How about Sublime choosing not to be Marinette's friend and actively avoiding her, but still remaining Adrien's? I think there's a lot of good potential angst where Marinette's obsession with whether or not Sublime will reveal the truth about what really happened to her legs and Sublime's annoyance about her finally blowing over.
I don't know enough about Sublime to make a proper prompt for her, however, some things that'd happen in the scenario where she decides not to be Marinette's friend, but still be friends with Adrien:
• She definitely tells Adrien what happened. Maybe not immediately, but definitely sooner rather than later.
How her legs weren't repaired by the Miraculous Cure. How what happened ruined a great opportunity for her.
• Adrien would definitely be suspicious because her prosthetics should have been fixed by the Miraculous Cure. Things broken prior to someone being akumatized have been fixed before (see Alix's pocket watch and Marc's journal/notebook).
So what happened to make this time different? Did Sublime have to be the one akumatized for her legs to be fixed by the Miraculous Cure?
• If Marinette is worried about Adrien finding out, she's mortified when Chat Noir begins asking LB why her cure didn't fix Sublime's prosthetics.
How does he know they weren't fixed? Did she forget that they weren't? Did she not go see for herself and assumed they were fine? Or did someone tell him? Did Sublime tell someone, and then they told Chat Noir??
• Sublime also definitely tells Adrien what Marinette does isn't okay. How it feels creepy and weird. How it makes her uncomfortable and how she doesn't understand why he doesn't feel the same.
That leads into Adrien rethinking his relationship with Marinette and realizing, yeah... it is weird. It does make him uncomfortable.
And the more he thinks about it, the more he tries to remember what it was that made him fall in love with her, the more he begins to realize that there was nothing.
The moment he said he fell in love with her? Reality was that he felt, well, violated?? He can tell you why he thinks she's nice and can be a good friend. But why he loves her?? Nothing. Or at least, nothing that makes sense anymore.
• It doesn't take long for Adrien to end their relationship. It's messy and both parties end up leaving in tears and with broken friendships.
• I can see Sublime feeling a bit guilty, because she didn't mean for Adrien and Marinette to breakup. But at the same time, she's not going to apologize for helping Adrien see the truth.
• Honestly, bring Heart Fixer in early, but have Tikki have the foresight to remove the earrings. She needs to find a new temp. holder, quickly. And instead of going to Alya or Adrien, she gives the earrings to Sublime.
• Adrien breaking up with Marinette, combined with her being akumatized, makes Marinette double down on not telling Adrien anything, as well as keeping an eye on both him and Sublime.
• For a good chunk of S6, Sublime is Adrien's only friend, because the majority of his old friends either blame him for his and Marinette's relationship failing (in other words, Marinette did nothing wrong and he's a jerk for leading her on) or they want nothing to do with the drama and are staying quiet.
And for that reason, I can easily see Adrien and Sublime becoming a couple. Some of Adrien's old friends get mad that he moved on so fast. They blame Sublime, thinking and claiming she stole Adrien from Marinette.
But the others realize how happy Sublime makes him. How happy they make each other.
And they begin to compare his relationship with her with his relationship with Marinette. Things they notice:
▪︎ Marinette has ditched Adrien during dates, Sublime hasn't.
▪︎ Marinette made a big deal over a stupid kiss, Sublime doesn't.
▪︎ Marinette cried when Adrien didn't show up for movie night, something he very specifically said he was going to do so she could spend time with her girl friends. Sublime appreciates that he wants her to spend time with her friends without him having to be there, and ends up inviting him anyways, because she wants him there. No reason other than that. And when Adrien still insists he doesn't want to go, she doesn't get upset when he doesn't show up.
▪︎ Some of the girls bring up Marinette's pull down calendar with Adrien's schedule and how she knows it for the next 3 years. Sublime doesn't have his schedule, but she knows what's happening during the week because he told her.
▪︎ Marinette stalking Adrien is brought up, Sublime has never stalked him.
Anywhere they're seen together is always planned. Be it they go together or they meet up at the specific location.
• The ones who blamed Adrien and Sublime for Adrienette ending? Apologies are handed out, and they understand why neither Adrien or Sublime want to make quick amends.
• Marinette is definitely the one who takes the new relationship the hardest. At one time, Tikki would have comforted her. But right now? Right now Marinette needs to learn that there was no one to blame but herself.
Adrien x Marinette x Luka but Marinette ends up fucking up their relationship with her weird antics and Kagami ends up “replacing” Marinette in the polycule. I just think Adrien x Luka x Kagami would be very cute, they have quiet dates together where no one says anything but they still feel loved, they probably have like movie nights or something.
K bye
Okay, let's do this :)
Luka was the one to ask the other two out. Adrien, who had gotten a crush on him after their first meeting, was happy to accept. He wasn't sure if he was poly, but he wanted to try. Marinette, on the other hand, only agreed because it meant Adrien was her boyfriend. She didn't have to ask him out now, Luka did that for her.
They were honestly a normal throuple at first. Adrien slowly began to feel more comfortable with dating multiple people (honestly, it was so nice, he got even more cuddles), Luka loved surprising his partners whenever they got out of school, and Marinette made small gifts for her boyfriends.
But then she begins pushing one on one dates. And she only ever dated Adrien.
Of course, Luka was upset. But he didn't want to ruin their relationship, so he let it go. But he couldn't help but wonder if they'd last.
Adrien didn't like that Marinette kept taking him on dates and not Luka. She wouldn't even let him take their boyfriend on dates. She only ever asked him about his day. She slowly stopped making gifts for Luka.
Marinette, who had been purposely separating Adrien from Luka in hopes of convincing him they should become a couple and break up with Luka, tells Adrien she wants to break up with their boyfriend.
She insists it'd be better if it was just the two of them. She could make him happy. Can't he see how hard she's working? Just to make him happy?
Adrien, to her surprise, doesn't agree. Tells her that he hates that she hogged him to herself. That she ruined every attempt he made to take Luka out on a date. Just the two of them.
Adrien offers a compromise. Both she and Luka could date him, but she didn't have to date Luka. They'd still be a polycule. They could work things out.
Marinette immediately turns on him. Tells him he just wants to be in a harem, probably like in one of those stupid animes he's seen or fanfics he's read. He'd really like that, huh? He's gonna ask them to add more people to make his little fantasy come true. Fucking whore.
Needless to say, Luka finds out about this and ends their relationship for good. He apologizes to Adrien, he didn't want something like this to happen. He's pleasantly surprised when Adrien tells him he still wants to be in a relationship with him, but he can't be in one with him if he ever decides to date Marinette again. Something Luka understands.
Marinette can't help but glare at the two as they continue to date. Maybe this is what they wanted. She was just part of a little experiment and they decided, yeah no, we want to just date each other. We don't need Marinette.
She wasn't expecting them to hang out with Kagami. To see the three of them be comfortable around each other. To see Adrien and Luka be so...tender with her.
She totally didn't scream into her pillow when she learned Adrien and Luka had asked Kagami to be in their polycule and she not only accepted, but got her mother's blessing. She didn't. YOU'RE A FUCKING LIAR, SHE DIDN'T!!
Marinette, eventually, decides to forgive Adrien. Poor boy is just confused. He doesn't understand what he wants. That she's everything he ever wanted in a partner, a girlfriend, a future wife. She'll apologize for getting mad. He'll understand she didn't mean what she said.
Kagami is the first to notice Marinette hanging around wherever she and her boyfriends are at. Park? She's hiding behind a tree. Movies? A few rows behind them. Adrien's house? She swears she saw her duck behind the garbage bins.
When she brings this up, Luka tells her about how Marinette tried to get Adrien to agree to dump him so they could become a couple. How she slowly began to separate from him and never let Adrien date him. Even though he was also his partner. Even though Adrien tried, she always pulled him away.
Kagami knew that. They told her about their failed relationship with the other girl. But why was she following them?
When she learned Marinette had been obsessed with Adrien since before they dated for a short time, it began to click. Luka assumed Marinette decided to forgive Adrien for breaking her heart and was trying to date him again. Juleka had been the one to tell him. Adrien didn't know Marinette had decided to pursue him again, but he mentioned feeling like someone was watching him and it was freaking him out.
Kagami swears that the next time she sees Marinette, she's going to punch her in the face. That would be her only warning.
Happy pride month y'all!! i bring you my rarepair for the first week :D
this doesn't really have any dialogue (oops), but i hope you like it! :]
sorry for any formatting issues, i couldn't submit this through my laptop for some reason, soooo... mobile instead i guess!!
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Juleka is very observant of her classmates, watching them come and go, bleeding into the shadows and never getting involved. Maybe that's a mistake, because she watches Marinette's sharp turn from hating Adrien to being obssessive over him. She watched with discomfort as Marinette pursuaded the other girls into her schemes. Juleka rumunated every night, she was terrible for letting this happen, but to speak up would lose her only friends.
Weeks passed and Juleka had spoken to Luka about what was going on, so he convinced her to slowly distance herself from the group. She knew it was for the best, it was putting her at risk of being an Akuma victim.
Slowly, Juleka found herself in the off company of Kim, Max, Nathaniel and Alix. It was odd, but Juleka was thankful at how they all understood her limits and didn't presure her. (She still gets flustered upon remembering when Kim had her shout that she was confident.)
Despite the distance between her and the other girls growing, Juleka still observed them, seeing how each attempt at getting Adrien's attention failed. (Juleka would never tell them that she saw him blush at guys from other classes.)
She also started to notice the shift in Chloe. Small, barely noticable, but one where Juleka's keen eye had always been drawn to.
Chloe didn't bother Marinette unless the other provoked her, she didn't throw snide remarks at the other students unless she deemed them to be unacceptable actions, Chloe spent more time around Adrien pulling Marinette's focus from the poor girls that interacted with him. Taking the assult of Marinette's schemes instead of the other girls.
Juleka watched, never speaking about Chloe or mentioning the change to anyone. She watched as Chloe would whisper to Sabrina for help, how Chloe would use her money and start a project for Akumatized victims.
She watched and watched as Chloe changed. But it didn't seem to matter to anyone else, Juleka had attempted to cut contact with the rest of the girls, but she somehow kept getting pulled back into their circle no matter how much she tried to leave.
Even so, Juleka tried her best to ignore them, tried her best to not be involved with their problems and schemes. Kim, Max, Nathaniel and Alix proved to be better company, bringing more teenager complaining about school than drama that could lead to Akumatized.
Chloe's change seemed to have ceased after being Akumatized once again. Juleka watched as the girl regressed into old habits, her snark and bite began to get louder and more obvious. (She hears Marinette whisper to Alya that Chloe will never change)
Juleka hates this, so she swallows her fears and insecurities, marching up to Chloe just before the two walk into class and asks if she can help her with modeling. (Chloe's quick to surpess her shock, as if she had been practicing for years)
She scoffs but agrees, in which they exchange numbers. Juleka is quick to follow Chole's demands when it comes to modelling but nothing more, stating firmly that she's not doing anything outside of it. Chole doesn't push, but still puts Juleka through hell when they spend time together.
(Marinette's frantic words of flat encouragment, dismissing Juleka's fears of modeling, pushing her and pushing her until Juleka felt like she couldn't breathe or how her body felt a million miles away.)
But, Juleka can see the passion that Chole has, how she takes into Juleka's sense of fashion, providing colors but keeping the gothic and emo style to it. Juleka reaches out, asking Chole about her other designs, and Chole (reluctantly) shows her.
Juleka is amazed at the variety. Different styles and aesthetics, some clashing together that make it impossible to tell who would even wear such a thing, and yet Juleka flips through the sketch book.
(Marinette's designs come to mind, about how she bragged and shoved into everyone's faces that she was the best designer in all of Paris. Ignoring any critics that dared to try to give advice.)
An outfit with inspirations drawn from Lunar Moths and the Chinese Lion dancers. One that mixes a tradional white suit and a black wedding dress. Colors clash, styles overlayed on top of one another. Inspiration pictures tapped and glued around the pieces.
Chole rambles about how they don't look good, that no one would ever wear such things. Juleka's eyes land on a mostly black Lolita outfit, the front of the dress opened up, the inside of the dress a bright blue with bits if white to resemble the sky, black shorts that went down to about mid-thigh, and black combat boots. The figure carried a parasol that has rabbits and birds hanging from strings on the edges, while the top was that of various flowers.
It clashed and looked like a mess, but there was a certain charm to the design that Juleka felt when looking at it. The outfit called to her, and she smiled.
She was in Chloe's face, pointing at the outfit and asking if she could wear this. Chole's face is read, flushed and embarrassed and she agrees, but states it'll take time to get ready. Juleka beams and says that's okay, and that she wants to take pictures in the outfit when it's done.
Weeks pass and Chloe informs Juleka that she'll be modeling with Adrien, who she made an opposing outfit for. Juleka asks why and Chloe looks baffled saying that she knows she gets nervous when on camera so Adrien can ease her worries during the photoshoot. Juleka nearly breaks into tears as she hugs Chloe tightly.
====
Luka should have seen this from a mile away, he had been asked by Juleka to accompany her to the photoshoot. He could see the fear in his sister's eyes as she explained Marinette's tendencies when it came to Adrien.
He smiled and joined his sister, sitting to the side, strumming along to the notes of the three in front of him. The melodies worked in harmony with one another, he focused on the intertwining dance of acoustic bass and the thrum of the viola.
Juleka's song sang along to Chloe's, following the rythmn that only he could hear, base and viola were mixing and matching each other's pace.
A screeching halt as the mimic of Adrien's song had Luka standing up abruptly and turning in the direction of Marinette. She glared at the group, her eyes switching between Juleka and Chpoe. Her song became haunting, dangerous, pulling out from behind the tree, Marinette stalked over.
Luka moved towards Juleka, Chloe turned around, glaring at Marinette and quickly meeting her half-way.
He looked at Adrien and Juleka, noticing how Adrien's song picked up and how he clenched his fists. Luka took his sister's hand, easing her shaking just a bit as the bass stuttered and stopped occasionally. Both were keeping their emotions in check, Luka glanced around for Akuma's that could appear.
The volume of Marinette's voice grew as she pointed at Juleka calling her a traitor, scum, and much more. Luka tightened his grip on Juleka's hand, seeing how she surpressed tears and tried to control her breathing.
Marinette continued shouting at them all, mostly Juleka who had started to cry. Eventually the police arrived, escorting Marinette away but nothing more.
Chloe said that they'll try another day.
====
Juleka was interrogated the next day. Marinette had the girls surrounding her, shoulders shaking and sobbing when Juleka had arrived. She had turned to leave but Myleen was already calling to her and Rose was pulling at her arm.
They asked question after question, Juleka didn't respond finding her throat closing in as memories replayed of yesterday. Marinette had grabbed Juleka by the shoulders demanding, nearly screaming, at what she was thinking. How could she betray her and work with Chloe and how Juleka knew that she liked Adrien.
Juleka looked away from Marinette's tear-stricken face, guilt pooling into her stomach. Mind racing as everything dissappeared around her.
She was a terrible friend.
Were they even friends?
It was an awful decision.
Marinette can't even talk to him.
How could you do this?
A harsh pull to reality as Juleka was pushed toward the back. Marinette shouted at Chloe, who turned and sneered at Marinette.
Chloe had begun to defend herself.
Juleka interrupted, glaring at Marinette and the others for being so blind, how could they be so stuck in their world that they can't see the changes around them.
Alya points out that Chloe hasn't changed, but Juleka refutes, stating anything and everything about Chloe and the changes she made. That they decided to turn a blind eyes to the differences.
The group tried to argue but Juleka refused to listen to them. Months of pent-up anger, disgust, discomfort, and anxiety spilled out.
It was quickly over when Chloe gently placed her hand on Juleka's shoulder, telling the group that there is nothing more to disscuss. Marinette opened her mouth, but Kim's loud precense silenced her as the two sat in the back of the class.
Juleka & Chloe spoke in hushed voices during class, leaning against one another as they made plans on where to do the photoshoot. Juleka smiled as Chloe showed her more of her designs, saying that she'll be stopping at the library to print more pictures.
Juleka decided to join Chloe, linking their pinkies under the table.
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i don't know what to call this ship (T0T) i've just been kinda going with TigerBee. anyway, again happy Pride Month and i wish y'all well :D
Marinette really can't go a day without accusing a girl of liking Adrien and trying to steal him from her, can she?? (Or notice when a guy she likes is very clearly gay) I know Juleka was distancing herself from the girls, but I hope what happened at the end is what sealed things. No going back. If they apologize, sure, maybe she can forgive them. But that doesn't make them friends again. They have to work for that. Also, Chloe x Juleka is really cute <3 -Miraculog
Prompt/ficlet I thought about: Bustier goes on maternity leave and the class gets a substitute. The sub, unlike Bustier, actually enforces class rules and intervenes when Chloe acts up (the minute she threatens to call her dad, they counter with a petition to have the mayor removed for blatant abuse of power), and is pretty good with helping the kids out after akumatizations and during evacuations. At first, everyone’s happy with it - especially Marinette, who’s absolutely enjoying watching Chloe suffer from not getting her way. She thinks they’re an amazing and awesome substitute - until that strictness gets directed her way; getting marked for coming in tardy or leaving without informing her, getting told off for neglecting her class rep duties and leaving the work to Alya (it’s not her fault! Being a hero and working on fashion keeps her busy!), calling her parents because she caught her stalk-I mean, “watching” Adrien’s fencing match (without his knowledge). Then they start interfering with the class Adrienette schemes, scolding everyone for acting without any consideration to Adrien’s feelings and disrupting class. This ultimately culminates in them refusing to help swap her in for Adrien’s partner for a class assignment because “none of them have asked if Adrien was fine with it”. Of course he’s fine with it! It was Adrien after all. He would be fine with working with her.
Except Adrien says no, he’s fine with his current partner. That he feels a little hurt his other classmates don’t seem to like him to the point that they immediately try and swap partners during assignments when they get paired with him (which makes the class feel guilty as they never considered they were making him feel that way).
Marinette naturally tries protesting, but they shut her down and demand that she return to her desk and stop “throwing a tantrum” before they send her to the principal’s office. A TANTRUM?! How rude! She thought this new teacher was a good person - but in the end, they’re nothing but a horrible bully! She couldn’t wait to have Bustier come back!
I love this
I genuinely enjoy when people make adult characters that actually do their job.
And do it fairly, meaning they're not only calling out Chloe and/or Lila.
It's fun seeing an adult call out Marinette and the rest of the class (-Adrien) about the Adrienette schemes because they genuinely don't consider his feelings.
And I like that they realize that they not only did they not consider what Adrien was feeling, but they feel actual guilt for making him feel the way he did (hurt and that they didn't like him).
I hope the sub left notes for Bustier and that when she returns she takes those notes seriously.
At this point of story the good thing that could happen to Adrien is breaking up with Marinette is ironic. Ray and his buddies could unintentionally be good guys. So I'm making this prompt where they are.
After almost sucessfuly breaking up of Marinette and Adrien, Ray and his two friends decided to not give up. It was soo close, they can't let it pass again. So they decided to focus on the couple leaving others for later. However as they looked closer it all began to paint darker reality.
The kisses felt fake, bit forced at times. Like she couldn't had day without kissing him. She was always around Adrien, even if situation didn't nescesary needed. Nelson even saw her hiding around corner when Adrien was on morning run. They also noticed how she only let Adrien alone around their co-friends, never someone she isn't friend with. Durning one lunch break they saw Adrien go towards table with Sublime and her class, only to get dragged by Marinette back to her girl group. All of it felt wrong, but the image of the perfect couple shattered after Ray's discovery.
To get potential ace card in their plan Ray decided to get into Marinette's home to get something. Adrien's was out of choice due to celebrity status. Mrs.Dupain was easily fooled by his story of being brother of her daughter's friend looking for something left here after sleepover. Alone in Marinette's room he began to search, but nothing prepared him for this. Stash of gifts, colages of photos and schedule for like next three years of Adrien's life. He tried to calm himself, those two are dating of course she prepares for those lovely dovely thing. However he went pale after noticing the date of the dates on schedule, mostly when it was printed. Year ago, before those two were together. Ray quickly took photos of his finds and stormed out.
His friends wouldn't believe him if not for the pictures he showed them. It was shocking and disturbing revalation that made them change purpose of their plan. Now they have to broke up this couple to save Adrien from this crazy fangirl.
Ooooohhh :0
I love the idea of Ray and his buddies being good guys unintentionally.
I like that they're able to notice that Adrien's and Marinette's relationship isn't good. How she's behaving, from spying on him (hiding around the corner while Adrien was running) to not letting him sit with Sublime during lunch.
And I like that Ray was able to find and get evidence of what was going on. I like that he caught on to the dates, because if he hadn't he might have left without the evidence.
I'd love to know how they eventually tell Adrien, and if that leads to any other secrets being revealed, cough cough nudge nudge 👀👀👀
Bits for AUs where plot armor doesn't exist and everyone around have working brain. Just a list of 'what if'.
-Marinette hoped her project will win this contest. It's clear Chloe has stolen her idea but soon the judge will make everything clean and she will get disqualified-
"What material did you use?" Gabriel's question caught her off guard.
"I um...Used a real feathers-"
"Real feathers?!" Man erupted in anger. "It was clearly written in the rules to not use certain materials, especially real feathers."
Chloe's chuckles didn't even reached her ears. Why? Should he be impressed she used real material?
"Disqualified." Man's tone left no room for objection. "Take that health hazard away."
Later that day she learned that Chloe managed to make everyone belive it was her who copied the project, only because "her" project included Adrien's allergy.
-That is not what she hoped for when invitating Alya over to get her help in getting closer to Adrien.
"Marinette, honestly what the-?!" She walked towards Adrien's plan for this week. "Where the hell you even got that?! That's a private stuff!"
"What? He is a celebrity. People can get info where they have photo session-"
"BUT NOT WHEN THEY HAVE A DENTIST APPOINTMENT!" Alya took in deep breath before continuing. "Listen. At first I was okay with it. Just a crush on a boy you like. But that?! That's literally stalking Marinette! And I don't want to take any part in this. Goodbye."
And since then Alya began to avoid Marinette. She might been her first friend at this school, but that doesn't mean she would stick with someone ready to break into someone's privacy. At least she wasn't too deep, and maybe saved rest of the class from being pulled into toxic friendship.
- GAME OVER
The screen showed those two words as rest of the class were cheering Max's victory.
"But...How?! I always win when I play it." She couldn't belive it."
Maybe because you play it occasionally while Max trains every single day?"
"Or maybe because your dad let's you win?"
"HE DOESN'T LET ME WIN!" She cut her classmates. "I AM BETTER! LET ME PLAY AGAIN!"
"Marinette." The teacher looked at her strict, something that doesn't take place often. "Those are qualifications for tournament. You lost all 3 rounds, so either you accept the defeat or you can walk out of the library."
Marinette stormed out in frustration. Rest of the class stayed behind, talking about her temper tantrum. They were getting sick of her behavior.
-How could he? She asked nicely for help, but no. That firefighter had to call police when she tried sneaking inside Adrien's home again. If he didn't wanted to help he could just let her be. Now instead of checking out if Adrien's is okay she has to wait for her parents to pick her up from station. They will ground her for sure.
-"Lila was lying! Don't you see that?!" Marinette tried to explain to whole class.
"We know, duh. We aren't stupid" Alix rolled her eyes.
"However, this doesn't mean Ladybug had right to humiliate her like that." Nino once again played that darn video. Someone at park recorded Ladybug, in Marinette's opinion in bad light. She only brought justice but instead was meet with harsh criticism from people.
"To think she could do this to anyone." Whisper of Juleka reached Marinette. "I don't feel safe seeing her anymore."
"I can't belive I made blog about her." Alya already delected Ladyblog once recording reached her.
Marinette couldn't hear this anymore. She was right, she sacrifices a lot for this place. Instead of helping she could be spending time with Adrien and the should appreciate it, not cancel her.
I love seeing plot armor being removed and braincells being handed out :3
(Personally my favorite is the one with the firefighter)
Queen Banana Salt prompt (Sadly some Nino salt in there too but he gets better): After the titular akuma is defeated and we get “that scene” (*rolls eyes*), Nino film is debuted live and Marinette and co excitedly go straight for the film review sites to see the compliments on their work - unfortunately, instead of a stream of praise and applause however….
“OMG what is with those costumes 🤣🤣🤣”
“Why is everyone dressed in garbage bags?”
“I’m trying to be nice because it’s obviously a student film, but jeez! Who was in charge of the costume department!”
The group is met with a steady stream of criticism and insults from the public audience, getting extremely low scores and one stars; some about the story, others about the acting, and a few obvious trolls did pop up, but a majority of the complaints were launched at the outfits Marinette had made, feeling like they were amateurish and low quality/effort for a movie that was supposed to be showcased to the masses and had been praised by both Gabriel Agreste and the director of the Ladybug movie (needless to say, that caused a few nepotism accusations). Some tried to be fair about it and give advice for future improvements, and there was some praise for the soundtrack and Adrien’s presence, but it was clear that everyone thought that the terrible clothes brought the entire thing down. No one was spared, but Nino and Marinette got the worst of it, especially the former when someone who was a judge for the film contest they did way earlier in the school commented and revealed that his getting first place had been done out of pity as they knew he had used Akuma attack footage for his film since it didn’t match the rest of his film (Alya had uploaded the Horrificator stuff for her blog without realizing that the panel would check), but with it being a minor contest, they didn’t demerit him for it.
Nino ends up running out in tears while Adrien and Alya race after him to give comfort. Eventually, he does recover and uses the revelation to put more effort into his future films (especially the costumes). Yeah, he won’t be the next Steven Spielberg, but he’ll slowly work his way up to making his films more entertaining and visually appealing than they are now.
Marinette on the other hand, was blowing a gasket. People were insulting her costumes left and right, even using stills from the movie to make memes from! Some even found out about her clothing site and have been leaving scathing remarks about her products because of it! Despite advice from Tikki to ignore the more cruel criticisms and use the helpful ones to improve like Nino did (and maybe find a way to filter her customers), she instead makes proxy accounts for the review sites to argue against the criticisms about her costumes and give the film higher ratings. Users, naturally, accused her of being a bot or shill, and she eventually gets her accounts suspended or banned for violating TOS with her spamming comments.
NGL, Anon, I don't see any Nino Salt unless the Salt is the moment he's running away crying. Because honestly that feels like a valid reaction to what happened. If he had done even a bit of what Marinette did, then sure, I'd say there was some Nino Salt and this prompt probably wouldn't have been posted. Probably.
Anyways, I enjoyed reading this. I fully agree that the costumes are awful. Like, if the costumes were just pieces they found in their parents closet or being sold for cheap, I wouldn't say anything. Moreso if they had a limited budget, and thus didn't want to risk ruining something they couldn't replace.
But those were "designed." Thought was apparently put into them. And the thought sucked. Is the thought even in the room? Is the concept of a thought with us??
Also I know one of the judges was lenient towards Nino's first film getting first place, because he used footage from an akuma fight, but that akuma footage was his. Nino was the one who took that footage. I want to know what the thought process towards him using said footage was that resulted in him getting first place out of pity.
Did they check to see who filmed the footage? Does Alya not credit other people who capture photos and videos of the heroes and/or akuma attacks? I dunno, I feel like if Nino used his own footage, it should count as his footage. Not the Ladyblog's.
Since it's Pride Month, my prompt is Aroace Adrien. Whether he already was aware of this or is in the midst of discovery this is up to you.
Marinette Salt Prompt Compilation
Aroace Adrien Agreste
I knew when I got the ask for this that I wanted to go towards a more hurtful route. And I knew one of the things I wanted done was Marinette, being aphobic (tho she'll never admit it), looking up ways to "fix" Adrien (and Alix and Max after she thinks about it). So, conversion therapy/camp, corrective harassment/sa, the whole "I can fix him" thing, etc. This is serving as your main warning. Each prompt will have it's own as well.
Prompt 1: I Was Just Trying To Help
Ships: N/A
TW: mentioned conversion therapy
Marinette hummed as she scrolled through the site she was visiting. She was writing down the names of different camps. All of them well known to help people who were confused realize they weren't asexual and/or aromantic. There were so many positive reviews!!
The sad thing is that there weren't many since France was one of the countries banning them. She doesn't understand why. These people needed help.
Her Adrien needed help.
She remembered hugging him when he came out, the nervous look on his face. The way Alix and Max had spent the day with him, telling him about their own experiences. Maybe she'll give them the camps information as well.
But clearly her Adrien was just confused. There's no way he's aroace.
--------
Marinette could only watch as Alix and Max lead Adrien out of their homeroom towards the nurse's office.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM!!"
Marinette jumped back as Nino yelled at her.
"CONVERSION CAMP?! SERIOUSLY?! WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!"
Marinette looked around at the angry faces around her.
"I," she gulped, "I was just trying to help! If you just-"
"No, Marinette!!" Alya yelled, "Those places are awful!! They hurt people!! Adrien isn't broken!! Alix isn't broken!! Max isn't broken!! None of them are broken because they fall on aromantic and/or asexual spectrum!!"
Marinette huffed and crossed her arms, "I was just trying to help!! They need help!! Clearly none of you-"
"Marinette. Dupain. Cheng."
Marinette turned around, Mrs. Bustier and her mother were at the door. Sabine had been the one to speak. The fury in her eyes clear.
"Come. Here."
Marinette gulped but made her way towards the door.
"Never have I ever been more disappointed in you," Sabine said, holding her hand up when Marinette opened her mouth, "I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear another word. I'd make you apologize to those poor children, but I know you won't mean a single word. We're going home. Your father and I will discuss your future once you're there. But as of right now, you are not coming back to Francois Dupont."
"WHAT?! MOM-"
"BE QUIET MARINETTE!!" Marinette stepped back as her mother began to cry, "JUST BE QUIET!! I don't know where your father and I went wrong. I thought we raised you better. To think...to think you'd give three of classmates the names of camps that would hurt them. To think you thought they were broken because of their own feelings and identities. Marinette, I don't know where we went wrong. I don't know what happened to my daughter-"
"Mom-"
"But the young woman before me isn't her. Principal Damoclès is waiting for us."
Marinette sniffed and wiped her eyes as she followed her mom out. As they left she caught site of Adrien, Alix, and Max in the nurses office. Adrien was wearing a hoodie to replace his soiled shirt. He had thrown up after Marinette had given him his copy of the list of camps. Alix and Max had also looked sick, but managed to keep their breakfast down. She wanted nothing more than to go in there and tell them they'd be okay. The camps would help.
As if sensing her, Alix looked up from where she was rubbing Adrien's back. She glared at Marinette and slammed the door shut, pulling blind down afterwards.
Marinette wiped her eyes again.
She was just trying to help.
Prompt 2: But What About Our Kids?!
Ships: N/A
TW: talk about corrective sa/harassment
Marinette could only stare.
Adrien was having another interview. She and Alya were watching it together. They wanted to support their friend. Adrien had mentioned he was going to announce something big. Something personal.
She thought, she hoped, that it would be a confession...
That Adrien would confess his feelings for her. She wiped her eyes, looking at Alya when she placed a hand on her knee.
"Hey," she said, "it's okay. This is a big deal for Adrien. I'm sorry it's not what you wanted, but you can still be together!"
Marinette nodded, but stopped as she thought about it. Her and Adrien as a couple. But they didn't do normal couple things. Adrien never kissed her. He only ever held her hand. They had a hamster but no kids. She had to accept that Emma, Hugo, and Luis wouldn't exist. They slept in separate rooms. She wasted away. Motherless.
"But what about our kids?!" She looked at Alya, "We can't have kids!!-"
"Sure you can-"
"He won't want to touch me!!"
Alya sighed as Marinette stood and began to pace around.
"I mean, sure there are other options, but I wanted to give birth to our first kid."
"You know you can talk to Adrien about this once you start dating and become serious, right?"
"Yeah...yeah!! We can talk!! He just hasn't met the right person-"
"What?"
"Obviously I can't do it now, we're too young-"
"Marinette?"
"But once we're older and married, I'll show him!! I'll make him realize he was wrong. And we'll have our babies-"
"MARINETTE!"
Marinette paused, hands clenched, and turned towards Alya, "Yes?"
Alya gave her a look of disgust, "You're not...you're not planning on forcing yourself on Adrien when you're older...are you?"
"No!" Marinette waved her hands quickly, "no! Of course not. It's not force if I can talk Adrien into-"
"YES IT IS!" Alya retorted, "You want to talk him into it? So, what, you two get married and you won't drop it until he gets you pregnant?! You might not be forcing yourself on him, but you'd still be pressuring him into doing it! When I said talk, I meant telling him you want to give birth to your and his kids. See if he's willing to do it at least once. He said he's on the spectrum, so he might be sex positive!! He doesn't know that yet, he's still exploring this side of himself!!"
"But I can't risk-"
"You know what?" Alya stood up, "I'm leaving. I'm leaving, and I'm going to tell Adrien you don't support him-"
"Alya, no!"
"-because clearly you don't!"
Marinette ran after her best friend, begging her to not tell Adrien. She did support him! She was just thinking of their kids. If they didn't have sex when they were older and married, Emma, Hugo, and Luis wouldn't exist. Ever.
--------
Marinette couldn't believe it. She did it. She actually told him. She couldn't believe Alya told Adrien.
Adrien had been avoiding her. Only telling her he wanted her to stay away from him now that he knew, and that he's sorry, but wasn't interested in relationship with her. Now or ever.
She didn't do anything. She was just concerned for their babies. It wouldn't have been that bad. She's sure. She would have made it feel nice. And after they had their three kids, they wouldn't have to do it anymore.
But now that wouldn't happen. And it's all Alya's fault. The fucking snitch.
Some best friend, huh?
Prompt 3: I Can Fix You!!
Ships: AdriNathMarc
TW: aphobia, implied corrective harassment
Adrien grew up seeing his parents in love. Seeing that love extend to Nathalie. He wasn't unfamiliar with it. If anything, growing up with it made him wonder why he didn't feel like that. Why he was told he'd understand when he was older, but as he grew he...he didn't. If anything he got more confused.
It wasn't until he started going to school, until he met Alix, and Max, and a few others, that he began to understand. They were able to explain things to him. They were able to see what was happening. The disinterest at best, discomfort at worst. The annoyance that seeped through at times.
They were able to answer his questions, made sure he knew he didn't mean it when he said something offensive unintentionally, and helped him learn why it offended them.
They were with him when he decided to come out to the rest of the akuma class.
Honestly, he'd hope things would have settled after that. But...
Okay, listen. Marinette is a great girl. But she's been making advances that make him uncomfortable. Advances that make his boyfriends uncomfortable. It was always towards him as well. She didn't get as close to any of the other boys as she did with him. She kept trying to get close. Too close. He's told her that she was making him uncomfortable. But she just wouldn't stop.
--------
Marinette frowned as Nathaniel took Adrien's hand and walked out of class with him. They were going to go pick up Marc and have lunch together since Adrien was allowed to eat with them today.
It wasn't fair. Nathaniel and Marc had each other. They didn't need to take her Adrien from her. They didn't need to fill his head with the nonsense Alix, Max, and the others were filling his head with. Everyone knows asexuality and aromanticism weren't real. Anyone who says they are either hasn't met the right person, just doesn't want to admit they're waiting until they're married, or are probably gay and want an excuse to hide it.
She was trying to show Adrien what his real feelings were. That he would like it when she pressed against him. When she laid her head on his shoulders. When she tried to hold his hand. Do things she's seen Nathaniel and Marc do.
She was trying to show him he was just exploring right now. That this was just a phase. And when it's over, she's the one he'll like.
--------
"Can you quit it?!" Marc yelled. He's lost count of how many times this has happened. They knew their relationship with Nathaniel and Adrien would bring eyes on them. That some people would be upset or accuse either him or Nathaniel of stealing Adrien from them. But he didn't expect Marinette to be one of those people.
And what makes it worse is her invalidating Adrien's identity. She clearly doesn't support them being together.
"Clearly you don't care about us! You're like the others who bother and harass us! "Wah, you stole Adrien from me! You turned him gay!" GROW THE FUCK UP!!"
Marinette stared at the writer in shock, before she scowled, "I am not like them! I'm not accusing you of turning Adrien gay!"
Marc scoffed, moving to block Marinette's view of Nathaniel and Adrien.
"Funny," he says, rolling his eyes, "because, yes, that's true. What you do is worse. Because you KNOW what Adrien identities as. You KNOW what his boundaries are. Adrien TOLD you. He made sure YOU were in class before he TOLD you. But you decided, no. I know what Adrien's real feelings are. And I can show him that by breaking those boundaries and doing things his BOYFRIENDS do. Because only THEY have permission to do so. Why? Hmm..Nathaniel?"
Nathaniel looked up from where he was running his hands through Adrien's hair, "Because, unlike Marinette, we talked about what we wanted in this relationship. We listen to each other. We won't force it if it makes someone uncomfortable. A no is a no. If you say stop, we stop. If you want to try something, we try it. But communication is key when it comes to a good and healthy relationship. Right, Sunflower?"
Adrien hummed in agreement, "Somethings aren't negotiable, like Marc's pronouns, Nathaniel being called "Nath" by only people he's close to, and me only liking intimate touch from my boyfriends and people I know I'm close to, like Nino or Chloe."
Marinette crossed her arms, "Adrien, you know everything they've told you is made up? There's no such thing as being asexual or aromantic. If you're gay, that's fine. But you didn't have to lie to me or the rest of our class-"
"JUST FUCKING GO!" Marinette jumped when Marc yelled again. "TAKE YOUR APHOBIC, UNWANTED, SELF AND GET LOST!!"
Marinette frowned and tried to look at Adrien, but Marc blocked her again.
--------
Marinette glared at Marc, who glared back at her. They were in Principal Damoclès office. Marc had told his parents what she did, and they demanded a meeting with Marinette's parents. And with the way things were going, she wouldn't be able to help Adrien.
God, he already has Nathaniel. Isn't that enough?? He and Nathaniel had each other. They didn't need Adrien. And now he's gone and gotten HER in trouble. All over NOTHING.
Prompt 4: Stay Away From My Sister
Ships: BatCat/Brucelina
TW: aphobia, transphobia
Maribatsalt
"Are you excited, Cori?"
Corinne smiled at her eldest brother as she nodded. It has been half a year since she was last in Paris. Half a year since her father...since Gabriel was arrested. Half a year since she learned Gabriel was Hawkmoth. Half a year since she was thrown under the bus, accused of knowing. Half a year since she ran. Since she cut contact with everyone. Since Selina found her and took her in. Since she found herself. Since she found a new family. Half a year ago her name was Adrien Agreste. Today, today her name is Corinne Wayne-Kyle.
"I'm also a little bit nervous," she admitted, "what if...what if they still..."
Dick wrapped his arms around her, "it's okay, everything will be okay. We'll be there with you."
Corinne sniffed as she nodded into his chest, Plagg's purrs comforting from where he sat in her shirt pocket. She'll be okay. She won't be alone. She'll be okay.
--------
"It's a pleasure to meet you, and your family, Mr. Wayne." Mayor Bourgeois said as he shook Bruce's hand, "would you mind introducing them?"
Bruce smiled and nodded, "Of course."
He held up Selina's hand, "This, is my wife, Selina. We've been married for a few months now, but we've known each other for years."
"Feels like we've been married all this time." Selina purred. "We just made everything official."
Bruce laughed, "Absolutely. And these are some of our children. Our eldest, Dick, our third eldest Tim, and our second youngest, Corinne."
As much as they wanted to come, Cass, Jason, and Damian agreed to stay in Gotham to keep an eye out alongside Kate, Duke, and Luke. Bruce had agreed they would join him on his next trip to Paris.
Mayor Bourgeois smiled as he shook their hands, pausing at Corinne.
"Do I know you, young lady?" He asked, "you seem very familiar."
Corinne quickly shook her head, "No, sir. We've never met before now."
He nodded, "I must be mistaken. Very well, I hope you enjoy your stay at my hotel. Welcome to Paris!! And, once again, I hope you enjoy your stay."
Bruce thanked him before he ushered his family towards the elevator that would take them to the floor their rooms were in.
--------
"Finally!" Plagg zoomed out of Corinne's bag, "I thought we'd never get outta there. Think they can bring up some camembert?"
"I'll add it to our list," Tim muttered from his bed. He, Dick, and Corinne were sharing a room, while Selina and Bruce shared the other. He and Dick agreed to rotate between sleeping on the actual bed and the couch that turned into a bed. Corinne had tried to tell them she wouldn't mind swapping so they both slept on the bed once in a while, but they refused.
"So," he continued, "here's what we know. Gabriel Agreste used a magical jewel to terrorize Paris and was arrested for his crimes about half a year ago. He had a child who was accused of aiding him," he looked at Corinne who flinched, "despite there being no proof of it. The child disappeared after about two or three weeks. And now Gabriel has broken out of prison, with many believing his child had helped him. People who have spotted Gabriel say he was looking for his child, saying he was doing this for "him". This has lead those people to believing his kid wasn't a part of what he did, and likely went through a lot of emotional and mental abuse. Some even believe that, had he not been arrested, or had he escaped earlier, he would have akumatized his own child."
"He wanted to bring my mother back," Corinne said, "she died making me...using the peacock miraculous. People thought I was acting as Mayura's stand in since she wasn't seen in battle."
Tim and Dick frowned.
"I didn't realize when I first found them... but looking at them again, Plagg knew we had to take them. But I couldn't...I couldn't keep them."
"So you handed it over to someone else."
"My cousin, Felix. He goes by Argos while he uses the peacock miraculous. His father had died recently and I missed the funeral. He...he was upset with me. I thought he wouldn't want to speak with me or take the peacock miraculous and Grimoire."
--------
"Adrien?"
Corinne flinched. She and her brothers were walking around. She should have known coming here was a bad idea. But Sabine and Tom had made some of the best pastries she's ever had.
"Adrien, sweetheart," Sabine said she walked over, "we've missed you."
"Her name is Corinne." Dick said firmly.
Sabine paused before she smiled gently, "Corinne. That's a beautiful name, sweetheart. I'm sorry I assumed what your name was, it's been so long."
"Well, I know now. And I still care about you. Now, what would you like?"
Corinne smiled. Maybe things wouldn't be that bad?
--------
She was wrong. She was very, very, wrong.
"WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM?! HER NAME IS CORINNE!! WHY CAN'T YOU ACCEPT THAT?! I THOUGHT YOU WERE HER FRIEND?!"
"My "problem" is that your weird family clearly kidnapped Adrien and messed with his mind!! You made him think he was a girl!! And not only that, you made him think he wouldn't ever want to have sex!! Because you knew the minute he did, people would find out he's really a boy!! You're probably waiting for him to be a legal adult before you continue with your plans by hiring a surgeon to change his body!!"
"DO YOU FUCKING HEAR YOURSELF?!"
"DO YOU?!"
Corinne covered her ears as she let out a sob. Tim and Marinette paused their argument and watched as she ran off. They glared at each other as they both moved to follow her.
"Stay the fuck away from my sister."
"You stay the fuck away from my boyfriend!"
"YOU'RE NOT DATING HER! SHE'S NOT A BOY!!"
"He's just confused. And it's all because of you and your stupid family!!"
Marinette had been surprised when she saw Adrien, he was with the Wayne boys for some reason. Maybe they met somewhere and became friends?
Well, turns out he was adopted by their mother, Selina Kyle. She thought she and Adrien would reconnect. That he'd ask her to return to Gotham with them and introduce her as his girlfriend. But then he said his name was "Karina" or whatever. He said he was a girl. Said he was "asexual" and "aromantic." And that's when she realized. The Waynes brainwashed her Adrien. Her Adrien is a boy. A boy who was eager to have a family with her in the future. Three children. Emma, Hugo, and Luis. A hamster or two. Maybe a dog. No cat. Her Adrien was with them too long. And if she didn't catch up to him soon, he'll still be under their control!!
Adrien thought Marinette would have supported him. That he could tell her, come out to her, and nothing would change.
He wasn't expecting her to be so mad. He wasn't expecting her to yell. To look at him with...disgust.
He thought...
Was he...wrong?
When she finally calmed down, Marinette had sat down with him and told him there was no possible way he was...
How could he be, when he was in love with her? If he was in love with her, he clearly felt romantic attraction. He wasn't bothered by her kissing him or being all over him. Right? He loved her. He wasn't lying to her, was he?
He did love her. He really did.
Maybe...maybe she was right.
--------
Kagami frowned as she watched Marinette steer Adrien away from Max, Markov and a few other kids. She had heard from Max that the group was made up of kids who identified under the aro/ace spectrum. Others were invited as well, to learn about asexuality and aromanticism. She had agreed to checking the group out one day.
But Marinette was steering Adrien away from them after he had shown interest.
The way she held him made her wonder if everything was okay. Maybe she was imagining things, but she swore she saw the start of bruising on Adrien's arms. She swore every time she tried to spend time with Adrien, he had an excuse in order to not to. But all his excuses didn't feel like him. She just had a bad feeling... maybe this is something she has to talk about with Felix.
--------
Marinette glared at the group walking by. She couldn't believe they would try and convince her boyfriend that he was a broken, robotic, being incapable of love. She couldn't believe Adrien had wanted to join their group. It wasn't too surprising, seeing how he told her he was aroace not too long ago.
But she took care of that quickly. And she made sure to remind him. She wasn't hurting him. She was just firm. Reminded him that he loved her. Made sure he knew how much it hurt her when he hesitated to say it.
She knows what's best for him.
And that includes who talks to him.
Kagami was getting suspicious. Too suspicious. She wouldn't stop trying to get Adrien to spend time with her. She has her own Adrien. The fake Adrien. The worse Adrien. Because that's all Felix will ever be. Another Adrien. A fake Adrien. The worse Adrien. She had no business trying to get alone time with HER Adrien.
So, being the good girlfriend she was, she declined all the attempts. It was for Adrien's own good.
--------
It had taken them some time, but Kagami and Felix had managed to get Adrien alone.
They really had to thank Alya and the girls for distracting Marinette enough to pull Adrien away. And they were glad they did. Because what they were seeing was not okay.
Adrien was withdrawn. He wouldn't look at them. His sleeves fully covered his arms.
"Adrien," Kagami finally spoke up, kneeling next to Adrien, "talk to us."
Adrien looked at her before returning his gaze to the floor.
"Please," she continued, "Adrien I know something is wrong. Talk to me. To us!"
Felix moved to sit on the other side of Adrien. He placed his hand on his cousin's knee.
"I know I haven't been the best cousin to you," he said, "but I'm concerned. I don't know what to do to help you. Not really. But Kagami is right. Something is wrong, and we want to help. Please...tell us what's wrong."
The trio sat in silence for what seemed liked ages. Felix never took his hand off his cousin's knee. Kagami only ever took her eyes off her friend to check for Marinette.
The couple thought they would have to leave without an answer, but to their surprise it came out.
Adrien coming out to Marinette. Her response. Her telling him she'd remind him how untrue it was. The way her grip would tighten whenever she asked him if he loved her. How her nails dug into his skin when he showed interest in joining the group Max had told Kagami about. Because even if Marinette was right, he wanted to learn more about what it meant to be ace and aro. He wanted to show his support.
He told them how Marinette told him to give her access to his phone. How she would be the one to answer. How upset she got when he asked who messaged him, or who called. Asked if he didn't trust her.
He told them how Marinette began to force kisses on him when he didn't want them. How he knew he was an awful boyfriend because he was hurting her. How she cried, because he was making her feel like he didn't love her.
But he did love her. He loved her so much.
He's an awful person. He's broken. Useless. God, what kind of boyfriend hates it when his girlfriend makes out with him? What kind of boyfriend hates talking about the future he and his girlfriend will have? What kind of boyfriend gets sick at the idea of starting a family, of doing it with the girl he loves??
The more and more Adrien spoke, the more enraged the couple got.
--------
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE BREAKING UP WITH ME?!" Marinette yelled, not caring about the crowd she was attracting. "DID THEY TELL YOU TO DO THIS?!"
Adrien shook his head. "Marinette. I'm not happy-"
"YOU'RE NOT HAPPY?! YOU'RE NOT HAPPY?! WHAT ABOUT ME?! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU LIED TO ME! YOU SAID YOU LOVED ME!! BUT YOU WERE USING ME!!"
"I-"
"YOU'RE A DISGUSTING PIG, ADRIEN AGRESTE!! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOUR FATHER WANTED YOU TO REMEMBER HIM AS A GOOD PERSON!!"
"Marinette!" Tikki whispered, trying to stop Marinette from letting the secret she was holding in come out.
But Marinette wasn't listening. She wanted to hurt Adrien. Wanted him to feel the pain she was feeling.
"What do you mean?"
""What do you mean?" ARE YOU STUPID!! I LIED TO YOU!! I LIED PARIS!!"
"Marinette!!"
"GABRIEL AGRESTE WASN'T A HERO!! HE WAS NEVER A HERO!! HE WAS MONARCH!! HE WAS MONARCH AND I LIED BECAUSE OF YOU!!!"
The crowd began to murmur in surprise. Questioning if what Marinette was saying was true.
"AND YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT'S BETTER THAN THAT?! YOU'RE NOT HUMAN!! YOU'RE A SENTIMONSTER!! JUST LIKE YOUR STUPID COUSIN AND HIS STUPID GIRLFRIEND!!!"
Marinette panted as she ended her rant. She smiled as her words began to sink into Adrien. This would show him. Show him what deserved for breaking her heart.
Now the secret was out. And everyone will hate him. They'll hate him for being Monarch's son.
--------
"Are you okay, Adrien?"
Adrien looked up. It had been a month since he and Marinette split up. A little more than that since he told Kagami and Felix what was going on. A little more than two since he came out to his ex-girlfriend.
It had been a month since Marinette had revealed her big secret. Since she outted herself as Ladybug. Since Su-Han showed up and removed her status as Ladybug and the Guardian.
Marinette didn't get out unscathed. She didn't lose her memories, like she believed. Su-Han made sure she remembered her crimes.
Nathalie was serving her own sentence, and Felix was working on his community service. Something he was surprised at, since he thought he would get a harsher sentence.
But Marinette revealing the three sentibeings existence brought things into question. They were human. The way they were conceived didn't change that. But they were sentibeings first and foremost. Would normal human laws apply to a being that was made exactly the same way the many sentimonsters Mayura and Shadow Moth made?
New laws were being made to protect sentibeings. While they only knew Adrien, Felix, and Kagami were sentis, Felix having the peacock miraculous would be able to help find other sentis, should they be out there.
But with Marinette no longer being the Guardian or Ladybug, someone had to step up. And Su-Han had handed the ladybug miraculous to Luka.
Luka had taken to the ladybug quickly. He held onto the snake miraculous until it's new holder, Chloe, had shown up.
"I'm...better."
Luka smiled. To say he was shocked to learn about everything was an understatement. He couldn't believe Marinette would do something like this. But when he saw her, when she tried to convince him she did nothing wrong, when she demanded her miraculous back, he knew he had to cut contact with her.
He had turned his attention to Adrien. Let him know he was there for him if he needed anything.
He was there when Adrien finally came out. Told their friends what happened and why his and Marinette's relationship ended. He was there when Adrien joined the aroace kids, gave his hand a reassuring squeeze when it was his turn to share his story. He was there when the statue honoring his father was torn down. He was there when he moved into his aunt's apartment.
Luka had left Paris because he knew who Ladybug and Chat Noir were. Because he was still in love with Marinette.
But returning to Paris? Any love he had for Marinette had withered away at the reveal of her true character. Any respect he has for Ladybug died when he learned she protected Monarch in the name of his son, his son, whom he had hurt far longer than anyone else, who had gotten sick after everything she revealed sunk in. When he became Carmine, he wasn't expecting it to be easy. He expected there to be some people who loved Ladybug enough to forgive her.
But so far? So far everything had gone smoothly. There have been a few bumps. But overall?
Luka shot a subtle glance Adrien's way. The blond wasn't covering his arms anymore. He sat a bit straighter. He was smiling more. The aroace pride flag was folded on his lap, a gift from his friends. When Adrien looked back at him, Luka's smiled widened.
Things were going great. It was about time he truly moved on from Marinette. Moved onto someone more deserving of his love and attention.
And he wouldn't be lying if part of him wanted to rub it into Marinette's face that both her exes had found more happiness with each other than they ever did with her. But he would wait for Adrien to be ready. Until then? Until then, he was happy just spending time with him.
