aka Ladybug realizing her feelings for her beloved partner at the end of season 4-
Rain was pouring, leaving Ladybug shivering; or was it at the sight of her city living up after it has been completely destroyed before her eyes a few hours ago?
Shadow Moth has been caught, finally. The fight lasted hours and a team of super-heroes was very much needed to take him down. His reign of terror ended, leaving a mournful son who lost his father after his mom. The official conference press Ladybug and Chat Noir held confirmed that they finally won over and, to protect his family, his identity will remain secret. Paris was now celebrating the news, marching in the streets, music blazing; as if the city breathed again.
Yet, tomorrow, Ladybug will have to declare that the Peacock miraculous was still lost and if she trusted her instinct, in bad hands. The rest has been short, because at the end of the day, Paris still needed the duo of super-heroes to protect them from another villain, willing to selfishly use people to get what they wish.
She had learnt that information the very same day she decided to reveal her identity to Chat Noir.
Walking in cercle in her room, Marinette has been talking for hours, the kwamis understanding after a few minutes that she needed to rant. She never thought she would consider that option and now, she was sick about it. Nervousness running down her body and making her jolt while she was rambling.
“Tikki, you don’t understand. What I am supposed to do? Do I just detransform in front of him? That seems too simple, as if I don’t care and I care! What if he thinks I am lazy? Do I have to set a dinner? Wait, a dinner is too formal, I know we’re teammates but he’s my best friend. Lunch is better right? I’ll go grocery shopping and I’ll cook pastries and- Shoot, what does he like? I don’t even know his favorite meal! How can I-”
When Tikki tried to suggest ideas for the fifth time and not having time to explain because Marinette was already thinking about the worst case scenario, she gave up and nodded from time to time until the girl calmed down. Marinette finally agreed with her and called Alya to rant, a second time. Alya didn’t hesitate to tease her friend about that date Chat Noir and she set after the end of the battle; making Marinette blushed and gesticulated her arms to deny.
“It’s not a date! Just a patrol between him and I to make sure that Paris is doing fine.”
“But weren’t you the one telling him that the secret identities worked until Shadow Moth has been caught?”
“Uh... Yes but perhaps he doesn’t even want to know my identity now! We talked about that months ago, things can change!” A pause. “Wait, do you think he doesn’t want to know? Why would he shut me down now? I want to know!”
At the end of the afternoon, Alya had given advice about the way Marinette should dress if she met her absolutely platonic teammate in her civil form and had finally hung up. She smiled as she transformed and was about to leave her balcony when Su-Han appeared. She felt like a bus was hitting her, it wasn’t over yet. Apprehension and disappointment were quick to take over her as she made her way to meet Chat Noir. At the top of the Eiffel Tower, she found her partner waiting for her with a dinner. His smile dropped when he noticed her mood.
“I am sorry.” She simply said.
Chat Noir waited for her to continue, incomprehension written on his face. Ladybug pursed her lips, trying to hold a sob. She always was the one making sure that their security was the top priority so why a part of her wanted to say screw to that? Why was she so disappointed?
Lowering her head, a tear fell down on the floor; Chat Noir immediately understood and slowly nod. Of course, what was he even thinking? It could never have been easy. He came down to earth when Ladybug hugged him tightly. While crying, Chat Noir learnt the newly issue and decided to just support her for now. Yesterday, she had spent the entire day at Adrien’s side to make sure he was fine and even called some of his friends to take over when she had to leave. He could be the one keeping her safe. He could reassure her and go on, as they always did.
“You okay my Lady?” He moved back, hands still on her shoulder as she wiped her tears.
Green eyes met hers as she sniffed. Sure his smile was a bit low and she could see tears prickled at the corner of his eyes, yet he seemed so confident and calm.
“How do you do that?” She whispered.
Chat Noir shrugged and pressed her shoulders.
“Remember when Bunnix came that one time? We were still fighting together in the future.”
“Yeah, but I thought we would have figured out our identities by the time.”
Chat Noir raised his eyebrows, taken short by her answer. So she wanted to know his identity? That is what she had planned for tonight if the Peacock miraculous wasn’t lost? She actually wanted to know? It wasn’t his own fantasy?
“I wish I could see you.”
Ladybug raised a hand and finger touched the border of his mask then his cheek before lowering it down.
Chat Noir immediately took her hand back to his face.
“You see me. With or without the mask, you’re the only one who truly knows me.”
Her eyes softened and she opened her mouth before Chat Noir continued.
“Trust me, it is just a matter of time. It doesn’t change anything about us my Lady. I’ll be ready to start this all over again if it meant meeting you again.”
Her heart throb and sped up. She remained silence, absolutely in awe. What has she done to deserve someone like him? An invisible force pushed her towards him. She realized how devoted she was for him. Chat Noir could ask her anything and she would do it without question it. She was ready to follow him wherever he wanted to go until the end of the world. She wanted to be a shoulder he could cry on, a hand he would take whenever he felt the need and someone to rely on. Something new was building up in her chest, very different from the usual anxiousness or panic she felt; something ready to explode rather than swallow her entirely.
“It is you and me against the world.” He smiled.
Shining. That was what he was right now. Glowing in the surrendered night, guiding her as he usually did. He was so bright, almost blinding her by how much faith she had in him.
Chat Noir let go of her and turned his head towards the illuminated city, a smile painting his lips. Ladybug never glanced away from him. She remained silence, incapable to say out loud the realization that just hit her.
She sincerely, genuinely and fully loved him. She had no doubt. And it wasn’t just platonically, she knew Chat Noir owned a part of her heart that she thought only existed for Adrien. After all this time, Ladybug could have laugh if she wasn’t so struck by the gratitude she felt for him. She was so thankful to count someone like him in her life, fighting along with her, willing to lose or win at her side. Ladybug was utterly in love with him.
Blushing painting her cheeks, she forced herself to look away. She promised herself she would tell him someday the feelings she had for him. He needed to know how important he was for her. But for now, they would have to face another villain; together.
I'm ngl, nothing has come close to matching the same feeling and ambience of the original umbrella scene for me but this one in Ephemeral.... 👀👀 It's got POTENTIAL
Here’s a look at the cover for one of the stories to be featured in Mobius Legends #4, Cornered, and from the looks of it, whatever happens here won’t be your average friendly adventure.
Credit goes to @cathrenaline (pencils), @r-280 (inks), and @riggo-scribbo (colors)
Cat Walker showed up again... To take Ladybug’s miraculous
Inspired by this comic right there (you’re so talented plz)
***
Ladybug felt her heart tearing apart. She was falling into a void, incapable of comprehend what was happening; yet, her brain was running fast. She needed to resume the situation.
Chat Noir disappeared.
Cat Walker was before her.
He wanted her miraculous.
He didn’t seemed akumatized.
And he couldn’t possibly be working on his own... Meaning he was with Shadow Moth.
And he was going to attack her if she believed his black gloved hand where his power laid, waiting to strike.
Her eyes went back and forth between his ring and his eyes. Her beloved partner was now replaced by a total stranger. She let her worst nightmare come to life, she lost her kitty to him, a boy she trusted once until she could get Chat Noir back. How could he have gotten his hand on his miraculous? Did her teammate got hurt? Shadow Moth could have found out about his identity for all she knew and entrapped him.
Another thought flew into her mind but her heart clenched. Immediatly, she thought about their last encounter and tried to remember every words they exchanged. No... Chat Noir wouldn’t have given up his miraculous again. But why Cat Walker was here then? Plagg just flew to him after he possibly gave up?
“Ladybug... I won’t repeat myself. Your miraculous, now.”
Ladybug’s breathing sped up. Cat Walker took a step closer. It took a few seconds for her to step back, forgetting that the real danger couldn’t wait. A villain wanted her miraculous. A boy she worked with against the very same person he was with now. He didn’t seem to want to attack her right away, simply holding a threat and she was going to use that time to search for answers.
“Are you working with Shadow Moth?”
At the mention of this name, the corner of his mouth sightly twitched before he put his unreadable expression back on.
“What could he have possibly give you to turn your back on me and this city?”
Her anger was growing, overcoming her surprise. The kindness and adoration she felt when they first encountered came to her mind, reminder that he could have acted back then, winning her trust. She felt silly. What was she thinking? A perfect stranger showing up at the perfect time when she needed a teammate the most. A teammate who wasn’t Chat Noir... Her mouth went dry, shame creeping on her neck.
Cat Walker must have sense a change in her, slowly positioning himself, ready to bounce and attack.
“I don’t want to hurt you...”
Despite the storm of emotions stiring within her, Ladybug knew he was sincere. The softness in his eyes told the truth. But neither of them needed to finish the sentence because Ladybug would never give up her miraculous. Both knew better than to talk mindlessly. Defying him, Paris’ heroine held his gaze.
“You will never have it.”
Something in him broke. His shoulders caved in, an hopeless wish fading. He clenched his fist and nodded, a painful smile forcing its way on his lips.
“Of course you weren’t going to make that easy.”
The familiar tone he used, as if he knew who she was or how she was working, made her tilt but she didn’t have time to ask, Cat Walker was already attacking.
The first thing she noticed was how messy his strokes were.
He really was a complete stranger, acting the opposite and yet, she felt an acquaintance with the way he was fighting. She avoided every fist and kick, never having the opportunity to strike back. He was roughless, not giving any rest.
The second thing she noticed was the way he was holding back his hand where he has called his catalysm. Everytime he attacked, he carefully put it behind his back or used it as an empty threat, pushing it on purpose when she was out of his reach. The adrenaline she felt weakened, confusion flowing into her mind despite the terrible fight. She missed a kick and landed hard on the ground on the Eiffel Tower. Air knocked out of her chest, her vision blurried a few seconds, imagining the worried look on her opponent’s face. She quickly got up, the world swinging around her.
“Please... Don’t make this harder for me.” He begged.
Spitting blood, Ladybug raised her head and discovered his glossy eyes. She knew that expression, that heart-wrenching look someone’s giving you because you hurt them. She knew it because she already saw it on Chat Noir’s face. She frowned, shaking her head. That stranger took his miraculous from him and worked with her ennemy, he couldn’t look a bit like her partner.
“Come and get it.”
Anger is easier to work with, it can strenghthen when sorrow and bewilderment are ready to eat you up. Ladybug tightened her fists, ready to fight back this time. She urged into him and sent him flying in the air. Thanks to his extended stick, he fell a floor inferior. Throwing her yoyo, Ladybug quickly joined him. She didn’t give any time to rest, striking back. She didn’t stop, endlessly launching, even when her whole body begun to tear up. Cat Walker was defending himself with the same energy and was waiting for her to make a mistake like she did before.
When their fight brought them close, face to face, he didn’t hesitate.
“I am not the bad guy Ladybug.”
She pushed him far, laughing away his comment.
“One of us has to be and it is certainly not me.”
“Wanting a miraculous doesn’t make me a bad person.”
“That is what you could do with ours reunited that makes you dangerous.”
His heart clenched. Being considerated the bad guy when all he is ever done was to be the perfect son hurt.
“It is meant for a good cause, I swear.” He replied, desesperation in his voice.
“No cause is good enough to risk the whole universe.”
Cat Walker choked, a sound that could be either a laugh or a cry and fell on his knees.
“I just want someone’s back...” He whispered, glacing back at her, visible distress in his eyes.
Ladybug’s wall crackled as she took a step closer. The surprise and danger made her forget about the boy behind the mask. She was supposed to see the good in people, even when they were showing their most hatred part of themselves. That is why she had become Ladybug. Perhaps she could fix everything if she showed him sympathy like she was used to do. She could get back her teammate’s miraculous without any more fights.
“Is that what Shadow Moth wants too?”
“He lost someone, just like me, and we- he needs her back.”
Ladybug nodded, slowly reaching for him. Cat Walker was still kneeling on the floor, looking at her as she was his last hope.
“If I gave you my miraculous, we will lose many other people...” Ladybug gently explained.
“But it will end my suffering.”
Paris’ heroine stopped, calmly apprehending what she was learning. A tear fell down his cheek as he continued.
“Please Ladybug, make it end.”
She immediatly froze. Her mind overlapped the picture of this thief with her nightmare, black and white fusionning. Why did this stranger made her think about her beloved kitty akumatized? Why dis these two broken boys looked alike?
Trembling, she took another step and that is all Cat Walker needed to strike. Letting her guard down, she didn’t have time to defend herself as he extended his stick, entrapping her arms behind her back.
Feeling the wind flipped up her hair, she knew she was on the egde of the Eiffel Tower. She wanted to scream so bad at him, looking right through him. Still, his eyes betrayed the position he was in, shamefully holding her gaze.
“I am so sorry...” He whispered.
Defying him, Ladybug stayed silence, tears full of anger streaming down her cheeks. Cat Walker admired her, lingering on every details of her face.
“I didn’t want this to happen this way...”
“You perfectly knew I wasn’t going to hand you my earrings.”
He simply answered with a broken smile. He took a look at his free hand and stepped closer. Ladybug took a step further. Cat Walker raised his hands in a defensive position.
“You’ve lost Ladybug...”
Still her brain was searching for an escape. Looking around her frankly until reality hit her.
“You’ll be fine, I swear. You won’t need to fight anymore.”
Holding his gaze, Ladybug nodded, defeated.
“Fighting is part of my job. If I don’t, it means I failed and still, I will always make sure it won’t happen again.”
Realisation hit Cat Walker harder while Ladybug took a finale breath.
“I will never let you win.” She whispered.
Cat Walker screamed as Ladybug took a step back, purposely falling from the Eiffel Tower.
A harrowing cry echoed in the whole capital, as if someone was tearing apart someone else’s heart out of their chest and trampled on it while it was still living and pulsing.
Before his eyes, Ladybug fell, her eyes locked in his, arms trapped behind her back because of him. He had lost her, like he had lost his mother. His first love, his best friend, his teammate. And worst of all, she would die thinking Chat Noir had given up on her because that is what he did right? Turning his back on her after finding out about the basement, his mother, his father. He has been so selfish and now, he was losing everything, starting with his most beloved friend.
He was the one pushing her off the edge, like he pushed his mom to use the peacock miraculous to have him. He had tried so hard to be perfect, to make his parents proud. All for nothing. All to waste. He didn’t even know who he really was or what he wishes to become. He was an empty shell.
Yet he couldn’t stay still, watching his friend falling therefore he jumped foward. If he couldn’t save her, he would at least be with her until the end, as they promised once. It still was them against the world after all, right?
Adrenaline flushing in his muscles, Chat Noir sped his fall on purpose, diving foward. He moved beyond and took his only chance to save her. With his free hand, he grabbed his stick and extended it to the foundations of the monument, stopping their fall.
The world stopped as Ladybug gasped. Her heart was beatind hard, hurtful, a reminder that she was still alive. Her arms still entrapped, she felt a gentle hand reaching for her shoulder.
“I’m going to land you on the floor.”
The voice resonated behind her, calm. Still processing what she had just witnessed, Ladybug didn’t answer, accepting to put her fate into his hands.
When her foot landed on the floor, she fell on her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks, relieved. The touch under her gloved hands felt right, reminded her that she was still breathing. A few minutes passed until she could function again, her nerves slowly calming down. It took her another minute to hear a muffled cry. She weakly got up and turned, finding out Cat Walker curled up on the floor, knees and hands facing down. He mumbled some words, devastated.
One of her hand reached for him until a flashback stopped her. He trapped her the same way, she won’t be fooled twice. She cogently convinced herself until his head raised and she could apprehend his shattered eyes and wrecked self.
“I am sorry I- It wasn’t- You-”
A choke forced him to cough, his face distorted painfully. Ladybug remained speechless while he made his way to her, grabbing her anckles, still crying.
“I would never have thought- I thought I had lost you- You- Please forgive me- I am begging you.”
She lowered her head and found herself incapable of breathing. Chat Noir was at her foot, holding her like she could disappeared at any time. Everything fell back in place and Ladybug burst into tears, embracing him.
Crying into each other’s arms, both remained this way until their eyes became dry. Ladybug finally took a look at him and softly touched his cheek. Chat Noir never looked away, holding her gaze, appreciating every details he could still admire.
“My Lady, I-”
“Who did this to you my kitty?” She brushed a piece of his hair out of his face.
Chat Noir shamefully lowered his head, making Ladybug hugging him.
Ladybug is ready to destroy Félix... Only she is just Marinette for now
Miraculous season 5 let’s f*cking go
ೃ⁀➷
Clenching her jaw, Marinette was having a hard time remaining calm. Right now, a storm of emotions was washing through her, making difficult to stay still. The music playing in the big hall, the glasses clinking, the people around her laughing and talking... Everything was too loud, just too much. Yet, it worsened when an invitee stepped into the room, surprising everyone at the fashion gathering. She turned red, lava flowing in her whole body. Him. She could almost taste the metallic savour in her mouth from restraining herself to simply jump on him and kill him right there if she could.
Clenching her hands into fists, she turned away from him and took a glass of champagne sitting on the table, drinking all the way down. Perhaps she would forget his mischievous grin with alcohol. She might needed it if she thought about spending the rest of the evening in his company. However, Marinette didn’t think about the way he would act, especially about the fact that he would greet her and give her a perfect white smile, one that reminded her of Adrien.
“Marinette. How fond I am to meet you again after such a long time.” Félix said.
She would kill him. Strangle him. Choke him to death. Drown him in the fountain of the gardens after pushing him over the edge of the balcony. Hit him at least a hundred times. Then, she would resuscitate him, torture him until he gave her back every miraculous he had stolen. Perhaps, she could ask Cat Noir to use his cataclysm on someone, just for once. As an experiment. For science of course.
Unfortunately, Marinette wasn’t Ladybug and surely, jumping on him at the center of the room and try to kill him would reduce her career to nil. People wouldn’t understand why Marinette, a twenty three years old fashion designer, would try to murder Félix, the nephew of Gabriel Agreste, the host of the party they were both attending. In fact, Marinette would have to explain the whole situation : Ladybug, the super hero of Paris, was actually Marinette, and Félix wasn’t only the nephew of a famous fashion designer, but also a thief who stole all of the miraculous after pretending to be Adrien in order to gain Ladybug’s trust and backstabbed her in the end, nearly ten years ago.
Marinette will kill him tonight.
“Félix! Such a- a... A delightful surprise to see you !” Adrien laughed off, stepping next to Marinette.
“Surely Cousin. How have you been? It’s been such a long time.”
Adrien pretended to think, sarcasm quickly replaced with a stern face.
“Good! Good... How long has it been since you ran away from Paris?”
Félix’s serious face broke into a small grin, amused.
“I would say... Five years? Six years maybe?” He smiled.
“It’s been ten years.”
Félix’s eyes fell on Marinette who just spoke. If her eyes could act the way her hands would, Félix will already be gasping for air on the floor. The death glare made him chuckle and he tilted his head, lowering his voice.
“Time flew by when you’re free.”
Marinette stepped closer when Gabriel Agreste called for his nephew. She pursed her lips to remain quiet as the host joined them.
“Félix, surely you have met Marinette before. She was one of Adrien’s classmate and now works as a promising designer. Adrien models for her sometimes.”
“Indeed. With Adrien by her side, I am certain they make a great team.” Félix answered, never breaking her look. “Now, if you excuse me, I have some important matters to discuss with my uncle.”
He smiled at them and then walked away, Gabriel at his side. Marinette glanced at them, her chest quickly rising up and down. Adrien laid a hand on her shoulder and press it, reassuring.
“He will pay Marinette. Someday, he will.”
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idk what it is, i simply love félix as much as i hate him
La bouche de Marinette s'élargit en un sourire devant la tête que Rosa faisait. Malgré l'ambiance de fête autour d'eux, la jeune fille se plaignait de la fin impromptue du bal, hier soir. Elle avait retrouvé ses amies le matin même, après l'ultime attaque de Papillon durant la nuit. Paris était en fête, ils célébraient la défaite du porteur du miraculous du papillon. La musique battait dans n'importe quelle rue, les gens dansaient et discutaient. La capitale était en ébullition. Marinette fêtait aussi leur victoire auprès des filles et d'Alya, qu'elle avait raccompagné jusqu'à chez elle cette nuit, après s'être assurée que sa meilleure amie n'avait rien de grave. Chat Noir s'était occupé de Nino. Puis, les deux jeunes héros avaient accompagné Gabriel jusqu'au poste de police le plus proche. Ladybug avait alors récupéré les deux miraculous perdus. Ils avaient ensuite organisé une déclaration pour la presse, annonçant que le règne de Papillon avait pris fin et que l'auteur à l'origine du chaos serait puni. Sans surprise, dès son réveil, Alya avait essayé de contacter Marinette pour connaître l'identité de ce dernier et la brune lui avait clairement fait comprendre qu'il resterait anonyme, aux yeux de tout le monde. Personne n'avait à savoir qu'une des plus grandes célébrités logeant à Paris était l'auteur de ces attentats ; Adrien en paierait le prix fort alors qu'il n'avait sans cesse essayé de l'arrêter. L'anonymat de Papillon serait la protection garantie pour le jeune homme.
Les deux héros s'étaient ensuite retrouvés à deux, dans le calme, et avaient alors réfléchi à un plan pour expliquer l'absence de Gabriel Agreste pour éviter que quelqu'un puisse remonter jusqu'au Papillon. Le célèbre styliste prendrait des vacances forcées puis sortirait ses dernières créations en stock, qui ne plairaient probablement pas, et l'engouement autour de sa mode finirait par s'évanouir. Ce serait le destin apparent de cet homme pendant qu'il serait en prison. Ladybug devait bien remarquer que l’introversion de Gabriel facilitait grandement les choses. Ainsi, Adrien pourrait continuer à vivre une vie ordinaire à Paris, près de ses amis, loin des feux des projecteurs en tant que civil. Leur plan était infaillible, Adrien pourrait se reconstruire, entouré de bonnes personnes.
Marinette fut coupée quand Nino arriva en courant et s'arrêta, essoufflé, devant les filles. Après une rapide inspection, Marinette remarqua son arcade sourcilière, autrefois fendue, était dorénavant pansée. Il était sain et sauf. Le garçon à la casquette se redressa, mains posées sur les genoux.
- Vous êtes au courant ?
Rose, Juleka, Alix, Mylène, Alya et Marinette échangèrent un regard confus. Au courant que le papillon était vaincu ? Définitivement, c'était impossible de passer à côtés de cette information quand les chaînes télé et radios le répétaient en boucle et que des banderoles à l'effigie des deux sauveurs de Paris étaient étendues un peu partout dans la ville. La porteuse du miraculous du renard fit un pas en avant et posa sa main sur l'épaule de son petit-ami.
- Au courant de quoi ?
- Adrien..., Nino reprit sa respiration, le visage grave. Il quitte Paris aujourd'hui avec sa tante.
Marinette crut qu'on lui jetait un sceau glacé à la figure. Nino avait dû mal comprendre. Certes, la tante d'Adrien, Amélie, était devenue sa tutrice légale mais ils avaient tous convenu cette nuit, après la révélation de l'identité de Papillon auprès de sa famille, qu'Adrien continuerait de vivre à Paris. Après tous les malheurs qu'il avait traversé, il avait au moins le droit de choisir -pour la toute première fois de sa vie. Amélie avait adhéré à cette décision ; elle leur avait promis choisir le meilleur tuteur pour Adrien et de louer un appartement en ville, avec la fortune de Gabriel ; puisqu'elle ne concédait à déménager dans la capitale. Alors pourquoi décidait-elle de rompre leur accord ?
- Quoi ? Pourquoi ? S'exclama Alix.
Son père part en voyage d'affaire durant des mois et Adrien ne peut pas vivre à Paris tout seul. Sa tante l'héberge durant ce temps-là.
- C'est injuste ! S'indigna Rose. Il pourrait habiter chez l'un de chez nous en attendant !
- Ça ne marche pas malheureusement pas comme ça..., soupira Alya.
La jeune fille se retourna vers sa meilleure amie, étrangement silencieuse face à la révélation de Nino. Marinette était paralysée, ses yeux bougeaient sans cesse, faisant tourner en boucle dans sa tête les paroles échangées avec Amélie. Elle en était certaine, elle aurait tilté si cette dernière avait envisageait ce plan devant elle, hier soir. Pourtant, elle avait assuré à l’héroïne qu'elle prendrait grand soin de son filleul.
Elle eut l'impression que son cœur était piétiné. Ils avaient vaincu Papillon ; Adrien pouvait enfin considérer une vie plus libre, loin de son père manipulateur. Il allait enfin vivre, comme un garçon de son âge le ferait. Plus de contraintes à assister à des activités qui ne lui plaisaient pas, plus d'emplois du temps à suivre à la lettre, plus d'interminables séances photos... Adrien n'aurait plus jamais à prétendre être quelqu'un qui n'est pas. Cette réalisation hier soir avait été comme une grande bouffée d'oxygène pour le garçon. Il s'était retourné vers sa partenaire et ne l'avait plus quitté. Les deux héros avaient alors célébré, plus intiment, leur victoire avant que tout Paris ne se réveille et les acclament. Ils avaient dansé, ri, crié, pleuré. Ils avaient parcouru la capitale entière, volant au dessus des toits tandis que le soleil se levait. Leur course s'était finie au sommet de la Tour Eiffel, face à l'aube. Baignés sous les rayons oranges, signe d'un nouveau jour et d'une nouvelle vie, les deux coéquipiers avaient partagé leur premier vrai baiser. Submergés par leurs émotions et les derniers événements, Ladybug et Chat Noir n'avaient jamais été aussi proches qu'en cet instant. Leurs lèvres s'étaient alors rencontrées, célébrant ce renouveau.
A présent, Marinette avait l'impression que ce qu'il s'était passé était un rêve. Son esprit était encore endormi, la fatigue embrouillant ses pensées. Elle n'avait eu aucune heure de sommeil, car, lorsqu'ils s'étaient enfin quittés, Paris sonnait sept heures et avec cela, la grande nouvelle. Ladybug était rentrée chez elle, non sans être assurée auparavant qu'Adrien pourrait affronter Nathalie chez lui, seul. Elle avait ensuite célébré la nouvelle avec ses parents puis avec les nombreux clients, d'autant plus nombreux aujourd'hui. Un message sur leur groupe de classe à dix heures avait convaincu tout le monde de se rassembler aux Champs-Élysées pour faire la fête. Cela faisait à peine trois heures et demi que la jeune fille avait quitté son compagnon quand la nouvelle de Nino la figea. Non, cela ne pouvait pas être possible, pas après tout ce qu'ils venaient de vivre...
- Quand est-ce qu'il part ?
Tous ses amis se retournèrent vers elle, surpris par le ton calme qu'elle avait utilisé. Nino se pinça les lèvres, tentant de se souvenir du message qu'il avait à peine lu -préférant partager la terrible information à tout le monde- puis bégaya.
- Euh je- dans une heure je crois ? Il est à Orly, il prend l'avion.
Marinette acquiesça puis rassura d'un regard ses camarades de classe.
- Je reviens.
La brune leur tourna le dos et commença sa course. Un rapide coup d’œil à son téléphone lui indiquait qu'elle avait quatre heures de marche pour y arriver en partant de la célèbre avenue. Heureusement, elle était Ladybug.
S'isolant dans une ruelle, Marinette se transforma et s'envola dans les airs. Lançant son yoyo, elle parcourut la distance en un temps record. Ses muscles brûlaient sous l'effort et la vitesse ; pourtant son esprit était entièrement tourné vers un seul objectif, une seule personne. Adrien. Elle ne le laisserait pas partir ; elle ne le quitterait pas alors qu'il était si près d'être heureux. Elle voulait faire partie de sa vie, souhaiter être à ses côtés, en tant que partenaire et amie. Elle désirait qu'il voie qui elle était vraiment. Ladybug était sa camarade de classe ; Marinette était sa partenaire. Elle n'avait pas encore eu le temps de lui dire à quel point il comptait pour elle, à quel point elle l'aimait. Sa gorge brûlait aussi, elle retenait des cris de détresse, d'appeler son prénom à tue-tête. Elle ne ferait pas la même erreur qu'à New York, malgré sa constante difficulté à avouer ses sentiments et à trop réfléchir, laissant passer une occasion en or. Elle aimait le jeune homme, souhaitait le voir s'épanouir auprès d'elle et leurs amis, et de toujours pouvoir protéger Paris à ses côtés.
Redoublant d'effort, la jeune héroïne dût freiner quand elle arriva aux alentours de l'aéroport. Sans se soucier de sa sécurité, elle se détransforma à l'abri des regards et manqua de tomber quand elle atterrit au sol. Tikki se cacha dans son petit sac et Marinette s'excusa une dizaine de fois pendant qu'elle se faufilait entre les nombreux voyageurs. Dans l'aéroport, devant les tableaux de départ et d'arrivée, elle réalisa qu'elle n'avait aucune idée de la destination d'Adrien. Sa poitrine se soulevant à un rythme irrégulier, elle tourna sur elle-même, à la recherche d'une chevelure blonde qu'elle reconnaîtrait entre mille. Elle ne devait pas céder à la panique ; pourtant quand le haut parleur indiqua qu'un vol allait bientôt embarquer, Marinette ne put contrôler l'angoisse de voir Adrien glisser entre ses doigts. Tentant le tout pour le tout, elle appela le jeune garçon dans tout l'aéroport.
- Adrien !
Suivant la voix du haut parleur qui indiquait que la salle d'embarcation se trouvait à sa droite, quelques dizaines de mètres plus loin, elle courut dans cette direction sans jamais cessé de l'appeler.
- Adrien ! Adrien !
Au loin, une tête blonde tenant un sac de sport noir. Marinette reprit sa respiration puis accéléra. Le garçon passa le portique de sécurité et la brune s'exclama. Elle doubla de nombreux passagers qui râlèrent.
- Adrien !
Le jeune garçon s'arrêta net, crut à une hallucination alors qu'il se retournait. Devant lui, Marinette, essoufflée, entourée de passagers qui essayaient de la redoubler. Son visage exprimait l'angoisse tandis qu'elle se faisait écraser. Adrien lâcha son sac, repassa par le portique de sécurité malgré les protestations des agents. Il attrapa sa main et l'emmena dans un coin plus calme, loin des voyageurs exaspérés. Il s'assura qu'elle n'avait rien et posa une main sur son épaule. La brune plongea son regard dans le sien et découvrit le voile de tristesse qu'il tentait de lui cacher. Devant le blond, Marinette perdait à nouveau ses mots, comme d'habitude ; c'était beaucoup plus facile de lui faire face en tant que Ladybug. Pourtant, ce fut cette même pensée qui encouragea l’héroïne. Il ne le savait pas encore mais, quelques heures auparavant, il était en train de l'enlacer. Marinette n'avait rien à cacher à ce garçon, elle le connaissait aussi bien que lui, la connaissait. Quand ses lèvres s'entrouvrirent, la jeune fille ne pensa qu'à leur dernier baiser ; les paroles du blond la ramenèrent rapidement au moment présent.
- Je suis désolé de ne pas avoir pu vous dire au revoir, ma tante a décidé que je serai mieux près de ma famille plutôt que tout seul ici, déclara-t-il, une boule au fond de la gorge.
- Tu n'es pas seul ! Tu nous as nous ! Nino a été le premier à informer tout le monde, personne ne souhaite te voir partir !
- Je sais Marinette... Mais ma tante n'est pas de cet avis.
La respiration courte, les deux jeunes adolescents se dévisagèrent durant de longues secondes. Sa décision ne pouvait pas être définitive, Marinette n'accepterait pas d'être séparée de son compagnon. Au loin, la queue de voyageurs diminuait à vue d’œil et Amélie s'était rapprochée du portique de sécurité, appelant Adrien à les rejoindre, elle et son fils. La main d'Adrien sur l'épaule de Marinette se fit plus forte le temps d'un instant. Sa pomme d'Adam tressauta avant qu'il ne déglutisse difficilement. Peut-être aurait-ce plus simple de quitter Paris sans devoir admirer une dernière fois le visage dévasté de son amie... Il se retourna vers elle et Marinette reconnut la même expression de dépit et d'abandon que lorsqu'ils étaient à New York.
- Marine-
- Non ! Adrien, reste. Personne ne sait quand tu rentreras, tu mérites d'être auprès de tes amis, ici à Paris ! Débita Marinette.
Elle souffla et reprit sa respiration tandis que le jeune garçon l'observait avec surprise.
- Tu n'as pas à la suivre, reprit-elle, plus calmement. Tu peux décider de rester ici. C'est à toi de choisir où tu veux aller et si tu penses que c'est auprès de ta tante que tu seras le plus heureux, alors je ne t'en empêcherais pas. Mais si tu es persuadé que ta place est parmi nous, à Paris... Je t'en supplie, reste.
Les paroles de la jeune fille résonnèrent en lui tel qui l'avait l'impression de découvrir Marinette sous un autre jour. La manière dont elle parlait, sa détermination et sa compréhension... Adrien ressentait un sentiment de déjà-vu à cet instant ; comme s'il avait vécu cette scène dans un autre contexte.
- Adrien, tu peux choisir. Décider de ce que tu as envie.
- Adrien ! S'exclama Amélie. L'avion va partir !
Le regard serein de Marinette ne le quitta pas un seul instant. Sa main trouva la sienne sur son épaule qu'elle pressa. Les abaissant, les fins doigts de la brune s'entrelacèrent à ceux d'Adrien avant de chercher à effleurer sa bague. Pourtant, elle ne ressentit aucun contact froid au toucher du métal qui avait disparu de la peau du blond. Elle baissa la tête, surprise, et découvrit sa main, sans bague. Évidemment, il n'aurait jamais amené son miraculous autre part... Il comptait aussi le laisser derrière, comme sa vie entière. Adrien la laissa faire, à la fois déconcerté et touché. Quand elle leva à nouveau la tête, ses yeux bleus ne parurent jamais aussi clairs et sincères.
- Je tiens à toi, reprit-elle dans un murmure. Je t'aime, depuis le premier jour, quand tu m'as donnée ton parapluie. J'aime ta gentillesse et ta sincérité. J'admire ton courage et ta sensibilité. J'aime être quelqu'un à qui tu peux te confier et être vulnérable. Et je n'ai jamais osé te dire tout cela avant parce qu'une partie de moi se réconfortait dans l'idée que tu serais toujours là. Que ce n'était pas grave si je ne te le disais pas aujourd'hui parce que tu serais là le lendemain. Mais maintenant, tu vas quitter Paris après tout ce que tu as traversé et c'est tellement injuste !
Marinette souffla, la gorgée nouée et pressa sa main.
- Ne pars pas...
Adrien n'eut pas le temps d'assimiler la déclaration de la brune qu'elle attrapait déjà ses mains et les portèrent à ses oreilles. Le bout des doigts du blond effleurèrent alors ses boucles d'oreilles rondes, d'un design simple et passe-partout. Pourtant, Adrien se figea. Il pencha sa tête sur le côté et dévisagea le bijou de la jeune fille, encore emprunt aux doutes malgré les sous-entendus de Marinette. Quand ses yeux émeraudes se posèrent de nouveau sur le visage de la brune, l'esprit du jeune garçon mit en parallèle les deux filles les plus importantes dans sa vie. Il superposa le masque de Ladybug sur les yeux de Marinette et découvrit sa partenaire. La réalisation fut telle que son souffle se coupa. Son cœur s'arrêta avant de brusquement s'emballer, presque douloureusement. Marinette était Ladybug. Ladybug était Marinette. Son amie était sa Lady. Sa coéquipière était sa Ladybug de tous les jours. La main du blond se posa sur la joue de la brune et la caressa tendrement. Ses yeux voyageaient entre les indices qui indiquaient en tout point que sa meilleure amie l'était tout autant dans la vie ordinaire. Sa coiffure, ses boucles d'oreilles, ses grands yeux bleus, sa voix, sa détermination, son sens de la justice, sa maladresse, l'amour inconditionnel qu'elle lui portait, en tant que Chat Noir et qu'Adrien.
La lèvre inférieure d'Adrien se mit à trembler sous l'émotion. Il avait embrassé Ladybug quelques heures auparavant et savait que sa partenaire partageait les mêmes sentiments que lui à son égard. Mais une petite voix lui avait murmuré, une fois qu'ils se soient quittés, qu'il ne connaissait toujours pas la jeune fille sous son masque, qu'ils n'étaient pas encore tout à fait sincères l'un envers l'autre. Pourtant Marinette l'aimait, alors qu'il était persuadé qu'elle n'était pas à l'aise à ses côtés à cause de l'incident en début d'année. Marinette l'aimait. Elle l'aimait autant son partenaire que son ami, aimait autant sa force que ses faiblesses. Elle le connaissait sous toutes ses coutures ; quand il était blessé et fragile que lorsqu'il était confiant et débordait d'énergie et d'humour. Elle n'avait jamais cessé d'être à ses côtés, même lorsqu'il pensait être seul.
- Mari..., murmura-t-il. Ma Lady.
La brune acquiesça silencieusement, la voix nouée par l'émotion. Adrien sentait les larmes piquer ses yeux, pourtant, un éclat de rire lui échappa. Il attira la jeune fille contre lui, l'enlaçant avec force, ses joues tirant douloureusement tant son sourire était grand. Marinette répondit immédiatement à son étreinte, posant son menton sur son épaule. Elle caressa le dos du blond tendrement, flottant sur un petit nuage. Derrière eux, les agents s'impatientaient, de même qu'Amélie et Félix. Adrien finit par se détacher de leur embrassade pour informer les agents qu'il ne partirait pas. Amélie s'indigna. Tenant fermement la main de sa moitié, Adrien marcha jusqu'à sa tante, séparé par le portique.
- Ma vie est ici, à Paris, près de mes amis.
- Adrien, tu as besoin de ta famille, insista Amélie, irritée.
- Ma famille se trouve ici.
Le visage de sa tante se décomposa tandis qu'il se retournait, main dans la main avec sa meilleure amie, en direction de la sortie. Adrien n'entendit plus de protestations ; il ne sut si l'euphorie y joua un rôle, rendant silencieuce toute énergie négative autour de lui. Sa tête se tourna vers Marinette, aussi heureuse que lui vu le large sourire qu'elle arborait. Ils partaient retrouver leurs amis, aller fêter la fin du règne du Papillon mais aussi la nouvelle vie qui s'offrait à lui. Bien sûr, il savait pertinemment qu'elle ne serait pas seulement faite de moments comme celui-ci, où Adrien avait envie de crier son bonheur à la capitale entière, mais il affronterait ces épreuves sans plus jamais se cacher, à présent entouré de sa vraie famille. Aux côtés de son âme-sœur, il saurait rebondir et aller de l'avant. Oui, Adrien se promit de vivre comme si chaque jour était le dernier, chérissant chaque instant auprès de ses amis. Il était dorénavant libre.
