The life of a superhero is tough. Nobody promised it would be easy. It has never been easy, right? Especially for a teenager, who is just beginning the journey to find oneself, build relationships with other people and study for future. The fragile time when one needs to take a break, it is required for the system to properly function.

But when you're the superhero of an entire city, who had sworn to protect the people of Paris at all costs, no matter how tough the situation is – it is your duty, an obligation. If not you, then...who? Other heroes cannot exactly do what you can. In the end, you're the one who cleanses the evil spirits. Then how?

"There was no one else for me to lean on...I needed to do this! I had no choice!"

Marinette buried her face in the pillow, unable to face the small magical creatures who have gathered around her. She told Alya her biggest secret. A secret that had been a burden, an enormous responsibility on her shoulders. Something that was standing in the way of her personal life, of having a relationship, of living a normal life. That is the price to pay for being a hero, so the world remains balanced. Or, at least, that what the girl thought to make herself feel better. This time it didn't help as much as it used to.

Tikki sighed, snuggling to Marinette's cheek. "I heard. We all did." She gestured to other kwamis, who floated about, concerned.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng was at her absolute worst. She nearly lost her best friends; she had to break up with a guy who she was slowly falling in love with; she was so confused about her feelings towards a certain blond model… She had to vent to someone. And no one seemed like a more reliable person than her very best friend Alya – the bearer of the fox miraculous and Ladybug's number one fan, leader of the Ladyblog.

In hindsight, it didn't seem to be a bad idea. After all, their friendship was tested many times and after getting the chance to become a superhero assisting Ladybug and Chat Noir, Césaire's interest in finding out Ladybug's secret identity died down significantly. Possibly because she realized how difficult it was for superheroes who saved the city daily, without breaks; how important it was for them to remain incognito. At least that's what the ladybug miraculous holder thought the reason to be.

"What's going to happen now?"

A question that popped into the girl's head as soon as she blurted out the truth. Would she still remain the Guardian? Would she be able to remain Ladybug? Was she ever to fight alongside Chat again? What are the consequences of someone finding out? What would Master Fu say?

"Marinette, I don't think we should talk about it now." Said the red kwami. "You need to rest and discuss these matters on a fresh mind. It is for your own good." The creature looked worried.

The teenager turned to lay on her side, a pit in her stomach expanding with each second. Anxiety began to take over once again, coming in waves. She knew she could trust Alya; however, it would be even harder to not give the secret away accidentally. The chances of that increased.

And what about Chat Noir? Was he struggling with the double-life as much as she did? Although she knew very little of him as a civilian, (the fact that he was allergic to pigeons counts, right?) the superheroine couldn't help but wonder how he was balancing his duties. They weren't strangers after all, fighting alongside each other for so long. He was like her the most, his identity kept secret as much as hers.

"But I can't just ask him this in my current state." It was so fragile that she may end up slipping and spilling everything to him. And she already failed to keep her mouth completely shut. Cats may have nine lives, but she was a ladybug, who was really pushing her luck to the test. Speaking of cats-

"Everyone, hide!" Kwamis rushed back into their hiding place, which the young fashion designer fixed with the help of her friend. Marinette jumped up, startled by the sudden commotion in the room.

Lo and behold, it really was Chat. Marinette stood up from her bed, making her way to the open the roof door.

"Princess, may I come in? It's quite chilly outside." The black cat miraculous holder poked his head into the room from the trap door as soon as it was opened. The girl nodded her head, stepping aside. She didn't know what brought him to her today, as it has been a while since he visited her. What's the deal anyway? And why today?

To her surprise, the superhero quietly took a sit on the floor, scratching his head. He looked puzzled, as if questioning why he came to see Marinette. The silence grew awkward and the girl was first to break it.

"You're look like you've lost all your cheer today, Chat Noir." She pointed out, facing him. "Did something happen?"

He looked up at Marinette before his eyes started taking the interior of the room he was in. It wasn't the first time he stopped by in his hero form. In fact, he had been in her room many times as a civilian. However, he noted a couple of new things here and there: a model of what appeared to be a dollhouse and new pictures with Marinette and Luka on the walls. He quickly looked in the opposite direction, feeling as though he was intruding. Everyone knew that Luka was Marinette's boyfriend, yet Adrien felt as if their relationship was something private, therefore, feeling embarrassed.

He was truly happy for his friends. Marinette was a nice girl and Luka was an ideal match for her. Too bad Chat Noir could never have a secure relationship with his secret identity.

"I just...I'm not distracting you, right?" The boy asked, focusing on Marinette's face. She looked pale.

"No-no, I could use some distraction anyway." She gave him a weak smile, taking a sit on the floor to face Chat. He was about to ask 'Why?' but shook his head and sighed. So he was intruding.

"It won't take too long. I just felt like I needed to talk to somebody."

That line surprised Marinette. Last time they had a heart-to-heart with Chat it was about a heartbreak situation. Were they in a similar situation once again? She did recall that Chat toned down his flirting after telling Ladybug about having a girlfriend. How did he manage the relationship? Was it still valid?

"To be honest, I know that feeling." The holder of ladybug miraculous took a short glance at the pictures on her wall. Seeing Luka's face made her heart sink.

He traced the direction she was looking at, but chose to not ask anything.

"These days I feel like nothing goes according to the plan. I don't think I'm supposed to share my superhero struggles with anyone, but...it has been really tough."

A cold evening breeze flew into the room from the door that wasn't closed fully, causing chills to run down Marinette's spine. With mouth agape she looked at Chat, who hugged his knee, speaking softly. So he also had those days… She could feel how burdened the boy under the mask felt. After all, they were a perfect duo, who mirrored each other. Thus, their identity struggles were also mirrored. That made her feel slightly better. She scooted closer to him, not saying a word. He continued:

"There have been struggles before, of course. And being a superhero is an honor, I wouldn't trade it for anything, really! But I have so many questions. I didn't expect it would be this hard. As if there is no one for me to lean on."

Precisely. Marinette felt her throat getting drier. She figured he had a similar dating failure that she did. It made her heart feel heavier. But she couldn't convey how relatable these words felt, since in his eyes she was just a normal girl with a normal life. Additionally, the girl felt guilty for not talking it out with Chat when they were on patrol. Being so fixated on herself and keeping their identities intact, she made her friend feel left out.

Adrien noticed how stiff Marinette was and almost started regretting his visit. Maybe he was burdening her as well? Should he up and leave? Maybe Plagg was right for stopping him.

"Oh Chat…" The girl finally broke the silence to acknowledge everything he said. She had to be careful as to not reveal her identity, as she felt Tikki's gaze even through the kwami's hiding place. Unfortunately, Chat Noir should never know who she is.

"I'm sorry to hear you that you have been feeling this way. I admire you for being this strong."

She wasn't lying. If anything, Chat Noir was much stronger than her. He had been keeping everything to himself, from what she could gather. And she had this chance to tell her close friend about the struggles.

He led out a chuckle, followed by a sad smile, feeling smaller by each passing second. However, her company felt nice. Chat was thankful of her.

"No-no, I'm sure my Lady is stronger than I ever will be. She always finds a way. I wish I could be more like her."

Marinette bit her lower lip. No-no-no! He was completely wrong! She wasn't strong, she was a complete mess! She dug her nails into the palms of her hands. Even at a time like this Chat shows adoration towards Ladybug. It made her feel a certain way she couldn't explain. It was a mix of emotions. Despite wanting to tell him it wasn't so, she couldn't. And it hurt. The way his eyes lit up when he mentioned his 'Bugaboo' was impossible to hide. It was...wholesome. It was harder for her to not burst into tears.

Adrien noticed how uneasy the girl beside him looked, as he put a hand on her shoulder. He did feel slightly better after sharing his troubles, albeit without details. Yet he couldn;t ignore the state he found his classmate in.

"But now that I've told you what's with me, you can tell me about what's bothering you. I'm here."

Without a second thought, Marinette embraced him, stifling her cries. She didn't know how much she should reveal to Chat. Lying about school being hard? Sharing about her breakup?

"I'll be fine. I just need a company."

He didn't complain. Instead, the superhero pulled her closer.