Chapter 6: Unraveling

On Friday morning, Marinette makes it to class on time but is bothered by Chloe before she can sit down. "Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in!" Chloe laughs at her own comment. Marinette ignores her and sits next to Alya. Her friends Rose, Juleka, Mylene, And Alix are hovering over Alya's phone.

Alya turns to Marinette excitedly, "Girl, explain everything now!"

Marinette is majorly confused. "What are you talking about?"

Alix chimes in, "Don't act dumb Marinette."

Mylene does too, "C'mon we all know!"

Rose squeals, "So are you and Chat Noir totally in love!?"

This catches Adien's attention. Marinette laughs awkwardly, "I um- what are you talking about?"

"It's on video girl!" Alya holds her phone up to Marinette's face, "And it's viral too!"

Marinette takes her phone. It's a youtube video titled "Chat Noir has a girlfriend" and shows Marinette and Chat Noir saying goodbye last night. Marinette feels a hand on her shoulder, "Is it true, Marinette?" Adrien asks.

Marinette is in utter disbelief, "I- what- how- Who took this!?"

"It's anonymous. Does it matter, it's real footage isn't it?"

Before Marientte can defend herself, class begins. Marinette is bombarded by questions all day.

"What's he like off duty?"

"Why'd he date you out of everyone?"

"Does Ladybug know?"

"Do you know who he really is?"

Adrien watches her drag her feet to every class. He wants to help her but he doesn't know how.

Even Alya is pestering her. Marinette looks down at her food during lunch. "Can you get me an exclusive interview? Ask him to bring Ladybug if you can! You can be interviewed too! I bet everyone wants to know more about Chat Noir's girlfriend!" The only thing keeping Marinete from being akumatized is thinking about seeing Chat Noir tonight.

Adrien interrupts Alya, "Marinette are you okay?"

Marinette looks up from her plate of food. "I'll be okay, thanks Adrien." She manages an appreciative smile.

"Just let me know if you need anything." He sits down at the same table, next to Nino.

Alya's excitement peaks. She gasps, "Is this why you haven't been stuttering lately and turned Luka down in the hallway!? How long has this been going on!?"

Marinette decides she can tell Alya about her romance. She's only her best friend. "Okay okay, I'll tell you everything…" Alya clenches her fist and squeals. "Later."

"Oh come on Marinette! I need to know at least some things right now!"

"What do you want to know? Three questions then." Marinette decides.

Alya bites her lip, trying to contain her excitement and think of the best possible questions to ask. "Okay! For how long?"

"Well the first time we spent time together was months ago when Andre the icecream man got akumatized. His visits only became regular after we got back from New York." Marinette stares off into space, remembering the first time Chat Noir was vulnerable to her.

Alya squeals again. "What about Ladybug does she know?"

"Chat Noir told her." She answers, then takes a sip of water.

"Are you in love with him!?"

Marinette chokes on the water she just drank. She talks through coughs, "What?"

The whole table laughs. "I think she asked if you love him," Adrien puts on a playful grin.

"Well um- I don't know." She decides. "I've never been in love before."

The rest of the day goes okay. Marinette manages to ignore the attention she was getting and walks home. She closes the door behind her, "Ugh finally Tikki, I survived."

Her dad calls from the other room, "Marinette!"

"You're not out of the water yet," Tikki squeaks.

Marientte hesitantly walks into the dining area where her parents are sitting. Sabine gestures to the third stool, "Sit down."

Tom's tensity is emitting off of his body, making Marinette nervous. "Now why didn't you tell us you were seeing a superhero!?" His voice is a lot more raised than usual.

Sabine calms him down, "Now Tom, let's be reasonable. I'm sure Marinette has a good explanation." She glances at Marinette lovingly.

"I'm really sorry Papa. If anyone found out Chat Noir and me had grown close, I would get pestered at school or worse targeted by Hawkmoth!" Marinette rests her hand on her father's, "I'm sorry."

"See Tom, she's just being safe."

Tom takes a deep breath, "I suppose you're right but you still could've told your own parents." Tom's attitude shifts quickly. "Now when is that cat coming over for dinner? I'd love to meet him again!"

"I don't know, Papa. Please let me handle that this time." Marinette stands up. "I have to get ready for the masquerade now. I love you guys."

"We love you too."

Marinette goes upstairs and begins doing her hair and makeup. She keeps it natural, putting brown eyeshadow on her eyelids and lip gloss on her lips. For her hair she pulls it back into a high bun. She goes to get her dress when she's interrupted by her phone ringing. It's Luka.

"Oh no Tikki what am I going to say?"

The little red kwami flies in front of Marinette's face. "Just be honest this time, Marinette."

Marinette hesitantly picks up the phone, "Hiii Lukaaa…"

"Marinette? Are the rumors true?" His voice isn't as calm as usual but he hasn't lost his temper.

"I'm so sorry, Luka."

Luka pulls the phone away from his ear. He can hear Marinette faintly, "Luka? Luka!? I can explain!" He hangs up without saying another word.

"I can't believe it. Marientte is a liar and after everything I've done for her. Chat Noir can't be right for her, he's nothing but a flirt." Luka's clouded mind is too weak to resist the akuma that planted itself in his phone.

"Viper, I am Hawkmoth. I'm giving you the power to identify and capture miraculous holders. In exchange, you must bring me Ladybug and Chat Noir."

"I'll help you take Chat Noir down." Luka's body is encased in a sizzling black substance. He emerges as a villain clad in teal. His phone is in hand. He begins walking the streets of Paris, using his phone to scan anybody he passes. He's getting no readings.

"Lay low for now, Viper. Your opportunity to find the miraculous heroes will come tonight when they're all gathered in the Le Grande Paris Hotel."

"Yes, Hawkmoth." Viper hides himself for the time being.

Adrien opens his closet and finds his favorite suit. He dresses the dark grey suit with a black undershirt, belt, and shoes. He pairs it with a black mask.

Adrien leaves his room and walks to the doors when he's stopped by Nathalie. "Mr. Agreste has changed his mind. You may not attend the dance tonight."

"But, Nathalie-"

"It's his final word. I am sorry, Adrien."

Adrien reluctantly walks back up to his room. He stares out the window as the last inch of sun fades over the horizon. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Plagg?"

"If you mean sneaking out as Chat Noir, just bring me some cheese will ya?"

"Plagg, claws out!"

Chat Noir leaps from his window and flies over rooftops to the Hotel. He detransforms in an ally and walks to the front doors. The lights inside are dim, the only illumination is red and green glowing strobe lights on the ceiling. Besides for that the only light is at the food table. He looks over the flood of people and thinks out loud, "How am I ever going to find her in this mob?"

He begins wading through the hoard. Nobody resembles Ladybug. The song changes from fast to slow and that's when he spots her. There's a girl in a red ball gown dress and blue bun at the drink table. He can't see her face but he approaches her to find out for sure. He puts his hand on her shoulder and she jumps, turning to see him. "LB?"