Hello all! I'm sorry about the delay in posting - I knew the story I wanted to write but finding the right words was very difficult. It slowed down my normal process quite a bit and got me behind schedule pretty bad, but I've figured out the overall arc for the next little while and that should help.

As things stand right now, Alya is still scheming (as Alya does) and Rothan is getting dragged along. But these kind of happenings give him a great opportunity to grow...

Mariette was going to kill her best friend. Maybe not literally, because she knew Alya had meant well. But how was she so good at putting her in uncomfortable situations with the boy of her dreams? And how was it that she fell for her schemes every single time?

This particular series of events had started innocently enough. It was a Thursday afternoon, and Alya had come over to help her finish with a school project and hang out. They had long since been done and were relaxing, Marinette working on one of her designs while her best friend read on her phone. Finally, Alya looked out the window and stretched. "It's gorgeous today. What do you say we go out to the park and find a tree to sit under? I brought my speaker, so I could turn on some tunes."

"That sounds good. Let's go tell my mom where we are going first, and then we can go." Grabbing her things, Marinette took the stairs two at a time and found her mother in the kitchen. "Maman, Alya and I were going to go down to the park for a little bit. Is that alright?"

"As long as you're back by dinner." Mrs. Cheng smiled at her daughter. "Have fun." Marinette smiled and hurried down into the bakery where Alya was waiting, and they left talking and giggling. It didn't take long for them to get to the park and find a decent place to sit, and Marinette smiled as Alya retrieved her phone and speaker from her bag. "Do you have the new Jagged Stone album?"

"Of course, girl. What kind of fan would I be if I didn't?" Connecting the two devices, she thumbed through her albums until she found the one she wanted and turned it on. Heavy metal music filled the air, and the girls laughed and settled down together to talk and enjoy each other's company.
"Hello, ladies." Marinette looked up from their conversation to see who had greeted them and was immediately struck dumb. Nino was standing there, hands in pockets and grinning mischievously at his girlfriend. And standing right next to him was none other than Adrien, who smiled and gave her a small wave. "Mind if two dudes join you?"

"I don't." The laughter in Alya's voice was evident, and Marinette glared at her best friend. Alya only grinned back at her. "I'm sure Marinette has no issue with it either. Right?"

"Of – of course!" Marinette blushed and stumbled and quickly smiled at Adrien, who returned it with a gorgeously sweet one of his own. "You look – I mean, it's good looking – I mean, it's good to see you, Adrien."

"You too, Marinette." There it was again, that wonderful, beautiful smile from those perfect lips. It took everything in her to not simply melt into a puddle of blushing and embarrassment. Knowing Alya and Nino, this was probably less of a coincidence than either one of them were letting on, but she knew she wouldn't be able to get either of them to admit it. So unless she wanted to run away screaming and humiliate herself in front of her crush, she would just have to try and play it cool.

Adrien and Nino settled down beside them, and the four teens talked about school and laughed at Nino's bad jokes. Luckily for Marinette, as long as she stayed focused on Alya she could almost forget about the man of her dreams sitting right next to her.

Almost.

After a while Nino had started on one of his crazy stories and had his girlfriend nearly rolling with laughter when he paused mid-sentence. "Ooh, wait a minute."

"What's wrong?" Adrien looked at his friend with concern, but Nino shook his head. "This song is just great. I haven't heard it in a while." Standing up, he began to move to the beat and hummed along, and Alya laughed. "So are you dancing now?"

"Why not?" Nino shot back, striking a move that made even Marinette turn pink and giggle. "If the music moves you, it moves you." With an exaggerated bow he extended a hand to his girlfriend, a mischievous grin on his face. "Care to join me, my dear?"

"But of course." Alya replied, extending her own hand and gasping as she was quickly pulled to her feet. "How could I resist a dance with you?"

Marinette made a face and laughed as Nino led Alya for a moment and then let her go, letting the brunette move to the music. As she contemplated how cute the two of them were and how good they were for each other, she felt a tapping on her shoulder and turned to see a pair of deep emerald eyes staring right back into hers. It took her a moment to collect herself and realize Adrien was talking to her. "Um – I – sorry. What was that?"

"I wanted to know if you wanted to join them," Adrien repeated, holding out a hand, and Marinette's heart leapt to her throat. Adrien wants to dance with me? This has to be a dream. A very nice dream.

"Yes! I'd dance to you – I mean, I love your dance – Oh, bother." She took a deep breath to start again, the squeaked as Adrien pulled her to her feet without any more prompting, a twinkle of amusement behind his eyes. Blushing, Marinette tried to ignore the flock of butterflies that erupted in her stomach as Adrien took her by both hands and began grooving along with the beat. It was enough to make her laugh out loud. I'm dancing with Adrien Agreste, and I haven't fallen on my face once. I think I might actually die from happiness.

Maybe she wouldn't kill Alya after all.

The four teens messed around for a while – Marinette had no idea how long exactly, but enough to get through a few songs – until, as Adrien spun her in an old-fashioned move she simply adored, she noticed a familiar mop of spiky brown hair passing by. "Hey, look," she pointed out to Alya, "There's Rothan. Hello, Rothan!"

The brown-haired boy looked over his shoulder and then turned to face the party of four, a small, amused smile quirking on his face. "Hey. I wasn't planning on running into you all today."

Nino grooved over and gave Rothan a slap on the shoulder. "Hey, man. It's good to see you."

"Same. What are you all up to?"

"Nino managed to get us all dancing." Adrien didn't seem to notice as the smile flittering at the edge of Rothan's mouth died and his hands tightened around his satchel. "Why don't you come join us? Show us all the moves that the cool kids are using in Britain these days."

"Oh. No, that's alright."

"Aw, you're no fun." Nino poked his stomach teasingly. "You don't want to hang out with us?"
"No, not at all! I'm just – well, I'm actually –"

"Come on, Rothan, have a little fun." Alya reached out to Rothan's hand, and he pulled away like he'd been burned. She paused, slightly surprised. "What's wrong?"

"I'm fine!" It came out a little too forced, a little too strained, and reminded Marinette a little too much of how she usually sounded around Adrien. "I just remembered that I have to get home because my Mum is expecting me since I told her I'd make dinner tonight and she's going to home soon and I got to go!" Rothan whirled and sped-walked away before anyone could protest, and they all watched him go in surprise, the music forgotten. Finally Alya spoke. "What was that all about?"

Marinette turned to the other three, mildly irritated. "I think you made him uncomfortable. Didn't you notice him get all tense?"

"No?" Adrien gave her a look like a puzzled kitten and her heart nearly melted. Why is it so hard to be irritated with you? "Do you think we said something?"

"I'm – I'm not sure." It's hard to think when you're standing like that, silly boy. "I can try and text him about it, make sure he's okay."

"I'll text him, girl. I think it was me anyways," Alya replied, then winced as her speaker beeped at her and the music turned off. "I guess I'll text him after I charge my phone."

Nino stifled a laugh. "I guess that's the end of our dancing for today, then." He paused for a moment and then lit up. "Speaking of dancing, I've just had a great idea."

Marinette raised an eyebrow. "Which is?"

"I'll have to get back to you on that, actually. But you'll like it, I'm sure." Nino gave his girlfriend a wink, and as she chuckled Marinette got the feeling that there was some sort of wild scheme brewing. "I need to go anyways, it's nearly time for dinner."

Marinette glanced at the time on her phone in surprise. How did it get so late? I guess time really flies when you're having fun. "Yeah. I'd better get going too."

"The Gorilla is probably ready to get home," Adrien admitted as he rubbed his neck. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."

They waved their goodbyes and headed their separate ways, Marinette's head in the clouds as she walked the short distance to her home. Eventually, however, her mind drifted back to Rothan and his strange behavior. He seemed pretty upset when he left. I hope he's alright.

"You are alright, aren't you?" Staffe nibbled a pepper slice and watched his partner's face for any sort of indication of his mood. "Or do you just want to not talk about it?"

Rothan sighed and set his knife down. "I don't know – I'm better than I was an hour ago, certainly. I can't believe I did that!" Slamming his hand in the counter, he winced as Staffe jumped in surprise. "Sorry. Temper, I know."

"It's alright. If you just want to leave it be, that's fine."

Rothan considered this. "No, we really should talk about it. I need to talk about it with someone."

"And I'm right here to listen." Staffe stood and stretched, then floated to Rotan's knife and handed it to him. "But at least make dinner while you talk."

Rothan nodded and went back to the chicken on the cutting board, trying to decide how to start. "It comes down to this – I am a very high-strung person. You know this, of course."

"I do. You're better at managing when transformed, but it still comes through sometimes."

"The anonymity helps." Rothan shrugged. "With some things I don't have to worry about people getting upset with me because they don't know the kid under the mask. I can be looser and more relaxed. But I struggle with anxiety in general."

"I see." Staffe hummed as he considered this. "And… dancing makes you anxious?"

"It's stupid, I know. But yeah, it stresses me out. Crowds and dancing and swimming underwater and messes and loud noises – they all just make me irrationally uncomfortable."

"It's not stupid. I don't understand it, to be sure, but that doesn't mean you're wrong to feel that way."

"I know that, and you know that. But that doesn't make it easier when people worry – or tease. And the worst thing is that was the worst I've gotten in months. I thought I finally had this under control!" Rothan gave the chicken a particular brutal chop, then set the knife down and backed away, eyes suddeny wide. "I've got to take a break before I lose a finger."

"Easy, Rothan. It's alright." Staffe flew over as he went to the sink to wash his hands. "You're emotionally exhausted, and it's not exactly surprising. You've moved, changed schools, and essentially started your life over in less than a month. And on top of that you've received a lot of new responsibility. I'll admit maybe I've pushed you too hard for the past few weeks."

"You haven't, Staffe. I'll admit I've been more tired of late, but that's as much me as you – more even. Sometimes things are easier than others." As Rothan turned off the tap and grabbed a towel, he sighed. "I just had thought – I've been making good progress is all, and now I'm nearly back to square one. It's hard." He shook his head. "But I'm a little bit better now. Frustrated for sure, and my nerves are still fried, but I'm better."

The two were interrupted by the buzzing of Rothan's phone on the counter. Staffe flew over and nodded. "It's from Alya. 'Sorry about earlier, we weren't trying to make you upset. If you want to talk about it just let one of us know.' Should I reply?"

Rothan sighed again. "Yeah. 'I'm okay, just a long day. Thanks for checking though.'"

Staffe punched the text in and sent it off. "You know, you could talk to them about it."

"And what am I going to say? 'Oh, I'm sorry I worried you, I just get anxiety when people ask me to dance?' Yeah, I'm not ready to open that can of worms with them quite yet." Rothan tapped Staffe's head and smiled. "I already have two people that constantly worry about me, you and my mum. That's more than enough."

"If you think that's best. Speaking of your mother, she's going to be home soon. Now, I would not recommend you pick up that knife again, but there are vegetables to sauté and noodles to cook." He smiled as Rothan chuckled. "There's that happy partner I know is in there. I'll finish here and you start working at the stove?"

"That sounds good, Staffe. Thank you."

"Any time, my boy. Any time."

Adrien popped out of his limo and waved to Nino, who was waiting for him on the steps of the school. "Hey, man! Good to see you."

"Hey, Nino." Adrien waved goodbye to the Gorilla, who returned it with a smile before he drove off. "How are you doing?"

"Fantastic, man. You?"

"Good, but tired."

"You're always tired these days, Adrien. You really need to get some rest."

"I'm alright, really." How was he supposed to explain to his best friend that his exhaustion came from patrolling the city with Ladybug and fighting supervillains? "Did you figure out that thing you were talking about last night?"

"Yeah, I've got it all sorted."

"And it is?" He rolled his eyes as Nino laughed. "Come on, can't you just tell me?"

"Not without the girls here. You can wait a few more minutes." Nino looked around with a degree of curiosity. "Speaking of, where are they? I haven't seen Marinette or Alya yet."

"Marinette probably slept in by mistake again. I'll text her." Adrien pulled out his phone and sent her a message then looked up as a familiar black leather jacket passed by. "Hey Rothan."

"Hoy." The brown-haired boy gave him a nod and half smile – have I ever seen Rothan give me an actual smile? – before continuing inside, seemingly oblivious to the rest of the world. Nino made to talk to him but Rothan was already gone, headed for his locker to put away his books before class. He turned back to Adrien and shook his head. "Isn't much for conversation, is he?"

"I guess not." Adrien shrugged as he adjusted his bag and headed inside. "But class does start soon. Maybe we should follow his lead."

"That's fair. After you, my dude." The two boys quickly took care of their bags and headed into class, where most of their friends were already socializing before class. Lyra and Rothan were muttering in the back corner, the latter making animated gestures about something or other while his companion laughed. Sabrina and Chloé were pouring over the latest fashion magazine, the contents of which Adrien was sure included images of him from his latest photoshoot. Alya was sitting and texting but looked up with a smile as they entered. "Hey, you two."
"Hey, babe." Nino shot her a quick and easy grin. "Do you know where Marinette is at?"

"Overslept. She'll be here soon." Alya raised an eyebrow as she examined her boyfriend. "Now, are you finally going to explain this little surprise of yours?"

"Not without Marinette here. We'll just have to wait." He sighed as Alya gave him a fake pout. "Geez, everyone is so pushy today. Patience, woman."

"I can't help it – I'm a reporter, it's in my nature to be curious."

"You're worse than Chat Noir." Adrien stifled a laugh at Nino's comment. While perhaps it wasn't strictly true, his friend wasn't far off the mark – how many times had his own curiosity gotten him into trouble? "You said Marinette will be here soon, anyways. And you wouldn't want to leave your best friend out."

Alya huffed in reply. "Fine. She'd better hurry up, though."

Marinette did, in fact, hurry, but she only barely made it to class, forcing them all to wait until their first period was over before Nino would spill anything. But as soon as they got out, Marinette was practically tripping over herself to pester Nino. "Alright, boy. Spill. What have you been planning this time?"

He grinned. "A friend of mine got asked to do a show in place of their usual DJ next Tuesday night. And he told me that if I and some friends wanted to come, he's got some extra tickets. So, what do you say? Are you all free next Tuesday?"

"That sounds like fun!" Alya bumped her boyfriend's arm with a grin. "I'd be down – I don't have anything."

"That makes two – Marinette, Adrien? Are you coming?"

Marinette stuttered and turned pink for a reason that Adrien couldn't discern, but he rubbed his neck in thought. "I don't think I have a shoot that day, so maybe? I'd have to talk to my father, but I don't think he'd mind."

"I – uh – sure!" Marinette finally squeaked as Alya gave her a pat on the back. "That sounds like fun."

"Great. We should ask Rothan and Lyra too, see if they want to come." Nino winked at Alya, who stifled a giggle, and Adrien furrowed his eyebrows. What were they planning? "We don't want them to feel left out either."

"Of course. Should I ask?"

"Sure, as long as you let me come with you. It was my idea, after all."

Adrien rolled his eyes and chuckled as Nino and Alya reentered the classroom, then trailed behind as they went to the back and approached Rothan's desk. He was in the midst of showing something to Lyra before their next class, but he paused as they four of them approached. "Hello, Nino, Alya. How are you this morning?"

"Great. Say, are you two doing anything next Tuesday night?"

Rothan blinked, apparently surprised by Alya's forwardness. "I'm certainly not. You, Lyra?"

The blonde shook her head. "I mean, other than work for a bit I'm free. Why?"

"Well, Nino was able to get some tickets to one of his friend's concerts, and we were all wondering if you two would like to come with us."

"Really? That sounds like fun!" Lyra shot the two a surprised and thankful smile. "I'm sure my parents would be alright with it."

"What about you, Rothan?" Adrien looked at the boy, who seemed lost in space for a moment. He blinked and snapped back to reality. "I – uh – I'm not sure –"

"Oh come on," Alya patted his shoulder. "It'll be the six of us, just hanging out and having a good time. What do you say?"

Rothan paused for a moment more before blowing a sigh between his lips. "Alright. I can talk to my mum about it."

"Yes!" Nino gave his girlfriend a high-five before slapping Rothan's back, who visibly winced. "You'll be glad you came. This guy is a great performer and musician. You're all going to love him, I'm sure."

Rothan nodded. "Sounds like fun. Well, I've got to get to my next class. If you guys can just text me the details, that would be great." He stood suddenly, and Adrien glanced at him. "I'll see you all later."

"See you…" Adrien looked back in surprise as the brown-haired boy blew past him, then turned back to the group. "Was it just me or did he seem in a hurry?"

Lyra watched Rothan out the door with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah." She didn't elaborate, but he could almost watch the gears whirring away in the girl's head before she turned back to the group. "Well, I've got to get going too. You have my number, right? Can you text me the details later today?"

"Sure thing." Nino gave her a quick nod before heading for the door. The rest of the group quickly broke up behind him as they all filtered to their respective second periods, and Adrien fell into step beside Marinette. "Sounds like it's going to be fun."

"Yeah." The blunette kept her eyes ahead as she walked. "It was cool of Nino to invite us all. I just hope there really are enough tickets."

"I'm sure there will be. Nino always come through."

"He sure does!" Marinette shot him a quick smile and turned pink. "Well, I've got to hurry and get to my next class. I'll see you later, Adrien!' She scurried off before the blonde boy could offer a reply, and he was left to scratch his neck in confusion. Why is everyone in such a hurry today?

And you said yes? Rothan winced as he heard the shock in Staffe's voice in his head. It wasn't often he transformed for lunch, but today he he'd already felt the need to take to the skies, leap between the buildings, and let out the uncomfortable energy that had been building since the end of first period. Staffe had listened quietly up to this point as he explained what had transpired, but Rothan's nerves were spilling over into his partner through their telepathic bond and he had finally broke. You were just telling me that dancing made you uncomfortable. And crowds. And loud noises. And messes. And this would constitute –

"One of the messiest, loudest, most crowded events I've been to in a while. With dancing." Rothan sighed. "I don't know what I was thinking."

You were thinking that you couldn't turn your friends down, not when they were so excited. It's your good heart shining through.

"Yeah, I'd like to take a rain check on that good heart of mine." Rothan half-smiled as he heard his partner's laughter. "What am I going to do?"

Well, you can't back out now, can you? You'll just have to go and enjoy yourself best you can. It won't be as bad as you're thinking, I'm sure. Your mother will be pleased.

"I guess." The brown-haired boy decided to let the situation go for the time being and retrieved his lunch out of his utility belt. "This is nifty, by the way."

Any container on your body, I can transfer the contents into your belt. A useful trick that most other Kwamii have either decided not to use or don't realize they can.

Rothan was too busy on his egg and cress sandwich to come up with a witty reply. He had forgotten how hungry being anxious made him, and very quickly finished eating before using the end of his water to wash his hands and freshen up. "We have a while yet before I have to get back to school. Shall we visit Mum at the office? Head home for a bit? Just have a walk about town, get an early-afternoon patrol in?"

I think a walk about will do you good. At the very least, seeing you out and about will help to cement your image and improve your standing with Paris beyond a mantis of the night. And you seem to relax faster when you stay transformed, so I don't mind staying like this for a while longer.

"As long as you're okay right now. I know you get fatigued in there."

So long as you don't use your Will of the Mantis, it's nothing a quick nap won't fix – which I have all afternoon to take once you return to class. Staffe projected his gentle smile to his partner. You need the break more than I do.

Rothan nodded. "If you insist." Looking about from the tree in which he was perched, he leapt to the rooftops and began to patrol at a relaxed pace. The day was still fresh and warm, and most people were on their lunch break, sitting on the outside of cafés and enjoying the late-summer weather before it turned to autumn and colder things. From time to time he would drop off the buildings and walk with the locals, stopping to make conversation or simply offer a quick smile and nod as he walked past. It was surprisingly nice, not warm enough to make him sleepy, and he felt his anxiety from the earlier parts of the day ebbing away as he wandered the streets and back alleys of Paris.

As the lunch break began to draw to a close, Rothan whipped himself up to the rooftops one more time to take a long look about the skyline before walking along the edge to the school. Staffe seemed to be content to let him coast, and so he did, meandering his way across the rooftops towards the school with no particular hurry. But as he walked he heard two familiar voices on the street beside him, and then a surprised shriek. "Oh my GOSH Marinette! It's him!"

Looking down, he inwardly winced as he saw Marinette and Alya staring up at him from the sidewalk. "Well, crud. I've been had."

Nothing you can do about it now. Just hop down and give the reporter the scoop she wants. I'll walk you through it.

"But –" The irritated face that flashed through Rothan's mind made him jump and he wheezed under his breath. "Fine. Let's make this quick." Standing, he raised his voice so he could be heard by the girls below. "Well, if it isn't the owner of the famous Ladyblog! Fancy seeing you two here."

Alya did a dance in the street as he hopped down and landed with a flourish. "I can't believe this – the mysterious new hero who works with Ladybug and Chat Noir, just wandering Paris? This is like a dream!"

"I decided it would be good to have an outing or two," Rothan replied as Marinette steadied her friend. "The name's Black Mantis, in the case word hasn't gotten around quite yet."

"Oh, it has. It's so cool to get to meet you! Is there any chance I can get an interview?"

"Alya!" The blunette hissed at her friend in irritation. "We have to get back, before we're late to school. Besides, I'm sure the Mantis has plenty of more important things to do."

Rothan was taken aback by the pointed look in his direction. "And letting Paris know I am here to protect them isn't important? The last thing I need is to frighten someone while I'm out on patrol." He chuckled dryly as he recalled the officer he had frightened only a few mornings ago on his regular route. "I don't have a ton of time, but I can spare a few minutes, if you want to find a place to chat.

"That would be awesome!" Alya practically grabbed him and dragged him to a nearby bench, Marinette rolling her eyes as she followed. After sitting him down and settling herself, she appraised the budding hero. "Written or recorded?"

"Written, if you don't mind."

"Sure thing." Whipping out a notepad and pencil, she examined him for a moment before she began. "Let's start with the basics. What are your superpowers, Mr. Mantis?"

"My speed and endurance, my Mantis Scythes, Utility Belt, and temporary telekinetic powers. It's a handful, but I've started to work them out over the past few weeks."

"Awesome. How long have you had these powers?"

"Only a few weeks. I'm a bit new to the hero scene."

"Oh? How did Ladybug and Chat Noir take your appearance? Are you friendly?"

"Chat and I hit it right off, of course." Rothan leaned back in the bench and crossed his legs, Staffe's quiet nudging and the lack of a camera lens helping him to find his swing. "I'm something of a lover of wordplay, and everyone knows our local black cat has a sense of humor as well."

"And Ladybug?"

He paused and considered his words carefully before he continued. "We're getting there. She didn't trust me right away, but she is warming up to the idea of a little extra help. We'll be fast friends in a month or two I'm sure."
"That's good. When do you usually patrol?"

"I like early mornings and afternoon strolls. If you're looking to catch me that's when I'm most likely keeping an eye on the streets. And," he paused to give a small nod and wink to Marinette, "I'm always glad to take a moment to stop and chat."

The blunette huffed impatiently as Alya giggled. "Alright, one more. Do you have a special message you want to send to Paris?"

"You bet. Play nice, stay safe, and know that Black Mantis is looking out for you. I'm glad to be part of the team." As Alya got up with a grin, he paused as he heard Staffe's rapid instructions. "Hey, before you go, how about a piece of photo evidence?"

"I can take it," Marinette offered reluctantly, pulling out her phone, and Rothan nodded. Alya grinned and came back, wrapping her arm around his back and making a peace sign with the other hand. He did the same, and they both grinned. "Alright, you two. Hold still – and – there."

Alay glanced at the picture Marinette showed her and nodded. "This is awesome! Thank you so much."

"Great, now can we get back to school? We're going to be late!"

"I need to get going too," Rothan agreed as he headed for the building line. "But it was lovely to get to meet you and your friend, Mrs. –" He paused as he nearly slipped on his own knowledge. "My apologies, I don't believe I caught a name."

"I'm Alya, and this is Marinette." The auburn-headed girl smiled. "It was good to meet you too, Mr. Mantis. In the person, I mean."

Oh, you have no idea. Glancing at the glaring blunette, Rothan decided he had pushed his luck enough for one lunch period. "Well, have a lovely rest of your school day, ladies. I must be off." With a cocky salute that he hoped looked more convincing than it felt, he bounded onto the rooftops and away. "Until we meet again!"

Marinette turned away from her computer and bit her lip in frustration. "They're both impossible! Completely impossible." She was, of course, referring to the interview she had just read on the Ladyblog, which had popped up only a few hours ago. She was thankful that Alya had waited until the weekend to post her exclusive moment with the city's newest hero, but the very fact that it had happened at all still irked her. "I can't believe Alya stopped him for an interview in the middle of the street. And I can't believe he just agreed."

"What was he supposed to do, Marinette?" Tikki flew up from the corner, the little red Kwamii somewhere in between a sigh and a laugh. "Alya can be belligerent when she wants to be. She wasn't going to just let him leave."

"I know. It's just – I'm the new Guardian. He's hasn't been in Paris for even a month. He doesn't know how we work yet, the rules we have to follow as Miraculous Holders, our relationship with the law – not any of it. I keep meaning to explain it all to him but he's rarely around!" She threw herself onto her chaise with a sigh. "And now there's this – this interview. This was not how I was envisioning his official introduction to the city."

"At least he handled himself well." Tikki joined her and sat on the edge, looking at her partner. "He didn't reveal anything about himself or say anything he shouldn't have. Staffe must have been helping?"

"His Kwamii?" The blunette glanced at her partner, confused. "How was he doing that?"

"You've heard him talking to himself, right? Staffe has the ability to communicate with him even while he's transformed. Part of his psionic abilities, I think."

"Well, at least he has someone to guide him part of the way." Rubbing her nose, Marinette stood again and began to pace, trying to order his thoughts. "I'm really more irritated with Alya than I am him. But he's still caused me a bit of a headache. The mayor and the director-general of the police want to meet with him now, and I'm not convinced I can get him to go. There's days where I struggle to get him to answer the phone." She stopped to look out the window, where a light rain was beginning to fall. "I need to talk to him."

"Well, it's a good thing he agreed to patrol with you two, isn't it?" Tikki gave her a smile. "I'm sure you'll get it all figured out, Marinette. You always do."

"I hope so." Her fingers played with the windowsill before she turned back to her partner. "Speaking of which, we'd better get going, before we're late. Tikki, Spots On!"

A few moments later she was flying across the city skyline as Ladybug, swinging from building to building until she reached their usual meeting spot. To her surprise she saw a familiar dark olive-green figure sitting on the edge of the roof, head down. She slipped up behind the Mantis and tapped him on the shoulder and was greeted with a snort as he started from the contact. "Huh! What's going on?"

"It's just me!" Marinette was nearly as startled as he was, stepping back in surprise at his reaction. "Are you alright?"

"Oh. Yeah, I'm fine. Just haven't slept well for the past two days." He flinched as though he had heard something, then turned to look at her with a small smile. "It's good to see you – been kind of a quiet week, hasn't it?"

"Which means Hawkmoth is planning something big. I'm glad you're here a little early. I wanted to talk to you about –"

"The interview? I figured." The Black Mantis sighed and chuckled dryly. "That reporter certainly knows how to make a fellow look good, doesn't she?"

"Yeah. It's great – except now all of Paris is wanting to meet you – the most important parts of it anyways. You really have made a mess."

"Again, I'm not surprised." He waved a hand, a flash of irritation crossing his face. "I assume there will be people who want to be introduced, events to welcome me, dinners and interviews and photographs and whatnot." He sighed and rubbed his eyes with two fingers, and for a second she didn't see a superhero but a very tired boy. "I'd prefer that most of those things never happen, if I'm to be honest."

"That's easier said than done." He winced and Ladybug realized that probably sounded a bit harsh. "I'm sorry. I know it wasn't your intention. But I'm a bit frustrated that this is how everything played out. You do realize I've gotten nearly a dozen calls in the past hour?"

The Mantis flinched again. "Sorry. There wasn't much I could do without seeming like a total douche."

"I realize that. It doesn't make all this any easier though." Ladybug sat down next to him on the roof edge and looked out on the city. "We'll figure it out. Where's Chaton? I'm surprised he hasn't made it here yet."

"He did, but he said he was going to get us all something to drink before we started. I can't imagine why." He stifled a yawn, shook his head as if to clear it, and grumbled under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Sorry, talking to Staffe. He's a bit miffed with me right now."

"Why?" Ladybug looked over at him, and her eyebrows furrowed as she realized just how tired the young hero was. "You look awful! Have you slept at all the past few days?"

"Some. It is too enough! Look, just because you think that – What's so funny?" The Mantis glanced over at Marinette, who was trying not to giggle. "Oh. The one-sided argument?"

"I've never seen anyone argue with themselves before. Not out loud anyways."

"Yeah, well, that's how it goes when your Kwamii can communicate even while you're transformed. Yes, you're fine, Staffe, now calm down." He couldn't help but break a tired smile as Ladybug laughed and sighed. "Sorry. I forget how odd that must look to you and Chat."

"You're alright. But you ought to go home and get some sleep."

"I'm really not that tired. I'm not more than an hour or two behind my normal sleeping schedule. Besides, here's our favorite black cat now." He motioned as Chat Noir leapt up to the rooftop with a drink carrier and a bow. "Welcome back."

"Hello, M'lady, Mantis. I come bearing gifts." Straightening himself, he handed the olive-suited boy a coffee, which he took with a smile. "This should help."

"Thank you." The Mantis took a sip, and Marinette watched as he stretched and huffed in the cold and damp air. "This should see me through until the end of patrol."
"Are you paw-sitive you don't want to go and rest? You don't have to patrol with us if you're feeling under the weather."

"I won't go back and sleep anyways. Too much on the mind." Black Mantis shrugged as he retrieved a cloth from his belt and tied it under his chin to create a small hood to block the now-increasing rain. "I'll feel better knowing that I'm out on patrol with you two."

Marinette thought about arguing but decided against it. As he himself had admitted, their relationship was still somewhat tenuous, and she figured an argument about his wellbeing was not going to improve that. "As long as you're really okay."

"I really am, but I appreciate the worry." He glanced at Chat, who was looking at his head covering with envy. "Want one?"

"Please. I cat stand the rain." He took the cloth and tied it the same way, then shook the rest of his body. "We'd better get going. The last thing any of us need is to catch cold."

The other two agreed and finished their drinks, then allowed the Mantis to slide them into his Utility Belt to dispose of later. And after Ladybug decided on a route, the three of them took off into the grey Paris afternoon. She and Chaton fell into their normal rhythm, full of easy banter as they leapt from rooftop to rooftop. And to Marinette's pleasant surprise, their new ally settled in comfortably just behind the two, lunging with a brutal efficiency that contrasted with the grace she and Chat Noir had developed from three years of using their powers. He didn't say much but seemed content to just be on present, and the simple act of movement appeared to reinvigorate him. The poor weather worked to keep any traffic off the streets, which made for a slow afternoon. Overall it was a quiet and pleasant patrol, and when they finished they were all quite damp but warm from running and pleased with the results. Marinette gave the Mantis a kind smile. "Thank you for coming with us, even though you were feeling unwell."

"I was glad to." The olive-clothed boy stretched as he stood on the edge of the roof. "A little light exercise will help me sleep anyways."

"Thanks again for the head covering." Chaton handed him the cloth he had used to shield himself from the rain, but the Mantis shook his head. "Keep it, just in case the weather is inclement again tomorrow."

"Really? Sweet!" Chat slid it into one of his smaller pockets with a smile. "I appreciate it."

"Water friends for?" Both boys chuckled and Marinette rolled her eyes. "Well, it was good to see you both outside of an Akuma attack."

"It really was." Ladybug put a hand on Mantis' shoulder. "We're glad to have you here."

"And I'm glad to be here. But I've got to bolt, before my mother gets worried about me being out in the rain. Just call if you need anything."

"As long as you pick up." Their new ally chuckled dryly at her gentle needling, and she smiled. "Get some rest. You can't help if you're exhausted."

"Yes'm." He took a step back and gave her a cocky salute before he fell backwards off the edge. "Adieu and farewell!" After a stunned pause, the pair scrambled to look over the edge, but there was no sign of the Mantis in the alley below.

"He certainly has a flair for the dramatic, doesn't he?" Chat muttered in awe as he looked around to ensure the boy was truly gone. Marinette smirked and punched him in the arm. "Not unlike you, Alley Cat."

"Hey! At least I always land on my feet. He's an insect, not an acro-cat like me."

"A very capable insect. Still, I worry."

"You always seem to be worried about something these days. I'm sure he'll be fine – unlike us if we stay out in this rain any longer."

"Alright." Marinette sighed and turned to her partner. "Same time tomorrow?"

"Of course, M'lady. That sounds purr-fect." He gave her a quick bow and kissed her hand as he always did. Marinette laughed and shook her head. "Until tomorrow, Ladybug."

"Until tomorrow, minou. Stay safe!" She watched him go across the rooftops and smiled to herself as she turned to head home. Perhaps things will be alright. No time to worry, though – Chat's right. I'd better head home.

"I know we're here early," Rothan muttered under his breath as he sat in the rafters of a large building, his feet dangling in the air. "But I felt like I'd be more comfortable if I saw the place for myself once."

Tuesday had come entirely too fast since the weekend, at least in his opinion. Between the lack of patrols since Sunday, from Staffe's insistence that he wasn't getting enough rest and the unsurprising barrage of messages from Ladybug about people asking after him, he was in no way mentally prepared for tonight. But here he was, preparing to be here again in an hour or two, watching as the end of the stage was being set up for the show. He was, of course, transformed into the Black Mantis as he observed the final work and tried to quell his rising anxiety about the coming evening. "Honestly? It doesn't seem to be working so well."

I feel that, Rothan. But I will remind you that you're going to be with friends, and I'll be there every step of the way.

"Which I appreciate. But as much as I tell that to my rational brain, my anxious brain doesn't seem to understand that particular sentiment." He barked a laugh as his feet swung. "It does look like it's going to be fun though. I'm doing a little better."

Aren't you glad I made you sleep the past two days rather than letting you patrol? Staffe sent him an image of a gentle, kind smile. I'm sure things will go fantastic, and you'll be stronger for it.

"I hope so." Rothan stretched and yawned, then looked back to the stage and sat a little straighter. "What's going on?"

Hmm? Staffe paused as his partner looked down from his perch at a rather animated conversation. I'm not sure.

"I'm going to get closer and take a quick look." Rothan leapt into a shadowy corner and slipped over, his dark suit providing him a fair amount of invisibility. A man in a tank top was arguing with someone who was obviously the manager of the joint, and he was able to catch the last fragments of something scathing. "… and I can not believe you would just replace me!"

"It is not my fault that you decided to walk out on us at the last second. You can't just come in here demanding your regular time back."

"And you didn't just replace me," the man continued, ignoring the manager he was talking to, "But the guy you replaced me with is practically a kid. How could you replace me with a child – compare my skill to a child?"

Rothan made a hissing noise under his breath as the performer continued to berate his previous employer. "Geez, this guy is awful. That poor guy needs a break."

Why don't you give him a hand then?

"Well, I'm not exactly supposed to be in here." He chuckled as Staffe paused and he could feel his mild embarrassment. "You're alright. I'm sure you're not used to your partners sneaking around like this."

The manager, meanwhile, had finally had enough. "You know what? I don't have to put up with this, and I'm not going to. You were always an insufferable person to have on my stage, always making demands of my staff and unpleasant to be around. And apparently you've not gotten better after leaving because of whatever imagined slight you received. Now, get out of here."

"Excuse me?" Rothan could practically see the guy's eyes bulge out of his head. "How dare you talk to me like that. I've never been so insulted –"

"Out!" The manager was nearly shouted, startling a nearby worker. "Before I call security."

The performer hissed. "You're going to be sorry you rejected the incredible Audace. When my friends hear about this, you won't get a single show here again, mark my words."

"I'll manage. Now get out." The manager watched with a calm glare as the irritated ex-performer stormed off, then turned and ran a hand through his hair. Rothan watched and gave his own curt nod. "Sounds like he had it coming."

And that manager didn't take any sort of trouble from him. Good for him. Rothan was surprised by the normally soft-spoken Kwamii's approval of the manager and condemnation of the rejected disc jockey. But we do need to get going. A crowd is going to start building up soon, and we want to be out of here before we get caught in all of that.

"Right." Rothan leapt up from his hiding spot and clambered through the beams and rafters to the small window he had used to enter. After ensuring there was no one watching, he slipped out onto the roof and stretched. "Well, it seems like tonight is going to go well."

Do you feel better?

"No, but it was worth a shot, wasn't it? Rothan pulled a stress ball out of his pouch and rolled it between his fingers. "At the very least we can scope this area before I have to transform back for tonight."

I suppose that's true. I'd be happier if you would take some time to relax though. Both the Kwamii and Rothan paused as they felt a low rumble from the ground below. What was that?

"I don't know. An earthquake, maybe? But that would be odd…" Rothan slipped over to the edge of building and looked over at the street below. "Nothing over here."

But it must be nearby, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to hear it. A series of screams and crashing noises caught Rothan's attention, and he could feel Staffe wince. Definitely close. We need to go!

"Already on it." Rothan took off across the rooftops, using his speed and scythes to fling himself to from building to building and towards the source of the sound. He stopped a few streets over to an awful sight. Cars were smoking, windows shattered, and people were cowering behind whatever cover they could find while a familiar face stalked down the street, a purple-glowing record in one hand. His tank top and jeans had morphed into a skinsuit in gold and black, and the dark sunglasses combined with the outfit to make him look like a try-hard disc jockey. Rothan pulled back and spun behind a heating unit as the newly Akumatized villain glanced in his direction and fumbled for his scythe-phone. "This is bad. He looks way stronger than normal."

Looks like the rude fellow we saw before. Do you think –

"His rotten mood and poor treatment of others got taken advantage of? Definitely." Rothan managed to get his phone blade activated and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the familiar face of Ladybug pop up. "Oh thank goodness."

"Mantis? What are you doing out and about? I thought Staffe had you on bed rest."

"Yeah, well, there was an emergency. Akuma attack at my location, you've got to get here quick. This one's nasty."

"Where are you at?" Ladybug was all business as her forehead creased with worry. "I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Sending that now –" He punched a few buttons and then squeaked as a shadow suddenly hovered over him. "I'm going to have to call you back."

"Mantis? Don't hang –" Rothan hit the button to end the call and looked up at the record-wielding supervillain above him. "Hello."

"Why hello there, little boy." The man gave him a nasty grin as Rothan pressed himself against the box he had been hiding behind. "What are you doing up here all by yourself?"

"I don't suppose I could get a name?"

"It's Breakdancer, and don't try to change the subject." The angered ex-DJ spun his weapon as he leered at his new target. "You're that new hero, aren't you? The Black Mantis? I wonder how willing those Ladybug and Chat Noir would be to make a trade."

"Guess you'll have to catch me to find out!" Rothan leapt into the air as he narrowly missed the spinning disc that sliced through the air unit, diving over Breakdancer as he snarled in frustration. "That's a sharp little vinyl you've got there. What's it called?"

"A personal mix. I call it – your demise!" Another disc was thrown and only barely dodged, and Rothan surmised that this fellow was indeed far faster and stronger than any Akuma he had faced or seen on the news. "Stay still, you obnoxious insect!"

"I'd prefer to keep my head on, thanks." The next few throws were deflected with a flurry of scythe strikes, but the brown-haired boy could feel himself being pushed about, only just fast enough to keep up with his opponent's next moves. "Hawkmoth chose well on this one."

We've surmised that he was an unpleasant man to begin with. Now he's downright vicious. My guess is that the Akuma is amplifying his attitude. Staffe seemed unfazed as the two superpowered dueled across the rooftop. It's made him exceptionally powerful.

"Thanks, I hadn't noticed." Rothan's sarcasm made his partner chuckle, and Rothan couldn't help but smile a little. "At least my anxiety is gone. Can't be anxious while I'm fighting."

Is that so? Interesting. Maybe you should try thinking about tonight like it were an Akuma rather than an uncomfortable event.

"Let's save this conversation for later." Rothan bent backwards so that another thrown disc just missed his nose and felt the edge of the roof behind his feet. "Crud. Cornered with no allies in sight."

"I've got you, Mantis!" Breakdancer crowed as he stepped forward. "Say your prayers quick, so I can go deal with that obnoxious manager and his silly little show."

"Ha! Funny." Rothan rolled his eyes as he raised his hands in a defensive stance. "Unfortunately for you I have an ace in my sleeve. Will of the Mantis!"

Rothan's vision was tinted pink as the blood rushed to his head and felt the familiar tug of Staffe's psionic abilities flow through him. Raising his hands in a catching motion, he saw the disc flying toward him and put them out to stop it with his mind –

Whump! While his suit and the slowing from the psionic force he had exuded absorbed the worst of the hit, Rothan still went flying as the high-speed vinyl hammered into him, sending him soaring through the air. For a moment both he and Staffe were too shocked to respond, but just in time he saw the street hurtling towards him and raised his hands instinctively, his telekinesis only just barely keeping him afloat, then dropping him to the ground exhausted.

As Breakdancer cackled from the top of the building, Rothan looked at his hands in shock. "What the heck?"

I don't know! Staffe seemed almost as frantic as he regained his bearings. It just cut right through my psionic abilities – I've never seen that before. And now I'm quickly running out of energy now. Rothan, I think we might be in trouble.

"Well, it's a good thing the calvary is here!" the Mantis sighed in relief as he saw familiar red and black figures running across the rooftops. "Am I glad to see you two!"

"We came as fast as we could." Ladybug hopped down to him with Chaton on her heels. "We saw him hit you – are you alright?"

"I'm going to bruise, that's for sure." Rothan looked back up to see Breakdancer winding up for another throw. "Look out!"

The trio dived out of the way as the disc skipped across the pavement and returned to its owner's hand. Chat glanced back and shook a fist. "Hey, no fair! At least give us a paws in the action."

Breakdancer ignored the irritated feline. "Ladybug, Chat Noir. So good of you to join us. Now, prepare to be defeated!" He hurled his disc again as he leapt down, which Ladybug deflected with her yoyo. "He's fast."

"Really? What makes you say that?" Rothan ducked the return arc and looked at his partners. "I've already used Will of the Mantis, and it doesn't work on his disc apparently."

"It doesn't work?" Chat stared in shock. "What about Cataclysm?"

"My guess is that's also a no. The big issue is that I've got four minutes, tops, before I'm forced out of my suit. We need to take this guy out fast."

"So it resists special attacks? That's new." Ladybug looked concerned as she knocked the record away with another well-placed throw. "I guess we're going to have to resort to other tactics."

"Don't worry, Mantis. We'll beat this guy, just watch." Chat punched his arm playfully. "We just need to slow down that disc to a point where one of us can grab it."

"Or knock it out of the sky." Rothan watched Ladybug's mind whir as she blocked another strike. "I'm going to try my Lucky Charm. You two cover me."

Rothan nodded and went back-to-back with Chat as she threw her yoyo up to summon her special power. As he blocked another shot he heard the warning chirp of his gloves and winced. Only a minute or two left. "What did you get?"

"A skateboard? I don't know how that's going to help." She glanced around as a plan began to form. "Well, actually… How much time do you have, Mantis?"

"Enough for one final push. What am I moving?" When Ladybug pointed at the awning above their foe, his eyes widened in understanding. "Got it. Hey, Chat, want to go for a ride?"

"Huh?" Chat Noir yelped as his feet were swept from underneath him by the polka-dotted skateboard. "What's going on?"

"Time for this guy to face the music. See the awning? Good, now take it out!" Rothan gave him a super-powered push with his telekinesis and barely blocked a disk headed for Ladybug as she watched Chat launch over to the awning and use his Cataclysm to take out the poles holding it.

"What?" Breakdancer looked up just in time to see the metal pole that made up the frame come falling down toward his head. The blow left him dazed, and when his disc came back he caught it in the stomach rather than in his hands and knocked the wind right out of him. As he wheezed, Chat sped past and grabbed the vinyl in his hands and released the Akuma into the sky. "Yes! Show's over, butterfly!"

As Ladybug threw her yoyo to grab the cursed insect, Rothan heard his final warning and winced. "I've got to go right now. I'm so sorry."

"Go, Mantis. We'll finish cleaning this up." Ladybug smiled at him with a touch of concern, still seeing the tired in his eyes. "Now get out of here."

Rothan nodded and tore off, trying to get away and find a place to hide and drop his transformation. At the last moment he ducked into an alley and behind a dumpster, and in a flash of deep grey light he reverted to normal. As he looked down he realized his hands were shaking, and Staffe seemed disoriented. "That was cutting it close."

"Far too close. Are you alright?"

As the Miraculous Ladybug power consumed the area, Rothan felt his aching ribs relax, the pain easing. "I am now. Staffe, what was that?"

"I'm not sure. I'll have to discuss it with Knutt next time I see him."

"Can we wait that long?"

"I'm afraid we don't have much of a choice. I'm not sure where Knutt and Lady Lapis reside these days, and I'd have to go alone to protect her identity. But he'll come visiting soon, I'm sure. For now, the best course of action would be to call your mother, find something for me to eat, and then go act like nothing happened."

"Right." Rothan shrugged, unhappy with the answer but knowing the Kwamii was probably right. "I'm still not sure about this."

"You just fought a record-throwing supervillain. I think you'll be fine." Staffe paused as he hummed. "Actually, while we call your mother, you should walk back that direction and check what's going on."

The brown-haired boy agreed and made his way back to the scene of the fight. Ladybug was saying something to her partner he couldn't quite make out, but the former supervillain was laying on the ground still gasping for air and throwing some kind of temper tantrum. "Geez, he seems pleasant."

"He doesn't seem to know what is going on, just is upset that two superheroes are standing right there and refusing to help him." Staffe hummed to himself and stroked his chin. "Still, he's not exactly a winning fellow, is he? And it seems his rather unpleasant nature made him even more powerful when Akumatized."

"Do you think that's why Hawkmoth chose him?"

"I think that's exactly why he was Akumatized. A smart move, but unexpected for him considering the past few years."

"I agree, but I don't think now is the time to talk about it. Let's go find a place for you to get something to eat and for me to call my mother from, and then we need to get back over here for the show tonight."

Staffe nodded. "Am I going to be in your belt pouch tonight? Since you couldn't bring your satchel?"

"If you don't mind." Rothan smiled as his partner slid into the small pouch at his waist and gave him a muffled sound of affirmation. And with that, he headed off to find a quiet place to make his phone call, allowing himself a small smile as he slipped away.

"Where are they?" Nino tapped his foot impatiently as he watched the street outside the amphitheater. "We can't go in until Rothan and Adrien get here."

Marinette was standing with him, along with Alya and Lyra, patiently waiting by the door while the very beginnings of the music began to filter to the outside. She also was nervous, but for an entirely different reason – after the Akuma fight, she had to rush home and change and then hurry back to meet her friends. Combined with her nerves about seeing Adrien, she was, as Alya had teased, a hot mess. And despite assurances that she looked fine, she still couldn't help but wring her hands from anxiety as she waited. So when Lyra poked her shoulder and pointed, she blinked out of the headspace she had caught herself in to see what she was gesturing at. "Oh, Rothan! We were wondering where you were."

The boy gave her a half-smile and a nod, breathing hard from jogging towards them. "Hello, all. Adrien just texted me and he'll be here in a minute. Did I miss anything?"

"Only an Akuma attack!" Alya sighed and shook her head. "It happened just before Nino and I got here. I can't believe I missed it."

Marinette rolled her eyes. "It sounds like it was a pretty rough fight to me. Maybe you should be glad you weren't in harm's way."

Rothan nodded his agreement, then glanced around. "Anyways, I'm sorry I'm a bit late. My mother needed to talk to me, and I came as quick as I could afterwards."

"No worries, dude." Nino slapped his shoulder and grinned. "We're just glad you could make it."

Marinette shot their newest friend a quick smile and then blushed as she glanced over his shoulder. Alya laughed. "Judging by that expression, I'd say that Adrien has also arrived." He was approaching with his bodyguard and waved at the group. "Sorry I'm late! We had to park the limo."

"You're good, my man. Is your bodyguard coming too?" Nino bit his lip in concern. "I was only able to get six spots."

"I bought one for him, don't worry." Adrien rubbed his neck as he flushed slightly. "The Gorilla and I worked a deal out this simmer. I let him come places with me and he doesn't specifically tell my father where I've been."

Alya gaped. "You mean your father doesn't know you're here?"

"He knows I'm hanging out with friends. He just doesn't know where." He shrugged. "It's not like he cares that much anyways, as long as I have my bodyguard with me I'll be fine." Adrien paused for a moment, considering something, then shook his head. "And I wasn't going to miss this. I've been looking forward to this since last week." He shot a quick smile in Marinette's direction, and she nearly fell over from surprise. "I like hanging out with you all."

Why does he have to smile at me like that, so that I can't think straight? "I love – I mean, we like hanging out with you too." She returned the smile shyly, and then turned to Alya. "Are we all here then? Let's go inside."

They all turned as a group and approached the door, Nino and Adrien leading the charge. As they spoke to the man out front and showed them their tickets, Marinette felt Rothan slide in next to her. His face was a mask, but he gave her a quick nod of approval. The blunette blinked in confusion. "What?"

"You're handling your nerves well. I should know." Rothan headed in behind Nino before she could respond, leaving her to gesture wildly to Alya. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Girl, it means that he knows." Alya shoulder-bumped her with a grin. "The crazy thing is that I didn't even tell him – he figured it out all by himself."

Marinette blushed even harder and put a hand to her forehead. "Of course he does. It's like our entire class has figured it out at this point."

"That's not entirely inaccurate." Alya gave her friend a quick side hug. "But we're not here to worry about that tonight. Tonight is all about us having fun. And Adrien being here is not going to bother you. Right?"

"Right." Marinette managed to squeak as they made their way inside. The room was darkened, and neon lights lined the stage as a group of five musicians played their electronic dance music and teens danced on the floor below. It was a strange combination of movement and sound and shadow and light, and Marinette found it enthralling as her best friend grabbed her by the hand. "Come on!"

Marinette let her lead her into the crowd with the rest of her friends and began to sway and bob with the music. Nino and Adrien were laughing and dancing together, and Lyra had shifted over to Rothan and was whispering something into his ear. She couldn't hear exactly what was said over the music, but whatever it was made Rothan throw back his head in laughter, and she smiled at the unusual sight. Even the Gorilla was nodding along, seeming to enjoy the music despite the age of the attendees around him.

After a while Alya caught a pair of girls eyeing her boyfriend and made an excuse to switch places with Adrien, leaving the two of them to dance together. He smiled at her and winked. "Are you having a good time?"

"Yeah!" She said it a little too brightly, a little too excited, but that was all lost in the music and Adrien's amused chuckle. For once, Alya and Nino's constant scheming had paid off, and she was dancing with the boy of her dreams. They were just friends still, she knew, but it was something, and it brought a pleased blush to her face as she looked up at Adrien. The best.

Marinette's no-nonsense outlook as the new Guardian certainly clashes with Rothan's free-form, lackadaisical, keep-to-himself style. But their learning to work together pretty decently at the moment. But Rothan still has a lot to learn both in and out of the mask. There will be room for that in the next episode, when all of Paris may be seeing stars...

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!