#and while we know Adrien wasn’t lying to be shady or hurt her

[kryptored]

She’s Shady and Sketchy...(2)

I’m back. I really want to thank everyone for the feedback I received for part 1 of SSaS. The amount of notes I got was phenomenal, I almost couldn't believe it. Really, thank you everyone. 

Now, about part 2 - the typos during the group chat portion are as intended, because it’s not a group chat if no one’s screwing up what they're saying. I know they're supposed to speak French so, the formatting of their words are different, but I'm referencing the use of English in - you all get the point, right? Je ne parle pas français; I’ve only finished the elementary course. I tried to make it look authentic, but we’ll see. Also, a shout-out to @writingishfanonsideblog​ for pointing out the pun (you have no idea how long I was waiting for someone to see that). 

PART 2:...when she goes on and raves

In a room above the Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie

Marinette is severely stressed. At the moment, she is reminding herself that she needs a break from everything – being Ladybug and the new Guardian, keeping up with her commissions, helping out at the bakery, being the class representative, etc. Clearly, it was somewhat working as Adrien could see from his position. He watches the girl lying down on his lap as he treads his fingers through her soft, dark hair. Her eyes are closed in content (kind of), the lines on her forehead slowly melting away. He smiles lopsidedly as he notices her cute nose crinkle and wiggle every few seconds, her lips in a pout as her mind continues to spew thoughts and ideas inside her mind. He reaches out a finger to boop her nose and says, “Hey, I can hear you thinking. You’re supposed to relax.”

Marinette opens her eyes, her brows even more furrowed. “And I told you that I can’t help it.” She tries to swat his hand that hovers over her face. Adrien laughs as he avoids her hand, returning to combing through her hair. She closes her eyes again and tries to go back to her halfway-decent relaxed state that Adrien so often made fun of her for. Oh, did she mention they’ve gotten closer?

To her amazement, Adrien had finally understood the extent of what Lila was doing. It was quite awkward at first, what with how Marinette was struggling to keep her composure in front of the same person she had fallen in love with beyond his looks. Adrien, on the other hand, was starting to realize that Marinette is someone so precious to him that he would do anything to help her, even if it meant he had to grow a backbone or two. It was working, thankfully, and had not backlashed on him. He had started to be less lenient with Lila’s inappropriate approach and invasion of his personal space, to which he made sure to mention to his father. For once, he felt that he was his father’s son because the day after his confession, he had found himself free of Lila’s grasp (literally and metaphorically). She was still modeling for the brand, though (to the disappointment of him and the many staff who found her performance lacking).

That did not mean the same for Marinette, though. He may have finally stood up to Lila, but Marinette was taking the brunt of her anger. Just recently, his friend told him how Lila was being more aggressive in her approaches, to the point where most of the class were starting to treat Marinette at arm’s length. They could clearly see that the class was taking sides, and it wasn’t theirs. Alya and Nino had been at the forefront of convincing him to talk sense into Marinette and giving Lila a chance. For some reason, they forgot how uncomfortable and mortified he felt whenever the latter came close to him without his permission. They weren’t that close, let alone friends. They were working the same job, at most. Physical contact was definitely not acceptable when he says so.

THE GOOD KIDS (11)

It’syagirlALYA: Hey, Lila. good to hear you’re doing fine, girl!

DeLila: I just don’t want to worry everyone.

It’syagirlALYA: It’s okay, don’t worry about it.

rose-pink: that’s right, Lila!

DeLila: anyway, about what I said…

            I just really think that marinette needs to be…

           Controlled.

jabberwocky: controlled? She’s not an animal.

sea-monkey: yeah, it kinda sounds…

                     haarhs

                     hars

                     harsh

DeLila: Oh, I didn’t mean it like that. Im just saying she needs to be stopped.

            She needs to know what it feels like to be bullied.

brainf.Art: Hey, I think destroying her sketchbook is too much. I wouldn’t do the         

                 same if another person, especially an artist, was being mean to me. 

Jules: Nath’s right. If Marinette’s gone that bad, we shouldn’t stoop so low.

rose-pink: We’d be the bullies!

jabberwocky: besides, she already knows what it feels like to be bullied.

                      Remember chloé?

DeLila: Oh, Im not saying we bully her. Just, I dunno, give her a warning?

It’syagirlALYA: How bout this, lila: we try to keep you 2 apart as much as

                       possible.

DeLila: But…what if it doesn’t work? Or I just approach her again to really try be      

            friends with her?

It’syagirlALYA: Look, girl – we’ve known Mari for a long time. Well, more so the 

                       others, but yo get the point.

kneeknow: what Alya means is that you let us handle it for oyu.

sunflower: that way, no one fights anyone.

DeLila: Oh, that’s a nice idea.

sun: Yeah, it is.

DeLila: Anyway, I was wondering if one of you could help me with our math 

           homework? I was just os distracted thinking about the charity Ive been

           doing with Prince Ali on Tuesday that I wanst able to concentrate.

Maximus: I believe I can be of assistance.

DeLila: Thanks, Max! do you think you could send me a copy? It’s just, my mom  

            wants me to attend some very important meetings so, I won’t really have 

            much time.

Maximus: Oh. I suppose so, yes.

DeLila: Great!

It’syagirlALYA: Maybe you should take a break now.

sea-monkey: Sleeep.

Jules: Rest.

DeLila: Um, why?

Am I bothering all of you now?

rose-pink: No!

sunflower: it’s just, you said your head was hurting a while ago and we don’t 

                want to make it come back

rose-pink: or wrse!

                 worse.

sun: yeah

DeLila: Oh! Right.

             I’ll see everyone tomorrow, then?

It’syagirlALYA: Sure.

kneeknow: Yeah.

DeLila: Bye, everyone!

jabberwocky: Yup, bye.

sea-monkey: See ya.

brainf.Art: bey.

                  bye.

sunflower: bye!

sun: bye.

Jules: yeah, bye.

rose-pink: bye-bye!

Maximus: Good-bye.

HOLD THE EFF UP (10)

It’syagirlALYA: I just had a realization.

                         Lila kept claiming she’s Ladybug’s bff, but that kinda sounds iffy

kneeknow: what makes you sya that, Als?

It’syagirlALYA: I never relly got a chance to ask LB herself but…

                         why would someone like lila deliberately tell me, the   

                         LABYBLOGGER

                        That she’s Paris’s superheroine’s bff, knowing that Hawkmoth 

                        could easily use her against LB?!

jabberwocky: holy sh*t, youre right!

sea-monkey: I may not be the smartest, but even I know that’s dumb.

rose-pink: which means Lila is inn danger!

Maximus: as seen during Animan hunting you down.

Sea-monkey: MAX!

                        It wasn’t my best moment, okay?

sunflower: and her family!

Jules: she’s not in danger…

brainf.Art: Juleka!

Jules: let me finish: she’s not in danger, she put herself in danger.

sun: does that mean lila’s not really friends with ladybug?

It’syagirlALYA: guess I’ll have to hunt down LB if we want to find out ourselves.

brainf.Art: what if ladybug deflecting about it is just a tactic to protect her?

Jules: I’ll do you one better: why didn’t lila know better than telling other people 

           something tha could be passed on to HM

           No offence, Alya.

It’syagirlALYA: none taken.

kneeknow: Juleka’s right. It’s one thing when LB pretends she doesn’t know 

                    someone for safety reasons. It’s another when you don’t know who 

                    could possibly be listening or watching the interview and they plan 

                    to do with it.

sun: wasn’t there something on the news about someone claiming to be Chat’s 

        girlfriend who ended up being kidnapped by an akuma as bait?

sea-monkey: ooh! I remememember that!

Maximus: She was heavily reprimanded by Ladybug and Chat Noir, not to 

                 mention her parents for endangering herself.

jabberwocky: hey Alya, weren’t there somepoeple who tried to call her out on 

                       the interview?

It’syagirlALYA: who? The girl ivan was talking about?

jabberwocky: No.

                        I mean Lila.

Maximus: Alix is correct. I seem to recall about 27% of your comment section 

                 filled with doubts and proclamations of disbelief.

It’syagirlALYA: I think this calls for another meeting. But this time, for different 

                        reasons.  

Come tomorrow morning, 10 people in class had a wary look in their eyes. Lila had yet to arrive, but asides from them, Chloé and Sabrina were already seated and talking about whatever it was that had them busy yesterday. Along the front rows, Marinette is seen to be chatting excitedly with Adrien. Now that they think about it, they hadn’t realized when exactly those two got comfortable and closer together (particularly Marinette). After all, it wasn’t much of a secret except for Adrien that the girl had a huge crush on the model. Alya and Nino, mostly, were very confused on how they missed the development on the interaction between their best friends. But before any of them could comment on the newly discovered development, the real person who had been running on their minds had finally arrived.

“Hi, everyone! It’s so good to see you all this wonderful morning.” They never really thought much about it, but Lila always did have this overly sweet tone. It was different compared to Rose’s own way of talking. “I’m glad to announce that nothing too bad came off from my head injury, but I want to also let you know that I got…”

Huh. Not that they didn’t care about the well-being of others, but Lila always did have a way of putting a lot of attention on her. But really, for how long and how much she’d told them, it was too hard to ignore that she always did talk about herself.

“…I could also introduce you guys to…”

Introductions. Hm… well, that was one word they were well acquainted with. There wasn’t one a time they hadn’t heard Lila mention someone new and promise introducing them. it wasn’t that they were using her for her ‘connections,’ but she could at least try to avoid making promises she would suddenly forget about.

Their eyes narrow down on her, following her every move while she is none the wiser of the sudden change of how they see her. Things hadn’t been easy after the short meeting among those in attendance. Doubt had been planted among their minds and initially, none of them knew whether to weed it out or to water it with curiosity. Lila, thinking she has their trust still, goes on and raves of the many things she’s supposedly done.

Lila approaches the one person she knows is her greatest ‘fan,’ Alya, and proceeds to shower her with the many tales she had spun that involved name droppings and not-so-subtle self-praise. She goes on, thinking that all is well, but the others are actually more inclined to observe the same person they once believed at the drop of her hat. They are listening to her words carefully, only this time with more awareness.

TAGS:

@animergirlweeb @sturchling @plsltmesleep @theyellowfeverexperience @rudy-ruby @j-a-n-e--d-o-e @queenmj10 @krispydefendorpolice @the-delta-42

Is that everyone?

#ml fanfic #lila salt #anti lila #miracuclass #miraculous tales of ladybug and chat noir #miraculous ladybug #the class finally using their brain cells #and a hint of adrienette #SSAS fanfic

[miracul0us-multishipper]

Welcome to the back (Part 5)

First Chapter  Previous Chapter  Next Chapter

Thank you so much for all your sweet feedback!

This chapter deals a little more with Lila’s manipulations and their first effects, and both Chat Noir And Felix make a move. With varying degrees of success.

Also, Felix would literally die for Maman Cheng’s Quiche.

- - -

Lila was fuming when she arrived at home.

“Who does he think he is?!”, she spit out between clenched teeth. “He had zero proof!”

And not only had her attempt to win Felix over failed, Hawkmoth hadn’t even sent an Akuma for her! That, or this goddamn beetle had caught it before it had reached her.

“What a dutiful little bug, aren’t you, Ladybug?”, she seethed on. “Always looking out for butterflies. Well, newsflash: you aren’t perfect! And as soon as you let one of them slip through, Volpina is going to kick your ass!”

That brought her thoughts to another pain in her butt and she threw her phone away in frustration. If it weren’t for that pigtailed goody two shoes, Felix would be writing poems of admiration for Lila by now. All these beautiful words, lost because that stupid Marinette couldn’t leave Felix alone. He was unreachable for her now!

Taking a deep breath, Lila tried to calm down.

Don’t do anything rash. We’ve come so far.

She still had Adrien wrapped around her finger. That boy was so eager to believe her, he threw all reason away for some pretty fairy tale. And as long as his father was with her, she had Adrien handled.

Still. Loosing her chance with Felix had... hurt her. She hadn’t realized she’d looked forward to their relationship that much.

Sighing she fell on her bed and grabbed her phone, going through his poems. She’d pictured how everything would go from the moment she’d looked through his bag. He would’ve been smitten with her writing, her poetry resonating with his. Once they were on their date at the Eiffel Tower, he wouldn’t have been able to deny how pretty she looked with the sunset illuminating her face, the wind in her hair... He would’ve intertwined his soft, slender fingers with hers and confessed how connected he felt to her. She would’ve blushed and told him to stop, but he would’ve written her a poem about his feelings for her and kissed her hand. Then they would’ve kissed, just as the sun disappeared and the lights at the tower went on. The rest of the evening, they would have talked about their shared affinity for words and tales, how they both could spin their audiences in webs of emotion and wonder - even though they used different mediums to accomplish that. He would’ve realized that they were the only ones that understood each other, that they were made for each other, that they were soulmates. How they were better than these silly children in their class.

She groaned and turned her phone off, not bearing to see his pretty poems now.

It was all Marinette’s fault! She’d stolen that future from her and Felix!

Lila froze.

Wait a second.

Since when did she give up that easily?! This was Marinette she was talking about! That girl didn’t have enough brain cells to walk properly! She was no opponent for her, Lila Rossi, the cunning Volpina! She was the Queen of Lies, the Master of Manipulation, Gaslighting and Illusions! If she wanted Felix, she’d get Felix!

With renewed determination, she got in front of her computer. She had some research to do!

-

“There you are, Chaton!” Ladybug greeted her partner. She was still smiling from her encounter with Felix, and determined that this patrol would go smoothly. Chat Noir replied with his usual smirk.

“If you don’t look energized today, My Lady! Happy to see me?”

She chuckled and landed next to him, on the rooftops next to the Seine.

“Come on, Kitty! This city doesn’t patrol itself, you know?”

“Actually, can we wait a few more minutes?” her partner asked with surprising seriousness. “I wanted to talk to you.”

She wanted to refuse - she still had to catch up on her missed history lesson, time was precious - but the pleading look in his big green eyes made her weak.

“Alright” she sighed. “But only shortly! What is it, Kitty?”

He hummed.

“You always call me these pet names. It’s so cute!”

“Chat. Focus.”

“Right! Uh, my dad is... the owner of a business, you know? Famous and renowned across France. He always has to look super professional, or his investors run over to his rivals.”

“Okay?” Ladybug tried to follow, unsure where this was supposed to go.

“You kind of remind me of him, sometimes! You’re both smart, and very serious about your work, and usually too busy.”

She didn’t know if he wanted to compliment or insult her.

“Anyway, my mom and I are very similar, he always says. She used to work for him, as a model. And when they fell in love, my dad was a bit worried a relationship with one of his coworkers might look unprofessional. ‘What would everyone say?’, and so on.”

“And then?”

He shrugged.

“Nothing. They got married and it worked out fine. No problems whatsoever.”

“Huh.”

Chat looked at her, obviously expecting something, so she added: “That’s... a very sweet story. Your parents sound very lucky.”

He beamed.

“Yeah! And luck is just our thing, right?”

“Uh, yes” she agreed carefully. What did they have to do with his parents. “But why are you telling me this?”

“I just wanted to let you know... I understand how important it is for you to look professional. And that I support you, always. You don’t have to worry.”

“Thanks?” She was positively confused now. “I don’t think anybody doubts our professionalism, but... that’s reassuring.”

“You’re welcome.”

He probably meant well, even though she didn’t understand what he was playing at. So when he closed his eyes and leaned in, her mind had yet to catch up. Only when he was actually pressing his lips on hers, it clicked.

She slapped him. Hard.

“Ow! What the-“

“Oh no, that’s my line, Chat! What the fuck?!”, she hissed out, wiping her mouth with her wrist. Chat looked up, his face shifting from shock to betrayal.

“I-I thought-“

“You thought what?! You can just kiss me out of the blue after I repeatedly told you I’m not in love with you?! What don’t you get about that?”

If he looked hurt, she didn’t care. She was tired of this, tired of his advances. For once in her life, she wanted him to listen and understand her!

“I- someone told me you were worried that-“

“Why are you so quick to listen to some bystander, but refuse to hear my very! Clear! Answer!”

“Your answer isn’t clear at all!”, Chat Noir yelled back, getting to his feet. “You say you don’t love me, but you’re acting like you do! You call me pet names, you flirt with me, you kiss me all the time! So either you enjoy leading me on, or you’re lying to both of us about your true feelings!”

“Aaaargh!”, she groaned in frustration, clasping her hands above her head, “You’re impossible!”

“No, I’m simply making my feelings very clear for you! We are partners, and we’re supposed to be honest with each other!”

She tore her hair. He was so stubborn, so obstinate that that he could do no wrong. She wanted to scream.

“Chat, I honestly don’t want you to kiss me.” she tried to keep it simple, lowering her voice to prevent herself from lashing out. But Chat certainly didn’t help at that.

“That’s okay! We can just hold hands, if you want to. Or go for Ice cream.”

“No! I don’t want any of that! Kwamis above!”

“Then what do you want?!

If she didn’t get out of here, she’d do something stupid. Slap him again, probably.

“Leave me alone, Chat.”, she pressed out, her voice breaking.

“What? We’re partners! You- We need each other!”

“I’ll handle patrol from now on.”, she ordered, leaving no room for discussion. “Until you can accept that I don’t reciprocate your feelings, we should only work together when necessary.”

She swallowed, throwing her yo-yo.

“Please, Chat.”

Then she was off, disappearing behind the buildings of Paris. Leaving a stunned, upset Cat behind. It took him a while before he could move, and even longer before he reached his home. Detransforming had never felt so draining to him.

“What the everloving Fluff were you thinking?” Plagg raged as soon as the ring set him free. Adrien groaned.

“Not now, Plagg. I really don’t feel up to this now.”

“You don’t feel up to this?” Plagg snarled incredulously. “I don’t feel up to this! I don’t feel up to anything! Ever! And even I can’t let you do something like this!”

“How should I have known she’d react like this?” the boy defended himself. “Lila said-“

“Volpina-Girl! You know she doesn’t like Ladybug! But somehow you thought her love advice is more credible than the answer Ladybug has been giving you for months!”

“But she’s Ladybug! And I’m her Black Cat! We’re completing each other.”

Plagg shook his head.

“Right now, you overgrown airhead, you are about to loose even the most platonic part of her feelings for you. It’s simple: that or nothing, Kiddo.”

-

Where Ladybug was lonelier than ever, Marinette was soaring high. After Alya apologized for not believing in her innocence regarding the poems, the others soon followed - much to Lila’s dismay. And the compulsive liar got even angrier after seeing how much closer Marinette and Felix were becoming. Marinette found that she didn’t care.

Felix was... odd. He spoke clear and directly, not caring if he sounded rude. He didn’t like warm temperatures, preferring to hide on the shady yard. He listened to classical music, but had beaten Marinette more than once at Freestyle Clash 2.

(“Rap is poetry as well!”, he had defended himself when she teased him about it.)

He also didn’t like crowds, or people in general. But whenever Marinette was chatting with her classmates, she found him listening attentively, even if his eyes were glued to his book. While he didn’t want to be actively involved, he wasn’t antisocial either.

And to be honest, she appreciated his silent company more than ever when her other friends became... overwhelming. Being around Felix was easy. His mere presence was calming, as if everything was in control.

“Girl, are you there? ‘Cause if I’m not losing my senses you’re staring at Mister Icecold instead of Sunshine Boy.”

Marinette blinked, pulled back into the real world. Alya was looking at her expectantly, eyebrows raised so high they almost vanished beneath her hair.

“I didn’t!”, Marinette insisted, but Alya rolled her eyes.

“Come on, you’ve been hanging out with him and him alone for the past week! What’s up with that?”

“Nothing! I just really like Felix, that’s all. You know I have a crush on Adrien.”

Alya’s eyes were scrutinizing but playful.

“Hm... If you say so?” She chuckled. “I should be glad. Frosty is kind of scaring me, actually. He’s so rude!”

Marinette huffed with arms akimbo.

“He’s just... honest! And hasn’t been around people much. He doesn’t mean to be rude, he just doesn’t want to lie for politeness’ sake either.”

“I don’t mean that. At least, not only that. He’s been glaring at Lila whenever she tries to speak with him.”

Marinette sighed. They’d talked this over at least a dozen times already, and while Marinette didn’t call Lila a Liar openly anymore, she did like to give hints. Which Alya successfully ignored.

“Just... let’s get to class. I don’t want to be late again.”

While Felix hated nothing more than talking during the lessons (“It’s disrespectful!”) he did communicate from time to time. Over the course of the week, they had developed an intricate language of stolen glances and discreet expressions that was comprehensible to them alone.

When Marinette fell into her seat next to him and replied “present” upon hearing her name from Mme Bustier, he gave her a concerned look from her to Alya.

Everything okay with you two?

Marinette shrugged and rolled her eyes.

Just the usual disagreement.

He huffed, concentrating on the lesson, but not without nudging her leg with his knee. His gesture for showing support.

“Before we continue with Napoleon, let me make an announcement.”, Mme Bustier caught her class’s attention. “Since you’ve all been so eager and hardworking during Monsieur Agreste’s bowler hat contest, I’ve been looking for another opportunity to let your creativity run free.”

She smiled at the front row.

“Since Lila has so generously helped me out, You now have the chance to participate in a competition called “Journalism Junior”, hosted by Alec Cataldi and Nadja Chamack.”

The class cheered and Alya high fived Lila, who smiled as Adrien patted her on the shoulder. A sharp pang in Marinette’s chest made her look away.

“If you want to enter the competition, you’ll have to create a report on something that greatly impacted you, until next Friday,” Mme Bustier continued. “It can be about your greatest inspirations or fears, a problem you want to draw attention to or something you want to support. Copying is as always,” a sharp glance at Chloé and Sabrina, “strictly forbidden! This is about an honest and genuine insight into Paris’ youth, so be true to yourselves!”

As soon as Mme Bustier finished, the class was alive with the buzz of excited students.

“Journalism! Not really my specialty, but sounds interesting.”, Marinette beamed at her gloomy neighbor. “I think I’ll do something about fashion! Or baking? Or media design?”

Felix only huffed and Marinette stilled.

“Is... everything okay?”

He blinked and straightened himself.

“Yes, of course. Journalism just isn’t my cup of tea.”

He leaned his head sideways.

“You should do something about fashion. You’re talking about it constantly, and I’ve seen your room. If something has an impact on you, it’s designing.”

“You’re right!”, she agreed, already thinking about what sketches she should work with. “Oh, will you do the report on your poems? No, wait, they’re personal. Your music then? I’ve heard you play the violin in the art room, it’s magical!”

Felix’ cheeks appeared a bit more saturated for a moment, almost as if he were blushing, but it disappeared when he shook his head.

“I won’t participate at all.”, he clarified sternly. “I’ve had enough people trying to peak into my life. But I’ll help you with yours. You’re horrible with deadlines.”

“True”, she grimaced. “But I don’t get why the behavior of other journalists should keep you from trying something out yourself!”

His fingers twitched, betraying that this was about something entirely else. A bit gentler she added: “Are you sure you don’t want to do something of your own? It’s different if other people try to drag your personal life into the limelight, or if you willingly share something on your own terms.”

“Hm...”, he murmured, before giving her one of his rare smiles. “You are exceptionally smart, Marinette. I appreciate your advice.”

She rolled her eyes. He could’ve as well written her a thank you letter, as formal as he was.

“Thanks. But don’t think I haven’t noticed you’re deflecting!”

She backed down anyway. Felix obviously didn’t want to share his thought process with her, but hopefully, he just needed some time.

Or maybe she was just misinterpreting his behavior and blowing things out of proportion. Wouldn’t be the first time for her.

-

Felix might not look the part, but he did think about what Marinette had said. She was right, of course. There was a difference between someone stealing his secrets, and himself sharing them. But to him it had always been technical at best, a mere incongruence in terminology.

Insisting on being involved in Mum’s company from an early age on had put him in the spotlight far more than he’d anticipated, then. When he took up modeling – the only way to help he was given, his mother didn’t want him to “waste his childhood with adults work” – he’d become a minor celebrity basically overnight. It hadn’t gotten better when he grew up.

He’d always felt like some sort of public property, a puppet for others to project onto, or a fancy building people went sightseeing for on weekends. More than once his mother had to hire security people to ensure he had some semblance of peace outside, without being bothered by fans or paparazzi. His father’s position and... attitude certainly hadn’t helped to give him some personal space. So, at one point... he’d simply stopped going amongst people. And he didn’t mind that!

But the week he’d spent with Marinette, or even Aurore and Marc, had made him realize that while he could be on his own... he didn’t want to, anymore. Not always at least. They were so... generous with everything, sharing help or stories or simply their company with him. Especially Marinette, without ever expecting anything in return.

He wanted to return something, though. Anything to let her know he appreciated her. To make her smile the way she drew out his own.

So when school was over, he waited for her to pack up her things and get ready to go.

“You wouldn’t happen to be free this afternoon?”, he asked quietly. There where a few other students left in the room, Rossi and Agreste among them, and while he’d never concern himself enough with them to whisper, he wouldn’t push his luck either. This afternoon should go as smoothly as possible.

Marinette smiled and nodded.

“Sure! Want to come over for lunch again? Maman made Quiche.”

He saw Adrien perk up four rows further, and Felix himself found his determination waver. The Dupain-Cheng Quiche was a work of high culinary art, as he’d learned the last time he’d visited Marinette. But no! He had to stay strong! This was for Marinette!

“Actually, I’d hoped you came back home with me for lunch.”

He fidgeted a little, which was odd for him since it usually annoyed him on other people.

“It’s as you said, I should try to share things willingly, on my own terms, and you... make me feel like it can’t be that hard.”

Her smile was replaced by a look of surprise and he mentally kicked himself.

“You don’t have to! It was just an idea, but it doesn’t have to be today. Or ever.”

Why would she want to have lunch with him if her parents were already culinary deities? His mere invitation after tasting their creations was an affront to their craft.

To his relief, however, Marinette didn’t seem to mind his proposal.

“I’d love to come over! I’ll just have to call my parents before.”

She gave him one of her playful smirks that usually came before reading him.

“You actually listened to me? I’m impressed!”

His slight pang of disappointment that he wouldn’t get his beloved Quiche today was drowned out by his happiness to enjoy her company a bit longer. When she turned away to call her parents, he realized he should probably give his mother a heads up as well. He sighed. Mum would be over the moon once she heard he was bringing a friend over.

What had he done?

-

Lila was prepared. She was cool. She was completely fine with Felix asking the walking mess named Marinette out for lunch. And the pen she’d snapped would’ve broken anyway, she was sure.

Not that it mattered. Pigtails could revel in his attention all day, for all she cared. It wouldn’t last.

“Madame Bustier?”, she called the teacher as soon as the other students were gone.

“Lila! Is something the matter?”, the woman asked her new official favorite student. “I hope you didn’t mind that I thanked you in front of the class. I didn’t want to put you in the spotlights so unprompted, but you were a great help and that should be acknowledged.”

Lila smiled modestly.

“Oh, I don’t mind. I just like to help out.”

Herself, first and foremost. The contest was merely a puzzle piece in her scheme.

“Speaking of that,” she continued, “I wanted to ask for a small favor, if it’s no problem.”

“Of course, Lila. What is it?”

“It’s Marinette.” she began, putting on a sheepish face. “We didn’t have the best start, and her behavior last week when I proposed to change the seating again... I think she still holds some sort of grudge against me.”

She paused for a moment, to let the hint settle before she continued.

“I wanted to help her out a bit, so we can become friends! She’s always so busy as class rep, and I fear that the contest might add some weight to her load.”

“That’s so sweet of you! What were you thinking about?”

She had Bustier wrapped around her finger, now.

“Well, I obviously can’t help her with her report.” she mused out loud. “I don’t want to influence her in any way, so she doesn’t get disqualified for copying something by accident. So I hoped I could help her with her class rep duties! Usually, Alya does that, but she’s so passionate about her report and I don’t want to distract her.”

“Very considerate!”, she praised. “What duties would you like to take over for now?”

Now came the important part.

“Oh, Kim has been sick for a while now.” she reminded her. “I wanted to bring him some of the work we did, and inform him about the contest. And the swimming team asked Marinette to bring him the bag he forgot last time. Would it be alright if you gave me his address?”

She seemed to think for a moment before searching for a list in her bag.

“Usually, I’m not allowed to give out personal information.”, the teacher confessed. “But I think in this case, we can call it an exception, don’t we?”

“Of course”, Lila agreed dutifully as she skimmed the list Bustier held out to her. LeChien, Kim... there. And directly above: Leanne, Felix. Smiling, she typed the address into her phone. Felix’ address, of course. Max was already bringing Kim his homework, and the forgotten bag was a lie.

“Thank you so much, Madame!”, Lila said genuinely when she put her phone away and walked towards the door. “Oh, one last thing! Would you maybe... not tell Marinette I asked for this? I want to surprise her.”

“Don’t worry!”, Bustier said cluelessly. “I‘ll forget you asked me for anything.”

“You are the best, Madame! Good bye!”

She didn’t her her teacher’s reply, she was already out of the door. Her phone was on and she pulled up the pictures she’d taken of Felix’ calendar.

He was meticulous when it came to organizing his day, and she was more than grateful for it. He would be home by now, and lunch with his mother would last until 15 o’clock. He’d made a note not to disturb her from 15 to 16 o’clock, since Madame Leanne was in a meeting. From 16 to 18 o’clock, he’d be busy with his violin lessons.

Perfect.

But before her plan could be set in motion, she had another little tale to spin.

“Nino!”, she called when Adrien’s best friend came into her sight. “Wait for me!”

He was alone when she reached him. This was almost too easy.

“Wow, everything alright, dudette?” Nino asked, concerned that she’d hurried so much to catch up to him. “You look kinda rushed.”

She smiled and waved it off.

“I’ll be meeting Jagged Stone soon, and I don’t want to be late. I showed him your latest tape by the way, and he was really impressed.”

“Really?!”

“Yeah! But I really have to hurry now. Could you maybe tell Adrien from me that he doesn’t need to worry. You know, because of the Marinette thing.”

Nino frowned.

“Wait a sec. Marinette thing? Is she or Adrien in trouble?”

Surprised Lila put her hand over her mouth.

“Oh no, he didn’t tell you? Oh, I messed up! I’m so sorry!”

“What did you mess up? C’mon, I’m not telling anyone.”

She looked from side to side, as if worried others might overhear.

“I’m sure he meant to tell you.” she started secretively. “It’s just that... he’s been worried about Marinette. He thought she acted so weirdly over my proposal that Felix should sit with us in the front, that maybe she doesn’t like him. He thinks Marinette is ignoring, or outright bullying Felix.”

“What? I mean, that dude is giving me the creeps, but Marinette is super close with him.”

She forced a smile.

“You’re right, I noticed that too! But, you know, Adrien has been isolated so long... he just doesn’t know how to read the atmosphere, you know?”

“Yeah, he’s kinda oblivious.”

“I just wanted him to stop worrying so much. He was really concerned when he thought Felix and Marinette might not get along.”

Nino gave her a thumbs up.

“Don’t worry about him, I’ll soothe his nerves. You go meet Jagged Stone!”

“Thank you so much!”, she said, and meant every word. He was really useful, even though he made her cringe. “Oh, but maybe don’t tell him you heard this from me. He didn’t tell anyone else, and I don’t want him to think he can’t trust me.”

“Sure thing, dudette!”

“Bye-bye, then! And thank you!”

Lila smiled as she ran off. Everything was fitting perfectly together. The best tool to keep Marinette away from Felix was her crush on Adrien. The best way to use her crush was his dislike of Felix, and his assumption he knew what was best for his friends. The closer he thought them to be, the more he’d try to spread his animosity towards Felix onto Marinette, who’d do everything to please him.

Now Lila only had to wait.

- - -

I’m happy over every reblog, Part 5 is on its way. Here’s the tag list:

@crazycookie13o @a-6-yearold-inside @sinfulfoxbeast @kuroko26 @sternsneeze @zeyheartstaylor @elliecake5 @kristycocopop @yamadochie @sofmimis @enigmaticagitator @offically-over-it @earth-demon @juhavs @omgelisahagemanuniverse @owllover132 @kaydenth3gayden @janaikam @mewwitch

#miramu writes #wttb #welcome to the back #felinette fanfic #ml felix #miraculous ladybug #mlb #marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste #ml salt #ml spite #felix month

[flourchildwrites]

Witch, Please!  Fictober 2019  (21/31)

A multi-fandom Fictober prompt compilation.  Your wish is my command, but be careful what you ask for.  You just might get it.

Prompt:  “Trapped” from Writetober 2019 Prompt List

Fandom:  Miraculous Ladybug

Relationship/Pairing:  Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

Genre:  Seven Minutes in Heaven, Possible Reveal

Rating:  Teen And Up Audiences

Word Count:  1,371 words

Read on AO3

The rules were simple. Or so she thought.

With 6 minutes and 50 seconds of heaven left, Marinette Dupain-Cheng felt less like a superhero in disguise and more like a regular 15-year-old, forced into a closet by her best friend after a shady spin of the ol’ bottle. With or without the assistance of her kwami, Marinette thought she might be able to escape if things got too awkward. Or perhaps, she could just ooze underneath the closet door when the brilliance of Adrien Agrest turned her into a puddle of teenage angst.

It was one thing to pine for Adrien from afar. It was quite another to find oneself sitting face-to-face with him while swatting at the ends of Alya’s dresses and trying not to crush her best friend’s shoes.

On second thought, Marinette positioned herself squarely on top of a pair of inexpensive loafers and wiggled back and forth to pin several hanging garments behind her. She should have suspected this was a setup from the moment the words, 'seven minutes in heaven,' left Alya’s lips. The only mystery was how the budding journalist had managed to get Adrien, of all people, to play this cringe-worthy middle-school game.

As for Marinette, well, Alya hadn’t exactly given her a choice. And for as long as Marinette could remember, in real life, her luck had always been wanting. She’d just have to bear the awkwardness with dignity, praying for the small mercy of an akuma attack to interrupt Alya’s party. But the electric pulses of Nino’s subwoofer coming through the closet door did not sound promising.

Marinette glanced at her watch. 6 minutes and 40 seconds left. 39… 38… 37...

The incognito superhero wondered if the door was really locked. Nearly 30 seconds of crushing silence were punishment enough for Adrien, and Marinette smiled awkwardly as she grasped at loose ends of prospective dialogue. The creases of her forced grin pressed into her cheeks, and she swore that Adrien would be able to hear her heartbeat as it thumped loudly in her chest.

“Listen, Marinette...” Adrien said. He broke the conversation embargo with that easy grin of his, the one that used to stare at Marinette from the pictures she had plastered all over her bedroom walls. Now, they sat in a box at the bottom drawer of her desk, and her desktop background had changed to a picture of Kitty Section, featuring their fantastic lead guitarist, Luca.

Over the past few months, lots of things had changed.

Marinette shook her head to clear the emotional cobwebs. It wasn’t fair to think about Luca in Adrien’s presence. Or vice versa.

“... I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable. The way Nino explained the rules, all we have to do is stay in here for 7 minutes. 6 now, I think.”

Well, technically, it was 6 minutes and 12 seconds, but who was counting.

“Yeah,” Marinette laughed nervously. She concentrated on forming sentences, enunciating each word as if the well-being of Paris hinged upon her lacking linguistic talents. Thoughts of Kagami and the mysterious girl Adrien had mentioned on their way back from the wax museum flooded her mind, and for whatever reason, these thoughts helped. Speaking of which…

“I just thought that Kagami might not be happy about a game like this. She might get the wrong idea.”

“Why would she get the wrong idea?”

Bless his naive, homeschooled heart. The way he said that made it sound like he really didn’t know.

“Y-You know, it’s seven m-minutes in heaven,” Marinette shrugged, shocked that her words hadn’t failed her completely. “We’re supposed to m-ma…”

“-make out?” Adrien supplied. Through the cover of darkness, Marinette could swear she saw him smirking. “Or talk, tell secrets. Whatever we can both agree to. Why would Kagami get the wrong idea?”

Did she really have to say it? Did she really have to give the fact that Kahami was perfect for Adrien more purchase by speaking it into being?

“B-because she likes you, of course. And she’s my friend. I don’t want to hurt her.”

There was a beat of silence wherein the walls seemed to tremble as if they could hear and understand the significance of this simple conversation. Marinette’s words passed between the two like a boomerang, back and forth, and for a moment, she believed that Adrien would heed her warning. Perhaps, he would leave her in the closet, alone once again with her secrets. But he shifted closer, inching his slim legs forward, making no move to grasp the doorknob. Instead, the young model reached for a stray lock of hair that had fallen free of Marinette’s trademark pigtails. He paused just shy of touching her.

“Can I tell you a secret?” he whispered.

She felt herself nod as his fingers tucked the raven-blue strands behind her ear, brushing a ladybug earring with a feather-light touch.

“I like your hair when it’s down,” Adrian confessed, “I like that I know something about you that most people don’t, and I’d like to know more.”

Sweet Kwami! Did he realize what he was doing to her? Did shy, pure Adrien Agreste know that he sounded the smallest bit cocky when he said things like that. Almost like a certain cat-like companion that Ladybug had come to treasure.

And Marinette would be lying if she said she did not miss Chat Noir’s friendly flirting. After years of discouraging his affection, she expected to feel solace in the absence of his playful advances. Instead, there was only wanting silence where pet names should have been. The occasional fist bump did little to fill the void that Chat’s grandiose gestures left.

“And what about Kagami?” she asked again.

And what about Luca? Shouldn’t she be asking herself that question too?

“I like her,” Adrien said. His pale eyelashes fluttered over emerald green irises, as coy and self-assured as she’d ever seen them. “But I haven’t made up my mind just yet. There’s another girl I like.”

Marinette inwardly scoffed at her terrible, terrible luck. Here they were, trapped in a closet. His legs bent over hers. So close that they might just kiss on accident. And not only had she brought up Kagami -- twice -- but now Adrien was confessing a second crush to her.

She absolutely wouldn’t, absolutely couldn’t ask…

“Who?”

The amused laugh that purred in Adrien’s throat was unexpected (though not unwelcome), to say the least.

“I’m afraid that’s all the secrets I can spill today, my lady. Besides, I think our time is just about-”

What transpired next would remain a mystery to Marinette for - she was sure - as long as she lived. And seeing as Kagami had both a jealous streak as well as expertise with swords, the teenage girl might not survive their next meeting. But hearing the phrase “my lady” again had hit Marinette hard. An atrophied part of her heart sprang to life as she leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on Adrien’s cheek.

Though the gesture was not romantic or passionate, her lips his skin, all soft and supple flesh. But suddenly, Marinette could smell the night air in Adrien’s hair, and with her cheek pressed so close, she could feel the slight indentation where a mask might have sat. Quickly, the two teens pulled apart, and Marinette stared at Adrien with nostalgic eyes, feeling as if it was the first time she’d ever seen him as more than a sum of pieces and parts.

For a moment, she thought he might have felt the same.

“My lady, I-”

“Time’s up!”

The closet door flew open, and light stung Marinette’s eyes. Alya Cesaire stood proudly at the threshold of her closet, with one hand still on the doorknob and the other on her hip. Though initially disappointed not to catch the couple mid-act, the fox miraculous holder allowed room for pause. She searched the shell-shocked expression on Marinette’s face and smirked with a satisfied set to her jaw.

“Everything alright in there?” she asked, winking in Marinette’s direction. “You two sure the cat didn’t get into the cream.”

The rules to this game of Chat and Ladybug were so much more complicated than Marinette could ever have guessed.

A/N:   I really wasn't sure this one would be done in time, but I’m thrilled to post it anyway. I'm so in love with the MLB fics that are able to bring the love square full circle (so to speak, lol). I hope I was able to do it some justice. By now, you all know the drill. Feel free to send me pairing requests for particular prompts (Fictober or original) via my tumblr, and if you read something you like, don't hesitate to let me know. Your kudos, bookmarks, subscriptions, comments, likes and reblogs make my day!

#virthiefictober #fictober19 #writetober19 #miraculous ladybug #adrinette #adrien agreste #chat noir #marinette dupain-cheng #ladybug #trapped #seven minutes in heaven #possible reveal #flourchildwrites #and is so very tired

[chocoluckchipz]

Dance with Me, Chaton - 11

Read it on A03, WattPad, FF.net

Written for @ladynoirjuly2019

< Previous

11. Vigilante.

Ladybug: Hey, Chat?

Chat Noir: :wave:

Ladybug: How are you?

Chat Noir: Good. You?

Ladybug: I’m well. Thank you for the USB

Chat Noir: Did you get everything you need?

Ladybug: I did. Thank you, Chaton.

Chat Noir: :ok_hand:

Ladybug: Chat?

Chat Noir: What’s up?

Ladybug: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.

Chat Noir: What gave you the idea? I’m fine.

Ladybug: The guys told me you left looking upset, and that you were asking about joining. I’m sorry. I should’ve asked for a meeting in another place. It’s just you always were a little disapproving of me going there, so I didn’t think that’ll be something that would interest you. I’m sorry. I wish I could get you an invitation, but that’s not how it works there. I don’t have that power.

Adrien rolled the ring in his fingers, watching it closely. He wasn’t sure, but he couldn’t help but wonder.

Chat Noir: I’ve been told people get in there when life sucks.

Ladybug: Yeah. That's the Master's way of helping the community I guess.

Chat Noir: Do you mind sharing your story? If you want, of course.

Ladybug: Okay. I owe you that much.

Ladybug: There was a girl in my class in lycée who loved to pick on me and make my life a living hell. At first, I tried to ignore her. I thought she’d leave me alone if I do, but she didn’t. So, I tried fighting back. It only made everything worse. She turned everyone in our class against me, even my closest friends. In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I was on my way to Italy when Master Fu found me. Without telling my parents.

Chat Noir: You ran away from home?

Ladybug: I did. Master Fu stopped me, talked some sense into me and let me join.

Chat Noir: He let you join a nightclub while you were in lycée?

Ladybug: LOL No. I met the girl in lycée. Master Fu found me years later. The girl kind of followed my steps all the way to university and beyond. And, as I’ve already told you, there are strict rules concerning alcohol in Kwami Kave. It’s safe even for younger kids. We aren’t going there to get drunk or high. Everyone’s there got a tale, and Kwami Kave is more like an extended family or a support group if you may.

Chat Noir: So, is Viperion support or a family?

Ladybug: ? Chat, what are you getting at?

Chat Noir: Nothing. Sorry. I was just told you could be dating him, so I was curious.

Ladybug: Who told you that!?

Chat Noir: Idk the guy’s name. No one apart from Viperion bothered to introduce themselves.

Ladybug: I see. We aren’t dating, Chat. We’re close friends, but he’s more like an overprotective older brother.

Chat Noir: Didn’t appear this way to me.

Ladybug: Are you serious? Chat, what’s wrong? Are you jealous or something?

Chat Noir: No. why would I be jealous? We haven’t met and most likely will never do so. I don’t really know you. Neither do you know me. For all you know, I might be married and have kids. I was just telling things the way I saw them.

It took her a few minutes to reply.

Ladybug: I’m sorry, Chaton. I made a mistake inviting you there. Maybe this whole thing was a mistake. I don’t know yet, but I’m sorry I made you feel bad. Thank you for your help. I’ll try to make you proud by editing those designs to the best of my abilities and, hopefully, at least our mission will end in success.

Chat Noir: You’re right. Maybe this was a mistake. Time will tell. I have to go now. Good luck with the editing.

Ladybug: Thank you, Chat. Good luck to you too.

Adrien closed his phone and shoved it into the pocket. He lied. He had nowhere to go, but he couldn’t continue to chat either. He was being a jerk, and he knew it. If he continued, he’d only make it worse, and he’d already managed to hurt Ladybug as it was. He could sense it. He had to step away. He had to calm down. She didn’t deserve the treatment he was giving her. Him feeling hurt, unworthy and a mistake—that was his issue. He couldn’t bring Ladybug down with him. It was his idea to do this whole thing. He had to be the one to pay the price. Not her.

His gaze travelled to the ring on the table. Then to the card. He read it for the umpteenth time. Who was this Plagg? What kind of introduction “the master of destruction, a force to be reckoned with” was? Who gave out white gold rings near an exclusive, invitation-only club while pretending to be limping? Because that man was pretending. That much was clear to Adrien now.

Well, there was one way to find out, and Adrien had nothing better to do. He pulled his phone out and dialled.

***

If Adrien thought the club stood at a somewhat shady place, it had nothing on the location of Plagg’s studio. Despite uneasiness, Adrien found the building pretty quickly, located the stairs down to the basement, and hesitated. It was a dark, narrow passage down. Flickering lights and wind drafts to add to the creepy mood, Adrien wondered why he’d agreed to this nonsense. But somewhere below, the sound of music echoed through space. It lured, so Adrien inhaled deeply, and closed the door behind himself.

Five minutes later, he located the source. Unlike the constricted staircase and the hallway, the studio was huge. Floor to ceiling mirrors covered with graffiti outlines of dancing people took up all four walls. The floor and the ceiling were painted black. A stage and a throne in its middle stood at the end.

Half lying across it, lounged a man in black baggy pants and a tight sleeveless top, also in black. His hair was messy, a top hat sitting on his head. Adrien judged him to be in his thirties, but he couldn’t tell for sure. The lighting wasn’t too bright.

The man didn’t pay any attention to Adrien, most likely because of the loud music pulsating in the room. Instead, he smacked his lips on what looked like a piece of cheese. Adrien wrinkled his nose. The smell was familiar. Camembert. He suppressed a gag reflex and carefully walked closer, calling, “Hello? M Plagg?”

“Drop the Monsieur, kid,” the man grumbled and kicked the boombox with his feet. The music stopped. He slowly got up and looked at Adrien. “Call me Plagg or you can leave right now.”

Adrien inhaled. He swore Plagg’s green eyes glowed. This couldn’t be just the effect of lighting and contrast with his black hair, now could it? Whatever it was, he’d think about that later. For now, he mumbled, “All right. Good evening, Plagg.”

“Adrien, I presume?” Plagg walked closer and circled around him.

“Yes. That’s me.”

“You’ve got the invitation?”

“I got a ring.” Adrien raised his hand and showed it to Plagg. “Is that it?”

“Nice work,” Plagg hummed, taking a better look at the ring. “For all he is, Master still has it.”

“Master Fu? As in the club’s owner? Is that who he was?”

Plagg paused, observing Adrien in silence. Then turned around and walked a few feet away. “If he didn’t introduce himself to you, I’m not the one to do it. Why are you here?”

“I…” Adrien hesitated. To tell the truth, he wasn't sure why he was here. He was curious, so he called. An automated message gave him instructions on what to do and where to go. He could've ended it there, but Adrien didn’t. Instead, he wrote everything down and came at an appointed time to the appointed place. What did he want? He wasn’t sure, but his heart tightened as the images of Ladybug dancing flowed before his eyes, images of her partners, images of the multitude of people all moving to the sound. That feeling…

“I want to learn to dance despite the rain,” Adrien whispered.

“Bullshit!” Plagg snapped, his back to Adrien. “Don’t repeat the old man’s words. Tell me what you want, Adrien.”

Adrien looked to the side, answering a few moments later. “I don’t really know. Maybe to get into that club? It looked nice.”

“That’s better.” Plagg side glanced at him. “Be more specific. Why do you want to get into that club?”

“To escape?”

“From what exactly?”

“My hectic life?”

“You don’t like your life, kid? I’ve heard it’s a pretty nice one.”

“You know who I am?”

“Master never invites anyone without knowing who they are.”

“How much do you know?”

Plagg turned around, his hands in his pockets. “Enough to see how pathetic, miserable, and lonely you’ve become after your mother passed away and left you with a shit human being for a father. Isn’t it right, Adrien Agreste?”

His pulse quickening, Adrien sucked in the air, his eyes widening. In a split second, he composed himself, his sight dropping to the floor. “He isn’t so bad. He’s just busy.”

“Oh, yes! He’s just busy,” Plagg mocked and headed back to his throne. “I know how busy they get, kid. Too busy to properly mourn for themselves, and so shutting everyone else out, including their remaining family. Too busy to support their teenage children during the hardest time of their life. Too busy to be there for them during all the important events after that. Too busy to see that their kids are depressed for a good while of their lives. Too busy to see what their children want, instead, pushing their own ideas on them. Too busy to be fathers. You’re right, kid. He’s just too busy.”

Adrien’s eyes wide, he whispered, “How do you know all this?”

Plagg turned around and smirked, wiggling his eyebrows. “Magic, kid. Magic.” His face saddened for a split moment, eyes shifting to the side, as he murmured, “Magic and experience.” Plagg kicked the boom box, and the music blasted through space. He twisted and started towards Adrien, moving to the music.

“So, what do you really want from me, kid? You can buy any membership to any exclusive club you desire, yet you got your eyes on Kwami Kave. Why? Why do you need to go to the nightclub at all? Isn't your fancy upper-class life enough for you? They don't ballroom dance there as you know. Street dancing, hip-hop, break, you name it. Everything that gets your blood moving. Why would you subject yourself to that? I’m sure you’ve got better things to do. What brought you here?”

Adrien closed his eyes. He could feel the vibrations of music on his skin. He felt Plagg doing his moves around him. What brought him here? What did he want? What did he really desire for?

“Freedom,” Adrien breathed, opening his eyes and looking straight into Plagg’s. “I want freedom.”

Plagg stood up straight and smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. “Good.”

“Can you give it to me?”

“No,” Plagg replied. “Only you can free yourself, kid. All I can do is to teach you how to dance despite the rain. Do you want that?”

His heart pumping hard, Adrien nodded absentmindedly.

Plagg smirked, and moonwalked to his boombox, kicking it again to stop the music. He jumped into his throne and said. “My fee’s a wheel of Camembert a lesson.”

Adrien frowned. “Camembert?”

“You don’t like it? Fine, I’ll make it three.”

Adrien quirked an eyebrow. “Three wheels of a Camembert?”

“Geez, kid.” Plagg rolled his eyes. “You’re such a pain already. All right. Five wheels of Camembert a lesson. But only because you’re begging.”

Adrien opened his mouth but thought better of it, nodding instead. “When do we start?”

Plagg grinned, a spark in his eyes. “Right now.”

“But—I’m not ready, and I don’t have Camembert with me.”

“I do an evaluation for free. Show me what you’ve got.”

“Nothing," Adrien said.

“What do you mean?” Plagg frowned. “Everyone has at least something.”

“Well, I might be an exception, because all I know is ballroom dancing, and that’s now what you want to see, isn’t it?”

“That’s not what I asked you for.” Plagg groaned and walked closer. He grabbed Adrien’s shirt at his chest. “Remove this. No one’s dancing in my studio in a suit and a tie.”

Silently, Adrien took off his jacket and his tie.

“Unbutton the shirt.”

“Do I really—”

“If you want me to teach you, I’ve got to see what you’ve got. Unbutton the shirt.”

Adrien complied.

Plagg measured with his eyes. “You look to be in decent shape.”

“I’ve been working out regularly for as long as I can remember.”

“Good. Then you’ve got the body, but no moves. Any particular style you’d like to muster?”

Adrien could practically feel his heart racing. “I want to dance like Ladybug.”

“Ladybug?”

“At the club. I saw a girl named Ladybug dancing.”

Plagg puffed. “I see.” He smirked and walked around Adrien. “You know, Tikki and I are old rivals.”

“Who is Tikki?”

“Ladybug’s dance instructor.”

“Can you teach me the same skills?”

“I can teach you better,” Plagg grinned. “Congrats, kid. You’ve got yourself a dance instructor.”

Goosebumps ran across up Adrien’s spine. Yet the pit of his stomach stirred with excitement.

***

Ladybug: Chaton? You’ve been silent for a few days. Are you still upset with me? I know, I wasn’t reaching out, but I was trying to give you some space and hoped you'd text me when you’re ready, but it’s Thursday already, and you didn’t text me, so I’m worried. I don’t know if you were wondering, but if you were, I’m done with editing the collection. I’ve also heard someone emailed an anonymous poll to all the designers. That was you, wasn’t? So, I guess, all that is left is to email this all to Hawkmoth, right?

Ladybug: I don’t want to do it alone. You’ve been by my side all this time. I can’t continue without you. I won’t continue without you.

Chat Noir: Are you sure you want me there, though? After the way I behaved. :embarrassed:

Ladybug: Of course, I do. We're a team and even if we might fight, we are still a team, and there is no one I'd rather have by my side for this than you.

Chat Noir: I’m sorry.

Chat Noir: I meant to write to you, but I didn’t know how to start or what to say. I’m sorry for snapping at you and crossing all imaginative boundaries.

Ladybug: I’m sorry. Chaton. That’s my fault. I should’ve chosen another place.

Chat Noir: That’s fine. Don’t worry about it. It was for the best.

Ladybug: It was? How?

Chat Noir: Well, I got to see you, for one. You look amazing, by the way. The way you danced I shall imprint into my memory for life.

Ladybug: I’m glad you liked it.

Chat Noir: And I’ve decided that I also needed a stress relief hobby, so I kind of looked around, and I think I found one. It’s a pain in you know what for now, but I was promised it gets better.

Ladybug: I’m so happy for you! What did you find?

Chat Noir: A secret :3 I’ll tell you when I’ll get good at it.

Ladybug: That’s a deal! So, truce?

Chat Noir: There never was a war, my Lady. There was only a jerk me who hurt you undeservingly. :ashamed:

Ladybug: We both played our parts. Let’s forget it and move on. :heart:

Chat Noir: You’re awesome. :crying: Can’t wait to see what you’ve done to the collection.

Ladybug: Should I email it to him now?

Chat Noir: Can’t see why not, Mlle Vigilante? Give me a few to forward you the poll results and launch the attack.

Ladybug: XD You’re a dork, Chaton. But thank you. I would’ve never been able to accomplish this without your help. It means a lot.

Adrien grinned at his phone.

Chat Noir: Thank you, my Lady. You’ve changed my life in ways you do not know yet.

Ladybug: Hopefully for better?

Chat Noir: For the best. Gtg now. Keeping my fingers crossed this goes through smoothly.

Ladybug: Me too. Just got your email. Impressive results.

Chat Noir: They really are. 95% are on our side. Before I go, my Lady, can I ask you something?

Ladybug: Go ahead.

Chat Noir: If everything goes smoothly, will you go on a date with me?

Adrien didn’t expect himself to be so daring, but somehow he was. He held his breath for those few minutes that she took to reply, but the answer was more than he could’ve hoped for in their situation.

Ladybug: I’ll think about it. Goodnight, Chaton.

Chat Noir: !!!

Chat Noir: That’s not a No. I can die happy. :grin:

Chat Noir: Goodnight, my Lady.

_______________________________________________________________________

Next >

#ladynoirjuly2019 #miraculous ladybug #LadyNoir July #LadyNoir #human plagg #I love him

[mariquitamarinette]

fake dating squared / chapter 1: dishonesty leads to disaster

Summary:

Chat Noir is a trusted ally and partner in justice, so when his usual playful flirting starts to make Ladybug worry there's something more, what can a girl do but try to let a friend down gently? Wait, no, Ladybug, not like that...!

By some turn of events, Ladybug and Adrien are fake dating AND Chat Noir and Marinette are, too. Fake Dating^2 (get it?)

Notes:

Inspired by catastrophic affairs, truly by chatuoir (chaserpercy).

Inspired by squares, triangles, and other shapes by demistories.

Both demistories (tumblr user sadrien) and chatuoir (tumblr user chatuoir) have written fics that I couldn't get enough of on chatuoir's wonderful AU idea but alas, they have left me hungering for more since they wouldn't serve me up. So to not starve to death, I thought I'd get a recipe book and whip something up for myself; I made enough to share, so: BON APPETIT

full chapter under the cut

"My Lady, you sure are looking intoxicating tonight, as always."

Paris had seen a quiet night so the voice, though familiar, still startled Ladybug. From her seat at the edge of a building, she looked up at the higher roof above her head. There, Chat Noir was crouched down; he looked like he was ready to pounce.

"Ever the flatterer, Kitty." Ladybug chuckled, rising to her feet and placing her hands on her hips.

Chat Noir jumped down to meet Ladybug where she stood.

"What can I say? You're like catnip, Bugaboo."

Ladybug rolled her eyes while a smirk played on her lips.

"Did you see any suspicious activity on your way over here?" she asked.

Chat Noir pursed his lips before saying, "There was one shady character..."

"Seriously? Then what are we standing around here for?!"

"He wasn't akumatized or anything; he just looked like a lowly thief."

"That's still someone we can stop, Chat! Why didn't you call me over when you saw him?!"

"But he's right here."

"You followed him here?" Ladybug looked down into the street.

"Yeah, but seriously, I wouldn't get worked up over him; he's just trying to steal your heart."

Ladybug turned around slowly, grimacing. Chat Noir was inches away from her at this point, hand stroking his chin while wearing the widest of smirks.

"Chat, stop fooling around! Can't you ever be serious?!"

Chat Noir suddenly sobered up as his smirk was replaced with a tender smile and the wickedness in his eyes vanished. He sauntered forward and grabbed hold of Ladybug's hand; she was rendered immobile by his newfound demeanor.

He opened his mouth and closed it once before saying, "What makes you think I'm not always being serious?"

Ladybug's shoulders were tense and her eyes were wide. Could it really be true? Had all these quips and flattery really been more than just teasing? Chat Noir's eyes held a sincerity that scared Ladybug. This was her partner; the guy she counted on time and time again to catch her when she fell, to lend a hand, to have her back; now he held her hand and she had to put effort into not pulling it away. That would be cruel. She couldn't be cruel to her friend, even if she couldn't return his feelings. Her heart already belonged to Adrien, after all.

All the while of Ladybug's internal monologue, Chat Noir's heart was trying to break out of his chest, surely in an attempt to escape the exposure Chat Noir had given it; it'd be open to any sort of mishandling his lady could do to it. He was aware he hadn't ever been this sincere before; playful flirting was safe and Ladybug could easily dismiss it. But Chat had felt brave tonight. Why had he felt brave?! He saw the unmasked surprise on her face; did he also see panic? Or was he projecting his own panic onto her? Chat Noir concentrated on keeping up his suave persona and not letting his nerves reveal themselves to Ladybug. Would she possibly say she had liked him back all along?

"Chat... I'm sorry but I have a boyfriend."

And there it is; Ladybug had stabbed his heart.

"Who?" he breathed. A knee-jerk response; why would Ladybug tell him who her boyfriend was? Chat Noir knew how important their secret identities were.

"A-Adrien Agreste!" she stammered.

Chat Noir blinked. She told him. She actually told him. Not only did she tell him, she lied.

"Adrien," Chat Noir repeated.

Blood rushed to Ladybug's cheeks. She knew there was no going back now.

"Y-Yeah! Adrien."

"Adrien Agreste."

"Yes, Adrien Agreste."

"The model."

"Is there another Adrien Agreste?" Ladybug was getting annoyed.

Chat Noir grinned from ear to ear.

"So you're really going out with Adrien Agreste?"

"Yeah! Of course!"

"Since when?"

"A few weeks!"

"Is that so?"

"Of course it's so!"

Ladybug knew he didn't believe her. But he can't know she had lied to him! Especially after so many times of telling Chat Noir how much she hated liars.

Chat Noir was both ecstatic and a little hurt. Obviously Ladybug did not have a boyfriend considering he was Adrien and, last time he checked, wasn't in any sort of relationship with the girl he had been pining after that entire year. And if she did, she would have said something like "Chat, revealing my boyfriend's identity would reveal mine." Unless, of course, she was dating a guy as her superheroine alter ego... But that'd be stupid. None of that mattered, though, because Ladybug had lied!

Ladybug had lied to him! To him! Had she tried to let him down easy? Ouch. She broke her own moral code, and to Chat Noir! They're friends, he could've handled a rejection! Well, no, that's not true...

How could Ladybug not see they were meant for each other? Maybe he could make her see they were meant for each other...

"Well, it's nice to know I'm not the only one of the dynamic duo who's taken..." Chat Noir said, turning away with a smile.

Ladybug's eyes bugged out.

"What? You've got a girlfriend?" Ladybug was kicking herself; she had put herself in such a mess when he had a girlfriend all along!

"Yeah, I do. She's crazy about me." Chat Noir flexed as he said so.

"Who?"

"I just said; my girlfriend."

"Okay, but who's your girlfriend."

Chat Noir hadn't thought that far.

"You wanna know who my girlfriend is?"

"Yes, Chat. I told you who I'm seeing, now you tell me who you're seeing."

"Who I'm seeing...?"

Ladybug frowned, "I've gotta know what kind of girl is okay with a boyfriend who goes around flirting with other people."

"A girl who knows none of it is real; just playing."

Ladybug's eyebrows pulled closer together.

"What's her name?"

"Her name."

"Yes?"

"Is..."

"Yes?"

"Marinette!"

Ladybug blinked.

He's lying! How could he lie to her?! About her?! But she had lied, too... But why was he lying? Why did he say he had a girlfriend in the first place? What's his reason to lie? She had to know. But she can't ask him! He'd know she's Marinette if she called him out on his dishonesty! Wait, would he? Act natural, cool it, cool it...

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng?" she asked.

"The one and only," Chat Noir replied.

"Since when?"

"Since a few weeks ago!"

"A few weeks ago?"

Chat Noir could tell how incredulous she sounded.

"Yeah, and we wanted to keep it under wraps, my being savior of Paris and all."

"Savior of Paris?"

"Fine," Chat Noir feigned a sigh, "co-savior, of Paris..."

"How strange that I never saw any hint of attraction between you and that girl..." Ladybug had her tongue in her cheek.

"Like I said, under wraps... I'm surprised model boy Adrien hasn't had any paparazzi pics of him with the other co-savior of Paris," Chat Noir crossed his arms.

"W-We've been keeping it under wraps, too."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, it's so."

Ladybug and Chat Noir were glaring at each other, as if both were challenging the other to question the validity of their claims. They were soon interrupted by Ladybug's miraculous beeping in warning of her form's soon approaching regression.

"I've gotta go..." Ladybug said, scowling.

"Say hi to your boyfriend, for me," Chat Noir called as she swung away on her yo-yo.

A moment passed before both mentally screamed, "What the hell did I just get myself into?!"

#mine #miraculous ladybug #miraculous fic #ladynoir #adrinette #marichat #ladrien #fanfic