Mistakes were made.
There was no way around the fact.
Mistakes were made.
Marinette grimaced down at the white page, twirling her pencil between her fingers. Tikki perches on her head, waiting for the girl to move. Near them sat a pigeon, eyeing the plate of cookies set on the table. When it hopped over, it jumped when Marinette's voice cut in, "Don't even think about it Jacques."
Those were her stress cookies.
She was going to get to them... eventually. When she was ready.
Tikki lightly scolds, "Don't take your frustration out on Jacques."
Marinette just huffs. "He's a gluttonous pigeon that won't leave." It was bad enough with just him. Now she had a cat that likes hanging around... though he has yet to drop by since that kiss.
"He's a handsome bird," Tikki reasons, floating down to the plate and tearing a piece of cookie off, offering it to the bird.
Jacques made a happy coo, snatching up the crumb eagerly.
"A bird I didn't ask for," Marinette grumbled.
Just like the cat she didn't ask for.
A cat she kissed...
Face going red, she slapped her sketchbook against her face, groaning into it.
Blinking at her chosen, Tikki took a small bite of a cookie, before tearing off another piece and offering it to the pigeon. "Don't stress about it," she advised.
"I kissed him," Marinette told the paper.
"And he kissed back," Tikki observes.
"Tikki!" Marinette hisses, rounding on her with flustered cheeks. "That, that wasn't supposed to happen! That kiss... it... it..." Marinette couldn't finish her sentence, face going red. Tikki just smiled, looking amused and just patiently waiting for her chosen to collect herself.
When she calmed down, Tikki asks, "Is it really so bad?"
Marinette stutters. She squeaks out, "Complications! Complicated!"
Tikki tilts her head.
"I... that kiss with Chat, it, it wasn't supposed to... well."
"But it did. You two got into it enough that you forgot the akuma."
Marinette choke out a squeak, utterly embarrassed.
Tikki smiles. She reassures, "It's ok. Affections are complicated and invigorating. Personally I think it's a step in the right direction!" One of many.
Marinette weakly responds, "But Chat, he's..."
"People change," Tikki bids. Picking up a cookie, she carried it over to Marinette. "And you can help speed up that change." Setting it on her page, she floated up and nuzzled her chosen's nose. "Just keep doing what you're doing. I'm sure it'll work out in the end."
"You seem confident in that," Marinette comments, picking up the cookie and nibbling on it.
Tikki giggled. "If you're as old as me, you can make likely predictions. Time has a way of repeating itself."
"So this has happened before?" Marinette asked.
"You're not the first Ladybug to go through this." Glancing out towards the rooftops, she adds, "And there have been Cats that have gone through what you're going through too."
"Happy endings?" Marinette guessed.
"...The balance is always sorted out in the end."
Marinette gives the kwami a sharp look. Tikki didn't give an explanation. "You kwamis can be frustrating, you know?" Especially when they're vague.
Tikki giggles. "Sometimes you humans can be too."
"You don't need to tell me," Marinette said, earning another giggle from the kwami. She let the topic die down, taking another bite of her cookie. With a flicker of inspiration, Marinette started to sketch, cookie hanging out of her mouth.
Tikki smiles at her chosen. Floating up, she sat next to Jacques, grabbing her own cookie and started to nibble away.
"You look tired."
Marinette stills. Then looks up.
Lila leans on her table across from her, smiling charmingly. Marinette returns it tightly. "A bit," Marinette said. She turned back down to her sketchbook, gliding the pencil down, shaping the skirt.
"Been staying up late designing?" Lila guessed.
"Yeah."
Lila chuckles. "I bet you'll be quite the little designer."
Marinette nods.
"You know, if you want, I bet I could get a word in for you, to Gabriel Agreste."
Marinette pauses, sparing a glance at the girl skeptically.
Lila grinned, olive eyes gleaming. "He's designed some clothes for me you know. I get along very well with him and his family. Especially his son. I modeled with him once." Lila turns away, eyeing her nails, looking pleased.
"I don't think I've ever seen that." She may not pay much attention to models, but she doesn't think she's ever seen Papillon fashions on Lila. Thinking of Adrien, she could recall quite a few outfits that he's worn.
She can't remember ever seeing Lila wear something in a fashion magazine.
Lila pauses, turning her eyes to her.
Licking her lips, Marinette puts out, "I don't think I've ever seen any clothes worn by you."
"It was a private shoot," Lila states, "only two pictures were made. One framed in the Agreste manor, and one for me."
Marinette raised a brow.
"Anyway," Lila brushes off, "if you want, I'm sure I could reach out to Monsieur Agreste, maybe he would take you under his wings. Maybe you would work under him. Maybe you'd even get to meet his son!"
Marinette hums, nodding slowly.
Eyes slanting, Lila lightly adds, "That is, if he notices you."
Marinette glances up.
Lila smiles.
"Is there something you want?" Marinette asks.
"Nothing, just wanted to chat with the class president!" Lila said. "You like keeping good relations with everyone, right?"
"I try," Marientte said, "especially with those that are reasonable."
Lila hums, olive eyes gliding over her. Lila offered, "I did want to warn you." Her smile dropped, she turned to send a wary gaze around the room. Marinette eyed her patiently, waiting. Leaning forward, Lila whispered, "I think Chloe is spreading rumors about you."
"About me?" Marinette echoes, a touch of concern in her voice.
It was a fact she wasn't surprised to hear.
Though Chloe spreading rumors of her now?
For what purpose?
"I think she's bitter about her loss to you, about you being class president? Just, just be careful Marinette." Lila offers a hopeful smile.
Marinette returns it, half heared. "Thanks..."
This was just a week of constant mistakes, Marinette decided.
First she kissed Chat.
And probably made things weird with how she hasn't seen him for a while.
She shouldn't miss him, but she kinda did?
And she just... she made it weird. With that damn kiss.
And now, and now this.
When she joined Max in encouraging Kim to confess, she should've checked. She should have stopped to see who he was confessing too.
But she didn't.
And now there was an angry cupid flying around spreading hate and hunting Chloe. A Chloe that was clinging to her. Clinging to Marinette.
Not Ladybug.
"Chloe!" Marinette grounds out, trying to shove the blonde off her.
Sabrina hovered unhelpfully close, buffering Marinette's struggle to get free.
"He is your friend!" Chloe snaps, not letting go. She squealed when Dark Cupid's shadow flashed over them, she jerked them both behind a flower stand, blue eyes locked on the red and black figure.
"A friend whose mad at me," Marinette grumbles, trying to squirm free, wincing at her throbbing elbow that hit the stand's rim.
Really, if she knew just who Kim was confessing too, she would have told him no. Saved them all the trouble. Or... she shoots Chloe a dark look. "You know you didn't have to do that."
Chloe shoots her a glare. "It was funny!"
"It wasn't worth this!" Marinette snaps, jerking when Sabrina pushed her from behind. Rounding on her, she snapped, "Seriously?!"
"Don't be rude," Sabrina snaps back.
"Well sorry, but its a truth."
Chloe made an offended gasp.
"Chloe," she grits out, glaring at the blonde, "we wouldn't be in this if you just said, 'no Kim, I don't like you like that.' Not take a picture of him at his lowest and send it to everyone!"
Chloe sticks her nose up. "It was hilarious," she insisted.
"It wasn't-"
"Ha haa!" Dark Cupid appeared, bow pointed down to the three girls and shooting a wild shot before flying off.
Marinette reacted, jumping out of the way and carrying Chloe with her with the blonde still refusing to let go of her.
Leaving Sabrina to get hit.
Lips coated black, the redhead turned to them, giving Chloe darkest evil eye Marinette's ever seen. "You know what's really funny, Chloe?" Sabrina leered. "You covered in soil, being saved by Marinette."
"What's offensive about that?!" Marinette demanded, while Chloe released a horrified gasp.
Pulling out her cell and snapping a photo, Sabrina walked off. By a chime of her cell, Marinette knew Sabrina had sent the picture to everyone in school.
Chloe gaped at her, watching the pleased girl prowl away.
Marinette sighed tiredly.
"D-did she just?!" Chloe stuttered.
"Probably," Marinette sighed, standing up and unintentionally dragging Chloe with her. Looking down, she met Tikki's frowning stare. I know, she mouthed to the kwami.
She'd like to see Tikki try and get away from Chloe.
Tugging at her arm, she asked the blonde, "Can you let me go now?"
Chloe rounds on her, snarling, "Are you crazy?! You're my shield against those arrows!"
Marinette raises a very high brow at her.
Rolling her eyes at Marinette's stupidity, she waved to the sky. "There's an akuma flying around spreading hate, Marinette. And everyone loves me, expect you. You get hit, you won't do anything to me since you already dislike me."
Marinette gapes at the blond. "Are you serious?!" she proclaims.
"You know," a voice comes behind them, startling the two girls, "from what I've seen these past few months, I think anyone could replace her."
They turned, seeing a stiff, cheeky Chat Noir grinning at them.
"Chat Noir!" Chloe shrieks. She shoves Marinette at the cat and flees, screaming, "He's going to ruin my hair!"
Marinette stands stiff against Chat's chest, very, very, very aware of the firm warmth beneath her palms. The rise and dip of it as he breathed, that hot breath tickling her bangs, and the weight of his gaze peering down at her. His claws were lightly resting on her shoulders, curving around her frame. She dare look up, seeing his eyes flick up to meet her gaze.
Her heart skipped a beat.
He was staring at her lips.
Her cheeks went pink at the memory of the kiss.
She took a step back, quickly putting her hands behind her back. "Hi!" she greeted awkwardly.
He cleared he throat, looking away as he returned, "Hi."
She felt Tikki nudge her side from inside the purse, silently reminding her the issue at hand. Licking her lips, Marinette lightly teases, "So, another love related akuma?"
He snorts, his tail giving quite a flick. "I don't decide the akumas," he scolds with no real bite. "I kind of wish I did."
"Oh?" she prompts.
"I'd choose something cooler, and more fun. Like... an anime related akuma."
She snorts back, trying her muffle her giggles. "You like anime," she repeats, unsurprised.
"I do," he said, grinning. "Do you?"
"I enjoy a little," she reveals. "Mostly just romantic comedies though." There was another sharp nudge at her side. "Anyway! I uh, better go hide! Kim kinda has it out for me..." She spares a glance at the sky, searching for the akuma. If she was lucky, he was still going after Chloe.
"Oh yes!" Chat hastily agrees. Reaching up and rubbing is neck, he awkwardly offers, "Shall this knight escort you to a hiding spot, Princess?"
Tikki buzzed in her purse.
Marinette should say no. She should reassure that she'd be fine, send him off so she can transform. And yet, she found herself smiling and saying, "Sure."
Chat smiled.
Marinette could feel her purse jerk at her side.
With a wave of his claws, he beckoned her down the empty street before them.
Marinette was very sure she was going to get quite the scolding for this when it was all over. Probably just another mistake to add to her week.
But at this moment she didn't care.
She wasn't even sure if she could remove the grin plastered over her lips. Chat shared it, holding up his claws as he listed off with a tap to each finger, "So Kuragehime, Ouran High School Host, Monthly Girls Nozaki-kun, Noragami, and..."
"Akatsuki no Yona," she puts in.
Humming, Chat said, "I'll have to remember that one. Those are all the animes you like?"
"The ones I was willing to dabble in. I like cartoons a bit more."
He snorts, "You do have quite the list."
"They're good!" she insists.
"Ok, ok," he eased, rolling off their names, making sure he had them down. "Steven Universe, Gravity Falls, Avatar the Last Airbender, Over the Garden Wall, and... The Amazing World of Gumball?"
"The Loud House is pretty cute too. And Be Cool Scooby Doo is actually funny. And Danny Phantom is an old favorite."
"I'll check those out sometime," he promises. Cheekily, his tail whips around and lightly taps her calf. Shooting him a look, she nudges her shoulder against his, earning a chuckle from the cat. Only for his smile to drop when he catches her gaze. His eyes flickered down to her lips, cheeks flushing pink as he gives his lips a quick lick.
Marinette quickly looked away, blushing a little.
Clearing his throat, he awkwardly voices, "So uh... we, we going to..."
He winces as his voice trails, mentally scrambling for the word.
She offers, "Talk?"
Chat jumps for it. "Yes! Talk. About that, the uh..."
"Kiss?"
A strangled mew came out of his throat.
Marinetre echoed his flustered state with a big flinch. "We-well, first off, I, I'm sorry for kinda bombing that on you," she babbled, tugging her hair. "I, I shouldn't hav-"
He rubbing the back of his neck, he cuts in. "I, I didn't really mind. It was, sudden but uh..." Chat's face went pink, and the cat was unable to finish his sentence. Marinette chuckled a little, finding his flustered state cute.
Something she never thought she'd associate with Chat.
The cat was being cute.
And flustered.
And this, this was just so weird.
They were enemies. Or at least, he considered Ladybug to be an enemy.
Even before... whatever this was, Chat was just an annoyance along with every akuma. She didn't think she'd be able to hang with him, share cookies, talk, be comfortable enough to touch, and... much less get comfortable enough to kiss.
But she had.
She kissed Chat Noir.
He kissed her back.
He doesn't know that she's Ladybug and this... this whole thing was a mess.
"Marinette?"
She gave a start, turning to him.
Chat stared down at her, frowning slightly. "You ok?"
"Fine!" she rushed out, waving his worries away. "Just... it's kinda confusing."
He chuckled dryly, looking away. "A bit." Clearing his throat, he turned to her, starting, "Marinette."
She paused, glancing. Her breath caught at the intensity of his gaze, roving over her, settling on her lips before glancing up to her eyes. She licked her lips, drawing his eyes back down. He gulped. "I..."
His ear twitched and Chat jerked forward, wrapping around her protectively. Just as she saw Dark Cupid fly over, snarling out, "He had enough of your affections!"
The arrow hit Chat before Marinette could move them.
Dark Cupid flew off, cackling.
Chat held her tight, hissing into her ear.
"Chat?" she asked, barely aware of Tikki buzzing frantically in her purse.
"M-Marinette, I, I li, lo..." he managed out, his voice strained as e shuddered. Suddenly his grip on her tightened uncomfortably, claws lightly digging into her shoulders. "I loathe you," he growls, drawing back enough to show twisted black painted lips, and the thinning of his pupils.
That was a snarl she knew more.
With a smile, she returns with full honesty, "I like you too Chat. I didn't think I would, but I do."
Chat stiffened, surprised.
She took advantage of his surprise and kicked his feet out from under him. She took off as Chat scrambled up, pursuing her, snarling, "I don't like you! And hearing that you like me fills me with rage!"
Chat pounced and Marinette ducks under him, hearing the hiss of his claws slicing air. "I'm going to make you a scratching post!" he cried, skidding to a halt and diving at her, slashing wildly.
Marinette jerked and danced around his swipes. In a moment of opportune, she grabbed his wrist and flipped him over once more before tearing off. She ducked into an alley, and after a moment of hesitation, hid out of sight behind a pile of boxes.
Chat raced after her, stopping at the entrance to scour around for her, nose twitching as he tried to sniff her out.
Marinette didn't move, watching him prowl through the gaps of boxes she squeezed herself behind Chat.
She heard the pound of wings and the crunch of boots on the road. "Chat Noir," Dark Cupid called, coming into view with a smug smile on his lips. "Now that you-" He jerked back when Chat threw a wild slash at him.
Hissing, Chat snarled, "I'm not working with you. Never."
The akuma looked surprised, the butterfly symbol flaring over his features.
"I hate Hawk Moth," Chat continued then charged, ready to tear up the cupid. "I'll never work with him again!"
Dark Cupid flew away, muttering a curse as he escaped the enraged wielder. Chat pursued him, snarling and swiping.
Alone, Marinette slowly drew out from her hiding spot, pursing her lips as she stared after the two.
Tikki popped, pursing her lips as she eyeballed her chosen.
"I know," Marinette sighed, not looking down to meet that scolding gaze. "I, it was... an opportunity?" she offered, sheepish.
"There'll be other opportunities," Tikki gently scolds. "But let's take care of that akuma." She narrowed her eyes. "You owe me your best chocolate chip cookies for this stress."
With a weak chuckle, Marinette agreed.
Ladybug flew about, barrel rolling onto a Parisian roof. Straightening up, she sought for Dark Cupid, ready to end this drama. Faintly she could hear all the fights breaking out over Paris. Dark Cupid's work was everywhere. But no Dark Cupid...
She tensed when she heard the click of boots on tiles, coming up behind her. "Chat Noir," she greeted, crouching as she turned to face him.
Chat stood a little ways behind her, black lips pursed into a small scowl as he gave her a stink eye. "Ladybug," he returned.
Tense seconds ticked by as they gazed at one another, waiting.
But neither moved.
Ladybug didn't go at him.
He didn't charge at her.
He didn't even slip into an aggressive stance.
He... he almost looked bored?
When his ear gave a slight twitch, Ladybug faltered out of her crouch. "You're not going to come at me?" she asked, eyeing him oddly.
His lips pulled back, showing his teeth. "No." Looking away, his tail gave an agitated slash behind him, twisting and curling about. "I, Ladybug... I have a proposition for you."
She raised a brow at him.
He drew near, tail twisting around his feet. He stopped a few feet from her, still not dropping into an aggressive stance. Ladybug didn't quite know how to react to this Chat.
"I hate Hawk Moth. I want to do nothing more than piss him off." With a tight, unfriendly smile, he asked, "And what would piss Hawk Moth off most?"
Blinking, she guessed, "Me?"
Chat's smile grew, green eyes glinting. "Working with you," he confirms with a slight purr in his tone.
Ladybug completely dropped her stance, not expecting this at all. She pointed at herself, repeating dumbly, "You want to work with me?"
"Yes."
"Just to piss off Hawk Moth?"
"Obviously."
Probably not what Tikki had in mind, but she'd take it. "Alright," she said, setting her hands on her hips. "I'm up for pissing off Hawk Moth." Drawing near, she offered her hand to him, her eyes flicking towards those black coated lips before ripping to his green eyes. His lips twisted before he lightly took her hand, meeting her gaze. She asked, "Do you know what the possessed item is?"
"No." Chat dropped her hand, drawing away and glaring down into the streets.
"I think it's a little brooch," Ladybug offered, coming to stand at his side and joining him in peering down. "Looking for someone?"
"Marinette," he growled, jerking her gaze to him.
"Why?"
"I hate that I don't know where she is."
Humming as she shifted beside him, she clasped her yo yo, starting to spin it as she sought for Dark Cupid. "I'm sure you'll find her after Dark Cupid is taken care of."
He hummed in agreement.
Ladybug threw her yo yo and swooped away.
Chat followed, a dark shadow behind her.
She had to fight her fierce instincts to speed away and hide.
Not today.
Not right now.
Dark Cupid was harder than she thought, even with Chat now fighting with her, this fight.
The akuma was infuriated to see Chat Noir at her side, and got far more aggressive.
And he wasn't opposed to getting outside help.
While Chat had scared him into the sky above, Ladybug was scrambled with her fans that came piling on, infuriated and bitter.
"Tell me who you are!" Alya snarled, gripping the red heroine's shoulders. "Why do you keep secrets?! You shouldn't keep secrets!"
With a great twist, she lodged Alya off and jumped away, wincing as the fans followed her in an angry swarm. No matter where she went, she couldn't get a grasp of her surroundings, couldn't get a break, and much less rush in to help Chat Noir with Dark Cupid.
Quickly jumping up to higher ground, she summoned, "Lucky Charm!"
A bottle of soap fell into her hands.
She squints down at the charm, then looks around the area, trying to figure out how this could help her get away from these fans.
Her eyes settled on a fire hydrant.
Perfect.
With a few great leaps, she dropped near it and turned the wheel. Water shot out, licking the street below and rushing towards the fans that came tearing to her, all eyes locked on her. With a coy grin, Ladybug ripped the cap off and dunk all the soap into that stream, watching it froth and bubble.
She watched, satisfied as civilians slipped and tripped in the wet, slippery street.
Only at the cost of time.
Her earrings beeped their warning, and Ladybug fled away.
Dropping into an alley, she willed the transformation to drop, catching Tikki before the kwami hit the ground. Cracking her purse open and checking, Marinette grinned when she saw that she still had some cookies in there for her. "Eat up," she beckons, gently setting Tikki in there.
The little god presses against her hand, tiredly waving to her. "Marinette," she calls.
The dark haired girl pauses, sparing a fast glance to the streets before meeting Tikki's gaze.
"Love can break all magical binds," the god tells her tiredly.
Marinette blinks down at her. "What?"
But Tikki didn't elaborate. Giving Marinette an encouraging smile, she dropped back into the purse to attack the cookie supply. "Tikki?" Marinette calls after her, only the little god didn't respond.
"Love breaks all magical binds?" she repeats in confusion.
What did that have to do with anything?
She jumps at a sounding rattle above, and looks up to see Chat sitting up with a wince, Dark Cupid diving by with a furious cry. Clasped tightly in his hand was his strap. Marinette gasped excitedly. Chat had managed to break it!
Dark Cupid was going to have a harder time shooting now!
Chat moved to go after him, only to jerk to a stop when he caught sight of her.
Marinette tensed.
The blond's face twisted up, furious and savage.
Marinette sighed and tore off.
With a loud snarl, Chat dropped after her and pursued. When she felt him dive for her, she tried to feign under him once more. Only for Chat to catch on, jerking to pursue, and catching her off guard as he encased her once more. They fell hard to ground and rolled. When they stopped, Chat saddled her, smirking down at her as he learned forward. "Uncomfortable?" he asked, lightly tracing a claw over her cheek.
Marinette snips back, "I can think of more uncomfortable situations."
His expression darkens as he draws near, hissing. "Then I can make this more uncomfortable. I'll ruin it all! I'll tear your hair to shreds, I'll scratch up your freckles, and," he raised a claw hovering it over her eye. He grinned, letting her catch the silent threat.
Wincing a little, Marinette narrowed her eyes at him, glaring.
He tilts his head. "Not scared?" he asks lightly. He draws near, his nose brushing against her own. "Come on Princess," he sneers, "tremble for me."
Her glares up at him, her gaze flickering to the black sneering lips.
Love breaks all magical binds...
She was crazy.
She had to be crazy.
Sucking in a nervous breath, she asks, "You cats can go with the flow, right?"
He blinked at her. Then snorts. "We're flexible," he said. "Of course I can."
He jerks when she cups his jaw. She implores, "Then don't be afraid to follow my lead." And before he can rip away, she hauls him down, slamming his lips against hers.
They both sat stiff and still, frozen with surprise; before Chat's body slumped forward, a deep purr rumbling out of him as he melts onto her. Marinette shuddered as he presses and rolls against her, blowing hot breath over her cheek, while his hair fell forward, tickling her forehead. When she drops her hold on his face, he draws away, sharing a gasp with her.
He blinks dazedly down at her, before straightening, looking confused. "What? What's going..." he trailed, eyes widening when he saw the position they were in. With a yowl, he jumps up, hastily apologizing.
"It's alright," Marinette eased, rubbing her arms with a slight wince. "It's alright. You didn't hurt me."
"B-but I... I..." Chat twisted his fingers about, cheeks going red as he recalled the situation. "I'm so sorry that, that was just so ungentlemanly of me and I, I don't even-"
Marinette pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him. "It's alright," she repeats. "It was just the spell, you did not hurt me, and the kiss brought you bac-"
"Kiss?!" Chat cuts in, looking very alarmed and confused. "We kissed?"
She blinks. "You don't remember?"
"No?"
They both jerked when they heard a snarl above, seeing Dark Cupid haul out an arrow, aiming down towards them.
Chat grabbed her and tore off, racing away before the arrow could hit them.
He didn't stop till they reached her terrace, and popping open her trapdoor, he dropped her down on her bed. Pointing down, he ordered, "Stay there." And was gone.
Marinette raises a brow after him.
Tikki pops out of the purse, stretching. "Well I'm ready if you are."
"Convenient," Marinette notes, giving her head a light tap.
Tikki smiles. "It was an opportunity."
Adrien tightly gripped his bag strap, eyeing the building he's prowled around so many times, he knows its in and out better than any new student should. Most of the people he's worked with came here.
Ladybug was here.
Straightening, Adrien murmurs, "The objective is to find her."
Ladybug first.
Friends later.
...Though he supposes if he could manage the two, great!
Maybe, it'd be better that way!
If he had a lot of friends, Ladybug wouldn't be as suspicious...
He jumps when he feels Plagg shift in his shirt pocket. Cracking it open, he meets the slanted green eyes, silently pressing him to get a move on.
Offering him a sheepish smile, Adrien did as he bid, walking into the school, a little excited to see students hanging around, talking with one another. The atmosphere was so different when they weren't running around panicking!
It was pleasant.
He could happily get used to it.
A muted purr rumbled out of him.
He was actually at a school!
Attending school!
It felt so right and natural to be here!
It took all his will not to burst with energy. He was so giddy and excited he wanted to race and jump around.
But that wasn't a very human thing to do, it'd be weird, draw the wrong attention to him and... Ladybug would totally realize it was him and he could risk that.
Not that it would matter if he found her first.
And he should be able too. Living with another miraculous user, he knows that there is barely any physical change to the wielder. His father didn't seem changed that much. Well, mostly. He had a silver mask covering his features so no real change that Adrien could see. And the most change Adrien goes through was eyes and hair.
Ladybug shouldn't go through much or any change.
She should be largely the same.
He should be able to pick her out easily.
But, as he looked through the female students, he knew immediately that none of them were Ladybug. Some of their hair was far darker than Ladybug's. Some were too short or too long. Wrong build. Too short. Too tall. Wrong eyes. No freckles.
He thought he would easily spot her in this crowd but, evidently not.
Ladybug was here though.
They learned that she attended here, that she had a history book that was only used here.
But where could she be?
Wouldn't he be able to pick her out?
Frowning, slightly frustrated that he wasn't able to find her immediately, he worked up the steps slowly to his first class. He tapped his pocket where Plagg was, quietly asking, "Why can't I find Ladybug?"
The kwami shifted, but didn't answer.
"Plagg come on," he pressed. "You just started talking to me."
"Maybe she's not hear yet," came a vague answer.
"But school's about to start!" he proclaimed.
There was a jab at his chest.
Sighing, Adrien reasoned to himself, "Maybe she's already in class." It was a good sized school. And there was no guarantee that he does wind up in the same classes as her. He'd just have to be patient. It was going to be a long semester, there was a chance he'd come across Ladybug sometime.
Coming to what would be his first class of the day, Adrien paused, suddenly nervous.
This was it.
This was it!
There was another jab at his chest and Adrien grasped the doorknob and turned, coming into the room.
Eyes all rounded on him and Adrien froze.
He had an instinctive urge to turn tail and speed away.
A throat cleared and he turned his timid gaze to the teacher, a redheaded woman. She offered him a kind smile. "You must be-"
"ADRIKINS!" Chloe suddenly shouted, hopping out of her seat and tackling him. Adrien cringed at the perfume that assaulted his nose.
"C-Chloe," he managed out, voice tight as his nose sharply ached. Too much, too much, too much...
She drew away, blue eyes bright; Adrien forced a grin. "What are you doing here?"
"Père finally let me attend!" he said, genuinely happy to share the information.
"Oh wonderful!" Chloe gushes, clapping her hands and bouncing in her spot. Turning around, she pointed to Sabrina. "Move here, now! Adrihoney, you'll sit next to m-"
"That won't be necessary!" Adrien quickly cuts in, hurriedly setting his bag on the close desk, in front of the empty seat. Partly because he doesn't want to force the redhead to move, partly because he didn't think he would make it if he sat next to Chloe the rest of the year. He didn't think his nose would make it.
He looked to his seatmate and tensed when he saw it was the boy that had taken Marinette out on the "study date".
He had to bite his lip hard to mute the urge to growl at him.
He wasn't with her.
He could make this work.
Besides, better him than Chloe.
At the boy's wary look, Adrien offered a tight smile.
He could make this work.
"Alright," the teacher calls, "everyone to your seats."
Chloe didn't leave his side. Looking at him expectantly, she asked, "You'll have lunch with me today, right?"
"Uh maybe?" he said, easing his bag further on the desk, waiting for Chloe to leave so he could slip into his seat.
Only before she moved, Adrien stiffened when he heard a familiar rush of feet, drawing Chloe's attention to him. A small body slammed into his back and Adrien twisted around, instinctively and naturally catching a pale thin wrist, and hauling the girl up to her feet.
Familiar sky blue eyes blinked at him in surprise.
Adrien gaped down at her.
Marinette was in his class.
Marinette was here.
She was in the same school as Ladybug.
Ladybug and Marinette were both here.
His mission just got a lot harder...
Thankfully Marinette was able to snap him out of his shock. Boldly she asked, "What are you doing here?"
While Chloe hissed "rude", Adrien grinned down at her. "Why hi," he teases.
Blushing and pursing her lips, she quietly returned, "Hi."
Before Adrien can answer her question, the teacher cleared her throat. "Seats," she beckons.
Chloe huffed and prowled off.
Marinette drew away from his grip and went around him, rushing to a seat directly behind him. Adrien followed her, seating himself and a little mystified.
She sat behind him.
His mission just got a lot harder...
So caught up in his tense wonder, he didn't notice all the curious, baffled, and plotting eyes locked on him.
I rewatched Mime recently and Marinette had introduced a random pigeon named Jacques. I wanted Jacques to appear in at least one fic.
I almost didn't have them kiss in Dark Cupid, but I'm weak.
Don't mind me, building up to Volpina (I'm eager to try another rewrite on it).