Plot Orphans:

Here is the filing away space for my odd little ideas and one offs. None will be fully fleshed, but I did write out some of the key scenes – or at least I quickly came up with a pared down scene. Perhaps using common cliches to expedite the process. As this is fanfiction, it goes without saying that I do not own the source canon. But these ideas are up for adoption.

If you adopt an idea and write it in your own voice, merely acknowledge that the idea was adopted from me. Optionally, point your readers to the relevant chapter you adopted it from.

If you simply outright copy word for word any section or scene, or some such, then credit me and point readers to the relevant chapter.

www. fanfiction . net s/12585933/10/The-Orphanage

So, clearly I have fallen down the rabbit hole that is Miraculous. Have a bunch of stupid little drabbles.

Chapter Ten

Miraculous Ladybug

Story 1:

The Miracle Reveal

Summary: Sometimes you can be too smart for your own good.

"Ah, watch it," Marinette screamed as she went down. She was in a hurry, late for class again thanks to an akuma attack, and wasn't in a good mood to begin with.

"Oof," Adrien grunted from the ground where he ended up after colliding with the girl in his haste to get to class. "Hey, stop being so clumsy. You're going to make me late." He too was in a poor mood. Between his father, being late, and being sore after a rather annoying akuma fight, he was in an uncharacteristic bad mood.

"I'm going to make you late? You're the one who ran into me."

Their teacher just shook her head. "Children, seats now. And detention for tardiness."

"See what you did," Marinette seethed.

"What I did? Why are you always so late."

"I thought I saw ... a spider ... in the bathroom. Why are you late?" Suffice to say, the two, tardy kids had ignored their teacher.

"That's a weak excuse. You're always missing during an akuma attack."

"Yeah, well ... you never been an akuma - that sounds fishy to me."

The two fell into silence. Then they suddenly sprang up and pointed to each other. At the same time, both claimed. "I know who you are."

Then they glared at each other, furiously. And, once more together, they shouted, "You're Hawkmoth!"

"You're not going to get away!" Again in unison. They transformed simultaneously. Tackled each other at the same time, rolled on the floor.

And then when everyone finally realized what happened ... "You're Cat Noir / Ladybug?!" was chorused by a room full of voices.

Alright, they're very OOC. Let's blame it on them being extra tired and exhausted. :P

Story 2:

Why He did It

Summary: Everyone assumed Gabriel's motivation was his missing wife ... they assumed wrong.

Ladybug came upon a crying Cat Noir on the top of Notre Dame. "Kitty! What's wrong?"

Cat sniffed. "It's ... it's my father. He's Hawkmoth!"

"What?! Are you sure? Why?"

"He figured out I was Cat Noir and told me, showed me, himself. I watch him transform, with a the help of a kwami and a butterfly pin miraculous, and akumatize our personal chef."

"Okay ..."

"And do you want to know why? It wasn't to return mother. It wasn't to take over the world. ... He wanted to make everyone in the world buy only Gabriel designer clothes so he'd be the only fashion house in the entire world."

Ladybug pursed her lips. Her inner fashion geek liking the idea. "Well ... that doesn't sound against the law. It's not so bad, is it?"

Ha! Yeah, I do not see that ever happening. Talk about nonsense! I think that's my stupidest yet!

Story 3:

It's What They Do in Action Movies All the Time

Summary: Anyone who's seen a Hollywood blockbuster knows that if you're trying to blend in, you just have to pull the person you're with into a kiss.

Ladybug and Cat Noir had just defeated Lady WiFi. She had used her special power first, needing to unlock the freezer he was trapped in, and was in the greater danger of revealing herself. So she ducked into a closet they ran passed.

Cat Noir stopped the door, halfway. "Wait! Stay. I won't tell anyone who you are. Cat's Honor." Cat's ears twitched, which Ladybug noticed, as he caught a commotion.

"No one can know who we really are. Not even ourselves."

Cat glanced behind him, frowning, letting her close the door. "You better hurry, I hear people rushing this way."

He then twitched his head the other way, not noticing the closet door was ajar. "Crap, surrounded" he softly swore. "I'll draw them away," he said louder, with a hint of resignation in his voice. He wasn't sure if he could avoid being caught out - but he wasn't going to let anyone discover Ladybug if he could help it.

That was when a hand came out the open door, grabbed him and pulled him into the closet. The door swung shut.

"This means nothing. Close your eyes and kiss me," Ladybug commanded him. "And drop your disguise before they see you."

Suddenly, she was in his arms pressing her lips against his. His arms wrapped tight around her. He was barely aware enough to mumble to Plagg before giving in to the kiss, his tongue seeking entry.

The two did not know how much time passed when the door was yanked open, revealing Marinette and Adrien in a heated kiss.

"What's this?" A voice demanded.

Marinette startled and her head whipped around. "An akuma was attacking. I didn't want to die never having kiss a boy."

Adrien shook his head. "I told you, Ladybug will save the day."

Outside the door was a couple reporters and some hotel staff. One of the staff seemed irritated. "This is a fine establishment. We don't cater to such inappropriate behavior here. Begone!"

Marinette blushed and meekly escaped the closet, but Adrien was hot on her heels and took her hand in his. "I'll walk you home."

Once they left the Grand Paris hotel, and were alone again, Marinette whipped her head to Adrien, glaring. "The kiss didn't mean anything. It was just a ruse. You can let go of my hands, now."

Adrien smiled at her. "I know you don't like me that much, but why can't we be friends?"

Marinette looked away from him, blushing. "I - I ... Ugh. I do like you. Why would you think I don't?"

Adrien looked sadly at his shoes. "You never give me the time of day. As Adrien or Cat Noir. You never seem to care."

"That's not true ... I - uh - want to keep it professional. Paris has to come first. And if I didn't care, I wouldn't have risked so much to help protect your identity."

Adrien looked sadly at where he was still gripping her hand, afraid to let go. "You'll say I'm being silly, but I'm afraid if I let go of you, I'll never see you again."

Marinette looked down. Her impulse was to hide away in her room forever. "Don't be silly. I still have to go to school. Why are you even following me?"

"I'm walking you home."

"I'm perfectly capable of finding my way home."

"Maybe I don't want to go straight home," Adrien huffed.

Marinette bit her bottom lip. "Why not?"

"It's lonely there."

"Oh."

They were quiet for several steps, then Adrien sighed. "Marinette. You're my friend; you know that, right? I only ever had Chloe growing up. Then I met you, well Ladybug-you. The day after, I got to meet Nino and the rest of the class. This makes you the first real friend I made upon my release from Prison-Camp Agreste. I don't have a lot of friends. Not even enough to count on one hand. Please don't throw what we have away because of - of -"

Marinette stopped walking and brought a hand up to Adrien's cheek. He looked frantic, afraid. "I'm not going to stop being your friend, Adrien. But try to understand. I'm an awkward, nervous wreck on my good days. I'm just feeling overwhelmed and afraid of change. Afraid we'll stop being such a good team. I need my partner. But if you got to know the real Marinette, and not just the ideal Ladybug, I could lose you. And that would kill me more than just losing some boy I'm crushing on."

"I would never, could never leave you ... wait, are you saying you have a crush on someone?" Adrien's eyes became suspiciously misty as he looked away. "I never did stand a chance, did I?"

"What?" Marinette wasn't sure they were even having the same conversation anymore. "A chance for what?"

Adrien rubbed his sleeve across his eyes. "Your heart. You're wonderful, you're amazing. And you're completely out of my league. Not even being your trusted partner is enough."

Marinette could hear, in his voice, the sound of his heartbreaking. "What are you talking about? You're the model, the rich boy, the good looking one who can choose any girl. You're the one who's up out of my league. What would you even see in me?"

Adrien smiled, sadly. "That you're nice. That you care about everyone and try so hard to keep them happy. Your determination. Your sense of justice and fair play."

"That's just Ladybug."

Adrien shook his head. "No, that's the class president. Everyone in class respects you." Marinette blushed. "And you're not just Ladybug. Perhaps you were chosen because Ladybug gives you the confidence you need to be you. I know mine gives me the freedom I need to just be me. Not the fake, plastic thing I have to be in public. Perhaps I let myself run wild. But it's something I desperately need. I don't think I would have survived if I hadn't been allowed to go to a public school and meet people. I'm happier, as Cat Noir I can do something meaningful and cut loose and experience everything I'm being sheltered from.

"So ... so what if you're Ladybug. You're still you under that mask. The person I'm best friends with. Even, in some ways, more than Nino."

Marinette sobbed. "Because I want you to like me for me. You don't even know me."

Adrien shook his head. "And whose fault is that? You don't even know me, either. You never took the time to open up to me. To talk to me. To be my friend. I'm just asking for that chance. Get to know me. I'm hoping if you do, you'll like what you find."

"You still -" She hiccuped. "You still want to be with me."

Adrien wiped the tears from her cheek with his thumb. "Always. You're the girl I fell in love with - not for her looks but because of her spirit. And you're my best friend, and I can't lose that."

Marinette nodded, then was dismayed to see they were nearing her home. "Do you ... do you want to come in?"

Adrien nodded. "I'd like that."

She then took his hand and guided him around the front of the bakery to the side facing the park, where there was a door that lead into their residence. She had forgotten they were still holding hands when she ran into her mother on the steps.

Alright, I freely admit to using a lot of fandom cliches to write this. But I wasn't looking to craft a full story, just play with a set-up. We all know about the "Hollywood" action movie kiss. It fits the genre. And I thought it would be a cute scene. Just needed to write more to make the scene pay out. Maybe someone else will give us a real story where such a kiss occurs?

Story 4:

Plagg in Love

Summary: There's only one thing Plagg loves more than cheese. Unfortunately, Adrien gets the mistaken idea that Plagg loves Marinette.

It was the little things that Adrien noticed. The way Plagg would watch Marinette leave school, with a look of utter longing. The way Plagg would go missing, while at school, only to be found in the library. Sure, Plagg claimed he was just reading a magazine in a corner. But it always seemed to occur when Marinette had a free period. Or how he'd try to tempt Adrien into baked treats from the bakery so conveniently placed next to the school. Or that time he thought he heard a strange girl's voice say, "Oh, Plagg, you charmer you," coming from the courtyard of the school, and when he looked all he found was Marinette working in her sketchbook.

One day, Adrien noted Plagg sneaking back into his schoolbag just before lunch. So when they got home, Adrien decided it was time to say something. "You're going to get caught," Adrien scolded his kwami.

Plagg shrugged and vacuumed down another piece of cheese. "What are you talking about?"

"I don't know. How about you tell me."

"Tell you what?"

Plagg's flippant attitude grated on Adrien's nerves. He growled, "About what's going on between you and Marinette? Don't you think it's creepy? The way you stalk a fifteen year old girl?"

Plagg broke into a gut-busting laugh, rolling around where he had been floating in the air. "You think I'm stalking her! That's a good one."

Adrien grumbled, "Yeah, because she suddenly decided to crush on a three-inch plush doll with an attitude problem."

Plagg wiped a laugh-tear from his eye as he floated over to Adrien's face. "Don't be jealous. There's nothing going on. And she's safe."

"I am not jealous! And safe? How is she safe? Aren't you afraid she might tell someone that you exist?"

Plagg smirked at him. "Let's just say if you ever had to tell someone a secret, that she's great at keeping them."

Story 5:

There's Something about Mari

Summary: It wasn't that he noticed her; what he noticed was how everyone else noticed her

He knew she was a good class president, someone the class respected, and someone that had caught the eye of Nino and Nathaniel. So he probably shouldn't have been surprised that his father liked her too. Gabriel was once more denouncing his friendship with Nino. "But he's my friend!" Adrien cried.

Gabriel shook his head. "I've explained it to you before. The necessity of keeping good company. That boy is an immature idiot. He has no future; he'll only bring you down. Why can't you be friends with Miss Dupain-Cheng? There's a bright student with a future. From what I can see, she get's good grades, is a talented designer, and her parents are well regarded. What I don't get is why you insist on hanging out with a loser who'll never amount to anything."

Adrien shook his head, his father sounded too much like Chloe for his tastes. He sighed, knowing he wouldn't win an argument with his father. "Yes, Father," he replied in defeated tones. He wondered if his father was racist or just hated music.

Even Jagged Stone was a fan of the girl. Jagged Stone! One of Adrien's favorite musicians. Adrien could understand the glasses, she was a hotel go-fer that day. The album cover was a complete shock. He really shouldn't have been so surprised that the large poster advertising an upcoming concert had his classmate's signature, all tiny like, in the corner. He remembered when he discovered that little detail, the strange chill that settled down his spine. Not unlike the time he was at the Grand Paris to visit Chloe and caught sight of Marinette having lunch with Jagged in the hotel's restaurant. She was waving her arms, animatedly, as she told some story to a rapt Jagged who broke out into genuine laughter as she clearly mimed something from her story. He also had noticed Jagged was eating the soup named for the girl.

And wasn't that Marinette having ice cream with Nadja Chemak? He then remembered, having caught sight of the tiny tot, that Marinette babysat for the famous TV Anchor. Adrien made note to ask the girl how she knew Mrs. Chemak to begin with. Adrien doubted that most teens his age didn't know as many famous people, or have earned their respect. He hadn't, and he was a famous teen to begin with.

The only person that didn't like her was Chloe, but Chloe didn't seem to like much of anyone who wasn't a status symbol she could take advantage of.

It wasn't that Adrien felt she was undeserving. He did acknowledge she was a great designer and one of the friendliest people in class, up there with Rose and Mylene. But all he got to see was a shy, quiet girl. It wasn't that he wondered what others saw that he didn't, but why others got to see what he didn't. "What is up with that girl?" At times, he thought she might have been almost as popular as Ladybug - no small feat in and of itself. The only person Marinette seemed to escape notice of was Hawkmoth, and Adrien hoped it stayed that way.

And as long as I am writing silly stories inspired by movie titles, I ought to admit that a third one I am contemplating is called, "While you were Coma Dreaming". A fluffy comedy where a seriously sick or injured Marinette is in the hospital, and Adrien refuses to leave her side. (Perhaps the injury caused her identity to be revealed to him?) So Tom, in a fit of sympathy and humor, claims he's his daughter's fiance. Now, fast forward to Marinette waking up from her coma to find she's apparently getting married to Adrien …

And now that I told you the idea, I don't have to write it :)

Story 6:

And here is a crack-fic to explain how Chloe gets redeemed.

Why Chloe Turned Over a New Leaf

Summary: Chloe never believed she had a problem, until the day Hawkmoth acknowledged her existence.

Chloe was particularly nasty that day, first day back at school. She dug right into Marinette as if the young designer was Hitler reincarnate. Marinette, though merely rolled her eyes and ignored the spoiled brat. A year of fighting akumas helped put her priorities in order, and realize that there were bigger issues than Chloe's petty schoolyard squabbles.

"Is she going for a complete set?" Alya joked, whispering into Marinette's ear.

Marinette shot her a confused glance. "Huh?"

"You know," Alya explained, "single handedly being the reason everyone in the class turns akuma. You and Adrien are the last survivors, and she'd never do anything to him."

Marinette shrugged. "Maybe she found out her solid gold bathtub is actually just gold plated, or something stupid like that. Anyway, she wasn't to blame for Nino or Lila, as far as I know. So, she still hasn't gotten all of us."

Marinette truly just didn't care. Thanks to being Ladybug, and the confidence that comes from knowing she's doing something that matters in life, she no longer gave any import to the words that issued forth from the mouth of the loud blonde. She did care, however, when Chloe started to pick on other targets. For some reason, Chloe felt the need to express how hideous she thought goth-chic was, right in Juleka's face. Marinette frowned and got up to support her classmate and stop the bullying.

But there was a reason Chloe usually ignored the others in favor of picking on Marinette. Marinette used to be an easy target in comparison, as Juleka had never gave a fudge what others thought of her style. The goth girl merely raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry. Were you under the mistaken impression that I actually cared for your opinion? Newsflash! I don't live my life hoping for your approval."

Chloe growled and grunted. But before she could think of a withering reply, Juleka added, "Oh, and Hawkmoth called. He wanted to give you an MVP award for helping him akumatize so many people. Seems you're employee of the month."

And then, as luck would have it, a flock of purple butterflies chose that moment to fly into the classroom through an open window. They formed into Hawkmoth's face and he addressed the class. "Chloe Bourgeois. I wanted to thank you. It's the one year anniversary since I began my holy mission, and I wanted to recognize your efforts. I look forward to your future help in finally defeating that annoying team of Ladybug and Cat Noir. Even more so than your father, you alone have - far and away - been the number one cause of akumas (after myself, of course). To celebrate, I am dedicating my next champion in your honor."

And that's how she started down the road to superherodom.

Come on. Now that you read it, I know you totally want to see a giant Hawkmoth-shaped head made of akuma butterflies praising Chloe for making his job so much easier.

Story 7:

And now, my take on the "being superheroes makes Marinette and Adrien badass at sports" genre of Miraculous fanfics. Hopefully, I am suitably over the top ;)

Idea: The more they become better outside the mask, the better they become with the mask. The more they use their powers, the more powerful they become as everyday people.

Unlocking Potential

Summary: Sure, Marinette needs the Miraculous to be imbued with power. But every time she and Adrien transform, they grow another small step to the limits of human performance.

Marinette sweated as she worked out to the Pilates video she bought. She was hoping that maybe if she got into better shape, Adrien might notice her.

"I'm really proud of you, Marinette," Tikki encouraged.

"Huh, what?" Marinette replied, with effort as she was out of breath.

Tikki hummed and bobbed her head. "For being so devoted to keeping Paris safe. By working to make yourself better, so that when I transform you Ladybug will be that much better. As I amplify you, so too your gains."

"Oh!" Marinette was feeling sheepish, as her motivations were a bit more selfish. "Yeah ... that's me. Devoted Defender."

"This will also encourage the other facet of transforming."

"Huh, what?" Marinette was beginning to hope that Tikki would start making more sense, soon.

Tikki blushed. "There was never a good time to bring it up. What with not wanting to scare you and all. Plus, it's insignificant at first."

"What is?" Marinette paused trying to do planks so she could pay attention to her kwami.

"Oh ... just every time you transform, a little bit of the power stays in you. Of course, there is only so much the human body can do. But, you'd be amaze at what you can possibly do when your potential is unlocked. And the best way to encourage that is through conditioning and training. Like you're doing now."

"So, you're saying that you're making me faster and stronger?"

"Yes, but only a little bit at a time. Think of it as like compound interest. Not very much at first, but over time it can really add to a lot."

Marinette returned to her workout, following along with the video as she did squats. "Well, alright then. I guess. I don't feel much stronger."

Tikki shrugged. "How often, as Marinette, do you push yourself?"

Meanwhile, across the street at the school, Adrien was in the midst of fencing practice. His instructor praised his form. "You're improving by leaps and bounds. Your reaction time has improved as has the finesse of your point control. Good work, young lad."

Adrien nodded, pleased. "Thank you, sir."

Later, as Adrien was alone in the car on his way home, Plagg noticed his silly grin. "What's got you all moony? Did Ladybug swing by or something?"

"My fencing is coming along great. Maybe I might even get into the Olympics? Seems I am improving greatly. Faster, more agile, more precise. I guess being Cat Noir pays off with all that extra exercise and practice."

Plagg shrugged. "Yeah. Mostly it's just you getting a small boost every time you change. All the working out you do makes a little bit of Cat Noir stick."

"Oh?" Adrien blinked than turned to look at his kwami. "You're saying that I'm keeping in shape just by transforming? That's awesome! Being good at fencing will keep father happy, which means I get to go to school and be with my friends."

"Yeah, yeah. Wake me when there's cheese."

Marinette continued with her video workouts: Pilates and yoga. Adrien followed the strict exercise schedule set for him. And it showed. The last week of summer break, before they started 11th grade, the class gotten together for a pool party, organized by their Class President Marinette. The only one missing was Lila, who had returned to Italy for a month and a half during summer to visit family. No one was surprised that Adrien looked so good in swimwear, he was a model after all. But most were caught unaware by the toned physique Marinette showed off in her string bikini.

"Girl! You look awesome. Those exercise videos are really paying off." Alya eyed her best friend, a tinge of jealousy in her voice.

Marinette blushed and giggled. "You know, when you live in a bakery you gotta pay extra attention to being healthy."

Chloe's scathing remarks about her fashion sense aside, the girls agreed with Alya, as did a couple of the guys. The less than gentlemanly of them merely stared a lot.

The highlight of the party was when the heated rivalry between Alix and Kim resulted in a water polo game that they all took part in. They decided to split it down the class, at first. Those who sat to the left side of class, by the windows, were Chloe, Sabrina, Alix, Mylene, Max, Kim, Juleka, and Rose. To the right, by the door, were Nino, Adrien, Alya, Marinette, Ivan, and Nathaniel. But Mylene wanted to be with Ivan, and in joining him that made the teams even, instead of eight on six. Which was also ideal as they played goalie plus six.

Max predicted that the presence of Kim and Alix on the same team gave them a greater than eighty-five percent chance of winning. He hadn't accounted for how kick-ass Marinette and Adrien would be. Not that it was an entirely one-sided game. Alix and Kim, with their competitive streak, played well. Juleka, with her height giving her reach, was valuable, as was Mylene to a lesser extent for her swimming skills. Kim played well as goalie. On the other side, Nino wasn't bad and Ivan's size gave him great reach and power. He was invaluable as goalie. But Adrien, who has multiple fencing trophies, was competitive as well and in great shape. His blocks were devastating. Marinette may have seemed shy and clumsy, but when the game began she was filled with the same fire she has when playing video games. She was surprising with her quick reactions, strength, and pinpoint throwing accuracy. It also helped that her and Adrien worked really well together. Which surprised those two the most, neither expecting it. But any pass or play that included one to the other was successful more often than not. As such, Max's prediction proved false when his side lost the match by seven points with a score of fifteen to eight.

"Alright, we need different teams," Kim groused.

Alix smirked. "How about girls and boys?"

"There's eight girls and six guys," Alya pointed out. "Who's going to go play with the guys."

Kim shouted "Marinette" at the same time Alix shouted, "Not Marinette". The class broke into laughter.

Mylene, who was treading water next to Ivan, whispered into his ear. Ivan then spoke, "How about Mylene, so we can be on the same team again."

They were already more than a month into school when Alix had brought up an idea to Marinette, as class president. "There's this obstacle course known as the Insane Inflatable. They raise money for charity. I want to challenge Kim to it, but I thought it would be nice for the class to do. Since, you know, they're raising money for medical research."

Marinette nodded her head. "How much is it?"

"Not that much. We could hold a fund raiser, if we had to. Maybe a bake sale..."

Marinette pursed her lips and stared off into the distance. "Sounds like a good, team building activity. Let's see what everyone else thinks."

Which is how the class found themselves, in the crisp November air, at a field outside of Paris. Kim and Alix already had a bet going on who would finish first. Nino was fishing around to see if anyone would care if he walked the whole thing, and Marinette was expecting to trip every dozen steps.

"Looks fun," Adrien casually commented.

Nino shot him a strange look. "Fun? Looks like way too much work. Who'd torture themselves in this thing? There's no beats. No reward for finishing. Why did I even sign up again?"

"Just pretend you're Ladybug," Alya advised. "I bet she'd enjoy it. ... I wonder if she did?"

"Come on, Nino," Adrien smiled at his friend, "doesn't it look fun?"

"Not my thing."

"Tell you what. If you can keep up with me, I'll buy the food and drinks after."

Alya smirked. "Can me and Marinette get in on this deal?"

Adrien agreed and the class lined up at the start. Kim boasted. "If anyone beats me, I'll carry their books for a week."

While the class, and a bunch of other participants, waited for the signal to start, Alya nudged Marinette in the ribs. "Girl, if you can keep up with Adrien, it's practically a date. He's buying."

Marinette nodded. "Right ... no tripping." She tried to calm her nerves, reminding herself, 'I'm Ladybug, I can do this."

And then, at the signal, everyone surged forward. They ran up the inflated steps that lead to a slide, bunching up like sardines. However, by the second obstacle - a mere hundred yards from the slide, the class already began to separate. The more in shape leading the way as the less inclined slowed down. After a kilometer, the leaders were Kim, Alix, Adrien, and Marinette. Ivan wasn't far behind, about three steps, and Alya was a few yards behind him. Lila was another couple yards behind Alya.

Halfway through, Kim, Alix, Adrien, and Marinette had pulled away from everyone else. They had gone through mazes, obstacles to climb over, to avoid, and to power their way through. Kim had brute forced it while Alix used her agility. Both were breathing heavy by the midpoint. However, Adrien and Marinette looked like they were doing parkour and both were still breathing normal.

Adrien threw a cocky grin at the others. "Try to keep up. I'll give a foot rub to anyone who beats me." Then he sped up and began to pull away.

"Bring it!" Marinette shouted and pulled ahead herself.

Both had a huge lead on Alix and Kim by the time they reached the table of water cups, which both ignored, and were neck to neck along the backstretch. By the last half a kilometer, they were egging each other on. "Don't slow down, I want you to watch me win." And, "Stop staring at my ass and start running!"

The rivalry became heated enough that both moved at full tilt, which was an impressive speed given it was an endurance race, towards the last obstacle. It was a slide and a short run to the finish line, and both were giving it all with Marinette coming from behind. At the last second, both crossed the line so close together that it was ruled a tie and they collapsed into each other laughing.

"Oh my god. My legs feel like jelly," she gasped as she dropped to the ground.

Adrien plopped down next to her and leaned into her for support. "I guess I owe you lunch and a foot rub."

"I could use a full bod- ... ah ... yeah, um ...," Marinette trailed off into indecipherable mutters. She might have been saying, "Blargh, nugh, ah."

"God I don't want to move from this spot." Adrien wiped sweat from his brow.

"Let's see how long the others are behind us." Marinette hoped that staring at her watch would keep her from saying something stupid.

Adrien stretched his arms. "You're in a lot better shape than I would have guessed. Why don't you play sports?"

"Blargh, nugh, ah."

"What was that?"

"Uh ... I said that I don't have much time. to ... er - you know ... have time and all that, uh, time."

Then there was the gym class that would forever be known as "The Dodgeball Debacle of 2018". Looking to choose sides in a more random manner, someone had the bright of idea of handing out slips of paper and telling people to put their names and "Ladybug" or "Cat Noir" down. The thought was that it wold be an even split, as both are well loved. But, there was only two people on Team Cat Noir. Adrien, who was going to put himself down - even if he personally preferred his Ladybug, and Marinette, who merely wanted to give some secret acknowledgment to her partner.

What made this a debacle wasn't the one-sidedness in terms of numbers. It was the one-sidedness as Team Cat Noir won, every match, without breaking a sweat.

The first match almost didn't start. The PE teacher had called, "Ladybugs to the left, Cat Noirs to the right." And there was that awkward moment when everyone realized it was going to be thirteen on two. Before anyone could argue - they had already taken quite a bit of time, after a lot of arguing about who was teamed with who, to even come up with that method of splitting the class - Marinette said, "It's fine. Let's just play and we can figure it out after this match."

So, Adrien and Marinette stood there, each with a ball and five more on the ground in their half, facing the rest of their class. Both would deny it, but when the teacher blew her whistle they had both smirked. The moments leading up to that had each envisioning it as an akuma battle, and in that moment they were both channeling their alter-ego. As the whistle blew, both moved. There's no other way to describe it. To this day, no one in class can come up with anything better than, "They just moved. You know, like ... they moved." Adrien, on the left, had ghosted to his left while Marinette faded right. Both threw their balls mid-step. Marinette took out a smug looking Alya while Adrien pegged Kim. They then, without breaking stride, scooped up a ball each (ducking the initial barrage in the same motion) and eliminated two more. Ivan and Chloe falling to Adrien's and Marinette's wickedly accurate throws. It didn't matter that they were running or that their targets were on the move. The balls came in fast and precise every time. Adrien than caught a ball thrown by Alix as Marinette back flipped over a wild throw by Rose. That was all in the first six seconds, which was about the time Team Ladybug began to doubt what they thought was an easy win. A throw, dodge, dodge, scoop, throw, catch, Adrien pulling a Neo, Marinette using her ball throw like a patriot missile deflecting a ball heading to Adrien, throw, Adrien leaping and catching a ball headed at Marinette, duck, moonwalk, splits, throw, flip, throw, slide to the left, catch, flip and throw mid-flip, feint right, double-throw at Lila, and "Marinette style!" later, the duo won the first match in less than two minutes.

"Hey, I wasn't ready!" Chloe complained.

"I guess we can't change up teams until they beat us," Adrien joked. But everyone agreed. Which is how Adrien and Marinette won ten straight dodgeball games. Even the last one, when everyone made them wear blindfolds.

"Girl, you got to loan me those exercise tapes. You almost move like Ladybug." Alya demanded as the two left school one day.

"What? Me? Ladybug? Ha ha, he he ... How ridiculous is that?" Marinette stammered and blushed.

Alya rolled her eyes. "I'm not saying you are. Sheesh, you clearly can't jump to a rooftop or lift cars. I'm just saying all that work is paying off, makes me want to give it a try. Might help me run down Ladybug easier when there's an akuma attack."

"Dude, do they work on reaction time and reflexes in fencing?" Nino gawked as Adrien had caught the can of soda that Nino's bookbag had knocked off the table when Nino had dropped himself into a seat next to his best friend.

"Actually, yes. There are exercises for training one's reaction speed. Critical as an expert fencer doesn't need much time to lunge inside your guard and thrust for a point. It's also a good sport for dexterity, judgment, and quick thinking."

"Oh! I guess it isn't the lame ass sport I thought it was. Do you think I could be like Cat Noir if I took up fencing?"