Chapter Text
“Oh, oh, the Eiffel Tower!” Marinette cried.
Adrien shook his head harshly, frowning and continuing to clap his hands together above his head.
Alya looked up from her computer, snorted, and went right back to the computer.
“Uh, the letter A?” Nino asked before stuffing his face with his third croissant of the afternoon.
Adrien was starting to get exasperated now. He shook his head again before miming flowing water. Nino and Marinette both stared at him in confusion.
Alya rolled her eyes. “A piranha,” she said.
“Yes!” Adrien cried. Marinette cheered and Nino laughed.
“That was terrible dude. Never go into acting.”
The four of them were in Marinette’s bedroom to “study”. Considering that it was a Friday afternoon, there wasn’t much motivation to do anything productive. Marinette had suggested a game of charades a while back, so Alya was now the only one actually working. Well, if editing the Rena Blog was considered working.
“Alya Cesaire, are you actually doing homework?”
She turned the computer around so Nino could see the screen. “Not quite.”
He grinned and plopped down beside her on the floor. She ignored the butterflies in her stomach that fluttered at his close proximity.
“What are you posting today?” he asked, sounding genuinely curious.
“Just some footage and descriptions from yesterday’s battle.”
“The dog trainer one?”
“Mhmm. Wait,” she said as something suddenly occurred to her. “Were you there? Did you get turned into a dog-person? Were you hurt at all?”
He chuckled at her worried expression. “Nah, I was safe. But I heard that Carapace made the plan for this one. Are you going to put that in your post?”
She could tell by his tone that he was just teasing, but she scowled anyway. “It’s not like it was that hard of an akuma. Rena could have come up with that too.”
Nino shook his head. “Alright, whatever you say, Master Reporter of Paris’ #1 Blog.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Alya said as she returned her focus to the article she had just posted. A notification from the blog popped up at the bottom of the screen and she frowned.
“What’s wrong?” Nino asked immediately, incredibly perceptive as always.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” she sighed. “It’s just that my blog is open to posts from anyone, as long as they aren’t offensive. But sometimes it leads to discussions that I don’t particularly agree with."
Nino raised an eyebrow. “Like what?” he prompted.
“Well, a lot of people like to...ship Rena and Carapace.”
“Like romantically?” Nino spluttered.
Alya hid a smile at his baffled expression. “I know right! It’s crazy.”
“It’s preposterous. Carapace and Rena hate each other. Why would there be any romantic feelings?”
“Exactly what I’ve been saying,” Alya said, pleased that he was at least agreeing with her on this. “Some people claim that the hatred between the heroes is just pent up sexual tension.”
Nino turned a tiny bit red at that. Cute. “Idiots,” he muttered.
“Hey guys,” Adrien said suddenly. Alya flinched, having forgotten that there were other people in the room. So this is how Marinete feels all the time.
“We’re going to get extra snacks,” Adrien continued, motioning to the almost empty platter in the middle of the oom. It had been filled to the brim with pastries when they brought it up. Huh.
“We’ll be back in a few minutes,” Marinette called, already following Adrien down the stairs. Alya watched them go before grabbing her cup of juice.
“So, is ‘going to get snacks’ code for making out in the kitchen?” Nino asked, so suddenly and so close that Alya choked on her juice, nearly spilling it onto her laptop.
“Oh oops, sorry!” Nino exclaimed, but she could tell he was trying not to laugh.
She turned to look at him with a mock-glare. “You think that’s funny, Lahiffe?”
“And what if I do, Cesaire?”
Alya grinned. “Shut up.”
Nino leaned closer, stealing her breath and whatever else she was going to say. “Why don’t you make me?”
Alya gasped softly. Nino’s lips curled into a mischievous smile, and his eyes glinted playfully.
“We’re back!” Adried exclaimed without warning, a tray full of sweets balanced on his left hand. Nino and Alya shot apart. Alya fixed her gaze back on the computer, and Nino suddenly became very interested in a stain on the floor.
“That was fast,” Alya said when she had finally gotten her voice back under control. She was probably still blushing, but she’d just have to hope nobody mentioned.
“Yeah, maman had another tray already ready for us,” Marinette said as she sat down. She shot Alya a questioning look. Yep, her blush was definitely visible. She shook her discreetly and mouthed the word “later”. Marinette frowned, but relented.
“Oh, by the way, my parents said you guys can stay the night. Is everyone up for a sleepover?”
“That’s a great idea!” Alya said. Adrien also seemed excited. They all turned to Nino, who frowned.
“Sorry guys, but I’m busy tonight. Maybe another time.”
Alya frowned. Who was busy on a Friday? And then it suddenly hit her. Patrol. She was busy. Ugh, stupid Carapace and his stupid schedules.
“Actually, I just forgot I have something tonight too.” Marinette eyed her suspiciously. “But you two are free to have a sleepover. Adrien can have my spot in Mari’s bed,” she added quickly, hoping they’d think this was just another one of her Adrienette schemes. Judging by Marinette’s blush and Nino’s smirk, she was successful. “Now, I’ve got a few hours before I have to go. I’m going to crush all of you in another round of charades.”
***
“I was thinking we should focus on some new strategies.”
“Mhmm. ” Was Nino really flirting with me today? Or was he just teasing?
“As much as I hate to say it, we need to practice our teamwork.”
“Okay.” Flirting or not, I wish Adrien hadn’t hadn’t interrupted. Nino had that look in his eyes...mmm.
“I’ve thought out a few practices we can do during patrols, if that works.”
“Sounds good.” Should I bring it up on Monday? Or maybe I should text him? I don’t want to make things weird.
“Sounds good? Really? You’re strangely complacent today.”
“Yeah okay.” What if I flirt with him over text, but say it was Marinette if he responds badly? That could work.
“What? Oh my gosh, you’re not even listening to me. Rena. Rena! RENA!”
“What?! What?”
Carapace glared. “Have you seriously been daydreaming this whole time?”
Rena glared right back, mostly just to hide her embarrassment at being caught. “So what if I was? I don’t want to be here. I had to cancel plans with my best friends for this. Just because you’re a lonely nerd with no plans doesn’t mean you can constantly ruin mine.”
Her rant seemed to hit a sore spot. “I’m not lonely. I actually declined plans too," he said quietly.
She rolled her eyes at his defensive tone. “Congratulations, looks like Friday patrols don’t work for either of us.”
“Okay, how about Wednesdays?”
Rena tilted her head in confusion. “What?”
“Wednesday patrols. If Fridays aren’t working out, let's just change the day.”
She narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “Just like that?”
“I mean, yeah.” He sighed, seeming a bit irritated. “We don’t have to fight about everything.”
“I can’t do Wednesdays,” she said immediately, just to prove him wrong. She wasn’t actually busy on Wednesdays. In fact, Wednesday was the day she was the most free. But he didn’t need to know that.
“Okay, Tuesday then.”
“Still at 7?”
“Sure.”
“Okay.”
“Ok.”
They stared at each other for an awkward moment. Rena considered picking a fight, just to break the silence, but then Carapace stepped closer, a surprisingly earnest expression on his face.
“Look Rena, I may have misjudged you. I’m not saying I agree with everything you do. But I met someone recently who’s a lot like you. She’s like you’re number one fan. But she’s still somehow become a really good friend. And I can’t help thinking that maybe I’m wrong about you. I’m not saying we have to be friends. Honestly, I don’t think we ever will be. But I think we could do a lot more good if we really worked together.” He extended a hand to her. “Partners? For real this time?”
A year and a half of animosity encouraged her to laugh at him and run away. But as he stood there, arm held out hopefully, she was reminded of Nino. Nino, who disagreed with her on one of her most valued beliefs. And yet, he had quickly become one of her favorite people. Nino liked Carapace, and she trusted Nino. Maybe he was onto something.
Before she could lose her nerve, she grabbed his hand and shook it lightly. “Partners. For real.”
He smiled at her, and for the first time she wasn’t annoyed with him.
***
Alya didn’t see Carapace until the next week. Over the weekend, she texted Nino saying that maybe Carapace wasn’t all that bad. He was delighted, and admitted that he’d been thinking the same thing about Rena. Marinette called her on Saturday morning, demanding all the details. When Alya told her about the maybe-flirting on Friday, Marinette had cheered so loud that Alya dropped the phone. And Adrien...well Adrien sent her twelve cat memes, despite the many threats she texted back. All in all, it was a relaxing weekend.
But like all good things, it came to an end. Monday eventually came, and brought with it two tests and a pop quiz. And then, because the day wasn’t bad enough, Hawk Moth decided to send out an akuma called the Duplicator.
It was immediately clear that the Duplicator wasn’t going to be an easy one. The akuma was some girl who was lonely. She had the power to duplicate herself whenever she wanted, and within minutes there were a dozen copies of her running around Paris. Even with their newfound teamwork, Carapace and Rena Rouge weren’t doing too well. They had determined that the girl’s ring was where the akuma was, but they had no idea which Duplicator was the original. They’d already taken care of ten, but there were about thirty more wreaking havoc across Paris.
“Uh, Rena,” Carapace said after breaking yet another ring. “Maybe it’s time for a charm?”
She nodded, unhooking her flute. “Clever Charm!” she cried before playing the right notes. Smoke wafted out of the instrument and into the air. The two heros watched as the image of a teapot floated above them.
“A teapot?” Carapace asked, sounding slightly disappointed. Rena had to agree. Her Clever Charms weren't always easy to figure out, but this one seemed particularly cryptic.
She thought hard, studying the image thoughtfully. And then she suddenly got it. She'd seen that teapot before.
"I know what it means!"
"Great. What is it?"
Rena faltered. "Uh, I think this is something i need to do."
Carapace's jaw tightened. "I thought we were going to try to work together."
She cringed. "Yeah, I know. And we are. I just, this one's difficult. I'm sorry." She began running in the right direction, not wanting to see his disappointed expression.
She had only met Master Fu twice. The first time was when she had gotten her miraculous. She'd saved him from being run over at a crosswalk on her way to school, and he had given her the fox miraculous. Of course, she hadn't known it was him at the time. But then Trixx had gotten really sick one day, and insisted they visit the master. That was her first time in the massage parlor Master Fu lived. And it was also where she'd seen the teapot.
She entered the shop quickly, making her way to the back. Sure enough, there he was, sipping his tea and sitting calmly.
"Master Fu! There's an akuma attack going on! My Clever Charm told me to come here and I-"
He silenced her with a raised hand, then took another sip of tea and set the cup down. "Rena Rouge. I have been waiting for you. Please, sit."
She considered protesting, but decided to just sit. Her fingers tapped her thigh impatiently as she waited for him to speak.
"I'm assuming this is a difficult akuma? One the two of you cannot fight alone?"
Rena nodded. "That's right." Her words were followed by the tell-tale beeps of her miraculous.
Fu smiled kindly. "Go ahead and de-transform. I have some snacks for Trixx in the other room."
Rena did as he said, petting her kwami before relaying the message. Trixx flew off to eat and Alya leaned forward. "So what do we do?"
Master Fu stood up and grabbed a wooden box from the table. "It is time for you to pick some allies." He opened the box, and Alya's eyes widened as she took in the many colorful pieces of jewelry. "You will need to choose a miraculous to fight alongside you and Carapace, temporarily."
Alya glanced at every one of them, and the two in the middle caught her eyes. "What are these?" she asked, pointing at the ring and earrings.
Fu smiled. "Ah. Those are the Ladybug and Chat Noir miraculous. They are very powerful, but they must be used together. If one is used on it's own, it will upset the balance.
"What are their powers?"
"The Ladybug is luck. And the Chat Noir is destruction." Alya thought of all the Duplicators and all the rings they needed to break.
"I'm ready to go!" Trixx exclaimed, flying back into the room happily and landing on Alya's shoulder.
"Master Fu, I think I should take these two. I know two perfect people."
"Good," he said simply, handing her the black ring and red spotted earrings.
She transformed and ran back outside. To her dismay, even more akuma copies were roaming the streets. She needed to find Marinette and Adrien. She climbed onto the nearest roof and began leaping across the city.
"Where were you?" The angry voice startled her, and she turned to find a very irritated Carapace. He had a light bruise on his face and Rena immediately felt guilty.
"I'm sorry! I really am, I just-"
"Where. Were. You."
Rena grimaced. "Look, we'll talk about this. But we have more pressing matters to attend to." He opened his mouth, probably to scold her further, but she extended the Chat Noir miraculous box. "I need you to get this to Adrien Agreste."
Carapace looked shocked for a moment, and then his face morphed into suspicion. "Is that a miraculous? What's going on?"
Rena sighed. "My lucky charm told me that we can't fight this one alone. I'm going to hand out the Ladybug miraculous, so I need you to take the Chat Noir one."
He frowned at her for a few tense moments. "Alright, fine. But we're talking about this later." With that, he snatched the box out of her hand and leapt off the roof. Rena watched him go before heading to the bakery.
***
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng, you have been chosen to wield the Ladybug miraculous. You will use it to help Carapace and I defeat the Duplicator, and then you will return it to me. Do you accept?”
“M-me? Like, really? Because I really don’t-”
“Marinette,” Rena interrupted. “We don’t have a lot of time.”
“Oh okay, right. Um, yeah, I’ll do it!” Rena smiled.
“Then it’s time for you to meet your kwami.” She opened the box and a piercing red light filled the room.
“AHH THERE’S A GIANT MOUSE BUG!”
“Marinette wait, no!”
***
Once Alya had explained that the kwami was not, in fact, a mouse or bug, Marinette calmed down enough for Tikki to introduce herself and her powers. Then Rena had led her outside and back to where she was supposed to meet Carapace. It took a couple tries for Ladybug to get used to her yo-yo, but once she did, she was a natural. Rena had never felt so proud of her best friend. They landed on the roof two minutes before Carapace arrived, Adrien-er Chat Noir in tow.
Chat landed beside Ladybug and offered everyone a wide grin. “Purrfect timing!” he proclaimed. The other three heroes cringed at the pun. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
Ladybug beamed at Rena. “So what’s the plan, boss?”
“Uh, she’s not the boss,” Carapace interjected, frowning. Rena rolled her eyes.
“Whatever. The plan is that we split into groups of two and spread out. The real ring is the one that doesn’t break as easily. We’ll probably have to use Chat’s Cataclysm. If you find the original, call the other team with your communication devices. Sound good?”
Chat and Ladybug nodded eagerly, but Carapace’s face remained impassive. “What are the teams then?” he asked.
Rena sighed. “As much as I’d love to change things up, I think it’s best if we do Ladybug and Chat Noir together, and then Carapace and I.” She motioned to the new heroes. “Your miraculous are meant to work together.” Carapace didn’t protest, and soon they were all on their way.
“So, you seemed to know a lot about the new miraculous,” Carapace began as he shielded them from an attack.
Rena created an illusion to distract a few Duplicators while she stole their rings. “Do we really have to talk about this right now?”
He scowled, landing a punch that knocked a copy of the akuma out. “When else would you suggest?”
“Oh I don’t know. After this battle? At patrol tomorrow? Literally any other time?” she punctuated each question with another broken ring before stakling forward to approach another group of Duplicators.
She couldn’t tell what Carapace was doing, but he was silent for a moment. “How do I know you won’t just avoid me? Or lie?”
Rena felt her blood boil, and she grabbed an akuma’s arm, probably with more force than was necessary. “Are you really accusing me of lying? Again?”
“Well you apparently have some secret miraculous stash you’ve never mentioned.”
Rena grit her teeth as she finally got the ring off the copy’s finger. This one had been more resistant than the rest, and she was honestly so done with it. She was tired, Carapace was being a jerk, and now this stupid ring wouldn’t break.
Wait.
“I’ve got it!” she cried relieved. The real Duplicator didn’t like that, and she began spewing some nonsense about taking their miraculous.
“Got what?”
“The right ring, idiot. Get over here and shield me while I call the others.” Carapace grumbled, but did as she said. He kept the Duplicators occupied and she called Ladybug.
The other two heroes arrived on the scene a few moments later, and Ladybug helped Carapace keep the copies at bay while Chat Noir took the ring from Rena.
“CATACLYSM!”
The ring was destroyed, the girl was de-akumatized, and the city was restored. Rena went into a building with Ladybug and Carapace took Chat Noir to an alley (after making Rena swear she’d met up with him after).
“You did a really great job today.”
“Wow, thanks. That means a lot. Tikki, spots off.”
The ladybug kwami beamed at her chosen. “Yes, you were a great Ladybug!”
Marinette smiled back before saying goodbye to her kwami, taking out the earrings, and handing the box back to Rena.
“Thank you,” Rena said as she accepted it. She waited until Marinette had left before making her way to the meeting spot.
“You actually came,” Carapace greeted.
Rena’s eyes narrowed. “Look Shelly, let’s get something clear. I may not be as serious or careful as you are, but I do keep my word. I’ve never lied to you, and you need to stop expecting me to. You’re the one who proposed teamwork, and yet you were accusing me for half the battle today.”
Carapace seemed taken aback, but he finally nodded. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”
Rena nodded back, not quite smiling. “Now, I’m sure you have some questions.”
He seemed to consider what to say, but before he could speak the beep of her miraculous filled the air. Rena winced.
“I have to go. But we can talk tomorrow at patrol. I promise, okay?”
He was silent for a moment, and then a tentative smile spread across his face. “Okay, I believe you.”
“Thanks.”
“You were good today. During the battle.”
She grinned, sticking out her fist. He eyed it curiously, but when she nodded encouragingly, he brought his fist up to knock against hers.
“Pound it!” she cried.
Carapace gaped at her, looking hilariously bewildered. “What?”
“It’s from a TV show I used to watch as a kid,” Rena explained sheepishly. Carapace stared at her for a few moments before he burst out laughing. “What? It is!” she protested, before beginning to giggle herself. They probably looked like lunatics, two teens bent over laughing on a random rooftop.
Carapace straightened up, his shoulders still shaking. He wiped away a tear as a goofy grin appeared on his face. “Whatever you say Rena, whatever you say.”