It's that time again…no, not time to prepare our taxes…but time for a new chapter of 'Of Shells and Tails', a collection of one-shots focused on Miraculous Ladybug couple Alya and Nino! The stories feature them meeting in their civilian personas or hero personas...or any combination thereof! And this time, it's Rena Rouge and Carapace, having a rooftop meeting!

Anyway, it's storytime! Quiet down in front!

They were the first heroes chosen by Marinette Dupain-Cheng-the current Ladybug-to assist her and her partner, Chat Noir. So, Ladybug decided that they could keep their Miraculous-a daring decision, sure, but ever since she assumed the role of Miraculous Guardian, she felt that allowed those Chosen to keep their Miraculous was a better option that keeping them all at once. Additionally, it also meant that she didn't need to search them out if she (or Chat Noir, additionally) needed help.

Those two heroes also just happened to be Marinette's best friends-DJ Nino Lahiffe and his girlfriend, blogger Alya Cesaire. Nino used the powers of the Turtle Miraculous and called himself Carapace. Alya, meanwhile, had the Fox Miraculous and was known as Rena Rouge. In addition to fighting Hawk Moth and his numerous akumatized villains, the Miraculous heroes would often patrol the city. And here is where the story begins…

During the 'Heroes Day' incident, Alya and Nino discovered their heroic personas-due to Ladybug presenting them their Miraculous at the same time. But it turned out for the best-they were already dating in as civilians, so being heroes was something else they could bond over.

Carapace arrived at their rooftop rendezvous first. After a couple of minutes, Rena landed a few feet away from Carapace. She said, "Evening, Turtle-Boy."

He replied, "Evening, Fox-Girl." She came up to him, and asked, "Have you been waiting long?"

Carapace replied, "Nope. Got here a few minutes ago." She turned to look out over the city, and said, "I wonder if we're gonna see any action tonight."

Carapace said, "Hmmm…it would be our luck if Hawk Moth decided to take the night off for terrorizing Paris."

A scream caught the heroes' attention. Rena said, "Well, so much for Hawk Moth talking the night off."

Carapace nodded, and said, "Ready?"

Rena replied, "Born ready!" They then leapt towards where they thought the scream came from, ready for battle…

…about an hour later, Rena and Carapace returned to their rooftop. The battle was a bit underwhelming. It was, as they assessed before, an akuma attack. But after a 'Ladybug-speech', the akumatized victim surrendered and Ladybug purified the akuma.

Rena said, "Well, that was…less that anticipated. Some guy upset his favorite team lost the big game…"

Carapace replied, "Unfortunately, all Hawk Moth needs is someone who's having a bad day…or someone upset his team lost…"

Rena said, "Wow…do you think we'll be fighting Hawk Moth and his akumas forever."

Carapace was quiet at this. He then said, "If that's true…there's no one else I'd want at my side that you, Rena Rouge."

She gave him a smile that melted his insides-no matter if she were Rena or Alya. She, in turn, replied, "And there's no one I'd want to fight with me other than you." They came together in an embrace-and with him being a few inches taller, he rested his forehead on hers. He then leaned in and they shared a kiss. She brought her arms around his neck, and he wrapped his arms around her waist.

She had pushed him into a wall and their kissing intensified. Carapace brought his hands under Rena's thighs, and pulled them up. She wrapped her legs around Carapace, and the gentle kisses they had started with now evolved into a full make-out. They pulled apart…as a voice said, "Oh no, don't stop on our account…"

Rena and Carapace turned to see Ladybug and Chat Noir…and they were unaware they had the heroic duo as an audience for their make-out. Rena hopped off Carapace and they separated, faces reddening with embarrassment.

Ladybug, with a smirk towards her partner, said, "I know it's usually business before pleasure…"

Chat Noir then said, "But you guys should get a room…"

Rena-showing the same spunk that her human counterpart did-replied, "Well, it's not our fault if we got our romantic issues solved before you did. Besides…it's not like you don't enjoy Chat kissing you silly."

Ladybug crossed her arms, and said, "That was a long time ago…and I do enjoy Chat kissing me silly…"

Carapace then said, "Besides…you guys act like we've never came upon the two of you making out…"

After a shout bout of laughter, Rena said, "So what's up, girl? You usually don't come looking for us after a mission."

Ladybug replied, "No, I don't. But…I'm just concerned. Hawk Moth's attacks seem to be few and far between…and what's concerning it that we can never plan for anything he does. We always seem to be one step behind."

Rena said, "Don't worry, girl. You've got this."

Ladybug nodded, and said, "Well, that's all for tonight. Bug Out!" With that Ladybug and Chat Noir left their friends. Carapace said, "Well, the night is still young. What say we take a little nighttime tour of the city…followed by resuming what we started?"

Rena said, "Sure. At least, we don't have to worry about anybody interrupting us later. Because we've got the whole night, turtle-boy."

Carapace gave her a smile of confidence, and said, "I'm ready…fox-girl…"

And so, our heroes headed out for their night of fun…and here is where this chapter of their story ends!

I have to add this here-in the very beginning of my writing, I was a comments and reviewer whore-because that's all I wanted to write for. I have evolved as a writer and person. If I don't get a single comment or review or like or fave-it doesn't matter. I write because I love to write!

Alright, rant over! Hope you enjoyed this story!