hook, line, and sinker
notes: omg everything is au now because ORIGINS! xD if you're a new reader, hello! this story will be from adrien's pov and is kind of a sequel to a spark, and a fall, which is in mari's pov. to returning readers, welcome back! there will be 7 chapters. i must apologize for these first few chapters: i wrote them rather late at night when i was supposed to be writing an essay lol and i felt super out of my zone, so they're gonna read kinda bland and boring. the last few chapters will be more exciting so stick around! :D if you find errors, totally let me know!
disclaimer: i don't own miraculous ladybug or anything else you recognize. TT_TT
i.
Adrien doesn't believe in love at first sight, but he does believe in true love.
The first time he sees Ladybug in action—there, in person, not on TV—is the first time he transforms into Chat Noir. He has no idea what he's doing, but he doesn't care—he's finally free, finally allowed to be anyone he wants to be, and he slips on a new persona like he slips into his leather suit, without care for any of the inevitable consequences. I'm gonna be a hero is the only thought that runs through his mind.
He jumps into his first fight clumsily but not disastrously, thanks to years of fencing, instinctively extending his baton and scooping Ladybug out of the way before the akuma pounces on her.
"Thanks," she says gratefully, turning her electric blue eyes on him, and he stumbles. "You are?"
"Chat Noir, at your service," he introduces himself hastily, with a deep bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ladybug."
The akuma roars and lunges at them, but they jump away, Ladybug naturally takes the lead as the villain chases them across the rooftops.
"Likewise. Is this your first time fighting akuma?" she asks as she leaps and dodges nimbly.
"'Fraid so."
She nods slowly. "Alright." And then she proceeds to lay out a plan that he never could have thought of and before long, the akuma is defeated, the butterfly purified.
The overwhelming sense of victory is something akin to the elation he feels every time he levels up in a video game, and he holds out a fist without thinking. "Mission accomplished!"
Ladybug raises a brow as she looks at the fist, and his cheeks color. He almost pulls his fist back, cursing himself for being such a dork, when he feels a gentle knock against his knuckles and finds her fist against his.
She smiles. "Thanks for your help, Chat Noir. I couldn't have done it without you."
His heart swells. It's not love—not even close. It's simply admiration—admiration because she is undoubtedly amazing and he thinks maybe being around her will make him amazing too.
And really, that's how it starts.
© Copyright 2016 by The Siege