Hi everyone, SonicRebelHD here bringing you another chapter in the Master Files! I just wanted to say thank you all who have reviewed, favorited, or followed me. I really appreciate the support and it reassure me that you are all liking my stories and that I'm doing something right. Plus I need all the advice I can get so a thank you to those who gave me constructive reviews. Other than that, I just wanted to let you know that in this chapter I'm using the word hors d'oeuvres which if you dont know what that means, its the europian way of saying appatizer or starter in a resturaunt. I just wanted to let you guys know just in case if any of you were confused. Thank you all again and enjoy. (I do not own Ladybug and Cat Noir.)
Chapter 7
A Twist in Thought
(Marinette POV)
Marinette stared at the ceiling with a huge smile on her face, completely satisfied with the decision she made yesterday. She was glad that Corrin was staying at her place, at least for a little while. She'd be able to get to know him even more now since there were no secrets between them and so far it was going great! As a welcome to their home Marinette made macaroons for dessert, letting Corrin take the first pick and was thrilled that he actually liked them. They even watched a movie together, which Marinette was surprised that Corrin actually sat and watched it with them, even joining in on their crazy conversations.
The one thing that she had worried about was Corrin being overwhelmed with the sudden change, but he seemed to be taking it very well. She couldn't stop thinking about him all night, the sweet and cheerful smile he had after he took a bite of a macaroon, the way he looked at her with his intense yet caring eyes; Marinette shivered as she rolled back and forth with a pillow in her face trying to calm down.
"No don't think about that!" She whispered to herself as she looked at a picture of her and Adrien that they had recently taken. It was on the tour day when Corrin had left, Marinette had suggested a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower and he had agreed with a smile on his face making that one of the most happiest moments of her life. As she was admiring the photo, a foreign smell caught her noses attention making her smile slightly at how good it smelt.
"Ooooh whats that?" Tikki asked as she yawned and sniffed the air with interest.
"I don't know but I want some." Marinette replied as she started to follow the smell that was in the air, going down her stairs until she found the source. Corrin was manning the stove, apron and all, cooking what looked like an omelet with such focus that Marinette for a moment thought that omelet was his life's creation.
"Morning Marinette, hungery?" He asked without turning around which made her jump slightly.
"How did y-you-?"
"Ah I heard you coming down, you aren't the most stealthy person around." Corrin replied making her blush slightly as she sat down at the table and watched him.
"You didn't have to make breakfast for us you know." She said as she noticed the two other mouth watering omelets all set and ready to be eaten.
"Your father did say that I had to cook if I wanted to stay, and I enjoy cooking for people especially my friends." Corrin replied as he successfully flipped his omelet and caught it again in the pan making Marinette smile and clap in appluse. Corrin bowed slightly as he plated the meal and placed it in front of her with a small smile. "Breakfast is served." Corrin said in an official tone making Marinette laugh slightly.
"Aren't you going to make one for yourself?" She asked as she put a piece into her mouth and almost squeaked in surprise at how good it was. "I already ate, I'm used to waking up early so I made myself something while you were all asleep." Corrin explained as he put away his aprin.
"What time are you used to waking up?" Marinette asked curiosity getting the better of her.
"I normally get up by four, study what I can, do an early morning work out then I head out for school." Corrin said as he sat down resting his head on his palm.
'Ah so thats why you have all those muscles.' Marinette thought as she also shuddered from thinking about getting up so early.
"Anyway, do you have anything planned today?" Corrin asked.
"I actually do, me and some of the girls are going to meet up here to umm do a meeting-ah I mean hang out." Marinette caught herself, hoping Corrin wouldn't catch what she said but he glared at her slightly which meant her plan failed.
"A meeting?" Corrin asked but after a little bit his eyes lit up in recognition making Marinette blush bright crimson.
"I'm going to guess but is this meeting going to be a planning session for you to get with Adrien?" Corrin asked which made Marinette want to hide up in her room, but she nodded.
Corrin then started to laugh which made Marinette feel even worse, "Sorry, you're just too funny sometimes." Corrin said as he stopped laughing.
Marinette pursed her lips, "I need all the help I can get Corrin, for some reason, whenever I try to talk to him my words want to run away from my mouth, and when I try to force words to come out they sound stupid." Marinette explained as Corrin seemed to listen intently which surprised her a little.
She knows he's been helping her with Adrien, but the way that he listened to her made her think that she was the most important person to him right at that moment, and it made her feel different, in a good way. Then a thought popped up in her head and before she could stop herself she asked, "Would you be willing to come to the meeting?" She asked but scolded herself mentally as she looked at the table not daring to met his eyes.
There was an uncomfortable silence as Marinette waited for his responce, but heard nothing. Marinette found the guts to look at Corrin only to see not amusement but intrigue as he had a small smile on his face which completely threw her off guard. "If you want me to then sure, I can make some hors d'oeuvres too if that sounds good?" Corrin asked as he continued to look straight into her eyes with his serious ones, making her face flush under the attention.
"S-sure thats sounds good," Marinette managed as she mentally shook off her embarrassment.
"Thank you." She added with a whisper which made Corrin nod his head in affermation.
"No problem, now I probably should be going, wouldn't want anybody to get the wrong idea." Corrin said as he gathered his things then left, leaving Marinette with a crimson face.
Marinette sighed as she finished her food, (leaveing a little for Tikki) and started to get ready for school. 'Today is going to be an interesting day.' Marinette thought as she finished, said her goodbyes to her parents and ran after Corrin.
Marinette didn't have that much to run as she stumbled across Adrien and Corrin at school seeming to have a deep conversation about something which she was only able to make out one word that Adrien said, "Sorry."
Corrin just shook his head, right has Marinette walked in, "Hi Adrien, Corrin, how are you guys?" She asked trying to act normal.
"I'm ok, but why are you asking Corrin? I thought he was-" Adrien started before Corrin quickly covered his mouth, making Marinette sigh in relief.
"Keep it on the down low," Corrin whispered just loud enough for them to hear.
"No body knows other than you two and I'd like to keep it that way if that sounds good?" Corrin asked as Adrien nodded, taking a breath.
"Ok thank you for telling me, but I'm sorry to say, father said no on the arrangment." Adrien informed, making Corrin nod.
"No problem, I can make this work for the time being, I'll just have to meet him then he'll get the right imprestion." Corrin said with a wink as Adrien's eyes widened.
"How did you know that he had a wrong impression of you?" Adrien asked.
"Its pretty easy, I'm a homeless kid, he probably thinks I look like a hippy from the mountains." Corrin laughed making Marinette smile slightly.
Corrin seemed to always think about the positives of his life, even to the point where he jokes about it, even though he has every right to hate his surcumstances. It really made her glad that she was his friend, no matter what, Corrin could put a smile on her face and that was a comforting thought to have, especially when she has the stress of saving Paris over and over again.
"Hey girl!" A voice called making Marinette turn around to greet Alya who had a pleasant smile on her face.
"So is the...get together still on after school?" Alya whispered.
"Yea, and I asked Corrin to come to if you don't mind?" Marinette informed which made Alya go wide eyed.
"Wha- why did you ask him? I know he's been helping you and all but-"
"I asked him because I trust him," Marinette said, with surprise at how determined her voice sounded.
"When we were talking today, I told him about my problems with being around Adrien, and he listened so intently it made me feel like I was the most important person in his life at that moment. Plus he's smart so he might have an idea that we haven't already thought of, and... he's making orderves for us too." Marinette explained.
Alya's eyes seemed to light up at the mention of Corrin's attentiveness and his food which made Marinette laugh. "Don't worry I'm sure he'll make plenty." Marinette reassured which made Alya laugh, "He better, but I'm surprised, you normally only talk about Adrien that way." Alya stated which made Marinette look at her with confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, when you talk about Adrien your eyes light up and you get this flush in your cheeks, and that was how you were talking about Corrin, with the same light and the same flush." Alya explained which made Marinette's face burn.
"Well, he's a great friend, I-I-I don't have a crush on him or have any pictures of him in my room thats for sure!" She exclaimed a little loud, making her cover her mouth in embarrassment. Alya just shook her head with a small smile on her face making Marinette's blush worsen. "Sure girl, I believe you now come on we're going to be late for class." Alya urged as she ran towards the door.
Marinette quickly followed but stoped as she saw Corrin holding the door for them which again surprised her, not many people were that nice or paient. Maybe it was because, he was almost two years older than them, maybe it was because he was just being a good friend, but the last thing that she thought she completely dismissed for how ridiculous it sounded, 'Maybe he likes me.' She had thought as she said her thanks to Corrin and headed up to class with her mind and feelings full of confusion.
(Corrin POV)
'Today is going to be an interesting experience.' Corrin thought finishing his homework right as Miss Bustier was finishing her lecture. He had never really spent time with girls in his other life, so being invited to an all girl hang out (excluding him) by Marinette was something of a surprise to him but also a chance to help her even more than he already has.
The only girl that he knew in his other life was his apprentice but other than the fact that she came everyday to that crystal cave to train under him, he didn't know anything about her to the point that Corrin felt very disappointed in himself but he couldn't change the past which this time he knew he couldn't do.
Ever since he regained his memories of his past life, he's been seeing things differently, a good different but different all the same. Like all of Paris for example, he at first thought that it was just any normal city with some amazing sites, but now, Corrin sees it as a miracle at how fast civilization as prospered in such a short time.
The other thing that Corrin started to notice was how easy it was to control his powers now, which gave him time to relax and actually not have to worry about blacking out anymore or anyone seeing his hand glow with his powers golden light. But the only thing that concerned him was the fact that he had this strange familiarity with Marinette and Adrien. He couldn't explain it but whenever he was around them, he felt like his powers were reacting to something but he couldn't figure out what it was.
"Corrin are you ok?" A voice asked pulling Corrin out of his thoughts. Marinette stood over him with a worried look on her face, which Corrin had to admit...actually no he didn't have to admit it, he has a mission to get Marinette and Adrien together and he couldn't have any destractions. "Sorry, I was thinking about what hors d'oeuvres I should make." Corrin covered as he placed his homework on Miss Bustier's desk and started walking with Marinette down the stairs.
"You really are serious about cooking huh?" Marinette asked. Corrin put on the most serious look he could muster and said, "Yes, yes I am." Corrin said in a deep voice which made Marinette burst out laughing.
"You are such a goof ball!" Marinette exclaimed as she started to cry from laughing too much.
"The lower voice was a little too much huh?" Corrin chuckled gliding down the stairs, as his powers reacted again making his stomach tighten. Corrin swallowed and quickly shook it off before Marinette could see his discomfort. "Anyway," Marinette said as she whipped a tear from her eye.
"What hors d'oeuvres are you going to make?"
"Do you gals like shrimp?" Corrin asked which got an enthusiastic nod from Marinette. "Well, I'm planning on making grilled shrimp with some melted butter as a dip, but I'm going to have to go to the store to get the ingredients I need." Corrin said.
"Mabye we have what you need." Marinette said but Corrin shook his head.
"I checked this morning, you don't have the ingredients that I normally use but I can improvise, you guys will be my taste testers." Corrin said pounding his fist into his palm as his decision was made clear.
"Well I bet it'll taste great." Marinette encouraged with a sweet smile on her face.
They quickly waved goodbye to Adrien as he got in his car then started to make their way to the bakery talking the whole way with smiles on their faces.
"Oh by the way, how long will it take for you to finish?" Marinette asked, as they entered the backery.
"I should be able to get it done in twenty minutes or less if I start now." Corrin informed.
"Ok good, they'll be here in about thirty minutes so now might be a good time to start cooking." Marinette said as she started heading up the stairs to her room.
"Yes, ma'am." Corrin saluted as he found an apron, and then with his goal set got started on the orderves.
Cooking in any kitchen was always a comfort for Corrin, when he was homeless he had to cook with an actual fire which still made good food but was a hassel to keep going and to not burn the food which he did many times when he was young.
He was now used to an actual kitchen now thanks to his job, and so 'cooking at Marinette's place is a breeze,' Corrin thought as he started to melt the butter while he let the shrimp cook, (since butter can burn he couldn't have it melt and go back to the shrimp). He couldn't help but smile as he thought of Marinette and the kindness that she has showed him since they first met. In his other life, most everyone had an ulterior motive, looking to get something out of him, the only person who wasn't like that to some degree was his apprentice.
But now everyone treated him with kindness and respect, and for Marinette and Adrien, didn't think of him any less after they found out that he was homeless. In fact, they seemed to think even higher of him after they found out; but the more he spent time with Marinette, he kept on feeling weirder and weirder around her.
Even though he has had another life, Corrin has never felt this way before and he couldn't put his finger on what it was. It definitely was on the lines of admiration but it wasn't quite that, 'Ugg thinking about this is making my head spin,' Corrin thought, shaking his head and taking the butter out of the microwave just in time.
Corrin quickly went back to the shrimp, flipping them over and waited as they cooked, putting a little bit of seasoning here and there trying to make the taste light but with a little kick. After a bit, Corrin placed the grilled shrimp on two plates making them as neat as possible which finished his task.
Corrin wiped his brow with satisfation, as he started to walk up the latter to knock on Marinette's door put a familiar voice stoped him in his tracks, "Ooo that smells good Marinette, can you save some for me?" The voice asked which made Corrin's stomach drop.
"Sure, I hope Corrin made more than enough for all of us." Marinette replied as they both giggled.
Corrin couldn't believe his ears, 'That voice sounded exactly like Tikki's voice?!' Corrin exclaimed in his head as he quietly went down the stairs and started to pace the kitchen.
He didn't see anyone go up to Marinette's room, so her talking to a friend was out of the question. She could be talking to herself but why would she change her voice, and how could her voice change sound exactly like Tikki? The only explanation to this whole scenario was that, 'Marinette is Ladybug' Corrin thought with wide eyes as he leaned on the counter to steady himself.
But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Marinette and Ladybug had the same hair color, and hair cut, they have the same blue bell eyes too. They looked too similar for them not to be the same person, plus their voices sounded the same, and their laughs were identical too! Corrin face palmed himself for being an idiot, not being able to see it sooner, 'Well, I guess I'm not the only one keeping secrets.' Corrin thought.
Plus he remembered that he gave Tikki and Plagg some of his power before he introduced them to their Miraculous so he now understood why his powers were reacting when he was near Marinette, but why did it react around Adrien? He had a theory but he didn't want to jump the gun just in case so he'd have to test his theory, just to make sure.
But this revelation was something that made Corrin's main mission easier, since he knows who Ladybug is now, it'll be easier to get her attention tonight. A knock at the door pulled Corrin out of his thoughts, making him remove his apron and answer the door to see Alya, Juleka, Rose, Alix, and Mylene all with smiles on their faces.
"Oh uh hello come on in." Corrin said a little awkwardly.
"Thank you!" They all chimed with sweet smiles, as they all walked in and started heading up the stair. Corrin quickly put his thoughts into the back of his mind as he grabbed the hors d'oeuvres and expertly took them up to Marinette's room which to Corrin's surprise was very tidy.
"Hi everyone thank you for coming!" Marinette said with a cheery voice as everyone sat down, and Corrin placed the hors d'oeuvres on a small white table.
"Wow that smells good, what is it?" Rose asked as she sniffed the shrimp.
"It's grilled shrimp, with some melted butter as dip, please enjoy." Corrin said as all the girls looked at him with an awe fill exprestion.
"You can cook?" Alix asked as everyone took a bit of shrimp and seemed to melt in their seats.
"Wow! It melts in my mouth!" Mylene complemented with a smile.
Corrin nodded at the question which made everyone look at him with a huge smile on their faces.
"Can he come to every meeting?" Juleka asked making everyone laugh.
"Alright everyone, its time to get serious we all know why we're here." Alya announced which instantly made them quiet which surprised Corrin slightly.
"Now since we all know about Marinette's crush and her problem, we need some ideas to help her get closer to him." Alya explained as Marinette blushed deep red and poked her fingers together in enbarrassment. Everyone nodded, then she continued, "Ok so heres how its going to go, I'll go around the room and you say your ideas out loud and Marinette will write them down, there are no bad ideas so please speak your mind." Alya said making Corrin think she was a professor.
Alya started at the end of the room with Rose, who started to tell them her idea. But as time passed, each one of the girls ideas seemed too complex for Corrin as he listened to each idea, trying to ignore the fact that Ladybug was in the room with them.
"Ok Corrin do you have an idea?" Alya asked startling Corrin making him jump slightly.
"Yea, umm," Corrin said as he let his mind work through everything in his head.
"All of your ideas are great and all but they are all way too complicated for something that Marinette has been doing for a while." Corrin explained as the girls looked at Marinette in amazment.
"W-when have I done-" Marinette started but Corrin stopped her by raising his hand.
"Let me finish Marinette," Corrin said,
"First let me ask you all a question, whats the most important thing that we can give to someone?" Corrin asked.
There was silence as they all had focused looks on their faces making Corrin smile slightly, "Our love?" Mylene asked.
Corrin shook his head.
"Money?" Alix asked.
Corrin shook his head.
"Presents?" Rose asked.
Corrin shook his head.
"Our time?" Marinette said making Corrin give her a big smile.
"Exacly!" Corrin replied making all the girls say "Ohhh" in unison.
"You see, we wouldn't put our time into something that we don't care about or love to do." Corrin explained.
"So if you love someone, then you show them that you do by spending time with them, and Marinette has been doing just that these last couple of weeks all by herself." Corrin said as Marinette eyes widened in realization.
"Time is the most valuable thing that we can give someone, so Adrien will realize it sooner or later that you really care for him and he'll develop these feelings for you two...with enough time of course.
"But how does Marinette make Adiren realize her feelings for him?" Alya asked.
"Since Adrien's been homeschooled for most of his life then he probably isn't as adapt at seeing others feelings towards him as everyone at school, but with enough time then he'll realize it, the only thing I suggest is to be yourself, because I think the most romantic things are the things we do naturally in those situations." Corrin suggested as Marinette started to write some stuff down making Corrin smile.
"Now I should be heading out, my parents should be ready for me to make dinner." Corrin said as he saw the sun just over the horizen.
"Oh ok well thank you for you time and advice." Marinette said as everyone else said bye to him as he went down the stairs and out of the backery.
Corrin had to get ready for tonight, it was time to reveal is super hero persona to Ladybug and Cat Noir.
(Marinette POV)
Marinette sighed as she laid in her bed, completely satisfied with the meeting at the time that she spent with her friends. They all had really good ideas but Corrin's point that he made, totally made sense. When he was talking, it gave her a boost of confidence, she was doing it right, even though Corrin helped a lot she got to spend time with Adrien and be herself at the same time. She smiled with glee as she got down and grabbed the second to last shrimp that was left; she had to say thank you to Corrin when he got back, he made the wonderful shrimp and gave that amazing suggestion but he hasn't come back yet which really made her start to worry.
"Can I have some?" Tikki asked interrupting Marinette's thoughts.
Marinette smiled as she dipped the last one into the butter and handed it to Tikki but right when she did so a golden light flashed her eyes completely blinding her. "Marinette! Are you ok?" Tikki asked as Marinette rubbed her eyes.
"I'm fine but what was that?!" She asked as she climbed to her bed and opened the door to her balcony to she something that she never thought she'd see in her life time. A person wearing gleaming golden armor, seemed to glide right past her, the armor seeming to be illuminating golden light covered his entire body, he was wearing a golden knights helm which covered his face making it so Marinette couldn't identify who it was but the sight was almost breathtaking.
"Who's that?!" Marinette said as he glided past.
"Tikki Spots ON!" She called, instantly transforming into Ladybug and followed the golden knight until he stopped, looking in the direction of the Eiffel Tower.
Ladybug hid herself behind some roofing as she observed the knight, not sure what he was to really put her in a tight spot. She was about to call Cat Noir when he landed with a light thump right beside her. "That was the golden light that I saw after we bet Jestro." Cat said as Ladybug nodded. "I believe you but who is he?" Ladybug asked but yelped as he started to fall through something and before she knew it she was falling straight towards a grassy field!
Ladybug quickly flipped herself and landed on her feet, but when she looked around she knew she wasn't in Paris anymore. She seemed to be in a forest opening, as trees were all around her with the lush grass leaning in the light breeze that followed. Ladybug looked up to see a hole in the sky that disappeared a short while after she saw it, 'Ok I fell through that hole, but how?' She asked herself, trying to search her brain for an answer but came up with nothing.
Holes don't just open up, swallow you and take you somewhere random that just doesn't happen. The only thing that she could think of that could do that was the horse miraculous but that was safe with Master Fu so that couldn't be it.
But her question was answered as the golden knight appeared before her in an instant which made her blink in disbelief.
"Now, since we're alone, lets begin Marinette." The knight said with a hollowed voice which made Ladybug's face pale and her heart stop.
