Chapter 2:

"Hey kid, c'mon, snap out of it!" Plagg did his best to comfort his chosen from his hiding spot in Adrien's shirt pocket. Even for Gabriel Agreste, that last exchange was pretty harsh. But with the house's video security surveillance in constant operation, he knew that there were very few places in the mansion where he could fly about freely, and the dining room was not one of them.

When Adrien didn't reply, Plagg began poking him in the chest playfully, hoping to annoy him into a response.

"We all know your dad's an ass, don't let it get to you! Let's go, your friends are waiting for you at school!" While this last statement was indeed true, Plagg was acutely aware of the fact that Adrien had lately put some distance between himself and the rest of the formerly-inseparable group. When he had asked about it, Adrien had said something about how his love of Ladybug complicated his purely platonic friendship with Marinette, the irony of the statement causing Plagg to literally groan. Adrien had taken his kwami's reaction as disinterest, waving him off as being unable to understand.

Now the tiny cat-god had wished he had pushed the kid a little further to analyze his feelings for the civilian alter-ego of his heroic partner. It was painfully obvious that the kid loved both girls, and that his petite, stammering classmate had a near-incapacitating crush on him as well. If only they weren't so blind…

Ugh, I'm so bad at this "feelings" crap, the kwami mused, wondering how to spur his friend from his current state.

As Plagg peered through the small window of sight that the open shirt provided at the dejected, tear-streaked face of his keeper, movement caught his eye. Barely visible at the edge of his visual field, Plagg immediately recognized the flutter of black wings and the sickly purple glow.

Oh shit!

Diving to the floor at the last second, Plagg narrowly escaped being swallowed in the bubbling purple-black power that engulfed Adrien.

Not good, not good! the cat-kwami murmured, tucking himself into Adrien's bag. Plagg knew his first goal was to get out of the constantly-surveilled mansion… and then he would need the help of a certain red bug. Ohhhh man, I hope Marinette is in school today. Her "purse" and I need to have a chat.


Marinette slumped in her seat as Mme Bustier droned on with the day's lesson, taking in the empty chair in front of her. For the past few weeks, Adrien had seemed increasingly withdrawn, upset about something that he would not divulge. Her concern for the well-being of the kind, selfless boy had surmounted her fear of embarrassing herself in front of him, and she had reached out to him several times to offer her support if he wanted to talk. Each time, he would smile and thank her politely, but decline her offer.

She soon realized that he was avoiding her specifically; he wouldn't approach the group if she was there, and would make an excuse to leave shortly after her arrival. Insisting that she was being ridiculous, Alya had made efforts to force them together (such as that physics study session that she "forgot to mention" Marinette would attend). Sometimes Marinette would catch Adrien looking at her, but he would look away when she caught his gaze in an attempt to offer a friendly smile. He seemed genuinely uncomfortable in her presence, and slowly began to avoid the group altogether. Now, it seemed, he wouldn't even come to school if it meant seeing her!

Marinette had no idea why he suddenly seemed to despise her, and the worry and guilt were eating her away. Had she insulted him somehow? Was she too forward in pressing him to talk? Was he annoyed by her? The questions cycled through her head in an endless loop, distracting her during her waking hours and plaguing her dreams at night. Even during patrols as Ladybug, she had difficulty focusing on the task at hand. Speaking of, Ladybug's life wasn't going much better…

Repressing her growing feelings for Chat was becoming increasingly difficult as she struggled with the concept of absolving Adrien from his position of "fantasy crush"to focus on maintaining their friendship. Chat's light-hearted, flirtatious quips, once easily brushed aside with a grin, struck at her heart, causing flutters of excitement and warmth, like smothered embers threatening to spark to life. Several times, she had to stop herself from leaning into him, from standing too close, or from making some suggestive remark of her own. She instinctually knew exactly what was happening: she was falling for Chat Noir. He was so protective of her, cunning and sweet, brave to the point of recklessness… and that body didn't exactly hurt either. She recognized the same nervous excitement when she caught sight of his leather-clad figure perched on the rooftop, waiting for her, as she had when Adrien would walk into the room. But you CAN'T. Even if his feelings for Ladybug are sincere (the thought made her heart flutter a bit), do you really think he'd share the same admiration of plain, boring, stammering Marinette?

Staring at the desk and entirely caught up in her thoughts, Marinette didn't even notice that the room had fallen completely silent.

Seeing the classroom door open out of the corner of her eye, Mme Bustier had turned to admonish the tardy student, but her words caught in her throat, her expression stricken with surprise.

The figure of Adrien Agreste stood in the doorway, his blond hair perfectly disheveled and eyes cast slightly downward, a grin playing at the corner of his lips. Abandoning his traditional tee shirt and orange converse, he was dressed in a fitted black button-down that appeared to shine under the harsh lighting, the first few buttons left undone to offer a hint of the toned chest that lay underneath and the sleeves folded sleekly to his elbows. The shirt was half-tucked into slim-fit tailored pants, the denim material much darker than his usual pale blue jeans, just cresting the tops of his freshly-polished leather shoes.

It wasn't just the expertly-crafted clothing that drew the eyes of Chloe Bourgeois, her seat in the front of the classroom placing her front and center for the show. There was an aura about him, something that seemed to draw her to him. As he lifted his eyes and met hers, the piercing green irises seemed to sear into her soul. Without even realizing she was doing it, she slowly rose to her feet.

Chloe blinked as he glided past her. When had he moved? She shook herself from the trance and dropped into her seat quickly, suddenly aware that she had been standing in the middle of the class, mouth agape, just staring. Watching him, his movements so fluid, he looked every bit the model he was… and much, much more. True, Chloe had been interested in Adrien before: he was gorgeous, famous, and rich, after all, and would make a suitable match for her. But it wasn't until that moment that she knew she must have him, that she would give anything for him, and that she would do whatever it took to be his.

Marinette was startled when she saw the masculine hand graze across the desk in front of her, interrupting her thoughts. Time seemed to slow as she processed the familiarity of the ring that graced the long, pale finger: a plain black band with an empty circular face. Empty? Something in her memory flashed with significance, a sense of urgency, that they needed to hide… from… from what? Allowing her eyes to follow the path of the arm to its owner, Marinette audibly gasped as she met Adrien's fiery gaze. It suddenly felt as if all the air had been pulled from the room, that the room itself was gone, and she was falling… falling into jade-green, infinitely deep pools in which she would happily drown.

Marinette's left hand anchored to the desk at the wrist by Alya's white-knuckled death-grip, Adrien smoothly caught her right in his waiting hand and brought it to his lips, breaking eye contact to place a lingering kiss there. Marinette was hyper-aware of the softness of his lips as they pressed into her hand, the buzzing in her ears nearly deafening despite the silence in the room. As wonderful as the satin-soft feel of his lips was, she found her heart racing, her skin raising in goosebumps, her muscles twitching like coiled springs. As much as she wanted to stay with him, to feel those lips press into hers, to be absorbed into bliss forever, there was another sensation—a visceral, instinctual knowledge that sensed danger, and it was screaming at her to run. Before she could react, he raised his eyes to hers again and held her gaze.

"DUDE!" Nino's voice shattered the silence of the room, the women in the classroom noticeably flinching in surprise. "What the actual fu—"

A purposeful cough from Mme Bustier cut him off. "A-Adrien?" She took a deep breath to steady her tumultuous nerves. What is going on? Christ woman, he's 16! She internally berated herself. "Please have a seat so we can resume the lesson." The teacher turned away from him quickly, intuitively reluctant to meet his gaze.

Casting a final grin at Marinette, Adrien took his seat next to a bewildered Nino, gesturing for the instructor to continue with a casual wave of his hand.

Marinette and Alya stared at each other as the tension that had gripped them both released its hold. Alya sheepishly let go of Marinette's wrist, her fingers leaving red marks where they had been squeezing tightly.

Finding her voice, the dark-skinned girl whispered the question on everyone's mind: "What the hell was that?!"

"I guess he's feeling better?" Marinette whispered back, her own thoughts still a little fuzzy.

"Oh girl, there is nothing wrong with that boy!" Alya replied, her whisper failing to hide the trace of lust in her voice. "…sorry. But DAMN."

Marinette gasped as her mind finally registered the significance of the ring. She knew she had seen it before! Adrien wore that ring every day. It wasn't the empty face that struck her as odd, it was the color. Adrien's ring had been silver, but this one was black. His recent depression, the now-black ring, the new clothes, his strange behavior… could he be an akuma?!

Marinette jumped to her feet, clutching her purse. "Mme Bustier may I use the restroom?!" her voice was frantic. "It's an emergency!" The whole class was probably thinking that she had a serious case of intestinal upset, but at the moment, she didn't care. She needed to talk to Tikki immediately.

Taking note of the young girl's distress, the teacher nodded to the hall pass before returning to the lesson.

Marinette wasted no time in rushing to the girls' restroom and locking herself inside. Glancing under the doors to ensure she was alone, she opened her purse, allowing Tikki to emerge.

The little red kwami popped out of the purse without delay, concern evident in her expression. "Marinette, what happened? I sense an akuma very nearby! Do we need to transform?"

"Tikki… it's bad. It's Adrien, I think Adrien's been akumatized!" Marinette voice was unsteady. Guilt threatened to overwhelm her, as she knew his recent suffering was somehow her fault… even if she didn't exactly understand how.

Tikki's large eyes widened. "A-Adrien? Is an akuma?" The kwami was well-aware of the true identity of her chosen's feline counterpart. If Adrien was Hawkmoth's victim, it meant Ladybug would be facing this particular akuma alone.

Tikki steeled her expression. "It's OK Marinette, you'll save him! Just like with Alya. Once you purify the akuma, he'll be back to normal and everything will be fine!"

Marinette bit her bottom lip. "Yeah, about that. I think this one is gonna be up to Chat Noir."

Tikki looked puzzled. "Marinette… even if you have to hurt him, it's not really him, and he'll be totally fine as soon as you use Miraculous Ladybug."

"That's not it." Marinette's reply was hesitant, fearful. "It's his power. When I'm near him… actually I think when any girl is near him, they become entranced, spellbound. When he catches your eyes, you can't even move. You feel wonderful and terrified, like flying... and falling, at the same time." Marinette subconsciously wrapped her arms around herself, struck with a sudden chill. "I can't fight it, Tikki. It needs to be Chat."

Well, that's going to be a problem… Tikki thought. She couldn't explain how she knew that Chat wasn't coming without revealing his identity, so she went another route… she stalled. "Don't worry, we'll figure something out Marinette!" the tiny bug-god encouraged.

Despite the kwami's reassuring words, Marinette could easily read the worry in her expression. Please Chat… please come soon! Marinette silently prayed.


Chloe hadn't missed the attention that nit-wit Marinette was demanding of her Adrien. Her jealousy boiled with such intensity that she nearly exploded out of her seat when the bell for lunch sounded. Marinette never came back from the restroom, so she can't get in my way this time! The blonde thought smugly as she sauntered toward the object of her affections. The other girls in the class were moving toward him as well, but Chloe was not dissuaded.

"Out of the way, losers! Adrien is with me!" physically shoving Alya back toward her seat, Chloe approached Adrien, favoring him with her most seductive smile. "Hi-ii Adrik—"

When Adrien stood and met her eyes, Chloe felt her heart leap into her throat, cutting off her words. His eyes shone like precious stones, catching the light and reflecting it into a kaleidoscope of golden prisms. Chloe couldn't help but feel that their beauty hid some secret, that if she could peer deep enough some treasure was waiting for her. She could not hear the other girls begin to protest her claim of him, did not see them swoon when Adrien's lips curved into a crafted smile. The world around her had fallen away; she saw only him. As he reached for her hand and led her out of the classroom, Chloe suppressed the girlish giggle that bubbled in her chest. He was touching her! Their hands were touching! Her focus completely on the captivating man guiding her, Chloe did not notice where they were going. Not that she actually cared, she would follow him anywhere.

Adrien's thoughts were muddled, as if he existed in a state between wakefulness and sleep. What am I doing? Where am I? I want…love. Yes, he wanted the love of a woman. No, not wanted, needed. Yes, that's right... He needed it to live. He yearned for it, fed off it, drank it into his soul. It was his lifeblood, and now that he had it, he had never felt so alive.

The pink outline of a moth lit up his peripheral vision as Hawkmoth's voice came to his ears: "Playboy, I see you are enjoying your new powers. Do not forget, you must hold up your end of the bargain. Thief of hearts you may be, but your abilities come with a price. Now make yourself known, and draw out Ladybug and Chat Noir!"

His senses tingled with energy, his blood hummed with power. Yes, Hawkmoth had granted him the ability to seduce any woman he wished, and the power brought with it a massive boost of confidence. He felt invincible. As he led Chloe away from the school and toward the park, he laughed lightly at how easy it was. The adoration poured off of her in waves, her desire for him was almost palpable. Guiding her into the shade of a large tree, Adrien pulled her to him.

"Ooh Adrien, right here? In broad daylight?" Chloe eagerly pressed her body into his, her crystal blue eyes clouded with lust and cheeks flushed in anticipation.

"Do you love me, Chloe?" Adrien's voice was deep and smooth as he bent his face toward hers.

"With everything I have," Chloe replied dreamily.

Adrien's mouth, only inches from her waiting lips, curved into a grin.

"I'll take it," he growled, catching her lips with his own.

Marinette watched, stupefied, from her spot on the park bench where she been unpacking her lunch. Adrien had brought Chloe to the park, and was…kissing her? What the hell? As he pulled away from the kiss, Adrien inhaled deeply, breathing in what appeared to be a whisp of smoke arising from between Chloe's still-parted lips. His eyes still closed, Adrien smiled in contentment as Chloe collapsed to the ground.

Marinette gasped in surprise, drawing his attention. She immediately turned her attention to the sandwich she had been unwrapping, studying it intently as if she hadn't just witnessed the strange scene. Although she kept her eyes glued to the sandwich, she was suddenly aware of his proximity. Her pulse quickened as the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She could swear she felt him behind her. That's impossible, you just saw him across the park. It's your imagination! Still, she held her breath, straining to hear something that would indicate his presence.

"Do you want me, Marinette?" his husky voice came from directly beside to her ear. She could feel the heat of his breath as the words teased her. But when she whirled her head around in shock, there was no one there…. she was alone. Turning back to where he had been standing, Marinette saw that Adrien was gone, but Chloe's crumpled figure remained.

Abandoning her lunch, Marinette ran to the girl. As she approached, she could hear that Chloe was crying, gasping for air between sobs.

"Chloe, what happened?! Are you OK? Are you hurt?" As much as Marinette hated the spoiled brat, nobody deserved the pain she appeared to be suffering.

Chloe continued her blubbering, seemingly unaware of Marinette's approach. "He doesn't love me!" She sobbed again, choking on her words. "He is my everything, but he—" another sharp inhale. "He doesn't…" Chloe wailed, her body wracked with sobs. Marinette offered encouraging words to seemingly deaf ears for the rest of their lunch break, and eventually Chloe's energy was spent, her sobbing diminishing to a whimper. Marinette tried to help her stand, but Chloe was dead weight in her arms, her blue eyes empty. After waving down an officer who promised to see her "sick" friend home safely, Marinette headed back toward the school in a run.

This confirms it. Adrien is definitely an akuma, and he is attacking women. No time to wait for Chat, Ladybug needs to step in now!

Marinette was overwhelmed with the sounds of tormented wailing as she entered the school. She counted at least eight girls lying on the ground in the hallway, crying uncontrollably as their confused friends and teachers tried to comfort them. Ducking into the restroom, Marinette popped open her purse.

"There's no time, Tikki! We have to fight…. Spots on!"

Dashing out of the restroom, Ladybug followed the sounds of anguished cries until she found Adrien… or rather the akuma that had taken control of Adrien. She entered the classroom just in time to see Juleka collapse to the ground, where Rose was already curled into a tight ball, hugging her knees to her chest and whimpering.

"Stop it, Adrien! Let those girls go!" Ladybug's voice portrayed more confidence than she felt.

Adrien chuckled lightly, his eyes still closed as he enjoyed the rush from his latest victim. The feeling was intoxicating, and he reveled in it. "Sorry Ladybug, Adrien wasn't strong enough to take what he wanted, so Playboy is in control now. But if you stay, I'll make it worth your while." And you'll make it worth mine! He silently added.

My God, that confident, cocky smile playing on his gorgeous lips, the golden blonde hair that I just wanna run my fingers through… Ladybug was taken aback by the gorgeous man before her. Just then, his burning green eyes flashed open, catching her stare. Her eyes opened in alarm, but she felt her heart flutter pleasantly in her chest.

In an instant, he closed the distance between them, cupping her face in one hand and wrapping the other around the small of her back. Her breath hitched as he peered into her eyes, his gaze causing a fire to build in her belly that threatened to consume her.

Pulling her against him, he tipped her face toward his. "You are incredible, Ladybug. So kind, brave, and vigilant. Do you even realize how beautiful you are? It's enough to drive a man wild…"

Ladybug's heart beat frantically in her chest in an odd combination of fear, bashfulness, and attraction. To hear those words in Adrien's voice, sounding absolutely sincere, sent her head tumbling over itself.

Suddenly she was released from his hypnotic gaze as he reeled back in pain with an angry hiss.

Ladybug blinked, astonished at the sight of a small black demon-creature that had apparently bitten "Playboy" on the ear. Strange, he almost looks like…

Adrien grabbed the cat-god and threw it to the ground. Catching himself mid-tumble, Plagg flew to Ladybug's face, waving his arms in panic.

"LADYBUG, go! No time to explain, we need to run, NOW!"

Seeing him up close, Ladybug realized the creature was not a demon, but rather like a small, black—CAT. It's Chat Noir's kwami! Is Chat here!?

"NOW!" The cat-kwami repeated, as Adrien furious gaze fell upon the creature.

Finally regaining her composure, Ladybug nodded. "RIGHT!" Catching her yo-yo on the classroom's emergency sprinkler head, she launched herself through the air and out of the classroom. "Everyone, out!" She didn't stop running as she called her warning to the bewildered students. "There's an akuma, it's dangerous here. Go home NOW!" Ladybug was out of the school and swinging toward home in a flash, the cat-kawmi chasing close behind