The Perfect Tune

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He was patient, kind, handsome, and brave. There were many times since they first met that he'd saved her from harm. She didn't act like a bumbling fool around him. While her heart pounded in his presence, she wasn't so nervous that her words stumbled out into nonsense.

"Hey, Marinette Are you still with me?"

Marinette blinked across the table to Adrien. They'd been paired up as partners in a school science project — in the past she'd have been torn between excitement and nervousness. Now, she appreciated his intelligence and hard work.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought," Marinette apologized with a quick smile.

Adrien rubbed the back of his neck. "You were humming."

"Oh!" Marinette laughed nervously. "I'm sorry, I was just thinking about a song."

"It sounds a little familiar," Adrien said. "I know I've heard it somewhere." He adjusted the wheel in the middle of the experiment. "Is it the song Luka was working on for you? I think I remember those chords from when I visited his place a few days ago to practice with Kitty Section."

"He did say you were coming over to play the keyboard part for their new song," Marinette remembered aloud. She frowned at the alignment of the wheel. While she wasn't Ladybug at the time, she still retained the eye for spacial orientation and a natural knack for physics. She reached for the wheel and adjusted it two millimeters left.

"You really have an eye for physics," Adrien commented, thinking it reminded him of his co-hero when she utilized her lucky charm. He had been glad when he and Marinette were paired up for the science project knowing the work would be equally shared. What he didn't expect was that he really enjoyed spending time with her now that she wasn't always so nervous around him.

He was glad that he had agreed to start dating Kagami, but part of him felt like he betrayed Ladybug. Though, lately, when they fought Hawk Moth's newest Akumatized victims, she'd been nicer to him and more relaxed as well. She'd obviously gotten the attention of that boy she liked and frankly between his relationship with Kagami and friendships with Marinette and Ladybug, he had all the females he could handle in his life.

It was times like this he really missed his mother.

Marinette plugged in a few numbers into her graphing calculator, the tip of her tongue peeking out between her teeth in concentration. "Ah ha!" She slipped on a pair of gloves that kept away static electricity, grabbed the tweezers, and attached the copper wire. "That should do it!"

Adrien took a deep breath and blew on the windmill device. The light source began to light up brightly and the water became brighter, working to store the excess energy. He grinned up at Marionette. "It works, milady!"

She looked at him funny and then shook her head. "It's alive!" She crooned, mimicking the horror movie line from the retro theater they'd double-dated at the week before. "Tomorrow we can add the solar panels and then we can run a few more experiments next week and we'll be ready to submit."

There was a knock on the door frame and Natalie entered. "Adrien, it's time for your Chinese lesson." She glanced over at Marinette and nodded her head slightly in acknowledgement. "You have permission to come over again tomorrow afternoon to finish the project."

"Thank you," Marinette said, smiling quickly. It was easier to work on the project at Adrien's house since his father was out of town. It had been a nice couple of weeks — Gabriel Agreste wasn't blocking Adrien from seeing his friends, and Hawk Moth had been strangely quiet. No one had been Akumatized in fifteen days!

Natalie's eyes focused on the project. "Your sustainable energy project seems to be coming along nicely."

"I really think we'll have a good chance at winning the science competition," Adrien confided. "Come on, Marionette, I'll walk you to the door." Without thinking, he grabbed her hand and started to lead her to the front. "I'm really glad we've been getting to spend so much time together. Kagami actually gushed about what a great couple she thought you and Luka were."

Marionette stared down at their hands briefly and gave Adrien's hand a quick squeeze before slipping out of his grip. "I feel like our friendship has really improved too." She chuckled nervously. "Maybe you shouldn't hold my hand though."

Adrien stared down at his hand in confusion for a moment. "I'm sorry, I didn't even realize I did it," he said quietly. He shook his head and smiled his best supermodel smile. "I'll pay more attention. Father is supposed to be back next week. Did you want me to give him the drawings you did?"

"They're just doodles," Marinette protested. "Maybe another time. Thanks for the offer though."

Adrien shrugged. "I just hope I don't have to do more photoshoots with Lila." He glanced over at Marinette expecting to see her fume at the name. "Kagami can't stand her either."

"Kagami has excellent taste," Marinette deadpanned. She smiled at Adrien briefly. "As is evidenced by her choice of boyfriend." Her eyes widened and she abruptly turned to reach into her backpack. She pulled out a small red box. "I brought you a few macaroons."

"I love your macaroons!" Adrien's mouth watered at the thought of the delicious treat. "It's been really advantageous having my best friend own the best bakery in Paris!"

"Best friend?" Marinette echoed. "I thought Nino was your best friend."

Adrien frowned. "I guess you both are my best friends. Remember how good we were practicing for that gaming competition?" He opened the box and bit into the first macaroon, his expression brightened in joy. "Yep, you're definitely my best friend."

"See you at school tomorrow," Marinette said with a laugh. She looked across the front yard and smiled brightly when she saw Luka waiting on his bike at the end of the drive. She didn't look back at Adrien as she hurried to cross the distance to the older teen.

Luka steadied his bike with the kickstand and held his arms wide for Marinette. She rushed into his embrace, enjoying his scent - sandalwood and fresh rain.

Adrien held his hand up in silent salute to Luka as the older boy stared back at him. He knew he and Luka were friends, but he knew there was a trace of the old rivalry. Kagami really opened Adrien's eyes. He knew that Marinette had crushed on him, which was why she was always so awkward around him in the past. Things were pretty great now though — she was with Luka and he was with Kagami. His father had no complaints with a girlfriend from a well-to-do family. Though, he did wonder, what if he'd acknowledged Marionette's feelings? What would have happened? They had a lot in common regarding the fashion business — she really was talented. If he was to inherit the family business, then he'd definitely want Marinette in his company.

Luka lifted his chin in greeting and then turned his back to Adrien with Marinette tucked within his large frame. Adrien watched as he got on his bike, situated Marionette behind him, helmets in place, and her arms wrapped securely around his waist.

Adrien lingered in the doorway for a moment longer than he should have. Natalie cleared her throat pointedly. "Right, Chinese lessons."

He was looking forward to his nightly patrol. The big empty mansion was lonely and school only lasted a few hours each day. He needed open sky and freedom!

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OoO

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"How did the project go?" Luka asked.

Marinette snuggled against his strong back, sighed, and closed her eyes in contentment. "Really well! I think we might win the science competition."

"I don't think anyone really stands a chance against you two. Juleka says you two are the smartest in her class." He paused at an intersection. "Have you thought about my offer?"

The Couffaine family lived on a boat because their mother loved traveling. She planned a weekend excursion for the family and said her kids could invite a friend each.

"I don't know," Marinette hedged. "It's been really quiet. What if…?"

"What if Hawk Moth decides to rear his ugly head?" Luka finished for her.

"What?" Marinette asked, shocked. "What are you talking about?"

"I know you have to keep your secret identity a secret. And that being in charge of the Miraculous has been a huge stressor for you," Luka said quietly. His words barely reached her ears, they couldn't have traveled to any bystanders they might have passed. "I've known for a while, that you're her."

"You can't possibly know that," Marinette whispered.

Luka shrugged. "I'm quiet. I'm an observer. I'm not fooled by smoke and mirrors. How could I not recognize the woman I love? Especially, when I've fought alongside you so many times as Viperion." They were quiet for a few minutes. "I don't understand why the identities need to be kept secret. I think it makes the heroes more vulnerable. Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent both know the other as Batman and Superman respectively."

"Do you know all the miraculous users?" Marinette asked quietly.

"I know who Cat Noir is and yes, I think I could identify the rest if I thought about it for a few minutes. Your circle of friends that you'd trust with this kind of power isn't too big. The secrets are safe with me, you don't have to carry the burden all by yourself. I told you I'd help carry your load and I meant it."

Luka pulled up in front of the bakery.

"Okay," Marinette said.

"Okay?"

"Okay, I'd like to go on the trip with your family and okay that you know. I trust you, Luka." Marinette smiled up at the handsome musician. It wasn't like she could erase his memory. Her choices were limited — accept his knowledge or lament it. "If only you could figure out the identity of Hawk Moth."

"About that— I was wondering— with your artist skills if you could draw what he looks like. I've never seen him that I can remember. When Chloe went all dark wasp I don't remember anything other than blocking you from getting stung. If I heard his voice, I'd recognize it. That's how I truly knew your alter ego. I never forget a pitch." Luka helped Marinette off the bike and leaned his elbows across the handlebars comfortably. "I'll wait here for the deliveries."

Marinette walked towards the bakery, her thoughts racing. Luka knew she was Ladybug. How long had he known? She was holder of the Miraculous box now, did that mean she made her own rules? Should she tell Cat Noir her identity? Then he could contact her if something happened while she was on her trip. But then he could contact her anyway as Ladybug, he didn't need to know she was Marinette. Maybe they could record Hawk Moth's voice and have Luka identify him! Then it wouldn't matter what their identities were— they were obviously still partners in the future according to Bunnyx.

Her father stood in the doorway with his arms laden with boxes of bakery goods. "Welcome home, Marinette. Would you like to invite Luka over for dinner after he makes his deliveries?"

She kissed her father's cheek and then took the boxes. "I think I'd like that, thanks Dad." She carried the boxes to Luka and he placed them in the basket in the front of his bike.

"Are we good?" Luka asked, his eyes dark with concern.

"Do you think you can come back over after the deliveries? I'd like to invite you for dinner and then maybe either stay for a movie or some video games afterwards?" Marionette rushed her words together, nervous and excited at the same time.

Luka smiled at her and the nerves soothed immediately. "I can let you know the details about the trip and reassure your parents so they agree."

Marinette watched as Luka faded into the distance, knowing he'd be back within the hour. He'd laid a lot on her at once. It wasn't like she could ask Alya for advice. She did have another best friend though — Cat Noir. She needed to meet him tonight, let him decide with her. They were partners and it was only right that he have a say if she was thinking of changing the rules.

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OoO

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"Hey there, bugaboo, what's the emergency?" Cat Noir greeted. He waited on his favorite rooftop, legs dangling, and played with a Rubik's cube. He had most of the colors lined up. "I still haven't noticed any Akumatized victims. You don't suppose Hawk Moth finally gave up? Realized we were never going to let him win and decided to stop?"

"Hi Cat," Ladybug greeted. She sat next to him and leaned her head against his shoulder and stared into the night sky. "Viperion figured out my secret identity."

Cat Noir dropped the Rubik's cube, but then quickly caught it. He turned towards her sharp. "How? Did you tell him?"

"He recognized my voice. He says if we can get a recording of Hawk Moth's voice he should be able to identify him. Says he has perfect pitch and never forgets a sound," Ladybug explained.

Cat stared at her, his mouth agape. "Viperion knows." He shook his head and tried to focus. "Wait, he could identify Hawk Moth? That would be great!" He frowned. "Too bad he's been quiet lately." He stood up abruptly and began to pace, his tail twitched in agitation. "We've been partners for two and half years and I don't know your secret identity."

"That's the other thing," Ladybug said. "Maybe you should."

Cat shook his head. "Why? Because Viperion knows?"

"Exactly. It's not fair that he should know and you shouldn't. You're my best friend, Cat. You're my partner. I trust you with my life and it's not fair that I can't trust you with my identity. If we can capture Hawk Moth and defeat him once and for all, why can't Batman and Superman know each other's secret identities?"

Cat leaned against the rooftop's ledge. "I know you're finally with your boyfriend now and I have a girlfriend. I'm happy with her. But, I was in love with you for years, Ladybug. Those feelings didn't vanish, but I did learn to move on. What if knowing our secret identities makes it too hard? I don't want to hurt my girlfriend."

"Then we don't," Ladybug said. She quickly rose to her feet and reached for Cat's hands. "Like I said, you're my best friend and my partner. I won't endanger our relationship for curiosity. However, after we defeat Hawk Moth, I think we should. Bunnyx's future is a decade from now and we're still fighting alongside one another against threats other than Hawk Moth. I don't think it's right to work together for that long and not know each other's identity."

Cat stared down at their hands and chuckled. "To be honest, I prefer being Cat Noir to my regular identity. I always feel like I'm hiding my true feelings. I'm always serious, never cracking jokes. Kind of like Spiderman — all the clever comments only happen in my head."

"I'm going out of town for the weekend," Ladybug said. "If any thing happens, let me know and I'll be back immediately."

"Better bring the teleportation miraculous with you," Cat advised.

"Should I entrust any of the miraculous with you? Just in case you need an ally and I'm too far to get here quickly?" Ladybug asked.

Cat narrowed his green eyes and pulled his hands out of her grip. "How about Viperion? I think I'd like to have a little chat with him."

"Um, someone else, maybe?" Ladybug suggested.

Cat arched his golden eyebrow. "Is he going out of town too?" He held up his hand and shook his head. "Never mind, I don't want to know. How about you leave the dragon miraculous?"

Ladybug frowned. She didn't expect him to request Kagami's miraculous. "She'd be a great ally," she agreed. "And you'll be able to contact me like usual."

"Of course," Cat said with a smile. "You're still my bugaboo! Enjoy your vacation, you deserve a break. I'll keep the city safe."

"You want to do a quick run around the city, just to make sure?" Ladybug asked, taking out her yoyo.

Cat twirled his staff easily. "After you, milady. You lead, I'll follow."

Ladybug paused a moment, mind going back to earlier in the afternoon when Adrien called her milady. She shook her head and extended the yoyo. It was a ridiculous thought.

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A/N I absolutely loved S5E13. I've had so many thoughts about the characters on this series and really wanted to write a story about them. It's the best anime/cartoon series I've seen in years!