So uh it was mothers day yesterday. Totally forgot to update… Good news is that I am feeling better though so huzza to that! Also I think I am going to end this arc here with this story. I have multiple ideas for other things and I am eager to play with them. That being said anyone want to put a shout out as to what they want to see next? I have a marichat story in the works as well as the sequel to Meaning of Marigolds. I also have a few other odds and ends floating around. As for the story, when they are transformed they will be referred as Chat and Ladybug. When they are in civilian form or the hybrid state they are referred as Adrien and Marinette. I just wanted to put that out there in case it gets confusing for people. That's all for now!

Avatar NIX... I'm glad you enjoyed their reveals to Sabine and each other! I wanted them both to retain aspects of their hero forms even though they returned to being civilians. Although honestly this all came about because I wanted to have Marinette be able to fly.

silverheartlugia2000... *Looks up break-dancing AU...* Huh... funny thing is you are right. How I pictured him is very similar to his outfits in these. Although in my defense its not like I could put him in a skirt or something...*snickers* Maybe I should do a one oneshot of that...

TsukiyoTenshi... Comic relief.

Hispanicin... Yay glad you like them!

sulfur angel... Stephen King? Yup avoiding that one for sure. I have read his books before. Most are great nightmare fuel and are excellent stories.

When an akuma transforms people into what they are on the inside Marinette and Adrien realize something very important as to who they are down to their very cores.

I own nothing... Except my imagination.

Secrets Within (Part 5)

They were so busted it wasn't even funny and all Sabine could do was laugh at the distraught expression covering her daughters face as the two fairy creatures all at once dove for cover. Well the red one did at least. The cat shaped one slowly sank to the floor and once there began to roll around in some leaf flakes much like Adrien was doing. Adrien didn't seem concerned at all purring and rubbing his face into the floor and over Marinette.

"Mom…" Marinette all but whimpered not knowing what to say or do. Over her time as Ladybug Marinette had come up with numerous scenarios in her head where her parents or at least her mom figured out she was Ladybug. Most of them were akuma fights gone bad or having to use her powers in front of them for whatever reason. Never in a million years did she ever think she would be ousted like this. With a cat eared Adrien snuggled to her purring up a storm and her adorable red bug styled kwami meowing of all things before diving into hiding. It hadn't helped to meow the last time she had been caught why in the world had Tiki done it again?! With the stress of the day affecting her Marinette could only groan giving up entirely as she simply let Adriens purr vibrate through her.

"Marinette, sweetheart, I think we need to have a talk." Sabine said gently coming fully into Marinettes room. She put out a hand and after a moment Marinette sighed reaching up to grasp it. As Sabine started to pull Marinette to her feet Adrien grumbled and wrapped his arms around her waist keeping her trapped in a sitting position.

"What's wrong with him?" Sabine asked and Marinette groaned once more as she got a good look at one of the leaves on the ground.

"Its cat nip… I had hoped it wouldn't affect him…" Marinette answered letting go of her mom's hand to poke at one of Adriens cat ears which twitched.

"Let me go you silly kitten we have some explaining to do and I am not doing it alone! Especially since this is your fault for pouncing on me." Marinette hissed as Sabine hid a smile and watched as her daughter poked and prodded at him when he refused to let go. Suddenly he yelped as she poked his side and only belatedly did Marinette remember the wound he had there. It was a blessing in disguise however because the influx of pain seemed to shake him slightly free of the effects the cat nip had over him.

"Sorry Adrien I forgot about your wound. You need to get up though!" Marinette said swiping at his hair so she could look him in the eyes.

"He's hurt?!" Sabine cried and Marinette glanced up at her mom who looked alarmed.

"Uh… Its just a scratch… a deep scratch." Marinette answered finally and Sabine turned away looking down the stairway.

"Tom come here I need you to carry Adrien to the bathroom." Sabine called and a few moments later Tom pounded up the stairs only to freeze as he took in the sight before him. Adrien had managed to sit up with Marinettes help and Tom could see that he had cat ears and what looked like a tail twitching on the floor beside him. The cloak Marinette had thrown on was falling off one shoulder completely revealing a red polka dotted outfit and all at once everything clicked.

"Oh well this explains a lot." Tom said scooping Adrien up off the floor before he could protest. "Lets get you patched up and then we can have the full story over lunch."

It took a few minutes for Adrien to come out of his happy cat nip daze and it was really only after Marinette threatened to soak him with cold water did he really start paying attention. They patched up his side which thankfully hadn't blead on his shirt on the run home and although Sabine acted like she was fine he could see the concern on her face when they saw the other scars on his chest and back. Most of them were little thin silver lines although the ones he had gotten from Ironclaw were still a little puffy and raw looking. Adrien didn't say anything but he knew from the look in Marinette eyes that she recognized every scar and he had a feeling that she had her share as well. Finally though they were finished and as one they were shepherded into the kitchen.

"Ok kids start talking." Sabine said as she got out lunch and Tom loaded up four plates.

Marinette and Adrien glanced at each other unsure of where to begin. Adrien felt strangely hung over like had had taken cold medicine or something and Marinette stood as he laid his head down on the counter.

"Um I'll be right back." Marinette said and darted up her stairs.

When she entered her room Marinette called for Tiki, who appeared after a moment over the top of her bed.

"Coming Marinette." She called then disappeared for a moment. When she flew over the beds railing she carried a limp Plagg in her paws.

"I'm going to need your help explaining things." Marinette said softly cupping her hands so the kwami could land in them.

Tiki nodded "I'm sorry about hiding… and meowing… I was just caught off guard."

Marinette giggled and pressed a gentle kiss to the tiny kwamis forehead. "It ok Tiki at least you weren't high on catnip."

Tiki giggled as well and leaving a snoring Plagg in her hands she flew up to sit on Marinette shoulder. "Well at least this means I don't have to hide in your house anymore and can eat all the cookies I want."

Marinette nodded at Tikis words wondering how her parents were going to act from now on. They knew she was Ladybug and Marinette knew they both watched the feeds from the akuma fights every time they were on tv. Would they be mad or try to stop her now that they knew it was her? Tiki as if sensing her reservations gently patted her cheek.

"Its going to be ok Marinette. Out of everyone I have ever known to be discovered by their parents your parents have reacted the best to this sort of news. I'll be right there next to you and even if they don't approve you are the one who decides to be Ladybug or not."

Marinette sighed but deep down she knew it would never come to that. Still it made her feel better to have Tikis very slight weight resting against her shoulder as she strode back into the kitchen.

Both of her parents looked up as she walked back in and even Adrien turned to look at her a sleepy smile crossing his lips as he recognized the look on her face. It was her Ladybug look, the one that spelled trouble for whatever akuma they were facing and the one that she wore when there was a job to be done. Silently he slipped from his stool and moved to her side lifting a limp dozy Plagg from her palm to crouch at her feet poking Plagg mercilessly in an attempt to wake him up.

"Mama, Papa, There is something I need to tell you and I am sorry I have waited this long to tell you." Marinette took a deep breath her free hand tangling in Adriens hair as he pressed against her giving her strength. She had to remind herself that her parents already knew and that in truth this was just a formality. "I… I am Ladybug and this is Tiki, the one who enables me to become Ladybug."

Tiki flew off her shoulder briefly and gave a shy wave. "Sorry to have hidden from you for so long but it was necessary."

Marinette was slightly surprised that Tiki had spoken and she paused for a second trying to think of what else to say. With a chuckle Adrien stood pressing a quick kiss to her cheek causing her to blush.

Turning to her parents he offered a small confident smile wanting to appear worthy enough to stand by their daughters side. "I apologize for not telling you sooner as well. I am Chat Noir and my kwami is Plagg who can be affected by catnip and never told me."

He held Plagg up by the scruff of his neck to show them what he was talking about. Plagg gave a loud yawn and stretched as he held him up only to blink sleepily as Adrien lowered him back to his palm.

"I'm Hungry." Plagg complained and Adrien sighed even as Marinette giggled.

The two teens waited for the verdict standing side by side watching the adults as they shared a look. As one the two adults came around the counter Sabine going to stand in front of Adrien as Tom went to stand before Marinette.

"We are so proud of you both." They said at the exact same time then as one moved forward to wrap the two teens in a four way hug.

Adrien felt himself go stiff for a brief second, their words soaking up all the doubts and fears he had before flushing him with a sense of joy and peace. Very few people ever said they were proud of him and most of the time those words came from Marinette in one way or another. Coming from her parents those words were like precious jewels and he felt his throat go tight with emotion.

"Oh Papa, Mama, Thank you. I love you guys so much." Marinette whispered beside him and Adrien after a moment managed to croak "Ditto" through the lump in his throat.

The massive hug lasted a moment longer before finally they pulled back.

"Well then… Now that introductions are over how about we get something to eat and hear some explanations on how all this happened." Sabine said her voice cheerful

Marinette and Adrien nodded walking back to their stools and once they sat down with their meals before them they began to speak.

It actually took them several minutes to really get started and as they finished their meal they realized they were nowhere near being finished with their tale. As Tom started to ask another round of questions Marinettes phone vibrated and when she turned it on she gasped.

"Crap… Adrien the Exposer popped back up!" Marinette cried jolting out of her seat so fast she tripped. Immediately her wings flew open and instead of hitting the ground she hovered.

"I'm assuming that's new…" Sabine asked seeing the surprised look on her daughters face.

"Huh?" Marinette questioned, immediately losing control over her wings and for the second time that day face planted.

Adrien snickered sliding off his stool and helped Marinette up as she rubbed her stinging nose.

"Don't make me get out a spray bottle kitten." Marinette growled and Adrien felt a shiver of apprehension run through him.

"Uh… no time for that My Lady we have an akuma to catch." Adrien stuttered giving her a sheepish grin as he lifted her to her feet.

Sabine sighed in contentment leaning into Tom as she watched the two teen interact. They were so darn cute and now that the mystery of the magic boyfriend had been solved Sabine knew that things would only get better from here on out. As parents she and Tom were going to have to set a few new ground rules of course but from what she could see her daughter and Adrien were made for each other.

"We will be back ok Mama, Papa?" Marinette said her voice almost questioning.

"Can we see you two transform?" Sabine asked figuring it was a good answer as any.

Marinette grinned wildly as Adrien chuckled.

"Shall we My Lady?" Adrien asked. Marinette nodded and at the same time called out their catch phrases.

"Tiki spots on!" Marinette called with a grin as Adrien answered with "Plagg claws out!"

In the next instant things went wrong. As their kwamis started to enter their miraculous a feeling like an electrical current surged through them. Rainbow colored dust rose around them and the two kwami were suddenly, forcefully rejected. The recoil was strong enough that the two teens ended up sprawled out on the floor themselves groaning and trying to figure out what had just occurred.

"Kids?! Are you ok?!" Tom and Sabine called as one rushing to their sides to help them up.

"That is not how this usually goes down." Marinette answered with a groan as her father pulled her into a sitting position. "Tiki what happened?"

Tiki fluttered up off the floor and flew the few feet to fall into Marinette cupped palms.

"I'm afraid the akumas magic has bonded with you and because of that you can't turn into Ladybug as Paris knows you. The same goes for you Adrien." Tiki answered slowly watching as Plagg flew over to land on Adriens head.

"Wait so I can't turn into Ladybug?!" Marinette cried her wings twitching

"And I can't become Chat Noir?" Adrien echoed

The two kwami eyed their charges a little curiously. "You two are already transformed. Now all you need is the masks." They answered together.

Marinette felt her jaw drop. "You want us to go out and fight this akuma like this?!"

Plagg snickered. "Unless you want to go to school and live out the rest of your life like that you don't have much of a choice."

"As much as I hate to agree with Plagg, he's right Marinette. We already kind of look like our alter egos and I'm sure you have some masks lying around. Once we have a mask on no one will be able to tell the difference." Adrien said scooting closer to her recognizing the panic in her eyes.

"But… I…" Marinette started but Tiki broke in her eyes wide and piercing.

"You must defeat the akuma to return your own states back to normal. Once you do that we can combine properly and cleanse the akuma. I have told you numerous times that you were chosen as Ladybug because of who you are down to your core. This akuma has proved that." Tiki stated her little paws patting Marinettes hands.

Marinettes jaw worked opening and closing slightly as no words came out. Warmth surged through her and she knew she was blushing but she was also filled with pride as she realized her kwami was right. Marinette had always been unsure of herself, unfortunately being picked on for years tended to do that to a person. Since meeting Alya and becoming Ladybug though she had been regaining her confidence slowly but surely. Now sitting in her kitchen with her parents to either side of her, Tiki encouraging her, and Adrien staring at her with absolute devotion it all finally clicked. She was strong, brave, selfless, and she was Ladybug. A smile spread across her face and she looked into her kwamis eyes finally understanding.

"Thank you Tiki." Marinette whispered and Tiki beamed sensing the change within her chosen.

Adrien was still gazing at her and he smiled as her eyes met his. There was a change in them she noticed and Marinette realized that Tikis words had reached him too.

"I have two masks in my room it will take me just a few minutes to alter them so we can use them." Marinette said and Adrien nodded.

Marinettes parents helped the two teens up off the floor and pulled them into a hug before they could escape. "If you two are going out like this just wait one moment before going I have something you can use." Sabine said and pulled Tom towards their room.

Adrien shot Marinette a questioning glance and she shrugged. "I don't know but we can wait for them in my room while I do the masks."

They ran up the stairs and Marinette found the two masks she wanted. Ironically she was actually making a Ladybug costume for Alya and as a joke she had also started on a Chat Noir costume for Nino. The masks for the two costumes were practically complete and only needed a few finishing touches so they could be secured around their heads. As she was doing that Adrien pulled up her computer and followed the Exposers movements as best he could.

"Done!" Marinette cried a few minutes later and he was at her side in an instant grinning like a fool when she slipped the mask on him checking for any issues. "Can you see ok? It doesn't mess up your vision anywhere right?"

Adrien shook his head then helped her slide her own mask on. "Ok we have masks and the kwami and… uh Princess… I just realized I don't have any weapons other than my claws."

Marinette froze her eyes wide and reached down to her side where her yoyo usually sat. The lucky charm mirror was there but no yoyo and she pulled it off to look at it once more. Adrien groaned when he saw it was a mirror.

"It's a mirror? I thought it was your yoyo… Great so neither of us have weapons." Adrien bemoaned

"That's why I asked you two to wait." Sabine said emerging into Marinette room carrying several items. Tom followed with a staff in hand. "We only have one staff and I don't know if it will help but I found these as well."

She dumped the items in her hands onto the bed and Adrien chuckled. It was a can of silly string, some pepper spray, rope with a weight on the end, and some other odds and ends that Marinette couldn't think of any use for in a battle.

"I call the silly string!" Adrien cried with a grin.

Marinette swatted his hand making him recoil with a small yelp. "What would you use silly string for in a battle?"

"A distraction." Adrien answered his ears twitching as his other hand nabbed the can before she could stop him.

Marinette rolled her eyes as she pocketed the pepper spray and hooked the rope to her belt. "Fine you are taking the staff as well."

Adrien paused looking up at Marinettes mom. "Then you won't have a weapon."

"No matter what one of us isn't going to have a weapon. You are better at using a staff though. Besides depending on where Exposer is we can always switch the staff between us. While we run I'll need my hands free anyways."

Adrien clearly didn't like the idea but didn't argue and grabbed a few other items to pile into his pockets then turned to Tom to take the staff.

"You two be careful out there." He said giving both Adrien and Marinette a stern look as he handed the weapon over. Sabine didn't bother with words and simply pulled Adrien into another hug. He blushed and once she released him Adrien leapt straight up onto Marinettes bed to open the hatch.

"We will be back soon. Then we can bake cookies or something." Marinette said flashing a smile at her parents trying to ease their minds since she could see the worried looks in their eyes.

They nodded as one and Marinette flew up to the window closing her wings briefly to climb out.

"Where to Chat?" Marinette asked and Adrien grinned

"Down town. Can we fly or will that wear you out?"

Marinette nodded "I should be fine. Hold onto the staff in the center and we will see how it works."

She flew up into the air as Adrien raised the staff up holding onto it in the center. Marinette grabbed the staff on either side of his hands and flew up a little testing the weight and her balance. To her surprise it was easy and in truth it didn't feel like she was carrying a whole other person.

"Hold on tight." Marinette commanded then surged forward as Adrien let out a delighted whoop.

One more chapter!