To Love Oneself is to Love Another
Chapter 2
Disclaimer: All characters are owned by Zag and I make no profit from this work of fiction.
Hello there everyone! Miraculers, this is the single greatest crack fic I've ever written! Once again, this chapter is dedicated to our server's beloved Ladybug, Mimi.
Anyhow, tired and frustrated with having to deal with Akumas at all hours of the day, Marinette decides to make a Clone of herself using the Mouse Miraculous. Since she can trust herself to handle Akumas, the plan is perfect! However, she wasn't counting on getting a third person view on how Paris sees Ladybug, and soon enough, she's forced to deal with a development that she doesn't quite understand herself…either of her, that is.
*Warning: Excessive Cringe!*
Anyhow…enjoy this crack!
Marinette Dupain Cheng was done! She was absolutely done! This was the last time she'd be awoken by Tikki at 4:30am to face down Mr. Pigeon again! This was the last time she'd have to ditch her friends the very next morning to go fight another Akuma because Hawkmoth decided to throw a tantrum right as she was about to have lunch with Adrien! And with Miracle Queen having decimated her team, it was only her and Chat now, and she had a literal box full of magical gods to take care of!
"How the heck am I supposed to deal with all this Tikki? Master Fu left me no instructions, no guidance whatsoever! And being Ladybug on top of all this? I just can't do it!", Marinette screamed into her pillow, trying not to rage.
Unbeknownst to her, Hawkmoth had fallen asleep in his lair, too tired to keep up with this War for the Miraculous either, not that anyone but Mayura cared about him. Seriously, he needs to give that woman either a raise or his heart, because she might not be around forever…
Hearing her poor guardian at the brink of tears, Mullo flew up to her face, catching her attention. "Guardian, if you're looking for a way to be in two places at the same time, then maybe I could be of assistance. The peacock would have been ideal, but I can still help out!", the little Kwami squeaked, and Tikki immediately tried to squander the idea.
"Absolutely not! Mullo, you know what happened last time!", Tikki protested, little arms flailing around as she zipped between the corners of the room, trying to calm herself.
Marinette's brain however –her last two functioning brain cells that is, with the first busy simping over Adrien and the other over that hot, delicious cup of coffee she ought to go get for herself- was still stuck on the idea, and so Tikki was ignored as the young guardian shouted Mullo's transformation words. Sabine and Tom's laughs at their daughter playing superhero from downstairs went entirely unheard.
And so, by focusing her mind on something other than the two objects of her desire and the only things worthy of her undying love, Marinette casted a Multitude, and within moments, a carbon copy of her appeared, staring Marinette in her bluebell eyes, as the heroine stared back in amazement.
"You!- Me!- I'm, no you are me!", the two girls said as one, while Tikki continued to look worried, shooting accusatory glances at Mullo. The mouse Kwami proudly ignored her, confident that the incident wouldn't repeat itself. After all, hadn't that just been a fluke?
The original Marinette, now barely a millimeter shorter than she used to be, shoved the earrings in the copy's hands, who she'd now call Ladybug. She was the Guardian, this was Chat Noir's partner. Marinette 2.0 smiled at her, nodding in understanding.
"Don't worry. We share hero memories! I know what to do!", she assured the teenage Guardian, and in a flash of pink light, Ladybug herself stood before Marinette. Taking out her yoyo, she typed a message, presumably to Chat Noir, and exclaimed that she had to go. Satisfied with how things were looking –optimistic even, but she wouldn't go that far yet-, Marinette decided that she could do her science homework tomorrow at lunch, and traded boring work in for a well-earned nap.
The next morning, she arrived to school, confused by the fact that no one was in class. She thought she'd been late, but had everyone left? They didn't have gym in first period, so what was up?
"Oh, Marinette!", a surprised voice exclaimed from behind her. It was Miss Bustier, who herself had just arrived at the school. According to her math –which was terrible, but anyways- Marinette was about…an entire hour early? That couldn't be right!
"What brings you here so early? You're usually one to sleep in.", her teacher observed, though there was no accusation in her tone. One could even call it humorous, as if she was making a small joke. Judging by her hidden smirk, this was probably the case, though Marinette wasn't aware of that.
"Ah…Science! Homework! I have homework!", Marinette blabbered, and miss Bustier laughed. The teacher then sat at her desk, sipping coffee from her mug and correcting a few final quizzes that they'd taken the day before. Marinette had actually studied for it, so she wasn't at all surprised when her teacher causally mentioned that she got a perfect score.
The teenage Miraculous Holder –for she still had a box full of them even without Tikki- finished her science homework quickly enough and chatted up with her teacher for a bit, all too happy to have finally gotten a good night's rest and to brighten the woman's morning a little.
And soon enough, her friends started arriving, with Nino casually greeting her while listening to the music from his headphones, before he did a double take, comically backing up and rubbing his eyes, to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. When Marinette smiled at him and said she'd just had a good night's rest, he patted her on the shoulder, expressing a bit of good-natured jealousy at her full eight hours of sleep. He was running on only six.
Other classmates poured in, their reactions a various mixture of disbelief –including a "wait, did Dupain Cheng finally save up to buy an alarm?" from Chloe, which earned only her own laughter. Kim quietly handed ten euros to Alix –they had made a bet years ago on whether she'd ever arrive in class before everyone else, Kim being too stubborn to refuse it- and Nathaniel invited her to do some sketching together since there was still half an hour before the bell rung. This was Marinette's most relaxing morning in years. She should have cloned herself earlier!
And so, when Alya stepped in ten minutes later, Marinette's best friend nearly fainted, unable to comprehend that she wasn't late! Nino had to help her sit down at her seat, all while Alya kept shouting that she would 'discover Mari's secret'. Yeah, good luck with that! Adrien's reaction had been a lot more timid, a friendly wave and exchange of greetings –mostly blabbering on Marinette's part since cloning can't fix your crush-related issues- and a warm smile that nearly had the bluenette's nose bleeding.
Miss Bustier began her lesson five minutes later, with Marinette now able to pay full attention…to the back of Adrien's head, as per usual. With no Tikki to set her back into the reality, it fell onto Alya to ensure her best friend wouldn't make a fool of herself in the classroom. With Lila thankfully absent –away on another 'wondrous trip'- the day moved on with no problems…until the Akuma alert sounded on everyone's phones.
Fricking Hawkmoth! Okay, it was time to transform! Marinette immediately rushed outside to find a secluded spot…only to be swept away by a literal tornado. As she'd later learn, a weather man had been fired from TVI, causing the Akuma. Really, Alec ought to just stop being rude to people, since it was him that had pushed the poor victim over the edge.
Then again, did any of that matter while you're being flung 150 meters into the air by a flipping tornado? Marinette didn't think so! She was about to screw her secret identity and transform less Paris be left with no Ladybug…but she wasn't Ladybug anymore. And just as this realization –and the impending death that awaited her- dawned on her, the zip of a yoyo was heard.
In the blink of an eye, Marinette went from falling to her death to being carried bridal-style in Ladybug's arms. Wow…she was strong. And soft… Wait, was she talking to her? "-next time, you hear? I don't want to have to pull you out of the sky again miss.", Ladybug chided, even though the wink she shot her right afterwards made her seem anything but serious. Chat Noir soon joined the fight and 'Wind Master', living proof that Hawkmoth was uncreative as heck, was defeated.
The Miraculous Cure was spread across the city, and by that time Alya was already gushing to Marinette about how Ladybug had saved her from becoming a splash on the floor. Had she not been used to this crap by now, reminding someone of their near-death experience would not have been a good idea. Read the room, Alya.
But…as her best friend gushed over Ladybug, Marinette couldn't help but remember how it felt being curled up against the heroine. She sure was strong as a hero, huh? And that fabric was so soft…could she emulate that in her next design maybe? Oh, Ladybug PJs! The perfect idea now that her identity wasn't in danger!
This trend continued for a few weeks. Marinette arriving on time to school –and sometimes early, causing to Alix to win three consecutive bets with Kim at one point-, relaxing with her friends, chatting with Alya about Ladybug and Chat Noir without feeling awkward or jumping out of her seat every time an Akuma happened, at least not for the usual reasons. She still had to make sure Alya didn't almost get herself killed…again.
Being a normal teenager was fun, and having Ladybug tell about patrols with Chat Noir at night while breaking open boxes of leftover pastries and other sweets was even better. Listening to her partner's silly jokes and antics during battles was a lot more hilarious outside of life-threatening situations, and so it became a regular thing soon enough. Plus, she was always happy to see Tikki who –after the first couple days- warmed up to the idea.
With plenty of time on her hands to catch up on sleep, school and self-taught Guardian stuff, Marinette was feeling better than ever! Ladybug really was amazing! She was strong, smart, capable, pretty, fast, witty, hilarious when she wanted to be, and with the night sky making her eyes shine, absolutely gorgeous. Truly, it made sense that Chat Noir was in love with her! She was perfect! …okay, maybe that was a bit narcissistic but who cares?
Chat had every right to adore Ladybug, and to work up the courage to suggest outings outside of patrol. While her other self still made it clear they weren't dates, Chat seemed happy enough to spend time with her. Honestly, night was starting to become her favorite time, because that's when Ladybug would arrive to refill on pastries and share jokes and stories.
Before Marinette could even realize it, she'd befriended her own self. Quite literally! Without the pressure of Guardianship on Ladybug's shoulders and being able to freely express herself with someone, Marinette discovered that Ladybug was awesome! And soon enough, she'd sometimes join in Alya's aptly named 'gushing sessions', fangirling over Ladybug with her best friend, Nino happily shaking his head in the background, glad that his girlfriend was having fun.
There were even developments in the Adrien department! While she'd tried to ask him out a bunch more times and failed, Ladybug had advised she try to befriend him first, and worry about romance later. What a great idea! Why hadn't she thought of that?
And so Marinette started speaking to Adrien normally. It was a bit awkward at first, but the young model was all too happy about this new development, quickly taking a liking to the young designer. And the closer they got as friends, the more she discovered about Adrien as a person. While she'd never loved him superficially -her heart had always been in the right place according to her many Kwami, and Gods were quite wise-, she eventually settled into a blossoming friendship with him, foregoing asking him on dates in favor of hanging out with all their friends.
All seemed to be going well, until one night where she was talking to Ladybug like normal. Well…not quite normal. Since they were the same person, Marinette never had a problem sharing her personal space with her other self, only…this time, the two girls were laying on her bed, watching Alya's newest 'Chat Noir's funniest moments' compilation. Her best friend truly made excellent content, but Marinette, or at least her body, suddenly became more aware of her doppelganger as Ladybug shifted her weigh, half-asleep, ending up curling into the bluenette.
A moment passed, and Marinette dared to look at the heroine, resulting in her face being inches away from hers as Ladybug's eyes fluttered open, a soft smile finding its way on her face. "Well hello there. What a nice view to wake up to.", she quipped, Marinette being all too certain she'd ripped of Chat Noir's entire style of jokes.
Suddenly feeling incredibly flustered, Marinette hastily turned away, causing Ladybug to push herself closer in a mechanical attempt to keep close to Mari's warmth. Which was how Marinette found herself waking up in a cuddle with her superhero alter ego in the early hours of the morning, having fallen asleep moments after the embarrassing incident. Today was truly not her day it seemed, as one of Ladybug's legs had hooked over her own, making Marinette extremely aware of exactly how muscly it was, as she watched Ladybug's chest rise and fall with every breath.
The bluenette wasn't quite sure what had flustered her so much that she was acting like she would if this was Adrien –actually, if this had been him three months ago she would have exploded-, but Ladybug's hot breath hitting her face wasn't helping matters in the slightest. Against her immediate desires, Marinette decided that she had to get up, since school was still a thing.
Gently nudging Ladybug so she'd wake up, Marinette eventually got her leave, but not before receiving a very tight 'thank you' hug for letting her stay over, leaving the teenager hot and bothered for at least until lunch, because that's when Alya had cornered her to ask what was wrong.
"Girl, you seem…bothered. Is something up?", her best friend had asked, and Marinette had been instantly reminded of Ladybug's chest rising and falling this very morning.
That previously mentioned brain cell duo both stuck in Simping Mode once again, Marinette didn't quite manage a response. "L-Ladybug…", she sighed dreamily, the same way Alya remembered her friend doing when watching Adrien's Ads.
For a moment the Ladyblogger was worried. Did this meant that Marinette was in love with a superhero? Would all her work into making Adrienette canon go down the drain? Did Chat Noir and how would he take Marinette Dupain Cheng being in love with his crush? Would a love triangle form between the three?
There would be time for these questions later! Right now she had to ensure her best friend –who was fumbling around after hearing her own words- was okay with the fact that she way gay! Or bi, Alya wouldn't judge. She'd certainly start plotting on how to get Chat Noir to fall in love with her so Marinette could have both superheroes, but she wouldn't judge.
"Girl! You have a crush on Ladybug!", Alya stated excitedly to leave to room for Marinette to deny it. "I mean, you and everyone else in Paris but still! You have a crush on her! This is why you were adamant she Chat Noir weren't going to be a thing!", the Ladyblogger continued to shout, voice ringing in Marinette's ear and probably causing permanent damages. At least everyone was blind and deaf in this city, so no one else heard her.
Marinette's two brain cells registered Alya's words and found it illogical to look for an argument in the 'Denial' section of her brain. Both were in complete agreement with her after all, so why argue when they could simp instead?
"I-I…I", Marinette tried to deny it, but with every moment more and more thoughts about Ladybug flooded her brain. Her gorgeous blue eyes, the hourglass figure, the wit, the –sometimes stolen- puns, movie nights, shared laughs and stories! It was all there…and Marinette shut her mouth for a second.
Before opening it again. "I'm in love with Ladybug.", she stated, still in disbelief. It was a good thing Adrien had been called away, or he would have heard what she screamed next. "Oh my God I'm in love with Ladybug!", Marinette screeched, and even Chloe gave an eye roll that said 'welcome to the club, b*tch'.
A full-blown panic attack and several hours' worth of planning later, Marinette and Alya had devised a perfect plan! While the Ladyblogger couldn't know about her best friend's nightly hangouts with the spotted superheroine, she was still enthusiastic about helping her friend out and disregarded the matter of actually finding Ladybug amongst a city of two million people. After all, if anyone could to it, it's Stalker-nette! Marinette! She'd meant Marinette of course! Her friend had never committed any crimes by unlawfully stalking someone! Not at all…
And so, at night, the time was now. Ladybug landed on Marinette's balcony with grace as always, but she seemed to be in a rush. Marinette failed to notice this as she hurried over however, both girls opening their mouths at the same time!
"I'm in love with you!", dual screams sounded.
Then again, twin gasps of surprise. "You! You are?"
And lastly, a synchronized kiss! The two bluenette's kissed under the moonlight, each taking the time to admire the way their other self's eyes were shinning under the night sky, twin stars of their own. The two were oblivious to Mullo squeaking in terror as Ladybug's transformation dropped, the two teens not caring as the moved to Marinette's bed.
Tikki set her eyes on the sight for less than a second. That's how long it took for her to dart to mere millimeters away from Mullo's face and chase her inside the Miracle Box for a well-deserved scolding, the frightened mouse only managing to scream a "Tikki I swear I didn't think it would happen again!", before being dragged inside the Mother Box. The other Kwami took refuse in Marinette's sewing kit as the girls had gotten to an inappropriate state of undress for any Kwami to see their guardian in, formerly-Ladybug kissing Marinette deeply.
The poor Godlike creatures physically shivered as Mullo's wails were felt across their Kwami-Bond, with Plagg swooping in with them, averting his eyes from the…ahem, the incident 2.0 as Tikki would later refer to it, long after her holder –holders?- we dead. The cat Kwami cackled mentally, sending the sound directly through the Kwami-Bond, thankfully blocking out both Mullo's wailing…and the noise coming from the Guardian's bed. Oh boy…Chat Noir would have a hard time hearing this…
Oh my God I'm in tears right now! Once again, my delightful friend Mimi is responsible for this mess, and I might get her to dub it for us server members! I'd pay good money to near that anyways! So yeah, this is where some of the odder tags came from, but I hope you enjoyed this crack! Now if you'll excuse me, I have a Star Wars fic to continue, so goodbye Miraculers! May the Force be with you!
