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Marinette

"Marinette?" a voice called.

I tossed over on my bed. "It's Sunday, mom," I said, groggily, "let me have a lie in." I flipped over to the other side, and as I opened one eye, a blue one stared into mine.

"WAAH!" Yelling, I almost fell of my bed, scrambling the covers in a flurry. Calming down, I saw it was Bloom, who looked a little shocked herself.

"Oh hi, Bloom," I said, embarrassed I made such a scene. "Sorry about that, I just got a little taken off guard."

"It's all right, it was my fault anyway," she confessed. She picked up Tikki who was on the floor, shell-shocked from my outburst. She smiled gratefully at Bloom, but glared at me. I shrugged apologetically.

I started picking up the covers and made my bed. I grabbed some clothes and told Bloom I'd be back. Minutes later, I was refreshed and ready to face the day.

"So, what do you want to do today?" I asked, as I led the way downstairs. I kissed my parents and grabbed a croissant, and passed one over to Bloom. She nodded her thanks.

"Well, I honestly wanted to just stroll around, but Sky texted me that he and Adrien want to go fencing," she said, a little bit of exasperation in her voice.

"Wait, you already got Sky's number? Wow, you guys are really hitting it off," I observed, raising my eyebrows. She just winked at me, but her eyes seemed to tell me that she was laughing on the inside, amused. Why was that?

"So, are you okay with that?" she asked, steering me back to the point.

"Sure. I've never really fenced before, so I guess I won't be able to school the boys this time," I said with mock sadness, before looking at her with a slight smirk.

Bloom smirked back. "It's okay, I've never fenced either, but I have used a sword before, briefly. It's a long story," she explained, as I gave her a confused glance. "Anyway, we're strong women, and guys love that. We'll show them who's boss, even if we're inexperienced at first."

"I like your thinking," I said, giving her a high five. We finished off our croissants, and waited for the boys to meet us. Sure enough, we saw two figures approach the bakery.

"Okay mom, we'll be back soon!" I called as she nodded. Then she gave her attention to a customer who was waiting at the counter. It looked like a big delivery, and I knew my mother was totally focussed on that right now. But I was focused on something else.

"Hey," Adrien said, greeting us, "so, if it's all right with you, we were thinking-"

"It's okay, we got the memo," I said as Bloom lifted her phone to show the text Sky had given her. Adrien looked a little surprised but Sky just grinned before going over to Bloom. Bloom raised her eyebrows at me, knowingly, as I shrugged. I was feeling vivacious. My awkwardness around Adrien was now gone, and I felt my inner Ladybug peeking through, making more confident and a little sassy.

Adrien walked beside me, while Sky walked beside Bloom. "So, is Mission get them together still in action?" he asked me, quietly, but I could sense the excitement in his tone.

"Absolutely," I said, facing him. "They already have each other's numbers but we have to get them on a date."

He nodded. "How about after we fence, we go to a restaurant and leave them there?"

"Hmm, that could work. Or, we could take them to the Eiffel Tower, and come back for them later." I suggested.

Adrien's eyes brightened, taking on a mischievous glint. "We can just say that we got lost in the crowd," he added and I nodded. We high-fived each other in agreement, but as soon as I realised that I had touched Adrien Agreste's hand, my cheeks began flaming, and I quickly withdrew. I don't think he noticed though, and that was a relief. Okay, so the awkwardness hadn't totally gone.

We kept walking until we finally reached the arena. Adrien led us inside and showed us the girls' changing room.

"So you'll find some suits in there," he explained, pointing to the store cupboard, "and the instructor will have the equipment you need." He left with Sky, and Bloom and I decided to get ready.

"Ready to show them what we're made of?" Bloom asked, a smile lacing her face.

I nodded, grinning back. "Bring it on."

Adrien

Honestly, I had no idea that Sky and Bloom had exchanged numbers. I mean, when did that happen?

Also, I wasn't used to Marinette giving sassy comments. She was always so sweet and shy, it was a change to see her more confident, more bold. Strangely, I liked that side of her. It was different, and new; it almost reminded me of Ladybug a little.

Speaking of Ladybug, something had changed. I noticed she wasn't resisting me as much, but then again, I wasn't making silly comments as much anymore; I had learned to respect her, but I couldn't leave my puns altogether. Despite that, she seemed more…close.

We schemed on how to get our friends together. The second our hands met as we high-fived to seal the plan, a jolt of electricity passed through me. I would have pulled back but Marinette was faster- I had ducked my head, hoping she didn't notice my strawberry-red ears or cheeks. A whirl of questions fluttered through my brain; what was this feeling, and why was I feeling it? Why was shy, sweet Marinette making me feel, different? But I had no answer to these questions.

Sky and I walked into the men's changing room after I showed the girls around. "So you've fenced before?" I prompted, putting on the suit.

Sky smiled. "Well, I've been trained to use a sword," he confessed, fixing the sleeve of his suit, "but at home, you know in my kingdom, I did fence briefly. As a young prince, I had to be able to do a range of things." His voice carried a tinge of sadness, and his usual smile faded slightly.

"Was it lonely?" I asked.

He looked surprised that I had guessed so accurately. "Yeah it was," he admitted, with a melancholic tone. "I didn't have many friends, I was alone in the castle and the attention was too much. That's why my school, Red Fountain, was a chance for me to break free. I was able to be accepted for my skills, not my status." He hung his head slightly.

I knew how he felt. His childhood was similar to my life. I had been home-schooled for nearly my entire life, and I had to learn so many things. After coming to Francois-Dupont High School, I really felt that I had the chance to start anew, make friends and not lead a lonely existence any longer. I realised that we had a lot more in common than I first perceived.

I walked over to him, and laid a hand on his shoulder. He looked at me, eyes a little wide.

"At least your life is different now," I said, with genuine feeling. "Now you don't have to go back to that life anymore."

He nodded, and clasped my hand in his. "Yeah," he said, "and I'm glad that I found what I needed."

I smiled at my friend. "So you ready to show me those mad sword fighting skills?" I asked, with a crooked smile.

He put his headgear on, and lifted the black visage. He had a wide grin stretched across his face. "You bet."

We walked out into the fencing area. I was surprised to see the girls were already standing there. Did we take that long to get changed?

"Alright," I announced to them, "there's an instructor over there to help you," I said, "and we'll be here, just facing off against each other."

Marinette frowned. "So, you're not even going to help us?" she asked, sounding hurt.

I went to scratch my head, as I did when I got a little nervous, before realising I was wearing headgear. "Did you want me to?" I asked, unsure.

She rolled her eyes, and glared. "Boys. They never get it."
With that, she grabbed Bloom's hand and walked over to the instructor that was waiting, along with a few more newcomers.

I looked at Sky, hesitantly. "Did I say something wrong?" I asked him. I truly had no idea what I said, or did, to make Marinette angry like that.

Sky just shook his head, looking at me as if I was clueless. "She wanted you to help her, man," he said, putting a hand on my shoulder. "She didn't want to get help from an instructor; she wanted to be taught by you, Adrien."

"Oh." I felt bad for not realising that sooner.

"Hey, you can make it up to her later," he suggested, getting his foil ready, "but let's get ready to do this!"

I grinned, and pulled my visor down. Getting into defensive stances, I waited for Sky to make the first move, but he motioned for me to go ahead.

I lunged, but he parried easily. I tried to find any weakness in his defence, but he was sharp and quick. He started attacking, and I found I had to use all my focus and concentration just to keep him at bay.

But I wasn't going to let him off that easily. I feinted to the left and started attacking to the right, but Sky had anticipated my moves. I didn't give up; I kept on striking, and parrying, determined not to lose.

Sky did an unfamiliar move, and I landed, down on the floor. When I took off the visor, I saw Sky's hand was outstretched. I took it, and got to my feet.

"Good game," I said, grinning. I could tell he was worried what my reaction would be, but when he saw me smile, his worry melted as he broke into a grin.

"Sorry, I wasn't sure how you would take it," he said, "to me winning, is what I meant," he explained at my perplexed expression. "I have this really competitive friend, and whenever we faced off against each other and I would win, he would always take it the wrong way."

"No, I'm alright," I confessed, brushing it off. "It was great to have a challenge, and besides, if I go against harder opponents, the better I'll become, right?"

He chuckled. "You're already really good, Adrien," Sky assured me. "I've enjoyed that battle. And anyways," he said, lowering his voice, "we're meant to fight with each other, not against."

"True," I agreed, as we pounded fists. I turned my head to look at the girls, and see what they were up to. My jaw hung open.

Marinette and Bloom were in a battle together, and both were fighting as if they were professionals. Marinette moved like lightning, while Bloom's fencing techniques were unworldly. Neither looked tired; neither looked ready to admit defeat.

I couldn't believe my eyes. "I thought that this was their first time…?" My voice trailed off, the question hanging. Turning to look at Sky, I expected him to be as surprised as I was. Instead, he was smiling broadly, pride shining in his eyes.

"I've learnt never to underestimate her," he said softly. I followed his eyes and realised he was talking about Bloom. But how could he possibly know that? Didn't they meet just yesterday? What had happened after he had left my house, last night?

My eyes kept flitting back to Marinette. She fought fiercely and although I couldn't see her face, I imagined her to have strong determination set in her eyes and jaw. I couldn't help but admire her strength, her beauty, as she zipped from side to side, striking at every available opening.

Just when I wondered who would win, both girls stopped at the same time. They shook hands, laughing, as they offered a truce. Marinette's eyes gleamed as she hugged her friend and sauntered over to where we were standing. She hadn't even broken a sweat, I noticed. How was that even possible?

"You learn fast," I exclaimed, as Marinette just smiled smugly. She came closer, her nose almost near mine.

"Do you want to go against me this time?" she asked, as my heart rate doubled. I was pretty sure that my ears were tomato red by now. "Or are you too scared?"

"Of course I'm scared," I said, "but that won't stop me from beating you." I flashed a grin at her, channelling my inner Chat, as she took a step back, frowning. As we took our defensive stances, I saw Bloom and Sky poised against each other too.

"Ready?" I asked. "Ladies first," I offered, good-heartedly.

"So by the way you fight, that would qualify you to go first then," she taunted.

"Hey!"

She gave a war cry before leaping and attacking. I barely managed to defend myself; she kept pushing me back and back. I decided to try a different tactic, but if I didn't play my cards right, things could get messy. In more ways than one, I thought with a grimace.

Marinette kept attacking me, and I focused on parrying her every blow. "When did you get so good?" I panted, as she continued to probe. "Princess," I added, smirking inside my helmet.

The last word took her off guard as she stumbled back. Taking advantage of her disorientation, I started attacking and she was forced to defend.

"Oh no you didn't, Golden Boy," she said and this time I was taken off guard.

"Golden Boy?" I cried, "That's the best nickname you could think of?"

As I was too busy being offended by her name-calling, Marinette swooped in close and wrapped her blade around mine. She lifted her visor and brought mine up too. Our faces were so close, I swear I could have counted all of her freckles. I was too stunned to react.

"I win," she whispered as my foil cluttered to the ground. She moved back, whooping and jumping in the air at her success.

I groaned. I can't believe I let her distract me! That was the second time in a row I had been defeated: it wasn't doing well for my reputation as first in my class. Not to mention that I had almost dropped my cover as Chat Noir- that would not be good either.

I walked over to Marinette. "Alright, you won," I grumbled, as I put out one hand for her to shake. "Good game?"

She didn't shake back. She was intently watching something in front of her. I followed her gaze and what I saw astonished me once more.

I thought that Bloom and Marinette's duel was incredible, but Sky and Bloom's duel was something else. I knew how good Sky was; I'd faced against him already. But it looked like he was forced to really concentrate, just for him not to struggle.

Bloom danced around him, capturing his attention at every single moment. She struck his every move with grace and confidence, as well as strength. When she attacked, I saw Sky tremble under her force. Yet Sky fought harder and harder- he lunged and feinted but each time, Bloom seemed to meet his every trick, every move.

"What the heck is going on?" I asked in awe.

"I have no idea," Marinette said, with the exact same awed tone as me.

We continued to watch them, enraptured. Just when I thought that Sky would have the upper hand, Bloom twirled and spun his foil around. His wrist turned and the blade clattered to the floor.

"Yeah!" she screamed, punching a fist in the air. All around, cheers started to erupt; I realised it wasn't just me and Marinette that were watching this duel- the entire session was. As the cheers faded, we walked over to them.

"Awesome job, Bloom!" Marinette commended, hugging the red-head. She obliged, looking a little flushed at her success.

"Too bad, bro," I said, patting Sky's shoulder in consolation.

"Nah, it's fine," he said, panting slightly. He wiped the sweat off his brow, and smiled at me. "I'm used to powerful women, anyway," he said with a wink.

I'm getting used to them now, I thought. First Ladybug and now Marinette and Bloom; I was getting surprised each day, but in a pleasant way.

"Good game, Sky," said Bloom, holding out one hand. He shook it, but didn't let go.

"What are you doing?" I heard her mutter to him, her teeth slightly gritted. I noticed her cheeks were tinged a little red. Sky just grinned and swung their hands back and forth.

I looked at Marinette. She looked at me and I swear I could read the message in her eyes. They are so cute!

I had to agree, they were sweet together, but inside, I felt a twinge of sadness. Bloom and Sky looked so at ease, so comfortable and in sync with each other. Would Ladybug and I ever be the same?

But a part of me felt some resistance to that thought. I was surprised when my thoughts drifted back to Marinette.

"Hey, do you guys want to go for a stroll?" Bloom ventured, interrupting my reverie.

I glanced at Marinette. She nodded and smiled to confirm our plans were still in force; I was glad to find she was no longer angry at me. "Sure," I smiled, as we went to get changed.

After we were ready, we set off towards the Eiffel Tower. Bloom and Sky walked in front of us, still clutching each other's hands. I realised that they were the reason that I got to know Marinette better; I never would have realised that my shy classmate who sat behind me was such as incredible person. Smiling, I recalled how she was confident and strong, and how we were becoming fast friends. Not to mention that the moments she came near me started a series of emotions that I had no names for.

Sky had already changed me as a person, too. I had become stronger, learning how to fight more fluidly both mentally and physically. He made me think differently, change for the better and our similarities just helped us work together even more.

"Adrien," Marinette said softly. I looked at her, really looked at her. Her blue eyes were sparkling, her hair framing her face. But the part of her that was the most beautiful was her smile. There was something that felt familiar about it…

"I just want to say, I feel as if I'm getting to know you more," Marinette began, looking ahead. "I'm glad we can be better friends now-"

She was cut off by people screaming and running in panic. Crouching in a defensive stance, my hands balled in fists as I saw a figure zooming in the sky.

"Another akuma," I murmured. This was getting serious: Papillion was hitting us harder and harder now. It was as if he could sense that we were getting stronger, with the addition of Sky by my side and the mysterious flying woman that had helped Ladybug before, and was trying to combat our every move.

"It's not only that," Marinette pointed out, "it's shrinking everyone!" She pointed to the figure, and I felt my body freeze.

On the akuma's legs were tall, towering boots with buttons on them, which seemed to be shooting out rays of light at people. As my eyes followed the beams, people were getting smaller, no smaller than mice. The new victim flew back up in the air, and I noticed he was able to do this because of exhaust gases coming out at the bottom of his large boots, propelling him upwards.

"You go get Bloom and I'll get Sky," I instructed to Marinette. "Find shelter. Once the chaos is over, we'll meet up back here."

She nodded, her brows crossed and eyes firm. I was slightly amazed she wasn't scared, but then again, Marinette was a different civilian; as Chat, I remembered the time when I worked with her to defeat the Evillustrator. She hadn't seemed fazed then, and the same was true now. In fact, and I hadn't even admitted it to her then, she was incredibly calm under pressure: if it wasn't for her, we would have been trapped in the glass box for a long time.

There was a sound of a deafening blow. Startled, we both looked in horror as the Eiffel Tower, usually sky-high, was now the size of a car. I looked down and saw thousands of people, all shrunk, running in terror. I gritted my teeth, angrily. I wasn't going to let anyone ruin my city.

"Go! Now!" Marinette said, her voice urgent.

I held her shoulder. "Stay safe, okay?" I ran in the opposite direction, waving at Sky, indicating to follow me. He ran alongside as we looked for a place where I could transform. Finally, we stumbled across a desolate corner.

"You ready?" he asked, a little grin forming, preparing for action.

I looked at my fist with my Miraculous. "Let's do this. Plagg, transform me!"

Thanks for reading and hoped you liked that chapter!

Just to explain some references:

To the Winx fans, do you remember when Bloom used a sword? It was in Season 3, at the Golden Kingdom when Bloom and the Specialists played a game when the rest of the Winx were getting the Water Stones. She won!

And Sky's competitive friend is Riven. As fans know, Riven left in Season 6 because he couldn't win against Sky for leadership, among many other reasons.

We all know why Sky doesn't underestimate Bloom- even if you're not a Winx fan!

Sorry if I got the fencing terminology wrong- I don't fence (you can probably tell) but I do know a little about it as my friends fence.

Thanks for the support, and it's great to be back!