Rude Kwami, Dense Guardian
"Duuuudeee! You need to tell the cops! You!", Nino exclaimed in utter frustration - the four of them standing in front of Adrien's apartment. "You can't let people treat you like their punching ball! Look at you and your fucking bleeding nose!"
"And perhaps you should have stayed at the hospital…", Alya added as a little afterthought, hugging herself, as she stood between Marinette and Nino. "You look like shit and the doctors could watch over you for the night…"
"They said…it's not broken…", Adrien said tiredly, still holding a tissue - the tenth now - to his nose to stop the bleeding.
Marinette watched the red liquid, as it slowly spread through the pure white paper. Watched, how Adrien's lips moved in rapid speed, as he - once more - explained, on why he wouldn't tell a word to the police - with the other three having done it anyway. And she watched how that bruise underneath his left eye formed more and more, seemingly darker than the minute before.
Alya was very right - he looked horrible. Beat up and tired. Luckily enough he was somehow able to parry the full force of the impact - reflexes far better, than everybody would have expected. And he would have made it - getting away without being harmed in any way, if he hadn't taken care of the man, who had dared to touch her. He had been distracted by her and she felt ridiculously bad about it.
Marinette's eyes wandered to that bruise around her wrist - the dark imprint of a hand, that would stay there for some time. For now, she kept it behind her other hand, back, or purse.
Neither of their friends had seen it just yet. Wasn't allowed to see it - for it would worry them even more and she couldn't take anymore worry fur now.
Hurriedly she hid her hand behind her back once more, raising her other one to clutch onto Adrien's arm to lean into him for comfort.
"-and these guys didn't have an escalation in mind! They ran away, worried, that we would call these police on them. They probably regret it by now!"
Nino sighed in desperation, brushing his hands across her face. Looking to Alya, who shrugged in a defeated way, then towards Marinette.
"Marinette…", he sighed, "…why can't you reason your boyfriend? Do it, please!"
He was desperate, Marinette could tell. She saw it in his stance, heard it in his voice. And she understood that very frustration - knew, that Nino just wanted justice for an innocent man, who got punched into the face. Alya wanted that. She wanted that herself!
And yet she understood Adrien - he had told her before, that the police surely wasn't entirely on his side either - still angered by his father's deeds and the accumulated work they had with that. He told her, that he feared, that the media would catch wind of it as well - which would mean more unwanted publicity and gossip. And he already had enough of that because of the stupid interview.
He just wanted it all to end. That people forgot about his name, his father, the Agreste legacy and everything, that came with it. To just move on and reach for that happy ending he always wanted.
Silently she looked up towards Adrien's face, their eyes locking tightly.
They understood each other, even without words - Nino and Alya did as well.
"The police has our reports…", Alya said with a sigh. The have reached a dead-end with their reasoning, understood, that Adrien's mind won't be changed and that Marinette wasn't the one to change it, either. "Hopefully they will find these bastards… Now come here, Sunshine Boy and let this pregnant lady hug you!"
She did and Adrien let her, hugging her with one arm back, since his other one was still in his girlfriend's tight grasp.
"Don't be a doormat for other people's crap, okay? Take care!", she reached up for his cheek and smiled warmly. "You have such a good heart - people will soon enough see that as well…"
"Thank you, Alya…"
"Seriously, my Dude! You are too good for this world!", Nino added, hugging him as well, while his fiancé embraced the young woman as well. "Next time I so will kick their asses! I am not letting anybody speak with you like that!"
"You have done enough… I am just glad, that they didn't punch you!"
The other man snickered.
"Me - I have amazing reflexes and speed and-" "Nino - you are no hero!" "…doesn't stop me from protecting my friends and fiancé!"
Marinette gulped - knowing too well, that Nino had a secret identity, but kept her smile on - any other reaction would have been too suspicious.
"And you will stay here?", he then asked, turned towards her and the young woman dearly hoped, that Nino wasn't able to look through her mask. "You know - I don't mind driving you back to your place!"
Alya nudged his side and wiggled her eyebrows.
"Let them have some fun!"
"I fear, that there is no fun for me, tonight…", Adrien mumbled absently and pointed towards his nose - making Alya giggle and Nino smirk knowingly.
"Very true - and I will make sure, that you take the painkillers, like the doctor said…", Marinette cooed, ignoring the dirty minds of her friends completely.
She had decided to stay for one more night some hours ago. After the encounter. Not once did she have something sinful in her mind - rather wanted to give Adrien some company - he would need it. She knew it.
…after her panic attack she wanted and needed it as well...
To just talk and hold the other in hopes, that everything would be alright in the morning.
Their friends surely knew that - they just loved to tease the young couple as much as possible.
"I have clothes for tomorrow and everything I need for the night here anyway…"
"And we still have some leftover pizza from yesterday!", Adrien added. "So I will be covered with everything I'll need…"
"Good…", Alya sighed, reaching for Nino's hand as well, waving both one more time. "If you two need anything, then just call!"
"Mhm - we will be here in 15 minutes!", the other man added, slowly turning to leave for the car. "Otherwise we hope, you have a pleasant sleep and night…"
They bid their friends goodnight. Waving, as they drove past them, waiting in silence a moment longer, before it was Adrien, who slowly started to guide them inside the building. Inside the lift and up to the top floor - towards his apartment.
Entering, slipping out of the shoes and-
"Your hand…" His voice was gentle, yet demanding. Raising one up as well, palm pointed towards the ceiling, eyes lingering on her face. Waiting most patiently.
Marinette hesitated at first - hiding both of her hands behind her back with a beating heart - like a child, that has done something incredibly wrong. She felt his eyes burning deeply in her soul - an amazing determination swirling in the depths of his green orbs. Taking her breath away and making her shiver.
With a little sigh she gave him her left hand. Placed it in his waiting one - for there was no way, that she could hide it from him in all eternity.
And he had seen it - the bruise. He had stayed silent around Alya and Nino to not get them to worry anymore. Not that he would have minded for them to actually worry about his girlfriend.
…but he knew, that she wouldn't have wanted that - and she was amazed, that he was absolutely right with his assumption.
But here in their sanctuary she could share that secret with him - neither of them would ever speak a word about anything, that wasn't meant for any other ears but theirs and both were very aware of that.
He gulped and let out a little hiss, as he noticed the bruise on her pale skin - carefully turning her hand to examine her wrist from any possible angle.
"That bastard!", he grumbled "If I'd have known, that he hurt you so badly, then-"
"It's nothing…", she whispered, her voice heavy and she stepped closer, throwing her purse to the floor. Grabbing both of his hands and looked up towards him. "…nothing compared to the things, they said to you, Babe… Nothing compared to that fucking punch this man could land in your face."
"I partially dodged it!"
"If I wouldn't have been there, then-"
"Don't say that!"
They embraced the other most tightly, needing the warmth and the comfort, that only the other could give. Holding on tight, to stop that fucking chaos around them for a few precious moments.
"Alya and Nino are right…", she whispered, as she filled the need to tell him her thoughts continued to grow, words spilling from her lips, before she could have stopped them. "Nobody should feel entitled to treat you, like these guys did. They don't know you - they don't know the things you went through… and still do…"
His arms around her tightened and she heard that shaking breath, that left his lungs. A kiss on her forehead followed.
"…they will eventually forget about me…"
"And what if they don't?" She looked up to his face abruptly and cradled his cheeks. Her eyebrows climbed up on her forehead and she gulped heavily. Throat tightened. She felt afraid - not the same panic as earlier. Just fear - but that very fear was already enough for the world to stop spinning in an unnatural fast way around her.
"They will - it will be easier for them to forget about me, when I stay quiet- believe me! Punching somebody to defeat my questionable honor wouldn't have helped. You know… My face will heal - my pride wouldn't, if I would have done something, that doesn't suit me in any way. And do you think, that I would ever lay the hand on another person?"
That was true - he wouldn't be able to hurt a fly.
"Still you should go to the police… it's not too late…"
"Giving a report to the police won't help me with that…"
"Staying silent against injustice isn't the right way, either…", she shook her head and her eyes darted towards the floor, his gaze too intense for her in that very moment. "And yet I knew why you did it…"
She stepped away from him and let her hands fall to her side. Felt so small, hated it, that she wasn't able to help the man she loved in any way. Wished, that she could…
"Excuse me for a moment…", she mumbled and walked past him to get to the bathroom - for once unable to bare his presence and it terrified her immensely.
It felt to her, as if she was letting him down. As if she couldn't be the savior for his soul heart and mind, as she wanted it to be - just like he was seeing her. Just a girl in the middle of a chaos, that seemingly had no end.
Little did she wonder what the world would be like, if she and Chat Noir had never stopped Hawk Moth and Mayura. Both Gabriel and Nathalie were never as vile and gruesome as Lady Titalee was - they were never out to get…to get somebody killed. They were not out to break Ladybug, as Lady Titalee wanted her to break. Of course - they were never aware, that Marinette and Ladybug were the same people. They weren't playing such a horrible game, like the villainess. They just wanted the Miraculous… nothing more…
So… if Chat Noir and Ladybug had never stopped them - never revealed their identities to the world, then Adrien wouldn't live the legacy he inherited from his father. Wouldn't be hated. And feared…
She flushed the toilet and washed her hands thoroughly - splashing some water to her face, soaking a towel to place it in the back in her neck. Hoping, that the coolness would clear her mind.
Sadly it didn't lift the aching in her heart.
If only there was something she could do… do make it all stop - to make them forget about Adrien, like he wanted to.
Strangely enough Lady Titalee came in her mind so easily - her menacing laughter, her frightful appearance, the way she uses her Miraculous. The Akumas - surely the hatred for her poor boyfriend was more fueled due to her presence and the terror she brought over the city of love. If it wasn't for her…
…if… there wasn't her at all…
People would surely come to the realization, that Adrien wasn't any danger, if Lady Titalee was caught and stopped, her identity revealed. The news would easily pick her story apart, would judge her and her behavior. Compare her to Gabriel Agreste.
…overthrow the legacy he had left behind…
Such a recent event would surely help the people forget - would lift the veil for them to see the truth, that Adrien wasn't helping in the past and wasn't responsible for the current Akuma attacks, either.
Then he could move on - then they could move on!
…when…she found a way to silence Lady Titalee about her own identity - but maybe it wasn't important anymore, when all was said and done…
"Tikki…", Marinette whispered over the sound of the running water - dearly hoping, that her Kwami would hear her this time. "I know, that you are around!"
"Marinette…?" The red being emerged beside her, shyly peeking around in the empty room, to make sure, that her human was indeed very alone.
"Can you find Chat Noir? Or Plagg at least?", the young woman said quietly, but with confidence- very ready to end that very war, that Lady Titalee has started. "I have a message for my partner!"
"I-I…", Tikki nervously tipped her small paws together, strangely enough trying to avoid the gaze of her human.
Why did Marinette get the feeling, that Tikki was very aware, where the small entity could find them? Where they more around her, than she was aware of? Was…was Chat despite his claims watching her at all times?
No! He wouldn't do that!
…would he?
He was surely aware of the feelings, that still ran deep for him. Knew, that she would have her problems in letting go of him completely. And yet it was him, who had made way for Marinette's and Adrien's relationship - it wouldn't be fair, if he was still around her every now and then.
She shook her head to get rid of these thoughts - for she neither had the time, nor the emotional capacity to think about the cat hero and her love for him just now. Instead, raised her hand and waited, until Tikki settled on her palm, carefully caressing her small head with a finger - she would need to speak about that with her Kwami at another time. Not now!
"Can you do that? Tell them, that I need to see him. At midnight, Eiffel Tower. We need to find a way to bring down Lady Titalee, before…", she sighed. "Before she completely ruins our lives. We need to make plans - need to find clues. Anything! To stop her… Tikki… can you do that?"
The small goddess looked at her with big eyes, huge like saucers - whether it was in awe or in shock, Marinette couldn't tell, wouldn't want to question it, either.
But eventually she nodded.
"I can do that, Marinette… Give me…a few minutes, okay?"
"Okay…", she nodded and her small friend soared away - straight through the wall and was gone.
Tiredly she watched that spot, where the Kwami has phased through a little longer - unable to complete one coherent thought.
Dearly hoping, that this was the right thing to do…
…and that her actions would eventually end it all…
The young woman turned the water off and dried herself off with a towel. Straightening her back, to leave the bathroom.
But Adrien wasn't in the corridor anymore - instead she heard noises from the kitchen.
With careful steps she made it over to said room - saw him standing by the counter, back turned towards her. Preparing something - very much unaware, that she was there.
She watched him for a few moments - her heart breaking, as she saw his hanging shoulders, his bowed head. Of course, he was hurting as well - he wouldn't be human, if all these actions from earlier wouldn't have affected him in any way.
She closed the gap between them and hugged him tightly from behind - making him tense and shiver and gasp and all at the same time.
"It all will end - one day…", she whispered, as she pressed her cheek against his shoulder blade. "And I'll be there until it ends - I promise you that!"
A shaking hand reached for hers, that laid across his chest. His thumb brushing her skin tenderly. A chuckle echoed through the air, his voice still heavy, but it was able to lift a few weights off their hearts.
"…would love for you to be there after the end as well!"
She smiled at his sweet correction and nodded.
"I am planning to be there for that as well! Don't want to miss your happy ending…"
"How does our happy ending sound to you?"
"Marvelous!"
She felt him move in her arms and she allowed him to turn around towards her - her head pressed now against his chest instead, his own arms encircling her waist.
"I think so, too~"
He leaned down with the full intent to kiss her. To seal their promise - but she barely brushed her nose past his and she felt him flinch and pull back - eyes watering immediately and his hands shot up to his bruised nose - immediately stopping any incoming bleeding and the pain.
"Oh, Babe!", she cooed, hand cupping his cheek. "Are you sure, that your nose isn't broken?"
"The doctor said so! Said, that I was very lucky, that I was able to dodge it in the first place…" He shrugged and leaned into the touch of her hand. "I am supposed to be careful, though… And take the medicine…"
"The painkillers will surely help you…"
He groaned.
"Yeah - and make me fucking tired! I can tell you - tonight I will be sleeping like a baby!"
"And I'll hold you…" - until she would need to sneak away to meet with Chat Noir at midnight. But it would work - had to work, for she was doing it for them…
"I like your promises for cuddles!"
She couldn't complain, either and it was always nice as long as it lasted.
The prepared dinner together - the remaining pizza from the night before, some fruits, that were left over from the brunch. Eventually they made their way up to the roof deck, to relax in the last rays of the sun - watching it, as it slowly went down.
"I love that…", Adrien mumbled behind her, his hands warm on her stomach, as he rested his chin on her shoulder. "This… right here…"
He had taken the painkillers some time ago - the effect it had on him very noticeable by now. He started to yawn. His voice started to get heavier, his cuddles even more affectionate.
"I love it as well…", she hummed, her fingers gently drawing little patterns across his arms, snuggling a little more in his chest, as she settled between his legs.
"I don't mind, if we have it every day…" Her hands stopped their endless circles and she looked over her shoulder, eyebrows furrowed, as she saw him smirk tiredly, eyes half closed, since his eyelids started to get heavy. "Mhm? I thought, that I was supposed to speak my mind…"
"Isn't it a little early to speak about something like that?"
"Moving in?"
"How long are we together, again?"
"Whose mind is all mushy from stupid painkillers?"
She exhaled in relief, relaxed a little more, again. Not that she would ever mind moving in with Adrien- she could only imagine, that Tikki would find it an absolutely wonderful idea. Especially since her human was looking for a new place to stay, anyway.
…but sneaking out to fulfill her duties would be absolutely impossible - he would notice one day and there wouldn't be enough excuses and - God forbid - lies, to cover her at all times.
"…still it would be nice…", he whispered blissfully behind her, his voice more tired with every second, closer to sleep, than only moments before. "… waking up every morning together. Shower - together. We would treat each other…with breakfast. We could have sex whenever we want. Eat, watch movies and… fall asleep in each others arms - naked of course!"
"You are falling asleep, Babe!"
He yawned and raised his head one more time to kiss her cheek.
"I would love that… but… I know…I know, that you can't have that…now…"
"Mhm?", she felt her heart speeding up at his words. Twisted to see him better - her poor boyfriend, who was dozing off. "Adrien! Why can't I have that now?"
He stirred.
"You… Busy…!"
"How am I busy?"
"Two jobs…" Had he noticed something? There was more to his words, wasn't it? Or was she just overthinking everything, again? Please - let her be overthinking! "And your online shop… your father…"
"Any… anything else?"
She prayed, that he would say something about her being Ladybug - she wasn't prepared and ready for that! Revealing herself, when Prime Queen has attacked them - sure - that was in that very moment the last way for her to save him - but thankfully they were disturbed…
But now?
"Adrien?"
He was silent - which didn't help her panic in any way!
Unthinking she poked his side, making him jump and blink - his eyes darting around in confusion.
She immediately regretted it - excused her taunt nerves for her hasty conclusions and kissed his cheek in an apologetic way.
"Babe… let's go to bed. You are really tired and need your sleep…"
"It's the painkillers…", he murmured, but allowed his petite girlfriend to pull him up from the deck chair, followed her, as she dragged him along. "…I swear!"
"It's okay… really… now come!"
It was okay - at least that was, what she tried to convince herself to. And she would make it okay - would make it work in their favor. For she knew, that one day would the time come for her to reveal her secret identity to him. She would prepare him for that. Would prepare herself… And then… then everything would be perfectly fine…
And - she thought - if he was aware of it already, of that secret she hid so dearly, then he would surely say a thing. Given any hint, that would have made her suspicious in any way.
…wouldn't he?
"Urgh…", he flopped on the bed, his back pressed against the cold mattress, legs still hanging over the edge.
A sign, that made her giggle and roll her eyes at the silliness of her boyfriend - he wasn't even fully undressed - his feet still caught in his pants, his boxer shorts hugging his hips perfectly and his shirt was thrown somewhere across the bed.
"I feel like a rock…", he murmured, arms laying limply to his sides. "Or like a poodle of goo… Don't expect me to perform tonight!"
"Don't worry - I prefer my men to take an active part in any sexual act!", she said lightly, undressing herself, but covering up her body with her own pajamas once again.
"But you look so goooodd~", he purred, eyes following her as she moved across the room. "Can you keep the shirt off, at least? Pretty please?"
"You need to sleep, Babe…", she reasoned him, knelt to help him out of his trousers. "What is the reason of having no shirt on, when your eyes are closed anyway?"
"Groping?" She huffed and slapped his thigh playfully. "Topless, half-naked cuddles?"
"Not going to happen~"
"But I loooove skin to skin contact! And your skin is so soft and warm and you smell soooo good!"
"I like that, too…", she whispered truthfully, yet completely ignored his compliments, that made her blush deeply and rose to her feet, again, folding his pants and laid them on the dresser by the door. "…but I don't want to give you the wrong impression!"
"What wrong impression?"
The feeling of using him - he wasn't fully conscious anymore. Half asleep, talking nonsense, basically drugged by strong painkillers, that were supposed to bring him through the night. Giving him anything even vaguely sexual would make her feel like-
"You are not Lila!" Her eyes widened in shock and with a little gasp she turned towards him. He was propped up on his elbows, to see her better. His eyes captured her immediately. Were so intense, burned down on her soul. "You were thinking that, weren't you?"
She averted her eyes. Nodded shyly.
"You are not fully controlling your words and actions. And I don't want to do something, that you would regret…"
"Me?"
"If anything happened, then-"
"Believe me - I still have enough control…", he mumbled, sitting up with a little grunt. Facing her properly. "I know, that neither of us would do something, that the other regrets. Suggesting to cuddle topless isn't an invitation to jump each other mindlessly - we will do that enough in the future. I merely thought, that it would feel nice~"
Sure - his tongue was looser than usual and little did she wonder, if he would remember everything in the morning. But he was right - neither of them would do something, that was for them to be regretted - both moving in the same, perfect pace. Completely synchronized in body and mind.
And…yeah… to cuddle in only their underwear was indeed nice - she wouldn't argue about that!
With a little smile and a shake of her head she pulled her shirt once more over the head and laid it on the drawer as well.
He threw his hands up in the air.
"Wohoo! Boobies!" - and sadly she had to laugh about that.
"You are silly!"
"You love silly! Now come here - I want to snuggle up to you and get my beauty sleep!"
He welcomed her in his arms, once she had turned the lights off and both settled on top of the blanket, somewhere on the pillows. Sharing a little kiss - careful to not brush any noses together once more and just enjoyed the warmth of the others skin.
Adrien fell asleep in the matter of a very few minutes - one arm still around her, his head resting on the hand of his other. Embracing sleep, like he should and needed.
This time she let him sleep. Listened to the soft puffs of breath, that he pressed between his lips and to the little snores, that wouldn't make it through his nostrils. Smiled sadly, as she admired him through the darkness.
She felt very content by his side and would have loved to do nothing more, but to close her eyes as well and to just enjoy a hopefully peaceful night by his side. She deserved that as well - especially after that horrible incident at the Bassin de la Villette…
But not now - not before she had seen Chat Noir…
…in a very professional manner- of course!
It was ten minutes before midnight, when Tikki came soaring towards her. Nervously peeking at the man by her Chosen's side, then towards her human as well.
"He is incredibly asleep. Like super deep sleep…", Marinette whispered in awe and slowly lifted herself up from his side - this time he wasn't even stirring - continued to snore and to sleep. "And he is incredibly cute while doing so…"
"Yet… do you still think, that this is going to be a smart idea? To sneak away? To meet with Chat?"
Marinette frowned, gently brushed her boyfriend's cheek and nodded.
"He won't wake up, while I am gone…"
"That wasn't what I… rather… what if…what if Chat won't make it?"
Her eyebrows furrowed and her eyes looked at the small entity through the darkness. Hesitated, but started to get up a moment later. To walk across the room, to get the top. She didn't want to stay naked underneath her super suit, again - not only because she was to meet Chat Noir. But she wanted to be prepared - just in case she needed to de-transform somewhere and she wasn't ready for all of Paris to see her breasts!
"Couldn't you talk to Plagg? Or Chat Noir?", she said and smoothed the silky fabric across her stomach, searching for the floating being in the darkness once more.
"Oh - I did!"
"So?"
Tikki's eyes flew once more towards the blond man and Marinette sighed - understood her Kwami pretty well.
"It's only a quick visit, Tikki - don't worry! I have no reveals planned for tonight. And now come - Tikki - Spots on!"
She transformed, before her small friend could have changed her mind - to get her to stay.
But staying wouldn't help in that very fucked up case, that was Lady Titalee.
The heroine tiptoes out of the bedroom - across the corridor and towards the bathroom - taking the same route as the night before. But this time seemed to be a little easier - Adrien was out, his mind completely numb. He wouldn't even notice, that she was gone in the first place.
But still she made sure to close the door behind herself. Locking it.
Then she left through the window, hurrying across the rooftops and towards the Eiffel Tower, that wasn't too far away anyway.
She believed to reach the top platform right on time - pracing herself already mentally for the impact, that was Chat's presence, hoping and praying, that her heart wouldn't plunge out of her chest and that her cheeks would not blush to heavily - but strangely enough the Eiffel Tower was very empty and quiet.
"Chat?", she called for him, scanning the beams and pillars around, as she waited for a punny reply.
One, that never came - for he wasn't there.
She frowned and wondered, why he wasn't able to make it in time tonight - pushing that image of him in the arms of a lovely lady back into the darkest corners of her mind. Gulped. Called for his name, again.
But the was only silence…
So - how long did he need to wait? Should she wait 5 more minutes? Ten? For an hour? For he would surely make it - would soon reach his Lady and he would make a silly joke about his unwanted absence.
Therefore, she sighed and leaned against the handrail, to watch the city down below - drowning her beating heart, with a little hum. To make the hurt go away - and any dark, painful thoughts as well…
Waiting for Chat's arrival. Knowing, that he would be there, soon. For Tikki has told him to come… found him, or Plagg, perhaps both.
"My Cutiiieee!", a voice too suddenly called from above, startling her and she reached for her yo-yo- ready to defeat and defend herself from the incoming intruder. "Hey, hey! Put that thing down! You don't want to hurt me, don't you?"
"Plagg?", she hissed - both in annoyance and in disbelieve, as she saw those two, glowing eyes, that slowly started to float closer and towards her - the black Kwami soaring around her a moment later. "What… What are you doing here? Where is Chat?"
"Pfff… Chat Noir here - Chat Noir there! Why would you care - don't you have another boo to snuggle and to mate?"
"Oh - gosh - no! I am not talking with you about my relationship - the one you shouldn't care about, since something, that regards my personal, civilian life! So - where is he?"
"Chat? Very much asleep, I fear!"
"Asleep?", Ladybug gasped, staring at the tiny god in disbelief, "He is asleep? Why? Didn't he know, that we were supposed to meet here?"
Plagg soared from her left to her right, then back again - seemingly thinking about the things he had to say. Twirling around in the air - it was frankly very irritating and the heroine was very amazed, that Chat was able to stand Plagg's stubborn behavior so easily. Tikki was - by far - the better match for her.
"Plagg…?"
"Kiddo was really tired!", he bluntly said and shrugged. "He wasn't able to keep his eyes open - blissfully snoring, hugging his pillow and drooling all over it. Seriously - Cutie - you should be glad, that he isn't currently cuddling with you in that way! Though - I suppose, that you would love that!"
Urgh - no - she had Adrien, who would embrace her throughout the night - though in her mind a masked, overly tired Chat Noir doing the same was just such a cute-
Nope - she was not going to think that!
Instead, she crossed her arms in front of her chest and narrowed her eyes at him.
"Plagg - I will not talk about Chat in that way with you!", she grumbled. "There are far more important things I would have loved to discuss with him, but since he couldn't make it-"
"Urgh - then talk with me about your plans, Cutie! Then I will fly back and tell him once he wakes up!"
For a brief moment that sounded very reasonable. Very tempting. But… That wasn't the reason for Plagg to be here, was it?"
"Did Chat send you?"
"Nah - rather wanted me to stay home! Told me - that I would be a pain in your 'cute' ass and-"
"He didn't call Ladybug's behind cute!"
"Doesn't mean, he thinks it that way, Cutie~"
Ladybug sighed and brushed her hands over her face - annoyance slowly rising within her chest.
"Okay - he didn't send you! But does he at least know, that his dearest Kwami is roaming freely through the night - without his Chosen close? Something your Guardian does not approve off!"
Plagg snickered.
"Of course he doesn't know, that I am here - frankly, he will be quite frustrated with me, but it's worth it, if I had the chance to speak freely with you for a few minutes…"
Plagg - the Kwami of destruction - was indeed one of a kind. The counterpart to Tikki - who was a calm and loving soul. The green-eyed being on the other hand was very full of himself. Carefree, yes. Rather reckless.
…and still - she knew, that Chat loved this small being dearly and that Plagg similarly cared about his Chosen as well. They had the same, deep bond like her and Tikki - so she knew with her whole heart, that those words, that the black entity wanted to say were incredibly important.
"Okay…", she therefore said, raising a hand for Plagg to sit on her palm. Though - for a moment more he hesitated - ready to put up a fight against Ladybugs refusal to listen to him - blinked in confusion, when he didn't find any. Skeptically looking at her, her hand, then back to her smiling face - she eventually nodded as a sign, that everything was alright and that she would listen.
He landed on her hand - Ladybug brought him a little closer, to carefully stroke his head with a finger, making him purr.
"You are lovely, Ladybug!", Plagg breathed, laying on his belly instead to fully relax. "If only you two could get it together, for me to be bathed in your affection on a daily basis!"
She rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"And you know, that Chat and I aren't supposed to reveal our identities to the other!"
"Pffff~ Stupid hero rules! You know, that you were better off, if you two knew, who was hiding underneath the mask of the other!"
"It would complicate things in unnecessary ways! Endanger each other - Lady Titalee surely would find out easier about his identity as well! It's already bad enough, that she knows mine…", she sighed. "…and you know, that it would complicate things between us even more. If Chat knew, that my civilian self and Ladybug were the same person…then…"
She couldn't even finish that sentence, as she felt her heart clenching in a very painful way - actually wondering, what her partner would think, if he would ever find out about her being Marinette - the same woman, who refused Chat's love for that of Adrien Agreste.
…but who has suffered so dearly under Circe's curse…
Yes - it would only complicate things more. Their relationship was already very complicated - strained perhaps already, the desire for each other unbearable. Fights would be more complicated, talking would feel impossible. Gazing at each other.
Knowing - just knowing the other's identity would change their whole friendship and partnership completely and without a way to return it to the same state as before.
"I think, revealing would improve your lives! No more secrets. No more sneaking away! No more charade in front of the other… Cheese for me at any time! Different identities just makes your lives so annoyingly complicated!"
"Did you really come here to tell me, that I should reveal my identity to Chat?", she whispered and shook her head. "We should have talked about our future approach in the whole case, that is Lady Titalee. But this…"
"And if it helped you two to find Lady Titalee?"
Her eyes widened.
"How?"
Plagg chuckled and rolled on his back instead, looking at the human with big, glowing eyes.
"I don't know! I am just looking for a reason on why you should do it! Reveal yourself!"
The young woman frowned, upon hearing his words - clearly, Plagg wouldn't be a big help tonight! Though… Did she expect any help at all? The black Kwami of course wanted his Chosen's best. But wasn't the tiny god aware, that it would break her relationship with Adrien? Did the tiny being expect from her to leave him and to come back to Chat Noir, instead?
…would Chat want that - revealing himself, to get another chance with her?
Oh, why was her poor heart beating madly at that thought? Her mind going crazy? Couldn't it just stop? Couldn't she just be absolutely happy with Adrien, instead?
"You two are strong - together! And-"
"There will be no 'together' for Chat Noir and me! I have a boyfriend! And I dearly love him!", she said bravely - realizing only a moment later, that she told Chat's Kwami the truth about her feelings, before she had the chance to open up to Adrien about them. "Chat made way for that relationship, that I am in! And… and I am very thankful for that!"
Plagg groaned.
"Seriously..., you are quite a dense Guardian, Ladybug!"
"And you are a rude Kwami!"
"I aim to please!"
She looked at him - this very phrase trying to tickle her mind in a strange way - knowing, that she had heard it just recently. Somewhere… but, that could be also a strange coincidence…
"What does Tikki say about it? I am pretty sure, that the two of you - who seemingly seem to meet more often, than you probably should - talked about that as well! Mhm?"
He rolled back on his stomach, watchful eyes scanning her face thoroughly. He tried to read her - just like Adrien, or Chat tried to do it. He tried to sense her feelings, perhaps seeking those answers, that she wanted to hear. Hesitated, before he eventually answered.
"My Sugarcube wants you to be happy. She knows, that you take your job as the Guardian very seriously. But then she speaks of imbalances and that you should follow certain signs and yada-yada-yada. I know, that you will ask her about her opinion and I'll gladly give it to you: 'You are the Guardian for a reason and Ladybug for such a long time! You will find the perfect time for your reveal and everything will finally fall into place!' I rather say - just do it and we all will live very peaceful lives!"
"Plagg… you are not helping me!"
"You are not very helpful, either! What is keeping you from doing that monumental step?" She sighed once more, desperately seeking for a way to end this goddam conversation with.
"What does Chat think about this?"
"Chat? He believes in whatever you say. Trusts you blindly and will follow your guidance. He assumes, that you have your reasons for not revealing your identity to him and that he is not supposed to do it either. Whatever you do - he says, that you are right… I called him quite foolish for that! But what can you ask from a mere human, that is head over heels into one person with two identities - adoring both equally and such!"
Ladybug paled and took a shocked step back - her bum hitting the handrail behind her. She let go of the Kwami, to brush her face in desperation- the black being floating beside her.
"'Head over heels?' Like-"
"Of course Kiddo loves you! Even blind people could see it, but apparently our lovely, dense Ladybug can't see it! He is constantly swooning over both sides of you…"
"Why do you say that?", she gasped, her heart fluttering painfully in her chest - the knowledge of Chat Noir loving her back, tearing at the scars on her heart. She wasn't supposed to know that - hoped, that it had been mere physical attraction, that would eventually fate, when he stopped to visit her civilian self. But now she was aware of the whole impact of his feelings for her - to both versions of her. Sure - he was believing, that he - just like her - was with two very different people. Which wasn't the case. He unknowingly only loved one person - her…
How was she supposed to continue to see him as her partner? Her friend? Fight beside him? Endure situations like those under Circe the night before…
Everything would be harder now. Seeing him would feel painful and yet so sweet and all in the same time.
And then there was Adrien…
…the man she had chosen.
The man she loved as well…
Wouldn't it feel like cheating to her? Seeing Chat, sneaking away to be with him, instead of Adrien's loving embrace?
Another thought struck her badly and right in her gut - remembering a dark chapter in her live.
One - where she had to face Chat Blanc.
…one, where her and Chat's love and their identity reveal had ended the world…
She couldn't let that happen…
…to protect both man from herself - for neither deserved the one to be cheated on, the other to be her affair… both deserving far better and that properly wasn't her at a-
She gulped heavily at that horrible, doubtful thought, that dared to cross her mind so suddenly, that dared to punish her with a billion questions and half as many answers.
"Why did you say that?", Ladybug whispered, repeating those words, that weighted heavily on her shoulders in a disgusting way. For she knew, that she needed to do something, before anything like that could happen.
She would need to let that distance between her and Chat grow. It would hurt, it would surely feel like punishment to him. But in the end it was for the best - for every one. "I shouldn't have let Chat Noir get so close to me! We are partners - we should treat each other as such…"
"No - you should reveal each-"
"I will do nothing, Plagg! I will go home. I will cuddle with my boyfriend! And hopefully forget everything you said to me!", came it from her bitterly. "I won't ever reveal myself to Chat Noir!"
"But Cutie - you can't be serious! You know, that you two would be so much stronger-"
"No!"
"He was very capable of-"
"Stop it!"
"You don't know, what secrets he is-"
"And I don't want to know!" She spread her arms to the side. Tired if arguing. Tired of thinking. Of loving two men at the same time. Of secret identities and so much more. "I just want it all to be over, Plagg? I need a partner I trust. One, that is not blinded by love in any way. Paris needs a hero, that is focused…
Plagg… all I want is a happy ending, okay?"
"But pushing away those you love won't help…", the tiny god said wisely and in a somber tone. "And I - as an ancient being, that roams the world for thousands of years - can tell you, that there is a time for every secret to be lifted… don't wait for too long, Guardian…"
"I won't ever reveal my identity to Chat, Plagg! And please - promise me you won't tell him anything I said!"
She didn't know why exactly she was begging for the black Kwami to stay quiet- deep down she knew, that he wouldn't even do that - for his and Chat's bond was incredibly close… And yet that innocent, child-like side within her heart could only hope for the best.
Also - the young heroine stayed silent, when the Kwami of Destruction even answered a tiny "Yes, I promise you that…".
He hung his head, knowing, that his reasoning won't help anyway.
…knowing, that he had screwed up…
And he flew off to the night, leaving the young heroine alone and behind on top of the Eiffel Tower.
Hurting, her heart breaking, for she knew what she had to do - hoping, that Chat Noir would one day understand her reasons behind her decision.
…keeping the distance to him in any way possible… it wouldn't be easy, but perhaps that was exactly that one cure, that they would need to break that stupid little thing of love between them. He would be able to easily move on after their final fight with Lady Titalee - he wanted to do so anyway.
And she could seek her happiness with Adrien…
With one last heavy gulp she reached for her yo-yo, to swing back over the rooftops of Paris. Back towards Adrien's apartment. She made it through the bathroom window, detransforming only a moment later.
"Marinette-"
But the young woman raised her hand immediately, to shut her little friend up.
"No…", she mumbled, her throat tightened in painful way, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. "…you know, that this is the right way to prevent a huge mess. And that's my final decision. Please… please … accept it as your Chosen and your Guardian…"
"Marinette…", Tikki whispered, he own voice shaking. "Why can't you see the sign?"
"Why do you must speak in riddles?", she murmured and cast her a sad smile. "You wanted me to persuade that relationship with Adrien. I did. I am happy with him. But a reveal will turn everything upside down. My feelings are already a huge problem. A mess and a chaos! It would only get worse, if revealed our identities to the other…"
"And if it didn't?" Tikki soared closer and hugged her human's cheek tightly in comfort. Hesitating for a moment, before she added yet another thought: "And what if Plagg's wish is the wrong approach? What if you should tell just anybody, that you are Ladybug, instead. Not specifically Chat Noir. But… how about Adrien? It surely would lessen your burdens immensely!"
Marinette flinched. Shaking her head.
"No. I wanted to, that is true… But… I am afraid of what he might think. How he would feel about it. I am not ready to take that step… and hopefully will never need to take it…"
"And if you were ready?"
This time the young woman ignored her Kwami's words entirely. Looked to the ground, avoided Tikki's gaze, eventually left the bathroom.
She walked back towards the bedroom, finding Adrien still very asleep on the bed, softly snoring, hugging the pillow she had rested her head on, back turned towards her. Blissfully unaware of the war, that was raging within soul. Unaware, that he needed to share her heart with another man. Unaware of the decisions she made, when she was gone…
The young woman crawled back towards his side - but didn't embrace him just yet, but watched him sleep for a few moments in the darkness around. She listened to his breathing. To his snores. Hugged her knees, as those conversations between Plagg and Tikki tried to get a hold on her brain once more. Recalling their words and wishes so easily…
…wondering why they demanded that from her in the first place. At all..
And why now…
…asking herself for a brief moment, if - perhaps- revealing herself to anybody would ever help her. If it could be the biggest blessing - or the worst curse…
With a gentle hand she brushed through Adrien's soft, golden locks - her heart speeding up for a moment, as she decided to challenge luck, destiny and karma for once - divine concepts, that have decided for her to be in this exact spot - that made her be Ladybug and fall in love and so much more. If they wanted it to happen, then she would let it - therefore most quietly she whispered: "Adrien… I am Ladybug…", as he slept.
But he didn't flinch. Didn't move. Continued his very well deserved slumber.
Of course - what did she expect to happen - destiny and fate had decided, that this wasn't the time.
…never, was the time and for once she found luck to be on her side.
Therefore, the young woman laid down as well - hoping to find sleep as well.
…hoping, that it all would just end one day…
A/N: This chapter somehow brought some tears to my eyes while writing it. I was looking forward to have this interaction between Plagg and Marinette- but I know, that Plagg's noble intentions kick off so many events in the future chapters. And just her frustration for nor finding the perfect solution to them all...
I hope you still enjoyed this chapter:D
Next chapter: These pesky news...