The cat's out of the bag! And you know what they say about curiosity...
Marinette was Ladybug?
Marinette was Ladybug.
Marinette is LADYBUG?!
Practically having a field day, Plagg rolled through the air with laughter while Adrien's short-circuited brain was experiencing something not unlike a meltdown. He'd only been able to stutter out a couple of words but Plagg had pieced the situation together quickly and was lamenting over the fact that he couldn't have woken up several minutes earlier so he could see it happen.
Adrien was deaf to his chatter. Every time he opened his mouth, he'd sputter and close it back up. His head was spinning as the pieces fit together at alarming speeds.
But how? Marinette was shy and quiet and Ladybug... well, wasn't! Or at least he'd thought so, but it was with shock that he realized how easily the two meshed together, how perfectly they fit. How had he not seen it before? The hair style alone... He'd always assumed it had been a mere style choice as a fan, but he hadn't been more wrong. Then to top it off with the fact that he'd seen it with his own eyes moments before.
He'd always been so sure and confident in his ability to pick out his Lady in a crowd in a heartbeat. But she hadn't been in a crowd, she'd been in his class and right behind him almost every day no less. He thought he knew Ladybug, but could it be that he actually didn't know her at all? He'd obviously missed something.
"Stop pacing Adrien. You're making me anxious." Plagg bopped Adrien's head. He hadn't even realized he had been pacing. He sat tightly down but couldn't repress the agitated swish of his tail. Plagg shook his head. "It's too bad. I thought I would get to have a little more fun before you figured it out. Tikki's going to have a fit that I won the bet this time though."
Adrien's neck craned mechanically towards the tiny creature. His eye twitched.
You...knew? And what bet? He whispered calmly with clear effort. Tikki was Marinette's kwami, that's what she'd called her. Yes, that was right. He was calm, cool, and collected. Everything was peachy.
"To be fair, I was only sure today, and we always make a bet of who discovers the other first. It's been forever since I've won! But NEVER have I won like this before." Plagg said with a grin so huge Adrien could fully see his fangs. "What's with you? I thought this was what you wanted. Shouldn't this be the best day of your life or something?"
Was this the best day of his life? It was starting to feel like the worst. No, that wasn't right. What exactly was it? He was ecstatic. But he was also freaking out. Maybe?
In conclusion, he had absolutely no idea.
For the longest time, he had wanted nothing more than to find out who Ladybug was but never in a million years had he imagined he'd be finding out like...like this. And to top it off, that it would be Marinette! Sweet, shy Marinette who couldn't even look him in the eye for over five minutes was the confident and fearless Ladybug...
Every moment from the past 48 hours spent with her flashed through his mind: the cuddling, the petting, the fawning... every time his heart would flip a little, every time she had been close. Cheeks on fire, he groaned out loud. Marinette...his Lady... it had been her the whole time.
He'd thought he was feeling embarrassed before? HA.
Then he shot up in a flurry of hysteria as a thought crossed his mind. Wait a minute. Could it be that she actually knew he was Chat Noir when he was just Adrien? Was that the reason why she always shied away from him? Because she didn't like him that much?
Plagg guffawed. "Well, look what we have here." The little black kwami had taken to nosily exploring the room, leaving Adrien who was well on his way down a shame spiral and who he believed was being unnecessarily dramatic, but he'd come to stop at the far corner of Marinette's desk. Adrien peeked his head up, his curiosity winning over his desire to continue moping.
Adrien cautiously crept over to Plagg who was even going so far as to wipe a faux tear from his face. He leapt up onto the desk, finally noticing what Plagg was looking at it.
"Oh man, this is rich!" Plagg chortled as Adrien stared, mouth once again dropping open.
It was his face. Well... that was a bit of an understatement. It was a lot of his face. Pictures from shoots and magazines littered the wall. There were several other pictures of her with friends and her parents, but his far outnumbered theirs. He followed the trail of them in sheer disbelief, walking slowly. They flowed even onto the wall behind her computer. How had he possibly missed these before?
Looking closely he could see a few arrows and notes pointing to different pieces of his clothing but mostly there were little doodled hearts all over.
Now, Adrien could admit that he could be slow on the uptake for some things, but he wasn't completely stupid.
Plagg flew by his face to look, accidentally sending Adrien back a couple of steps and on top of Marinette's keyboard. The screen flashed as it came out of sleep mode and... He grew brilliantly hot.
Oh my god.
Plagg sounded like he was about to choke he was laughing so hard. "Wow! She's just as crazy about you as you are for Ladybug!"
Oh my god. He repeated intelligently.
"You're actually really dense, huh?" Plagg said with a sympathetic pat on his head as if he were making a casual remark on the weather. Adrien's mouth opened to immediately retort, paused, then closed it. Unfortunately, he couldn't bring himself to disagree. Neither could he bring himself to tear his eyes away from the (very pink ) desktop collage of himself, complete with curly hearts.
Okay... so she definitely did not know that he was Chat Noir.
Plagg rubbed his little paws together. "Now all we have to do is wait for them to get back! I can't wait to see the look on their faces."
Adrien spun around so fast Plagg had to jump back to avoid his tail almost whipping him.
NO.
"What?"
We can't tell her. Adrien arched, screeching. His eyes were wide and his tail was poofy, his heart pounding a mile a minute. He still felt the heat strong on his cheeks though it couldn't be seen.
Plagg frowned, staring at him in disbelief. "Why not? Wasn't the plan to tell Ladybug so she could fix this? I mean, how lucky could we get? For us, no less!"
Lucky? LUCKY?!
We can't tell her. He repeated firmly, but there was so much more in his head that he wasn't saying out loud. If they told her, then she'd find out. Duh. He knew he couldn't keep this from her for long but he wasn't ready! He needed time to process everything a little and maybe time to think of what exactly to tell her when the inevitable happened. And it wasn't even just that.
He knew just how important Ladybug's secret identity was to her. Even if it had been a horrible accident, he felt himself sweating at the thought of her finding out that he'd discovered it against her will. He swallowed heavily, sinking down and squashing his eyes with his paws. His ears pressed flat against his head.
Oh my god. I'm screwed...
Before Plagg could respond he paused and his eyes flickered away, a look concentration crossing his face. "Oh, speak of the devil... Ladybug's trying to get in touch."
Adrien lifted a paw to pop open an eye to shoot him an unimpressed look. Even if I wanted to, it's not like I can! Rising to sit on his hind legs, he flailed his paws around in emphasis.
"Good point." Plagg said, crossing his arms. "Also, about the miraculous... Yeah, it's not going anywhere. We're going to need her to unlock it. So face it lover boy," Plagg quipped and Adrien was sure steam must've been puffing out of his ears at this point. "We don't have a choice. We're going to have to tell her."
Adrien sat quietly for a couple of seconds, thinking. Then shook his head firmly.
No. We just have think of something else. He said decisively, avoiding Plagg's skeptical gaze. Besides, what safer place is it than with Ladybug? He said in his defense. He was well aware that he was being difficult and dimly aware that he was being mildly irresponsible but the very idea of telling her when she got back made him so nervous his belly was already flip-flopping. At the first sign of the akuma coming back, THEN we'll tell her. I promise.
Plagg rolled his eyes at the excuse but just shrugged. "Whatever. Who am I to say no to an extended holiday?" This was quickly turning into the best entertainment he'd had in a long time after all. He fixed a mischievous grin on Adrien. "Don't you think for a second I'm going to forget about those cheese breads you owe me too. I think I'll need to be adding interest as well until I get them. I'm thinking one cheese bread per day..."
Adrien held in a groan. I think you have a problem, Plagg. But let's go now before she comes back. Otherwise, you're not getting anything!
~.~.~.~.~
Though it was still a little bizarre to go to sleep as a cat then wake up as normal, it still came as a relief. It also confirmed that he seemed to reset back in the morning for some reason though he knew he couldn't get too comfortable since he had little doubt he would be changing back sometime later.
When they'd gotten home last night, Plagg and he had agreed after a brief discussion that he should refrain from attending school until they had this whole mess sorted out. That way there wasn't any risk of him changing spontaneously at some point in time in front of all his classmates or in public. Or mostly Marinette, a small part of his brain quietly supplied before he could squash it down and stop it.
Inevitably, his mind turned over to the train of thought which was all the same as he basically hadn't been able to shake her from his head for hours. If he went, it would also mean seeing her and his face burned hot at the thought. He had to keep reminding himself that she still had no idea so he should calm down, but how on Earth could he stay calm? He'd been in constant turmoil as he still didn't know how he felt about it all... that supposedly Ladybug, the love of his life, was Marinette. And that Ladybug didn't like Chat Noir but Ladybug was Marinette, who undeniably liked Adrien- him- who was also... Chat Noir.
Now his head hurt.
He'd been hoping that sleeping on it would help his head cool down a little, but 1) his mind had been buzzing with thoughts of Marinette and his Lady non-stop so he was surprised he'd woken up at all as he didn't remember falling asleep and 2) it had after he'd finally dozed, but as soon as he'd woken up he was flailing all over the place again. He rolled back and forth across his bed, muffling his face in his pillow.
Now it was just a matter of time before he could go see her. He hadn't realized he'd already decided to go back till this moment, but he didn't dwell on the thought though Plagg shot him a knowing look at his reddening face. They were just waiting now.
Nathalie had already come to check on him and he'd successfully played off a good little sick boy and she'd easily taken the bate, immediately chiding him on the fact that getting out of bed yesterday probably didn't help any. He'd mournfully agreed with a well-timed groan. He felt bad for the act, but it had to be done.
A little later, Adrien was pacing as Plagg suddenly said. "You know what I think? I think you don't want to tell her because you just want to be spoiled. Admit it, you like all the attention!"
"That's not true! I do not want to be-"
Though he was expecting it this time, it was still disorienting to go from two legs to four in an instant. Even the bell had reappeared with this form and it jingled heartily as he landed on his feet.
-spoiled. He finished with a sigh and muttered mostly to himself. A little warning would be appreciated...
Besides, he didn't want to disappoint her or anything and not come back. That's what he was telling himself at least. He sauntered over to the window, beckoning Plagg with his tail.
"And where exactly are we going?" Plagg drawled.
To Marinette's... Adrien mumbled, looking away from Plagg.
"And what am I supposed to do? Since I'm not allowed to spill the beans yet and all." Plagg put his paws on his hips, smirking. He was enjoying this, the little termite!
You will stay hidden. That way, if there's any sign of trouble you can come out right away but otherwise you can keep out of sight.
"Why should I?" Plagg pouted. "That sounds so boring."
Adrien paused, glancing at him with slit eyes. He was prepared for this; time for his trump card. If you check in the desk drawer, you'll find a whole wheel of camembert. And there's more where that came from if you behave.
Plagg's eyes widened and he started muttering, even as he backed up slowly. "How could you Adrien, using cheese against me like that. You think I'm so weak you can blackmail me with it?" And then he dropped the act, cackling with glee and zoomed over to the desk.
Adrien smirked and in moments they had slipped out of the window and were scampering off on the streets happily, Plagg hovering under his legs to keep out of sight. When they arrived, Adrien peeked between his legs at Plagg.
From now on, you have to be quiet. You can't give them any hint that you're there. Promise me.
"It's not like I don't do this all the time when you're at school anyways!" Plagg shrugged but nodded.
We should pick a codeword too, so you know if to come out. Adrien meowed, maybe a little too excitedly.
"Uh, you know they can't understand you. So you can just tell me." Plagg said.
Killjoy.
Luckily, he didn't have to go through Marinette's mother again and try to find an excuse this time. Then it hit him like a hammer and he would've smacked himself in the face if he could. The way her mother had treated him... she must've known. And he'd been so clueless. Flustered all over again, he sighed heavily but forced himself to focus on skirting up the edges of the wall which was mostly easy except when a stray pigeon flapped by and made him sneeze. Nose itchy, he cursed his lack of opposable thumbs not for the last time.
Approaching the top, his ears picked up familiar chattering and his heart leapt in a flurry. No! I have to get it together! He had to keep cool, act normal...
"You're hopeless." Plagg whispered. Adrien swatted at him.
He crept upwards, jumping behind the brick wall that separated her balcony from the roof so they wouldn't see him and Plagg. He peeked around the edge. Marinette was facing away from him and even though she wasn't transformed, he could just see Ladybug in her now. He'd watched that back so many times that he couldn't mistake it. There was a flash of red by her shoulder and Adrien realized it was her kwami, Tikki. He felt Plagg start beside him but he kept true to his promise and stayed quiet although Adrien was aware of just how bad Plagg was trying.
Tikki seemed like she was trying assure her or something but Marinette just slumped across the rail. Adrien eyed the open window behind them.
Okay, they're not paying attention so you should try to slip in now. If you can, head for the same box so I know where you are. I'll call you if I need you.
Plagg silently saluted him and Adrien purred gratefully. Thanks buddy, you're the best. They silently jumped to the other side and in a flash Plagg flew through the trap door successfully. Adrien watched him vanish with relief before turning his full attention on the girl in front of him. From the side, he could see her face was pinched with worry, her blue eyes swimming with melancholy. His heart squeezed with pain. Tikki was talking animatedly, flying around her face.
"-shouldn't overexert yourself. You couldn't even stay awake without napping in class today. You need to take your mind off things. Oh I know!" Tikki exclaimed happily. "Why don't you make Adrien that get-well gift you were talking about yesterday since he wasn't in class again?"
Marinette blinked then tapped her chin. "You know Tikki, I think I will. I did make a doodle today to go with his scarf. It's been getting colder after all, so it'll be perfect timing."
Adrien felt a bubbling of emotions swelling inside him, suddenly ten times more nervous. She was talking about making a gift for him and he was filled with warmth. He couldn't even work his mouth to just make a little meow. How was he supposed to act around her again? No that was stupid thinking, he was a cat for goodness sake. But how should he be acting as a cat? Should he be acting slick? Cool? Cute? This was his Lady for crying out loud, oh no, oh no this was a mistake, what had he been thinking abort ABORT-
A nearby flock of birds chose that precise moment to flutter past, shedding a good amount of feathers in doing so, promptly showering him. He fired off into a mini sneezing fit before he could even process what had happened.
I HATE FEATHERS.
"What the-?" Adrien's eyes slowly slid up to find Marinette peering down at him in surprise, Tikki hovering curiously beside her. He didn't resist when she reached down to pick him up because the bright smile that had split her face had somehow turned his legs to jelly. How had he not seen it before? He absently thought again. It was Ladybug's smile... the one that never failed to warm him down to his toes.
The same breath-taking smile, the same glittering blue eyes...
"Hello you." She said, playfully poking his bell then scratching his ears which elicited a purr from him. She grabbed a stray feather and tickled him on his nose which he sneezed away. "Don't tell me you're allergic to feathers too? I didn't realize it was so common an allergy. Adrien's allergic too." Marinette said thoughtfully with an arched brow while Tikki laughed. "And so is Chat, now that I think about it." Adrien hoped he didn't look suspicious as he watched Tikki, who hadn't flown away, approach him slowly. He was careful not to make any sudden movements that would scare her away.
Don't be suspicious. Don't be suspicious. Adrien chanted quietly to himself but they didn't notice anything amiss about his chirping.
"Look Tikki, I think he likes you. Honestly, he looks more scared of you than you are of him!" Marinette giggled as Adrien had started patting the air around her curiously. Tikki cracked a smile and cautiously flew on top of his head.
"I guess he is kind of cute." She admitted.
Victory.
"You're pretty early today though." Marinette said. "Oh wait, I know why you're here." Still holding him, she slid through the open window and dropped into her room, Tikki still perched atop his head. Adrien's eyes darted around as he checked for Plagg but was relieved when the coast was clear. As long as he stayed hidden then it was fine. It was a good thing he was lazy like that. Or maybe he'd finally eaten so much cheese that he'd slipped into a food coma by now.
She set him down on the floor to pull out a small box which she'd stashed under her desk and proceeded to dump all its contents over the floor. Eyeing a particular item of interest, Adrien perked immediately.
"Alya couldn't make it today, but look what she brought you." Marinette said excitedly and picked up a stick that had a little toy hanging from a string at the end. "Kitty? Huh?" She turned around to look for him. When she spotted him, she slapped a hand to her mouth to muffle her laughter.
"Oh my god."
Adrien inadvertently found himself peeking over the top of the cardboard box where he'd made himself quite comfortable in. The box couldn't actually hold all of him, his tail and back legs spilling out from behind, but it had seemed so comfy.
"Sure, all these new toys that Alya brought you are whatever but a box! Amazing!" Marinette gasped, mocking him fondly. "I shouldn't have expected any less. " Marinette dangled the toy over him anyways. He looked at it for a few seconds and feeling a little brave and mischievous he reached up a tentative paw to swat it.
This is... kind of fun. Before he knew it, he was rapidly pawing it back and forth. Timing a good pull, Marinette grinned as he found himself toppling over the box when he tried to reach for it. Tikki giggled, flying over him, holding another toy which he went for.
"Okay, you keep him busy Tikki. I won't finish Adrien's gift in time if I don't start now." Adrien temporarily paused mid stroke to peer at her curiously as she rummaged around in her bag, pulling out her sketch book. He had a mini battle inside himself. To look or not look? It was supposed to be a gift for him after all, he thought with a small blush. Unable to resist, he abandoned the toys and jumped on her desk to look.
He closed his eyes with pleasure as she scratched his chin, practically putty under her touch. Tikki fluttered beside her. "What do you think Tikki?" After a moment her fingers stopped moving to flip to the page and he opened his eyes with disappointment but finally looked at the picture she'd drawn.
When she had said she was going to make him something, he was thinking maybe something from the bakery at best, but she was actually going to make these? For him? She'd drawn out a carefully designed pair of gloves, and though she had said it had been doodled he could already tell how detailed they were. He gazed at her with wonder, noting the way her eyes twinkled with excitement. He'd seen Ladybug in many situations and she'd looked at him in many different ways, but not once had he ever seen her look at him like this before.
This was completely different.
And the thought that she could possibly be smiling like this because of him...
"Oh! They're so cute. I'm sure he'll love them!" Tikki chirped, perching herself on top of Adrien's head to look. She was completely right.
" What about you kitty? Think he'll like them?" Marinette leaned over to scratch under his chin again and he meowed enthusiastically.
He'd been wrong before. He did know Ladybug: they'd been through so much together that it was impossible that he didn't. He may not have known many details about her life as they didn't often chit chat and she had always been careful about giving anything away, but he was confident that he knew who she was as a person, at least to an extent. Ladybug was no longer just a figure behind a mask- she had a face and name to her now, and he was a fool to ever think there wasn't more behind it. Who was he to accuse her of acting differently when she wasn't Ladybug?
He knew Ladybug. Who he didn't know was Marinette.
But he wanted to.
Just as much as Chat was a natural part of him, Ladybug was a part of her too and he wanted to learn more. So much more.
He wanted to get to know her and have her smile at him and laugh the laugh that sent his heart beating wildly as Adrien and Chat. He wanted to know her likes, her dislikes. Everything.
This was a chance for him to get to know her as her. Not the girl who couldn't say a word around him, not the out-of-reach Ladybug, but the both of them together. The person she really was when no one else was looking.
Curiosity may have killed the cat, he thought absently, but there was no keeping him from coming back.
Wow, Plagg. Lazy much. And Adrien just doesn't think when it comes to his Lady. Tsk tsk.
I've read a lot of fics where Adrien reacts pretty calmly but I just have the personal headcanon that he would freak out as bad as Marinette probably would XD But that's just me!
Thank you so so so much for all your reviews, follows, and just reading! I'm glad you all think it's funny so far c: Cat!Adrien/Chat is really just too adorable... I want my own D: