Author's Note: Sorry for the wait, I was busier than I thought I'd be.

This chapter flowed better than I thought it would. I'm surprised how well it turned out. When all is said and done, I'm sure this'll be one of my favorites. I hope you love it too.

Chapter 2: A Heart-to-Heart

"Whew! Close one!" Ladybug thought as she landed in the empty alleyway. Without a second to spare, she transformed back into Marinette. Tikki flew out of her earrings and went to her normal hiding spot, Marinette's handbag.

As she turned around to start her journey back home, she saw Alya, standing in front of her! Did she see!? Does she know!? They both stood, just staring at each other in shock. Eventually, Marinette found her voice, "Uh... H-hi Alya!" Nervous, Marinette then gave an awkward chuckle. "H-how long were you, uh, s-standing there?"

Alya stood there, still staring. She soon realized that it was her turn to speak, so she asked in a subdued voice, "Girl, you're Ladybug?" Marinette's heart sank, that was exactly what she feared she'd say. Alya gained more of her sense and said louder, and in more confidence, "Girl! You're Ladybug?" Marinette wasn't sure how to respond. Alya then exclaimed, in a loud voice, "Girl! YOU'RE LADYBUG!?"

After hearing Alya practically yell her biggest secret, Marinette went into action, and quickly ran to Alya and shushed her. "Quiet!" She whispered, "No one's supposed to know that! It's a secret!"

Marinette's words only confirmed Alya's thoughts. "I Can't Believe It!" Alya said in a quieter, but not that quiet, voice, "I can't believe that YOU'RE Ladybug!"

Marinette's mind was racing. All repercussions of this event filled her thoughts. One prominent fear shadowed her thoughts. Feeling guilty, Marinette apologized, "Alya... I'm so sorry that I never told you. I'm sure you're angry with me for lying to you, and not telling you that I'm Ladybug. I never wanted to hide the truth, but I was worried. The more people that know, the more dangerous things will become. I never wanted to lie to you, but I also never wanted you to be hurt because you knew."

Coming to her senses, Alya stated with an angry demeanor, "You're right girl, I am ticked off that you never told me that you're Ladybug." Marinette cringed. Alya continued, "I'm your best friend! We do everything together! You know how much I looked up to Ladybug, but you never told me. But, you know the one thing that gets me the most?" Marinette looked Alya in the eye and timidly shook her head. "The one thing thing that gets me the most is... my BEST FRIEND is LADYBUG!" Alya started jumping in place squealing with excitement. Marinette immediately felt relief and happiness.

Surprised, Marinette queried, "You mean, you aren't angry?"

Alya looked Marinette in the eye and said, "Girl, I am mad that you never told me, but how can I stay mad when my BEST FRIEND in the WHOLE WORLD is Ladybug!?"

Smiling, Marinette replied sincerely, "I'm glad you're loving it, but I'm still sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Alya smiled deviously, "I know where you can begin to make it up to me. You SO have to give me the scoop! I have SO many questions girl!"

Marinette grinned in response. "That is so Alya," Marinette thought.

Getting serious for a moment, Marinette looked her in the eye and commanded, "Alright, but you can't tell ANYONE! ESPECIALLY in the ladyblog! If anyone finds out, it could be very bad. Hawkmoth would send akumas to get to me in any way, even if it means harming you. I also know of some other people who would do the same if they had the chance. So before I tell you ANYTHING, you HAVE to promise me that you will NEVER tell ANYONE ANYTHING that I'll say. I can't let anyone hurt me, my family, or you."

Alya smiled back at Marinette and replied, "Come on, don't you trust me? Girl, you're my BEST FRIEND! I'd NEVER do anything to hurt you. You know that. It'll kill me that I can't tell anyone, but I won't say a word, I promise." Alya went right into Marinette's face and asked as fast as a chipmunk can speak, "Now you HAVE to tell me! How long have you been Ladybug? What's it like to be a superhero? Who else know's you're Ladybug? Am I the first to know? What was that pink thing I saw after you transformed? Oh! You've GOT to tell me what Chat Noir's like! Is he cool? Were you serious earlier when you said that you two aren't together?"

Marinette grinned at her best friend and told her, "Slow down! I can't keep up!" She chuckled affectionately before continuing, "But before I tell you anything, we should go to my place, I don't want anyone overhearing."

Alya groaned, "But Marinette! I can't wait that long! It'll take forever to get there!"

Before Marinette could respond, Tikki flew out of her hiding spot and went right up to Alya saying, "Marinette's right, Alya. This information is too important. We'll tell you everything, we only ask for a few minutes. Just be patient Alya."

Alya jumped backward, dumbfounded. After a little, she finally stammered, "W-what i-is that thing!? H-how come it is talking!?"

Unsurprised at Alya's response, Tikki flew up to Alya and greeted, "Hi Alya, I'm Tikki. I'm a kwami."

Still a little frightened, Alya asked, "W-what's a kwami?"

"We give people powers to help others."

That piqued Alya's interest. Having all semblance of fear gone, Alya queried, "Wait a minute. You... kwami... things... give superpowers? I was certain it was the Miraculouses! Then why does Hawkmoth want them so bad?"

Tikki sighed, then stated, "Well, That's part of it. It'll take awhile to explain. Let's go to Marinette's so we can talk."

Dispite being very disappointed at her question not being answered, Alya reluctantly agreed, for their request was reasonable. So Tikki slipped back into Marinette's bag, and then the trio started on their way.

Not before long, Alya had a disturbing thought. Feeling like she lost a part of the security she once thought she had, Alya inquired, "Wait! Is, uh, Tikki was it? Is Tikki ALWAYS with you?"

"Yeah, that way if an akuma attacks, We'll be ready."

"So that means that she's been around for every conversation? She can hear everything?"

Since they were still far from others, Tikki poked her head out and consoled, "It is true, I hear everything, but you don't have to worry. I'd never do anything bad with what I hear. I'm sure Marinette would agree that I'm trustworthy. Even though you don't know me yet, you will. I'm sure we'll be good friends in no time. In time, I'm sure you will trust me as much as you trust Marinette."

To back up her friend, Marinette added, "It's true, Alya. Tikki is one of my closest friends. She's helped me out so many times when I needed it. She is caring and wise. I'd trust her with my life if I had to."

Feeling slightly relieved, Alya said, "That makes me feel a little better. It's not like I would've stopped talking to my best friend anyway. Besides, I have to ask you more questions, and no one's gonna stop me."

They continued on their way, but not before long, Alya's impatience got the better of her and she complained, "This'll take forever! Girl, can't you just transform and carry us there? I'm sure you can get us there faster."

"I can't do that! My powers are a gift. I can't just use them for silly things like trying to get home quicker."

Since they were still far from others, Tikki poked her head out and commented, "Except when you transformed into Ladybug to quickly find Adrien's phone so you can delete that embarrassing message."

Feeling embarrassed, Marinette quietely whined, "Tikki!"

Tikki continued, "Or before you fought the Bubbler, you used the lucky charm to change the song so Adrien wouldn't slow dance with Chloe anymore."

Even more embarrassed, Marinette protested louder, "Tikki!"

"Or when the new girl, Lila, was flirting with Adrien and telling him she was bffs with Ladybug, you transformed into Ladybug to embarrass her in front of him."

"Tikki!"

Alya chuckled, "So basically, you transform if there's danger, or if it involves Adrien."

Marinette blushed, "Th-th-that's not true! I-i-it was because my reputation was at stake!"

"You're reputation was at stake when Adrien was dancing with Chloe?" Alya asked, laughing.

Marinette's blush grew. "Well... maybe not that time..." Marinette admitted.

Alya smiled at her best friend and observed, "You might be Ladybug, but you're still Marinette."

Dispite her embarrassment, Marinette couldn't help but smile.