So before I start this fic this is a quick PSA (granted this is for AO3 users if you're reading this on FF you can skip this AN)

I had this idea for around a month and by default this chapter has been in the works around that amount of time as well

Why am I saying this?

Well because I'm well aware someone else also uploaded a similar concept and I just don't want people to think I copied them ;-;

I read all damianya fics (well the ones in languages I can understand lol)

But I specifically avoided that one when I saw it cuz conflict of interest

I've even posted progress on a public discord a friend owns

So anyway with that out of the way read away~

-

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A dark mellow room with a single light source in the middle full of illuminating butterflies of all colors swarmed around the room.

He set his eyes on the image of a woman with a bright smile.

"So you claim that combining these two jewels will grant me a wish?"

"Of course Master!"

"...I wonder if my greatest wish will come true."

….

Beeep beeeep beeeep

"Anya! Wake up! You'll be late on your first day of school!"

With a groan, she got up and rubbed her eyes. Her vision is a bit blurry as she's only just woken up. Groggily she walked toward her bathroom to get ready. After a quick shower and drying up she put on her school uniform. Her half-lid eyes stared at nothing in particular. She brushed her teeth lazily, almost falling asleep multiple times. When she finally left her room she had her backpack hanging from her shoulder. She walked down the stairs slowly. In a true clumsy fashion, she almost face-planted down the stairs but luckily she caught herself in time.

Two sets of eyes looked at her with fond smiles.

"Wakey, wakey! Can't have you fall asleep while eating."

Anya Forger was your typical fifteen-year-old teen who was about to start high school. She was nervous if that wasn't obvious. Granted not that obvious considering she's still half asleep while eating her eggs and bacon.

"Oh my Loid, was she up last night again?"

"Probably reading manga again." With a sigh, the man known as Loid shook Anya awake. "She's not budging, it seems you'll have to wake her up with your hot chocolate Yor." A small laugh.

The woman known as Yor nodded and started preparing her famous hot chocolate. Sure enough, the sweet aroma jolted their daughter awake in a flash.

"Chocolate!" The steaming cup of hot chocolate was set in front of her. Anya blew on it a bit and took a small sip. It burned her tongue a bit but she's used to that.

"Are you excited for your first day in high school?" Yor asked excitedly as she clapped her hands together.

Anya let out a small groan. "Not really, I don't want Sy-on boy in my class again." She sneered at the hot chocolate.

"Sy-on boy…? Oh, you mean your classmate Damian Desmond?" Loid sighed. "You guys still don't get along?"

Anya shook her head. "It's not even my fault! He's just so mean."

Thinking back at an incident during first grade in which they became more or less sworn enemies, Anya never liked Damian all that much. Despite knowing each other since they were kids he was always so hostile. Yeah sure she punched him when they first met but he had it coming! Plus she did apologize, he just didn't accept it. Although he has mellowed as the years went on he can't seem to go a day without insulting Anya at least once. She's always had the bad luck of being in his class every year. Even during middle school!

She hoped it was different this time around.

Right after breakfast, Anya grabbed her backpack. She was feeling rather nervous but was determined to make a good impression. She went out the door that rang a bell whenever it opened. She turned to her parents. "Wish me good luck!" She saluted them.

They saluted her back. "Good luck Anya!" They said in unison.

With a nod, Anya ran out the door.

The bus was there, passengers getting in one by one. Anya ran towards it as fast as she could thinking she'd miss it. Luckily not the case as she got there as soon as the last person before got on. Paying her fee and sitting at an empty seat by a window she watched as buildings, shops, and people passed by. She smiled slightly to herself. She wondered how fun Eden High would be. The nerves she felt slowly left her mind as she took a deep breath. Despite her bad luck she also has good luck.

Oh, this is her stop.

As she jumped off the bus and skipped towards the stairs of the entrance to her new school a limousine pulled up. She turned around curious and a man opened the limo door. A girl around Anya's age walked out, her skirt uniform swaying behind her. She flipped her long brown hair and gave the man a curt nod and a smile. She began to walk towards the stairs when she noticed Anya staring. It took around two seconds before both girls began to scream as they ran toward each other enveloping each other in a tight hug. Anyone walking by would have thought they were crazy but they didn't care.

Becky Blackbell, Anya's childhood best friend was another constant in her life. Never one without the other.

"OMG, I MISSED YOU!"

"I MISSED YOU TOO!!"

More hugging ensued neither noticing the other limousine that pulled up.

A man cleared his throat as he pulled up a list. Sitting beside him was a male with hazel eyes and short brown hair with tints of olive green looking out the window with a frown. "Your father expects you to be home as soon as classes end." A nod, he continued. "Piano lessons start at five proceeding with a photo shoot and-"

"I already know the schedule Jeeves, I took a peek this morning."

The man known as Jeeves paused and nodded. "Very well Master, that is all then." The boy opened the door and stepped out but before he did Jeeves called out to him. "Master Damian."

Damian stopped and looked at the man expectantly. "Yes?"

"Have fun at school today." He gave him a sincere smile.

Damian nodded but didn't say anything further. Getting out of the car he closed the door behind him and waited until it drove away. Once it was out of his sight he let out a huge sigh feeling the exhaustion hitting him like a truck. The incoming headache was too much to ignore. But before he could, two blurs of blonde tackled him into a hug.

"Woah!"

"DAMIAN!!" They said in unison. Eyes shining brightly as they stared at the boy they just tackled.

"We missed you, Boss!"

"You should have seen Emile, he was bawling his eyes out on our way here."

"I was not! Ewen enough with the slander!"

Ewen Egeburg and Emile Elman, childhood friends and known lackeys of Damian Desmond.

Who's Damian Desmond?

Well, Damian was more than just another rich kid as one would assume. His father was the mayor and his mother a very famous fashion designer. He had his very own brand and would often model when he wasn't cooped up in his room studying at odd hours to keep his grades up. Usually, he was known as a cold, uncaring person with an attitude problem.

In other words an asshole.

However, anyone observing the scene could see he was smiling slightly seeing his childhood friends bicker amongst themselves.

His headache was gone.

"Anyway, what did you do over the summer Dam- AH!"

"AHHH!"

The trio locked eyes with the duo.

Emerald eyes locked onto hazel.

A silence ensued before Becky inevitably broke it. "Ew."

"DON'T EW US!"

"YEAH WHAT THE HELL BLACKBELL?"

Becky put her hands on her hips while rolling her eyes. "Great another year stuck with tweedle dee and tweedle dum and their king, the king of idiots." Becky snickered, mocking them. Anya couldn't help but giggle as well.

Emile and Ewen looked at her all offended. "YOU TAKE THAT BACK!" They said in unison. "DON'T OFFEND OUR BOSS LIKE THAT."

Becky made a disgusted face. "God, you guys have no self-respect, right Anya?"

Anya who had deadpanned watching the lackeys defend their king merely nodded. "Typical Ewen and Emile, they never change." Anya half expected Damian to join in and start flying insults toward her like always.

Imagine her surprise when he drags his two friends away. "That's enough, let's go."

"Wha- okay?"

"Whatever you say, Bossman."

Anya watched in shock as the trio walked in without another word. She looked at Becky who was just as shocked. Was she dreaming? Was it opposite day? She didn't know and didn't want to question such a miracle so both girls merely walked into the courtyard. There were multiple billboards posted for students of all grades to find their respective classes. As Anya searched for her name Becky managed to spot hers quickly.

"Found it!" Becky patted herself. "Cecile Hall, you?"

Anya still kept looking, eventually landing on her name. She let out a gasp. "Cecile Hall!!" Both girls squealed and jumped up and down in excitement. Once again they were in the same class. Anya's good luck comes into play once again.

The girls walked to class ready to start the day.

"So last night's episode on Berlint in Love was so romantic!" Becky gushes as she recounts her favorite show. Another constant since childhood.

Anya never understood the appeal but she doesn't judge. She merely hears Becky go on and on as she fangirls every time over every moment. Often than not Anya can't help a giggle or two. Anya knew what it was like to fangirl over something. She was heavily a fan of a spy show called Spy Wars. She nods along as Becky goes into detail about what's happening to the main couple.

"And so- oh no." Becky stops dead in her tracks, grabbing Anya's hand who stops in alarm. Becky scowls. " You."

The trio stops and stares.

All five were trying to enter the same classroom.

"Fuck my life." Anya groans. For all her good luck she sure has massive bad luck.

Becky pushed Emile who was the closest and pulled Anya in. "Come on, we don't want their stupidity rubbing off on us."

"Hey!"

"Take that back Blackbell!!"

Becky and Anya opted to sit in the front. After setting her things down Becky turned and stuck her tongue out further infuriating the boys.

"That girl!"

"Always so mean."

The trio took the seats beside them. Emile and Ewen glared daggers at Becky and Anya who were used to it so they didn't care at this point they just continued talking about Becky's show.

"We should pull a prank on them," Emile suggested.

"Yeah!" Ewen agreed with enthusiasm.

However, it was short-lived as Damian glared at them both. "No, we're leaving them alone this year, got it?" He warned.

They stared at their boss in confusion. After all, why wouldn't he want to prank Anya, his sworn enemy? That's our boss, always so mature, a thought they both shared as they looked at each other. However, it was strange. Damian seemed different this time around. Barely uttering a word to Anya like he used to back in middle school. Did something change?

They didn't know.

The door swung open, students expecting the teacher but it was just another fellow student walking in, he seemed out of it and rather depressed looking which was new. The boy that tended to look depressing daily was usually George Glooman but this guy was coming in hot with his gloomy aura. Anya couldn't help but notice him as he walked by her desk and passed her to the other empty desks. She watched as it seemed like mushrooms were practically growing out of his hair. Anya rubbed her eyes thinking she was imagining it and- no yeah she was imagining it but boy did that look funny. And weird.

"Anya, why are you staring at him like that?" Becky asked curiously, she too looked back at the newcomer and his gloomy aura. Were those mushrooms!? Becky blinked twice and they were gone, huh weird.

"I don't know, he's so gloomy and he's not George." Anya shrugged. She didn't know why she seemed fixated but she did. Almost like an ominous warning was being waved in front of her.

Becky nodded at that. "Yeah you're not wrong, honestly don't know why but I feel like something might happen."

Anya looked at Becky in shock. She too felt that way but wasn't going to be vocal about it of course. Knowing Becky felt the same way sent shivers down her spine. "Tell me about it." She uttered.

The door opened again and a girl that looked shaken up entered, she stared at the class, and her eyes locked with another's. Anya raised an eyebrow and followed her line of vision. She was looking at the new gloomy guy. She paled and quickly sat beside Becky looking shaken up. The new gloomy guy looked devastated. Anya wondered what happened between them. While she did often meddle she wasn't one to find out about other people's secrets but for some reason, she was curious about this one. Before she could settle her curiosity the teacher walked.

"Good morning class I'm Mr. Henderson and I'll be teaching you all this year." There was a round of applause and cheers going around the room. Henry Henderson was a teacher most students recognized as their homeroom teacher for first grade. To think he was going to teach them in high school now was a blessing.

He was a great teacher despite being strict and obsessed with elegance.

"Good to see you, Mr. Henderson." Anya was the first to speak. She was always sleeping in class back then but Henderson had a soft spot for Anya Forger, mainly because of her dad.

"Good to see you too Miss Forger." He gave her a curt nod before turning to the class. Introductions went as well as they usually did. He began to teach the class and immediately assigned homework like always. The groans came from students who weren't already acquainted with Henderson. Anya couldn't help but giggle at their expressions. "Anyone having P.E remember to follow Mr. Richardson while everyone else should head to the library."

Anya grabbed her stuff. Luckily she and Becky were going to the library for second period. "Go on ahead Becks, I gotta quickly write down what's on the board." She quickly scribbled words on a piece of paper. Becky merely nodded and made her way toward the library. Anya felt a gloomy presence walk past her. She looked up and noticed that the same guy from before walked up to the anxious girl that was sitting next to Becky.

"Amanda-"

"Sorry bye." Amanda quickly stormed out of the classroom in a panic leaving the crushed boy standing there in shock.

Even Anya felt bad but before she could say anything or ask a cackle could be heard from one of her classmates.

"Oh man, you blew it mate."

The boy scowled. "Shut up Sam!"

Sam continued to laugh. "Sure whatever you say, Leo." He cackled some more as he and his buddies who also joined in on the mocking left the classroom.

Leo slammed his fist on the table which startled Anya. He stiffened and locked eyes with Anya who looked at him with worry. He merely turned the other way and stalked off elsewhere, likely about to skip class. Anya clutched her backpack wondering if there was something she could do to help. Maybe talk to Amanda to see what's up? She sighed knowing that was a bad idea. She can't involve herself.

"Are you worried?"

Anya jumped and whipped around to see Damian standing next to her. She didn't expect him to still be here considering she saw Ewen and Emile leave earlier. "Uh…" She trailed off. "I guess…? I don't know." Why was he even asking her anyway?

"You shouldn't involve yourself in other people's business." He stated as a matter of fact.

Anya narrowed her eyes. Typical Damian always trying to be an asshole. She rolled her eyes and began walking away. "Don't tell me what to do Desmond." With that, she was off.

-

Damian grumbled as he stalked off to join his friends at the Gym where his next class was. He was just trying to help but like always Forger just has to be hostile. She was insufferable since first grade and that fact doesn't seem to change even as they get older. And yet…

"Boss, are you okay?" Ewen asked in concern. He was helping out Emile on his stretches.

Damian merely nodded. "Yeah, I'm good." He tossed his backpack beside Ewen and Emile's; he was already dressed in his Gym uniform. He joined them in stretching as the teacher walked in and began formal introductions before asking everyone to run some laps, nobody liked that of course.

Here they were running laps. It was quite easy for him and Ewen but Emile was having a tough time. To encourage him Ewen tried to motivate him with all the things they could eat after school. Damian snorted and rolled his eyes but didn't stop once even when Emile was on the verge of passing out. It's not that he didn't care, he just couldn't afford to be distracted. And yet here he was getting distracted as soon as he noticed a mop of familiar black hair in the distance. He knew that guy, it was the guy Forger seemed to be worried about. The guy that had that outburst. He seemed weird, weirder than Glooman and that was saying something. He didn't care, far from it. Emile passing out was more concerning but Forger seemed worried. He knew what she was like, always unable to keep herself from trying to help others. Even at the expense of her happiness. However, he too couldn't help the tiny bit of worry as this dude looked like he was losing his sanity. The guys in front were glancing at him and snickering. He was getting bullied.

Damian didn't like that, as ironic as that sounds now.

So he sped up his pace to match his. Ewen was taking care of Emile so it was fine to leave them for now. As he did the black-haired boy almost tripped when he noticed Damian was beside him.

"You good?"

Leo stared at him stunned but ultimately nodded. "Yeah." He went back to running at his usual pace. The sneering and snickering didn't stop though.

Damian wondered if he should say something. It was just awkward now and he fully intends on blaming Forger for making him do this even though she wasn't here nor did she say anything to him. He cleared his throat. "What's their deal?"

Leo merely shook his head staring at the boys that were having the times of their lives at his expense. "They're just assholes."

Damian hummed as he watched the group. They seemed to stop for now although Damian knew why. "Yeah, I know a thing or two about being an asshole." He joked.

Leo snorted. "Oh definitely."

The silence was now a comfortable one. Damian felt proud of himself for managing it. Leo seemed like he was feeling better. He could see the slight smile on his face. Huh, maybe that's why Forger liked to help people so much. The feeling of doing a good deed for the sake of doing it was nice. Unfortunately, it was short-lived. Right after laps, they started to warm up for a short game of friendly soccer as it was the first day and all. As Damian strategized with his friends from the corner of his eye he noticed Leo getting ready when a paper ball got thrown at his head. Leo turned to glare at them and the usual group acted all innocent-like as if they didn't just throw that. Such a scene reminded Damian of what he did to Forger in first grade which resulted in him being punched, he deserved it, he could say that now without feeling indignant about it. Probably why he couldn't help but feel angry for Leo. He was a child back then and despite his dumb pride and ego getting in the way even years later he knew what he did and continued to do was wrong. These guys have very few excuses. They're all teenagers turning into legal adults in a few years.

Leo went up to the group and pushed a boy down.

Damian felt like getting involved but he wondered if that was a bad idea. "Shit." He muttered under his breath, getting the attention of his friends who noticed the commotion.

"It ain't my fault Amanda hates your fucking guts!"

"SHUT UP!"

And the punches started flying and all Damian could do was watch and wince like an idiot. Ewen and Emile stared as well, occasionally glancing at the teacher.

"Should we say something?" Ewen asked.

Emile shrugged. "I guess…?"

Damian acted before he could register anything in his mind. He went to go get the teacher. "Mr. Robinson! A fight broke out!" He pointed towards the ongoing tussle that was still happening. He flinched as the guy managed to get a mean punch in on Leo's face.

The teacher quickly rushed over to the scene to break it up. There was a lot of yelling and screaming. Even as the bell rang it seemed like things were getting out of control but all Damian could do was stay on the sidelines. After all, even if he got involved he wouldn't be able to help out here.

"We should go." Ewen grabbed Damian and dragged him away. He didn't fight it.

-

The first day of school was over. Students were delighted to go home.

Anya and Becky made plans to go over to her house to hang out. They walked off as Becky planned to stop by a bakery that was nearby before heading there.

Damian watched from a distance as Anya skipped along the pavement with a huge smile on her face.

"Boss? You good there you're red?"

"Shut up!"

Damian recovered faster than he thought he could. Covering his face whenever he felt hot was common. Staring at Anya Forger was also common. But back then he'd deny it to hell and back because there was no way he'd feel this way about a commoner. That is until it finally hit him like a pile of bricks during the summer. There was no denying it anymore.

He liked her.

A lot.

However, it was too late to do anything about it. He couldn't even be friends with her even if he tried. He's messed it all up with his stupidity. Becky was right, he was the king of idiots. Now all he could do was keep a distance and try to act cordial to her. He already failed because he's dumb like that. Forger made him act up okay!

"Ewen and I are taking my new car, will you be fine Boss?" Emile asked as he and Ewen descended the stairs.

Damian merely nodded. "Yeah, my ride will be here soon." He was glad it was running late actually but it wasn't something he was willing to admit. As he watched his friends leave he sighed and sat on a nearby bench. There were plenty of students waiting for the bus as well. He didn't pay them any mind. Catching the sight of Anya's bright pink hair as she boarded the bus with a reluctant Becky, a hilarious sight, he let out a small chuckle.

"Such a nice afternoon huh?"

Startled Damian turned to see an old Asian man sitting beside him, he was holding a cane and had a weird gray-looking bracelet. "Uh… yeah." As much as Damian was used to small talk during elite gatherings his family often held and were often invited to. This just felt awkward. Was he that bad at socializing with the more common folks? Maybe that's why he can't talk to Forger without fucking it up somehow.

The old man chuckled. "I don't usually go out as much these days but when I do I love staring at the scenery." He sighed as he stared ahead. There wasn't much, a mini-park, some buildings, and people walking by.

Damian didn't see the appeal but he wasn't about to question him. "Yeah, I guess." He was looking but didn't see the appeal. He's seen better with all the traveling he does during breaks.

"You might not see the appeal-"

What is he a mind reader!?

"-But it's the little things that matter the most." The old man winked at him and slowly got up. "One day you'll understand the value in the smallest of things Mr. Desmond."

Damian's eyes went wide, he knows my name!? Wait, of course, he knows I'm famous! Before Damian could say anything back to him the old man was gone as if he wasn't there to begin with. He got up and looked around, there was nothing, not even a trace. Slowly sitting down he looked at his hands in contemplation. "Did I… imagine that…?"

-

Anya was having fun.

Becky had been here earlier for a mini celebration for the first day going smoothly. Her parents were super happy to see Becky again like always. She'd been part of the family since they were six after all.

She was in her room playing games on her computer opting to do homework after dinner. The sound of multiple buttons and a mouse being clicked filled the room along with random sounds coming from Anya, positive if she was winning, negative if she wasn't. She took a peanut from the bag that was opened beside her mouse and quickly popped it in her mouth and went back to clicking. There was no such thing as a pause button in a PC game after all. Physically moving and thrashing around was common while gaming but she made sure not to fall off her chair- er well gamer chair as the kids call it these days. Her phone was on a cute-looking stand that looked similar to the plushie she had on her lap. It was her favorite plushie named Chimera. Her phone was on playing some lofi music, according to Becky it helps prevent gamer rage. She's never had gamer rage but she has music on anyway because it soothes her. Popping another peanut she hummed to the tune as her button smashing continued. She was on a roll today with all her wins. Playing in an online tournament sure felt different from playing with an AI or with her Papa and Mama on family game nights.

It soon ended with Anya as the champion. "FUCK YEAH!" She pumped her fist in the air and started jumping up and down while twirling in the air with Chimera.

Knock knock

"Anya?"

Anya paused. "Yes, Mama?"

Yor opened the door and walked in with a smile. "Anya, can you do me a favor?" She had a piece of paper in her hand.

Anya nodded. "Of course Mama."

Yor handed her the paper which Anya took. "I want you to go out and buy everything on this list. I'd go myself but your Papa and I are tending to the shop. We have a lot of customers today." She covered her mouth with her fingers and giggled.

Anya saluted her. "On it Mama!" She was glad to hear that their shop was booming with business today.

The Forger family owned a flower shop. All flowers were naturally grown by them. If you passed by the shop you'd notice a huge greenhouse in the backyard. Their living quarters consisted of the shop on the first floor while the second floor was their actual residence. The backyard was for the greenhouse which had a small table and three chairs. It was usually used on Tuesdays for taco Tuesdays. All and all the Forger family was humble and very hard working.

Anya made her way downstairs waving goodbye to her Papa who was tending to the customers at the cash register. With the sound of the bell ringing as she left, she took a right and walked down the sidewalk while looking at the list. Humming the tune of a song she walked into the grocery store and quickly picked out everything on the list. It wasn't much just the essentials likely for dinner- oh is this hamburger steak!? She was eating well tonight it seems.

She noticed she needed to pick up some medicine from the pharmacy. Well, she'll do that right after paying. Once she did she left the store. Looking both ways she crossed the street and took a left to head to the pharmacy. As she did, the sound of a baby crying caught her attention. She turned to look for the source and noticed a struggling mother trying to calm down her baby with a toy but it didn't seem to be working. Anya folded the piece of paper and put it in her bag full of groceries and walked up to the mother and her baby.

"Hello there, do you need some help?"

"Oh hello." The mother sighed, exhaustion clear in her features. She picked up her baby who was still crying. "I've tried everything but nothing seems to work! I don't know what I'm doing wrong." She was in distress, likely her firstborn.

Anya stared at the baby who looked right at her. She made a couple of funny faces and noises. After a while, it seemed to be working as the baby started to calm down and slowly laugh at her facial expressions. The mother smiled and looked relieved. Anya patted his little head. "Try not to stress your Mama out too much okay?" The baby sucked on its thumb to which Anya and the mother giggled. "I think he's fine now."

"Oh thank you so much!" The mother began to thank Anya. She was super grateful for her help.

Anya waved her hand around. "It's no big deal. I love helping!" She clapped her hands together to which the baby cheered.

The mother put the baby back in its stroller and walked off while waving goodbye to Anya. Anya waved back with a huge smile on her face. She sighed, feeling satisfied with her good deed of the day.

"How interesting, you're indeed a kind young lady."

Anya jumped and whipped her head to see an old Asian man standing beside her stroking his gray beard. "Oh hello, I didn't see you there." She laughed nervously.

The man merely shook his head. "My apologies I should have made my presence known didn't mean to startle you."

"Oh no, it's fine! And it's no big deal, I love helping people." Anya said cheerfully. Seeing people's faces of pure joy and happiness made her feel nice. Her parents always instilled in her to do random acts of kindness to strangers.

The old man nodded. "Soon you'll be able to help even more people, Anya."

"Tha- HUH!?" Anya looked back at the old man in shock only to see he was gone. Anya looked around completely flabbergasted at what just happened. How did he even know my name!? And what even happened!? "Did I imagine it?" Scratching her head she went back to running her remaining errands feeling confused.

-

It was the second day of school.

Damian and his friends walked in. He noticed Anya and Becky weren't there yet. He sat in his seat watching the entrance waiting for her to walk through. This simple action was more than simple for him in his ever-growing mess he likes to call a brain. Ever since he became self-aware it's like all he could think about was Anya Forger this and Anya Forger that. Everything was so much easier when he was in deep denial that the first thing that would come to mind was to hurl insults at the girl. Now he can't do that because that's mean. He was to build a friendship but he sucks at talking. Ironic considering he has friends.

"Sam knock it off!"

Damian looked up to see the boy Sam holding a piece of paper over Leo's head. Oh great more bullying, Damian was getting tired of this shit. Even he wasn't this bad back then.

"Want it? Better catch it!" He threw the piece of paper at another friend of his who caught it.

"Come on guys stop!" Leo pleaded but was more or less running around the classroom trying to get the piece of paper.

It was important.

It ultimately landed on Damian's desk.

"Pass it on Desmond!" Sam called out.

Damian rolled his eyes. "I'm not going to participate in this childish game of yours." He handed it back to Leo who looked so relieved. Damian fought back a smile.

Sam huffed chewing on some gum rather loudly. "You're so lame Desmond."

"Back off Samuel," Ewen growled.

"Yeah!" Emile joined.

Sam laughed, taking the piece of gum in his mouth and dropping it on a seat without a care in the world. It wouldn't have been that big of a deal if it weren't for the fact that it was fucking Anya's seat.

Damian slammed his hands on his desk. "OI! Clean that up before Forger and Blackbell get here!!" He demanded.

Sam looked at his work and shrugged. "Nah."

Oh, Damian was pissed now. Son of a- whatever I'll do it myself. "Emile hand me a tissue."

Emile blinked and nodded. "Sure here." He handed one to him.

"What are you doing Boss?" Ewen asked curiously.

Damian walked up to the seat and tried prying off the gum from the seat. It was sticky and gross. If it weren't Anya's seat he wouldn't dare do shit about this but because it was he unfortunately cared.

Anya and Becky walked in at that moment. Noticing Damian by their desk they had a bad feeling. As soon as Anya walked over and noticed the gum she let out a gasp which startled Damian.

"Desmond what the fuck!?" Becky bellowed, noticing the gum as well.

Anya frowned. "Really?" The disappointment was evident in her tone.

Damian stared at them eyes wide. Wait, they think I did this!? No- "It's not- No Forger I was trying to-" He groaned, why were words failing to form!? He wasn't even doing anything wrong! "It was Sam!" He pointed at the real culprit who whistled feigning ignorance.

"Who me? Nah, that was all you Desmond." He smirked.

Damian scowled at him. "Don't you DARE lie!"

"Yeah what the hell!? You put that gum there!" Emile immediately jumped in.

"Yeah! We literally saw you!" Ewen added in.

Becky rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Sure and I'm the queen of England." She sat down while taking out a tissue of her own and handing it over to Anya who pushed Damian away and placed it over the gum not wanting to hear more.

Damian stood there in disbelief. "Forger-"

"Leave me alone Desmond," Anya said, not even daring to look at him. She was mad beyond belief.

He didn't do anything, for once Damian didn't do anything. And she didn't believe him! He swallowed hard as he walked toward his desk. His knees felt weak as he sat down. Emile and Ewen looked at him with worry, they too were surprised at what just transpired.

"Anya," Leo said, getting her attention.

Anya turned around "Yes?"

Leo looked at Damian and then at her. "Damian really-" He was interrupted.

"Everyone in your seats, class is about to begin." Henderson walked in and began class by passing out some sheets and asking for the homework he assigned.

Shit, Leo should have said something sooner. It wasn't fair that Damian was getting the blame over something Sam did. Especially when Damian has been nothing but nice to him. Weird, but he welcomes it. He looked over to see Damian was being consoled by his friends. Guilt began to overcome Leo. It was bad enough he felt nothing but anger and rage these days, now he felt guilty. Fuck, fuck, shit, why!? His eyes trailed towards Amanda who was doing her school work. I fucked up like how I fucked up with you. If only I knew how… I would just… speak up… speak more clearly.

He began to write down his words trying to calm down his emotions alongside his school work of course. It would all be fine, he could catch Anya before she heads to the library and tell her what happened.

All would be good.

He'll fix everything with Amanda soon too.

The bell rang.

Determined he got up taking his work to turn it in. Sam tripped him up which sent him tumbling down. His anger and rage came back in full force. "FUCK OFF SAM!" He pushed him down.

"What the hell!?" Sam yelled out.

"NOT elegant," Henderson said, looking at Leo in disappointment. Unfortunately, he didn't notice Sam doing it on purpose. "Go to the principal's office young man."

"But-"

"No buts!"

Leo looked over to Damian and then Anya and then glared at Sam with the most deadly glare he could muster. His feelings toppled over as he grabbed his backpack, crumbled a piece of paper from his desk, and practically ran out of the classroom never noticing a worried-looking Amanda watching him.

Damian couldn't help but feel bad. So did Anya.

However, none of them knew that the worst had yet to come.

-

A window overseeing the city slowly opened up. Butterflies fluttered around as the sun shined through.

"These emotions, so strong, so negative, carefully cultivated to make the perfect Akuma for my debut."

A butterfly fluttered to his gloved hand turning into a black patterned one as he embedded it with magic.

"Darken his heart."

The butterfly began to fly away into the city.

Its destination was the school.

-

Leo walked into the office with a scowl. The principal eyed him up and down. "Where are your manners? Don't you know how to knock?" He crossed his arms.

Leo looked at him as if he was dumb.

"Go on."

He rolled his eyes and went back out, closing the door behind him. He stared at the door once again contemplating if he should just ditch school at this point.

"Knock."

He was about to when suddenly his vision grew dark.

"Hello, my name is Hawk Moth."

"All you've done is try your best and yet people trample all of your efforts as if they mean nothing."

"With my power, you can take revenge on those who have wronged you."

It felt as if a hand was extending itself in front of him. Tempting him to shake it.

So he did.

"Yes, Hawk Moth." A dark mist began to form around his body and gradually grew in shape. As it dissipated all that was left behind was no longer Leo but a deformed rock monster.

"Do your worst Stoneheart"

Meanwhile the principal…

"I'm wait- WOAH!" The door flew off its handle and a monster appeared and roared at the top of its lungs. The principal dived under his desk as the monster jumped out the window effectively freeing it from the confines of the small office. The principal watched him in horror before promptly passing out.

-

With a start, he woke up and whirled around the room in a panic. "Master! Master!"

"Hm? What is it, Wayzz?"

"I can sense the Butterfly miraculous! It's active again! But it's negative energy."

The man clutched his cane and stared at an old broken record player. "It seems I'll have to call upon them earlier than I expected." He put in a code that revealed a box, it was conveniently disguised within the old record player. When he opened it inside were four jewels. He took the two in the middle. "We better hurry."

-

Anya wasn't sure what had just happened.

Earlier she and Becky were at the library just reading and doing work when it felt like an earthquake hit them. They ducked down in fear only to realize it wasn't one but something much worse. School was dismissed for the day as there was a giant rock monster currently on a rampage in Berlint. Naturally, parents came to pick up their kids immediately. She took a ride with Becky. When she got home her parents hugged her and were glad she was okay. They turned on the news and Anya was shocked, to say the least.

"I wonder if everything will be okay," Yor said worryingly.

"I'm sure everything will be fine," Loid reassured his wife despite having doubts himself.

Anya excused herself to go upstairs. As she entered her room she slid down the door feeling tired. She hoped Becky was okay. She got up and swung around on her gamer chair before turning on the live T.V. on her computer because why not.

-

Damian wasn't sure what the hell just happened.

He was in Gym class enjoying his time with his friends trying to forget Anya and the fact that she didn't believe him or at least attempted to hear him out when suddenly a loud and gravelly voice rang out.

"SAM!!"

Damian, Emile, and Ewen looked up in horror to see a strange rock monster bust through the door and jump up only to land centimeters away from Sam who fell to the ground and began to crawl away, the monster followed behind. To say they booked it out of there would be an understatement. Damian was sure he didn't even change out of his Gym uniform- yeah he didn't he had it on right now.

He was at his house in his room. Very spacious by the way. He was more or less safe. He turned on the T.V. feeling curious.

-

Both teens suddenly noticed a very weird-looking box in front of them.

"What is this?" They both said in unison, in sync with the other.

Picking up the boxes they opened them and a respective red and green glow brightly shines causing them to cover their eyes.

-

Anya slowly opened her eyes, having been blinded by the strange red light. She looked up to see a strange being slowly opening its eyes. Anya bolted out of her seat and ran to the other side of the room. "What the fuck!?"

The being slowly flew around. "Hello, my name is Tikki!"

Anya eyed the creature clutching Chimera and slowly falling to the floor. She eyed the creature curiously from a strange angle. Tikki looked at her in confusion but figured this was her way of processing things. Anya got up and quickly got closer. "Woah are you real!?" She said in amazement.

Tikki giggled. "Very real! But there's no time!" Her tone changed in urgency. "Anya the world needs you right now!"

"What!?" Anya tilted her head in confusion.

"The rock creature currently destroying Berlint can only be stopped by the users of the Ladybug and Cat miraculous." Tikki began to explain. "When wearing the earrings they will grant you the power of creation."

Anya eyed the box in which two silver-colored earrings were in. She hesitantly grabbed them and put them on. They didn't feel weird and they looked nice. She smiled slightly. "So… what exactly are you?"

"I'm a kwami! The being that will grant you powers!" She explained happily.

Anya nodded so far understanding. "So what you're saying is I'm a hero now?" She said, trying to get the facts straight. Tikki nodded. "And my power is creation?"

"Yup."

Anya nodded. "Nice." She clicked her tongue.

Tikki sighed in relief, she was taking this better than she thought.

"Anything else I need to know?" Anya asked.

"Oh! Yes! You can only use your special power once, Lucky Charm! It grants you an item you can use that will help defeat the Akuma."

Anya nodded. "Alright, how do I transform?"

"You have to say Tikki spots on- but before you do! You must know that-"

"Tikki spots on!"

"WAIT NO- ANYA!"

Too late.

Anya was surrounded by a red bright light blinding her once again. When she was finally able to see she looked at herself in the mirror and gasped. She was wearing a red suit with black polka dots. Her signature horns are no longer there, instead just her twin buns being held by two long red ribbons. Her pink hair turned into a reddish hue with magenta tips at the end of her long hair. Her eyes were a lighter shade of green instead of her usual emerald green. Around her waist was a weapon of sorts. A yo-yo.

She grabbed it and twirled it around. "Huh, interesting." She opened a window ready to begin only to realize she didn't know what she was doing and she should have listened to Tikki some more. Shit, she's going to have to wing it then. She twirled the yo-yo and threw it blindly. It wrapped around a chimney. She pulled on it, seemed safe- "HOLY-!" And off she went.

-

When the green light disappeared Damian let out a scream as a weird black-looking creature was floating right in front of him. "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU!?" Is it a bug? He hates bugs!! He ducked behind his bed and started throwing random objects at it.

Random objects it was dodging with ease. "Woah calm down kid." The being looked around feeling hungry. "Got any food around here?"

Damian's mouth was wide open. "IT CAN TALK!?"

"Of course, I can talk, kid! I'm a kwami, the kwami of destruction." The being stated. It flew closer to Damian who recoiled. "I'm Plagg."

Damian held a pillow in front of his face, if he can't see it then it can't see him. That's totally how it works, yeah.

Plagg rolled his eyes. "Anyway there's no time, you need to go out there and save the world!"

Damian pulled down the pillow and looked at Plagg as if he grew two heads. "What!?"

Plagg sighed and began to explain what the rock monster was and how only he and some other user could defeat it. "The Cat miraculous grants the user the power of destruction."

Damian still wasn't following. "The what now?"

Plagg frowned and rolled his eyes once again in annoyance. "And I thought you were smart! But you're not very smart are you Damian?"

Now that caught his attention. "WOAH! How do you know my name?!" He pointed at him accusingly. Too fixated on that to be offended over being questioned about his intelligence.

Plagg glinted with amusement in his eyes. "I know everything about you, Damian." Well, almost everything.

"HOW!?" Damian had half a mind to not scream out to Jeeves. He wanted to, the temptation was real but he also couldn't help his ever-growing morbid curiosity about whatever is happening right now.

"No time! You have to go out and save the world!" Plagg was getting impatient. "Oh, but of course, I have to explain things. Firstly you can only use your special power once, Cataclysm, and secondly only you can break the object in which the Akuma resides." He felt proud of himself for that.

It seemed like the information finally clicked in Damian's brain. "I… I think I get it."

Plagg nodded and flew towards the box picking up the silver ring. "Good now wear this!"

Damian hesitated, he did but he grabbed it anyway against his will mind you. He wore it, a perfect fit. He kind of liked it but he wasn't about to admit it. "...What now?"

"You say the words Plagg claws out!"

"Really?" Damian wasn't sure about that. That sounded so embarrassing.

"You'll be fine Damian! Now quickly!"

He rolled his eyes, well there's a first for everything. "Plagg claws out."

Damian was surrounded by a bright green light. He didn't care he was being blinded again. When it dissipated he didn't feel any different except he seemed to be wearing some sort of suit. He walked over to the mirror and stared at himself. He looked pretty weird, he wouldn't be caught dead looking like this anywhere. His hair looked frenzied with green highlights at the tips and what he presumed were fake cat ears but they could be real for all he knew. His eyes now had cat-like slits to them. His costume was black (of course) but had a green claw-like pattern on his shoulder. His gloves had claws and his belt was around his waist. It was long which made it look like a tail. Nice. He also had bells on his wrists but he was going to conveniently ignore that. He grabbed the weapon that was on his belt and inspected it.

It was a baton.

Cool.

He didn't know what he did but it extended. "OH SHIT-" He quickly retracted it somehow before he could break anything.

Knock knock

"Master Damian?"

Oh, shit- "Yes?"

"Are you okay?"

"I'm okay!" He called out and waited for Jeeves to walk away. When he did he sighed in relief. He should probably get going, huh? He opened up a window. How does he even do this-

The baton extended, he held onto it as if his life depended on it. He was outside now.

Well okay, that was one way to do it.

He jumped towards the tree and retracted it back. Hearing the sounds of explosions he decides to follow them.

-

So Damian wasn't sure what he was doing but it felt nice. He was walking across between buildings over a trashed street below him with his baton. He had no idea how he was managing to balance himself like that but he wasn't going to question it. "I should really look for the Akuma-"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH-!"

He looked just in time to see a girl in a red suit crash land into him. They were both sent flying which entangled her yo-yo around them and around a streetlight causing them to dangle around in close proximity.

"Why hello there." She greeted.

"I'm going to assume you're my partner?"

She nodded.

He sighed.

They don't know how but they manage to untangle themselves and while the fall was anything but graceful at least they didn't hit their heads.

"Sorry, I'm a bit clumsy." Anya retracted her yo-yo feeling rather embarrassed.

Damian blew a strand of hair out of his face. "All good, I'm also learning the ropes."

Anya hummed and stared at the guy. He looked so cool and composed. "I'm Ladybug!" She introduced herself, extending her hand.

Damian thought for a bit before shaking her hand. "Black Cat."

"Woah, that's a cool name!" Ladybug said, admiration in her eyes.

Cat wasn't sure how to react to that. He scratched the back of his head nervously. "Th-Thanks, yours is cool too… I guess" What was wrong with him? Since when was he unable to take a simple compliment? He gets showered in them every day, especially with his side gig.

Ladybug twirled her yo-yo. "Thanks!"

BOOOOOM

Ah.

"That's the Akuma!" Cat began to run in the direction of the sound.

"Wait for me!" Ladybug followed behind.

-

The Akuma was thrashing around the city. Multiple streets, poles, and buildings were broken and the police force could barely do any damage to the guy. They kept shooting at him but it was pointless as damage only seemed to make it increase in size. It grabbed a police car and started throwing them around causing multiple explosions. The police chief ordered everyone to retreat. As he was running the Akuma threw a truck that barreled toward him at a rapid speed. He let out a scream. This is where I die!

However, a large baton came out of nowhere knocking the vehicle out of the way landing perfectly in a nearby parking spot.

"What the-" Before he could say anything a person in a black suit appeared.

"Might wanna leave this fight to us." He stated, getting into a battle position as the Akuma bellowed upon seeing the clad hero.

In his many years of service, he never thought he'd see such a sight, and yet here he was. He tipped his hat and booked it out of there faster than his brain could catch up to what he just witnessed.

Ladybug joined his side in the next second. "That was a close one, you're a really quick thinker Cat."

Cat smirked. "I try."

Ladybug assessed the situation, they were in the middle of a street and the Akuma was currently charging at them. Wait, it was what!?

"DODGE!"

She didn't need to be told twice. She practically dived to the side in a quick second as the Akuma's fist made contact with the concrete floor where Ladybug was once standing. She winced at that. Would have left a mark. It bellowed again, charging toward her like a maniac. She dodged it once, twice, three times for good measure and hit it with her yo-yo. Only for it to grow in size. "IT CAN GROW!?"

"Well shit."

Well shit indeed. Ladybug looked around trying to come up with a solution to their current predicament. Then she remembered Tikki's words about using her special power. She snapped her fingers which caught Cat's attention. "I should use my power!"

Cat raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't we wait first? It's a one-time use and we don't even know where it's Akuma is!" He dodged an incoming attack. He couldn't seem to stand still just enough to be able to look for it. Plagg's words are still in his mind. Only he could destroy the akumatized object.

Ladybug clicked her tongue. "Shoot, you're right." An oncoming vehicle was thrown her way but she wrapped her yo-yo around it and threw it in the other direction. The loud crash caused her to flinch. Well, there goes someone's brand new car. If the ribbon around it was anything to go by. "Hopefully they got car insurance on that."

Cat also winced. "Something tells me they don't." He didn't recognize that car. That totally wasn't Emile's birthday present. It didn't have insurance. He really should have gotten insurance sooner. For all his precautions a rock monster appearing and causing it to become collateral wasn't in anyone's mind.

"Well, that's a bummer." Ladybug dodged another fist coming her way. "We need to find the object!"

"I'm thinking! You should try that for once by the way!" Those words came out harsher than he intended for them to be.

"What!? Great now I'm stuck with another asshole!" Ladybug groaned, dodging a random trash can.

Cat paused. "Excuse me!?" He dodged a literal tree without looking at it.

Ladybug snorted. "You heard me." She stuck her tongue out.

He rolled his eyes. "How mature of you."

"Maybe you should try being more fun instead of being a stuck-up party pooper." Ladybug said in a mocking tone.

"Huh!? Our city is at stake here! Of course I'm going to be serious!!" He felt his face heat up in anger.

"Doesn't mean you can't have a bit of fun!" Ladybug grinned and wrapped her yo-yo around the Akuma and pulled trying to buy some time. "Use that head of yours!"

Cat was stunned, to say the least. Shaking his head he looked around. There was nothing honestly, he was purely made out of rock, no pockets no places to hide- nothing! What now? Ladybug won't be able to hold the Akuma off long enough for him to think. What does he do, what does he do!?

"CAT STOP OVERTHINKING!" Ladybug called out.

"Wha-" Cat blinked and stopped his train of thought. His eyes locked with Ladybug's for a second. For once he decided to throw logic out the window which wasn't an easy task for him. Okay, so nothing that could hold an Akuma so where else would the Akuma be? On his skin? No, it's all the same… on his- wait. "LADYBUG I GOT IT!" It was like a lightbulb went off inside his head.

"THANK FUCK!" She twisted her body with enough strength to send the Akuma flying down the street. She joined Cat by his side panting a little. "That was a fucking workout, anyway what you got for me?"

"It's in his fist!" He pointed out. Sure enough only one of his fists kept opening and closing while the other remained shut.

Ladybug's eyes shone. "Oh! I get it! You're so smart Kitty!"

Kitty!? He decided to ignore that nickname. He cleared his throat. "Yeah all we need to-"

"I got it!" Ladybug declared. "LUCKY CHARM!" She activated her power. Red little ladybug's showed up making an object which landed on her arms. She inspected it.

"Is that what I think it is?" Cat looked at the object incredulously.

Ladybug nodded and looked around. Her eyes landed on the Akuma walking towards them and then towards Cat. An idea formed slowly in her brain.

"What do we need a jar of marbles for? It's not like we're going to use them to play around." Cat wondered how effective Lucky Charm actually was.

Ladybug smirked, eyeing Cat with a rather dark-looking expression on her face.

"What?" Cat gulped as fear etched in his mind.

"Do you trust me?"

"Uh… not really but I'll tr-"

"DON'T QUESTION IT!!" She exclaimed as her yo-yo wrapped around his legs, closing them together. She began to spin him around and around while he screamed bloody murderer.

"THIS GIRL IS FUCKING CRAZY!!" He managed to scream out as he was thrown towards the direction of the Akuma who caught him with his open fist. "Fuck!" He was stuck in here. What the hell was her problem!?

Feeling a victory incoming, Ladybug twirled her yo-yo and set it back around her waist. "Catch me if you can!" She came running towards the Akuma ready to be captured.

WHAT IS SHE DOING- wait. His eyes went wide as he finally realized what her entire plan was. Sure enough, the Akuma opened his fist which caused a dark ball to be let go. The akumatized object!

Despite the tight spot she managed to spill the marbles on the floor below them causing the monster to start losing its balance and by default his concentration.

"Cat, use your baton!"

Oh! Thank god he had half a mind to set it in the right position for this. It was hard to move around but he managed to use his baton which can extend and thus free him, he felt himself getting loose. He definitely didn't forget that little detail, no. Falling to the floor he landed gracefully away from the spilled marbles running towards the object which smashed with ease with his baton. As soon as he did, a dark butterfly came fluttering out. The mist that had turned Leo earlier appeared, turning him back while also allowing Ladybug to be free. Thinking quickly she caught him and set him down.

The object itself turned back as well into a crumpled paper ball.

"WE DID IT!" She cheered and did a mini victory dance which looked pretty goofy.

Cat let out a laugh. "We could have used something else for that but I gotta admit you impressed me there."

Ladybug playfully rolled her eyes but winked at him. "Never underestimate me, Kitty." The jar of marbles she had received from her Lucky Charm turned into a flutter of mini ladybug's which disappeared into thin air along with the spilled marbles. Likely because it had already been used for its intended purpose.

"Ugh… what happened?" Leo clutched his head and looked up to see two people staring at him. "Who are you guys?"

Ladybug walked over to him. "Are you okay? Do you remember anything?" She asked worryingly. She didn't know the full story of an Akuma. She really should have listened to Tikki some more.

Leo shook his head. "No, I just remember getting sent to the principal's office and making my way there… it's all so dark and blurry."

Ladybug nodded, understanding his situation. She patted his shoulder to comfort him.

Cat walked over to the paper and opened it up. He was surprised at its contents.

How to fix everything:

1. Tell Anya that Damian is innocent

2. Apologize to Amanda for the misunderstanding

He looked at Leo with a solemn expression. He appreciated the fact that Leo wanted to clear his name and seemed to have some ongoing issues with Amanda. From what he remembers in Plagg's briefing about an Akuma they are caused by intense negative emotions. Leo must have been feeling extremely upset. Damian doesn't blame him, all that bullying, having issues and even more bullying is bound to make someone explode.

A perfect target for a super villain.

He walked over and gave Leo the piece of paper. "I know things might seem tough now but they'll get better I promise." He patted his shoulder with a smile.

Leo looked at the paper and then at Cat with a small smile of his own. "Thanks."

Ladybug watched in awe at the way Cat was able to comfort Leo. A smile appeared on her lips. "If you need help, always ask a trusted friend or adult in your life."

Leo nodded. "I will… thank you- uh…?"

"Ladybug."

"Black Cat."

"Thank you Ladybug and Black Cat."

Leo got up and slowly walked back, likely heading home for the day.

Seems the day was saved for now.

"Well, this is a mess." Ladybug looked around. Calling it a mess is an understatement.

"The mayor is going to have a field day." Cat snorted. Oh, he can already see his dad running around like a headless chicken over this new development.

Ladybug giggled. "Yup." There was a bit of silence before she grabbed her yo-yo. "Anyway, I should head back."

"Yeah, same." He grabbed his baton.

Before leaving, Ladybug turned back. "You know you're not so bad Kitty! I hope we can continue working together in the future."

Cat's eyes widened a bit before settling into a smile. "Thanks, you too Bug, see you around." And with that, he was off.

Ladybug also left the other direction.

Neither teen noticed a dark butterfly flying away perching itself on top of a building.

-

It was the next day.

Anya skipped to school feeling happy about her new secret identity. She's always admired superheroes so being able to be one and succeeding was something she never thought she'd experience.

"I never thought superheroes would just appear out of nowhere like that in Berlint!" Becky exclaimed as her eyes were shining in admiration. "Aw man Anya, I should have accompanied you to all those superhero movies." She whined feeling nothing but regret.

They walked into class and sat in their seats. Anya giggled. "We could go next week."

Becky cheered up instantly. "Yes!"

Both girls shared a laugh as a trio walked in and made their way towards their seats.

"I HAD NO INSURANCE!" Emile cried out which made Anya jump in her seat. She looked at him feeling guilty.

My bad.

"You really should have gotten it sooner, you're so dumb Emile." Damian sighed and shook his head.

"Yeah, what were you thinking?" Ewen said in agreement.

Emile grabbed his head, almost pulling his hair. "I don't know!! It's not like a super evil monster trashing my car was on the list of possibilities!" Well he had a point there. "Anyway, you guys see the new superheroes? They're so cool!" Despite his trashed car, he likes the fact that they have superheroes now.

Ewen nodded eagerly. "So cool! Man, that cat-like hero is so cool!" He pulled up a photo that was taken from far away.

Damian blushed slightly. "Really? Yeah, he seems cool." He looked the other way hoping nobody could see his growing blush.

"Super! With his baton and shit!" Emile made a small demonstration earning him a laugh from Ewen while Damian tried not to combust in his seat.

"Yeah, sure he's cool and all but what about the girl! She's super, super cool!" Becky exclaimed, interjecting herself into the conversation.

Anya blushed slightly as well, slowly nodding. "Super cool!"

Emile huffed. "Yeah but the cat hero is better!"

"Yeah what even is the girl supposed to be?" Ewen said with his arms crossed.

Damian felt a migraine incoming.

"A ladybug you idiots!" Becky growled and looked at them as if they were the dumbest things on earth. "And you guys are supposed to be geniuses." She rolled her eyes.

"Hey!" They exclaimed in unison feeling offended.

"Come on guys, let's not fight, we can like them equally," Anya said, trying to settle them down.

"Yeah, she's right," Damian responded, albeit too quickly. "Just admire the fact that we have superheroes now."

There was a bit of silence. Emile and Ewen nodded to each other agreeing with Damian like always. Becky merely raised a brow while Anya wasn't sure how to feel about Damian agreeing with her. It felt like a trap somehow. But before her questions could be answered the boy of the hour Leo walked in and froze seeing everyone staring at him. He took off his earbud and swallowed.

"Morning." He muttered and walked towards his desk only to be shooed away. "Huh? I sit here."

"Not anymore."

"Yeah, we don't want a weirdo like you sitting here."

"Yeah, you'll probably kill us."

Leo fought back his tears. It's not like he meant to! He doesn't even remember what happened or when he took on the supposed rock monster form that destroyed half of Berlint downtown. He can't remember shit and yet he's being ostracized for it. "I don't even remember what happened!" He pleaded, surely someone will understand and believe him.

"Yeah, sure it's not like you didn't try to kill me." Sam sneered, he didn't know how but he managed to run away from him.

Leo was about to run away when a hand was placed on his shoulder. He looked over to see Anya giving him a look before glaring at everyone else.

"You guys all fucking suck." Not even caring that she was cursing in school she got up from her desk and looked at everyone with hands on her hips. "How fucking dare you all say that shit to Leo! It could have been any of you!" She pointed toward everyone. She was positively seething.

"There's a super villain out there that can target people and you guys are sitting here making Leo feel bad over being MIND CONTROLLED when it could have easily been any of you! And don't act innocent Sam, we all know you're a piece of shit on a good day." She glared at the boy who merely scoffed and looked elsewhere. That guy was a known bully since middle school.

"Anya is right!"

What-

"Boss?"

Damian hadn't realized he spoke up. All eyes were on him and he couldn't help but feel self-conscious about it. Regardless he carried on. "Sam has been nonstop bullying Leo since we started school and nobody but Anya and I have been checking up on him and looking out for him and his well-being."

With that declaration, Anya's eyes went wide. She had no idea Damian was sticking up for him. Then again they had some classes together which would make sense how she wouldn't have noticed.

Leo felt like he wanted to cry.

"So I suggest everyone here shuts their fucking mouth and instead make Leo feel welcomed." With that, he sat back down not leaving room for debate or any sort of rebuttal. Leo was allowed to sit back down on his seat.

Just in time too as Mr. Henderson walked in to begin class.

-

Leo was in a corner listening to some music and writing it down in his notebook. It was lunchtime. He was concentrating on writing down a whole list of things to do and speech so he wouldn't mess up.

"Leo?"

"Huh?" Leo looked up to see Anya looking down at him. He took off his earbuds to acknowledge her.

"Are you okay?"

Leo nodded. "Yeah more or less." He still felt like shit. Sure his classmates weren't being dicks but the rest of the school wasn't exactly being the best.

Anya hummed and then looked at his notebook. "Whatcha writing." She inquired.

Leo blushed. "Oh, nothing just…" He trailed off.

"About Amanda?" Anya playfully wiggled her hands. It took her a bit but thanks to Becky she knew Leo liked Amanda. Whatever happened between them she hopes to fix it.

"...That obvious?" He muttered while covering his face in embarrassment.

"More or less but hey that's so cute! I'm sure she feels the same way!" Anya said encouraging him.

Leo merely shook his head. "Nah I fucked it up. I tried confessing but it came out all wrong because I'm dumb and now she hates me."

Oh.

Anya gave him a sympathetic look. "I understand but you shouldn't give up! Try to find a way to open up to her, tell her you guys had a misunderstanding, and to give you a chance to hear you out." She grinned.

Leo only sighed. "I don't know, I mean Sam put chewing gum on your chair, and yet when Damian was trying to explain it wasn't him you didn't even believe him." Leo abruptly got up. "Thanks anyway, Anya." He left without waiting for a response from her.

Anya stood there stunned over what Leo had mentioned. Damian didn't do it? What?? She looked at his retreating figure questioning herself. She walked back to her table with Becky in the courtyard with the weight of Leo's words on her shoulder. She wasn't given much time to process it when Becky let out a loud gasp that got everyone's attention.

"Anya look!" She shoved her phone into Anya's face.

Anya grabbed it and stared at the new recording of multiple rock monsters throughout Berlint. Her eyes were wide in horror as she stood up feeling her entire world come crashing down in that instant. "What!?"

Becky grabbed her phone back also looking worried. "Seems our heroes still have their work cut out for them, they're completely stationary and the police fear they'll start moving at any moment." She began to explain as she kept watching the video of the newsfeed.

All Anya could feel was absolute dread. Did I fail!? What did I do wrong?! She felt her throat close in and her breathing getting shorter and more difficult. Shit, shit, shit! Her knees became wobbly and her body felt cold. She could hear someone calling her name but she couldn't tell. She messed up, she messed up, she's a failure. Cat was right, she should have taken this more seriously.

"Anya!"

She blinked, her eyes getting glossy. Her arm was being held by Damian. Wait… Damian!? "Huh? What…?" She felt disoriented.

"Anya are you okay?" He asked in concern.

Such a tone she never thought she'd hear from him of all people. "Ye-Yeah." She slowly sat back down. She hadn't even noticed Becky was holding her other hand looking at her in worry.

"What happened?" Damian asked Becky, seeing as Anya probably won't say anything.

Becky showed him the newsfeed. "I think she got scared because of this. But it's alright Anya! Our new heroes will surely save the day." She rubbed Anya's hand in circles trying to comfort her.

Damian stared at the newsfeed in horror. He was sure he destroyed the object! So what the hell happened!? He looked at Anya and seeing her haunting expression caused his heart pain. He didn't like that. He was supposed to protect Berlint and by default Anya and yet he failed. "I need to go." He placed Becky's phone in her hand and quickly made haste for the bathroom. Once in he looked to make sure he was alone and locked himself in one of the stalls. "Shit, shit, shit! I failed!"

Plagg came out of his hiding spot. "You didn't fail kid! You guys just forgot to purify the Akuma."

Damian looked shocked. "Purify the Akuma!?"

Plagg nodded. "Only Ladybug can purify the Akuma." He explained.

Wait… only Ladybug? Oh no, she must have forgotten! "Shit if I had known I could have reminded her! This is all my fault." He shoved his hands in his hair as his whole body began to shake feeling nothing but panic and a sense of failure.

"Woah, kid! Are you SERIOUSLY blaming yourself? It was just an accident, you guys are first-timers there's no way to do everything perfectly." Plagg said, attempting to calm Damian down.

"You don't understand-"

"No, I do Damian! Trust me, don't blame yourself for a mistake. If you feel this way, imagine how Ladybug must feel right now." Plagg crossed his arms. It would have been a funny scene if the situation wasn't so serious.

Damian could imagine she was probably devastated and feeling worthless. He would feel that way, he does feel that way. They're partners now, he should have informed himself better. He never comes underprepared, he studies and works until his mind goes numb. Ready for any kind of scenario, ready for any surprise test. Ready for anything! If Ladybug wasn't aware he should have been the one to know and remind her. She was confident I could find the akumatized object. She put herself in harm's way over it too.

Stupid.

Stupid.

Stupid.

-

Fucking.

IDIOT!

Tikki flew around Anya frantically. "Anya, it's okay! It was a simple mistake, all you have to do is-"

"No! Had I just listened to your instructions instead of diving head first I would have known I had to purify the Akuma!" Anya hit her head against the wall feeling like a useless hero. "Now all of Ostania is in trouble and it's my fault! I failed everyone, my parents, Becky and I even failed Cat! He probably thinks I'm super worthless now." Anya slid down the wall and hugged her knees against her chest as tears began to fall.

Tikki tried and failed to calm down her chosen. She was trying to think of words of encouragement but wasn't sure what to say. For once in her immortal lifetime, she was at a loss for words. "Anya."

"I can't do this."

"Anya don't! It was a simple mistake!" Tikki began to panic as Anya was getting close to undoing her earrings. "Anya-!"

Anya looked at her earrings and sighed. "Tikki I- Tikki? Tikki?!" She looked around. Tikki was nowhere to be found.

Oh.

She looked at her earrings and held them close to her chest.

-

"I'm going to be late now," Amanda said, trying to wipe the water off her hands. As she stepped out she was greeted by Leo standing in the doorway. She let out a scream.

"Amanda!"

"Uh…"

"I wanted to talk to you because, uh, I want-"

"Leo, you're scaring me."

He paused. "I… I am!?" He took a step back.

"You just do these random things and they scare me. If you hate me so much, why don't you just leave me alone?" Amanda stepped forward pushing him away from the door and running off towards her class.

"Wait-! Ugh, who am I fucking kidding!" He threw his backpack to the ground aggressively and fell to his knees. I fucked up again!

-

"There it is."

"Such a strong negative emotion."

"Time to wake up my little Akuma."

-

The Akuma found its way into the school this time akumatizing the paper on Leo's hand. The one he had written out and rehearsed.

"Stoneheart."

"This is your second chance to make things right and settle it all once and for all."

"But in return…"

An image of a pair of earrings and a ring appeared.

"Yes, Hawk Moth." As the mist enveloped Leo the Stonehearts that were idle came to life in that instant causing nearby citizens to flee for their lives.

-

"That concludes today's lesson, any questions?"

Silence.

"No? Okay so for today's homework-"

BOOM

SMAAASH

"AMANDA!"

A collective of screams could be heard throughout the classroom as some ran out for their lives and others ducked into their seats trying to not be seen. Some even managed to drag out Henderson to save him. Stoneheart grabbed Amanda who let out an ear piercing scream. Becky watched in horror as it all went down in front of her.

"Amanda!" She tried to reach out but it was too late.

"LEO WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?" She screamed.

"I'm not Leo, I'm Stoneheart, I'm doing this for your sake!" Stoneheart smashed a hole through the wall and jumped off into the ongoing traffic from below. The remaining students booked it out the door without hesitation.

Anya let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and slowly got up from her desk. This is all my fault.

"Ewen, Emile, get out of here!"

"What!? What about you Damian??"

"I'll be fine just go!"

They didn't want to leave him alone but with a heavy heart, Ewen and Emile ran out of the classroom honoring the request of their best friend.

Damian turned to Anya and Becky. "Yo Blackbell take Forger and get out!"

"Huh!? Why are you barking orders?" Becky hissed.

Damian rolled his eyes. "Just leave!"

With a grumble, she grabbed her stuff along with Anya's and tried to drag her out.

"Wait- Damian-!"

"I'll be fine! Go!" He called out.

What? Why is he-!?

Anya was out the door unable to see what he planned on doing. She followed Becky blindly outside the school. Everything was in absolute chaos.

"Just wait here while I call for Martha!" Becky frantically grabbed her phone and walked around finding a quiet place as there was nothing but screams, the sounds of sirens and explosions going off at once.

Anya felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. She wanted to run back in and grab Damian, what was he doing staying in there? Was he making sure everyone evacuated? Despite not having powers like her he was still managing to be more of a hero than she was. How ironic. She felt pathetic. She reached towards her backpack fishing out the earrings.

What should she do?

-

"Why did you get everyone out?" Plagg asked questioningly.

Damian smirked. "Because we have a duty to attend to."

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, but you could have just- you know, left and transformed in the lockers."

"But where's the fun in that? Besides, there's a perfectly nice hole in the wall to jump out of." Damian pointed towards the giant hole left behind by Stoneheart.

Plagg felt nothing but confusion. "Woah there what happened to you? Thought you were down in the dumps."

"I was but… the world needs me and-"

"Is this because you thought Anya was getting kidnapped?" Plagg said remembering how Stoneheart got rather close to Anya but mainly because he was after Amanda who was sitting at her table next to Becky and the look of horror on his chosen's face said more than a thousand words ever could.

"NO!" He blushed deep red.

Plagg snorted. "It's alright kid, your secret's safe with me."

Damian grumbled. "Whatever, Plagg claws out!"

-

Anya noticed a black figure jumping from roof to roof. Cat! He was on the move and she was just… standing there like an idiot. She noticed Ewen and Emile talking to Becky. They all had worried expressions. It seems they were waiting for Damian to come out but she has yet to see him emerge from the building. Was he okay? She clutched her head. No time for that! Cat was out there fighting on his own and- UGH!

She ran off.

Unbeknownst to her, she didn't notice three figures running off behind her.

Anya frantically looked around trying to pinpoint the fight. The explosions weren't helping, they were useless. Surely the real Stoneheart is around here somewhere. Sure enough, she managed to locate Stoneheart and Cat fighting in the distance. He was doing a good job dodging all the oncoming vehicles being thrown his way. He expanded his baton and hit Stoneheart which caused him to grow even bigger.

"FUCK I FORGOT YOU CAN DO THAT!!"

Anya would have laughed if this wasn't a serious situation.

"ANYA!" Three voices called out to her.

Her blood ran cold. "GUYS!?" What are they doing here? Thank fuck she didn't transform.

"What are we doing here? What are YOU doing here?! This is a war zone!" Becky exclaimed looking at all the rubble around them. There were even broken buildings.

"Yeah what the hell? What even is- oh shit!" Emile pointed towards the fight.

Anya turned just in time to see Cat dodging an attack. He was all alone while she was still standing here like an idiot. She could see the clones walking toward them. They were trying to surround him! Oh no.

"WATCH OUT!" Ewen called out.

"Wha-" Before he could acknowledge the warning Cat got punted towards a building.

Anya and Co winced in pain at that.

Anya ran towards the scene ignoring all the calls to her name. Whatever it doesn't matter, this was her fault, her mess! She needed to fix this. Stoneheart grabbed a truck and threw it over her head. HA! You missed- wait-! She gasped. "BECKY, EWEN, EMILE, NOOOO!!" In slow motion, she watched as all three could only stand frozen in fear as a truck was coming barreling towards them at full speed. It wasn't a 'this is going to hurt' moment it was a 'we're going to die moment' and all Anya could do was watch as her best friend and classmates got squashed to death. It was all her fault. It was all my fault. "NO! SOMEONE PLEASE-!" Anya instinctively closed her eyes. She couldn't bear to watch their final moments. The look of horror on their pale complections. Even after the loud crash, she didn't dare open her eyes. She hadn't even noticed Stoneheart was long gone. Tears ran down her cheeks as she fell to her knees letting out a loud broken sob. It's all my fault, it's all my-

"Anya."

She felt a soft pair of hands lift her without issues. "Eh?" Slowly opening her eyes she looked up to see herself being held by Cat. He was smiling at her.

What?

She frantically looked over to see the truck was split in half with Becky, Ewen, and Emile completely intact hugging each other, screaming and crying in pure joy and relief. She wasn't dreaming, right? She pinched herself much to Cat's amusement and soon found herself sobbing again. Cat saved them, he saved them. They're okay! They're okay! Anya wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

He cradled her in his arms letting her cry out until she couldn't anymore. "Shh, it's alright Anya, everything is going to be okay."

Anya looked at him and their eyes locked.

Badum badum

Ah.

"Uh… I should… really go huh?" Anya began to laugh nervously. Her 180 sudden mood change completely took Cat by surprise. "You have a monster to take on and-" She quickly freed herself from his totally not comforting and nice touch. Nope.

Cat blinked and blinked again. "Uh… yeah…" He trailed off and cleared his throat. "Right, see you, get to safety!" He quickly got out of there towards where Stoneheart had run off too.

Anya took in a deep breath and ignored her increasingly annoying beating heart. Quickly ducking towards an alleyway she shook her head and put on her earrings which in turn resummoned Tikki.

"I knew you'd change your mind!"

Anya gave a quick nod with a slight smile. "It's time to fix this mess! Tikki spots on!" Satisfied with her transformation she swung her yo-yo towards a building and began to glide around trying to find Stoneheart or Cat. She felt like spiderman in a way as it was exhilarating as the wind hit her face. Spotting them she arrived just in time to save Cat from being surrounded. "GOING IN!" She let out a war cry as she dropped in the middle to stand side by side with Cat.

"There you are!" Cat narrowed his eyes. "What took you so long!"

Ladybug averted her gaze. "Stuff happened and…" She trailed off remembering what just happened a few minutes ago.

Cat's gaze softened. "It's alright Bug we can fix this." He was under the impression she was being hard on herself over forgetting to purify the Akuma.

She was but what happened after would simply… not go away. She nodded. "Right." It was time to be serious.

Stoneheart had managed to make his way towards the tallest building in Berlint. Amanda is still in his hand begging to be let go. The scene almost reminded everyone of King Kong except Ann was fine being held by him. The policemen were demanding he let her go but all they got in response were grunts and screams. The rest of the clones began to gather around. They were prepared to shoot but no matter what they did they couldn't hurt him. Physical attacks will only make him grow. Ladybug and Cat landed nearby trying to make sense of the whole ordeal. How to save Leo and Amanda and purify the Akuma.

"I think I got a plan." Ladybug twirled her yo-yo.

"Glad to know you have your A-game on," Cat said jokingly.

She snickered and winked. "Of course Kitty, I'm going to be serious for once."

They ran to the scene and stopped in front of the police force, surprising everyone around them. Ladybug stared up at the building feeling scared.

"What are you guys doing here!?" The police chief said.

"Stopping Stoneheart," Cat said as if it was so obvious you'd need to be living under a rock to not know such simple information.

The police chief didn't take offense to that, no. "Well, you can't be here! Leave it to the professionals since you two clearly can't finish the job right." He sneered at them. Yes, a grown man was being petty to two teenagers. One could excuse him that he doesn't know their age but still, he was supposed to be the mature one here.

Regardless, Ladybug felt like he was right. Had she just done the job correctly they wouldn't be here. "I…" She averted her gaze.

"Don't listen to him, Bug." Cat grabbed her hand with a light squeeze. "Let's show them we can do a way better job than them." He flashed her a toothy grin.

Ladybug giggled letting out a small sigh feeling a lot better. "Thanks, Kitty." Taking a deep breath she was about to explain her thought process when suddenly a bunch of dark clouds gathered around where Stoneheart was located. A huge butterfly-like being took shape. "What the-"

The news crew started filming as soon as they arrived panning out towards the being. Everyone at home watched with bated breaths.

"Greetings citizens of Berlint, Ostania."

"I am Hawk Moth here to declare war on Ladybug and Black Cat."

"If you want this all to stop I would consider turning yourselves."

"Haven't the wonderful citizens of Berlint suffered enough?"

There was a pause.

Everyone anticipating some sort of movement from the heroes or the new villain Hawk Moth.

" Pfft-"

Everyone turned toward the heroes.

Who immediately burst out laughing.

"What the-?" The police chief said as he watched the two teens practically double over in laughter.

"Holy shit that's a good one!" Ladybug slapped her knee. The camera crew was practically sobbing at their loss of revenue with that curse being dropped.

Cat clapped. "Wow, that's so evil." He said sarcastically.

"Oh man, I'm so evil." Ladybug began to mock his voice.

"I'm giving an evil villain speech blaming the heroes even though none of this would have happened had I not decided to send out an Akuma." Cat continued the mocking.

They… had a point.

Hawk Moth was completely silent. When he expected the heroes to show up he didn't expect these kinds of heroes. He was at a loss for words that he was afraid to even utter another word.

"You-"

"Nah this ain't it." Ladybug twirled her yo-yo and swung it towards the building. "We're stopping you no matter what!"

Cat followed behind her. "No matter what we won't back down from the fight!"

"WE'LL PROTECT BERLINT FROM YOU!" The two said in unison as they made it to the top.

The clouds dissipated and all that was left was Stoneheart and the stunned populace of Berlint who were watching from their homes. Some cheers erupted from how cool the heroes looked.

"He really high-tailed it out of here." Ladybug noted with a snicker.

"I mean who wouldn't," Cat said, playing around with his baton.

Stoneheart let out a bellow while calling forth all of his clones who began to climb the building. As they did, bits and pieces of the building were coming off and being destroyed.

Cat whistled while watching the scene below. "We'll have a lot of company soon."

"Right." Ladybug charged toward Stoneheart.

"They'll take away your loved one from you, don't let them Stoneheart!"

"I won't!" Stoneheart declared as he began to smash his fist against the roof trying to land a blow on Ladybug who dodged with ease having already memorized his attacks from yesterday's encounter. His fist was opening and closing, something she noted.

She did a couple of flips and landed next to Cat. "The Akuma is with Amanda."

Cat nodded. "Noted." He got into a battle stance as Stoneheart was ready to pummel them with a barrage of fists. "How do we separate them?"

Ladybug looked for a solution. A lightbulb went off inside her head. "What if we don't." A mischievous look on her face appeared.

Cat didn't like where this was going. "What are you planning?" He asked wearily.

Ladybug grinned. "Just trust me!"

"No!"

"Just trust me, Kitty!"

Cat groaned loudly.

The barrage commenced doing their best to dodge all the incoming attacks. The clones finally made it up, making it difficult to dodge and weave through the chaos that Stoneheart was causing. The building wobbled below them. Cat was the first to notice the roof was coming undone.

"We need to hurry!" Urgency laced in his tone as he dodged another attack.

"LUCKY CHARM!" Activating her power she received a parachute in return. "Cat cover me!" She yelled out. He nodded and began to distract and lure the clones away from her. Ladybug wrapped her yo-yo around Stoneheart and the fist holding Amanda. With a smirk, she pulled the string causing them to get closer. At their sudden contact, Stoneheart let go of Amanda landing on the unstable roof safe from harm. And so did the akumatized object.

Noticing this Cat extended his baton on the ground propelling himself upwards away from the clones and towards the black ball. He smashed the akumatized object freeing the Akuma. "LADYBUG!"

Ladybug twirled her yo-yo ready to capture it when her footing suddenly became unstable. Unfortunately, it wasn't just the roof coming down but the entire building. With a gasp, she quickly captured the Akuma as she ran towards Amanda and a normal Leo who was disoriented. "Gotcha!" She let a triumphant smirk grace her features before she noticed the building tipping over. "OH SHIT-!" She ran towards the pair and wrapped her yo-yo around them once again bringing them close. Now she knew why she needed the parachute! She put it on and jumped off the building. As she did it started to fall off. Debris fell as it did. Everyone ran around away from the falling building as she undid the parachute while still holding the pair who were mutually hugging. It would have been a sweet scene had an ominous shadow not loomed over her. She looked up and gasped. A giant loose wall was about to fall on her and the pair. Shit! She looked around frantically thinking of an idea. Think! Think!

"CATACLYSM!!"

The wall disintegrated into dust and behind it revealed Black Cat who had used his power on it giving Ladybug a thumbs up.

"Nice!!" She laughed.

He seemed fine as he jumped between the falling debris and landing on the roof of a nearby building. Ladybug and the pair managed to land far away from that chaos. She undid her yo-yo string and opened the compartment where she captured the Akuma. Instead of a black butterfly, it was a white one. "See ya little butterfly." She waved goodbye. The parachute disappeared from her back. Shortly after Cat landed beside her giving each other a silent congratulations.

They watched as Amanda and Leo talked out their problems.

"I really thought you hated me." Amanda looked at the ground.

"No! I… I'm just bad at talking and when I tried to explain things it came out wrong or it just wouldn't come out at all-" Leo groaned. "I'm sorry Amanda I… I really care about you."

Amanda smiled and jumped on him. "I really care about you too." She giggled. "I'm also sorry for not hearing you out properly."

Leo sighed in relief. "It's alright." The two stayed there in silence hugging each other.

Ladybug sighed in adoration. "So cute!"

"Glad they cleared up the misunderstanding," Cat noted with a slight smile.

Ladybug nodded. "Yeah, it really sucks when misunderstandings happen."

"Tell me about it, things would be better if people just heard the other out instead of assuming," Cat said, sounding rather bitter. The memory of Anya not believing him is still present in his mind. It still hurts.

Ladybug looked at him with wide eyes. Feeling guilty as an image of Damian flashed in her mind and Leo's words. Had she just listened to Damian properly… she shook her head. "Well, it seems our duty is finally done." She lifted her fist.

Cat raised a brow. "Fist bump?"

"Fist bump!"

They bumped fists. "Good job!" They said in unison.

A pause ensued followed by laughter.

"That was bad." Ladybug said between giggles.

"Yeah, we should work on that." Cat wiped a tear from his eye.

Ladybug fiddled around. "Say, Kitty…"

"What's up, Bug?"

"Do you-" beep beep , she let out a gasp. "Uh oh." Whatever that is, it didn't sound good.

"That's all the time we have left it seems." Cat chuckled just as a similar beep could be heard from his ring.

Ladybug felt a wave of disappointment hit her. "Will I ever see you again?" She covered her mouth. She didn't mean to say that out loud, oh god.

Cat snorted. "Of course Bug, we're partners now, and as long as Hawk Moth is still around it seems we're stuck with each other." He said attempting a joke but it sounded more like a fact.

With a grin, Ladybug nodded and turned around hiding her small blush. "You're right, see ya around Kitty!"

"See you around Bug!"

The two heroes disappeared into the sunset in different directions.

-

"And so the day was saved thanks to Ladybug and Black Cat!" Becky declared as she stood on her desk. Clapping ensued followed by confetti from Ewen and Emile.

Anya laughed cheerfully and hugged Becky tightly when she sat back down in her seat. "I thought I almost lost you!"

Becky patted her back. "I know… I thought I almost lost myself too."

Anya hit her shoulder playfully. The girls shared a laugh. "So…" She nudged Becky. "You, Ewen, and Emile are friends now huh?"

Becky shrugged. "More or less, near-death experiences kinda fucks with you like that you know?" Becky let out a snort. "They're not that bad anyway."

Anya grinned. "I'm glad you guys are getting along." She was happy it seems a truce was now established between the five.

Damian walked in and was tackled by Ewen and Emile who cried out for him. She was also relieved to see him. She was wondering where he went right after the whole ordeal from yesterday. He must have left and gone home when she started chasing after Cat and Stoneheart.

"BOSS!!!"

"BOSSMAN!!!!"

"I'M SO GLAD YOU GUYS ARE OKAY!!!"

All three were practically bawling their eyes out. Anya never expected to see Damian crying like that. She's seen him cry before though. The crying session was short-lived as Henderson walked in immediately quieting everyone.

-

The sound of thunder could be heard. The rain began pouring down without mercy as students began to leave for the day. Damian stood by the door grumbling. He had forgotten his damn umbrella. Had he known there was a chance for rain he really would have brought one. Seems lately he doesn't think about every possibility these days. His mind became clearer and free from dumb intrusive thoughts. One thing never changed though and that was the fact that he still felt hurt. Despite Becky and his friends now getting along it didn't mean he and Anya did.

He sighed.

Anya walked up and noticed Damian by the door. "Oh hey, Damian."

At the sound of his name being uttered by a familiar sweet voice, he turned around so quickly it gave him whiplash. "An-Anya!?" He mentally facepalmed.

"Hey." She gave him a smile that could rival the sun.

He quickly covered his blushing face. "Hey."

Anya fidgeted around with her umbrella. "Say about the gum incident." She opened it and held it over her head. "Leo told me everything and I'm sorry for not hearing you out." She looked down sadly.

Staring at her in surprise Damian was sure he couldn't form words properly as his mouth kept opening and closing.

"It's okay if you don't-"

"NO!" His mouth clamped shut as Anya looked at him with wide eyes at his sudden out burst. He quickly composed himself. "Sorry! I mean- I- I wanted to tell you but…" He let out a sigh.

Anya understood. "I know and I'm sorry."

"I forgive you, Anya." He said feeling nothing but relief.

The bright smile she gave him was worth all the pain. "Okay!" She let out a victory noise. The rain began to pour harder. She noticed her bus was almost here but Damian's ride wasn't. "Say you are walking home or…?"

Damian shrugged. "At this point probably." The driver was late. Could be his dad was attending an important matter. Like always.

Anya nodded and handed her umbrella over to Damian. "Here you go." She smiled at him like always. It was her normal smile he had grown accustomed to. The one she'd give to all her friends.

And yet to Damian, it felt different. Even as the sound of thunder ran in the background and the pouring rain made white noise in the silence. Anya handing over her umbrella was just so… so Anya. It was like he had been given a reminder of why he had fallen for this girl.

He had it bad.

Pretty bad.

He took her umbrella shakily, their fingers connecting briefly which was enough to send shivers down his spine. They stared at each other in comfortable silence. Until the umbrella came undone draping all over Damian. Anya let out a laugh at the unexpected moment. Damian groaned as he fixed it but catching a glimpse of Anya's big smile and the sound of her beautiful laughter was enough to wash away any annoyance he might have felt. It was so infectious too.

"My bus is almost here." She noted.

Damian was sad to see her go. "Right." He stepped aside.

Anya grabbed a random textbook and placed it over her head. But before she could descend the stairs she turned to Damian one last time. "Are we friends now?" She asked, feeling hopeful.

It took a bit for the words to register in Damian's mind. He once again hadn't expected it. "Ye-Yeah of course." He covered his blush again although it was futile as his entire face was red all the way to his ears.

Anya gave him a thumbs up. "Alright! See you tomorrow Sy-on boy." She waved him goodbye.

"See you tomorrow Anya." He waved back and then paused. Wait, Sy-on boy!? Oh god, not that cute nickname again!! He was red once again.

As Anya walked to her stop a soft giggle could be heard from her backpack. "That was so kind of you Anya." Tikki emerged briefly.

"It was nothing." She waved it off before a smile graced her features without trying to. "I'm glad we're friends now." She boarded the bus as soon as it arrived.

Meanwhile, Damian was combusting. "Oh god, I'm glad nobody can see me right now."

"The first step to getting the girl is to befriend her." Plagg snickered as Damian glared at him.

"Shut up Plagg." Despite his annoyance, he had a smile on his face. The two bickered a bit before Damian walked off towards the direction of his house.

An old man was in the distance observing the two teens.

"You chose wisely Master Shu. They seemed like a perfect pair, completely in sync."

Shu nodded. "Of course, it was years in the making after all."

….

WOOOOO

HELL YEAH

Man you all have no idea how long this fic took and how much work went into editing as best as I could

I don't have a beta reader so I do everything myself

It probably still has errors somewhere that I missed or something lol

But man this project is HUGE, MASSIVE

If the word count is anything to go by lol

But yeah so this all started when I saw fan art of Anya as sailor moon and Damian as tuxedo mask (I think that's his name lol)

And I thought of a magical girl AU lol

But I have absolutely no knowledge of sailor moon, shocker I know lmao

And while I could have gone an original route I didn't really know what I wanted to go for

Until I thought of miraculous that is!

I thought it would be nice to see them in this universe

I adored the show when it had 2 seasons at the time, it went downhill after season 3

It was a wasted concept

Its sorta getting better with season 5 but imma be honest I'm skeptical at this point

So here's also my self indulging in a sorta rewrite of the series

I'm not gonna claim to be an expert or better

This is just my thoughts and ideas

Also a note

Altho this is obvious

Damianya will NOT be like adrienette

Ever

Simply because they're too different

And damianya is better obviously lmao

I also doubt I'll introduce love rivals like how miraculous had luka and kagami

I might do OCs similar to them for their respective episodes/chapters but I doubt they'll be love rivals

Idk we'll see what the future holds

Hope you all enjoy this wacky idea!

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Gloomy Weather