This episode took a bit longer to write than anticipated. Turns out "fluff" doesn't come quite as naturally to my fingers as the more action-heavy episodes, though I'm not sure if this really counts as strict fluff. Hopefully it's decent :p

I also realized I had been misspelling Marinette's name wrong for three straight episodes. Whoops - that's been corrected now.

Now, back to the action. If we're going to let our heroes have a little downtime in this episode, there is the obligatory Akuma attack they need to deal with first, after all. This one in particular has Rothan a bit on edge...

"This is humiliating," Black Mantis hissed at Adrien. This was on the high end of irritated for the on-edge, moody hero, and even as Chat he couldn't help but put a hand on his shoulder. "It will be fine – he's pretty mild compared to our regular victims. I'll bet you we can get this done without even using our special attacks."

"That's not why it's embarrassing," his ally retorted, knocking the faint drizzle that had covered his water-retardant suit away with a rapid shiver. "It's – that."

Adrien sighed as the Mantis pointed at the handsome, if cheesy, man in greens and browns, sporting a longbow and a quiver of arrows. His look was complete with a forest-green felt hat with a bright red feather sticking out, the trinket where they both suspected the Akuma was hiding on this particular bout with Hawkmoth's latest victim. "Look, I understand that this is a touch annoying."

"A touch? It's freaking Robin Hood. Has your resident supervillain been catching up on my home country's history or something?" The mantis-themed superhero was getting more and more riled as he watched the guy schmooze his way down the street, stopping to shamelessly flirt with a group of women before showing off his archery skills. "I want to go right out there and beat that smug little grin off his face."

"Relax, Mantis!" Chat hissed as his tail flicked in irritation. "Ladybug told us to stay put until her signal. Besides, I doubt we'd get within twenty feet before we were turned into pincushions." Pointing at the half-dozen of men who had been struck with arrows and were sporting similar garb, minus the hat, he shrugged. "It looks like they're probably pretty decent shots too."

"I can take them," his ally whined. "Mantis reflexes?"

"No way!"

"Fine." Chat's concern was returned with a huff as the Mantis slid down behind the car they were using to stalk their prey. "I don't want to cause arrow."

"You're punning, so you can't be that irritated with me," the black cat observed as a smile quirked at the corner of his mouth. "Don't act like I'm robin you of your big moment."

"I'm bow-red."

"And you're not going to string me along into a bad situation."

"Don't nock my plan!" The Mantis' eyes twinkled as he began to calm himself, his sour mood apparently broken by the back and forth of their puns. "Haven't you hood of improvisation?"

"Yeah, and it paw-lways gets me into trouble.' Finally, he's starting to calm down. "I know you want to take this guy down –"

"Sherwood."

Chat actually groaned at that. "But if we just go out there guns blazing, we're going to get our tails handed to us."

"You, maybe. I don't have a tail." Chat playfully swatted his shoulder and the Mantis cried out in mock pain. "What was that for?"

"That didn't hurt. And you know perfectly well why." They both shared a chuckle and peeked over their cover again to see Ladybug glaring at them from the opposite side of the street. "Shoot."

"First, that was horrendous. Second, how long has she been standing there?"

"Long enough. Do you think we missed our cue?"

"Not yet, but we're cutting it close." Chat shot her a thumbs up, and even at this distance he could see her pursed lips trying not to smile. "Here goes."

"Hey, I like the tunic and tights!" Ladybug yelled down into the streets, gathering the villain's attention. "You're not bad with a bow!"

"Why, thank you, M'lady!" Adrien tensed and bit his lip. "If you'd like to come down and join us, I'd be glad to show you some more of my skills."

"Easy, kitty cat." Mantis squeezes his shoulder. "It's just a ruse."

"No one calls her M'lady, except me."

"I swear, some days you're more cat than person. Now hush, lover boy, and let our partner do her thing."

Adrien blushed. "I am not –"

"Sure. Quiet please!" Mantis held up an extended scythe to Chat's mouth, and he decided it would probably be best to stop talking before he gave the boy in the dark green spandex any more ideas.

He turned his conversation back to the street, where Ladybug and this strange villain were still having a surprisingly calm conversation. "Look, Mr. – Loxley, was it? I'm not sure why you were upset enough to warrant an Akuma, but you're obviously quite the gentleman. Surely we can talk this over?"

"If you think I would surrender my powers so readily, you're quite mistaken. I rather enjoy this new persona. However, if you care to join me, I'm sure we can come to an agreement of your liking."

Adrien started kneading the car acting as their cover anxiously as his partner sat down and let her leg dangle over the edge of the building, shooting the villain her most flirtatious smile. "Oh, Mr. Loxley, you're such a charmer."

"She's acting, Chat."

"I know that!"

"Oh my gosh, you're such a smitten kitten." The Mantis laughed quietly, then turned his attention back to the yeoman on the street. "Is that a yes, my Marian?"

"I have a better idea," Ladybug cooed. "Why don't you come up here to me?"

"A wonderful idea! Merry men, will you give the leader of our merry band a quick pick-me-up?"

There was a flurry of movement as Robin Hood's henchmen surrounded him and formed a stack of people, and Chat grinned. "There's our signal. Shall we take this guy down a notch?"

"I'm coming, Ladybug!" The man in tights crooned as he rose on his wobbly tower of men. "Let me show you how a real man treats a lady!"

"Hey!" As he neared the top, both the archer and Ladybug turned to look, and saw Chat holding a rather uncomfortable-looking Black Mantis by the scruff of his suit. "Ladybug has only one knight in furry armor, and that's me!"

"You tricked me!" Robin shrieked in surprise. "How unladylike!"

"That would be because this alley cat and mantis aren't exactly ladies. Now, catch!" With a wind-up throw, Chat sent his partner flying through the air, and Mantis dropped his shoulder with a wicked grin in his eye. The tower of men shouted in alarm, and then clattered to the ground as the Mantis barreled into them. As Robin Hood fell, Ladybug took the hat from the villain's head and waved, grinning. "Bye-bye, mon Cherie. You're too old for me anyway."

One ripped and Miraculously repaired hat later, the culprits of this particular scheme was revealed as a disgruntled understudy. Black Mantis assured the man he would get his big break while Ladybug walked over to Adrien and poked him on the nose, distracting him from the Akuma victim. "Something tells me a certain black cat didn't like my performance."

"He didn't," Mantis replied over his shoulder as he checked on the other victims of the latest attack. "It was kind of funny, actually."

"What can I say? I'm a jealous kitty." Chat butted her shoulder playfully with his head and she swatted at him with a laugh. "Besides, that's supposed to be my job."

"Something tells me it wouldn't have been quite as effective, despite our blazing guns," the Mantis shot back as he walked over, which elicited a giggle from Ladybug and a blush from Chat. "But I don't think I would have minded watching that."

"At least it's over." Chat sighed and stretched. "And not a single power used. Our Kwamii will be pleased."

"Let's not get used to it." Ladybug smiled at the two of them. "But it was nice to have an easier fight for once."

"I say we celebrate." Mantis' hand drifted to his utility belt. "If you two are down, we could grab a quick bite before we scamper off."

Chat's stomach growled like he had, and Ladybug laughed. "I think this silly minou has made up my mind for me. I am rather warm, and there's a nice ice cream place near here."

"That sounds wonderful, M'lady," Adrien replied as the Black Mantis nodded. "Lead the way."

Rothan basked on their balcony, soaking in the warm sunshine and napping much like he suspected Chat often did. It had been a good week and a half since the Medusa incident, and all sorts of crazy things had happened since then, including three Akuma attacks, several meetings with friends, and even being practically forced into Marinette's house for lunch – something about one concerned mother calling another, resulting in the inevitable. Now it was Saturday and he was content to tan and soak in the remaining summer rays, eager to forget yesterday's humiliating Akuma attack and letting his mind wander to his writing plans for the evening.

Unfortunately for him, his resident itinerary was not going to let him have that peace for much longer. "Rothan," Staffe called, flying out and prodding his partner on the nose. "Up and at it, my boy."

Rothan grunted and tried to swat his Kwamii friend, who dodged out of the way. "It's a Sunday. And I patrolled yesterday, isn't it LB and Chat's turn?"

"I'm very aware of that. That's not why I'm out here." Staffe landed on Rothan's stomach and patted it. "You're starting to get some real muscle here, kiddo. Between working out twice a day and your increased healing rate, it looks like you're going to have a six pack before winter break."

He shifted as Rothan propped himself up, rubbing is face with one hand. "Focus. Didn't you have something you wanted to tell me?"

"That's right. Alya texted about something or other while I was reading. It seemed pretty important, so I thought I'd tell you so you could reply."

"Yeah, yeah." Rothan got up, stretched, and put away his sunbathing chair before heading inside. "Where did I put my phone?"

Staffe flew off and then returned a moment later carrying the device. "I'm never going to understand how you manage to never have your phone when you need it."

"It's not like I use it that much, so I prefer to just leave it in my room. Thanks, buddy." Unlocking it, he quickly shot a reply back at Alya. Sorry, sleeping. What's going on?

[Alya]: I need a favor.

[Rothan]: Uh-oh. Marinette warned me about you and your favors.

[Alya]: No fair!

[Rothan]: Mhm. Why don't you tell me what you need, and we'll go from there

[Alya]: Marinette's parents are having a date night and told her she could have a few friends over.

[Rothan]: And I wasn't invited? Rude!

[Alya]: Aren't you the one who said you enjoyed your quiet Saturday nights by yourself?

[Rothan]: Touché. Continue.

[Alya]: Nino can't come because he's got family night tonight. So we were wondering if you would want to hang out with us?

[Rothan]: …What's the catch? There's always a catch.

[Alya]: I need you to bring Adrien.

Rothan laughed out loud. Figures. "What am I supposed to say to that, Staffe?"

"Do you want to spend your evening all by yourself?" The green Kwamii hovered behind his shoulder and hummed to himself. "And do you care that you would be spending it with Alya and Marinette?"

"Not really." To be honest, Rothan got along better with women than men – when he got along with anyone at all, anyways. His quiet and laid-back ways often resulted in his getting lost in the chatter of other men, whereas he could actually relate to (most) conversation he had with the opposing sex and carry it with relative ease. Did it make sense? Absolutely not. But even with his mother's incessant teasing about how much of a ladies' man he was, he had learned to accept it. It was just another part of life, like –

Stop. We're not going there today. "I mean, I haven't gone out on the weekend in ages, but I wouldn't object."

"Ages is an understatement." Rothan's mother smiled from the door, two bags of groceries in her arms. "Hey you two. Mind giving me a hand?"

"Sure." Rothan hopped up and grabbed one of the cloth bags from her, setting it on the counter and making himself busy. Staffe dove into it and hummed happily. "Piennolo tomatoes! You remembered!"

"Of course I did, silly. Now get out of them before you spoil your appetite." She reached into the bag and plucked Staffe out, who was guiltily munching on one of the dried tomatoes. "What am I going to do with you?"

"You like having me around, admit it."

"Alright, buster, why don't you help your partner?" As Staffe zipped over to grab a can to put away, Rothan's mother set her bag down and began unloading it as well, trying very hard not to smile and encourage the Kwamii they were hosting. "So, who wants to go out with you? Do you have a date?"

"No, Alya wants me to come with her to Marinette's place. She's having a few friends over."

"Marinette is the Chinese girl, right? She's pretty cute."

"Mum!" Rothan turned bright pink as he put the fruit and vegetables into the crisper drawer. "She's already accounted for – well mostly, anyways. Alya has been trying to get her and that Adrien fellow together for like two years."

"I can see that." His mother ruffled his hair as he passed by to collect more groceries. "I'm only teasing, you know. Are you thinking about going?"

"Maybe. Right now I'm wondering how much of this is because they want to hang out and how much is because they want to invite another guy without it being awkward."

"And how much of it is two mothers scheming to get you out of the house?" Reaime smiled as Rothan looked at her with a mixture of appall and confusion. "Don't act so surprised! Did you really think that after Sabine called once that we were going to stop talking?"

Rothan put his head in his hands. "I'm really starting to regret that lunch."

"Don't. Getting out and spending time with other kids your age is good for you. Not that you're bad either, Staffe," she amended, which elicited a pleased hum from the Kwamii. "And if I happened to mention that it would be nice for you to stop moping around here on the weekends…"

"Mum! I do not mope."

"I'm teasing." His mother poked him in the nose, which made them both grin. "But you should do something tonight that's not sitting here writing by yourself."

"Fine. I'll text Alya and tell her you said I could come."

"That's my boy. Staffe, you'll go too to keep an eye on him?"

"Of course, Mrs. Terresia. Best to stay close in case of an emergency anyways."

"Thank you, dear." The groceries put away, she quickly pecked Rothan on the head and smiled. "Are the Dupain-Cheng's doing dinner for you all?"

"I'm pretty sure that by asking that question you already know the answer." Rothan gave his mother a fake glare, then smiled and shook his head. "You're impossible, mum."

"I don't mind dinner and a movie for one."

"If you're sure." He gave her a quick hug. "I'll go text Alya and shoot Adrien an invite. Be back in a second."

"Okay, honey. I love you."

"Love you too. And thank you."

"Of course." She gave her son a cat pose and growled playfully. "Now go get them, Chaton."

"Mum!"

Rothan stood at the front of the bakery, rubbing the fabric on his Mantis Gloves and feeling very uncomfortable. "Why did I agree to this, Staffe?"

"Because it made your mother happy?" The Kwamii's head just poked out of his satchel as he glanced around, making sure no one could see him before continuing. "And because you agreed that maybe you spent to much time by yourself."

"I never said that!"

"You agreed subconsciously then."

Rothan rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Well, that was stupid of past me. I really shouldn't be here."

"It will be fine. These people are kind and friendly, and you're going to have a good time. Dinner, games, and a movie. That's all."

"How do you know?"

Staffe shrugged. "Human teens are all the same. Nothing has changed in the last few millennia except where you get your bedtime stories from. Now go inside before I shove you in myself."

"You make it sound like I'm two," Rothan mumbled as he opened the door and looked around the bakery. The small, homey space was darker than it normally was in the day, with the counter and back-room lights not flooding the place with their warm, pastry-scented glow and the large windows catching more shadow than sun in the late afternoon light. "Mrs. Cheng?

"Rothan, is that you?" Rothan could hear a few shuffling noises from above, and then saw Marinette's mother poking her head through the back door. "Hello, dear."

Rothan smiled and inclined his head. "Good evening, Mrs. Cheng. I was told that my presence was requested this evening."

"Please, Rothan. Sabine is fine." She gave him a small smile. "I'm glad you decided to come."

"Well, I appreciate being invited." Rothan silently wondered what had conspired between his mother, Mrs. Cheng, and Alya that had ended up with him standing in this precisely in this spot this evening. "Are the ladies upstairs?"

"That's right. Come on up." Rothan followed Sabine into the back and up the stairs into their living space, where Alya and Marinette were in the kitchen cleaning vegetables. "Girls, you have company."

Rothan gave them both a small wave from the door. "Hello, Alya, Marinette. Good to see you."

They both returned the smile and Marinette waved him over. "Hey, Rothan. How are you doing?"

Uncomfortable. "Pretty good. It's been a quiet weekend."

Alya chuckled. "We'll fix that. Why don't you come join us?"

Rothan set his satchel in chair and wandered over, and Sabine smiled. "Alright, I have to go finish getting ready. Adrien should be here soon, and if you need anything the girls should be able to help. I'll be back in a minute."

"Sounds good. Thank you Mrs. – erm, thank you, Sabine." Rothan watched her leave and then turned to ask how he could help, only to see Marinette frozen in place. "What's wrong?"

"You didn't tell me you were inviting Adrien!" she hissed, and Alya laughed out loud. "I thought Nino was coming!"

"Family night, girlfriend. He couldn't make it." Alya shrugged. "Can you really complain about spending a few hours with Adrien anyways?"

"No, but I haven't cleaned my room!" Rothan had never seen so many colors on one face, and he bit his lip – he had only been following the directions he'd been given. "I'm so sorry, Marinette, I thought Alya had told you and so I just went ahead and texted him. I didn't think –"

"You're fine." Marinette stopped him with a hand to the shoulder. "I would have just appreciated a little bit of warning – Oh no." They all paused as they heard a door open and her mother walking from her room. "Adrien, there you are! I was beginning to worry you wouldn't make it."

Marinette squeaked, and Alya practically shoved the petrified girl to her room. "Go! We'll hold down the fort here." The blunette scampered up the stairs while the two of them watched, and Rothan turned a pointed glare towards Alya. "You know, you could have told me you were scheming. I would have helped."

"And a bit more warning would have been nice!" Alya visibly bit back a laugh at the sound of her exasperated friend above her, then shrugged and slapped Rothan's back. "You did help. Next time I'll give you a heads-up though."

"Thank you." Rothan managed to turn back to the sink to finish rinsing the vegetables just as Adrien came in, hiding his pursed lips and amused eyes. What have I gotten myself into? These three are a mess just waiting to happen.

"Hey Alya, Rothan," Adrien offered in greeting. "Can I help? Where's Marinette?"

"She's –" Rothan paused, realizing his voice was about an octave too high. As he cleared his throat, Alya covered for him, "She had to run upstairs and put a few things away. She'll be down in a second. You can help Rothan with the vegetables if you like."

"Sure." Adrien slid in next to him and grabbed a knife. "Should I –"

"One second." Rothan gently removed the knife from Adrien's hand and repositioned it, as his mother had shown him years before. "Hold the very back of the blade between the finger and thumb, like so, and light pressure onto the vegetable." Guiding the boy's hands, he paused for a moment so he could feel the position. "There's better leverage if you hold it like that, so you can control the knife and do this." Without warning, he flipped up the other knife, caught it, and laid into the carrot in front of him. It was only after he finished that he realized that the other two occupants in the kitchen were staring at him. "What?"

"You just decimated that carrot." Alya was bug-eyed as she looked at the neat little disks that were on the cutting board, while Adrien simply set his knife down and backed away. "Is it safe for him to be that close?"

"It's fine," Rothan assured her even as he realized he had never cut anything quite that quick. "My grandmother owned a restaurant and taught my mother how to cook, who then taught me. I've just been doing half the cooking for three or four years now, that's all."

"Even then, maybe I'll let you cut the vegetables." Adrien patted Rothan on the back and turned to the sink, leaving the brown-haired boy to chop the rest of what he could only deduce to be salad toppings. Without looking up from his cutting board he raised his chopping hand as Marinette came back down, two embarrassed by his previous stunt to meet her eyes. "Hey."

"H—Hi, Adrien." Marinette was turning bright pink, and the friendly wave she received in return did not seem to ease her nerves. "Sorry about that. How's it going down here?"

"Rothan is murdering vegetables." Alya giggled as he shot her a glare. "Okay, maybe not murdering but he's pretty good with a knife."

"Really? Good to know you're handy in the kitchen." Marinette's voice was still shaking but she seemed to be managing, and Rothan let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. I guess I'm committed to this, aren't I? "The lettuce I washed earlier and is in the crisper. You're a go-getter – urp, I mean, could you get it please, Adrien?"

With the four of them, finishing preparing for dinner was easy, and as Alya rapidly shook up a vinaigrette, they heard a knock on the living room door. "How's it going, kids?"

There was a chorus of affirmative replies and Rothan smiled as Marinette's mother entered the apartment with a pair of pizza boxes. "Dinner arrived just as we were getting ready to go. We'll be back in a few hours – make sure you clean up after yourselves."

"Alright, mom. You look great." Marinette walked over and pecked her mother on the cheek as her father came in behind the two – still by far the biggest and most intimidating man Rothan had ever seen, including Adrien's chaperone. "I'm sure the two of you will have fun."

"We will," Mr. Dupain smiled at the teens, then gave the two boys a look. "No fooling around, you hear?"

Rothan nearly choked, and his face must have been expressive as well, because Sabine laughed and raised a hand. "We're sure you will both be perfect gentlemen. Have fun." She gave her husband a tug on the hand and they were out the door, leaving their daughter with the pizza and a very confused expression. "What was that about?"

Alya rolled her eyes. "You three are as innocent as newborns. Bring the pizza to the table. And you," she demanded, swatting Rothan's arm, "Get that look off your face like you've been scandalized and grab some paper plates."

Rothan looked somewhat less shaken after they had eaten, Adrien decided. Marinette had apologized to him half a dozen times about her father, but he had finally sighed, rubbed his nose, and laughingly told her, "It's fine, though I have no idea where it came from. I was just caught off guard is all."

Now only if she would talk that readily to me.

Rothan was also kind enough to offer to wash their glasses while the rest of them talked, and as he watched the young man clean with his back to him, he realized how small he actually looked in comparison to the rest of the kitchen. It's hard to be sure, but he looks like he could be smaller than Marinette. But that can't be right – I've seen him nearly as tall as I am. That's odd.

"Adrien. Adrien!" The blonde snapped around to look at the girls, both of which were watching him, and blushed. Alya raised an eyebrow. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just… thinking."

"More like checking out a cute butt." Adrien watched as Rothan turned and looked at the trio behind him, eyes wide again. "What? You have a cute butt. Not as cute as Adrien's, though. Right, Marinette?"

"What? I – um – yeah, he's nice. I mean, it's nice!" Marinette blushed and stumbled over her words, and Adrien turned a similar shade at the poorly managed compliment, glaring at the girls. "So, what do you three want to do?"

Adrien shrugged, and Rothan said nothing from where he was standing. Alya, however, had other plans. "I seem to recall that you have a pretty good track record with Ultimate Mecha Strike Three. Do you think any of us have any chance of beating you tonight?"

"Not a chance." Marinette grinned at her friend, then hopped up from the table. "We can play in my room if you want."

"Sounds good to me." Adrien and Alya also rose and followed Marinette up to her room. At the top of the stairs, however, he realized there wasn't anyone behind them, and glanced back to see Rothan still at the sink, drying a glass while he stared out the window. "Hey, Rothan."

"Hrm?" Rothan grunted as he blinked out of his reprieve. "Sorry, got lost there for a moment. What's up?"

"We're going up into Marinette's room to play Ultimate Mecha Strike Three. You coming?"

"Yeah, yeah, give me one sec." Rothan set down the glass that Adrien suspected was long since dry, grabbed his satchel from the back of his chair, and came up the stairs behind him. The girls were already setting the computer up and turning on controllers, and the two boys were left in a mildly uncomfortable silence by the door. "So, you do this often?"

"More than I used to. My father used to keep me pretty busy, but I guess he's eased up some now. You?"

Rothan laughed. "Me? I tend to keep to myself. I'm not exactly a large-crowd person."

"Four is a large crowd?" Rothan didn't reply, so he tried a different tactic. "What's in the satchel?"

"Writing gear, mostly. A few snacks. I don't really expect to get into it, but I don't like to have it more than a few feet away."

"Makes you uncomfortable?" Rothan nodded and smiled, which Adrien returned. "I get that. Sometimes it's nice to just have something to hang onto."

"Why don't you two stop talking and pull up some chairs?" Alya gave them a no-nonsense look, and Adrien saw Rothan flinch and grip his bag. "Of course." He ducked back down the stairs to see if there were any folding chairs to use, and Adrien grabbed the two rolling chairs in the room. Wheeling them over, he tapped the brunette on the shoulder. "Is Rothan alright? He seems a bit off tonight."

"I think so – I mean, it's not that far off from how he normally acts. He's just shy."

"I realize that. He just seems more – skittish than normal."

"Hopefully he'll relax as we play." Marinette was too busy setting up to pay any attention to who she was talking to. "He spends a lot of time by himself I think, and just isn't sure how to act around us yet." She sighed as she backed up a step. "And Alya flustered him pretty bad."

"Why did Alya fluster him?" Adrien gave her a confused look, and the blunette stuttered and flushed. "Um, no reason. I think she can just be a little loud and surprising if you're not used to her – not that I feel that way because she's my best friend."

It was just at that moment that Rothan decided to return, a chair in each hand. "Here we go. Your parents wont mind us using these if we put them ack, will they?"
"I don't think so. Let me help with those." Marinette ran over to aid the boy, and Adrien sighed. If only she was more comfortable around me. Someday we'll get there, I hope.

After a few more moments of flustered set up, the four teens finally settled into their seats. Everyone agreed that the girls should get the first game, and the winner would switch out each time so as to keep Marinette from roundly beating everyone. As she and Alya went after each other, mashing buttons and teasing each other, Adrien happened to look over at Rothan and caught him staring at the screen with a pen in his mouth. Every so often he would nod or jot something down in a small and precariously balanced notebook on his crossed legs, then return to the game. After watching this for a while, he bumped Rothan's shoulder. "Hey."

"Sup?" Rothan didn't look away from the screen, and his face wrinkled in concentration.

"Are you – taking notes?"

"I've never played before, and I'd like to be prepared." Rothan shrugged. "No reason to get my butt kicked first go."

What a strange idea, Adrien mused as Alya groaned and Mariette let out a cheer. "Take that, girl!"

"No fair – I swear, Marinette, you're impossible to beat at this game."

"Yeah, well, I've had a lot of practice." She shot Adrian a quick smile before handing him the controller. "Your turn."

Adrien switched places with the blunette and went after Alya, but after her previous loss she was ferocious and quickly took him down a notch. "Take that, Agreste!"

"Dang, that was brutal. Alright, Rothan, you ready?" The brown-haired boy nodded quickly and switched places with Alya, settling himself in the chair again before giving Adrein a nod. "Let's go. Don't hold back."

"Got it." Adrien started their match, and for the first minute or so Rothan seemed to fumble at the controls as he got his bearings in the game. But as Adrien watched, he slowly shifted into a calmer, more fluid fighting style and barely glanced at his notes. He even might have cracked a small smile as he ran a finishing combo and hammered home his victory. "Dang, Rothan! I thought you said you've never played before."

"It's been a while, anyways," his opponent muttered, blushing as he fiddled with the control stick. "I guess that means I'm switching with Marinette?"

"Yep." As Rothan traded off he shot the boy a small smile, and then he was replaced with the slightly blushing and excited girl that Adrien knew was going to soundly kick his rear. "I'm going to beat you this time."

"In your dreams." Marinette's grin was infectious as they began to duel. After several minutes of intense combat, Adrien was finally brought down by a well-timed attack and he sighed. "I'm never going to beat you, am I?"

"Nope." Marinette seemed more relaxed now that they were doing something, and he smiled at her enthusiasm. "Hey, where did Alya and Rothan go?"

"Um –" Adrien also glanced around before shrugging. "Great question. Out on the balcony, maybe?"

"Probably – I'm sure they're fine. Guess it's just you and me then."

"Which means I get a chance at redemption."

Marinette snorted. "We'll see about that."

Rothan hummed to himself as he stared out over the Paris sunset. It was warm, but not overtly so, and he was beginning to regret not napping more as he stifled a yawn. Alya was shooting a text at Nino from one of the chairs, but Rothan didn't mind. He was content to hang out in silence while Adrien and Mariette got to know each other a little better.

He smiled at the thought. Those two are certainly the amusing pair. A piece of work for sure. "How often is it that Adrien comes over?" he asked, casually tapping the railing with one finger.

"Let me put it this way – Nino was the one that was supposed to be inviting you tonight, not me. Things just happened to work out for once."

"So not often at all. That explains Marinette's reaction." He paused for a moment before forging ahead. "You know, you probably shouldn't have waited until I got here to break the news."

"I know." Alya put her phone away and gave him an embarrassed grin. "I was worried she might have a panic attack if I did though. I figured if it was a surprise, she'd have less time to worry about it."

"Fair." Rothan didn't look back but heard as Alya got up and joined him at the railing. "I'm sorry Nino couldn't have been here tonight. I'm sure that would have been fun."

"Not your fault, and I'm glad to do this for Marinette. She's got to either confess to Adrien or get through her crush one of these days." There was a brief pause. "Are you doing okay? Adrien mentioned you seemed a little on edge."

Rothan's laugh sounded forced even to him. Here we go. "I'm fine, just unused to all –" he gestured wildly before letting his hands drop. "This."

"Why though?" Alya gave him a confused look. "Surely this isn't the first time you've just hung out." When Rothan didn't reply, her brow furrowed even more. "You're joking."

"Maybe not the first time ever. But probably the first time in a few years." Rothan shrugged, trying to act unbothered. "I'm quiet and introverted. I spend a lot of time by myself and the few friends I did have tended to forget that I also might like to hang out sometimes." The last part came out more bitter than intended and the boy winced. "Sorry."

"You're alright. I'd be pretty irritated too if that happened to me."

"It got even worse last year, after – well, after certain events."

"Don't want to talk about it?"

"No, not really. Not here, anyways. I'm having too good a time to ruin it now." Rothan shot her a small smile. "Thank you, by the way. I realize this probably wasn't your idea first, but I appreciate the gesture from all of you."

"Of course. We're here for you, Rothan, whenever you need it." Alya smiled back and bumped his shoulder. "Think we should check on the other two?"

"You go ahead – I'll be down in a moment." Rothan waved her off, and as soon as she had retreated back into Marinette's room he glanced around. Satisfied no one else was paying attention, he reached into his pouch to retrieve a squirming Staffe and held him up to eye level. "What was that?"

"What was what?" The Kwamii managed to release himself and sit on the railing, brushing off his shoulder. "You're going to have to be more specific, my boy."

"The knife trick!" Rothan hissed back. "I've never chopped that fast, not even with years of practice!"

Staffe paused as he considered this. "That was quick."

"Quick? You mean you were expecting that?"

"Not for a few months, but yes. You must be attuning to your Miraculous rather quickly if you're already experiencing – tendencies."

"Tendencies? What is that supposed to mean?"

"Animal tendencies. Ladybugs get sleepy in the cold and like flowers. Cats are mischievous and likes to be scratched – which I would highly recommend trying on Chat sometime, I'm told it's hilarious to watch."

"And what do I get, Staffe?"

"Um… you'll be still for a while and then you'll move very fast? And improved reflexes too." Staffe shrugged. "As far as residual effects go, mine are pretty manageable. Knutt says that Lady Lapis gets the uncontrollable urge to mummify things – imagine explaining that to Alya."

Rothan fought off an image of wrapping people in toilet paper and tried not to laugh. "When were you planning on telling me about this?"

"It takes most holders years to show any tendencies at all. I wasn't expecting anything until winter break, to be honest." Staffe rubbed his neck. "Sorry. I would have given you some warning if I had thought it would be an issue."

Rothan sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Well, it's good to know, I guess. I'll just have to be careful."

"Right. Is everything else okay?"

"I think so. I've been having fun, and I think being able to zone out for a while this afternoon helped with my mood. I'm starting to get tired, but that's okay."

"Good. I'm glad you were able to do this, Rothan. Now, why don't you head back down before someone comes up and wonders why you're talking to yourself?"

Marinette glanced up from the couch as Rothan poked his head down the stairs. "Oh, hey! Sorry, we decided to come down and watch a movie for the rest of the evening."

"You're good." Rothan's normally shy demeanor had been replaced by an impish grin as he came down. I feel like I've seen that smile before. But where? "Did Adrien get tired of you beating him?"

"Yes," came an obviously fake sulk from the corner of the couch, and Alya whacked the model with a pillow. "Oh, be a good sport. Besides, Marinette let you pick the movie."

Marinette smiled at Adrien, trying to stay calm as the gorgeous boy glanced back at her. "Yeah, did you decide on something?"

"I was thinking Disney. Alya said that the Robin Hood adaptation is pretty –"

"Could we not?" Rothan's voice hitched, and he cleared it suddenly. "I mean, it is good, but…"

"That's fine." Adrien thumbed through the other options on their streaming service, apparently oblivious to the look of surprise on Marinette's face. What was that all about? "The Aristocats, perhaps?"

"I don't think I've seen that one," Alya mused while Rothan made himself comfortable. "But you seem to have excellent taste. We'll give it a shot."

Adrien found the title and set it to play, and everyone settled in to enjoy the movie. Every so often, Rothan would pull out his small notebook and jot something down, then return it to his satchel. Adrien seemed to be pretty relaxed as he shifted into a more comfortable position and yawned – he had mentioned something about a photo shoot over dinner, so she figured he was pretty tired. Maybe he'll fall asleep on my couch. Wouldn't that be great?

Alya, who was more interested in her blunette friend than the movie, seemed to agree. When she caught her eye, she motioned subtly with her head to the tired blonde and mouthed at her. Go sit with him!

Marinette shook her head. No way would I do that. I'd probably just be a klutz and embarrass myself. Instead she leaned over in the other direction and looked over Rothan's shoulder. "What are you working on?"

"Taking notes on storytelling techniques I like." Rothan paused for a moment before looking back at her, mischief in his eyes. "Don't you have other shoulders to look at?" He asked, his voice playful but quiet so as not to let Adrien here. "And nice abs? And –" he leaned in closer so he could whisper in her ear – "A cute butt?"

Marinette backed away and turned scarlet, trying not to be embarrassed and not doing a very good job. "Yes – I mean, no – I mean – gah, you are as bad as Alya!"

"I did tell you I owed you a favor," Rothan replied, and Marinette's eyes widened as she realized what he was referring to. "And if I cash it in by getting you more comfortable with pretty boy over there, I fail to see how there could be a problem." When her mouth opened but no sound came out, he chuckled. "I'm kidding. Mostly. But you should take advantage of this opportunity while it's still here."

"Is everything alright?" Marinette spun so fast that her head spun. Adrien was looking at her with a touch of concern, and she smiled and blushed. "Oh, I was looking at what Rothan was working on."

Adrien shrugged and turned back to the movie, and Marinette breathed a sigh of relief. Then she felt a gentle push and looked back over her shoulder to see Rothan's amused glare. With a sigh she sat back down as close to Adrien as she dared and tried to focus on the movie. But it was difficult to do with her crush sitting right next to her, not to mention she was very comfortable. She wondered what would feel like to just hold his hand, to cuddle with him on the couch, to feel his hand on her leg…

No, don't go there! Marinette silently chided herself as she realized she was slipping off into a daydream, forcing her brain into a more alert place. We're barely friends. I will not make a fool of myself in front of him. She pretended not to notice Rothan's irritated glance and his busy return to his notebook as she focused on the movie. Someday, maybe. But not today.

"That went – worse that I expected," Rothan admitted as he leaned up against the stair railing leading up to the entrance to Alya's apartment. "Not terrible, mind you – just not great, either."

The rest of the evening went uneventfully, Marinette eventually 'forgiving' Rothan – not that she was very upset, he had noted. Mrs. Cheng and Mr. Dupane had returned shortly after the movie had ended and had found the teens making lively conversation and laughing at one of Alya's stories. As things wrapped up, Rothan had insisted in walking the Creole-French girl home after he had found out that she didn't live far from him, and as he had put it, "There's no reason to be walking around Paris at night. No telling what is out there – like a crazy cat or mantis." So she had reluctantly let him, and they had even made some decent conversation on the way there – he had got her talking about the Ladyblog and had been carefully taking notes so he could avoid being on it as much as possible. But now that they had arrived, his mind drifted back to other encounters, other pairs of people. Alya chuckled at his quiet frustration. "Did you think it would happen in one night?"

"No, but I was hoping that she would get a little more comfortable." Rothan sighed and rubbed his nose. "She's a wreck around him, and I don't see it going away anytime soon."

"You're awfully invested in those two."

"With good reason," he retorted, trying to hide his amusement behind false irritation. "It's not like you're wrong – they would be absolutely perfect for each other."

"Still, you are very interested." Alya gave him a coy smile. "What's in this for you?"

Rothan made a gesture without any meaning. "Nothing, really. I've always had a hand in things like that, though – I was known as a bit of a matchmaker back home, I'm afraid." He chuckled and blushed at the memory. "Author's habits, I suppose. I want everyone to get their Happily Ever After."

"And you?"

"Not my purpose. I'm the author, not the main character." Rothan chuckled as he stretched. "Maybe I'll get my happy ending. Maybe not. I'm not really worried either way."

Alya shook her head. "You know, I always thought Marinette would be the hardest case I worked on. Apparently not."

"Except this time you're playing a dangerous game against the best Brit in the business." Rothan laughed as he spun out of the way of her playful fist. "I'm a little fast for your tricks, girl. You'll have to try harder than that to get me."

"Try me." Rothan laughed at her raised eyebrow, and she made a face. "You're digging yourself a hole, Rothan Terresia. One you won't be able to get out of."

"I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with." They both laughed, and he gave her a small bow. "Until then, we are in it together, are we not? Partenaires coquins?"

"You're as much a rouge as that Robin Hood fellow yesterday," Alya shot back, and Rothan grinned in spite of herself. "You'd better get home before your mother worries."

"Of course. Until tomorrow, when you and Nino and I may scheme again!" The drama in his voice made Alya laugh, and he smiled as he turned and walked down the street. He felt good – the best he'd felt outside the mask in a while. "I'm glad I went."

"Good." Now that his identity was safe, Staffe flew out of Rothan's satchel and sat on his shoulder, enjoying the night air. "Are you wanting to transform and run home?"

"Let's just walk. I don't get enough chances to be out with just you and me." They basked in the softness of a Paris night for a while as Rothan made his way to the apartments. Finally Staffe spoke again. "You did good tonight."

"Thank you." Rothan's hands fiddled at his satchel, the fingerless gloves making the fabric rustle. "I'm trying not to push too much – I'm brand new here. Mostly I'm just trying to follow Alya's lead. How much of that do you think was Rothan and how much was a particular Mantis?"

"If I'm honest? That was all you, and you know it. You have a wild streak, boy."

"I'm more than meets the eye." Rothan's eyes glittered as he looked up at the sky. "You of all people should know that."

Staffe laughed, a pealing, shimmering sound that his partner had grown to love. "To be fair, this is true. But this has been in you all this time, Rothan. You've just been too afraid to let it out – you needed a Kwamii to help you along the way."

"And I'm always going to be thankful," Rothan shot back, reaching up and absentmindedly rubbing Staffe's head. "Thank you for being here for me, even though I didn't ask you. You and Marinette and Alya and Adrien and Nino."

"Anytime, my boy." Staffe stretched and nudged his partner's ear. "Now, you have patrol first thing in the morning, and it's getting late. It's about time we were getting you home."

Rothan's starting to open up a bit, which is definitely a good thing. And he's making friends - another good thing. And he's getting tangled in Alya's schemes, which may not be such a good thing. Hopefully his wits will remain about him going forward.

Look out for the next chapter, where well-meaning friends try to get Rothan to join them in pulling some moves. And if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can reach me on my Tumblr at james-brafin or my Twitter handle, which is jamesthedabbler. Until next time!