How to Adult

-X-

Author's Note:

Hello, my lovely readers ~

This is chapter 6. We've finally seen Marinette snap in the last chapter. I'm not sure if I am creating too much drama at this point. I want the story to stay believable. Feedback is always highly appreciated. For now, enjoy chapter 6! ~

-X-

Warnings: OOC-ness, AU, adult language/swearing

Disclaimer: I do not own Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.

-X-

Chapter Six: It is okay to be sad

-X-

Marinette's P.O.V.

''Chat Noir…?'' I couldn't believe my eyes. I was sure they were playing tricks on me.

''Hello, Marinette.'' That familiar voice greeted me again. He jumped from my rooftop to the rails of my balcony, keeping his balance on them in a cat-like squad.

''I-I… What are you doing here?''

''I came to check on an old friend.'' He smiled at me.

My heart was still hammering in my chest. My wish finally came true. I reached out a hand and cupped Chat Noir's cheek, just to make sure it was really him. When I felt warmth radiating off of his skin, I quickly pulled my hand back. ''It really is you…'' I took this time to really study his appearance. He hadn't changed much since the last time I had seen him. His hair still had this intentional-messy look, the black cat ears sticking out like they always used to do. His face was covered by his black mask and his eyes were still this hypnotizing green. How did I never notice before how intoxicating they were? I then started to notice the things that had changed about him. He had a sharp jawline, and his body was muscled and buff, like he had been working out. He certainly had grown taller and I took everything in me not to jump him. He really was handsome, the mask giving him this mysterious, sexy vibe. It was then that I realized I was blatantly checking him out, and it didn't go unnoticed by him.

His grin widened tenfold. ''Checking me out, aren't we?''

''I-uh I didn't mean to stare! It's just that- It's been so long, that I- I am truly sorry.'' My words were coming out in a mess and Chat Noir started laughing.

''Easy, Marinette.'' He then jumped down from the railing and went to stand in his full height in front of me. He definitely had grown way taller than I was. ''It's just me.'' He smiled.

It was then that something hit me. I was still Marinette. He had no idea I was Ladybug. I was acting really strange for someone who shouldn't know him as well as Ladybug did.

''H-Hey, do you want to come inside?'' I invited him in. I then immediately scolded myself. Tikki is inside on my bed!

For a second, I saw Chat Noir hesitate, but he then continued to shake his head. ''I'm afraid I don't have the luxury to stay for a while.''

I did my hardest not to show him my face of utter disappointment. ''Ah, you must be busy.''

Chat Noir bit his lip and I swear, it was the sexiest thing I had ever seen. ''Marinette…'' The seriousness in his voice caught me off-guard. ''A little bird told me that you've been having some struggles lately. Is everything alright?''

My eyes widened and I instantly panicked. Did Master Fu spill the beans about me? Did Chat Noir know I was Ladybug? Was he aware what kind of stupid plan I was about to execute, just for the chance to see him?

''Chat… It's nothing for you to worry about. Besides, shouldn't you be with Ladybug now?'' I asked him in a playful manner.

''You're my friend too, Marinette. I don't want you to feel sad. You can talk to me, you know.'' The black cat superhero spoke to me.

It took everything in me not to cry there on the spot. I didn't know how much I had longed to hear those words. I was constantly keeping myself busy with things, just so that I would forget about the drama that took place in my head. The fact that somebody had noticed my struggle and offered their help, made me want to break down and cry. I leaned over the railing of my balcony and stared in the far distance. ''I will find a way to figure out the answers that I am seeking right now. It's not something that is your responsibility.''

Chat Noir sighed and went to stand next to me, also leaning over the railing. ''You know, you look different.''

''So do you, kitty. Look at you, all muscled and stuff.''

Chat Noir grinned. ''Aha, so you were checking me out earlier.''

I gave him a playful shove. ''Oh, shut up.''

''You should wear your hair down more often.'' Chat Noir suddenly said, causing a blush to creep up my cheeks. ''It really suits you.''

''Thanks…'' I smiled back.

''So, how did things end up with that crush of yours, 5 years ago.'' Chat Noir grinned at me.

I shook my head, dismissing the thought. ''That never worked out in the end. He left and I've been having troubles getting attached to people, ever since. I'm not sure if I am ready to fully commit myself to someone, if they have the ability to get up and leave at any time.''

Chat Noir seemed to think about my thoughts for a while. ''You know, if you keep thinking like that, you're never going to find somebody. There has to come a moment somewhere, where you'll have to get over your fears. Being in a relationship will always be scary. You never know what could happen to the other person. But you just have to have faith in each other. As long as you love and trust each other, it should work out.''

I was seriously impressed by his words. ''Look at you, being a relationship expert and all.'' I grinned. ''You got all responsible.''

''What can I say? I'm amazing.'' Chat Noir purred back, causing me to laugh.

''Yeah, yeah, you're irresistible, blablabla.'' I joked.

Chat Noir laughed. ''I understand what you mean, though. Right now, my love life has been non-existent.'' He then shared with me on a serious tone, which took me by surprise.

''You? The great Chat Noir? Unsuccessful in love?''

''I know, I know. It sounds impossible. But it is the truth. After Paris didn't need me and Ladybug anymore, I guess I just kinda focused on other work so much, that I made it so that I didn't have time for relationships. The person I wanted, wasn't around anymore and I felt the pain of that fact every day. But recently, I've been torn in this situation. Have you ever felt like you've been focused on one person your whole life, but in the end, felt like it was the obvious thing to do, and now you're not so sure about it, anymore?''

It was as if Chat Noir spoke my thoughts. ''Tell me about it.'' I wished I could tell him at that point that the one who was causing me so much confusion, was him, but I didn't have the guts to. Besides, it would mean that I had to reveal I was Ladybug. I didn't want to shatter Chat's dreams of Ladybug. He probably saw her as this amazing, courageous, smart person who was brave and optimistic. I was sure he didn't want to find out that his Ladybug was in fact an anxious, insecure, confused, plain-Jane like me. I wasn't pretty, or brave or anything Chat Noir saw in Ladybug. I didn't want to break his heart and disappoint him. Even if that meant that I had to break my own heart for it.

''Hey, you okay, Marinette? You keep sighing, as if something is bothering you.'' Chat Noir asked me.

It was then that I woke up from my thoughts. ''Sorry. I guess it is just strange for me, seeing you after 5 years. You were in the news, recently.''

Chat Noir's face looked serious. ''Yeah. I don't know what came over me. Something in me just screamed that I had to check that fire out. Little did I know that I would run into Ladybug there.''

''Was it the first time you saw her again, in 5 years?''

''Yeah… Believe me, it was quite the shock. But we didn't spend all that much time together, back then. She was about to transform back and once I knew the fire department had the situation under control, I fled the scene.''

''Don't you want to get back into contact again, with Ladybug?''

''I don't know…'' I could hear hesitation in his voice. ''She will always have a special place in my heart. But I feel like she has her own life now. Our time as protectors of Paris has kinda sailed and we both aged up and took different paths in life. Besides, there's this girl I've got in touch with, lately, who I'm excited to get to know better.''

Upon hearing that comment, my heart shattered. So there is someone else… I then tried to hide my sadness behind a fake smile. ''Oh? You're interested in someone? Sounds fun! Is she cute?''

''She isn't just cute. She is creative, witty, ambitious and crazy smart.'' With every word he spoke, he looked me in the eyes. It almost felt as if those words were directed at me. It only made me feel even more sad, since I knew that wasn't the case.

''I… see…'' I tried to sound as enthusiastic as I could muster at that point, but my heart cracked harder, with every compliment he praised the girl with.

''I hope you'll be happy with her.'' I smiled. I meant it. I wanted to see Chat Noir happy. It just hurt that it couldn't be with me.

''Are you okay, Marinette?'' Chat Noir finally seemed to notice my state.

''I'm fine. Just tired, I guess. I had a big day today. Nothing for you to worry about.'' I smiled.

''You sure?'' Chat Noir asked me.

I nodded at him, trying to give the best genuine smile I could bring up at that point. ''Really, I'm sure. Now, go! You said you had more stuff to do tonight, right?'' I added in a wink at the end, to make him feel more at ease.

He smiled at me. ''Yeah, indeed. Sorry. It was nice to see you again, Marinette. Take care of yourself, okay?''

''Will do! Bye kitty.'' I smiled, watching him jump back on my rooftop, then watching him disappear into the distance. The moment I was sure he was out of sight, I slumped down onto the ground and broke out into tears. I sobbed out all of my sadness, heartbreak, confusion and everything that I had held in for the past couple of days.

''Marinette…?'' I recognized the voice of Tikki. She flew over to me and landed in my palms. ''I saw everything. The moment I felt Plagg's presence close, I woke up. I'm so sorry, Marinette.''

''It's okay, Tikki. At least I got my answers now.'' I sobbed through my tears.

''Marinette…'' Tikki snuggled against me, trying her best to comfort me.

''At least I know where my heart is supposed to lie. Everybody kept telling me. Maybe it is for the best that I forget all about Chat Noir, and focus solely on Adrien. It isn't fair to him that my feelings are all so jumbled up.'' I then went to stand up, wiping the last of my tears from my cheeks. ''Come on, Tikki. Time to go back inside.''

''Are you sure about all this, Marinette? It is okay to be sad.''

''I… just don't want to think about it. I wasn't even sure what I was trying to accomplish. Did I really want to date Chat Noir? Or was I just in love with the idea of him?''

''Whatever it was, it's best you let it go, Marinette.''

''You're right. I'll try to forget about Chat Noir. Adrien is back and I'm planning to make the most out of that.''

''Try to think about it: He made an effort to stay in touch with you, after his surprise party. He has asked you to hang out with just the two of you, he asks you to text him when you're home safe, and he showed up at your fashion show.'' Tikki tried to lift my spirits.

''Those actions can all be seen as just friendly, though.'' I tried to counter her.

''At least it's a start. Come on, Marinette. The time of dwelling is over. Put yourself out there.'' My kwami tried to encourage me.

I let out a laugh and tickled my kwami. ''Alright, I'll text Adrien tomorrow. Satisfied?''

''Good. Now, you might want to turn your TV on.'' Tikki smiled.

I shot her a confused glance. ''Why?''

''Because in an hour, there will be a broadcast of the party miss Beauchêne will be attending tonight, wearing your dress, remember?''

I gasped out loud. ''I totally forgot! Oh my god!'' I switched on the TV. I texted Alya in the meantime and she replied she would watch, to see my dress on screen. I then wondered if I should send a message to Adrien. ''What should I say?'' I asked for Tikki's advice.

''Well, ask him if he is going to watch the show? Tell him about the dress you made!'' Tikki suggested.

''Hmm… I'm not sure. I don't wanna boast about things like that.'' I replied, a little shy.

''Come on! I'm sure Adrien would love it if he could get to see your dress on-screen. He likes your work, doesn't he?''

''Well, yeah…''

''Then, come on!''

I sighed and decided to just do it. I quickly constructed a text, asking Adrien if he was going to watch the show, then telling him about the dress I made.

''Now, we wait for a reply.'' I sighed.

My phone made a sound not long after, and I checked my screen to see Adrien already had replied.

''He says he'll be on the lookout for my dress and hopes I enjoy the show.'' I read out loud for Tikki.

''See, Marinette? Told you he'd appreciate it.''

Somehow, I was getting a bit nervous. ''What if he doesn't like the design? I am about to represent his father, soon. My work needs to be flawless.''

''Ugh, Marinette, come on! You saw his reaction at the fashion show. He and his father are impressed by your designs. I'm sure he can see the time and effort you put into the dress for miss Beauchêne.''

''Thanks, Tikki.'' I smiled at the kwami.

We then chatted a bit more, until the clock struck 8:30 PM and the showbiz channel streamed the news feed of the party live. Nadja Chamack was standing in front of a red carpet, journalists and other paparazzi surrounding the carpet in the background. ''This is Nadja Chamack, live from the hottest venue in Paris to bring you up to date on all the hottest outfits and coolest celebrities that will cross this red carpet behind me. Today is the big celebration party for all the big celebs in Paris, to honor their work and boy, are we excited.'' Then, a lot of shouting and clicking of cameras could be heard. Nadja Chamack turned towards the end of the red carpet, the one closest to the road, where the first limousine arrived. ''And it looks like our first guest has arrived!'' She then proceeded to talk about every celebrity that crossed her, giving comments on their outfits, even interviewing some of them.

''Look at all those gorgeous dressed and suits, Tikki!'' I spoke in amazement. I carefully studied all the outfits that crossed the red carpet, taking mental notes and finding inspiration in the breathtaking designs.

''I'm sure your dress will stand out the most. And I meant that in a good way.'' Tikki smiled.

I slowly started to get nervous. My dress had yet to appear and I prayed the critics would love it.

''And there comes our next guest!'' Nadja Chamack spoke, when another limousine arrived. Out of it stepped a familiar figure.

''She's here!'' I squealed at Tikki. I clenched a pillow tightly in front of me, staring at the screen with anxious feelings.

Miss Beauchêne was looking stunning in the dress. She had her hair in an elegant up-do, some strands framing her face and she wore black sandal heels. Her bodyguard appeared by her side and together, they crossed the red carpet. She smiled and waved at all the fans and paparazzi, showing she was a kind, but professional artist.

''Miss Beauchêne, do you have a little time for Showbiz News?'' Nadja Chamack spoke, as soon as miss Beauchêne crossed her. The young actress smiled and nodded, coming over to Nadja. ''Thank you for talking to us. Let me first start off with saying you look absolutely stunning. Can you tell us who you are wearing tonight?''

Miss Beauchêne nodded, a bright smile on her face. ''I'm wearing a dress designed and made by Marinette Dupain-Cheng tonight. She is an amazing, young talented fashion designer. I love her work.''

''Well, you certainly look stunning in it!''

In the meantime, I was squealing and squeezing Tikki against me in excitement.

''Careful Marinette, you're going to crush me.'' The tiny kwami said, half laughing.

''She said my name! On TV! For everybody to hear! Oh my god, Tikki! I can't believe it!''

''Congratulations, Marinette.'' Tikki smiled. ''I'm glad to see you're feeling better.''

Upon that comment, my smile faltered a bit. ''I just don't want to think about it, anymore. I just want to focus on all the positive stuff. And right now, that's this party.''

I then turned my eyes back on the screen, seeing how Nadja Chamack asked miss Beauchêne some more questions about her acting work, before the young actress moved on down the red carpet. Not long after that, I received a text from Alya, saying my dress looked gorgeous and that I should be proud. My smile widened, but my attention then got caught by a lot of female squeals and screams coming from the TV. I looked up and saw a lot of camera flashes going off. Nadja turned towards the source and smiled.

''There he is! One of Paris' most famous models and desired bachelors. The son of Gabriel Agreste; Adrien Agreste!''

Upon hearing that, I nearly fainted. ''A-Adrien?!'' I watched the screen and there he was, on the end of the red carpet, the Gorilla on his side.

''Marinette, did you know he would be attending?'' Tikki asked me in surprise.

''N-No! He never told me anything!'' I replied. The shock in my voice wasn't hard to miss. I stared at my middle-school crush, no words coming out.

He was wearing a professionally tailored suit, most probably designed by his father, and his smile was charming as he waved a hand at the cameras and saluted towards the fans, who then screamed in response. He then made his way over the red carpet, before Nadja Chamack waved at him and asked him if he had time for her show. Adrien then joined her and smiled towards the camera's.

''Mr. Agreste, might I say you look amazing in your suit?''

''Just Adrien is fine.'' Adrien smiled. ''And thanks for the compliment. It was designed by my father. He sadly couldn't make it tonight.''

''That is a shame, although it is lovely to see you here. Anything you'd like to say to your fans?''

''Of course!'' Adrien then turned towards the camera. ''I'd like to thank you all for your support. I have had some difficulties in my private life, but thanks to you all, I'm feeling a lot better.''

''That is sweet to say. I'm sure the fans love to see you in good spirits.'' Nadja Chamack replied to him.

Upon hearing that, another wave of shouting and screaming could be heard from the fans, which made Adrien laugh.

''Tell us, Adrien, is there anyone special in your life? I'm sure Paris is dying to know if its famous bachelor is still available or not.''

Upon hearing that, Adrien let out a little chuckle. ''I don't really want to share too much of my private life, but let's just say there is someone who I'd like to get to know a little better.''

My heart stood still once I heard that. Could that have been about me? Or is there another girl in Adrien's life. That statement made me think. For once, I wasn't even sure who Adrien was hanging out with, besides me. It could very well be possible that he was hanging out with others girls. Maybe he even had an interest in one. I shouldn't immediately think he was talking about me. A little bit of my gloominess returned, once I processed that thought. Adrien could very well be interested in another girl right now. Just like… Chat Noir. I almost wanted to turn the TV off, once that thought crossed my mind.

''Adrien, thank you for talking to us. I hope you have fun at the party.'' Nadja Chamack smiled at Adrien.

''I sure will. Thank you, Paris!'' Then, Adrien waved towards the camera and made his way down the red carpet. Once he was inside, I turned the TV off.

''Tikki… Why am I never lucky when it comes to romance?'' I buried my face in a pillow I was holding all this time and sighed.

''Because love is never easy, Marinette. But don't get down in the dumps now. We don't know for sure who Adrien was talking about, but it could've easily been you. After all, since he came back, he has put in an effort to stay in touch with you.'' My little kwami tried to advise me.

''But who says that he isn't just doing that because we used to be friends? What if he sees me as just a friend? Am I really… that unattractive?'' The last words came out as a whisper.

''Come on, Marinette! Of course you are attractive! You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You are an amazing person and any boy should be lucky to be able to call you theirs, if it ever came to that.''

I removed my head from the pillow and gave a sad smile to Tikki. ''Thanks, Tikki. But I just can't help but thinking something's wrong with me. First, Chat Noir drops the news he is interested in someone. And then I find out Adrien also wants to get to know someone better.''

''I can't speak for Chat Noir, but when it comes to Adrien, I do think he's talking about you.''

''Maybe so… I just can't believe it, at this point.'' I let out a long sigh and then headed towards the bathroom. ''I need to clear my head.''

I undressed and turned on the shower, then stepping inside and plopping down on the flooring, letting the hot water hit my head, as I hugged my knees. Tikki stayed in the living room, to give me some space, I assumed. I tried to process everything the day had brought me. Chat Noir had visited me, knowing he was going to see Marinette, and not Ladybug. I still wondered how he got notified on my situation. My suspicions were that Master Fu had reached out to him. Does he suspect me now of being Ladybug? I couldn't interpret the situation at all. I let out a sigh and dropped my head on my knees, letting the hot water clatter on my back. My thoughts quickly went towards Adrien and how he had mentioned he was looking forward to getting to know someone better. I really was unlucky in love. After moping in the shower for a little while longer, I dried myself off and got dressed into my sleeping wear, letting myself plop down onto my bed.

''Did the shower help clear your thoughts?'' Tikki asked me.

''Not really...'' I replied with a sigh.

''Try to get some sleep, Marinette. Isn't tomorrow your day off?''

''Yes it is.''

''Then sleep in! Take it easy. Just focus on things that make you happy.''

''I'll try…'' I turned off the lights and crawled underneath the covers of my bed. ''Good night, Tikki.''

''Good night, Marinette.''

I closed my eyes, but sleep wouldn't come. I spent hours tossing and turning before I finally drifted away.

-X-

The next day, I woke up, feeling groggy. I went to make myself some coffee and dropped down on my couch, checking my phone to see if anything had been going on. My eyes widened upon seeing I had received a message from Adrien yesterday evening, half an hour after I had decided to go to sleep.

''Spotted your dress tonight. It looks amazing, Marinette. You truly are talented. I hope you weren't too shocked to see me on TV. Sorry for not telling you, but I thought it would be fun to surprise you. For now, have a great evening and we'll talk soon. Adrien.'' I read out loud for Tikki to hear.

''Look at that! Adrien messaged you! Text him back, Marinette!''

''But what should I say?'' I sounded unsure.

''Ask him how his party was! You promised me you'd text him today! No ifs and buts!''

I sighed. Tikki was right. I did promise that. I typed a message for him to read once he woke up. I was sure he would sleep in, guessing that parties like yesterday would be a little exhausting.

''What about this, Tikki?'' I asked the opinion of my Kwami, as I read out the text to her. ''Good morning, Adrien. You really surprised me yesterday. I hope you had fun at your party. Thanks for the compliments about my dress. Do you feel like grabbing lunch today? Let me know! Marinette.''

''That is amazing! Send it!'' Tikki smiled at me.

I sent the text and quickly put my phone away, almost afraid as if his response would be instant. As I took another sip from my coffee, I walked towards my balcony and looked at all the people who passed by. It was early in the morning, around 7:30 AM and most people were heading towards work. It was then that I realized that the company I worked for, was now officially under Gabriel Agreste's concern. We were now part of his company. He was now my big boss. I took a deep breath, trying to let that thought sink in. My phone then buzzed and I took a look at the screen, to see Adrien had actually replied to my text.

''Ohmygosh, Tikki! He already replied! What do I do?''

''Duh? Read it, Marinette! What does it say!'' Tikki smiled at me, an excited glance in her eyes.

I opened the text and read the message out loud for Tikki to hear. ''Good morning, Marinette! I see you are up early. Yesterday was fun, but parties like that aren't really my thing. The happiest moment that evening was my head hitting my pillow, haha! I'm up for lunch. How does 1 PM sound, at 'Cuisine délicieuse'? My treat! Let me know! Adrien.''

''Good job, Marinette! You just scored yourself a lunch date!'' Tikki smiled.

''Define the word 'date' in this situation. Isn't it just two friends, going out for lunch, because they work for the same company now?''

''Then why would he insist on paying?''

''Because he is nice?''

''It doesn't matter for now! You gotta make sure you look cute!''

I sighed. ''Tikki, you're going to give me false hope with all that enthusiasm of yours.''

''I'm not trying to give you false hope, Marinette. I just want you to see things from the bright side. You gotta make the most of it! Even if he was talking about another girl, yesterday evening, there is still time to change his mind, you know.''

''Tikki, you are impossible.''

''No, I am your kwami and I want to see you happy.''

I rolled my eyes. ''Whatever.'' But I couldn't help but smile at the end.

''Now, text Alya! Maybe she wants to help out.''

''You are so demanding today, Tikki!''

''It's because you won't get things done, otherwise.''

''Fair point.'' I laughed.

I texted Alya, explaining the situation, then proceeded to respond to Adrien's text, letting him know I'd be there at 1 PM. The moment I finished my text, the screeching of tires could be heard and then, a loud crash. I instantly knew something had gone horribly wrong, and that it had happened close by. I leaned over my balcony, so I could see around the corner and saw two cars had crashed into one another, the front side of both cars completely dented. I feared for the lives of the passengers inside and knew I had to do something. After all, I had the power and the courage now, to transform into Ladybug.

''Tikki, we have to help!'' I spoke to my Kwami, who had a determined glance in her eyes.

She nodded and I took a stance. ''Tikki, spots on!''

The familiar feeling of my transformation gave me courage. I knew I had the strength now to save lives. And that was exactly what I was going to do.

-X-

After my transformation, I yo-yoed myself towards the car crash and landed on the road.

''Everyone, I need someone to call 911 and I need people to block the road. Please assist me in this!'' I shouted towards people, who had stepped out of their cars to check upon the crash. I saw people following my instructions, and I focused myself on the two wrecked cars. Behind the wheel of the first car was a middle-aged man in a suit. He had probably been on his way towards an office somewhere. He was currently unconscious and he was bleeding from his forehead. Luckily, his airbags had gone off, and I quickly checked if he had a pulse, which was the case. In the state he was currently in, I couldn't see if he had any broken bones, so getting him out of the car was going to be difficult. Luckily, the state of the car hadn't been as bad as the car opposite of it, so I knew pulling this man out wasn't impossible. I knew in the back of my head that you shouldn't try to move people out of vehicles after car crashes, unless the car is on fire. That didn't seem the case with this car, so I instructed people to keep an eye on the man, while they had to wait for the paramedics to arrive. I then quickly made my way over towards the other car, which ended up way worse than the other car. Through the shattered glass, I could discover two people in the front seats; one in the driver seat, and one in the passenger seat. Both were covered in blood and both seemed unresponsive. It was then that my heart sank even more. In the backseat were two children, one girl and a boy. The boy seemed unconscious, but the girl stared at me in horror with widened eyes. I was surprised to see her being conscious, considered the smack the car made, and seeing the airbags hadn't gone off.

''Don't worry, I'll try to get you out of there!'' I told the girl, who didn't seem to register my words, instead keeping her eyes on me, silent sobs escaping her body.

I noticed that it would be impossible to reach the backseat, since the car frame had been deformed in such a way, that the passengers in the backseat were clamped. It was then that I noticed the blood trickling down the young girl's arm.

''Hold on, okay? I'm gonna try my best to free you.'' I told the girl.

Meanwhile, I bit my lip. I was too scared to look at the parents of the two children. Their injuries were so severe, I wasn't quite sure if they were going to make it. If only Chat Noir was here! I could really use his Cataclysm right now. I tried to think of another solution. Would my Lucky Charm help in a situation like this? It was then that finally heard the sirens of the ambulance and fire department approaching. I soon didn't have to face this problem alone anymore. I felt so powerless. I was Ladybug, yet there was nothing I could do for these people. Chat Noir would've been a much bigger help in a situation like this, his Cataclysm able to free the people in the car. Lives could've been lost, and there wasn't anything I could do about that. It was then that I started pondering if I should've come out at all, if I ended up being useless, anyway. My eyes then met the girl in the backseat, and they immediately brought me back to reality. I didn't care how useless I was at this point. I was going to try my best to free her.

''Lucky Charm!'' I shouted, throwing my yo-yo in the air. What dropped down in my hands, left my mind blank. ''A book for sign language…'' I then looked at the girl and it instantly clicked. She was deaf and couldn't hear me reassuring her. My lucky charm was letting me know that there was nothing I could do in this situation, other than trying to communicate with this girl. So that's what I was set on doing. I looked into the book and found the sign for 'help', so I signed that to her and I could see her eyes widen a bit. She then tried to lift her arms to sign back to me, but she instantly winced. I then quickly looked up the sign for 'move', and then I made a denying gesture right after that. She somehow seemed to understand me. I admired the girl for her patience towards me, considering she was in the backseat of a car that had horribly crashed, her brother next to her, unconscious and her parents in the front seat, not moving as well.

''Ladybug, you are here.'' I suddenly got interrupted by a paramedic. I turned my attention towards them.

''I am sorry that I couldn't be of any assistance in this situation. I tried what I could, but I came to the conclusion that waiting for the paramedics was the best thing to do.

''You handled well. Now, if you'll excuse us, can you please step back a bit. We'll do an attempt to free the people in the vehicle.''

''The girl in the backseat is still conscious.'' I quickly explained. ''And she's deaf. She only understands sign language.''

The paramedic nodded, and I then took a couple of steps back, watching the paramedics at work. It was then that I realized that I had used my Lucky Charm and that my earrings were beeping, letting me know I was going to change back soon. I explained the situation towards the paramedics and, with a broken heart, fled the scene and the deaf girl, knowing there was nothing I could do.

-X-

Once inside my apartment, I immediately leaned over my balcony to get a good view of the situation, tears streaming down my face.

''Tikki… We… We were useless! There was a car crash! People are injured! And there was nothing that I could do as Ladybug!'' I sobbed. ''I couldn't save them!''

''Marinette, you tried your best. You did what every civilian should've done. You took control of the situation and made sure help was on its way. And you comforted that little girl in a way nobody could've done at that point. You were able to sign to her. She must've been relieved there was somebody out there that had noticed her. Don't think you were useless, Marinette.''

''It sure feels that way…'' I sighed. My heart felt broken. I really feared for the lives of the people in those cars. I wondered if they were going to be okay. It was then that my eyes widened. In the middle of the road dropped down a familiar young adult in black leather. ''Chat Noir…'' I breathed.

I watched how he talked to some of the paramedics, and it wasn't until long before he used his cataclysm on one of the car frames, to make it disappear, making it much easier for the paramedics to free the people from their cars.

''He is so useful in this situation…'' I spoke in a sad undertone.

''You were useful too, Marinette.'' Tikki tried to cheer me up.

''No, I was not!'' I suddenly shouted angrily, facing Tikki. ''All I did was sign from a stupid book, while Chat Noir is actually saving lives down there. I am nothing anymore, Tikki.''

''Then what was that fire in that building, days ago, hm? Were you useless there, too? You saved lives there, Marinette! But there will be situations in life where you sadly won't be able to help much. Don't get discouraged by this situation, Marinette. Paris still needs you. You and Chat Noir!''

I let out a long sigh, burying my face in my hands. ''Thanks for the effort, Tikki, but right now, there isn't really anything you can say to make me feel better.'' With a sad glance, I kept staring at the situation until the last paramedic had left the scene and the tow truck had taken away the two car wrecks. I felt numb. Useless. Weak. I had watched Chat Noir use his cataclysm and him leaving the scene roughly 5 minutes after. He had been there shorter than I had been, but he had been able to do so much more than me. I heard my phone ringing in the background, but the sound didn't fully register in my head. I was frozen on my balcony.

''Marinette, Alya is calling. Maybe it's good for you to speak to a friend right now.''

I sighed and then gave a small nod. ''Fine…'' I walked towards my bed, where I had dropped my phone earlier, and picked up.

''Hi, Alya.''

''Mari! What's up with you? You sound down! I have been calling you for the last 30 minutes, but you didn't pick up.''

''Sorry, I was… occupied.''

''What happened, Mari?''

''There was a car crash practically next to my apartment. By the looks of it, it was severe.''

''Oh god… That was by your apartment? There already had been reports about in on news sites. They mentioned Ladybug and Chat Noir had been there to help out. Did you see them, too?''

''I did… Ladybug was kind of useless in the situation. But Chat Noir… He really had been of assistance.''

''Ladybug? Useless? That doesn't sound like the Ladybug I know. I'm sure she has done all she could to help out.''

''I don't know, Alya. All I know is that I feel like crap right now.''

''Want me to come over?''

''That would be nice.''

''On my way!''

We said our goodbyes and then, I hung up the phone. I stared in front of me, looking at nothing in particular. I had learned something at that moment. I had learned that being Ladybug didn't always mean I could be of assistance. I had learned that being Ladybug didn't always guarantee a good ending. I had learned that I could no longer hide behind Ladybug. I had learned that me and Ladybug weren't that different from each other at all. There was one thing on my mind.

''How the hell do I face Chat Noir after this…''

Did he consider me weak? Useless? Did I just crush his image of Ladybug? The brave heroine who always had a plan? If there was one thing I knew at that point, it was this: No matter if Chat Noir still had wanted me, after this incident, I was sure that wasn't the case anymore.

-X-

End of Chapter Six

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Author Note:

Hello, my dear readers. Phew, this was an intense chapter to write. I wanted this chapter to truly depicture how life can be. There are moments in life where you are simply unable to do a thing. Or moments where you get rejected or your heart crushed. And that is something you have to come to terms with, and accept. I wanted to show how somebody as bright and heroic as Marinette deals with the realization that even she sometimes can be helpless in a situation. For her, it must come as a shock. I want her to think about the role she plays in modern day Paris, years after she hasn't been Ladybug. I hope this chapter wasn't all too heavy and that you guys still are excited to continue reading this story. I really appreciate all of your kinds reviews and read every single one of them. For now, I thank you for reading this chapter and I will see you at the next chapter. Lots of love! ~

ShySnowWolf

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