Chapter Text
In a world with seven billion people, only one third of the entire population possessed a soulmate. Marinette's parents were part of the lucky one third, having symbols representative of the other person marked on their skin, entwining the two together.
Marinette envied them. She yearned for someone to call her own, to have and to hold, just like they did. She longed for a love story like theirs, culminating in her papa's romantic proposal at André's ice cream cart.
She was, quite obviously, a hopeless romantic. Head filled with imaginary scenarios, illustrating the various ways she could possibly find her other half.
Marinette stared at the dripping wet superhero in front of her, body consumed with a strange, almost ticklish tingling.
Her imagination was nowhere good enough to predict this.
earlier...
Today had been wild . Being Ladybug, a superheroine , defeating a—what do you call it again? Oh, akuma—meeting her new partner, and adopting an adorable bug-mouse creature. Tikki , Marinette thought fondly, as said being munched a cookie as she hovered in the air.
She had hoped her first day of school included a soulmate, though. Marinette sighed. Was it so bad that she really, really wanted to be bonded with someone like her parents were? Tikki suddenly broke the silence, her thoughts fleeing to her subconscious in the wake of the kwami's voice.
"Marinette, is something wrong?" Tikki asked worriedly, swallowing the last of the cookie crumbs.
She smiled affectionately at the little kwami. "It's nothing, Tikki. Really," she said reassuringly, "I was just thinking about soulmates and… well…"
Tikki, being the intuitive being she was, caught Marinette's train of thought. "Don't worry, Marinette! True love will show itself to those who deserve it, soulmark or no," she chirped cheerily. "Besides, being Ladybug increases your chances of being bonded."
Marinette perked up at that. "What? Really?" she said hopefully.
"Mhm," Tikki affirmed, nodding. "It's because most ladybug and black cat wielders are either platonically or romantically bonded, which helps with their teamwork and synchronicity. That's what makes the duo so efficient."
She mulled it over, propping her head on her hand. "What if they hated each other?"
Tikki lowered her eyes solemnly. "There was one time we had a rogue Chat Noir," she said softly, "He Cataclysm-ed his Ladybug."
Marinette's hand sprang to her mouth, stunned, her posture shocked straight as she digested the possibility, the horror that one would actually use Cataclysm on a person .
Tikki smiled sadly from her position on the desktop. "As you can see, there are very good reasons for the two to be bonded," the kwami continued. "It means that the two heroes will work well together and be in harmony, their goals and morals mostly aligned."
Marinette hesitantly picked Tikki up, a small part of her subconscious inwardly marvelling at her. The kwami was such a tiny being, but she held in her little paws the immense power of creation, and carried on her small back the heavy burden of seeing her past wielders all die, as she herself remained immortal.
She lifted the kwami in her cupped hands to her face, nuzzling Tikki's red, velvet soft skin against her own porcelain toned cheek. "I'm sorry you had to experience that, Tikki," Marinette said softly. "I hope Chat Noir and I won't ever come to that…" She drifted off, eyes unfocused and staring right through the little god who now hovered before her.
Tikki smiled. "I think that's enough doom and gloom for today," she said, trying to cheer her up. "I've got a feeling that you and Chat Noir will definitely be fine."
The corner of her wielder's lips turned up. "If you say so." She suddenly gasped, clutching her head in distress. "Oh no, it's getting late, and I still have to get started on my essay due next week! Aaaahhh!"
Tikki giggled. "Don't worry, Marinette. I know you can do it!”
Her words were nearly lost in the ensuing chaos that was a panicked Marinette.
The next morning, Marinette hurried to get ready for school. Kissing her maman and papa goodbye, she ran off as fast as her legs could carry her, not wanting to be late. She met Alya on the steps, who immediately started gushing about Ladybug’s actions yesterday, and together they walked towards their classroom. Marinette noticed a huge group gathered around Ivan.
“You were totally going ballistic . It was so epic,” Juleka gushed.
“You were out to destroy me, dude. Not cool,” Kim scowled.
Chloe opened her mouth, unleashing a barrage of scornful words. “Once a monster, always a monster. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!” she sing-songed.
Furious, Ivan ran off to the locker rooms. Marinette’s expression softened, noticing his abrupt departure, and she ran after him, whilst Alya told Chloé off. When she reached him, he was sitting down, listening to music on his earphones.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, she said softly, “You know, you should tell Mylène how you feel.”
He looked away in embarrassment. “I...I don’t know what you’re talking about…”
She scoffed good-naturedly. “Come on, I see how you look at her. No negative emotions, Ivan! I- I mean, be happy—be positive! I’m sure Mylène has feelings for you too. Go talk to her and see.”
“I...I’m no good with words anyway, Marinette.”
“Who needs words? Maybe send her flowers, or draw her a picture?” she suggested encouragingly.
“I could maybe… write her a song?” he wondered thoughtfully.
Marinette beamed. “That’s a great idea! What girl doesn’t want a love song dedicated to her? Go for it! And make sure to stay positive!”
The moment she set foot into her classroom, Marinette's gaze was immediately drawn to a blonde boy suspiciously crouching over her seat, his back to her. Taking a few more steps revealed what he was up to: sabotage by way of bubblegum on her seat.
She stomped over to him. “Hey! What do you think you’re doing?”
Hearing Chloé and Sabrina laugh behind her, she rolled her eyes as she realized what he was up to. “Okay, then. I get it. Good job, you three. Very funny,” she bit out.
“No, no, I was just trying to take the gum off, I swear!” He said, frantic, putting his hands up defensively.
“Oh, really,” she ground out, irritated. “You’re friends with Chloé, aren’t you?” Marinette huffed and placed a sheet of paper over the gum, sitting down while making sure to avoid it.
“Why do people keep saying that?” the blonde said dejectedly.
Marinette whispered to Alya as she settled in her seat. “He looks familiar, Alya, but I can’t remember where… Oh, of course! He’s the son of Gabriel Agreste, my favorite fashion designer!”
Alya laughed. “Chloé’s friend, supermodel, and a daddy’s boy? Forget it!”
Meanwhile, Nino looked over at Adrien, who now slumped next to him. “Why didn’t you tell them it wasn’t your idea, dude?”
Adrien looked away in embarrassment. “Look, I’ve known Chloe since I was really young. She’s not perfect, I know that, but I can’t just throw her under the bus like that. She’s the only friend I have.”
“I think it’s time for you to make some good, new friends,” Nino gave him a smile, and Adrien returned it hopefully. "Hi, I'm Nino. And you?" He offered a hand.
The model took it eagerly. "Adrien. I'm Adrien."
Mylène left the girl’s bathroom, whispering to herself. “Oh no, oh no, I’m going to be late!” She ran straight into Ivan. “Ahh! You scared me, Ivan.”
He took a deep breath. “I..I made this for you. I hope you like it.”
Ivan sang his song for Mylène—or perhaps "yelled" would be a more fitting description. His phone provided a hair-raising accompaniment of heavy metal. The timid Mylène, frightened by the deafening barrage of sound, scurried away, trying to get away from the noise. Ivan wadded up his paper, throwing his phone on the ground and punching the lockers in frustration.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bustier was taking attendance in class. “Bourgeois, Chloe?”
“Present,” Chloe drawled out.
“Bruel, Ivan?”
As if on cue, the re-akumatized Stoneheart crashed into the classroom. “Present!" he roared. "Mylène, where are you?” He grabbed Mylène, who thrashed in his arms.
“Let go of me!” Mylène shrieked.
“Daddy, the monster is back!” Chloe squealed into her phone. But before she could get out of the way, Stoneheart grabbed her and smashed the wall, jumping out of the school.
“Come on!" Alya yelled at Marinette. "Let’s go follow him!”
She hesitated. “Uhh, no, you should go. I’m going to find myself somewhere to hide.”
“Girl! You’re going to miss Ladybug in action!” Alya's voice took on an exasperated tone.
So will you—since you’re going to be Ladybug, she thought inwardly. “Take your bag! You and Ladybug will be better off without me.”
“If you say so! Bye!” Alya ran off after Stoneheart.
“Wait, you left your bag!” Marinette ran after her. “And you kinda need it to defeat the akuma…” she mumbled to herself.
A newly transformed Chat Noir slammed his staff down on Stoneheart, making him grow bigger. “Oops, my bad.”
Chloe grumbled. “What an incompetent cat.”
Stoneheart grew furious. “Stone beings, seize him!” Chat dodged them. “If you can hear me, Ladybug, I could use a little help here!” he called out, just as Alya arrived at the scene.
“What is she waiting for?” Alya screamed frantically.
Marinette ran up behind Alya, panting heavily. She was just in time to see a stone monster knock over a car, almost hitting Alya. Chat Noir threw his staff to save her, trapping Alya behind the car. Marinette gasped, seeing her partner get captured by a different stone being.
“Help!” Alya screamed. Marinette slumped against a light post, overwhelmed by the events playing out before her. Alya is in danger, but… I’m not fit to be Ladybug. I’m the one who caused this whole mess again. Alya should have been Ladybug, she’s so brave. Someone needs to save her.
Again, Alya yelped in terror, and Marinette gathered all her courage, putting on the miraculous. To Tikki, she said, “I think I need Ladybug. Tikki, spots on!” Ladybug pulled the car off Alya with her yo-yo, and pulled Chat Noir to safety, hanging upside down.
“M’lady, have I ever told you you turn my world upside down?” Chat winked.
“Oh, you’re quite the jokester, aren’t you?" she quipped, feeling confidence wash over her because of her mask. "But we have an akuma to catch!”
"Got a plan, m'lady?"
"But of course, chaton!"
A giant head made of akumas and a parachute lucky charm later, Stoneheart transformed back into a very confused Ivan Bruel.
“You were re-akumatized,” Ladybug said softly, putting a hand on his shoulder. “I think you and Mylène have some talking to do?” She nudged him in the direction of the confused girl.
“Oh, I- uh no... um…”
“Perhaps it would help if you read the song he wrote for you, Mylène.” Ladybug giggled, pushing them closer, and walked over to Chat Noir. She watched as Ivan offered the crumpled piece of paper tentatively.
Mylène smoothed out the paper to read Ivan’s song and blushed heavily. “Oh, Ivan, it’s so beautiful. It’s a shame you can’t hear them when you scream. I mean sing.”
Ivan said, with a sad expression marring his features, “It was scary wasn’t it? Is that why you left? I’m really sorry—I’ll be gentle—!”
Mylène hugged him tightly as Ladybug and Chat stood watching, cutting off his sentence. To everyone's surprise, the moment their arms brushed against each other color spread on their skin, outlining a tiny black electric guitar with a skull and crossbones motif on Mylène's right cheek, and two multicolored masks representing comedy and tragedy on Ivan's arm.
Ladybug gushed at seeing the two soulmates find each other, “Oh, they’re sooo made for each other! So adorable!”
“Like us two.” Chat smirked flirtatiously as his miraculous beeped.
Ladybug brushed it off with a grin. “Ah, look at that, time to split. See you soon, Chat Noir!” Ladybug swung away.
Chat bowed with a cat-like grace, whispering. “Can’t wait, m’lady.”
The next day, Marinette was able to get through a school day, without being interrupted by an akuma attack. Thank kwami for that. All day, she had been ignoring the sad, soft looks she had been getting from that blonde boy. She still hadn’t bothered to learn his name, either. When the bell rang, Marinette stomped out of the school doors—
—and straight into the pouring rain. So much for that ladybug luck of hers.
“Should I wait it out...or maybe just get home soaking wet?” she thought out loud. Marinette was startled out of her thoughts when that blonde boy patted her on the shoulder. She turned away and huffed.
He looked away and sighed deeply. “Listen, I’m sorry about the gum incident. It wasn’t me—it was Chloé. I was only trying to get the gum off your seat, I swear. I’ve never been to school before. I’ve never even had friends. It’s all sort of new to me,” he explained, apology in his expression.
Marinette looked into his bright green eyes—they reminded her so much of Chat Noir—and decided the sad expression that marred his face shouldn’t be there anymore, not because of her. “It’s really fine. I guess I was a bit harsh earlier—Chloé is rather mean to everyone. But you’re… really really nice. May I ask your name?”
His smile brightened up even the rainy day. “It’s Adrien.”
“Pleased to meet you, Adrien, I’m Marinette.”
Adrien smiled. “Here’s my umbrella. It’s pouring out there, and my bodyguard will be by soon to pick me up anyways. Wouldn’t want you to get sick.”
Marinette blushed. “Oh, uh, thank you so much, Adrien.” She gently took the umbrella from him, yet still somehow managed to shut it on her face. Embarrassed, Marinette peeked out of it, only to hear Adrien’s loud laughter. She started giggling with him, only interrupted by a forceful honk from who must be Adrien’s bodyguard.
“I guess that means I have to go. I hope you get home safe. See you tomorrow?” He smiled hopefully.
“Of course.” Marinette smiled back brightly, as he turned to leave. She started walking down the path, towards her home, humming happily.
Adrien stared out his car window at the pouring rain, Plagg munching on cheese in his pocket. His kwami noticed the sad look on his charge’s face and decided to humor him. “Why the long face, kid? You just hit it up with Pigtails over there. She seems happy. So what’s wrong?”
“She’s my first friend, and I’m worried about her. Walking home in the cold rain… what if she gets sick or something?" Adrien said earnestly. "I want to go check up on her. But how? My father would never let me go out.”
The small kwami sighed and crossed his tiny legs in mid-air, putting his hands together to point at Adrien. “Well, you could transform and meet her as Chat Noir," he said resignedly, hoping it would stop his wielder's moaning and groaning. "This is the only time I’ll allow it.”
“Oh, thank you, Plagg!” Adrien sighed in relief.
As soon as he got home, Adrien transformed, and then Chat Noir was on his way to meet a very special girl.
Through the pouring rain, Chat scanned the streets for Marinette, and finally spotted her entering the Tom and Sabine Boulangerie. “Wow, I should have known she lived there. Those macarons she brought to school looked delicious. ”
He jumped across the rooftops, still a little wobbly on his feet, and stepped on to Marinette’s balcony. The trapdoor was somehow open, (maybe he should inform her of how unsafe that was?) and so he walked right in, and stood near the opening to her bedroom to wait for her.
If his mental calculations were correct, she’d be walking up in three…
Two…
One
“AAAH! CHAT NOIR IS THAT YOU? YOU SCARED ME!” As she screamed, her legs caught on the trapdoor and she went tumbling forward. Immediately, Chat’s enhanced reflexes kicked in and he caught her, just before she hit the ground.
Marinette blushed. “Well, I guess that was, uh, my attempt to scare you? ...no? Sorry, I’m clumsy… madly clumsy.”
Chat frowned imperceptibly. Where had he heard that before? It was so familiar… yet he couldn’t place it. He shook his head and focused on the girl before him. “Well, now you have a valiant knight with you, to avert those clumsy disasters, princess.” he winked.
“Uh huh. And how exactly do you know me again?”
“Uh well, let’s just say… I’m a friend of Adrien! You know… that blonde model who, uh, goes to your school? He asked me to check up on you! Didn’t want you to get sick with the pouring rain outside!” Chat rubbed his neck nervously.
“Uh huh. And you’re his friend from what. A day ago? The superheroes have only been in town for a day now.” Marinette said, raising an eyebrow.
“Yep. We, uh, met after that crazy akuma attack—he was trapped by a stone monster—long story, no need to hear any of it!" He switched topics, trying to get her off his back. "Anyways, I believe I was here to check up on you, princess?”
Marinette laughed. “Okay then, kitty. And well, I dried off downstairs, so I’m fine. Really. You didn’t need to check on me. Tell Adrien thank you, though. And you too—" Her eyes widened as she registered the puddle collecting around his feet. "WAIT! You’re soaking. Wet. I just realized! Oh my god, you’re going to catch a cold, you can’t catch a cold—! Ladybug needs you, we all need you, I need you, let me grab you some towels—! Okay, I’ll stop rambling now.”
“Sorry.” she said softly, turning away from him.
“Marinette. Marinette.” Chat turned her around and placed a hand on her cheek. “It’s fine. I actually kind of like that you worry about me. Nobody has ever worried much about me before.” She looked at him, noticing for the first time the sad tint to his bright green eyes and the unshed tears pooling in them. Marinette felt as if she could see him—the real him—through the sheer expression in those eyes. Her kitty—wait, since when did she start calling him that?—wasn’t just a jokester; no, there was much more to him.
“I really hope you don’t catch a cold, or even worse, a fever.” Marinette mumbled under her breath as she rested a hand on his forehead.
Suddenly, a slight tingle ran through her body, emanating from the part of her that had touched his bare skin, and intensifying rapidly. Marinette could only stare wide-eyed into Chat’s emerald green eyes as she went stock-still at the utterly electrifying sensation rushing in her veins. It felt like they were surrounded in their own little bubble, the pitter-patter of the rain outside reduced to a mere whisper.
Unnoticed by the spellbound pair, a sabre, wickedly sharp and gleaming silver with electric green highlights unfurled its lethal glory on Marinette’s upper right arm. Similarly, a spool of thread unwound its color on Adrien's ankle, its scarlet hue covered by the black leather of his transformation.
Her hand shook as she lowered it, eyes still caught in Chat’s dumbstruck gaze. Chat, mouth agape, stuttered out a word that shattered their little bubble.
“S- soulmate?”
Only a lucky one-third of the world's population possessed a soulmate—and Marinette was pretty sure she was looking right at hers.
Maybe being Ladybug really did bring luck, after all.