Another part from the Miraculous AU

"NO! WATCH OUT!" Sakura quickly pushed her partner out the way of the laser beam taking the hit. In doing so, she collided against the wall. The rest of her strength faded revealing her identity in front of the enemy.

Oh no, this is bad.

This is very bad.

"Sa-Sakura?" The girl stiffened and looked away in shame. Her identity was exposed and nothing could be done about it. Chat's eyes were wide from shock before softening, he was about to say something, probably to check if anything was broken, before a chuckle from the akumatized victim caught their attention.

"So you've been Ladybug this whole time? Have to admit, out of all people I didn't expect it to be you. You know with the hair and all."

Well duh, we're not supposed to be recognised.

Sakura wanted to pound them but instead, a figure stood in front blocking the view.

"Don't forget I'm here too, are you afraid to challenge me?" A smirk formed on his lips as the enemy glared in response.

"I don't know why you're so smug, last time I checked I aimed at you." A growl came from his throat before he turned his attention back to her.

"Get out of here while you still can, I'll keep him distracted." With that he dove towards the enemy, attacking him from the front and dodging anytime he got his lasers out.

He was fast on his feet.

Flushing at their little exchange, the young women stood up before noticing something missing.

"Katsuyu!"

Sakura immediately started searching for her Kwami, they couldn't let Madara have her. Even if she is in dangerous territory, Sakura would fight for her. After moving a couple of rocks, a little cough could be heard and Sakura reached for the slug-like creature cradling her gently.

"I'm sorry," she trembled. Katsuyu only let out a small smile telling her not to worry and that after a rest they could go back to fighting. Nodding but still unease about the situation, Sakura secured her tightly in her purse wincing lightly, before quickly escaping the battle zone, or would have.

Unfortunately, it was too late, as Madara had recruited more victims. There were ten in front and another lot from behind.

"Give us the Miraculous and you will be spared."

One spoke, they were slowly approaching.

What do I do?

What do I do?

"Stay away from her!"

She recognised that voice.

Menma

And indeed it was, well at least him in disguise. The Rasengan effectively hitting the target. Ino, Hinata, Neji, Tenten, Lee, Karin, and the rest of her friends, including Gaara (Sakura's ex) came to her aid forming a circle so that no one could pass them.

"We couldn't let them take you," Ino informed smiling at her. "You're our friend and friends stick together even on the worst occasions."

Hinata snorted, "You owe us big time."

"But… you… you shouldn't be here. I have to-"

"You aren't in any state to transform," Gaara spoke making her head drop in shame. "Besides, you and he always save us, let us return the favour."

After hearing that relief washed through but shortly lived when they started attacking. Her friends got in their way purposefully one by one until Chat flashed in front of her.

"Come with me quickly," Sakura didn't have any hesitation and took his hand allowing him to pick her up and using his stick jump their way out of here. Trying to ignore the battle her friends going through.

Please don't die

After finding a secure location in an empty house, Chat let her go telling her he was going to lock all the doors and windows so she made herself at home. Looking around to see if there was any familiarity, there wasn't.

Screaming silently, Sakura put her bag down gently on the desk intending to leave before Chat called her.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to help them. We can't just-" a wave of pain washed over causing her to stumble. He caught her in his arms.

"You need to rest first, I'll keep guard until your safe. You don't have to worry."

She clenched her fists that were holding his arms.

"This is my entire fault! If only I can be stronger."

"Nothing's your fault, we both know one way or another everyone would find out about our identities. Besides, our friends are here to protect us."

He seemed very calm, despite the chaos outside.

Sakura shook her head.

"But we're supposed to protect THEM! Now he knows what I look like, everyone is in danger."

"You're underestimating us, we can take him."

"And if we can't?"

She was tired, so tired of everything.

Of keeping secrets, lying to all her friends, of the stress, and breaking hearts. Even though it happened so long ago, Sakura would never forget the look on Gaara's face when she crushed his. The feelings were mutual, but it was too dangerous for him. For anyone, not to mention she was still getting over Sasuke. It wasn't fair, and yet Gaara still went out of his way to protect her.

Then there was her partner, Chat. Who was always by her side, no matter what. He didn't doubt her and trusted her completely.

A wrong choice, look at them now.

"Why do you insist on doing everything by yourself?"

Because I'm all alone and don't have anyone.

Growing up Sakura never had a secure childhood. Her parents had died at a young age and she barely remembered them. She moved around from place to place, dumped again by adults and guardians who were supposed to protect you. It was only natural she had her guard up.

However, with him, it's different.

Sure, he was cheesy and a flirt, but he never broke his promise.

"I don't want you to pity me."

"I'm not, I think you're really strong. It's why I like you."

"You know that's not true."

They never did need to communicate with words, only their eyes.

"You have me, you'll always have me."

I know

A soft smile formed on his lips as he cradled her face gently wiping some tears, which somehow escaped.

"You don't have to do this alone."

Their foreheads were touching now.

Sakura felt her heart flutter, she knew what this feeling was and of course, had to reveal it now when their lives were at stake.

Then, did it really matter?

If they were going to die any second, what harm would it bring?

His face was getting closer and so Sakura allowed herself to be selfish and leaned into it. His lips were soft and not at all, what she imagined, but then kissing him as Chat wasn't what she pictured either. Maybe after they defeated Madara?

Then memories of the times she broke his heart flashed in her mind. Talking about his new girlfriend.

Girlfriend.

Sakura pulled back quickly in a panic.

"Why did you-"

Wasn't he in a relationship with someone else now? No wait, they broke up, briefly remembering how crushed he was but even so.

"Why did you kiss me? I… I don't deserve you."

"Because I wanted to and I know-"

He took her wrist gently and placed it on his heart.

"You feel the same way."

"…"

"Besides, I know who you are now. Do you think I'm letting you go again?"

"What?"

He knew her, of course, Sakura briefly recalled a conversation they had. He went to the same school as her, they could even be classmates.

"You know me? How?"

Besides, our friends are here to protect us.

Our friends

OUR FRIENDS!

"You really haven't figured it out yet?"

"No..."

"Ah, all in good time. I'll tell you when we defeat Madara, how's that?"

Despite all the chaos and anxiety, a big grin formed on her lips.

"I'd like that."

Okay, I think this will be the last of my snippets I'll upload for today. I'll try and get around to uploading them all eventually. Hopefully.