Well, I managed it. With writing/editing during my breaks over the last week of working overtime, I was able to get this chapter out in time. 🎉 Hope you all enjoy it!

Marinette collapsed onto her bedroom floor as the exhaustion took hold of her. She had barely done half of the chores her mother had assigned, yet she felt as if she'd done triple its amount. This made her even more grateful towards Chat Noir for his help.

Sighing in relief that the list was complete, her muscles practically melted into the carpet where she lay as she allowed her body to rest. In her hazy of relaxation, Marinette hardly registered when Chat Noir transformed into Adrien Agreste—the only sign being when Plagg sat on her face begging to have the leftover cheese in the fridge.

Adrien shooed him off her before apologizing. Marinette shot him a small smile, her fatigue still overwhelming her senses.

A ding echoed from her phone, indicating she had received a notification. Marinette rarely texted people outside her family, so a notification usually meant one thing: a new episode.

Marinette spent the last remnants of her energy sitting up and ripped her phone from her pocket. Adrien sat at attention from her movement, sensing her excitement. Just as she expected, a new episode was up for streaming. Yet, there was more to Marinette's emotions than just excitement. Beyond anything, she was curious, if not a little nervous. What would the episode entail if Chat Noir's adventures were in the world she existed in? Would she be in more episodes?

Turning her phone to show Adrien the notification, she watched with a level of satisfaction as his eyes widened in size. She knew he'd be interested in watching the newest episode. Without words, Marinette quickly pulled her laptop from her desk and settled herself in a similar manner as she had several nights prior.

Adrien sat close to her as she hurried to pull up the site. Plagg, with an abhorrent amount of cheese, flew into the room with a nonchalance that didn't fit the situation. "What's got you both in a twist?"

Adrien barely spared him a glance as he said, "New episode."

"Oh, well, this ought to be fun. Right, Tikki?"

The ladybug, who had settled on Marinette's shoulder as Marinette readied the computer, merely fluttered her wings, not paying him any mind.

Plagg grumbled as he settled on Adrien's shoulder. "Harsh."

Neither teen acknowledged him, their vision centering on the laptop screen as the theme music played.

Fluttering white wings danced about as a voice in the shadows rumbled his displeasure. "Where is he?"

Across the city of Paris, Alternate heard the words echo through his mind as purple butterfly wings masked his face.

Alternate flinched. "I don't know."

The demand was ominous. "Find him."

The mask on Alternate's face faded, and a look of determination crossed his features before he walked into the shadows of an alley.

The scene shifted to show an animated version of Adrien staring out a window with Plagg resting on his shoulder.

Marinette recognized the attic window and wondered briefly if Chloe would notice.

Running a hand through his hair in defeat, Adrien said, "Plagg, how do I help her remember? I don't know what to do."

Marinette heard Adrien gasp at her side before he said in a panicked voice, "Let's not watch this part."

Intrigued, Marinette couldn't help but tease him. "Why not? Something you don't want me to see?"

Plagg snickered as he said, "Oh, this is too good."

Adrien shot him a dirty look. Marinette pivoted her attention back to the screen, not wanting to miss a moment of it.

Plagg's voice was sarcastic and amused when he spoke. "You can always flirt with her like before. I know that's what you want to do."

Marinette felt Adrien tense beside her as her own heart leaped in her throat. She turned to him and saw that he was covering his face. She smiled before looking back at the screen.

Adrien blushed before huffing at his kwami. "I'm serious, Plagg."

"What? You don't think I'm serious? Do what you normally do, you know, with the roses."

"No. I usually annoy Ladybug when I do that."

"Yeah, but she isn't like before. She'll probably react differently."

Adrien seemed to contemplate the idea before he said softly, "Should I really do something like that?"

Plagg chuckled as he dramatically spun from Adrien's shoulder. Grabbing a small piece of cheese, Plagg floated in front of Adrien with a smirk. "I'll show you how it's done."

Getting to one knee, Plagg lifted his small piece of cheese into the air as he proclaimed with a deep, dramatic voice, "For you, My Lady."

It was a slight gesture, but it was enough for Adrien to turn tomato red. He let out an embarrassed chuckle before his face turned downcast. "I've been turned down so often by Ladybug, especially with roses, that I don't see any plan involving flowers going well."

Plagg promptly shoveled the cheese into his mouth. "Like I said, she's different. Plus, this is about helping her remember. Who knows, maybe she'll have a flashback."

Adrien continued to contemplate it, not noticing the wicked look on Plagg's face. Hovering close to his ear, Plagg started to whisper.

Whatever Plagg had been about to say was abruptly cut off by Adrien muting the laptop. Turning to the man in question with wide eyes, Marinette could only stare at him in surprise. His face was freckled in patches of red as he stared at her with guilty eyes.

"You muted my computer?"

Marinette already knew the reason behind his odd behavior, but she wanted to hear his explanation.

Plagg bursted into laughter, causing the small specks of cheese that had been in his mouth to fly in the air. Still giggling, Plagg didn't seem to care about the mess he was making. With a mischievous tone, Plagg said, "All I said was that he could try kissing you. Maybe you'll remember the feel of his lips."

The kwami burst into laughter once more at the startled look on both of their faces. Marinette felt her own cheeks turn rosy at the thought. Adrien growled out Plagg's name and the kwami continued to laugh at their expense. Ignoring the tinge of jealousy that coiled within her chest at this new knowledge, Marinette cleared her throat. "So, you've kissed Ladybug?"

Adrien rubbed his face before saying, "Yes, but I don't remember it."

This confused Marinette. Adrien only shrugged. "It always seemed to happen during an akuma attack, and a few were when I was under the spell of an akuma."

This didn't really clarify the situation. "So, Ladybug kissed you when you were under a spell?"

Chuckling awkwardly, Adrien nodded. Marinette's brow furrowed, but she figured she wouldn't understand the full situation with her lack of knowledge on akumas.

Biting her lip, Marinette said in a whisper, "For what it's worth, I would accept a rose from you. I would never reject you—either side of you."

Adrien stared wide eyed at her. Marinette turned her head to hide her growing embarrassment at her statement.

Clearing her throat, Marinette stuttered out, "Let's keep watching."

She didn't wait to see his expression as she turned her eyes back to the screen just in time to see Chat Noir leap from the attic window—the air clearly chilled from the frost on the glass. Marinette realized the scene was depicting the weather from the previous day.

Transforming back to his civilian self, Adrien gave Plagg a small slice of cheese before heading to the front of the estate.

It was there that he noticed Marinette hunched over to stay warm.

From the view on the screen, it embarrassed Marinette to see just how slowly she had actually been moving—like a sloth with no motivation to continue.

Adrien smiled as he said to himself, "She always hated the cold."

Adrien walked to stand in front of her to make his presence known. To his amusement, she walked straight into him.

"I see we're being extra observant today, My Lady."

From Adrien's perspective, Marinette looked as if she were glowing. Her rosy cheeks complimented her glistening blue eyes. Marinette naturally ruined the effect when she said gruffly, "Too cold. Inside."

Adrien giggled. "Never change, My Lady."

Marinette turned to Adrien at her side and said, "Is that how you see me?"

Adrien wavered as he asked, "What do you mean?"

A little embarrassed, Marinette hesitated before she eventually found the courage to speak. "It's just, I look like… I mean, the animated version of me looks like an anime heroine." Marinette pointed to spots on the screen as she continued. "There are literally sparkles all around my face, Adrien! Not to mention, my eyes are not that blue…" Her sentence trailed off as her voice grew muffled by her embarrassment.

Adrien smiled with gleaming eyes—clearly amused by her assessment of the scene. "I mean, you were rather adorable that day."

Marinette nervously huffed, not having words to counter him. The blush on her cheeks must have been apparent, because Adrien smirked playfully at her before winking.

The words left her mouth without thought. "Ah, so this is you flirting?"

To Marinette's great satisfaction, she watched as Adrien's mischievous behavior became more flustered.

Plagg snickered. "He tries."

"Plagg!" Adrien's tone of indication made Marinette giggle.

The kwami remained nonchalant as he licked his paw. "What?"

It was Adrien's turn to huff his displeasure. His eyes met hers in subtle embarrassment before his face melted into a soft smile. Marinette returned the gesture before looking at the laptop again. The scene was now showing Adrien in her room as she slept through her nightmares.

His face was drawn and worried. In a whisper, he said, "Plagg, should I wake her?"

The kwami floated above Marinette's face before saying, "No. Let her dream. This is how her subconscious mind will communicate with her. This is how she'll remember."

Adrien looked concerned as he brushed the hair from her face, only nodding his acknowledgment.

Marinette felt her heart pound at the scene. He was being so gentle with her. Biting her lip, she purposefully ignored his side glance towards her, knowing she would become flustered if she looked at him. With determination, she continued watching.

Plagg sighed heavily before he made his way back to the laptop laying on the desk. On the desk plant rested the ladybug. It fluttered its wings when Plagg approached.

Sitting close to the ladybug, the little kwami spoke. "What a bind we're in this time, Tikki."

The ladybug only shifted on the houseplant as a response. Plagg stared at the ladybug with tragic eyes. "I really miss hearing your voice."

The ladybug flew from the plant and landed on Plaggs' chest. Plagg only sighed as he frowned. "I know you can hear me. I know you understand. Just know I'm here and I'm waiting for you."

Marinette ripped her eyes from the screen and looked at the kwami beside her. Plagg seemed unaffected by what was showing as he shoveled more cheese in his mouth.

He glanced up at her when he noticed her stare. Grumbling, he said, "Of course it would show the one time I'm alone with Tikki."

With sudden indignation, Plagg spun around and yelled at the laptop screen. "That was private! Who's approving these scenes?!"

Adrien shook his head. "I've wondered the same thing. Though, you have no right to complain. You have taken great pleasure in my discomfort."

Plagg stared hard at Adrien before plopping a large piece of cheese into his mouth. "That's different. You're the main character."

"No. Chat Noir is the main character, which means so are you."

Plagg only humphed before taking another bite of cheese.

Clearing her throat, Marinette looked between the two boys and smiled before turning once more to her computer. The scene jumped to show a view of Bunnyx within her burrow.

The heroine placed a hand on the portal showing scenes of Adrien and Marinette's time together: when Chat Noir knocked on her window, the moment Marinette panicked at seeing Plagg, Chat Noir hugging Marinette…

Marinette recognized each moment being played before it was fast forwarded by Bunnyx's hand. Adrien's body stiffened as he leaned closer to the screen. This was unexpected.

Bunnyx grumbled to herself as she watched scene after scene. "What a stubborn bug."

Marinette didn't know how to handle the words being said. She didn't have time to contemplate her feelings as she watched the show unravel.

Bunnyx growled before throwing her hands in the air. "That's it. It's time for an intervention."

In quick succession, Bunnyx maneuvered through the scenes until she found the one she was looking for. Within moments, Bunnyx jumped through the hole and landed in Ladybug's room.

Marinette felt her whole body stiffen at the scene being shown.

The kwamis were having a party. They had scattered beads and thread all about the room, and were currently giggling over who could toss the ball of yarn the farthest.

Bunnyx took a quick look around the room before laughing. "Oh, she is going to freak out when she sees this."

At her arrival, the kwamis all swarmed around her in glee. Talking over each other, they questioned Bunnyx's presence and asked after Ladybug.

"I don't have time to answer all your questions, but I can tell you that Chat Noir has found her."

At her words, the kwamis all jumped in joy. Bunnyx laughed at their antics before her eyes narrowed on Ladybug's desk.

Mumbling, she said, "I wonder if it's there."

Marinette felt her blood grow cold at the look in Bunnyx's eyes. In a whisper, she said, "I don't like where this is going."

Adrien turned to look at her, his eyes bright. Titling his head at her, pretending innocence, he smiled. "And why is that, My Lady? Something you don't want me to see?"

Marinette grumbled. "I can't explain why, but I just don't like it."

Adrien chuckled before playfully bumping shoulders with her.

The voice coming from her laptop screen pulled Marinette's attention away from the man beside her. Noticing what the bunny heroine had in her hand, Marinette felt dread pool in her stomach.

Bunnyx's expression was victorious. "Found it!"

"What's that," Trixx asked.

Bunnyx's voice became gleefully mischievous as she said, "Ladybug's diary."

Sass chimed in. "It just looks like a makeup box."

Laughing, Bunnyx said, "That's what she wants you to think."

Not explaining any further, Bunnyx jumped back into her barrow with a quick farewell, diary in tow.

Humming to herself, Bunnyx looked down at the diary before glancing back at one of the burrow screens. Eventually, she wound through time, rewinding to the night Adrien and Marinette sat watching the show for the first time.

Biting her lip, Bunnyx made a small hole through her burrow in the corner of Marinette's room and slipped the diary through. She made little sound as she placed the diary behind a stack of abandoned books, completely out of sight. Once the task was completed, she clapped her hands together with a smile. "Done! The rest is up to you, Mini Bug."

The scene showed the heroine smiling before she faded from the screen.

Marinette looked at Adrien and saw that his expression was just as surprised as hers. Moving in sync, both of them jumped to their feet and rushed to the area where Marinette's books sat.

It really should not have been a surprise to see a pink case exactly where Bunnyx had left it. Yet, Marinette felt the breath leave her as she stared at the object.

Adrien slowly picked it up before he handed it to her. The object felt like fire in her palms. She hurriedly dropped the diary to the floor.

What could she do with such an object? It doesn't belong to her. What right does she have to open its contents?

The soft voice of Adrien shook Marinette from her thoughts. "Marinette?"

Biting her lip, she glanced up at him with uncertain eyes. His look was pleading and pained. With hesitation, he said, "I know this is a lot for you. I… I think I should leave you to your thoughts for now. But, please, read it. You may not believe that you were the person who wrote the words in that book, but the girl I love and admire did. I would like you to know her."

Marinette's lip trembled. She didn't know if she could face the girl he claims to love. Yet, she could see that he was being vulnerable with her, and she wouldn't throw such a thing in his face.

Breathing out, Marinette softened her features as she whispered, "I'll try."

Adrien smiled. "That's all I ask."

With those words, he left the room with Plagg on his shoulder. Marinette sank to the floor where the dreaded object lay. The ladybug flew to land on top of the diary.

Sighing, Marinette felt the day's exhaustion threaten to overcome her completely, but she was determined to accept the challenge before her. It was time to learn about Ladybug.

…

If opening the box was a simple thing, Marinette would have likely read through most of the diary at that point. Yet, it took several close calls, and a few bruised fingers for her to eventually outwit the maker of the box. Why on earth would someone go through all this trouble just to hide a diary? Marinette could not understand it.

Eventually, she conquered the monstrous box and now held the diary in her hands—its pages waiting to be opened. Naturally, this brought on a new level of challenges. Once more, she needed to convince herself that it was okay to read someone else's private property. Adrien wanted her to know Ladybug, and this was a good way to do it.

Yet, it took several pep talks and multiple deep breaths before Marinette finally found the courage to turn the first page.

"Dear Diary, today Chat Noir and I managed to stop a supervillain once again!"

"Sometimes, it's hard being both Marinette and Ladybug. Of course, I love being a super heroine and it's awesome to protect Paris against Papillion…"

"And, bam! I turn into Ladybug. With my super suit made out of indestructible fabric and my magic yo-yo."

"I can't let anyone see Tikki, my kwami, who never leaves my side. Without Tikki, I can't transform…"

"Being Ladybug is really amazing…"

"Chat Noir… We haven't known each other for long, but it feels like we've been together forever..."

"He's not my type. He's a bit too cocky."

"I can always count on him…"

"I think he has a bit of a crush on me, you know. But, I love Adrien! Chat Noir is not nearly as perfect as Adrien."

Marinette stopped reading. Tears streamed down her cheeks at the words she had just read. Ladybug seemed to value Chat Noir, but…

"Chat Noir is not nearly as perfect as Adrien."

Marinette felt like she wanted to scream. This is the girl Adrien loves? How could she think like this? Chat Noir… Chat Noir is just as wonderful as Adrien. He is free spirited and makes punny jokes to lighten the mood. He is a protector and is loyal to the core.

Why can't this girl see it?

Marinette closed the diary and let out a breath. Her heart felt sore and weathered. Yet, there was one matter which she could not argue with. This diary belongs to a girl named Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Without Dupain, that was practically her own name. Still…

Marinette wanted to resist this reality. She can't be this girl. She can't be the girl who doesn't see Chat Noir as someone just as wonderful as Adrien. Even more so, she can't be this courageous warrior who seeks to better her city, even at the cost of her own life.

The ladybug settled once more on the diary, as if recognizing Marinette's turmoil. Allowing the ladybug to crawl up her finger, Marinette whispered to the bug, "The diary did say you would never leave my side."

The ladybug fluttered its wings.

…

"So…"

Marinette glanced at Chat Noir, who lounged next to her as she did her homework. Since the moment he had climbed through her window, she could tell he was itching to ask her about the diary.

She gave him a soft smile. "No Plagg tonight?"

Chat Noir chuckled. "He was being obnoxious. I needed a break."

Marinette smiled as she hummed her acknowledgment before turning back to her homework.

"So…"

Marinette had to fight the urge to giggle. Making her face neutral, she looked up at his curious features. "Yes?"

Clearing his throat, he smiled. "Did you learn anything new?"

His hopeful expression pleaded for an answer. Marinette couldn't resist her chuckle. "Yes, I did."

She could feel Chat Noir practically jumping in anticipation. When she didn't continue, he cleared his throat nervously. "Would you mind sharing what you learned?"

All of her pent up frustration, driven by her own inner turmoil, came to the surface in that distinct moment. Marinette hadn't meant to sound so harsh, yet the words came out sharp. "She doesn't deserve you."

Her words startled Chat Noir before his look grew perplexed. "What?"

Breathing deeply, Marinette calmed herself before trying again. "Ladybug, the girl you love, doesn't deserve you."

The emotion in her throat was thick. Marinette felt as if she were treading on dangerous grounds, yet her mind was not willing to listen to logic.

Chat Noir's brow furrowed as he frowned. "I don't understand. Why do you say that?"

"I.." Marinette hesitated. "I just think you deserve better." Her last sentence came out in a whisper as she hung her head.

She heard Chat Noir let out a breathy chuckle before feeling his hand on her head. "You're wrong. I'm the one who doesn't deserve her—or, I should say, who doesn't deserve you."

Marinette's head shot up, dislodging his hand from its place. She narrowed her eyes at the gentle look on his face. "That-that's the exact opposite of what I just said."

Smiling, Chat Noir moved his hand to her shoulder. Rubbing circles with his thumb on the knot forming near her neck, he spoke gently. "My Lady, genuine love is not conditional. To only love someone because they deserve it… Well, that's not really love. How can we measure if someone is deserving of love? Who are we to decide?"

Marinette felt her heart pound as her eyes widened at his impassioned speech. Suddenly unable to look at him, she looked down at her unfinished homework. In a breath, she said, "I'm sorry. I… I just care about you, and some things written in that diary made me upset."

Chat Noir chuckled. "I can imagine some of the things said. Ladybug never shied away from telling me how she really felt. But that doesn't matter. I know she cares about me, just as you do."

Marinette frowned. She wanted to tell him he was wrong, but she would be telling a lie. The girl writing the diary did care for Chat Noir… she just cared for Adrien more. But… he is Adrien.

Marinette felt the weight of the situation hang on her. Chat Noir must have noticed because he quickly attempted to lighten her mood. "You know, you've been drawing cats all over your homework. Is that intentional?"

Marinette quickly looked down at her paper at his comment. To her surprise, about four small cat sketches outlined the page.

"Umm."

Smiling mischievously, Chat Noir said, "You must really like cats."

While her cheeks reddened, Marinette huffed as she said playfully, "You know I do."

Chat Noir looked taken aback, which brought Marinette a small level of satisfaction, before he began laughing.

Marinette smiled at him, relieved to see him joyful and smiling. He really is wonderful.

In the quiet of her mind, Marinette swore to herself that, if she truly is Ladybug, she would endeavor to love every side of him.

And that she might endeavor to deserve him.

…

A day had passed since she'd last seen Adrien—in or out of the suit—and she missed him.

School and chores overtook all her time the previous day, leaving her exhausted. Not to mention, Chloe saw him outside at one point and forced him to be by her side. By the time he came to visit last night, she was already sleeping.

Sighing, she really hoped she could see him tonight.

Marinette's attention suddenly flew to her bedroom door as she heard a hoard of giggles echo up to her room. Frowning, she stood from her comfortable seat on the floor and went to investigate.

Reaching the top of the stairs, Marinette could look down at the entryway and saw Chloe along with four of her classmates. One of them squealed, causing Marinette to flinch.

"I can't believe you are friends with Arien!"

Chloe proudly nodded before she noticed Marinette as she looked up at the stairs.

"Marinette, stop your gawking and get us some drinks."

A few of the girls snickered as Marinette reluctantly got to work.

Making her way down the stairs, Marinette wondered if Adrien was still in the attic or if he was off exploring. Marinette didn't have to wonder for long.

One girl squealed loudly as she yelled, "Is that Arien?!"

Panic spread through Marinette's body as dread settled in her stomach. Did they see him on the estate?

Marinette felt some relief when she noticed the girls all running toward the front door.

He must have been walking outside.

Chloe pushed past the other girls and said loudly, "Arien, dear, why don't you join us? We were planning to watch the newest episode of The Adventures of Chat Noir."

Marinette couldn't hear his reply, but knew he must have agreed based on the girl's reactions as they jumped in glee.

Marinette felt her own heart leap when he appeared at the front door. Adrien must have noticed her, because he smiled gently at her before Chloe blocked his view.

"Marinette, what are you doing? Get our drinks!"

Marinette hurried into action. There was no use in arguing.

As Marinette readied their drinks, she pondered how Adrien might be feeling with all the attention on him. Then again, he was a model, so he may be used to it.

Carrying the drinks toward the living room area where the group had settled, Marinette hoped the girls would not be staying the night. She knew from past experiences that she would be called upon until morning should a sleepover happen.

Marinette carefully made her way into the room, watching as the drink sloshed in their cups. Her attention was so transfixed on not spilling the drinks that she missed seeing Chloe reach her leg out in front of her. The impact of her body meeting the floor brought the entire room into a silence. Impressively, each cup had tipped, leaving copious amounts of liquid all over herself and the carpet.

The sounds of soft snickers quickly grew into shrills of laughter. Marinette felt her head hang heavily in her shame. Slowly making her way to her knees so she could begin cleaning the mess, she listened as Chloe and her friends began hurling insult after insult at her.

Amid her embarrassment, she didn't want to see Adrien's face, yet her eyes sought him nonetheless. He was standing at the ready with a worried expression on his face, his body blocked from entering the circle of girls swarming around her.

Marinette felt her bottom lip tremble as she righted the cups on the tray.

"What a klutz!"

"You should watch where you're going!"

"You're so dirty!"

Marinette flinched and cowered under the weight of their words. As her vision blurred from her tears, Marinette breathed out before quickly wiping her tears away. This was not a time to cry. She must be strong.

"You're so gross."

"You are ridiculous!"

As each word etched in cruel laughter was spoken, Marinette felt something within her slowly shift. It was as if the very foundation of her world was being moved.

The memory of her previous dream, one where she stood as the guardian before a city with Chat Noir at her side, came to her mind. The breeze ruffled her hair as she stood atop the Eiffel Tower, her body ready to move at the slightest sign of danger. Then, like a distant song, words written in the diary came to her mind.

"Being Ladybug is really amazing…"

Something in the recesses of her heart broke. It was painful, but she welcomed it. This pain was necessary. The old must fall away if it is to be made new.

Chloe's words echoed in the corner of her mind. "You are pathetic."

Marinette knows within the core of her being that those words were untrue. As her mind centered on that thought, the tension building in her being reached its peak. Her heart pounded quickly in her chest as the blood rushed to her head.

Then, suddenly, all became calm.

Her vision cleared as her breath echoed in her ears like the sound of ocean waves hitting the shore—blocking the sounds of cruelty around her. Chat Noir's voice called to her from the quiet. "You are Ladybug."

It was in this moment of serenity—quiet and unseen—that something within her clicked.

The chains around her heart shattered as a flood of understanding filled her being. She is not pathetic. She is not useless.

She is worthy of being a hero.

As her mind repeated the words singing from her soul, she could only describe the experience as an acknowledgment of truth. She did not remember, but she knew. She believed her story stemmed deeper than the hollow world she lived in, and that her value and purpose was to serve and protect the innocent.

"You are nothing."

Her mind focused on what her heart had just accepted. And, in her acknowledgment, came a sense of peace and homecoming. Breathing out, Marinette felt a flood of warmth spread across her being—slowly building into embers in her heart. It is with this growing flame that she spoke. "I am not nothing."

Chloe's face morphed into disbelief, appalled at the interruption to her endlessly cruel monologue. Marinette glanced at Adrien and noticed how his eyes widened. Looking back at Chloe and taking in her face of disgust, Marinette felt the fire kindle hotter within her.

"I am not ridiculous."

The kindle of embers set a blaze from her core—its fire slowly burning across her limbs. Her senses felt something shifting on her skin, as if a thin layer of leather was slowly melting into her pores. But she didn't linger on this sensation with her focus solely on Chloe and the words spoken.

"I am not pathetic."

The fire reached the side of her face, and Marinette noticed sparks fluttering into the surrounding air. In the distance, she saw a small smile reach Adrien's lips, but she didn't lose focus.

As her mouth made ready to say her next words, Marinette could feel the air charged with tension, as if awaiting her command to implode. Breathing out, Marinette embraced an identity unknown to her, fear no longer ruling her heart.

"I am Ladybug."

The fire flared to life. Marinette felt her hair wisp across her neck as she watched the world around her melted into ash, yet she felt no pain, only warmth. Reaching to touch the side of her face, she felt the soft leather of a mask formed around her eyes. Looking down at her hands, she saw the colors of red and black.

A small smile formed on her lips before her world went dark.

Fun fact: If any of you thought of Avengers: End Game while reading the last couple paragraphs of this story, then our minds are thinking alike because I was absolutely thinking of that tragic scene while writing this section.