#out of commission thinking about marichat

[anna-scribbles]

ANNA WRITE YOUR PAPER OMG-

to everyone concerned about my paper due tonight: i’ve decided i won’t be writing it. please understand that miraculous brainrot is a very real burden to bear

[aldbooks]

Miraculous Masterlist

Miraculous Ladybug 🐞

AO3 tiggertink08

Beginnings - T - 14/14 chapters - 43,242 words

The start of Marichat. Takes place after the events of Troublemaker, following the photo shoot Adrien invites Marinette to attend.

As Time Goes On - M - 20/20 - 66,976 words

After 3 long years, Hawkmoth is finally defeated, but before Ladybug can reveal herself to her partner, Chat Noir disappears.

Just My Luck - M - 22/22 - 74,424 words

23 year old Marinette Dupain-Cheng has been in love with her superhero partner Chat Noir since she was a teenager. Since they weren't able to be together, she had tried to find happiness with others over the years to no avail.

While celebrating her new internship at Gabriel with her best friend Alya, she meets a handsome young man who bears a striking resemblance to her partner. Not usually one for casual flings, she decides to indulge her long time fantasies with him, and they share a memorable night together.

Even though she can't seem to stop thinking about that night, she never expected to see him again. That is, until she comes face to face with him on her first day, and discovers he's none other than the famous son of her new boss.

I Wanna Be Bad - T - 2/2 - 15,174

After Lila finally makes good on her promise to take Marinette's friends away from her, Hawkmoth finally succeeds in akumatizing her. With Ladybug temporarily out of commission, Chat Noir is going to need all the help he can get.

Tell Me Lies - M - 14/? - 47,219 words - indefinite hiatus

After an embarrassingly public misunderstanding begins a storm of rumors about famous model Adrien Agreste and the girl he was seen kissing, Adrien's father comes up with the perfect solution to save his reputation. A fake relationship.

The only problem is, the longer the ruse continues, the more real feelings start to seep in, complicating what should have a been a simple and easy arrangement. Will something that started with an accident and a lie, produce something genuine? Or will all of the secrecy and deceit poison the well?

That’s what you get for waking up in Vegas - 14/? - 45,849 words - indefinite hiatus

The gang takes a trip to Vegas to celebrate the end of university and Alya and Nino’s upcoming wedding.

Marinette and Adrien learn that what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay there.

Miraculeux - E - 23/? - 76,711 words - indefinite hiatus but it’s more or less finished

Model Adrien Agreste is the silent co-owner of the hottest, most exclusive exotic dance joint in town where even the clients use masks and pseudonyms to conceal their identity. There he secretly masquerades as Chat Noir on the weekends.

His oft-times dance partner, M'Lady is crushing big time on him, while he has fallen for his father's newest intern, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, who only sees him as a friend.

[carpisuns]

This fic was commissioned by @allineedisabook-18 for the @miraculers-for-ukrainecharity drive. Thanks for your support!

Summary: “You’re sick, aren’t you?” He drops down to the balcony. “You’re sick because you love someone and … they don’t love you back.” (Love square Hanahaki AU, Marichat centric)

Word count: 6.4k

where roses bloom

From the first day he meets Ladybug, Adrien feels something growing inside his chest.

At first, it feels like a promise—a warm bud of light just waiting for its time to finally bloom.

Then one day, it bursts to life inside him like the first spark of a fire.

Adrien collapses to his knees, coughing and wheezing. Everything burns—his chest, his throat, his eyes. His lungs feel crowded, his throat swollen. He can barely breathe.

“What’s happening to me?” he rasps to Plagg. He falls into another fit of coughing.

That’s when the first petal appears.

(full fic is under the cut)

He stares at it, blood red against his bedroom floor.

The rose in the vase on his empty dinner tray is pink, not red.

“Adrien?” Plagg asks, hovering anxiously over him. “You okay?”

His lungs squeeze and burn. He coughs again, and this time, he catches the petals in his hands.

They’re smooth as silk. Like the rose he offered Ladybug just an hour earlier.

The rose she turned away.

“I don’t understand,” he says. “Did the akuma do this? I don’t—I don’t remember being hit. And wouldn’t the miraculous ladybugs have fixed it?”

“I don’t think that’s it.”

“What else could it be? This is obviously some kind of magic.”

“Yeah.” Plagg looks grim. “And not the good kind.”

More coughing. More petals. “What do you mean?”

Plagg sighs. “I’ve been around a long time, kid. I’ve seen this before. I thought this kind of magic died out a long time ago, but I guess that was only because the miraculous were inactive for so long.”

“I don’t understand.”

“One of my holders was from Japan. She called it hanahaki. It’s the disease of unrequited love. When you love someone who doesn’t love you back, the flowers grow in your lungs. Sounds cheesy, I know. But … this really isn’t something to laugh about.”

Adrien freezes. Plagg thinks it’s serious? Plagg says it’s no laughing matter?

Oh no.

“Well, what do I do? Go to the doctor, I guess?” Adrien grimaces. He was not looking forward to that conversation with his father.

“Normal doctors can’t do anything,” Plagg says. “Not even the Guardian can do anything for you. There’s only one cure.”

Adrien coughs again. Red petals flutter to the floor. “And what’s that?”

For once, Plagg’s eyes look as old as he actually is.

“She has to love you back."

***

“You okay, dude?” Nino asks. “You’ve been hacking up a lung lately.”

“Fine.” Adrien sets down his lunch tray and tucks his face into his collar while he coughs, trying to catch the petals in his shirt.

“That doesn’t sound good,” Alya chimes in. “Got a cold or something?”

“Or something.” Adrien stands. “Be right back.”

He speed-walks to the bathroom, breaking into a run before he reaches the door. The walls of his chest burn, throat contracting as another coughing fit seizes him. He collapses in front of a toilet, wheezing, and watches the bowl fill up with red.

“You’ve got it bad, kid,” Plagg whispers.

When he finally makes it back, Marinette has joined Nino and Alya at the lunch table.

“H-hi, Adrien,” she says quickly. “How can I feel you? I mean—how are you feeling?”

“I’m okay. Thanks.” He offers a smile and slips into place beside Nino.

“Oh, um, great!” She looks kind of flushed—almost feverish—but she smiles back readily, ducking her head.

They finish their lunch, and Adrien manages to swallow down another burning urge to cough. Then Marinette falls into a fit of her own.

“Aw, Adrien, you infected my bestie!” Alya teases. “She’s been coughing all week too. Keep your fancy rich-people germs away from us peasantfolk.”

“Sorry,” he says automatically, but Marinette shakes her head, face still buried in her hands, until the coughing finally subsides.

“I’m fine.” Her lips curve, but Adrien has modeled long enough to tell a real smile from a fake one. She keeps her hands curled into tight fists in her lap for the rest of lunch.

When it’s time to go, he moves extra slowly, pretending to adjust the strap of his bag. Alya and Nino are already halfway across the room, but Marinette is crouched over her bag with her back to him.

“Um, Marinette?”

She straightens, another thin smile plastered on her face. “Yes?”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

Her expression softens, somewhere between warm and wistful.

“Yeah. I’m okay,” she says. “Thanks.”

She turns to follow the others, and for a moment he just watches her leave while his stomach tightens and his throat burns.

There’s something small and bright on the floor where she’d been standing. He stoops to get a closer look. Pinches it between his fingers.

A flower petal, sunshine yellow.

***

Adrien surveys the rooftop. Everything is perfect: the candles, the pillows, the rose petals (which almost seemed like a waste to buy, but he was not about to decorate with flowers he coughed up).

Today is the day. The day it all ends. (The day it begins.) His lungs don’t even burn now. He sits down on a blanket and watches the horizon for a red silhouette.

Hours pass. Darkness settles over him as the sun sinks behind the rooftops. The candles blaze on resolutely, and soon the burning in his chest returns to match.

She’s not coming.

Slowly, he blows out each one, reciting as he goes. “She loves me a little. A lot. Madly. Not at …”

He stares down at the tiny flame of the last candle, and he can’t bring himself to snuff it out. At last, the burning in his throat is too much, and he doubles over while petals pour from his mouth to join the ones already strewn over the rooftop.

He lifts his head. There’s a light ahead of him. A lone figure, standing on a balcony. Marinette.

His chest still burns, and he can’t stand to be alone tonight. So he goes.

He hears coughing when he gets a little closer. He drops onto a chimney stack, and she whirls around.

“Chat Noir?”

“Sorry,” he says quickly. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. Would—”

He spots yellow flower petals scattered around her feet.

“Oh, sorry!” She tries to brush them away with her foot. “I was just, um, planting some—”

“—buttercups?” He looks around. “But where are the flowers? And the pot?”

“Oh, um, I—”

“You too?” he asks softly.

She blinks. “What?”

“You’re sick, aren’t you?” He drops down to the balcony. “You’re sick because you love someone and … they don’t love you back.”

She stares back at him breathlessly.

“You know?”

He nods. “It’s red roses for me.”

She looks down. “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

An ache joins the burning in his chest, and he wishes there was something he could do to make her better. All this time, she’d been hurting just like he was.

He offers a hand. “Come with me.”

When they land, Marinette’s eyes widen at the sight of the rooftop, still adorned with hundreds of rose petals.

He sweeps into a bow. “It’s my pleasure to be your knight to the ball this evening. Would you do me the honor of a dance, princess?”

She giggles and offers a curtsy. He grabs her hand and draws her close, and then they’re turning in circles all over the roof, stirring the petals under their feet.

“Don’t worry,” he says. “These roses came from a shop.”

She smiles, but then it fades. “You did all this for the person you love?”

“Yeah. For Ladybug.” He swallows against the searing in his throat. “But she didn’t show up.”

She’s quiet for a minute. “I didn’t know. That you loved her. I mean, I’ve seen how you act around her. But I thought you were just being … I don’t know. Silly.”

He laughs softly. “I suppose I am pretty silly. But I really love her a lot.”

A roar splits the air. Akuma. He pulls Marinette out of the path of an incoming blast and then scoops her into his arms. When she’s safely back in her bedroom, he turns to leave, but she catches onto his belt tail.

“Thank you,” she says. “And … I’m really sorry she didn’t come.”

He smiles. “At least I got to share it with someone. And hey, if you ever need to commiserate about how much it sucks to cough up flowers all the time, I’ll be around, okay?”

“Okay,” she whispers.

After the battle, Ladybug follows him back to the rooftop, where the candles still glow against the deep blue night. He holds a rose in his hands—bright red, like her suit. Like his heart. Like the love inside his lungs, growing bigger and bigger every day.

“You’re more than a partner, Chat Noir,” she says softly. “You’re my friend. And I could never lie to a friend.” She closes her eyes. “There’s this boy …”

Adrien’s lungs squeeze painfully, and he can almost feel the roses inside him wilting along with the one in his hands.

Ladybug watches him, the light from the candles reflecting in her eyes like they’re floating on water. There’s a pull deep in his chest, a shooting pain that wraps around his lungs and sprouts between his ribs.

He takes a step closer. “I understand, Ladybug. You’re my best friend too.” Then he leaves her with a kiss on her cheek and a rose in her hands while his garden blooms on inside him.

***

There’s something about ridiculous magical diseases that makes friendship come very easily.

Adrien huddles under Marinette’s blankets with her on a Tuesday night, a plate of pastries between them. They start with a movie, but it’s way too romantic for either of them to stomach, so they abandon it twenty minutes in. Instead, he performs a dramatic reenactment of the latest akuma attack, including Hawkmoth’s inner monologue, which makes her laugh so hard that he thinks yellow petals might come out of her nose. She tells him about how she’d tripped and spilled her yogurt all over the lunch table and how her teacher had told her off for daydreaming in class. (He was there for both incidents, but he likes hearing about them anyway.)

“What were you daydreaming about?” he asks. “Buuuuttercup?”

She lets out a huff. “Well, yes. If you must know. He is pretty dreamy.”

“And I’m not?” He leans in close, grinning, and she pushes him back by the nose.

“You wish.”

“If he’s so dreamy,” Adrien says, “why don’t you tell him?”

“What? I can’t just do that.”

“Why not?”

“It’s—it’s complicated!”

“Is it?” He lifts a hand, counting on his fingers. “One, girl loves boy. Two, girl tells boy. Three, boy loves her back. Four, girl lives happily ever after and does not have to sleep with a flower-cough bucket anymore. Simple.”

Marinette fiddles with a loose thread on her bedspread. “I really don’t have any control over anything after step two.”

“Yeah, but you’ll never know unless you say something, right? You could be resigning yourself to a life full of buttercup salad for no reason.”

She sighs. “He doesn’t see me like that. I’m just a friend.”

“But how do you know that?”

“Because. I just do.”

“Okay, well, you might as well check. Just to be sure. I mean, what’s the worst-case scenario?”

She grips the blanket in her fist. “That he doesn’t love me back.”

“Well, right. He rejects you, and the flowers stay, and you’re in the same situation as before. I mean … that’s what happened to me, and I’m still here, right?”

She keeps her eyes glued to the blanket. “Right.”

“Actually, there is another option,” he says.

“What’s that?”

He shrugs. “We just forget Ladybug and Buttercup and fall in love with each other instead. Easy.”

A smile tugs at her lips. “Great plan. Let’s get on it right now.”

“After you,” he says.

He holds her gaze, smiling politely, until she breaks down with a snort. Then they’re laughing and laughing and laughing, and for a minute, his lungs don’t even burn.

***

notchatnoir

hey there purrrrrrrrincess 😌

marinettedesigned

ugh. don’t make me block you right after we set this up

notchatnoir

how can you block me when we go together like ketchup and mustard

marinettedesigned

gross. i hate ketchup

notchatnoir

obviously im the ketchup. you’re mustard red and yellow. roses and buttercups yknow

marinettedesigned

i still dont want to be associated with ketchup. it makes me gag wait actually, maybe that’s the perfect thing to represent you<3

notchatnoir

meowch ok fine we can be tomatoes and cheese

marinettedesigned

no!!! the reason i don’t like ketchup is that i hate tomatoes!!!

notchatnoir

ok ok i have the perfect one blood and urine

marinettedesigned

fJLSDLKJFDSJLKF GROSS?????? why are you the way that you are

notchatnoir

what, devilishly handsome and irresistibly charming

marinettedesigned

why cant we be strawberry and banana raspberry and lemon like. a red apple and a yellow apple literally anything but the things you just said

notchatnoir

you’re just naming fruits. where’s your creativity

marinettedesigned

i coughed it up with the last batch of buttercups besides youre just naming all the most disgusting liquids ever how is that more creative

notchatnoir

i have a lot more disgusting liquids i can name

marinettedesigned

please do not

notchatnoir

armpit sweat snot stagnant pond water chloe bourgeois’ ego

marinettedesigned

FLKJSDKJLFS how is that a liquid

notchatnoir

flows freely but is of constant volume fits the shape of its container (the container being her swollen head)

marinettedesigned

hahahahahahaha are u sure its not a gas expanding freely with no limit

notchatnoir

you are absolutely correct you are so smart, marinato

marinettedesigned

:///

notchatnoir

mustardnette

marinettedesigned

fine i’ll be mustard but only if i get to be dijon

notchatnoir

but dijon doesnt go with ketchup

marinettedesigned

tragic

notchatnoir

i thought we were friends 😞 princess you rule with such a cruel and iron fist

marinettedesigned

that’s right and ur the court jester jingling around for my entertainment

notchatnoir

so you admit i entertain you

marinettedesigned

..

notchatnoir

GOTCHA maybe i could come over and amuse you with some clever jokes and magic tricks

marinettedesigned

haha maybe later it’s late and i need my royal beauty sleep

notchatnoir

ok tomorrow?

marinettedesigned

sure

notchatnoir

good night, princess mustardnette

marinettedesigned

good night, cat-chup noir and thanks

notchatnoir

for what

marinettedesigned

well honestly i was having a pretty rough night but talking to you made me feel a lot better you always make me feel better

notchatnoir

i’m glad you always make me feel better too

marinettedesigned

❤️💛 ok, good night!

notchatnoir

wait i just want you to know that you’re a wonderful person you’re kind and smart and brave and also pretty i mean not that i like objectively youre as a friend youre pretty

marinettedesigned

um thank you? hahaha

notchatnoir

ugh im not flirting im just trying to say that youre worth it, ok? like, this boy, whoever he is, he’s gonna love you whenever you’re ready to tell him, im so sure he’s gonna love you back and until then i’ll be here for you, ok? you’re gonna be okay

marinettedesigned

thanks, chat noir that means a lot and im sorry

notchatnoir

why?

marinettedesigned

im sorry that ladybug doesn’t love you the way that you love her

notchatnoir

it’s ok

marinettedesigned

no it’s not you’re hurting every day because of it i wish she could love you back

notchatnoir

maybe she still can

marinettedesigned

yeah maybe. but what if she can’t?

notchatnoir

then i guess that’s it

marinettedesigned

it cant be chat please cant you just love someone else

notchatnoir

you know i cant just do that i love ladybug, and i always will

marinettedesigned

would you change it, if you could?

notchatnoir

honestly? no i don’t think i would.

***

“Pound it!”

Ladybug is already poised to toss out her yo-yo, but Adrien catches her by the shoulder.

“The night is still young, milady. Want to hang around for a bit?”

“Um, I’m about to transform back!”

“Well, you could just recharge your kwami,” he says hopefully. “And then maybe we could catch a movie?”

She freezes. “That sounds like a date.”

Adrien ducks his head. “I mean, well, it doesn’t have to—”

“Chat Noir, I already told you. I’m in love with someone else.”

He can almost feel the flowers pressed against the walls of his chest, making his ribcage groan.

“Yes, I know, but if—”

She shakes her head. “There’s no if. I’m sorry.”

He swallows down the urge to cough. “Okay, so we go as friends. We’re friends, right? You said so.”

“Of course we are.”

“Then … will you come?”

Her earrings beep. She turns away, head bowed. “I don’t think so. Maybe next time.”

He watches her swing away, lamplight bouncing off her suit. Flames lick at his chest.

“Fine!” he shouts after her. “I’ll just watch a movie with some other friend. I have a lot of friends, you know! And I can watch movies with any of them whenever I want.”

He extends his baton, coughing into the crook of his elbow. Petals spill out from beneath his arm, but he doesn’t care. Let her see, if she even bothers to look back. He’s tired of hiding. Tired of waiting. Maybe if she knew she’d change her mind. Maybe if she knew he was literally lovesick over her, she’d finally give him a chance.

But the thought just makes him feel sicker. He doesn’t want her pity. Or her worry. Or her guilt. He doesn’t want her to feel trapped into giving what she doesn’t have, selling an empty heart to a boy she doesn’t love.

He takes to the rooftops, scattering petals in his wake like teardrops. Without even meaning to, he ends up on Marinette’s balcony.

He raps on the window, still coughing into his arm.

“Chat?” she asks cautiously. “You okay?”

“Fine.”

He slips through the window and hops over the side of her bed onto the floor. She follows him down the stairs, perching on the edge of the chaise while he sits stiffly against its back.

“You don’t seem okay. Do you need to …” She hesitates. “Do you need to talk about it?”

“Nothing to talk about.” He snatches a pillow and clutches it to his chest. “Just same old, same old. Ladybug won’t even give me a chance. She says we’re friends, but she never wants to hang out. I swear she barely even looks at me anymore.”

Marinette’s eyes find the floor. “It can’t be easy for her. Knowing you’re in love with her.”

Adrien’s scoff turns into another fit of coughing, shedding petals down his suit. “Easy for her? What about me? I mean, look at me!”

She doesn’t look. Just keeps her eyes glued to her pink rug while he coughs again and again.

“Who’s side are you on, anyway?” he chokes.

Her head snaps up. “Look, if you’re in such a bad mood, why did you even come?”

The coughing finally subsides, and he takes in an aching breath, massaging his chest. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take this out on you.”

“It’s not like she wants to hurt you, you know. She just doesn’t want to play with your feelings.”

“I know, I know.” He sighs. “It’s just that … I know I could love her so well. If she’d just … let me. If she actually gave me a chance. I think she could love me back.”

Marinette goes quiet. “It’s not her fault she loves someone else,” she says finally. “She can’t help it.”

“I get that. I’m not actually mad at her. I just …”

Suddenly his eyes are burning along with his lungs, and a hot tear dribbles down his mask.

“It hurts, Marinette,” he whispers.

She looks at him, eyes full of something he can’t quite name. Then she opens her arms, and he collapses into them with a shaky breath. She holds him tight, stroking his hair, until the burning gives way to a quiet glow that blooms through his whole chest, soothing every smoldering edge.

“I know, kitty,” she whispers back. “I know.”

***

“Hey, Plagg.”

Plagg does not look up from the latest issue of Gentlemen’s Camembert. “What.”

“You know your other holder, the one who got sick like me? What happened to her?”

Plagg flips the page. “Eventually her lover admitted that she loved her back. They lived happily ever after. Blah, blah, blah.”

“What would’ve happened if she never did?”

Plagg pauses. “Like, if she never loved her back?”

“Yeah.” Adrien plucks a stray rose petal from his pillow, smoothing it between his fingers. “Would the flowers have eventually gone away?”

“No. Only if she’d stopped loving her.”

“So … as long as she was in love, the flowers would keep growing? Forever?”

“I mean, yeah. Until …”

Adrien’s fingers go still. “Until?”

Plagg doesn’t answer. Adrien imagines untamable roses filling up his lungs, crawling up his throat till there’s no room left for air, and his blood runs cold.

“Plagg,” he whispers, “am I dying?”

***

Adrien can’t sleep. He rolls onto his side and coughs and coughs, his body convulsing as petals spill from his mouth.

“Kid, you okay?” Plagg’s tiny paw presses to his cheek. “Breathe. It’s gonna be alright.”

“She has to tell him,” Adrien rasps.

“What are you talking about?”

��That boy. Marinette has to tell him. Or she … she could …”

He falls into another fit, tears streaming from his eyes as his lungs squeeze again.

A rose blossom lands among the petals, full and open and red as blood.

***

notchatnoir

are you awake it’s important

notchatnoir started a call that lasted a few seconds.

notchatnoir

marinette? please answer

marinettedesigned

oml chat it’s 2 in the morning what could possibly be so important

notchatnoir

is it still just petals

marinettedesigned

what?

notchatnoir

your buttercups are they still just petals or are there like full flowers now too

marinettedesigned

i mean, mostly petals but flowers sometimes

notchatnoir

nononono

marinettedesigned

what’s wrong?

notchatnoir

was it always like that?

marinettedesigned

no, it started a few days ago i think chat what’s going on you’re scaring me

notchatnoir

my kwami told me if it goes on long enough the flowers they could i mean

marinettedesigned

kill us?

notchatnoir

yeah marinette you have to tell him i know it’s scary but you have to take your chances promise me you’ll tell him how you feel as soon as possible

marinettedesigned

ok i promise but what about you?

notchatnoir

don’t worry about me

marinettedesigned

how can i not worry about you

notchatnoir

i’ll be ok i’ve got nine lives right haha

marinettedesigned

chat this is serious i dont want to lose you

notchatnoir

you wont

marinettedesigned

promise?

notchatnoir

promise

***

Nino and Alya wave goodbye, thanking André as they pass him on their way out of the park.

It’s a beautiful day, sunny and warm, and Adrien is grateful Father let him out for once. It won’t be long now before Gorilla comes to pick him up, but at least for a few more minutes, he can stay with Marinette. They stroll down the path, sampling spoonfuls of ice cream, and he turns questions over in his mind, wondering how to ask them without giving himself away. Had she told that boy she loved him yet? Was she finally going to be okay?

“Adrien!” she says suddenly. “I—I have to tell you something.”

His head snaps toward her. Is she going to tell him about the buttercups? No one else knows about them—not even her parents. Not even Alya.

“What is it?” he asks.

“Well, um, the cream is—I mean, the thing is, that—oh!”

She drops her ice cream cone, which splatters his shoes in pink and green.

“Sorry!” she squeaks. “Let me—I’ll get—”

“No, no—don’t worry about it!” he says quickly.

She looks like she’s about to faint, and the last thing he wants is for her to start coughing up flowers and feeling even more humiliated. Maybe he can play it off like a joke to put her at ease.

He flexes the toe of his sneaker. “You know what? I like it better this way. Pink and green go surprisingly well with orange, don’t they?”

She lets out a nervous laugh. “I guess so.”

“Much better than red and blue would. Which is a real shame. I’d always hoped I’d go well together with the girl I love.”

Marinette blinks. “What?”

“You know, like …” He gestures to his Ladybug-colored ice cream. “If I’d dropped mine instead of you dropping yours.”

Her mouth falls open into a little O. “You mean … those colors … are for the girl you’re in love with?”

“Well, yeah.” His brow furrows. “That’s what André always does, right?”

Marinette stares down at her ruined ice cream cone, pink and green leaking through the cracks in the stone.

“Marinette, are you okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you want me to get you another cone?”

She shakes her head slowly, head still bowed. “I think … it’s done.”

“What?”

She lifts her head, and for a moment he’s almost relieved that she looks so calm (normally, it takes her much longer to regain herself after a blunder like that).

But then he sees her eyes. Flat. Blank. Empty. She gazes at him steadily, but it’s like she’s looking through him. Like she’s not even home behind the blue.

“I’m going to go home now,” Marinette says. Her voice is flat too—something pressed paper thin under a heavy weight until nothing was left but a shadow. “See you later.”

For the first time since the petals appeared, Adrien’s chest feels cold.

***

adrienagrestebrand

hey marinette, just wanted to check in you didn’t seem like yourself earlier is everything ok? if you’re worried about the shoes, please don’t! i have so many shoes haha marinette?

***

notchatnoir

have you had a chance to tell him yet? how are you feeling?

marinettedesigned

bad

notchatnoir

what happened? are you ok

marinettedesigned

no

notchatnoir

im coming over right now

marinettedesigned

you don’t have to do that

notchatnoir

i’ll be there in 5

marinettedesigned

ok

***

When he arrives, she’s lying in a bed of buttercups. She looks like something from a fairytale, the bright flowers trailing across her body, glowing against her skin, some of them scattered around her head like a halo.

It would be beautiful if it weren’t so terrifying.

He throws open the skylight. “Marinette, are you okay?”

She blinks up at him slowly. “I’m fine.” Her voice is weak and hoarse. “I think I’m done now.”

She stirs, causing buttercups to tumble around her blankets.

“No, don’t move,” Adrien says. “You need to rest.”

“I’m making room for you.” She moves to the edge of the bed and scoops the buttercups aside. “Sorry, I’ll clean these up later.”

“Don’t—don’t worry about it. I can take care of it.”

She scrunches her nose. “But I coughed them up. That’s gross.”

“I don’t care,” Adrien says, carefully lowering himself onto the bed. “It could be, like, actual vomit and I would clean it up for you.”

She makes another face. “Ew. I wouldn’t make you do that.”

“You wouldn’t have to. It’s my knightly duty. And I’d be glad to.”

He sinks back onto her pillows and shifts so they’re face to face. Her eyes are sad and searching.

“You’re too good to me,” she whispers.

“No, I’m not.” He reaches out and tucks a few loose hairs behind her ear. “I’m not nearly as good to you as you deserve.”

At that, her face crumples. Tears swim in her eyes and she buries her face in her hands. “I’m sorry, Chat. I’m so, so sorry.”

“What are you talking about? You don’t need to be sorry.” He tries to pull her hands away, but she just tucks her chin further into her chest.

“Marinette, what happened today? This …” He swallows as he looks around at the dozens of buttercups scattered over the bed. She must have been coughing them up for hours. “This isn’t normal.”

She hiccups a laugh through her tears. “I’m pretty sure coughing up flowers is never normal.”

“You know what I mean. This is a lot more than usual. Did … did something happen?”

She lowers her hands and nods.

“Did you tell him how you feel?”

If she did, this can’t be a good sign.

She shakes her head. “And I never will.”

“Why?”

“Because … because …”

Her body convulses with fresh sobs and she manages to turn her back to him right before the flowers start pouring from her mouth.

He scoots forward and gently gathers her hair with his claws, holding it back from her face. With his other hand he rubs soothing circles on her back.

“I’m sorry,” she chokes between buttercups.

“Nothing to be sorry about,” he says. “I’m here, okay?”

He doesn’t know how much time passes—only that with every new tremor of her body, his chest gets tighter and tighter.

Please be okay. Please be okay.

Finally, Marinette draws a shaking breath, rolling onto her back and closing her eyes.

“Thanks,” she whispers.

“What happened?” he dares to ask.

She shrugs, staring up at the ceiling. “He doesn’t love me.”

“He said that?”

“Yeah.”

Adrien swallows. “I thought you didn’t confess to him.”

“I was going to. I was finally going to do it. But then I screwed things up, as usual. And before I got the chance, he said he loved someone else.”

Something cold leaches through him, making his limbs feel heavy on her mattress.

“I’m so sorry,” he says softly.

Marinette blinks, gaze still fixed upward, and a tear leaks out of the corner of her eye. “I wish I had something to be angry about. That we’d dated and he dumped me. Or we got into a horrible fight. Something. But there’s nothing. He’s wonderful, and kind, and selfless, and the truth is … he just doesn’t love me. That’s it.”

He wants to hold her, wants to squeeze her tight and give her every bit of warmth he has, as if just that could heal her heart. But all he can do is lie there, trying in vain to swallow down the lump in his throat.

“He’s not good enough for you,” he says at last.

“Yes, he is.” She turns her head to him, eyes shining. “He’s so good. That’s what made me fall for him.”

There’s movement deep in his chest, a familiar swelling in the space behind his ribs.

“On the first day we met, I was horrible to him,” she goes on. “I thought he was stuck up and rude. But I had him all wrong. He was so patient with me. So gentle. He even gave me his umbrella.”

He blinks. “What?”

“I guess this is it, then.” She sighs. “I’m never going to fall out of love with Adrien Agreste.”

His breath hitches in his throat, and then his lungs explode.

Marinette sits bolt upright. “Chat! Are you okay?”

He tries to speak, but he’s choking on roses, full-blossomed and wine dark. He gets to his feet and pushes open the skylight.

“What are you doing?” Marinette asks. “You can’t leave. Not like this. Stay until it passes. Stay with me. Chat. Please.”

Something rips open inside him, and he’s almost surprised the flowers aren’t bleeding from his open chest now. He registers vaguely that some of the petals are paler than usual, but he doesn’t have the energy to think about what that means.

He heaves himself through the window, but Marinette grabs onto his belt, just like she did that first night, and he can’t stop himself from looking back.

She stares up at him from a pool of yellow and red and pink, kneeling in the heart of their joint garden.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, and then he jumps from the roof while another blossom lodges in his throat.

***

Marinette sits on a bench, head bowed over her sketchbook.

Adrien watches her from the opposite end of the courtyard. Part of him wants to leave before she notices him. Disappear from her life forever. But part of him wants to hold her tight and never let go.

(He can’t decide which would hurt worse. Which would hurt her worse.)

She catches his eye and offers a little wave. He tells himself to just wave back and leave, but his feet move against his will, and then he’s standing right in front of her.

“Hi,” he says. “Can I sit?”

“Sure.” She smiles, and he aches.

If he loved Marinette, he could save her. But his love for Ladybug isn’t going anywhere—he loves her so much that it’s literally killing him. Even now, he can feel it, a wild garden bursting in his lungs.

I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.

“That looks really good,” he says, nodding at her sketch as he sits down. It’s a formal gown with blossoms cascading down the bodice and onto the skirt. On the side of the page is a flowering tree branch. “Are those cherry blossoms?”

“Plum blossoms, actually,” she says. “I was named after them.”

His brows scrunch. “Marinette?”

“No, Mei Hua. My Chinese name.” She looks down at the paper. “My mom told me that in China, they bloom in the middle of winter. They symbolize hope and perseverance, because even in the bleakest, coldest time of year, they thrive and bring beauty to everyone around them.”

She looks up with another smile. “I always liked that idea. I even made a design with meihua, to remind me that good things are possible even when it seems hopeless.” She gestures to the flowers on her little pink bag.

There’s a tug inside his chest. He remembers every moment he’s spent with her—laughing over nothing, dropping petals on her mattress, wearing his heart on his sleeve with the only friend who ever knew what it was like to hurt this way. A sanctuary for the secret he could share with no one else.

She’s like a plum blossom, he decides. The way she opened slowly to show him all her layers, all the beautiful things hidden in her heart. The way she can brighten a bad day just by being there. The way she makes him feel so warm inside when the world outside feels cold.

He doesn’t realize that he’s staring until pink dusts her cheeks.

“What?” she asks.

Warmth blooms inside him. “I just think … that’s the perfect name for you.”

***

marinettedesigned

you okay?

notchatnoir

yeah

marinettedesigned

you didnt look good last time i’ve been worried

notchatnoir

im doing better now thanks

marinettedesigned

did i do something wrong?

notchatnoir

what? no, why would you think that?

marinettedesigned

idk, i thought you were mad at me for some reason and that’s why you haven’t been coming over

notchatnoir

no no, i’ve just had some stuff going on sorry i havent messaged

marinettedesigned

i miss you

notchatnoir

i miss you too

marinettedesigned

are we ok?

notchatnoir

yeah we’re gonna be ok

***

In the light of the dying sun, the whole world is the color of buttercups.

He sits on a roof by the girl he loves, breathing its gold into lungs that burn and burn.

“Chat Noir,” she says, “I have to tell you something.”

Ladybug’s red is stark against the yellow sky. She turns toward him, eyes full of something he can’t quite name.

“What is it, milady?”

She takes a breath. “I love you.”

A jolt runs through him. “What?” he croaks.

“I’m in love with you.”

“You—you are?”

She nods, watching him closely behind her mask.

She’d said it. She’d finally said it. After all this time. All this waiting. All this pain. She loves him back. He waits for his lungs to finally clear, for the pressure in his chest to lift, for his heart to feel light for the first time since they met.

He feels it rise inside him—the joy, the freedom—but there’s something still holding him down, blocking him up. A balloon tied to an anchor.

“How do you feel?” she says quickly. “Are they gone?”

“Are they … wait, you know? You know about—”

His chest squeezes, and he can’t hold back the petals that pour from his mouth—a delicate pink, like the inside of a seashell.

“No, no!” Ladybug clutches her head in her hands. “You’re still sick, and it’s all because of me, and—”

“Ladybug,” he says hoarsely. He grips her shoulders, forcing her to meet his eyes. “This isn’t your fault.”

“Yes, it is.” Tears are spilling from her eyes now, over her mask and down her cheeks. “This is because of my—because … because …”

She doubles over, coughing into her hands, and he catches a flash of something bright. She tries to hide it, but he gently pulls her hands down to see what’s resting in her palms.

A flower, sunshine yellow.

He stares. The petals go fuzzy before his eyes, and then he looks up, blinking her back into focus.

“Marinette?” he breathes.

She bites her lip, mask scrunched over her eyes. “You weren’t … you’re not supposed to know! But—but you deserve to know. You have to know why I can’t heal you. It’s not enough that I love you. Because I still love—”

“—Adrien,” he says.

She nods, wiping at her mask. “I’m sorry.”

Just like that, the weight in his lungs disappears, and he can breathe.

“Marinette.” He grabs her hands. “You’re the pink petals.”

“What?”

“Look. They’re plum blossoms. Meihua. Your name.”

She stares down at the petals strewn around them. Then she lifts her head, eyes wide.

He squeezes her hands. “You’re the pink petals. And I’m the buttercups.”

Her lips part, and he hears the breath catch in her throat. “You’re …”

“Adrien,” he whispers. “I’m Adrien.”

The yellow-gold light kisses her face, and he wants to do the same. He brings a hand up to cradle her cheek.

“All this time,” she says breathlessly. “All this time it was you?”

“It was me. And it was you.” He grins, lowering his hand. “Turns out you were the ketchup after all, huh?”

She laughs softly. “Shut up.”

“Well, Ladymato—”

She stops him with a kiss, holding his face in both her hands.

“I’m serious,” she murmurs. “Just shut up.”

Then her lips are back on his, and he forgets whatever joke he was about to make.

Something blooms inside his chest, and this time, it doesn’t burn.

[overworkedunderwhelmed]

I know I’ve seen quite a few posts going around for the teaser trailer with AstroChat Noir.  We’ve put together enough pieces to think that this is the episode where Tikki goes crazy (sensible if we’re seeing AstroChat Noir pushing the monstrous red spotted balloon out into space).  However, we also know that episode is supposed to be the one where the Akumatized are none other than Marinette’s parents.

If Tikki is actually out of commission, the likelihood that Marinette is transforming into Ladybug is extremely low.  Which means, that Ladybug we see is probably due to Rena Furtive.

I can see a few possible outcomes, some of which may happen in whole or in part in parallel:

1.  Ladybug’s illusion fails, possible considering she’s dodging cars.  Chat Noir doesn’t see Rena and thinks he’s the only one who can save Ladybug and goes on a suicide mission.

2.  Ladybug’s illusion is out, but Marinette cannot possibly just sit on her hands considering the stakes this time around.  She’s out again (maybe as MultiMouse or as herself).  If Multimouse appears again, it would probably leave way too many questions for Chat Noir about how that happened after Ladybug’s previously firm stance on that....including how she got the Miraculous in the first place.  No matter what, Chat Noir also knows who she is...and what the stakes are for her.  MariChat, yes...but at what cost?

3.  Ladybug is really herself...but with Tikki spiraling out of control, her powers are entirely unreliable.  She can’t even change to her CosmoBug form.  Not until Chat Noir burst’s the bubble.  However, they can’t risk all that damage...not when Ladybug isn’t sure she can fix it.

Regardless, it feels like Chat Noir is going to be extremely worried on behalf of two of the girls in his life.  

We can only hope once he is back with his feet on solid ground that Marinette — in whatever form she is in at the moment — tells Chat Noir in no uncertain terms just how much he means to her. 

[ao3bronte]

Emilie, misunderstanding, flowers - Marichat

Time heals all but memories hardly fade. They leave scars. Some small, some less concealable than others, but there’s no misunderstanding the legacy they leave behind. Adrien knows this more than anyone, but he’s not allowed to mention it. The loss of his mother is something he can’t share for fear of retribution, of the negative reaction it might inspire from his father. He’s too emotional, just like her. He’s too lost in the clouds, just like her.

So he hides.

Being Chat Noir is as easy as stepping into another person’s shoes. More than a dozen other Chat Noirs have worn this layer of magic upon their broad shoulders, bearing the burden of destruction incarnate. Chat finds the load a lot lighter than having the carefully tailored collars of Gabriel wrapped around his neck like a noose. Power is freedom. Magic is an escape.

And on the second anniversary of his mother’s disappearance, Adrien seeks the only freedom he has in the solace of the skies.

He finds Marinette on her balcony, knitting something fervently on her chair beneath the fairy lights. Naturally curious as always, Chat approaches to see what she could be doing. Another commission, perhaps? He liked the fingerless gloves she’d made for Juleka the other week. She is talented, certainly, and very capable of distracting Chat just long enough to make him think about something other than Émilie for a hot minute.

“Good evening, Princesse.” Chat startles her from her concentration and he quickly apologizes, holding up his palms in defense. “I was just passing by and happened to notice you hard at work!”

“Well, I was…” Marinette purses her lips before setting her knitted creation down beside her. “I’m making a present for a friend. I was to give it to him at school tomorrow, since I wasn’t able to finish it in time for him today.”

Chat balances on her railing and carefully avoids treading on her flowers. “A present? For a friend?”

“A present for a friend.” Marinette confirms, glancing out towards the horizon. “He lost his mom a few years ago. This probably won’t help him feel any better, but I just...I wanted to try.”

Chat leaves her to her own devices a few minutes later, determined to keep the tears from his eyes until he’s out of range.

Send me a 3 WORD PROMPT to celebrate 2.5k followers!

[celestialtitania]

A Midnight Shoot

Thanks to @botdennis for helping me come up with an idea for this prompt, I was able to write this fic. Written for Day 6: Midnight of Marichat May. Can also read on AO3. @marichatmay

Chat Noir yawned loudly. He hated solo patrols, they were exhausting and tedious to do. He'd much rather spend time with his Lady, though he had to admit that roaming the streets of Paris was always preferable to sitting home alone.

He checked the time on his baton and winced at the time. It was getting rather late and he had an early morning, having to squeeze in a photoshoot before school. Still, he didn't feel like going home right away.

Deciding to make a quick detour through the park, Chat hopped down from the roof, enjoying the sights from the actual streets of Paris.

He'd just entered the park when he saw the silhouette of another person in the corner of his eye. Fearing it was an akuma, Chat adopted his battle pose only to stop dead when he realized it was a pig-tailed girl holding a sketch pad.

A very familiar pig-tailed girl holding a sketch pad. He retracted his baton and sauntered over to her.

"Yo," he greeted, making her jump out of her seat, her pen going flying. "Woah!" Chat reached over to catch it before it could hit the ground. He straightened and offered it to her.

"Thanks, Chat. What are you doing here?" Marinette asked him with a warm smile.

He frowned at her. "Isn't that what I should be asking, Marinette? It's almost midnight, why are you out here alone?"

She didn't respond, staring at him with a peculiar expression on her face. "Marinette?" Chat tried waving a hand in front of her face and Marinette grabbed it.

"Stand here," she commanded, dragging him to a spot where the moon's light was especially bright. "Perfect," she murmured, scribbling away furiously in her sketchpad.

Every time he tried to question her, Marinette would simply look up with an irritated expression and hush him. Chat wanted to protest, he was a model that worked with photographers, not artists, but he slumped his shoulders, resigned to his fate.

There was clearly no interrupting Marinette when she was in the zone. So much for an early night.

After what felt like hours, but was in fact around 20 mins (a fact he only knew because he'd been constantly checking with his baton, out of sheer boredom), Marinette finally put her pen down.

"Look at this," she exclaimed proudly showing him her completed drawing.

Chat Noir squinted before his eyes widened in surprise. "Is that a Chat Noir-themed jacket?"

"Sort of," Marinette admitted. "It's a new commission for Jagged Stone. I've been trying to figure out a way to work with the leather and since I've never worked with leather before, I was completely lost. I think I had been staring at my blank sketchpad for hours before you showed up. Somehow, against all odds, when I saw you here with the moonlight shining on your leather suit, inspiration just hit," she mimed an explosion with her fingers.

"Look where it's light? I'm planning on having white sequins there on top of the black leather to mimic the effects of the moonlight."

"Woah, that's so detailed. If you can make it work that would be amazing and you could change the colour of sequins to try for different effects," Chat inferred. Even his Father rarely attempted projects like that, there was just too much of a chance for things to go wrong.

Her expression turned sheepish. "Sorry for commandeering you like that," Marinette apologized.

"It's fine! That jacket looks so awesome, Marinette. Jagged Stone is going to love it," Chat gushed, waving away any of her concerns. Sure, he hadn't enjoyed standing there as a model for her, but knowing he had a hand in helping her create something that cool? It more than made up for it.

"I'm pretty clawsome, seeing as you got so inspired by just the sight of me standing around," Chat joked, enjoying the way Marinette grinned at him even as she rolled her eyes at his punning.

"Yeah, I suppose you are," she admitted softly, a pinkish hue covering her cheeks. Chat tried his best to ignore the way his heart skipped a beat at her words, in favor of frowning at her in disapproval.

"Princess, I understand you needed inspiration but do you have any idea what time it is right now?"

Marinette blinked at him before scrambling for her phone. She shrieked when she saw how late it was. "It's a minute to midnight! How did I end up staying out so late?" She groaned.

"I guess what they say is true. When you're in the zone, time just flies by," Chat Noir shrugged,

"This is a disaster. If my parents hear me coming in this late, I'll be grounded forever," Marinette wailed. She pulled on her hair, clearly trying to find a way out of this mess.

"How about a lift?" Chat offered, a small smile on his lips. Marinette really was adorable for worrying like that.

She looked up at him from the crouch she had ended up in while panicking. "Really?" She squeaked.

Doing his best to repress memories of Multimouse, Chat nodded. He extended his hand to her. "Shall we, Princess?"

Hesitantly, she put her hand in his, his grip tightening around hers instantly. Pulling her closer to him, he looped her arm around his neck before wrapping his arm around her waist. Giving her a smile, he extended his baton, and then they were towering into the sky.

A few jumps later, Chat was safely depositing Marinette onto her balcony. "There you are," he sighed, perching on her balcony railing.

"Thanks, Chat," Marinette smiled at him. "Would you like a croissant for the road?"

"Would I?" Chat's eyes sparkled. He would never turn down a Dupain-Cheng treat if he could help it. She grinned at him, briefly disappearing into her bedroom before coming back with a bag of goodies.

"Croissant and passion fruit macaron for good luck," she chirped. "Have a good night, Chat Noir," she smiled sweetly at him.

Taking the bag from her, Chat gave her a mock salute before heading home, this time with a light heart.

[globerjk]

MARICHAT MAY 2021 - Part 1

I hope it's not too late to catch-up. Prompts from days 1 to 10

@marichatmay

There was something so... so...

How could she put it?

Liberating, yeah... Liberating

There was something so liberating about spending time with his partner like this. No responsibilities, no strings attached, no pressure, no freaking Akuma to defeat and above all, no expectations. From either one of them.

Faking to be in love with him had seemed like a terrible terrible idea at the time. With all the creeper thorns, the roses, the falling down and obviously the akumatized parent. It had to be the dumbest of her excuses so far but, apparently, the only one she could come up with - So much for that thinking on your feet Ladybug was apparently famous for.

But now?

That little -okay, not so little- incident had left them with a stronger friendship, even if from his perspective their friendship was brand new.

"But it's pouring cats and dogs" Chat Noir pleaded.

"Umm, not really my problem" Marinette answered frowning "you said you would leave as soon as I gave you some cookies so I could concentrate on my commissions. You can go and wait it under a Cafe's tent for all I care"

She placed her hands on either side of his back and started pushing him to the ladder.

"Naive as I am, I actually thought it would only take ten minutes to get rid of you. Tops. And here you still are four hours later. Cookies eaten, hot chocolate drank, you even had dinner with us and made me watch that movie "

A giggle scaped his throat and Chat failed to keep the sad Kitty façade any longer. "Yeah, remind me to never ask to cook together with you ever again, you tyrant" He said eying her from the side "And to think that you seemed so sweet on the outside..."

"You made a mess on our Kitchen! There was dirt everywhere... And I mean Everywhere Chat!" She emphasized by touching her hair. "Also, I hand painted that pot for maman. I Can't believe she gave you a Macaroon after you almost destroyed it" she pouted.

"She gave me a treat only to compensate for her evil scary daughter. Also I apologized to you, to your maman and even to the flowers that got smashed" Chat said with evident regret.

"And that movie was long over due, anyway. We had plans to watch it together like forever ago"

Chat crossed his arms on his chest and let his heavyweight fall on her. Failing to support his body, Marinette let him fall on his ass with a light thud.

"0kay, I will admit the movie wasn't so bad"

"Wasn't so bad? How about it was awesome. Pretty girl saved by dashing cat? It's practically our story" He winked at her from the floor.

"Only in our version you are both the cat that saves me and the one that won't let me leave... Or the one that won't leave" She answered laughing.

"Hey! At least I'm not trying to force marriage or turn you into a ladykitty"

"And for that I'm very grateful. But seriously Chat Noir, why are you avoiding your house, it's almost midnight and the rain isn't really that bad" Marinette's tone had softened as well as her gaze. She hear him sigh while standing up and then, as he was close enough, heard him whisper

"the nightmares are back and it's becoming more and more difficult to keep secrets from her"

It was said without looking up, his eyes glued to the floor turning his face just in time to see her arrange some pillows on the chaise and throw a blanket to his head.

"you better not snore" She said taking the steps up to her bed while pointing a finger to the Cat hero.

"As you wish" Chat answered gratefully and turned out the lights. It was the first time she ever offered him to stay, but she could easily get used to the idea of the Knight letting the Princess take care of him for once.

As for the secrets? She was ready to wait for Chat Noir to be comfortable enough to admit to Ladybug that a black with red spots version of herself was making his nights troublesome. And even more ready to help him understand how much she cared for her dearest friend and partner.

[tsuki-chibi]

Marichat May Day 23: Video Games

This story is a sequel to my Marinette March and Adrinette April stories; I highly recommend reading those first.

You can also read this story on AO3: Cloudburst

---

“Okay, so let’s pretend that I believe you when it comes to the sorcerer,” Griffe said, his smile fading. “Why do you need to borrow our Ladybug miraculous? Why can’t you just use your own?”

Marinette had been mentally preparing for this question because she had known that it was inevitable that he would ask. She had contemplated telling Griffe a couple of different things before ultimately deciding which way she would go. Telling him that the Ladybug miraculous had been or stolen wouldn’t inspire much confidence when she was asking to borrow theirs. But…

“It was damaged in a fight,” Marinette announced. “The sorcerer wanted to stop my team from being able to purify people. He targeted the Ladybug miraculous and its user.”

Griffe frowned in concern. “What happened?”

“It wasn’t good. The Ladybug miraculous can’t be used right now, and its user is out of commission,” Marinette said quietly, which was only a half lie. Of course Marinette was fine and not out of commission at all, but the Ladybug miraculous really couldn’t be used right now because it was in Émilie’s hands.

“Hmm.” Griffe stood there for a long moment, just staring at her. Marinette met his gaze with a calm she didn’t feel and waited for more questions.

It was tempting to fill the silence with chatter or more information, but she refrained. The more details that she gave, the more she would need to remember if and when she had to re-tell the story. If she started getting confused and making mistakes about it all, they would never believe her. So it was better to be quiet and let Griffe ask specifically what he wanted to know.

“So what happened to the Ladybug miraculous that it can’t be used?” Griffe said finally.

Marinette shook her head. “I don’t know exactly. Tikki disappeared inside and won’t come out. Plagg said he’s never seen that before.” She hoped that dropping Tikki’s and Plagg’s names would make her story seem more valid.

“What did your guardian say about it?” Griffe asked.

“Our guardian…” Marinette’s heart hurt a bit as she automatically thought of Master Fu. Kaalki patted her cheek in comfort, and she raised a hand to pet the kwami in thanks.

Griffe watched this with a confused expression.

“I’m the guardian now,” Marinette said, and Griffe’s eyes widened a bit. “Our last guardian got cornered by the sorcerer. In order to save the Miracle Box, the guardian renounced himself. That means –”

“He forgot everything,” Griffe concluded, and Marinette nodded.

“Yes. I got him out of Paris as quickly as I could after that. I was worried that the sorcerer would think that he still had some answers. It’s just me now, and I wasn’t able to finish my training. So there’s a lot I don’t know, and I think that how to repair the Ladybug miraculous is one of them. That’s why I’m here. To borrow yours and give us some time to examine the Miraculous Grimoire to figure out how to fix ours.”

Marinette took a deep breath after all that. Part of what she’d said hadn’t been a lie. She really hadn’t finished her training with Master Fu. There was just so much she hadn’t had a chance to learn, and this whole experience was really driving that home.

“I’m sorry,” Griffe said after a few seconds. “This sounds like the plot of a show, or of some kind of video game.”

“I wish it was, but it’s not.” Marinette sighed. “Look, I know this is a lot to dump on you… that’s why I was trying to do some research on your team. Our guardian never got the chance to tell me much about the past teams. I don’t even know who you are!”

There. That was a good cover for why she wouldn’t know who any of these miraculous holders were, right?

Griffe pursed his lips. Then he said, “Could I speak to Fluff?”

“Oh, sure,” Marinette said, a bit surprised. But she supposed it made sense. Griffe probably wanted to make sure that she was telling the truth.

“Fluff will be hungry,” Kaalki piped up, speaking for the first time within Griffe’s hearing. “Transforming, even if our attacks aren’t used, takes energy. Do you have food?”

“I do,” Griffe confirmed. “I always keep cheese on me, because you know… Plagg.” He looked so resigned by that, that Marinette had to swallow a giggle. Plagg was definitely the same, it seemed.

“Okay. Fluff, Counter Clockwise!”

[margarethelstone-2]

COMMISSIONS ARE OPEN!

That’s right! After some thinking (and lots of anxiety) I’ve finally decided to cross that bridge. So here are some rules as to what and how I’m willing to draw!

details under the cut!

Whether it’s one character or a ship, doesn’t really matter, though I may raise the price if it’s a group drawing you want to see. Otherwise, it’s just a quick doodle I’ll be drawing for you.

You may choose whether you want the sketch to be drawn digitally (Marinette, Taichihaya) or traditionally (Marichat).

Either an improved sketch (unnecessary lines erased, proper lines enhanced) or a clean lineart drawn over it on a separate layer. The price stays the same regardless of your choice.

Character rule applies as above.

Basically a drawing of your choice, only instead of regular colouring, it comes in black and white + I will apply some tones/manga like shading, to the best of my abilities.

(please keep in mind that I am no way a professional, so look closely at the images attached to see the level of my skill).

Again, character rule applies as above.

The full-coloured drawings are obviously the most complex and therefore, the effort necessary to put in will vary (hence the ‘& up’ addition). I will always make sure to discuss it with you before-hand, though, so that you won’t be surprised by the change in price after the work is done.

I currently have two ways of colouring from which you can choose. A clean, ‘anime-like’ one (Winry) or a more paining-like (Zutara, Tamaki). You can either pick one yourself or leave it to me if you’re not sure.

Also, please note that I am not yet very comfortable with backgrounds. For that reason I will either keep them blank/simplified (see images above) or an extra ko-fi will be added to the price at default. Again, I will make sure to discuss it before starting my work.

All in all: all commissions should be discussed thoroughly first. Things like 3rd and more characters, backgrounds or over-the-top details might affect the price, so I want to make sure all is settled before I get to work.

Payment should be in arrears (because I don’t work well under pressure).

PS The fandoms shown on the boards are not all that I’m willing to draw. Please check the tags for more, and if a fandom you’re interested in isn’t listed, feel free to shoot me a direct message to check if I can draw it for you. Same goes for any other question you have regarding the commissions, so don’t worry about reaching out to me.

PS It’s totally fine if you can’t or don’t want to commission anything yourself, but I will be wildly grateful if you can share this post to let others know. Thank you!

[kittinoir]

for the writing prompts, marichat for #16?

Hi hi! Sorry this took SO long - in more than one way! I got this request some time ago, and then it actually took me over three weeks to start and finish. I hope it’s worth the wait  <3

#16: ‘Not them, anyone but them!’

Chat Noir smirked as he extended his baton and vaulted over the illusory maze walls Volpina had created. Not a bad tactic, but an ineffective one once he’d discovered the ruse. Still, he could practically hear his lady’s voice in his head, if not beside him - she had yet to arrive.

Don’t get too cocky, Chat Noir. She can use her powers as many times she wants. We only get one shot.

It didn’t help that Volpina’s powers had been ‘upgraded’ by Hawk Moth; it didn’t matter whether it was real or fake, if Volpina created it, the illusion took on a life of its’ own and could no longer simply dissipate like smoke when struck. It was actually annoyingly similar to Mayura’s ability, with fewer steps.

Chat Noir analyzed the maze on the way back down from his vault. The maze had sprung up in the city all of a sudden, the walls so tall they were impossible to climb. Of course, even twenty foot walls were no match for him. He’d never actually been able to find the limit on how far his baton would extend, but he’d certainly pushed it further than this. Slowed down, maybe, but contained? Never. 

Now if she’d thought to enclose the corridors, that would be another matter.

But instead of handing her the idea by vaulting right to the middle of the maze - where else would she be? - he touched down a few rows over. His instincts were screaming at him to drop in on her, but he knew better than to follow them. That had been how he’d started it out, and also how he’d usually gotten his tail handed to him. No, if he wanted to win, he’d need the element of surprise - even if it meant going solo. Maybe Ladybug was the only one who could purify akuma’s, but it would be nice if he had Volpina subdued when she arrived. Like a little present.

Chat Noir crept closer, making sure his bell didn’t chime as he did. He took a deep breath before daring to peek around the corner of the final hedge, baton at the ready just in case he was unlucky and Volpina was facing him.

But she wasn’t. She didn’t even seem to be waiting anxiously for him and Ladybug to drop in on her. In fact, she seemed…distracted?

“…so pathetic,” he heard her say, her back to him as she idly twirled her flute. “Of course, don’t go thinking any of this was for you. It’s just a nice little bonus that you stumbled in here. But stumbling’s what you do best, isn’t it, Marinette?”

Chat Noir felt his heart stop dead in his chest. He must have heard her wrong - but his Miraculous enhanced hearing was never wrong. And if it was never wrong, then Volpina must be talking to…

“You’ll never get away with this.” Whoa, he’d never heard his usually-sweet friend sound so…venomous. “Ladybug and Chat Noir will stop you - again.”

Chat Noir bit his lip as he snuck another look around the hedge. Part of him wanted to warn Marinette not to bait this girl, to tell her that she’d once set Ladybug up to be destroyed by Hawk Moth and nearly succeeded, but he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t enjoying listening to Marinette tell her off. 

Of course, a hostage did put a wrench in his plans. He had no problem going toe-to-toe with Volpina, but with a civilian - with Marinette - directly in the line of fire, it was safer to wait. Ladybug’s Lucky Charm could fix any damage, but only if she transformed in time, and she had yet to arrive.

“I’d like to see Bug Eyes and Alley Cat try,” Chat Noir heard Volpina say as he drew back to check the GPS on his baton. Maybe one of Volpina’s illusions had his partner tied down. “I wasn’t ready for them the first time, but I’ve learned some new tricks.”

Nothing on the GPS. Either she hadn’t transformed yet, or Volpina and Hawk Moth had already taken his partner out of commission. Either way, he was still flying solo. He needed a new plan, fast.

“That’s the difference between you and them,” Chat Noir heard Marinette retort as he took another look. He could see now that Marinette had indeed stumbled into some kind of trap. Wooden branches had sprung up from the stone, twining around her limbs and keeping her feet just off the ground. They looked brittle enough to snap, but thick enough to be a challenge for the average person. He probably wouldn’t even need his cataclysm to get her out. “They actually have talent and skill - and all you have are tricks.”

“You know, I was going to keep you around for collateral but it’s very quickly becoming not worth it,” Volpina hissed as the flute came to an abrupt halt in her fist. “You never could take a hint. So what do you think it’ll take to make the lesson stick. How do we feel about snakes?”

To her credit, Marinette didn’t even flinch. Those pretty blue eyes of hers just narrowed into a familiar glare. It struck an odd chord in him - Marinette almost never glared. So why did it feel familiar?

“Wasps?” Volpina taunted as she began to circle her prey. “Although I suppose that’s more Chloe’s thing. Hmm. What’s it going to take to get through to you that you are out of your league - that you can’t compete with me and never could.”

Chat Noir scanned the sky line again. Any second now his partner would drop in on them. Any second now. Come on, come on.

“Oh? What!? …I mean. Of course. If you’re sure.”

Chat Noir whipped back to the scene taking place in the centre of the maze. Marinette had finally recoiled, but not from one of Volpina’s illusions or threats, but from the neon purple butterfly outline that had sprung up on her face. He watched it fade as she leaned into Marinette, one hand digging into her shoulder.

“Hawk Moth would like a word with you,” Volpina purred. Chat Noir saw Marinette pale, surely a mirror of his own skin, but she didn’t balk again.

“He can’t.” He barely heard her over the thundering of his own heart as visions of the next few minutes sprang up in his head. Of Marinette, akumatized. He’d had variations of that nightmare before, about all of his friends, but Marinette’s was the only nightmare that hadn’t come true - yet. “Hawk Moth can only akumatize someone overwhelmed by their strong negative emotions, and only one person at a time. Don’t waste your breath on empty threats.”

Right. Marinette was right. Chat Noir’s breathing began to ease - until Volpina laughed.

“Aren’t we the scholar,” she jibed as she resumed her circling. “What’s that thing you’re always telling your little reporter friend? Oh yeah - you should double check your sources.”

Chat Noir’s grip on his baton went white-knuckled. Surely she didn’t mean…couldn’t mean… but it had happened before. Not Hawk Moth, but Scarlet Moth had akumatized several people at once before.

“But I’m…I’m not feeling any strong negative emotion,” Marinette said, but even he could hear the desperation creeping into her voice. “I’m not… I’m…”

“Who’s the liar now, Marinette?” Volpina asked. She paused just behind her captive’s right shoulder and used the end of the flute to tilt Marinette’s face back. “You hate me. You despise me. That’s the dirty little secret you can never get rid of, the violent little flame that won’t go out no matter how much you try.”

Try as she might, Marinette couldn’t move her head or avoid Volpina’s piercing gaze.

He was out of time. 

Chat Noir threw his baton like a javelin as hard as he could and sprinted after it, claws at the ready. If he could just free her, Marinette could escape and he could finish Volpina. One akuma was one too many. He didn’t like the odds of two while Ladybug was still in the wind.

“Mirage!”

Chat Noir dropped to the ground, skidding across the stone, hand out to swipe the branches keeping Marinette hostage. He didn’t see the thick glass wall drop into place until he slammed into it.

A thousand and one curses in at least three different languages clamoured over each other in his head as he got his feet back under him and snatched up his baton. Volpina, he discovered, had managed to dodge it, but it did give him the advantage of getting between her and Marinette.

“How nice of you to drop in, Kitty Cat,” Volpina teased. A hardness in her eyes was the only outward sign of her irritation. “Where’s the Bug?”

Chat Noir grinned with bravado he didn’t feel. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Makes no difference to me,” Volpina said, twirling the flute again. “I don’t mind a little one on one time.”

“Chat Noir.” He let an ear flick back to Marinette. He could hear her struggling to no avail. “There’s an akuma coming. I have to get out of here.” Nothing would stop one of Hawk Moth’s creatures.

“I know,” he murmured back, breaking his baton into two pieces for close combat. “Save your breath. I won’t let anything happen to you.” Because now it was just an akuma he was dealing with: it was the very real time-limit the air-tight cage had created.

“Not even you can stop what’s about it happen,” Volpina jeered as the flute came to a halt once again. “Marinette will be akumatized, and then she will help me destroy you, Ladybug, and your precious city.”

“It hardly seems worth it,” Chat Noir said, heart pounding as he played his hand - the only bargaining chip he had left. “When I’m standing right here.”

Even the city seemed to hold its’ breath at that. 

“Are you suggesting a trade?” Volpina said at last.

“No.” Marinette’s voice was barely a whisper. He ignored her, and instead, nodded.

“What is it,” Volpina snarled, “That makes even superheroes sacrifice themselves for her. Saint Marinette Dupain-Cheng, lording over the rest of us!”

“It’s a good deal,” Chat Noir insisted, slinging his baton across his shoulders casually. He just had to get Marinette out of Volpina’s way. He would come up with a better plan after that, but step one was rescue the damsel.

“Don’t do this,” Marinette pleaded. “You can’t! You can’t give him your Miraculous!”

Chat Noir risked a glance back at his friend. “I can’t let him akumatize you, either.”

He didn’t have the time to explain that he’d never recover if that particular nightmare came to life, or to put words to the feelings that made him so reckless. All he knew for sure was that, until Ladybug arrived, he would do whatever it took to keep that butterfly from touching her.

“You for Marinette,” Volpina said, clarifying his terms. Chat Noir nodded and angled his hand so his ring flashed in the late afternoon sun, taunting her. “Hardly seems like a fair deal.”

“It is to me,” Chat Noir. He could probably cataclysm the akuma. He was eighty per cent sure it would work. He just had to get it close enough first - and make sure it didn’t have any other possible victim around should he miss. “So what’s it going to be? Me or the Saint?”

“No!” Marinette shouted. He could hear the slight pant in her voice now. “Not him! Anyone but him!”

Chat Noir stiffened at the words, so unlike the girl he knew, but he kept his face clear. The last thing he needed was for Volpina to see how much they affected him and to akumatize her anyway as some kind of twisted punishment.

But they still burrowed into his heart, easily finding a home beside the others words he’d convinced himself didn’t matter: her rooftop confession. He’d thought nothing of them at the time, but they’d evolved into something more the longer he knew the truth of Marinette’s feelings. He didn’t know what to do about them, or what to do about how he felt about it all now - or how his still-undying, unwavering love for Ladybug fit into the whole thing.

So he’d done nothing.

But it now appeared that while his feelings had grown into…something more, Marinette’s hadn’t faded, either.

Volpina’s shrieking laughter once again dragged Chat Noir back to the matter at hand - and Marinette’s dwindling time.

“Don’t tell me you finally got over your crush on Adrien just to fall for this street cat,” she jeered. She might have said more, but Chat Noir didn’t hear it; he was still caught on the first half. He must have heard her wrong. Marinette didn’t have a crush on him. Marinette barely seemed to tolerate him.

Marinette, for her part, hadn’t seemed to hear Volpina at all. “You can’t akumatize Chat Noir,” she insisted. She was gasping now, her cheeks pink with exertion. “You can’t, you can’t, you can’t.” Her eyes had become unfocused and alarm rose in Chat Noir as he wondered if she was even conscious of what she was chanting.

His hand twitched. He should use his cataclysm to destroy the glass. He didn’t know where Ladybug was. He couldn’t be sure she would make it in time; god knew he’d been caught by a surprise by an akuma before. And so he couldn’t be sure she’d be able to fix whatever damage was done.

“Deal or no deal, Volpina?” Chat Noir demanded. He had seconds to decide.

“Hmm.” Volpina tapped her chin, tilting her head to the side as she considered. And then she smiled. “Deal. You definitely come with more perks. Besides, the look on Marinette’s face when you get akumatized will be much sweeter. Mirage!”

More roots sprung up. Chat Noir barely avoided them the first time, and the second, but the third time, he stumbled. That was all it took for the roots to overtake him, pinning him to the cobblestones.

“We had a deal!” Chat Noir snarled, struggling futilely. 

“And I’m just making sure you don’t break it,” Volpina said. She snapped her fingers and the bindings and glass case around Marinette dissolved. “Reality.”

Chat Noir winced as he heard Marinette’s knees strike the stones, but she managed to break her fall somewhat with her hands before collapsing entirely. “Chat Noir…no…”

“Run, Marinette,” he instructed. “Just go. It’ll be ok. Me and Ladybug’ll take care of it.”

“…Ladybug,” Marinette repeated, shoving herself back up. “Right. Thank you, Chat Noir.”

He nodded, about all he could manage as his friend staggered to her feet and broke into a run just as a corrupted butterfly cleared the top of the hedge.

“Pathetic.” Volpina smirked at Marinette’s retreating back. “Does she even know you love her?”

Chat Noir jerked against his bindings. “Love - I don’t love her,” he said, but the words were bitter on his tongue.

“Of course you do,” Volpina laughed. “Why else would you have made the trade? So foolishly lopsided, and for what? One ordinary girl?”

“There’s nothing ordinary about Marinette,” Chat Noir said softly as the sweetest sound he’d heard all day sounded behind him, far away but getting closer: the wire of Ladybug’s yoyo. 

“Whatever you say,” Volpina said. She scowled, too enamoured by her empty victory to recognize the sound of her own defeat drawing nearer, instead extending a hand for the akuma to temporarily perch on. “Now where would you like this? Baton? Belt? How about that charming little bell?”

Chat Noir grinned. “Now that I think about it, you’re right: it is a lopsided trade. Cataclysm!” 

The branches retraining him dissolved almost immediately. Volpina staggered back, afraid to touch them and experience the destructive power first hand. 

Chat Noir got back to his feet, and a back handspring or two put enough distance between him and Volpina that he was out of danger - for the moment.

“At least you’re predictable,” she snarled. She raised the flute to her lips, but before she could play a single note, a familiar red blur knocked the instrument from her hands.

“Sorry I was late,” Ladybug said as she dropped to her partners’ side.

“No harm done,” Chat Noir said. “I kept her busy.”

“I almost feel bad for her,” Ladybug teased. “Exactly how many puns did you subject her to?”

Chat Noir smiled tightly. “Enough.” No need for her to know exactly how reckless he had been. It didn’t matter if the risk had been minimal, if it had been minimal at all. All that mattered now was that victory was in reach.

And any feelings he had for certain dark-haired, blue eyed girls? Well…he would worry that later. He’d saved the damsel. Now it was time to save the day.

“Ready, m’lady?” he asked as Volpina geared up again.

“You have no idea,” Ladybug said with a determined grin of her own. “Let’s go; Lucky Charm!”

[janaikam]

My second to last commission for the @mlbforblm drive. This one was a pool request by @chatnoirinette for a djwifi date with marichat/ladrien. Because I’m marichat trash I decided to make this one with djwifi and marichat. I hope you all enjoy!

Thank you @marikittynoir for betareading!

Summary: Walking back home one night, Alya spots Marinette letting Chat Noir into her room. Alya and Nino accidentally uncover a bit more than expected when confronting their friend about the situation.

X

“Nino, I’m fine. This isn’t the first time I’ve walked back home alone.” Alya held her phone close to her ear as she glanced from side to side, watching for cars before crossing the sidewalk.

She was passing by her old college, Francois Dupont, which meant she had only a ten-minute walk left until she got home safe and sound.

Unfortunately, Nino wasn’t having any of that.

“Yeah, you do, but normally you’re walking in the daylight not the middle of the night!” Nino exclaimed on the other end. She could just imagine him pacing in his room, worrying about her. Nino was super sweet and she loved that he cared so much, but times, like this, it could be really annoying.

“I didn’t mean to stay so long at the library on purpose, but hey, at least I didn’t stay until dawn again! Plus this time I called you,” Alya pointed out.

The library Alya had just come from was this new 24 hour one that opened up. They had regular library hours, but if you wanted to stay behind and do your own research they let you pay for a membership. Alya had jumped on the opportunity as soon as she heard that they had a whole section on superheroes. There had been many times when she either stayed at the library all night or fallen asleep and Nora had to come pick her up because it got too late.

Tonight she really tried to leave at a decent time. She had even set an alarm, but that darn snooze button would be the death of her. She had been doing some research on past Ladybug miraculous users for the Ladyblog, and by her probably 10th time pressing snooze, she had noticed a bunch of college-aged students glaring at her. She had packed up everything really quickly and exited the building before checking the time on her phone. It had been 11:00 P.M.

“Do I have to start coming with you to make sure this stops happening?”

Alya rolled her eyes as she stopped at the crosswalk not too far from the Dupain-Cheng bakery. The bakery lights were off, but she could see Marinette’s bedroom light still on. Hmm. Maybe she could throw pebbles at her window like a little Romeo. But then Marinette would convince her to stay the night and she couldn’t afford to do that.

“No, dad. I’m fine. In fact, I’m about to pass by Marineee…” Alya trailed off, staring blankly at Marinette’s balcony.

Alya watched as Chat Noir landed on top of the balcony. He knocked twice before Marinette’s head poked out of the trapdoor and she kissed him on the cheek before moving so Chat could enter her room.

“Alya?! Are you there? What’s wrong?” Nino’s panicked voice interrupted Alya’s racing thoughts.

Alya gulped as the crosswalk light turned green, but she didn’t move an inch too scared that she might unravel what she just witnessed.

“Nino, I think Marinette is dating Chat Noir.”

                                                           XXX

No one could ever say Nino never supported Alya.

Alya wanted to be the power duo at Just Dance? He broke out his best dancing shoes and helped her climb to the top.

Alya wanted to chase akumas? Nino was there by her side, making sure she didn’t kill herself in the process.

Alya wanted to be a superhero? Nino was Rena Rouge’s number one fan and everyone knew it.

Alya wanted to help track down Hawkmoth? Well, Nino was more than happy to give the old fart a piece of his mind.

But when Alya suggested her best friend was dating the cat-themed superhero of Paris? Well, that was just a little too hard for him to believe.

Ignoring the fact that Marinette has a giant crush on his best friend, Chat Noir just wasn’t her type. Marinette never seemed to be interested in the boastful arrogant types. At least from what he remembered about her. But then again he could be wrong about her. Heck, he could even be wrong about Chat Noir. Yet none of that even began to explain why the two of them would be spending time with each other that they would start to even date.

It just made 0 sense.

“Nnnniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnooooooooooo,” Alya drawled. “I know what I saw. Marinette kissed Chat Noir and then proceeded to let him into her room!”

“Maybe it isn’t what you think it is?” Nino suggested hopefully.

“What am I supposed to think, Nino!? That my best friend is just sneaking a boy in a leather-looking magical catsuit into her room in the middle of the night for the heck of it?”

Nino shrugged. “They could just be friends who are hanging out? Chat Noir doesn’t always have to parade around as Paris’ superhero. He’s probably just a normal everyday person and Marinette decided to help him feel normal. I mean Marinette is super nice about those things.”

“But the kiss! The Kiss, Nino!”

“Uhh...maybe they’re friendly? I mean we’re French. We kiss in greeting.”

Alya gave Nino a deadpanned look.

“What else am I supposed to say? There are so many other logical explanations for why Marinette would kiss Chat Noir as he snuck into her bedroom.” Nino paused for a second. “Okay, that sounded really bad as I said it, but c’mon Alya. You really think Marinette would start dating Chat Noir?”

Alya tapped a pen on his cap. “That’s what I’m going to find out!”

Nino groaned, knowing Alya she’d devise some crazy scheme to get Marinette to confess that she was dating Chat Noir.

“Alya, please, don’t do anything stupid,” he begged.

“Stupid? Who me?” Alya blinked innocently as she walked towards the door. “Relax, I’ve got it all figured out.”

Alya winked at him as she exited the apartment.

Hopefully, Marinette has better luck than me convincing her.

                                                          XXX

“On your left!” Adrien shouted as he moved his cat-themed character across the Marshmallow Marsh.

Thanks to Adrien, Nino just narrowly avoided a sugar bomb. Maneuvering around the sticky mess left in its wake, Nino was able to catch up to Adrien’s character as they reached the end of the marsh and the end of the level.

Candy Chompers was one of Adrien and Nino’s favorite games ever since they discovered it two months ago. They had been enamored by the sugary sweet world and all the characters and adventures that came with it.

It was really a nice change from the games that guys their age played. Less violence and gore. More cute adorable animals wanting to save their world from being overrun by the evil Candy Lord.

As the next level loaded, Nino felt his phone vibrate in his back pocket. He shifted his position on Adrien’s couch so he could reach the phone.

Nino groaned as he read the text from Alya. So Marinette failed at her job yesterday.

Adrien glanced at Nino. “Everything okay?”

“No.” Nino paused the game, running his hand through his hair. “Apparently, Marinette and Chat Noir are dating and it seems Alya is making us go on a double date Saturday.”

“Wait, Alya found out Marinette and Chat Noir are dating?” Adrien asked, almost fearful.

“Yeah, crazy right?” Nino set his controller on the arm of the couch. “I always thought you two would get together.”

“Heh, yeah, Marinette and I. Definitely won’t happen now. Cause she’s with Chat. Hehe.”

Nino raised his eyebrows. Adrien was acting weirder than usual. And that was saying a lot, considering he always had the lamest excuses when akumas happened. Nino never really questioned the excuses though. Whatever he was doing when they occurred was Adrien’s business.

“So you’re going on a double date with Chat Noir?”

Nino nodded.

“Awesome. Great. Amazing.”

Before Nino could ask about Adrien’s weird response, Adrien unpaused the game, forcing Nino to refocus on the level ahead.

Adrien’s behavior was weird, but maybe he just had more feelings for Marinette than Nino thought. Man, he really shouldn’t have mentioned the double date in front of Adrien. Poor dude.

                                                          XXX

“I still don’t see why you had to invite them over for a date,” Nino said, watching Alya pull out her famous chicken casserole from the oven. The smell of the dish alone was enough to get Nino’s mouth watering.

Placing the hot dish on the stove, Alya turned towards Nino. “I needed to see if this little kitty is good enough for our Mari.”

“Alya. He’s a superhero. You’ve had interviews with him. How can you say he’s not good enough for Nette?”

There was the sound of voices coming from Alya’s front door, so Nino moved to go open it. From what he could tell the two people outside of it were arguing.

“For all we know, Chat Noir could just be keeping up appearances. Knowing the entirety of Paris is watching, he could have just put on this fake personality, and underneath he’s just this ugly troll, trying to hurt our precious Marinette.”

Nino rolled his eyes at his girlfriend’s antics.

“Why are you dressed like that?” One of the voices in the hallway said. Kind sounded like Marinette if he really focused on the voice.

“I thought that this was appropriate.” Wow, that sounded a lot like Adrien. “Especially considering they think that—”

The voices stopped as soon as Nino opened the apartment door.

Huh, so it was Marinette’s voice he heard, but definitely not Adrien’s.

Marinette and Chat Noir looked like little kids caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Both of them looked extremely stiff as they stood next to each other right outside the apartment door.

“Oh, you’re here!” Nino jumped at Alya’s sudden appearance behind him. “Nino, don’t make them stay out there all night.”

“Yeah, c’mon in!” Nino moved aside to let the couple in.

“You came at a perfect time, I just took out the food. I’ll bring it out in just a second!” Alya said, walking back into the kitchen.

“Okay, Alya. We’ll be at the dining table,” Marinette responded, leading Chat over to the table in the dining room.

Nino wasn’t sure if it was just him, but Marinette seemed extremely tense like she was a mouse stuck in a field of mouse traps.

There was an awkward pause at the table once the three sat down. Neither of the couple in front of Nino seemed very eager to strike up a conversation. Probably just nerves.

Considering the circumstances, Nino figured that they never really expected to go on a double date ever, so now being on one was likely very weird.

“Uh, so, Chat, what do you like to do for fun?” Nino asked.

“Oh, you know. Everyday teenage boy things. Play video games, flex in the mirror, save princesses. Normal everyday activities. Hehe.”

“What games do you play?”

“I play a bit of Ultimate Mecha Strike III and Cand—OW!”

Nino watched confused as Chat Noir brought his foot up to his face and cradled it. Marinette didn’t seem at all concerned by her boyfriend’s antics. Instead, she was glancing back towards the kitchen where Alya was adding some finishing touches on her casserole.

“Oh, so you and Marinette must’ve bonded over your love for UMS3. She’s like the queen of that game. I still have yet to meet someone who could beat her at it.”

Chat Noir scoffed. “I’ve beat Little Miss Constipation Girl here at UMS3 multiple times.”

Of all the names to call Marinette, that had to be the weirdest one ever. He definitely had to ask about that later. As far as he knew , the only people who knew about the constipation incident were him, Alya, the girls, and Adrien. Well Nino only knew because Adrien had told him about his trip to London and Alya filled him in on some minor details after the fact.

Marinette either blushed in embarrassment at the nickname or at the fact that she wasn’t an unbeatable mastermind at UMS3. “You only won both times because you cheated by distracting me!”

“A true champion knows not to get distracted by the tiniest of things.” Chat had a smug smirk on his face as he watched Marinette turn as red as a tomato.

“Why you mangy little all-”

“Dinner is served!” Alya announced, interrupting Marinette.

Whatever the incident was surrounding UMS3, Nino was definitely never going to bring that up again for fear of his life or Chat’s life.

“So what were you guys talking about?” Alya asked, taking the seat beside Nino.

“Nothing much. Wow, babe this looks amazing. Let’s dig in!” Nino exclaimed, quickly grabbing a serving of the casserole.

Chat and Marinette followed suit while Alya gave Nino a look that read, ‘What the heck is going on?’. Instead of answering the exact question she was thinking, Nino turned towards his plate and started filling his mouth with food.

Alya shook her head at his antics, grabbing her own portion.

The next few minutes were spent in a comfortable silence as everyone dug into the food.

Alya really out did herself this time. Maybe Marinette should sneak around with superheroes more often if this is how Alya ends up cooking.

“You’re a hungry little cat aren’t you?” Alya asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Looking up, Nino saw Chat with his claw (paw?) on the spoon for the casserole dish.

“Sorry, I didn’t get to eat a whole lot today and this is really good food, Ms. Ladyblogger.”

Nino, along with Alya and Marinette, looked at Chat concerned. Of all people, Nino would’ve thought a superhero would eat enough to stay healthy. Superheroes like Chat and Ladybug were always out there running around stopping akumas. Not eating enough food? That was practically a death wish.

“Nino, could you go get the leftover coleslaw from our lunch earlier. I think Chat needs it more than Ella and Etta.”

Nino immediately complied, more than eager to help out the poor boy who consistently saved Paris.

“No, you don’t have to!” Chat started shaking his hands, trying to stop Nino.

“Dude, we have a model friend who doesn’t eat enough as it is and I always make him eat some of my leftovers. As far as I know you’re not a model, but you save Paris like everyday so a healthy diet is a must.” Nino pushed the bowl of coleslaw into Chat’s arms. “Here, take as much as you want.”

“Oh, um, thanks. I’m not really sure what to say.” Chat blushed.

“You don’t say anything. Just eat.” Marinette grabbed the coleslaw from Chat’s hands and filled his plate with a nice serving. Alya did similar and picked up the casserole dish, piling even more food onto his plate.

“Oh, okay then.” Chat picked up his fork and stared at his plate now full of food.

“I don’t see a lot of eating going on there.” Marinette had her hands on her hips, watching Chat to make sure he would eat. Chat clearly didn’t want to test Marinette on the topic of food, so he complied by eating the food in front of him.

“I think I finally get it. Marinette is dating Chat to make sure that he would be eating enough!” Alya shouted after a few minutes watching the two.

“Wait what you think I’m dating Chat!?” “That’s exactly the reason!”

Marinette and Chat blurted at the same time.

Nino furrowed his eyebrows at Marinette’s statement. That didn’t make a lot of sense considering they were currently on a double date.

“Wait, what do you mean you and Chat aren’t dating?” Apparently, Alya also picked up on Marinette’s statement.

“Um, well you see Chat is here, umm, filling in for Adrien because you mentioned how you saw me with my boyfriend and I’m dating Adrien hehe.” Marinette smiled unconvincingly.

“So you’re not dating Chat Noir?”

Marinette shook her head. “I’m not...did you think I was?”

“Uh, yeah! I saw him sneak into your room one night and you kissed him on the cheek!”

Marinette glanced at Chat. “Oh, uh, you saw that? Chat and I just hang out sometimes. Giving each other cheek kisses and all.”

Alya blinked while Nino grinned at the explanation. It was practically the same explanation he had given Alya when this whole thing started.

“Oh. Then that means you’re dating Adrien?”

Marinette nodded.

“And Chat filled in because Adrien couldn’t make it?”

Marinette nodded again.

“Uh, I have a question.” Nino felt the entire table’s eyes on him as he spoke. “Why did Chat volunteer if you and Adrien were keeping your relationship a secret? Why not just say Adrien couldn’t come instead of outing your secret to three people?”

“Adrien and I are bad at keeping secrets?” Marinette said more so as a question.

“Clearly.” Alya sighed. Nino could tell she was just as confused as he was.

There was just something about her story that didn’t add up. It was really bugging him, but he couldn’t place his finger on it.

Unless it was…

“Hey, Nette, did you ever tell Chat about the prescription incident?”

“No, why?”

That was it. That was what didn’t make sense. “Why did Chat call you ‘Little Miss Constipation Girl’ earlier?”

“Uhh…”

“There was another constipation incident!”

Alya gave the pair a look of disbelief. “As much as I could believe Marinette had some separate constipation incident. I feel like your actions suggest otherwise.”

“I mean it’s not like there’s anything ba—Oh my gosh, Chat’s Adrien.” The answer just hit Nino like a bullet train. How could he have been so blind. Adrien was the only dude who even knew about that stupid constipation incident. And then his actions lined up almost perfectly with how Chat acted. Even his reaction at the dinner invite. He was probably completely confused on who he was supposed to show up as.

“How could I have been so blind!” Alya exclaimed next to him.

“I guess we let the Chat out of the bag, huh?” Chat whispered to Marinette.

“No, you did!”

“Nah, it was a team effort.”

[mikauzoran]

Marichat: Serendipity: Fifty Marichat and Adrienette Kisses: Kiss Thirty-Three

Read it on AO3: Serendipity: Fifty Marichat and Adrienette Kisses: ...forcefully.

“Princess? What’s wrong?” Chat demanded in a panic as he landed on Marinette’s balcony.

He’d gotten a text reading, “I need to see you NOW” after the akuma battle, and he’d run straight over after giving Plagg a chance to recharge.

In lieu of a response, Marinette pulled him to her, arms vice-like around him as she crushed her lips to his.

He let her push him down roughly onto the snow-dusted deckchair, ignoring the bite of the cold as it melted against his skin.

Her mouth pressed, hot and insistent, against his, and he happily bent to her will…until he felt the tears sliding down her cheeks and onto his.

He turned his head away, calling softly, “Marinette? Why are you crying? Are you okay?”

She pushed herself up, shaking her head and sniffling.

“Hey. Let’s go inside,” he suggested, slipping his hands under her thighs and lifting her up.

She dropped her head to his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him as he carried her down into her room, carefully depositing her on her bed.

“Princess, talk to me,” he coaxed as he curled up around her protectively. “What’s wrong?”

“Y-You died,” she accused through tears. “Again!”

It abruptly occurred to him what an idiot he was. Of course she was upset about him sacrificing himself to save her—or Ladybug, at least—from the akuma the hour before.

“You saw the footage of the fight?” he offered her an excuse, knowing she’d seen things firsthand, seen the life drain out of him as he landed limply beside her.

He was such an idiot. He should have realized she’d need to see him, to make sure he was really okay.

She nodded, body shaking. “I saw you get hit. I saw you go down.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, rubbing his face against her neck and giving her his most soothing purr. “I’m okay, Marinette. I promise.”

“But you weren’t,” she spat, angry at herself, at him, at the world. “For nearly three whole minutes, you weren’t, and I…” She turned in his embrace, catching his lips in another fierce kiss. “…I can’t take you not being okay.”

He pressed his forehead against hers and rubbed their noses together. “I’m sorry, My Love. I never meant to hurt you like that, and I’ll try not to let it happen again, but…” He pulled back to cup her cheek in his hand and gaze into her eyes. “Marinette, I’ll be as careful as I can, but there are going to be times when I have to take a hit.”

She started to shake her head no, but he stopped her.

“Shh. Yes. Yes, Princess, it has to be me. Don’t you know I would do anything to protect you?” he cooed.

Her brow furrowed slightly. “Me?”

He nodded, tucking a stray bang back behind her ear. “You,” he confirmed. “As long as Ladybug is safe, you’re safe…Paris is safe, I’m safe too. Even if I get taken down, so long as Ladybug is safe, she’ll fix everything.”

Marinette opened her mouth to argue, but he cut her off. “I know you don’t always believe in her, Marinette, but I do. Ladybug is brave and selfless and smart and resourceful…just like you. I know she doubts herself, but I’ve never once stopped believing in her. There has never been a problem that she couldn’t solve.”

“…But…what if she fails?” Marinette asked hesitantly, afraid to even voice the unthinkable thought. “What if she can’t do it without you?”

He shook his head, leaning in for a quick kiss. “Don’t doubt. Just believe in her like I believe in her.”

She pressed her lips together, a troubled expression still clinging to her face. “It’s hard to trust like that.”

“You trust me like that, don’t you?” he prompted, a sly smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth.

“Of course I do,” she answered automatically.

“Okay. So…trust my judgment,” he urged. “Do you think I’d entrust your safety to just anyone willy-nilly?”

“…No,” she realized, more than a little humbled by the huge amount of trust he placed in his partner.

“Okay then,” he replied as if that settled it. “So the next time something like this happens, I need you to trust in Ladybug, okay? So long as she’s safe to fix things, I’m going to be okay, so there’s no need to freak out, even if I’m taken out of commission. Ladybug can handle it. I’m going to be fine.”

“I wish I could trust in her like you do,” Marinette sighed, resting her head on his chest.

He winced, wishing he could say something that would make a real difference. “Are you feeling any better at all?”

Surprisingly, she nodded. “What you said did help. About staying calm because so long as Ladybug was okay, you would be okay too. I just…when you got hit today…I panicked. I kept thinking about what if Ladybug couldn’t save you, what if I’d lost you for good…. Those weren’t very helpful thoughts. It would probably be better to focus on how to fix things without letting all of those negative thoughts flood in to distract me.”

He nodded, nuzzling her hair. “Just keep telling yourself that I’m going to be okay.”

“Hopefully it’s a long time before I have to,” she sighed in exhaustion, sinking into his embrace. “Right now, I think the best thing for me is to listen to your heartbeat and soak up some of your warmth.”

“I’ll even throw in a free purr,” he offered gallantly.

“I’d like that,” she chuckled.

[iridescenceoflove]

picture me (just like this) - Chapter 2/2

Still for @lnc2 (I know it's no longer strictly Marichat, but I don't think you mind some Ladynoir). :D 

AO3 + FFN

Summary: Chat Noir’s finished Ladybug’s gift. 

She didn't forget about the photos.

(Or what they meant to him.)

Chat Noir on his part hadn't uttered a single word about the project or any plans for a gift exchange to Ladybug—unlike his usual M.O. of telling her anything and everything under the sun that didn't possibly have to do with identities—so she easily deduced that it was indeed supposed to be a top-secret surprise for herself. Of course, that wasn't exactly a possibility at this point. (Not that Chat had to know such.)

He did, however, try and show Marinette the finished product, and whilst it was extremely tempting to agree, she'd forced herself to impose some sense of curtailment on her eagerness in the end. So instead, she'd insisted on waiting until Ladybug saw it, as it would be more special and intimate for her to be the first one to see it before anyone else. She'd figured she already technically ruined her own surprise, so the least she could do was wait and keep as much suspense as she could—even if there was a desperate desire to just sneak a little peek.

(But he'd sounded so giddy over the phone about it; so she could be patient for him.)

That didn't mean she arrived to patrols without bated breath and searching eyes. According to Tikki, her patience sucked.

Eventually, he showed up one evening with the precious little cargo tucked underneath one arm, and she had to contain the urge to squeal and make grabby-hands.

"What's that?" she blurted as his boots touched the rooftop.

According to Tikki, her acting skills sucked too.

Chat made a show of glancing down confusedly. "You mean this?" He gave it a little shake.

"Yeah, is it a gift?"

Tikki may have been somewhat right.

Chat didn't seem to notice though. "Maybe. Maybe not," he wheedled, rocking on his heels.

"Well, it sure looks like a gift to me," she huffed, impatiently crossing her arms.

"Somebody is the curious cat tonight."

"And unlike you, I deserve my satisfaction," she sniffed primly.

"And someone's not going to deserve her gift instead," he taunted.

"Told you!" she grinned, putting forth her hands expectantly.

"You did not!" he retorted, yanking back the present against his chest. "You were just being nosy."

"Was not."

"Were too."

"I don't see how I was being nosy when it's my present."

"But you didn't know that at first."

She scowled. "I had a feeling."

"How?" he pouted.

"Uhh," she stammered. "Well, who else would you be carrying a gift for?"

"Ah ah ah, I think," Chat declared, hiding the present from her line of sight behind his back, "you just don't want to admit you like my presents. And didn't want this to be for anybody else."

"Pffft," she scoffed, waving a hand, "sure, the diamond earrings and Chanel bag were some nice momentos, but they're a little flashy."

And extremely expensive. And the nicest things she owned that had to stay tucked away in her closet because he refused any of her vetoes, and she couldn't be seen with them without raised eyebrows and questions; but she did admire them from time to time. They were sweet gifts nonetheless.

"Alas, she has specific taste," Chat said, inching the gift back out into view.

Her eyes automatically followed the movement of it. "Please," she blinked very kindly up at him.

He sighed. "Who am I to resist the wiles of my Lady." He dropped the gift into her hands with a flourish.

She grinned triumphantly, appraising the book-shaped object covered in her favorite shade of pink and black polka dotted wrapping paper, topped off with a cute little white bow in the middle.

"I will warn you," Chat informed, astoundingly shy all of the sudden, "it's no diamonds or Versace; in fact, I sort of made it, so it's definitely nothing amazing—"

"Don't be silly—I bet it's one of your best gifts yet," she winked, slipping a finger under one of the folds on the backside.

She was pretty sure it could look like a three-year old did it and she would love it still.

Encased in the wrapping was a simple black leather book with the title Adventures of LB and CN and a yin and yang symbol in the corner.

"Uh, I actually was able to commission Nathaniel to do a little edit of the yin and yang symbol to fit our themes...since, you know, we're like yin and yang?"

She nodded, smiling as she softly grazed a finger over the area.

Flipping open the book, there was the dedication on the first page:

For My Lady, My Partner, My Best Friend

She was certain her cheeks couldn't stretch any further.

The first few photos were definitely from the beginning of their partnership. Like their first fist bump, first pose for the press, and one of their first selfies even—they all were lined against the pages, showcasing the novelty and surrealness that encompassed the first couple of weeks. She shook her head in amazement. Even as it felt so long ago, it was as if it were just yesterday she opened that little box of change and responsibility.

It was clear as she continued that Chat had arranged them in a linear-timeline, as the photos became newer and more comfortable. The photos he had first shown her that night in her room were peppered amongst others she noted, and there were quite a few more photos in between. If she were more courageous and self-disciplined, she would ask him to tell her what they meant to him again. And if she were honest enough with herself, she really wanted him to answer the same way he had that night, just so she could see that sparkle in his eye again—honest, hopeful, yearning, all in a way that made her feel warm and funny inside. He'd talk all night if she'd ask, and she would sit beside him and listen just because she could.

By the time she was about halfway through, more photos including other members of the team started popping up. Viperion and Pegasus posing ridiculously back-to-back, Carapace atop Chat's shoulders, Rena pranking Kim with an illusion, there was even a picture of Queen Bee cracking a reluctant grin and peace sign—they all were moments that somehow got captured. Some of the group photos had little descriptions underneath or beside the photos, like, "Goofing around with our buddies—the gargoyles," or "Ice cream and hang with the gang." Some were left by themselves, with little decals matching their respective kwami-animal theme sprinkled throughout.

"I actually got some of these photos from them," Chat said as she landed on a selfie of Viperion and Ryuko. "I mentioned to Rena what I was doing, so she offered to have herself and the others send some photos as a contribution."

If anything, the thought of her team each pitching in some of their own photos was even more touching, and her cheeks were already aching from all the smiling she was doing.

"That was nice of them."

It truly surprised her—the amount of pictures that had been taken and printed so she could relive them all, each photo recalling each moment with clarity and affection.

But to finish it off, at the very end was a photo of her and Chat sitting on a rooftop, her head on his shoulder and their backs to the camera as the sun set; two figures against the fevered oranges and yellows of the sky, side by side. Underneath read—

Ladybug,

No matter what happens, I hope you can look back upon this with fond memories and remember some of the best times. Because my best times are when I'm with you. So here's to all the memories—even good and bad—and many more that will stand the end of time, just like us. You and me, against the world.

Your Partner, Chat Noir

By the time she got to the ending line, it was becoming too blurry. She swiped a knuckle under her eye, not wanting to risk a single teardrop lest it mar the precious page.

"Oh my god, you're crying! I messed up, didn't I— I'm sorry, this—"

She effectively cut off his rambling worries as she threw her arms around him, hugging him fiercely. "You didn't mess up a thing. I love this."

"You do?"

She fervently nodded her head against his shoulder as she laughed, the ends of his hair at the nape of his neck tickling her cheek. "I do. This is amazing."

"On par with Versace?"

"Better," she corrected, running a hand over the front cover reverently. "This is the best gift ever, Chat." She already knew its rightful place where it belonged; nestled in between the two dried roses in the box tucked in the secret corner of her closet.

He grinned, looking simultaneously shy and pleased as he stood before her. "Well, I thought you could use something that'd bring a smile to your face."

'And—and she just looked so happy, so carefree, standing under her umbrella in the rain with a smile that could turn any cloud in the sky away as she explained. I couldn't help but take a photo, because I knew then that as long as I know her, I'd always try to get her to look like that. Happy.'

"You make me happy."

The words slipped past her lips, unbidden, honest, and completely unchecked; but she wouldn't take back the words for anything.

"I do?" he blinked, voice colored with surprise and wonder, as if any foresight to insert the usual flair of charismatic self-assuredness into his tone disappeared.

And maybe, that was why it only felt right to be honest: "Of course! I—I may not say it often enough...but you're my partner. My best friend. You've always made me happy."

Because when he'd noticed she was feeling down, he'd taken the time and effort to make something special for her, just to try and cheer her up. And sometimes, she really wondered why she drew that line for herself, and when it had become so blurred. Especially when he looked at her like that as she held what she knew was going to be one of her most treasured possessions for the rest of her life.

It turned out she didn't have to ask again. "It goes both ways, My Lady; you make me the happiest Chat around." It was said with earnest veracity—the same veracity he'd wielded when talking about her on her chaise that night—eyes sparkling and honest, his smile hopeful and yearning. A photo wasn't necessary when her brain already committed that look to her memory.

She stepped forward. "Well," she said, before stretching onto tiptoes so her lips could meet the smooth curve of his right cheek. "Thank you again, Chat Noir. I'll cherish this forever." She pulled back, the tips of their noses barely grazing— "And the book."

Smiling, she launched off the rooftop, a blushing open-mouthed Chat Noir in her wake. As she landed on the facing building, she slid her yo-yo open and pressed the camera icon, giggling as the yo-yo audibly clicked.

This was definitely a memory for the books.

[sasuhinasno1fan]

Switch in tone- MariChat May Day 10

I wasn’t totally sure about this one. I have huge respect to anyone who comes up with new Akumas and battles, because I tried twice to do this and it didn’t work out, hence why this is so short. However, my friends and I were talking about how akuma’s fashion is a bit, well, sometimes not the best looking and they reminded them of Paris fashion runway looks. So I decided to go looking a bit and found clothes from the brand Comme des Garcon, which I know because I’m a fan of KEY from Shinee and his that is what he named his dogs after and wow, those ready to wear outfits are something. So I was inspired by this and the sleeves on this. Hopefully you like it anyway. @marichatmay Can I borrow your Miraculous?

“Can I borrow your Miraculous?”

it was a mindless question she’d asked, not paying much attention with her full focus on the pages in front of her. She had a commission for Chat Noir inspired clothes and from what Adrien understood, she wanted to feature his paw prints on it. He hadn’t even given what he did much thought, he just pulled off his ring, cancelling his transformation and dropped it onto Marinette’s sketch book. It took Plagg floating in front of her face for her to realise what he’d done.

“What the- Chat!” she jumped up out of her chair and turned around, but Adrien had never been more happy for his cat like reflexes. He stayed out of her eyesight, dodging her as she turned before she realised what she was doing. Plagg was no help, he kept following Marinette around asking for cheese. “What did you do that for?”

“You wanted to borrow my Miraculous.”

“And you just gave it to me? What if I had been Akumatized?”

“I’d know and then I’d save you.” he stated, like it was common knowledge. But it was. Whether as Adrien or Chat Noir, he wouldn’t let any harm come to Marinette. She had been so close that one time Lila got her expelled. It still made him angry that they just took her word for it without even asking Marinette for her side. It was tempting at times to just do what Plagg wanted and just show up at the school one day and completely discredit her, but he knew how she was. He knew she’d find a way to turn it around for her benefit. He could only hope she’d get caught one day. Marinette didn’t deserve to have that fox – which felt like an insult to Rena Rouge – try and ruin her life. He’d save her, no matter what.

He heard sputtering from where he was hiding under her desk and the Plagg asked again for cheese, which she rushed to go get.

“What were you thinking?” Plagg asked.

“She wanted to borrow it. I trust her.”

“I get that, but it was still stupid.”

when Plagg was refuelled and he was back in his superhero leather, he climbed out from under the desk, where Marinette frowned down at him. He felt like a cat being scolded for knocking over a cup just because it got curious.

“Chat, I meant for you to give me your hand, not your whole means of transforming. What if something happened and you couldn’t transform?”

“I’m sure you’ve seen my banana suite.” He pointed out, “I do what I can to protect people. Even if it means immortalizing myself forever as Banana Noir.”

a smile finally appeared on Marinette’s face as she burst into giggles. “Silly kitty. Try and think about yourself first. If anything happens to you, who’s Ladybug gonna depend on for help?” she asked, scratching at his ears, turning him into a purring mess. He didn’t bother pointing out that he’d been put under akuma control many times. It was when Ladybug wasn’t there things could go falling apart.

But there was another thing for him that would cause things to fall apart for him. Marinette being Akumatized. He was so sure as long as he tried to keep her spirits up, there’d be no chance.

                                               _______________

“Can I borrow your Miraculous?” the same question asked by the girl floating in front of him. Looking like some sort of ladybug inspired creature – though a small part of him kept seeing Comme des Garҫon outfits from Fashion Week, but he digressed – Marinette floated in front of him. Heeled boots, shorts, a blazer top and an overcoat with long sleeves that covered her hands, the back of it looking like fantastical wings all in a black he’d never seen her in. it wasn’t the black of her usual coat she wore. It was the darkest a colour could go, almost like whatever rolled over a person when Akumatized was living on the overcoat. The one thing that made it worse as the thing keeping her overcoat. The lucky charm bracelet he gave to her for her birthday. There was a crack in one of the charms. “Come on chaton, you let me borrow it before.”

Lila had done this. She spread lies saying that Marinette had stolen her designs and customers and instead of using their common sense that Marinette would never do that, the class took Lila’s side. He stood by Marinette, but he could see how it was getting to her. He went to go call Gorilla for 5 minutes to take them home when Lila had approached Marinette. He didn’t hear what she said, only saw her snatch the charm from around her wrist, throw it on the floor and stamp on it with her boot.

“Look, now it matches you. Broken and alone.” he had no chance of getting there before the butterfly landed on the broken bracelet in a crushed Marinette’s hands.

Something red had flashed around her but he was more concerned with trying to talk to her before she could accept Hawkmoth’s deal. She’d looked at him with angry tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry Adrien, but she has to learn.” and just like that, the sickly bubbles washed over her and there she stood, Broken Charm. It felt like an insult to Ladybug’s signature move. It was an insult to their everyday Ladybug.

“Let me borrow it chaton.”

Adrien narrowed his eyes. He’d deal with Lila later. Right now, he wanted to find Hawkmoth and ring his neck. This wasn’t his princess, his Marinette. The one who’d roll her eyes at his flirtatious puns. Who’d beat him in every fighting video game they played. The one who fed him cookies and petted his ears. This was a fake Marinette who had to be hurting inside. He was going to save her and let her know how much she meant to him, he was going to try his hardest to protect her from this, with and without the mask on.

“Hang on Princess. I’m going to help you. I promise.”

[komorebirei]

WIP Folder Challenge

List the titles of your WIP files.

I was tagged by @mikauzoran​--thank you!

Tagging: @zekroudon @synkiller82 @trashcatontherooftop @dramatic-daisies @luminousinthedark

Oh great, I have a lot. ^_^; Most of them have already started to be posted, since I’m more focused on finishing my WIPs than starting anything new. I have been in a bit of a writing slump lately, though.

Aside from the WIPs mentioned below, I also have another hidden WIP that’s a MLB for BLM commission so I won’t disclose any details yet. To the person who requested, if you read this--I’m so sorry it’s taking me so long! I’m working on Quantum now because that’s what’s inspiring me and I feel like working on it is curing my writing slump. I promise I’ll finish it soon. (This secret fic will become an audiofic, too.)

Not going to link to any of these, because I wouldn’t necessarily recommend anyone to read my incomplete fics, but if you really want to check them out, you can visit my AO3 profile here. I’m listing them in the order that I intend to finish them.

Fics on AO3

Quantum Entangled (Lukadrien)

This is a soulmate, no-powers AU. Soulmates are marked by some point of synchrony in their lives. Between Adrien and Luka, this manifests as them both having composed a fragment of a song that can’t be completed without the other person’s part. Adrien hears Luka play his part and realizes they’re soulmates, but he doesn’t know what to make of that and keeps it from Luka at first, opting to get to know him better instead. There are currently three chapters out, and two chapters coming. I’ve written most of Chapter Four (all but the last couple pages), and done a detailed outline for Chapter Five, so it should be done soon.

Graine de toi (love square)

This was inspired by Kimi no na wa (Your Name)--Adrien and Marinette have temporary body swaps. The reason for the body swapping, and the events that transpire, are different from the movie, so I wouldn’t really call it a crossover. In this AU, Adrien never went to public school, but he’s still Chat Noir and everything else is mostly the same, so the love square dynamic is a little different. There are five chapters out, and the rest of the chapters exist in varying stages of completion (some are fully edited, some are drafted, some outlined, and at least one needs to be rewritten). Not sure when I’ll be finished, but it’s the next multichapter fic in line after Quantum.

The Water Was Never Afraid (Adrigami/Marichat)

In this aged-up fic, Adrien and Kagami start dating. Their relationship isn’t bad, but Adrien is dealing with stress at home and work that Kagami can’t necessarily support him through, and dating her also puts pressure on him, so he starts visiting Marinette as Chat Noir to relieve some of the stress.

Rêveries, Passions (love square)

Music AU. Adrien is a piano prodigy and Marinette is a violinist. They go to music university together, and Adrien plays at a jazz club as the masked Chat Noir to get away from the elitism and competition of the classical music world. Marinette and Adrien are best friends, and he invites her to the jazz club, but she’s struggling to keep her head above water at school and thinks a side hobby will be a distraction, so she says no. She ends up going in disguise as Coccinelle once, though, and gets caught up in a flirty relationship with Chat Noir. It’s a story about secrets--the ones they disclose and the ones they keep.

I have a series of short drabbles in this universe, a few long drabbles, and a couple of chapters out. I’m not sure when I’ll get back to updating it.

Project Repo (LuXY)

Team Miraculous knows each other’s identities and communicates regularly through a group chat. When they lose the fox miraculous and XY picks it up, Luka gets assigned to get it back from him. It’s supposed to be humorous, but I suck at writing humor. XD I was having fun with this series, though. Someday I’ll get back to it.

YouTube-Only Stories (so far)

Nowhere Else To Go (Marichat / love square)

Chat Noir runs away from home and seeks refuge at Marinette’s house, but he won’t tell her why. A story about the pain of not knowing how to help one’s suffering friend, and dealing with the emotional issues surrounding a Hawkmoth reveal. (I hope that’s not a spoiler, but I mean... it’s pretty obvious, and the point of the story is not to surprise people with why he ran away.) I’ve been debating about whether to post this on AO3 or not, because it feels so old and badly written to me. People on YouTube seem to like it, though, so once I finish other WIPs I might give it a thorough round of editing, finish it, and start posting on AO3.

When I first wrote the series, I finished it. However, since there are so many loose ends and emotional issues to tie up, there was a lot of content that I later decided to add, which expanded the chapter count. Since then, though, I’ve decided that it isn’t necessary to resolve everything and extend the story beyond its natural ending point; I can always write more drabbles in the universe or a sequel later if I really feel like it, but it’s more important to keep the story concise and finish it. So I think there will only be three more chapters. One is already written, one is half-written, half-outlined, and the last is written. The end is in sight.

UMS Online (love square)

An AU where Marinette is a 3D artist and Adrien is a developer, the son of a gaming company CEO. His father is trying to push him into management, but Adrien prefers coding and gaming. He secretly plays UMS Online, an online fight game, as Chat Noir, the second-best player on the leaderboard, while Marinette secretly plays as Ladybug, the top player. Marinette gets hired by Agreste Co. (the gaming company) and doesn’t realize her boss’ son is Chat Noir. I thought the premise was fun and I have the whole thing outlined, but who knows when I’ll get back to this haha. It’s very low on my list of priorities.

[agaystormcloud]

The Pressure That Comes Within - Miraculous Ladybug

   In which Chat is the only person who doesn’t expect something from her

Good old MariChat :D  (Feel free to DM any criticisms on my work)

(1 paragraph mentions Self Harm and Eating Disorders and may be potentially triggering, if you would like to skip it is marked by *** lines)

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There was a lot of pressure in Marinette’s life, despite what everyone assumed from her. Her teachers expected her to be a good example for students like Chloe, she had her job as Class Representative ( or she used to), her friends expected her to help babysit and hang out with them, her parents expected her to get good grades and help in the store sometimes, Jagged and a few other people expected her to be able to do commission work, Paris expected her to be the hero they needed, and Chat… Well she didn’t know what Chat expected from her on either side of the mask

There was a lot of pressure in Marinette’s life, despite what everyone assumed from her.  Her teachers expected her to be a good example for students like Chloe, she had her job as Class Representative ( or she used to), her friends expected her to help babysit and hang out with them, her parents expected her to get good grades and help in the store sometimes, Jagged and a few other people expected her to be able to do commission work, Paris expected her to be the hero they needed, and Chat…  Well she didn’t know what Chat expected from her on either side of the mask, he’d visited Marinette a handful of times in her home.  He was usually a very welcome distraction from her problems, and something to pay attention to while she worked.  On the other hand, in the mask all he expected from her was her kindness and to be his partner (like everyone else, that meant saving Paris, but with him it was different.  He also supported her, they were equals).  

  Knowing all of this, it wasn’t very hard for Marinette to feel overwhelmed and out of control sometimes.  Of course, individually everything shouldn’t be that overwhelming, but all together ended up with a very tired and overworked teenage girl.  With the extra push of Lila isolating her from her friends, and the news's remarks on Ladybug’s appearance.  

  The obvious solution would be to talk to tikki, but she was often tired after their fights, which were some of her hardest times.  She very often thought of alternatives, most of them more destructive than you would be led to believe from the holder of the miraculous of creation.

*** Possibly Triggering content***

  She’d tried monitoring her eating to curve down her weight, but her impulses were too strong.  Afterwards, and whenever she thought back on the situation, she labeled herself as a fatty or pig.  Someone unable to control themselves, yet again.  The other option, was much worse to think about, she’d thought about S*lf H*arm before, but the closest she’d gotten was scrubbing away at her frustrated doodles on her arms.  She hated to admit that she wanted to do more, but she shelved it away under ‘forbidden things’, she chickened out again, like always.

**content end**

  On the subject of destruction, a certain black cat usually helped, but he only came by on Wednesdays and Fridays (his patrol nights), if at all.  She stepped out onto the patio, silently pleading Chat would just show up and help her solve all her problems.  The cold night wind bit her skin, and she responsively tugged on her scarf.  She was alone with only her thoughts to keep her company, all of them.  The ones that yearned for self-destruction as the solution pulled at her arms, thoughts of each responsibility swirled around her head, and she was coated in a layer of guilt.  Not everything was as magically solved as with her Lucky Charm’s reset.  

  “Screw magic” she whispered hoarsely, as she hadn’t really spoken in hours.  She slipped back into her room, grabbed her new sneakers, and threw on a comfortable outfit.  The cap she’d designed, but everything else was just laying around.  

  As she slipped out the back door, she didn’t quite know where she was going, but she reasoned being lost in her thoughts justified being lost in Paris.  Her feet carried her from street to street until she landed at the eiffel tower, looming high above her.  She grabbed a ticket and climbed the steps of the tower, an odd experience compared to just swinging up.  Daring herself, she climbed out and sat just off from where she and Chat usually met for patrol.  Collecting her thoughts felt almost easier up there, it was familiar.  She was almost done (the same regard to crying), and started getting up, and back to the allowed areas.  As she turned to leave, she was met with a block in her path, and stumbled, she would’ve fell if not for him grabbing her arms to help her back up.

  “Careful there, purr-incess” he warned her, pulling The shorter girl back up onto the platform behind him.

  “Thank you, Chat,” she replied, taking in the scenario.  She might have been able to help herself back up regardless, but she considered herself lucky to have Chat there to catch her.

  “And what would you be doing up here all by yourself in the middle of the night?” He wondered, looking down at her.

  “It’s just.. everything I have to do, it’s all a lot sometimes.  I can usually handle it, but not tonight apparently” She tried to wipe the tears and tiredness left on her face away, almost succeeding.

  He murmured something under his breath, “ I can relate to that, Marinette.  Do you want to talk about it?” he offered, knowing it usually helped to talk to Plagg when his responsibilities piled up, “Or may I just help you home?  I’d feel bad leaving you here to walk so far alone”

  “ That would be.. nice, Chaton.” She, as per usual started to ramble,  “As long as you don’t mind that is.  I wouldn’t want to be a bother with all that you do.  You and ladybug must be very busy saving Paris all the time, that is?”

  He chuckled softly, moving closer and offering his hand, “No one’s ever a bother, especially you”  She took his hand, and he was off.

  They landed back on her patio, where everything had started for the anxious girl, her mind racing and thoughts out of order.  

  “So, did you want to talk about it, princess?” Chat asked, as he’d offered earlier.

  “Yea, that’d be nice.  Would you mind if I grabbed something from my room really quick?  I wouldn’t want to bother you or anything?”

  Chat nodded, reiterating she wasn't a bother, “go ahead, I’ll stay”

  Marinette scuttered down into her room, pulling out her box of baked goods, and coming back up to the roof area.  She tore a croissant in half, offering the other side to Chat.  “It’s just, everything’s a lot and almost everyone in my life expects something from me, and usually I can bear it, but lately I’ve picked up a few more things and it’s all too much.  I don’t know how to tell people without offending them, because it sounds like they’re not worth my time anymore, and that would mean not being a good friend.  That’s one of the things I’m most known for, and if I’m not that, what am I?”  She started, offering the open box while she talked, “and- well.. And there’s this girl at school who’s been spreading lies and rumours about me, and people keep telling me to set a good example, or they don’t believe me.  But with her threats, which I know she can fulfill.  I don’t know what to do anymore?”  

  Chat murmured, brushing crumbs off the top of his suit, “ No one deserves to feel like that, Mari.  Have the teachers at your school done anything?”

  “ No, everyone believes her or expects it to solve itself really”

  “You should file an issue with the teachers at your school, they shouldn’t be taking her word over yours and not helping you with all this.” he checked the time on his baton, “ I have to go for the night, as it’s getting late.  But, I’ll hope to find you again on Friday?  Let me know if the issues persist, I’m sure they’d hate to ignore someone as lovely as me” He proclaimed, flexing and chuckling,  the green-eyed teen took her hand and pressed a kiss to it, leaping away and grumbling to himself as soon as he was far enough away.

  Marinette was left feeling a little better, brushing away her thoughts of one cute cat.  She’d file a complaint with her parents to the school board.  

  The next day at school found her a bit better, and Adrien seemed more aggressive towards Lila, which seemed weird compared to usual.  When she complained about Mari ‘bullying’ her, Adrien slid into the seat next to her, where Alya used to sit before she moved next to Lila.  They ended up chatting for part of the period, with little to no sputtering from the raven-haired girl.  Adrien helped her correct her notes, and she ended up looking forward for school days to come for the first time in a while.   Maybe things were gonna work out in the end, and if not, she could still count on Chat.  She knew for sure now.