Hey there! I totally realise I forgot Juleka asking a question in the last chapter so I'll try to fit it in a later chapter – but I'm out of questions, so if anyone has any ideas on what Juleka should ask Adrien or Marinette, please tell me in a review. On that note, thank you to everyone for the reviews.
Chapter 3: The Bubbler
Nino paled a little at the episode name. "Can we skip this episode? Please?" He didn't like remembering what he had done back then.
"No, I'm sorry," Emily said sending him a sympathetic glance.
Adrien placed a hand on Nino's shoulder, trying to comfort him. "It's okay, bud. Nothing was your fault."
Rose reached out, taking Nino's hand and squeezing it, comforting him the same way he had comforted her earlier. "None of us blame you."
Nino managed a weak smile. "Thanks you guys."
Alya gave him a thumbs up. "You know we're here for you, Nino."
Marinette smiled as well. "Always."
Scene: Marinette's room, Marinette is sleeping and then is woken up by her cell phone.
Marinette: (wakes up) Huh? Happy birthday- ow! (She jumps down the stairs and hits something.) Happy birthday! (She gets on her computer and pulls up pictures of Adrien.) Ah! Happy birthday, Adrien. (Makes kissing noises towards the screen.)
Marinette turned pink again, groaning and hiding her face. "I hate this show…"
Adrien chuckled wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close. "You can kiss the real deal now instead of just a picture."
Marinette buried her head in his chest, mumbling "Oh shut up kitty…"
Scene: Adrien's bathroom. Adrien is brushing his teeth.
Plagg: Happy birthday, Adrien! (Brings a piece of Camembert cheese wrapped with a red bow.)
Adrien: (disgusted) Ugh, Plagg! Get that filthy piece of Camembert out of my face! (Plugs his nose)
Plagg: Huh? (Eats the cheese) Mmm.
Tikki looked surprised. "He must really like you, Adrien. Plagg never shares his precious cheese with anyone."
Adrien smiled, a little fondly, hugging the little kwami close. "Believe me, I know."
Plagg flushed. "I hate you both."
Tikki giggled. "No he doesn't."
Adrien rolled his eyes. "I know."
Scene: Dupain-Cheng House. Marinette is walking down the stairs with a gift in her hands while her mom is in the kitchen drinking something.
Sabine: Marinette, don't forget to clean your room after school today.
Marinate: Mom! It's Friday, and I'm already doing something with Alya.
Sabine: Fine, I'll go ahead and clean it, but don't blame me if I come across any of your private stuff, like your e-mails, your diary-
Marinette: (makes a nervous face) Okay! I'll do it, I'll do it. (She goes up to her, gives her a kiss, and starts to leave.)
Chloe rolled her eyes. "That's one way to get your child to clean your room."
"You do that all the time," Emily grumbled causing Nathaniel to give a weak chuckle.
"I can see it," Nathaniel mumbled.
Marinette giggled. "It does work."
Sabine: Have a nice day, sweetie!
Marinette: (as she closes the door) Happy birthday- I mean, have a nice day!
Alya chortled. "Girl, you got a get a control of yourself…"
Marinette rolled her eyes. "I know."
Scene: Agreste Mansion. Adrien is eating alone on a big dining table. He looks sad.
Nathalie: (walks in) Your schedule, Adrien. (hands Adrien a tablet)
Adrien: (takes it) Thanks, Nathalie. (Nathalie starts to leave) Hey, um, my father get back to you about my birthday party? (his face lights up)
Nathalie: Well, um- He... doesn't think would be a good idea.
Adrien: (he turns sad again and speaks softly) 'Course not.
Adrien's expression becomes downcast and Marinette curls closer in his arms, leaning over to kiss his cheek.
"I'm sorry kitty," she murmured. "I promise you'll never be lonely on your birthday again."
Adrien managed a weak smile. "Thanks my lady." He couldn't bring himself to say anymore as Plagg went to sit on his shoulder.
Nino placed a hand on Adrien's shoulder. "Your next birthday, we'll throw you a real party. What your dad doesn't know won't hurt him."
Adrien's smile became a little bigger at that. "Thanks bro."
Nathalie: Happy birthday, Adrien. (she leaves)
Scene: Outside of school. Adrien and Nino are talking. Meanwhile, Alya and Marinette are hiding nearby out of sight. Chloé and Sabrina are in the school but near enough to see what's happening.
Nino: (as he blows bubbles) Dude, seriously? Has your dad always been such a downer? You'd think he'd remember what it was like to be young and wanna party a little.
Adrien: No, I'm pretty sure he was a downer back then too. Well, at least I tried.
Nino: (wraps one arm around Adrien) It's your b-day, dude! Insist!
Alya: [encouraging Marinette] You can do it, you can do it!
Marinette: I can do it, I can do it!
Adrien managed a laugh at that, cheering up a little. "You're so cute, Bugaboo."
Marinette flushed but smiled, glad he was feeling better. "Thanks."
Nino: You know what, I'm gonna have a little convo with your pops.
Adrien: Don't waste your time. He's not gonna change his mind.
"Thanks for trying to talk me out of it," Nino muttered, knowing that hadn't been one of his best ideas.
Adrien frowned. "It didn't work though…" Somehow he felt he could have prevented this akuma…
Marinette: (pops up to look at Adrien while he's not looking) I can't do it, I can't do it!
Alya: (facepalms) Uh, no you don't, girl, you've been stalling all morning. Now's the time. (she pushes Marinette over to where Adrien is)
Marinette: Ah! (Stops right in front of Adrien) Um, he- Hey! (seems nervous as she holds her gift behind her back)
Adrien: (surprised) Hey.
Chloé: (as she looks at what's happening outside) Wait! Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing? Don't tell me it's Adrien's birthday!
"So you did forget my birthday?" Adrien said, a little saddened that his childhood friend had forgotten.
Chloe shifted a little guilty about that. "I…it must have slipped my mind…" She had actually forgotten.
Sabrina: (checks her tablet, is surprised and makes excusing noises while smiling)
Chloé: (facepalms) Ugh, do I have to do everything myself? Seriously, what are you good for? (storms towards Adrien)
"She's good for being loyal to you even when you treat her like crap," Max said defending Sabrina.
Chloe frowned. She was treating Sabrina pretty poorly…
Marinette: (nervously) I, uh, I wanted to, umm, gift you a make-– I mean, gift you a give I made- I mean...
Chloé: (yawns while Marinette is talking and then shoves her away) Out of the way. (acts sweet) Happy birthday, Adrien! (Throws herself to him and gives him a kiss on the cheek) Mwah!
Rose looked at Marinette. "That must have hurt. Are you alright?"
Marinette smiled. "I was okay, just surprised."
Adrien pulled her closer, protectively shielding her in his arms and throwing a look of disgust at his childhood friend.
Adrien: (surprised) Yeah, thanks Chlo.
Marinette: (on the ground, to herself) Dummy.
(Alya facepalms again.)
Chloé: [to Adrien] Did you get the gift I sent you?
Adrien: Uh, no.
Chloé: (annoyed) What? Oh, those delivery guys. I bet it was too heavy so they had to go back and get another guy to help. Those slackers. (wraps her arms around Adrien's shoulders again) I'll make sure they get it to you by tonight. (gives him another kiss on the cheek) Mwah! (leaves, humming a happy tune to herself)
Nino: (chuckles and playfully punches Adrien's arm)
Alya: [to Marinette, still hidden] Get back there! Don't be a pushover, literally!
"I'm just not as confident as Marinette as I am as Ladybug," Marinette said watching the screen a little sadly.
"You're perfect either way," Adrien said confidently causing Marinette to blush again.
Marinette: (sounding defeated) Mmm. (Alya looks frustrated.)
Sabrina: [to Chloé] What did you get him?
Chloé: (mad) I didn't, you did. (pointing at her and sounding really angry) And it better be amazing, and it better not be late!
Sabrina: (cowardly) Mhm. (nods)
Chloé: (furiously) Ugh! (leaves)
(Sabrina taps on her tablet quickly while looking scared and following Chloé.)
"Chloe!" Marinette and Adrien both scolded her causing her to cringe.
"This is all in the past!" Chloe protested then quickly added "I'm sorry Sabrina." She didn't like herself on the screen – did she really sound so horrible?
Sabrina smiled a bit. "It's okay Chloe."
"So you never got me a present huh?" Adrien said frowning. "Nobody remembered…"
Marinette squeezed his hand. "I remembered."
"Me too," Nino added placing a hand on Adrien's shoulder.
"I did get you a present eventually," Chloe said frowning. "But your best friend made all the adults disappear so it couldn't be delivered!"
Nino cringed, lowering himself in his seat as the memories of that time were foggy yet he did remember how it all happened for the most part. He wished more than anything that he didn't have to rewatch all that.
"Nino…" Rose began worriedly but before she could say anything, Adrien moved besides his best friend, squeezing his shoulder.
"Nino," Adrien said quietly. "Please don't feel guilty about that. I'm here for you." He sent a narrowed glare at Chloe before squeezing his best friend's shoulder again, not moving from there even though his best friend didn't answer him.
Alya: C'mon, you can do it.
Marinette: (looking determined) Hm!
Adrien: (a limousine pulls up) (to Nino) Gotta go. Photoshoot. (He gets into the limo and leaves.)
Marinette: (to herself, next to Alya) Why can't I just mean what I say?
Alya: Uh, say what you mean?
Marinette: Exactly.
Adrien chuckled a little bit. "Alya, you should have written out a script for her."
Alya shrugged. "She couldn't talk to you face to face so she'd probably just say it as if she were delivering a dialogue."
Nino: (to himself) Looks like I've got some business to take care of with Adrien's old man.
Adrien felt Nino tense besides him and squeezed his shoulder again. "I appreciated the effort…"
"You're a good friend," Rose added, concerned about how silent Nino had become.
Scene: Outside Agreste Mansion. Marinette and Alya stand at the gate, and Marinette tries to get the mailbox open.
Marinette: This mailbox won't budge!
Alya: Ring the doorbell. (points to the doorbell)
Marinette: Are you kidding? What if Adrien answers the-
(Alya presses rings the doorbell, and Marinette panics and screams. A hidden compartment on the wall opens and a camera appears.)
"Yeesh woman it's a doorbell, it's not gonna kill you," Alix muttered sarcastically and Marinette flushed.
"I was nervous!" Marinette defended herself.
Voice: Yes?
Marinette: Um, hi. I'm in Adrien's class and I, uh- (she shows her the gift) Heh, did I already say that? Umm, (looks more nervous) Heh. (smiles awkwardly)
Voice: Put it in the box. (mailbox opens)
Marinette: Uh. (puts the gift in the mailbox) Thank you! (The camera retreats and wall compartment closes. Marinette is excited.) Oh! I hope he likes it!
Alya: You signed the note, right? (Marinette makes a surprised face.) Ah, girl, girl, girl.
Marinette: (groans)
Alya groaned while everyone else laughed. "Girl, I love you but you can be seriously dense sometimes."
"I know," Marinette huffed frustrated with herself.
Adrien leaned over to her and whispered "I think it's cute." Causing her to blush all over again.
"Thanks kitty," Marinette managed to say.
Adrien then frowned. "I don't remember receiving a gift from you though, my Lady."
Marinette shook her head, not wanting to say anything. "You'll see."
Scene: Agreste Mansion. Nathalie enters her office with Marinette's gift in her hands and puts it on her desk while sitting down.
Gabriel: [from intercom] Who was that, Nathalie?
Nathalie: A friend of Adrien's. She was delivering a gift for his birthday.
Gabriel: Did you remember to buy him a present from me?
Nathalie: (surprised) Uh- uh, but you didn't ask me to.
Gabriel: (angrily) Of course I did!
Nathalie: Yes, Mr. Agreste. I- I'll take care of it.
Gabriel: Good. (disconnects)
Nathalie: (covers her mouth, in fear) Uh. (She looks despaired, then her face lights up and she takes Marinette's gift.)
Adrien looked upset. "Oh no she didn't…"
Plagg frowned. "That's rude, stealing someone else's gift."
Marinette shrugged. "Maybe but I can kind of see why she did it."
Adrien frowned at his lady. "It's still not right."
Marinette smiled at him. "We don't always do what's right, Adrien. I know it wasn't right but I can understand that she was desperate because of Mr. Agreste."
Nathalie: Ah. (The doorbell rings and she composes herself) Yes?
Nino: (from the camera outside) Uh, hi.
Scene: Inside Agreste Mansion. Nino and Nathalie are standing in the foyer, waiting.
Nathalie: He'll be here in a minute.
Gabriel: (as he enters) Adrien's not home yet.
Nino: Uh, I was coming to see you, du- sir.
Gabriel: Me?
Nino: Yeah, that right. Look, I know you don't want Adrien to have a party, but it's his birthday, dude- I mean, sir- it's all he wants.
Gabriel: No. (raises his palm) That's final.
Nino: That's messed up. (Adrien enters without anyone noticing.) He never screws up in class, he always does whatever you tell him. Photoshoots, fencing, Chinese, piano-
Adrien: Nino? You're here.
"What did you expect?" Nino said quietly, glancing at Adrien who shrugged, although was secretly glad his best friend was talking again.
"No one except Chloe has really stood up to my father for me before," Adrien admitted. "It was surprising you'd go so far for me even though we're best friends."
Marinette shifted closer into Adrien's arm, resting her head against his shoulder, feeling saddened that her Chaton had such a difficult life in his civilian form. She made a promise to herself that she'd never let him feel alone ever again. Adrien smiled using his free hand to gently run his fingers through her hair.
It was Nino's turn to place a hand on Adrien's shoulder. "Dude, you're my best mate. Of course I would." He said this as if it were no big deal causing Adrien to let out a laugh.
"Yeah I realise that now," Adrien said, eyes sparkling with happiness. He was lucky to have a best friend like Nino and an amazing girl like Mari in his life.
"Awwww that's so sweet of you, Nino," Rose cooed causing Nino to turn bright red and Adrien and Marinette both to chuckle at his embarrassment.
Nino: [to Adrien] Anything for my best bud. (to Mr. Agreste) Show some awesomeness, du- I mean, sir, please. (Mr. Agreste looks at him angrily)
Adrien: Forget it, Nino, really, it's fine.
Gabriel: Listen, young man. I decide what's best for my son. In fact, I've just decided that you're a bad influence and you're not welcome in my house ever again. Leave now!
"That is…" Rose stood up, eyes welling up with tears. "You should be grateful he's doing something so nice for your son. Instead you…" She forced her tears back, feeling a small burst of anger and hurt for Nino as she had when Chloe had hurt her before the Princess Fragrance incident. "How cruel. This isn't fair."
Nino winced, before hesitantly reaching out and pulling Rose into a hug. "It's ok, Rose I promise. I'm alright now."
"But…but…you were trying to do something good for him!" Rose protested. "How are you a bad influence?" She did feel slightly comforted by the hug but didn't like this injustice.
"Rose, don't you think you're getting too close?" Alya said, fury flashing and her face turning slightly red as she glowered at the girl.
"Alya, leave it," Nino said firmly, pulling Rose close again when she tried to move away. "Besides, we did break up."
Alya looked upset at this and Marinette winced, wrapping an arm around her best friend's shoulder, glancing at Adrien who shrugged. Clearly he hadn't known about this either.
Scene: Park. Nino is sitting in a bench looking angry. He starts blowing bubbles with his bubble wand.
Kid: But, Daddy, please! (a father takes his son by the hand)
Kid's Father: No, it's not playtime, you've got your chores to do. (Kid complains)
Nino: (angrily) Ugh. Adults ruin everything, all the time.
"Not all adults," Marinette protested a little, feeling defensive on behalf of her own parents.
"I'm sorry Mari," Nino mumbled, stroking Rose's hair absently.
Marinette shot him a smile. "It's alright."
Scene: Hawk Moth's lair. His window screen opens.
Hawk Moth: Desperate to help his friend, but feeling powerless. How frustrating. It won't be long before frustration turns to anger! (He takes a butterfly into his hand and black particles start to flow into it. It turns into an akuma.) Fly away, my little akuma, and evilize him. (Akuma flies out into Paris)
Everyone shivered and Rose clutched onto Nino tighter, feeling him tense in her grip trying to bring some comfort to him.
Adrien glowered at Hawkmoth through the screen. "Oh my frustration is turning you anger, you creep." He couldn't believe it. He had been an indirect reason for Nino turning into Bubbler.
Marinette squeezed his hand. "No kidding." She was upset too. Hawkmoth really needed to pay for this.
Scene: Park. Nino is blowing bubbles.
(The akuma flies in and is absorbed into Nino's bubble wand. Nino looks up with an angry face and a glowing pink butterfly symbol.)
Hawk Moth: (speaks from his lair, he too has the same pink symbol in front of his face) Hawk Moth is my name and Bubbler is now yours. I will help you with these horrid adults and all you have to do in return is help me get something from Ladybug and Cat Noir.
Nino: Yes, Hawk Moth. (Nino stands up and purple-black smoke starts is released from the bubble wand and covers his body.)
"No, Hawk Moth, never!" Nino cried suddenly, breaking his silence as he turned pale and pulled away from Rose who looked concerned.
Adrien and Marinette quickly moved to sit on either side of him, Rose giving them the space to do so. Adrien took Nino's left hand while Marinette took his right.
"It wasn't your fault, Nino," Adrien began in a firm, yet confident voice. "You wanted to do something good for me and I'll always appreciate that. Hawkmoth just skewered your intentions and made things bad."
"I accepted his deal though," Nino whispered in horror at the mistake he had made.
Marinette managed a weak smile. "You wanted to do something good for your best friend. You couldn't know that Hawkmoth was taking advantage of you."
Nino shifted a little bit, glancing at Adrien, then at Marinette. "But I hurt you guys as Bubbler..."
Adrien smiled at him. "We're superheroes, Nino. It's in the job description."
Nino managed a smile squeezing both his friends' hands as well. "Thanks you two."
(Cut to a rooftop, where the Bubbler flies in and crouches)
Bubbler: No more adults means total freedom! This is SOOO sweet! Off the hook! (He takes out his bubble sword and flies over Paris, leaving a trail of purple bubbles behind him.)
(The bubbles start capturing adults, then turning green and flying away while citizens scream.)
Woman: Help!
Man: Look out!
Children: (crying)
Hawk Moth: (from his lair) Perfect.
"Monster," Tikki surprisingly spat and Marinette pulled her kwami into a hug.
"No kidding," she agreed.
Plagg looked angry as well. "Nooroo must feel so disgusted being forced to help this freak."
Adrien patted his kwami's head. "We'll get him, Plagg."
Scene: Dupain-Cheng House. Marinette is eating lunch.
Marinette: (to herself) Adrien must have gotten his gift by now. (Her mom opens the window.)
Sabine: What's that you said?
Marinette: (looks surprised) Um, I can't wait to get back to school this afternoon, hehe.
Nino chuckled. "Adrien's lucky to have you care so much, Mari."
Marinette blushed as Adrien smiled at her. "T-thanks Nino."
(Her mother chuckles and then a purple bubble flies in through the window and captures her from behind. Marinette looks scared. Sabine starts screaming.)
Marinette: Mom! MOM! (sees her father also in a bubble) Dad? Dad!
Tikki: Your parents! Hawk Moth must've released another akuma.
Marinette: I've got to find his newest villain ASAP.
[Transformation Sequence]
Marinette: Tikki, spots on! (Marinette transforms into Ladybug.)
"Oh god, Mari I'm so sorry," Nino said paling. He had hurt her parents…
Marinette squeezed his hand again. "Don't be. It's Hawkmoth's fault."
(Cut to The Bubbler on a rooftop.)
Bubbler: And now, party time!
(Kids cry.)
(Ladybug runs out of the bakery. Purple bubbles appear in the sky, broadcasting a message from the Bubbler.)
Bubbler: Today is your lucky day, little dudes. The adults have taken the day off, so make the most of it. No chores, no homework, no more nagging, just fun, fun, fun, fun. This is the Bubbler's gift to you.
Ladybug: [to the kids] Don't worry, your parents will come back. I'll see to it. (to the teenager) You take care of them in the meantime. (runs off)
Kids and Teen: (cheering) Yay! Go, Ladybug!
"Way to go Ladybug!" Rose squealed happily. "Now hurry up and save Nino ok?"
Marinette winked at her. "Sure. Your wish is my command, future Mrs. Lahiffe."
Both Nino and Rose blushed while Alya sent a narrowed glare at her best friend, silently sulking a little.
Marinette glanced at her, still confused at what was going on between her and Nino but reached out to squeeze her shoulder. "'M sorry Alya." She felt bad for her friend even if she was happy for Nino and Rose.
Scene: Agreste Mansion. Adrien eats lunch alone in the mansion's dining room.
(Adrien finishes his meal and gets up.)
Adrien: (sarcastic) Wow. That was a birthday lunch break to remember. Yay! (He walks into the foyer and stops.) Nathalie? Father? (He shrugs sadly, then walks outside to a crowd of his classmates cheering.)
Teenagers: Yay! Woo! Happy birthday!
Bubbler: (standing on top of a bubble) Hey, hey, hey, birthday boy. Guess what? Daddy's gone. While the cat's away, the mice will play. (Adrien looks at the Bubbler with a strange expression until he realizes who he is.)
Adrien: Nino?!
"How did you know it was me?" Nino couldn't help but ask.
Adrien shrugged. "I just did. I had a feeling…I didn't do anything about it though. I'm sorry Nino. I was selfish." He sunk into his chair causing his best friend to send him an odd look but Adrien refused to meet his eyes.
Bubbler: The Bubbler's brought all yo homies together for one single-sole purpose, to ce-le-brate!
Teenagers: YEAH! (The Bubbler jumps down from the bubble into a DJ booth)
Bubbler: Let's get this party started! (Everyone cheers. The Bubbler plays party music, and people start to dance. Adrien looks surprised and runs back into his house.)
Bubbler: Come on, everybody, I brought you here to party! (Pan over the teens dancing, but looking sad.) So dance or you'll join the adults up in the sky! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! (Fireworks are shot.)
"That was scary…" Sabrina said softly, remembering that horrible party causing Nino to flinch.
Rose thought about it. "It was scary." This made Nino look even more crestfallen than before. "But you're not to blame because Hawkmoth was influencing you."
Nino managed a small smile at that.
Hawk Moth: (from his lair) It won't be long before Ladybug and Cat Noir show up to meet their doom! Mwahahahahahahaha!
Scene: Adrien's room. Adrien looks at his ring. Plagg climbs up to his shoulder.
Plagg: What's your problem? Relax! You're getting the party you've always wanted.
Adrien: But Nino's been akumatized! I've gotta help him!
Plagg: You may never get this chance again! C'mon, let's have a little fun while your father's away! Then we'll save Nino, trap his akuma, and all will be good. (Adrien turns and looks sad.)
"Plagg!" Tikki cried, looking more furious than Marinette had ever seen her and was now glad to never get on her bad side. "You're supposed to tell Adrien to do the right things! His best friend is akumatised and you tell him to go have fun while his father is up in the sky in a bubble? What kind of a kwami are you? No cheese for you for a week!"
"I wanted the kid to have some fun in this life!" Plagg protested although cowered slightly at Tikki's angry glare. "I'm sorry Nino…Adrien…please don't away my cheese!"
Tikki's glare sharpened. "I'll think about it considering what happens next."
Plagg just gulped going to hide inside Adrien's shirt.
Adrien and Marinette on the other hand were holding back laughter even as Adrien gently patted his kwami gently on the head. Everyone else was laughing more openly.
Adrien: Okay, you're right. This might be the first day in my life that I actually get to do what I want for once.
"Adrien…" Marinette sighed frowning. "Honestly, this was why you were late?"
Adrien looked ashamed of himself. "I'm sorry, Mari. I've never had a birthday party before and I thought Nino wasn't hurting anyone. I was naïve, I know." He looked at said best friend. "I'm sorry."
Nino shifted a bit but smiled. "It's alright. I don't like it but I can understand why you did it, man. We're cool."
Scene: Rooftops. Ladybug is running towards the fireworks.
Ladybug: [to herself] It's you and me, Bubbler. (Cut to the Agreste Mansion. Everyone is dancing and Adrien is enjoying himself.)
Adrien: Yeah! (walks over to a sad-looking Rose) Hey, nice party, I guess, since it's my first one. (Rose smiles and gives him two thumbs up, then keeps dancing and looking sad. Adrien turns around and sees everyone dancing but with a grim expression.)
(Cut to Chloé motioning Sabrina to do something near the DJ booth.)
Sabrina: (frightened) I'm requesting a slow dance.
Bubbler: It's a bit early for that, isn't it?
Chloé: Ugh. (She shoves Sabrina down and puts on an innocent face.) It's for Adrien. His first slow dance. Mm? (makes a sweet face)
Bubbler: OH! You know it, girl. (He changes the music to a slow dance. People pair up and keep dancing and looking sad. Chloé walks up to Adrien.)
Adrien glowered at his best friend. "Thanks for that."
"I wasn't myself!" Nino defended. "I would have never picked her for your first slow dance." He grinned suddenly. "We can have another party and get you a new partner." He winked at Marinette who turned pink.
Adrien took Marinette's hand. "That would be amazing."
Emily scowled a little. "That is so not right, Mom. You dancing with anyone but Dad is wrong. And you tried to kiss Uncle Adrien!"
Nathaniel glowered at Adrien a little while Chloe blushed in embarrassment.
Adrien: Is it me, or does everyone seem a bit weird?
Chloé: Forget about them, let's go dance! C'mon! (Cut to the balcony. Ladybug watches the Bubbler going to change a record and at Chloé and Adrien dancing. Chloé tries to kiss him, but Adrien looks uncomfortable.
"If you're that uncomfortable, why don't you push her away?" Nathaniel asked frowning at Adrien sounding irritated.
Adrien raised his hands in defense. "She's my friend and she's a girl, I could have hurt her."
"Relax, Nathaniel!" Chloe said frowning. "I had a crush on him but apparently I got over it if I married you so you don't need to be jealous ok?"
Nathaniel flushed. "I'm not jealous."
Marinette giggled, realizing Chloe was trying to comfort Nathaniel in her own strange way.
Ladybug looks aghast.)
Ladybug: There is no way this is happening. LUCKY CHARM! (The Lucky Charm superpower gives her a record.) A record?
(Ladybug looks out and her thinking vision shows her the empty record spot in the DJ mixer, the volume modifier and a ledge on the building across the street. Ladybug chuckles, then throws the record. It hits the ledge, bounces over to the DJ booth, hits the volume all the way up, lands on the empty spot and begins to play dance music again. Everyone breaks their pairs and keeps dancing. Adrien moves away from Chloé. The Bubbler realizes that the music changed.)
Bubbler: Dude! Who just hijacked my mix?
Ladybug: Yours truly. (Ladybug's alarm sounds.) Better bug out quick before I change back to normal. (She jumps out of the balcony to the outside of Agreste Mansion.) Spots off. (She changes back to normal. Tikki comes out of the earrings and lands on her hands.)
Tikki: Marinette!
Marinette: It was an emergency.
"Sure, if by emergency you mean jealousy…" Adrien teased his lady and Marinette pouted at him, before a cheeky smile graced her features.
"So you would rather have kissed Chloe?" Marinette teased back.
Adrien looked like a kicked puppy causing Marinette to giggle at the expression of her partner.
Tikki: Yeah, if by emergency you mean jealousy. You know what happens once you use your Lucky Charm. You only have minutes before—
"Even your kwami agrees with me," Adrien said to Marinette with a pout.
Tikki giggled. "It is true."
Marinette blushed at that.
Marinette: I turn back, I know. But I figured, the Bubbler, he's not going anywhere, we have time to get you some food to get your energy back up. Then, we'll get right back out there, I promise. (She puts Tikki in her purse, enters the party and starts looking around. She heads to the food table, grabs some cookies, and puts them in her purse for Tikki.) I've got to find a place where I can transform, fast.
Alya: Where have you been, girl? I was so scared something had happened to you.
Marinette: Me too! (they hug)
Alya: I'm sure Ladybug and Cat Noir will show up in a minute to save us all. They never failed us. Meanwhile, come with me, I've got something for you.
Marinette: Uh, there's something I've got to do first.
Alya: It's about Adrien.
Marinette: Okay.
Tikki: (urgent) Marinette, the Bubbler.
Marinette: Okay, okay, in a sec. (she runs after Alya. Cut to Nathalie Sancoeur's office. Alya and Marinette sneak in. They see Marinette's gift on Nathalie's desk.
"Adrien is more important than saving me?" Nino said to Marinette with a pout causing the girl to blush even further.
"I got distracted, sorry," Marinette murmured. "Besides, Alya was right there. It was hard to transform."
"Hey!" Alya protested. "Don't pin this on me, girl."
Alya: Look! Now you can sign your gift. (Marinette gasps)
Marinette: Ah, yes!
(Cut back outside. Ivan is not dancing, and the Bubbler confronts him.)
Bubbler: Hey, you. Why aren't you having fun?
Ivan: None of your business.
Bubbler: Then I'm going to make it my business. (He chuckles and takes out his bubble sword.)
(Cut back to Nathalie's office. Marinette is signing a post-it.)
Marinette: "Love, Marinette". There. (She sticks it to the present and gives the present a kiss.)
Adrien leaned over to Marinette. "Would you like to give a kiss to the real deal my lady?"
Marinette blushed a bit and shifted. "Just wait for a few more episodes." She was not eager to watch Dark Cupid at all.
Adrien looked confused. "Huh?" But Marinette would not reply.
Tikki: Right, we're good. Spots on, Marinette.
Marinette: I can't do it now, Alya's here.
Alya: What'd you say?
"So close," Alya said with a pout.
Marinette giggled. "You've gotten closer than that."
Marinette: Go ahead! I'll meet you in the yard. (Alya leaves and Marinette lets out a sigh of relief. Behind her, Ivan can be seen in a green bubble through the window) NO! You were right, Tikki, I never should've waited this long.
"Aren't I always right, Marinette?" Tikki teased.
Marinette rolled her eyes. "Well, yes, most of the time. At least you give good advice unlike Plagg."
"Don't remind me…" Tikki narrowed her eyes at Plagg who gulped again trying to make himself invisible.
"Forgive him, Tikki," Adrien said taking pity on his poor kwami. "He was just concerned about me being sad on my birthday."
Tikki frowned and then sighed. "Oh alright but this shouldn't happen ever again understood Plagg?"
Plagg quickly nodded. "Definitely!"
(Cut back to outside. Adrien is on top of the DJ booth and has a mike)
Adrien: Hey, Paris, how you doing?
(He raises the mike in excitement, but the people don't respond. The Bubbler, behind Adrien, threatens everyone with his bubble sword, and they cheer. Adrien jumps out and Ladybug can be seen on the roof.)
Adrien: Ladybug?
(Ladybug throws her yo-yo. It hits the power strip and unplugs everything. Ladybug retracts her yo-yo.)
Ladybug: Sorry, Bubbler, but the party is over.
Bubbler: Why you gotta be like that?
Ladybug: You made all the adults disappear, that's why! And now you're imprisoning anyone who isn't having fun. (Adrien runs into his house.)
Bubbler: You are not going to bust on my party! (He takes out his bubble sword and casts two bubbles at her, which she deflects. The crowd scatters. Cut to Adrien in his room.)
Adrien: I think I've been a complete idiot.
Adrien cast a guilty look at his best friend who shook his head.
"Better late than never," Nino murmured although shifted uncomfortably. He wasn't sure how he felt about his best friend fighting him.
"Nino, what is it?" Rose said noticing he seemed disturbed.
"Adrien and I are going to fight against one another," Nino said looking down. "I'm not sure how I feel about that."
Rose squeezed his hand. "He's fighting to save you and get his best friend back."
"I don't want to hurt him," Nino said shivering. "Emily, please can I leave?" He was beginning to pale again.
Adrien looked concerned. "Nino, it's okay really man. You didn't hurt us. Ladybug and I can handle ourselves."
"But I hurt my best friend…" Nino said in a tiny voice.
"No you didn't," Rose said sounding firmer and more confident than anyone had ever heard her. "Bubbler hurt your best friend. Bubbler is just a costume, Nino that Hawkmoth gave to you. The real Nino would never hurt his friends. I know that for sure."
Nino looked at her and she looked so confident that he managed a smile. "Thanks Rose."
Adrien patted his best friend on the back. "Your future wife is right you know."
Nino rolled his eyes but was unable to fight off the blush on his cheeks and just shoved his best friend. "Oh shut it." Adrien just grinned.
[Transformation Sequence]
Adrien: Plagg, claws out! (Adrien turns into Cat Noir)
(Cut to Ladybug and The Bubbler fighting. Ladybug throws her yo-yo at one of his bubbles, but it just bounces back toward her. Cat Noir enters and hits the yo-yo with his staff, and the yo-yo goes up in the air)
Cat Noir: Looks like I made it just in time.
Ladybug: I had it under control, (the yoyo falls on Cat Noir's head), but thanks.
Hawk Moth: [from his lair; to The Bubbler] Get the Miraculouses. I want those powers, NOW!
(The Bubbler throws a stream of small red bubbles to Ladybug and Cat Noir, and they fight them. The Bubbler snaps his fingers, and the bubbles turn green and start circling around them, some sticking to them, until they are both captured in one big bubble. Ladybug struggles against the bubble as the Bubbler laughs.)
Bubbler: Give me your Miraculouses before you run out of air.
Nino gasped. "Would you have really run out of air?"
"We would have gotten out of it," Marinette assured him. "Cat Noir and I work well together in times of crisis and when he's not shoving off useless puns."
Adrien pouted. "My puns are claw-some, my lady and you know it."
Everyone, yes even Chloe and Lila groaned.
Ladybug: Dream on, Bubbler.
Bubbler: Total party poopers, just like adults.
Ladybug: Kids need adults.
Bubbler: False! Kids need freedom, fun, let loose and live it up. Adults are controlling and bossy.
Ladybug: But adults keep children safe and protected. They care for their kids, they love them!
Cat Noir: [to himself] Most adults do anyhow. [to Bubbler] You must bring the adults back!
Marinette's heart fell and she squeezed Adrien's hand again. "You tried to do the right thing even though you didn't agree with me."
Adrien couldn't even make a joke right now and just stared down sadly at his own feet. "My Lady…I don't think I can agree with you about that even now."
Even if Marinette had just known Adrien as Cat Noir right now, she would have hated seeing her kitty, her Min Monou, her chaton like this.
"You don't have to, Min Monou," Marinette whispered so only he could hear. "I'll never let you feel that way again." This made the boy beside her smile.
Bubbler: Nope, never. Know what, since you care so much about these adults, why don't you go float with them for a while? (He runs at them and kicks the bubble high up into the sky. Ladybug and Cat Noir scream, and the teenagers gasp.)
Hawk Moth: [from his lair; to The Bubbler] What do you think you're doing Bubbler? You're supposed to seize their Miraculouses!
Scene: Green bubble up in the sky. Ladybug and Cat Noir are trying to burst the bubble.
Ladybug: Use your Cataclysm!
Cat Noir: Couldn't you have said that five hundred feet ago?
Ladybug: We can't stay stuck in this bubble together forever. (Cat Noir smirks, Ladybug facepalms)
"This is no time to flirt!" Nino yelled. "You two could run out of air!"
"Tell that to your best friend!" Marinette yelled back. "He always picks the worst times to flirt."
"Hey!" Adrien protested.
Cat Noir: CATACLYSM! (He touches the bubble and it bursts. They start falling)
Ladybug: Should we see if you land on your feet this time?
Cat Noir: No, thanks!
Ladybug: Your stick, there! (She points to the Eiffel Tower)
Cat Noir: Got it! (He throws his staff so hard it gets stuck in the Eiffel Tower. Ladybug takes his hand.)
Ladybug: Hang on! (She throws her yo-yo. It catches around the Cat Noir's staff, and they swing and land safely.)
Cat Noir: Good thing cats aren't afraid of heights.
Ladybug: We've got to get to his bubble sword, that's got to be where the akuma is. (Cat Noir's ring alert sounds.)
Cat Noir: Better hurry.
"Gee I wonder who you really are," Nino joked to his best friend and Adrien just shoved him and stuck out his tongue.
Scene: Agreste Mansion front. The Bubbler tries to get the party going again.
Bubbler: Where is everybody? Get out here and party!
Ladybug: Sorry to burst your bubble.
"You made a pun!" Adrien said sounding almost proud of his lady.
Marinette flushed. "You're a bad influence."
Alya: [from the crowd] Ladybug! (All the teens start to cheer her on.)
Ladybug: No one wants to party with you anymore, Bubbler.
Bubbler: What's wrong with all you guys!? Why you gotta be such haters!? (He grunts, takes out his bubble sword and captures all the teens in bubbles.)
Ladybug and Cat Noir: NOOO!
"I'm sorry!" Nino cried again, squeezing Rose's hand tighter causing the girl to wince.
"It's ok Nino…" Rose said with a small smile and Nino immediately relinquished his grip.
"Sorry Rose," Nino muttered. "Ladybug, Cat Noir, please get me back soon…"
Adrien patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, bud."
Bubbler: Outer space is the next stop for your precious peeps, and they're never coming back!
(The Bubbler jumps from roof to roof and Ladybug and Cat Noir pursue him. The Bubbler flies to the Eiffel Tower. Ladybug and Cat Noir start climbing it while he throws explosive bubbles at them. Cat Noir's ring alert sounds again. His icon shows that he is very close to switching back.)
Cat Noir: I'm gonna switch back soon, hurry.
Ladybug: LUCKY CHARM! (The lucky charm superpower gives her a big wrench)
Cat Noir: Your... plumbing skill is gonna help us out? (Ladybug shrugs, and The Bubbler throws more explosive bubbles at Cat Noir. He dodges them, ending up atop a beam.)
Chloe raised an eyebrow at her childhood friend, he was acting like he did when they were kids. "Plumbing skills? Really?"
Adrien smiled, glad Chloe was behaving normally with him and winked at her. "I couldn't think of a pun on the spot."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "You've really become your old self as Cat Noir."
Adrien shrugged. "It's easy when I'm behind a mask."
Cat Noir: Could use a little work! Is that all you got? (Ladybug begins thinking and her thinking vision shows her a vent, a vent pipe, the screw connecting them, and the wrench)
Ladybug: Got it! (She runs towards the pipe while Cat Noir is still dodging bubbles. She loosens the screw and the pipe comes off. It goes up to where Cat Noir is standing.) Cat Noir, cover me! (Cat Noir takes the pipe)
Cat Noir: Go on! (The Bubbler throws more bubbles at him, but the air flowing from the pipe deflects them. The Bubbler raises his bubble sword once again, but Ladybug throws her yo-yo and snatches the sword, bringing it to her. She breaks the sword in half with her knees. The akuma flies out of the sword.)
Ladybug: Get out of there, you nasty bug. No more evil-doing for you, little akuma. (She opens her yo-yo and it glows pink.) Time to de-evilize! (She swings it around, captures the akuma and closes it.) Gotcha! (She opens the yo-yo again and the akuma is purified.) Bye-bye, little butterfly. MIRACULOUS LADYBUG! (She throws the wrench up in the sky, and the Miraculous cleansing light returns every adult to safety. The Bubbler falls on his knees, the black smoke covers him and he turns back to Nino.)
Nino: Who? Dude.(Ladybug and Cat Noir bump their fists)
Ladybug and Cat Noir: Pound it!
"Thanks you two," Nino said sighing in relief and Rose gave him a gentle hug while Adrien and Marinette just smiled.
"You're welcome," they said together.
(Cut to Hawk Moth in his lair)
Hawk Moth: You can't run forever Ladybug, and when I catch you, I will crush you! I will DESTROY YOU BOTH! (His window screen closes)
"You'll never destroy them!" Tikki snapped, bristling. "And we'll be getting Nooroo back too."
"Tikki," Marinette began cautiously. "He can't hear you but we will get Nooroo back."
Adrien was trying to figure out where Hawkmoth actually stayed from the view they were given of his lair.
Scene: Nathalie Sancoeur's Office.
Gabriel: [on the intercom] Nathalie? Did my son like his gift?
Nathalie: Actually, I was going to check right away sir.
Gabriel: Good. (He disconnects)
Nathalie: (She despairs, looks around, and takes Marinette's gift. She sighs, and crumples and throws Marinette's post-it note in the garbage. She goes to the dining room where Adrien is eating.) A birthday present, from your father.
"What?!" Adrien snapped to his feet. "How could she just steal Marinette's gift and pose it as her own?! And she even threw away the post-it note…Marinette why didn't you ever say anything? This is…" Before he could say more than that, he was cut off by Marinette pulling him into a hug.
"Easy there, kitty," Marinette soothed gently. "You were so happy to have received something from your Dad that I couldn't do that to you. I'm glad it made you smile anyhow."
Adrien whimpered slightly. "But I bragged about it in front of you and…"
Marinette ran her fingers through his hair soothingly. "I'm glad I was able to make you smile even if you didn't know I was the one doing it. Please stop blaming yourself, Adrien. For me?" She made doe eyes and Adrien buried his head in her shoulder blades, not saying anymore.
Adrien: Thank you. I mean, please say thank you to my father for me. (Nathalie nods. Adrien looks happily at the gift.)
Scene: Outside school.
Chloé: (Screaming at Sabrina) What do you mean not for a week?
Sabrina: (scared) There were no adults yesterday to deliver it.
Chloé: So what? Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous! (She storms inside, followed by Sabrina.)
Alya: [to Marinette] Ha ha! Serves Chloé right.
Chloe sighed, a little disappointed in her past self. Mom wouldn't exactly be proud of me either for becoming that bad… "No kidding…"
Alya squirmed. "I meant past-you."
Emily shifted over, hugging her mother and Chloe smiled a bit.
Adrien: Hey girls! (He gets out of the limousine, wearing a scarf)
Marinette: [to Alya] Hey, that's my scarf! He's wearing my scarf.
Adrien: [to Nino] Hey, dude.
Alya: Yo, nice scarf, Adrien. Off the chain.
Adrien: Yeah, can you believe my dad got this for me? (Marinette looks surprised) He's so awesome. He's been giving me the same lame pen for three years in a row.
Nino: Wow, I guess anyone can change. Adults can be cool when you least expect it.
"Clearly not all of them," Nino muttered, upset on behalf of his best friend. "You know I would have liked to keep your Dad in a bubble a little longer…"
Adrien chuckled. "As tempting as that was, no." His expression softened. "Not at the cost of you."
All the girls, except Lila 'awww-ed' at that.
Adrien: Speaking of adults, I know my father said you were a bad influence, but-
Nino: We're good, Adrien, don't sweat it. We're buds. Always and forever.
Alix rolled her eyes. "You two sound almost gay."
Nino made a fake gasping expression. "Darn it, Adrien. Our secret's out."
Adrien played along, faking to almost faint. "Oh crap and here I thought we hid our relationship so well, bud." He wagged his eyebrows at him.
Everyone (even Lila) burst into laughter at that.
Alya: [to Marinette] You gotta tell him you were the one who knitted the scarf.
"You knitted it?" Adrien said to Marinette, feeling horrible all over again.
"Yes," Marinette replied. "No kitty like I said, it's fine."
Marinette: But he seems so happy about his dad. I don't want to spoil it for him.
Alya: Aw, Marinette. (They hug.) You're amazing, girl. You know that, right? And some day Adrien will figure it out too. Promise. (the bell rings and everyone walks in.)
She wanted me to be happy…Now Adrien pulled Marinette into a hug, kissing her again.
"I've already realized how amazing you are," Adrien said softly. "I'm sorry it took me this long." He turned slightly pink as Marinette was as red as a tomato but also laughed affectionately, hugging her closer to him.
