Adrien groaned.

“Hang on. I have an idea,” said Emilie as she went into Adrien’s room.

She came back with Adrien’s red ball cap and put it on his head, backward. She then positioned it with Adrien’s hair in such a way as to hide the zit.

“There. Out of sight, out of mind, right?” She adjusted the hat slightly, just to make sure.

Adrien looked at himself in the mirror again. “I don’t know, are you sure?”

“It’ll have to do for now,” said Nathalie. “Your mom and I will look for some pimple cream while you’re at school, okay?”

Adrien sighed. “Okay.”

“Good. Now get dressed and meet me and your mother downstairs for breakfast. You don’t want to be late for school.”

After giving Adrien a kiss on each cheek, the two women left Adrien in his bathroom, followed by Gorilla, who placed an assuring hand upon Adrien’s shoulder as he left. Adrien sighed. The week promised to be a rough one. But if Adrien learned anything from his experiences last year and this year, it’s that hiding in his room wouldn’t solve anything. He did what Nathalie told him to do, and got dressed.

Marinette was waiting for Adrien outside of school. There was half an hour before class began, so she wasn’t worried about being late. That’s when she saw him. He was wearing the ball cap Nino gave him and was slouched over, almost like he was trying not to be seen.

Marinette couldn’t help but worry, so she rushed over. “Adrien, Mon Cher, are you okay?”

Adrien looked up to see her, not noticing where his feet were landing. One bad step had him toppling on top of Marinette, causing his hat to fall off.

“Oh my gosh! I’m s-s-sorry, Ma Cherie. I wasn’t paying attention.” he said as he frantically got up.

Marinette picked herself up, and the got cap off the ground, but what she saw shocked her. For what seemed like an instant, she saw that Adrien Agreste, her beloved boyfriend, who always had flawless skin, had a large pimple on his forehead.

“Adrien…” she said, almost whispering.

Marinette was so shocked, she couldn’t even think of what to say.

“D-don’t look at me! I’m hideous!” Adrien said, snatching the cap away and hastily putting it back on.

“Oh Adrien, it’s not that…”

Marinette stopped herself and began thinking, well, more accurately, overthinking.

‘I can’t tell Adrien it doesn’t look bad.’ she thought. ‘He might decide to let people see it. Then he’ll be the laughing stock of the school, lose his modeling career, be labeled an outcast, be forced to leave civilization, and start his life over in the Himalayas, and I’ll never see him again, or at the very least adapt to a long-distance relationship, and those are so difficult to manage. And it’ll be all my fault!’

“How b-b-bad is it?” Adrien asked, his voice quivering.

Marinette gulped. She didn’t want to hurt Adrien’s feelings, but her paranoia kept playing her overthought scenario in her head. She decided to tell him the truth.

“I won’t lie to you, Adrien. It’s really bad. It looks like it might even be growing.” she said with a small frown.

“Oh, I knew it! I’m a f-f-freak! If anyone sees… If anyone sees me like this, I’ll be a laughing stock, or worse, I’ll be run out of town like Frankenstein’s monster! I’ll have to hide away from society in the sewers, wear a mask, and b-become the Phantom of Paris or something!”

Marinette was stunned. She had rambled and overthought things plenty of times in the past, but she rarely heard it from her friends, let alone her boyfriend.

Adrien then sighed. “I hope it doesn’t s-s-smell too bad down there. You’ll come to visit me, right Marinette?”

Marinette put her own paranoia aside to try and comfort Adrien. She knew if they were both calmer, maybe they could figure things out. So she went up to Adrien and put his hat back on his head.

“I would, but maybe we should find a way to avoid that first. It’s just a pimple.”

“Girl, that’s no pimple,” said Alya’s voice from behind her. “That is a zit. A huge, honking, whitehead zit.”

Adrien groaned as he hid his face.

“You’re not helping, Alya,” Marinette said with a huff.

“Sorry, but still, that’s one big zit,” said Alya. “I hope you know what you’re going to do to get rid of it.”

Adrien looked to Alya with pleading eyes. “Do you have any suggestions? I’ll t-t-try anything at this point.”

“Sorry, no. I never get acne, so I never have to treat it,” Alya said, trying not to brag.

This didn’t help Adrien’s self-esteem as he shrank down to the ground and hugged his knees. The girls knelt down to comfort him.

“Don’t worry, sunshine-boy. It’ll be okay,” said Marinette, hugging him.

“Yeah,” said Alya. “I bet your mom is out buying you the best zit cream on the market. She won’t let you down.”

“What do you mean you’re all out?!” Emilie shouted.

“Just as I said, Madame. We’re out of acne cream.” said the clerk. “Our entire shipment of name brands has been delayed due to a mishap at the shipping facility that they’re still fixing, and most of our store brands are sold out due to this.”

“Monsieur, please. My poor son has a pimple the size of a wild blueberry on his forehead. You have to help us.”

“Well, you could try something unconventional,” the clerk said as he took out a pamphlet, and handed it to her. “This guy, Wang Fu, is a physical therapist and healer. He might have a solution.”

Emilie looked at the pamphlet. “Nathalie, what do you think?”

“Well, with the situation at hand, it’s probably the best choice we have. I’ll have the driver start the car,” Nathalie said as she texted their driver.

The two ladies left the pharmacy, got into the car with Nathalie in the driver’s seat. Emilie looked out the window.

“My poor sunshine,” she said with a sigh. “He must be having such a hard time today.”

“It’s a pimple, Emilie. It’s not like he’s horribly disfigured,” said Nathalie.

“I know, but children can be so cruel in these situations. Pointing, laughing, taking pictures, calling names. I just don’t want Adrien to end up back where he started like when we tried to put him in primary school.”

Nathalie patted Emilie’s back. “It should be fine. After all, Adrien has a reason to stay in school this time.”

“What’s that?” Emilie asked.

“Not what. Who,” said Nathalie with a smile. “He has friends now, including a girlfriend. I’m certain they can help him through this, especially Marinette.”

Emilie smiled and hugged her dear assistant and friend. “How could I have made it through any of this without you?”

Nathalie hugged back. “I’m not sure, Emi, but I’m glad to be here.”

The two women continued hugging before finally breaking it. They continued to talk and look out the windows as they made their way to the Wang Fu’s healing center. They arrived about ten minutes later and walked in.

“Ah, Mrs. Agreste. It's so good to see you.” said an old man in a Hawaiian shirt.

It didn’t take long for Emilie to recognize this elderly stranger. “Hey, I remember you. You’re the kind old man who offered Adrien acupuncture last year.”

“Wang Fu, at your service. Has the boy changed his mind?” Fu asked with a smile.

“Well, if acupuncture can get rid of acne, the answer might be yes. You see, Adrien has a large pimple on his forehead, and the pharmacy doesn’t have any pimple cream. Could you help him?”  

Fu thought for a second, then had an idea. “Have him come here after school. I have a solution.”

It was the end of the school day at Collège Françoise Dupont. Adrien had managed to keep his blemish secret from everyone else, though it wasn’t easy. Nobody asked him about the hat, which was a relief. Still, he caught a few people whispering suspiciously behind his back, which made him paranoid and anxious, putting a strain on his day. He stood at the base of the steps of the entrance, putting his books away when he ran into trouble. That trouble took the form of Bale Boucher, Curt Coste, Dru Dain, and Ernest Emond, the four bullies who beat and harassed him on his first day.

“Hey moneybags, what’s with the lid?” Curt said.

“Yeah,” said Ernest. “You and your doofus DJ wannabe friend making some sort of loser fashion statement?"

Dru chuckled. “Maybe he’s just got a giant zit.”

Adrien sneered and rolled his eyes. “Do you guys s-s-seriously have nothing better to do than bother me?”

“Yeah? Well, you g-g-g-gonna d-d-do something about it, moneybags? Huh? Are you gonna do something about it?” said Bale said, mocking Adrien’s stammer.

“I don’t have time for this right now, Bale,” said Adrien, walking past them. “Let me know when you guys are ready to b-b-be civil.”

Outside, Adrien seemed confident, but inside, he was screaming. Sure, having Gorilla waiting in the car outside kept him from getting beaten up, but Gorilla only got involved during physical confrontations, and Adrien still had some residual fear of these bullies after what they did to him on the first day of school. Just as he was flashing back to that day, he could feel one of them taking his hat off of his head.

“Hey!” he shouted!

“Yo, I called it!” said Dru, holding Adrien’s hat. “Hey everyone, check it out! Mr. Model’s got a giant zit!”

This caught the attention of a few students. A few in this new audience started laughing and pointing at Adrien.

“So much for your perfect face, eh zit-boy?!” said one boy in the crowd.

“What are you modeling next, dweeb? A paper sack to hide your face?!” Dru said.

Adrien stood there, lowering his head, and covering his ears, trying not to listen to the mocking laughter or hurtful insults, but then, he heard someone yell out “STOP IT!!”

The crowd went quiet. Adrien looked up, and he was now standing behind Ivan Bruel, a classmate and friend of his, as well as Kim, Alix and Gorilla.

“Where do you all get off?!” Alix shouted, getting in Bale and Curt’s faces.

“Yeah, so Adrien’s rich and has a zit! Big deal!” said Kim. “Like you guys have never had zits before! The only reason you guys even pick on Adrien is that you’re jealous of him!”

Marinette, Nino, Alya, Chloé and Gorilla then went up to Adrien to support him.

Ivan then came up. “If you guys ever bother Adrien again, I’ll beat you up so bad, it won’t even be funny!” he said. This frightened the bullies and the crowd.

Kim snatched the hat away and gave it back to Adrien, and patted his back.

“Figures that the rich little twerp has some bodyguards. What a stuttering little wimp.” Bale said under his breath. This made Ivan turn back around.

“That’s it. You’re DEAD.” he said as he cracked his knuckles.

The four bullies stared in shock, screamed, and ran away, clearly not tough enough to fight someone their own size, let alone Ivan’s.

“Get back here, you chickens!” he shouted as he chased them down the road, followed by Kim and Alix.

“Hey, give them a punch or two for me!” Chloé shouted.

Meanwhile, Marinette was busy kissing her boyfriend’s cheek.

“Are you okay, Mon Cher? Are you hurt?” she asked.

“J-just my self-esteem,” said Adrien, putting his hat back on. “But I’ll be okay.”

“Well, don’t you worry, Adriki… I mean, Adrien. Ivan, Kim, and Alix are going to teach those goons a lesson. And if they don’t, I will.” said Chloé, shooting a death glare in the direction where the bullies took off.

“I’d rather you didn’t,” said Adrien. “It j-j-just gets more people in trouble. Still, I am… I am pretty embarrassed about the whole zit thing,”

Nino planted his hand on Adrien's shoulder. “Don’t worry bro. This will blow over before you know it. It’s all a part of puberty.”

“Have you ever had zits before, bro?” Adrien asked his best friend.

“Nah, dude. I’m one of the lucky ones, but I have been suffering from some dragon breath. I won’t even go into Alya’s mood swings.”

Nino was grabbed by the shirt collar by Alya.

“What’s that supposed to mean, smart guy?!” Alya said with a snarl.

"Whoa, babe, relax. You know I love you,” said Nino, putting his hands up in defense.

Alya pouted and put him down. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

“Guess we all have to d-d-deal with puberty," said Adrien as he put on a smile.

“Yeah. We sure do,” said Marinette with a giggle. "But it's all part of growing up."

Adrien sighed. “I know. Still, I wouldn’t mind if it were easier.”

“Ugh! Me too!” Chloé said as she rolled her eyes.

“Same!” Marinette said.

That’s when Gorilla pulled up in the Agreste car.

“There’s my ride. S-s-see you guys later,” said Adrien as he smiled and waved goodbye.

Adrien waited anxiously for Master Fu to come in. He was sitting in a chair, tapping his foot. Many ideas went through his head on how Fu would treat his zit. That’s when Master Fu came in.

“Hello again, Adrien.” said the healer with a smile.

Adrien smiled. “Hello, M-M-Master Fu. So, how are you going to fix my face? Acupuncture?”

“For one pimple? I don’t think so. No, I have something a little simpler.”

Fu replied as he went over to his cabinet. Meanwhile, Adrien looked towards the elder in confusion and curiosity.

“You know, Adrien, Acne at your age is natural. I dare say it’s even unavoidable,” Fu said as he reached in and grabbed a few bottles of oil.

“Oils?” Adrien asked.

“Essential Oils. I collect them myself,” said Fu as he began putting a few bottles in a bag, and giving them to Adrien.

Adrien looked at the bag, then at Fu. “Couldn’t I had b-b-bought these at the store?”

“Yes, but you can’t always trust those name brands, son. Some of them tend to cut corners for the sake of cost, and still manage to make it expensive.”

Adrien gave a small smile at the guardian’s wisdom.

“Now use these as instructed, and I urge to be more cautious in regards to your body. Forgive me if you’ve heard it before, but this is a very unstable time for you, said Fu. “Acne, body odor, mood swings, you can look forward to it all at some point.”

“Yes, s-s-sir,” Adrien replied in a respectful tone.

“And one other thing, son.”

“Yes, Master Fu?” Adrien asked.

“I’m very proud of you. You have overcome your shortcomings, and become one of the finest examples of Chat Noir I have ever seen,” said Fu.

Adrien smiled at Fu’s words. “I have you to thank, sir. You, my mom, my f-friends, and especially my lady.”

“Ladybug?” Fu asked.

“Of course. She’s incredible. She’s a great hero, a great partner, and a g-g-great girlfriend,” Adrien said with a smile. “She respects me, she listens to m-my ideas, she comforts me when I’m depressed, she’s… she’s just terrific..”

“I had a hunch that you two were made for each other,” Fu said happily. “Well, I think you better get going. Tell your mother that this first visit, and these oils, are on the house.”

Adrien smiled. Master Fu was such a great mentor and friend.

“Bye, sir.”

Adrien took a look in the bag. He had faith that Fu had given him what he needed. His zit will soon be a thing of the past.

Time marched on, and Saturday had come. After a week of hiding his blemish, and following Master Fu’s instruction, Adrien looked in the mirror that morning, and to his pleasant surprise, the zit was gone. Adrien let out a loud “YES!” which caused Emilie and Nathalie to rush in.

“Everything okay over here, sunshine?” Emilie asked.

“It s-s-sure… it sure is, mom,”

Adrien as he took his hand from his forehead.

His mother smiled and kissed him all over his face. “My baby’s all better!”

“Aw, Mom!”

“Now Adrien, remember what Mr. Fu said. You need to be vigilant about your skin, and use the oils as the instructions say,” said Nathalie.

Adrien nodded in compliance. “Yes, Nathalie.”

“Well, it’s all settled, and your next photo shoot is tomorrow,” said Emilie. “But for now, why don’t you go out, and have some fun with your friends today?”

“S-s-sounds… sounds great!” Adrien exclaimed before kissing each woman on the cheek. “Thanks, mom! Thanks, Nathalie!”

Adrien then rushed to get dressed, making the two women smile.

Later that day, Adrien found himself at a spa with Marinette, Chloé, Alya, and Nino.

“I’m glad to see you don’t have to worry about your zit anymore, my sweet sunshine-boy,” Marinette said as she kissed Adrien’s lips.

“I am too, but you know something, if another shows up, I w-w-won’t let it get to me,” Adrien said with confidence.

“That’s the spirit, dude,” said Nino. “Come on, some of the other guys are waiting for us in the sauna.”

“Coming, duUuUde!” Adrien quickly covered his mouth at what he heard coming out of his mouth.

“Uh, bro, I think your voice is cracking,” said Nino

Adrien huffed. “UGH! P-p-puUuebrty!”

His friends laughed, but Adrien didn’t mind. In fact, he even started laughing along with them.