How to Adult

-X-

Author's Note:

Hello, my cute readers ~

Welcome to Chapter 7. So far, I think I've showed why this story has the label 'Angst'. A lot has happened in Marinette's life, both good and bad, and I hope you are excited to see what more life has in store for her. Enjoy the chapter! ~

-X-

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

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

-X-

Chapter Seven: It finally makes sense

-X-

Marinette's P.O.V.

''I came here as soon as I could!'' Alya spoke, entering my apartment as I opened the door for her.

''Thanks for coming over.'' I replied. There was still a sad undertone in my voice. The events from an hour ago were still fresh on my mind.

Alya walked over towards me and wrapped me in a hug. ''Of course! You were just an innocent bystander. There wasn't much you could do.''

Oh, Alya, you have no idea… I smiled nonetheless. ''You want anything to drink?''

''Nah, I'm good. Let's try to focus on something more positive, okay? Are you still going to meet Adrien at 1 PM for lunch?''

I nodded. ''I think I still want to go.''

''Good!'' Alya smiled. ''Then we have to decide what you're going to wear!''

''Alya, it's just a lunch date between friends. I don't see why I have to get all dolled up.''

''Nonsense. You have to impress that guy with your beauty. And I am here to help.''

I rolled my eyes. Once Alya had something in her head, it was impossible to keep her from doing otherwise. ''Fine… What do you suggest?''

''We don't want to go over the top. We want to go with a look that is casual, but also appealing.'' Alya had already walked over towards my closet and she was staring at all of her options. It didn't take her long to pick out something, and she laid out the pieces of clothing on my bed. ''Here, try this!''

''What did you pick?'' I looked at my bed and saw neutral and pastel colors.

''How about we go for a white, off the shoulder, frilly blouse, with a salmon-pink cardigan on top of that, leaving it unbuttoned. Then, light grey ripped jeans underneath that and your pastel-blue Vans should do the trick!'' She then shook her head. ''Ridiculous, right? You are the fashion designer here, but in the end, it is still me who picks out your clothes.''

I giggled. ''I am good at designing formal wear and special designs. You know casual clothing is my weakest point.''

''I know, I know. That's why you got me.'' She smiled. ''Now, put it on!''

I complied and put on the outfit she had laid out for me. After being done, I took a look in my mirror and I had to say, Alya had done a good job. I looked casual, but cute too.

''Now, for the accessories. A silver ring with a vine-design will do. Oh, and don't forget this silver lotus necklace.''

''You really go all-out, don't you?'' I giggled.

''Less talking and more accessorizing please.''

I shrugged and put on the jewelry she had picked out.

''Now, for your hair. I think I like it when it is loose like this. Let's just curl the ends.'' Alya made me sit down on a chair, while she heated up my hair curler and did my hair.

''Maybe you should pursue a career in fashion as well.'' I joked.

''Nah, I love my job. It feels amazing to be able to get paid for doing something that I love.''

I smiled. ''I still can't believe that, after the LadyBlog, your new blog got so famous. I do have to say, I love your articles.''

''Of course you do. I know what I'm doing.'' We both laughed after that. ''But seriously. Being a blogger gives me so much freedom. I can write about anything I'd like and the gifts and donations my readers give me provide me with enough allowance to make it through the month. What else can I wish for?''

I smile, happy for her. It didn't take Alya long to finish my hair.

''Et voilà!'' She smiled, releasing the last curl from the hair curler.

''Thank you so much, Alya.'' I smiled at her.

''Adrien won't be able to keep his eyes off of you. You look super cute.''

''Let's hope so.'' I smiled. I had to admit, Alya had made me feel a lot better. It was great to have her as my best friend.

''Okay, it is 10 AM now. We still have 3 hours to go before mister supermodel expects you for lunch. What do you wanna do?'' Alya asked me.

''Wanna watch a super cheesy movie and comment on everything that doesn't make sense?'' I suggest.

''Ohmygod, YES! And I know just the movie for that.''

It wasn't long until we were both sitting on my couch, watching High School Musical, while both making comments about how non-realistic high school-life was depictured. We both laughed our asses off and sung along to every song that was sung.

-X-

After finishing the movie, me and Alya talked a little more afterwards, and two and a half hours had passed and I had 30 minutes left to meet Adrien. I said goodbye to Alya and thanked her for her help. She insisted on letting her know how my lunch date with Adrien went and then left my building. After she was gone, I plopped down on the couch and Tikki came up to me.

''You look a little better, now that Alya has visited.''

''I do feel a little better.'' I smiled.

''Ready to hang out with Adrien?''

I nodded. ''As ready as I'll ever be.''

''Don't be nervous, Marinette. I'm sure you're going to have fun.''

''It just feels a little weird to face him, after knowing he is having his eye on someone.''

''Yes, and that person could very much be you. Now, stop whining and go have a good time.''

I laughed. ''What is up with you and Alya. Sometimes, you two sound like you could've been the same person.''

''We are both just being reasonable. Now, come on, you don't want to be late.''

''Right.''

I then checked if I had everything I needed in my shoulder bag and then ushered Tikki in my bag as well, before heading out.

-X-

I arrived at the agreed lunch spot with a nervous feeling, hoping I wouldn't make a fool of myself. I knew I had a tendency to stammer around Adrien, and I really hated myself for it. I was going to try my best to act as natural as possible. After all, chances were he just saw me as just a friend, so there was nothing for me to be nervous about. With that thought, I walked through the doors 5 minutes early. Once I was inside, I looked around the venue for Adrien, but couldn't spot him anywhere. I figured I was the first one here. I then got approached by a waitress.

''Good afternoon, miss. Can I help you?''

''Yes, I was supposed to meet a friend of mine, but I haven't seen him yet, so I think I'm the first one to arrive.''

''Under what name was the reservation made?''

''I'm not sure if my friend has made a reservation, but he goes by the name Adrien Agreste.''

''Ah, you must be miss Dupain-Cheng. Mister Agreste has already arrived. He has hired off our more secluded table on the second floor of our establishment. If you would be so kind as to follow me.''

With those words, the waitress headed towards the wooden staircase in the middle of the venue and I followed her upstairs. She led me towards a table in the far corner of the floor we were currently and it wasn't until long before I spotted the familiar blonde. He waved upon noticing me and I went over to him to give him a friendly hug.

''Hey, Marinette! Good to see you. I see you found your way up here.''

''Not without help that is.'' I laughed.

The waitress then told us she would check up on us later to take our orders, giving me and Adrien some time alone. I took the spot opposite from Adrien at the table and gave him a smile.

''Wow, this is really something else. This place looks expensive.''

Adrien laughed. ''Don't worry about it. Everything's on me. As for the table. I don't really like getting gaped at, when I try to eat something, so I figured a more secluded would work.''

''Now that you are so famous, I'm sure people recognize you everywhere in Paris.''

Adrien gave me a sad smile. ''I really do appreciate all the support, but sometimes, I'd like to do normal things too, without people watching my every move.''

''Don't worry, I understand.'' I then took a look around the floor we were sitting on. We were seated in the corner, where high windows gave us a view of Parisians walking down the crowded streets below us. There were a lot of plants and flowers around us and I noticed there were a couple more tables in a more secluded setting like ours. But for now, it seemed like we were the only people on this floor.

''You should try out their pasta. It is amazing.'' Adrien smiled at me.

''Thanks for the suggestion, but I'd still like to see the menu, please.'' I replied, sticking out my tongue in a playful manner.

Adrien laughed and handed me a menu. ''As you wish, my lady.''

Upon hearing those words, I froze for a quick moment, a flashback of Chat Noir crossing my mind. I shook my head, not wanting to think about that, instead focusing on the options on the menu.

''So, mister Agreste, how was the party yesterday?'' I grinned at him, my eyes not leaving the menu.

''It was quite fun, actually. But for me, it was more about making an appearance. I am not really that fond of parties like that. It's all so formal and stiff. I'd prefer a party with friends any time over that.'' He then looked at me for a moment. ''I did quite surprise you, didn't I?''

''Yeah, I texted you moments before you were going to walk over that red carpet. You could've told me, you know.''

''Now where's the fun in that.''

We then both shared a laugh. It was then that the waitress came over again to take our orders. In the end, I did decide to go with Adrien's recommendation, so I ordered the pesto pasta. Adrien went for the same option and we both ordered a white wine to pair it with. After the waitress left, Adrien turned towards me.

''Good job on the dress. I was really impressed. Amelia seemed really impressed by it.''

''Amelia?''

''Ah, I mean miss Beauchêne.'' Adrien smiled. ''Her management is pretty strict on keeping her privacy. Only close friends, or people in the business with her know her first name.''

''Ah, I see! But I'm glad to hear she liked it so much. I had a lot of fun making it for her.''

''You truly are talented. Father might have mentioned he looks forward towards your designs during breakfast this morning.'' Adrien winked.

Upon hearing that, a warm feeling spread through my body. ''He really said that?''

''Yup!''

''That makes me so happy! I have so many ideas that I still plan on working out. I hope I can live up to his expectations.''

''Don't worry, Marinette. Knowing you, you'll do fine.'' Adrien smiled. He then leaned back a bit. ''Weird… as of today, we officially work for the same company. You as head designer of your team, and me as a model.''

I let out a giggle. ''I know, right? I still have to process I am actually working for the Gabriel Agreste.''

Adrien then gave me a look I couldn't quite place. It almost looked like tenderness. It caused a blush to appear on my cheeks and I had to break eye contact for a while. For a while, I was looking for words to say or a subjects to bring up, but I was at a loss for words. Luckily, Adrien helped me out.

''So, did you hear about the car crash this morning?''

My heart instantly plummeted and a sad look appeared on my face. ''Yeah… It actually happened right outside my apartment. It was all quite scary…''

Upon seeing my reaction, Adrien shot me a worried glance and placed his hand on mine. ''Sorry, I didn't mean to make you sad. It must have been awful to see it all happen.''

''Yeah…'' Flashbacks shot through my head and I felt the powerlessness again, from when I was there, as Ladybug, being able to do nothing more than sign towards a deaf girl who just witnessed one of the most traumatic things of her life. I had to swallow a lump away that was rising in my throat.

''Hey… let's not talk about it anymore, okay?''

I gave him a thankful nod. Luckily, not long after that, our food arrived. At first, I thought I wouldn't be able to eat a thing, after the topic we had just discussed, but once my nose picked up the delicious scent of the pasta, I came to the realization I hadn't eaten all day and that I was actually pretty hungry. We both duck into our pasta, all the while making small talk. I saw that Adrien was trying his best to cheer up my mood and it was very sweet. We talked about his red carpet moment and it was then that I was reminded of something.

''Hey, you hadn't told me you were interested in someone.''

Upon hearing that, I saw Adrien almost dropping the cutlery he was holding and he seemed to be avoiding eye contact.

''Oh, you're talking about what I said to Nadja?''

I gave him a nod, showing that I was interested in the topic. ''Who is the lucky girl?''

''H-Hey, you're making it sound like something major is going on. There is just somebody who I want to get to know better. For now, that is all there is to it.''

I tried my hardest to keep up the smile I had formed, but from the inside, it felt like I got stabbed.

''C-Come on, Marinette. Can we drop it?''

''No.'' I spoke, still fake-smiling.

''Don't be like this, Marinette. For now, there really is nothing going on. She is just a friend and I am just happy I am able to spend more time with her, as I was unable to do so in America.''

Aha! So he already knew her before he went to America! I started thinking who it could be. A girl from middle school? Someone in his neighborhood? Someone who he modeled with during middle school?

''Do I know her?''

''My lips are sealed, Marinette. Please don't try to find out who it is. I just want to take things slow, okay?'' Adrien shot me a pleading look.

I sighed, defeated. I really wanted to know who it was, but he seems keen on not sharing it with me. He really is serious about her, huh? I tried my hardest to shoot him a laugh. ''Okay, okay. I'll stop.''

We then continued the remainder of our time together, but I felt that the atmosphere was a little more tense, than it had been before. I scolded myself for coming over so forceful, when it came to his crush. When it was time to say goodbye to one another, he wrapped me in a hug, but it felt way more awkward than it had been when we hugged before.

''So… talk to you later?'' Adrien asked me with a smile.

''Sure. See ya! Thanks for the lunch.''

''No sweat. Bye Marinette!''

We both waved goodbye, before both heading off into a different direction. Once I was sure I was safely in my car and no one was around, I let Tikki out of my bag, shooting her a worried glance.

''That went well…'' I sighed sarcastically.

''Oh, come on, Marinette. It wasn't really that bad, was it?''

''I totally ruined it! I practically interrogated him! I made things super awkward.'' I let my head rest on my steering wheel.

''I'm sure Adrien will see past that. After all, he really seems to like hanging out with you.''

''Yeah. As a friend.'' I added to her statement.

Tikki sighed. ''Come on, Marinette. You act like all hope is lost.''

''Well, isn't it?''

''Don't be silly! It's not like one meeting can ruin Adrien's entire view of you.''

''Well, I am beginning to get pretty good at destroying people's view of me.''

''Are you referring to this morning, as Ladybug?''

I looked up at Tikki with sad eyes. ''I really don't need to hear your speech one more time. I know how you think about the situation, but that doesn't mean that I see it that way. For me, it feels like I've failed as a superhero.''

''You know that being a superhero isn't always about saving the day and being the star, right? Sometimes , comforting someone, being there for someone, listening to someone, can be a heroic deed as well. A superhero is more than winning a fight or showing off your skills. A superhero is a person people can rely on. A person people can look up to. And what you did this morning was heroic. You comforted a little girl in the midst of a crisis, when nobody else could. That, Marinette, is something a superhero would do.''

I listened to Tikki in silence, letting her words influence me. I slowly started to feel better about the situation. ''I know I've said it before, Tikki. But what would I do without you.''

Tikki snuggled up against me. ''I'm always here for you, Marinette. We're a team, remember?''

I nod. ''Always!'' And with a much better feeling, I drove home.

-X-

Once home, I dropped my bag on the couch and turned on the TV, listening to the local TV channel that specialized in news that only had to do with Paris. It was then that I heard them having a feature on this morning's car crash. My mood instantly dropped again, and I listened intently, while taking off my jacket.

''It has now been confirmed that two people sadly have passed away due to their injuries, after being involved in this morning's car crash. The deceased couple leave behind two young children of 6 and 9, the eldest still being in critical condition in the hospital. The other driver is still unconscious, but doctors have confirmed that he is in a stable condition. Police are currently investigating the cause of the car crash and haven't been able to make an official statement on the case.''

I froze on the spot, my eyes wide. The little girl I had tried to comfort this morning had just lost her parents and her brother is in critical condition. Anger and sadness washed over me. I was angry at my own uselessness. Hearing that the young couple died because of their injuries gave me the feeling there had been a possibility to save them on time. I had no way of knowing when they died exactly and if there was anything that I could've done to change their fate. But the news made me feel powerless nonetheless. I tried to think about what Tikki had said about being a superhero, and I slowly came back to my senses, taking deep breaths. I knew, deep in my heart, that this wasn't my fault. I did what I could at that time. I had to accept that there would be times that my powers as Ladybug would simply be not enough. At that point, I started wondering how Chat Noir felt and if he was aware of how this all had ended. It would've been nice if we were able to talk about this situation. But we weren't even on the crime scene at the same time. After so many years, we didn't really come off as a team anymore, and somehow, that made me sad. He had always been my partner, and to see how we ended up, broke my heart a little. But maybe it was for the best. I was scared I would get too attached to him, if we started working as a team again. But I'd lie if I said there's wasn't a small part of me, that hoped me and Chat Noir could fight side by side again. I let out a long side and let myself drop onto my bed. Today had been one heck of a day so far, and it wasn't even dinnertime yet. I pondered on what to do and realized I had no desire to be alone at this point. I needed distraction. I reached for my phone and started dialing Alya's number.

''Hey girl! How did it go?''

''Can you please come over again? I need you again.'' I replied, letting a sigh escape my lips.

It was silent for a moment, before Alya spoke again. ''…The things I do for you. Alright, gimme 10 minutes and I'll be on my way.''

''Thank you, thank you, thank you!''

Then, we hung up and I plopped down on my bed again, this time with my face in my pillow. ''I hate everything.'' I said, my voice muffled by the pillow.

''Marinette, you're only saying this because today has been rough. But I know you and you can overcome this.'' I heard Tikki speak.

''I hate guys. I hate crushes. I hate love. I'm going to become a cat-lady and get 30 cats and live in this apartment forever, hating the outside world.''

Even though I couldn't see it, I had a feeling Tikki would roll her eyes by now. ''Marinette Dupain-Cheng, you are not becoming a cat-lady.''

''Try to stop me.''

''Fine, then do it. But I guarantee you, it's not going to make you more happy than you feel right now.''

''I only want one cat…'' I sighed, rolling over on my back again, my voice no longer sounding muffled.

''I know you miss Chat Noir. And I know you struggle with your feelings for Adrien as well. But you'll figure out those things. Just, try to cheer up a tiny bit, okay?''

''Okay…''

Then, my doorbell rang and I went to open the door, while Tikki hid somewhere. I opened the door and Alya hugged me, then walking in my apartment.

''Okay, spill the details, girl.''

I closed the door behind her and sighed, giving her a tired glance. ''I messed it up.''

Alya frowned and I explained the date to her. After I was done, she still had the frown on her face. ''To be honest, I'm not quite sure what to think of this. I don't think Adrien thinks you 'messed up', but you coming off so strong about his love life might not have been good for your connection with him. You should've brought it up more subtle.''

''Alya, you know me. I'm not exactly very good at being subtle.''

''I know, I know. Just don't stress about it too much. I'm sure Adrien has long forgotten about it, by now.''

''I wouldn't be so sure…''

''Don't be so hard on yourself! Things are going to be fine!''

I let out a sigh. ''I really hope so.''

''I know so.'' Alya then went to stand up from my couch, but her foot got stuck into the band of my shoulder bag, sending it flying from the couch towards the ground, spilling its contents on the floor. ''Oh, sorry!''

I smiled at her, kneeling down to pick the items up. ''No problem.'' My heart then froze on the spot. One of the items that I always carried around in my shoulder bag, was my Miraculous holder. I started sweating and did my best to snatch the box away as quick as possible, without making it look too obvious. Sadly, Alya beat me to it and she lifted the box. She squinted her eyes.

''What is this? I feel like I've seen it before.'' She spoke, studying the design on the box.

It was then that I realized Alya had been Rena Rouge before, and I was the one who had given her the Miraculous box with the Fox Necklace in it. Any other person would've thought nothing of the box, but Alya was the only one besides me and Chat Noir who knew what that box meant. I just prayed she had forgotten about it, after 5 years.

''Oh, it's something my mother gave me. It's a Chinese jewelry box. It's very precious to me, so you can give it to me.'' I quickly lied on the spot, holding my hand out towards her.

Alya glanced over towards me and, upon seeing my nervous behavior, I had a feeling I made her only more suspicious. ''Marinette, are you hiding something from me?''

''No, of course not! It's nothing, really. Can I have it back now?''

Alya hesitated, but then her eyes went wide. ''Wait… I know what this is. Ladybug once gave me a box like this… It's a Miraculous holder.''

I started panicking from the inside, but I tried my hardest to keep a calm expression. ''Wait, Ladybug once gave you a box like this? Why did you never told me that! That is so cool!''

Alya started squinting her eyes again. ''Marinette, why do you have a box like this? Did Ladybug give this to you?''

I decided she accidentally created a lie for me and I instantly decided to go with it. ''Yeah, she did! This morning. When the crash happened, she felt like she couldn't handle this alone, so she approached me, asking for my help. But in the end, I was too scared, so I never used the Miraculous.''

For a second, it looked like Alya was buying my story, and she started handing the box back towards me, but she stopped at the last second. ''But if that's the case, then why do you still have the box? Didn't Ladybug ask you to return it to her? That was the case with me.''

''She did! But I think she was so busy with the situation, she forgot all about it.''

''That doesn't sound like her…''

I was desperately looking for a way out of this conversation. I silently cursed myself for carelessly dropping my shoulder bag on the couch. Alya was smart. And she was the owner of the LadyBlog. If I would make it out of this one, that would be the biggest miracle the world had ever seen. But deep down, I knew… I was busted.

''Now it makes sense.'' Alya slowly spoke, finally meeting my gaze. ''You and Ladybug never being seen together... You being able to set up exclusive interviews with her for me… It finally makes sense. I can't believe this.''

I tried to think of more apologies, but I knew Alya couldn't be fooled anymore, at this point, so I let out a defeated sigh and gave her a small smile. ''You finally figured it out, haven't you?''

''Marinette… You are Ladybug.'' Alya finally stammered the words.

I gave her a small nod. ''Surprised?''

''I can't believe it. My best friend has been Ladybug all this time. The one I was so dead-set on finding, was closest to me, all this time.'' Alya started shaking her head.

I let out a small laugh. ''But you finally did it.''

Alya then stared at the Miraculous box. ''You are Ladybug… You have a kwami… You are the one who kept saving Paris all these years ago and who started doing it again, recently.''

I nodded again. ''I am so sorry for keeping a secret, Alya. But I do hope you understand why. I just didn't want to risk putting you in danger. If you knew who I was, I was scared you'd become an easy target.''

Alya let out a long sigh, but then gave me a smile. ''Don't worry. I understand.'' She then let out a small laugh. ''I wrote an entire blog about you, you know.''

I started laughing too. ''You always sent me videos of Ladybug and it was so cute. I loved seeing you so hyped up. There were times where I was so close to telling you who I was.''

''I'm still half in shock. But I think I am more excited now, at this point.'' Alya smiled at me. She grabbed my hands. ''That means you were the one who entrusted me that Fox Miraculous that one time.''

I nodded. ''It was so fun to fight alongside you. You did such an amazing job. I was so proud of you!''

Alya grinned. ''That was the best day of my life. Jumping from roof to roof, feeling so free and powerful… It was amazing.'' Her smile then faltered a bit. ''I just realized something… You were involved with the crash this morning. You tried to help out, didn't you?''

My smile faltered and I started my hands clasped in my lap. ''Yes… Although I managed to be of zero assistance. The only think my lucky charm brought me, was a sign-language book, so I could calm down a deaf girl.''

Alya placed a hand on my shoulder. ''You did well. I'm sure she really appreciated you being there, in a time like that. Being a superhero is so much more than fighting off bad guys all the time and doing incredible stunts.''

I couldn't help but laugh. ''You sound a lot like Tikki. You two are so similar.''

''Tikki? Is that your kwami?''

I nodded. ''She is probably hiding somewhere, but I am sure she has heard the entire conversation up until now.''

''Do you think she hates the idea of me knowing?''

''I don't know. Maybe we should ask her that herself.'' I spoke, an indication for Tikki to come out. Upon hearing that, I saw the little kwami shyly peaking her head out from behind my laptop and flying over towards us.

''Alya, meet Tikki. Tikki, this is Alya, although I'm sure you know her very well.''

As soon as Alya laid eyes on Tikki, her smile widened. ''Ohmygosh, it's so cute! Look at her!''

Tikki looked uncomfortable and I couldn't really blame her. This was the first time since she belonged to me that somebody found out our identity.

''Don't be shy, Tikki. You know Alya can be trusted.'' I smiled at my kwami, to which she nodded.

She then flew into Alya's palms and gave a small smile. ''Hi, Alya. It's nice to meet you.''

''It's so nice to meet you too!'' Alya smiled back, excitement in her voice. If I didn't know any better, she was about to squeal.

''She has always been in my bag, from the day I got her.''

''No way! I can't believe I've never noticed before!'' Alya spoke in disbelief. She then looked back at Tikki. ''Are you friends with Trixx?''

Tikki nodded. ''Of course! All kwami's have a special connection with one another.'' She smiled.

''So cool! So you also know who Chat Noir is?'' Alya asked. It was typically Alya to just come right out with it.

Tikki seemed to look a bit uncomfortable. ''I do, but I am not supposed to share that information, unless Chat Noir decides for himself to reveal who he is.''

Alya then looked at me in shock. ''Marinette, you don't know who Chat Noir is?''

I nodded sadly. ''Even after all these years, I still have no idea who he is behind the mask.''

''Whoa, that is crazy! I figured you two would know by now.''

''Nope, still don't have a clue.'' I sighed.

Alya then gave me a sad smile. ''At least you know he is in Paris, right? He even showed up at the car crash today.''

''I know. He arrived when I just left the scene, because my Miraculous timer was running out. He was able to do so much more than me, since he has his Cataclysm and all.''

''That doesn't make you any less important, Mari. I'm sure there are scenario's where your talent is needed most at that point.''

I gave Alya a thankful smile for the attempt to cheer me up. Then, something came to me. ''Alya, you are not going to post this on the LadyBlog, are you?''

Alya looked at me and let out a small laugh. ''It is true that I have always been dying to know who was hiding behind Ladybug's mask. But don't worry. You are my best friend, and I wouldn't expose you like that. Your secret is safe with me.''

I gave her a thankful smile. ''Thanks. That is a real relief.''

Alya then gained a sad smile. ''Seeing Tikki like this kind of makes me miss Trixx. I know he wasn't officially mine and that we only worked together for one evening, but he was super cute and I would have loved for him to be my kwami.''

I placed a hand on her shoulder. ''I'm sure Trixx feels the same way. But it is not up to us to decide who gets a kwami. That is the job of the guardian of the Miraculouses.''

''There is a guardian?'' Alya asked.

''I won't give out too much information, since it is not in my place to share all that with you, but there is someone who keeps all the Miraculouses safe and takes care of them. He is the one who gave me and Chat Noir our Miraculous. He is also the one I visited when I needed help with your little sisters. Thanks to him, I was able to lend you Trixx for one night, so we could save Paris once again.''

''That is so cool! I'm just going to start praying really hard that he will one day realize I deserve Trixx.''

I laughed. ''You never know.'' My glare turned more serious. ''Alya, you really can't tell anybody about this, also for your own safety. I know it has been a long time since somebody got Akumatized. But if somebody got word of our identities, they might decide to go look for us, for their own interests. I don't want you or anybody that I care about to get hurt.''

Alya gave me a quick hug. ''Don't worry, Mari. I won't tell a soul.'' An evil grin then spread on her lips. ''If only Adrien knew about you being Ladybug. Back in middle school, he had quite the crush on her.''

My eyes widened. ''Adrien liked Ladybug in middle school?''

Alya raised an eyebrow. ''Wasn't that obvious?''

''I had no clue…''

''Whatever , it is in the past now. Nowadays, it seems more like he has a crush on the real you.''

I rolled my eyes. ''Yeah, right. Him, a famous model, interested in me, a plain fashion designer.''

''Plain? Are you kidding? You are extremely talented, Marinette. And you really should be more confident about your looks. You like hella fine, girl!''

I let out a laugh. '''Thanks, Alya.''

My best friend then stood up and glanced at her watch. ''Sorry, I'm not able to stay for long. Me and Nino are visiting his parents and I promised I'd come along.''

I give her an understanding smile. ''It's okay! Thanks for coming over today, Alya. You always know what to do. Thanks for always being there for me.''

Alya wrapped me in a tight hug. ''No sweat, Mari. You'd do the same thing for me. Now, take it easy, okay? Don't be so hard on yourself, especially not about what happened today. We'll talk soon.''

I nodded. We then said our goodbyes and she left my apartment. Once the door closed behind her, I let out a long sigh and dropped to the ground. ''What a day… I had thought it couldn't get any worse but now Alya knows I'm Ladybug!''

''From the looks of it, she seemed to handle it well. You know you can trust her. Otherwise, you wouldn't have given her the Fox Miraculous that one night.'' Tikki tried to cheer me up.

''I know that. Alya is an amazing friend. I just hope this won't backfire, somehow. I'd hate to see her get hurt over something like this.''

''Alya's strong! And maybe, when the time comes that she will be in danger, Master Fu might decide it is better for her to keep Trixx around.''

''Who knows.'' I smiled. I slowly got up and brushed the dirt off of my clothes. ''Hey, let's go over to the workshop. I'd like to be creative for a while.''

Tikki nodded. ''Let's go.''

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It was around dinnertime and I was continuing my Chat Noir-related design. Even though my feelings got hurt, I was still determined to finish the design I had thought out. It wasn't like me to give up on a project. It even might be a cool project to present to Gabriel Agreste, if he ever showed an interest in my designs. Fueled by that thought, I kept on working. While working on the piece, my thoughts wandered off to my day, and particularly to my lunch with Adrien. I started recalling what Alya had said to me about Adrien. About how he used to have a crush on Ladybug in middle school. What if the girl Adrien had been talking about, during his red carpet moment, had been Ladybug? I made an appearance as Ladybug, right around the moment Adrien returned from America. It could very much be likely he had been talking about her. Upon that thought, my arms slumped to my side and a defeated look appeared on my face. If that was the case, I could forget all about being with Adrien. The moment he'd find out I was Ladybug, all his dreams about her would be crushed. I am nothing like the heroic, brave character I made myself look like, when I was Ladybug. And after today, he surely must be disappointed when he finds out I was Ladybug, knowing I was the one who was unable to help in a crisis situation.

''Tikki... What is Ladybug is Adrien's crush? What if he is still interested in the hero-persona of me? How am I able to handle that?''

''For now, I think it's best you don't think too hard about these things, Marinette. You already have a lot on your mind. It might not be good to jump to conclusions. For now, I think it's best if you focus on what makes you happy, and not on what makes you worry.''

I nodded, continuing on my design. ''You are right. Let's finish this piece.''

And with that thought, I kept on working.

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End of Chapter Seven

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Author Note:

Hello, my dear readers. Another chapter finished! Alya finally knows Marinette is Ladybug! And it brought something else to her attention. Is Adrien in love with Ladybug? Or is there someone else in his life? And how will Marinette cope with all the drama that is still yet to come? Find out in the next chapters of 'How to Adult!' Thank you for reading! Lots of love! ~

ShySnowWolf

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