Adrien frowned at his mirror, eyeing the ivory jacket, considering it with his black shirt. Maybe he should wear something else... But it wasn't a fancy event, something he should dress up for. And yet...
"I doubt she'll care," Plagg voices behind Adrien, yawning from where he sat, peering out the window.
Beside him Nooroo shushed him, before fluttering up, excitedly waving his arms around the boy. "Ignore him," the butterfly bid. "If you want to wear something different, go right ahead! There's strength in colors!" With a big beam, Nooroo states, "You can be pretty and scary! Letting all your enemies know not to mess with you! That you're a butterfly on a mission!"
Adrien snorts at that, turning to Nooroo. "What enemies?" he asks lightly.
Nooroo shrugged. "You never know. But you can say a lot with your colors and what you display."
"Just go with how you are," Plagg declared, "she's really not going to care. Plus, is this something you really want to dress up for?"
Technically no.
Marinette had invited him to a gaming tournament this weekend, and the class was meeting up at the library to see who their two champions were. He's sure she invited him along just to watch the games, but if she was one of the players...
A Chesire smile slid over his lips.
Good thing he's had a lot of practice.
Beside him Nooroo frowns, sensing the boy's selfish intents. He sighs and shakes his head. Floating near, he taps Adrien's shoulder, pleading, "Don't take it too far."
"Uh huh," Adrien said, deciding that what he was wearing was fine. Beckoning Plagg into his pocket, he hurried out, eager to get there and see the games.
And maybe have a team up with his Princess.
And have the chance to impress his classmates.
The Gorilla was waiting for him in the foyer, sharing a slight smile at the boy's excitement to get there. Opening the door for him, he beckoned Adrien out, letting him race ahead to the limo.
"Don't get your tail in a twist," Plagg lightly snips from Adrien's pocket as the blond slipped in, anxiously bouncing in his seat.
"It's my first time joining the class in an event Plagg!" he gushes, and his Princess was the one to invite him.
He didn't think she had liked him enough to.
But she did!
And when they stopped before the school, Adrien practically hopped out, shouting, "I'll text you when I need to be picked up!"
Racing towards the library, he slowed himself down. He breathed in, and blew out. Then straightening, he slipped in, trying not to show just how excited he was to be here. He did falter when majority of the class (minus Chloe and Sabrina), turned to him, odd looks on their faces. He offered a stiff smile and wave, frowning inwardly when he didn't see Marinette among them.
She was going to be here... right?
He slowly drew near, wincing a little when the boy that was Dark Cupid leaned close to the one that had been Stoneheart, asking in harsh whisper, "Who invited him?"
"Ah," M Damocles called, smiling encouragingly at the wary blond. "Adrien! I'm glad to see that you've decided to join us! You're just in time for the match between Max and Nathanael."
The two boys eyed him for a moment before turning to the screen.
Max selected MX-01, and Nathanael chose R2D3.
The announcer on the tv rang out, and the two little bots dove at each other.
Frowning slightly, Adrien barely watched, not feeling welcomed. Only to give a slight start when he felt a bump at his side. Turning, his eyes widened at the familiar grinning face peering up at him. "You made it!" Marinette noted happily. Adrien swpre his whole being just perked right up, brightening at the sight of her. A small scoff tickled his ears and he glanced over to see Lila giving the two an annoyed frown.
"I-I did!" he confirmed, grinning slightly and rubbing the back of his neck, as he turned back to Marinette. "Hi."
"Hi!"
"You invited him?"
They looked over to see Dark Cupid giving Marinette an odd look.
"Yeah," Marinette said, sounding like she didn't think it was weird to invite Adrien at all, daring the boy to say otherwise. Adrien shoots Dark Cupid a light scowl. Dark Cupid echoes it. "He's not bad Kim," she reasons, rolling her eyes at the tall boy, and missing Adrien's preen.
Kim frowns, but before he could comment, Marinette's friend rushes to her side, cell in hand. Holding it up, she declares loudly, "Hey Marinette, one of our two future champions! How you feeling today? Ready to whoop some ass with the competition tonight?"
Marinette smiles, eyes gleaming with confidence. "You know it," she brags, puffing her chest out. "I'm hoping there's be some good competition tonight."
Kim snorts loudly, resting an arm on Marinette's head and leaning on her. "Like there'll be any with you and Max."
Pursing her lips in slight annoyance, Marinette lightly jabs him with her elbow. Her friend whipped her cell towards Kim. "Marinette and Max?" she purred, big smile on her lips, "Confident friend."
"Well but of course!" Kim proclaimed, hooking Marinette into a headlock, much to the girl's growing ire. And the near blond's slight annoyance.
"Marinette's like the king at gaming! She's going to be a for sure. Max has been prating for a few months now to get good! They're going to own some ass tonight!"
"Alya?" the headmaster called, turning all eyes to him. He frowns patiently. "Is this going up on the school website?"
"Uuuuh, yes?"
"Please refrain from having 'ass' in it."
Three of them chuckled sheepishly.
Satisfied, he turned towards the gamers, congratulating Max for his win.
Adrien turned to Marinette, asking, "You're going to be one of the two champions?"
"For sure," she said, easily slipping out from under Kim's arm.
Adrien raises a brow, intrigued and excited. "You're that good?"
She just smiles, eyes gleaming mischievously.
Competitiveness sparked in Adrien as he shared her smile. Before he could take it anywhere, the headmaster called out, "Alright, next up is Marinette and Max?"
Wiggling in excitement, Marinette eagerly came forward, plopping in the seat next to Max and accepting the controller. She immediately shushed him when he tried to explain the controls to her.
Leaning towards Kim, Alya asked, "You did tell Max how good Marinette is, right?"
"I did," he said with a sigh. "He's probably sticking to statistics."
"Statistics of what?" Adrien asked.
Eyeing him for a moment of consideration, Alya answers, "More boys play video games than girls."
He eyed her oddly. "And?" Adrien prompts.
"Most of the time, girls don't know what they're doing when playing." Nodding to the two, she states, "Max is about to get a rude awakening about that."
Kim winced beside Alya, watching the screen knowingly.
Humming, Adrien turned to watch eagerly.
He was a little surprised to see that she had chosen LB-03, the Ladybug inspired bot. He would have thought she'd use NAD03, the black cat inspired bot. Especially with her close affections of Chat Noir.
He pushed those thoughts away.
NAD03 was his main bot, it'd be for the best if she didn't use it.
No confusion when they played together.
Eyes on the screen, he watched Marinette total Max easily, grinning all the while as she tore him apart in a few hits. Adrien felt excitement bubble in him as she jumped up, doing a little victory dance as Max gapes at the screen. He was definitely excited to play against her. He watched them as the two came to stand by the headmaster, champions for the school. This had to be changed.
"Alright," the headmaster called. "Now unless anyone else wants to-"
"I do!"
Everybody turned to Adrien, watching the blond beam excitedly, eyes locked on Marinette. His gaze flickered to the headmaster. "I'd like a go."
"Very well," he agrees. "Max, you have a new opponent, the winner will work with Marinette."
Clearing his throat, Max nods and turns to the tv, frowning. Marinette offered her controller, wishing him good luck.
Wishing a black cat good luck, a funny thought.
Flashing her a thankful smile, he took her seat, sparing a competitive glance to Max.
The boy offered Adrien a tight smile.
Respective bots chosen, they charged each other. It took a bit longer than Marinette's match, but Adrien successfully totaled Max in the match, securing a place in the two representatives in the school.
And working with Marinette as her partner.
He could purr.
Max tensed beside him, a slow dark grimace growing on his features.
Not that Adrien noticed, turning towards Marinette with a pleased beam.
She shared it, eyes gleaming her congratulations. When M Damocles waved her near, and Adrien up, the two stood side by side, listening to the headmaster proclaim the two the champions for Collège Françoise Dupont. They were partners.
To Adrien, it felt right.
"I was thinking my home since it's close, but I'm open to going to your house, if that would work out better for you," Marintte said as the two slowly walked out of the school, leaving the giddy student body, excited at their chances of winning.
"I'm up for your house!" Adrien reassured.
"Alright," Marinette said, pulling out her cell, "then unless there's something you need to do, then I say we practice and hang till the tournament tonight."
Adrien was happy to say, "I'm free all day."
"Excellent, letting Maman and Papa know..." she trails as she sent the text, attention completely locked on the cell. She didn't see that she was walking straight towards a light pole. Adrien quickly grabbed her shoulder and guided her around it.
And Marinette was none the wiser.
"You ok with chocolate chip cookies and croissants?" she asks, then stiffens. Turning, she hurried out, "That is, is it ok for you to have them? We do have fruit! For snacks!"
"It's fine," Adrien reassured, gently pushing on Marinette's shoulder, guiding her past a crack in the sidewalk that would have surely tripped her.
And she was still so oblivious.
"Ok," she said, "just wanted to make sure." With a coy, flirtatious smile, she leaned closer, winking, "I won't tell the big man if you won't."
Adrien tripped, earning a startled squeal from the girl. "You ok?!"
"Fine!" he cried, red faced as he hurried up. "I'm fine!" At her stare, he rubbed his neck, chuckling sheepishly. She shared his awkward smile, then cleared her throat, waving him along.
"Right this way," she bid, nodding to the bakery.
A bakery he was finally going into.
Marinette guided him to the side door, slipping into a small blue foyer. Marinette led him up two flight of stairs, calling out to the door, "We're here!"
"Welcome home!" a voice returned.
"Hi Maman!" Marinette greeted, slipping in deeper into the apartment, letting Adrien slowly trail behind her. It was a room full of whites and soft pinks. He liked it. Comfy. Cozy. It was small. Big enough for just a few.
It was a bit strange to see.
Their den could fit into his bathroom easily!
"So your Adrien."
He turned, straightening up and smiling to greet Marinette's mother. Grey eyes slid over him, a warm gentle smile on her lips. She held up a plate piled high with cookies. It took all of Adrien's will not to drool at the sight of them. "I'm Sabine Dupain-Cheng. Cookie dear?" she offered.
"Yes please!" he said, accepting the cookie.
He took an eager bite, humming in delight at the delectable flavor.
"Maman," Marinette lightly scolds from the kitchen, "don't distract him with food. We got to practice for the game tonight."
"I know," she eased, but reached for Adrien, giving the blond a slight start when she cupped his cheek. "But you're so skinny."
"I am a model," Adrien offered.
She hummed in response, then shook her head, practically shoving the plate of cookies into his hand. "You could use a little more weight to you," she mothered.
"Is Papa going to be there tonight?" Marinette asked, coming up beside them, snatching a cookie off the plate.
"Of course. He plans on bringing snacks."
Marinette grinned. "Excellent."
"I hope everyone likes macaroons."
Adrien jumped at the voice behind him. Looking over, he blinked in surprise to see a large man looming behind him, peering down at Adrien with warm, curious green eyes. "So you're Adrien? I'm Tom Dupain-Cheng." The large man offered a hand to him. "You and Marinette going to kick butt tonight?" With a wink, he adds, "I can give you some tips."
"Won't need it," Marinette said, coming u and leaning on Adrien's shoulder, flustering the boy a little, sparing a cautious look at her big father.
He didn't look peeved or upset at all.
With a grin, Marinette confidently said, "He could give you a run for your money Papa."
"Uh," Adrien said.
Her father chuckles. He said with a smile, "We'll have to try sometime."
"I, I would like that," Adrien said quickly, lips curling up.
Parents that liked to play video games with kids. Practically unheard of to Adrien.
"Come by anytime then," Tom said, shooting Marinette a humorous smile. "Maybe you can help me beat her."
Marinette snorts at the prospect, then tugs Adrien upstairs to her room, declaring that they should start practicing. Adrien followed eagerly, balancing the plate of cookies. Like the den below, her room was pink, pink and full of so many different items, Adrien had to stop, taking into the visually interesting room. There was a vanity, a chaise, a dummy stand, a desk full of items, neatly and visually decorated, portraits and pictures hung up over it, and...
"Your bed is high up," Adrien notes, coming in to peer at the loft.
He liked that.
High places were great.
"It's a great spot," she said, going over to a corner and pilling out another chair. "Go ahead and set the cookies on the desk, you can leave your bag next to my vanity."
He did, and paused when he saw a black plush resting on her desk. Picking it up, a giddy spark went through him.
A Chat Noir doll.
She had made a Chat Noir doll!
Unable to stop the smile blooming over his lips, he turned to her, waving the little doll, asking, "Chat Noir?"
Marinette jumped, two controllers in hand, and turned to him with wide eyed. "I... I uh, I like his suit design!" she rushed out, cheek cutely turning pink. "It's... it's cool."
"I'm sure he'd be pretty flattered," he said, grinning down at the doll, pleased.
She clears her throat awkwardly as she blushed, looking away cutely. Adrien twitched, desiring so much to tilt her chin up, press against her lips. Just the mere thought had him licking his lips. They haven't kissed since Aphrodeedee. And Dark Cupid he couldn't remember. He wanted the sensation again, he wanted it detransformed, feel her skin beneath ungloved fingers, and no worry in the back of his mind of him scratching her with his claws.
It was torturous to be this close.
Torturous knowing he couldn't reach for her now.
Glancing at the doll in hand, he considered revealing himself. Show her that he was Chat.
She knew his reasons, she understood him.
And he was constantly drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
His grip tightened on the doll slightly.
He had to wait. As tempting as it was, he had to wait till she returned. He could reveal himself then, could be with her then, no more obligations or help needing to be provided.
He just had to get those earrings first.
His thoughts were broken when she plucked the doll from his hand, and tossed it to her bed above.
Turning to him with a tight smile, she waved to her computer, asking, "Shall we?"
On the loft, hidden from sight, Tikki watch the boy beam and blush over the Chat Noir doll, looking giddy at it's existence. She tilts her head about, antennas wiggling as she considered him.
He was a strange boy.
Something been off since he first appeared in Marinette's school.
She didn't know what exactly, but there was a slight... presence to him, something off, something inhuman.
It made her a little concerned.
Especially with his interest in her chosen.
"You plotting again, Sweets?"
Tikki jumps, eyes wide as she whipped around. Plagg sat a little behind her, eyeing the humans below, whsikers twitching. With a big gasp, Tikki cried, "Plagg!" and tackled the cat onto the bed.
"Hey, you're smothering me," he grumbles with no real bite, patting her head lightly.
Tikki sat up, demanding, "Are you and Nooroo ok?"
"Obviously."
"Since I have no way to contact you, I don't know that!"
Sighing, he sits up and eases, "We're both fine. And ready for this to be over. And to go back home."
Drawing away, Tikki peeks back down, asking, "So this boy is Chat Noir?"
"Yeah, and his father has Nooroo."
Her antennas twitch. "I see."
Plagg sat down beside her. "Nooroo's been handling this more positively than I have been."
"I can see why," Tikki bids, "the boy has potential." With a smile, she adds, "His heart is being swayed."
Plagg grunts.
Tikki turns to him. "You still doubt?"
"This is his father Tikki, and their objective-"
"He hasn't gotten better?" Tikki interrupts.
Plagg goes quiet.
Tikki considers him, antennas twitching. "I don't know if she would take the ring. Even before this, she never really considered it." Despite being on the wrong side, this boy was chosen, and is her human's other half; it was an instinctive and unconscious want that things would be as they're meant too.
It would not be if Ladybug had taken the ring.
She would continue on being partnerless, even if a new promising Black Cat was found; they wouldn't be her true counterpart.
Only this boy.
It'd be a lonely reality.
Turning to Plagg, she pats his arm. "You know there is no way to avoid the punishment," Tikki offers gently. Even if the ring was successfully taken, karma would come to him for his misuse, one way or another.
Plagg grunts, letting Tikki lean on, trying to comfort her counter.
Both sat still, watching the oblivious humans play their little game.
They were going to ace the tournament tonight. Adrien was sure.
Marinette was better at the game, leaving him scrambling to land a blow on him, but where she was largely speed and attack, he had defense and durability; able to last longer than Max.
"How'd you get so good?" he asked, leaning about in his seat, like that could help his bot get around faster.
"Papa," she said. "We play every Sunday. It's the thing we do together."
He falters a little, wincing when it lead him taking a heavy hit. "Together?"
"Yeah, Papa wasn't really good at sewing, but we both liked gaming, it's our bonding time." To him, she asked, "Do you and your father have a bonding time?"
"Uuuuuh, not really, no." He didn't think going after Ladybug counted as a father-son activity. At least, not a good one.
"I'm sorry," she offered.
"It's ok," he said. "It's fine." He flinched when had gotten totaled. "I think I could use a little more luck though." Just in general. Be nice to have some luck in getting Ladybug.
Humming, Marinette looked him over, considering the blond.
He blinked at her, curious.
"I might have something for you," she said.
"You do?"
She scooted towards her drawers, pulling one open and bringing out a colorful bracelet of beads. He eyed it in interest, turning to her as she held it out to him. "This may help," she offered.
"It may?" he repeats, taking the little bracelet.
"It's my lucky charm," she explained, jolting Adrien at the familiar term. At his wide eyed look, she explained, "I... used to have the worst luck. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong. And so, Maman and I made this, giving me a bit of good luck." With a smile, she said, "My luck's a lot better now. If you need it, you can have it."
Adrien reached for it, pausing when his hand touched hers.
He quickly took the charm, cheeks red.
"Th-thanks."
She smiled. Adrien returned it, looking over her, mesmerizing every detail he could catch. The little dimples on her cheeks, the glow of her light eyes, the little curve of her nose.
He jumped and flipped around when Tom popped in, holding a tray of quiche. "Lunch is ready," Tom called.
With a tight smile, Adrien nods, trying to calm the jittery pound of his heart.
Adrien hummed in delight as he bit into his quiche.
This was so good.
It was a must now.
He must stay in her life.
Not only was this cutie such great company, she came with good food.
"I think we're ready for tonight," Marinette said.
He hummed in agreement.
Then gave a start when his cell vibrated. He reached to pull it out, only to stop when the ground shook. Marinette tensed beside him. Slowly the two sat up, turning to the other with shared skepticism.
"Did you feel that?" Marinette asked.
"I, yeah."
Another big shake.
Adrien narrowed his eyes, glancing around.
An akuma was on the move.
"Marinette go inside," he said, crouching forward, ready to rush off.
"What about you?" she demanded, reaching for his wrist.
"Marin-"
"There you two are!"
Both jumped, twisting around to see a giant MX-01 glaring down at them. The green eye glowed.
Adrien reacted before the shot fired. He pulled Marinette up and jumped forward, making sure to cover her body with his as the akuma fired. Adrien jolted when there was a fast brush of lips. He jerked, chuckling sheepishly at the fast kiss, especially as Marinette blinked at him in surprise.
Then with a narrow of her eyes, she flipped them over; dodging another shot. Adrien jumped them both up, and tore off, dragging Marinette behind him as the akuma pursues, shooting persistently after them.
They separated at one big shot, staring at each other with wide eyes, before tearing off in separate ways.
The Gamer paused, roaring as his prey separated, then stalked after Marinette.
Ducking around a corner, Adrien transformed and tore off after them, arriving just in time to see Marinette trip, jerking back up with a scowl, hand flying to a scraped wrist.
Throwing his baton at the robot's metal head, he ducked under it as it turned to look for the attacker. Dropping in front of her, he wrapped his arms around her and tore off. Easily he scaled three floors in a single bound, and raced down the roofs, going faster than he ever has.
All the while Marinette clutched him tightly, face pressed against his shoulder.
Stopping on Chloe's balcony, he gently eased her down, teasingly stating, "We got to stop meeting like this."
With a tired roll of her eyes she agreed, "Yeah, we do."
Before he could leave, she grabbed his wrist, stopping him and pleading, "Chat, my friend Adrien-"
He chuckles, pulling her hand up for a kiss, partly hiding his pleased smile. "Such a kind hearted Princess I have," he tells her knuckles. Peering at her, he reassures, "I'll keep a look out for him."
It was not fair.
Ladybug got to be in a huge giant robot fight.
And Gamer refused to let Chat into his giant robot, leaving Adrien to simply watch this fight.
Would've been better if he had a snack at least...
Adrien sighed as he slipped into the stadium, where the tournament was going to be held. "Adrien!" Looking up, he smiled, perking up seeing Marinette rushing to him, Max following slowly. "Glad to see you're ok," she said.
"Glad to see you're ok," he said, reaching for her hand and giving it a squeeze.
"Ehm..."
Adrien looked over, seeing the nervous Max standing a little behind Marinette. She turned to him with an encouraging smile. "Come on Max," she beckons.
Adrien blinked at the boy curiously as he approached, adjusting his glasses nervously. "I wanted to apologize," Max said, glancing up at Adrien. "I, I came after you rather pettily, it, it was not good sportsmanship."
Adrien was surprised. "I... it's ok," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I... I kinda did snatch it from you..." And got in for the selfish reason to play with Marinette.
The boy offered him an awkward smile.
"Well," Marinette started, glancing back towards the stadium center, where the games were about to begin, she held her controller out to Max. "Better hurry out there."
Max and Adrien blinked in surprise.
"Marinette-"
"Having fun and testing your skills is more important than winning," she said, pushing her controller into Max's hands. "Knock them dead," she ordered. Max didn't need to be told twice, turning around and racing out towards the center, getting a loud cheer from Kim.
"You're not going to be in it?" Adrien asked, deflating.
"Max wanted to be in it more than me," she said with a shrug.
Adrien was tempted to lean over and nuzzle her. Since he couldn't do that, he offered his controller. Marinette glanced at it, then him, understanding gleaming in her eyes. She shook her head and pushed the controller back to him. "But Mari-"
Looking into his eyes, she said, "You need to be in it more than me."
Before he could reply, she sped away, joining her classmates.
He didn't get what she meant till school the next day.
Almost the whole class said good morning to him, with friendly smiles.
His desk mate Nino even tried to start a conversation.
And when Adrien turned to Marientte, surprised at this shift of attitude, she just had this pleased knowing smile on her lips.
Lila clutched the railing, praying she was out of sight of Howler as the large werewolf akuma snarled out.
M Howsworth snapped, fed up with the interruptions of Kim and Alix, planning some dumb bet that majority of her classmates wanted to go too.
Unfortunately for Lila, she hadn't been able to slip away, and was practically trapped on the second floor, impatiently waiting for Howler and Chat to leave, though the two were more focused on fighting than hunting for Ladybug, something about Howler hating cats.
Lila sighed, watching in disinterest as Chat was thrown against a wall.
When was Ladybug going to get here?
This was ridiculous.
A cry drew Lila's attention. She watched with wide eyes as Marientte charged at Howler's back, racing up it's back, and when the akuma turned to look back, she took the chance to wrap a cord around the wolf's mouth, closing it up tight.
Howler snarled past it, jerking about, trying to toss the girl off.
Marinette clutched the scruff tightly, trying to stay on while trying to keep that maw shut.
Chat jumped up, rushing near.
When the akuma flung her off, Lila was surprised to see Chat catch. With a cheeky scolding and a fond look, the cat pressed a light kiss to the bridge of Marinette's nose before carrying the girl away.
Ripping the cord off, the angry akuma went after, snarling.
Lila slowly rose up, staring after them, rolling what saw in her head.
Marinette was with Chat.
She was with a villain.
Lila narrowed her eyes.
"You should stay away from Marinette."
Adrien looks up in surprise, to see Lila sit across from him. She rest her chin on intertwined fingers, staring at him seriously.
He raised a brow at her, shoulders tensing. "Stay away?" he repeats, a growl lacing his tone. "Why?"
She snorts, sneering, "She isn't the sweet girl so many people think she is. She's an accomplice Adrien."
He raised a higher brow.
"I saw her with Chat Noir," she told him, looking like a cat that got a canary, "they're romantically involved."
Adrien tensed, surprised at the statement.
"To add to it," she bites, "she's leading you on too. Volpe femmina."
"L-leading me on?" he repeats, stuttering.
"You like her, and she knows this. She's being nice to you only to get close with your father. She doesn't like you Adrien, she's with Chat. She's just using you." She turned her nose up in the air, confident and sure of herself.
"That's a pretty hefty claim."
Lila gives a start at the cool tone. Looking over to Adrien, she blinks at the cold expression, his green eyes calculating and sharp. She unconsciously leaned away from him, wide eyed.
"Do you have any proof."
Lila gulped. "N-no. B-but I saw what I saw! She was with Chat! He kissed her, and carried her off! And why else does she spend time with you? You're convenient for an upcoming design student."
Adrien twitched.
He recalls that she didn't seem to like his relation with Marinette earlier.
A soft growl rumbles out of him.
Lila shrinks back instinctively, blinking at the sound.
"Marinette is not using me," Adrien states slowly, eyes locked on Lila. "She hasn't mentioned my father to me at all. Nor any interest in meeting him. And her being with Chat Noir?" He allows himself to snort. "Chat Noir doesn't care about anyone. He only cares about getting Ladybug. He wouldn't waste time with a civilian."
A lie, but Lila doesn't need to know.
And she doesn't need to go spreading rumors.
He stood up, gathering his things. "Don't waste my time with stupid lies."
He ignored her surprised star, watching him stall off. "B-but, but I saw... it, it's true..."
But Adrien already left.
Lila's hands curled into fists, her teeth clenched.
Why?
Why was he interested in her? One of the most popular boys in Paris shouldn't look to her, not to a girl that held herself over others, staring down on others like she knew better, was always right.
She wasn't.
And Lila saw what she saw.
Marinette was with Chat.
And her friendship with him had to be one of convenience.
Something dark fluttered in the field of her vision, but just as she looked, it was gone, black bubbles floating around her bracelet.
"You need means of revealing your truths. I can provide, under one condition."
"Anything," Lila breathed.
Muted growls rumbled out of Adrien as he prowled around the school.
How dare she.
How dare she try and ruin his relation with Marinette, spewing lies to his ears. If he was Chat, he would've surely hissed at her.
He could not believe her gall.
What drove it?
Pettiness?
Selfishness?
Jealousy?
His lips curled up, baring his teeth, and blowing out a rush of hot air.
He had no patience for such childishness.
He-
"Adrien! There you are!"
He stops, relaxing a little when he turns to see Marinette waving to him. With her charming smile, she drew near, stating, "I've been looking for you."
"Been in the library," he said, turning to her as she drew near. "Did you need something?"
"I do," she said, tugging on her hair, shy but hopeful smile on her lips. It made his knees weak. "I... we, we've become pretty good friends in such a short while," she said.
"I like to think so too," he said, smiling softly as he relaxed, forgetting about Lila.
Her smile seemed to grow, eyes shining warmly. "Then, friends do each other favors right?"
Adrien blinks, tilting his head to the side as he eyed her. "I would expect..."
"Well, it's been my dream to meet Gabriel Agreste, and, and I was hoping that-"
"Meet Père?" he uttered, raising a brow.
How curious that this is brought up not long after Lila claimed this.
But... Marinette's never showed any interest in seeing his father before. She may comment on what he's designed here and there, but meeting him?
Never brought it up.
"Yes! I want to meet him! Surely you can introduce us?" she leans forward, fluttering her eyelashes. Adrien leaned back, wary. Marinette didn't draw away. If anything, she drew closer. "Come on Adrien," she bid, "we're friends. Why, I even helped you make more friends. Can't you do this small favor?"
He felt Plagg shift in his pocket, agitated.
Just as Adrien caught her scent.
Pumpkin spice.
Marinette never smelled like pumpkin spice.
This was an akuma.
And he had a good idea on who it was.
Someone eager to prove her point.
Adrien drew away, frowning as he said, "Sorry Marinette, but that's going to have to depend on Père."
"But-"
The whir of a yo yo rung through the air, and both stiffened. Looking up, they saw Ladybug swing into view, landing on an opposing railing. She turned her blue eyes to them, narrowing them darkly at "Marinette", before turning and rushing off.
"I gotta go," "Marinette" rushed out, racing away before Adrien could move.
Sighing, he summoned the transformation, eager to get this out of the way.
Marinette sighed, sweeping her hand through her bangs as she glared out at the Parisian roofs. She hated fast akumas. And Volpina was one of the fast ones.
Trying to catch this fox was like trying to catch smoke.
Speaking of smoke, the illusions didn't help.
And Volpina loved making illusions.
Ladybug lost count how many times she wound up grabbing the wrong fox, bursting them into orange smoke the instant her yo yo touched them.
It was infuriating.
The only perk was in Chat.
Despite the akuma's demands and frustrations, the cat refused to help her.
All Ladybug got on the matter was that Chat didn't appreciate someone "trying to cause needless trouble".
She was a bit tempted to point out that he and Hawk Moth were doing that, but then Volpina had ducked out of view and Ladybug had to move before she lost the fox.
Only time Ladybug had snagged Volpina was when there was a curious explosion near her, and when Ladybug rushed to it, she found the frustrated fox trapped beneath bars. Bars that had a curious touch of rust on their tips.
"Have a cookie."
Marinette looked over at her kwami, holding up the large chocolate chip, patient smile on her lips. "It'll perk you right up," the kwami adds.
Marinette took it, but didn't bite it, not really hungry.
"Quite a hectic day," Tikki offers her.
Marinette hums.
Tikki tilts her head.
"Don't like that she was telling lies about me," Marinette said. "Especially to a friend of mine."
"I know," Tikki said, "but did it look like Adrien believed her?"
"I don't know."
"I don't think so," Tikki reassured. Leaning over, she saw Chat coming their way. Floating up, Tikki patted Marinette's cheek reassuringly before rushing away, diving into her room. Marinette stared after her, then looked out, spotting Chat hopping to her. When he landed on the railing, she offered, "Cookie?"
He took it, but didn't take a bit.
Marinette guessed he wasn't hungry either.
"What brings you out tonight?" she asks.
"A curiosity," he said, eyeing her lounge chair. Marinette scooted to the side and Chat plopped down beside her, pressing shoulder to shoulder, eyeing the cookie in his claws. "Are... are you friends with that Adrien boy because of his father?" Chat asked her softly.
Marinette blinked. "What brought this on?"
"The akuma mentioned it today," he said, "I... I was curious."
Marinette growls. "That's what she was going on about?" Shaking her head, she said, "No. I didn't even know who his father was when I met Adrien. He was just that random, socially awkward rich kid. At most, I knew he was Chloe's friend and that's it."
Chat stutters, "S-socially awkward?"
She snorts, a fond smile on her lips. "He's not the smoothest fish in the sea."
"Well, I think he's pretty smooth," Chat grumbled. Then grinned, stating, "Though I guess I'm far smoother than him, huh?"
She hummed, contemplating it.
He nudged her. "Right Princess?"
"I don't know..."
"Oh come on, I'm smooth!"
She laughs and startles her cat by pressing a kiss to his nose. "Sure," she agreed, cheeks pink as her eyes gleamed. "You're a pretty cool Kitty."
Red faced, Chat quickly gobbled up the cookie.
Don't mind me, humoring my desire for Adrien to cause an(other) akuma... or two. And have more selfish moments. So Gamer! That had gotten quite a few requests, I hope it was satisfying! Especially since I kinda just reversed it, but it seems to work in this set up!
I still wish and prefer Adrien causing Volpina, I felt he had a more fitting set up to cause her than Marinette. Plus it could've been a great Adrien centered ep.
And you know what's a touch of detail I always appreciated? Marinette never leans into Adrien's space and makes him uncomfortable. It's typically him that comes into her's, and it's him that generally pulls her close. After seeing Chloe and Lila get in his personal space and ignore his discomfort; I really like the detail that Marinette doesn't do that. Could be just because of her crush keeping her from doing it, for she appears to be very touchy with people she likes, but I like she hasn't made him uncomfortable with personal space, especially since I'm not crazy about people getting in my bubble either.