Episode 1: the starlight
-hours later-
She wore a red sweatshirt that was a gorgeous red that was decreated, and shin-high black heeled boots. She even wore a brown cap that had anime characters on it and long blonde hair.
She took a moment as she blinked at the ceiling. She was so confused this wasn't her home her room wasn't this big. The area looked confusing. The wall was strange; it was blue and silver.
She ran downstairs and she looked at the computer. And found out she was a rich and her family was famous. She herself was a singer.
She saw her phone and she apparently had school. She got ready to play.
-Hours later at school-
The students arrived at school as usual. Chloe got out of her limo and started insulting students casually, followed by Adrien getting out of a nice car and talking to his friend Nino. Marinette was running late but her friend Alya was waiting. That was when another limo pulled up, but this one was bigger than Chloe's.
"Wow. That's new," said Nino.
"It's too much car for one person," said Alix.
A man came out and opened the door the man was huge and very muscular. He looked even stronger than Adrien's bodyguard.
"Lucifer, is this really necessary? I'm 15. I know how to open a door."
"I was hired to protect you, Marissa. And that's what I intend to do," said the man.
She sighed slightly. Before walking up stairs. Sighing slightly. The students all stared at her in awe.
"Holy cow! It's her!" Alya excitedly said.
"Who, Ladybug?" Nino asked, probably joking.
"No, dumbo! Marissa!" Alya happily said.
"Did you say Marissa?" Marinette asked upon arrival. "As in the singer Marissa?"
"Yeah as in the singer." Ayla said while smiling.
"So cool! Marissa is at our school!" Marinette squealed.
"You guys seem to really like her," said Adrien.
Ayla looked confused. "Haven't you heard her songs? They're so amazing."
"Uh no I've never even heard of her." Adrien rubbed his neck.
"She's famous. How do you not know her? She's even more famous than you," said Nino.
"Sounds overrated to me," said Chloe, making Sabrina look shocked and step back.
"No one was asking for your opinion, Chloe," said Ivan. "What do you think Marissa's doing here? Scouting talent for her videos?"
"Going to school." Marissa said well behind the boy.
Everyone jumped in shock. They relaxed when they saw it was her.
"You're enrolled here?" Alya asked with a smile.
"That is correct." Marissa happily said.
"That's so cool!" Alix said. "We're in Ms. Bustier's class. Do you know your class yet?"
"Yes I'm in Ms Bustier's class. "
Lucifer towered over her. "If that girl didn't know you she most be so stupid and out of fashion she couldn't take the time to watch an actual good singer."
"Excuse me?" Chloe asked, offended. Her arms were crossed over her chest.
"You heard me, child." Lucifer gestured over to the door.
"Do you know who I am?" Chloe asked.
"I know and care two shits. I worn you kid, unlike your father, I'm willing to call the cops and have you arrested if you assault her and I mean harm her mentely or physically." The man looked down at the girl, his glare piercing.
Chloe shrank at his gaze and backed away. Everyone was in shock.
"So, welcome to our school," said Adrien. "I'm Adrien Agreste."
"Ok nice to meet you Darien." She said as her body guard pushed her up the stairs and into the building.
Adrien blinked in surprise. The others watched her as she left and went to go to class.
"That's a first," said Adrien.
"Yeah someone doesn't know your name." Nino remarked. He laughed a little.
"That and I know she got my name wrong on purpose," Adrien said, looking annoyed. "My name's not Darien. That's not even close."
"I know I've heard her voice before," said Chloe as they headed to class.
"Of course you did, Chloe," said Sabrina. "One of her songs was used in the movie we watched last week."
"That was her?!" Chloe asked in shock.
"The background music, yes," said Sabrina. "In fact, there's talk that she's transitioning into acting."
Marinette looked awestruck then turned to ayla. "Do you think she'd give an autograph?"
"Probably. Who cares?" Chloe said as she entered the classroom and sauntered over to her desk.
"Everyone, I'd like to introduce our new student, Marissa Starlight," said Ms. Bustier. The students happily greeted her, while the teacher was confused by the adult. "Uh, Marissa, why is this man in the classroom?"
"This is my bodyguard. My mother handed papers explaining the situation."
Ms. Bustier looked at the papers that Marissa brought. Sure enough, they were legitimate.
"This appears to be right," she said. "Go have a seat, Marissa. And you as well, Mr. Lucifer."
"I'll be in the corner," he said as he took a stool and sat in the back corner of the room. "Don't mind me."
"Right," said Ms. Bustier, feeling awkward. "Sit wherever you like, Marissa."
She looked at a picture in her book and blushed adoring it. It was a picture of cat noir. Adrian looked over her and she looked back. "Oh hi Adam." She said, causing Adrien to face plant into the desk.
"It's Adrien," Adrien corrected her.
"And I'm Nino," said Nino, smiling. And then he pointed to the girls behind him. "And that's Alya and Marinette."
"Hi," said Marinette, smiling. "Can I get an autograph?"
"Oh sure. Also sorry Adion. I'm a bit forgetful so I can't seem to remember your name." She gave him a gentle smile.
Nino laughed hard at that. Adrien looked so annoyed right now, even Marinette could hardly stop herself from giggling. She quickly handed Marissa a copy of her latest album and gave Marissa a pen.
She signed it. "To one of my wonderful fans. Love Marissa Starlight."
"Thank you," said Marinette as she accepted it. "I hope we can be good friends."
"Me too. Oh, wanna talk about Cat Noir at lunch?" She asked in a sweet tone.
"Oh, you like Cat Noir?" Alya asked with interest.
"Sure do," Marissa happily said as she headed to an empty desk behind them. "Meet me at lunch and I'll tell you all about it."
After that, class started. While his teacher was talking, Adrien was still annoyed at Marissa for not remembering his name; it was an easy name to remember. But at the same time, he was flattered to hear that she was a fan of Cat Noir, who was actually him.
-lunchtime-
Alya and Marinette sat there with Marissa; she had several pictures of Cat Noir.
"You really do like Cat Noir." Ayla remarked.
"It's not just like, I love Cat Noir. He's super cute and heroic. I wish he was my boyfriend on so many levels." She gushed holding her heart and Adrien did a spit take and coughed.
"Really?" Ayla remarked.
"Yes. I know it's stupid and he'll never feel the same because I can never know who he really is but I can't help loving him. But he likes Ladybug so I have even less of a chance." Marissa remarked sadly but sighed and pulled out a Cat Noir doll. "I even made this stuffy of him. I sleep with him. Isn't he adorable?"
"He's so cute!" Marinette gushed.
"Dude! You okay?" Nino asked Adrien, who was still coughing.
"I'm fine… *cough, cough*... It went down….. the wrong pipe," Adrien said, although he was lying.
"This is why they say not to inhale stuff you drink," said Nino while patting Adrien's back.
"Yeah. I'll remember that," said Adrien, and then he let out one last cough. "You know, Alya has a blog."
Nino rolled his eyes. As Marissa came over to Adrien. "Hey, Adrien right you kinda look like Cat Noir." Marissa remarked.
Adrien jumped at that. "Really? I don't see it," he said, trying to act natural. "Hey, you got my name right."
She smiled at him. "You're really cute like Cat Noir too."
Marinette's jaw dropped. Was she flirting with Adrien?!
"I'm flattered. Thanks," said Adrien, laughing in embarrassment.
"Hey can you help me practice something?" She asked sweetly.
"Sure. What is it?" Adrien asked.
"You'll see. I'll have my mom call your dad so you can come over to my house." She said in an excited tone going to the side to call her mom.
"What did I just agree to?" Adrien asked, feeling nervous.
"Not a clue, dude. Not a clue." Nino said with a laugh.
At Marissa's house.
Adrain stood there while Marissa stood in front of him. "Cat Noir, I know I'll never be your first choice. I'm only a girl and Ladybug's Ladybug, but I really like you. Will you go on a date with me."
Adrien blinked in surprise. She had invited him to her place to use him as practice asking out his alter ego? How weird was this? He could just imagine the jokes Plagg could be working on.
"Be honest, was it a good ask?" Marissa asked.
Adrien had no choice but to give an opinion. "Well, your heart was definitely in it. I don't personally know Cat Noir, so I can't speak for him. But I can't imagine he wouldn't be moved enough to consider going out with you."
"Thanks….but let's be honest he wouldn't say yes….he's in love with Ladybug. I'm nothing like her. I don't even compare." She started to cry.
Adrien immediately hugged her. "You don't have to be like her," he said. "You're an amazing girl in your own right. Any guy would be lucky to be with you."
She wiped her tears. "Thanks. Sorry about forgetting your name, the strange thing is I do the same thing with Cat Noir not really forgetting but always saying the wrong name in his presence. I know your name. I just sometimes when I see him in the flesh it's like my brain shuts off."
"I guess that just means you really do love him," said Adrien. "You might have your chance to tell him soon. This is Paris, his home. Akumas are kinda frequent. You'll see him."
"Don't encourage her," a new voice said. It was a boy slightly older than Marissa. Definitely her brother. "Mari, forget that stupid alley cat. He's just a dork."
"You're a dork, Alexander." Marissa remarked angrily before running away. The boy Adrien saw a long-haired black hair boy. His hair was in a ponytail and his hair went up to his waist and wore a long kimono. His eyes were a Sapphire blue.
"What was that for?" Adrien asked him.
Alexander shrugged and said, "My sister's a little girl with a crush. She'll get over him. She needs to realize fairy tales are only in books."
"And who are you to say what she should think?" Adrien asked.
"Her older brother. Supermodel." His tone held a cold tone at the end directed at Adrien.
"Well that doesn't mean you can control her," said Adrien, glaring at the young man. And then he walked away from him.
-Marissa's room-
Marissa was crying as she hugged her Cat Noir doll. She then got up and looked in her mirror. She was so upset with her brother, but also believed him on some level. She saw a magazine of Ladybug and Cat Noir back to back.
"Why would he want me when he could be with her?" Marissa asked sadly. She then found an old book of fairytales. "Oh. I haven't seen this in ages."
She flipped through and laughed a little at the pictures of the three little pigs and red riding hood. Her face fell when she reached a section about Sleeping Beauty. She turned the page in hopes of finding the Pied Piper or something, instead, she found Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. She flipped a few more times and found Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Rapunzel. Seeing those princesses and their princes made her sadness return.
-Hawk Moth's lair-
A light shines in a dark room and Hawk Moth stands in the middle. He could feel growing negative emotions.
"Yes. In love with Cat Noir and sad to never be acknowledged or accepted by him. Such a desire for a real fairytale romance is easy prey for my Akuma," said the villain as he turned a white butterfly black and purple. He sent it out into the world. "Fly away, my little Akuma, and evilize her!"
The akuma left the lair and flew into Paris. It started searching for it's target, the one with a sad heart.
-With Marissa-
She held her book tightly enjoying her few moments as her sadness held her heart captive. Just as the akuma came into the room, someone knocked on her door.
"Come in." She said in a sad tone.
The door opened and Adrien entered. "Hey," he said. He saw the book she was holding. "What kinda book is that?"
"It's a book of fairytales." Marissa answered.
Adrien hugged her and told her, "It's nice to have an escape."
"Yes. When I was younger I always loved dreamworlds. Superheroes and villains losing made me so happy." She hugged the book. "And then I saw him, watched him on tv. He was so kind and strong he could save the day. When he joked it made me smile and as a singer, he inspired me he made the songs I wrote mean truth even in tragedy there was always hope."
As her spirits lifted, the sadness faded. The Akuma was started to get repelled by her rising hope.
"I think he'd love to hear that," said Adrien, smiling.
"I fell in love with him because of it. But I'm unsure if I could ever tell him that. It would be a bit embarrassing," Marissa confessed she blushed madly her whole face was red.
Adrien laughed at her expression and said, "With how things are in Paris, you'll definitely get your chance to meet him in person. I don't know him personally, but from what I've seen, he seems like a pretty cool cat."
She smiled at Adrien before hugging him. "Thanks for not laughing at my feelings, you're a good person. Oh, do you wanna be my best friend? I mean sense your gay?"
Adrien fell off the bed onto the ground and got up. "What!?"
"Well you have all sorts of girls around you and one has a crush on you plus you seem uninterested in any of them. So I thought you were gay but don't worry I won't tell anyone you can stay in the closet if that's what you want." She got up giving another hug. "I'll get us some treats." She went to get a snack and Adrien was left alone with Plagg laughing his ass off.
"She thinks….. I'm gay?" Adrien said to his kwami.
"I know! The new girl has never heard of you before….. and she thinks you're gay!" Plagg said in between laughs.
"What gave her that idea?" Adrien asked as he stood up. "I do like a girl."
"Yeah. A superhero," said Plagg, still laughing at the assumption. "I'm sorry, I just can't stop! She thinks you're gay!"
"Shut up, Plagg!" Adrien shouted.
That was when he heard the doorknob and signaled for Plagg to hide. Marissa came in with a bowl of chips, a bowl of dip, and some sodas.
"I heard yelling. Who were you talking to?" Marissa asked.
Adrien looked nervous, and then held up his phone. "My father," he said. "We had an argument about a photoshoot schedule."
"Oh. Okay," said Marissa.
After that, she and Adrien watched a movie and ate snacks. They had such a good time that Adrien had forgotten to correct her.
-next day at school-
The students sat in their desks as Ms. Bustier and Mr. Damocles, the principal, stood in front of them. They pulled down a screen and then played something on the projector. It was a logo that said, "Design Contest."
"As the sign says, students, our school will have a fashion design contest. You will all have one day to work on your pieces, and they must be your own design," said Mr.. Damocles. He then showed a picture of a man with platinum blonde hair wearing glasses. "Everyone will present their projects tomorrow. The judge will be fashion icon Gabriel Agreste, father of our student, Adrien Agreste."
Adrien rubbed his neck and looked embarrassed at the principal making a point in saying the judge was his father. Everyone knew that already, after all.
"In fact, Adrien will be modeling the winning design in the fashion show. And now to announce this year's theme: derby hats!" Mr. Damocles finished.
Marinette looked nervous about the idea. Chloe saw this and gave her a thumbs down.
"In addition, Gabriel has offered up his services as well as the contest winners to Marissa for her next concert," said Ms. Bustier.
Marissa looked happy. Wondering what to slay. She immediately took notice of how nervous Marinette looked and made a note to see her after class.
-after class-
Marissa was working on her latest song when she heard a voice and looked over to see Marinette pacing nervously while looking in her sketchbook.
"I don't have any derby hat designs! I've got top hats, caps, even two horned hats! Need a beret? I'm your girl. A sombrero? No problemo. But a derby?!" Marinette said in panic. And then she started really freaking out. "You know what? It won't even matter, 'cause I'll probably make a total fool of myself at the event. I'll most likely trip over my stupid derby and collapse on Mr. Agreste. And that would likely give him a full-blown concussion and Adrien will hate me! I'll never be a world-renowned fashion designer. MY LIFE IS OVER!"
As Marinette cried out, Marissa came over and stood next to her and Alya.
"Wow, she's like me and Cat Noir. I highly doubt you'll do any of that. Besides, Adrien's not gonna hate you, he's too nice." Marissa said with a smile. "I mean he gives the greatest hugs."
Marinette immediately looked up. "He hugged you?!"
"Yeah but he's gay so it doesn't count."
Alya and Marinette looked shocked. The boy Marinette was head over heels in love with….. was gay? This was the first time they heard this.
"You didn't realize? I mean girls are around him all the time and he seems the least interested in any of them and he is great and making people feel better plus he's in touch with feelings. Classic gay."
"That's news to me," Marinette said with a sad sigh. "I can't believe I didn't notice."
"I thought it was obvious." Marissa remarked tilting her head.
"Guess it makes sense," said Alya. "I mean, not to be rude, but yesterday, he was wearing more perfume than Rose."
"Oh fuck I forgot he's still in the closet. I promised him." She remarked she ran off. "Keep it a secret and sorry I gotta go talk to Adrien."
"Right. No biggie," Alya said as she waved to Marissa. She looked sadly at Marinette. "Are you okay, girl?"
Marinette passed out.
-With Adrien-
"Hey, Adrien." She hugged him. As she did Adrien's bodyguard looked like he was ready to pull her away only to freak when Lucifer grabbed his arm and he felt a powerful amount of pressure on it. "Touch her and I'll destroy you."
After the big guy backed down, Adrien blinked and said, "Wow. He's good."
"He's my dad and bodyguard. So he kinda has to be." Marissa remarked with a smile.
"I see," said Adrien, still recovering from the shock. And then he cleared his throat. "So, um, about last night, I just realized that I never clarified the misunderstanding."
"What do you mean?" Marissa remarked.
"The gay thing," said Adrien.
"Uh?" She looked very confused. "Wait are you not-"
He nodded, she took a second and her face went red.
"Uh…..well then….we might have a bit of a problem. I told Alya and Marinette by accident."
"What?!" Adrien shrieked. Everyone looked and he waved for them to move along. And then he whispered to her. "How many other people did you say that to?"
"Nobody. I swear," Marissa whispered back.
"Well, I've seen how meddling Alya can be. I'm gonna tell her before she tries to fix me up," said Adrien. "How did Marinette react? I figured she has an open mind, but-"
"She likes you so I'd assume poorly." Marissa remarked.
"What?" Adrien asked. And then he laughed. "Come on. Marinette doesn't feel that way. She's just quirky."
"And you wonder why i thought you were gay come on even any straight guy would notice." Marissa remarked. "She stumbles on her words when she talks to you. I stumble remembering how to say names because I like Cat Noir."
Adrien hid his embarrassment and then said, "Well, I'll take your word for it. But are you sure you're not jumping to conclusions?"
She pulled out a love letter and handed it to him. "She obviously never gave this to you but she definitely wrote it. She threw it away and I saw it."
Adrien took the letter and put it away. "I'll read it later. I wanna go check on Marinette. She looked nervous about the design contest."
"Read now Adrien I'm not waiting." She said in a clear-cut tone. "Besides if you don't like her like that you gotta be honest it you don't she'll be led on to the point she thinks she has a chance that's not fair to her and not fair to any girl."
Adrien opened the letter and read it. It was beautiful and full of love. Adrien could see that Marissa was right.
"This is a lot to take in," said Adrien. "I-I had no idea."
"Yeah see my point. Anyways I'm gonna go on a Cat Noir search." Marissa said happily.
Adrien smiled at her as she left. He found it kind of cute that she liked his alter ego and was going to hunt for him. He figured the first thing he should do is clear up the misunderstanding with Marinette before she accidentally blurted it out to Chloe; that blonde had such a big mouth that she would make a bigger deal than it was.
Adrien had nothing against homosexuals, honestly. However, he disliked the idea of a lie being spread about him around school. Something like this might also mess up his chances with Ladybug.
-With Marinette-
Marinette started working on sketches for her derby hat in the place she calls her "Secret Garden of Inspiration", which was just a stone throw away from the Eiffel Tower. She was trying to forget about what she heard about Adrien and just focus on the contest. If Mr. Agreste chose her design, this would be a big stepping stone for her career as a fashion designer. Unfortunately, she was drawing a blank.
"It's so hard to be creative under pressure," said Marinette.
Tikki came out of her bag and said, "Marinette, you save the world under pressure. I'm sure designing a hat will be a piece of cake."
"It would be easier if didn't have to deal with the whole Marissa making me think Adrian was gay thing. I know she didn't realize it but I actually thought he was for a few moments until Adrien told me otherwise." Marinette groaned.
"It's not your fault that Marissa could make everyone think anything if she really wanted to." Tiki remarked. "She did apologize, that's a bonus."
"True," said Marinette while smiling. "And that cake comment got me thinking about a cake derby hat. Stylish and delicious."
Tikki and Marinette shared a laugh and then Marinette went back to work. She came up with several different ideas. One decorated with bees, one with musical notes, one with nice ribbons, but she rejected all of them. Just as Marinette was getting ready to draw another one, she saw a man arrive acting like a bird. She watched as he sat down and used a bird call to call the pigeons.
"Happy day. Happy day! Splendid is the afternoon day," the man said as he tossed popcorn to the birds. One landed on his arm and flew a little. "Edger, you fancy one. Dazzling performance."
"Get outta here, you rats with wings!" shouted a police officer, one Marinette recognized as officer Roger Raincomprix. He glared at the man and started yelling. "Mr. Ramier, how many times do I have to tell you no feeding the pigeons! It's strictly forbidden. If everyone fed them, they'd leave their waste everywhere."
"But, who's going to feed my poor pigeons,?" Mr. Ramier asked sadly.
"All the park keepers in town know about you. You're banned from every park in Paris. Leave now or I'll call the authorities," said Roger, and then realized what he said. "Oh wait. I'm the authorities. Get out!"
Mr. Ramier had no choice but to leave. He walked away with his head hung sadly. It just felt so unfair. All he wanted was to feed the pigeons, and people like that cop were treating him like the bad guy.
Marinette saw the whole thing and looked sad. "Jeesh. I feel so sorry for that man," she said; while she knew the rules about the pigeons, she thought Roger was being overly harsh.
"What a unique character," said Tikki. "He was like a human bird! All he needed was a feather jacket to complete the look!"
"A feather jacket," Marinette said in thought. "Yeah!"
Marinette immediately went to work on her sketch. It took a couple of minutes, but she finally got it perfect. It was a derby hat that had the appearance of being made out of feathers. It even had a feather attached to the band and a nice design around it.
"That looks amazing,!" a voice said. Marinette looked up and saw Marissa looking at her sketch.
"Thanks," said Marinette, smiling. "So, what brings you here?"
"Cat watching," Marissa said while holding her phone.
Marinette caught on right away. "Cat Noir, I take it," she remarked. And then she turned the page and started sketching. "That gives me another idea."
She smiled happily. She took a moment. "What? Me trying to meet and ask out Cat Noir?"
"Cat Noir in general," said Marinette, and then she turned her sketchbook around. "How's that for a hero derby?"
The sketch was of a derby hat with cat ears. A band was around it with a little bell attached and a cat paw print. It was actually quite cute.
"I'm tempted to pay you 100 dollars just for you to make me one and a picture of Cat Noir."
"I'll gladly make one for you," said Marinette as she closed the book. "But which one should I make for the contest?"
She shrugged. "Personally I think the feather one is cooler."
"Okay. The feather it shall be," said Marinette. "And I'll make the cat one for you. As a gift."
"Thank you, Marinette!" Marissa happily said.
"You're welcome," said Marinette. "Oh, and, Adrien cleared up the misunderstanding. And no one else was misled since Alya and I kept it secret."
"Great. I feel so bad about that." Marissa remarked her cheeks warmed and started to gush. "Maybe if I can find Cat Noir it will make me feel better."
"He and Ladybug are unpredictable. But you will definitely get your chance," said Marinette. "In the meantime, how about you come along to my place?"
"Sure sounds fun. Though I'm thinking about figuring out Ladybug's or Cat Noir's identities if I can figure that out it will be ten times easier." She smiled happily as she walked.
"Good luck with that," Marinette said, laughing as they walked together.
-At Marinette's home-
Marissa looked at the picture of Cat Noir and then Adrien. Something was clicking but she couldn't figure it out. They looked so alike and then her mind thought of something. "Could it be?"
And then she heard Marinette freak out.
"What's wrong?" Marissa asked her.
"A feather!" Marinette said. "I forgot to grab a pigeon feather for the hat. It has to have a feather! I'm gonna go back and grab a fallen feather. After I add it to the contest hat, I'll get a head start on the cat one."
"Okay. Go ahead," said Marissa.
Marinette ran out of the room and left the house. After Marinette left, Marissa caught the news and saw a man controlling pigeons. According to the news, he was a villain calling himself Mr. Pigeon. He was akumatized. This was her chance!
"Here I come, Cat Noir!" Marissa declared as she rushed outside.
She ran off as fast as she could. She was moving as fast as she could to get there. She stopped in her tracks when she saw him in the park wearing a park keepers cap. He was whistling while walking around.
She smiled running over to him. He saw her and smiled back.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in. The famous Marissa," He happily said while bowing. He held the smile as he lifted his head. "I hear your songs are the cat's meow."
She giggled at that and took a deep breath. "That's so nice of you to say. Thank you. So I'm wondering, I know I'm not Ladybug and I'm probably not gonna match her but will you go on a date with me?" She asked in a hopeful tone.
Cat Noir had his finger on his chin for a bit. He was about to answer when he suddenly sneezed. "Ahh-ah-achoo!" He said. He laughed in embarrassment. "Feels like my allergies. Funny, it's usually feathers that set them off. Achoo!"
She took a moment thinking about it. Before pulling out something from her back. "Here try this it works with allergies that aren't fatal."
"Thanks," said Cat Noir as he took the pills. And then he saw an entire flock, more like a swarm, of pigeons coming towards them. "Run!"
She seemed seriously confused. Before she could say anything, the pigeons grabbed them both and carried them away.
She was freaking out a bit as they were carried away. Cat Noir managed to grab a hold of Marissa and calm her down some. In fact, hearing his heartbeat through his chest was like a dream.
This was like a dream. Or even a fantasy. A prince protecting her.
The scene was interrupted by them being dropped and landing on the room and the Grand Paris Hotel. Ladybug appeared just in time for Cat Noir to sneeze again.
"Best day ever." Marissa said with a squeak.
"Sorry, miss Starlight, but you need to leave," said Ladybug while trying to find the rooftop exit. "You're in danger here."
She pouts but nodded walking off. She felt uneasy with the birds watching the heroes and her. The birds started flying around them really fast.
"Call me crazy, but I feel like birdseed all of a sudden," said Ladybug.
"Uh I don't think I'm able to leave but……" she got an idea and pulled out something from her. "Ok, I can do this. Hey, birds who want bread!"
The birds stopped swarming, distracted by the bread. Marissa waved it in front of them and threw it away. That was when Cat Noir spotted a door and pulled the girls along.
As they ran through the door they found themselves on the other side quite quickly.
"That was awesome"," Marissa said.
"Come on!" Cat Noir said as he held Marissa's hand and ran downstairs after Ladybug. His ring beeped. "I had to use my power to make a diversion. I need to recharge quickly."
"Yeah. You wouldn't wanna let the cat out of the bag," Ladybug teased.
"Haha. Very funny," said Cat Noir. "Sorry for dragging you into this Marissa."
"Are you kidding? This is the most excitement I've had. I'm so happy right now. Besides, it's my own fault I'm such a huge fan of Cat Noir and I have such a big crush I completely forgot that there may have been an Akuma." Marissa said in excitement. "And additionally I helped with the bread thing so I'm happy to have at least helped even it was only a bit."
"Well, thanks for your help," said Ladybug, smiling in appreciation.
They made it to the hotel lobby and the mayor ran to them.
"Ladybug! Cat Noir!" He cried. "I'm in great danger! Of losing big bucks if my guests leave Paris! You are going to get rid of those pigeons, aren't you?"
"Of course, sir," Cat Noir anxiously said. "But before we do, I have an urgent need."
"An urgent need?" Mayor Bourgeois asked. And then seemed to realize. "Ah yes! Head up to the royal suite. There's paper in there! But perhaps you would prefer….. a litter tray?"
"You know for someone who's Chloe's father you're fairly nice. And a bit funny." Marissa remarked. "No offense."
"Oh! You know my Chloe?" The mayor asked. "She's the spitting image of her mother, isn't she? Oh, my dear sweet Audrey."
Cat Noir rolled his eyes for a second and then said, "So, no need for litter. But, um, could I have some camembert?"
"Of course." The mayor said with a smile as the elevator closed. "So, Marissa, my Chloe is an excellent dancer. Perhaps she could perform in your next concert?"
"Not up to me. My mom's choice, unfortunately." She lied she so didn't want Chloe to dance in her show plus if her mother told him no it would be less likely she'd have to worry about Chloe ruining her show for saying no; she had a lot of fans counting on her.
"Of course. I understand," said Mayor Bourgeois.
"I'm heading up," said Ladybug.
"You know I hear that guy what was his name Z….uh he needs a dancer and I'm sure you can convince his manager to let her on there no problem."
"Thank you so much, Marissa!" Mayor Bourgeois said. "And it's XY actually."
"Yeah, I always forget he's an ex of mine."
"Oh! I did not know that," said Mayor Bourgeois.
"Yeah, that's why I'm so sure he'll love to have your daughter on his stage." She smiled thinking in her head. 'Enjoy this asshole.'
"Hey, Marissa, can you come to the upper floor with me?" Ladybug asked. "I could use some help."
She nodded running off to go help. The two girls rode the elevator to the restaurant floor. Ladybug and Marissa walked together to the window.
"We can get a better view from up here. Between the two of us, we should see everything," said Ladybug. Ladybug watched the pigeons carefully. "Notice their odd behavior?"
"Yeah. They're flying in the same direction," said Marissa.
The elevator opened and Cat Noir was leaning against it casually. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah…..um can I chat with you in private." Marissa asked Cat Noir.
The heroes looked at each other, and Ladybug shrugged and left them alone.
"What's up?" Cat Noir asked.
"Your Adrien Agreste." Marissa stated in a calm tone.
Cat Noir looked surprised. "What makes you say that?"
"You look exactly alike, you have the same voice and you're both the same personality wise."
"Oh really?" Cat Noir asked. "Let's say you're right, does that change anything?"
"I don't have proof but I'm right. I know I am just from your reaction." She remarked she took a deep breath. "But not really I still like you. But." She punched his arm.
"What was that for?" Cat Noir asked.
"Take a guess." She puffed her cheeks.
"Is this because of the park?" Cat Noir asked.
"No it's because you heard how I felt and I didn't realize who I was talking to."
Cat Noir looked red as a tomato. "Sorry."
She sighed. "It's fine I'm more surprised it took me so long to figure it out."
"Nobody's been able to figure it out," said Cat Noir, smiling and shrugging. "And I do have an answer for you from your park question. It's yes."
She nodded before kissing his cheek. "Now go beat that akuma, kitty."
"He'll never know what hit him," said Cat Noir as he left to go help Ladybug.
-Elsewhere-
She took a moment to read a book while she waited. The next thing she saw was a swarm of ladybugs flying around the city fixing damage. This was the sign that Ladybug and Cat Noir had won once again. She then heard her phone ring. It was her mother calling.
"Hey, mom." She said, picking up.
[Honey, where are you? You were supposed to be home by now] her mother said.
[What are you talking about mom? It's not 11.] Marissa remarked.
[It's not?] Her mom asked. She seemed to be checking the time again. And then she heard a groan. [Your brother changed my clock again. I'm sorry for bothering you. Anyway, Gabriel Agreste said that you were gonna let the design contest winner design your costumes for your next concert.]
[Yes that's right.]
[Well, I'm sure the winner will have actual talent] her mother said. [I got this guy who was featured in Style Queen magazine to design some outfits two days ago. Uck! So guadie! Those dresses looked like a glitter shaker threw up on them! Says what Audrey Bourgeois knows about fashion.]
Marissa sighed. "Nice."
[Anyway, with those pigeons taken care of, perhaps you could make that date you were hoping for] said her mother.
"Hey, Marissa," said a familiar voice. It was Adrien. "Cat Noir owes you a date."
She smiled at him. Taking a moment and she hugged Adrien. From there, they went to a restaurant.
"Hope you like burgers," he said. "This place makes great ones."
"I love burgers sounds great."
The two got their lunch and enjoyed it. Even Plagg enjoyed the cheese they snuck him. After lunch, Adrien gave Marissa a ride home.
-next day, school-
All of the students arrived at school and presented their finished projects. Marissa was impressed by many of the projects, but was certain Marinette's would win. Chloe came strutting into school with Sabrina trailing close behind carrying a hat box.
"What's that you got?" Marissa asked.
"Just the prize winning design," Chloe bragged, and then snapped her fingers.
Sabrina placed the hat box on the pedestal. She opened the box and revealed a hat that looked like it was made of feathers. It looked exactly like Marinette's hat!
Marissa seemed to be thinking of something. "Hey, Adrien, would you like to go on a date with me to an ice cream place?" She said and it was in front of everyone there including Gabriel's tablet and her father Lucifer.
"Sure," said Adrien. He then gave his father an embarrassed expression.
Gabriel had an expression that was hard to read. And then he looked at Lucifer.
"Lucifer, isn't that your daughter?" Gabriel asked.
"Yes. Yes she is," said Lucifer as Marinette ran past him holding two hat boxes.
"Then he'll be in good hands," said Gabriel. "Adrien, take Nathalie around the school."
"Yes, father. And thank you," said Adrien as they walked around to look at the hats.
"Where were you, girl? Got your hat?" Alya asked Marinette.
"Yup!" Said Marinette as she put the first box on the podium. She saw Marissa and held the second one. "Marissa, this one's for you."
"Thanks, Marinette" Marissa took her normal cap off and put on the new one; she proudly showed her admiration for Cat Noir.
Marinette revealed her other hat, and Alya looked shocked. "What?" Marinette asked.
"It's the same as Chloe's," said Alya.
Marinette swiftly looked at Chloe's display. She indeed had a hat identical to her own. She became angry at her.
"Why that thieving little brat!" Marinette growled.
"Want me to handle it?" Alya asked.
"No. I think I know what to do," Marinette said with a smirk. Marissa got the sense that Marinette had a plan.
Gabriel looked at Marinette's hat. And He looked suspicious. "Turn the tablet back to miss Bourgeois' hat," he told Nathalie. She did so. "Is this a joke?"
Chloe gave a shocked gasp and then said dramatically, "No fair! Marinette copied my design! How could you do that to me?! This is scandalous!" And then she let out crocodile tears.
Marinette let out a cough and said, "I apologize for this situation, Mr. Agreste. But I can prove that this derby is my original design."
"I know it's because of your signature upside down printed into the design." Marissa said, holding up her hand.
"Is that right?" Gabriel asked, intrigued. Marissa immediately held both hats upside down. Marinette's name was right there.
"It's like my love for Adrien. It reveals the truth once turned upside down."
Chloe and Marinette both gasped.
"I can't wait for our date later." Marissa smiled, kissing his cheek and handing the hats back to Marinette.
Gabriel looked at Marinette and said, "You definitely have the laboring hands of a hat maker, miss-"
"Marinette," Adrien said.
"Congratulations, Marinette, you're the winner," said Gabriel. "Adrien will wear your derby hat on our next advertising campaign."
"And you get to design my next show's outfits and be on stage to be introduced to everyone as my designer."
"Me?!" Marinette asked in shock.
"Yes so I expect great things from you." Marissa said in a cheerful tone. She looked to Gabriel. "And thank you for your blessing for letting me date your son."
"You're welcome," said Gabriel.
Adrien started to put on Marinette's hat. Suddenly, he let out a sneeze.
"Sorry! I'm allergic to feathers," said Adrien. And then he took one of the pills Marissa gave him. "That should help."
"Tell me you're kidding! How can you let this harpy date your son!" Chole shouted in anger.
"Easy. Her parents are good friends of mine," said Gabriel. "And her music is amazing, plus she was kind enough to stand up for her friend."
Marinette smiled at Marissa. Marissa looked really happy.
"I'll get to work on the line for your show straight away," Marinette said as she walked away while waving.
As Marissa watched her leave, her brother came along and watched her.
"She's cute," he said.
"The normally polite and calm boy thinks a girl is cute. Nice." She remarked.
"Is that a crime?" Alexander asked.
"No? I just think it's good you're into a girl." Marissa remarked.
"And I'm glad you're into someone other than Cat Noir," said Alexander. "Even if Adrien's not as hot as me. But what guy is?"
"Brother you're not as hot as Adrien, hate to break it to you. He's a 10 you're a 7."
Alexander crossed his arms and said, "That's your opinion."
"That's a fact. All the magazines agree."
Alexander's eye twitched in annoyance. "Whatever."
She smiled and hugged him. "You're a great older brother. I still wish you wouldn't mess with me though."
Alexander smiled as he ruffled her hair. "What do you expect? I'm a big brother."
"I wish you were the overprotective brother though like Arthur." Marissa pouted. "Then again if you were like Arthur you wouldn't let me near Adrien at least he's in New York even though he dotes on me and hasn't once messed with me he was so protective he would force you to watch me on dates with guys with him." She laughed a little.
"Oh speaking of he's coming home tomorrow." The moment her brother said that it was like glass shattered her head slowly turned to her first oldest brother.
"He is…..haha." She was so doomed.
"And he's bringing you a present," said Alexander.
Oh yeah she was doomed.