I own nothing but my original characters.

Slight warning for Ellie's mouth tho ;3


chapter seventeen

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got me tied up in strings


Havoc broke in Paris, vines slithering across roads and enveloping anything they seemed fit. Cars honked, people screamed, and the Eiffel tower creaked noisily as the monument was wrapped in a bundle of enormous green vines. Far in the distance, Ladybug's shouts were muffled behind the vines taut around her mouth. Cat Noir hissed, the vine around his ankle slamming him back to the ground over and over again. Despite all of this havoc, the young akumatized villain stood quietly, carefully watching the teenager before her.

Cheetah rolled her shoulders, hands set on her hips. Her fingers brushed against the handle of her whip, but she refrained from unhooking it. "So Hawkmoth wants to team up? Seriously?"

"Why, yes." Verdure nodded in affirmation, hands clasped before her chest. A violet moth shaped mask flickered before her eyes, and her smile widened. "He deems your abilities worthy enough to become allies."

"Am I supposed to say thank you?" Cheetah quirked a brow, arms sliding into a cross across her chest as she cocked a hip out. "But even if I do, say hypothetically, join you. What's in it for me?"

"Children these days are so impatient," Verdure giggled teasingly, her now vine turned hair digging deeper into the wrought iron. The tower trembled in protest, creaking and groaning while Cheetah gazed around cautiously. Silver hues traced the paths of escape available, then snapped back to the villainous who cackled almost maniacally. "But yes, Hawkmoth would reward you for your efforts."

"And what kind of reward would that be?"

Pale blue eyes glimmered in the daylight, the mask around Verdure's eyes shining as she spread her arms wide. "Well, whatever rewards your greedy little heart desires, my dear!"

"Huh," Cheetah dropped her hands to her sides, looking unamused. "He should know I don't come cheap though. You must gimme something at least worth my interest if you want my stealing skills, Hawky."

"Why, yes. That's what he's offering you." Vendure smiled wickedly, eyes gleaming. "He will grant you anything. Any wish from your wildest dreams could come true."

Cheetah dragged her fingers against the handle of her whip, brows knitting together as she contemplated the offer. After a second, she inclined her head, staring directly at the akumatized woman. "Even if… that wish is physically impossible?"

Verdure paused, clearly noticing the doubt in the question. The mask around her eyes lit up brightly, and the woman's lips tugged into a coy smile when the answer was whispered in her ear. "Yes. Anything. And all you have to do is—"

Verdure motioned sideways, the ground beneath their feet shaking as Cheetah's gaze dipped downwards, watching how Cat Noir was battling off a furious vine with his baton. Ladybug struggled against the thick vines tightening around her form, blue eyes narrowed into slits as she glared at Verdure. "—Get Ladybug and Cat Noir's miraculous!"

Cheetah unhooked the whip attached to her hip, silver eyes flickering. So it's linked with the miraculous?

"So all I have to do," she began calmly, peering down at the mess of vines and shrubbery. Figures of black and red moved quickly underneath, and her eyes sharpened. "Is to get their miraculous and Hawkmoth'll get me what I want, right?"

"That's the deal." Verdure nodded, the vines atop her head bobbing with the motion. "Hawkmoth would grant you any wish you want—"

The whip snapped forward, a surprised gasp escaping Verdure's lip as the whip coiled around her arm. Cheetah snorted, tugging at her whip playfully as she raised a fist in the air. "Thanks for the info."

She boosted herself forward at lightning speed. "But I'll just get those miraculouses for myself!"

But before her fist could uppercut the woman's jaw, something clamped down on Cheetah's ankle. The girl let out a surprised yelp as she was forcefully pulled backwards, hanging upside down in the air as the vine rose upwards, Cheetah blinking stupidly as her world was turned upside down. Curly, crimson hair hanging downwards, Cheetah grimaced, attempting to kick her ankle out of the vine's grasp.

"Ugh, damnit!"

"You stupid girl," Verdure snarled, releasing herself from the coiled whip on her forearm. The vine holding the golden miraculous holder shook violently, Cheetah feeling the contents of her stomach churning as she steadied her gaze, only to meet the icy cold pale blues glaring at her with disdain.

A single, violet feather fluttered into the air, and Cheetah stared, dumbfounded when it sank down into Verdure's hair. Another purple framed mask appeared before her eyes, casting dark shadows across her chalky white face. The multiple vines sprouting from her head grew thicker, long thorns slashing out from the dark green surface as the vines rose high. Shaped together in the form of a vicious monster.

Verdure sneered furiously, flicking her wrist. "You deserve to rot with the others!"

Within seconds the vines holding Cheetah's ankle tensed, then threw the girl's form sideways with a forceful jerk.

Cheetah shrieked, body flung into the air like a sack as she was sent soaring into the sky. Something— or rather someone crashed against her flailing form, Cheetah sucking in a deep breath as arms slid beneath her knees and back, and suddenly she was on the ground, unharmed.

Slender arms cradled her form, Cheetah blinking rapidly as she was gently placed on her feet.

"You okay?" Ladybug asked, hands gravitating to her hips.

Cheetah steadied herself, cupping a hand to her mouth. "Think Imma throw up really."

"Did you really have to save her, m'lady?"

The ends of her lips pulling downwards, Cheetah glanced sideways. Cat Noir stepped closer, his silver staff shortening back into a baton. Her orange ears flattening against her head, Cheetah jutted her lips out into a childish pout. "Why you gotta be so mean, kitty cat!"

"Don't call me that!" The black clad boy frowned, then turned to his partner. "Honestly, bugaboo. Why'd you bring her here?"

Blue eyes shone with determination, and Ladybug held out her fist with a smile. "Because Cheetah's going to help us defeat the akuma!"

"She is?" Cat Noir echoed, eyes widening in surprise.

"I am?" Cheetah parroted, sounding just as shocked.

Ladybug rolled her eyes. "Yes, you are. Look here."

Red gloved fingers unfurled, revealing a small keychain of a black and red cheetah lying atop the palm. Cheetah stared incredulously at it, then arched a brow. "What's this even?"

"It's my Lucky Charm!" Ladybug responded easily, blue eyes sparkling. "It says that we're gonna need your help to beat Hawkmoth this time."

"Hate to burst your bubble," Cheetah snorted, unamused. "But I didn't agree to help you guys do anything!"

"Well, you'll have to. Our city's getting destroyed!"

"Do I look like I care? This isn't even my city!"

Ladybug gave her a dissecting look. "So you mean to say that you're not from here?"

Shit. Cheetah bit down her tongue for that particular slip up. "Hey, I never said that—"

"Sorry to break your lil' convo," Cat Noir interrupted abruptly, wincing when blue and gray snapped his way angrily. He raised his hands up in defense, gesturing to the side with his chin. "But we're kindaaaa in a mess here."

Foliage surrounded them from all sides, vines and roots draping across the houses and hanging over cars. Amorphous shaped flowers, eerily beautiful and brightly colored bloomed over the roads. The air had suddenly turned humid while gigantic leaves quivered above their heads.

The three stared at the strange scenery, a loud beep snapping them out of their stupor.

"I'm running out of time," Ladybug mumbled, touching her earlobe where her earring beeped once more. The heroine narrowed her eyes at Cheetah. "Call it a truce for once, Cheetah. Just help us beat Hawkmoth."

"And what do I get inreturn?" Cheetah questioned, a frown marring her face. "I'm not putting my life on the line here!"

"What do you want then?" Ladybug sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "If it's something reasonable, we'd be able to arrange it."

Cheetah pressed her lips into a tight line, pondering on what she wanted when her eyes flickered over to Cat Noir, the blond boy giving her a questioning stare. Silver eyes glimmered brightly, and Cheetah felt a sly grin touch her face.

"Welllllll…" she sang, hands clasping behind her back as she smiled innocently up at the black cat themed hero, batting her lashes. "A little date with a certain cute kitty doesn't sound that bad, right~?"

A blush bloomed across Cat Noir's cheeks, face catching fire as he sputtered incoherent sentences. Ladybug perked up, multiple light bulbs going off in her mind as she clasped hands with the cheetah miraculous wielder.

"Deal!"

"Bugaboo!" Cat Noir exclaimed, stammering as he watched his partner enthusiastically shake hands with the enemy. "I won't—"

"Please, kitty!" Ladybug pleaded, still holding onto Cheetah's hands. "It's to save Paris!"

Cat Noir frowned at the puppy dog eyes being awarded to him. He narrowed his eyes when Cheetah snickered in the background before a defeated sigh escaped his lips, shoulders slumping. "Fine…"

Ladybug smiled faintly, patting him on the back. "That's my kitty!"

"It's for the greater good anyway," he grumbled.

Another beep tore through the eerie silence, and Ladybug skipped backwards. "My time's running out. Meet you guys in a minute!"

"Sure," Cheetah bounced her shoulders, teetering towards Cat Noir with a flirtatious grin. He backed away cautiously, giving her the stink eye as she giggled. "Take all the time you need, LB— woah!"

A vine snatched her up by the ankle, lifting the girl high in the air. Cheetah scowled, glaring down from her upside down state again. "I seriously hate this!"

"Help her, Cat Noir!" Ladybug called out, already skipping into the darkness of the fauna.

"Don't worry!" Cat Noir announced, lengthening his staff hurriedly. "I'll get you down!"

"My hero," Cheetah cooed teasingly, eyes widening when the green plant rose higher. Numerous vines shot outwards, curving around her thighs and encircling her midsection before sliding into a cross across her chest. Her muscles tensing, Cheetah paled visibly. "Oh, God… this… this is how those hentai things start, don't they?!"

Mind racing with multiple lewd thoughts, Cheetah bared her teeth, struggling to break away from the plant's firm hold. "Let me go, you perverted vegetation!"

"What're you talking about?!" Cat Noir inquired incredulously, swinging his staff against the vines. "Try to stop moving! I'm gonna get you down!"

His advice fell on deaf ears as Cheetah continued writhing in the hold of multiple vines, expletives flying out of her mouth as the vines went on tightening around her body. Cat Noir gritted his teeth, slamming his staff against a vine to draw it back. But the vines slithered around his weapon, snatching it out of his grasp. A number of vines hooked onto him, hoisting him up in the air as well.

Cat Noir yelped, kicking his feet in the air. "This isn't good!"

Forest green eyes clashed with silver gray, and the corners of Cheetah's lips curled into a teasing smirk as the vines wrapped around them, squeezing tightly as they brought them face to face. Despite the life threatening situation, Cheetah smiled cheekily while Cat Noir glared at her from the close proximity they were in.

"Y'know?" Cheetah began shamelessly, brushing the tip of his nose against his. "I think the akuma feels the chemistry between us."

"There's no chemistry between us!" Cat Noir snapped, green eyes narrowed into slits. "There wasn't any, and there never will be!"

"You're right."

Cat Noir blinked, surprised to hear her agree. Steely eyes glittered mischievously, and Cheetah smirked. "It's more like sexual tensio—"

"Cataclysm!"

The vines withered away into nothing within a single second, dropping both of them to the dirty ground. Cheetah winced, landing on her bottom while Cat Noir hit the ground on his feet, his staff clattering beside him. He shifted his weight to the other foot, sending the girl an annoyed look. Cheetah grumbled under her breath, standing upright before she stretched her above her head. "Jeez, that wasn't very nice y'know."

"What did I miss?"

Ladybug's feet came to a skidding halt, yoyo zipping back into her grasp.

"Nothing much," Cat Noir shrugged his shoulders, slamming his staff onto the ground. "Though I gotta go feed my kwami."

Ladybug raised her brows, "you had to use your special power?"

"Yep." Cat Noir nodded. "You guys go ahead. I'll catch up with you soon!"

With that his staff was pushing him off the ground, sprinting him towards the messy flora. Cheetah tracked his retreat with her eyes, then blinked when she felt something wrap around her wrist. Her arm jerked back instinctively, fearing another vine attack but she stared when it was nothing but the strong string of Ladybug's yoyo.

"What the hell is this supposed to be?" Cheetah deadpanned, raising her chained arm as Ladybug nodded unapologetically, holding out her own arm where she had wrapped her yoyo around as well. "This way you can't run off on us, Cheetah."

"Hey, I made a deal with you." Cheetah complained, frowning when the bluenette began marching ahead. A frown curling her lips, the cherry haired girl started trudging forward too. "I said I'll help you guys!"

"Just to be on the safe side," Ladybug admitted truthfully. "Sorry, but me and Cat can't take any chances."

Cheetah huffed, kicking a stone and watching it hit a gigantic tree nearby. Her gaze trailed around the strange scenery, and she frowned. "Is Verdure really this strong?"

"The akuma's name is Verdure?"

"Well, that's what she told me."

Ladybug gave her a questioning look. "You spent a lot of time talking to that akuma when me and Cat Noir were fighting though."

"You mean when you and kitty were getting your butts handed to you by those creepy crawlers, right?"

Ladybug's lips twitched downwards in annoyance, and Cheetah looked ahead with a smug smile. "Yeah, but Verdure didn't say anything that important to me."

"And why do I find that hard to believe?" Ladybug rolled her eyes. "Then again, I don't expect you to tell me the truth."

"Wow, aren't you smart?"

Ignoring the saractic reply, Ladybug let her wander towards the Eiffel tower. Vines had curled around the wrought-iron, lush green leaves and bright colorful flowers had sprouted among the lattice tower. Enormous vines were still hovering across the city, but instead of shouts and sheer panic, there was an eerie silence around them.

Cheetah's eyes; however, were fixed on a certain item she had never really cared about much before. From the corners of her golden mask, she examined the earrings in Ladybug's ears. Those stud earrings were a brilliant red like a pair of rubies, matching the color of Paris's heroine's mask that framed her bluebell eyes. Five black dots were enough proof to tell that those were her miraculous.

Those earrings. Silver eyes flickered, breath hitching slightly as Ladybug continued staring towards the Eiffel tower, oblivious of the gaze frozen on her. And Cat Noir's miraculous.

They can grant me my wish.

A loud beep echoed into the air, and Cheetah quickly tore away her gaze as Ladybug flicked open her yoyo. A screen lit up, showing a familiar face.

"You doing okay, m'lady?"

"All good, kitty." Ladybug smiled at her partner. Cheetah blinked stupidly, then teetered towards the heroine until they were both shoulder to shoulder. Cat Noir glowered at her from the round screen of the yoyo while Cheetah stared at it in sheer awe.

"You can… use this as a communicator too?"

"Uh, yeah?" Ladybug responded, quirking a brow as she stepped away from the other girl. "Didn't you know that?"

Cheetah pursed her lips, her free hand skimming over the handle of her whip. "Psh. 'Course, I knew that."

She acted unfazed as Ladybug awarded her with a skeptical look until Cat Noir spoke up once more. "Hope the thief isn't causing you much trouble, m'lady."

"You still sour about earlier, my sweet knight?" Cheetah cooed teasingly, and Cat Noir grimaced, completely ignoring the girl as he turned to an amused Ladybug. "It's okay, Cat Noir. Cheetah won't be running anywhere now."

For emphasis, Ladybug held up their linked wrists as she smiled adamantly. "We're gonna beat Hawkmoth just like every time!"

Emerald eyes brightening up, Cat Noir nodded his head firmly, a smile already touching his face. "See you at the tower. Cat Noir out."

The screen flickered back to darkness, and Ladybug clicked the yoyo shut. Cheetah gently tugged at the red string bounding their wrists together, making soft bluebell eyes flick her way.

"You really think I can't run away?" Cheetah thumbed the taut string, looping it around her finger carelessly.

Ladybug gripped her yoyo, letting her hands fall to her sides. "Yeah, my miraculous' string is strong and really flexible. No matter how far you try to run off, we'll still catch you."

Cheetah hummed, continuing to wrap the round and round her pinky finger till the gold of her gloves was hidden underneath the crimson string. "Reminds me of the red string of fate."

Bluebell eyes blinked, shifting and meeting smoky silver. The corners of her lips tugging upwards into a lazy smile, Cheetah leaned closer to the heroine, arm sliding in with the other girl's to link them together fondly.

"You see, Ladybug," Cheetah began loudly, trudging forward and surprising the heroine who was dragged ahead as well. "There's this story someone really close to me told me when I was really little."

Ladybug arched a brow, falling in step with the thief. "Oh, really?"

"Yeah," Cheetah's eyes danced with humor, fingers drumming over Ladybug's arm with an air of easiness. "It's called…"

Her gaze slid over those peculiarly beautiful earrings, reminding her of gentle hands and a warm, loving smile. I just need to get those.

"The red string of fate."


A/N: Ended up cutting this chapter in half tho since I wasn't so satisfied with the other half c:

I'm working on that soulmate au too, guys. So make sure you keep an eye out for it :D

Stay safe, and stay hydrated, dearies~!