Chapter Four – Fallout

Despite her rapid move of deleting her post to Adrien, Marinette wasn't particularly optimistic of it being unseen by her school peers. She wasn't the only avid follower of Adrien Agreste. Both Chloe and Lila were just as devoted and she prayed neither of them had seen her message.

But as she settled in her seat beside Alya, the smirk on Chloe's face made it obvious that she knew. Lila's knowing green eyes also didn't bode well. Thankfully her classmates had since learnt that Lila wasn't as forthcoming in regards to the truth as they once thought, yet they still didn't seem to believe just how devious the girl actually was.

However, neither said a word about her Instagram misdemeanour as they took their seats. It was only when Adrien entered the room that the peace disappeared.

"So Adrikins, which sheet of music did you pick? I hope it made you radiantly happy."

Marinette dropped her head into her hands. Oh yeah, she'd read the message.

Adrien stood beside his desk, conveniently blocking Chloe's view of Marinette. "I played both."

"And did they make your heart sing?" Lila added from the back of the room.

There was a faint tightening of Adrien's jaw muscles as he addressed the fervent liar. "They lifted my mood," he replied with a feigned smile.

At this point Alya cut in. "Did you learn to play the Ladybug and Chat Noir movie theme music?"

Adrien genuinely perked up. "Yes, I've been practising it between learning my other pieces."

Chloe crossed her arms and huffed in her seat. "I still can't believe they're refusing to do a Queen Bee spinoff series. I mean she's the most interesting of the miraculous superheroes."

Alix groaned. "Not this crap again."

From there an argument ensued and Marinette's blunder was lost in the fray. Soon enough their teacher arrived and quietened the room. Classes continued as normal and only minimal jibes were made by Chloe and Lila, well she ignored their barbs for the most part while Adrien did his best to curb their taunting.

He really was a good friend. The thought had her sighing in disdain. Yet she didn't have time to dwell too much on that because Hawkmoth struck at the end of the school day. Again, he resurrected Mr Pigeon. Why he fixated on the waif of a man was beyond Marinette's understanding. Still, she managed to sneak off and transform. Finding an equally unamused Chat Noir on a nearby rooftop.

"Ladybug," her partner said in greeting.

"So, we're doing this again."

"Apparently," Chat nodded as he reached for his baton. "Do you want to go for his bird whistle or shall I?"

"Given your allergy to feathers, how I about I go in for the attack?"

Chat Noir shrugged. "Mr Pigeon is the one lacking feathers. What if you shoo away the pigeons?"

"Okay," Ladybug conceded. This was getting positively routine.

In no time, the duo had thwarted Mr Pigeon and once again he offered to buy them each an ice cream. But Ladybug wasn't in the mood to socialise. Not when she was nursing a broken heart. Ever perceptive, Chat Noir noticed her solemn disposition and made their excuses.

Normally the pair would part ways and find somewhere to transform back, but Chat Noir latched onto her wrist and swung her to his side, pinning her against his wiry frame. Extending his baton, he launched them to the rooftops and rushed them out of sight of the people below.

In the privacy between two wide chimneys, Chat Noir stopped and gently eased her from his side. "What's wrong, milady?"

But Ladybug simply gave him a sad smile and patted her partner on the shoulder. "I'm fine, Chat. Just a rough day." With that she turned and raced off, leaving Chat Noir standing in her wake, certain that her words didn't ring quite true.

Thanks to everyone for their reviews and support, it's much appreciated particularly due to the end note :)

Next chapter, some much anticipated MariChat ;)