The story below is based on the characters from Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. I own nothing of the show. This is purely fictitious and written for the enjoyment of my readers and myself. All rights go to the proper parties.
The concept behind this one shot is based on the idea of the quantum masking the miraculous provides. In theory, this quantum masking should only work while the heroes are in the suit, so, it could be reasonably assumed that the heroes could potentially recognize each other's civilian voices while talking to each other behind the suit. Especially Marinette because of her crush/obsession with Adrien. Surly she should recognize his voice, thus, this one-shot idea was formed. This takes place during Mayura/Heroes' Day Part 2. Enjoy!!
Ladybug and Cat Noir are running through the sewers after their near loss with Scarletmoth. They run down the sewers and find a section that splits into two separate tunnels.
Ladybug sighs in relief as she instructs Cat Noir, "I'm about to transform back. I'll go this way. You go that way." She says as she points to the opposite sides of the sewer.
They run to their chosen sides and Ladybug detransforms first, "That was a close one." She says to Tikki as she pulls out a macaroon.
Cat Noir detransform says next, "claws in!" He then pulls out a piece of cheese from his pocket and hands it to Plagg, "Enjoy it, but don't take too long. We don't have much time."
"Let's share it." Plagg says as he splits the cheese in half. "You're gonna need it too."
Adrien smiles as he takes the cheese, "thank you, Plagg."
He eats the cheese then calls out to Ladybug, "You okay, Ladybug?"
"Hawkmoth has never re-akumatized so many people in one go. Something's changed." She says contemplatively, even as Cat Noir's civilian voice permeates her eardrums.
"Maybe he's figured out how to boost his powers, just like we did." Adrien suggests.
"You still think we can win?" Marinette asks cautiously.
Adrien responds confidently, "Like you said, we can't lose hope. People are relying on us."
"But our team crumbled." Marinette says solemnly.
"Then let's go back to what's always worked. A duo. You and me against the world, m'lady." Adrien exclaims.
Marinette smiles at Adrien's words but a thought crosses her mind. He sounds so familiar, and not just because he's her partner. She has never truly heard his voice out of the suit, but there's something so familiar about it. She gasps as an image crosses her mind of the boy who's face matches that voice.
She swallows hard before asking, "Does my voice sound familiar to you?
Adrien pauses, confused at her question, before responding. "Of course it does, you're my partner Ladybug."
"No, does my voice sound familiar to you as a civilian?" She corrects.
Adrien pauses, that sweet voice flows through his head as he tries to pinpoint where he recognizes it from. Without their suits, Adrien isn't prevented from hearing all the subtleties in her voice. He gasps as a familiar classmate pops into his head.
"Marinette?" He questions carefully.
Marinette blushes, that answers that question. He recognizes her and she recognizes him. Just from their voices.
"Hello, Adrien." She says confidently.
Adrien comes around the wall of the sewer and gasps at the physical proof of Marinette being Ladybug. They both smile wide as they take in each other silently.
Adrien breaks the silence first, "I'm so happy it's you," he says.
Marinette opens her mouth to speak before she gasps at the sound of people entering the sewers, "They're coming!" She yells.
Adrien smiles as they begin to run down the tunnel together, "You like water rides?"
Marinette calls back, "Don't forget to put your diving gear on."
The two heroes jump into the water, "Tikki, power-up!" "Plagg, power-up!" They yell at the same time as they toss their kwamis the aqua power-up.
No more words are said about their identities as they fight the many akumas and Scarletmoth. They know they have each other's back in and out of costume, and they're prepared to fight for each other and for Paris. They'll have plenty of time to talk once this battle is over. Ladybug and Cat Noir were prepared to face anything together.
