How the conversation in Kuro Neko could have gone down.
Seriously, Plagg blames Marinette for saving the day with other heroes when Chat is the one who was absent? He even wanted to miss the battle, neglecting his own duty!
He should have been focused on Paris, not about spending time with Ladybug. That is not why he was given the miraculous.
After hearing Plagg accuse Marinette, Tikki could not help defending her chosen. “That is not Marinette’s fault! Chat Noir wasn’t there. And I know for a matter of fact he could have been there earlier if he had wanted!”
Given how aware Marinette was of Adrien, of course she would glance over at his house. And being part of the suit, Tikki was not happy to see Adrien and Plagg just sitting on the sofa watching the fight.
Marinette was shocked. “Chat Noir skipped out on the fight?!”
Uh oh. Plagg tried to defend his friend. “Your fight was nearly over. He didn’t think he was necessary.”
“So he only joined us when the battle was over, when I am on a timer,” seethed Marinette. “That’s not how he’s supposed to act. I call the others when I need them for my plan to work. But Chat Noir was given the cat Miraculous to show up at every battle, not only when I call for him!”
“He’s busy,” Plagg defended.
“I know what it is like to be busy,” Marinette snapped, her hectic schedule ever on her brain. “And he dares to accuse me of favouring partners who only come when I need help when he himself won’t come?! You know what, fine! He can retire. I need a partner who is actually reliable and isn’t in love with me.”
Plagg’s tail and ears drooped. That did not go as planned.
Even Tikki looked worried. “Are you sure Marinette? Maybe Chat is just having a bad day.”
“He left his Miraculous out in the open! What if Hawkmoth or Mayura had been spying on us?” Marinette pointed out.
Ok, that was a bad move on Chat’s part.
“Everyone makes mistakes,” Plagg’s tone became lighter. “Even you. Need I remind you about Master Fu?”
“Plagg!” Tikki and Wayzz gasped chidingly. That was a low blow. But Plagg is not having any other holder than Adrien.
Marinette wavered. She had let her personal life interfere with hero business. Perhaps she was a bit hard on Chat Noir after all.
But if she continually mixed her feelings with business and that led to a catastrophe, what did this say about Chat and his feelings for her. She voiced this thought aloud. “I need a partner who won’t let his feelings get in the way. Someone who doesn’t have a crush on me.”
Qilin really frustrated me because Roger just dumped Sabine’s items carelessly on the ground. And the ticket inspector hardly got reprimanded for his behavior! Marinette also annoyed me. If her Mother’s Day gift is late, then it can wait a little longer rather than being late for their lunch and borrowing her mother’s money for it! And Sabine already paid for the tickets! The bus driver saw them. And thanks to Marinette, they have to pay a fine???
Alya is a dedicated blogger. Since there were no video recordings of the fight, she decided to get a personal statement from Sabine and Marinette.
Her readers were disgusted by how the ticket inspector and Roger handled things. And for Roger to ignore Ladybug during an Akuma fight? How dare he?
The ticket inspector’s boss is a fan of the Ladyblog and decides to send him in for training again. Along the way he decides to test the inspector’s judgment to see if he really is impartial. The inspector fails the test and is subsequently fired.
Roger is facing pressure from the crowd from his mismanagement of things. Hawkmoth takes advantage and akumatizes him back into Rogercop. Of course Ladybug and Chat Noir defeat him.
They encourage him to ignore the haters and focus on his own improvement.
This makes Roger remember he never really apologised to Sabine.
He visits the bakery and gives her an apology gift: a calligraphy painting of the Chinese character for justice/principle/humanity
Bonus: maybe some salt for the bus driver and passengers for not even helping Sabine.
Marinette points out that Lila never returns her classmates’ lunch money because she always claims to have spent her allowance on charity.
The class does not mind helping Lila out however Marinette does have a point. What Lila does isn’t borrowing…
Later when Lila wants to borrow Alix’s new skateboard, signed by Tony Hawk, to play with orphans used to secondhand toys, Alix recalls Marinette’s words and fears losing her skateboard when Lila might be tempted by a child’s puppy eyes. She refuses.
Max has a new iPad and plays games on it. He does not want to loan it to Lila so she can use it to play with those poor sick hospital children.
When Chloe passes Sabrina her exclusive scarf, the latter obviously does not dare to let a cold Lila borrow it.
Even when it comes to generous Mylène, when Lila is promoting a fake charity for saving Orangutans and asks for a donation so they can donate together, Mylène says she would rather do it herself and spare Lila the trouble. She had heard from Rose that Lila was going to attend another function with Prince Ali. And Mylène worries her money will go to a different charity.
Lila is irritated. She tries to get the whole class to gang up on her target and guilt trip them, except they empathise with the target, and refuse to help, even defending them.
Frustrated, Lila decides to use the ol waterworks and pretends to cry. “What’s wrong? Is it because Marinette accused me of lying? But I am telling the truth.”
Mylène: it’s not Marinette. We do believe you.
Alix: that’s the problem.
Lila: what?
Max: Lila, you are a very generous person…a little too generous.
Markov: that’s not quite an accurate description.
Sabrina: you just keep giving, even donating the leftover lunch money we loaned you, which you haven’t paid back.
Max: we admire your passion to help others, Lila, truly. But we aren’t ready to trust you to return items anytime soon.
Lila gaped.
Alya: sorry, girl. But it’s the truth. But we’re happy to share our lunches with you.
It was while Mayura was actually outdoors because Nathalie was accompanying Gabriel for a party hosted by Audrey Bourgeois.
However, before Mayura could even say a word, a coughing fit overtook her and she detransformed.
Duusu: oh no! You really ought not to transform now.
Nathalie glowered. “We need a sentimonster.”
“And I need you to be healthy, Nathalie.” Hawkmoth knelt down and detransformed as well. “I have lost Emelie already. I can’t lose you too.”
Duusu began sobbing. “That’s so sweet!”
So they went back to the party where Nathalie sat down for most of it in a private room, far from the main party venue.
Concerned, Adrien asked Marinette if her parents were serving something would help Nathalie feel better.
Marinette personally serves a jelly dish to Nathalie.
Once left alone, Duusu comes out and cries over the jelly, touched by Adrien’s thoughtfulness.
Nathalie avoided the jelly bits where Duusu’s tears hit.
Marinette collected the leftovers and decided to eat them since she missed dinner earlier on.
Adrien comes over. “Hey Marinette, how is Nathalie?”
ANGRY
Marinette shoves the empty tray at Adrien. “Why don’t you ask her yourself?!” She points a finger at Adrien who backs off from his angry friend. “You know I am always tired of having to do stuff for you. I organized a party for Chloé even though everyone but you hates her. I set up perfect dates for you and Kagami. And now I’m your dad’s secretary’s nursemaid?!”
Adrien holds his hands up. “Woah, Marinette. I’m sorry if I upset you. I didn’t know you were unhappy doing those things.”
“Yeah? Why should I expect anything else from Mr Oblivious?-”
SAD
Marinette starts sobbing loudly. “You don’t even care when Lila tries to ostracize me from the class! Or when Queen Bee nearly killed my family! You don’t even show up for ice cream!”
Marinette breaks down sobbing on the floor.
Adrien is alarmed and bends down, unsure what to do. “Marinette, i am so sorry. It’s not that I don’t care.”
“Liar!” Marinette wept.
“It’s true! I cherish our friendship, Marinette. We really are friends,” he said earnestly.
“Friends!” Another sob erupted. If she had a euro for every time he said that!
“We are friends,” Adrien repeated firmly. “I’ve just been a lousy friend, I guess.”
SUSPICIOUS
Marinette’s tears stopped all of a sudden. She narrowed her eyes into a glare. “How do you consider friendship, hmm?”
Adrien backed up again. “Caring for people?” he offered nervously.
“That was phrased as a question,” Marinette pointed out. “You don’t really know what friendship is, do you?”
“Marinette, you know I’ve only had anime for reference before I even entered Dupont,” reminded Adrien.
“Wrong,” corrected Marinette. “You also had Chloé for reference! You’ve had two bad examples for friendship!”
“Anime wasn’t all that bad,” defended Adrien.
HAPPY
Marinette laughed giddily, frightening Adrien even more with her sudden mood swings. “Oh, I love anime! Which one is your favorite?”
“Sailor Moon?” Adrien squeaked.
“Oh, I loved that show?” Marinette sighed. “You know what else i love? Dressing up as the characters! I had so much fun cosplaying. That was part of how I knew I wanted to be a designer!”
“Good for you….”
“And now I know I can make it because other people like my work too,” Marinette blushed. “Seeing others like my designs really gives me a boost of confidence.”
Adrien was starting to relax now. “I’m happy for you Marinette. Truly. You’re always so optimistic, which is good for this job.”
CONFUSED
Marinette tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
Adrien rubbed his neck. “Well, I mean, that the criticism can be kind of harsh in this industry, but you shouldn’t let it get you down. God knows my dad and Audrey ignore them all, and look at where they stand now?”
Marinette pondered. “Huh. If I do become a designer, will my personality match theirs?”
“What? No, no! It’s not a definitive thing. You can’t judge a profession just after meeting only two designers in person.”
“Why not? It’s not like I will have much opportunities to meet many more.”
“Of course you will,” Adrien said with conviction. “You’re so talented. How could you not get to know more?”
LOVE
Marinette blushed furiously and starts stammering. “You’re so gorgeous- I mean great.”
Adrien flushed as well. “I don’t think I deserve to be called great. I’ve been an awful friend.”
Marinette flung her hands out. “No. No. You’ve been an awesome friend. That’s why I like doing things for you!”
Adrien studied Marinette, trying to gauge if she meant what she said or if she was just trying to cheer him up.
“Marinette!” Sabine called. “There you are. You’re still on duty, you know.”
“See you later?” Marinette said hopefully.
Adrien smiled. “Of course. I owe you an ice cream date.”
ANGRY
Marinette scowled. “You owe me much more than that!” and she stalked off.
Adrien stared after her, lost and confused.
Plagg: wow, talk about mood swings.
Adrien: i don’t understand. I wish I could help her.
Plagg: oh you can’t. This is a female thing. Give her a week to cool down.
Adrien frowned. “Should I tell Alya about this then?”
Plagg: try telling her mother before Marinette insults a party guest.
But there was no need. Sabine was taken aback by how moody Marinette was and hastily sent her back to the bakery. Marinette left, sobbing about how useless she felt.
Gabriel meanwhile was confused and irritated by how short Marinette’s strong emotions lasted.
Given the mood swings, Marinette is excused from school until she is feeling better.
Once all the jelly had been digested,
Marinette blinked. “Um. What just happened?”
Tikki peeked from behind a pencil case, wary to face Marinette. “How do feel now, Marinette?”
He never said what was enough, nor which Kwami he was addressing. Plagg does love loopholes, or just breaking rules.
As Gabriel continued talking, Plagg just shouted “CATACLYSM!” and headbutted Gabriel’s palm.
Gabriel’s shock could barely be seen since he instantly burst into an ash cloud.
When faced with the choice of the target for his power, Plagg knew Gabriel was the logical choice. True he could have destroyed the ring, but Gabriel would know Ladybug’s identity. Given how flirty the hero couple had been behaving in public lately, not to mention Adrien’s sudden increase in phone calls to Marinette, it would not be too hard to figure out Ladybug’s civilian alias.
However, as a result of the cataclysm, all three miraculous were damaged. The kwamis returned to their jewels.
Adrien stood stunned by what had happened, fortunately the akumatization continued despite no wielder controlling the butterfly miraculous.
Ephemeral was a lot more durable than Adrien Agreste.
As soon as Marinette realized where this sudden earthquake originated from, she rushed to the Agreste mansion. Rushing down, she spotted a dazed, directionless akuma, a pile of ash with 3 familiar jewels on top, and - was that Adrien’s mother?
With no time to spare, Ladybug was brought back to the emergency of the situation by another tremor. She hastily grabbed the miraculous on the floor.
Ladybug: Adrien, please give me your akumatized object!
Adrien readily handed it over.
Breaking it, Ladybug caught the akuma and summoned her lucky charm.
“Miraculous Ladybug!”
Cue buildings being fixed, Adrien returning to normal, the miraculous being fixed (and hastily stuffed in the yo-yo) and Gabriel returning to life.
Gabriel blinked then snarled. “Ladybug!”
Ladybug quickly wrapped the villainous parent with yo-yo string. “Mr Agreste, you are hereby under arrest for your crimes as Hawkmoth.”
Gabriel quickly looked at Adrien. “Do something, Adrien! I’ve done all this for your mother! Don’t you want us to be happy again?”
Adrien looked sadly up at his father, then turned to Ladybug. “I won’t object to my father being thrown to jail.”“Adrien!” “But is there a way to save my mother?”
Ladybug looked at the comatose woman. “We’ll have to ask Master Su Han.”
Gabriel struggled to gain the last word in his defeat. “You may have won, Ladybug. But if I have to give up my miraculous,” he snarled, “so do you. Your secret identities won’t be so secret anymore.”
Ladybug looked unperturbed by that. “And? You forget how the New York superheroes live. Not to mention Wonder Woman.”
Hawkmoth was then handed to the local authorities where he continued to yell about the heroes’ identities.
Su Han confirmed he can wake Émelie Agreste. However, he was none too complimentary about her wisdom in using a miraculous that was clearly broken and damaging to her health. Neither was he impressed with Adrien’s surrender.
Ladybug swiftly defended her still shellshocked boyfriend and his kind mother, stating Hawkmoth had surprised Adrien and dealt him an emotional blow. And Emelie Agreste was an intelligent woman, she must have had a reason.
When Emelie woke up, she was saddened to learn that her husband had become a terrorist in her name and was now sentenced to jail.
Su Han considered letting Ladybug keep the miraculous box because he is still learning the ways of the world and is wary about choosing the wrong holders. He only asks she add extra security to the miraculous box.
Having learned her lesson before, Chloe preferred to mock Marinette’s capability to be a hero rather than steal the bee miraculous.
Lila on the other hand….let’s just say she was trending on social media as the new clown criminal.
Really annoyed with our main characters in the episode Ephemeral. Adrien pretty much overdoes the cat puns, a dead giveaway to his identity. And what happened to Ladybug’s declaration that it would be better if chat did not know her identity? Also annoying? the mere words “my lady” giving away Chat’s identity. It would have been better if Gabriel had also heard the cat puns too. At least the epiphany would have been more believable.
This is a draft
When Su Han demands Ladybug knows Chat Noir’s identity, she refuses as she already knows what will happen should that occur. Chat Noir becomes Chat Blanc and the world blows up.
Su Han refuses and argues that the future is not set in stone. All it takes is a single choice to change the course.
Viperion finally defends ladybug and admits he knows their identities. He understands Chat’s reasons. And he knows for sure Chat saw the akuma.
Su Han is furious since Luka has been akumatized before. This time Ladybug defends Luka and promises to give him more charms to protect him from akumas.
The fact is, since Chat would have been unable to make it even if she knew him, nothing would have changed.
Besides, he already has the akuma alert app.
Ladybug’s decision is final. Chat Noir’s identity will stay secret.
Su Han is not happy but relents since it is alright that at least someone knows Chat’s identity. He asks for Chat’s identity. Viperion refuses as Su Han’s appearance would be disruptive. Chat Noir’s life is heavily guarded and Su Han’s appearance will raise awkward questions.
Later, Marinette asks Luka how long he had known.
Luka: since Wishmaker.
Marinette: why didn’t you tell me then?
Luka: I wanted you to tell me your secret. Not because I had discovered it by accident.
Marinette: you should have told me.
Luka: I’m sorry.
Marinette: it’s ok. At least your knowledge came in handy. Now about that protective charm I promised you….
Luka lugged home a new ladybug-themed guitar case, and backpack, and sneakers, and waterproof watch.
Inspired after I read the movie companions for the first two Narnia films
Marinette gets the job of a lifetime working on costumes for the upcoming movie, The Silver Chair.
It is hard work with little sleep, especially for a heroine. So good thing it is taking place during the school holidays.
Marinette travels all over the world, truthfully telling her disappointed friends that she is working while on vacation.
Alya: don’t you think you should chill for a while? You look like you missed a whole week of sleep!
Well, she does have to help make thousands of costumes, so no. This is why Marinette’s best friend at work is the coffee machine.
Marinette makes a good impression on the costume team, including head designer Isis Mussenden. She even got to be the one to work with Ben Henders, the very cute actor playing Prince Rilian.
When Marinette returns to Paris, she does not brag about her job, only mentioning how satisfied she was that the costumes were without flaw and she had met the quota.
After one or two years, The Silver Chair is about to be released.
Chloe brags about getting to sit at the premiere viewing thanks to her world-renown mother.
Lila gushes about how the stars of the movie are like family who had asked her to play Jill Pole but she had to decline since she had already made a commitment to save endangered penguins up in the frigid north. However she will still get to sit at the premiere.
Marinette: penguins live in the Antarctic!
Nino is a huge fan of the Narnia chronicles and even buys the movie companion book to learn about the film making process. It is how he learns about Marinette’s job.
Because at the costume design section, Isis praises Marinette and there is even a picture of Marinette helping Ben into his knight suit.
Realizing Marinette had actually been on the set, Nino wondered why she never told them about it.
Ok, maybe he can understand considering that they might have pestered for her information about the movie the way they asked Lila.
Hang on, Marinette will probably be at the premiere.
Maybe once she sees that Lila was there herself, she will finally believe their newest classmate.
But in the meantime, he can respect her wishes and let her secret remain, at least till premiere day.
At the premiere, Chloé was surprised to see Dupain-Cheng. Immediately she began mocking her, asking if she was there as a waiter again.
However, the cast and crew (seeing Marinette as part of their second family) defend her from this rich brat, praising Marinette for being a talented designer and even bringing them homemade pastries that were to die for.
Audrey could see the odds were in Marinette’s favor, and that Chloe was an unwanted blot in the party.
As the director begins to ask Chloe to leave, Audrey swoops in. “You’ll have to excuse my daughter. She gets jealous whenever she sees Marinette’s exceptional talent.”
Chloe: mother!
Audrey: marvellous job, Marinette, as always.
Chloe: mother, you can’t be serious! She’s just a baker girl.
Audrey: who is renown for her talent. What are you famous for, Claudette?
Sensing danger, Chloe flushed and stalks away, trying to hide her tears.
To make herself feel better, she has to make others feel worse. Dupain-Cheng is surrounded by the crew so no hopes of sneaking over, especially when she won’t be welcome.
Hmm, what about that Lila girl?
Somehow Marinette always got the short end of the stick whenever they were together.
She headed over to the director. “You, where is Lila Rossi.”
Andrew Adamson scowled at Chloe. “Am I supposed to know who that is?”
Chloe ignored the cameras recording her bratty behavior. “Well, duh. She’s the one you wanted to play Joan Pill instead of that creature,” she waved her hand at the young lead actress.
Andrew’s scowl deepened. “I think you meant to say Jill Pole. And I don’t know any Lila Rossi, but if she is friends with you, I’m glad not to have been introduced. Good day.”
Chloe gaped, then rounded on Marinette. “Dupain-Cheng, explain yourself this instant.”
“What is there to explain, Chloe? I’ve been telling everyone for months that Lila’s been lying about her celebrity connections.
Chloe gasped then rounded on Ben Henders. “You, do you know a Lila Rossi?”
Ben: no.
Meanwhile, back in Paris….
Class are watching videos about the premiere (some official and some leaked), and are shocked. Lila had lied to them?
That kind of put a damper to their happy surprise about Marinette being one of the costume designers.
Lila’s phone was bombarded with texts demanding explanations.
Squealing, she immediately switched her phone off and tried to think of a suitable lie.
….
Lila said she was friends with the director of Narnia, but she never said his name. There have been more than one media series of Narnia. She can use that to excuse Andrew’s ignorance of her name.
As for Ben Henders…that was more tricky. She had claimed to the girls to be good friends with the actor, talking about the very movie itself. Hmm, maybe she can attribute his denial to Chloe’s abrupt and rude attitude?
Satisfied, Lila turned her phone back on, only to pale at what she saw. Since she took so long to reply, the others had done their own research and were now calling her fraud, that she now owed their money back (as if!), etc.
At the premiere, Chloe felt humiliated and overshadowed as all the celebrities ignored her.
At the Rossi residence, Lila began pleading to her mother that they should move because she was being bullied by the very same people who had sent Mrs Rossi video interviews of her contrasting opinions of Ladybug and demanding their money to be returned.
I dislike both Gabriel and Felix but in this case, I am on Gabriel’s side because he was the victim of theft.
While akumatized, Gabriel decides to reveal that his nephew has stolen his wife’s ring. He knows Emilie’s ring very well and is not fooled by a copy. Also, having had unpleasant experiences with Felix, Ladybug and Chat do not trust this innocent facade Felix puts up.
Felix: my uncle is a strange man
Collector: better to be strange than a thief!
Chat glared Felix. “Well, now it all makes sense. First your cousin, now your uncle. Have you no shame?”
Felix: yes, I stole his ring, but I gave it back!
Collector: liar! I know every scratch on Emily’s ring. Do you really think your copy could fool me?
Chat Noir was further enraged at the disrespect Felix was showing his mother.
Ladybug was hardly surprised. Swinging down, she cast the boy a disgusted glower. “I’m not even surprised,” she said. “This is the boy who would try to alienate his cousin from his friends on his mother’s anniversary, not to mention strike a deal with Hawkmoth of all people.”
Seeing no point in pretending to be innocent, Felix just scowled. “Are you going to just stand there lecturing me or actually do something about my uncle?”
Ladybug summoned her lucky charm.
Cue fight.
A remorseful Gabriel stands up. “I’m so sorry. Today just makes the memories of my wife stronger.”
Chat interrupts Gabriel’s apology to Felix. “You had every right to be angry, Mr Agreste. You were as much a victim.”
Ladybug put her hands on her hips. “Felix, isn’t there something you want to return to your uncle? Something that isn’t fake?”
With the influential crowd coming out, some already recording the heroes, Felix gritted his teeth. “I don’t have the ring on me now,” he admitted. “It’s back home in England.”
Gabriel says softly. “It’s alright, Felix. You can keep Emelie’s ring.”
Felix: No, I can’t. Not like this. I’ll send it to you via post.
Chat: hopefully not another fake.
Cue Chloé interrupting and Bob Roth deleting her video
Needless to say, Felix and Amelie quickly leave.
However, bad press has a way of spreading quickly.
Footage of the battle against the Collector had been posted on media, with Ladybug and Chat Noir reporting Felix’s crimes.
The possibility of him being Hawkmoth’s accomplice was enough to get the police involved.
Felix claims to have been in a bad mood then to think clearly. However the public opinion is still not satisfied with his bratty attitude and are pressuring him to return the real ring.
When Gabriel sends a public message asking the crowd to desist bothering his nephew, he apologized for causing such a ruckus.
This actually spurs the crowd further as Gabriel had a right to be upset.
Amelie decides to hire bodyguards until this all blows over. That enrages the public since she is enabling her son.
Felix soon sends another fake ring in public view.
Gabriel is annoyed by the lack of the real ring. He akumatizes the crowd somehow into the justice jury so they can find the ring.
Considering this is in England and they are right outside Felix’s home , they find the ring before Ladybug and Chat Noir show up. But now that they have done so, they have to honor their bargain with Hawkmoth.
Cue fight.
When Ladybug casts her cure, it leaves the ring in place.
With the ring properly restored, Ladybug tells the former akumas not to let negative emotions lead their lives.
Just watched the mini series and was inspired. Warning, got salt for everybody
As queen, Anna would be taking a tour of the world and visiting other kingdoms, one of which would be France.
Elsa would look after Arendelle in her absence.
Not to say that Anna was going alone, she was bringing Olaf with her.
And the snowman was thrilled to perform skits on what he had experienced in each kingdom.
France was truly an eye opener, Olaf had tried in vain to keep his queen from aiding the Parisian superheroes.
In the end, Ladybug asked Anna to guide everyone else away.
As queen, Anna was invited to various prestigious events where Olaf had met the lonely Adrien Agreste.
But Anna also liked getting to know people which was how she came across the Dupain-Cheng bakery and College Françoise Dupont.
At the Queen’s farewell event, Olaf had insisted on performing his skit, the contents of which only the snowgies were privy to.
Olaf wearing stones all over his body in imitation of ladybug spots. “I’m Ladybug. I use random useless objects to defeat villains with terrifying powers.”
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed in displeasure.
Olaf throws up a leaf. “Bye bye little Butterfly!”
Marinette giggled, nearly dropping her tray of macarons.
Olaf now dons a stick tail and leaf ears. “I’m Chat Noir. My lady, will you go out with me? Akuma, quit interrupting me!”
Adrien flushed at how irresponsible he looked.
Olaf now has leaf pigtails. “I’m Marinette. I live in a bakery and attend College Françoise Dupont! Oh hi Adrien,” Olaf-Marinette giggled and promptly falls over.
Marinette gaped and quickly hid her face behind her tray.
Olaf now has a leaf hairstyle copying Adrien. “Hi Marinette. I have to go do another one of my many tasks to please my perfectionist father who never seems to notice me. Oh well, at least I have friends. See you at the class party? Oh never mind, my schedule shifted. I’ll see you at next month’s party!”
Olaf has a leaf ponytail. He sticks out a hand. “Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous. It is so ridiculous I don’t even care that I will cause another akuma whose sole goal will be to take revenge upon moi.”
Chloé sniffed.
Olaf has a camera in his hand. “Wait up Ladybug! It’s not easy dodging danger just to get a clear shot of your dangerous battles!”
Alya shifted uneasily under her mother’s look.
Olaf is regaling a crowd of snowgies. “My name is Lila. I am super charitable and super connected. But do you mind helping me do my homework and pay for my meals? I am too busy with the charities I donated all my money too. I also have to meet with my celebrity friends. No I cannot introduce you to them! But I can take any money you want to give to charity.”
Lila’s fingers clenched into fists. Hopefully her classmates are too dumb to suspect her in the snowman’s salty skit.
Olaf holding a flat stone tablet. “I am Ms Bustier. I believe in forgiveness. So I will not punish Chloé if she behaves badly. Ivan, quit talking in class. Go to the principal!”
Olaf sits in front of a snowgie. “Ivan, I have no time to look into this situation. I am too busy scouting Paris for trouble any other civilian can report. Hoo Hoo!”
Olaf strums a ukulele. “I can hear the song of people’s souls.”
Finally, Olaf is dressed as the mayor with a leaf sash. “I have all the power! I am the man in charge! Oh, whatever you say my queen. Of course my darling princess, whatever you want.”
Olaf, smirking proudly and innocently of his accurate skit: any questions?
Andre mournfully walked back to his limo, where his impatient daughter glared at his empty hands.
Chloé: what’s the point in being mayor if your own subjects don’t respect your wishes? Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous.
Andre: forgive me, Chloé. But there are other bakeries in the city.
Chloé: none of them are the best. Anybody who’s anybody is eating a galette made by Dupain-Cheng. XY, Clara, Prince Ali….I refuse to be the exception.
Except it seemed that pretty much all the galettes Chloé coveted were already eaten (by Tikki)
Father and daughter entered the hotel in a dismal mood.
Audrey was already complaining when they crossed the threshold, not noticing their empty hands. “I don’t know about having galette. They leave such a mess.”
Chloé’s mood brightened. “You’re right mother. We don’t need a galette like everybody else does. The Bourgeois are not trend followers, they’re trend setters.
Audrey: exactly. I’d rather have a mousse today. Jean-Pierre!
Andre sighed.
Zoe: actually I bought a galette early this morning, if you would like some. I had prepaid and reserved one in advance just in case.
Chloe: haven’t you learned anything. Anything baked by a Dupain-Cheng is trash.
Andre gaped at his daughter.
Perhaps it was a combination of sympathy for Zoe and frustration with Chloe’s ingratitude, but Andre declared, “I’ll eat it with you, Zoe.” Then to prevent another outburst. “As mayor, I have to be seen celebrating this day.”
Chloé started to yell, “Ridiculous-“
“Chloé, quit yelling,” Audrey snapped. “I refuse to have my holiday ruined by you. Galette, mousse, just pick one and shut up.”
Chloe shut up her mouth, scowling at Zoe, who smiled weakly.
So while Andre and Zoe retired to her room to share the galette, happy to enjoy their holiday without any more fussy demands or cruel words, Audrey and Chloe dined on their mousse in tranquil silence.
After breaking up with Kagami, Adrien feels like he is not good boyfriend materials.
Determined to change that opinion about himself, Marinette brings Adrien out to parties where everyone fawns over the model.
Adrien takes a liking to Annette who reminds everyone else of Marinette. He asks her out on a date.
Alya meets Annette and tries to make Adrien realize he actually likes Marinette.
Alya: doesn’t Annette remind you of anyone?
Adrien: of course. That hair, those sparkly eyes, and her love of fashion? She’s a dead ringer for London Tipton.
Alya gives up but settles for the consolation prize that at least Marinette knows Adrien is interested in her. Until…
Alya: I was shocked to see you taking news about Annette so well, then I actually met her.
Marinette: i know. Annette’s artistry, compassion and burst of energy could give Jessie Mei Li a run for her money.
Nino had to stop Alya from ramming her head into the bookshelf.
To Marinette’s surprise, Adrien breaks up with Annette.
When questioned, Adrien says, “Annette was lovely but she just seemed to be missing something. Like store-bought sandwiches vs your family’s bread. She just didn’t have the spark.”
What a shame. Marinette wonders if Annette will still introduce her model friend Ajax to her. Apparently he was so busy, he won’t mind Marinette’s frequent absences.
Anyone find it odd how Adrien wanted to prevent Lila from akumatization but did not bother to console the frequently akumatized Mr Ramier? I was so upset with both Marinette and Adrien for not trying to help Mr Ramier. This has Marinette salt in it. I would have put Adrien salt in it too but I needed someone to help Mr Ramier. This is a draft.
As Adrien noticed Ramier’s dejected frame and face, he instantly burst into action.
“Mr Roth, you can’t blame Mr Ramier so harshly like that.” Turning around, he called out, “Mr Ramier, please wait.”
Bob Roth shook his head. “You heard your father, Adrien. We need doves, not pigeons.”
“So bleach them digitally,” Adrien said. “Shouldn’t you know this much if you’re in the entertainment industry?”
Bob Roth would not give ground so easily. “I already told your dad that guy was fired.”
Adrien shook his head. “My dad wants me to have an angelic reputation. How do you think my fans will react to see me working with a director who fires his staff so rudely?”
At that, Bob Roth straightened. “Are you threatening me, young man?”
“Not at all. I’m warning you,” Adrien said simply, arms hanging slack at his sides.
After a brief stare down, Bob Roth relented. “Fine. You get one more chance, Ramier. Don’t screw this up.”
The man happily bowed his head. “We won’t disappoint you, sir. Thank you, Mr Agreste.”
“Please call me Adrien,” he offered.
As Adrien resolved to stay focused on his job, Kagami finally caught hold of Marinette and dragged her out of sight.
“That is enough, Marinette,” she snapped. “Other than the fact that you disrespected my wishes and pushed me into this meeting, your attempt nearly got a man fired. But you don’t care about either of that, do you?”
Kagami was blunt and straightforward. And for the first time today, Marinette’s tugging at her limb ceased. Blushing furiously, she said, “I…I just wanted to console you.”
Kagami inhaled. “I know you do. But you are going about it the wrong way. I need my space away from Adrien just as you say you need yours from Luka. You can’t be so focused on your plan that you ignore other people’s opinion.”
Marinette looked down, ashamed at how pushy and insensitive she had been. “I’m sorry.”
Kagami tried to think positive. “It’s ok. I forgive you. And since Adrien just saved Mr Ramier’s job, I suggest we let them finish shooting without any more distractions.”
“Should we return to the park then?” Marinette asked.
“I could use some refreshment along the way,” Kagami suggested. “How about we try a fruit smoothie this time?”
Marinette managed a smile. “I do love a berry smoothie.”
And with that, the two girls left the stadium to get smoothies.
This is more of a prompt/outline for a draft for an actual story
Suspect: Adrien
Witness turned Accomplice: Nino
Victim: Kim
Judge: Marinette
Officer: Alya
Adrien’s Lawyer: Chloe
Crime: eating the whole stinky four-cheese pizza meant for the class to enjoy
Naturally Marinette is inclined to show leniency on Adrien, and everyone knows it.
Marinette tried to clear Adrien by calling Nino to testify that he had stood guard over the party food. She even brings in security footage as further evidence.
Said evidence reveals Nino saw Adrien hunched over the pizza box but ignored it.
Alya: Nino!
Nino: my best dude was starving! It’s like his dad has spies everywhere (Lila) if he can’t even eat Marinette’s breakfast croissants.
Meanwhile Markov’s recording was still playing.
Marinette was present to drop off macarons. However at the sight of Adrien’s blond hair, she lost focus and just stared dreamily at him.
The class is unsurprised and exasperated.
Lila: should Marinette really be the judge for this case? We all know she can be…ahem, sentimental.
Alya looked sadly at Marinette. “I’m afraid she’s right, girl. We need an unbiased judge for this case.”
Marinette tried to protest but cannot think of a decent argument.
Alya: I will take over as standing judge. Adrien, do you have anything to say for yourself?
Adrien slumped, dejected. “I plead guilty.”
“Ridiculous,” Chloé slammed her hand down on the table. “My client has been taught to be passive. As his lawyer, I will argue on his behalf.”
Jury: the evidence is in the video.
Ivan: and we all know Adrien likes cheese.
Chloe: yes, you do. But what did you expect Adrien to do? He’s starving and you laid a feast out before him! True, I will never understand his diet, but Adrien must have been truly hungry to have forgotten his manners
Alix: he could have asked.
Chloe huffed. Why should he ask when he paid for part of the pizza?
Max: partly, not all. Everyone but you and Lila paid for the class feast.
Lila: I donated all my money to the animal shelter.
Chloe: whatever. Anyway, shouldn’t you all be a good example like Ms Bustier says and let bygones be bygones.
Jury scoffs. “Then why don’t we just let Hawkmoth go free?”
Mylene: we all like Ms Bustier but her head is stuck in fairytale land.
Jury: we find the suspect guilty
Alya lifts her toy hammer. “Adrien Agreste, you are fined the total sum of our party feast and forbidden from partaking it without permission.”
Later, Lila tries to suggest that Marinette is not fit to be class president because she prioritizes Adrien over everybody else.
Marinette refuses to resign to Lila.
Alix: I can take over. Alya can still be deputy.
At night, Adrien blames Plagg for getting him into this mess and getting Marinette replaced.
Plagg: you should seen it coming. Besides, this way pigtails has more free time.
Is a fairy godmother and substitute teacher for Ms Bustier while she is on maternity leave.
She asks the class what they wish for, and she will try to grant it. they think she is acting for them
Marinette: Hawkmoth to be defeated!
Goodmother: Something not related to magic, please? The miraculous magic is too ancient for me to tackle.
Marinette: um….time management (she finds that she now has plenty of time to do her duties and even gets to school on time)
Adrien: more time with my dad. (Gabriel is sick and can’t be Hawkmoth or do his job.)
Chloé: the only thing I want is to be queen bee again, but you can’t even do that (she gets turned into a literal bee when she gets home.
Lila wanted to impress her class. So she went for the most selfless wish she could think of. “I wish to dedicate my life to helping those less fortunate than me.” (To Lila’s internal horror, all her savings went to charity and she is arguing with her mother to skip University and be a full-time volunteer.)
It is Chloe’s condition that has Ladybug and Chat Noir confronting Miss Goodmother. She confesses she is not a fully licensed fairy godmother and needed more practise.
Chloe’s condition is reversible. Like the fairy tales say, she needs to learn her lesson. Miss Goodmother knows no other solution.
Chat: what lesson does Chloe need to learn?
Goodmother: if only magic could be straightforward, am I right? I don’t know, either.
Chat looks to Ladybug. This sort of magic was up her alley.
Ladybug thinks and recalls Chloe’s wish. “I think I know. We need to change Chloe’s desire to be an animal-themed hero, to a social queen bee who wants to help others.”
Chat: and how do we do that when we don’t speak bee?
Ladybug: maybe Pollen does.
Pollen can speak bee and does not mind helping her former wielder.
Initially Chloe is as whiny and unreasonable as before. But thanks to Pollen’s patience, Chloe starts to mature.
After all, what has she to be proud of now that she is a bee? Her parents don’t know what to do with her. Nobody can understand her so they only view her as a passing bit of news.
It is a humbling experience, especially since the only one who understands you is a bigger, magical bee who isn’t bothered by her remarks. (Pollen was instructed by the guardian to be firm with Chloe, who is no longer her queen.)
As Chloé watches the world go by, she soon offers commentary for how things should be done, eventually without the insults.
Chloe’s bee head turns human.
Pollen: progress!
There comes a time when Chloe is fed up with her mother for wanting to fire Jean whoever, and actually speaks in loud english.
Pollen: more progress!
Chloe even used her restored speech to ask Jean’s full name.
One day, as Chloe watches Sabrina do her homework, she admits that she would rather do her own homework and would even volunteer to plant trees with Mylène, if only to fully appreciate her human body again.
Poof! Chloe is human.
When news travels of how Chloe’s personality and magical cure, Lila realizes what her cure might be.
If wishing to be seen as charitable got her into this mess where she is a prisoner of her own body, then being seen as uncharitable might get her out.
But with her body being forced to be charitable, that is easier said than done.
That said, it doesn’t mean she cannot call for the heroes to help a cursed student.
Chat: oh i got this one. If being seen as uncharitable breaks the curse, then just tell the truth since action won’t do it.
Of course it would be the stinkin truth to set her free.
Lila reluctantly tells the class she has conned them, all the while her body is giving the money she owes them back. (Since she donated all her savings, she sold her branded goods to pay back her debts. As usual, this was the curse’s doing.)
At first the class are disbelieving. As this is going on, Lila’s hand is about to accept a deal that will sell her prized Pandora bracelet. It was definitely one of her cheaper jewellery pieces but it had sentimental value since it was a gift from her dad before he died.
Lila snaps and insults the class’ naïveté, desperate to break the curse before it is too late.
The class gape in shock at Lila’s change of tone.
Lila regains control of her body and backs out of the online deal.
Of course this means she is still punished for truancy, but the curse saw she was punished enough. Her body is exhausted and worn. Her wardrobe and bedroom practically Spartan. Her popularity gone in an instant.
Last of all, Adrien suspects Gabriel’s cough is due to his wish. Realizing he needs to give his father’s health back, Adrien is unsure how to do so.
Chat tells Ladybug Adrien’s problem.
This stumps her too as Adrien did nothing wrong. Then she suggests it is Gabriel who needs to change. If he wants to get better, he has to make time for his son.
They decide to back Adrien when he tells his father the truth of his illness.
Chat backs out, claiming to be very susceptible to cough. And Gabriel doesn’t think very highly of the goody hero.
It takes a monumental effort for Ladybug to maintain presence of mind around Adrien but she supports him when the time comes.
Needless to say, Gabriel is not pleased but relents to always eat meals with his son.
His illness is getting better.
Now Nathalie suggests he actually talk to Adrien.
Poof, Gabriel is cured!
Hawkmoth is back!
(Maybe we should have just let Gabriel be cursed with the common cough. Paris was remarkable peaceful for a while.)
Believing herself to be a celebrity after her first photo shoot and media debut, Lila thinks she is famous.
And certainly her workload has increased, attending photo sessions with Adrien.
Lila does not want to be associated with her class anymore, thinking them beneath her. She aims for fellow celebrities like Aurore and Mireille. Her excuses have also become more about meeting with celebrities than helping with fundraisers.
Fortunately, Aurore and Mireille are good friends with Marinette and they can tell she dislikes Lila. Trusting her judgement to be beyond simple jealousy, the weathergirls stay clear.
Lila is frustrated but decides to spend her time primping. She is a model now, she has to look perfect. She even spent a lot of money for a new fancy hairdresser.
Meanwhile, Mylène is hurt that Lila brushes off her charity fundraiser selling candy and potted flowers.
She had accidentally gotten the honey-drizzled treats on Lila’s hair and she freaked.
“DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH MY STYLIST COSTS NOW? HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU I AM TOO BUSY WITH MORE IMPORTANT THINGS THAN YOUR CHARITY? YOU’RE LIKE A BROKEN RECORD. Charity this, charity that! Just stay away from me.”
Fortunately, Marinette had been on hand to console Mylène.
Lila’s outburst had been secretly recorded by Markov.
As Lila prepares herself for her next photoshoot, ignoring her disgusted and offended classmates, she is surprised to hear that the session has been cancelled.
Rather than risk Lila targeting Markov, Adrien slyly suggests it was hardly a surprise. Lila just didn’t cut for model material. She should have spent more money on facials.
Lila frantically checks her mirror for pimples or moles.
Meanwhile Max hurriedly makes sure the recorder’s identity is anonymous.
Eventually, Lila decides to check public opinion to find out how she is lacking. She finds the video instead.
Outraged, she confronts the class but they all deny it.
To make matters worse, the comments agree she isn’t model material.
“Looks like she is ugly on the inside and the outside.”
“She must have won a contest or something to be hired.”
Knowing she must fix her reputation, Lila is forced to apologize and ask to volunteer.
However Ivan harshly refuses. “The fundraiser should be handled by those who genuinely want to help. You just want to feel good about yourself, you don’t care about others.”
Everyday, Lila has to endure scorn from the student body and it hurts so much, knowing she was so close to fame only to lose it.
The despair drowned her enough that no lies were ever issued from her mouth again.
AU where Tikki and Plagg are 2 children. To be honest, I’m worried about the tricks Plagg pulls.
Plagg: why do I have to join you in trick or treating? I hate sweets.
Tikki: then give me yours
Plagg: I’m going back home and taking a cat nap.
Tikki: you get to play tricks on those who don’t give us good candy?
Plagg: I already do that.
Tikki: yeah, but this time I won’t yell at you.
Plagg: oh so Sugarcube is willing to bend the rules for some candy?
Tikki: like the way you stole Chloé’s bracelet when you thought it was some expensive cheese.
Plagg: touché.
Generally, people were glad to give candy to the pair. Plagg was getting bored. He hated exercise and he hadn’t pranked anyone for the last 2 hours. How much longer is Tikki going to drag him around?
Then they visited Chloe’s hotel.
Beyond mocking their Ladybug and Cat costumes that Marinette made for them, the brat threw her own chocolate foil wrappers in their buckets like it was a trash bin. Then Chloé slammed the door in their faces, laughing as she went to enjoy her expensive chocolates.
Plagg: …prank her?
Tikki: do you have to ask?
As the pair walked out, they heard Chloé screaming after Plagg tossed a hive full of bees into her room. Tikki didn’t even ask how he got through the air vents without alerting security. All she asked is if Chloé would be all right.
Plagg: the bees were already dead. I just scared her and ruined her chocolates.
They skipped the Agreste mansion, knowing it was a futile candy stop. Plagg was tempted to trick Gabriel Agreste but didn’t want to get Adrien into trouble about his choice of friends again.
Then they came to Lila. She gave them sugar-free candy. Personally Tikki thought those things did not deserve to be called candy.
Tikki: prank her?
Plagg: why? She gave you candy.
Tikki: how would you like it if I swapped your camembert for dairy free cheese.
Plagg raised his hands in surrender. “I was just asking.”
One of Plagg’s favorite pranks was to throw toilet paper. And he did the same to Lila’s house. Only he used her toilet paper and tossed it all outside and inside her apartment.
When the children returned home, Tikki was pleased with her spoils. Plagg was muttering he wasted 3 hours just for 2 pranks he could have done any day.
Tikki shoved a cheesecake at him. “Less talking, more eating.”
And our secret project is up! I’ve been begging @myprettypiggy to let me post it for weeks but she held firm and now we finally get to share it with you all!
Remember that secret project I was talking about? Yeah, we’re publishing it soon. @myprettypiggy
“I’m here to see my Prince, of course.”
“Your Prince? Since when is he your Prince?”
“Since the spring. Isn’t that right, Adrien?”
The way his name slipped off her tongue made Adrien want to die. They made eye contact and something inside of him flipped, feeling the urge to trust her completely though they had only spoken sparse words minutes before.
Summary: Adrien knows he’s forbidden to bite anyone expect for his mate, but, in an emergency, he ends up drinking Marinette’s blood…and realizing that his feelings for her haven’t been platonic in a long time. Now, if only he could convince her that his love is real and not the result of their intimate feeding session.
About a week later, Adrien was shocked to find Marinette waiting for him by his locker a good twenty minutes before the start of class.
He quirked an eyebrow. “Who are you, and what have you done with my Princess?”
She rolled her eyes. “I set, like, five alarms. You should be grateful.”
He hummed in interest. “Oh, yeah? I mean, I guess I already thank the universe every day I get to see your beautiful face, but…is there something specific I should be grateful for today?”
She had to avert her gaze as she struggled to contain her rapidly spreading blush.
She cleared her throat and pushed a rogue bang back out of her face. “I…uh… Wow. It’s really hard to sentence when you say things like that.”
“—No!” She waved her hands wildly, almost hitting herself in the face as she assured, “It’s fine! I don’t… I just…”
She took a deep breath and sighed it out. “Sorry. Just…grab your stuff for class and come with me?”
Nodding, he obediently did as bid, stowing the things he’d brought home for assignments and grabbing the texts and notebooks he needed for class.
Still blushing, Marinette began to lead the way to the boiler room where they were unlikely to be disturbed.
Adrien’s shoulders slumped as he followed her, making him resemble a kicked puppy. “…I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.” He tried to apologize again.
Marinette gave a start. “What?! No. Adrien, you’re seriously fine. There’s nothing to be sorry for.”
“You’re not just saying that to be nice?” he pressed. “Because I know I’m kind of a lot when I love someone. Please let me know if the flirting starts to annoy you.”
She blew out a sigh and turned to take his hand as she guided him through the door off the courtyard, down into the bowels of the school.
“Chaton, I promise you that it’s fine. You’re not annoying me or making me uncomfortable or anything.”
He pursed his lips. “If you’re sure. Because I’m kind of a compulsive flirt, and I know I used to get on Ladybug’s nerves all the time, so I want to try to have more situational awareness with you.”
Marinette came to a sudden halt and slowly turned to gawk at Adrien in horror. “Oh my gosh. You’re Chat Noir.”
He blinked at her, his head tipping to the side. “Yes? You’ve known that for almost a week now.”
She shook her head, quietly shrieking, “Clearly, I shoved that to the back of my mind so that I could process the fact that Adrien Agreste is a vampire and thinks he’s in love with me and likes snuggling in my bed!”
His surprise quickly turned to confusion. “O…kay?”
Her eyes went wide as she whispered, “Oh my gosh. You’re in love with Ladybug.”
He winced and then held up his hands defensively. “I mean, okay. Yeah. I think a part of me will always love Ladybug. It’s a little hard to totally forget your first crush, but…I just want you to know that the feelings I still have for her don’t diminish what I feel for you, Marinette.”
She shook her head, holding up her hands to stop him from saying more as she struggled to process. “That’s not what I meant. Even if your feelings for me were real and not a side effect of drinking my blood,”
Adrien’s heart cracked a little bit more at her ardent denial of his feelings. It was starting to become clear that she didn’t wanthim to have feelings for her and that she was desperately hoping that they would go away if she repelled them enough.
“…there would be nothing wrong with you having feelings for Ladybug too,” Marinette continued, oblivious to Adrien’s hurt. “I was just thinking—I just realized…Ladybug rejected you.”
Adrien looked away. “Yeah. It turns out that people who actually know me pretty well don’t find me to be an attractive romantic prospect.”
Marinette winced, mentally kicking herself for being so blinded by her crush on Adrien that she hadn’t noticed her amazing partner.
“I’m so sorry, Adrien,” she whispered, hanging her head in shame. “I’m sorry that she hurt you. If I could go back and make her see what an incredible person she was turning down, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
He gave a sullen shrug, still not meeting her gaze.
“I’m sorry, Chaton,” she repeated, gently wrapping him up in a hug. “I’m sorry she broke your heart when she should have treasured it.”
He slowly inhaled her sweet, strawberries-and-oatmeal scent, and it was hard to be sad. He pushed aside his woes and concentrated on the warmth of her in his arms.
“Thanks, Marinette,” he whispered into her hair, giving it a nuzzle. “It means a lot that you care.”
“I care about you more than you know,” she sighed, squeezing him a little tighter.
They stayed like that, content in their embrace, for almost a good minute before Marinette remembered why they’d come to the boiler room in the first place.
She slowly released her hold on him and slipped her hand into his with a smile, tugging him further into the room. “I wanted to show you something.”
She fished in her bag and pulled out a small, cylindrical object about the length of her pointer finger and the width of her thumb.
He cocked an eyebrow. “What is it?”
“It’s a lancet device,” she explained. “I saw it while running an errand at the pharmacy this weekend, and I thought it might be good.”
His eyebrow only arched higher. “What’s a…lancet device?”
She popped the cap off, showing him the tiny needle within the device. “It’s used for getting blood samples. People with diabetes use it to prick their fingers so they can check their blood sugar.”
She pulled down the little lever on the side of the contraption, and he watched as the needle retracted. She pushed the button, and the needle sprang forward with a click.
He gave a start at the unexpected sound but quickly relaxed at the symphony that was her chuckling. “…So, what use do you have with it? Last time I checked, you’re not diabetic.”
She turned her dazzling grin on him as she recapped the device. “Since you’re so opposed to biting me again, I thought this could be a safe way for me to periodically give you snacks to keep your strength up.”
His jaw dropped, and a strangely warm feeling burbled up in his stomach. “You… For me?”
She nodded.
“That’s brilliant,” he chuckled, carding a hand through his hair. “But, doesn’t that hurt?”
She shook her head. “I tried it at home to make sure I could handle it, and it’s not that bad. I mean, it stings when it pricks, but the pain doesn’t even last a full second.”
“You are the most thoughtful person ever,” he cooed, absolutely melting at the fact that she would do something so selfless for him. “But are you sure it’s not going to hurt your hands? Won’t it make it hard to work on designs?”
She waved away his concerns. “I jab myself with pins all the time, and this is a much smaller needle. It doesn’t hurt nearly as much, and I can’t even tell where I poked myself. See?”
She held up her left ring finger.
He squinted at it, carefully scrutinizing, but he couldn’t make out the wound. “…Okay. But are you sure about this?”
She smacked him on the arm. “Shut up and drink my blood already, Dumb Cat.”
He burst out laughing. “Well, when you put it that way…do you want to give it a try?”
She nodded, prepping the lancet device and pressing it up against her finger. She pressed the button and then gave her finger a squeeze, producing a shiny red droplet that made Adrien’s mouth water.
She laughed—a bell-like sound—as she held her finger out to him. “You’re looking at it like Nino’s steak last week.”
“Like I said at the restaurant,” he purred as he gingerly took her wrist. “My body knows what it needs…and that’s you.”
Marinette shivered as he wrapped his tongue around her finger, sucking at it like a suckling kitten.
Her stomach fluttered as he gave a contented sigh.
She swallowed. “Is it good?”
“Very good,” he assured, nuzzling at her wrist.
She hummed contemplatively. “It doesn’t feel as good as when you bit me.”
He choked on a laugh, looking at her with half-lidded eyes. “Oh, yeah? You want me to sink my fangs into you?”
She had to hold in a whimper as memories of his body under hers, his mouth on her neck, flickered to life once more in her brain. “Is it weird if I say yes?”
“No more weird than some of the things I’ve said to you,” he assured, pulling her into his arms.
“Adrien,” she breathed, tipping her head to the side to expose her neck for him.
“Sorry,” he whispered into her hair. “I don’t think right before class is the best idea, and I think we should wait a while before I drink from your neck again. I read online that you’re supposed to wait eight weeks between blood donations to make sure you’ve fully recovered.”
Marinette pulled back to gawk at him, pouting, “What? Noooo. That’s, like, two months!”
He smiled sheepishly. “I’m really sorry, Princess, but I don’t want to take any chances with your health.”
She grumbled under her breath as she rested her head on his shoulder.
“Maybe tonight I can come by and give your finger a prick with my fangs instead,” he offered, trying to appease her.
She blew out a sigh and whined, “I want you to sink your teeth into me. You can’t really do that with a finger. There’s not enough real-estate. Could you maybe bite my arm or my leg or something?”
He bit his bottom lip and replied honestly, “I don’t think I have enough self-control to sink my fangs into you and not drink.”
“Fiiiiine,” she groaned, encircling her arms around him tighter.
Her voice was softer, more affectionate, as she added, “I guess this is good enough.”
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Thank you for understanding. You have to believe me when I say that, if I could, I’d do anything for you, Marinette.”
Her breath hitched.
“…I just don’t trust myself, and I can’t put you at risk,” he admitted regretfully.
“It’s okay,” she assured, turning her head and giving his neck a light peck. “I’m the one being selfish.”
He shrugged, beginning to pet her hair. “I don’t mind. You have no clue how much I wish I could spoil you.”
“…You’re being awfully affectionate,” she noted.
“Being with you makes me feel things,” he confessed.
“Is it because you just drank my blood, so your brain is making you think I’m your mate?” she inquired guardedly.
“I don’t actually know that that’s a real thing,” he reminded as he nuzzled her ear. “Like I said, Maman never really talked much about being a vampire. All I know is that she told me that I couldn’t bite someone other than my husband or wife. I don’t know if that was a rule for me specifically or if it’s something all vampires live by.”
He raised his head to gaze pleadingly into her eyes. “Can’t you just let me be in love with you?”
She froze, eyes going as wide as galaxies.
“Stop overanalyzing everything and just let me feel close to you,” he begged. “Father never allows me to express my emotions, so this isn’t something I get to do often. There’s so much love closed up inside of my heart, Marinette. Please let me let some out.”
All resistance drained from her, and she suddenly didn’t care if his feelings were only the trick of chemicals in his brain.
“Come here, Chaton,” she coaxed, pulling him back into a hug and giving his neck a nip.
He shivered with pleasure, contentedly sinking into her arms.
As the class packed up their things for the lunch break that day, Alya turned to Marinette and chuckled, “I see you’re still on a scarf kick.”
Marinette shrugged. “They’re cute.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were trying to hide a hickey,” Alya teased.
Adrien tensed, holding his breath as his mind began to race.
Misinterpreting Adrien’s panic, Nino reached out and rested a hand on his best friend’s back, whispering, “Hey. It’s okay, Mec. Don’t worry.”
He raised his voice as he looked over his shoulder at the girls. “Yeah, but we all know it can’t be a hickey because Marinette isn’t seeing anyone.”
Marinette giggled nervously as her hand flew up to her neck. “Yeah. What Nino said. I mean, why would I have a bite mark on my neck? Ha! Me! With a hickey! Ha! That’s crazy!”
Alya’s eyes narrowed at her friend’s trademark bad acting skills.
Marinette started to sweat as she doubled down on her awkward, too-large grin.
“Oh my God,” Alya whispered, a devilish smirk spreading over her lips. “You do have a hickey!”
“What?! NO!” Marinette yelped as Alya made a grab for the scarf.
“Girl!” Alya giggled. “How could you not tell me? Who have you been necking with?”
Adrien’s guilt got the best of him, and he shot up out of his seat. “It was me! Ibit her.”
His eyes anxiously scanned the room as he waited for an outburst of judgment and rage.
He was sure everyone was about to grab their pitchforks and torches, but his classmates just stared at him, struggling to process.
“Hold the phone,” Alya demanded. “What?”
Adrien looked from one friend to the next, pleading for them to understand. “I was feeling weak, and she was right there. She was so close, and she smelled amazing, and I just…I couldn’t help it.”
With a growl of frustration, Chloé stood to stare Adrien down with her hands on her hips. “Adrien Agreste, we do not bite people! What the hell were you thinking?!”
Adrien shrank, hanging his head at the rebuke. “I’m so sorry, Chlo. Like I said, I was weak, and I wasn’tthinking.”
“Hold on.” Marinette interrupted, gawking at Chloé. “Are you…like him?”
Chloé flipped her ponytail and rolled her eyes. “Please. I am nothing like him. Idon’t go around biting riffraff like you.”
She turned back to Adrien with a disappointed huff. “So, are you two dating now? Really, Adri-chou. You have abysmal taste.”
Adrien flinched, panicking under the class’s expectant gazes and turning to Marinette for help.
Marinette didn’t get the opportunity to respond, however, because, just then, Lila got to her feet and sniffled loudly, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Marinette, how could you?”
Marinette balked. “Me? What did Ido?”
Lila pointed accusingly. “Not two weeks ago, I pulled you aside and told you that Adrien and I secretly had something going on, so it made me really uncomfortable the way you were throwing yourself at him.”
Several jaws dropped, and eyebrows shot up into hairlines at this plot twist.
“What?” Adrien choked at the same time Marinette scoffed, “Excuse me?”
Lila shook her head, large crocodile tears dribbling down her cheeks as she continued. “And then you went behind my back and seduced him away from me anyway. I thought you were a good person, Marinette. How could you?”
A murmur went through the class as they all exchanged uncertain looks, unsure of what to make of this.
Adrien stepped out into the aisle and moved next to Marinette, slipping his hand into hers.
“Lila,” he called gently, hoping to diffuse the situation. “I’m sorry if you misunderstood, but there’s never been anything romantic between us. I don’t know if you felt like there was something there when we modeled together, but that was all acting for me. I’m sorry, but I’m in love with Marinette.”
The class exploded into a flurry of exclamations and questions. Arguments broke out, and money started to exchange hands.
Meanwhile, Lila shrieked, desperate to get everyone’s attention back on her. “Adrien, you know that’s not true! You’re only saying that because she seduced you!”
Lila sent a glare Marinette’s way, threatening, “I’ll never forgive you for this!”
Marinette rolled her eyes and sighed, too tired to deal with any of this. She went back to packing up her things and refused to play Lila’s game.
Adrien opened his mouth, about ready to confess that Marinette didn’t return his feelings, when Alix gasped, pointing up above their heads as she shouted, “Akuma!”
Wholesale panic broke out as everyone scrambled away from Lila.
“We need to get you out of here,” Adrien hissed urgently to Marinette, pulling her out into the aisle and towards the door as the butterfly landed on Lila’s bracelet.
Cries of, “You’ll pay for this, Marinette Dupain-Cheng!” echoed behind them as they fled.
