*Uncovered Mask*

~Chapter Seven~

"You, You don't mean no harm, but you're stringing me along,

And I don't have the time to spare,

And I, I'm trying hard to breathe, but you're suffocating me,

This time I'm coming up for air."

"Are you okay? When I couldn't find you, I… I was scared. I called your parents, I looked everywhere on the stadium… then Nino told me Ladybug brought you home safe."

She pursed her lips, and looked down, "Yeah, she found me just in time..."

"Marinette, look. I know I was wrong."

"Were you? I mean, you weren't completely wrong…" Raising her eyebrows in emphasis, she bit her lip. She didn't want him apologizing, she felt bad even though she didn't do anything wrong. How does that even work? Isn't that...bad? Is what they have bad? It is, isn't it?

"Yes, of course I was! That shouldn't even be a question. Something horrible happened to you and..." Almost getting angry, he raised his voice a little, "You know, just because I'm Adrien Agreste doesn't mean I can't say or do what I did to you. Just because I am who I am doesn't mean I can get away with acting that way, Marinette."

Scoffing, she frowned, "I'm not compromising for you because of who you are! I feel bad! I hurt someone I love! I'm just trying to say I was at fault too! I didn't explain it right and-"

"That's because I didn't let you!" Walking over and sitting at the edge of her bed, he softened his voice to ease the turmoil in the room. "Look, I…" Getting lost in her eyes, he trailed off, unsure of his next thought. "I know I can't love you, at least not yet but… Let me treat you the way I should."

He grabbed her hands, and leaned in, wanting to be close to her. "Just let me be here for you." His arms enveloped her in a big hug.

Marinette hesitated, the touch feeling slightly uncomfortable. Nevertheless, she wrapped her arms around him too. "You were mean."

Understanding, he nodded. "Even when I was hurt and angry, I felt like I was being a big jerk."

Marinette smirked, "You're not wrong about that."

Marinette nodded, letting go and playing with her fingers nervously even though he seemed like an innocent child, his eyes did remain intense. "I understand, and I forgive you but… You hurt me. And not just that, you didn't even believe me."

Licking her lips, finding it hard to say the right words, he just waited patiently. Blinking the tears away, she finally spoke. "Not to mention that… that I want something real. We've only been together for about a day or two, and even then it isn't even real-"

Grabbing her hands back into his, he silenced her. "I'm sorry I can't give you something better Marinette, and I'm sorry I can't give you all my love. But I can give you something real. And what I feel is real, and I don't know myself exactly what it is but… I want to try. I want to explore what this… feeling is. And I want to explore that with you." Smiling, his eyes creasing, he blushed. "If you'd let me that is."

"Of course." They embraced, his face digging into her neck. They stayed that way for a long time, until she pulled away as guilt tugged on her chest. "Adrien…"

"Princess?"

Her voice broke, "I don't know how to deal with this.."

"Mari…" He held her, and embraced her again. Her head rested against his shoulder, seeking comfort.

"I feel dirty. I feel used, and worthless and-" Her sobs echoed throughout the room. "I couldn't move, and I was so scared-"

He shushed her in a comforting manner, "I'm so sorry this happened to you. I should've been there to comfort you, I should've believed you the minute you said it."

She drew in a shaky breath, "How could you? Some people could lie about stuff like that and-"

"Not you, Mari. Never you… You're the most honest and kindest person I know. You could never do that to anyone…"

She sniffled, "I'm so sorry, Adrien. I never meant for any of this to happen."

"Mari…" He pulled away slightly, "Did my father… did he really do this to you?"

Marinette looked away, "I… I only know what Nathaniel told me. Something about his family or me… and he chose his family. And that, C-Chloe took the picture. But I don't think she genuinely knew he was hurting me…"

Adrien frowned, and just hugged her close. He was upset, but right now wasn't about him. It was about her…

His hand ran through her hair, trying to give her solace her anyway he can.

Her legs couldn't move faster, her breathing couldn't swallow more air. Swallow? Oh my god, she was freaking insane. Marinette's mind focused on the building ahead, she didn't notice the blue haired beauty she would impact into.

Her shoulder bumped his, and her bluebell eyes met his teal ones just nanoseconds before her back hit the floor. Dazed, she sat up onto her knees immediately to retrieve her books on the ground, not wanting to risk an embarrassed glance at the boy in front of her.

"Are you okay, Mar-"

"Yeah, I'm fine; just as clumsy as ever." As she reached out for the last book, so did he. They both looked up simultaneously, and yet bumped heads. "Oh my god, we've got to stop doing… that."

Her voice trailed off as she focused her eyes on his face for the first time. She smiled, "Luka…"

"Brave, little Mari…" Luka's hand carried her textbook, while his other helped her onto her feet. They both seemed to be speechless as they just smiled at each other, almost basking in the happiness of being in each other's presence. To other people, it may seem a little awkward, yet it was anything but. Her heart seemed to soar inside her chest, and she still couldn't find anything good to say that seemed fitting.

Breaking the silence, he slightly smirked down at the raven haired girl as he spoke. "So, how've you been?"

"I've been good, better now that…" Her eyes widened at where her sentence was going, and Luka's smirk turned into a full blown grin. Marinette shook her head, a light blush warmed her face as she spoke, "And you? How have you been?"

"Well, since I bumped into you, my day has actually become a lot greater now."

Giggling at his words, she bit her lip, bashful yet playful. "You really mean that?"

"Really, really."

His eyes didn't waver to her body like other boys would; they would just focus on her eyes; on her soul. Her chest seemed to grow warm, and Marinette bristled. Becoming a little more curious, she asked him a question. "So where were you headed?"

"I had forgotten some stuff at home, actually. My teacher had let me go so I could get it."

"Oh. Your teacher's super nice. I mean, mine is too, but I don't know if she-" She shook her head, "I'm rambling. Sorry, I just get , what do you need to get?"

"I'm gonna be honest, and don't laugh but-" Luka rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "My backpack."

Marinette giggled, "Pfft. Your whole backpack?"

He shook his head with a smile, "Yeah, I know. Super dumb, huh?"

She blushed, "No, not dumb. Honestly, I find it kind of cute."

It was Luka's turn to blush. He sheepishly shook his head and laughed. "You're something else, Mari. What a lovely tune…"

Her eyes widened, and she went to grab the book from him, "Well, I guess I should get going to class unless-"

"Unless you want to come with me to get it?"

Turning her head with a small, yet unintentional, flirtatious smile, she spoke.

"I'd love to."

Adrien sighed for the hundredth time, and both Nino and Alya rolled their eyes. "OH, MY GOD, AGRESTE!"

Surprised at Alya's outburst, the two male teenagers jumped at her loud voice. "W-What do you mean, Alya?"

"Well, obviously, you miss Marinette." Adrien pursed his lips, and looked at the floor.

"Oh, really? What gave it away?"

"Oh, 'what gave it away', he says. How about only the hundred million sighs since break, not since school started, since mother-trucking break started."

Chuckling, Nino nodded along. "She ain't exactly wrong, dude."

"Thanks, babe."

Groaning, he hung his head as if in shame. "She's just always worrying me, and is always so clumsy…"

"Don't worry about her so much, Adrien. If Marinette is this late, she probably has a really good…" Looking ahead, past his shoulders, she trailed off and her lips were confused to whether grin or frown. "Reason…?"

Their feet walked simultaneously, and with his arm around a red Marinette, and though the small, flustered girl focused on everyone else's shocked faces, Luka's eyes never left her face. Walking up to the three gaping friends, the two dark-haired teenagers greeted them. Adrien seemed to glare at them for a brief second, and then looked away, but it could've been just Marinette's imagination.

"So, what's up, guys?" The dyed blue hair boy kindly smiled, oblivious to the tension between them; or just simply ignoring it. Alya scoffed, and smirked at her best friend whilst Nino made an awkward yet humorous 'duck lips'.

Suddenly, the blonde stood up and reached out a hand to him, smiling with his lips, but not with his eyes, not at all with his eyes. "Nice to see you again, Lucas, was it?"

Grinning, he shook his hand right away. "It's just Luka, actually. You're Adrien, right?" When confirmed, he turned to the other two, recalling their names again, "And you two must be Alya and Nino."

"Right. Your mother was-"

"-Was the leader of the band for the music festival. She was really great that night, Luka." Marinette smiled up at him, giving a sideways glare at her crush. "It wouldn't have been the same without her."

Luka took his arm from around her, and smirked. "You're too kind, Mari. But you don't have to censor the fact that my mom was akumatized, its okay." Looking up at Adrien with a guarded smile, he spoke. "I mean, I know I'm not the only one with a once akumatized parent around here, right?"

Awkward silence enveloped the five as Marinette scoffed at the two. "Okay, well, I think we all should all head back to class now. This leads to my next question: which class are you in, Luka?"

"Just about a grade above you, actually. My teacher's actually kind of laid back though, so I'd say I think I have about the right amount of time to walk you to class."

Before she could answer, Adrien spoke, "Aw, thanks Luka. I appreciate the sentiment."

Patting him on the shoulder, Adrien walked a bit ahead of him, and then waited for the rest of them. "Going to walk us, or not, Luka?"

Pursing his lips, Luka raised his eyebrows and smiled a tight lipped smile, then proceeded to walk them into their class. Waving goodbye to Marinette, he walked away from the classroom doorway. Marinette sheepishly waved back, and then proceeded to pull out her class supplies. She leaned over, whispering to her best friend. "What'd I miss first period?"

Giving her a playful glare, Alya responded in a snarky manner, "No, I'm not peeping a word until you spill what happened with Luka."

Marinette giggled, "I'll pass a note. Now tell me what I missed in class."

Adrien stilled, almost paralyzed as he heard the interaction. His eyes narrowed, Luka. As the class passed by, Adrien's tense body seemed to become more uncomfortable with every minute that came and left. As soon as the bell rang, he stood up suddenly only to feel a small hand on his shoulder. He turned, coming face to face with Marinette. "Adrien, you okay? You seem… agitated."

"I wonder why, Mari. You know, I…" Looking away from her eyes, he noticed their classmates that were walking by and then sighed as he brushed her off. "Forget it." He walked away, slowing to a halt when he saw Luka in the hallway, and then walked past in disregard to his presence.

Frowning because of him in the classroom, again, she smiled nonchalantly at the passing classmates to try and prevent the spread of rumors. Marinette was the last one about to be out of the class when she saw Luka leaning against the doorway. "Did you-"

"I saw enough." Walking to her cautiously, he smiled sympathetically. "You okay?"

Nodding, she smiled, gratefully. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for asking, Luka."

"Marinette…"

"Don't ask."

"What is he to you?"

"I thought I said not to ask…"

"Mari, I need to know."

"It's… It's complicated, Luka. For the longest time, I've liked and had a crush on Adrien, but the problem is that he's been in love with someone else. And I…"

Luka placed a hand on her shoulder, "Well, maybe it's time to have some space between the two of you. Be friends before you two could ever be anything more and make sure that you…" Clearing his throat at her searching eyes, he rephrased his thoughts. "That you both have time to explore your options."

"Luka…"

"I know it might not be so easy, but maybe it'll fix things between you."

Suddenly, her arms wrapped around him as her head buried in his shirt. "That's what I needed to hear, Luka. Thank you."

Reluctant at first from the surprise of the embrace, he eventually hugged her back, "Anytime." Pulling away, Luka created only an inch of space between them.

"Actually, Mari, I need to confess something to you."

"And what is that, exactly?"

"Well, it's more like a statement, really." Clearing his throat, he stared into her eyes without waver. "I'm going to be friends with you; I'll help you, and I'll be your shoulder to lean on from time to time. But remember this…" His hands went to her neck, making sure her gaze never left his eyes. Her heart hammered against her chest as her head went in spirals from the close proximity. She couldn't deny the wanting of his lips against hers, or the fact that they had a bond that went beyond friendship; a bond inexplicable by words. With those thoughts in mind, she hung onto every word he said. "Remember this feeling between us, and never let it go. And until you realize the connection we have, I won't cross any boundaries you have for us as friends."

"Luka…" Placing her hand over his, she smiled sweetly. She was touched, and was practically at a loss for words; and that's when it hit her. "Luka, I-

Seeing the wall above them crack, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion as Marinette trailed off her sentence when she noticed his attention was somewhere else. "Luka, what's wrong-"

"Get down!"

Grabbing her waist, he dove them both to the floor as the roof above them collapse. Now lying down, Luka held himself over Marinette as pieces of debris fell around them. One particular piece of roof fell on both of Luka's legs, and only one of hers; they were trapped. Feeling the floor underneath them start to give way, both of their eyes widened. "Marinette, get out of here before-"

"I can't and I will not leave you! "

"Yes, you can. I'll be fine, I-"

"Luka, I literally can't leave you! I'm trapped too." Hearing her pained gasping, his face transformed into one of worries.

"Are you okay? Mari?"

"It's not too badly injured, I'll be okay, Trust me." Hearing a roar above them, they stilled in fear. "Akuma…"

Its feet landed, and roared loudly a name many others that have been akumatized had once yelled. "Chloe Bourgeois!" Sighing in relief, she smiled encouragingly to Luka. They weren't the targets; it could be easier to escape now.

"We need to find a way to get out of this rubble. Come on, we can use something as a lever and-"

"Mari, we have to hurry; we're going to fall-"

The ground gave way, breaking under the akuma's feet, and then the two fell through the roof of another classroom. Realizing he'd fall onto her along with some rubble, Luka threw her out of the way at the last second. Dust surrounded them both as they collapsed down two floors and into the basement.

Marinette landed on her stomach. She got up on all fours, and gasped as she turned to see Luka was completely covered under big, rocky pieces of building and floor. She stood; her leg was fine despite a scratch or two. She ran over to him, and tried to take some of the weight off him, and even though it might have normally been too heavy, somehow by some miracle, she succeeded.

His clothes were ruffled with dust and almost completely worn out, his hair was a mess, and that's when she the blood dripping from the side of his head. She whimpered, and grabbed his face gently. Dazed, he smiled at her through the pain.

"Luka… Why-"

"I think you know why. Besides, it's what any sane person would do." Looking past her shoulder, he saw the door to the basement. Despite wanting her by his side, he knew she'd be safer away from the damage; safer at home. "There's the door to the basement. You can make it home, while you can. Please."

"No. Luka, I would never leave you here."

"Marinette, go. Get some help." Luka coughed, and then groaned as his body was now sore. He closed his eyes, fading into unconsciousness. "You shouldn't be here."

Her eyes widened, and she grabbed his shoulders and shook them with urgency. "Luka, please! Don't close your eyes, stay with me, you could have a concussion… Luka!"

Tikki flew out of her coin purse and appeared by her side as tears started to pour down her porcelain-like cheeks, and hugged her face. "You know what you have to do, Marinette. You can save him, and the rest of Paris. Just say the words."

Nodding, she wiped the tears off and stood proudly. "Paris needs me. Tikki, spots on!"

Pink magic swirled about her as she transformed, and a luminescent light glowed from the center of the basement in the view of two teal, yet dazed eyes of Luka Coffaine.

Alya gasped at the large spider-like akumatized man in the courtyard; it was blocking the entrance as to look for the one and only spiteful Chloe. Panicked, she grabbed Nino's hands and led them to the entrance of a nearby closet. Throwing the door open, she threw her boyfriend in, despite his protests, and blocked it off with a door. "Be safe."

Rushing, she dove into a classroom, took out her phone, and started recording a live video of the monster as it caused chaos within the school's walls. Then, pointing the camera at herself, she pleaded desperately. "Ladybug and Chat Noir, where are you?!"

Adrien had gone out during lunch period for a refresher. He absolutely couldn't stand the view of beautiful, innocent Marinettte with that gothic, flirtatious guitar musician. Personally, he was sure that he was a nice guy, and maybe he had overreacted a little, but he couldn't shake the internal feeling of dread, jealousy, and anger every time he saw the two 'friends' laughing together. Though he did feel some remorse, he had decided to make it up to her for his sour attitude.

He was currently at the Dupain-Cheng's bakery, buying some croissants [SHIP] and some macaroons for the both of them to share when he'd apologize. Hopefully she'd forgive him, maybe even be so infested with love for the sweet dessert her parents had made so wonderfully that she would completely ignore her new found 'friend' Lukas.

Mrs. Dupain-Cheng had just boxed the delicious, frosty treats for the model when a loud commotion shook the ground. Looking out the window, they had both determined it had come from across the street; from the high school. "Marinette…"

Hurriedly excusing himself from the shop, he ran next to the bakery to search for a secluded enough spots to transform; he found one. Plagg popped out from the inside of his jacket and sighed, "By now, Hawkmoth has just been intrusive and downright annoying. Interrupting me and my precious cheese…"

"Enough of your complaining, Plagg, we've got to save Marinette."

"You mean Paris?"

"Same thing." Forming a wide grin, he held out his fist to shout: "Now Plagg, claws out!"

With Luka secured over her shoulder, Ladybug opened the door to the basement cautiously and surveyed the courtyard. There were some students trapped in some sort of cocoons wrapped in web-like substances, and the rest could be taking refuge in classrooms or closets, but no visible villain. Seeing that the roof and entrance had also been closed off with spider webs, she sighed; another spider villain…? She could possibly break through, but it could be too sticky and might attach to her yo-yo, and then attract attention. What to do…?

Seeing a closet covered with a chair, she ran to it with light steps and removed the wooden seat; she opened the door to see Nino. "Ladybug? You're here!"

Shushing him, she handed him the unconscious male and helped him lie Luka down. "Stay here and keep him safe."

"Hold up, my girlfriend's out there."

"Alya?"

"Wait, how did you know she's my-"

"Isn't she that really good writer of the ladyblog?"

"Oh, yeah. She locked me in here earlier, but it got all quiet out there so now I'm worried."

"Don't worry about her; I'll make sure she's safe. In the meantime, stay here."

Locking the door behind her, she walked the halls carefully; awaiting the attack of a creepy crawler.

"Here, spidey-spidey."

A hand was laid on her shoulder and she jumped. Grabbing the arm of the supposed assailant, she twisted his arm until she laid her eyes on leather as well as hearing a familiar voice groan in pain. "Chat Noir?"

The charming feline's voice rasped, "Who else, m'lady?"

Releasing her grip on him, the two superheroes visibly relaxed. "Haven't seen you in a while, kitty. How have you been?"

"I've had better days."

"I think we both have. How'd you get in?"

"Through a window. You?"

Hesitant for a short moment, she thought of her answer quickly, "Same."

"Have you seen the akumatized victim?"

"Not yet. Have you?"

"Not so far. Plus, there aren't a lot of places to hide which leads me to wonder if they are even here anymore. Shouldn't she-"

"Or he."

"-they have attacked by now?"

"Maybe they're just waiting for the right moment."

"Or maybe they went to look for a fleeing Chloe Bourgeois."

"How could you be so sure it's her that the victim is after?"

Raising an eyebrow, Ladybug scoffed. "She is one of the many reasons we've even had akumatized victims in the first place, Noir. I wouldn't exactly put it past her."

Although true, Ladybug failed to mention the fact she had heard it herself. Not that Chat needed to know that... Nevertheless, Chat shook his head in disapproval. "It's just that you've never taken a liking to the girl. She looks up to you, you know?"

"If she does, then it certainly must mean I look down on her, doesn't it?"

"Whatever, I'm just not convinced."

"Well then, why don't we ask the witnesses?" Pointing to the cocoons above, the flirtatious Chat Noir winced. This was going to take a while.

Running as fast as her skinny legs could carry her, Chloe raced down the streets of Paris; away from a huge, mechanical spider. The person inside grinned as he was gaining on the small, frail girl quickly. Suddenly, the purple symbol of communication appeared over his eyes; the metal gears inside of the huge arachnid groaned, showing his emotion of annoyance well.

"Forget her. Get to the heroes. Now."

"I'll get you what you want once I get my revenge."

Pain suddenly seared through his core, making him groan and whimper in the most unmanly manner. "Alright, alright! I'll head back to the high-school."

"Good. And don't forget about their miraculous."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah…"

Gasping around the corner, the mayor's daughter pulled out her phone and dialed Sabrina's number. "I have to warn Ladybug…"

Helping Alya, as well as having Chat Noir help the rest of the student out of their entanglement; Ladybug stood her on her feet and smiled. "Are you okay?"

"Ladybug, you came!" Stifling her in a hug in one moment, she pulled away in the next. "Did you see my live feed?"

Playing along, she nodded encouragingly, "Yes, and thank you for your help."

Turning to the rest of the student body, of which some were still covered in webs here and there, she cleared her throat. "By any chance, do any of you happen to know who the villain is after?"

"Chloe Bourgeois, of course. Who else?" Kim crossed his arms angrily, almost appalled at the idea of it being anybody else. Suddenly, a door nearby burst open with Nino helping a limping Luka over. Everyone rushed over to their aid, helping sit Luka down against a wall.

"Luka! Are you okay?" Ladybug kneeled next to him, checking his wounds more thoroughly and making sure they weren't too fatal. Thankfully, besides a questioning stare from Luka himself, no one thought more about how well the superhero knew the male teen.

"I'm fine, Mare."

Both Ladybug's and Luka's eyes widened at his statement, and she shook her head, cursing herself. Wasn't he unconscious at the time?

Confused, Chat Noir raised an eyebrow at him, "Marinette? What are you talking about?"

"H-He must be hallucinating. Looks like his head is badly injured which would explain his delusions. We should get him to the hospital."

Avoiding having Ladybug's identity discovered as well, Juleka's older sibling looked to the purple haired girl and smiled wearily, playing along. "Grandma? Are you here too?"

Alya gasped, "Wait. Luka, where is Marinette? Weren't you with her last in the classroom?"

Pursing her lips, she stood and rubbed her forehead; why was this always so complicated? With a sigh, she looked to the other students. "Have you seen Marinette, or Adrien for that matter?"

Nino smirked to himself as he responded, "Adrien went out to lunch. Mari probably tagged along. Who knows? They're probably holed up somewhere cuddling."

Frowning, and ignoring the comment, she went up to the window that leads to the outside of the school and into the bushes by the entry steps. "Here. One by one, out. Now. Find shelter. This place is collapsing..."

The students wasted no time listening to her order and proceeded to jump out. Juleka, however, paused, looking to Ladybug, "What about my brother? He can't go out that window in this condition…"

"I'll have Chat Noir escort him to the hospital."

Chat placed a hand on her shoulder, "And what about you?"

"What about me? I'll go around the city looking for our villain."

Sabrina interceded, and waved her cellphone, "Chloe called for you Ladybug."

"Why don't we just help him out the window?" Ignoring Chat's stupid questions, the heroine took the cell phone and placed it by her ear.

"Hello?"

"Ladybug! I just wanted to warn you, he's coming back for you and Chat Noir!"

"How did you-"

"Don't worry about it. Hey, why not after all this mess we-"

Hanging up, she walked over to Luka in a hurried manner to help him stand. "We don't have time to argue anymore, kitty. The villain is coming and Luka's health is the most pressing matter right now. You need to get them and the rest of this school to safety"

"Yeah, and what about yours?"

"That doesn't concern you. Now take him and leave."

"But m'lady-"

Crashing through the webs on the roof, a purple 10 foot spider landed in front of the students who hadn't jumped out yet, shaking the whole ground. "Chat Noir! Ladybug! Give me your miraculous."

Turning back to the leather cat, she handed Luka over. "Go! Now!"

Swinging her yo-yo, she smirked as she turned to the arachnid shaped villain. "Let's dance."

"Fine, but I'm warning you. I seem to be a bit…" One of the mechanical legs lifted and crashed down onto the floor, causing her to lose a bit of her balance, but she nevertheless remained standing. "Clumsy."

Growling, she yanked her yo-yo to tie around his legs when she noticed a bo-staff hit his eyes as to blind the user. Succeeding, she risked a glance to where the bo-staff came from and frowned.

"Chat Noir! You're supposed to be taking Luka to the hospital!"

"Don't worry about him. I put him in a safe place."

Spouting web out of the arachnid's behind, it fell onto the heroine's yo-yo string and laughed. "Lover's quarrel? Don't worry, I'll end what you two started."

Frustrated and seeing no obvious indication of where the Akuma was held, she pulled her weapon and called upon her hidden power. "Lucky charm!"

A small cork fell into her hands as she made a confused face [as she always did], "A cork? What am I going to do with a cork?"

Jumping on the back of the spider as it moved around to knock him off, the hero called out to her a serious yet humorous answer: "It's a butt plug for his web shooter!"

Ladybug's disgusted face turned into one of awe. "Chat! You're a genius! Now, pin him down with some debris from the roof by using your cataclysm to have him stuck!"

Chat Noir smirked, "Beauty and brains, you're wonderful M'lady."

Ladybug distracted it as Chat Noir climbed to what remained of the roof, and he called out, "Cataclysm!"

As the mechanical spider was distracted by the falling debris, she crawled under the huge bug and stood behind it, plugging his web hole. "Perfect."

The machine, now plugged, whirred and shook under the constipation of webs. The mechanical spider's legs now shook under the heavy metal. "No! You can't do this! Don't break now!"

As if unheard by the man's cries, the giant spider broke down completely, and opened the lip above its four eyes. Dragging the man out, Ladybug scowled at him, "End of the line. Now where's the Akuma?"

"You'll never get it out of me!"

"Found it! It was between the talons, where its mouth should be." Chat Noir smiled, and lifted a small frame with a spider squeezed inside of it.

"Ah. Crush it." Dropping the man back inside the machine, she got her yo-yo out as the small purple butterfly flew out of the souvenir, "No more evil-doing for you, little Akuma."

Purifying it, she yelled out her known catchphrase: "Miraculous Ladybug!"

With everything magically fixed, the heroes pounded their fists together happily. "Pound it."

Helping the man up and out of the school, Ladybug stood on the steps enjoying the sunlight for a moment. Chat Noir made his way to stand beside her, and smiled at her wistfully. "M'lady…"

"Yes, kitty?"

"I need to talk to you."

"About?"

"Well…"

"Not this again, Chat." Looking away, she placed her hand on her forehead. Ladybug couldn't be with him, and as much as it pained her, she hadn't learned to love this side of him just yet. Just like he didn't love her other side either. Would they ever learn to?

"Just hear me out. Trust me, I'll be quick."

Turning her head towards him, she heard her earrings beep, and frowned. "Then please do so- Hey!"

He grabbed her waist and pulled her close. Placing his hand over her chest, and she blushed. "Chat-"

"Shh..." Leaning in until their foreheads touched ever so slightly, he whispered to her his words. The mint in his breath was practically intoxicating to her brain. "Your heartbeat; that pounding… it means something. It means that it isn't just me that feels this, right?"

Gulping, she furrowed her eyebrows and let out a shaky breath, but didn't respond. She couldn't even look him in the eye.

"Look at me."

Reluctantly, she found herself gazing into his deep, green orbs. "I know you feel what I feel. You have to. And I know you may have some concerns about this, about our identities. But to hell with that, because I…"

He couldn't admit it. He couldn't get the words out, but something in those bluebell eyes told him she already knew, that she gets it. But did she feel it as well? Seeing this as an opportunity, he leaned in for a kiss slowly, and then waiting about a second for a protest. For a moment, he thought, for a moment it seemed like it would finally happened. For a moment, it seemed like she wanted him to kiss her. For a moment, her eyes seemed to hold love and affection; they seemed vulnerable, unlike anything he had ever seen in his love's eyes. But the next moment, they were instantly guarded.

Ladybug pulled away angrily, and slapped his cheek immediately. Grasping it, Chat Noir looked at her confused.

"You have a girlfriend."

Looking away, he scoffed. "She's just a girl who figured out my identity and happens to have a dumb, little crush on me. Merely a cover. She means nothing to me."

He heard her breathe in sharply, and thought nothing of it. If anything, he expected a reprimand about keeping his identity secret. That is, until he heard her sniff; he looked at her, she looked away. But he still saw it: the tears.

And as if for the very first time in a long time and realized something. Her hair… It's like…

"M'lady…"

And then she was gone.

Nino and Alya stood at the top of the Eiffel tower as the sun set. Alya laughed at one of his jokes about Luka not wanting to let go of Chat when he handed him to the couple.

After the heroes saved the day, Nino brought his girlfriend here. Cause why not? He was planning to do something he's been too ashamed to do previously, and he couldn't wait to see Alya's face when he did it. Nino's hand was placed over hers, then the mood turned serious. Alya's laugh faded as his brown eyes bored into hers.

"Alya?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry..."

"Nino, what do you have to be sorry about?"

"Almost everyday there's an akuma out there. Almost everyday we're at risk for our lives. And even then, I've spent it wasting time with you."

She bristled, "Excuse me? Nino, please I-"

He chuckled, "That came out a little wrong. I'm not planning to break up with you, trust me." Alya visibly relaxed, and he smiled.

"I just meant that, I'm sorry I can't do what you want me to."

Alya smiled and shook her head, "I don't need anything more than this right here, Nino."

Nino frowned and slightly pulled his hand away, "I need to tell you something Alya."

Alya quickly placed her hand back on his, "Anything. You can tell me anything."

"I'm scared. I'm scared of hurting you, and I'm scared that one day they'll never be able to save the day. I'm scared because I've never really been with anyone that makes me feel this way, Alya. Honestly, no matter how nervous I was about Marinette, it doesn't even compare to what I feel when I'm around you. And, I know you want more, but it's just hard for me sometimes."

"Nino, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to pressure you into anything ever, I-"

"I want to too, Alya. But before, I was just a coward before."

Alya's eyebrows knitted in confusion, "Was?"

Her breath hitched as he leaned in, the hairs on the back of her neck seemed to stand as he leaned in. Her confidence seemed to leave her body with every inch his lips got closer. At first, slowly, then all at once.

Their lips met. Hers moved first, then his against her. They fought for control as they clung to each other.

Alya pulled away breathlessly, "Wait, I'm so confused-"

Nino pressed his forehead against her, and smiled. "I want to, Alya. I-If that's what you still want-"

"Yes! I mean-" A blush appeared over both their faces, and Alya frowned. "S-Sorry, that was a little eager… I just… I love you, Nino. It's our senior year and… I want to feel and be as close to you… College is right around the corner, and I honestly… I'm scared of losing you."

He smiled, and caressed her cheek. "You won't be able to get rid of me, Cesaire."

She chuckled, "I'm glad…"

That night, Marinette sat in her bed seeming paralyzed by Chat Noir (Adrien's) words as she kept looking into nothingness. Adrien never cared about her. She was just a means to keep his secret. It was all a cover, it had to be. It had to be, just, lies. She wasn't crying. Not this time. She wasn't upset.

She was angry.

"I'm sure he didn't mean it, Marinette. He was just-"

"Just what, Tikki? Just ashamed? Just embarrassed that a low-life girl had some dumb crush on him? God, I was so stupid. All those kisses-"

"Mari-"

"All those words-"

"Marinette."

"All of them were just lies, Tikki. I never should have let him in. There were so many things wrong with this, I knew it, and I didn't listen to my intuition when I should have."

"It isn't your fault. No one could have predicted that he'd act that way or say those things today."

Shaking her head, she looked down at her hands and sighed. "Luka was right, we need space between us."

Tikki bristled, clearly not knowing what to say.

"I… I'm gonna go visit him in the hospital. Tikki, Spots On!"

She made it to the hospital window of Luka Coffaine quickly. "Spots Off."

Noticing the shine of pink coming from his window, Luka sat up alarmed. "Who's there?"

Marinette sheepishly climbed into the room from the sill, "I-It's just me, Luka. I, uh, thought we should talk."

He visibly relaxed, and scooted over in his hospital bed. "Well, there's room for one more."

Wordlessly, the heroine climbed into the hospital bed, laying next to him as her eyes teared up. She sniffled, "Thanks, Luka." She rubbed her eyes, and Luka put his arm around hers. "I, I probably owe you an explanation, don't I?"

"You don't owe me anything, Mari. Ladybug or not, you're still the same girl I fell for. The same melody that's been stuck in my head. Honestly, whether you love me or not, I'm just here to listen and care for you."

She whimpered, her tears falling down her cheeks freely, "He doesn't love me, Luka. Not like he loves Ladybug, and I can't-"

"He's a great dude, Marinette. A great friend, and more. But he's a fool."

She turned her head up towards him, "Luka-"

"I don't care, Mari. Anyone who could let go of something as great as you is a straight up fool. You're adorable, and clumsy, and artistic. And you're beautiful." Luka looked down at her and smiled, rubbing her shoulder. "What an idiot, to have you in his grasp, but to just let you go so easily."

Marinette shook her head, sniffled, and dug her head inside his shoulder. She cried silently, and sighed. "You know before I got here, I was just mad. But seeing you and being with you... "

"It's okay. Just… Let it out, Mari." He hugged her closer, and sighed. His thoughts plagued him as she eventually stopped crying, and fell asleep in her arms. He knew he'd always be there for her. Even if they both got married, even if they grew apart… He knew that if she called him, he'd always pick up. Did it bother him? A litte. But as she cuddled against him, and as he closed his eyes wistfully, and as they fell asleep together, he would never give his love for her up. Not even for the world.

Wow, just wow. Even I was blown away. Well, I hope you readers enjoyed this chapter. Leave some love and take care!

PS Sorry for the delay, senior life gets complicated :/

~Asylum~