Miraculous fanfiction

Chapter One: Feelings?

Marinette sat at her desk, daydreaming while she was supposed to be doing her homework. Tikki sat nearby, dozing on top of her books. The sun cast a warm glow over Marinette's loft, basking both characters in the magic of a sunset in Paris. Marinette thought of Adrien then, posing for one of his model shots in the park at sunset, the pink and orange sky framing his perfect smile… but then the image of him warped. Marinette was Ladybug, perched on the roof of a tall building in Paris, and beside her, the brush of an arm, soft hair brushing her cheek. It was Cat Noir.

Marinette jolted, sending her books to the floor, and causing Tikki to jump to attention.

'Marinette, what's wrong?' Tikki searched Marinette's face for any indication of what was going on inside her head.

'Nothing, Tikki, nothing's wrong,' Marinette said, staring blankly at the floor.

'Something startled you, are you sure you're ok?' Tikki asked, confused at Marinette's expression.

'I've just realised something…' Marinette started, scratching her head with the pen she was holding, 'I…I,' she started, trying to find the words, 'I think I have feelings for Cat Noir,' Marinette finished, finally looking at Tikki, who smiled fondly.

'Of course you do,' she said, without hesitation.

'What do you mean?' Marinette asked, her voice strained.

'This always happens Marinette. It's the mystery, the allure of him. It's his confidence. The ease you have with him,' Tikki blurted out, before she could stop herself.

'Mystery? Allure? But, why would I want Cat Noir when Adrien isn't mystery, when I know who he is?' Marinette asked, desperately trying to reconcile her feelings.

'Everyone has secrets, Marinette,' Tikki said simply.

'I suppose that's true, just look at me,' Marinette giggled, 'but, what now?' she asked, gazing out at the window once again, lost in thought.

MEANWHILE

Adrien lay on his bed, Plagg munching on a slice of camembert noisily. Adrien stretched and rested his hands behind his head, looking out towards the city outside his room, aching for adventure.

'Whatcha thinking?' Plagg asked, mouthful of oozing cheese.

'Oh, nothing new,' Adrien sighed.

'Come on,' Plagg whinged, 'you know you can always talk to me buddy,' he finished, eyes wide and expectant.

'Do you think Marinette… likes me?' Adrien asked hesitantly, bracing for the answer.

'Oh, for sure! I'm surprised it's taken you this long to figure it out!' Plagg exclaimed.

'Really?' Adrien sat up, suddenly attentive. Plagg floated away from Adrien's pillow, so he was suspended in front of Adrien's face.

'Um… yeah,' Plagg said, a hint of sarcasm in his words.

'But… but… she,' Adrien started, hugging his knees into his chest.

'Stumbles over her words, stumbles over any object in her path, blushes, stares, stammers, smiles…' Plagg started listing all the indicators of Marinette's crush.

'But Plagg, she can't like me like that, we're just, we're just friends, aren't we?' Adrien interrupted him, stammering over his own words this time, playing scenes of Marinette over and over in his head. But his thoughts were interrupted by a ding on his phone. Pulling it out, he noticed the alarm notification for another akuma attack.

'We'll revisit this later. Plagg, claws out!' Adrien sprung to his feet, ready to transform.

SOON AFTER

'Milady,' Cat Noir greeted Ladybug as they perched above the courtyard, where the latest akumatised victim was hovering.

'Cat Noir,' Ladybug said seriously, avoiding his eyes. Cat Noir crept closer, not understanding her reaction.

'Bugaboo?' he said, practically in her ear, causing her to jump away.

'Argh! Kitty don't do that. We've got to focus,'

'So, I do distract you, good to know my charm does have an effect on you,' Cat Noir said jokingly, but his smile betrayed how delighted he was to discover his power over Ladybug. All she could do was glare at him, but also take in his looks; the shaggy blonde hair, glowing eyes, sleekness of his suit. Cat Noir saw her eyes glide over his face and his suit, saw her expression soften. After recovering his surprise, he asked,

'Ok, so what're we dealing with here?'

'Ahem,' Ladybug shook the distraction from her mind, eyes focused on the latest akumatised villain.

'Not sure to be honest,' she admitted, 'he hasn't really done anything yet,' she said, cocking her head, trying to determine the villain's next move.

'I'm sure I can help us with that,' Cat Noir boasted, springing to action. He landed softly in the courtyard; his staff poised ready to fight. The villain snapped his head around, homing in on the threat.

'Hey,' Cat Noir teased, 'you look a bit lost there buddy, can I help you find someone?' he mocked, a pout forming on his face. Suddenly, the fencing surrounding the park started to rattle, pulling out of the ground menacingly. Cat Noir glanced around nervously, bracing for a fight.

'Watch out!' Ladybug shouted, seeing the plan the Metalman had for the fence.

'Time for this cat to go in his cage,' he growled at Cat Noir. Just as the fence was closing in, Ladybug flew into action, coming down beside Cat Noir. But Metalman saw her coming, using his powers on Cat Noir's staff and wrapping the weapon around the pair. Both heroes struggled against the restraint, but to no avail. Metalman advanced on the trapped heroes, intent on taking their miraculous for Hawkmoth.

'Cat!' Ladybug shouted, intending for him to use his Cataclysm on his staff, so they could be free to fight.

'Cataclysm!' he shouted, understanding instantly. Once the staff was disintegrated, the pair were ready to stand and fight this Metalman. But he had a back up plan. A heavy box dropped around Ladybug and Cat Noir; the pair now trapped inside its metal walls. Spinning frantically, the heroes saw that there was no way out.

Soon, the walls started to shrink, causing the space to get smaller and smaller, until Cat Noir had both hands on either side of Ladybugs face, and Ladybug had her arms outstretched, palms flat on the wall behind Cat Noir. They both breathed heavily, taking stock of the situation.

Then their eyes met. Their bodies were only an inch away from touching. The air felt hot and charged with electricity. Ladybug shuddered, breathless, falling against Cat Noir's chest. He took one hand off the wall to cradle her head against him, a gesture of protection. But in a moment, Ladybug had a determined look on her face again, a plan formulating in her mind. She knew how to get out.