Marinette sat on her bed and screamed into her pillow. No matter what she did, she couldn't get her mind off it. She kissed her. That damned thief actually kissed her! She got kissed by another girl! How the hell was she supposed to face Adrien now? She screamed into her cat shaped pillow again, the sound of it melting into a frustrated groan.
Tikki floated just above her head, doing her best to comfort the girl. "Marinette, everything is going to be okay."
"No it isn't, Tikki," came a muffled reply. "She robbed me of my innocence. I can't ever go out in public, again."
"That's not true," the red kwami said, patting her chosen's head. "I doubt anyone even saw it."
"Chat saw it." She sat up straight with a sudden gasp. That's right. He had seen. The look on his face said as much. Nevermind Adrien, how the hell was she supposed to face him? Her head reconnected with the pillow as she groaned. Tikki sighed before trying again.
"I don't think he'll judge you for it. Remember what he said afterwards? She did something similar to him, too. That's how she got away from him."
Marinette did remember his poor attempt at cheering her up. He had been extremely awkward about it, which didn't help her in the slightest. The only comfort she had was that he didn't make any attempts to woo her that night. Hell, they barely spoke at all, except to promise to meet up the following night. It seemed as though he was trying to give her space, and God, was she thankful for that.
The pigtailed girl rested her chin on the edge of her pillow and blew a stray hair out of her face. Tikki was right, as usual. If she made a big deal out of the kiss, she'd be doing exactly what that thief wanted. She was just going to have to pretend it never happened. It shouldn't be hard. The only people in the park that evening were her, Chat and Spades. As long as she got over the taunting thief (because of course she'd taunt her with it), the memory would eventually fade out of existence.
She was wrong. She was so very wrong. Not only had someone else been there, whoever it was had thought it a good idea to snap a picture of said kiss. And like anything else Ladybug related, the pic found its way online and went viral. So when Marinette went to school the next day, it was all anyone would talk about. Worst of all, Alya.
"I can't believe how bold Spades is," the reporter said, still gawking at the picture on her phone. "Wish I could've seen Chat's expression. Poor guy probably didn't know what to do with himself."
"Can we talk about something else, Alya? Please?" Marinette wanted to disappear. She knew her whole face was red, and she feared someone might call her out for being Ladybug just from her embarrassment, alone. Curse her rotten luck! Her gaze flicked to the boy sitting in front of her. Thankfully, Adrien didn't seem to have much of an opinion on the subject. He was far too busy going over his notes for their French literature test that day. Though for some reason, Marinette swore the tips of his ears were tinted pink.
Alya frowned at her. "It's just a kiss, girl. What's the big deal?"
"Dude, no way that was just a kiss!" Kim said as he walked passed. "Two hot chicks made out! That's a guy's dream come true!"
Chloé tsked at him from her seat. "Pervert."
The jock turned to her with a scowl. "You're just jealous the Thief of Spades got to Ladybug before you did."
"Whoa, sweet cheeks, I didn't know you swung that way," Luna said as she came in. Chloé's brow tweaked.
"Ugh, how dare you even suggest that! And can the stupid nicknames, already!"
"Well, I guess I have to, now. Don't want to give you the wrong idea, honey buns." Luna made a show of covering her mouth. "Oopsies. Slip of the tongue."
Icy blue eyes narrowed at her. "Fine, be that way. I'd rather be labeled a lezzy than a whore anyday."
Luna's grin disappeared. "What did you just call me?"
"Oh, sorry. I forgot your ears don't work all that well." Chloé studied her nails, clearly pleased that she had struck a nerve. "You know, I heard some pretty interesting stuff about you, little miss actress. Most of which involving one or two directors for you so called films. I'm surprised no one here's gotten ahold of those pictures, yet."
It felt like ice had shot through Luna's veins. She struggled to keep from shaking. "This isn't a game you want to play with me, Bourgeois," she hissed through gritted teeth. The heiress stood up and faced her, noses inches away from one another.
"Then let me make something perfectly clear to you, Galemore. I call the shots here. Little peons like you need to learn their place. You look better on your knees, anyway."
"Sorry, princess, but I don't go down for bimbos."
"Alright, that's enough!"
Adrien got between the two, forcing them apart. The entirety of the class watched on in wide-eyed silence. The model looked at each of the girls as they glared at one another. His jaw tightened in frustration. "You guys are taking this way too far."
"Nobody asked you, Agreste," Luna spat.
"Don't you talk to him like that!" Chloé snapped.
"Stop it!" Adrien kept a firm arm in front of each girl so they wouldn't attack each other. He pointed a glare at his "friend". "Apologize, Chloé."
The heiress scoffed. "Why should I? If anyone deserves an apology, it's me for putting up with her shit!"
"Oh, bite me, bitch!"
"Hey!" The model snapped. "You're both going to apologize. Chloé, you can go first."
"No way! This little slut's done nothing but disrespect me since she got here!"
"You crossed a line here, Chlo! If you want an apology, you can be the bigger person and offer one, yourself."
Luna had had enough. She felt her chest contract as she looked about them. Too many people. Too many eyes were watching her. Another wave of tightness hit her chest, and she realized she needed to get out. She shoved Adrien's arm away, giving Chloe one last scalding glare. "Don't bother, pretty boy. Your bitch can keep her fake-ass apology." She stormed out of the classroom just in time to feel the first tear roll down her face.
Chloe folded her arms with a smug grin. "Oh, good. The trash took itself out."
Adrien groaned through his teeth. "Chloe-"
"What the hell is wrong with you?!"
All eyes shifted to Marinette. She stood with both hands on her desk, anger swirling in her eyes. She knew spoiled, rich brat, Chloe, was capable of a lot of underhanded things. But this... This was too much. The girl had absolutely no remorse, and Marinette loathed her more than she ever thought possible for it. The room stayed quiet as the designer waited for an answer that never came. Chloe just rolled her eyes, then went back to studying her well manicured nails. 'Unbelievable,' Marinette thought. Without another word, she left the classroom, as well, nearly running into her teacher on the way out.
Luna leaned against the railing of the Pont des Arts, watching the Seine run beneath her. She angrily wiped her tears away with the sleeve of her shirt. Her mascara streaked across her cheeks from the effort, not that she could bring herself to care. Never had she hated herself more than in this moment. Autumn told her, warned her, not to make a scene. She didn't need the attention. The actress Luna Galemore needed to be the image of perfect innocence for the next few months. So what does she do? Piss off the one bitch that would be vindictive enough to ruin her. Well, she never claimed to be bright. Clever, maybe, but never bright.
She soon felt a presence beside her. On instinct, she hugged herself. Maybe if she made herself small enough, they'd just go away.
"You okay?"
A sarcastic laugh bubbled out of her as she looked at the girl beside her. Bluebell eyes studied her with genuine concern. She must've looked like quite the mess. Luna sighed.
"Never better," she said in a half attempt at humor.
"...You wanna talk about it?" Marinette asked.
The actress shook her head. "Not in the slightest."
"Okay, then."
The two of them stayed just like that. Neither one said a word as they watch the river pass by under their feet. At some point, Luna felt a comforting arm hug her shoulders. She leaned into the girl as a response, their heads resting on one another. A few more silent tears fell down her cheeks. She didn't bother wiping them away, this time. A calm settled in her, making her muscles feel tired and achy. Her eyes finally rose to the line of Paris painted before her. It was the considered by most to be the most romantic view the city had to offer. Luna thought it was pretty enough. She probably would've appreciated it more if she was in better spirits.
Both girls jumped at the sound of a phone ringing. They broke apart as Marinette dug into the purse at her hip. Soon enough, she pulled out her cell to answer it.
"Hello? Hey... yeah, I did... The Pont des Arts..."
Luna zoned out as the blackette talked. She was starting to feel better, now. At least the thought of jumping didn't appeal to her anymore.
Marinette soon said her goodbyes and hung up her phone. She sighed as she laid on her arms, looking down at the water.
"I take it that was your parents?" Luna asked.
"Alya, actually," Marinette said. "By the way, we're having a sleepover tonight. I'm told to bring you whether you like it or not."
The thief chuckled. "Pushy."
"She means well."
Luna played with her sleeve. "... You didn't have to come out here."
"I wanted to."
"Why?"
Marinette shrugged. "I guess I just can't stand seeing my friends hurt."
Luna found herself smiling. "You're really sweet."
"Well, I am a baker's daughter. My blood is practically made of sugar."
They both laughed. The gloom from before had all but evaporated. Marinette looked up at the darkening sky. "We should get going. Alya's liable to come out and drag us to her place if we wait too long."
"Sounds like my kind of girl," Luna said. She tucked a loose strand of streaked hair behind her ear, looking at her feet. "Mari, I... thanks..."
Marinette studied her. "You know if you need someone to talk to, Aly and I are here for you."
Luna shook her head. "Not yet. It's... it's not something I like thinking about."
The blackette nodded in understanding. They soon made their way down the street, arms locked together. The air around them filled with the giggles of good friends.
Author's Note:
This story will probably be given a mature rating fairly soon. Just fair warning.
