Chat Noir looked away from her, turning his sad eyes to the sky. “My Lady,” he whispered, his words so faint she could’ve imagined them. “I failed you.”
For Marinette, her good luck has just run out. For Adrien, things go horribly wrong. In the blink of an eye, everything has changed - his friend Marinette is akumatized, Ladybug is nowhere to be found, and Papillon looms behind it all. The two heroes have to fight for themselves, but it’s hard when they’re on opposite ends of the battlefield.
part iii. watch how the world burns
chapter twelve
Adrien didn't know how he'd gotten out of his lessons, but it didn't matter. What mattered was getting to the nearest alley and transforming, giving Plagg no chance to protest before he was shooting up on the roofs, heading straight for Marinette's house.
"Hold on," he murmured. "Hold on, Marinette."
Her phone call had been a mess. He'd hopped into the limo only to be handed his phone by Nathalie, who told him Marinette had already called three times. He'd answered the fourth as they'd pulled away.
He didn't know what was happening, and that was what made it worse. Marinette had been crying over the phone, saying that something had escaped, begging him to do something he knew nothing about.
And then there'd been a scream and the sound of static.
The fresh memory gave him a surge of energy, and Adrien pushed himself faster, the setting sun beating down on his back. People were beginning to notice his frantic running, but he paid no mind to them.
When the Dupain-Cheng boulangerie came into view, Adrien thought his heart was close to bursting. In the distance, he could see a figure standing on the rooftop balcony. Marinette.
"Marinette!" he yelled, throwing caution to the wind. She was nothing more than a silhouette, but he skidded to a stop a few roofs away when he caught the flash of red and the sight of her hair, let down around her shoulders in a painfully familiar way.
"Fabricator."
He extended his baton, pain flaring in his chest. He couldn't face her this time, wouldn't be able to. Not anymore, knowing that she was Ladybug, that she was his partner.
But he had to.
Chat Noir took a running leap, the world blurring around him as he twisted in mid-air, landing in a crouch on Marinette's roof. His racing heart seemed to stop completely, and the baton he'd been holding at the ready clattered on the ground.
Oh. Oh.
His knees shook. "Ladybug?"
She threw herself at him then, burying her face in his neck. She was shaking, he realized. Adrien pulled back so he could study her, running his fingers through her loose hair before cupping her face.
"I thought," he said shakily. "For a second, I thought..."
His voice broke, and a tear ran down her cheek.
"I'm sorry," she told him. "I know, I'm sorry."
"I... you're okay?"
Her eyes softened. "I'm okay, kitty."
His heart was already calming, the fear melting away now that she was with him. She smiled up at him, touching his face.
"It's gone," she said. "The akuma's gone."
I could kiss you right now, he wanted to say, but Adrien just closed his eyes for a moment and breathed her in. Marinette's akuma was gone.
Then she giggled, and he laughed with her. She'd done it. The akuma was really gone.
"I thought you had fencing after your photoshoot," Marinette said, voice a little breathless, "and piano. Why are you here?"
"You needed me," he said plainly. Tears welled in her eyes.
"Oh, Chat," she whispered.
He glanced to the side, biting his lip. They couldn't stay here; someone would catch sight of Ladybug on top of the Dupain-Cheng boulangerie. The word would spread too fast, and he wasn't sure if she was ready to face Paris yet.
Or worse, people would start connecting the dots. Ladybug's disappearance, Fabricator, his appearances at the Dupain-Chengs, as discreet as he tried to be…
"We should go somewhere else," he whispered into his Lady's ear.
She bit her lip but nodded.
"Should I, um," she said, gesturing at herself. Adrien understood immediately.
"Maybe not?" he suggested carefully. It was still her choice whether she wanted to remain in the suit or not, but…
"I think Paris would appreciate seeing you," he said. "Even if you don't make a public announcement or appearance, your presence would really lift some spirits."
Ladybug studied her suit for a moment, then nodded.
"Yeah," she said. Adrien smiled and bowed, holding out a hand.
"Shall we, my Lady?"
"Oh, alright," she said, rolling her eyes but taking his hand anyway, smiling.
They leapt off the roof together, letting go of each other's hands so they could dance through the city. In the distance, the Eiffel Tower waiting, the beautiful structure welcoming amidst the beautiful colors of the sky.
"Race you there," Ladybug said, slipping up next to him, her yo-yo looping around a gargoyle.
He grinned. "You're on."
She was already ahead of him, and Adrien gave chase. There was a curious tickle in the back of his throat, and when he opened his mouth, delighted peals of laughter poured out.
They raced to the Eiffel Tower, their movements a dance he knew the steps of too well.
"Hurry up, kitty," Ladybug called over her shoulder, hair fluttering in the wind. Adrien's heart leapt in his chest when their eyes met.
She won, of course. She always did.
They leapt up the bars of the Eiffel Tower as the sun set in the distance, turning the sky different colors. Adrien followed Ladybug up and up, climbing higher and higher above the city.
She stopped at their favorite spot, letting go of her yo-yo and landing perfectly before sliding into a sitting position. He was only a few seconds behind her, retracting his baton as he took a seat next to her.
Adrien opened his mouth, trying to find something to say but coming up with nothing.
Ladybug bumped his shoulder with hers.
"So," she said.
"So," he replied.
She leant back, bracing herself on her hands as she stared out at the city they'd sworn to protect together.
"So much has changed," Ladybug began.
He reached for her hand without thinking, and she let him lace his fingers through hers, shifting so they were closer.
"Yeah." There was so much Adrien felt like he needed to say, but the words wouldn't come.
"Here we are," Ladybug said. "The heroes of Paris."
He smiled. "Who would've thought? A fashion designer's son and a baker's daughter."
They lapsed into silence for a while. Adrien let loose a long breath.
"What… happened today, Marinette?" he asked. She jolted at the use of her name then shifted, clasping her hands in her lap and looked away.
"I don't know," she said finally, but he could tell she did. He waited for a moment but pressed her again.
"My Lady," he said, and she frowned.
"It's stupid," she said.
Adrien grabbed her arm, and she turned to face him.
"It's not," he said fiercely, but she shook her head.
"I don't know who he was," she told him, shrugging a little, "but he just… brought up some… insecurities, I suppose."
When he didn't say anything, she kept going.
"He just–" she cut herself off, twisting her hands together anxiously. "He just– said some things about my– my race, that's all. It wasn't anything anyone hasn't said to me."
Ice coated Adrien's insides. He'd never stopped to consider that Marinette would have to face something like this – maybe because it wasn't something he'd ever had to deal with himself, how different their lives must be even if they were both heroes.
"What did he say?"
Ladybug tugged at her hair.
"Nothing I haven't heard before," she said lightly, though she was frowning. "Things about Fabricator, that I don't belong here."
The shock faded into anger, anger at both himself and this mystery man, and Adrien stood, curling his hands into fists.
"I'll–" he started through gritted teeth, but he didn't know what he'd do, only that there was a part of him that desperately needed to protect Ladybug, protect Marinette.
Ladybug was by his side in an instant, a hand on his tensed shoulder.
"Chat," she whispered, and he stopped. He couldn't help it – it was like all those times she'd catch his tail; her touch had the same effect. Adrien drew back slightly, the anger already cooling.
His eyes burned.
"You belong here," he said heavily, spinning to face her, eyes meeting hers.
She squeezed his shoulder and gave him a smile.
"I know."
But Adrien wasn't sure she did. He didn't know if she truly knew how much Paris needed her, how much Adrien needed her, how she filled this world with such light as both Ladybug and Marinette.
"You belong here," he repeated, then turned to look at their city. "Here, with me."
Their hands had found each other again, and Ladybug and Chat Noir stood side-by-side in the setting sun.
"I know," she said again. "I always have."
It was only when night pooled at the edges of the horizon that they finally parted ways, heading in different directions. Marinette promised to call him once she was home, winking at him once before she leapt off the Eiffel Tower, plunging towards the ground before her yo-yo sent her swooping upwards again.
He watched her for another moment, this girl he'd given his heart to, then left himself. There were other things to deal with – well, more like Nathalie, who would no doubt give him an earful about being responsible and stuff about freedom and respecting your father's wishes while the Guerilla stood with crossed arms in the back, not saying a word, his presence more than enough.
He cringed at that and began the run home.
"Better go," he said to no one in particular.
Adrien made it up a total of ten steps – a new record – before there was a voice from behind. He counted the seconds, preparing, before he turned, holding his hands up in surrender. Busted.
"Nathalie," he said. "I can explain–"
Nathalie stood at the foot of the stairs, the Guerilla not far behind.
"There's no need," she interrupted, holding up a hand, and Adrien blinked in surprise. She pushed her glasses up her nose.
"I understand your need to find your friend," Nathalie continued when he only gaped at her. She rolled her eyes. "However, your father does not, and he would like to speak to you in his office."
"Oh," was the only thing that came out.
"I'll be with you," Nathalie said. He nodded gratefully as she walked to join him, leading the way to Father's office. It was a small measure of comfort; the two of them had an understanding of sorts. It made Adrien smile.
Nathalie waited politely as Adrien knocked on the tall double doors.
They didn't need to wait long; a moment later, Father called out. "Come in."
Nathalie held the door as he stepped in. Adrien had to stifle the strange mix of excitement and nervousness. He'd spent his younger years growing up in this room, curled up in Maman's lap as she hummed a tune, peeking at whatever little designs his father was sketching out.
He'd grown older, and the doors had shut more often than they opened. Now, it was only when Father wanted to speak to him that he came in here.
It still looked like he remembered, though, the only part of Gabriel Agreste's life that seemed messy. Vibrant scraps of fabric were pinned to a large board strewn with sketches and papers covered in hastily scribbled ideas. In the corner, a bit faded, was a dress Adrien had drawn with Maman when he was seven that Father had used as inspiration for his Dreamer collection.
His desk wasn't any better. A stack of toppled photos of his works as well as other designers' was hidden under another pile of paperwork. There was a half-empty water bottle, a potted plant that needed just a touch more sun, and colored pencils.
"Adrien," Father said.
He hadn't changed much either. His hair was a little greyer than Adrien remembered, but his suit was tight and unwrinkled. His expression was neutral as he clasped his hands over a design he'd been working on.
"Father."
Father nodded in acknowledgement as Nathalie shut the doors, standing so she wasn't intruding but still present.
"You missed your lessons today," Father said, lifting a pencil to nonchalantly make a few marks on the page. "We've talked about this."
Adrien swallowed. "I–"
He bowed his head. "Yes, Father."
Father frowned in disapproval. "Then you understand that your friends cannot get in the way of your schooling."
It was general enough, but Adrien caught the underlying hint about Marinette.
"Father–"
"If your friend Marinette proves to be a bad influence–"
He couldn't stop himself. For the first time in a long time, Adrien cracked for a moment.
"Marinette is not a bad influence," he said, taking a step forward before he realized what he'd done and hastily shifted back, clasping his hands behind his back.
"Forgive me, Father," Adrien said. "I spoke out of line."
Father didn't say anything for a moment, only raising an eyebrow at his sketch before he set down his pencil.
"I did not say she was."
A long, empty pause before Nathalie stepped forward.
"Monsieur Agreste," she said. Father held up a hand, and she stopped, straightening.
"I know," he replied, and Adrien's brow furrowed.
They'd spoken about Marinette before, it seemed – but when? He wondered what Nathalie thought of Marinette; she seemed to like her, but Adrien wasn't sure. What had she said to his father?
"We have made many compromises this past year," Father continued. "I have taken into consideration the amount of time you spend with your friends."
No. Adrien didn't want to go back to the way things were before, back the too-quiet, empty mansion, to lessons with Nathalie, shut out from a world he hadn't even known existed. It would be even worse, knowing what he was missing.
"You have kept up your grades as promised, as well as your lessons for the most part. Consider this a warning."
Adrien's heart leapt in his throat. He wasn't going to be locked up here again.
"If you miss lessons in the future, I expect you to work with Nathalie to reschedule them on your free days instead of missing them."
"Thank you, Father," Adrien said. He had three days off a week, unless there were any impromptu photoshoots that weren't during his usual Sunday afternoons.
It didn't sound like much of a change, not to most people, but the fact that Father was letting him have more control over his schedule – being able to attend events and hang out with his friends…
Father simply picked up the pencil again, continuing his work.
Adrien took that as a dismissal and turned to leave, thrumming with newfound energy when he realized Marinette would be calling him soon. He supposed she'd be hearing the news first.
"Wait," Father said when Adrien was almost out the door. Nathalie and Adrien both paused in surprise.
"Tell me about her."
It wasn't a question – Father didn't ask questions – but it was as close as he would get to one. Adrien wavered, itching to run to his room and wait for Marinette's call, but this was almost just as important.
When he hesitated, Father spoke. "She won the derby hat contest, did she not?"
"Oh," he realized. "Right. Yeah, she– she's a really good designer, Father."
"She's super nice," he continued when Father didn't. "She's always helping other people. She's quiet sometimes, but once you get to know her, she's very… bright."
He could never find another word to describe her. When he'd met her for the first time – twice, he supposed, once as Marinette and once as Ladybug – she'd been just that. She had an aura about her that just drew people in. Her kindness, her smile…
Father simply nodded, the only sign he'd heard Adrien.
To most people, this would be disrespectful, maybe, or lacking. But Father had never been a man of many words or emotions – only Maman could draw that rare, loud laugh from his lips. He'd heard Adrien. He'd listened.
"Thank you, Father," Adrien said, quieter this time, a hint of warmth slipping into his words.
Father only nodded again, and Nathalie held the door wider, letting him pass. Adrien glanced back only once at his father, bent over his desk and the design he'd been working on, though he wasn't really working. He pictured his mother there, for a moment, and then Marinette.
Then the doors shut.
"Your Chinese lesson has already been rescheduled to tomorrow," Nathalie told him, and Adrien nodded absentmindedly, already yearning to have a scrap of silence, a moment to think.
"I'm just going to, ah," he began, waving his hand in the direction of his room before scampering off, not needing to look to know that Nathalie's lips had twitched in amusement.
His phone rang just as he threw himself into his swivel chair, spinning a few times. A familiar melody played, and Adrien scooped up his phone and answered.
"Hey, kitty," Marinette said through the phone.
Adrien smiled.
"Hey yourself, bug," he replied, using a foot to stop the chair so he wouldn't get dizzy and distracted. "Home yet?"
There was a muffled sound that Adrien couldn't identify; on the other end, Marinette hissed out a curse. She huffed.
"Just got home," she muttered, her tone a little mad, "but I tripped over my plant."
Adrien laughed.
"Is the plant okay?"
"Adrien," Marinette said, her voice so clear he could almost believe she was right next to him. Plagg, who'd come out of his hiding spot once the coast was clear, eyed Adrien and his phone disinterestedly before flying away.
Adrien rolled his eyes at his kwami before pushing off the ground so he could spin again, the world turning in circles, the dim and distant city lights leaving light trails in his vision.
"Sorry it took so long to call," Marinette continued. "There was – oh, there was just this poor lost cat, awfully cute–"
"Aw," he interrupted. "You think I'm cute?"
Marinette scoffed, but there was no real heat in her words. "Keep dreaming, you silly kitty."
"You're my dream," he told her, and Marinette went silent for a moment.
"Thank you, chaton," she said finally, and Adrien smiled as he spun in slow, lazy circles.
In this masterlist you’ll find 39 male fc’s who have/had blue hair (from wigs, to blue glows, to real blue hair)
Like or reblog if you thought it was useful
It was requested by @caroline-almit
Ethan Nestor(21) White (unspecified)
Alex Gaskarth(30) White (unspecified)
Mark Fischbach(28) Korean and German
Joey Graceffa(26) Italian and Irish
Tyler Oakley(28) White (unspecified)
Joe Jonas(28) Italian, German and Irish
Choi Seung-hyun(30)Korean
Yoo Changhyun(22)Korean
Michael Clifford(22) White (unspecified)
Luke Cuthforth(23) White (unspecified)
Damon Fizzy(26) White (unspecified)
Phil Lester(31)Irish, English and Scottish
Ricky Dillon(25) White (unspecified)
Kian Lawley(22) White (unspecified)
Woo Jiho(25)Korean
Huang Zitao(24)Chinese
Lee Suwoong(23)Korean
Moon Jongup(23)Korean
Cho Seungyoun(21)Korean
Kim Mingyu(20)Korean
Xu Minghao(20)Chinese
Nico Tortorella (29)genderluid | Italian, English, Welsh and German
