CHAPTER 3

My parents exchange disappointed glances. "You're grounded, Marinette." My dad said. They believed the police? I was on the verge of tears. I ran up to my room, in hope this was all just a very, very stupid, dream. I knew who would believe me. Alya. I picked up my phone and called her. She picked up.

"Marinette?"

"Yes, it's me,"

"Oh. What's up?"

"I've been framed for sending Zoe the death threat," I explained to her, my throat tightening at the thought of her believing that i would actually sned Zoe a message like that.

"What? Are they crazy?"

I let out a soft sigh of relief. "I'm glad you believe me,"

"Of course. My BFF certainly wouldn't do that,"

I could tell she was hinting at the fact I am Ladybug. "Exactly. Someone has framed me,"

"Luckily, you have me. I'll find the culprit, I promise,"

"Thanks, Al."

"Don't worry about it. I'll come to yours after school."

"Okay. See you," I hung up the phone. "I'm so glad Alya believes me, Tikki."

"She had always been there for you. She knows you would never do something like that,"

I hear a knock on my room door, and i go to open it. "Hey Al- ADRIEN?" I scream. He looks at me with a confused expression on his face.

"I um...Brought you ice-cream, since you're probably not allowed out of the house," he said softly, as if trying not to scare me.

"Sorry, i was spooked because i was expecting Alya. But thanks,"

"Alya told me what happened. She couldn't come, since she needed to babysit her sisters, so she asked me to come," He smiled. Such a warm, soft smile. He's so...beautiful.

"You're beautiful- I MEAN- Kind! Kind, for visiting me. Would you like to come in?" He nods and walks into my room. Adrien has only been in my room once. It was a disaster. "So...Your father let you come?"

"Surprisingly, yes."

I tell him what happened. "You probably don't believe me. All the evidence is stacked up against me,"

"No, I do! You're right, but you would never do something like that." He holds both of my hands. "not for one minute would I believe that Marinette Dupain-Cheng would every send a death threat to anyone,"

I feel my cheeks become hot. That...was so nice. Well, of course, he is Adrien, he would say something so heartwarming like that. He is so...poetic.

"Um... Are you okay?" He must have noticed how red I am. He let go of my hands.

"Is it just me or is it really hot in here? I- I'm just going to go to the balcony for some fresh air," Shit. Why is he following me up? We were on the balcony for a while, just and I was lost in my thoughts, before i realised how long it had been. "Much better...So have you got any ideas on how you could have been framed?"

"The only ways are that you were hacked, or somebody broke into your room."

I froze. "I...didn't lock my doors last night,"

Adrien looks at me. This whole thing was piecing together. Now we just needed to pick out suspects. There was one thing on my mind.

"Lila." we said in unison.

"She has a motive," I say.

"And you and her haven't got along since she first came here,"

"You know she's a liar Adrien. And Liars get under my nerves." I say, in an angry tone. He gives me an apologetic look.

"Sorry,"

"I just...It's alright. Let's focus on collecting evidence-" A rhythmic bang at the door interrupted. Me and Adrien exchange glances, and i go to open my room door.

My parents were there, and so were the police. "What have i done now?" I yell, my fists tightening.

Officer Roger is unfazed. "Another message. Really?" He scoffs. He shows a screenshot of a new message. It read: Snitch. You thought we were actually friends? Another gif was there with Zoe edited onto a pig with a sad face emoji.

"I've told you, It wasn't me!" I tried to yell again, but my voice cracked. I was so angry, i wanted to cry.

Adrien pushes me behind him, defensively. "It couldn't have been her, we were on the balcony at that time," He points to the time the message was sent.

"It was a scheduled message. They're quite easy to set up, pretty boy," He sniggers.

I push in front of him, and slam the door. Once i hear them leave, i slide to my knees, leaning on the door. Before I even know it, I'm sobbing. Wet and warm tears streaming down my face, neck, shirt. Adrien looked at me. This was very embarrassing, but i was so upset i didn't care. Adrien sat next to me, and i leaned on him. I don't know what about me sobbing and clinging onto Adrien was nice for him, but it felt good to let it all out.

I eventually stopped crying. And then it was embarrassing. I probably soaked my husband's shirt. "I'm sorry," I mumbled.

"Don't worry about it." He leaned to kiss me on the forehead. I tensed. I glanced at Tikki, and her face read: MARINETTE-DUPAIN-CHENG YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS YOUR WHOLE LIFE- by the time i had finished reading Tikki's expression he already kissed me on the head. I blushed furiously. I heard a bang outside. "What was that?" I started, but Adrien got to his feet.

"Can i take a shower? I'm really sweaty,"

"Um...Sure?"

"Thanks!" He shouts, and runs to the bathroom.

"Well, it's probably an akumatized person." Tikki says, and i nod.

Me and Chat Noir defeated the villain, and i de-transform and go into my room. There's a bang at the door. I don't bother opening it. Then i remember what officer Rogers said the first time i was accused of being Hoaxed37. "Charges will be pressed."

I was going to be arrested. I slammed the door earlier, and didn't give them time to arrest me. Tikki stared at the door. "Transform, Marinette!"

"Tikki, Spots on!" I say, quietly as possible, and escape my room through the balcony. I stopped at a random building. "i don't even know where i'm going! I'm...being chased by the POLICE?" I wheeze to myself. In a shocked wheeze, of course. They would obviously look for me at Alya's house first. Adrien's house. Alya would probably guess i'd gone there, but she wouldn't rat me out, right? Looks like i don't have a choice.