A/N: Soon... longest chapter for now, but I believe, that splitten it up wouldn't have worked in its favor.What do we have here? Some Adrinette, some Marichat and some LadyNoir.And for the kiss...... I will let you read for that:D
35. BreathlessAnd she danced. And danced and danced.
Alone, later with Alya. With the girls. Even Nino asked her once and she did not decline.
But dancing - twirling around, on her toes, arms in the air, spinning felt so good. So right.
Felt and tasted like freedom. She enjoyed every fucking second of it and not even Lady Titalee could take that from her.
Yes... Tikki was right..., how could somebody deemed as weak, if they were so full of love. Love for the things she did, which were so right and full of creation. Love for her family - her parents, who had always wished for her best, never blocking her path, being her words of wisdom and guidance. Of course there was this Platonic love - for all her friends were so dear to her, her heart fluttering each time with joy, when she saw them. Alya and Nino - though not connected by blood, would always be the sister and brother, she never had.
And then there were Adrien... and Chat Noir... two men, who were able to trap halves of her heart. Sure... Her partner would always have his place in it. Will always make her smile and blush and would be a constant visitor of her dreams. Yes... even the forbidden wet ones.
But one day it would be okay. For he wanted to move on as well. Her own time of moving past that crush has started, too.
Adrien made it possible...
...made so much possible...
Yes... Her love for him will give her back the strength, that had drained from her whole being during the first week of Lady Titalee's reign of terror. Will he eventually find out, who is underneath the dotted mask? Probably - but she will try her best to work around that reveal. As long as possible...
But for now she should enjoy her time - inhale the positivity from all around her, to give her some power for the next fight.
She would need it...
"Can I have this next dance?"
Her hand was grasped, and she was pulled into the opposite direction. Against a warm chest and his unique smell immediately invaded her nostrils again. She could spend all eternity just smelling on him and on his clothes.
"Don't you need to be at the keyboard?", she asked teasingly and looked up in Adrien's face, finding his green eyes and smiled. "Would be a shame, if I would have you all for myself..."
His eyebrows rose on his forehead and a grin played around the corners of his lips.
Of course - she had noticed the tone in her own voice. It was suggestive, possessive, maybe. She did not care. Couldn't care. Felt so good in his arms and with the music around. Felt like her best self. That proud and strong side was showing, gleaming from the eyes of the usually calm and caring girl.
Only for a bare moment she was able to look over to the stage and she saw, that only Luka was left right now, playing the voice of his soul on his guitar. Rose wasn't dancing anymore- dancing with Juleka instead. And Adrien…, well - he was with her right now.
But she didn't mind…
His hand moved, grasping her fingers instead. The other landing on her waist, holding her close - not too close, for the kind of dance he started to move to. Taking her along, twirling her underneath his arm, to bring her back into the position before.
His feet moving in time with the music, while she had to look down and between them to not step on him. She had been clumsy enough for today.
"Relax..., I don't mind if you step on me!", she heard him say jokingly. "Your small feet won't hurt me in any way."
"What is this?", she didn't want to panic. Didn't want to stumble. Didn't want to fall. Embarrass him in any way. "Tango? Rumba? Ehr... Foxtrot?"
"Well... I would rather suggest Salsa. But you got pretty close there."
She looked up in his face again with wide eyes, before he stepped to the side, guiding her through his arm again. Letting her slide away, before his grip on her hand tightened again, pulling her back in.
Close... they were so close to each other, but their dancing certainly wasn't close to any form to Salsa known to humanity. Well - his dancing, sure - he was divine in the way he moved his feet and legs, how his muscles on his torso and on his arms tensed and flexed.
And hell... she would dream of the way his hips moved for years to come.
But she on the other hand…
He was dragging her along. His hand on her side has moved down to her hip to guide her a little better. Her hands started to get wet, and she hoped, that he would be able to hold onto her a little longer - her slim digits grasping onto the fabric of his shirt by his shoulder most tightly. And her legs? Nobody should ever mention that tangled mess, again!
Yet, all, that came into her mind, was: "You can dance Salsa?"
She heard him chuckle, before he leaned in a little closer - intentionally or thanks to the music, she couldn't tell. And didn't mind.
"Well...Salsa, Rumba. Yes, Foxtrot. The Waltz. Some more... When...when my Maman was still around she took me to Dance Classes. It was so much fun. I am no professional in any way, but dancing always was fun to me. Made me happy... it was something I could share with her..." Her heart made a bittersweet little flutter in her chest. She knew, that Adrien has always loved his mother. Still does. And him sharing such a treasured memory with her meant so much to the young woman. "I stopped dancing, when she was gone. But when I started to travel I found joy in it, again. And staying in Latin America, getting to know the culture and people there and having a relationship with a girl from Brazil certainly helped to embrace the passion of this dance. I can teach you, if you like!" He twirled her again and when she returned in his arms he had the biggest and goofiest grin on his lips imaginable. "I would enjoy that!"
Marinette shook her head at him, excusing her wrong step and for actually stepping on his feet - first the left, then the right, which only made him laugh.
"But I don't think, that your feet will be pretty safe!"
"You are a lightweight! I didn't even feel a thing".
"And yet I don't think this is the smartest idea..."
She would love to - learning how to dance. A proper dance, of course and with Adrien it would be like a dream, that came true! Yet... she didn't know a thing about rhythms and beats and that form of moving a body.
Fighting...yeah... fighting was easy.
"Mhm... how about Waltz?", his hand on her hip moved up to her back, his fingertips brushing her bare skin there, giving her goosebumps. His steps changed, the rhythm not matching the music anymore. His range getting bigger as he moved them across the dance floor. She heard people around them laugh and giggle, somebody cheered them on and a camera flash blinded her for a few seconds.
"Oh gosh, Adrien! No Waltz, please!"
"Foxtrot then?"
He pulled her closer again, hand sinking to the middle of her back. First steps to the side, left, right, left, and he took more elaborate steps forward, letting her walk back.
Making her squeal.
But he changed directions again, his hand on her lower back again, pulling her close. Closest. Against him.
"How about the Tango?", his voice was a velvet whisper. Nothing more but a sensual purr, and it tingled her spine, down to her toes, her fingertips and deep underneath her scalp. Hell..., she didn't know, how sexy this lustful huskiness could sound. Wanted and needed more, now she had heard it once. She felt how he had positioned one knee slightly between her legs. Barely, hidden away in the long folds of her skirt. And his hand... his hand was so hot, even with the fabric of her shirt separating them. "You surely would like the Tango..."
He was so close... his breath hot on her cheek. Smelling of raspberries and peaches and mango - of the dessert he had chosen to steal from her.
Well... and she was very ready to steal that tiny kiss from him. There wouldn't be any better time - with the music playing, surrounded by people that were so dear to her - Alya surely was already holding her phone in their direction, Ready to take a photo. Heck - screw a photo! She would film that very moment, that would always be burned into her mind.
Marinette wouldn't mind, instead would watch it over and over again, feeling utterly satisfied, when-
"What's that?", somebody behind her suddenly voiced out loud, tearing her from the highest cloud and bringing her back to the harsh reality.
Mumbles erupted around them. The music stopped playing and she opened her eyes, again. Realizing, that she had closed them only moments, ago.
Adrien seemed to be startled as well, his head turning from left to right to find the culprit. Holding her tightly, to make sure, that she was safe.
But Marinette wasn't able to focus, yet. Instead, looked up into Adrien's stern face, trying to read him. Trying to understand. But she came up empty-handed.
...until his eyes fixed on something in the distance, his breath caught between his lips. Somebody gasped. Movement, over to the other side of the ship.
Away from that thing, that stood on the wooden railing of the ship.
A doll. No. A puppet, standing there on its two feet, head hanging loosely, dressed in a frilly gown.
This couldn't be an object of any natural course and everybody on board knew that.
Adrien moved fast, pulling on her arm and he pushed her behind his back. Out of the way. Away from the danger. Marinette saw Nino doing the same with Alya, his face painted with the purest determination and the will to protect those he loved. Ready to move, if the thing attacked.
"Any suggestions?", she heard Alix whisper.
"How about don't move?", came it from Nathaniel.
"And no talking...", added Max with a nod.
"Fucking Akuma!", came it at last from Kim - the one to move before anybody else did. Storming into the puppet's direction, ready to knock it over board. Reaching for it, before anybody could have stopped him.
He took the puppet in his hand, turning it from left to right.
Shrugging.
"Mhm... it does nothing..."
Marinette let out a breath, noticed how she had clawed her nails into Adrien's arm - seeing red marks on his otherwise flawless skin. Frowning and wondered, if this had been a sick joke. But..., nobody was laughing and her friends seemed to be just as skeptical as her.
So-
The eyes of the puppet snapped open and her arms reached up and around Kim's biceps. Hugging it tightly, while the big, strong man yelled and tried to get it off.
"No! No! No! Stop it! Get it away from me!"
A few things happened at the same time, making this peaceful occasion tumble into chaos in a matter of seconds: The eyes of the pupped glowed in a white, ghostly light and the little thing laughed creepily, while not letting go of the man. Strings emerged from its small arms, legs and from its head - getting longer, as if the marionette has been attached to somebodies hand all along. Wrapping around Kim, instead. Her other friends screamed. Somebody cursed. Somebody suggested to hide.
For Ladybug and Chat Noir would come.
They always made it in time...
But right now she was too perplexed to move. Couldn't. Her mind blank, like a white canvas. Staring. Seeing, how the body of her friend was engulfed in these black strings, his screams cut short.
And all that was left was a puppet, just like Kim. His tiny face, his clothes, everything was just the same. Falling to the floor, his limps twisted in a creepy fashion.
And the puppet - the very doll, that stood on the railing before has transformed. Bigger now.
A real human.
Her head moved up in a horrible, mechanical way. Tilted it to the side. Eyes blinking once, twice.
"My name is Marionetta~", she chimed sweetly, doing a small but wooden curtsy, before she continued to speak: "And I want Ladybug's and Chat Noir's Miraculous. Please?"
"This is the wrong place! And nobody messes around on my mother's ship!", came it from Juleka, who stood right behind her.
"I agree! It's too much Anarchy, even for her!", Luka added to that, setting his guitar to the side.
Marionetta giggled, head tilted to the left. Blinking once, twice.
"Oh... I don't want any harm. I just want the Miraculous!"
She raised her arm, stretching it in front of her, palm pointed to the sky. Hand pointed in Marinette's direction - by default, or design - she couldn't tell.
Yet nobody dared to move.
Making the human marionette frown.
"...too sad..."
She twisted her hand around, palm now pointed to the floor. Moving her fingers. Forefinger, middle finger, the small one. All together.
And the puppet of Kim stood up, moving soulless, like a zombie.
But he wasn't the only one, for puppets emerged on the railing, climbing up on board with their tiny arms and legs.
Her friends started to move. Started to hide. Down into the insides of the ship, trying to get off board. Into the water, just anywhere. Just away.
It was Adrien who made her move, taking her by the hand. Through the chaos, that surrounded her. Trying to get her away. Trying to hide her, to get her off the ship and away.
The young woman couldn't act, was dragged along, fingers gripping his most tightly.
...Not wanting to lose him...
They were close to the gateway - but the tiny puppets were closer. Blocking their way.
She heard Adrien curse under his breath - looking between her and the danger. To the railing.
To the waters of the Seine...
Their gazes locked and they shared a knowing smile.
"How about we take an evening swim?", she heard him say and she nodded in agreement. It would work…
So, once they were out of the water again, she just needed to make sure, that he was the one, who was safe - then she could transform and safe her friends.
"Let's go!"
They climbed over the railing, letting their hands go and jumped. Down into the cooling waters of the river below. Holding breaths.
Loosing sight of the other.
At first she was completely disoriented. The water was dark, even when she opened her eyes, again. Getting colder, now that Adrien's warmth was gone.
And a pull tried to drag her down...
...down...
An image of slimy tentacles flashed in front of her eyes, followed by the maniacal laugh of King Poseidon. But it couldn't be him.
...wouldn't be the same...
She kicked the water, coming back up to the surface. Her mind and her lungs screaming. Opening her eyes, again. To look for him. To look for Adrien. But the descending sun made it hard to see into the water and down below. Made it harder to see altogether...
Another fact added to her dilemma - the puppets, that were in the water. Or jumping down. To get her. To get him... Thankfully their wooden bodies made it hard to move.
In panic the young woman moved her arms and legs, away from them. Heart beating madly, eyes looking for the blond man.
...but she found another...
"Princess!"
He knelt there - the hero all dressed in black. To her left - his hand outstretched for her, to help her up and outside the water.
But she wasn't taking it right away. Refused it and shook her head, while she tried to stay away from the puppets and over the surface. Her wet hair and cloths making it hard.
But she needed to make one thing sure, before she took his help:
"Where is Adrien? Have you... have you seen him?"
"He is fine!", he immediately answered, trying to lean closer, to get her - but was unable to reach her due to the height. "Now give me your hand?"
"How can you be sure?"
"I saved him!"
Her eyes widened, trying to make out his handsome features with the water making her view hard. Trying to understand...
How long was he around? Did he witness the start of this attack? Did he wait for his Lady to come by and safe the day. Did he - perhaps- follow her, to be around her?
...and where was Adrien now?
Trusting her partner she swam closer, extending her arm from the water, barely brushing the tips of his fingers-
When something on her leg pulled her down again. Out of his reach. Into the depths of the Seine.
Marinette couldn't even scream. Say his name. For water already tried to fill her lungs and her panic paralyzed her completely.
Tiny, wooden hands dragged her down. Deeper. Away from Chat Noir. Away from the surface...
She couldn't form a word, couldn't transform. Couldn't-
Blackness started to close in. Surrounded her. Wanted to be one with her.
She didn't notice, how Chat Noir jumped without a second thought into the water. Fought about two dozen of Marionetta's minions. Swam closer.
To save her.
With the fragile frame of the woman in his arms he surfaced once more. Used his staff to get out of the water. Extending it. Running and jumping to the nearest rooftop. To get away from the danger. From the wooden villainess and her dolls.
He laid her on the still warm roof. Whispered her name, leaned his ear against her chest to hear her heartbeat. Noticed, how her chest barely moved.
Marinette didn't notice any of it. Didn't see the sheer pain on his features. His shaking hands as they reached for her chest to press in steady rhythm down. Carefully, to not break a precious bone. Didn't feel the first time he laid his lips on hers to gift her with his breath.
The first time she noticed just anything was the disgusting water, that gushed from her lips, when he pumped once more. Her back aching to spit it to the floor.
Laying back down, feeling utterly weak and defeated.
"Marinette!", reached this shocked voice her ears and her poor mind felt too fuzzy, to make a difference between that of Adrien and of Chat Noir.
Though... was there even a difference at all?
And he was so close. Felt so warm. Smelled of leather and stinky Seine water and yet so much more.
And his eyes… his eyes were so endlessly green, his hair as blond as gold…
She acted, before even one coherent thought made it into her mind.
Grabbing his shoulder.
Pulling him down.
Letting their lips meet.
Finally.
His lips were soft. So... so soft. There were stubbles on his chin, that scratched hers. But she didn't care. Couldn't care. Holding onto him. Holding him down, so their lips could stay connected. Tasted the sugary sweetness, that clung to his mouth. Felt his breath on her cheek.
... until she felt him not kissing her back...
...until she realized her mistake...
Letting go of him. Pushing on his broad shoulders to get him away. Sitting up, panting. Blue eyes looking up in his handsome face. Widened and in shook, reaching for her mouth with her shaking hands.
"C-Chat Noir! I-"
She couldn't even finish her sentence. For his head come back to her, in incredible speed, with amazing need. Grabbing the back of her head with both hands. To keep her there. To keep her still. To bring her close.
This time it was Chat, who pressed his lips against hers. Making her squeal in surprise at first, then her world spin, making her feel breathless once more.
Yet, only a moment later her eyes drifted shut. She felt warm, once she embraced his touch. Felt cold, when she realized, who she was kissing. Felt hot, when everything around her started to get irrelevant. Moving her lips against his. Though this kiss wasn't soft by any means. Passionate, lustful, maybe even so much more. Igniting a fire, that has been kindling in them for so long.
Pressing her small frame against his hard chest. She had to grab the back of his head as well, to keep her steady. Grasping his blond hair, feeling his silk tresses between her fingers. Felt one of his own clawed hands move. Down - over her neck, her shoulder. Along her back, tingling her spine. Holding her tightly and she melted against him even more.
She felt his tongue against her lips. Coaxing, asking for entrance, which she and her love-depraved body were happily granting him. Letting her own tongue slide along his.
Making her moan in his mouth and a purr went through his chest, vibrating underneath her fingers.
Her stomach started to tingle. Down to her fingertips and toes. Even more, when his second leathered hand caressed her cheek. Gently along her throat, her collar bone, past her left breast, to eventually hold her waist with a steady grasp.
Marinette couldn't deny, that she wanted him. His touch and kisses and so much more. Knowing deep down, that the forbidden fruit tasted sweetest - felt, that their kiss had some effect on Chat as well and not even his magical suit could hide that.
Yet it was him, who ended their kiss as abruptly as he had started it. Pulling away. Far away, as if her touch has burned his skin, gasping, only to lean his forehead against hers once more and only a second later. Panting, catching her breath, as she did.
The young woman opened her eyes. Seeing his ones so close. Shining so bright and in the most beautiful green in this darkness, that has dared to fall over them.
"Sorry...", he whispered, barely audible with the sheer noise of her beating heart in her ears. "...shouldn't have done that..."
She gulped. Tried to read his eyes. Tried to find regret, or anger, or shame. But she couldn't find any of it. Just adortion and so, so much desire for her.
One of her hands came up to his cheeks once more. One fingertip barely brushing the soft skin underneath his mask. The corners of his lips. His chin...
For she couldn't talk, couldn't even think, her own lust and desire for this man clouding her mind completely.
And he wasn't helping either - leaning away to muster her in the darkness. His eyes sticking to the skin like the water. One hand still holding onto her back, the other returning to its previous travels. From her cheek to brush some strand of her hair from her sticky skin. Further down to the side of her neck - making her gulp - and down her shoulder. His eyes sticking to her chest and when he gulped, his adam's apple heavily popped in his throat, as he dared to brush between him.
A delicious, electric surge went through her, down between her legs and she somehow felt utterly wanted. By him. Knowing, that her white bra was showing underneath her shirt, her black locks clinging to her arms and shoulders, while everything was just wet from her little, unwanted excursion in the Seine. Right now she couldn't care any less...
One thought, that made her eyes yet go wide, as soon as she noticed it - for wetness was certainly one thing she felt from their making out as well.
And she knew, that he was aware of it as well, when he deeply breathed in, closing his eyes for a moment to compose himself.
...little did she wonder, if he would have jumped her again, if he hadn't done that...
But eventually he shook his head. Letting go of her, standing stiffly on shaking legs.
"I-I need to go...", he wasn't even able to look in her face - she could tell. "Stay here, Princess! You are safe now!"
"No, Chat Noir-"
"If you come across Ladybug, tell her, that I will follow the victim - if I can still find her! I will contact her, when I found her!"
He bowed down to press one last kiss on her knuckles - before he took a step back, jumping down from the roof and was gone in this summer night.
Marinette could only stare at the place, where she had last seen him. Couldn't move. Just blink. Eventually she groaned and let herself fall against the ground of this very Parisian roof. Covering her face with her hands, pressing her thighs together, in hope it would dim the red hot lust for the cat hero inside of her.
But the very thought - that she had fucked up - was already a big mood-killer as well.
Thankfully he had taken the step to leave, for she couldn't have done it herself.
...would think about Chat, his kiss and touch for years to come...
Would always remember his scorching gaze, his soft lips, his taste and smell.
"Uhm...Marinette..."
Tikki was there, soaring close by her face - she could feel the pleasent and welcoming heat of her tiny body, when bitter coldness tried to crawl in her whole being.
...for Chat wasn't the one man she had chosen to be with...
"Just let me die here...", she answered miserably.
"...I truly would love to talk with you about it- but may I remind you, that there is still this Marionetta around? What about your friends, and-"
Adrien!
The young woman sat immediately up. Gasping. Not procrastinating one moment more, calling for her transformation.
But sit there for the next second or two - the whole storm of her regret, shame and guilt tried to drown her. Feeling bad..., not only because she had almost drowned once more, but because of the kiss, that shouldn't have happened.
... fearing the moment, when she needed to face her partner once more - which was absolutely unavoidable.
No! She needed to look ahead! Needed to stay focused - her own feelings felt worthless compared to the need to protect everybody around - tried to push them into the darkest corners of her mind.
Standing up.
And Ladybug took a deep breath, before she eventually jumped down. Ran, following the destruction, that Marionetta and her puppets have brought over the city. Seeing the boat now completely empty, furniture destroyed. Adrien's car as well. Other vehicles, traffic signs and light - they have stopped at nothing.
A sudden thought reached her mind and her heart immediately speed up. Hurrying to the black car of the blond man - now with shattered windows and they have ripped away one of the car doors. There was a huge bump in the rooftop, a few minor ones in the sides - nothing, that she couldn't repair with her Lucky Charm.
But...
She sighed in relief, when she noticed, that the trunk was still closed.
...for it meant, that the Miraculous Box was still safe!
Good!
For now at least - for she should certainly look for a proper place to hide it! Taking it everywhere she went wasn't the right and perfect solution, either!
Still...
A crazy thought tingled Ladybug's mind, as she leaned her hands on the trunk. Thinking.
...focusing...
Coming up with a strange idea.
"Sorry, Adrien...", she mumbled, when she had made sure, that nobody was around to watch her - swinging her yo-yo with full force, before she let it fly down on the trunks lock.
With that damaging the car even more - but opening the lock as well.
Easily finding her backpack and the ancient box inside.
Emptying two more compartments, holding the Miraculous close to her chest, her eyes darting around for those she wanted to gift them with. Closing the trunk once more.
Smiling, when she saw movement up and upon the deck.
Hearing a call:
"Ladybug!"
She ran over to the boat, jumping to reach the railing, squatting in front of the man, who had called her.
"Monsieur Lahiffe!", she greeted him with a nod, looking down at Nino with watchful eyes - seeing him armed with a tennis racket he had surely found somewhere on the boat to fight the puppets if needed. "Good to see you unharmed... Are you alone?"
Where was Alya? Gorgeous, very pregnant Alya...
"My fiancé is down there along with two others..."
A tiny breath of relief left her lips once more, but Ladybug tried to stay unfazed.
"Are they alright?"
"As alright, as they can be..."
She nodded.
"And you?"
"Making sure, they will stay safe!"
"Good...", was her answer, knowing, that she made the right choice. Once more. Lifting her left arm in front of her, opening her fist to present him with a piece of jewelry. A bracelet, green was its color.
"Nino Lahiffe, I want you to reprise your role as Carapace!"
"No way, Dude!"
"Will you - once more - fight along with me and protect those you love. Of course - after this fight I trust you to give the Miraculous back to me..."
He hesitated. It had been too long since he last had taken onto his role as the Turtle Miraculous holder. And it surely was a risky decision from both sides.
But he was the best for this part and she wouldn't want anybody else!
...and Nino knew that as well...
Finally he reached up for the bracelet, taking it with a steady hand. Brushing it over his wrist and-
A tiny being immediately emerged from the Miraculous' inside, soaring around Nino, before the green Kwami eventually came to a halt in front of him. Levitating and smiling up in his face.
"Wayzz!", Nino gleefully greeted the small entity with a grin, raising one finger, to give his paw a high-five.
"Nino! It is so good to see you!"
Ladybug smiled, feeling warm inside, as she witnessed their reunion, standing up, ready to leave.
"You stay here in case Marionetta dares to return. If I and Chat Noir need you in action, then I'll call you. Okay?"
Both the Kwami and his human nodded.
"Okay!"
"So...then everybody of your friends are safe?"
She needed to know.
...needed to find Luka - sensing, that she would need him as well.
"A few made it overboard. It was absolutely messy, when we attacked. I believe Adrien and Marinette jumped into the water-", True. "And Ivan, Myléne and Max made it over the gangway. Luka and Rose ran after Marionetta, when she could get Juleka, though and-"
So he had Juleka as well...
One more of her puppets!
She shouldn't have waited for so long...
...shouldn't have made out with Chat Noir on the rooftops...
Shit - the whole evening did not go as planned and it all was her fault!
"I will take care of them. Where did they go?"
"Down the Seine!"
Ladybug nodded, but didn't need any more instructions. Did not wait, until he had transformed into Carapace. Did not speak another word.
Just ran.
Following the Seine and the destruction.
Further down the streets. Eventually making it South. Seeing the chaos, that the puppets have coursed. Seeing people afraid and hide away. But no Luka. No Rose. No Chat Noir...
...All because she hadn't stopped Marionetta right away.
...because of her distraction...
And...where was Adrien?
She hadn't found the akumatized victim, yet. Worry rising within her more with each passing second.
...stopping, when she saw the panting and exhausted person by a crossroad. Head hanging, hands supporting his weight on his knees. Still looking ahead.
Fearlessly the heroine approached him. Stopping a few feet away.
"Luka Couffaine?"
His head shot up, eyes immediately landing on her face.
"Ladybug", came the almost breathless greeting and the young man looked up, straightening his back and shoulders. "Good to see you. Down the road is a-"
"Akuma attack? Yes, I know..."
"They have my sister and sister-in-law. I couldn't help them... If you-"
"Of course..."
Not only that, but she wanted his help in this fight.
Without a warning she laid one arm around the taller man and swung her yo-yo, catapulting both up into the air, up to the nearest roof. Away, from hidden eyes to see her request for him and his eventual transformation.
"You never fail to surprise...", she heard him chuckle, as he lowered his feet to the ground and she let go of him. Placing her yo-yo back around her hip and smiling up in his face with determination.
Lifting her right arm to present him a bracelet as well.
"Luka Couffaine - once more I present you the Miraculous of the Snake. Will you yet again fight by my side for the good course? I trust you to hand me back the bracelet, when all is said and done."
His blue eyes lid up, as was the smile on his lips. Taking the Miraculous with a steady hand and a soft nod.
Brushing it over his wrist.
Not even a moment later the sea green Kwami emerged from its inside. Levitating in front of his Chosen. Bowing in mid-air.
Luka immediately returned this form of a greeting.
"It is good to see you once more, Sass...", he gently said.
"As it is good, to see you as well...", the entity said and with twinkling eyes he turned to his Guardian, who merely watched this scene with a smile. "And I must say, that you have made and excellent choice once more, Ladybug".
Pride immediately filled her chest - sure, the Kwamis always knew, how to make her feel good. Yet complimenting words never failed to miss its mark.
"I am pretty sure, that Chat Noir and I will need your powers to win this fight. But we should use it - as always - wisely."
Luka nodded in agreement and Sass turned back to his human, waiting for him to say the magical words:
"Scales Slither!", Luka eventually said, transforming himself in Viperion for the first time in years.
One ally more.
One, she would need, knowing, that Marionetta won't go down easily.
Taking her yo-yo once more to call Chat Noir, hoping, that by now he had found the akumatized victim.
While her magical device was dialing, she felt her heart speed up - knowing, that she had to face him once more. After their kiss - without him realizing, that it had been her.
His Princess...
"Milady?", echoed his voice through the device in her hand, making her flinch - looking up at Viperion she saw him raising a questioning eyebrow underneath his mask. Trying to calm her nerves she yet cleared her throat, nodding.
"I was told you were looking for this Marionetta. Have you found her?"
"Of course - was just about to call you as well, Bugaboo!", she could feel his grin in his voice, as he used this silly nickname of hers. "She is inside the Opéra Garnier. She and her puppets. I'll be waiting on the roof, until you arrive..."
"Do you care, if I bring an ally?"
She heard him chuckle.
"Of course not!"
"Good - we will be there in a few minutes..."
She closed her yo-yo once more and looked up and over to Viperion, who casually waited and played a soft tune on his Lyre.
"Off to the Opera!"
And - indeed - they have reached the imposing building soon after, landing by Chat Noir's side, who immediately gave the other hero a welcoming high-five, when he saw him - greeting him as an old friend.
"He is not the only one!", Ladybug hurriedly said, ready to explain her plan. "Carapace is around as well, but I entrusted him to make sure, that nobody gets harmed for now. I am worried, that those puppets could return to any location..."
"Purrfect - more allies are good!"
She gulped. Hearing the pun in his words. Remembering the purr, that has erupted from his chest when they have kissed. Making it hard - almost impossible - to look up in his far too handsome face and see his brilliant emerald eyes shining in the darkness.
"Ladybug?", came it from both heroes at the same time, when she didn't show any form of reaction. And little did she fear, that her madly beating heart gave her inner turmoil away to both of them.
Chat...He surely was aware of it - his sense of hearing significantly improved by the magic. And Viperion...surely it worked under Sass' power as well.
"Sorry...", she merely murmured and shook her head to clear her mind, for she knew, that she needed to stay focused.
Head over Heart - that's what always mattered in a fight and it should never change.
...even with all the changes her life was currently going through.
"Viperion - I want you to stay hidden for now. You know, when we would need the Second Chance. Use it, when you feel, that the time is right. Chat...", she took a deep breath, "We will confront Marionetta. Just don't you try to save the day by sacrificing yourself. Okay?"
He smirked upon hearing her words, but both men eventually nodded.
Finally, she and Chat Noir jumped down. And Viperion- he stayed hidden. Tried to make it inside the building from the other side. Away from Marionetta's gaze and that of her minions.
The National Opera of Paris was a beautiful building. Nobody could deny it and Ladybug was once more struck with awe, when she entered its walls - the entrance hall with its pompous decorations, the shining chandeliers and the high ceiling were just beyond breathtaking as usual.
As usual, it was incredible and as always she wanted to linger a little longer, to take it all in. Automatically feeling inspired by it.
But she shouldn't stop. Shouldn't hesitate, had no time to suck it all up and to let her creative juices flow.
Not with an akumatized villain around.
...and with Chat Noir close, who made her heart flutter inside her chest, whenever she laid eyes on him.
They ran up the big staircase, that led to the auditorium with the big, red velvet curtain, the stage and the seats for the spectators.
...filled this time with puppets. Sitting in these chairs most creepily, staring ahead, not moving. Eyes wide opened, not blinking at any moment.
In complete silence.
All she could make out around her was Chat Noir's shaking breath, that left his lips as he reached for his staff, when she did the same with her yo-yo.
Both felt the treat and not even he made a silly joke about it.
Slowly they crept forward. Past the rows with the seats and puppets in it. Eyes looking around. Trying to make the one out, that was Marionetta herself.
Stopping, when all too suddenly the curtain raised in front of them, spotlights went on, illuminating the woman on the stage with her frilly dress - hand raised to the microphone in front of her. Lips parting, as she started to sing a beautiful aria.
Blinking once, twice.
This very moment was all the villainess needed for distraction, for both heroes were only focused on her, weighting their chances to attack directly.
Only a second later the small puppets were around them. Hundreds, maybe thousand. Clutching their arms and legs, feet and hands. Eyes shining white in a scary fashion. Black strings appearing from their tiny arms, legs and heads, wrapping around the two heroes, drowning them in darkness.
Making them puppets as well.
"Second Chance~"
Ladybug, Chat Noir and Viperion were standing on the rooftop of the infamous Opéra Garnier, planning their fight with Marionetta, only a moment later:
"Chat...", she took a deep breath, looking up in Chat Noir's handsome features. "We will confront Marionetta. Just don't you try to save the day by sacrificing yourself. Okay?"
"Not okay...", Viperion immediately answered for the other man, even before he could have opened his lips. "We should think about something else".
Ladybug frowned upon hearing his words.
"You did use your Second Chance…"
Chat Noir groaned.
"Urgh? We have messed up? Really?"
Viperion nodded and cast them an apologetic smile.
Ladybug on the other hand sighed, nervously scratching the back of her head - not liking these words one bit.
So..., what now, for her previous plan had vanished into thin air. They needed to get in there, find the object with the butterfly and purify it, to make everything alright, again.
Hopefully...
"You should find something to eat for your Kwami and re-charge. Then you return...", Ladybug mumbled and crossed her arms over her chest. Thinking. Wondering what they should do...
"We should observe Marionetta, first...", Chat Noir mumbled. "What about Carapace?"
Nino? Yeah..., maybe he is needed here as well. Surely their other friends were safe now, with all the puppets waiting inside the building for them.
"Okay. Send him a message and we will meet him inside. But he needs to be careful as well. And Viperion - you too! Stay close, but undetected, when you are done. And you-", she turned to her partner once more, raising a stern finger at him. "-no sacrificing! Understood?"
He saluted and gifted her a goofy grin.
"I understood you purrfectly well!"
Ladybug rolled her eyes at him, wondering, how exactly she could have fallen for Chat Noir as well.
But without any further words spoken they parted ways with Viperion - he was going to hide somewhere to give Sass something to eat, while she and Chat Noir made their way inside once more. A message to Carapace was out quickly.
Unknown to them, they yet again took in the entrance hall of the opera in its stunning and breathtaking beauty. But they had no time to admire it, no time to stop and stare.
Parting ways in the foyer, this time not entering the showroom through the main entrance and together, but separately and from the loges above. Giving them better ways to hide, more opportunities to attack from above.
And with one last, yearning glance in Chat Noir's direction they stepped through the doors - she on the left side, he on the right. Sneaking, hiding behind the seats and did not make a noise.
Ladybug looked down, seeing the puppets down there. The stage and spotlights and the pompous decorations of a room all gold and red.
Sneaking further, her yo-yo ready in her hand, holding her breath when she believed to see one puppets head moving in her direction. But it didn't.
It had been her imagination all along - and the creepy atmosphere gave her goosebumps all over her body.
...knowing very well, that she would dream of this nightmarish moment for weeks, always disliking anything horror related.
Now was no difference.
She peeked around a corner - seeing Chat do the same. Nodding, when he pointed upwards with his staff. Seeing a shadow move. Then another. Knowing, that they were not alone anymore.
Good...
And just in time, for the curtain started to rise once more and the spotlights went on, revealing Marionetta in all her glory. Head held high, arms rising woodenly up in the air, as if she wanted to greet the spectators. Smiling sweetly.
Blinking once, twice.
She opened her lips to sing an aria - unknown to the heroine - once more. Putting all her heart and soul in it, notes getting higher and higher. Hauntingly and beautiful.
Ladybug watched her closely. Trying to find that one object with the Akuma inside.
"The dress...", she eventually whispered, coming to a strange conclusion. Calling quietly for a Lucky Charm and a dotted lever landed in her hand.
Frowning - but she knew, that the magic never made it to obvious to her. Peeking down to the singing Marionetta, once more. Seeing the curtain, yet again.
Yes - that should work and otherwise Viperion was around to give her yet another chance in this fight.
But she wouldn't need it!
Ladybug stood up, readying herself - and the puppets all together turned in time their heads in her direction.
Marionetta's singing stopped as well, and she looked up at her, her smile as sweet as honey, when she recognized the heroine right away.
But this wouldn't stop Ladybug in any way!
Instead, she jumped over the seats and the puppets in front of her, down to the floor, rolling over her shoulder as she landed and stood up. Yo-yo swinging in her hand, lever held tightly in the other. Above the villainess's head, clinging to a beam. Hoisting her up into the air. Away from the puppets, that started to crawl closer and she landed right onto the stage instead.
Marionetta cocked her head, but frowned this time. Coming close, microphone in her hand, ready to strike with all might, eyes glowing this hellish white.
But Chat Noir jumped in her way, blocking the hit with his staff and with cat-like ease.
"Thank you!", came it easily from her lips.
"You are welcome!"
But Marionetta on the other hand did not like the distance and the interruption of her concert. And her puppets, either. Each and every doll standing up, coming close on wooden legs and with incredible speed. Ready to cling on the two heroes. Ready to stop them for Marionetta.
"Shell-ter!"
A green power field stretched over their heads. Trapping them inside. But the wooden minions were now unable to reach them, hitting the magical shield with their wooden hands.
Marionetta hissed, when she realized that, eying the two heroes in front of them with fury, all her sweetness from before melted away. Coming closer, movements wooden.
Blinking once, twice.
"You-"
There! The soft sound of a lyre echoed through the air. Behind the villainess, irritating her as well.
Turning, to see Viperion stand there, Carapace a little further behind, concentrating on his superpower. Good - now was the right time!
"Chat Noir - the curtain!"
He moved fast, his Cataclysm ready, claws shining in black. Jumping forward to destroy the mechanism, that made the curtain go up and down. Moving out of Marionetta's reach, when she focused on him yet again. Kicking and blocking. Hitting her with her staff. But she stayed unfazed - the wood of her skin hard enough to not get any damage from his attacks.
Focusing on him - unaware, that Ladybug has come close, lever ready in her hand. Unaware, that the heroine made her stumble and fall, right into the direction of the falling curtain, when the dotted lucky charm stuck between her feet and her wooden dress.
Eventually trapping her in its folds.
Marionetta was unable to move, but cursed and hissed at the four heroes, trying to get up and away. But neither the wooden dress, nor the weight of the stage curtain were helping her.
The heroine and the three men came close, fists balled, eyes on the fallen, but still beautiful human-like puppet. Ladybug looked over to Chat Noir and gave him a tiny nod.
He understood even without words.
With a well-aimed hit of Chat Noir's staff her wooden dress started to crack and a black butterfly emerged from its inside.
Flying higher and higher, up into the air until Ladybug caught it with her Yo-yo. Purifying it, just as planned.
Setting it free, repairing the damage around, when all was done.
And she heard a beep from her earrings only a moment later.
"I'll take care of the victim...", Chat Noir mumbled, pointing with the movement of his head into the poor woman's direction - somebody in an elegant dress, surely a real opera singer herself. Confused and afraid by the things, that have happened before. "Okay?"
She nodded and it was Carapace, who raised his hand.
"Uhm... and I need to get back... Hope nobody will be missing me by now!"
"And I need to look for...for some people, that fell victim under her attack". Viperion's eyes already darted around, looking for Juleka, Rose and probably Kim as well. The reason on why he came here in the first place.
"And I will be taking care of their Miraculous...", Ladybug said, now unable to see in Chat's eyes once more. Now, that the fight was over and the memories and emotions from their kiss returning like a cold flood to her, ready, to tear her off her feet.
"I'll contact you, if I have another clue on Lady Titalee. For now...Just stay save and hope for the best..."
Patrol at night? Yeah...they should do it and she should suggest that. But preferably on separated routes, to keep their feelings in check.
At least her own feelings...
And for now they weren't any closer in Lady Titalee's case, either. So why bother each other, instead of finding well deserved sleep to refuel their strength.
"Okay..."
He nodded, reached for her hand, kissing her knuckles as a sweet goodbye, just like he always did nowadays. Yet he couldn't know, how it made her feel, was gone before any emotion could have reached her heart.
It was Carapace, who cleared his throat and Viperion who held his arm with his bracelet in front of his eyes to bring her back to this reality. The young woman took a deep breath and shook her head to clear her mind, focusing on what was important once more.
"Carapace - wait here for a moment...", she instructed, hiding with Viperion at the back of the stage. Letting him de-transform, waiting, until he bid Sass goodbye.
She smiled sadly at that.
"Thank you once more...", Ladybug whispered, taking the magical jewelry from him, holding it tightly in her hand in front of her heart.
"I have to thank you. People here in Paris shouldn't take you and Chat Noir for granted. Everybody would be screwed, if you decided to just stop being Ladybug...", was Luka's gentle answer with a soft smile on his lips. "If you guys ever need my help, again, then you can count on me!"
"Thank you..."
She turned and left, feeling her throat tightening. Knowing, that Luka wanted to find the others anyway and after that they would surely return to the Liberty.
...feeling the weight of his words on her shoulders anyway.
Without further hesitation she came back to the waiting Carapace- leaving the opera in a hurry, with the minutes of their eventual de-transformation ticking by. Barely reaching a rooftop, when Nino's time was up and he turned back in the middle of a risky jump.
But she was there, catching him with ease.
Of course - she should have known, that her friend's time to stay transformed after the use of their superpowers was shorter, since they haven't used the Miraculous as frequently as she, or Chat Noir.
"Are you alright?", she asked, setting the young man down and looked up to Wayzz, who was sitting exhaustingly on the human's shoulder.
"Uh-hu!" Nino was full of glee, punching the air with his fist and chuckled. Wayzz laughed as well. "It was awesome, Dudette! You were awesome and Chat Noir was awesome! And Viperion was like super cool and Wayzz - you were awesome!"
The green Kwami smiled and bowed.
"I thank you, Dude~"
But Ladybug's earrings beeped, reminding her, that she needed to get going, too.
"Nino, I need you to renounce Wayzz and I need the bracelet back. Then I'll bring you back to where you have come from."
He nodded, understanding each word with ease. Reaching for the small entity by his side, giving him one of these cute little high-five's, again.
"Will we meet, again?", Wayzz asked innocently. Looking at Nino, then at Ladybug, who could only shrug.
"...maybe..."
It wasn't entirely a lie - but she hadn't planned for any allies to fight alongside with them.
They were her friends after all, and she wanted them protect them. Not the other way around and Lady Titalee...
...she was just so dangerous.
"Okay...", was all Nino could say, frowning, before he renounced the Kwami with a sad smile, finally handing Ladybug the bracelet as well.
She carried him close to the boat. Bringing him to an alleyway, that was near to the Seine, already seeing the Liberty close. People were walking up there on deck. Talking, perhaps. And she needed to get back as well.
"Ladybug?", Nino's voice yet echoed once more into the silence of the night, making her turn around, before she could leave. Raising an eyebrow at him, waiting for him to continue: "Why not giving Lady Titalee what she wants? Your Miraculous?"
She was taken aback. Shaking her head and ignored the third beep.
"She can't have it. It would be too dangerous and-"
"Why?"
Why...
Because it would grand her one wish. To change time and space and reality, but under a horrible cost. Because everything needed to stay in perfect balance - a balance, that would give and that would take.
A wish, spoken without care could mean horrible consequences for the world as they knew it. And she highly doubted, that Lady Titalee had that in her twisted mind...
The heroine chewed the inside of her lip, eventually sighing and shaking her head, knowing, that Nino should not have information like that.
Instead, she answered:
"Because I can't let her win!", and she hoisted herself up and into the air. Away, but not too far, to de-transform as well.
Exhaustingly leaning against a cool wall behind her and Marinette just closed her eyes, to breath in. Deeply. Feeling the soft air fill her lungs. Feeling utterly tired.
...and lost.
Breathless once more.
So much has happened in these few minutes and she had to move on, as if nothing has happened.
Shivering, even though her clothes were magically dry now, after she had used the Lucky Charm. But she immediately remembered the jump into the Seine. Where she had almost drowned once more...
...if it hadn't been for her Chat Noir, who has saved her.
And Adrien as well.
...oh Adrien...where was he?
"How are you, Marinette?", came it from Tikki, who landed on her hand with wide eyes.
"Tired... Really, really tired. We will take at another time, okay?", was all she could say, and Tikki nodded and the young woman placed her small friend in her purse, where she would find a cookie.
They would be talking about everything soon. Not now...
First she needed to get back.
With shaking legs she made it out of the alleyway and across the road. Seeing the blond man's parking car - magically repaired once more. Seeing her friends up on deck. Nino already being there, his arms wrapped tightly around Alya.
The other woman noticed her first. Waving frantically, calling her name.
Hugging her tightly, when Marinette had reached them.
"Gosh! Where have you been? I was so, so worried! And where is Adrien? I thought you guys made it out, together!"
"Huh? Oh yes! But we were both saved by Chat Noir. I had to make it down from a rooftop on my own and-"
"Adrien!", Nino called beside her, relief clearly noticable in his voice. Throwing his arms around the blond man as well, whose clothes were dried, too.
Their eyes immediately locked, even with their best friends clinging to them and her poor mind went crazy, again.
And she felt so utterly breathless once more.
For she had kissed another - not the man she wanted to be with, when all was said and done.
And she knew, that she eventually tell Adrien that. Somewhere in the future.
...for it would always stand between them.
"Luka found Juleka, Rose and Kim. They are on their way back!", a voice called and as Marinette was able to lift her head off Alya's shoulder and to tear her eyes away from Adrien's lingering gaze. She saw Max standing not too far away, with a phone in his hand. "Ladybug, Chat Noir and two other heroes came to save the day! Everything is fine now!"
"Two other heros...", Nathaniel mumbled, sitting tiredly on a chair, but was able to smile up at their friends. "So Ladybug is recruiting other heroes, again!"
"Hell yes! Everything will be alright!", Alix cheered and threw her one, not casted arm up in the air.
The mood lightened immediately, even though everybody knew, that the party was over...
But Ladybug's victory still lingered in the air and was likely to stay.
Yet Marinette noticed, how Alya frowned and her best friend stepped away, to reach for Nino's hand once more. Looking up in his eyes, who only shook as head at them.
They knew - he had probably told her already. Maybe she had seen him. Of course - their alter egos were their shared secret.
And both knew, that it couldn't be always like that... Ladybug looking for allies and they knew that.
For Rena Rouge would never reappear. And Carapace - it had been a one time thing. Viperion - he would be out of Paris soon.
Yes - Marinette would always rely on her friends.
But not in that way - she didn't want them to stand on the front line of this war anyway.
The young woman let out a terribly long sigh, eyes cast on the floor. Letting time tick by.
Startled, when she felt a strong arm on her shoulder, pulling her close and to a warm body. His unique smell reached her nostrils and she inhaled it. Feeling safe and comforted.
Lifting her head up she saw Adrien, smiling down at her. Pressing a small kiss to her temple, that immediately gave her goosebumps.
"...are you alright. I… I lost sight of you, once we were in water. Did you make it out of it on your own?", he whispered, his thumb caressing the skin of her shoulder. "I was so worried about you…"
"Chat Noir helped me out", was all she could say, a heavy lump appearing in her throat, that made it hard to swallow. And the young woman felt like she needed to tear up. Wanted to cry, for she knew, that she has gotten herself into some insane mess.
"Me too, and-"
Adrien stopped and let out a tiny groan and the young woman heard a soft melody playing. He reached for his phone, taking it from his back pocket. Eyebrows rising, as he read the number on the display.
"Adrien?"
With a small, apologetic smile he looked down to her, before he took the call. Speaking in a hushed voice, surprise written on his handsome features.
She didn't want to disturb him. Wanted to leave his side, but his arm merely tightened around her. Letting her know, that it was okay, if she stayed.
And she would stay, watching her friends, while she occupied her mind with all things regarding the blonde man by her side - not the one, who rather watched her with curious eyes from the shadows - and hoped, that her bad conscience wouldn't eat her alive.
Startled, when she heard Adrien's voice rising once more:
"This Wednesday?", he said, louder, then he had surely anticipated. Gulping, his fingers grasping onto her tightly, as if she was the one, that kept him steady. "But… I am…I am not responsible for any-"
Her eyes widened, hearing the shock and pain in his voice. His eyes darkened, his breathing fastened. She felt him panicking and laid a carrying hand on his chest. Letting him know, that she was there.
By his side.
Despite anything, that has happened between her and Chat Noir.
…she had chosen him, after all and her partner was just the sin, she had turned to once more.
Eventually he let out a long sigh, listening to the words on his phone and he nodded.
"Good. I will think about it…"
He hung up without any more words spoken.
Gulping heavily and she knew, that he had rather wanted to run and hide in this very moment, than anything else.
"Everything alright, Dude?", Nino mumbled, reaching them once more, Alya in his arm as well. "You look like you have seen a ghost…"
True - and those ghostly demons came from his past. Marinette knew that pretty well.
"They... They want to interview people for a show. Live on TV. About the current Akuma attacks and Lady Titalee and…, how it all has to do with Hawk Moth and Mayura. Wanting to show my side of the story…"
"And you want to go?", Alya voiced that one question, that lingered in all their minds.
"Yes…No… Urgh - I really don't know! I just need to sleep about it and… how about we help to clean up and I'll get you home?"
He finally left her side, reaching for their other friends and left the three of them standing there in silence. Each of them thinking about this on their own. Nobody daring to say a thing.
"This is messed up…", was all Nino could say.
And he was very, very right.
For either it would help Adrien's reputation. Maybe even his fears, making it a step to fight them.
Or everything could go horribly wrong.
But whatever would happen and whatever he was deciding for to do, Marinette knew one thing:
She wanted to be by his side. When he succeeded and when it all failed.
Not even the kiss on the rooftops with a man, that wasn't Adrien himself could change her mind.
She started to help him clean only a moment later.
A/N: I believe it's cute, that so many of you believed, that could misslead you with the clue from last week's chapter....though I didn't tell you, who would kiss by the end of the day, but I am certainly satisfied with the outcome.So - on top of the we also have an Akuma attack, the return of two allies and an important interview for Adrien.And - yeah - that promised kiss, that will be important for Marinette's next steps and the progression of the story.I really hope you enjoyed it :D
Next chapter: How to (not) say goodbye...