Simplicity: Chapter 4
The sun shined through the large upper windows of the locker room as several boys milled about talking about the their days, girls, and their growing excitement for the upcoming fencing tournament that would be held in just a few short months. Adrien smiled at his comrades of the art of fencing as their energetic enthusiasm was always a welcome boost to his mood. However, today was not one of those days where he would have to use their enthusiasm as fuel to get through yet another last minute photoshoot. Today Adrien was running on pure Ladybug induced adrenaline. "Good luck with your hunt kitty", she had said. Adrien sighed happily at the memory of his Ladybug essentially giving him her blessing to hunt her down, even if it was a neutral statement that showed a definitive yes or no. She still had given him her blessing to pursue her. 'Little do you know, sweet bug, that this cat is already stalking you' Adrien thought with an extremely cat like grin. Adrien finished tying his shoe before standing to open his locker to grab his books and a sleeping Plagg from the dark confines of his athletic locker
Adrien shoved his books in his bag before placing Plagg in his inner jacket pocket before slamming his locker shut with a satisfying thud. Adrien bid his fencing buddies who remained a pleasant evening as he excitedly left the locker room a full three hours earlier than normal given the early start time caused by the cancelation of school for akuma panic. Adrien chuckled softly as he felt Plagg move in his jacket irritably as he stepped into the waiting car for the quick drive back to Agreste mansion. "Hey kid" Plagg called sounding miffed. "How about you hang some air fresheners in your locker? Your buddies stink. I'm certain that guy next to you hasn't washed his stuff in at least a week. My poor sensitive nose can't take it" Plagg whined pitifully. Adrien laughed a little too much at his little kwami's misfortune. "I'm sorry Plagg" Adrien whispered trying to avoid an more questioning looks from the Gorilla in the rearview mirror. "I'll see what I can do about getting you an air freshener in there. Maybe one of those cute little trees" Adrien said with a smirk as Plagg rolled his eyes and settled back into the pocket, clearly done with Adrien at the moment.
The car ride ended faster than Adrien would have anticipated, but he guessed time flew when you were getting revenge on your kwami. Adrien wordlessly got out of the car and made his way to his room where he took a quick shower before plopping down on his bed where Plagg lay napping on his pillow, looking for all the world like a regular tiny black cat. "Plagg, It just has to be her" Adrien sighed wistfully as he thought of the girl he felt, and increasingly hoped, waited for him on the other side of her mask. Plagg opened one eye to stare at his chosen, silently waiting for the rest of the tirade that was sure to come. "I mean, think about it" Adrien urged excitedly. "Marinette has so many Ladybug qualities! I know there are some obvious red flags like confidence and grace, but I'm not exactly the same when I'm running around as Chat Noir either" Adrien reasoned. "They both have that blueish hair, they both have blue eyes, and I'm certain I have never seen Marinette and Ladybug at the same time" Adrien finished.
Plagg eyed Adrien, and seeing that Adrien paused to breathe, spoke. "You realize never seeing her at the same time as Ladybug could just be by chance. I mean, Paris is a big place". Adrien smirked at Plagg "Ah, but like Nino always says "You can't prove I am not Batman. Have you ever seen me and Batman in the same room? No? Well, what does that tell ya" Adrien laughed. "I know that's kinda silly, but the principle remains. I can't disprove my thoughts because I have never seen Marinette and Ladybug in the same place. That on top of all the other clues? Come on! Marinette's excuses are terrible! One time she blamed her lateness, after an akuma attack I might add, on her dog. Her nonresistant dog" Adrien laughed as he laid back on the bed and looked over at Plagg. "It just has to be" Adrien sighed at the thought of his shy, yet bold when she had to be classmate. "Plagg, the first day I met Ladybug should have given her away. I'm an idiot" Adrien laughed. Plagg snorted happily "You finally understand. That's the first step to recovery, now where is my cheese? I'm starving" Plagg whined.
Adrien chuckled as he got up from the bed and made his way across his room to his mini-fridge where he grabbed Plagg his beloved cheese. Shutting the door, Adrien walked back over to Plagg who sat up excitedly as Adrien placed the plate down on the bed while still holding his nose with the other "I hope you know you are loved Plagg" Adrien complained as he stepped away from the cheese loving kwami. "You know you love me" Plagg grinned as he tenderly held his cheese. Adrien chuckled as he was unsure who Plagg had been talking to, him or the cheese. Adrien went over to his computer and moved the mouse to wake it up before putting in his secret password of "ladybug3". The mouse cursor found the excel sheet Adrien had been looking for and opened it up for him.
Adrien clicked on the Marinette cell and added several more "Lady points" before highlighting Marinette's entire file red, to indicate she had won. Adrien closed the file and walked back to Plagg who had just finished his evening treat. "Plagg, it's about time I start my plan to capture my dear lady in my paws" Adrien said with a grin while flexing his hands to accentuate the word "paws". Plagg eyed Adrien skeptically "No offense kid, but I've had smarter kittens than you get it wrong on their first try" Plagg warned, if for no other reason than to keep the mystery and hide the fact he had known all along. Adrien grinned down at Plagg "While that may be true Plagg, I'm sure you haven't had a kitten as tenacious and persistent as me" Adrien said with a wink. Plagg couldn't help up nodding in affirmation "I always get unique little kittens, Adrien. You are no exception" Plagg said exasperated as he curled back up in hopes of a nap and no patrol later in the evening.
Adrien eyed Plagg while faining sadness "Plagg, are you not even going to ask me my master plan that will ensnare my love in my waiting claws? It is Pawsitivley impawsible to found lacking! I can asure you that it is the cat's meow! I'm feline sure of success" Adrien punned. Plagg groaned before rolling back over "Alright. I'll bite. What is this master plan of yours". Adrien grinned before saying "A bear trap". Plagg eyed Adrien in disbelief. "Kitten. Those hurt. I wouldn't suggest that" Plagg started as Adrien fell to the floor in a fit of laughter. "Oh Plagg, you should have seen your face! I was joking. My real plan is to call Alya and tell her I really want to interview Ladybug for her ladyblog because I am a huge fan and I want to help my friend just like Marinette did with Chat's interview" Adrien started. "Then, I'm sure Alya will tell Marinette that I want to interview Ladybug. If it is Marinette, Ladybug will come saying she heard I wanted to interview her. The only way she could know that is if Alya told her and since Alya is not really friends with Ladybug that would mean Ladybug is Marinette if she shows up for an interview because Alya would only tell something like that to Marinette" Adrien ranted. Plagg looked at Adrien in shocked amazement. "Kid, that's honestly crazy enough that it just might work" Plagg admitted before rolling back over. "Now let me take a nap. It's not like we battled an akuma today or anything" Plagg complained while secretly being proud of his clever little kitten.
Adrien smiled as he pulled his phone from his pocket and plopped down in one of the comfortable sofas in the middle of his room. Adrien could hardly keep from smiling as he scrolled through his contacts for Alya's number, his chosen weapon in his Lady's undoing. The ringing phone did little to appease Adrien's growing excitement. Plagg looked up, rather annoyed, at the slight squeaking sound the sofa was making as Adrien bounced energetically. Alya couldn't pick up fast enough for Adrien. When Alya did pick up her phone, after the fourth ring, Adrien all but exploded up from his spot on the sofa. The sudden movement caused the sofa to slide across the floor several inches, making a loud thumping sound when it landed. Plagg grumbled as he burrowed under the covers in a desperate attempt to get away. The only telltale sign the kwami was on the bed was the slight bump in the blanket near the pillow that could have easily been mistaken for a regular fold in the blanket.
Adrien waited a moment and took a deep calming breath before he spoke. "Hey Alya" Adrien greeted chipperly. Alya's voice carried the confusion she felt at receiving an unexpected call from Adrien. "Hey Adrien, whats up" Alya asked still very much confused. "Oh nothing much really. I just wanted to tell you that I really loved what Marinette did for you yesterday" Adrien started as nonchalantly as his pent up energy would allow. "I want to do something like that for you too" Adrien explained. "I know how Marinette is a big Chat Noir fan and that must have been really cool for her to interview him for your blog" Adrien paused a he heard a thumping sound from something, or someone hitting the ground coupled with quite squeaks of protest that Alya tried to shush silently. Adrien smiled even wider as he figured that he was on speaker phone and that Marinette much had heard him. "I'm a big Ladybug fan myself, so I think it would be awesome to interview her for your blog. I just wanted to let you know that I have now made it my mission to get an interview with Ladybug" Adrien said excitedly. Alya laughed "Thank you Adrien, although that's easier said than done. Ladybug is very elusive and doesn't give out interviews that often" Alya said as her merriment subsided. "But I would love the help in getting another interview from her" Alya said just as excitedly at the thought that her chances for a Ladybug interview for the blog increasing. "Well, I'll talk to you tomorrow Alya. I just wanted to let you know I am on the hunt" Adrien said with a smirk at his own hint to his lady, as it was only sporting to give her a chance to save herself. "Alright, I'll see you tomorrow my partner in journalism" Alya said excitedly before hanging up.
Adrien smirked as he knew now that Marinette had undoubtedly heard his desire for an interview with Ladybug. Marinette, being the kind hearted girl she was, would soon arrive in his waiting claws. Adrien paused with a bemused smirk on his face "Is this what hawkmoth does in his free time? Plan out ways to catch us and get our miraculous". A notepad sat on the table in front of the sofa as Adrien leaned over to inspect the questions he planned to trap his Lady with tonight. Adrien smiled as all his preparations were set for the interview without "looking" set for the interview. 'The plan will implode if I look like I was expecting her' Adrien chuckled to himself as he busied himself with tidying up his room while he waited for his Lady to arrive.
An hour of waiting slowly turned into two as Adrien lounged on the sofa wondering if ladybug would show up at all. Adrien jumped at the sound of a soft rapping on his window. Adrien's eyes widened in a mixture of happiness and shock as none other than Ladybug, his dear Lady, hung from her yoyo. Adrien rushed to the window and threw them open, allowing Ladybug to swing in gracefully as a cat. "L-Ladybug" Adrien stuttered while using all of his modeling skills to fain shock at her appearance at his home. "Is everything ok Ladybug? Is there an akuma attack? Are we in danger" Adrien asked, truly selling his innocence. Ladybug shook her head "No, no akumas tonight. I was just in the neighborhood when I saw your light on" Ladybug explained convincingly. Adrien smiled warmly as he bid her take a seat.
"I'm so honored that you stopped by Ladybug" Adrien began. "I'm a really big fan of yours, so this is just so, awesome" Adrien gushed just as convincingly. "In fact, I would be honored if you allowed me to interview you" Adrien said with growing excitement. "Oh, I don't usually do interviews" Ladybug started. "Please Ladybug? I want to surprise my friend Alya with this interview. I know she will love it! She runs the ladyblog. Even Chat Noir interviewed with one of my best friends" Adrien plead winningly. Ladybug blushed "She…she is one of your best friends" Ladybug asked nervously. Adrien beamed "Yep, she is so very kind, funny, smart, and cute! As a matter of fact, I think you two have a lot in common" Adrien smiled with a glint in his eyes. Ladybug blushed harder while suppressing her panic "Wh-what? You do? You m-must really like that girl then" Ladybug asked hopefully. Adrien nodded in agreement "I do. She's awesome. I think you would be just as awesome if you let me interview you! Please? For my friend Alya" Adrien pled again, knowing full well that he had alright won the war for the interview.
Ladybug nodded and smiled boldly "I would be honored to help you surprise your friend". "Thank you so much m- LADYbug" Adrien corrected quickly before dashing around his room to collect the materials he strategically sat out to look inconspicuous while still being easily accessible. Adrien sat down across from Ladybug before pulling out his phone for the interview. Adrien looked around his phone "Are you ready Ladybug" he asked while itching to press play to begin the closing scenes to his hunt.
Adrien smiled somewhat nervously at his phone as he could see his Lady perched on his couch looking so confidently into the camera at him. 'This will be harder than I thought' Adrien thought silently as he pressed play on his phone to begin the long awaited event. "Ladybug, you are one of our two awesome heroes and I would just like to say thank you for all that you do for Paris on a daily basis. I would also like to thank you for allowing me to interview you for the Ladyblog" Adrien said with genuine smile as he felt his confidence returning. "You are welcome. I am glad to be able to help keep Paris safe" Ladybug grinned, albeit a slightly goofy smile. Adrien grinned at the phone and thought 'Your Marinette is showing already, lovebug'. Ladybug composed herself well as she now looked calm, but little cracks in her armor screamed Marinette. Adrien was beyond pleased already and he hadn't even asked the first question yet!
Adrien adjusted his position slightly as he looked down at the notepad he had next to him on the couch. "Ladybug, I was hoping we could get to know our favorite heroine more, personally. Would you mind sharing with us some of your hobbies outside of kicking Hawkmoths butt at every available opportunity" Adrien asked with a wide shining grin. Ladybug seemed to fluster some from the smile, much to Adrien's delight, yet she answered the question without the slightest stammer in her voice. "I am really into design. I love designing clothes, hats, and any other fashionable item that fits my current inspiration. I love to walk around Paris looking for my inspiration from this great city and the amazing people who live here" Ladybug replied happily. Adrien smiled as that completely fit in his Marinette box. "That's awesome Ladybug! Is there any designers you partinulary like" Adrien asked already having a strong feeling he knew the answer. "I am a big fan of your fathers work. His designs are always top of the line" Ladybug gushed freely, seeing no real danger in divulging such information since what aspiring fashion designer did not admire Gabriel Agrestes work.
Adrien silently put that fact in the Marinette box that was starting to look a lot like Ladybug's box. Adrien's smile was contagious as Ladybug smiled brightly. "Interesting! I'm sure my father will be flattered to know you admire his work. "who do you view as your hero and why" Adrien asked in an attempt to make the questions not seem as personal. "I, honestly, view Chat Noir as my hero" Ladybug replied honestly with a shrug. "He is always putting himself on the line for Paris and for me. He is truly a hero" Ladybug responded candidly. Adrien smiled softly as her words touched him more than he would have bargained for. Sure he would love to have Ladybug pay attention to him, but for her to say something like that on an interview she knew would be broadcast to an extremely large audience was quite humbling. "Th-That's very thoughtful of you Ladybug" Adrien stammered slightly as he fought with everything inside him to suppress the blush that threatened to give himself away.
Adrien looked down at his notepad looking for a good question to help reveal more of Marinette without revealing her identity to the world, which would run Ladybug off and end the interview. "Ladybug, what would you say your favorite music artist is" Adrien asked with a sly grin as he had a strong feeling he knew the answer to this one too. "I absolutely love Jagged Stone! He is the best" Ladybug replied with a grin. "Really," Adrien asked as his smiled turned into a rather large grin of his own "one of my best friends, Marinette, designed his latest album cover. I could try to see if I could get you a copy of it signed by her" Adrien offered. Ladybugs eyes darted furiously even as she smiled "Y-ya, that sounds wonderful. Thank you so much" Ladybug chuckled nervously. Adrien smiled as he took note of her sudden uneasiness. 'Looks like I got ya m'lady' Adrien mentally purred. While ladybug stood up abruptly. "I-I think I should be going now. I have to finish my patrol for the night. Thank you for having me" Ladybug said quickly as she waved goodbye before yo-yoing out the window and into the night.
Adrien smirked as he made sure to hold the camera on the window ladybug just zipped though. "There you have it! A fine interview with our top heroine! I hope you enjoyed getting to know our other hero just a little bit better! Goodnight Paris and remember to stay tuned to the Ladyblog for more Ladybug and Chat Noir action" Adrien said with all the excitement of a radio announcer before hitting stop on the video. "I got her Plagg" Adrien cheered as he closed his windows. "I got her. She has to be Marinette! Did you see the way she reacted to the Jagged Stone album? It just has to be" Adrien said at alarming speed. "Now, all I have to do is confront my lady and we can be together" Adrien sighed happily as he turned off the bedroom light before plopping down on his bed. "That's great kid, but can we get some sleep now" Plagg whined as he snuggled deeper into a pillow reserved for him. "Ya, ya. Party pooper" Adrien mumbled jokingly as he smiled down at his phone which shone brightly in the darkened room. "And send" Adrien muttered as he plugged his phone in for the night and climbed into bed. "Tomorrow is going to be a great day Plagg". Adrien said tiredly despite the flow of adrenaline. "I'm gonna need my sleep if I'm gonna catch my bug tomorrow" Adrien chuckled as he pulled the blankets over himself.
The night was calm as the stars silently guarded the city. The gentle Parisian breeze rustled the leaves of the trees as those who had stayed out too late made their way home to their waiting beds. The peace of the night was only disturbed by a scream that many an annoyed citizen hoped was not going to become a habit this late at night. The source of the noise, one Alya Césaire, could be found uploading the Ladybug interview with a sock shoved in her mouth to silence her earth splitting screams.
Adrien lets ladybug go. Gives Alya the interview. Alya Screams. Adrien gets a text from Marinette asking if he heard a weird noise.