May 2017: Marinette

She had been wondering when they would come to bring her in for formal training. It had been two months since Master Fu had renounced his guardianship and passed the miracle box onto her. Now Marinette sat in a small coffee shop, a guardian sitting across from her. "Guardian Marinette," she began, "Like Wang Fu long ago, you have hardship forced upon you. We wish to finish your training in the ways of the Guardians. Once Hawkmoth is defeated, you can return the miracle box to us for protection and relieve yourself. This training is a way the elders feel we can repay our debt to you." She noted the concern on Marinette's face, adding, "A member of the order will remain in Paris at all times. We are setting up a safe house to conduct these operations. You will be able to use the horse miraculous to travel safely there out of sight and use it to store the miracle box in case you need allies."

Marinette frowned, staring into her still full cup as she considered the offer. "I can't just leave the city for years. Even if I use the horse miraculous for responding to akuma attacks, my civilian life is still rooted here."

The guardian, Skylar, nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand your concern Marinette. We have been watching you for some time now and know of your skill with fashion design. The Order of the Guardians had obtained significant resources over the centuries. The elders agreed to assist in furthering your career both as a means to excuse your civilian's self's absence from Paris for so long and hopefully clear out debt further." The guardian pulled out a file from the case sitting next to her, "We have assets organized to assist in funding your career, as well as a design school that is very flexible in their schedules for your classes. You can alternate between the two studies with ease and maintain your superhero duties to this city." She offered Marinette a conspiratorial smile, "This way when you tell your parents that you are leaving for a big opportunity, then you don't have to lie as well."

Marinette's eyes widened at the offer, there was no way she could say no to that! "What about my friends? I can't just leave them."

Skylar sighed, regretting the hard truths she had to share with Marinette. "Marinette, your friends had all but left you. Most of your class is under the influence of a girl who wants to make you suffer. The boy who isn't under her control is ignorant of her true threat to everyone around her." She paused, noting Marinette's attempt to hide her reaction to the mention of Adrien Agreste. Skylar sighed quietly in regret, then continued, "The fencer girl is a true friend at her core and sees your true worth, but ignores the feelings you have for the model and often ensures the two of you don't spend time together. And the music boy has been falling for the lies lately."

Marinette sighed, "I guess there is no one really holding my civilian self here then. I still need to tell my parents and convince them."

Skylar smiled, indicating the papers she had placed on the table, "I think I can help with that. We have official documents that explain everything and clearly state that your parents just need to give you their blessing."

Marinette glanced down at the documents, "So it's that simple."

Skylar nodded, "In a few years, you will be back again full time with the wisdom of the guardians and greatly advanced in your career. The burden on your shoulders will feel lightened with our help." With a sly smile, she added, "And if you agree, I don't have to spend weeks traveling to the temple in Tibet."

Marinette returned her smile, "I guess we better go tell my parents then." The two guardians left the coffee shop, one with the sense of an accomplished mission, the other a sense of a new beginning.

Chat Noir

He did not expect the surprise meeting request from Ladybug late into the night. Part of him hoped maybe she was finally willing to give him a chance, but he immediately chased away the thought. He had a girlfriend now and she didn't deserve a boyfriend with a crush on another girl. Chat arrived at the base of the tower and used his baton to elevate himself to the highest point: their spot. No one else in Paris was able to reach it except for them. It was their personal hangout point for when they wanted to be alone without eavesdroppers. He set his feet down on the solid ground and recalled the rest of the baton before moving to sit next to his lady… His partner, Chat corrected himself.

"So, Ladybug, what's up?"

He pretended not to notice her disappointment at his use of her name rather than the pet names they had given each other. "Tomorrow I am leaving Paris to train with the guardians in Tibet. For the akuma attacks, I will use the horse miraculous to get here, but as far as my civilian life is concerned, I will be leaving Paris for some time."

Chat frowned, "Don't the people in your civilian life have a problem with you leaving?"

Ladybug shrugged, looking out at the city before replying. "My parents think it's an opportunity for my career, so they are very supportive. I only have one real friend and will miss her." She paused for a moment, Chat catching a flash of sadness in her eyes. "The guy I like is dating another girl, so it would be nice to be out of the city for a while."

Chat felt his heart drop, "I am so sorry, I didn't know." He had been eagerly chatting about his girlfriend the last couple of patrols but never noticed she had been hurting. Was he and Ladybug losing their touch? How could he not notice this before tonight?

"It's okay Chat," Ladybug interrupted his train of thought, "I actually kinda made it happen. I had a choice and I think I made the right one. It's just a little hard getting over him. But I am happy, it will be interesting and I will be stronger when I come out the other side."

Chat nodded, staying silent as he thought it over. "So since your guardian, does that mean I have to reveal my identity?"

Ladybug bit her lip. On the one hand, he was right, but on the other… "Not yet. The last couple of months had been crazy enough. Maybe we should wait until things are less hectic."

Chat nodded, "So I guess I will see you the next akuma attack?"

She smiled, "Yep, see you then."

Kagami

The proud fencer strode through the hallways, eager to use the gym for some solo practice before heading to class. As she pasted Ms. Bustier's classroom, Kagami noticed Marinette standing alone inside the room, gazing at the empty seats as if in deep thought. "Greetings Marinette." Her friend jumped sightly as if surprised by Kagami's sudden appearance. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sneak up on you."

Marinette gave her a kind smile, "It's okay, I was deep in thought so I didn't hear you come in."

Kagami regarded her with concern, "What were you thinking about?"

Marinette sighed, she had to break the news sooner or later and Kagami deserved to be told to her face. "I'm leaving Paris today for a fashion school. I'll be back to visit for the holidays, but it may be a couple of years before I return to live in Paris."

Kagami stayed silent as she took in what Marinette said, processing what it all meant. "You're not leaving because of me and Adrien are you?"

The designer gave a kind smile, "No, I am happy for you two, I'm leaving for the opportunity I was given." There was a flash of sadness in her eyes, "I will miss you though, no one but Adrien believed me about Lila expect for you. Honestly, you had been my only true friend these past months." Marinette hugged her, catching the fencer off guard. "I hope we can still be friends when I come back for visits."

Kagami wrapped one arm around her in an awkward hug, still figuring out some of this friend stuff. "You can count on it, Marinette. I wish you safe travels and the best of success at your new school." With that, the designer left, tears streaming down her face.

Ms. Bustier

Ms. Bustier arrived to the classroom ahead of the class. She had received word that Marinette had transferred and was leaving today. Caline assumed the designer would stop in to say goodbye to the class, but there was no sign of her yet. As she settled in at her desk, Caline noticed the letter that someone must have left on her desk addressed to the class. Opening it, Caline read through it. It was brief, the first bit thanking her for being a wonderful teacher. The next was a short goodbye to the class, barely a sentence long. Caline knew the class wouldn't be happy with such a short goodbye with no explanation why, but it was all Marinette had left them.

The class poured in, eagerly chattering to each other. Alya had got a picture of Ladybug and Chat Noir sitting on the Eiffel Tower, to which Lila stated that they were discussing new back up heroes. Lila went on to say that Ladybug had asked her to help in choosing the new heroes and was sharing them with Chat. Ms. Bustier just simply started the roll call, leaving Marinette out.

To her surprise, Adrien was the one who caught on. "Uh, Ms. Bustier?" He had his hand raised, a confused look on his face. "You didn't call Marinette's name."

She sighed and nodded. "Yes, that is because Marinette is no longer attending this school. She transferred out for a fashion school opportunity and is leaving today." The room burst with movement instantly, everyone asking why she left without talking to any of them. Lila was faking crying over her 'missed chance to befriend Marinette', which in turn caused everyone but Adrien to tell her it was okay.

Ms. Bustier slammed her book down, instantly silencing everyone and regaining their attention. "She said she didn't want to say goodbye because she hates goodbyes and that she will visit during the holidays. After two or three years, she will return to live in Paris again and perhaps rejoin your class." She sighed quietly to herself before continuing, "You may try to contact her on your own time, but for now you are here to learn so I will begin the lesson. Turn to page thirty-five."

The class obeyed, still shocked Marinette left without saying goodbye to them. Both Alya and Adrien were texting her, hoping to get a reply. Lila simply smiled to herself, the thorn in her side removed and thrown away finally.

Time skip to the next Christmas: Dec. 23, 2017

"Kaalki, full stop!" The transformation dropped as the portal vanished, leaving Marinette a few blocks from her parents' bakery. She slung her messenger bag around her shoulder and pulled her suitcase behind her as she walked, enjoying the snow-covered city. The last time she had been here for an akuma attack two weeks ago, it hadn't snowed yet. Now the soft white flakes drifted slowly down, giving the city a nice white coat. Soon she arrived at the door of the bakery, took a deep breath and walked in. Behind the counter cleaning up was her mom. Sabine looked up and smiled at the sight of her daughter, rushing around the counter to hug Marinette, "Sweetheart, welcome home! How was the flight?"

Marinette smiled, "On schedule, I missed you so much!" She hugged her mom back tightly, "It feels so good to be back, even if it's only for eleven days."

Sabine nodded as she pulled away, leaning back to holler at Tom, "Tom! Marinette is home!"

Marinette giggled as they heard the loud footsteps of her father rushing from the back of the bakery. He burst through the doors, covered head to toe with flour. Tom spotted her and yanked her off the ground in a tight bear hug, "My cupcake is finally home!"

She giggled as her legs flailed helplessly, "Papa! Put me down!"

"Never!" Tom declared, carrying her into the kitchen. "I am going to lock you up in a gingerbread house and never let you leave again!" As they entered the kitchen, Marinette noticed the walls laid out on the counter, but no finished house yet. Tom frowned, "I'm gonna knead more dough to make bigger walls."

Marinette groaned, "I was going to offer to help but with jokes like that, I might as well go back to school early." Tom laughed as he set her back down, seeing her happy smile despite the complaint. "Give me a minute to settle back in, then I will help you out."

Tom gave her one last squeeze before letting her go to unpack, a wide grin of joy on his face. Marinette gave her mother another hug before carrying her bags upstairs. The training of a guardian included physical conditioning, both increasing her strength and reflexes. She had stopped tripping as much as she used to, her usual clumsiness a thing of the past. As Marinette entered her room, she was hit with a flood of memories she hadn't had the time to think of while away. Her akuma visits were only as long as the battle and she usually had to bug out, leaving Chat Noir to take care of the victim.

Her pink walls were bare, the photos and posters of Adrien now resided in the bottom drawer of her desk forgotten. The copy of Adrien's schedule was taken down and tossed into a bonfire a group of university students was hosting that night. The pictures of her old classmates were tucked away somewhere as well, with only the picture of her and Kagami on Friends' Day remaining out. Her sewing machine and computer remained out in the open, but everything else she left behind had been stored away out of sight. This made her room feel cold and empty, which was not okay with Marinette. She started to pull various things out, placing her lounge chair out again and setting up her mannequin.

She looked at the chest full of presents made for both Adrien's birthdays and future Christmases. A frown came across her face, regretting the time she had invested in something that was never destined to happen. Maybe she should donate them to charity? Drop off a whole bunch of them wrapped up at the children's hospital? That would make a lot of kids happy. None of them were marked with names, her signature flower pattern hidden on each of them, but they shouldn't be connected to anyone without major investigation. She can also get rid of the gifts she made for the rest of her old classmates at the same time and have double the gifts for the sick kids. She would save one to give to Kagami, but the rest can be given away.

Glancing at the photo of Kagami, she made a mental note to ask her if she needed a gift for Adrien before she wrapped them up. Glancing around the room, a warm feeling of being home washed over her as she turned to go back downstairs to help her father.

Chat Noir

There has been no greater joy in his day then when he caught sight of lights on inside of Marinette's room. Ever since she had left, Adrien found himself missing the quiet designer more and more each day. The positive light she brought to his life was turned off the minute she left without saying goodbye. Lila had full control over the class and was starting to spread her influence to other classrooms. The only one left on his side was Kagami, that is until that awful break up that he executed terribly. Now the chance to see Marinette again made his heart fill with joy.

He landed on the balcony, moving to knock on the trapdoor when he heard someone clear their throat behind him. "So are you visiting every girl in Paris? Or this one special?"

Turning to face the interloper, his defensive snarl changed to a wide grin. "M'lady! Did you miss me so much that you decided to visit?"

She rolled her eyes as she smirked, "No, I am here for the holidays. Even the guardians take a break now and then." She cocked her head at him, "You used M'Lady? What does your girlfriend think?"

Chat's expression dropped as he looked away, "We aren't together anymore, I broke it off a couple of months ago."

"Oh Chat, I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, she took it a lot harder than me." Adrien shuddered as he remembered the horrible day. He still couldn't bring himself to face her without a fencing mask and foil.

Ladybug frowned, "That sucks." An idea came to her mind to cheer him up a bit, "Wanna help me play a little secret Santa tomorrow night? I got some presents I made a while back that I am planning to give away to the sick kids at the children's hospital. You can tag along and help me carry the gifts."

His face lit up, "That would be pawsome! I can call myself Santa Claws!" He laughed as she groaned, hiding her small smile from him with her hand. It felt good to be back home, even if it was just for a few days.

Dec. 24 Marinette

Marinette eagerly tapped her foot impatiently as the barista called her to pick up her order. She shouldn't be impatient, there were still four minutes before the agreed on meetup. But Marinette couldn't help herself, excited to finally talk to Kagami again after so long. She hadn't seen anyone outside of the akuma attacks she needed to portal over to stop, not knowing the latest gossip or news.

A certain blonde model with only three brain cells entered the cafe, hoping to get a coffee to fight his fatigue off during his winter shoot. His eyes lit up as he saw Marinette sitting alone in a booth, looking like she was waiting for someone. Adrien was about to call out to her when he saw another bluenette enter from the other side of the cafe, freeze him in his tracks. Kagami did not take the break up well and Adrien had no idea how she was coping. With that, he promptly ran out of the cafe as casually as one can be when running, making a note to text Marinette later.

Kagami gave Marinette a wide smile, "Welcome home, Marinette!"

The designer grinned at her, standing up to hug her. Kagami returned the hug in kind, appearing to be much looser about showing affection. "I missed you so much Kagami!" The two girls settled in the booth together, Marinette eagerly asking for news, "What all happened since I left? Any news at school? How are things with Adrien?"

Kagami held her hands up, smiling at her friend's eagerness, "Slow down, not much has happened since you left. School is school, though rumor has it that Hawkmoth has a secret agent in your old school to make people upset for him." She shrugged, "It's probably all a rumor someone started for gossip."

Marinette nodded, filing the information for later. "What about Adrien? How are things going?"

Kagami hesitated for a moment, frowning for a second before answering, "We broke up a few months ago, he said he wasn't in love with me and tried to say sorry, but I overreacted pretty badly." She looked back at Marinette, "But I got over him and moved on. Though I think Adrien is permanently scared of me. He has been avoiding me at fencing and just now he ran out of her."

Marinette looked around, seeing no sign of the blonde model. "Really? Well, I guess I would be scared if you were mad at me."

Kagami gave her a reassuring smile, "Well you will never have to worry about that. I'm not mad at Adrien either, not that he will let me get close enough to say that." She glanced down nervously, her hands squeezing her coffee cup, "I started seeing someone else in private, we are not official yet."

Marinette gave her an encouraging smile, "Really? That's great, who is it?"

Kagami blushed, "It's a girl." She looked for any sign of horror from Marinette, but she just smiled brighter. "We met at the swimming pool when I was starting a new training routine."

Marinette nodded, still smiling, "So what is her name?"

Shocked by the unexpected support, Kagami continued, "Remember Ondine? She gave me a few pointers and we sort of decided to hang out after and then, ugh, we hit it off." She definitely wasn't going to tell Marinette that Ondine invited her for Netflix and chill, learning what that really meant after Ondine kissed her and going along with it. In the end, she really liked it but admitted to Ondine afterward that she actually didn't expect that to happen with a red face. The older girl laughed and asked if she wanted to be together. Since then, they have been dating in private and Kagami really liked her.

Marinette smiled, "That's great! Do I get to meet her?"

Kagami frowned again, "She is on vacation until school is back on. My mother left on a business trip and won't be back until the new year as well."

"That's too bad. If you want, you can over to our house for Christmas. We made SOME gingerbread houses and plan on decorating them tomorrow. My parents would love for you to join us!"

Kagami smiled, "I would love that." The two girls discussed various other things: Marinette's classes, Alya and Lila's latest interviews and rumors of the Mayor losing Gabriel Agreste's support. Marinette learned that Kagami was instructing younger students in the art of fencing, running little tournaments for kids who didn't go away for the holidays. Soon, Kagami got a call from her assistant, informing her she was required for a fencing lesson. The friends wished each other well before going their separate ways.

Once she got home, Marinette started wrapping up the gifts, picking a single gift to give to Adrien. Sure she hadn't spoken to him and he dumped Kagami, but he still didn't have the best home life she knew and deserved some Christmas joy. She will not, however, invite him for gingerbread houses: sisters before misters!

Chat Noir

When Ladybug said presents, he never expected her to mean two full sacks of presents. Chat Noir found her on Marinette's balcony, trying to hoist the bags by herself. "Wow, did you seriously make all of this?"

Ladybug shrugged, letting him take a bag, "I am very motivated and had a lot more time before I became a guardian. These are gifts for people from my old school, but I think they would be better served to be gifted to sick kids."

Chat tested the weight of his bag, then raised an eyebrow at her, "I bet you were the popular kid then, giving out pawsome gifts." His thoughts drifted to Marinette and how she always had an awesome present for everyone.

Chat didn't see the downcast expression on Ladybug's face as she remembered the decline of her friendships. "Yeah, you bet." She then noticed Chat Noir's new addition to his costume, "You couldn't resist, could you?"

He grinned, glad she noticed his Santa Claus hat, "I wanted to get into character, I am Santa…

"Finish that sentence and I will burn down all the mistletoe in Paris!"

He smirked at her, "Claws." She glared at him, then swung off without another word, leaving him behind. Looking at Marinette's trapdoor wistfully, Chat set off after her.

Our dynamic duo arrived on the rooftop of the children's hospital, sneaking in carefully to avoid waking anyone up. The main lounge for the children had a massive tree brought in by a major corporation. The heroes carefully unloaded the gifts and piled them neatly under the tree. Just as they were finishing the job, Chat heard soft footsteps enter the room. "Ladybug? Chat Noir?" A little girl clutching a stuffed black kitten stood in the doorway, eyes wide at the sight of the two heroes.

They had visited the hospital before to bring attention to it, the social media photos of them visiting sick kids had convinced people to donate to it. Since the hospital had been able to be the place for medical care, the funding never ran short again. This wasn't one of those visits though, they intended to sneak in and out so no one knew who dropped off the presents. Ladybug smiled at the girl, who now saw the pile of presents that Chat was adding his last few gifts to from his bag.

"Are those presents?" she whispered excitedly, the smile on her face making Ladybug even happier that she did this.

"Yes, but they can't be opened until morning okay? And no one can know it was us."

The little girl nodded eagerly, "Everyone will think it was Santa, but I will know the truth!" Ladybug hugged the little girl, then sent her back to her bed to go back to sleep. Chat couldn't pull his eyes away from the scene, Ladybug being so gentle and kind with the little girl. As Ladybug turned around, he shook himself out of his daze, following her back out the way they came in.

It was when she stepped out the door on the rooftop that Ladybug spotted it: a mistletoe that she was absolutely certain was not there when they first arrived. She turned to glare at a blushing Chat. He shrugged, a small smirk forming on his face, "Tis the season?"

She glared at him, making him look away in shame. As Chat's attention was away from her, she leaned in quick and kissed him on the cheek. His face turned redder than his hat, his jaw-dropping. Ladybug giggled at her stunned partner as she walked away. "Tis the season, Kitty. Merry Christmas Chat." With that, she swung off, leaving him stunned under the mistletoe.

After a quick stop at Agreste mansion to drop off her gift, where she found that the unlocked window was still not locked but no Adrien, she swung around to go back home. What she saw surprised her greatly: Chat Noir on her balcony, knocking on her trap door. He seemed to wait for a few minutes, then finally left with a disappointed look on his face. She frowned, what was that about?

December 25

"And no one knows who dropped off these gifts. But if there is one thing this reporter knows for sure, it's that these children are having an amazing Christmas." Marinette grinned as the camera panned around to show the children opening their presents and showing off the very scarfs, hats, stuffed animals and many other items. Kagami looked at the screen, smiling at the scene herself.

"Truly amazing some of the things that happen in this city," she mused as she turned her attention back to her gingerbread house. After multiple attempts, Kagami was finally managing to get the frosting the way she desired.

Marinette smiled as she started using M&Ms to decorate her own gingerbread house's roof. "I think you mean miraculous."

Kagami let out a snort, then got serious again with a look of horror. "Now I am picturing Chat Noir sneaking in there with a Santa hat." Marinette laughed out loud, having seen it for real and remembered his face after the mistletoe kiss.

At Agreste Mansion, Adrien was staring at the still wrapped present on his desk. A note on it read: Don't open it early. Merry Christmas, Marinette. How on earth does she get it here? He carefully opened it to reveal a black and neon green hoodie. He grinned, missing her even more.

Alya was on the scene at the children's hospital, investigating for clues on the mysterious secret Santa. After a few examinations of gifts that kids eagerly showed off, she started noticing a similarity between each of the gifts: a pink flower logo hidden carefully on each of the ones she had checked. She took a few pictures and made notes to research into it. Marinette had told her designers have their signatures or unique styles and she wasn't going to share this discovery till she found the responsible culprit.

Alya frowned, the pattern looked similar to the one Marinette had on some of her shirts. But the girl had been out of contact since she left Paris, even changing her phone number in the process. And since Marinette isn't in Paris, then there was no way she could be the one who designed and produced the gifts. Still, the similarity bugged her.

January 2, 2018

Marinette sighed, giving both her parents a final hug before picking up her luggage. "I promise I will visit again, don't worry." She didn't want to leave them but had to return to training. Still being able to visit for Christmas and New Years was a welcome treat and break from her training and course work.

Tom simply squeezed her while Sabine smiled, "We know dear, that doesn't make it easier for us. We will always be sad when you go." With a final goodbye, she left the bakery and walked into the alleyway she arrived in. "Kaalki, full gallop! Voyage!" She took one last look at the bakery, then stepped through the portal again.

Time skip to August 13, 2019

Marinette stepped through the portal for the last time, finally finished her guardian training. In addition to being better equipped for her responsibilities as both Ladybug and the Guardian, she got a major boost for her fashion career. Going by the name MDC Fashion, Marinette had marketed her designs anonymously, quickly gaining the attention of big names such as the Gabriel brand. For now, she decided to refuse offers from the bigger brands and remain on her own. The support that the Guardians had offered her was greater than Skylar had implied, shocking Marinette with the sense of debt they felt towards her.

Her parents were eager to welcome her home, still celebrating her return when the doorbell rang. A teenage girl was there, fidgeting nervously. Marinette gave her a kind smile, "Hi, I'm Marinette. Can I help you?"

The girl took a deep breath, "Hi, I'm Allegra, and I am here on behalf of Lycée d'Art Monet. We would like to invite you to attend Lycée d'Art Monet this year."