Marin cleaned the flour and sugar off of his face and hands as he sat back down to put the finishing touches on a white box lain on his desk. He placed a plate of chocolate chip cookies nearby as he began wrapping it in light blue paper.
"What are you doing up so early?" Tikki asked as she watched her friend dressed for school messing around with something. He wore his usual grey suit and cuffed pants with a white cuffed shirt. With his hair almost always covering his eyes he began wearing pink bobby pins while he was working.
Marin turned towards his Kwami with a small smile, "Good morning Sugarcube." He greeted as Tikki rested on his shoulder, munching on a chocolate chip cookie. "I'm just finishing off my gift to Adrien."
"A gift?" Tikki questioned hovering over the blue and yellow wrapped present as Marin placed a card between the wrapping. "Dear Adrien, I hoped that we can be friends. Happy Birthday; From: Marin." Tikki read out loud.
"Is it Adrien's birthday?" She asked and noticed Marin's face redden slightly as he removed his hairpins.
"...Maybe." He said, placing the present in his bag. "Come on Tikki." He called, ignoring Tikki's smug smile as she flew into his messenger bag.
Adrien was just finishing off brushing his teeth when Plagg shoved a piece of cheese into his mouth, much to his displeasure. Peppermint and Camembert were not a good combination.
"Happy birthday, Adrien!" Plagg said happily as Adrien picked a red ribbon out of his mouth, disgusted.
"Ugh, Plagg! I just brushed my teeth!"
"I don't know why you're complaining, your beloved Kwami just gave you your first birthday present." Plagg turned his head, pouting as he crossed his arms.
"Okay okay," Adrien conceded, "Thanks for the tasty cheese, I'm sure nothing else I receive today is going to compare to what my precious Kwami gave me."
Plagg turned his head with an amused smirk. "That's more like it."
"Marin, don't forget to clean your room after school-"
"Cleaned it this morning mama." He said zeroing in on the cookie jar.
Sabine smiled at him sipping her tea as she watched her son shove a few in his pockets, while also placing one in his mouth.
He couldn't help but smile as he bit down, chewy chocolate chip cookies really were the best. He then walked over to his mother who kissed his cheek then made his way towards the downstairs bakery.
"Have a nice day, sweetie!"
"Happy birthday- I mean, have a nice day!" He stumbled over his words as he quickly closed the door behind him, leaving his mother confused for a moment before she simply shrugged her shoulders.
Adrien finished off the rest of his green tea, already used to the bitter flavor as Natalie walked in.
"Your schedule, Adrien." She said plainly, turning to walk away.
"Thank you, Nathalie." He scanned over his schedule for the day, a feeling of sadness erupting as he realized it was just a normal day packed to the brim. Nothing special or out of the ordinary. For a moment, he thought about asking Natalie about the birthday party that he wanted.
Just wanting Nino to come over and play some video games, maybe have some cake.
But it was probably too much to ask for from his father.
"Dude, seriously?" Nino groaned as he and Adrien waited for his ride. "Has your dad always been such a downer? You'd think he'd remember what it was like to be young and wanna party a little."
"No, I'm pretty sure he was exactly the same since day one. He's never been one for expressing emotion."
"It's your b-day, dude! Insist!" Nino prompted blowing more bubbles.
"You've never met my father, he can be intimidating."
Nino hummed for a moment. " You know what, I'm gonna have a little convo with your pops.
Adrien laughed, "Nino trust me, once he says no there's no changing his mind. I should know."
"Alya!" They overheard and saw Marin and Alya arguing over something. As Alya caught Nino's eye, she smiled and then dragged him
"Hello, boys." She said dragging over Marin's arm as he hung his head, avoiding eye contact. "Settle something for us, would you. Marin doesn't believe me when I say that there's nothing wrong with his baking."
"It can't be flawless Alya, this is my first time baking them," Marin said, embarrassed being put on the spot.
"Tough, because they're delicious, and you should hear it from people who are impartial."
Adrien and Nino exchanged a glance but simply nodded as Alya help out a bag before them. An amazing smell erupted from the paper bag as Nino reached in first,
Hey, chouquettes." He said popping one in his mouth. His eyes suddenly widened as a smile erupted, "Woah these are amazing! I didn't know the bakery sold these, where did you get them?"
Alya smirked as she passed off the bag to Marin, "They're courtesy of own Marin."
"Seriously?" Nino asked popping another into his mouth while Marin nodded sheepishly.
"My dad's been thinking about selling them in the store, these are some samples I helped out with."
"Dude you gotta try one." Nino nudged Adrien's side. "Some of them are chocolate!"
Adrien glanced toward Marin who still wouldn't look him in the eye. "Can I have one?" He asked. Marin only nodded as he held out the bag. Just as he was about to take one Alya and Marin were knocked aside by Chloe, who immediately wrapped her arms around him.
"Happy birthday, Mwah!" She gave him a quick peck as Adrien noticed Marin dropped his bag of pastries, now ruined as he scrambled to pick them up, not wanting to litter. Alya gave Chloe the stink eye as she and Nino helped him out.
"Yeah, thanks."
"Did you get the gift I sent you?" She asked fluttering her eyelashes.
Adrien struggled to try and distance himself, but to no avail, as his childhood friend latched on. "Uh, no."
Chloé grew seemingly replaced, grumbling to herself in annoyance but Adrien was just happy that she released him. "What? Oh, those delivery guys. I bet it was too heavy, so they had to go back and get another guy to help. Those slackers." She wrapped her arms around his shoulders again but to his chagrin. "I'll make sure they get it to you by tonight, but first. Mwah!" She kissed his cheek, before leaving, completely ignoring everyone else she walked past.
"Dude." Nino started, crossing his arms as his eyes quickly dashed to Alya helping Marin up. Getting the hint, Arien walked over to them.
"All I'm saying is, if she pushes us again, it's only natural to return the favor."
"Alya. Please don't." Marin pleaded as his friend looked enraged.
They both turned towards Adrien as he stepped closer. "Hey, Marin sorry about your deserts, they smelled really good."
Good? His mouth was watering even thinking about them.
"Tell you what," Alya cut in putting an arm around her best friend's neck. "If you really want to make it up to us, How about letting us tag along to whatever party Nino's going to throw for you?" She suggested.
Adrien chuckled, "There's no party. I'm not one for birthdays." he said, lying through his teeth.
"Oh yeah? Sorry to hear that." Alya responded, believing him.
"But I do want to try your baking, I'll trade you some camembert if I can have some of those chouquettes." He joked as no one would ever want to be around something as smelly as-
"Sure." Marin said shyly.
Adrien stood there dumbfounded for a moment. "No, wait, I was-"
"Dude, your ride's here." Nino said tapping his shoulder.
"Dangit. You're still coming over later, right?" He asked walking over and opening the door.
"You couldn't keep me away if you tried."
"Looks like I've got some business to take care of with Adrien's old man." Nino said to himself but what surprised as Alya called out to him.
"Great, you can take Marin with you!" Alya said pushing her friend towards him. Marin shot a glance back at her, but any semblance of annoyance faded as he smiled nervously at him. "I just need to drop something off."
Marin stood outside Adrien's house, dropping off the present. Pressing it to his forehead for a moment, internally wishing Adrien a happy birthday. As he was surprised by an eyeball popping out above him.
"State your business." A woman's voice came from the other side.
"Um, hi. I'm in Adrien's class and I, uh-" As his words faltered, he gestured to the present that was in his hand.
"Put it in the box."
The mailbox popped open from the wall, and Marin carefully placed the gift inside.
"Um, thank you!" He said, bowing his head to what he hoped was actually someone and not an AI.
"Sup dude-"
"WAH!" Marin flinched back as he felt someone touch his shoulder, looking at Nino who was standing nearby with a smile. He sighed heavily grasping his chest, "You scared me."
"Sorry about that. It just looked like you forgot I was standing here for a sec there."
"Me? No no, was just thinking. And I'll go think at home now. Okay bye, see you tomorrow." Marin rambled walking past him as his face began to turn red with embarrassment.
"Okay then, I hope Adrien liked your present."
He heard Marin whine something but his friend didn't clarify so he simply shrugged his shoulders and rang the doorbell.
Adrien glanced out the window as his driver pulled up to the house. He kept his head down as he entered the front door, noticing that his father was talking to someone inside of his study. The door was open so he walked in, passing by Natalie who was standing outside.
Adrien saw his father looking down at Nino with the same expression he always gave to him. "My son is not your concern, he does not need any distractions."
"But that's so messed up. He never screws up in class, he always does whatever you tell him. He's always leaving to go to photoshoots, fencing, Chinese, piano-"
"Nino?" Adrien asked walking up to his best friend. "What are you doing here?"
"Trying to convince your dad that you deserve a birthday. You deserve to have the best birthday!"
"Forget it, Nino. Really, it's fine." Adrien shook his head.
"Listen, young man. I decide what's best for my son. Just as I've decided that your disrespect to my decisions are not welcome in my house. Adrien, show your classmate out."
"Father please, he was just trying to do something cool for me." Adrien followed his father out of his study towards the main hall leaving Nino behind for a moment.
But something caught his eye, a light blue present and a yellow ribbon he saw Marin carrying earlier. Then towards a card that in the trash can, one that he recognized from his last birthday. The sight made him angry as he walked towards the front door as he walked past his friend.
"Nino, wait! I'm sorry. My father-he's pretty stubborn. It's just best to stay out of his way." Adrien tried to apologize but faltered as Nino turned towards him with an angry expression but it quickly faded as he saw his friends guilt.
"It's not fair, Adrien. You're like, one of the coolest dudes I know and your dad won't even let you have a birthday party. Ugh, no matter whatever we plan adults will always ruin everything."
Adrien looked away from his friend. He felt the same way, it wasn't like he didn't know what a happy birthday felt like. It was just that this one, in particular, was harder on his dad, since his mom always made him plan the evening with her.
He didn't stop his friend from walking away, knowing how he felt, only said. "Thanks anyway, Nino." As he was left alone.
Marin laid down on his bed with the covers on as Tikki cuddled him under the warm sheets.
"Do you think Adrien's opened his gift by now?" He asked as Tikki only mumbled, half asleep.
["Xiang, Lunch!"]
Carefully, he placed Tikki in his pocket as he jumped off of his bed loft and then jumped down the stairs as he could smell his mom's cooking even though the entire room was stuffy from the steam.
"Smells good, Mama." He said as his mother turned towards him with a smile. She walked towards the window after placing his lunch on the table.
Just as he was about to dig into chicken cutlets curry rice Marin quickly turned as he heard his mother scream. He saw her captured into a purple bubble looked terrified.
"Mama? MAMA!" As he tried to reach her, she'd floated away along with seemingly every other parent as his dad was captured as well.
"What's going on? Tikki!" He opened his jacket as his Kwami, still drowsy, flew out.
"Hello Paris, it's party time!"
Among the purple bubbles that were floating in the sky, broadcasting a message from the Bubbler.
"Today is your lucky day, little dudes. The adults have taken the day off, so make the most of it. No chores, no homework, no more nagging, just fun, fun, fun, fun. This is the Bubbler's gift to you."
"Hawk Moth must've released another Akuma." The Kwami observed
"We have to track him down, quick. Tikki- huh?" Marin saw someone colorful jumping across the rooftops. Landing before him in his living room with what was a sinister smile.
"Sup Dude."
He was utterly confused, "Who are you?"
"Don't you recognize your old buddy Nino?"
"Nino?! What happened to you?!" Marin suddenly grew distraught at the sight of his friend Akumatized.
"I was done with adults ruining everything." He explained, "They're selfish, self-righteous jerks that deserved more than what I did to them."
"Nino, my parents have always been nice to you." Marin pointed out.
"I don't mean your parents Marin, they've always been cool. But haven't you ever been so angry at them, haven't you ever wanted the freedom to do what you want?"
"Nino."
"Okay okay, they're some exceptions. But I'm not here to talk about me. I'm throwing Adrien the biggest birthday bash, and I want you to be there."
"What? Why me?" Nino, now Bubbler, rested his arm around Marin's shoulder, lowering him so
Their gaze was on the same level. "Because not only do you live above the best
bakery in Paris, you're like Adrien. Someone who was also ragged on by adults."
"Huh? What're you talking about?" Marin asked tilting his head in confusion.
"Details my friend. So, you come, we party, and I return the adults back. Deal?" He offered, placing his hand out.
"...Deal." Marin shook his hand without a second thought.
Adrien finished off his meal; what it lacked in flavor it made up for in nutrition.
"Wow. That was a birthday lunch break to remember. Yay!" He said lamely as he shouldered his messenger bag on. As he passed by the door he noticed that Natalie wasn't there, she probably working in his fathers office again. He shrugged off the sadness, opening the front door. The boy was taken off guard as he opened the door outside to a crowd of his classmates cheering along. There was an entertainment system and dessert buffet all set up.
Above him standing on a bubble was a colorful figure with a large smile drawn on his face.
"Hey, hey, hey, birthday boy. Guess what? The Bubbler's brought all yo homies together for one single-sole purpose, to party harder for one special birthday boy!"
Adrien narrowed his eyes at the Akumatized victim and it dawned on him "Nino?!"
The Bubbler jumps down from the bubble into a DJ booth"Let's get this party started!"
Everyone in the crowd cheered as the music began, starting to dance. Adrien, stunned by this turn of events, ran back into the house as he hung his head in confusion.
Bubbler panned over the crowd of disinterested kids, something inside him bubbling up. "Come on, everybody, I brought you here to party!" Still there was no response, so he leveled up the volume of this music, jumping on the turntable as he pulled out his bubble wand with a sinister smile.
"So dance or we'll all float down here."
" We need to free Nino!" Tikki said as the booth stood in the cleared out store. Why are you delaying this?"
" When I turn everything back, this'll all go back to normal right?"
"Yes, but when are you going to do that?!" She demanded as Marin walked out, jumped on his bike.
" Just put some faith in my on this Tikki?" Marin asked as he rode in the now-empty town.
As he walked into the Agreste estate, he saw the party was somewhat lively, but everyone was frowning. Suddenly, he felt someone rest their arm around his shoulder and he turned to see Nino, now Bubbler standing next to him.
"Hey, Marin. Would ya mind grabbing the birthday boy for us? Without him, this whole thing kinda falls apart.
Marin looked uncertain, "I just got here." He said as Nino guided him toward the front entrance. Are you sure you don't want to ask anyone else?"
" No no," Bubbler shook his head, placing something in Marin's hand. "I think you should be the one to see him, maybe check in the office the left first before his room."
"Uh, okay?" He said in confusion as Bubbler pushes him into the house, shutting the door behind him. "Hm." He opened the crumpled paper as he slowly pushed in the door to what appeared to be an office.
Marin's eyes widened as he saw the note he'd written that morning now in his hands, and the present he'd wrapped on someone's desk with another tag.
He picked up the present, resting the note.
" To Adrien, from Father…"
" Someone threw away your note and regifted what you made?!" Tikki observed, sounding mad. "Who would be so mean?"
But Marin hummed for a moment, taking out his note.
Adrien paced in his room, rubbing his ring as Plagg rested on his shoulder.
"What's your problem? Relax! You're getting the party you've always wanted." Plagg said in confusion at his partner.
"But Nino's been Akumatized! I've gotta help him!" Adrien said.
"You may never get this chance again!" Plagg reasoned, "C'mon, let's have a little fun while your father's away! Then we'll save Nino, trap his akuma, and once Ladybug pops up all will be good."
Adrien ran through everything horrible that could happen but came around at the thought of having a proper birthday partner. "Okay, you're right. This might be the only day in my life that I actually get to do what I want for once."
He opened the door quickly but hit something as he stepped out.
"Oh, Sorry-" Adrien apologized but is shaken as he laid his eyes on Marin.
"No, I ran into you." Marin insisted as the two glanced away from each other for an awkward moment. "So, you coming out?" He asked.
"Yeah, yeah, it's a party for me after all, right?"
"Right…"
"Is something wrong?"
"Nothing, just...enjoy yourself, Happy Birthday Adrien." Marin looked upset over something, but Adrien didn't want to press him as he simply followed him to the door.
"You're not coming?" Adrien asked.
"I'm not really, a… birthday party person." Marin admitted much to Adrien's confusion. But before he could inquire more about that, he was dragged away by Chloe who squeezed at the sight of him.
Adrien tried to dance among the crowd, walking up to Rose who looked sad. "Hey, nice party, I guess, since it's my first one." Rose smiled a little and giving him two thumbs up, but then kept dancing and looking sad. Adrien turned around and saw everyone dancing but with a grim expression. Well, everyone except for Chloe, who was talking to Bubbler about something before she rushed over and trapped him in an embrace.
" Is it me, or does everyone seem a bit weird?" He asked, looking around, but Chloe always focused his attention back on her.
"Forget about them, let's go dance!" She dragged him to the center, for a few moments they swayed together. But then he grew a little repulsed as she tried to kiss him again. Thank goodness for Alya who cut in, " Finders Keepers," She said, and that sent off Chloe who was annoyed by her.
"Thanks for that," Adrien said as Alya shook her head.
"It's alright, it looked like she was pushing out."
"Yeah," Adrien admitted, sighing.
Alya spoke up again. "You see Marin around?" she asked curiously.
"Not sure really, maybe still in the house?" He said, "He seemed kinda out of it."
"That boy..."She sighed heavily but perked up again as the music changed. " Ah well, I'm sure Ladybug and Cat Noir will show up in a minute to save us all. They never failed us."
All of a sudden, Adrien felt this overwhelming feeling of guilt at Alya's words.
"Marin!" Tikki complained as Marin couldn't help but wince at her tone, feeling extremely guilty.
"I know. But I figured, the Bubbler, he's not going anywhere; besides, Adrien deserves to have a birthday party. I promise we'll take care of it, but can't we just give him a little while?"
Tikki sighed. "You know you're being biased just because of Adrien right? You can't use him or anyone to justify not removing an Akuma's possessed. The longer you delay the problem the worse it's going to get."
"When you're right, you're right." Marin agreed, but something caught his attention across the yard as Bubbler approached Ivan. "Hold on a sec."
"Marin!" Tikki called out by was quieted by her friend closing his bag.
"Hey, Paris, how you doing?!" Adrien called out trying to reignite the crowd.
He raises the mike in excitement, but the people don't respond like he wanted. Bubbler took out his bubble wand, glaring at everyone threateningly, behind Adrien. Suddenly the energy picked up and Adrien smiled, happy that his friends were having fun.
As the crowd cheered Bubbler zeroed in on Ivan standing by himself with a scowl on his face. "Hey, you." Bubbler snapped. "Why aren't you having fun?"
"None of your business," Ivan said curtly.
"Then I'll make it my business." He chuckled taking out his bubble wand.
"Nino!" Marin takes his hand, stopping him from bubbling Ivan. "What're you doing?!"
"Buzzkills are real party killers, can't have the mode getting dunked on by one person."
"You've given Adrien his party. It's time for this to stop, there's only one person killing the mood." Marin retorted, trying to make his friends see reason.
"You're right about one thing." Bubbler said with a sinister smile kicking Marin back and swiftly trapping him in a green bubble.
There was panic erupting as Marin was bubbled while Bubbler turned against the crowd laughing like a maniac.
Adrien was shocked by the actions of his Akumatized best friend, dashing for his room and locking the door behind him.
"I think I've been a complete idiot."
"But you had fun didn't you?" Plagg asked still dancing but Adrien just looked away for a moment in guilt.
"Plagg, claws out!"
"Well, I'm in a bubble," Marin stated bluntly as he had to cover his eyes as he was gaining height, fast. "You can chide me now."
But Tikki instead hugged his cheek, "You always mean well, that's why you're a good Ladybug."
"I don't think it counts when I allow the problem to get this bad." He said half-heartedly.
Suddenly, he couldn't hear her voice anymore.
"Tikki?"
But there was no response.
He slowly uncovered his eyes, but his heart sank as all he could see were clouds. As well as noticing the bubble was shrinking due to his heavy breathing. "This is fine, that'll just be how I perish. In a bubble, floating above the city."
"Sorry to ruin your plans then."
"WAH-" Marin grasped his chest as he was shaken by the new voice. He turned to see Chat Noir wrapping his belt around the smaller bubble. "Chat Noir?!" He exclaimed in surprise as the cat-themed hero winked at him. He was balancing on his staff hundreds to thousands of feet above the city. "What are you doing?!" He asked still keeping his eyes covered.
"Do you trust me?" He asked.
"Are you going to let me fall?"
"No?"
"Then yes."
"Cataclysm!" He heard Chat Noir activate his power and for a moment there was nothing preventing him from falling to his demise. A terrifying moment later he was pressed against another, who he assumed was Chat Noir. Instinctively he wrapped his arms around the hero's neck, feeling something around his waist.
"Did you belt me to you?" He tried to confirm as he did not feel safe feeling a breeze against his face with practically nothing to support him.
"Do you have a problem with that?"
Marin couldn't help but tremble as he could hear birds fly by, whimpering a "No" as Chat Noir supported him by placing his arm under the back of Marin's legs.
"Hang on." Chat Noir said and reflectively Marin tightened his grip, now resting his head on the hero's shoulder. As they lowered towards the city at amazing speed Chat Noir tipped over his baton, landing on the streets. Marin was still holding onto him, trembling at the recent event.
"You're incredibly light, you know that?" Chat Noir remarked playfully as Marin opened his eyes, sighing in relief as his life didn't hang in the balance anymore. As his feet touched the ground, and Chat Noir removed the belt he turned towards the Hero with sincere eyes.
"Thank you Chat Noir."
"No problem."
They both turned to the scouts of screams as large bubbles began to rise from the courtyard.
"Oh no!" Chat Noir gasped as he sped towards where Bubbler was.
Tikki flew out immediately hugging Marin's face quickly, as he returns the gesture by placing his hand on her.
"No more wasting time. Tikki, spots on!"
In front of the mansion, Bubbler tried to get the party going again.
"Where is everybody? Get out there and party!" Bubbler called out but everyone had hidden once he turned on them.
"Sorry to burst your bubble," Chat Noir called out, resting his staff on his shoulders. "but the party's over."
Bubbler snarled towards him, "What's wrong with all you guys!? Why you gotta be such haters!?" He took out his bubble wand, quickly trapping every person in the courtyard in bubbles.
Cat Noir stared in shock as they all floated away, terrified for his friends' safety."NOOO!"
Bubbler merely laughed. "Outer space is the next stop for your precious peeps, and they're never coming back!" he then jumped to the other side of the courtyard and jumping into a bubble as he began heading towards the heart of the city.
Chat Noir snarled, preparing to extend his baton again. But was stopped as someone grabbed his hand from behind, he turned to see Ladybug, calm as ever. The presence of his partner somehow tempered his anger, allowing him to calm down as Ladybug placed a hand on his shoulder.
"We stop Bubbler, we save everyone." He said calmly.
" But…" Chat Noir faltered as he saw Ladybugs sincerity, something that never failed to reassure him. " Alright, I'll follow your lead."
The Bubbler jumps from the bubble to a platform on the Eiffel Tower. Ladybug and Cat Noir began jumping up the railing as Bubbler began tossing explosive bubbles at them. But Ladybug destroyed them before they even came close with his yo-yo, protecting his partner.
Bubbler grew angry at this turn of events. "Total party poopers, just like adults!" He scorned, jumping back as the two heroes reached the top. "Kids need freedom, fun, let loose and live it up. Adults are controlling and bossy."
"And what exactly do you call forcing those students to obey everything you said. Forcing them to have fun when all they were scared." Ladybug asked, swinging his yo-yo.
"That's different! I was doing it so my best friend could have a party!"
"The ends don't justify the means Bubbler. Even if some adults are bad, the rest care for their children." He informed as Chat Noir looked conflicted for a moment.
"He's right, you must bring the adults back!" Chat Noir supported as Bubbler just laughed.
"Nope, never. Know what, since you care so much about these adults, why don't you go float with them for a while?!" He created more bubbles around them from his bubble wand.
"Lucky Charm!" Ladybug threw up his yo-yo, and caught a large ladybug print wrench in his hands.
"Your... plumbing skill is gonna help us out?" Chat Noir asked as he deflected the bubbles with his staff. "
Ladybug shrugged it off, evading bubbles as he glanced around, his eyes lighting up as he found all he needed. "Chat Noir, hit high!" Ladybug said as Chat quickly turned around. He gained extra height on his jump as Ladybug boosted him up towards a high beam as his partner retreated to cover.
Chat Noir jumped from the beam towards Bubbler, keeping his attention as he threw a few punches and kicks his way, the villain evaded most of them, but all Chat Noir needed was a distraction. "Your form could use a little work! Is that all you got?!" He taunted.
Ladybug quickly began work, loosening a screw on a pipe that appeared to be ventilation. He removed the pipe and gained control of a powerful gust of air. He nodded and turned towards Chat Noir who found himself surrounded by bubbles and threatened by the Bubbler brandishing his wand.
"Chat Noir!"
"On it!" He called out. "Cataclysm!" AS he summoned his power, Ladybug blew away all the larger bubbles easily as Bubbler was distracted for a moment just as Chat Noir touched it. The item was destroyed and from it emerged the Akuma.
"No more mischief from you little Akuma. Time to purify!" He said as he swung his yo-yo towards the possessed Akuma, capturing it in one motion.
Then opening it once more, watching the newly purified Akuma fly away. "Bye-bye, little butterfly."
"Miraculous Ladybug!" He then threw the wrench up in the sky, and the Miraculous cleansing light returned everything to normal. Bubbler fell on his knees, the black smoke that once possessed now removed and he turned back to his normal self.
"Dude, what?" Nino questioned before he saw, Ladybug and Cat Noir bump their fists.
"Pound it!"
Ladybugs earrings beep, he pasts Nino shoulder as he walks past, jumping off the tower towards the city below.
"So, you're a cat?" Nino asked as he and Chat watched Ladybug leave.
Chat turned towards him with an amused expression, " That's what I'm told."
Adrien sat alone once more at the dinner table. He wished at least there was a birthday pie or something, maybe Marin's chouquettes? He craved for something sweet. But knew that if he told his father or Natalie about it again they'd refer him to his nutrition chart.
"A birthday present, from your father." He was surprised as Natalie laid an interesting looking box at his side on the table.
"For me?" He questioned at first,
"Thank you. I mean, please say thank you to my father for me." Nathalie simply nodded as Adrien quickly opened the gift his father gave, excited that he wasn't just given another small black box with a violet ribbon on it.
At school, Marin sat next to Nino who was blowing bubbles. The boy was lain back lazily.
"Some party yesterday, huh?" He remarked as Nino squinted his eyes.
"Yeah, probably. Wish I could at least remember what I did yesterday…"
"You know, it was pretty alright until you tried to shoot me into space," Marin remarked to which Nino immediately turned his head in shock.
"I DID WHAT?!"
"Hey, guys!" Adrien called out as he stepped out of the a car, wearing a scarf.
Marin's eyes softened for a moment, then he turned away as Nino stood up, confused for a moment.
"Yo, nice scarf, Adrien. Very...stylish." Nino said lamely as Adrien shone with happiness, not noticing his friend's confusion.
"Yeah, can you believe my dad got this for me? He's so awesome after he's been giving me the same lame pen for three years in a row."
"Wow, I guess anyone can change." Nino faltered for a moment as he could see his friend's happiness radiating off of him. "Adults can be cool when you least expect it.
Adrien's mood dropped all of a sudden, "Speaking of adults, I know my father said you were a bad influence, but-"
Nino quickly placed his hand on Adrien's shoulder, flashing him a reassuring smile. "We're good, Adrien, don't sweat it. We're buds. Always and forever."
Adrien smiled as he pulled Nino in for a hug. Then noticing Marin sitting nearby, "Good Morning Marin." He said, a little hesitant.
"Here." Marin said handing over a white bag with his family's bakery logo on it. Adrien opened it and his eyes couldn't help but light up. "For me?"
"Yeah, Happy Birthday," Marin said even though it was belated. Adrien nodded his head gratefully as he walked inside first, leaving Nino and Marin to watch.
"Aren't you gotta tell him you were the one who knitted the scarf?" Nino asked as Marin turned towards him. "You can't tell me you're not the one who made it. You made me a really similar one last year."
Marin simply shrugged his shoulder. "Sometimes a gift is better coming from someone else. Besides, I don't want to spoil it for him we both know how his dad is."
Nino's eyes widen slightly as he pulled Marin in for a half hug, his face ran red as he hugged the taller boy. "Aw dude, you're too nice for your own good." He said still grabbing onto Marin's shoulder.
"Not really."
Notes:
Marin is just trying his best.