This chapter is based on what I think is the most often forgotten side of Lila's character: she's ridiculously irascible, and when angry tends to go overboard and/or do really stupid things. You have no idea how much fun I had with this one…

Day 6: Sick & Caretaker

"You know, for someone so cunning you can do some really stupid things." Marinette said as she put the disinfectant on Lila's wounded cheek while they sat in the Césaires' living room. "Why did you get into a fistfight with Alya's sister?!"

"It wasn't a fistfight." Lila protested.

"Well, why did you get in a physical fight with her then?"

"You heard her!"

"Lila, she just called me "Baguette". You have a nickname for me too, don't you?"

"Yes. But coming up with nicknames is an art! It must represent someone's personality or something they're proud of, and not insult them! That's why I've been calling you Canalè', it's a reference to the fashion legend, Coco Chanel, because I know you can be just as good and revolutionary a designer, while calling you "Baguette" reduces you to your parents' job."

Marinette sighed, realizing she wouldn't get anywhere with Lila on that. Especially as she had actually managed to knock Nora down-and even if Lila had caught her completely by surprise, it had been months since anyone even managed to hit her at all-and score a few more hits before being punched into the comfy chair.

"Girls, I have bad news." Alya said as she came from Nora's room.

"Lila still has to stay down." Marinette protested.

"It's not that… Lila, Nora says to hurry up and get in her weight class, you gave her the best fight she can remember since we left Martinica, including the Akumas on Heroes Day."

"PRIDE rules with elbows allowed and I can take her right now!" Lila shouted as she rose up pulling two rolls of handwraps and a pair of worn MMA gloves (Leone, of course) from her jacket-before her legs gave up.

"What do I have to do with you?" Marinette asked, exasperated.

"Marry me."

Marinette found herself surprised at the realization she was actually considering it. But then, how would she react at finding out Marinette was the same Ladybug she used to want revenge against?

What Does the Lila Says

PRIDE is a defunct MMA promotion. Their rules' main difference with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts are greater latitude in attire, as they also allow some shoes, and a ban on elbow strikes to the face.

Leone 1947 is an Italian brand of combat sport equipment. Chosen here for Lila's handwraps and gloves to show she had them for a while-as far I know, they aren't easy to find in France.