Do you actually think Paris is ungrateful towards Ladybug?
OOF.
Canon or Fanon?
In Canon, I think Paris is truly grateful and appreciative, and Heroes Day and all the stuff they do to promote the heroes goes to show it, but they also have those episodes where they just... overlook them too much. Like those episodes when the authorities will at one moment love them, but then try to stop them from defeating an akuma? Or when they are so ungrateful and try to get in the way because the akuma is benefitting their personal goals in some way. But for the most part, Paris is both grateful and kind to them for all they do.
Fanon? Uhhhhhh...
Most of the fics for MLB that I've read show a more in depth look of what the reality would be if things were more realistic. People aren't always grateful for the heroes in everyday life, and would be the same for super-powered heroes. Look at DC and MCU for examples on how people would realistically treat heroes; there's hero-worship, gratefulness, hatred, creepy obsession, and more.
In my fic #8024, I don't mean to show Paris is as a whole ungrateful, but they are just like Metropolis to Superman; they take him for granted because they think he'll always be there and he's in some way obligated to help them all the time. That's how I see Paris realistically being towards Ladybug.
I am so sorry for the wait everyone!!! It ended up being way longer than I had anticipated! When I posted chapter 10, most of this chapter was written. But than I ended up hating a lot of it 😅 And then life threw some major curve balls at me that delayed me rewriting what needed to be rewritten (namely, 90% of this chapter 😂) I really appreciate all of your love and support and your patience while I dragged myself through the end of May and June. I really hope you all enjoy this! 💖💖💖
She had been enjoying her day. Luka and Marinette were having a study ‘get together,' as Marinette had called it when she asked Luka. And while it wasn't lost on her that Marinette had avoided the word 'date.' But she honestly wasn't complaining. She would take whatever victories she could and Marinette asking Luka to hang out was a victory in her book. Especially after their enlightening consversation...
If they were going to be idiots... well, at least they were being idiots while spending time with each other. And they were hanging out on the Liberty, which meant her mom would be there to run interference if Alya showed up.
And she and Rose had a much-needed date planned. With all the time she had been devoting to the headache that was her idiot brother and friend, she was more than ready to have a day with Rose.
And it was a beautiful day. A perfect day, really. Especially with Rose holding her hand as they strolled down the streets.
Or at least, it had been perfect.
Until Andre and his ice cream had decided to crash the party.
“Cherry with dark chocolate chunks and black licorice. Eat this, and you’ll find love as true as that of Ladybug and Chat Noir!”
Cherry and black licorice? Together?
Did Andre even have tastebuds?
And love as true as Ladybug and Chat Noir? It was official; everyone in Paris was either blind or an idiot.
And if that charlatan of a matchmaker was going to shill out sinister soulmate sweets... Well then, she was just going to have to pull the plug on his proverbial cooler.
***
The question was, how was she supposed to put a stop to Andre’s nonsense?
She glared at the ad that was playing on the tv. It was bad enough that he seemed to pop up on every street corner, but now she had to listen to him in her own home?
And it wasn’t even a good commercial!
And of course, Adrien was in it too.
And he seemed to be loving it. But of course, he would.
The ad was for the atrocious Ladybug and Chat Noir-themed ice cream that was now blatantly being touted as the official ice cream of the superhero duo. And she had a feeling Ladybug hadn’t been consulted on that.
Or the commercial.
It didn’t actually feature anyone in a Ladybug costume. But given the actress's dark hair and the way she and Adrien—how could he have thought playing 'Chat Noir' in a commercial was a good idea?—were playing a couple in love... It was obvious the director had been going for the whole ‘love in and out of the mask’ thing. Despite Ladybug’s constant protests that she didn’t feel that way for Chat Noir.
And seriously, what was with people? Ladybug had said countless times, including on live tv, that she didn’t love Chat Noir romantically. And yet… everyone just ignored her. They ignored the person responsible for saving the city on what nowadays felt like a near-daily basis.
Instead, they chose to listen to Chat Noir! Chat Noir, who was constantly proclaiming his love for Ladybug from literal rooftops. And often at the worst possible time too. He was the one people chose to listen to when it came to anything about the so-called relationship.
Why?
She shook her head to try and clear her thoughts. Fixating on that right now wouldn’t solve anything. She needed to figure out a way to stop Andre. And hopefully, get this stupid ad off the air as soon as possible.
***
It was on. Again.
Had Andre taken marketing advice from Gabriel Agreste?
Because it felt like the only two commercials on tv these days were the ones for the Agreste brand and for the Ladynoir ice cream. Well, those and the promotions for the upcoming Ladybug and Chat Noir special of Side-by-Side.
She snuck a glance at Marinette out of the corner of her eye. Luka had invited her over to hang out, and the two of them had ended up in the living room to watch one of those cheesy made-for-tv movies they both loved. She was reading her book. Or at least pretending to. She had stuck around once the two settled in. Just in case the Universe decided to try anything.
And not only had it tried… it was succeeding.
It had managed to shove not only Adrien but also Chat Noir down Marinette’s throat.
Marinette, for her part, was glaring at the tv as the actress portraying ‘civilian Ladybug’ giggled before accepting a spoon of the ice cream from Adrien. Luka's face was screwed up in digust, and she was sure she heard him mumble something that sounded like, 'how do you ruin ice cream?’
And she could feel her eye twitching.
This was hardly the first time a company had used Ladybug in their marketing, but it was certainly the most overt. At least, when it came to her supposed relationship with Chat Noir. And there was no way Marinette- Ladybug would have given…
***
There was no way Andre had gotten permission to use Ladybug’s likeness.
And she would bet her favourite lace gloves that Andre wasn’t giving Ladybug a cut of the profits he was making off of her image.
And she was sure that was less than legal.
***
She hefted the books onto the desk she had claimed in the university library with a groan. She would have gone to the public library near the Liberty, but she didn’t want to run the risk of running into anyone she knew. Or having to explain why she was researching intellectual property laws. And she couldn’t exactly research this stuff on the Liberty. Not when Luka was hanging around.
He probably would think it was a good idea.
But she couldn’t risk him connecting any dots.
With a sigh, she settled herself into the little cubby desk and opened the first book to the index. She already had found most of what she needed online. But she wanted to find some similar cases to use to back up her points.
And she still had to find the proper formatting to write the letter.
It was going to be a long day…
***
She ran down the hallway, frantically searching for a place to hide.
Why did there have to be an akuma at this library?
She couldn’t let herself be seen by Ladybug or Chat Noir- otherwise, that would raise too many questions. After all, in their minds, why would she have any reason to be in the Law Library at the university?
She cringed as another roar, followed by screams split the air. She hadn’t actually seen the akuma. But it sounded nasty.
She darted around a corner and almost stopped to sigh in relief. There, like a shining beacon, was an open broom closet. The custodian must have forgotten to close it in the chaos. With another backward glance over her shoulder to make sure the coast was clear, she ducked inside, closing the door firmly shut behind her.
***
“And stop calling us a couple!”
She flinched back further into the depths of the broom closet she had ducked into, fumbling with her phone in the darkness of her sanctuary. Ladybug sounded mad. And given what she had just said…
“C’mon m’lady. You’re the only one that doesn’t see it.”
“See what exactly?”
“That you and I are made for each other! It’s our destiny to be together.” Ew. “You and I were chosen-“
“To protect Paris, not to be-“
“And you can’t forget Dark Cupid! Or Oblivio.” She couldn’t see what was happening outside the closet door, but she imagined Ladybug was probably redder than her suit. “I mean, we kissed-“
“I don’t remember Oblivio. Or what led to that kiss!” Ladybug’s voice had dropped to a seething hiss, but it was still perfectly audible. They had to be right outside the closet. “And neither do you.”
“But-“
“And I only kissed you during the fight with Dark Cupid because you were under his control, and I was desperate. Chat- I… you know I’m in love with someone else. I need you to st- shhh!” There was a beat of deafening silence. She didn’t dare breathe. Had Ladybug caught on that she was right there? “I think the akuma’s coming. Come on, we need to get to the roof.”
The patter of soft footsteps receded, followed shorting by the stomping of what had to be the akuma. Thankfully, Hawkmoth’s latest victim didn’t bother to stop and check to see if anyone was hiding in the broom closet.
But that didn’t stop her from holding her breath until it had moved away, and she was left in another heavy silence.
When she was sure it was gone, she heaved a sigh of relief and pressed the button on her phone’s screen to stop the recording.
***
She smiled proudly down at the letter she had typed up on the computer she was using. There was no way Andre would be able to continue with the Ladybug and Chat Noir ice cream nonsense after receiving this letter. Not in his right mind anyway. And not with a legal leg to stand on- not that he had had one in the first place...
She shook her head and turned her attention back to the task at hand. She narrowed her eyes as she proofread it for the umpteenth time. Looking for any grammar issues or typos. But it was perfect.
Was it a fake? Technically… yes. But were its contents accurate?
Also yes.
And even if she were to be caught… well, she was only informing Andre of the law and his legal responsibilities. Surely officer Rodger couldn’t fault her for that?
And it was for Marinette. And that made the risk worth it.
The next step was getting it to him without placing suspicion on herself…
***
It seemed the Universe was adamantly against her delivering her cease and desist letter to Andre. Every avenue she had tried so far had turned up either a dead end or been made impossible by what was increasingly feeling like contrived circumstances.
She had tried mailing it.
There had been a postal labour strike.
She had inquired about getting it delivered by courier.
That would leave a trail directly back to her.
She was beginning to think the best option would be to fold it into a paper airplane and aim for Andre’s head… but somehow, she doubted that would work.
And the longer the letter remained hidden at the bottom of her bag, the antsier she was. Because the longer it sat there, the more likely it was that someone would see it. And then her plan would be shot.
But… she was her mother’s daughter. And… she was petty.
So come hell or high water, or whatever else the Universe decided it wanted to throw at her, well... She was a Couffaine.
And Couffaine’s always found a way.
***
As it would so happen, the Universe —or rather, Hawkmoth—decided to throw an akuma at Marinette. Well, Ladybug technically.
And the akuma just so happened to be that toddler that kept getting akumatized into a giant. Gigantitan or whatever it was called. It couldn’t actually talk. So no one really ever seemed entirely sure what to call it.
But right now, that baby akuma was her saving grace.
Because it had apparently wanted ice cream.
And it had found Andre.
Who had run off screaming before being whisked away by Ladybug. Leaving his cart empty and abandoned.
Was it stupid to run out into the open with an akuma of the loose? Especially one as big and clumsy as this one?
Yes.
But this was her only chance. There was no one around- everyone else had had the sense to seek shelter away from the ice cream cart.
And even if there were people around, all she had to do was pretend to be hiding while she slipped the red and black envelop into his cart.
And hope he would actually cease and desist.
***
Somehow, Alya was still grinning like the cat that had caught the canary. Which, she supposed, Alya had. In a way…
The Ladybug and Chat Noir special episode of Side-by-Side had been derailed at the last second. In more ways than one.
Andre, who was supposed to be a guest on the hero special—probably to talk about their love for one another and plug his ice cream—had dropped out at the last second due to ‘unforeseen reasons,’ according to Nadja.
And it seemed Hawkmoth had taken advantage of the interview to akumatize someone. And Ladybug and Chat Noir had left before the opening credits even began. And honestly, she felt a little bad Marinette had to deal with another akuma. But in some ways, it was better to go up against an akuma than Nadja and Alya…
Especially given the opening credits had touted the episode as a ‘Soulmates in Action’ special. Something she very much doubted Ladybug had been informed of beforehand.
But with the heroes off doing their jobs and the ‘special guest’ the promos for the episode had been touting gone—due to what she could only assume was the letter, given the commercials for his ice cream had suddenly disappeared off air—Alya and Nadja had had to improvise.
And they had decided to rehash all of the pictured of Ladybug and Chat Noir that Nadja had already taken out of context. Along with all the new ones Alya had managed to get for the Ladyblog.
So far, they had shown her photo of Ladybug and Chat Noir kissing after—during?—the Oblivio incident no less than five times. Not even counting the times it had been used in the opening.
“…just incredible!” Nadja was saying as she and Alya were turned to look at the screen behind them, which was currently displaying said photo. Blown up to the size of a movie theatre screen. “And to get it from so close up! Just marvellous!” Alya was preening, the praise puffing her up and putting a grin on her face.
“It was amazing seeing them like that! So in love with each other, they really are made for each other,” Alya said smugly.
Nadja smiled as she turned back to face the camera. “Well, folks, now we turn it over to you! At the beginning of the episode, we asked you to send in your best photos and videos of Ladybug and Chat Noir. Let’s take a look and see what you all have for us!”
The first picture was a rather benign if blurry photo of Ladybug and Chat Noir running across a rooftop. But Alya and Nadja still found plenty in it to pick apart, bringing up any little detail that pointed to the two heroes being in love.
It was incredible, the heights they could jump to to land on those conclusions.
The next few photos were much the same. A little blurry. Pretty inoffensive- though it was weird to think that people were just taking pictures of the heroes going about their business. There were a few videos too. Mostly of akuma battles or the moments immediately after battles.
She watched with bated breath, hoping that by some miracle, her video had made it through.
The call had been for ‘best Ladybug and Chat Noir moments.’
She thought hers was the best.
For revealing the truth, at any rate.
But she didn’t know what kind of screening the submissions were going through. And she had not been optimistic about them airing a video like hers.
So she had made a video montage of different Ladybug and Chat Noir pictures she had pulled from the Ladyblog—with credit of course—and tacked it onto the beginning of her recording. Hopefully, if they were screening submissions—although given the quality of some of them, that seemed unlikely— they wouldn’t watch the whole thing. She had even made an email called ‘ladynoir4evr’ to send it from so as not to arouse suspicion!
Nadja and Alya went through a few more pictures and videos, talking about the dynamics and body language in each one. And, somehow, they seemed to agree that every photo and video was proof of the heroes’ love for one another. Even though it was pretty plain to see in some of them that that was not the case.
The end of the episode was drawing near, and her video still hadn’t been shown. She was about to shut the tv off and mope her defeat over a bowl of chocolate ice cream when Nadja grinned.
“And Alya, it looks like our next submission comes from a fan of not just Ladybug and Chat Noir, but of the Ladyblog as well! Let’s take a look!”
It was happening! Her video had made it through!
She watched as Alya and Nadja turned in their seats to look at the screen behind them.
The photos she had pulled from the Ladyblog played on screen, along with a cheesy love song she had pulled from the internet. At first glance, it would appear like any fan-made presentation on why Ladybug and Chat Noir ‘belonged together.’
“…so sweet,” Nadja was saying when the screen turned black and the music cut off.
The sound of her recorded breathing crackled through the speakers.
“What’s happening-“
“See what exactly?” Ladybug’s voice was clear as day.
“That you and I are made for each other! It’s our destiny to be together. You and I were chosen-“
“To protect Paris, not to be-“
“And you can’t forget Dark Cupid! Or Oblivio. I mean, we kissed-“
“I don’t remember Oblivio. Or what led to that kiss!” the recording of Ladybug hissed. “And neither do you.”
“But-“
“And I only kissed you during the fight with Dark Cupid because you were under his control, and I was desperate."
Nadja was frantically gesturing for the video to be cut while Alya seethed at the screen behind her.
"Chat- I… you know I’m in love with someone else. I need you to st- shhh!”
Abruptly, the tv cut to a commercial.
But it was too late. The- not really damage, but it had been done. The video—the important bits anyway— had played.
For all of Paris to see.
Hopefully, Paris would listen.
***
She had just been getting ready to go to bed when a notification for the Ladyblog popped up on her phone. Her stomach sank as soon as she saw it.
She clicked on the notification.
And a lead weight settled in the pit of her stomach when she saw Alya was live-streaming.
“Hey, guys! I know a lot of you were confused by the… incident on tonight’s episode of Side-by-Side. Trust me, none of us were expecting that!” Alya laughed, though it seemed forced. And- yes. Her eye was twitching. “But rest assured, there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for that video.”
Oh. She was just dying to hear how Alya was going to spin this one.
“We all know that Ladybug and Chat Noir quarrel from time to time- every couple does. And she likes to be a professional, and we all know Hawkmoth is a big threat. So obviously, she doesn’t want a public relationship with Chat Noir. And especially not a public lover’s tiffs…”
Ok…
“And they must have known someone was hiding nearby to film them! Chat does have those cat ears of his!”
Yeah. But were they even functional?
And she sincerely doubted either of them had known she was in the closet- they had been a little preoccupied. Ladybug with the akuma. Chat with flirting.
“So they wanted to keep suspicion off of them!”
Even if that was the truth, why would Alya and Nadja have devoted an entire episode to unveiling their love? If they were really secretly dating, wouldn’t Alya try to keep it a secret to protect her beloved heroes? And if it was a lover’s tiff, why would Ladybug say she was in love with someone else?
Alya’s story had more holes than her gran's crochet blankets.
"So don't worry, everyone! It was just a clever plan on their part!”
Comments were popping up with lightning speed under the live-stream video. The vast majority were agreeing with Alya and spewing variations of ‘Ladynoir was life.’
But a few, she noted with satisfaction, were poking holes in the stories and theories. And it was time she joined their ranks.
Quickly, she checked to make sure she was logged out of her email so that any comments she made couldn’t be traced back to her.
And then she set to work.
***
Her teeth were beginning to ache from the way she was clenching her jaw. But what else was she supposed to do? It wasn’t like she could march up to the akuma and tell it to knock it off.
Or Chat Noir, for that matter.
All she could do was hide. And silently apologize to Marinette. Because maybe… just maybe she was a teeny tiny itty bitty bit to blame for this akuma…
Apparently, it was some disgruntled viewer who had watched last night’s episode of Side-by-Side and hadn’t been too happy with the video she had submitted anonymously. And even less happy about her poking holes in Alya's story during the Ladyblog live stream. Based on what the akuma had been saying, it seemed they were one of the people who had been leaving all those comments on the Ladyblog all night about how Chat Noir and Ladybug were ‘meant to be.’
All the comments she had spent the night disproving.
Yeah… maybe this one was at least a little bit her fault… but seriously! It wasn’t her fault that people got so up in arms about Ladybug’s business to the point that they ignored what Ladybug herself had to say on the matter!
And she hadn’t been mean! She had just pointed to the facts!
“You two are destined to be!” Shipper screamed as he shot another glittery, pink cannon ball covered in hearts at Ladybug. And Shipper? That was the best Hawkmoth could do?
“Y'know, m’lady, he has a point,” Chat said from where he was perched in the branches of a tree. “You’re the only one who doesn’t see it,” he sighed wistfully.
“Chat! Focus!” Ladybug snapped as she rolled out of the way of another incoming cannonball, clutching the black and red roll of tape to her chest as she went.
She watched from her hiding place in the bushes as Ladybug continued to battle Shipper while Chat Noir continued to banter about how he and Ladybug were ‘meant to be’ and ‘destined for one another’ and how she would ‘come around eventually’ as he went between lounging and dodging stray cannonballs.
Sharp pain flared through her palms. When she looked down, there were little red crescents imprinted into her palms from where her nails had dug into the skin.
He wasn’t even helping! He was just agreeing with the akuma! And a quick glance around at the other civilians watching the battle from the bushes with her, and scattered across other hiding places in the park, told her that most of them didn’t seem to see a problem with it.
Some of them were nodding in agreement!
What was wrong with people?
Thankfully, Ladybug managed to wrap the battle up fairly quickly. Which was impressive given Chat was no help whatsoever.
Glittering ladybugs washed over the park, spreading out to the rest of the city where they would repair any damage that was done. But she couldn’t help but roll her eyes.
Chat was still flirting. Even as Ladybug tried to comfort the akuma victim. Who seemed more interested in what Chat was saying and how Ladybug was reacting to it. Or rather, wasn’t. It seemed Ladybug had given up and was just trying to ignore him.
After exchanging a few words, the akuma victim walked off.
And Chat Noir managed to get Ladybug’s attention again.
She couldn’t hear what the two heroes were saying, but it looked like Chat was flirting. Again. Around her, people were slipping out of their hiding places, watching the exchange intently. Some even had their phones out and were filming and taking pictures.
Her jaw tensed as Chat caught Ladybug’s hand in his.
“They make a wonderful team. And a lovely pair. Do they not?”
She jumped at the sound of the voice and whirled, only to find an old man standing beside her. Her eyes narrowed. It was the same man she had met before… the one who had commented on Marinette and Adrien being ‘made for each other.’
What was he doing here? He hadn’t been there a minute ago- she was sure of it! And why was he so interested in Ladybug and Chat Noir and Marinette and Adrien?
He turned away from the pair of heroes to look up at her expectantly.
He wanted her opinion? Fine. She was going to give it to him.
“No.” She said bluntly. “They’re not a good couple. They're barely a team in my opinion.”
“Oh?” he raised an eyebrow.
“Didn’t you watch Side-by-Side last night?”
“I believe the saying goes, ‘do not believe everything you see on television,’” he replied lightly, with heavy thought in his eyes.
“Well, I’m inclined to believe what Ladybug says and… well, you saw what just happened! She keeps saying no, and he can’t take a hint! And he didn’t even help with the akuma! What kind of team is that?”
“Yes, I see…” the man said slowly, his voice heavy with thought as he watched Chat Noir try to plant a kiss on Ladybug’s hand. Ladybug snatched her hand away and swung away brusquely. He turned to her abruptly, his eyes flashing. “Thank you very much, miss.”
“What-“
“Please, excuse me. There is something very important I must see to, straight away.” Before she could say anything, the man had turned and strode away with surprising speed.
She watched as the man hurried off. Something about him bothered her. He was a little too interested in Marinette and Adrien and Ladybug and Chat Noir for her liking. At least for Ladybug and Chat Noir, the same could be said about everyone in Paris.
But his interest in Marinette and Adrien...
There was something more to it.
But she wasn’t sure what.
She glared at the retreating man’s back as he headed towards the exit to the park. Something about him… it felt like he knew too much for his interest to be just interest.
She moved to follow him when her phone vibrated in her pocket. By the time she had dug it out of her pocket, when she looked back up, the man was gone. Still frowning, she pulled up her messages. And her mood instantly darkened.
Alya 🦊?!: ADRIEN IS AT THE BOURGEOIS ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Mylène 🌼 : he is?
Alix 🛼 : so?
Alya 🦊?!: I just saw him
Mylène 🌼 : Wait! You’re there?
Alya 🦊?!: yeah
Alya 🦊?!: had to drop off stuff to mom
Alya 🦊?!: now I’m stuck here
Alya 🦊?!: and I missed the akuma battle 🤬
Alya 🦊?!: but dont u see???
Alya 🦊?!: this is the perfect opportunity!!!
Alya 🦊?!: surrounded by love at an anniversary party!!!! She’ll HAVE to confess!!!!
Rose 🌹💗: OOOOHHHHHH
Rose 🌹💗: ITLL BE SO ROMANTIC 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
The Bourgeois’ anniversary party? Romantic? In what universe?
Alix 🛼 : sounds gross to me
Alix 🛼 : going to a party for Chloe’s parents?
Alix 🛼 : 🤢🤢🤢
Mylène 🌼 : I don’t know about this one Alya
Mylène 🌼 : how would marinette even get in?
Alix 🛼 : 🤮🤮🤮
Mylène 🌼 : don’t be gross Alix
Alya 🦊?!: her parents are catering
Alya 🦊?!: I saw them unloading stuff
Alya 🦊?!: and they need marinette to be there so she’ll have to go
Rose 🌹💗: why do her parents need her?
Rose 🌹💗: are they ok?
Alya 🦊?!: they forgot some stuff and need her to bring it from the bakery
Alya 🦊?!: IT IS LITERALLY PERFECT
Alya 🦊?!: except for the fact that ice queen is here too 😡🥶
Alix 🛼 : so if she’s there y r u telling us about it?
Alya 🦊?!: she isn’t here
Alya 🦊?!: she isn’t answering her phone
She had been a little busy fighting an akuma.
Alya 🦊?!: and we need to sneak in to run interference for when she does show up
Was it wrong that she wished the battle was still going so that Marinette wouldn’t be able to check her phone and end up getting dragged into what she was sure would be another Adrienette train wreck?
Rose 🌹💗: anything for true love!!!!
Rose 🌹💗: 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Alix 🛼 : i guess i’m in
Alix 🛼 : dont have anything better to do
Mylène 🌼 : ok, meet u there
Alya 🦊?!: meet me by the kitchen door I can get us all in that way
Alya 🦊?!: anyone seen J?
Rose 🌹💗: no
Rose 🌹💗: I can call her!! 😊
She cast one last uneasy glance in the direction the old man had disappeared. Something in her was screaming that what he had said was important. That something big was about to happen. But she didn’t know what, or what it would have to do with him.
But she didn’t like it.
But she also didn’t like where the girl squad was going.
I had an idea for a story, but didn't feel like I could do it justice. If someone wants to write it, all I ask is that I'm tagged.
This started with a picture of Marinette in jail looking out the barred window, and flew from there.
-Chat Noir visits the Guardian at Fu’s request, and gets his miraculous revoked due to unprofessional conduct. Plagg agrees with the Guardian, disappearing with his miraculous into the Kwamii box.
-Hawkmoth, knowing that Chat is more lax with security, follows him to the Guardian. He sees the detransformation of Chat and flies into a rage. The ring was so close! However, he doesn’t want to hurt his son, so he sits there and stews until Adrien leaves...then kills the guardian, hoping to steal the miraculous box.
-With his dying breath Fu grants Guardianship to Ladybug, making the box disappear and reappear in Marinette's room. Hawkmoth hurries back to his mansion knowing there is no way to get what he wants now. He has to wait.
-Marinette, seeing the box and feeling the change of power, breaks into tears. She knows what this means. Tikki tries to console her, with limited success.
-Still upset the next day, Marinette fights off an akuma which makes its way into her ribbons. Alya records this and shows everyone how strong Marinette must be. She fought being akumatized! Lila turns it around, mentioning how Marinette disappears during akumas and how the recording looks like a discussion of power, not a typical akumatization.
-The class turn on Marinette (not that they were with her before) and with Alya posting it to the Ladyblog, the whole of Paris now believes Marinette is working with Hawkmoth.
-Marinette manages to escape her classmates and runs to Fu’s. She sees security camera footage of the incident and realises Hawkmoth is Gabriel Agreste. She goes to the Agreste Mansion, and gets both Nooroo and Duusu after a fight (you can imagine it).
-Paris police (corrupt as hell) arrest Marinette on suspicion of terrorism. She tries to argue that it was Gabriel, but with the butterfly in her possession, it doesn’t work. Marinette uses her call on her parents who visit her in the holding cell, telling her they won’t do anything to help her. She is on her own (Jagged and Luka are on tour).
-Tikki does what she can to bolster spirits, but knows there isn’t much she can do to fight the legal system as she is. She gives Marinette one last hug, before disappearing into the miraculous box with Nooroo and Duusu and envolking an extremely rare occurrence. If they desire, the Kwamii can turn themselves human. They just prefer to be in their god forms (easier for transformation).
-The next day, a gorgeous redhead with blue eyes walks into Marinette’s cell (Think of Merida from Brave). Introducing herself as Marinette’s lawyer, Tracy asks to be called Tikki.
-Together with Paul (Plagg), Tricia (Trixx), Nathan (Nooroo) and Wayne (Wayzz) they fight Marinette’s charges in court, getting her exonerated. They show evidence of Gabriel and Lila’s crimes, getting them arrested instead.
-Marinette takes the Miraculous box and disappears, never to see Paris again.
Marinette loses her parents and adrien, and defeats hawkmoth reclaiming the miraculous. She uses the wish to get rid of the miraculous (making her into a quasi-goddess), and lila makes up a bs lie that marinette was mayura, and Paris, FOR WHATEVER REASON, decides to launch marinette into the depths of space to get rid of her 'for the good of the earth'. Now. Many years later, after years of isolation (insane marinette), she gets adopted by oryx taken king.
Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your patience with this chapter. I know I had warned you that updates might not be as often, but I didn't think it would take me this long. If I'm being honest, this (and the next two chapters) were 90% written when the last one went up, but between life stuff and the first scene in this just not cooperating with me... things took longer than anticipated.
I still need to rewrite a few scenes for the next chapter, and I'm still in the middle of job hunting so I can't guarantee when the next chapter will go up, but I'll try not to make you wait a month! 💖💖💖
Also, please do yourselves a favour and check out this AMAZING piece of art created by the extremely talented @sayuri12moonlight
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“Alright, now close your eyes.” Marinette’s eyes fluttered shut. “Ok, I’m going to do the eyeshadow now.”
Carefully, and with the gentlest amount of pressure she could, she began brushing the pigment across Marinette’s eyelid. The way she had learned to in the most recent session of the makeup masterclass. The masterclass had been the perfect excuse to move up the photoshoot, but it was also serving as the perfect excuse to spend more time with Marinette.
Because she needed models to practice the techniques on. And it was easier to do it with one person at a time. That way, there was no bored Alix bouncing around the room, or squealing Rose and Alya, or nervous Mylène to distract her.
And if it meant a greater opportunity to figure out what was going with Marinette—besides her frankly ridiculous belief that Luka didn’t like her— and why she wasn’t pursuing Luka when she so obviously wanted to… Well, she was never one to look a gift horse in the mouth.
The question was, how was she going to get back onto that topic. The night they had been working on math homework, Marinette had brought the subject up. Or rather, given her a way to bring it up.
Dipping her brush into another eyeshadow, she thoughtfully tapped it against the palette to dislodge any excess as she tried to figure out a way to start the conversation. But before she could think of a casual opener, Alya beat her to it.
Alya 🦊?!: ADRIEN IS @ THE PARK
Of course, he was.
Alya 🦊?!: HES DOING A PHOTOSHOOT
Seriously? How many photoshoots had he had at the park in the past year? Even after all the research she did.
Alya 🦊?!: THIS IS OUR CHANCE
Not likely.
Alya 🦊?!: EVERYONE GET HERE ASAP
Not a chance.
Marinette had opened her eyes, her brows furrowing as she read the texts. She could almost see the anxiety brewing in her friend.
Mylène 🌼 : I can be there in ten. But I have a date at 3 so I can’t stay long.
Alix 🛼 : Kim and I are racing
Alix 🛼 : Should I bring him too?
Alya 🦊?!: ABSOLUTELY NOT
Rose 🌹💗: I’m about to take my brother to the movies
Rose 🌹💗: But good luck!!! 💗💗💗🥰🥰🥰
Alya 🦊?!: Mari? Juleka?
Alya 🦊?!: COME ON
Alya 🦊?!: HE WONT BE HERE MUCH LONGER
Alya 🦊?!: WE HAVE TO HURRY
So much for finding a way to get the topic onto Luka.
A look of total defeat washed over Marinette’s face as she began to pull herself up off the floor.“I guess we should get going-“
“Why?”
Marinette gaped at her, her mouth opening and closing. “B-because… Alya said so-“
“Do you want to go?”
“I-I…” When was the last time someone had asked what Marinette wanted? Because looking at her friend’s face, she couldn’t help but think it hadn’t been for a long time. Guilt washed over her; she had been part of the problem. If she hadn’t discovered Marinette’s secret, would she still be? She shook her head. Now wasn’t the time to be thinking of herself.
“We can go,” she mumbled, “but only if you want to.”
Marinette’s eyes darted over to the pictures on her wall, swallowing loudly. “I’m supposed to go…” she bit back the urge to tell Marinette that she wasn’t supposed to do anything she didn’t want to. “I’m supposed to like Adrien…” Marinette mumbled, not sounding very convinced or convincing. But before she could say anything to even begin to unpack what Marinette had just said, her friend continued, her eyes glued to the floor. “I’m supposed to be with him. That’s what Alya keeps telling me…”
Her stomach sank. She did not like where this was going.
“And Alya is always right about these things.” Alya? Always right? Maybe in Alya’s head- but why would Marinette- “She says he and I are meant to be.” She was really starting to hate that phrase.
“Alya isn’t always right,” she said gently. Especially about this. “You don’t have to-“
“The rest of the girls too. And my parents adore him. And Tik- my other friend. They all say Adrien and I were made for each other. Sometimes,” Marinette mumbled, “it feels like the universe is telling me I’m supposed to be with him.”
What?
“And if the universe is telling me something…”
“But what about what you want?”
Marinette looked away, biting her lip. “I- it doesn’t matter. He- he doesn’t… We should probably get going before Alya-“
Alya 🦊?!: HES LEAVING
Alya 🦊?!: you guys missed him
Alya 🦊?!: WHERE WERE YOU
Alya 🦊?!: WHY DIDNT YOU ANSWER???!!!
She didn’t miss the way the tension almost melted out of Marinette’s shoulders. “We should- we should get back to the makeup then. You need to build up your portfolio, right?” she asked with a wavering smile.
“Uh, yeah… what you said, about the-”
Marinette sighed. “I know it’s silly, but… sometimes… it doesn’t matter.” she shook her head and plastered a horribly fake smile on her face. “I’m just going to… I’m just going to go to the washroom real quick. I’ll be right back!”
She laid a hand on Marinette’s knee before she could get up. “You don’t have to listen to Alya. Or the others. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to… but… do you need to… do you need to talk? You know I’m always here for you, right?”
“I’m fine,” Marinette’s voice was bright and cheery. Her words were an obvious lie. “I’ll be right back.”
It was clear to the topic was closed. But as she watched Marinette disappear into the washroom, no doubt to try and collect herself, she couldn’t help but think about what she had said.
And the more she thought about it, the more her stomach began to churn. Alya wasn’t shy about saying Marinette and Adrien were meant for each other. She knew the whole class was guilty of it in one way or another. She knew freaking Andre was guilty of it.
But Marinette had said…
Who else was saying it?
***
Her head was still reeling from her talk with Marinette as she trudged across the gangplank. A melancholy melody floated up from below deck; the question was, was Luka picking up on her mood from all the way up here? Or was he playing it for himself?
She made her way below deck, nudging open the door to their bedroom.
Luka was sitting on his bed, his guitar in hand —as always—and he was glaring at his phone. That was new.
“Hey, what’s up?’ she mumbled as she plopped herself on her bed.
He jumped. That was new too. He was usually pretty aware of his surroundings.
“Nothing,” he sighed before trying to smile. “How was the makeover session?”
The thing about Luka and Marinette was that they were both terrible liars.
“A. Not a makeover, just me practicing makeup. B. You suck at lying.”
“I’m not-“
“You say you’re fine. Your music says you’re close to dead inside.” She got up and settled herself beside him on his bed. “You wanna talk about it…?” Her voice trailed off as she caught sight of his phone screen.
Alya had sent him a barrage of texts demanding to know where Marinette was and why she wasn’t answering her phone. More than half of the texts mentioned Adrien and how this was Marinette’s chance to get with him and have her happily ever after.
He hadn’t answered any of them. But from the open text conversation and the look on his face, it was clear he had read them.
“Sometimes,” he sighed, his eyes glued to the phone screen, “it feels like the universe is trying to tell me something.” His eyes flickered to some of the pictures they had on their communal photo wall. His eyes seemed to land on the picture from a group outing from the previous summer. One where they had all gotten ice cream from Andre’s. His eyes seemed to fixate on Marinette’s peach and mint… Oh no. “And if the universe is trying to tell me something, shouldn’t I listen?”
“No.”
***
She cringed as she watched Marinette flail desperately before toppling over into the bushes. Adrien was chuckling, even as he held out his hand to help Marinette up. But that just made things worse. From where she was standing, it looked like Marinette had tried to scramble back—or maybe get up on her own— but it looked like her hair had gotten caught in the branches.
“Those two really are made for each other.”
She groaned. “Are you kidding me?”
“Excuse me?” She blanched. She hadn’t meant to say that out loud. She turned in the direction of the voice. Sitting on the bench next to the one she had been sitting on was an old man in the brightest Hawaiian shirt she had ever seen. He was looking at her quizzically. “Why would you say they aren’t made for each other?”
Did this guy know Marinette and Adrien?
“Ummm…” he was still staring at her, waiting expectantly for an answer. Well, if he wanted an answer, she may as well give him a good one. “Because they’re terrible for each other.”
The man’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Why would you say that?”
“Because she can’t get a single sentence out straight around him-“
“Ah,” he sighed wistfully, “young love-“
“Because,” she barrelled on, cutting him off, “he sends her anxiety into overdrive. And he never shows any real interest in her except when it’s convenient or they’re in a group setting. And she’s so convinced of his supposed perfection that she can’t see that their friendship is almost completely one-sided. Not to mention, she can’t admit to his faults. And he barely acknowledges her existence most of the time.”
“Oh… I see…” the man mumbled. “Well, I must be off. Thank you for sharing your… thoughts with me.” The man hurried away before she could say anything else.
***
She was beginning to understand where Marinette got the idea that she was supposed to be with Adrien. It seemed like the people of Paris had decided the two were made for each other.
“I just think they’re so perfect for each other. How can you not see it, Lise? Adrien and Marinette are made for each other.”
Oh gross. Even Bustier was shilling that nonsense? And why did everyone keep saying that?
“I don’t have time for any of this nonsense, Caline. And neither should you. We are educators, not matchmakers.”
“There’s no reason we can’t do both. I’m going to pair them up for the group project they’ll be starting today. They can study together and see what a lovely pair they would make.”
Oh no.
“Whatever you say, Caline. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I need to go prepare the lab for my next class.”
She ducked out of sight of the door that led to the teacher’s lounge. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop. But she was glad she had. Because if Mme. Bustier was going to try and set up Adrien and Marinette... she was just going to have to stop her.
But the question was how?
She watched as Mme. Mendeleiev walked out of the teacher’s lounge and turned to head towards the science lab. Mme. Bustier came out a minute later, carrying a piece of paper. She peered a little further out from where she was hidden behind a recycling bin.
There were names on the paper Mme. Bustier was carrying. It looked like… a list! A list of the pairings for the group project!
Silently, she tailed Mme. Bustier to the classroom. She watched as the teacher placed the list on her desk before ducking out of sight as Mme. Bustier made her way out of the room, not bothering to lock the door behind her.
She knew where the list was. She knew who Marinette was supposed to be partnered with. But how was she supposed to fix this?
If she went in and switched the names, Mme. Bustier would notice and just change them back. And that also ran the risk of the teacher recognizing her writing. But she couldn’t just leave the groups as they were…
A flash of blond hair in the corner of her eyes sent the gears in her mind turning.
***
She had never thought it would be Chloe coming to her rescue. And she had never thought Chloe would fight so valiantly. But she didn’t mind being wrong.
Especially when the sight—well, sound really, given she was hovering out of sight just outside of the classroom— was so glorious.
“This is ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!” Chloe screeched to Mme. Bustier, who she was sure was close to cowering.
She chanced a peek through the classroom windows. Mme. Bustier was holding her hands out in front of her, but whether she was trying to placate Chloe or protect herself from potential projectiles was unclear. “Now Chloe…” Mme. Bustier said in that voice that she always used when she tried to reason with students, regardless of how reasonable her expectations of her students were. “I don’t know how you found out about the project, but I’ve already assigned partners. I put you with Sabrina; I thought you liked working with-“
“It doesn’t matter how I found out!” It was probably better that Chloe didn’t mention she had overheard her ‘talking’ on the phone about the project. The harder it was to trace this back to her, the better.“I’m going to work with Adrikins!” She almost felt sorry for Adrien.
“But Chloe-“
Chloe had already whipped out her phone and was waving it tauntingly in the air. This was it, the critical hit. “I’m sure my daddy would love to hear all about how you won’t let me work with someone who could help me achieve my best.”
Mme. Bustier blanched. “W-well, I suppose I can change the groups, Chloe.”
She ducked out of sight, smiling as she strolled down the hall to find Rose before the lunch period ended. That had been easy. Almost too easy.
And while Sabrina wasn’t a great partner, Marinette had been stuck with far worse.
***
She had to remind herself not to glower at the camera. Or Alya. Or Nino.
She was sure Alya had put him up to it, but as far as she was concerned, he was still guilty. She should have known to be suspicious when Nino suggested the class—sans Chloe and Sabrine, who had gone shopping— have a picnic in the park. Nino was not the kind to organize group outings unless it was to shoot one of his short films. She was just glad Luka had come to walk her home from class and had ended up tagging along.
Although… she cast a surreptitious glance at him as the photographer arranged Kim and Ivan into the frame. The look on Luka’s face when the photographer had directed Marinette to stand right beside Adrien had been a look of pure resignation and defeat. One that matched Marinette’s.
She should have known better!
Adrien had had to leave class early because there had been a problem with some of the pictures from his most recent photoshoot. Enough so that they had to be retaken. Unfortunately, she had only found out the reason why Adrien had to leave early after they had arrived at the park.
And once the shoot had wrapped, Alya had suggested they all take a bunch of pictures so Adrien could start his own photo wall. And the photographer had agreed to take some of the pictures as the photoshoot had wrapped early.
Which was how they had ended up here. With yet another person—another adult—directing Marinette and Adrien together because ‘they look so perfect together’ as the photographer had said.
Hadn’t anyone heard of the phrase ‘looks could be deceiving?’
She needed to do something. Or else those poor idiots would take this as another sign from the universe that they weren’t supposed to have a chance with each other.
The flash of the camera’s bulb nearly blinded her. But the photographer’s disgruntled grumbling brought her clarity.
“The balance is off…” the photographer was grumbling as he looked at the image on the viewfinder. “It looks all wrong… the heights are all over the place!”
This was her chance. “Excuse me,” she mumbled, squeezing herself out of the back row where the photographer had placed her. She could feel her classmate’s eyes on her, no doubt surprised she was speaking up. But she didn’t pay them any attention. “I have an idea.”
The photographer’s head snapped up so quickly, she was worried he was going to give himself whiplash. But he just beckoned her over, still grumbling under his breath, complaining about the vast height differences and how everything he tried just looked like a school picture.
Quickly, she explained her idea. And as she did, the photographer’s smile grew. The last words were barely out of her mouth before the photographer was barking new orders, directing them on how to rearrange themselves.
Originally the photographer had had the tallest in a row at the back, with everyone else standing in a row in front of them. Very much like a school picture. Which had been weird given they were supposed to be fun pictures. But on the other hand… she couldn’t blame him for being exasperated given how all the height differences had thrown off the other arrangements he had tried.
But thankfully, her idea was working.
Adrien was still front and center—as it seemed he always was—but instead of having the tallest people stand in the back, they were all sitting with Adrien on a bench. And the shorter people were standing around them, which made them all easier to frame.
Kim was sitting on one end of the bench, with a very smug-looking Alix standing next to him with her elbow propped up on his head. Max was standing behind the bench, smiling over Kim’s shoulder. Nino was sitting next to Kim, with Alya standing behind him, resting her chin on top of his head. Then there was Adrien, sitting in the middle of the bench, with Nathaniel placed behind him. She had placed herself beside Adrien, with Rose’s arms around her, hugging her from behind. Ivan and Mylène were sitting on the ground right in front of the bench. And Luka and Marinette…
Luka was sitting beside her. On the end of the bench. With Marinette beside him.
“That looks much better!” The photographer cried. And she couldn’t help but agree.
***
“I’m afraid I’m all out of pistachio today!”
Marinette’s face fell. “Oh… well, could I have two scoops of blueberry then?”
“I’m all out of blueberry too.” She narrowed her eyes at Andre. It wasn’t even noon yet. How could he already be out of two flavours? How could he already be out of those two flavours? “But I have plenty of peach and mint!”
There it was.
“Actually…” Marinette said in a small voice, but Andre was already pulling out his scooper.
“Peach for his lips, and mint for his eyes! Eat this and your true love will-“
“I’m not really feeling ice cream anyways. What if we grabbed a smoothie instead.”
Alya narrowed her eyes at her. “But we’re getting ice cream.”
She shrugged. “You guys already have yours. But I don’t really feel like it, and if he doesn’t have what Marinette wants, she doesn't have to get it.”
“But, the peach and mint! It’s the perfect combination for you, pretty Marinette. It was made for you!”
What was with people and saying that? Was all of Paris in on Alya’s schemes?
She didn’t know. All she knew, was that she was sick of people saying Adrien and Marinette were made for each other.
“You sell other people mint and peach ice cream. Right?”
Andre’s eyes widened to the size of saucers before his brow furrowed in confusion. “Yes…?”
“So Marinette isn’t the only one you give mint ice cream to?”
Andre stared at her. She imagined that if his hands weren’t occupied with his ice cream scoop and a cone, he would be scratching his head. “No…?”
“Same with the peach?” Andre nodded, and she raised a brow. “So the mint and peach weren’t really made for Marinette.”
Andre’s face began to turn the colour of his cherry ice cream. “But they are. Peach for his lips and mint for his eyes-“
“You could say that none of your ice cream is made for someone.”
“But he and Marinette are made for-“
“In fact, you could say that ice cream is for people to choose.”
“But-“
Alya was outright glaring at her now, suspicion flashing in her eyes. “Girl, seriously? Just let him give her the peach and-“
“Actually,” Marinette’s voice was quiet but still had the strength to cut through Alya’s words, “I think I’m going to get a smoothie too.”
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Yes, I know a good photographer can take pictures of diverse groups. But since most of the adults in this show have been shown to be incompetent, I figured adding one more would be excusable.
Also, since I couldn't find a canon first name for her, I named Mme. Mendeleiev after the physicist Lise Meitner.
