Marinette started at me as I sputtered and gawked. "Wha-how-you-is that?" I eventually gave up and just pointed at her face.
"I was cutting some fabric for a new project and ended up slicing my face a little bit because I fell asleep with the scissors still sticking up. It doesn't need stitches or anything, I just need to keep it clean." She turned back towards her mirror so she could apply a bandage over top. "Alrighty, all set! Ready to go? I'm sure Maman is finished with your breakfast by now."
I nodded dumbly and followed her out of her room. I stared at the bandage on her cheek. Was it just a coincidence? I was interrupted in my thoughts by Sabine handing me another bag, this one containing my breakfast. "Now you two run along or you'll be late to school."
"Thanks, Maman," Marinette went over and kissed her mother on her cheek. I went over and said goodbye to Marinette's parents as well, and we headed out in the spring air towards the school.
Nino and Alya were already in the courtyard when we arrived.
"What up dude! Alya here was telling me about the crazy robbery that Ladybug and Chat Noir were at yesterday. Did you guys hear anything about it?"
"I still can't believe Ladybug got shot! She already was badass before but now she's off the charts!" Alya interjected before either of us could answer.
Marinette looked stressed out, and slightly nervous. She looked at her feet as Nino and Alya continued to talk about Ladybug's injury. Just when I thought she wasn't going to join the conversation, a hear her say under her breath, "It's just a flesh wound, not like it's a penetrating wound." The way she said it made me realize that she didn't expect anyone to hear her. But I heard her. And realized the truth.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng is Ladybug.
I could hardly focus in class. Suddenly everything made sense. They were never in the same place. They both had such kind hearts. They both had a knack for leading. Heck, even their hair was the same. When Marinette changed her hair a couple years back(she started wearing her hair down in loose waves that framed her face), Ladybug changed hers too. I thought about her eyes for a minute. How had I never noticed the big, beautiful, blue eyes that were owned by my two best friends? How did I not notice it before? I thought. It's all there. All the evidence I'd ever need, right there, the whole time. I really am stupid.
"Mr. Agreste, are you solving the world's problems in your head, or am I too boring for you?" Madame Bustier said accusingly, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Neither, Madame, I just have a lot on my mind." I've discovered that telling the truth is always better with Madame Bustier, she always figures it out anyway.
"Well do try to pay better attention, Adrien. This will be on the test next week."
"Of course, Madame Bustier."
As Plagg ate his cheese later that night, I decided to ask Plagg a few questions about what he knows about Ladybug.
"What's her kwami's name? Do you know them?" I grabbed another croissant and bit into it.
"I've known her for the longest time. Her name's Tikki." Plagg, though lazy, seemed very willing to talk about Ladybug and her kwami. "I've sensed her around sometimes."
"Sensed her?"
"All kwami's can sense each other, if they're close enough, and if there's a strong connection between the miraculous holders at the time — out of the suits, obviously."
"So, Ladybug and I have had connections outside of the suits, allowing you to sense her kwami, meaning you know who Ladybug is!"
"Well, obviously. And I can tell that you think you do too. I may know you better than you know yourself, Adrien."
"It's Marinette, isn't it. Marinette is Ladybug. I know she is. They both have the same wound, same personality."
"I cannot tell you if you are right or wrong, but I can tell you that only Ladybug herself can tell you." I couldn't help it anymore and got up to pace. Should I let her figure it out herself? Should I tell her that I know? Should I tell her subtly or make a slight show out of it? Do I tell her I love her when I do it to after? The last question hung in the air of my mind.
I obviously love Ladybug — always have, always will — but do I love Marinette? Who am I kidding, she's amazing! Marinette is the exact same as Ladybug, they are the same person after all. Everything just is all little below the surface with Marinette, it takes more work for it to show itself. I love her.
Despite Plagg's protests, I decided to transform and visit Marinette. I think about what I'm going to say as I run across the rooftops of Paris. I landed softly on Marinette's rooftop and knocked on the latch that leads into her room. She looked surprised as I gave a shy wave when she saw me.
"Chat!" She crawled out onto the balcony with me, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Every plan I had before coming suddenly disappeared. I'm suddenly standing here, with absolutely no idea what to do. So, naturally, I panicked. "I know."
She tenses, "Know what, what do you know Chat?"
"I know that that cut isn't from a pair of scissors, that you didn't fall asleep cutting fabric last night, because you were with me. You are Ladybug, and because of that flesh wound, that unfortunate, fortunate flesh wound, I was able to find you. I was able to finally tell the girl I love to her face, that I love her. I love Ladybug, I love Marinette, and I am so glad that they are one and the same."
She looked at me with those blue eyes and I tried to decipher if she was angry or upset with me.
"You know, Adrien, curiosity killed the cat."
"Well it's a good thing I've got 9 lives. Wait, did you say Adrien?"
"You were the only person I said this cut was from cutting fabric. How else would Chat had known that fact, if he wasn't the guy I had fallen in love with 4 years ago? And he's a lucky guy, because unbeknownst to me, I had the privilege of falling in love with him twice."
I released my transformation, letting her see me without the mask. "So I was right?"
"Of course you were, I knew you would find me eventually, and that you'd let me know who you were when you did."
I gave her a shy look and a sly smirk, "Did I also have the pleasure of hearing My Lady say she loved me back? Twice over I might add." I stepped forward and gathered her in my arms. My hands came to rest on her waist and she placed her hands on my chest.
She looked up at me through her eyelashes. "I felt so guilty for liking Chat when I had loved you for so long. I realize though that I wasn't confused. It was my heart trying to tell me who you were."
"Marinette? Can I kiss you?"
A barley audible yes passed her lips, and the moment the sound entered my ear I dipped my head down to capture her lips in our first kiss, but definitely not our last.
It was intoxicating, the feel of her lips on mine, the feel of us completely in sync. I pulled away and moved my lips to travel down her neck, whispering I love you with every touch.
Her clock beeped, signaling midnight, and I reluctantly pulled back. "I should probably go, you need your sleep." I transformed back into Chat Noir. I pulled her into one last kiss, "I love you."
"I love you, too." I started for the window. "Adrien!" I stopped, "See you tomorrow morning?"
I smiled, "See you tomorrow morning, Princess." I hopped off of her roof and headed home.
No cliffhanger this time, but definitely an eventful chapter! And a little longer too! I was so overwhelmed by the amount of reviews and follows on this story, and I am so happy people are enjoying it. There are still a few things that I have planned for this story, but I'm not sure when I'll be able to write and update. Finals are coming up, but once those are over and summer starts my life will be at the mercy of my fanfictions. As always, reviews and constructive criticisms are always appreciated!
Thanks for reading,
fandomsenigma xoxo
