Chapter 8: Ladynette

Marinette was Ladybug!

How did he never see it before? It seems so obvious now. The beautiful, kind, caring, intelligent and brave Marinette was Ladybug, just without a mask. Put on the mask and she was still the same beautiful, kind, caring, intelligent and brave person - with superpowers. Adrien struggled to grasp at this new realization. The women of his dreams were the same woman.

Adrien's cheeks were hurting from the huge grin he could not control. Both Adrien and Nino stood as Alya approached them, pulling Ladybug behind her. Ladybug had her eyes to the ground.

"Un-be-li-va-ble!" Nino was first to react. "That is the most awesome Chat Noir costume I have ever seen. And I have seen quite a few, there are two in this party alone. Yours is on a different level. Are you sure you are not the real Chat Noir?"

"You are witnessing the workings of Marinette's magical hands. She adjusted both our costumes to perfection. She even invented this really cool belt with some springs and metal so it looks like I have a real controllable tail," Alya chuckled. "As good as this looks, I am as much Chat Noir as Marinette is Ladybug." She shifted to Adrien and added. "She is a stunning Ladybug, don't you think?"

Adrien's mouth opened a few times but no sound came out, gaining him a smirk from Alya.

"She sure looks like the real thing," Nino interjected. "You got it down to the finest details. Even your hair looks the same. I'm just waiting for you to pull out that yo-yo and swing from the chandelier."

Marinette's "Thank you" was barely audible.

"Come on Marinette," Alya pulled at her arm. "You are absolutely stunning. Don't ruin the look. Show some confidence. Play the part."

Adrien looked back and forth between Alya and Ladybug. Was he wrong? Was he fooled by an extraordinary custome?

"You look amazing." Adrien broke his sound barrier, "When you walked in here, all I saw was Ladybug coming with Alya to a party. I was wondering to myself, 'why would Alya bring Ladybug to Alix's party? How does Alya even know Ladybug?'" Taking a chance he added, "I think you are Ladybug."

Ladybug looked at him with a smile that threatened to melt him on the spot.

"I will take that as a compliment, as I know you all love Ladybug. I am only wearing this costume because Alya forced me, otherwise I would rather not be associated with Ladybug."

Adrien felt the arrow piercing his heart. The sharp edge of the arrowhead slicing through the soft tissue gliding through the upper and lower chambers, cutting its way out through his back. He would have crumbled to the ground in pain if it was not for the fear of dying from embarrassment.

Marinette was not Ladybug. He had been so sure. Would Marinette talk that way if she was Ladybug? Perhaps it was a front to throw people off so they won't realize she is the real Ladybug. Then why wear the costume? He would not wear a Chat Noir costume, and when he was forced to wear one he left off the mask. Alya could not have forced Ladybug to wear a Ladybug costume.

"That is too bad," Adrien tried to hide his deep disappointment. "You make a great Ladybug."

"And I make a stunning Chat Noir," Alya brought attention back to herself.

"Stunning and sexy," Nino blurted. "Ah, I mean, Marinette, that is really amazing work. Don't you agree, Cheriss? Marinette is really talented. She, em, she even managed to make Alya look good."

Ouch.

All eyes turned to Cheriss, curled up on the couch, almost disappearing inside her oversized dress, her glare turning Nino into a glacier. The song playing in the background ended as the group stood in uncomfortable silence.

"Nino, you are an idiot!" Marinette's outburst surprised everyone. "Insulting Alya will not fix your relationship, it just makes you a bigger idiot. Now sit down with your girlfriend and keep your eyes on her and only her. Sit there and let her punish you however she sees fit."

All eyes now turned to Marinette. She stood straight, her legs apart, hands resting on her hips, glaring at Nino. She was the embodiment of Ladybug. Was she Ladybug after all.

"By the way, I love your costume," Ladynette smiled at Cheriss. "How do you move around in that. At least this costume allows me to move freely. I can't even figure out how you sat down."

"Th-Thank you," Cheriss looked up to Marinette and smiled. "Why woman ever wanted to wear this? It took ten minutes to sit down without smacking my face."

"The sacrifices women make to look beautiful. You'd think men would start to appreciate us. Come Alya. Let's leave Cheriss to deal with her idiot of a boyfriend."

Without waiting for a response, Ladynette turned around and sauntered towards the drinks table, leaving Alya rooted in her spot. Sparing a glance at the couple, Alya turned to Adrien.

"Come Adrien. Leave them to work things out. You can hang out with us." Adrien nodded and the two followed Marinette.

"I think the costume is growing on her," Alya mused while they were walking. "She is starting to act the part. Don't you think?"

"I do. Are you sure she isn't the Ladybug herself?"

"Oh, I am. Chat Noir is not the one Marinette wants to kiss." She gave him a meaningful look and batted her eyebrows.

Adrien looked over at Marinette in confusion. He could not understand what Alya meant or why it was proof Marinette was not Ladybug.

She reminded him so much of Ladybug. The Ladybug he loves, his partner. Who, like Marinette wanted, would have protected the kids in the lab.

They reached Marinette who has poured herself a glass of soda.

"Hey Ladybug," Alya called out as they approached, "I'm glad you're my partner. I'd be scared to face you."

"He was right on one point," Ladynette turned towards them, "you are sexeeeeee…" the last word turned into a high pitch squeal, her hands flapping up spilling half her drink on the floor. "A-Adrien! W-What are you doing here?"

"Alya suggested we leave those two by themselves," Adrien reached for the napkins on the table, "Nino has some patching up to do. He might even manage it now, thanks to you." He bent down to the floor to wipe the spilled drink.

"Oh," Marinette looked down in confusion. "Oh! Did I do that? No, leave it. I should clean it." She grabbed a few napkins as she joined him on the floor, knocking the pile over. It rained napkins all around them.

"Oops. I'll get them," she cried.

"Let me," insisted Adrien.

They both leaned in and bumped their heads together.

"Ouch!" They cried simultaneously, falling back on their backside.

Alya looked down at her friends, amused.

"You two deserve each other," she chuckled. "I'm going to find Alix. Don't bother looking for me."

She left the pair sprawled on the floor, watching each other awkwardly.

"We should get up," Adrien suggested.

"Yes. I will clean up the spill, you can pick up the clean napkins. Then I suggest we stay clear of the drinks table," Ladynette took control of the situation.

Adrien led them to an empty adjacent room, where they shared a couch in silence. The couch was pine green with brown leaf pattern adorning the back and armrests. A pile of books laid on a wooden table across from them. Hundreds of books of different size and color lined the mahogany shelves spanning one wall. Adrien was attempting to visually figure out where the books on the table belong on the shelves.

Every few seconds Adrien observed Ladynette as she studied the room, then looked away. At one point he turned to her and their eyes met. They both blushed and looked down.

"I think they got the couch backward," Adrien pointed out.

"Backward?" Marinette studied the couch. "Oh, I've heard of this American tree which has green bark, it is possible its leaves are brown."

"Green bark? Why would you even know that?"

"I designed a costume of a tree a few years back, so I needed to do some research about trees. It came up."

"You researched trees for a costume? That is dedication." Adrien was impressed.

"Research is an important part of doing design. What do you do to prepare for your photoshoots?"

Adrien talked about fitness and diets, about outfitting clothing and trying out different makeup prior to the shoot before they decide on what works. After years of experience, he could recognize what was good and what wasn't, although no-one asked or wanted his opinion.

Marinette was an active participant during the whole conversation, asking for details on his diets and joining his disgust on his least favorite items. She had much to add to their conversation about clothes, styles, and fittings, wanting to know his perspective of being fitted for clothes. The conversation moved to items which Marinette has designed, Adrien prodding her for details about clothes which have never left her closet.

As the conversation continued their bodies turned, until they were facing each other, both sitting with one leg on the floor and the other curled in with their knees almost touching. Adrien kept his arms resting on his legs, while Marinette spoke with her hands and arms. Adrien found himself following the path of her hands as they flowed around him in arbitrary directions.

His favorite part was watching her face. Even with her Ladybug mask, she managed myriads of facial expressions adding extra meaning and feeling to everything she said. He has seen her expressive face before, from afar. When she was with him she would always have a frozen somewhat panicky expression. He was having the time of his life following every smile and frown, every twist of her lips or the dancing of her brow. On top of that, some of those expressions around the mask reminded him of Ladybug. Her likeness to Ladybug made it hard to believe she isn't her. He concentrated so long on the movement of her lips she asked if he was listening. He assured her he was and commented on what she was saying. From that point, he tried very hard to keep his eyes above her nose, with only a few glances at her delicious lips.

"We're going home now."

Adrien and Marinette jumped at the sudden disturbance. Nino was standing at the entrance to the room, Cheriss standing behind him.

"I didn't want to disturb. I just didn't want you looking for us."

"What? You leaving so early? Is everything okay?" Adrien was worried Nino has really messed up.

"Early? Dude, the party is over. Very few people are left. Marinette, Alya asked me to let you know she has gone home. Enjoy your evening and do to worry about her."

"Alya left?" Marinette looked from Nino to Adrien. "The party is over? What time is it?"

"You guys have been sitting here for two hours," Nino sported a huge smile. "I wouldn't have disturbed you except I know Adrien would have worried about us. So, we're good. We're going. We will see you next week."

"Thank you, Marinette." Cheriss popped her head over Nino's shoulder. "I'll see you at school."

"Ya, okay. See you."

"Good night guys." Adrien turned to Marinette. "We should leave too. Can I walk you home."

"I would like that, " Marinette's smile was golden.

They walked out onto the street, Marinette looking around, "It is late. I can't believe we were talking for two hours."

"It isn't late, the moon is still out." Adrien did not want the night to end. "Let's go through the park. It's on the way."

Without a second thought, he grabbed Marinette's hand and pulled her towards the park. He was not running, rather walking at a brisk pace, since, for some reason, he was giddy with excitement. After a few minutes, he realized he was forcing Marinette to jog behind him.

"I'm sorry," he loosened his grip and tried to pull back his hand. "I didn't mean to make you run."

"I don't mind," Marinette tightened her hold on his hand. "I want to get there too."

They held hands as they jogged the few minutes to the park. It was deserted. The lamps all around the park were lit, their light reflecting off the trees. The water fountain was dry and the carousel was hiding in a dark corner without its colorful lights.

"I don't know why, but I feel like running." Adrien recognized the Chat Noir in him was coming out. He was not wearing the mask, but it was as if he was with Ladybug, so he must be Chat Noir. He let go of Marinette's hand, instantly regretting the loss of her touch, ran along the path, upon a bench, balanced on its back and hopped off with a half turn in mid-air, ending with a smooth landing. He could not achieve the acrobatics of Chat Noir without the suit, but years of hero work has had an effect on his body. He was strong, lean, flexible and had a great sense of balance.

Adrien expected admiration, even applause. He did not expect Marinette to channel Ladybug and run on the same path, climb the bench, run across the back, jump with a twist an a half and land right beside him.

"Wow. Where did clumsy Marinette disappear to?"

"Don't worry, I am still madly clumsy when I don't pay attention to what I'm doing. When I concentrate I'm quite capable." She ran to the fountain.

Adrien watched in fascination as Ladynette run along the fountain edge, spun on one leg and ran on the next edge.

Madly Clumsy?

Adrien shook himself and ran after Ladynette, trying to catch her. He seems to spend his life chasing ladies in red and black suits. Even now she was out of reach. He complained that her costume was more suited for this activity.

They ran all around the park, climbing on benches, on the carousel or spinning around poles.

"You probably wish you could use your yo-yo," they were sitting on a bench catching their breath.

"This useless toy? I never understood why Ladybug chose a yo-yo as her weapon. It seems rather childish. Chat's baton makes more sense."

"You think she chose it? She uses it in so many ways, it is rather versatile."

"You are right, she is talented in using her toy." Her sarcasm was obvious.

Adrien studied her face. She looked like Ladybug, she acted like Ladybug, she even talked like Ladybug.

"Why do you hate Ladybug?"

Marinette looked at her shoes. Adrien forced himself to be quiet, to let her gather her thoughts.

"I don't hate Ladybug. In many ways I admire her. She is brave, confident, and she saves people all the time. It is possible I am jealous she is all the things I am not. But she is also fake, and I hate fake."

"Fake?" That was not what Adrien expected. "Why do you think she is fake?"

"Her relationship with Chat Noir. It isn't real. I am not sure if she is fooling Chat or he is part of it. That would be disappointing."

Adrien was flabbergasted. She saw right through their act. She was probably the only one. How did she do that?

"How do you know this?"

"She doesn't love him. She kisses him and looks at him adoringly during interviews. The rest of the time, she does not even treat him nicely."

"She doesn't?" How could Marinette have seen this? He hasn't noticed it until it became a problem.

"She used to. The videos when they were younger show them working together, supporting each other. Now, it is all about Ladybug. I always thought of Chat as her partner, not her sidekick. Now he is."

Marinette was looking at him now, her eyes shining in the street lamp. She cares about Chat Noir so much she weeps seeing what happened to him.

She cares about me. This beautiful, wonderful person cares about me.

Her piercing bluebell eyes filled up the slit in her red mask, the world around her became a blur as her eyes filled his vision. Her face was much closer now he could count the freckles on her nose. He could not help but look at her sweet lips, slightly open and so close to his own. Leaning closer he felt her breath caress his skin, the . . .

She doesn't care about me. She cares about Chat Noir, not Adrien.

Adrien sat back on the bench, slightly breathless.

What am I doing? She cares about Chat Noir. I love Ladybug. This is so messed up.

"I should take you home, it's getting late."

"What? Oh, I guess so." Was that relief he heard. Could it be disappointment or was he fooling himself?

They walked in silence to Marinette's house. This was a wonderful evening and Adrien was loath to end it in such a low note.

"Why is the light on at the bakery?"

"My parents are up baking a special order for tomorrow. They will be up all night working. In the morning they will send the delivery and go to sleep. It will then be my job to run the bakery."

"You are going to be baking? By yourself?" There was no end to her talent.

"No," Marinette laughed. "I only need to deal with customers. But I have baked a few times by myself when my parents needed me to."

"So you could be a baker."

"I would rather be a designer. The bakery is a good fall back option."

"Oh yes, your designs. Can I see them?"

"You want to see my designs?" Marinette hesitated. "Like, right now?"

That wasn't what Adrien meant. He was thinking he would come to visit tomorrow or Sunday.

"Em. Yes, if you want."

"So? You want to come up?"

"If you are sure it will be alright?"

"I guess. My parents are in the bakery, it isn't like we could wake them up."

Marinette opened the door to her house, holding the door for him. Having always entered via the bakery, coming in through the house door felt somehow more intimate. Marinette led the way past the door to the bakery and headed upstairs. Following, Adrien kept his eyes on the photos hanging along the walls.

They walked into the dark kitchen and up through the trapdoor to her room. It was different at night without sunlight streaming in from the three windows. The pink motif took on a darker shade converting the room from girly to romantic.

"I am slightly nervous to show them to you." Marinette stood next to her closet, her hand on the handle. "They are not all good."

"I know not everything can be perfect. Even with my dad, not all the new designs make it to market. Sometimes, after the photoshoot there is such negative feedback, they cancel the whole range. I have many clothes in my room which exist nowhere else." Adrien realized he was rambling. Why was he so nervous?

Marinette nodded, put her arm in the closet and randomly pulled out a hanger. Her breath hitched.

"Hold it up to your body," Adrien instructed.

She did so and it was beautiful. It was a blue strapless dress coming down to the knees, on that she would wear a black top with a gold pattern flowing down the arms. Adrien walked closer and felt the fabric, the back of his hand brushing against her chest.

"It feels really nice. I would love to see you in it."

"You would?" Her eyes were bigger than ever, holding him transfixed, drowning into a blue world of beauty. Everything slowed down, except for the rapid beating of his heart.

"I would. It is beautiful. You are beautiful."

He could not remember moving forward. Her lips were sweeter than the most luxurious chocolates he's ever tasted. More delicious than anything from her parents' bakery. Softer than he could have ever imagined. And they were kissing him back.

His right hand came up to her cheek, caressing her smooth skin, the tip of his fingers running along the bottom of her mask. He felt an arm on his left shoulder, her delicate fingers running through his hair, pulling him closer. A second hand briefly pressed on his chest then explored his body, finding its way under his coat, around to his back. Adrien's hand moved to hold onto one of her pigtails with his left wrapped around her delicate frame.

Months of kissing Ladybug paled in comparison to the passion and energy of this kiss. Adrien was lost in the wonder of Ladynette's embrace. Her kiss pulling him with a need he longed to fill, a passion to mirror is own and a desire he could not suppress.

The need to breath forced them to disengage their lips. Holding their bodies flush, they opened their eyes, stared at each other, followed immediately by diving for the other's lips. He felt some pressure on his lips, her tongue invaded his mouth as it opened, moving along his upper teeth, dueling with his. An experience both new and exhilarating. A throaty groan escaped his lips, pressing them harder onto hers.

The hand on his back was rubbing up and down pulling at his shirt. The hand froze when it touched his exposed flesh, sending a pleasurable shock through his whole body. Adrien lowered his own hand to her side, pulling her closer. Her hand moved again, traveling under his shirt, caressing his back, sending thrills from every point she touched his skin.

Running his hand up her back, Adrien was only mildly surprised to find Ladybug's suit had a zipper.


A/N

This chapter begs reviews. Please.

Next Chapter: Felicity