You, Me and Humanity

by Somewhere-Out-Here

She has created life. And he is not even aware, that he is no human... Not aware, yet. For he thrives to learn, to find friends, has fallen for that girl with blue eyes and black hair. He is one of the two heroes, who protect this city. But soon he will realize, that there is so much more to his existence, than he is aware off. A collection of stories about one Sentimonster Adrien.

2. Back Then

A/N: As I said before:

There will be a little surprise down below:D

Back Then

"Of course - a human is different from any animal, that we know!"

There were only something like ten minutes left, before school would end for the day, and yet the whole class was trapped in this huge, ethical discussion about the current topic:

Humanity.

Normally they would be discussing the current piece of literature, that laid in front of them and yet - in some strange ways - the book's existence was forgotten- even for the teacher. At least for now and today.

"Many animals can feel compassion and empathy - things, that many so-called humans are not capable off!"

But Marinette barely paid it any attention. Tiredness clung to her bones and occupied her whole being. Last night's fight had been ugly, dragging out for far too many hours and until 5 in the morning, and now she tried her very best to not fall asleep on the spot.

Thankfully she had Alya by her side — very aware of her dilemma- who would nudge her best friend from time to time, if the girl's eyes would dare to close for far too long. Smiling knowingly, patting her knee, her shoulder, her hand with a reassuring nod.

Therefore, she was barely following class, knowing, that she could get Alya's notes to copy them, once the day was over. Rather she was scribbling away a few designs, that came to her mind - just beside her notes she had stopped writing a long, long time ago. Her sketches were nothing special, either - but it was enough to keep her distracted for the moment and that kept her busy for now. With this lack of sleep she didn't feel like discussing this topic any way - her fellow students did a brilliant job, instead.

"Technically we are animals, aren't we?", came a voice from behind her, but she had barely given any attention to it.

"I am no animal!" Of course Chloé had a saying about that as well, crossing her arms in front of her chest, raising her nose a little higher. "I am a human through and through!"

"Then perhaps we should think about differentiating these two further - animals and humans. What sets us apart from animals and proofs Mademoiselle Bourgeois' statement?"

The teacher scribbled something on the black board behind them - when Marientte looked up from her sketches, she could see the question of 'What makes us human?' in big, bold letters.

Alya's hand went immediately up, as did a few others around her.

"A human being is capable of understanding symbols. Like drawings, letters, numbers, signs…"

"Very good!", the teacher praised, writing it down behind him with a few words, while Nino turned around to give his girlfriend a proud smile and thumbs up. "Adrien?"

"A human is capable of understanding the meaning behind past, present and future."

"Excellent answer."

Marinette's eyes briefly wandered away from the pieces of paper again, finding the mop of blond hair in front of her far too easily. Of course - Adrien was on top of his class. Every class! His answers had to be spectacular, like everything else he-

Marinette hurriedly gulped down that heavy lump in her throat, again, as she felt her heart beating madly within her chest. So endlessly loud, she thought, that her whole class would be able to hear it. Thankfully though, nobody dared to say a word - not even Alya.

Gosh - how much she hated the fact, that she was just not able to forget about the love she had felt for Adrien… But with everything, that has happened - every threat, that Shadow Moth (or rather Monarch, how he dramatically likes to call himself now) would throw her way, it just seemed the only, logical option to focus on everything else, but the boy she had adored for some time now.

…it… just didn't feel right in a time like this.

"A human strives for knowledge."

"A human can know the difference between good and evil."

"A human is able to act on a moral codex."

Time was ticking by, as her blue eyes still lingered on the back of Adrien's back, still caught in between the reality and her denied feelings for the boy in front of her.

That was, when she felt Alya's warm hand once more on her knee, hidden away underneath the desk. Glancing over to her best friend, she found that usual comforting smile amiss - instead the brunette moved her head forward. As a sign - a warning - that she should pay attention.

Hurriedly Marinette turned back around. Towards the teacher, his eyes solemnly focused on her, waiting for an answer.

"Ah, there you are, Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng! Perhaps you are able to give us an answer as well. Tell us - what sets us humans apart from all the other animals, that live on this Earth. Mhm?"

As fast, as she could, she read through the answers her classmates have already given. There were big words, huge philosophical answers. She would not be able to compete with it.

Somebody had said, that a human plans his future - like to work, a family, a house. A human finds joy in literature, culture and art. Humans form traditions. Can learn from experience, from ancestors and the past. There was so much more, and yet-

"So? No answer? I see, you don't follow-"

"A human has a soul!", she hurriedly blurted, before she could have thought about her answer once again. "It… it can feel emotions. Unlike animals these emotions don't follow, or fulfill a purpose. Like finding a mate to have offspring. Or to establish a place in the animal kingdom. Animals don't fell hate. Don't feel irrational fear of stupid things, like clowns, or heights, or the dark. They can't feel envy. Or hate. Or love…"

A few girls in her class awed at the last word and Marinette immediately knew, that her cheeks were blooming with red color. Even Adrien had turned around, smiling at her words so brilliantly, that it felt as if he was able to change the temperature in this room.

"Good…" The teacher was satisfied by her answer. "Emotional words, but I suppose, that we all can agree on that."

He wrote it down - her answer. Writing, that humans possess a soul.

"I suppose that all is more than enough proof, that humans - in fact - are no animals, even though some of our species like to act that way. We are definitely no plants, even artificial intelligence- in all its brilliance - won't be able to change that perspective on humanity-"

"What about Amoks? You know… Sentimonsters?"

The whole class went silent. Whispers were stopped, breaths halted behind lips.

It had been Nino, who had asked this outrageous question, unfazed by the stares - even his best friends around him could not comprehend the words, he had just voiced loud. He was serious - seemingly this answer had bothered him for longer, than he would admit.

The teacher's silence was enough for him, to continue:

"Of what we know, are Akuma's just people turned into monsters by our city-own super villain. But what about Sentimonsters? We all have seen him create living, breathing beings out of nothing. And I am not talking about creatures, that are made from nightmares. I am talking about the possibility to create actual human beings - of what we know he had created another Ladybug once. Perhaps… there are Sentimonsters- very human-like - we are not aware off… What if… what if he can create others. Just like that? Does it make them human as well?"

"Well, it would make Ladybug a murderer, if she destroyed them…", Lila said from the far end of this classroom, lounging casually in her chair, watching everybody carefully. Smirking slyly and in her usual cunning way at the things she said. Marinette had to do everything in her power to not turn around and glare at her for that.

"Are… Sentimonsters capable of doing all that?", it was Max, who carefully asked this question, daring to break into the silence around. "You know? Planning a future? Or… understanding signs and all that?"

"Do they have feelings?", Rose wondered aloud. "Then it would change everything, wouldn't it?"

Like a beehive the whole class started buzzing, whispering, mumbling and murmuring. Everybody dared to have an opinion about that.

…everybody feared the impact said opinion could have.

"They don't have feelings!", Marinette eventually blurted, palms planted to the cool surface of her desk. She has heard enough - couldn't take the thought, that her friends so suddenly believed, that her foe's creations could be sentient human-beings. "And they don't have an understanding for what is right and wrong! They don't… They… they are weapons! Created by Monarch to assist his already dangerous Akuma's! Weapons, that follow the call of its creator! It doesn't matter, if some can look human! For they aren't humans!"

"Perhaps they are like slaves…", came a fearful whisper from behind her.

"And yet…", it was Adrien, who spoke up again, slightly turned towards the black-haired girl behind him, brows furrowed as he carefully phrased his thoughts. "…and yet they may be able to be humans - if they were given the power to be. Perhaps they are capable to feel. And… understand, what is right and wrong. Maybe they won't just attack, but also… protect, if they were given the opportunity to do so."

There was something on his face - like a strange memory, that vanished as fast, as it came, before he eventually blinked. Marinette noticed it, but would never dare to ask about it out loud - she briefly recalled that fight with that Sentimonster Ladybug, Nino had mentioned. Recalling the way she acted and… what it did with Chat Noir.

But said thought was gone again, by the time Adrien bashfully smiled, brushing the back of his head nervously, and he looked over to Nino, as if he needed and wanted his conformation. "Right?"

But his best friend merely shrugged, just as the bell rang.

Finally - for neither of them was able to find a satisfying answer to that question. Marinette was just glad, that school was over for today - she wanted nothing more, but to sleep - hoping that Monarch would not dare to attack today, again.

"Have you gotten a little emotional there?", Alya whispered most quietly and nudged the other girl's shoulder with a slight smile.

Marinette sighed, her shoulders slumping, and she rubbed her temples.

"I am just saying, that Sentimonsters are no humans. That's all!"

"Of course - and why would you think about that differently?"

The girl knew what the brunette was hinting at - the fact, that she was Ladybug and had to fight said monsters. And destroy the very essence of their existence.

She frowned and gazed over her shoulder towards Lila - recalling her words, wondering if there were people out there, who really believed such horrible things about Ladybug.

…or if it had been just Lila's way to mock the heroine once again.

"Definitely not the typical way to talk about literature…", Marinette turned around, as she heard Adrien speak, again. "Though it had been interesting to discuss humanity with the whole class."

"Wouldn't surprise me, if we had to write a test about it! Or an essay… Urgh - don't want to spend my whole weekend trapped at home to write 5 pages about humanity! I have better things to do…"

Nino groaned, when he heard his girlfriend's words.

"Please don't say that! I had enough philosophy today for the rest of my life!"

"I think, that it was interesting…", Adrien mused, smiling, as he turned towards his friends, his notebook still in his hands. "We should have more of these discussions. That's the way, how great scientists discovered so many things - because they had to prove a point!"

"Well, thankfully we proved, that Sentimonsters are no humans…", Marinette mumbled underneath her breath, earning a little nudge from Alya once again. She merely glared at the brunette, stuck out her tongue.

"Yet - think about it-" Nino was still not entirely convinced by that. "If somebody dared to give it a chance, then perhaps it is possible to create an actual human being. With feelings and with a moral codex and understanding of signs. Wouldn't that be… awesome?"

"Awesome?" Alya shook her head. "Rather sounds to me, as if somebody tries to play God - and I don't think, that a certain masked super villain should get such scary ideas… Ladybug has already enough on her plate - don't want to think about the consequences, if Monarch dares to create humans - which she and Chat Noir have to fight - as well. Human rights and all - you guys do know what I am talking about, right?"

"Right…", both Marinette and Adrien sighed.

Though it was the girl, who blinked in confusion about that - wondering why Adrien would see it like that. But she just tried to push any thought back into the dark corners of her far too tired mind.

Instead, she started to pack her things into her bag, ready to leave. Alya would come with her for some time, while Nino needed to be home early to take care of his little brother.

"Are you free?", Adrien casually asked, his bag already packed, though he did not pick it up yet, as he had leaned a little closer towards her. One hand even landed on her desk, as he narrowed the space between them to talk in a calm, gentle voice. She immediately felt about a dozen pair of eyes on them, as they spoke - some of their friends snickering and whispering, Alya and Nino desperately trying to hide their grins, while Lila and Chloé would love nothing more, but to gauge her eyes out with their perfectly manicured nails.

And despite all that - despite her madly beating heart in her chest and the sweat, that formed on her palms - she meekly mumbled a tiny:

"No…" Their best friends gaped at her answer in disbelieve - like they would always do these days, when she declined Adrien's proposals to spend time alone and unbothered. "I need to help my parents…"

A lie. Her mother had seen her horrible tiredness in the morning already - assuming, that she had learned until the early hours for an important test and promised her daughter a very undisturbed day.

The corners of Adrien's lips briefly fell, but he immediately started to smile again, as another thought crossed his mind.

"Perhaps we can find another day, where we can meet. You know - to eat ice-cream. Or… go to the park… or how about cinema? Are you free on Saturday?"

From the back of the classroom, Lila called, that she was thankfully free after school - but Adrien ignored her entirely. And Marinette gulped heavily.

She wanted nothing more, but to give in. Nothing more, but to say yes - to eat ice-cream, go to the park, the cinema and do whatever else came to his mind.

But she couldn't- she had sworn to herself, that she shouldn't persuade Adrien and a relationship with him any longer.

And still - despite all these knowing glances, smiles and whispers around her- she wanted it so dearly.

But instead she averted her eyes and lowered them to the floor - gulping heavily, before she opened her lips to-

An ear-piercing loud sound echoed through the halls and towards their classroom. Everybody immediately stopped moving, everybody looked over to the door in fearful anticipation.

…for everybody knew, that this sound was definitely not of ordinary origin.

That maniacal laughter was very much proof to that.

Hurriedly Marinette's eyes wandered towards her bag - Tikki's big blue eyes found hers immediately through the small opening - both very ready to go out there to fight.

Once more on this very day - couldn't Monarch at least wait for another day? Until she was well rested?

On the other hand - it had helped her immensely to get out of this damned situation, that she had gotten into - without hurting Adrien's feelings, or their friendship.

But for now she should focus on other things - this upcoming fight was right now definitely more important. And little did her heart jump in fear of the possibility, that her nemesis could use another of the precious Miraculous- frightened by any power, he could and would throw her way.

"It's safe here…", their teacher whispered, as he peeked through the door and down the hallway, and he closed the doors most tightly, again. He used a key, that he had retrieved from his back pocket to lock it up. Marinette immediately gulped, when she noticed, that she was trapped as well. "We will stay inside and wait, until Ladybug, Chat Noir, or officials declare, that it is safe, to go out, again… And we will just hope, that the Akuma will not notice us any time soon."

Stupid new protocol - it would be so much harder to get away to transform into her hero alter ego. Though a careful glance in Alya's direction was enough for her best friend to understand, that she would get a distraction from her, when possible. So Marinette could sneak away, hide and transform to fight.

When everybody turned so utterly quiet, Alya hurriedly raised her hand up high, her left one came towards her lips as well.

"I think…", she mumbled. "…I might throw up. From the excit- terror. I-I-"

"She needs to see the bathroom!", Marinette immediately added, playing along to the farce, that the brunette was offering. "Please! Or she might throw up-" Alya faked a perfect gag. "I will assist her! Please~"

Sweat was forming on the teacher's brow, as he looked between the two girls and he carefully nodded.

"You may go!" Marinette tried her very best to keep that mask up to hide the euphoria, that this plan has worked and just meekly nodded. Instead, she laid a gentle arm around the other girl, who faintly leaned against her. The black-haired girl started to guide her outside already, when the teacher pointed towards Adrien and Nino as well. "And you two will make sure, that your girlfriends are safe, okay?"

Oh no…

The girls' eyes immediately wandered to the two boys - both of them now in actual shock and very aware, that they were screwed. That definitely had not worked, like they have planned.

Nino was immediately by Alya's side as well - pressing a little and gentle kiss to her forehead, while it was Adrien, who would walk ahead.

So - they could actually avoid the whole class - but right now there were still two more obstacles, they needed to get rid of. Okay - that was doable.

Adrien peeked around the nearest corner, as the other three waited. Nino gazed over his shoulder, while Alya and Marinette shared a worried glance.

"The bathroom is not too far away anymore…", Nino most quietly mumbled, leading his girlfriend around the corner, as Marinette clutched the brunette's other side. "And you really don't feel so well? That's… unusual…"

"Well… yes… I-I-"

Of course - Nino would know, that Alya would not feel this way because of an actual Akuma attack. She would feel excited- euphoric even, as she would try her very best to catch just any glimpse of said attack and the two heroes, that fought it, to later upload it on her blog.

"It must have been your breakfast!", Marinette therefore hurriedly chimed in - knowing too well, that Alya had run out of ideas to fool her boyfriend. Or rather - she did not want to lie to him any further. And she had done it so much to cover the heroine and her alter ego already. "You said, that it tasted funny, and I told you to not take another bite. But guess, who wasn't listening…"

Nino pulled a face and Adrien seemed to shudder at that thought as well.

"Urgh - food poisoning…"

Silently both girls exhaled in relief, as the two boys seemed to believe in the truth they were offered.

Good…

So once they were by the girl's restroom, they could separate ways and-

"Adrien Agreste - 3.9 Million followers on his social media accounts. Most liked photograph taken… July 2021. Despite the claims, that he stopped modelling, we might see him in a future photoshoot for his father's winter collection."

That's when they heard that creepy voice behind them. It was so mechanical, robotic and even creepy. They stopped immediately, turning around - knowing too well, that they needed to run in only a few moments.

"Alya Césaire - writer for the Ladyblog. Last updated - 2 days ago. Rumors say, that she is apparently in close connection to both Ladybug and Chat Noir. Twenty-five people have liked this rumor…"

The Akuma was right behind them. It must have sneaked up to them, when they were talking - and it was Nino, who cursed underneath his breath, as he realized, that they should have been more careful.

But Marinette paled as well - worried now for her three friends. Scared, that a fight would break loose, before she could stop it from happening - before she could turn into Ladybug.

"Nino Lahi-"

They ran, before the foe could have continued to ramble about any information he could find about them. Marinette definitely did not like the way he spoke - this mechanic man, who typed onto an invisible keyboard in front of him. Reading words, that illuminated on his purplish glasses, that sat on his nose. What was he - searching the World Wide Web to get these informations about them and-

Oh…

Perhaps that was exactly, what he was and what his powers were about. And surely - so the girl figured - he wasn't just looking for any information, but-

"I am the Whistle-blower and I do know all your secrets - and soon the world will know as well."

Exactly. He would search for any clue, that could bring the two heroes of this city down. Defeat them, so he could get their Miraculous.

Or… lead Monarch right to them, so he can do it himself.

The four teenagers rounded the corner as fast as they could, and it was Nino, who pushed the next door open - one that let inside the next restroom, apparently one for men. But right now it didn't matter - especially when both boys leaned against the door with all their weight to keep it shut.

…so much for getting away from them, so she could transform…

But hopefully Chat Noir was on his way by now - hopefully inside the building already, ready to fight Whistle-blower off, until his lady would arrive.

But his Lady was right now caught in this far too small restroom, with two of her three friends being very unaware, that she should get outside to fight, as well.

Marinette grabbed her purse with Tikki inside most tightly and pressed it to her chest, out of the corners of her eyes, she saw how Alya looked around with concern as well - hoping to find an escape for her friend somewhere.

But there wasn't any - just the door right in front of them.

"Anybody has a plan?", came it from Nino, still panting, as he leaned against the door, next to Adrien. "I don't want to stay in here, until this dude bursts right through the door!"

"We are trapped…", yet Marinette quietly mumbled. "And we can't just wait here, until he comes to get us! Or… Until Ladybug and Chat Noir come here to fight…"

"So - what do you suggest? That we just run? Split up and hope for the very best?" Nino looked flabbergasted at her and shook his head. "Nuh-uh! As long, as I have a saying in this, I won't let you outside!"

It was Alya, who huffed under her breath, as her lips thinned impatiently with her overprotective - though stubborn - boyfriend.

"But Marinette is right…"

All eyes fell on the source of these words, and they all blinked at confusion at the things, that Adrien too suddenly said out loud. They were surprised to hear him say that - even more shocked, that he was willing to run back into the arms of some dangerous Akuma. "We are trapped! Meaning, that he will get us all, if he intends to get inside. If we separate, then we have higher chance to flee, find a safe place to hide, or-" His brows furrowed. "Or find Ladybug and Chat Noir…"

"You are crazy…", Nino uttered under his breath disbelieve, before he sighed heavily. "But you are right - I suppose… Though…"

He looked back towards the girls in front of them, eyes narrowed now. Alya knew exactly, that her dearest boyfriend had something else in mind and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"What?"

"Are you even able to run? Do you feel well, again?"

"Nino is right! If you still feel unwell, then…" Both boys nodded knowingly at each other. "…then we will distract him and lead him away from you."

"You can't be serious! That's too-", Marinette has raised her voice already, her internal Ladybug speaking loudly and proudly. She definitely would not let it happen - her two friends would not sacrifice themselves! Not for them! But Alya grabbed her arm to get her attention, before she could have gone on with her rant.

Stopping her right away and with a knowing gleam in her eyes - just before her face changed entirely to continue the little farce she has started in the classroom.

Her hand flew to her lips, again, with the other she grasped for the black-haired girl's arm, to keep steady.

"Perhaps…", she mumbled underneath her ragged breath. "You are right! Because I feel my breakfast actually returning. And… and-"

She hurried towards one bathroom stall, while both boys immediately paled, as their eyes widened.

Marinette just stood there, so very unsure of herself - knowing, that this distraction could give her the perfect opportunity to transform in only a few moments, once the boys were gone. But… What about Nino?

…what about Adrien…?

"Marinette!", Alya's tortured - though it was faked - voice called for her, and she meekly nodded.

"But please…", she therefore pleaded, looking at her two friends - so deeply hoping, that Chat was out there already to safe them, if things escalated for them. Though, her eyes connected with Adrien's a little longer and that tell-tale aching in her heart returned.

…so much for forgetting about the love she felt for him…

"…please… watch out!"

For a brief moment the corners of his lips twitched upwards - probably so very aware of the inner turmoil, that has reached the girl's mind and heart, again. But as always - he was just far to kind to speak about it out loud…

"We will…", was it yet all, that Nino said, before she hurried towards Alya in said stall. The brunette merely warned her to stay quiet, as she laid a finger on her lips, pulling at Marinette's hand, to get her to sit next to her on the bathroom floor.

Together they waited- listening to the plan both boys came up with, before they stormed outside - apparently in different directions. They were loud - of course - so they could attract the Akuma and lead it away from the two girls they tried to protect.

It was a dumb, reckless move.

…and yet both girls found themselves entirely amazed about the courage and bravery these boys have shown to protect them.

"These dorks…", Alya finally hummed, door closed and sighing with relief. "What did we do, to deserve them as our boyf-"

"Our boyfriends? Alyaaaa! You know, how I feel about that!" She desperately shook her head, before she leaned it against the cool stall wall. "I shouldn't feel that way for Adrien anymore!"

"And still you do~", Alya knowingly murmured and grinned smugly at her best friend. "And I believe, that our dear Adrien deserves the date he was asking you about, once the Akuma is defeated. Don't you think so, as well?"

"That's a marvelous idea!", Tikki finally chimed in and emerged from Marinette's purse at last. "And you two will probably enjoy it a lot!"

But her Chosen merely shook her head at that and frowned in Tikki's direction.

"It's not going to happen…"

And for now she shouldn't think about it. She should rather get going herself and-

A loud Bing stopped her too suddenly, when she had started to rise already.

It came from Alya's phone, which had been carefully hidden in the pockets of her best friends jeans - probably a sneaky attempt to get a few shots of the Akjma attack, herself.

But for now she merely reached in her pocket to retrieve said device, unlocked it quickly.

Her eyebrows climbed up on her forehead in confusion.

"What is it?", Marinette asked and leaned over towards the other girl, to get a closer look as well, while Tikki hovered over their heads.

"A broadcast…", Alya mumbled, touching the screen a few times, turning it to the side, so both girls could see it so much better.

"The news already?", the Kwami above their heads asked. "Then Chat must be there already!"

"No… It's from our Akuma-guy…"

Marinette gasped, hand flying to her lips, as she watched the happenings on the small display unfolding:

Of Whistle-blower claiming to go for a hunt for Ladybug and Chat Noir - using every rumor he found on the internet.

"Nobody shall be safe! I check out every girl, and every boy in all of Paris, who was ever thought to be either of the two heroes! Perhaps we will find out their identities- today!"

Alya flinched and looked over to the black-haired girl.

"This is bad… Do you know if anybody ever assumed, that you are Ladybug? Apart from me - of course!"

Adrien assumed - at least once.

But for now Marinette merely shook her head, as a shaking breath escaped her lips.

"I really hope, that there is no clue online, that I am really Ladybug… And for Chat…", her voice turned into a whisper, and she nervously fidgeted with the strap of her purse. "… I don't know if he can find out about Chat's identity like that…"

And she definitely was not ready to find out, who her partner was underneath the mask - at least not like that.

"I need to stop him! Before… Before he actually figures something out, that he is not supposed to know! Tikki - Spots on!"

Transforming did not take long - like always. And yet the heroine knew, that she needed to hurry, before it was too late. For today there weren't only poor civilians in danger - but their well-hidden identities as well!

"If you need my help, you know where you can find me! Or contact me… I will keep an eye out on our dear Whistle-blower. I will let you know if he comes dangerously close to actually finding out, that you are - indeed - Ladybug. And who wants that to happen?"

"Thank you…", Ladybug mumbled underneath her breath and nodded. "And thank you for covering me…"

"Always!"

With that Ladybug left the bathroom. The corridor was thankfully empty and there was no sign of any other student, teacher, her two brave friends, or the akumatized victim.

Therefore, she hurriedly reached for the yo-yo by her hip and opened it up.

…dearly hoping, that Chat was there already.

Somewhere…

"Milady?"

Thankfully he was.

A puff of relief escaped her lips, as she heard his gentle voice through the magical device in her hand.

"I see, you already know, that there is an attack going on! Good~"

Chat grinned at the other end of their connection - she heard it in the way he spoke and this realization - somehow - made her heartbeat speed up in her chest immediately.

"Oh - I am very aware of said attack! And we should hurry to bring him down! Last night was enough already!"

"We should definitely bring him down! He is after our identities after all!"

"Oh…"

They met on a rooftop not far away. Her partner had sent her the coordination, she was there within the next three minutes.

He greeted her with a slight bow of his head and a gentle smile on his lips.

"I could have followed him, if I didn't need to hide myself. To transform. But I was… stuck… With a few friends, who are not aware of my identity. I am sorry, that-"

"Don't be sorry, kitty!", she hurriedly exclaimed, before he would have felt sorry for things, that weren't his fault at all. Especially when she had found herself in a very similar situation, only a few moments ago. "I couldn't get away, as well. And you shouldn't feel sorry for something like that - especially when it is not your fault at all!"

The heroine could tell, that her words meant so endlessly much to him - especially when her own behavior in the past few months has strained that wonderful relationship they once had.

But she would give everything to do better - for he was her most trusted partner - certainly the best one she ever had among all their allies and friends.

… and she was definitely not ready to let him go as such any time soon.

But now there was no time to speak about it. No need to do so as well - that smile and that happy little twinkle in his brilliant green eyes were enough for her to know, that he understood her completely. And that he didn't want their partnership to change as well.

"Any clue, where we can find him?"

Chat therefore changed the topic, before either of them would have started to become too emotional. Especially since it was important for them to stay focused on the fight.

"Not… exactly…" But she remembered that broadcast once more - one, that was made by Whistle-blower himself - and surely it contained clues on where they would be able to find him.

Once more she opened her yo-yo and she didn't need to press too many buttons, until they found said broadcast as well.

"That… looks like the Le Grand Paris…", Chat noticed right away as he gazed over her shoulder and Ladybug's lips pressed together in a thin line.

"He is after Chloé…"

"But hadn't there been proof enough, that she isn't the Ladybug he is looking for?"

"Not if he found rumors online, that state otherwise…"

Ladybug was definitely not worried, that Whistle-blower was currently looking for truthful rumors, that would proof Chloé's connection with Ladybug in any way - if there still was one. Also - she knew, that Chloé couldn't be at home already. She was in their classroom, before she had left it and there was no way, that she could have made it at home by now - especially with an Akuma out in Paris.

"…and still - that is, where we can find him. For now…"

Ladybug bound her yo-yo once more around her waist, before both heroes started to run and jump, leaving one rooftop, after the other behind. For now, they had an aim - and they were very ready to fight the Akuma there, beat him and destroy the object, before Monarch dared to create something else to accompany it with one of the other Miraculous as well.

"If you found out about my identity because of him - then would you be mad?", Chat shouted over the sound of the wind in her ears and she briefly cast him an irritated look.

"Why would I be mad?"

"Because you don't want an identity reveal, Milady!"

"I know what I said!"

"So?"

"Of course I wouldn't be mad! Because it would not be your fault, Chaton!"

"Okay?" His answer confused her - apparently that was not exactly that, what he wanted to hear. But…, what was it? He couldn't expect from her full approval on this topic. Or… did he expect, that she dismissed him entirely, again?

"What about you?" They weren't far away, anymore. Still - deep down she needed to know his answer and thoughts. Another jump, then two, and both stopped side by side on a building, just opposite to their aim. Unable to look towards him, she gazed straight ahead, breathing in and out, as she waited for his answer. "If he was the one to tell you about my identity… would you… feel betrayed? Mad, even?"

She noticed, that he looked at her. Took her in completely. Heard him gulp, then sigh.

"If it was him, who told me about your identity, then I would kick his ass and make him and Monarch regret it for taking this choice from you. Because… I want it to be you, who tells me about your name and I want it to be your choice, your decision - if you ever want it to happen. And… you know what I think about that. About revealing our identities to each other… So… you should know, how I would feel, if it was to happen…"

He smiled, and she returned for a short moment, as a pleasant warmth spread from her chest into her whole body, making her fingertips tingle and butterflies soar in her chest.

…gosh… she didn't deserve him as her partner - especially after she had treated him so poorly for such a long time.

But that short and meaningful moment between them was cut short, when a loud crash echoed through the streets of Paris and both their eyes were drawn back to the hotel in front of them.

…or rather to the gaping hole in one of the walls of the building in front of them - while a big wardrobe with expensive designer fashion was destroyed on the streets down below.

It was Chat, who flinched at the sight of that.

"Chloé definitely won't like that…"

A second wardrobe followed - one, that was filled with shoes and bags.

Yep - Chat was right. Chloé would get furious, when she finds out, what has happened with all her cloths.

Before Whistle-blower could have thrown a third piece of furniture out through the hole - or creating another in the process - the two heroes launched themselves through the air and straight towards the hotel in front of them. Jumping through the hole, landing inside Chloé's room.

Thankfully, though, she wasn't there at the moment, or she would have been enraged at the Akuma and the two heroes for coming too late to safe her priced possessions.

"Ahhh… Ladybug… finally here in your room?"

It was Chat, who snickered about that and shook his head.

"Really? You shouldn't believe everything you read on the internet! The world knows for years, that Chloé isn't Ladybug! In fact, we have fought against her a few times already!"

Whistle-blower growled and his hands cracked, when he balled them into fists. Then he moved forward, attacking Chat right away.

"That's why I am here to find out the truth about your identities!"

Chat easily parried, jumping to the side and retrieved his staff from his side. But their foe has already turned around, to attack Ladybug, instead. Punching her - once, twice, three times. Nothing she couldn't defense herself against- even was able to push him back with a well-aimed kick in his stomach as well.

Bowed down, Whistle-blower took a deep breath- giving Ladybug enough time to examine him. Enough time, to figure out, that his Akuma must be hidden inside these purplish cyber glasses. She nodded in Chat's direction- letting him know, that she was ready for their final strike.

Stepping closer, as her hands already twitched at her side, to get her yo-yo-

But the villain was back on his feet once more - hand stretched out towards the girl in front of him, palm pointing her way - and a white flash of light blinded her entirely.

"Ladyug!"

Chat wanted to reach out for her- assist and help her - but he was blinded by yet another flash as well.

"…let's see, if your pictures can be compared with anything I find online…", Whistle-blower murmured, then snickered, before she could only hear his steps anymore.

Then he was gone.

Ladybug rubbed her eyes, as she heard her partner curse.

"Really! There are millions of pictures of us online - why did he need to take another?", he groaned, while Ladybug was finally able to make out the outlines of the room and her partner, again. "What an unfair move!"

"Doesn't matter…", she pressed between her lips. "If his search comes up with something - just anything - then we are screwed!"

She gulped, turning towards Chat, finally able to see his features a little clearer, again.

"Do you have many pictures of yourself online?"

For a moment Ladybug contemplated to tell Alya to take all her social media accounts down. She had a few pictures of herself - with her friends and family- online. But… What about him?

Chat paled, all the blood drowning from his handsome face, and she wondered how many pictures he must put of himself online - and how many could help to compare those with the pictures of his hero alter-ego…

"…that's not good…", he mumbled underneath his ragged breath - apparently fearing, that Whistle-blower's search would come up positively by the end of the day.

…and with that his identity would be revealed to the world as well…

"We need to stop him!", he said - fearing, what the end of the day could bring for him and his identity.

Ladybug hurriedly nodded, understanding him too well - and now she finally reached for her yo-yo and called for a Lucky Charm. One, that would work preferably fast.

A phone emerged within her hand, and her eyebrows climbed on her forehead, while Chat stayed utterly quiet.

…only for a moment - for she immediately understood, what she had to do.

"Give me one minute…"

Trusting her blindly, he nodded, before the hero left through the same hole, again. He climbed up toward the roof with ease, to wait there for her.

She didn't wait for too long - dialing a number she knew too well.

"Yes?"

"Alya!", she called, glad, that her best friend answered right away, before she continued without getting too much into detail about the happenings. "I need you to come up with two identities! Of a boy and a girl around mine and Chat's age! Tell the world, that these two are Ladybug and Chat Noir! Make a Social Media account, if you need to. Write it on your ladyblog! Now - and make sure, that as many people see it, as possible!"

She bit the inside of her lip, as she waited for an answer.

"Can you do that, please?"

"I am on it, Ladybug!", Alya gleefully answered and the girl within her suit imagined, how her best friend - still locked inside that bathroom stall, jumped up and down at the thought, that she could help the heroine once more.

…even without a Miraculous of her own…

"Thank you…"

Ladybug hung up immediately, just as her earrings beeped.

Looking over her shoulder to make sure, that the door to Chloé's room was still closed, she de-transformed. Even before Tikki landed on her hand, she had a little cookie to restore her Kwami's energy, ready.

"What if Whistle-blower is faster? What if he finds out about your two identities, Ladybug?", the small being asked between munches on her tiny fest.

Marinette sighed, gazing towards the hole in front of her.

"Believe me - I just hope, that it won't happen…"

Only a few moments later the cookie was gone and Marinette found herself transformed, again. As fast as she could, she made it outside, to find Chat on the roof. Waiting patiently for her, while he watched Whistle-blower's broadcast on his staff.

He looked so tense- his back and shoulders stiff, while a heavy frown grazed his handsome features.

"Has he found out already? About… anything, regarding our names, adresses, faces?"

Chat shook his head.

"Thankfully not yet. Thankfully there are enough people in Paris to make his picture analysis a little harder. Doesn't mean, he won't succeed eventually…"

Ladybug nodded, understanding the turmoil, that took a hold on Chat's heard entirely.

"And… were you successful?", he asked, as he looked up and towards her with a little, but hopeful gleam in his eyes. "What did you do?"

She grinned.

"I gave us a false identity."

A perfectly orchestrated beep came from her yo-yo and - when she opened it - she saw, that Alya has - indeed - outdone herself.

"Clèo Patra and Marcel Anthony? Whoever wrote this had read definitely too much Shakespeare, if you ask me…", he mumbled in disbelieve as gazed over her shoulder and onto the display as well. "Nobody will actually fall for- Really? There are already 3000 people following their profiles? And they claim to be… us! That's interesting!"

"My friend was supposed to make it publicly known, that we outed our secret identities and let it Paris know. Wouldn't surprise me, if she gave them a full bio as well."

He whispered, impressed indeed by the effort, that was into this play.

"Apparently she did. Look - there are parents, siblings. Apparently you own a dog now…"

"But that's not important!", Ladybug said, pointing with her free hand towards her yo-yo. Or rather the post her new, though false identity has just made. "It's more important, that we are to fight Whistle-blower in the stadium. If he truly follows any rumor and clue about us, he can find-" She pointed towards the hotel. "-Even those, which were already proven to be wrong, then he will follow this one as well. And that's where we will find him!"

"The stadium?"

"There is enough room to fight, without disturbing any civilians."

He nodded, ready to follow her plan.

…but her partner hesitated for just a tiny moment longer, nervously fidgeting with the staff in his hand.

"What if he found out already. About my identity…?"

She smiled sympathetically at him and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. His left, clawed hand came up as well, to rest it on hers.

"He surely hasn't. Unless there are thousands of pictures of your self online. And you surely wouldn't have done that, right?"

His lips thinned, the look in his eyes was hard to decipher. There was definitely something he wanted to tell her.

But he held back - instead stepped out of her reach, fastening his staff on his belt once more, as he smiled broadly yet again.

Yet, it was just a very perfectly orchestrated mask - that was for sure.

But she couldn't ask him about it - for he was the one to start their chase across the rooftops and towards the stadium.

And apparently her plan has worked already - Whistle-blower was waiting for them with opened arms.

"Ahhhh! There you are! Ladybug. Chat Noir… Or should I rather call you Clèo and Marcel? Don't be mad, that I am the one to reveal your identity to the world - and everybody you loved and that is dear to you! But don't worry - I will make sure, that nobody will get hurt - if you only give me the Miraculous!"

She and her partner shared a knowing look.

True - he was so absolutely wrong in his assumption, that he has found their true identities, indeed. They needed to act fast, before he found out, that this was merely a farce to get him here in the first place.

"We won't let you win! Don't worry!", Chat said and smirked, as both heroes started to run towards their foe.

Faster with every step, weapons held high and ready to attack.

Whistle-blower saw the incoming attack right away. Jumping back, out of their reach, before he used the momentum of Ladybug's next move to take a hold of her - throwing her directly towards her partner.

She landed on top of him with a groan, Chat hit his head on the ground, and he cursed underneath his breath.

Their foe came closer, again, ready to make a blow himself - to hit her, her partner, just one of them.

That was when he stopped too suddenly, as new letters dashed across his purplish glasses in rapid speed. Halting in his movements to read, whatever new entered too suddenly the cyberspace.

"Wait…", he mumbled, absolutely flabbergasted by the new rumors he just found. "Those are not your names. Ladybug and Chat Noir are actually Maria and Pietro… Curry? Two thousand people have liked that already…"

Alya… he smart friend helped them again. Changing their names once more, trapping the poor man in confusion with that. He was distracted- enough to not notice, how Chat got back to his feet, once his lady has rolled off of him, jumping over the man's head, snatching the glasses in a well-aimed move.

He merely broke them over his knee and Ladybug didn't need to be asked twice, to catch the escaping, black butterfly with her yo-yo.

Like always she purified it, let it fly to its freedom, once it was cleansed and white again.

"Well done…", Chat said softly, as he helped the poor man to his feet. "Like always…"

"Thanks to you…", she said, softer now, than she usually did, while she felt her own cheeks blush about that thought, too. She immediately cleared her throat and pointed towards the man in front of her. "Do you want to bring him home, or should I?"

"I will take over!", he said, smiling himself. "Don't want to go home just now. And - hey - I am glad, that our identities were not revealed today!"

She meekly nodded, before she bid him goodbye - both going the respective way, while he was the one to take care about the akumatized victim.

Thankfully - for she really wanted to go home. She was tired - and hopefully her dear enemy would not throw yet another Akuma their way! Two on one day were enough already!

She went back to school. To find Alya, probably Nino and Adrien as well. Going straight home would just bring up too many questions, that she didn't feel like answering today.

Thankfully there were barely a few people left, and she could easily sneak into the bathroom and de-transformed.

Tikki giggled.

"Did you know, that I actually met Cleopatra and Mark Anthony? Very interesting people! Though I sadly never met the Curies…"

Marinette merely tiredly hummed - would gladly listen to Tikki's stories - but not now. Preferably on another day. She merely wrote Alya, that she was back in school, and if they could go home together.

Of course - she answered right away and a few minutes later they met outside, Nino standing beside her, relieved to see the black-haired girl as well.

"Gosh, Marinette! You were not supposed to go out on your own to find Ladybug and Chat Noir! That's what Adrien and I were there for!"

Marinette's brows raised on her forehead and Alya cast her a tiny smile.

Of course - yet another lie told to cover her identity and the reason for her long absence.

…and once more Alya was forced to lie to her boyfriend for that.

The girl gulped heavily and held onto the strap of her purse a little more tightly, but nodded to agree.

"You are right. But somebody had to do it! Alya was not feeling well, and I just wanted out heroes to be there, and I was so scared about you and Adrien and-" Her eyes darted around, as she noticed the absence of a certain blond boy. "Where is he?"

Both Nino and Alya started to smirk at the obvious worry, that had dared to catch up with the girl so suddenly.

"He is home…", Alya calmly said. "Apparently that was, where he could hide best from the Akuma. He must have been close already. So he was safe, once the villain lost his interest in him."

Marinette exhaled in relief.

For - true - that was, what she felt. Because even though she had sworn her feelings for Adrien off, she would never forgive herself, if something happened to him.

…even if that meant, that her two friends would continue their teasing all the way home. Nino parted ways with them halfway through - he needed to go home to watch over his little brother and Alya wanted to stay for a few more moments over. To talk - and to hear about the fight, of course.

Her best friend listened carefully, sharing a few pastries Marinette's parents have made with Tikki, while the black-haired girl paced around in her room, talking, ranting and speaking freely about the happenings this afternoon.

"Why…", Alya asked so suddenly from her place on the pink chaise, once Marinette has stopped walking, standing by the window to gaze outside. "…do you think he was suddenly so worried, that Whistle-blower could easily figure out his identity? Chat is surely just a boy like every other. One of thousands of blond teenagers in all of Paris!"

"I don't know…", Marinette shrugged and shook her head. "Apparently his civilian self is easy to find. Online. I don't know… And he was just so worried, that Whistle-blower and with that Monarch found out before me. About who he truly is…"

"Do you feel the same?"

Marinette twirled around. Watching Alya and Tikki closely - the Kwami sitting on top of her best friend's head, while both put a piece of croissant between their lips at the same time.

…both waiting for an answer.

"What do so mean?"

"Are you worried, that somebody - anybody - knew your identity before Chat found out about it? Apart from me, of course!"

Marinette sighed and hung her head low.

"…I don't want Monarch to know. Or any other villain…"

"And Chat himself?"

"Alya…", Marinette hummed warningly - sensing, where this conversation was going. "You know what I think!"

"Oh - I do!"

She pulled apart another piece of croissant, marveling in the buttery flakiness of its interior, before she ate another bite.

"You are just so stubborn to accept the fact, that it is for the best, if you and Chat just came forward and just reveal your identities to the others! No more worrying, if the other makes it in time, no more long minutes of waiting, because neither of you can contact the other…"

"Alya…"

"We were stuck with Adrien and Nino! If they didn't act all brave and chivalry, then we would still be stuck right now, and all of Paris would be aware of your identity. If you knew about Chat's, you could have just written him about your whereabouts, he could have come to save you and the rest of us, and you could have transformed. Boom - no more worries and troubles!"

"He was stuck as well…", Marinette mumbled underneath her breath, as she walked towards the chaise, too, sitting on the edge, before she let herself fall backwards with a dramatic sigh, so she could rest her head on Alya's lap.

"Then you could have saved him first. He surely would have liked that~"

Tikki giggled and Marinette rolled her eyes.

"Alya… An identity reveal is-"

"Absolutely necessary? I think so as well! No - here me out!

Listen: You and Chat Noir are currently the only two heroes with a Miraculous available. Monsieur Pain-In-The-Ass Monarch has every other Miraculous from the box you try to hide so hard with your whole life. There is no Guardian, but you. No other Kwami, that could lend you their powers, but Tikki and Plagg. That means, that Chat is the person - in all of Paris- that you should trust most." Alya shook her head, when Marientte opened her lips, to say something. When she wanted to tell her, that she was her best friend and that deep trust connected them as well. But the brunette's gaze alone was enough to stop Marinette, before any word could have made it over and past her lips. "I shouldn't be the one, who knows about your identity, Marinette. For I don't know what it's like to carry all these burdens, to fight daily - day and night. I am not the one, who needs to balance school, friends, parents and a hero alter-ego. I… am not the one to wake up with nightmares. But Chat does know all these things. And he is the one, who will stand by your side, when you two defeat Monarch. Or Shadow Moth. Or whatever name comes to that asshole's mind. It won't be me… but him…"

"I won't change my mind…", she meekly said, but even those words had some hesitation in them. "It's too dangerous…"

"Marinette…", Alya sighed. "We are living in a city, where magical beings terrorize us almost daily. Our parents and friends were attacked already! Multiple times. How dangerous will it be, if you know about the other's identity…"

"Monarch will attack us directly…"

"How many times has the school been attacked during the last month?"

"He will use Chat as my weakness!"

"He already knows, that you two care about the other! Everybody knows! You are friends, goddammit! He is your partner and - gosh - either it's going to be him, or Adrien you will eventually date!"

"Alya!"

"You know, that's true! Right Tikki?"

Marinette's blue eyes wandered towards the entity above her, waiting for her to agree with her Chosen wisely.

But the small goddess bobbed her head from one side to the other, as she carefully considered everything, that the other girl has said. She took a bite from the croissant, chewed carefully, finally opened her mouth to speak:

"Alya has a few good points there, Marinette. That is true…"

"Tikki!"

"Marinette - I know why you want it that way. Why you pushed Chat away, whenever he proposed the idea to you. But… Alya is right - when all comes down to it, it will be you and Chat Noir - the two of you against the rest the world." "How romantic~" "Alya!" "So it should be him, you trust most in this entire world. And… he has earned this trust quiet a few times in the past, I believe… So… if you want to do it… You should. But it should be your choice- and that of Chat as well!"

"See! Even Tikki sees it that way! And don't think about saying something like 'It's going to make us weak!' Rather believe in the fact, that it might make you stronger. But…" Alya sighed, patting her best friend's head in a comforting manner. "…Tikki is right. It's up to you! And - believe me - I understand your reasons for keeping your identities hidden from the other. But… all I am just saying is - that I would reveal myself to the person I trust most…. Perhaps you should consider it as well…"

Marinette nodded, nervously chewing the inside of her cheek, playing with her fingers, before she looked back up into the brown eyes of the other girl.

"And… What about you? Do you… do I need to tell you about his identity as well, if I found out about it?"

Alya smiled gently, then shook her head.

"No… Don't worry - that shall remain a secret between the two of you…"

Ever since that day Marinette kept on thinking about it: Revealing her identity to Chat Noir, while he told her about his. Wondering who he really was underneath that mask, what stories he kept on hiding. Where he lived, what he did in his pass time, what his family was like. Not that she wanted to know it all…

…and yet…

Something within her was brought to life. A strange curiosity and longing to know her dearest partner more and better, than ever before. For deep down she knew, that Alya was right. Deep down she knew, that she might be too stubborn about it. That it was best to know.

And - yeah - deep down she knew, that both were very capable of keeping this secret, if they shared it. Sure - there should be rules. Boundaries to be kept. And perhaps the remainder of their lives should be kept hidden from the other's eyes as well.

But…

…perhaps it really was time for them to take that step. Together - if Chat still wanted to.

"I think, that I want to do it!"

It was about a month later, when these exact words too suddenly blurted from her lips and into the wide open of the night. Another Akuma was just defeated - still no sign of any other Miraculous around, which kept them worried - but at least they had a few minutes to relax, before both were to go home.

Chat was entirely confused about his lady's words. He sat right beside her, on the very edge of a high rooftop, legs tangling from said edge, while both watched the gentle quietness of the full moon in front of them. The words from the heroine made him blink at first, then his cheeks colored - even dared to turn into a dark crimson color, before a strangled noise escaped his lips.

"Huh?"

"An identity reveal…" Her voice was quiet, so soft, and she didn't even dare to look up and towards him. She merely drew little circle on her knees, as she waited for the impact of her words to hit him hard and with merciless surprise. "I want us to know about the other's identity…"

He leaned forward carefully. Then he raised one hand up, waving it in front of her eyes, until she looked up and towards him.

"Do I need to be scared? Is this a mean trick? Did Monarch use Venom on you, or-"

"I mean it."

Still, she spoke with so much care, knowing of this very delicate topic, and it's curse, or blessing, that it could bring. Yet, she was able to gaze up into his beautiful emerald eyes, that glowed so brightly in this darkness.

Like a beacon of hope - gleaming, so brilliant and beautiful.

…so full of trust…

"Why have you changed your mind, Milady?"

She gulped, fearing, that he had changed his mind about the reveal, too. Worried, that she had waited too long for them to take this step.

"Because…", she inhaled the crisp night air, before she continued. "I trust you so much. And we should rely on each other blindly. Though - I do. Especially now since it's only the two of us - it had always been you and me. It just took me some time to realize that. I just… pushed you away, because I thought it was safest that way. It wasn't. I was dumb and… I had to fall hard, to understand that. I understand it now. Believe me - I was thinking about this for many, many weeks! And I just came to the conclusion, that, perhaps… it's for the best, if we reveal each other's identity… What… what do you say?"

He nodded, considered her words carefully.

She let him, waited patiently - would even wait for a few more days, perhaps weeks, so he could be absolutely sure.

"What are the rules?", he asked, just as casually, as if the talked about the weather forecast. "I know you. You wouldn't come here and talk about that without a plan!"

"Of course…", she mumbled, trying to remember everything she had come up with over the past few weeks. "First of all- we won't see and meet each other as civilians!" "I understand." "Secondly- we shall not seek out each other's family and friends! To keep them as safe as possible!" "Absolutely." "We will get each other's number only for emergencies. Like an attack, and we are stuck and cannot hide to transform. Or giving the other coordinates for an attack. Perhaps we should even think about a safe way to communicate." "You mean end-to-end encryption! That's smart!" Yeah - that was what Alya had told her as well. "Exactly. The reveal needs to be kept secret. A secret only we two share - and our Kwamis, of course. But… if you want, you can talk with Plagg about it first…"

"Plagg? He is for the reveal since the very beginning!"

She nodded, still nervously bit her lip.

"And… What about you?"

Chat finally started to smile - not smirk - but an actual smile of joy and sheer happiness, before he finally nodded.

"You don't have to ask twice. I suppose… that everything will make sense, if you finally find out about my identity!"

Will it?

One more thing came into her mind immediately- especially when she remembered that silly, little fight with Whistle-blower- all these weeks ago.

"And no online search about the other! We will just get the other's face, the name, a number - maaaayby the address- but that's about it!"

"Okay. That's more than enough!

But now tell me - how do you want to do it? Do you want to go first? Should I-"

"Together? So neither of us can change their mind."

His smile softened even more.

"As you wish…"

They turned around after one more moment of hesitation. Sitting back to back, leaning against the other for comfort and strength.

"This is exciting!", Chat exclaimed. "Are you ready?"

She swallowed heavily. Waited for one moment more with her answer.

Eventually she reached behind herself with her left hand, brushing past his hip - a tiny hint he immediately understood.

Chat firmly and yet so gently grabbed her hand and held it in his.

"Now I am. Ready?"

"Ready when you are…"

"On three?"

She felt him nod, before she counted down:

Three.

Two.

…One…

"Tikki…"

"Plagg…"

Green and pink light flooded the darkness for a brief moment. But it was gone again, when both teenagers dared to blink.

Marinette immediately knew, that it has happened - felt skin on the hand, that was holding hers, sensed, that the leather - the mask - was gone and that he was behind her without Plagg's magic to cover him whole.

They moved together. Turning around at the same time.

Marinette recognized him even with just the moon and the streetlights illuminating his handsome features. And she gasped, hands flying towards her lips, to stifle any other sound she could have made.

"Ma… Marinette?"

Adrien was there - there, where her Chat Noir had been sitting only seconds ago. Kneeling now right in front of her. Taking her in, features caught somewhere between surprise and…

…and joy.

"It's you! All the time… and… are you… laughing?"

Indeed, she was. Laughing. First it had been a smile, that has spread itself on her lips. A wide grin, then a snicker, before it had bloomed in full out laughter, that echoed through the surrounding silence, as mirth reached her eyes and breathing started to get hard.

He could join her only a moment later.

For the rules she had made up beforehand didn't make sense anymore. He had been part of her life for a few years now - knew so much already about the other. There was no need to exchange numbers, names and addresses - they had that already. Though - she still didn't understand, why she was laughing - above all the reactions she could have made!

…perhaps her heart would give her an answer to that one day…

"Really! After all this agony, you two laugh your asses off!", came it from somewhere above their heads, and it was Plagg, who just couldn't believe his eyes and ears. "And why are you laughing as well, sugar cube?"

Indeed, Tikki giggled as well - happy about the relief both humans found in tonight's reveal.

"Let them be happy, Plagg! They deserve it!"

Indeed, they did and neither of them cared any less in that moment.

Though, it was the boy, who could say something first between all the gasps of laughter:

"Do I have to call you Clèo now? Clèo Patra?", Adrien joked, as both ignored their kwamis for now.

"Only if I get to call you Marcel Anthony! Or… Do you prefer Pietro Curry?"

One hand found his arm to steady herself, still breathing so heavily. He reached out for her second arm as well - both holding onto the other, as if they feared, that they could tumble from the edge of this very rooftop.

Still, Adrien cringed at those silly names.

"Please don't… And don't worry, I will only continue to call you Mila-"

"Don't!" One finger flew to his lips. To silence him. "We shouldn't use our nicknames, when we are not our hero selves. Even if we believe, that no one is around. We should start right now to apply this rule. It's better to be safe, than sorry."

"Understood!", he said and even saluted for his lady.

…his friend…

But still he smiled, before he too suddenly leaned forward and his arms came around her, before she could have stopped him. And… for now it was okay. She let it happen - even to dared to hug him back just as tightly. For a short moment marveling in the fact, that she was hugging both her partner, most trusted ally and friend at the same time.

…she certainly enjoyed it far too much - she should keep it from happening in the future.

…especially with that heavy blush, that dared to bloom on her cheeks.

And still - Adrien's next words send a chill down her spine and goosebumps down her arms, when he said:

"I am glad, that it's you…"

And truth to be told - and one she didn't want to keep from him:

"I am glad, it's you, too, Adrien!"

A/N: An identity reveal! In the very beginning of this story? Oh yes - for this story is not about these two dorks, sharing one braincell, while being so ridiculously obvious about the other's identity. That's fun and I love reading (and writing) about that. But that should not be the focus of this story?

Still - this gives me enough opportunities to write fluff and Angst in other forms between them.

Also - I might update this story irregularly. They chapters might be bigger, than I first believed them to be - so I need my time to write them. But we will see about that, as we go on (this story will definitely be not 500k words long, so much I can say already.)

Anyway - I hope you enjoy this chapter and I see you in the next one?