Shipping Wars

This was an accident a swear.

"Marinette! Marinette! Did you see my latest blog post? " Alya literally ran into her best friend, nearly spilling the cup of coffee the petite girl was nursing.

"Hey Alya, I'm doing good, thanks for asking." Marinette replied, teasing her friend slightly. They began to walk towards their first class together.

Alya giggled, "Sorry, sorry. You know I care girl, how are things?"

Marinette smiled at her friend, " 'Things' are great. And from the looks of it, your 'things' seem to be pretty exciting…"

"Well, I added this feature to the Ladyblog, where fans can submit their own fan art and whatnot, and I got so many Ladynoir submissions…"

"Woah, woah, what's Ladynoir? " Marinette interrupted, slightly confused by the unfamiliar term. They had reached their classroom door, and made their way to their usual seats. Marinette reddened slightly seeing that Nino and Adrien, were already there.

Alya sighed, "Babe, I'm your best friend. At least pretend to care about my obsession with Ladybug and Chat Noir. I can't believe you don't know what Ladynoir is! It's only the shipping name for Ladybug and Chat Noir!" Her face grew excited again, "Anyway, there were so many great fan submissions of Ladynoir art, that I've decided to do a #LadynoirLove tag each Sunday night! Yesterday night was the first time I tried it, where I posted my favorite artworks… Oh my god, Marinette, the response was incredible! I can't believe how many people in Paris actually ship Ladynoir!"

Marinette had stiffened sometime during her friend's excited rambling. People thought that she and Chat Noir were an ITeM?! But-but they were partners! Just partners!

"-Mari are you even listening?"

"Yeah, sorry, I just got distracted. I mean, I don't really think they feel that way about each other. It's just a partnership right?"

At this point, both Nino and Adrien had turned around, and Marinette noticed that Adrien's ears and nose were slightly red. Maybe he had a cold?

Alya sputtered, "What do you mean 'just a partnership'? Anyone can see the chemistry between them!"

Marinette shook her head stubbornly. "Nope, I'm pretty sure they're just friends. I mean, I've talked to both Ladybug and Chat Noir, and their relationship seems strictly platonic."

"Alya, I think Ladynoir is totally a thing!" Marinette froze, staring at Adrien as she realized what he said, and reddened even more.

Great! Now the boy she liked thought that she was a thing with someone else! Not that he knew that he was thinking about her, or that he even knew that she liked him, but it was the principle of the matter!

"See, even sunshine child over here can practically see the sexual tension boiling between Paris's two superheroes. " Alya animatedly waved her hands around.

Oh dieu, Marinette was about to explode from frustration!

"What sexual tension! Just because Chat Noir is a massive flirt doesn't mean that they have feelings or ANYTHING for each other!"

Alya smirked, "My, my, Marinette, who knew you could be so passionate about things you claim to know nothing about…"

At this point, Nino butt in, "I actually kinda agree with Mari here. I mean, we don't really know the superheroes well enough to actually assume anything. Didn't they say something about not knowing each other's identities in your interviews?"

Alya scratched her chin, "Yeah I guess… but what does that have to do with anything?"

"Well what kind of dude would fall in love with a chick when he doesn't even know her name?"

Marinette grinned triumphantly. " Exactly! See, Nino gets it."

Adrien face was getting even redder. Scratch cold, he probably had a fever. "Who wouldn't fall in love with Ladybug? She's beautiful, brave, kind…just because he doesn't know her name doesn't mean he doesn't know the heart of the girl behind the mask!"

Now it was Alya's turn to grin triumphantly. "Awww, Adrien here totally is a fanboy of Ladybug!, "Adrien started sputtering, but Alya just crowed, "That's exactly why the hashtag is trending. Almost all of Paris sees the fact that Ladybug and Chat Noir are perfect for each other!"

Marinette just shook her head. "I still don't see it."

Nino nodded, "I'm with Mari here dudes."

Alya smirked. "Don't worry, Adrien and I will have you on Team Ladynoir in no time!"

"Wait, what do you mean Team? And what's with all this shipping anyway?" Marinette asked in confusion. Why was her love life of anyone's interest?

The blogger shrugged. "It's fun. I mean, you know those new superheroes, Queen Bee and Tortuga? Well, some people seem to ship Queen Bee and Ladybug, especially since the Bee said in an interview that she was gay." Alya tilted her head thoughtfully, "What was the ship name…LadyQueen…LadyBee…Oh!" she snapped her fingers, "Queen Bug!"

Marinette thought to the other blond in Paris's own group of superheroes. Queenie was bitchy, but also a total boss when it came to akuma fights. Too bad Marinette didn't swing that way. And also had a undying, unrequited love for the boy in front of her.

Alya continued, "That's the other main ship, and then there's some more combinations between all the superheroes, like the one between Chat Noir and Tortuga, which is interesting if you ask me, because those two don't really interact at all. I actually have no idea which way the Turtle swings."

Nino nearly choked. Mari patted his back.

"Hmm, I just don't see much point in shipping when their love lives are their own decisions. Besides, I think they're all just partners. Like take Ladybug and Chat Noir. If they were interested romantically in each other, they would just distract each other in fights. Now that there are two more superheroes, its safer to get distracted I suppose, but Chat just doesn't seem like Ladybug's type."

Adrien almost looked offended. "What do you have against Chat Noir?! Did he do something to you?"

"Hah- Goodness no!" Marinette laughed, "I even worked with him for one mission. Nah, I just don't think Chat is serious when he flirts with Ladybug. And besides, both of them probably don't want to risk their friendship and ability to protect Paris by experimenting with a relationship that wouldn't work."

"Why do you keep saying that?" Adrien asked.

"I just don't see it, " Marinette firmly replied.

"Ugh, this is so frustrating! Those two are obviously meant to be!"

Marinette narrowed her eyes at the blonde, "Why are you so invested in their love lives? Ladybug likes someone else, she can't possibly have feelings for Chat!"

A silence descended as soon as she finished, and she realized her mistake too late.

Alya narrowed her eyes behind her square glasses, "Girl, how do you know who Ladybug likes…"

"Um, I -uh- I -gotta go bye!" Marinette grabbed her bag and raced out of the room. She knew that she should've just lied and said it was a hunch, but she didn't want them to think that Ladybug was available. (Even though she technically was, she was emotionally taken). But now, due to her inability to keep her mouth shut and her own selfishness, she had just given a major hint to those who were smart enough to think twice about her statement.

She glanced down the pink purse hanging by her side. As soon as she dashed into the bathroom, she clicked open the clasp and started crying. Tikki zoomed out and gently patted her face.

"There, there, it wasn't that bad."

"B-But, I just yelled at the l-love of my life -hic!- Tikki!" Marinette hiccupped. "And I'm sure that there's gonna be questions and – oh! I'm just so irresponsible! I shouldn't have -hic!- said anything!"

Tikki calmly pried Marinette's fingers from her face, and wiped her tears. Staring at her chosen with kindness, Tikki replied, "Oh Marinette, it's all going to be fine. Plenty of Ladybugs have been found out by their closest friends and family in the past. That's the worse possible outcome."

"Yeah, you're right, it's gonna be okay."

It was not okay.

The rest of the day, both Alya and Adrien seemed mad at her, and her poor heart couldn't take it anymore. Thankfully, Nino had been a great friend and had stuck to her side.

But then it got worse.

Because Alya and Adrien had decided to team up.

The very next day, both came in wearing Ladynoir merchandise (Marinette had no idea that that was even a thing, and had nearly had a heart attack). Alya had shoved a keychain with a ladybug, a cat, and a heart at Marinette.

"We're gonna get you onto Team Ladynoir in no time."

Alya then whispered into her ear, "I still haven't forgotten the whole 'Ladybug likes someone else' but we'll get to that."

Adrien had properly glared at Marinette the entire day. Marinette felt like crying.

Of course, Nino had thought the whole thing hilarious. The instant school let out, he dragged her to the nearest superhero boutique (seriously, how come Marinette had never realized just how large the fan base was?) and bought merchandise for both himself and Marinette.

Not Ladynoir merchandise. No, he had gone and bought Queen Bug merchandise.

The next day, Nino had forced her to change into a #Queen Bug shirt after school, before the four of them went to the café they frequented after school.

Alya glared at her. Adrien raised an eyebrow and said nothing.

But then, the game changed.

At the end of the day, Alya's demeanor had suddenly changed, and instead of anger, she had cozied back up to Marinette, who was too relieved to have her best friend back to feel suspicious.

So when Alya took a picture of her with the #QueenBug shirt on, Marinette had thought very little of it.

It was when she got home she realized her mistake. She had opened up the Ladyblog, and her jaw dropped as she saw herself on the most recent post. But not her Ladybug self, her Marinette self.

Wearing that damn yellow and red shirt.

Thankfully her face wasn't in it, but nearly everything else was. It was a picture of her walking, her pink pocketbook and two pigtails visible. She had probably just turned to look at Alya, because her body was twisted in what would've been considered seductive if she had actually posed for it.

Her already open jaw completely unhinged when she read Alya's caption.

Hey fans! I have a request for you. My cute best friend M, as you can see, is NOT a Ladynoir shipper. This is an atrocity! We cannot stand to allow the best friend of the Ladyblogger ship anything besides Ladybug and Chat Noir. Whatever should we do? Are the #shipping wars on? Let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions. #ConvertLadyM

She scrolled down to the comments.

LB4ever: Is she blind? The chemistry is totally there!

ChatNoir1111: I can't believe ur bff doesn't ship LN! Just show her the interviews! The way Chat looks at her…I wish he looked at me that way

superheroesbitch: lol whatta loser

Staychattynoir: burn all her queen bug clothes rn

Those weren't even the worse.

Guest: Wow she's cute

Guest: hottiee. If only she shipped LN

Geeksunite: that body tho

Coffeeandchats: Who is she? lol

She groaned. This was so embarrassing!

She closed the tab, and her window was replaced with the tab of her secret Ladybug twitter account that had been up before.

Shit. She couldn't escape could she. Because in trending, not only was #LadynoirLove there, but also #shippingwars and worst of all #CovertLadyM.

She was a fucking hashtag. An internet meme.

Marinette was going to kill Alya.

This was war.

Not thinking rationally, she quickly made a new twitter account.

TheLadyM was quickly born.

She posted a quick picture of her in the shirt, cropping out her head, but leaving her pigtails.

TheLadyM: Hey guys! This is the OFFICIAL account of LadyM Ladyblogger, you're on. #ConvertLadyM #shipping wars #NotmyShip #Ladybug #ChatNoir #QueenBee #Tortuga

Ladyblogger: What's this? War? Team LadyNoir forever TheLadyM

TheLadyM: Let's play a game. Who's gonna convice me that Ladynoir is a thing? Ladyblogger not you #Youwont #ConvertLadyM #shippingwars

Her phone exploded.

She finally answered a call from Alya after the blogger kept on calling after Marinette ignored the first five calls.

"You bitch!"

"You started it! You posted a picture of me on your blog without asking me!"

"No one besides a couple of our friends knew it was you! And you were totally trending! You weren't supposed to go and make another account!"

"You shouldn't have tweeted at me then! Now your followers are following me. And harrasing me might I add!"

"Ladynoir is a thing!"

"Like I said, you're not going to be the one to convince me."

Suddenly, they both burst out laughing.

Marinette gasped out, "This is actually kinda funny."

Alya guffawed, "This is hilarious. I can't believe you actually made an account. I'm really sorry about that by the way. I shouldn't have posted it without your permission."

"It's fine. I don't actually mind too much right now. I never realized social media could be so fun!"

She didn't really use any of her personal accounts, and only used the Ladybug twitter when she had to.

"I've gotta go, my mom's calling me. But you're on Lady M."

The constant notifications from her phone became overwhelming, and eventually Marinette chucked it up onto her loft bed, and far far away from her.

She was so tired from the sudden popularity of Lady M the next day, that she didn't even realize when she walked straight into Adrien on her way into the classroom.

"You good there Mari?" His arms steadied her. Marinette blinked, as he had been giving her the silent treatment the past two days. He smirked, "Or should I say, Lady M?"

Her shock turned to annoyance. "Ugh. I forgot you saw me in that shirt."

"How could I forget the shirt that promotes the destruction of my OTP?"

Marinette frowned, "OTP?"

Adrien shook his head sadly, "Come on, M. If you're gonna be a twitter sensation, you're gonna need to know that OTP means One True Pair. Like I will die for Ladynoir to become canon."

"Canon?"

"Like real."

Marinette suddenly smiled, "Aha! So you admit that Ladynoir isn't a real thing!"

"Nope, it's definitely a real thing. I'm just waiting for the happy couple to confirm it."

"You're gonna need more than that to convince Lady M."

His smirk returned, "Oh I plan on winning your little game, my Lady."

She suddenly realized that the blond dunce who shipped Ladynoir was also her unrequited crush of two years. A blush spread across her face.

In a un-Adrien-y move, he bowed with a dramatic flair, and entered the classroom.

She nearly fainted.

Thank god for Nino and his ability to find everything amusing.

Maybe find everything a little too amusing. The minute she sat down, Nino twisted around.

"I'm going to be your official photographer LadyM!"

"Shhhh! Not everyone knows that's me."

The sudden realization that she now had two secret identities settled in.

"Your secret is safe with me!"

Marinette suddenly realized what he said, "Why do I need an official photographer?"

"Well, you can't keep posting selfies without your face. Haven't you been following your hashtag? People want to know who Lady M is! I'll take photos, but I'll keep your face out of it, it's gonna add to the mystery! Dude, you do not understand how much of a trend you are right now, as one of the few people who don't ship Ladynoir apparently." Why was Nino so amused?

Marinette felt uneasy. But Nino looked so excited. "Fine! Keep my face out of it. Oh and anything identifying."

Nino pumped his fist in the air. "Yes! I'm almost as cool as you Alya! I get to take photos of a celebrity too!"

Adrien lightly pushed his friend's arm. "Aren't I a celebrity?" he joked.

Nino shrugged, "You're old news. Lady M, well she's like the mystery of Ladybug, only brand new!"

Alya, who had been observing the conversation, spoke up, "Guess we have a new team. TeamLadyM!"

"OMG, LadyM! I think she's so cool!" A new voice butted in.

The foursome swiveled around and stared at Chloe. She shrugged, "What? I ship Queen Bug myself, and to have someone speak out for the minority is greatly appreciated!"

Marinette found it weird that Chloe was agreeing with her, albeit indirectly.

Alya turned her attention to Marinette. "Oh it is so on."

Right as the Mlle. Bustier walked in, Alya yelled, "Team Ladynoir forever!"

"Alya, I'd prefer if we kept the shipping war out of my classroom. Though I do agree with that statement"

The blogger stared wide eyed at her favorite teacher. "Yes Mlle. Bustier."

Marinette sank farther into her seat.

The rest of the day passed relatively smoothly, peppered with only a few arguments about Paris' superheroes.

Then patrol came.

It was really, really, awkward, especially since it had just been her and Chat Noir at first.

Ladybug hadn't seen Chat Noir since the whole Ladynoir nonsense started. It was weird thinking that they could ever be romantic partners.

Chat seemed more invasive of her personal space than before, throwing arms around her shoulders, and brushing her elbow every once in awhile.

Then Queen Bee had arrived.

"Look you mangy cat! She has absolutely no interest in you, stop molesting her!"

Chat sputtered, "WH-I'M NOT MOLESTING HER YOU!"

Queenie shrugged, "You're making her uncomfortable." Grinning, she sidled up to Ladybug and pulled her close to her side. Ladybug stiffened in confusion.

"You despicable bug, Ladybug obviously likes me better." Chat pulled her out of Queenie's grasp and into his arms protectively. Ladybug struggled, confusion only growing.

"Oh, you poor chaton, "Queenie mocked, "Ladynoir is no longer a thing. Just look at twitter, Queen Bug is totally trending now!"

Ladybug could've slapped her face in frustration. Of course. The stupid shipping war. It had gotten to the superheroes themselves. Which she should've expected because they were normal civilians most of the time, just like her.

"I don't give a shit what that LadyM says, Ladynoir is totally a thing!"

"I think LadyM is a hero in her own way, standing up to all you oppressive Ladynoir shippers!"

God, they were just like – her and Adrien actually.

Tortuga's deep mellow voice surprised them, "Wow, you're actually talking about yourselves. Like you're shipping yourselves."

The two superheroes, who had been pulling Ladybug back and forth, suddenly stopped, and blushed.

Tortuga laughed. " This is the funniest thing I've seen in forever! Oh-god! I can't believe my friend started all of this. I'll have to congratulate Lady M when I see her again."

The black, red, and yellow superheroes all froze.

"You know Lady M?!-"

"What do you mean friends?-"

"Wait-I'm friends with Lady M…-"

Ladybug and Queen Bee turned towards Chat Noir, who suddenly realized what he just said.

Queen Bee stalked up to the two guys. "Are you both friends with Lady M? How do you know?" she whipped to face Chat, "Wait, your friend ships me and Lady! Not you and Lady!" she crowed triumphantly.

"That's because she has no idea what she's talking about!"

"Hey don't talk about Mar-Lady M that way! Who are you anyway?" Tortuga defended her.

Yeah, who were they anyway.

Marinette's brain hurt.

"Your friend thinks I'm better than you!" Queenie continued to taunt the cat.

"No she doesn't! She definitely thinks I'm cooler!"

Queenie smirked, "Then how come she ships Queen Bug, huh?"

Tortuga sighed, "She doesn't really ship Queen Bug, I actually got her that shirt. I thought it was funny because our best friends are the most avid Ladynoir shippers and she was annoyed at them for that.."

Silence. Then -

"What do you mean she doesn't ship Queen Bug?-"

"Why would she be annoyed at the best ship in the entire world?-"

Ladybug froze, forgotten by the bickering and yelling superheroes. Tortuga had gotten her that shirt? But Nino-

Nino.

-had gotten her that shirt.

This was why he found it so funny. He knew her, Ladybug her, andl Chat and Queenie, oh god she was going to kill him – but he didn't know that she knew because Ladybug knew, not Lady M or Marinette_ but Ladybug wouldn't have known if she wasn't Lady M and Marinette – and Chat knew her too?– oh Marinette's head hurt and they were still yelling – why couldn't they just –

"Shut up!"

The other three turned to her, as if just remembering that Ladybug was still there.

She unhooked her yoyo.

"That's it, I'm out."

She threw her yoyo across the building and swung away.

"No! Come back! I'll prove to you that I love you more than Queen bitch does!"

"Who are you calling a bitch, you mangy cat! Ladybug, I'm ready to go steady with you whenever you are."

Tortuga-no Nino's- laughter chased after her, louder than the screeches of two annoying miraculous users.

She didn't know who out of her goddamn friend group she blamed more.

Nino for being– well not counting the whole Turtle miraculous thing, it was his fault she had that shirt anyway, and became Lady M –

No, she could blame Alya for that, freaking competitive demonic blogger. It's not like Ladynoir was that important. And she didn't even hate it she just found it annoying that Adrien –

Nope, definitely Adrien's fault. For being so goddamn perfect, but shipping her with another guy! You're not supposed to do that to the girl that has a secret crush on you!

Even his beauty wouldn't save him from her wrath.

On second thought, all three of them would have to go.

Lol, not the direction I was going in. But I thought it ended up being pretty funny.

In case anyone was confused:

Tortuga = Nino

Queen Bee = Chloe

No fox miraculous user in this one!

Hope you enjoyed it! FrozenOrange