"Ooh those days in the sun
What I'd give to relive just one
Change what I've done
Turn my life around
But that isn't real
And the empty pain I feel
Goes on and on
And days in the sun
Are a long time gone"
- Alan Menken
'Thoughts'
"Speaking"
Note: I have no beta so please forgive any mistakes made.
Edit: 06/15/17 fixed bold and warning that there is implications of Chloe/Marinette. Also expanded a little the Marinette x Chloe line. Hopefully it's more understandable now.
Marinette bolted from her bed with a choked scream dying in her throat. Gasps and sobs filled the room as she buried her face in her hands, her nails clawing lightly at her skin. Shudders ran through her body as Marinette tried to desperately calm down.
'Wha...what was that?' she thought.
Wiping away her tears with the edges of her sleeves, Marinette took a moment to try and figure out where she was. A spike of fear and confusion went through her as she realized that she was in her room.
"Why do I feel so scared that I'm in my room?" she whispered hugging herself.
Forcefully taking a few deep breaths, she crawled up to her balcony and tried to let the cool night air calm her down.
'Just calm down Marinette it was only...only a bad dream.'
It felt false to even think those words, but what else could all of that had been? Glancing at her hands, Marinette was struck by how small and smooth they looked, as if she was expecting her hands to have callouses and be bigger than they are.
"Oh my god, what is wrong with me?!"
Running her hands through her hair Marinette pulled out her pigtails and turned back to stare at her room. Moonlight stained her bed, giving her a clear view to jump down. Staring at the distance from the balcony to her bed, and her bed to the studio below, Marinette felt a rush of confidence and adrenaline hit her. Doing a little jump, she somersaulted down to her mattress before grabbing the rails and flipping over to the bottom of her studio floor, landing without a sound. Startling into an upright position, Marinette whipped her head back and forth in confusion as she began to freak out over her little stunt.
"How the heck did I manage to do that?!" Flailing about in disbelief she tripped over her chaise and landed with a thump near her floor length mirror.
"...Ow."
Pain shot through her elbow and back, as she had landed on her school books and sewing kit. Carefully standing up, she caught a sight of her reflection from the corner of her eye. Drawn to her floor length mirror, Marinette gently reached out and touched her reflection.
Staring back at her was a wide eyed young teenager with a slight build and smooth unblemished skin. A searing pain pierced her head and suddenly her reflection was replaced with a different image. A tall young woman, with rough calloused and scarred hands, short hair, and built arms and legs stared back at her. Her eyes were older, wiser and her smile was more secure, as if she was at peace with herself in a way most never reached.
Memories upon memories began to flash before Marinette's eyes, so much so that she collapsed to her knees at the overload of information. Staining to stay conscious, Marinette crawled to her chaise were she was struck with the memory of Tiki screaming her name in fear.
"Oh. My. God! Tiki!"
Clasping her earlobes, Marinette began to hyperventilate as she failed to find her ladybug earrings. The room spun and her chest burned with the lack of air; clutching the chaise in desperation, Marinette lost her sense of balance and collapsed in a dead faint on the chaise.
"Marinette! Wake up! You're alarm has been ringing for fifteen minutes! You're going to be late for your first day back at school!"
Groaning in pain, Marinette reached out and threw a book towards her bed, knocking her phone off it and on to her school bag underneath. Feeling around for a spool of thread, she made a quick slip knot before lassoing the bag to arm reaching distance. Her back and lower legs ached from the little maneuver she did last night, clearly she needed to stretch out a bit more so she wouldn't accidentally pull a muscle. Peeking from her chaise at the phone, she saw the date and hazily remembered that today was the day she met Alya for the first time, today was the day HawkMoth appeared, and today was the day Chat Noir and Adrien came barging into her life.
'Adrien...ADRIEN!'
Jumping of the chaise, Marinette began to pace back and forth while absentmindedly picking up her school books and chucking them into her bag. Biting her lips, she tearfully glanced at the cover of a near by magazine were a certain blonde was being featured. Carefully picking it up, Marintte mournfully realized all over again just what she had just lost.
Her boyfriend, the love of her life, the man who completed her in every way while still managing to drive her spare was a fifteen year old boy again. He knew nothing of their experiences and trials or who he even was outside of his father's shadow. They were back at square one.
"Marinette! Your breakfast!"
Giving the image a quick kiss, she lightly placed the magazine back on her desk, before pulling her hair into a ponytail. Walking into the kitchen she was struck by how young her mother looked, if Marinette's own age hadn't revealed that she was stuck in the past, then her mother's youthful looks would.
"Good morning mom."
Leaning close, she gave her mom a kiss on the cheek before sitting down at the breakfast bar.
"Good morning sweetheart. Cute hair, trying something different? Also did you sleep well? I thought I heard you last night."
Opting against cereal and oranges ,something about it gave Marinette the feeling she might have clumsily caused some mess due to that, she grabbed the banana and yogurt on the table and began to chow down.
"...I slept OK." she mumbled.
"Where you worried you'd be in Chloe's class again? I'm sure that girl has forgotten all about you during the break and you won't even be in the same class as her anymore."
Choking on a piece of banana, Marinette harshly began to cough as she remembered that she and Chloe weren't friendly acquaintances at this point, let alone good friends.
Gulping down some milk, her mother worriedly peered at her from the coffee machine as Marinette cleared her throat.
"Oh yeah...Chloe! I uh, I'll try to think positively about that, but to be honest my luck isn't always the best when it comes to her."
It had been a running joke among their group; Nino had actually tried and studied the way Marinette's luck would flux when pitted against Chloe's schemes. Smiling wistfully at the memory of her friends, Marinette gripped the table as a pang of loneliness went through her. It took a few long years before Chloe stopped belittling Marinette, and a few dates before Chloe and her were anything but explosive to each other. She had a few fond memories of passionate adrenaline kisses pressing the prim and proper Ms. Bourgeois against the wall after an explosive argument. In fact it wasn't till they broke up that Marinette and Chloe finally cooled down regarding each other and became the best of friends.
"Don't say that, it's the start of the school year! I'm sure everything will be fine."
Her mom smiled reassuringly at her before walking over and gently caressing her cheek. Leaning into the caress Marinette held back tears as she smiled gently at her mom.
'I love you mom.'
Sighing at herself in the mirror Marinette gave up and pulled out her hair bands from her hair. She just couldn't wear her pigtails, it didn't feel like herself anymore. Grabbing her brush, she pulled her hair into a high pony tail and tied it with a red ribbon. Smiling at the look, Marinette gave herself one last look over before heading to the front of the store.
"Oh-la-la! What a beautiful mature looking daughter I have! I love your new look sweetheart, very chic."
Marinette laughed as her father winked at her while packaging a batch of macarons for her classmates. Twirling in place, Marinette gave a cheeky smile as her father oh-ed and ah-ed over her new look. Sporting a red plaid skirt and a beige oversized turtleneck sweater with brown ankle boots, Marinette felt she resembled her older self more in this outfit than wearing her old pink pants and white top with a black jacket.
'I may be young again but that didn't mean I can forget who I was ...er, I mean, who I will be? Ugh! Time travel makes tenses so difficult.' Shaking away the thought, Marinette tuned back to her father thanking her for her for her amazing designs.
"No, no dad. We're the best! My designs are nothing without your delicious treats!"
Laughing heartily, her father gave her hair a light ruffle before pulling her into a big hug.
"Have a great day Marinette, we love you." Smiling at her parents, Marinette grabbed the box of macarons and gently placed them inside her bag. If she recalled correctly, these treats would have a greater chance to make it to school intact in her bag than in her hand.
"Love you too! See you tonight!"
Blowing them a kiss, she jogged her way to the crosswalk and patiently waited to cross the street. Up ahead on the other side of the road, an old man in a leaf printed red shirt began to hobble across the street, seeming unaware of the red sports car speeding its way closer to the intersection. Marinette's heart gave a sharp lurch as she remembered how much danger her old master liked to put himself into.
'There has to be a safer way to test us.'
Racing to the middle of the street, Marinette quickly picked him up in a bridal carry before racing back to safety. The red sports car sped past her, seemingly unaware or uncaring to slow down as it nearly missed hitting her and Master Fu. His eyes were very wide as he starred at her from her arms, and he seemed to be a little flustered at her hold.
"Oh my, thank you so much young lady! You're very strong!"
"It's not a problem. I'm just glad that you're not hurt."
Gently placing him to the ground, Marinette pulled out her macarons and offered him two of them. Wayzz loved the ones her father made, and it just didn't seem fair to not give him any this time around.
"Here, have a few macarons. They were freshly made by my father this morning at our bakery!"
Watching him take a bite, Marinette was filled with pride as she grinned at his bliss-ed out face. Watching customers enjoy her parent's treats was a privilege and pleasure she would never get tired off.
"Mmm! Delicious!"
A shrill ringing sound broke the peaceful atmosphere, as Marinette was reminded that she still had to get to class.
"So sorry! Got to run!"
Racing down the street, Marinette just managed to make it on time. She was really regretting picking up Master Fu, her legs were really killing her this time around. Thankfully she didn't use her back in lifting him up, or else she would feel way worse.
Stepping into class, Marinette saw Nino sit down at the front, while Alya sat to the side by herself. Making her way over, she couldn't help but grin as she noticed they were both wearing plaid, though her skirt was far more red in colour.
'We match.'
"Hi. Nice to meet you, I'm Marinette! Want a macaron?"
Curious looking hazel eyes met friendly blue ones, before a matching grin spread over Alya's face. Reaching out to gab one, a pale hand reached between the two girls and smacked the box away, sending it falling to the floor.
Marinette frowned lightly at the loss of her parents hard work, 'Looks like no matter what I do, you're just not meant to be eaten.'
A haughty laugh brought her back to the present, as a smirking young Chloe and Sabrina loomed over her desk. Sneering down her nose, the young blonde flicked her pony tail over her shoulder before stepping on the fallen macarons.
"Oopsie! Oh well, it's not like they would have helped you at all Marinette. I mean, how pathetic are you to actually have to bribe the new girl with sweets to be your friend?"
"Yeahhh, that's really pathetic!"
Taking a sharp breath, Marinette frowned harder at the two jeering girls, as she tried to calmly count to ten in her head.
'They're only immature kids, Marinette. Remember, you are an adult, so don't let them get to you.' Gripping the underside of her desk, Marinette fidgeted a little in her seat.
"Also, what is up with your hair? Are you trying to copy my amazing good looks with your pathetic pony tail and outfit?" Reaching towards the dark haired girl's ponytail, Chloe's hand was stopped by Marinette herself, while Alya stood from her seat and began to berated Chloe for her mean girl act.
"Who the heck died and made you the pony tail queen? News flash, it's not like you own the look or anything. Besides, if there is anyone in this room who needs to bribe people to be their friends, it's you blondie. I mean, how else is anyone willing to put up with your spoiled brat attitude."
Alya was a fiery vision, as she pushed herself into Chloe space. Her hazel eyes seemed to glow with rage, looking almost yellow in the lighting. Eyes flashing in anger, Marinette gave Chloe one last glare as she tightened her grip on Chloe's hand before shoving it away from her face. It warmed her heart that Alya still had her back, even if they had just met again.
Cradling her hand to her chest, Chloe gave Marinette a startled look over as she stretched her hand, before refocusing on Alya. Growling in frustration, Chloe took a small breath before sending Alya a smirk and shoving Sabrina to the side, as she got nose to nose with the new girl.
"Oh how cute, you think I actually care about what you think. Well, you're new so you don't know the rules yet. Let me dumb it down for you," Flicking her hair in Alya's face, Chloe smirked even wider as Alya crinkled her nose the action, "I rule and you grovel at my feet as the losers of the class. Around here I always get what I want, got it newbie?"
'Oh she did not just diss my best friend.' Reaching an arm around Alya's shoulders, Marinette stood up and gave Chloe a hard glare.
"She is not a loser Chloe! Besides, anyone who has to state they rule, don't really rule at all."
A soft snicker from Marinette's left distracted her, as she suddenly remembered they were in front of the class and not used to Marinette standing up against Chloe yet.
"Ugh, shows what you know Marinette! Once Adrien gets here, he and I will be the king and queen of the school and you will weep with envy as we rule the school together."
Giving them a pitying glance, Chloe sauntered her way to her seat Sabrina in toe. Marinette shook her head at Chloe's antics as she reached down and picked up what was left of her macarons in the box.
'Looks like there are five left. What luck!'
"What an evil witch! I can't believe girls like her actually exist!" Throwing her hands up in exasperation, Alya threw herself back to her seat before giving Marinette friendly grin.
"Hi, we didn't get to really introduce ourselves earlier, I'm Alya and it's great to meet you." Giving a strong handshake, Marinette pulled out a macaron before handing it to Alya.
"Thank you so much for having my back, here have a macaron. It looks like a few managed to survive hurricane Chloe."
"No problem girl! Like Majestia always says 'all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is good people to do nothing'. That girl over there is evil and we are the good people. We can't let her get away with things like that."
Grabbing her macaron, Alya and Marinette toasted each other with them before taking big bites. Alya cooed over the taste before giving Marinette a thumbs up, as she finished the treat.
Mrs. Bustier called for attention as she introduced herself to the class, and began roll call. Just like last time, Adrien didn't show up at all.
Finally the bell rang and both Alya and Marinette were happy to note they both had library period together. They were making plans to hang out after school when a commotion at the back of the class caught their attention.
"Kim!" Ivan roared as he scrunched up a piece of paper into a ball and glared angrily at the smug looking boy.
Marinette paled as she remembered a little too late that it was Kim's actions that lead to the first Akuma to be created.
She gave a little growl as she lightly smacked her head in annoyance, 'Stupid, stupid! What's the point of being in the past if you can't change anything important?'
"Ivan! Go to the principal's office at once!" Mrs. Bustier was a good teacher, but Marinette thought that Kim should also have gotten in trouble for the commotion. That boy had a habit of stirring up trouble when bored enough, and unfortunately Ivan was too straightforward and honest to keep falling for his tricks.
"What are you waiting for Marinette? Let's head to the library." Feeling Alya lead her away from the classroom, Marinette couldn't help but look over her shoulder as she watched Ivan make his way to the principals office.
'I am so sorry Ivan. I promise I'm going to heal you sooner this time around.'
Not even fifteen minutes into the period and a load roar could be heard from the hall, as the whole floor shook in a terrifying lurch. Catching her self from falling, Marinette felt dread as Alya dragged her to the monitors were Stone Heart was destroying the entrance of the school.
"Oh my gosh! Was that Ivan's voice? It's like he's been transformed into a real life supervillain!" Giving a little squeal of glee, Alya pulled out her phone and began to mutter a list, "GPS? Check! Battery? Check! I am so out of here!"
Marinette could only watch in slight disbelief as Alya raced to the door, "See you later Marinette! Let's hang out another day OK? Where there is a supervillain there is a superhero behind! No way am I missing this!"
Sighing fondly at her best friends antics, Marinette grabbed their bags and made her way home. She could give Alya's bag back later, after this whole mess is cleared up.
Reaching her home in record time, Marinette ran to her desk where a familiar looking back box sat waiting for her.
'Tiki!' she thought, happily hugging the small box before pulling it back to open it. A bright light burst out as a pair of earrings morphed into a familiar small red and black figure.
"Hello! I..." Tiki trailed off in disbelief as she and Marinette stared at each other. Marinette clasped her hands over her mouth as tears of joy began to pool in her eyes as she took in her partner and best friend.
"You! But...how?...I've never met you before, so how could you smell like Ladybug magic?"
Quiet tears streaked down Marinette's face as she kneeled before Tiki, making sure to give the Kwami space so she didn't feel intimidated.
"I-I am so happy to see you Tiki! I missed you so, so much!"
Annnnnnd that its for this chapter! What do you guys think? Poor Marinette was on a rollercoaster ride regarding her emotions in this but to be fair not even twenty-four hours have passed since she found herself in the past. It's a lot to take into. What did you guys think about her new look and outfit? Her and Chloe's scene? Thank you so much for your follows, favourites and reviews! I really appreciate it!
