"Tikki, Spots on." Marinette said, strongly and with confidence. However, unlike normal, her eyes were closed.
Adrien, Alya, Nino and the others all turned to look at her.
From her feet, a red bodysuit seemed to consume her pink flats and jeans. It crawled up her finger tips and soon she was in full Ladybug costume, with the last action being her mask concealing her face around her eyes.
She took a deep breath, looking around, and seeing her friends all staring at her with mouths slightly agape.
She looked up, "Right, through the ceiling?"
It was a question she muttered to herself as she tried to ignore the looks of her classmates. She squatted down to jump up to the highest point when she heard a male voice start to speak.
It was Adrien, but there was a familiar tilt to it, a growl.
"Plagg, Claws out."
Marinette turned her head to look and saw a very similar transformation take place. Instead of a red and black suit, Adrien was clothed in black pleather and a tail like whip trailed from his belt. He smirked as his ears appeared and his mask covered the top of his face. He spun his staff around and put it behind his neck, wrists holding it in place.
"Well, bugaboo, it looks like we might have a lot to talk about."
"Later, kitty cat. First, there is a bad guy to beat. Ceiling or wall?"
"I could cataclysm a spike. Would have to recharge, but you would be freed up."
Marinette shook her head. "The interior wall would be weaker, can you bust through it? We may need the cataclysm when we arrive on scene, same with Lucky Charm."
Adrien, no, Chat Noir titled his head towards each shoulder, stretching slightly. "Let's find out. I always wanted to destroy the school."
/\/\/\/\/\
The Akuma victim hadn't actually been too difficult to defeat once they broke out of the classroom. That had been something. Honestly, it had been quite noisy and woke up the rest of the class and Ms. Bustier. The ramifications were going to be absolutely massive.
Marinette and Adrien, once out of the classroom had leapt over the Paris skyline. It was a quiet trip, the need to focus on the task at hand outweighing the desire to ask so many questions.
A brief fight in a park and the young man was free of his curse.
The two had made their way back to the classroom and while it seemed none of the normal students or teachers noticed, those with some experience as a super villain definitely did. As class officially let out for the day, the two were cornered.
Marinette, being a bit more reasonable, reminded them they all had somewhere to go, do, or otherwise occupy themselves with that afternoon. Instead, she suggested they meet up over the weekend to discuss the revelation. Luckily, the group agreed.
It was going to be a fairly kind interrogation, hopefully.
Still, there was another question and answer session to be held. The two superheroes didn't talk about it at all, they both knew they would be at the same place that night.
As soon as it was dark, the two transformed and slipped out of their homes. Darting across roof tops and keeping to shadows, the two were soon sitting on a cross strut of the Eiffel Tower. Around them, the City of Lights shown in the calm joy from after an akuma attack.
Ladybug and Chat Noir sat in silence for a good while. There was so much to say, and at the same time, they knew enough. Marinette was Ladybug and Adrien was Chat Noir. They were out there and they saved the world. Or at least Paris and that was more than enough. What more did they need?
"What are we going to do, Chat?" Ladybug asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
Chat looked at her, "What do you mean, Princess?"
She shook her head, "I am no princess, I am just a Baker's Daughter."
"You are my princess." Chat interrupted.
"You are so far above me, socially, politically, everything."
Chat took a moment, before he responded, "You know, when I called you an everyday Ladybug, I had no idea. But, the truth is, you are Ladybug all the time. You stand up for people, even me."
He paused, as if knowing she wouldn't say anything, while he collected his thoughts. "There are days when being Adrien Agreste is really hard. Days when my Father has dominated every waking minute. Days when my fans really take over everything, stopping me from enjoying anything. Remember the day we hid in the theater?"
Chat smiled at her, leaning forward putting his elbows across his knees. "You did everything you could have and more to save me. I really appreciated it then and I still do. My dad may have a lot of money and I may inherit it someday, but right now, my friends are more important than any of that. You included more than anyone."
Ladybug tucked her head, unsure of how to reply.
Adrien let it sit for a few minutes before speaking again. "Honestly, I probably shouldn't call you Princess."
Marinette's head jerked up as she waited for the bad news to drop.
"You are more than that. You are a hero, mask on or off. My lady, trust me, you are amazing."
"You are pretty amazing yourself. Even if your Dad makes you do things, you almost always make time for Nino and Chloe. And you are a pretty awesome Chat Noir. I couldn't imagine anyone else being able to take up your mantle." Marinette said.
"Sometimes," Adrien said, "Sometimes, that big house feels smaller than the classroom today. Father is, well, remember when I told you I had never been to school before? I was honestly thrilled to go a second day. Thrilled to go to school. That is, according to Nino, just wrong."
"Well you dork, it kind of is wrong. But I get it. There are things in my day to day life that are simple or overlooked for someone else, but to me, they are everything." She paused, "I am glad we are talking as Ladybug and Chat Noir. As Marinette, I would be tongue tied and blushing. There is no way this conversation would have been intelligible."
Chat laughed and laughed and laughed. Finally he gasped his breath back and responded, "Adrien would be useless. He would be so embarrassed about being happy to sneak out of his house to throw himself into danger. As Chat, this is just what I do and I love it."
Ladybug nodded, "In that vein, we are going to have to talk to our class as Marinette and Adrien. Do you think we can handle it?"
He grinned at her, "We are superheroes, my lady. We can do anything!"
She shook her head at his very Chat Noir response.
Before she could reply he put a hand on her shoulder and she froze. "We save the world and that is not exactly safe. They will understand, at least most of them will. Besides, they are our friends. I am sure they are just surprised. I mean, we did transform right in front of them. On that note, why did we transform right in front of them?"
Marinette pulled out her communicator, which brought up the conversation with Master Fu from earlier. "Tikki lead me to the Master who gave us our Miraculous due to her being sick. I have talked with him off and on by text since. He gave me the go ahead to transform. I don't know if he knew you were in the same class."
"Strange, I didn't know Kwami could get sick. I would have thought Plagg would have some side effect from all the cheese he eats." Adrien muttered.
The two looked back over the city, their thoughts finally overwhelming their conversation.
It was the city they lived in.
The city they protected.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Marinette sighed, "This weekend is going to be interesting."
Chat nodded, but didn't say anything and was surprised when Marinette continued. "But I don't think it will be bad. Like you said, they are our friends. And really, only Chloe, Alya, and Nino will have a grip. I mean, Chloe because she is in charge of everything, and Alya and Nino because they are our best friends."
"See, we can do it." Adrien said, before standing up on the strut. He tapped his staff on the metal, giving off a deep thud.
"I should get going." He said.
Marinette nodded, "Me too. See you in the morning, kitty cat."
He bowed to her, "And a pleasant evening to you, Princess."
/\/\/\/\/\
The next few days went well, all things considered. None of the teachers commented or even seemed to acknowledge that anything different had occurred during an attack. It was fairly surreal to be surrounded by a large group of people who acted no different, but then run into a friend who gave a weird look. The strangest was when one of them, would stop and stare.
It was not the strangest thing Marinette dealt with on a regular basis. After all, she would talk with a magical guardian who inhabited earrings to put on a skin tight bodysuit and fight monsters with a yo-yo. Anymore, if it wasn't weird, that was the strange thing.
In the meantime, Marinette had spent an evening finishing up her gifts. Really, insomnia could be such a blessing. Now she just needed the opportune moment to give them to her friends.
Still, it was good the weekend came quickly. Any longer and Alya would have forced her to talk personally. Either for the Ladyblog or as a friend. Still, her identify as Ladybug, and Adrien's as Chat Noir, did not make the news and nobody confronted them about it. Instead, the news focused on other important occurrences as well as local celebrities such as Jagged Stone. Not to mention the standard and frankly hilarious speculation.
And so, when Adrien came into her parent's bakery, Marinette smiled.
"Mind if I walk with you to where our friends are gathering?" He asked.
She held a hand over her mouth to hide a chuckle and her slightly flushed cheecks. "It is just across the street. But I would appreciate it. Mom, Dad, I am heading out for a few!"
"Alright, see you later dear," her mother called as the two teenagers made their way out of the store.
Marinette and Adrien walked together, close but not touching. Marinette had her hands clasped behind her back and Adrien had his tucked securely in his pockets. They didn't talk, everything that needed to be said had been said the other night.
Instead, Marinette focused on watching the park. It was beautiful. There were a number of trees around to give plenty of shade near the wrought iron fencing. In the middle of the park a large fountain was surrounded by benches.
Their friends were hanging out, waiting for the two of them and it looked like everyone was there. Nino and Alya were comparing things on their phones. Alix was skating around the fountain, slowly for her and to make sure not to run anyone over.
Mylene and Ivan were hugging on a park bench, while Nathanial sat against a tree doodling in his sketchpad. Le Chien Kim was doing pushups just on the grass, trying to pretend he wasn't interested in the group.
Juleka and Rose were standing shoulder to shoulder, talking about the fountain. Chloe was sitting on a bench by herself, with Sabrina standing behind her. Chloe was focused on sanding her nails while muttering mostly to herself. Max was leaning against the fountain, playing a handheld video game.
In all, it was less people than Marinette feared. It was so hard to remember who in their class was akumatized. Even Adrien had been caught once. Still, these were her friends and it had to go well. It would go well.
She sat down on the concrete of the fountain, Adrien taking a place next to her. She took a deep breath, noticing everyone was now focused on her. Nathanial had moved closer and Le Chien Kim had sat down next to Chloe.
"I guess I should start at the beginning." Marinette said.
Adrien smirked, "Just the highlights, otherwise it might be as well be a cartoon. And there is some stuff we just don't know."
Marinette rolled her eyes, "Thanks, Adrien, that helped I am sure. Now, for me it all seemed to start with a jewelry box in my bedroom that I had never seen before. . ."
"So yeah," Adrien finished, "We are trying to figure out who this Hawkmoth guy is to see if we cannot stop him and prevent more attacks."
Marinette, leaning forward slightly smiled, "I appreciate you all being kind enough not to interrupt. Do you have any questions, we would be happy to try and answer them."
Rose tentatively raised her hand, "Um,"
But before she could speak, Chloe interrupted. "So, like, why didn't you losers tell anyone? And more importantly, why were you chosen? I mean really, I would definitely make a better Ladybug than you."
Adrien smirked, knowing Chloe just wanted to have some attention on her this afternoon. "Well, you know my Father. There is no way he would allow me to be Chat Noir. It is too much, so I figured I should keep it quiet. If I was the only one who knew, then I wasn't breaking any rules or promises not to be Chat Noir."
"I think we were chosen for very specific reasons," Marinette said. "I mean, there is an older gentlemen who I have talked with a couple of times. He is the one who gave us our Miraculous. What he said is that it was our kindness and compassion that lead to him giving us Tikki and Plagg."
She paused, seeing Chloe snort. Continuing, Marinette spoke, "As for the other day, well I am Ladybug. It is my job to save Paris. I asked for help from the Master, but when he couldn't buy the time we needed, I did what I had to do. Honestly, it was and is terrifying to know that I am no longer just Marinette to you all. Now I am Ladybug, who happens to be Marinette and that scares me."
Chloe rolled her eyes and went back to her nails. Rose shot Chloe a look before asking her question. "You didn't mention wanting to revel yourselves. Was it something you wanted to do?"
"Yes," Marinette said, "I did, because you are my friends and because I want my parents to be proud of what I am doing. But I didn't because I am worried that anytime the city comes under attack my parents will freak out. The same for you all, I was concerned it would worry you immensely. Besides, Tikki told me it was against the rules to reveal it."
Adrien shrugged, "I have thought about telling Nino, but I don't want my father to know."
Juleka as the next, "Is it rough leading a double life?"
"Not really," Adrien said with a shrug. "I am a model, that was already like living a second life. This life, as Chat Noir. That is an adventure. I get to run around Paris and fight monsters. I get the freedom to act in a fun way and I get to spend time with all of you as Adrien. I wouldn't change it for the world."
Marinette sighed, "It is, like I said, I want parents to have the best and I am pretty sure that my parents would be worried sick if they knew. As for everything else, well, when there is a test the next day and an Akuma attacks at night it is hard. Or if there is an attack during school. It is fun and I love it, but at the same time, I don't know if I would have chosen it."
She paused, "I would say fighting monsters is rewarding but scary. I worry that I won't be able to act in time. That I can't save enough people. Lucky Charm does a lot, but I don't really know the extent of my powers."
Kim pipped up from next to Chloe. "Have you gotten stronger outside of the costumes?"
Marinette shrugged but Adrien nodded confidently, "I have seen the difference on my own body. It takes a lot to fight super villains and I am seeing it carry over a bit."
"Do you know your stats?" Max asked.
"As in Ultimate Mecha Strike III?" Marinette asked, at Max's nod she shrugged. "Not really, it doesn't carry over very well. I would say I have high flexibility, luck, planning, and strength."
"Flexibility and strength are up there for me too." Adrien said, "Also I take a lot of hits so durability and cataclysm is a devastating attack. Other than that, we just weren't told. We are figuring things out as we go."
Alix, skate tapping slightly, took her turn to ask a question. "How fast can you all go? I mean, I remember very little from when I was, yeah, but you two, you two get to run don't you?"
"I think we go about one and a half times as fast as normal. Not super fast, but definitely faster. Unless we are thrown." Adrien mused, "Getting thrown can be fun, if there is a soft landing zone. Concrete and metal is not fun."
Marinette just nodded, allowing Nathanial to ask his question. "Would you two be willing to pose for a painting as Ladybug and Chat Noir? I mean, for copies for the group here?"
"Of course," Adrien said, "If Marinette is okay with it. I would be happy to sign it as well."
"As long as identities are kept secret, it should be fine. Could I get a copy as well?" Marinette asked, rubbing the back of her head with a hand.
Nathanial grinned and nodded, "Next week? I don't have my painting supplies with me."
The two superheroes nodded as Sabrina spoke up as the group looked at her, bypassing Nino and Alya. "Um, well, I don't really have a question. I mean, it seems like you all are being superheroes and students and it is awesome. But, I mean, I just wanted to hear the story."
Chloe scoffed, "Really, two real deal superheros here and you don't have a question? I mean, you two mentioned Kwamis. Are there more than two? How long do you think it will take before you take down Hawkmoth? What if you don't do it before you have to move for some reason? How are you figuring out who that loser is? Are Ladybug and Chat Noir dating? What about Marinette and Adrien? How are you two working of figuring out other powers?"
Marinette held up her hand, "That is enough, Chloe. Sabrina, it is okay if you don't have a question now. If you decide you are curious about something later, just let us know, okay?"
The redhead nodded as Marinette focused on Chloe, "Now, you asked a lot of good questions, so I am going to answer them even if you were really rude in how you asked. Ladybug and Marinette are both single. I talk with my Kwami all the time. It seems like the magical abilities are limited based on the Kwami, not the user."
She paused, putting a hand to her pouch where Tikki was resting. "As for the Kwamis, I believe there are more. However, I have not met them. Apparently Hawkmoth has a Miraculous and Kwami too. As for finding him and defeating him, I don't have a timeframe. Because everything is at least one off, it is hard to track him down."
Adrien nodded, "Right, and remember Max asked about our stats. We are mostly frontline fighters. Ladybug comes up with the plans, but beyond that, we hit things. As for Chat Noir and Adrien, well both are single at the moment. Any other questions?"
Nino and Alya both raised their hands, Marinette smiled softly, "Why don't I take Alya for coffee and let you two boys catch up?"
"Works for me!" Nino said as Alya nodded.
Adrien looked at the rest of the group, noticing they were all pretty comfortable. "Then I guess that ends the question and answer session. But like Marinette said, if you have a question let us know privately. Otherwise, stay safe and see you in class."
He stood up, Marinette following his lead. The two started walking off with cheerful goodbyes and Nino and Alya followed, with Nino's arm around Alya's waist and her arm around his shoulder.
/\/\/\/\/\
"So, dudes, thanks for letting us ask some questions in private." Nino started.
Marinette grinned turning and leading the towards the river. "Yeah, well, you are our closest friends and you two deserve it."
Alys rolled her eyes, "So I know there are more Kwamis, but you don't have control over them, but I do have a couple other questions."
"Sure," Adrien agreed.
"Are you looking to identify people to be given Kwami? Are you actively seeking Hawkmoth? I want to help, how can I?"
Nino nodded, "Ditto man, I want to help out too. And I have another question, do you want to be superheroes fore ever or do you want to get out of the game sometime?"
"That is quite a lot. Honestly, I love being Ladybug, but I can see a day when that would be bad. I want to defeat Hawkmoth sooner rather than later, but for now, Keeping ahead of the attacks is the focus." Marinette paused, "I want to be Ladybug until Ladybug is no longer needed."
Adrien looked around, seeing them come upon a group of benches and leading them to sit down before answering for himself. "Chat Noir is freedom to me. That is not something I am willing to give up. I think that even should I hang up the superhero boots, I will still be Chat Noir. It may be hard now, but eventually there will not be a difference between Adrien and Chat Noir and I am looking forward to that day."
"Sounds good to me my dudes. If you all need like help or a pair of ears, I am here for you two." Nino said.
Alya smiled, "I am going to keep doing the Ladyblog."
"I want you to, it makes you so happy." Marinette said.
"But I have a bit of extra time. I will see if I can't track down this Hawkmoth for you. Marinette, why don't we get together tomorrow and talk over leads?"
"Sure thing Alya."
With that, the group split up, each going their own way. It was still a Saturday and their families were still at home.
/\/\/\/\/\
That night, Marinette, with Tikki next to her, sat on the rooftop patio above her room. She was soon joined by Adrien as Chat Noir, before he became himself along with Plagg.
Marinette smiled at him, "I think that went well."
The young man nodded, unable to respond.
The two superheroes let silence fall and looked out over the river towards the Eiffel Tower. It was comfortable, there had been so much said and while there could be so much more to say, for now nothing was pressing.
Surprisingly, it was Adrien who broke the silence. "I am not sure how much the others would recognize it, but this is what I am fighting for. The chance to be with a good friend and to enjoy Paris. It may be the most simple thing in the world, but at the same time, there is nothing quite like it."
Marinette chuckled, "I agree Kitty. It is fun and all to slay monsters and to fight for the world, but it is the small joys."
Again the pair fell silent, before Marinette said, "Give me a moment."
She ducked into her room. Adrien turned to watch the ships traveling down the river, each taking its time, deliberate and at the same time majestic. When Marinette returned, she handed him a large hat box.
"What is this for?" He asked taking it carefully.
"It is my thank you for being you. For being Chat and for being Adrien." Marinette said.
Adrien took the lid off and pulled out the material. Marinette scuffed her feet, "Sorry for the box, it was the best I could do on short notice."
Adrien didn't respond, he was holding a light hoodie. By light, it was a type of fabric he could get away with wearing most days. Instead of a black, it was a grey with green highlights. He could tell the buttons were chosen specifically because they looked like cat paws. It was subtle, but still.
The hood had a bit of a peak to the front. All in all, it was gorgeous.
"This is amazing, thank you." Adrien said.
Marinette smiled, taking the box and putting it on a nearby table. Adrien took off his over shirt and carefully put it down on the fence. He then pulled on the new hoodie. The fit was amazing, just a bit big in all respects so he could wear it for a long time. Nothing noticeable, but just enough for growth. The hood pulled far enough over his head that from any direction, it wasn't obvious who he was.
Tikki covertly gave Marinette a thumbs up.
Adrien smiled, brighter than at nearly any time that day. He gave her a big, quick hug. "This is amazing. Thank you so much. Marinette, you are the best. An everyday Ladybug is wrong. You are so much more than just Ladybug."
He stepped back, looking at his watch briefly. "I would love to hang here with you longer, but I have an early photo shoot. See you Monday."
"Monday."
A second later, Chat Noir was leaping away over the Paris rooftops and Marinette was heading back inside. After all, she is Marinette and she is Ladybug.