God holy shit. Ladybug took a knee and cradled her left arm. She could feel the bits of her bone resting out of place, but looking at it would make the pain hit worse. Through her shut eyes and grimace, she choked out, "Chat..."

"Yes, my lad- oh." His romantic look morphed into one of worry and fear. "Oh shit."

"How… How bad is my arm?" she uncovered it and turned to give Chat Noir a better look.

"Uh, you don't normally have bone outside your arm, right?" She shot him a glare, half of shock, half of anger. "Right right, uh, be thankful that your Kwami takes a bit of the pain." Tikki would surely mention this later, but Tikki had thousands of years to get used to pain. Marinette only had 17. Marinette shakily got to her feet.

"Can you distract them for a bit, Chat?" The alleyway filled with a few more copies of their opponent. Just ten minutes ago there was only two, a vast difference to the 20 now surrounding the heroes.

"My usual job, then?" Chat smirked.

"So, do you want to give us the miraculous stones now, or add your lives in with them later?" One of the copies droned out. Chat glanced around as the voice echoed. Surely he only had to defeat the real one. Just, where was he? "We would love it either way, honestly," another clone chimed. Chat looked at the talking clone.

"And I love any way that isn't yours." Chat swung his baton into the neck of the smirker, only to hit dark smoke that disintegrated away. A clone to his left swung at him, then another to his right, and a third from in front. Their attacks caught up to Chat's reaction time, and he landed with a thud next to Ladybug.

"Hey, Ladybug."

"What is it Chat?"

"No no, I was just thinking. It's a good thing he isn't making clones of me, or else he'd be a Copy Chat." Ladybug looked at him with disapproval. "I thought it was pretty good." Chat shrugged.

"It's not really the time for jokes. Get us out of here, Chat, we need to think."

"As you wish, My Lady." He grasped her waist, and used his baton to launch them towards the roof. "Au Revoir, mon ami!"

The two landed where only minutes before they had been taking in the crisp nighttime Parisian skyline. Now they were on the run from Le Reflet who was using his clones to scale the building wall. They leapt to the neighboring building and landed with a thud. The shock from the landing jarred Ladybug's arm.

"Ah!" Ladybug cried out. She squeezed her eyes shut to try to block out the throbbing in her arm.

Chat rushed to her side, "My Lady," his words drenched in worry and pain.

"I think we're going to have to stand our ground." Ladybug stated as she threw her yo-yo up so her Kwami could conjure up a lucky charm. A moment later a piece of red and black polka-dotted rope landed in her hands. The two looked at it incredulously wondering what its purpose was for.

"Incoming!," Chat shouted a moment too late as Le Reflet and his clones landed on the roof and began charging at Ladybug. Unable to react soon enough, she was caught by the throat and slammed against the floor.

"Ladybug!" Chat shouted. He tried to make his way toward her but was immediately swarmed and separated from his partner.

Le Reflet leaned in, his breath hot on the side of Ladybug's face. "You know, sweetheart, you're rather easy on the eyes."

"Too bad my saliva isn't." she spat in his face.

Enraged, he tightened his grip. She winced, That's going to leave a bruise in the morning, she thought to herself. Le Reflet reached for her earrings.

"Let go of her!" Chat bellowed as he knocked the villain back. He had fought his way out of the mob but there were still several copies that remained. All of which were thirsty for the chance to get even.

"They don't look too happy," Ladybug whispered to her partner, as the clones formed a ring around them.

"You're right about that. Do you have a plan or am I going to have to keep beating them up?"

"More like keep getting beat up. Give me a moment," Ladybug scanned their surroundings and spotted an abandoned building on the verge of collapse.

"Over there," she pointed. "We'll lure them all into that building. Can you take it down?"

"Of course. You run, I'll clear a path?"

"Good deal." Ladybug broke into a sprint towards the building as Chat leaped into the blocking group. Wisps of smoke spread as the duo ran. Chat stayed behind at first, keeping following clones back, but had to pick up his pace when they got cut off. They were halfway there, leaping across avenues and sprinting over Parisian roofs. Ladybug slowed down as her arm began to hurt, looking up to Chat with exasperation in her eyes.

"Chat!" Chat turned around, threw her over his shoulder, and sprinted towards their objective.

"Oh my GOD! What do you eat, My Lady?" Ladybug smacked his back with her good arm.

"I am a superhero! I have to be heavy. Don't be a prick."

"I'm glad I have such a capable partner then." Chat leaped across a boulevard, but clipped his foot on the landing. They hit the roof with a crash, Ladybug screaming and Chat groaning. "Sorry… That was my fault... Come on, only a few more buildings to go." Chat helped her to her feet, anxiously noticing the pack of clones following their path at an alarming rate. They began to run again, Chat holding Ladybug's good hand. He looked back, as the clones would soon be on them. The building was across just one more street, but they weren't going to make it at this rate. Chat grimaced.

"I'm sorry."

"For wh-" Chat picked Ladybug up and hurled her towards a window in the abandoned building. She saw him reach for his baton as he passed out of sight.

Ladybug skidded across the ground, luckily on her good arm and back, before stopping right before a hole.

"God damn it, Chat." She picked herself up, and looked around the building. It seemed closed down, probably for a number of months. It would work perfectly. A hole ran from the roof of the building to the ground floor, just as she thought. Chat would be invaluable. Just as her thoughts switched to her companion, he flew through the same window she did before. He rolled to a stop right before her feet.

"So that's what that feels like." Chat opened his eyes, rubbing his face and smearing his blood. "Did you have a nice flight, My Lady?"

"Landing was a bit rough, as the pilot was such a dumbass. How about this building though?"

"You wound me. And what about it?"

"Do you think you can work your magic?" Chat took in his surroundings. He stood up and looked at the hole in the structure.

"You aren't planning what I think you're planning, right?"

"My derriere has been handed to me royally on a silver platter. This is a quick and easy way to even the odds a little bit."

"Then I hope you know how to tie a lasso. Set the trap, I'll get ready."

"We probably have 45 seconds. Do everything fast."

"As if there was any other way." Chat sped off, vanishing into a shadow.

Moments later, the clones came filing into the ground floor of the building.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are!" They taunted in unison. The group wandered through the building, searching for the heroes. Chat, watching from a shadow, waited until there were only a few on the ground floor. One clone directed a couple others away from the area. Chat took his opportunity and dashed to a selection of supports. He had been whittling down the pillars holding the building up while Le Reflet had been searching for him. Chat dropped down to the first floor, and kicked out one last pillar. The building shifted, groaned, then collapsed around the hole in the center. Dark smoke billowed out of the wreckage as the fight became noticeably more balanced. Chat sauntered towards the remaining copies with a sly grin on his face.

"Looks like your plans have been wrecked!" All the copies turned to face Chat.

"Just like the rest of your life is going to be." A clone started towards Chat, but was suddenly wrapped up in a red and black rope. Ladybug tied the rope around a remaining pillar, and pulled, tightening the grip on the copies. One by one, they dissipated into smoke. Chat took his baton out again, and walked to the final copy.

"So then, you're the real one!" Chat put his hand on Le Reflet's shoulder. "How about you give up easily, then?" He patted the shoulder, but Le Reflet disappeared into smoke. Chat, shocked, looked around the rubble, baton in hand. Ladybug ran down to join him.

"How did we miss one?"

"We couldn't have. He's here somewhere, and he has to be the last one."

"Then I guess we only have one more ass to kick."

A faint cough was heard behind them, and they spun around to confront Le Reflet, covered in a pile of rubble, loosely grasping his mirror. Chat rushed to his side, handing the mirror to Ladybug.

"Is he alright?" Chat heaved a bit of wood off the snoozing villain.

"Knocked out. He might have a few bruises, but nothing too serious. Smash that thing so we can get out of here. I'm feeling light-headed already."

With the mirror in hand she threw it down and crushed the glass beneath her feet. Out of the cracks emerged the black butterfly.

"There you are," Ladybug stated. She glided her hand over the surface of the yo-yo which unlocked the blinding white light beneath.

"In you go," she swung her yo-yo and captured the akuma. "Purifying light!"

A bright light emerged from the toy and the akuma floated off.

"Here comes the pain." Chat handed Ladybug a bit of his belt and his hand. "The hand is to hold, and the belt is to bite. That arm is going to hurt." Ladybug reluctantly took his hand, but pushed away the belt.

"Thanks Chat, but who knows where that has been." Ladybug gasped as her arm began to shift. She eyed the belt again,"That might have been a bad idea."

"It always works for me, but I guess you aren't that kind of gal." Chat wrapped her head in his arm and held her close. "Be as loud and squeeze as hard as you need to." Ladybug complied, Chat wincing as she crushed his hand and groaned. Hopefully it heals my hand too… Chat looked over at her arm, but couldn't stomach the healing process for long. He had seen plenty of it going the other way, but bone going back in made him shudder. Ladybug screamed into Chat's chest, digging her fingernails into the back of his hand. Then, as soon as it had begun, Ladybug relaxed. She leaned back against the wall, and looked at her arm. The costume had sealed up, covering any marks the wound had left. She looked back at Chat and loosened her grip on his hand.

"Hold on, Ladybug. I cracked a few ribs, I'll need this hand."

"Oh good. Now I get to hear a cat meow." Chat flashed a grimace at her right before he doubled over.

XXXXXXXXXXX (seriously why can i not use dashes here)

As the healing effects wore away, leaving only a few cuts and bruises untreated, the duos listened to beeps from their jewelry.

"We should probably go our separate ways, then."

"Actually, I'll meet back on the rooftop after you feed your Kwami," Chat responded. "The night isn't over yet, princess"

"Yeah sure."

Ladybug dashed off to a nearby alley as Tikki shot out of her earrings and into her hand, She was wearing her normal attire comprised of pink jeans, a white shirt adorned with sakura blossoms, and a black blazer.

"You had to get your arm broken didn't you?" Tikki asked rather annoyed.

"I'm so sorry Tikki I-"

"No, don't apologize Marinette. I'm fine. I've been through a lot worse. Are you ok?" Tikki inquired.

"I'm fine, thanks. Now let's get you some cookies to recharge, we've still got whatever Chat Noir has planned ahead of us."

Marinette walked to the nearest convenience store and purchased a bag of cookies and stuffed it in her purse. She waited until Tikki finished the cookies before disposing of the bag and transforming again.

She made her way up to the rooftop where the duo had been before they noticed Le Reflet. Once again she gazed at the night time view the city of lights had to offer. From here she could see the Eiffel Tower in all its glory.

"Black is a beautiful color, no? It blends so well with the lights. Such gorgeous contrast." Chat walked forward to join her at the railing.

"It is," Ladybug mused.

"It makes for such a romantic view."

"If only I were here with-" Ladybug began but stopped abruptly as she realized it would be inappropriate to speak of her crush on Adrien to her partner. Chat chuckled.

"So I have competition, then?" Chat turned away from the view and instead looked at Ladybug.

Ladybug sighed. "I… He doesn't notice me. Nearly 3 years of sharing all the same classes and I still haven't been able to look him in the eye much less have a conversation with him."

"So it will be an easy race then?" Chat grinned.

Ladybug shot him a dirty look.

"I kid. Why is he so… Unobtainable?"

"If you saw him you'd understand. He's gorgeous, brilliant, kind, noble. He's perfect; and me? Well..." Ladybug trailed off.

"You are Ladybug! I can be sure that your friends don't call you that, but it is still who you are in your heart. A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet. You are incredible. He probably doesn't even come close to your league."

Ladybug smiled gratefully "Thank you Chat. You're really sweet when you try. I'm glad I have a friend like you."

"I can't be all rouge and dashing all the time. A little bit of a soft cat has to come up some of my days. Anyway, do you know the time?"

Ladybug checked her yo-yo, "Five past one," she stated. "I need to head on back home if I want a decent amount of sleep before school tomorrow."

"Yup. I have to get up in about five hours. Good luck with that crush. Maybe he'll fall for sleepy you. Au Revoir."

"I doubt it. Merci, my cat, Adieu"

XXXXXXXXXXX (i'm so mildly annoyed by having to do this)

"How did you get that mark?" Alya gestured toward the bruises on Marinette's neck. Nino turned to look and laughed.

"You mean you don't know what those are?" Nino, who sat in front of the pair of friends, had been playing a game when he overheard Alya's concern and turned around to see what it was about.

"That, Alya, is a hickey. Your girl got game." Nino stated nonchalantly.

Alya's jaw dropped as she stared at Marinette in disbelief.

Marinette was also caught off guard by Nino's conclusion"I-It's not what you think. I can explain!"

"Oh no need to be so defensive Marinette. Who is it? Was it Nathanael?"

Marinette shook her head.

Alya gasped, "Did you finally?!" she reached out and placed her hand on her friend's shoulder in excitement.

"No. I wish," Marinette stated flatly. "I was cleaning my room and a book fell and hit me. That's why the bruise is there,"

Nino nodded along in mock belief, "Of course that's what happened." He turned his attention back to his game.

"Do you want me to try to cover that up?" Alya offered

"Yes, please."

"I don't think I have foundation for your skin tone, but I do have this." Alya pulled out a red polyester infinity scarf and draped it carefully over Marinette's head. She pulled back and giggled, "It suits you."

"Thank you so much, Alya,"

"Don't mention it."

At that moment, Adrien walked into the classroom and took his seat next to his faithful friend, Nino.

"What's up mi amigo?"

"Hey Nino," Adrien replied with a yawn.

He's so cute when he thought to herself. She recalled what Chat had said to her the previous night. She steeled herself. Today is the day. I will talk to Adrien.

"Good morning, Adrien." Marinette tried to sound casual but ended up sounding a bit too cheery. Alya slowly turned her head towards Marinette in encouraging shock.

"Oh," Adrien wasn't expecting Marinette to address him directly. "Good morning Marinette. How are you?"

Oh my god this is actually happening! "I'm fine. Just a little tired. Yourself?"

"Same, I didn't get much sleep last night. I might like math, but some of the problems are still killer."

"I completely agree."

Their conversation was cut off by a certain blonde who just so happened to enter the room.

"ADRIEN!" Chloe squealed as she caught sight of the green eyed model. "How are you? What are you and Marinette talking about?" she glared at Marinette.

Marinette clenched her fists, "Just discussing last night's math homework. You did do it, didn't you?"

"Why of course, Marinette! Sabrina has it. I'm pretty good at math, if I do say so myself. In fact, I gave my work to Sabrina so that she may use it as a reference in case she got stuck. Of course, my work is nothing compared to Adrien's," She turned her attention back to him and slyly placed her hand on top of his. Marinette could feel her blood begin to boil.

Adrien delicately withdrew his hand away from Chloe's, "I'm flattered Chloe, but my work isn't that impressive."

Just then the teacher walked in and commanded everyone to their seats. Class was in session.

XXXXXXXXXXX (like really the dashes are so aesthetic)

Adrien stepped inside his house. A weak greeting escaped his lips before he could pull it back. For it to fall on deaf ears would have been a blessing. He closed the door softly behind him, and walked up the stairs towards his room. Footsteps echoing on marble tiles up and down the cold hallways, he took the trip to his room, securing his door. There was no reason to even shut it, as Nathalie and his father were away for a week, but he did it nonetheless. Most kids would relish an empty house for a weekend, but it seemed like a family tradition now. His near boundless freedom had a sole restraint on Tuesday at 4:10, when he had to meet with a photographer for a potential shoot. If Mr. Agreste had taught him anything, it was that school was essentially optional as well.

"I'll still go…" Adrien said to himself, setting his bag down. School was the time he could pretend he was normal the easiest.

"Still go to the fridge? For my lunch?" Plagg drifted out of the discarded bag.

"You already ate lunch."

"Second lunch."

"How are you not like a black ping-pong ball already? Do Kwami not gain weight?"

"What do I care? A person who is fat is a person who was happy. Speaking of happy, there is a lil black creature who is about to get real unhappy without a selection of fine cheese."

"In the box on the desk. Don't complain for another two hours or else I'll put you on a diet."

"I am… mmm… not a… mmmmy goodneth thith ith good cheethe… not a pet!"

"Any pet that ate like you would be put out on the streets. It's just my luck that I can't get rid of you."

"Ah, whatever. You know you love me. Anyhow, what're we doin this week. Your pops is outta town, so is not-mom. How about a party with all those school friends?"

"Two people is not a party."

"Oh come on, you have Nino… uh… Alya? Marinette! There! Four is a party!" Plagg tossed the last bit of cheese in his mouth and promptly went to sleep. The antagonizing creature did have a point. What was Adrien going to do? He had spent as much time as he could at school, so his homework was finished hours ago. Nino was off with his family or homework, he wasn't really close enough or knowledgeable about Nino's feelings enough to spend time with Alya, and Marinette was… Well, he didn't really know what Marinette was. When he watched her from afar, she was warm, caring, helpful, and amazing, but when she talked to him she was shy, reserved, and hesitant. Did he do some wrong to her? Adrien made a mental note to try and be nicer to Marinette. Then he remembered this morning, when she seemingly stepped out of her shell. He'd need to spend more time around her. Maybe he'd learn more.

That friend group had its uses, at least. Without it, he probably would have never discovered the Ladyblog. He'd have to make a gift for Alya sometime as a thank-you present. Such excellent work could not go unrewarded. He had a few hours to kill before he had to go patrol, so he loaded up the page. Adrien couldn't spend a week on the blog, although. He had forgotten that Adrien doesn't exist on evenings and weekends. Chat Noir began where Adrien ended. Adrien caught himself smiling looking at headlines he played second fiddle to. He couldn't be mad. If the front page was filled with the love he dreamed of, there was no way he could even be annoyed. He sat back and wondered what Ladybug was doing. Where she was, and what she was up to.

Marinette sneezed, blowing the flour into her face. She huffed, but continued kneading the dough. Plenty of picnickers would be coming through tomorrow morning, so they needed their bakery stocked to the brim. If she worked hard enough, she could be done with this by 5, finish her French homework by 5:45, eat a quick dinner, then be on her way to patrol by 6. Perfect timing if she never stopped to take a breath, A swish of movement prompted her to look up, staring into the eyes of a black cat through a window. After freezing for a moment, it curled up in the afternoon sun and watched her through the dust. She grinned up at it. Such a content little fuzzball. If only Chat was like that. She shook her head. Every minute she lost now would cut into dinner later. She bet Chat would laugh at her if she showed up still eating. The dumb cat. She recalled his stunt last night and became painstakingly aware of the cuts and bruises still left. Her grin vanished. Yes, it was necessary to get both of them into the building, but some warning would be nice. He was vastly too reckless and didn't stop to think. She shook her head. Maybe that is what made him who he was. He had essentially sacrificed himself. She thought about what he said on their rooftop meeting. He isn't all bad. He can be pretty sweet sometimes. She wondered what Chat was doing right now. Probably not messing around with bread.

Adrien sneezed up a little bit of the roll he was chewing on. "Ew... " He wiped up the counter with his napkin. Was there a pigeon nearby? It was nearing June, allergy season would be right around the corner, if it wasn't there already. Now that he thought about it, what was he going to do for summer? He'd probably have a couple of weeks gone off somewhere with his father, a bit more work to do, but no class for the entire season. That left a good part of three months. He wondered if Nino would be willing to vacation somewhere with him. He could probably convince his Father after about a week of negotiations. Nino would be great company, but just the two of them would be tiring after a while. He didn't really have anyone else to invite… Except Marinette and Alya. He could barter for two rooms with his father, and it would be a good chance to get to know them better. He'd have to get closer to them over the next two weeks and discuss it with Mr. Agreste, then invite them the last day of school. It should all work out. A nice vacation to… Nice. Adrien had been once when he was a young boy, and it was a beautiful selection. He'd love to explore it again with some friends instead of being lead around by men in suits. He could probably even bargain for a little bit of money to spend. Get some presents for each of his friends. Nino would want some kind of music. The Italians would have something jumpin for him. For Alya, probably some genuine Italian accessories. Marinette… She made an excellent hat for a competition, crafted a couple of costumes, and he had heard that she was interested in fashion. A day or two in Italy would benefit all of them. The border shouldn't be an issue, at least not with Agreste notoriety in the area. The rest of the week could be subject to the morning's whims, Adrien didn't mind. He was spending it with friends, and that was all that mattered to him. Wait, if Marinette wanted to get into the fashion industry, then the Agreste family would be an easy in. Adrien might have to take a look at her designs. A mixture of his modeling and her designs could be lucrative for the both of them. But, what if that was all Marinette wanted? What if she was only being friendly to use him? No, no, that can't be. Too many malicious people in the industry had made him too suspicious. She would have taken advantage of that part of him years ago, not be shy around him for three years. Marinette certainly was an intriguing enigma, although. One he had to get to the bottom of.

Marinette sneezed again. She eyed the cat warily. Was she developing an allergy to cats? The cat settled down, startled by her sneeze. It couldn't be an allergy, she wasn't allergic to anything. She took a small bowl and filled it with milk. She slowly opened the window, and set out the milk. The breeze cooled her off a little as the oven heated her up. She leaned against the wall and rested for a spot. Her mother's conversation with a customer drifted in. "...Taking my husband out for the weekend. My Uncle owns a nice estate in the southwest, near Bordeaux. My husband works much too hard. I can't wait to relax with him." Marinette smiled, imagining herself vacationing with her husband. What a husband… Blonde hair, green eyes, a goofy looking smile when he is happy. Goes by Adrien usually… She popped a little bit of a sandwich into her mouth and pictured them. They would be married… right? "M… Misses… Misses Marinette Agreste" She smiled, no matter how many times she had said it, it never lost its glamour.

"Did you say something, Marinette?" Marinette jumped out of her skin. Her mother looked on from the doorway.

"N-No! Everything is in the ovens. I'm going to go upstairs."

"Alright. I'll listen for the timer, no need for you to do it. Thank you for helping."

"No problem, mom, I'll go to sleep after I finish my homework. Good night!"

Marinette willed the red from her face. Thinking about Adrien always brought her bad luck, it seemed. She eyed the black cat outside the window. "Or maybe it was you."

Chat Noir sneezed. He blinked a few times and shook his head. He looked back at the mirror. He always had to look his greatest for the greatest. A spritz of his usual Chat Noir-est cologne, a shake of his hair, and he leapt out his open window. At least he didn't have to sneak out when he was alone. Now, where could Ladybug be found?

Ladybug sneezed again. She recovered and popped the rest of her sandwich in her mouth. She eyed herself in the mirror. She was getting a bit thick. She flexed her arms, gaining about two inches on each. She turned to the side and looked at her thighs. They were right to propel her across buildings, but not so great for her to look at. Her eyes slid up."Thank goodness having a large rump is in these days." She shook her thoughts out of her head. Right now Paris did not need Marinette's issues with her looks. The city needed its heroine.