The Story Below is based on the characters from Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. I own nothing of the show. This is purely fictitious and written for the enjoyment of my readers and myself. All rights go to the proper parties.
Description: Okay, so this series is a collection of one-shots based around the conversations Marinette and Alya have after Alya learns about Ladybug's identity. This takes place sometime during season 4 and addresses the conversations the besties no doubt had or should have had. These one-shots will be in relative order.
"Marinette, are you saying what I think you're saying?" Alya asks from her spot on Marinette's chaise.
Marinette holds a pillow in her lap and sighs, "Yes. I tried to give you the earrings."
Alya's eyes widened, "Girl! What would ever make you think to do that? They were given to you. Why would you try to give them to me?"
Marinette looks away, "I didn't think I could do it. You were brave and excited and ready for it. I… I wasn't. I was clumsy and I didn't catch the akuma, and I just… I thought you would make a better hero than me."
Alya shakes her head and moves to hug Marinette, "You were meant to be Ladybug, Marinette. Your hesitance and concerns have only made you a more honest and personable hero. You are so much braver than I ever could be. The fact that you decided to use the earrings even with your fear and hesitance only proves how brave you are. I couldn't imagine there ever being a better person to be Ladybug. I certainly wouldn't have been able to do the things you do on a daily basis. Sure I love being a hero with Trixx, but I don't think I could have handled the pressures of being Ladybug and keeping it a secret from my friends and family for so long." She pauses to hold Marinette close to her as the pigtailed girl attempts to wipe the tears from her face, "What made you put the earrings back on, Marinette? What made you change your mind about quitting?"
Marinette sighs and pulls back, tears in her eyes, "You did." Alya gasps, "You were trapped and needed my help. Cat Noir was struggling, and I needed to do something. So I did what I could and the rest is history… I haven't thought about quitting since, but recently… I've been close to it. I've been so alone and I just… I couldn't keep it a secret from everyone anymore. I needed to tell someone."
Alya holds her close once again, "I'm glad you told me, Marinette. I'm here for you and I will keep your secret close to my heart. No one will know that you are Ladybug because of me. I'll do everything I can to keep your identity safe."
Marinette sniffs and holds her best friend close, "Thank you, Alya." She sobs.
The two girls continue to hold each other in the silence of the room. Alya has so many more questions for Marinette, but they can all wait. Right now, her best friend needs her and she will be there for her no matter what.