Marinette had a wonderful day. She got to view her designs as they were displayed and shown off at a famous fashion show, thank her fashion idol for allowing her the opportunity, celebrate her success with all her friends and parents who brought an astounding cake that would rival her actual designs had it been made of clothing and not sugar, and of course, Marinette found out that Adrien genuinely enjoyed her company.
She had accepted that Adrien would most likely ever only be her friend, and appreciated the time she did get to spend with him. And she had been right in thinking she could speak to him like anyone else after getting a hold on her feelings and putting them away. Though Marinette knew she'd never be able to let him go completely, and knew she'd always love him, but being able to actually talk to him like a normal human being and really get to know him as a true friend was what she knew she needed, and what would be best for him as well.
However, that didn't take away the fact that she'd still sometimes lose herself in her thoughts of him, and tonight was certainly no exception.
The beaming young designer took the box that held Adrien's gift out from her pocket. She removed the lid and tucked the base of the box into it. Her fingers stroked the silver, following the indents of the one-of-a-kind pattern. Then she traced the fancy 'M' embedded among the design, letting out a light sigh.
"That is a beautiful gift," Tikki commented. "Very practical, too."
"Isn't it?" her eyes sparkled as she continued to admire her gift. "He must have put a lot of thought and effort into getting this."
"You're sure there's nothing between you two? I mean, you said it yourself, he put an awful lot of thought into that gift..."
Marinette patted Tikki affectionately on the head. "I know where you're going with this, Tikki, but you know he doesn't see me in that way. I'm better off getting myself out of that fantasy and accepting it."
"But Marinette, how do you know he doesn't? Have you asked him?"
Marinette's smile faded. "Well no, but -"
The little Kwami flew but a couple inches from her face. "Until you do, or he tells you to your face that he sees you as nothing more than a friend, how can you be sure?"
She glanced over to the side of her bed at the photos pinned to the wall that she kept of her friends. Her gaze focused on the picture of Adrien.
Marinette turned back to Tikki with a sad smile. "I can't be sure, you're right. And I appreciate what you're trying to do, but we're in a good place now. I don't want to risk messing that up," she took one last look at the pair of scissors, then put the lid back on the box. "I'm really tired, Tikki. Today was really draining. So I'm going to turn in early. Goodnight, see you in the morning," she nuzzled her Kwami a moment, then pulled the covers over her.
Tikki sat on Marinette's stomach, watching her fall asleep.
If only she could tell her all that she knew…. Marinette being her favorite Ladybug was not an exaggeration, nor her being polite. She truly meant it. Marinette was by far the most self-sacrificing charge she ever had the pleasure to work with, and the most kind. She deserved to finally be happy and get her way.
After wracking her little mind trying to figure out what the next step would be to try to bring Marinette and Adrien together, Tikki fell asleep.
Hawk Moth stood anxiously in his lair, tapping his staff against the floor. The rhythmic echo reverberated around the room, giving the poorly lit room an even more ominous feel.
"Night Shade, remember, you must not harm her," he warned again.
Night Shade gave an annoyed sigh. "Yeah, yeah. I know, you've only said it three times now. I'm not going to hurt the girl."
Hawk Moth's posture relaxed a bit. "Good. You know where to bring her?"
"Yes, Hawk Moth," replied the akuma.
"Now go, and be quick," he commanded, watching buildings flash by in his victim's line of sight.
Silently, Night Shade landed on Marinette's balcony. In a flash, he was hovering over her, Tikki curled up asleep in clear view.
"So I was right…" Hawk Moth muttered. He had pictured this moment on so many occasions, more than he could ever count. He always loathed the girl that kept him from getting what he wanted. Even vowed to destroy her for standing in his way. But now that he knew who Ladybug really was, he knew what he had to do.
Tikki stirred, though there was no noise to cause her to wake. She opened them only to be greeted by glowing blue eyes. Tikki squeaked with fear, startling Marinette awake.
"Tikki!" Plagg burst out of his sleep, suddenly whizzing through the air.
"Plagg? What's wrong?" Adrien pushed himself out of his chair and onto his feet.
The cat Kwami whimpered and mumbled to himself a moment. "I - I don't know, but something's wrong with Tikki!"
Adrien looked very confused.
"Tikki is Ladybug's Kwami!" his eyes were wide, pleading with Adrien to hurry up and understand the gravity of the situation.
"...If Tikki's in trouble, then Ladybug must be, too! Plagg, we have to get to them. Do you know where they are?"
He shut his big eyes, his expression strained. After a few moments, he slowly opened his eyes and shook his head. "Sugarcube…" he mumbled.
"That's okay, maybe we can find her if I transform. But don't worry, buddy, we will find them," Adrien assured him confidently, but his heart was pounding much too hard in his chest and his stomach lurched uncomfortably. Something must be seriously wrong for Plagg to be so freaked out, and for Ladybug to be in such danger...
"I hope she's okay too, you know," he heard his Kwami say, realizing he had started to let his mind go down the dark path of worry and hopelessness.
Adrien gave a faint smile and nod. "Plagg, claws out!" he shouted, and within moments he was out the window, running around the rooftops of Paris, desperately waiting for something to come to him.
What to do, what to do… he thought desperately. Was she transformed? Somehow, he didn't believe she was.
He paced back and forth, becoming more anxious and desperate with each step. Chat Noir really didn't know what to do in dire situations where he was alone. Then a thought suddenly flickered in his mind. He wasn't really alone.