"You know that you have to sit down eventually, right?" Alya asked, grinning triumphantly as she patted the space next to her. Her straw dangled almost carelessly from her fingers. Behind her, Nino wore a matching grin as he propped his head up on his hands, nearly bouncing in his seat as he watched the scene unfold. Clearly, he didn't feel all that bad for Marinette after her 'betrayal' and nearly cried from laughter when Alya explained what had happened.

"I'll sit when class starts," Marinette said stubbornly, crossing her arms. A small smile slipped onto her face despite herself and continued to stand just a few feet away from her usual seat next to Alya.

After it was revealed that Marinette's new assassin was none other than Alya, the pair had spent what little was left of lunch sprinting through the halls before the warning bell forced them back into the room. Marinette had to give her friend credit; if Alya had been chasing anyone other than her down, she was almost certain that Alya would have won, even with her head start. Like Alya had said, you gotta be fast to a reporter on Ladybug and Chat Noir.

"Hey, on the bright side, you survived until the middle of the week," Nino said cheerfully. Marinette made a face.

"I'm not dead just yet."

"Yet," Alya repeated, laughing. "C'mon, take a seat. Aren't we friends?"

"No."

"Who aren't friends?" Adrien asked, jogging into the classroom, throwing a quick glance over this shoulder before sliding into his seat.

"Marinette and Alya," Nino chirped up. His grin grew wider. "Alya got Marinette as her target."

Adrien's eyes widened. "Really? When?"

"During lunch. Apparently, Nathaniel was Marinette's assassin and Alya took him out," Nino explained, turning to gesture at the sullen artist at the back of the room. "Only a matter of time now. Even if she doesn't get her now, we're all going to your place for the project after school."

Alya gasped. "Oh shoot, I completely forgot about that!" Then she smirked triumphantly. "You're so dead."

Marinette groaned. "Can't we call a timeout or some—"

"Alright class, sorry about that," Ms. Bustier said, briskly walking into the room. She set her books down onto the desk. "Let's start class now. Marinette, please take a seat."

Marinette nodded, cautiously sitting down as far from Alya as the bench allowed her.

"Now class, please open to where we left off on…"

"Class dismissed."

"Aha!" Alya's straw shot out towards Marinette, only for it to be deflected at the last second by Marinette's folder as the girl leaped out of her seat, backpack already slung over one shoulder. She playfully stuck her tongue out at Alya as she backed up a few more steps. Alya pouted.

"You can't escape me forever, Mari."

"Wanna bet?"

"Is that a challenge?" Alya asked, standing up. She playfully twirled her straw between her fingers. "C'mon, I promise I'll split the cash prize with you. I'll give you ten percent."

"I'll consider it if you give me a hundred percent," Marinette bargained.

"This is amusing and all, but we should really get going," Nino interrupted, nudging Alya. "Adrien's dad said we gotta hit the road as soon as we're done and I doubt he wants us to take our time just getting there."

Alya made a face. "Oh yeah. I forgot how your dad is for a sec. Let's get going then. Is your driver taking us?"

Adrien shook his head. "I thought we could walk since I live only a couple blocks away. I hope that's okay."

"Yeah, no problem, dude. Should we take the back exit then? Since your place is that way anyway," Nino suggested.

Adrien nodded. "Sure. Let me just text Natalie a reminder really quick."

"Well?" Alya dramatically gestured towards the door. "After you, Marinette."

"Very funny. You're walking first."

"Wow, no trust at all," Alya laughed but complied, slinging her bag over her shoulder before heading towards the door. She paused and glanced warily out the doors before passing through, Nino doing the same as he followed. Marinette didn't miss the fact that Alya never loosened her hold on her straw, or even bothered to even try to hide it for that matter.

Marinette grimaced. It might be tricky escaping Alya for the rest of the day. Especially if they were going to be together for the next hour or two. Well, as long as she kept Alya at more than reaching distance away and kept the girl in her sight at all times, it should be okay. She was lucky in a way; she no longer needed to constantly look over her shoulder for an unknown assassin. She knew Alya, so it should be a little easier avoiding her, right?

"Marinette? Are you going?" Adrien's voice jolted her from her thoughts as he slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Are you worried that Alya's hiding next to the door or something?"

"U-Uh yeah, kinda," Marinette laughed nervously, scratching the back of her head.

Adrien smiled. "Don't worry. You've been playing this game longer than Alya has, right? I'm sure you can avoid her. If it makes you feel better, I'll help you out. We can walk together behind those two and I can be your personal bodyguard of sorts. How does that sound?"

Marinette flushed and jerked her head in a quick nod, a movement painfully awkward even for her. She didn't trust herself to speak, fearing that she would just squeak instead if she even attempted to. If Adrien noticed, he didn't say anything, only flashing her a grin as he stepped towards the door, straw read in his hand as he took a quick glance in both directions before stepping out. He gestured for her to follow.

"Coast is clear; Nino and Alya already went ahead. Let's catch up before they leave us completely behind," Adrien said jokingly. He paused as Marinette scurried out the door and gave the hall a precautionary sweep before the two continued.

"Actually, Nino and I made a bet on whether Alya would get you," Adrien confessed, abashed. "We were passing notes during class earlier."

Marinette's brows raised in surprise. She hadn't taken Adrien for the type to pass notes in class, especially since he was in the front row. Even more surprising was that she didn't notice. Granted, she was a bit distracted today by Alya's subtle movements closer to her. But still.

"How?"

Adrien chuckled. "Nino and I have our ways. We don't do it often, but it's not hard even if you're sitting in the front. Anyways, I didn't bet against you. I'm sure that Nino is going to help Alya out too, so this is only fair."

She frowned. So him helping her was only because he had bet on her? She wasn't sure how to feel about that. Although, she supposed she was flattered that he thought that she could evade Alya. They paused as they came to a corner, Adrien peeking around before they continued. Alya and Nino came into view as the pair left the building. Outside, Nino looked over his shoulder and grinned as he noticed them. Alya did the same, her grin nearly twice as wide as she gave Marinette a sly look.

"Hey dudes! There you guys are. We were starting to get worried."

"Yeah, worried that you ran away," Alya teased, waving her straw in Marinette's direction, but made no further move towards them. The two did, however, let Adrien and Marinette catch up before continuing. Of course, the pairs kept a distance of a few feet between them. Close enough to talk and far enough away for Marinette to dance out of the way if the need came. Marinette almost giggled at how silly the whole thing seemed.

"So Al, do you know who your assassin is yet?" Nino asked, raising his voice just slightly for Marinette and Adrien.

Alya shrugged. "Whoever it is, it might have changed again. I haven't seen anyone recently. How about you, Adrien?" Alya asked, glancing over her shoulder.

Adrien shook his head. "Some guy, I think. I don't know him. It was a girl really briefly, but I think she was killed. It's like I have someone new trying to kill me every time I see someone chasing me."

"Maybe some of them are just your fans," Nino suggested.

Adrien smiled. "Sure, if my fans suddenly wanted to poke my eyes out with boba straws."

"You never know," Nino replied. "Who's your target then?"

"Some guy from another class. Not sure. I was just going to get him if I happen to see him."

"Oh yeah, cause you don't really have a real reward for winning, huh?" Nino shook his head in pity. "That sucks, dude."

"If you win, you can always donate the prize to one of us," Alya piped up. "Just a suggestion. Hint hint, nudge nudge."

Adrien laughed. "I don't think father would want that."

"Boo. It'll be your win. You should be able to do whatever you want with the prize," Alya pouted.

"Father already gives me an allowance. Even if I got the cash prize, he'd probably put it straight into my savings."

"What about the date?" Alya asked mischievously.

"The date?" Adrien asked, confused. Marinette pressed her lips together, already having a faint idea of where Alya was going with this. "You mean the photo shoot with the final winner?"

Alya nodded. "What about that prize?"

Adrien frowned, still not understanding. "I mean, I guess it'll just be a photo shoot with myself then. I don't think it'll be anything special if I was the winner… Just normal a normal photo shoot."

Exasperated, Alya let out a groan. "I mean, what if you could choose someone to do that photo shoot date with? You can choose a friend, can't you? Assuming that you win and your dad lets you give your prize to someone else."

"I doubt that he will."

"Pretend."

Adrien's brows furrowed. "Someone to do the photoshoot with me? Any friend I want?" Marinette felt her breath hitch in her throat.

He thought for a moment. "Well, Nino then, I guess."

"...What?" Alya expression of pure disbelief was enough for Marinette to burst into giggles as Nino let out a snort.

"My dude, I love you too, but I don't think that's what Al meant."

"What? What do you mean?"

Nino shook his head, grinning. "You know what, nevermind. Oh hey, we're here." They stopped in front of the gates of Adrien's mansion. Nino and Alya moved aside, Nino gesturing for Adrien to ring the bell. The model stepped forward. The security camera that popped out briefly looked at Adrien before scanning over the rest of his group and retracting back into the wall. Not a second later, the gates swung open.

"That camera thing is kinda creepy. I don't think I'd ever get used to it," Nino commented as he passed through the gates, following Adrien. Alya gestured for Marinette to go ahead, but Marinette pulled a face at her and Alya rolled her eyes before going on ahead first.

"Is it?" Adrien asked. "I guess I got used to it. Father is always installing the latest technology."

"Yeah, I can tell. Nothing but the best for him. Don't you guys have a lockdown system? Are you preparing for the zombie apocalypse or something?" Alya asked jokingly as they crossed the courtyard. As always, the courtyard was meticulously clean, a feat that had always confused Marinette as she had never seen a single maid or butler in sight. Maybe it was a side duty of Adrien's bodyguard?

Adrien shook his head. "He's just a little worried about the akuma attacks apparently. He had them installed after my birthday."

"Yeah, sorry about that dude," Nino said sheepishly. "That wasn't cool of me."

"Nah, it's fine. My father was being unfair. You meant well," Adrien said with a grin. He started up the steps of the mansion. "Even if you did end up trying to send half of Paris into space."

"You put me in a bubble!" Alya said, giving Nino a light punch in the arm.

"Hey, free space tour, right?" Nino laughed. "Y'all should be thanking me."

"Mhmm." Alya paused. Then, with a mischievous smirk, she spun around, straw stretched blindly in Marinette's direction.

Marinette yelped, reflexively stepping back just in time as the pointed plastic tip missed her neck by a few inches. Unfortunately, she had just started up the steps to the door as well, having absentmindedly closed the gap between her and Alya, and her arms flailed as she fell. Luckily for her, she had only gone up a single step when it happened, but she still groaned as she rubbed her bottom from the fall.

"Oh my goodness, Marinette, are you okay?!" Alya exclaimed, horrified. She dropped her straw, hurrying down the stairs to help the other girl stand. "Can you get up?"

She winced, unsteadily standing with Alya's help. She gingerly lifted her left foot off the ground. "I think I twisted my ankle a bit."

"Marinette!" Adrien hurried down the steps, Nino trailing behind him. "Are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah…" She slowly tested out her left foot again before grimacing. That was definitely a twisted ankle. It wasn't that badly twisted though; she would most likely be fine again in a couple of days.

"I'm so, so sorry, I didn't think that you were on the stairs already," Alya apologized. "Can you walk?"

Marinette took a hesitant step forward, testing her step. Both Adrien and Alya hovered, ready to offer support if she needed it. If it was under different circumstances, she would have blushed from his attention. But right now, she was more worried about her duties as Ladybug. How on earth was she supposed to do patrols? Not to mention akuma attacks. When even was the last attack? With her luck, the next one might happen before she was healed. She almost groaned again at the thought.

"I can walk," she confirmed, wincing as she put weight on her left foot again. "With a limp."

Alya watched guilty, putting her arm around Marinette. "I'm so sorry," she apologized again. "Here girl, I got you."

Marinette let out a smile. "Don't worry about it, Alya. You know how clumsy I am. I was bound to get injured. It's been like what, a week since my last accident?" She joked.

"Half a week," Alya corrected, finally giving a small smile. "C'mon, let's get you up these stairs and into a chair."

"I'll tell Natalie to get an ice pack," Adrien said, giving the pair of girls a worried look. Marinette smiled gratefully, a smile that he returned before turning to hurry up the stairs again. Nino shook his head as he walked beside the girls on the other side of Marinette, ready to help if needed.

"Wow, just as I thought that you were getting less clumsy too. You sure you're okay?" He asked. He had picked up Alya's straw from earlier, the boba straw now stuffed inside his jean pocket.

"Yeah, it's just slightly twisted," Marinette sighed. "Why am I so clumsy?"

"Maybe you were cursed as a baby," Alya suggested, helping Marinette up the stairs. "Don't worry, I'm not gonna stab you or anything. For today."

Marinette cracked a smile. "Just for today?"

Alya poked her friend. "Yep. Think of it as my apology."

As they reached the top of the stairs, the doors were already opened by Adrien earlier, and Nino went ahead to further open them as they passed. Just as he closed the doors behind the girls, Adrien returned with an ice pack wrapped in a paper towel, Natalie following behind him. The woman only surveyed Marinette for an extra moment, her expression perfectly neutral as always.

"I expect everything to be finished before dinner, Adrien. You know how your father is. Let me know if you need anything."

Adrien nodded. "Thank you, Natalie."

The woman inclined her head in acknowledgment before neatly turning on her heels and striding out of the room.

"We can go to the dining room. Do you guys need a printer?" Adrien asked.

Alya shook her head. "I printed a copy of ours earlier. Where's the dining room?"

"This way," Adrien said, gesturing towards one of the doors as he lead the way.

"This house is huge," Alya said, shaking her head. "And...sleek. I almost feel unworthy of walking here."

"Maybe because you are," Nino piped up. Alya smacked him with her free hand.

"Like you're any more worthy," she retorted.

"Here." Adrien pulled out a chair from the dining table. He had walked a little faster than the group, and he set the ice pack onto the table as they caught up to him. "Watch your step; the floor is a little weird here," he said, pointing out the depression in the flooring where bright marble gave way to polished golden brown wooden flooring.

As Alya helped Marinette to her chair, Nino sat across from Marinette, opening his shoulder bag to pull out their project. Instead of sitting next to Marinette as the girl expected, Alya moved around to sit next to Nino, a poorly hidden smile tugging at her lips. Adrien, naturally, took the only logical seat left, right next to Marinette, causing her to blush lightly at the proximity. She hurried to take the ice pack and pressed it to her left foot resting atop her right knee, using the task as an excuse to avoid looking directly at him.

"So did you guys finish yours?" Alya asked, pulling out their own project from her bag. Nino nodded as he slid the paper packet over to Adrien.

"Pretty much. We just gotta give it a final once over just to make sure."

Adrien reached across the table for the papers, unintentionally leaning towards Marinette as he did so. She squeaked slightly at the unexpected movement as Alya busied herself with pushing up her glasses to hide her grin.

Marinette didn't even realize that she had held her breath until Adrien pulled away again. He began quickly flipping through the papers as she fought the urge to stare at him. She couldn't resist peeking, however.

"I'm pretty sure ours is ready," Adrien said, looking up just in time to catch her looking. He flashed her one of his model smiles and she nearly choked on her own saliva as she quickly turned away, her ears pink. Adrien didn't comment if he noticed, and he slid the packet of paper over to Marinette as Alya passed their project over to him.

"Wouldn't it be easier if you two sat on the same side?" Adrien asked.

"Nah," Alya replied easily. "It's more fun this way."

Adrien furrowed his brows in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing," Alya said innocently as she pulled out a pen, ready for when Marinette passed the project over to her. Nino rolled his eyes but didn't say anything to dispute her.

Marinette bit her lips, flipping open the project before her to the first page. This was going to be a long afternoon.

I can't believe you sat next to him for a whole hour and nothing happened.

Marinette fought back a smile, rolling onto her back as she typed out a reply.

What did you want me to do? Sit on his lap?

Alya's reply came almost instantly. Yes.

She let out a snort. The rest of the group's visit to Adrien's house was relatively uneventful, whether that was good or bad, she didn't know yet. Other than the occasional blush from the model coming a little too close and her stuttering whenever he looked directly at her, it was a normal group work session. As Natalie wanted, they had left before dinner, which suited Alya fine as she had to go home to take care of her sisters tonight. Of course, Alya had spent the whole walk back chiding Marinette for not making any progress with Adrien as Nino gave increasingly ridiculous suggestions on how to get Adrien's attention.

Sorry I didn't cuddle up to him as we all were doing homework.

Apology accepted. Sorry again about your ankle btw. How is it?

Marinette flexed her ankle. She had put one of her pillows under it as she laid on her bed, and frowned.

Not the worst it's been through. Dwai. Not your fault. It'll heal pretty quickly.

I feel bad though. I'll treat you to something next time. I heard this new cafe opened up, let's go next time you're free :)

Marinette smiled. Sure. We can go right after I win this year's game.

Ha, you wish. Aight, I gtg. My sisters need someone to supervise their bath. Night?

Night, Al.

Marinette sat up, glancing at her screen to check the time. It was a little early to start patrol. Well, it would be a little early to start patrol if it weren't for her ankle. With a heavy sigh, she plugged in her phone to charge and scooted over to the edge of her bed. Tikki flew to her side, doing a quick circle around her before settling onto her shoulder.

"Are you sure you're ready for a patrol, Marinette?" The kwami asked, concerned. "Maybe you should tell Chat Noir that you're injured…"

Marinette shook her head. "I'm okay. It doesn't really hurt that much anymore. I can do it."

The kwami looked doubtful. "Are you sure?"

She smiled. "Don't worry. If I feel too strained, I'll end the patrol early. Are you ready?"

Tikki nodded.

"Tikki, spots on!"

Chat landed silently in a crouch on the rooftop corner and smirked. No moonlight to give his position away and he was extra careful to make sure that all his landings were perfectly silent beginning a dozen blocks away. To top it all off, he had never tried to surprise her from this angle before. He was almost positive that he would catch her off guard this time. His lady was amazing, but she can't catch him every time. He could almost imagine the look on her face already. He peered over to the adjacent building where their usual meeting point was. Then he stood up with a frown.

That was strange. His lady wasn't anywhere in sight. Ladybug always sat in the same spot after patrols, a self-put "handicap" for him after she realized that he was always trying to catch her off guard after patrols. Was she late? Even when she had run into small situations during her patrol, almost always still finished before he did. An akuma? No, she would have called him if that was the case.

He looked around himself, scanning the area for any sight of her approaching figure, but saw no one. Taking a leap, he nimbly landed on the rooftop where they usually meet.

"My lady?" He called out cautiously. He took a few steps towards the edge of the building. An empty overturned plastic plant pot laid inconspicuously next to the edge. He turned it over.

"Her bag's here," he murmured, setting the pot aside as he opened the bag. He caught a faint whiff of hot chocolate as he spotted the thermos inside. Late, then. This was unusual. The last time that Ladybug was late was when she found a group of runaway children and had to return each of them to their houses and explain to their parents what had happened.

He heard a thud behind him and turned around just in time to see Ladybug righting herself from her landing, a grimace on her face.

"My lady! Purrfect timing, I was just wondering about you," Chat said with a grin. "What kept you, bugaboo?"

"Nothing in particular," she replied, making her way towards him. It was then that he noticed that she was limping, favoring her right foot over her left. His smile slid off his face, immediately being replaced with concern.

"Ladybug, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," she sighed as she sat down in her usual spot. He took a seat next to her and handed her the bag.

"What happened out there?" He gestured to her foot. "Catfight?"

Ladybug shook her head. "No, this isn't from patrol. I fell earlier."

He frowned. Ladybug? Falling? The idea was almost laughable to him. "You fell? Did someone push you? Are you sure you're okay?"

She gave a wry smile. "I'm fine. I only twisted my ankle a little bit. I'll be fine. I can walk." She paused. "With a limp," she added. She dug out the thermos from her bag and, pulling out two cups, began pouring them cups of steaming hot chocolate.

Her words seemed to echo something in Chat's memory, but he shook off the feeling. "I can't believe you did patrol with a twisted ankle. Why didn't you tell me? I could have done patrol myself tonight."

She smiled, handing him his cup. "You also have school tomorrow too, right? It wouldn't be fair."

"But—"

"No buts. I already did patrol so it's too late to change anything now," she said, taking a sip from her own cup. Chat pouted but did the same.

"I didn't take you for the type to fall."

Ladybug laughed. "I'm a lot different as a civilian in some ways. I'm a bit clumsy. I was bound to get injured."

"Well, still, I can't believe…" Chat's voice fell away. He frowned. "Wait, what did you say?"

"What?" Ladybug asked, confused. "I said I'm a lot different as a civilian. I was bound to get injured cause I'm pretty clumsy sometimes. Why?"

"Don't worry about it, Alya. You know how clumsy I am. I was bound to get injured. It's been like what, a week since my last accident?" She joked.

"I can walk," she confirmed, wincing as she put weight on her left foot again. "With a limp."

Chat narrowed his eyes. Could it be?

"Hello? Earth to Chat?" Ladybug waved her hand in front of his face. "Are you okay?"

"You...twisted your ankle today?"

"Uh, yeah. Why?" She gave him a curious look. "What's up?"

Chat opened his mouth. It couldn't be. There was no way that he was in the same class as his lady. Heck, there was no way that she sat right behind him. Right?

"I—" He shook his head. No, even if this was Marinette, he can't just confront her. Ladybug had finally started getting more comfortable with talking to him about things in her life. Confronting her now would almost certainly result in reversing all that progress. She'd deny it for sure and find some way to throw him off. What he needed was to be subtle. He'd confront her about it when he was absolutely sure of it.

"Chat?"

He forced a smile. It came almost naturally, a perk of having to force one every day. "Sorry, I was just thinking. Should I be worried if you get injured so easily as a civilian? I don't have to come to your rescue during the day as well, do I?"

She grinned. "Excuse you, kitty. I believe I can handle myself. Besides, who was the one who accidentally locked himself in a building last week during patrol? I still don't know how you managed that."

"I can afford myself some carelessness. I have you as my partner after all." He took a sip, peering at her over the rim of his cup. "How different are you exactly as a civilian?"

"Well, I'm a little more clumsy for starters," she replied, making a face as she lifted up her left foot. "I usually don't twist something though."

"How did you twist it this time then?"

"A friend and I were careless," she said. Then she added, "It wasn't anyone's fault, really. It was just an unlucky accident."

"What, were you playing tag? Aren't you a bit old for that?" He asked teasingly.

"Mm, you could say that," she said vaguely. He pouted. He wasn't going to get any more information out of her. He knew enough about her already to know when she started to grow wary of his questions. That was fine by him; this was more than enough for tonight.

Chat stood, finishing the rest of his drink in a large gulp before feigning a yawn. "Well, I think I'm going to head back now, bugaboo," he said, stretching. "Gotta wake up early."

"Ah, alright." Ladybug slowly stood up as well, taking care to put as little weight as possible onto her left foot. She took his cup. "I'll see you tomorrow then?"

Chat nodded. "See you tomorrow." In class.

She smiled. "Goodnight, kitty."

"Night, bugaboo," he said, returning her smile with one of his own as he took out his baton.

He was definitely going to have to talk to his father tomorrow.

Author's Note:

Sooo… I got no excuse. Writer's block hit me hard. Tbh I just pumped this chapter out with not as much enthusiasm as I would have liked. But I've been meaning to at least try to finish these stories ever since a guest on a one-shot of mine recently left a review saying how she/he/they hope reviews still make me smile 2 years later, and you best believe that I still immediately open my email notifications of every new review I receive and smile :) Also, one of y'all hunted down my forgotten Tumblr and now I'm determined to finish this so that I can finish Ceramics Class afterward lol. I can feel the toll that my hiatus took on my writing skill, but I'm going to try to fix that before Animal Crossing Switch comes out and takes over my life. Thank you to those who still read this!