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Chapter Text

"Who the hell does she think she is!?"

"Have you seen how pathetic she is?"

"How on earth she thinks he would choose her over Lila is laughable!"

"She must be desperate to go after someone else's boyfriend!"

All the words she had heard this morning had become unbearable. Marinette was at the end of her tether, unable to keep her emotions in check. The only people who had said anything in her defence were Nino, as he had actually been there when Chat Noir had swooped in and saved her at the last minute, and surprisingly Chloé.

For weeks, Lila had been dropping hints about her 'mystery guy' and how he absolutely adored her. Showering her with gifts symbolising their love for each other, and how he just had to protect her by keeping her a secret. The trouble with Lila was, she was a little bit too boastful of said secret, and had one too many times 'accidentally' dropped his name into conversation.

This was not what was bugging Marinette. What was bugging Marinette, was the fact the she knew it was a lie, because a certain feline had been dropping in on her roof top, showering her with affection which she had gladly returned. It was bugging Marinette that now she appeared to be the boyfriend stealer after the weekend's events. More specifically, her being rescued by Lila's supposed boyfriend, with a compromising picture appearing online that morning.

A group of them had been at the Eiffel Tower, acting like tourists and taking in the sights when an Akuma had occurred. Marinette had been in the middle of a crowd, unable to transform, when a young boy had broken free from the group. The Akuma targeted the young boy, and Marinette lunged into action, the only trouble being that her reflexes as Marinette were not as coordinated as when she was Ladybug. Pushing the boy out of the way, the Akuma then zeroed in on her as she stumbled to the ground.

Her friends had been shouting for her to move, as the powerful ball of light was taking shape in the Akuma's hands, Chat Noir scooped her up at the last minute taking her to safety. All had seemed as it should when Chat had spotted Nino, and choosing to place Marinette with her friend made sense to the black clad hero. Instructing Nino to keep her safe, he placed a loving kiss on her lips, encasing her in his arms while Marinette's gently placed hands rested on his chest before he headed off into battle.

That was a mistake on both of their parts.

Unfortunately, neither of them had been thinking. Caught in the heat of the moment, they had forgotten themselves slightly, as Chat was just relived to have been able to get her out of harms way, and Marinette had been grateful, and was also eager to embrace her boyfriend.

Showing affection to a civilian was not a smart move, but as his relationship with the raven haired beauty had been more than saviour and civilian, to each of them it was only natural. They had unknowingly been snapped, but Nino had seen the way they had been with each other, and this was his argument. That it was a natural motion between them, and not forced by Marinette, as some had suggested.

An argument which had not been taken well by his gullible girlfriend.

"I'm sorry Lila, but I honestly think you've been lying this whole time about your relationship with Chat Noir." He stated in front of the class, earning himself some daggers from his fellow classmates in the process. At the time, he just wished that his best friend had been present, the blonde always seemed to know how to diffuse the situation where Lila was concerned. No such luck today.

Adrien was not due to be in school until after first period, but that would be too late, as the shit had already hit the proverbial fan...

"Why are you standing up for the girl who has stolen Lila's boyfriend Nino!" Those had been the words of Marinette's supposed best friend.

"It's not like Marinette has ever claimed to be in a relationship with him!" Alix added, "you haven't got much to say on the subject now have you?" The feisty teenager shot at the silent raven haired girl.

In truth, Marinette had been completely oblivious to the reason behind the commotion, as she had walked into class late like usual, and had not even been privy to the picture which had emerged. The hero's girlfriend had only spoken to Nino about it the night before due to him wanting her to explain a few things which had contradicted Lila's tales. Therefore, when she had been accused as soon as she crossed the threshold, Marinette had been unable to get a word in edgeways between the squabbles of her peers. It had warmed her heart and saddened her also, to see Nino fighting her corner, against his own girlfriend no less.

"You've seen what Lila has shown us." Kim insisted to Nino, shooting a sideways glance of disgust at Marinette. "What has Marinette got to show of her relationship with Chat Noir?"

"You did not see the way he was with her Kim!" Nino stood defiantly, he had known Marinette for years, like many of the others in their class, he was not going to allow them to tarnish her when she had not done anything wrong. "I saw it with my own eyes, anyone can go out and buy themselves trinkets!"

Alya cut in again, seemingly determined to break the apparent home wrecker. "He loves Lila! Not Marinette! Why the hell would Lila need to lie about it!? Are you saying that she's that desperate to go out and buy her own gifts to convince us of their love?"

"I didn't imply that specifically," Nino parried, "but you just did." His stern expression seemed to send a signal to Alya, a signal which was not received well.

"I know and trust my friends Nino!" She pointed an angry finger in his face, "I wish I could say the same for my boyfriend!"

Well shit!

Marinette could do nothing but watch the members of the class gasp at the duelling couple. A scene which struck each and every person to their core. Alya and Nino were tight, they had the relationship that everyone aspired to.

Seeing this exchange, caused some of the class to quietly reflect on what Nino had said. Why was he willing to put his relationship with Alya on the line, if he did not believe what he was saying was true? He had seen one exchange between Chat Noir and Marinette, they had seen a bountiful of gifts given to Lila. Could one moment really dispute all of Lila's claims? In Nino's eyes, apparently, it could.

Nino turned to a frozen Marinette, "will you just show them already?" He sighed defeatedly. His words were not getting through to his peers, but maybe the gift Marinette had showed him over video chat the night before would.

Suddenly rebooting herself into motion, Marinette reached under her top to pull out a silver chain. On said chain lay a delicate ring, a ring which was the home to a pink sapphire surrounded by smaller black emeralds. It was not the only gift he had given her, but it was the one she refused to be without.

"That ring was meant for me!" Lila cried out before sobbing well practised tears, "I went with him to buy it and-and it was to be my two month anniversary gift!"

"Your colour isn't pink."

The class turned to see a disinterested Chloé examining her nails, "you should have just claimed that she forced him to buy it for her, or that she bought it herself," she continued with no interest in her voice what so ever. "Because pink is obviously a symbol of Dupain-Cheng."

"How would you know Chloé?" Alya spat, "you didn't even look at it!"

"No, that's true," she sighed, positively bored. "But as I was Queen Bee, he asked me to go with him to get it." She gave a pointed look at Alya, "he gave me enough hints to figure out it was for Dupain-Cheng, honestly, you are all ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!"

Stunned silence.

Marinette was actually happy Chloé was there for once.

"That still does not prove that Marinette is not a boyfriend stealer!" Proclaimed Max. "Or that Chat has not been cheating on Lila."

Nino took one more try at persuading his class mates before concluding they were all incorrigible imbeciles, including Alya. "We have seen actual proof of how Marinette and Chat Noir act around each other! The dude didn't want to leave her but he needed to go and fight the Akuma, he was very convincing of how important she is to him." Nino sighed, the looks he was getting told him he was banging his head against a metaphorical brick wall. "Honestly I don't see how anyone can believe what she's saying half the time anyway-"

Oh. Dear. Kwami.

The room erupted into a series of insults being thrown at Marinette; pathetic, desperate, clingy, needy, liar. All words her former friends were using to describe her. Marinette could not take it any more and bolted for the locker room. Miss Bustier had not been present for any of their study lesson, and quite frankly, Marinette was getting annoyed at all the opportunities Lila was having to get at her.

The raven haired teenager made it to the locker room unscathed, but would be damned if she let any of the girls following accost her in this room or the bathroom. She needed to hide where they would not look and fast.

"Tikki," she whispered quickly, "see if the boys bathroom is clear."

Tikki did not ask any questions or judge the budding designer, the small goddess simply obliged her chosen's request. Phasing through the door, she popped back out, "it's clear."

Marinette did not need any further information before she bolted through the door and it had not been a moment too soon. Leaning against the wooden entrance, she could hear the footsteps of several people enter the locker room.

"Maybe she didn't come in here." A muffled Rose could be heard.

"Coward," came from Mylène.

"Not in the bathroom," Alya informed them. "She can't have gone far."

The pitiful excuse for a human wailed, "I only want answers... why they've done this to me!" Sobs echoed on the other side of the door.

"I'll get answers for you!" Alya's tone became aggressive, "I can get anything out of Nino!"

More foot steps could be heard followed by the squeaking hinge and a door slamming. Marinette did not want to chance another encounter just yet and made her way into one of the stalls of the bathroom.

Looking around, she read some of the graffiti on the toilet wall, tracing the scribbles of fellow students, getting lost in their memories. The girls’ bathroom had none of this, she found it interesting how the two rooms differed from each other. The smell was definitely not to be desired, but the quiet most definitely was.

Marinette took out her phone, and scrolled to find Nino's contact number.

Marinette: Thank you for what you did today, I'm sorry for how Alya spoke to you.

Nino: Don't mention it dudette, it wasn't right what they were saying when Lila has clearly been lying.

Nino: where are you btw?

Marinette: I'm in hiding! I'll come out when it's all calmed down.

Nino: I'll lend you my notes from lit, I promise they will make sense! LOL

Marinette: Thank you! You're a lifesaver.

Marinette placed her phone back in her bag as the bell rang signalling the end of first period. As her next lesson only contained a few of the students who had witnessed the show, she contemplated whether or not to trudge her way up to class, but the door to the bathroom opened telling her she was no longer alone.

'Crap!'

There seemed to be only one set of footsteps, Marinette prayed they would be quick so she could make her escape. No such luck, as she heard a massive sigh and the water running. The new occupant of the room sounded like they were splashing their face.

"What you gonna do kid?"

This question had Marinette frozen as she listened. It sounded all too familiar. Mouthing 'Plagg?' to Tikki, the Kwami looked upto Marinette with wide eyes and nodded slowly, confirming the teenager's suspicions.

Nino sat at the front of class, not saying anything to those around him. He knew he should have gone after Marinette, but he could tell something had shifted in his and Alya's relationship, he did not want Marinette to be blamed for that too!

There was only fifteen minutes left before the bell was due to signal the end of lesson, when the girls who had gone after Marinette returned. Alya shot Nino a look of anger, as she huffed aggressively. The DJ was expecting this from her, she had a tendency to be protective of her friends, Nino could not help but wonder how she had flipped from Marinette's side to Lila's however.

Thankful Alya had not come over to question him further, he saw a blonde mane emerge through the door. His friendly smile disappeared as he looked around the room, Adrien stood rooted to the spot. Nino gathered that his friend had sensed the tension in the class, as his eyes quickly glanced around his peers, settling on Marinette's empty seat.

His face paled, bright green eyes transfixed on where Marinette should have been. He looked to Nino, his voice low, gruff and demanding. "Where is she?"

Lila started sobbing on cue, Adrien did not even hide the roll of his eyes in her direction. "You got something in your eye Lila?" Disdain dripping from his words.

"She-she-"

"I'm not interested in your crap Lila," he shot at her uncharacteristically, "Marinette isn't here, Lila is at it again, and you all look pissed...so tell me where the hell she is before I get in touch with that boyfriend of hers."

"You mean Lila's boyfriend-" Alya replied.

"No I'm talking about Chat Noir," Adrien replied matter-of-factly to the class, tilting his head to one side. "I don't know who Lila's boyfriend is-"

"How the hell do you know?" Alix exclaimed.

"Chloé."

"Guilty." The socialite raised her hand not looking up for her phone.

Nino looked disappointed in himself, he knew he should have gone after her. "I don't know where she is dude."

Chloé finally looked up from her phone, side shooting a knowing look to her childhood friend. "Maybe you should get Chat to have a look for her," she turned back to her phone, "before Miss Goody-Two-Shoes is Akumatised."

Adrien left his position at the doorway looking for a place to transform, as Juleka looked quizzically at the back of Chloé's head.

The class was silent, Juleka was the only one inquisitive enough to ask.

"If you knew Chat and Mari were dating, why didn't you say anything?"

Chloé huffed and rolled her eyes at what she deemed to be a stupid question, the blonde had had enough of this drama for one day. "You idiots as are so gullible." She turned around in her chair to face her audience. "You have all seen photographic proof of them together, and you're still believing the crock of shit coming out of the brat's mouth!"

The bell rang and Chloé vacated her seat with Sabrina following closely.

"It's ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!"

Chapter Text

Chloé was not a stupid person. On the contrary, she had been smart enough to put all the clues together and had come to the correct conclusion. Once the picture had surfaced, her theory just needed confirmation. Chloé, as a close family friend, had been privy to some information the others in her class had not been, but surmised that even if they had known, they would still be utterly blinded by the lies of one Lila Rossi.

When she got the call from Adrien to go shopping, Chloé had been beside herself with ecstasy. The chance to spend some alone time with the blonde was way over due. Jumping at the opportunity, she had gladly accepted his request when he asked for her help to find the perfect gift for someone special. Although, to find out that she was not that someone special in his life had completely dampened her hopes of ever having her perfect life with the model, but she was happy he was happy. The genuine joy that radiated from him when he was asked about her, made Chloé feel warm inside, how could she be angry that he had not chosen her? As Adrien was not wanting to outright tell his childhood friend who the mystery person was, he had dropped enough hints to secure the knowledge that it was no one else but Dupain-Cheng.

Honestly, even if he had not said that the person was selfless, caring, kind and had a smile that lit up the room, among other typical traits of the do-gooder, the colour choice of the ring would have given it away anyway. Pink. Chloé was just so utterly relieved that it was not a gift for Rossi, as at the time of purchase, the Italian had not yet managed to 'accidentally' drop the bombshell of who she was supposedly dating in secret. Just a few of his defining features had been mentioned. Blonde, handsome, ripped, it was not until their shopping trip that Chloé had finally been able to rule out Adrien as the secret boyfriend.

At this point, Chloé had thought they were just keeping it on the down low. Adrien's constant insistence that the ring was a gift for just a friend was doing nothing to convince her otherwise. It was common knowledge Adrien was not to date anybody as it was seen that his appeal would drop to his colossal teenage fanbase. Ultimately, having a knock on effect to the Gabriel brand and it's sales.

However, when the picture had emerged of Chat Noir kissing Baker Girl, Chloé had been enraged. How dare this good for nothing peasant even dare to cheat on her beloved Adrikins was beyond belief! However, Chloé had known about Marinette's unhealthy infatuation with the model, and it had occurred to her how the fumbling mess seemed to stutter less around him for a while now. After thinking about it further, she had come to the conclusion that Marinette was not actually cheating on Adrien, but was actually dating Chat Noir. Even Chloé could not tarnish Marinette with that brush, unlike the rest of the class that morning. Once her epiphany had been confirmed, after the ring had been mentioned, she felt it was her duty to inform Adrien that not only had she figured him out, but also that his girlfriend was in deep trouble with their class. Luckily, for the secret hero, Chloé had improvised on the spot for her explanation of how she knew.

Sat listening to the garbage being thrown about the room, Chloé was glad that someone else actually seemed to be talking sense. Nino had been with the pair when the picture had been taken, and she was thankful, because feeling the need to defend Dupain-Cheng was the last thing Chloé wanted to do. Still, taking out her phone, she searched for the model's contact once Marinette had vacated the class.

Chloé: You better get your ass here quick alley cat, you've got some explaining to do!

Adrikins: I don't know what you're talking about. What's going on?

Chloé: That ring you bought for your friend happens to be on Chat Noir's girlfriend. The class is going crazy at her and Nino is the only one on her side. Honestly you're lucky Queen Bee has your back!

Adrikins: On my way.

As Chloé left the classroom with Sabrina in tow, she had a spring in her step with knowing she had done something good for someone else. Even if it had been for the benefit of Baker Girl. At the thought of Marinette, Chloé wondered how she had exactly won the heart of Chat or Adrien, especially since she had known how obsessed the model had been with a certain spotted Parisian hero. If the amount of pictures on his phone were not enough evidence, the secret stash of memorabilia would have proved it.

Chloé stopped in her tracks, Sabrina walking straight into the back of her. The redhead awaited the scolding she would get for her incompetence but it never came, as Chloé stood wide eyed staring off into the distance. Her left eye twitching slightly as she digested her realisation.

"Holy crap it's her!"

"Who's her Chloé?" Sabrina asked warily, worried about the shocked expression on her friend's face.

Chloé shook her head, bringing herself out of her thoughts, "nothing, nothing," she said absentmindedly before snapping back into her bratish persona. "What are you staring at!"

"Are you ok Chloé?" Sabrina asked with concern.

"Of course I am!" Chloé barked before heading to their next class with Sabrina following cautiously behind. "Come on Sabrina, I need you to take notes for me."

"Yes Chloé."

Chloé was not a stupid person, on the contrary, Chloé knew when to keep something to herself. Ladybug was someone she still admired after everything that had happened, even if it was Dupain-Cheng under the mask.

The bell rang as Adrien made his way to the bathroom. He would wait until the hallways of the school quietened down once everyone had settled in, then head to Marinette's to see if she had gone home. Opening the door to the male toilets, he saw the room was empty before silently beckoning for Plagg to come out. He turned on the cold water tap and splashed his face, when Plagg came level to his eye line.

Understandably concerned for his chosen, Plagg assessed the state of the young man in front of him. "What you gonna do kid?" Adrien kept his gaze downwards, as he watched the water escape down the plug hole. "You knew it would come out sooner or later."

With his Kwami stating the obvious, Adrien looked at Plagg with annoyance. Not that he was annoyed with his Kwami, he was annoyed with himself, at the situation he had caused.

The blonde had heard Lila go on about her special relationship with his alter ego, and had planned on reprimanding her about it when he, as Chat, saw her next. Everything had been going so well with Marinette too, he had just wished he had managed to ask her out as Adrien, instead of letting his insecurities get the better of him. The way she had been coping with the whole Lila BS was admirable, Adrien, as himself, was merely a bystander in the scenario, but had still done his best to be there for his girlfriend.

Adrien shook his head in uncertainty. He wondered if Ladybug had heard about the situation, or at least that he appeared to be dating a civilian. He needed to speak to her about it, and get her take on the situation. She always had a plan, and who else would know the difficulties in managing the burden of a secret identity better than her? Just as Adrien was about to answer his Kwami's question, the door to the bathroom opened and Plagg hid quickly.

"Dude I'm glad I found you," Nino approached Adrien and gave him a halfhearted smile. "How you doing?"

"I'm worried about Marinette, I do not believe that everyone in the class has just turned like that on her." Adrien answered looking at Nino's reflection in the mirror while wiping the water droplets off his face.

"I know you're worried man, but," Nino hesitated, "I meant how are you coping? Y'know...finding out she's dating Chat?"

Adrien pulled his gaze from the mirror and looked directly at Nino quizzically. "I don't understand-"

Nino sheepishly placed his backpack on the floor as he focused his gaze on the silver taps on the sink, "come on dude, it's obvious you like Mari."

"Yeah, she's my friend," 'Adrien's friend at least,' "and-"

"Dude there's no way you can fawn over a girl and still insist she is only a friend to you." Nino looked awkwardly at Adrien, tilting his head to the side understandably. "I know you like her, heck, at some stage, most of the people in the class have had a thing for her."

Adrien blushed as he nervously rubbed his nape. Nino was right on the money, and if things had panned out better, it would have been his civilian side that would have given her the ring. "Nino, she's with Chat, and there's nothing I can do about it."

The door opened once more, this time Kim and Max entered the room.

"Lads," Kim greeted coolly, as Max went about his business. "Did you get in touch with Marinette's boyfriend?" Kim asked sceptically, looking directly at Adrien with his arms crossed over his broad chest.

Adrien scoffed and rolled his eyes, "what am I supposed to do Kim, light up the sky with a Cat-Signal?"

Kim laughed and shook his head, "nah man, but seriously, have either of you heard from her?"

Nino eyed Kim suspiciously, as Max washed his hands next to Adrien. "Why do you want to know?"

"Honestly?" Kim shrugged, "being in a relationship with a hero would be dangerous, and-"

"Not something one should be bragging about." Max finished Kim's sentence knowingly, eyeing both Adrien and Nino pointedly over his glasses.

"Me and Max have discussed it," Kim continued, "and we think that if Chloé is coming to the defence of Marinette, then Marinette is most likely the one who is in the relationship with him."

"Chloé has not got involved before," Max noted, "and has very little regard for other people-"

"So for her to get involved without getting anything herself says it all." Kim finished.

Nino bobbed his head as he contemplated what they said. Adrien, while proud of Chloe, was also glad to see that a few others had finally seen sense.

"Guys, I think we had better get to class before we get into trouble." Nino gestured to the door, "you coming dude?"

"I'm going to try and get hold of Marinette," Adrien answered, "the teachers don't know I'm in school yet, so I'll see you all in a bit."

Marinette had been listening intently to the conversation that Chat had been having with her peers. She had recognised the voices of Nino, Max and Kim, but for the life of her she could only place Chat's voice as his own. The teenager figured she must know his civilian self. Just from listening to the conversation they had been having, it would appear they were pretty close.

The door to the locker room closed, signalling the departure of Nino, Kim and Max. Marinette could vaguely remember something about Chat trying to get hold of her, when her phone started to vibrate loudly from her bag in the otherwise silent room.

Adrien looked down at his phone, Marinette's name displayed as he pressed the call icon. Holding the phone to his ear, he was surprised to hear a phone vibrating from a stall only a couple of meters away.

He hung up, and the vibrations immediately stopped and his heart rate accelerated instantly. The blonde approached the stall calmly but slowly, hedging his bets that Marinette was on the other side of the closed door.

Marinette's heart was in her throat. Chat was coming closer to her hiding place and she knew if she dared to look at her concealed phone that she would know who was under the mask. She said it quickly as she could sense he was standing right outside the door.

"My phone is in my bag, I haven't seen who's called me." Her breathing was shallow and shaky, Marinette could hear her heart pounding in her ears, and was sure Chat could hear it too.

"Purrincess?" Marinette heard him place his hand on the door gently. "Are you ok?"

Marinette stood up and leaned her forehead against the door, a tear trickled down her cheek as she felt herself relax. "I am now." A few moments passed by before she heard him let out a long breath. "Chaton, are you ok?"

"Yeah," she could hear a soft smile in his voice, and Marinette could see the adoring gaze in her mind to match. "I'm glad I've found you," he whispered lovingly.

Marinette opened the door slightly, and snaked her hand out to find his. She expected for him to panic in some way, but it appeared he needed her touch just as much as she needed his. The touch of his skin sent tingles up her arm as their fingers laced. Marinette gasped.

"C-can I come out?" Marinette asked with bated breath.

"Of course Purrincess, claws out."

Alya sat seething.

Lila kept up the pretence of betrayed girlfriend.

Juleka contemplated Chloé's words.

The class was taking notes from a documentary about French Literature in the early twentieth century. Lila had managed to keep up regular quiet sobs continually throughout the first ten minutes of class, and it was driving most of her peers potty. They could sympathise with the brunette, as her world had seemingly been crushed in the most insensitive way. To find out your boyfriend was cheating on you with a fellow student, who had always disputed your words, must have been horrible to process. Juleka was finding it somewhat difficult to decide who was in the right though. For the time being, she decided to sit back and watch, the pretty teen would wait to assess all aspects before making any decisions on what she felt was the truth.

Alya was livid. She never in her wildest dreams thought Marinette would stoop so low as to do this to another person. What did Chloé know on the matter either? The blogger took out her phone to send a text to Lila, hoping to comfort the poor, heartbroken Italian.

Alya: I know it seems like the world is crumbling around you now, but you've got all of us behind you. We will always be here for you Lila no matter what.

Lila looked at the message on her phone and sent a tearful smile to the budding reporter. She started to type a message back, but was interrupted when Nino opened the door making his apologies to the teacher and taking up his usual place in front of Alya. The lack of exchange between the couple spoke volumes to those who had seen their display during the lesson before.

Lila: Thank you Alya that means a lot to me. You really are an amazing friend and I hope you and Nino can get through this. I'm sorry my relationship has caused a problem in yours.

Alya: Don't worry about it. Me and Nino are solid, he just needs his eyes opening to what a cow Marinette has become.

Nino let out a deflated sigh when he realised he had left his backpack in the bathroom. He could not even text Adrien to slip it into his class, as his phone was in the front pocket of it. Nino raised his hand, explaining his error, and the teacher excused him with a stern warning to hurry.

Making his way out of class, he was hoping Adrien had either stayed in the bathroom, or had noticed it had been left and taken it with him. Reaching the bathroom door in record time, with the worry of his docking station falling victim to a five finger discount, he open the door and was pleasantly surprised with the scene he stumbled upon.

Marinette emerged from the stall to find her boyfriend suited and booted in his hero attire. Being comforted from his immediate embrace, she buried her face in his chest as he burrowed his in her hair. All the stress, that the morning had brought, disappeared upon laying eyes on each other. Neither of them wanted this moment to end.

A few minutes passed by, as they soaked each other up, making the most of the unexpected alone time, despite their surroundings. Although the school toilets were not the most romantic setting, just being in each other's embrace was enough to keep them rooted to the spot. Lost in the moment, neither of them registered the intrusion to their sanctuary.

"Uh, hi guys!" Nino greeted awkwardly, averting his eyes from the blushing couple. They stayed cuddling as they each turned their heads to face him.

"Thank you for what you did this morning Nino," Chat smiled at his best friend, "I'm glad Marinette has a friend like you."

"No sweat dude!" Nino exclaimed brightly, "I'm just glad you got here." He grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder, "oh by the way," he added as a second thought, "do you know where Adrien went?" He was looking at his phone with confusion, "I thought he would have text me to say he was on his way to class with you two both being here."

Chapter Text

Alya sat in class, watching the door that her boyfriend had just exited. She was struggling with herself, but kept up the stance she had took. Marinette had been jealous of Lila with Adrien, and now Lila's relationship with Chat, right? Could Alya really say that Marinette would go as far as to do this to Lila though? Was she really, that hell bent on revenge to steal Lila's boyfriend? Chloé's words echoed in her head as she chewed on the inside of her bottom lip.

'Your colour isn't pink.'

Alya had to admit, pink, was in fact not Lila's colour. She cursed Marinette's classic move of being late to class, as this had not needed to escalate the way it did. However, once Lila had stated about Marinette constantly being jealous of her, the avid blogger saw red. However now, Alya was still pissed, mostly with herself though, as she contemplated all the evidence that had been presented to herself and the rest of the class.

As soon as Lila had come to school that morning, she had been in tears. She was inconsolable. Flinging herself at the reporter, Lila had focused on how bad Marinette had been; stealing her boyfriend... but Chat had not been bad mouthed at all. Why had it been Marinette's fault? It was not like she would have been able to intercept the hero on his way to school, or job for that matter. It was not like Marinette would be able to foresee when and where an Akuma would hit next to try and steal him away...

As Alya came to think about it, Marinette had been involved in a few Akumas, but apart from those, the girl was never anywhere to be seen. The bluenette had not even been Akumatised, so it was not like they would have exchanged numbers while the cat had been consoling her.

'Oh God! Why did I jump to conclusions?' Alya cursed herself internally.

Alya was tapping the end of her pen rather aggressively as she pondered further while not paying attention to what was happening in class. She did not noticing the looks she was getting from her fellow peers. The reporter also did not notice the pen slowly moving further out of her fingers until it flew across the room: hitting Juleka in the process.

"OW!"

"Juleka are you ok?" Alya rushed over to console the beauty as she cradled the side of her head: Rose fussing next to her.

"My eye," Juleka winced slightly as she spoke quietly, "I think I need to go to the nurse."

The teacher came over and assessed Juleka's injury. Gesturing first the teenager to remove her hand, the teacher grimaced at the bright red mark next to her eye that was quickly starting to tear. "You should go to the nurse now Juleka," the teacher turned to an apologetic Alya, "go with her please Alya."

Rose looked pleadingly at the teacher who simply shot her a look of warning.

"Of course Miss Bell," Alya replied, "I'll take good care of her,” she winked at Rose, who accepted that she was not able to join them.

Alya grabbed her bag from her desk, and then Juleka's, and escorted the raven haired young lady out down the hall.

"I'm sorry Juleka." Alya apologised for the seventh time as they hurried down the corridor to the nurse's office.

"Don't worry about it," Juleka replied as she continued to cradle her face, "thank you for coming with me."

"Of course, I just hope the nurse can do something with it so it doesn't hurt so much-ooo" Alya caught sight of her handy work as Juleka removed her hand and blinked several times.

"How does it look?"

"Not too bad, it's still red but you've stopped tearing so much."

The girls reached the nurse's office and knocked. The kind portly woman ushered them in and sat Juleka in the chair next to her desk to examine the mark. After wiping the area over, the nurse gave Juleka a cold compress for any swelling and she sent the girls on their way back to class, after Juleka's mother said it was Juleka's choice if she wished to stay in school. They had not been in the room long, but it was long enough for Alya to continue to quietly think things over from an outsiders point of view.

The girls were making their way back to class when Juleka turned to Alya, an uncertain look on her face. "Alya, did you know Jagged Stone has never had a kitten?"

Alya's lips pursed as she looked solemnly at her tall friend, contemplating the cryptic comment. "You're right Juleka, and I don't think Lila ever did either."

Marinette felt Chat tense within her embrace, as the her boyfriend's mask metaphorically disappeared before her. The bluenette discreetly calmed herself to hide her panic. How could she have not put the pieces together sooner?

"Uh-"

Marinette could feel the minuscule moments pass by as if they were hours while Chat was also panicking. She could not let her Kitty down when he needed her most! Marinette pulled away slightly, only to feel Chat tense further, the dark haired girl knew she needed to let him know it would be alright, and decided to lean back into his chest.

"He left not too long ago Nino," Marinette smiled, while she wrapped her arms further around Chat's torso. "You must have just missed him." Both her and Chat sighed in unison, with the latter nuzzling the top of her head in appreciation.

"You've seen him then?" Nino looked up perplexed, and then turned his attention to their surroundings. "Why are you in the boy's bathroom?"

Marinette froze, "I-uh," she blushed with embarrassment, "I hid in here when I left earlier." Marinette admitted.

Nino's eyes went wide, "oh," he drew out before sighing. Marinette looked at him apologetically. "You heard it all then huh?"

The young lady averted her gaze, finding the sink Nino was standing next to very interesting.

"Just," the DJ looked down sadly, "just be careful around my dude for a bit please." Nino shrugged his shoulders as Marinette nodded.

Chat gave Marinette a squeeze, he was using all his model composure not to go over and hug Nino tightly for the thought he had for his alter ego. Chat knew he had a great friend in Nino, and was grateful to know Nino was looking out for him.

Alya and Juleka were walking back to class when Alya spotted Nino just about to enter. She had made a huge mistake and needed to right her wrongs before it was too late.

"Nino."

He looked up to see his girlfriend jogging towards him. Making eye contact, Nino could see in her sorry eyes that she had realised the truth.

"Where is Marinette?" Alya looked remorsefully to the floor, wringing her fingers as Juleka caught her up. "I need to apologise to her."

Nino debated his answer for a moment, but could see the trepidation she held in her stature. "She's in the boys bathroom with Chat, do you want me to come with you?"

Alya nodded before turning to Juleka, "can you let Miss Bell know I've just gone to the bathroom please."

"Of course," Juleka smiled, taking her bag from Alya. "Tell Mari I know Lila's talking crap please." The tall teenager chuckled quietly with a small smile on her face before entering the class. Wordlessly, Nino and Alya headed back to the toilets, hand in hand.

"So," Chat started reluctantly, putting down a giddy Marinette. "I guess we had better get to class."

"I guess so," Marinette sighed as she leant into him once more, her hands resting casually on his chest as she gazed up to him. "Talk about this later?" They both had a lot to think about with Chat's identity being revealed.

"I could get hold of Mullo for later," he wiggled his eye brows at her, "fancy a game of Chat and Multimouse on the rooftops?"

The lady in his arms giggled into her hands on his chest before smiling up brightly at him. "And how are you going to convince Ladybug hmm?" She flicked his bell teasingly, knowing full well they would be doing that in the near future.

"I have my ways," Chat answered with feigned aloofness, earning another giggle.

"Ok," Marinette composed herself slightly while adjusting her top once Chat had let her go. "I'll exit first and I'll text you when the coast is clear."

"Sounds like a plan Purrincess!" He gave her a chaste kiss on the lips, admiring the blush now dusted across her cheeks. Watching her walk out, he was over come with happiness after her accepting his both sides.

"Claws in."

Plagg said nothing, but held a smug smirk in place as Adrien held out his cheese to chow down on. The blonde rested against the sink and ran his hand through his hair, making it look slightly more Chat-esque in the process. He was cautious not to be obvious, but Adrien was wanting to have a little fun with the situation.

A few moments passed by when his phone started ringing. Fishing it out of his pocket, he saw Nino trying to call him. "I should answer, shouldn't I?"

Plagg looked lazily at him, "he's probably wondering where you've disappeared to kid."

The Kwami zipped quickly into his chosen's pocket when the door to the bathroom opened just as Adrien answered, "hey Nino!"

"Alya?"

Marinette exited the bathroom to come face to face with a worried looking Alya, and an apprehensive Nino.

"I believe you." Alya blurted out desperately, watching Marinette's expression intently. "I'm sorry for jumping on the Lila train-"

"At which stop?" Marinette countered wryly with a raised eyebrow.

Alya grimaced, "I deserve that," she stated quietly, "I do." The reporter glanced around, looking at Marinette's locker and remembered when Lila's necklace fell out. "She planted the necklace, didn't she."

"I guess so," Marinette shrugged following Alya's gaze, "I don't know how else it would have got there."

"Can you forgive me?" Alya pleaded with her whole being, taking a few steps gingerly towards Marinette.

"Can you believe me when I tell you something that contradicts what Lila has already said?" Marinette skeptically looked at Alya.

"Always Mari."

Marinette closed the distance between her and Alya. "Come here," the bluenette opened her arms to hug the budding reporter. The forgiving teen had been let down by her best friend, but Alya had seen the error of blindly believing the words without proof and would hopefully learn from this experience.

Alya hugged her back, she was feeling very blessed that Marinette was being her characteristically forgiving self after this stunt that reporter had stupidly partook in. She vowed to do anything to support Marinette from now on, and to always check the information given to her instead of taking it as word with no proof.

"I'm just gonna go and ring Adrien while you guys talk." Nino excused himself, while bringing his phone to his ear. The DJ knew they needed their space, and he could see their reconciliation was going well.

Leaving the girls after not waiting for a reply, as he was sure he heard a sniffle, Nino listened to the phone ring and opened the door to find Adrien answering the phone to him.

"Dude, where you been?"

Not thinking his answer through, Adrien replied, "in class,” as he casually slipped his phone into his trouser pocket and looked up to Nino.

"No you haven't." The bespectacled male stated simply.

Adrien did not know how to answer. His brain short circuited while he watched the cogs turn in Nino's brain.

"I tried to ring you earlier," Nino looked thoughtfully at Adrien, "couldn't get through to my man's phone-"

"I was speaking to Nathalie-" Adrien replied reflexively.

"See dude, I could believe that," Nino continued, "but what I can't believe is how my dude got to class and back out again without crossing my path, because that's-there's only one way to go direct from here to there."

Adrien gulped: Nino, despite his casual and easygoing nature, was quite clued up. He was not stupid and Adrien knew Nino had worked it out. The blonde trusted his friend implicitly, but knew that Ladybug was going to be pissed when she found out that not one, not two, but three people now knew his secret identity.

"The girls are outside," Nino informed him, as he turned once again to face the door to leave. "Y'know, it makes sense that you would take Chloé to help you pick out that ring...needing a dudette's opinion and all." Nino shot Adrien a knowing smirk over his shoulder. "Shall we go and brainstorm how to make Lila eat her words before someone else figures out who you are?"

Chapter Text

When Juleka returned to class, her fellow students all seemed to show some sort of relief at her arrival, barely scathed by the stray pen. The teacher expressed her concern about Alya getting lost on the way back however, but Juleka explained she had just gone to the toilet. That was fifteen minutes ago.

Most of the students had carried on without paying much attention to their missing peer, and the teacher herself had failed to realised that there was not just one, but two students missing at this point. That was until Lila raised her hand innocently.

"Miss Bell?"

The teacher peered up from her desk, assessing Lila for her interruption of the quiet working atmosphere. "Yes Lila?" She answered curtly.

"Both Nino and Alya have not come back yet... should someone go to look for them?" Lila used her best impression of a concerned friend adding, "what if something has happened to them?"

The teacher pursed her lips, as she continued to assess Lila. Miss Bell was cut off from her reply, as four students entered the classroom. "Ah there they are!" Miss Bell feigned relief turning her attention to the newest interruption, "now that they've finally joined us, do you think you can get back to work please Lila?" Miss Bell raised her eyebrows expectantly at the Italian who simply smiled in response.

In her sweetest voice, Lila replied, "of course Miss Bell."

"Marinette, Adrien, could you come and see me please?" The teacher sharply addressed the late comers. "Alya and Nino, take your seats."

Taste the two students took up their usual spots in the room, Alya suppressed the need to wallop the brunette next to her for what she had done that morning. The reporter accepted that she behaved rashly and had let her emotions get the better of her, but at least she now knew the truth. Sharing a discreet glance and a nod with Juleka, she affirmed that she had spoken to Marinette, the purple hair tipped girl smiled kindly back in understanding.

"You were gone a while," Lila muttered quietly to Alya. "What did she have to say for herself?"

"Not a lot," Alya replied simply, trying to keep her voice level.

"I can't believe she's shown her face again." Lila narrowed her eyes as she discreetly watched Marinette take her seat in the back with Adrien in tow. "I am disgusted with Adrien, I thought he was my friend."

"He is also Marinette's friend Lila," Alya struggled to keep the warning edge out of her voice. "After this morning I don't know how you could think he was your friend at all, after the way he spoke to you." She muttered sarcastically to herself. If Lila noticed any change in the reporter, she chose to ignore it and the Italian resumed her deflated demeanour. Noticing this, Alya proceeded to see how far the diplomat's daughter would go with the lie. "I know you're upset Lila, but isn't it better to find out now what he's really like than, in say, a year or so's time?"

The reporter had been convincing enough in her deliverance and Lila took the bait. With a muffled sob, she replied through her hands, "we've already been together for a year!" She whisper exclaimed, before throwing her head on her arms. "That ring was meant to be for our one year anniversary!" She finished softly into her arms, missing the annoyed seething purse of Alya's lips.

The story of the ring had changed, and Alya had witnessed the easy lie come quickly. The Ladyblogger was counting down the minutes until the bell rang, 'this is going to be good.' Glancing towards Marinette, she caught Adrien staring at the back of Lila's silent sobbing form. 'If looks could kill...he has always been protective of that girl,' she shrugged as she she turned to face the front of the class once more, resisting the urge to pull Lila up right there and then.

Nino sat happily in the front row of the class. Nino knew what the plan was. He was looking forward to having Lila exposed for the conniving little shit that she was. The DJ pondered what the Italian's reaction would be: when her lies finally came crashing down around her. He thought back to all the other possible lies she told, and cursed himself and his fellow blind believers of her claims. With the recent revelation of who his best friend was, he kicked himself for not seeing it sooner, but was determined to keep his secret.

Being the friend that he was, Nino texted Chloé, as he knew the major's daughter would play a vital role in bringing down the beast. She may not be one of his favourite people, but she always had his bro's back. Nino could not begrudge Chloé the satisfaction of adding her own nail to the liar's coffin. Plus, in a strange way, it would probably help them bond with the socialite, only making Adrien's life that bit easier.

Nino: Spoke to Chat. Meet me in the courtyard at dinner.

Chloé: Who is this?

Nino: It's Nino...

Chloé: And I care because...

Nino: Dude's coming here at dinner to talk to Rossi!

Chloé looked at her phone screen. Sabrina was taking notes so she did not have to worry about missing anything, surely daddy could bring her grade up if need be anyway. The blonde was excited, but no one could know of course. That Marinette had always been an annoying little bug to Chloé, and after contemplating her epiphany some, the fact that she still idolised her black-spotted counterpart irked her. However, lying Rossi irked her more.

Lila had worked her way into the class by spinning some tall tales and playing the victim, at least Dupain-Cheng was actually genuine. Chloé had to hand it to the bluenette, she always thought about other's, like the time when she brought her mother and herself closer, Chloé was grateful for that. 'What does Rossi do? Lies to get what she wants, at least baker girl lies to save Paris.'

Chloé rolled her eyes while she slouched behind her desk, 'baker girl took my Miraculous,' she thought bitterly to herself for a moment. However, the sudden urge to prove oneself had Chloé sitting bolt upright in an instant with an idea.

"Chloé?" Sabrina looked at the blonde with alarm, "are you ok?"

Chloé scoffed, remembering herself. "Yes! Why do you keep asking that?"

Sabrina winced and went back to taking notes while Chloé, chiding herself for the treatment of her best friend, looked back at her phone.

Chloé: I hope he wipes the smirk off her face!

The lunch bell rang and students flooded the corridors. Some went home for lunch, some ate in the dining hall, but one student in particular left the building and returned in superhero attire.

Giving the teacher a flimsy excuse for leaving early, Adrien made sure he was able to catch the class leaving the room. The plan him and Nino had concocted depended on it, he was hoping this would put a stop to Lila and her lies being believed once and for all.

Spotting his girlfriend in the crowd of her peers, he dramatically dropped from his rooftop perch, completing several somersaults in mid air for good measure. Landing gracefully, Chat pulled Marinette in for a breath taking kiss, taking her by surprise and earning a squeak for his efforts, before she relaxed into him. Her hands splayed on his chest, his hands clutching the small of her back, they were flush against each other, right under the nose of a certain furious Italian.

Nino arrived at the scene with Chloé and Sabrina in tow, just in time to see Lila collapse in an overly dramatic emotional mess. Sobs sounding out on cue from her poisonous mouth.

"Chat!" She whined between sobs. "Ho-how could...you?!"

Chat dipped a blissfully happy Marinette backwards for added intensity, causing her to clutch tightly to his upper arms for support as her legs turned to mush, showing off her beautiful ring, now on her finger, perfectly. The affection the Parisian hero poured into that one encounter, filled Marinette with emotion as she matched his desperation to portray her feelings for him.

"...I can't...can’t believe you!" Lila continued to put on the performance of her life, as students and teachers congregated around the display. "You...you are MY-"

Marinette broke off the kiss and turned her head to face Lila, Chat still supporting her back as he nuzzled into her neck. "What Lila? Your what?" An anger no one had ever seen in Marinette's eyes reigned down on Lila with the raven haired girl's intense stare.

Chat stood her up straight, putting an arm around his girlfriend's shoulders, waiting for Lila to start functioning again. The people watching could only guess what was going on in Lila's mind, as her open mouth and blank stare gave away little more than shock.

Mr Damocles moved forward to intervene, but a hand with perfectly manicured nails stopped the incompetent headteacher. Chloé warned: "If you stop this now, after allowing Lila to bully Marinette so blatantly, my daddy will have your job before you can say severance pay."

Lila rebooted with a shake of her head as she schooled her face back to dejected damsel. "Chat you're my boyfriend," hands held out, palms up, pleading with the black cladded hero, she played the part well.

"And how long has he been your boyfriend for Lila?" Alya joined the public discussion earning brief daggers from Lila. "Because your story has changed twice already today," Alya cocked her hip as she crossed her arms, eyeing the liar skeptically.

"You're meant to be my friend Alya-"

"Funny thing about friends Lila," Alya cut her off, "friends don't lie to each other."

Marinette felt a weight in her stomach as Chloé glanced at her momentarily before airily claiming, "unless they have good reason to."

"Like to keep their boyfriend safe," offered Kim with a nod at Marinette.

"Which is what Marinette did by not telling anyone," affirmed Max, pointing his finger knowingly in the air.

"He is MY boyfriend!" Exclaimed Lila determinedly while she stomped her foot childishly.

"No Lila, I am not." Chat firmly stated while all eyes rested on him. "I. Am. Not. Yours." Wrapping his arms around Marinette, he rested his forehead on hers while they locked eyes blushing profusely. "I only have eyes for one lady, and she is right here." Planting another kiss on her swollen pink lips, the crowd around them cheered them on enthusiastically.

"AGHHH!" Lila fumed, red faced and angry. "I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU-YOU HORRID LITTLE WITCH!" Launching herself at a startled Marinette, the Italian was pulled into the air by a solemn Ivan. Dangling helplessly by her waistband in mid air, her arms and legs flailed unsuccessfully while whispers swarmed around the gathering.

"What else have you lied about Lila?" Nino asked tilting his head seriously and folding his arms.

"Jagged Stone never had a kitten."

All eyes turned to focus on Juleka, who stood defiantly under Lila's icy stare. "He has also never written a song about a fifteen year old girl or one called Lila for that matter."

"Whatever," Lila spat from her suspended position. Catching the purple butterfly heading her way in the corner of her eye, she smirked waiting for it to land.

"CATACLYSM!" Chat caught the evil entity and disintegrated it before it had chance to fullfill its purpose.

Lila stared seething, anger oozing out of her being.

Chloé approached the beet red Italian with a smirk on her face. "Don't be bitter Lila, it leads to Botox," flicking her hair she added: "By the way, don't think that you can set your sights on my Adrikins now Chat is out of the picture," the blonde turned shooting Marinette and Chat a quick knowing smirk before coyly looking back over her shoulder. "He's dating his own, Bugaboo."

Feeling satisfied, Chloé sauntered off with Sabrina following at her heel, "that was amazing Chloé!"

"Of course it was," she snapped back before softening her expression, "thank you Sabrina, for everything."

Sabrina squeaked in response and the two disappeared, leaving the rest of the group to witness Lila being dropped unceremoniously on all fours. "You're going to regret this!" She spat.

"I believe we have a Malfoy wannabe on our hands," Marinette chuckled quietly so only Chat could hear over the ruckus which ensued.

He gave her an affectionate squeeze as Lila made her escape under the gaze of her pissed off peers. "We could make Hawkmoth into Voldemort and have our very own Hogwarts!" He mused quietly back.

As her friends approached her with multiple apologies, Chats warm breath tickled her neck when he leant down to whisper in her ear: "so Adrien is dating his own Bugaboo is he?" He teased, the smirk clearly audible in his voice.

Leaning into him she sighed keeping her own voice low, "you've always been my Kitty." She dinged his bell while he held onto her waist tightly before extending his baton and sending them out of their group of friends and onto the rooftop of the school.

Their friends smiling as they disappeared from sight, Mr Damocles cleared his throat with little authority. "Would anyone like to tell me what in the blazers has just happened!"

Nino and Alya stepped forward, the latter speaking for the both of them while their classmates started their comparisons of Lila's tales. "We can explain Mr Damocles."

Chapter Text

Last chapter! Enjoy

Chat bounded over the rooftops, barely able to contain his excitement.

The girl he loved, his partner and best friend were one in the same, finally they had no secrets between them. Their rooftop rendezvous had been less talking, more liplocking and now he was able to spend even more time with her. The fact they had to keep it professional in front of the public was just a minor issue, one that Marinette had ensured earlier that she would definitely make worth while.

And boy did she show him how!

After paying him a visit at his home while he was meant to be practicing his piano piece for the upcoming recital, (thank Kwami for the prerecorded practice he had done in preparation for patrols) his lady had promised him yet another surprise. Adrien had tried to get the surprise out of her, and he loved how cute she was when she was stubborn, but her elusiveness drove him crazy.

He was just glad to know that his abs had a similar effect on her.

Even through his top, her deft fingers never stopped tracing their clear definition through the fabric. Something he enjoyed immensely.

'I wonder if there will be more of that tonight?' He mused excitedly to himself, as he completed some parkour over a chimney stack.

They still needed to talk however, he knew this. They needed to work out how they could possibly resist acting like that in the company of their peers at school. The pair needed to keep the pretense of their respective relationships with two of the Parisian superheroes without the possibility of exposing their identities. It would not have been an issue, if they could keep their hands off each other. Something Adrien and Marinette had not even noticed when they had been grouped together later that afternoon.

It was an accidental shove from Chloé into Kim that prevented them from being seen. Marinette's childhood friend's impact into Adrien's side had caused their caressing fingers to cease their ministrations, with the socialite shooting them a warning glare for good measure. They definitely owed Chloé a thank you for that.

With Lila's demise sealed with her own outburst at Marinette, they had one less issue to contend with. Marinette and a few others, Adrien included, had been called to the office after Alya, with Nino's help, had explained the events to Mr Damocles. The educator had been required to call in several sets of parents with the recent revelations, and deliver news to all about the deception which had been going on right under his nose.

The headteacher was truly remorseful, and rightly so. He even admitted that he had not handled Marinette's expulsion professionally; something her parents were happy about to say the least. Something they were a little dubious about though, was the sudden way their daughter's previously unknown relationship with Chat Noir had come to light. Marinette however, along with Adrien's assistance during her parents' visit to the school, assured them that everything would be okay, and that Adrien was also in a relationship with one of the heroes. This fact had Sabine gazing at the pair skeptically, and both teens were convinced that the petite Asian woman saw right through their sheepish smiles. The matching blushes they wore under her scrutinising gaze did nothing for their story either.

So it seemed likely that there was another who had worked out their dual identities that day too.

Chat mused about Chloé also knowing about both of their identities, and surmised that she had proven herself after the Queen Wasp fiasco. 'She actually helped us quite a bit today…' he realised, fondly remembering how she dropped the bomb that he was in fact dating Ladybug. Chat let out a chuckle, 'only Chloé.'

His musings died quickly, as his thoughts became solely centred on the figure he saw in the distance. A broad smile graced his face as soon as Chat's girlfriend came into view. She was less than a baton vault away, and the black clad hero immediately saw what his surprise was.

Instead of the usual pigtails in her hair, there were two buns in their place. The mischievous hero thought he could have some fun with her, and sheathed his baton before silently making his way to where she was sitting. The stealthy hero thought he was in luck, until his hand reached out to surprise her, and she turned to eye him playfully.

"Don't even try it Kitty," Multimouse chided him with a teasing smirk, "if you think you can make me squeak you can think again."

Chat pouted. "Fine~" he conceded, and sat down next to her, playfully bumping her on the shoulder. "I dare say though, it is wonderful to see you like this again my little Marimouse." He flirtatiously picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles before holding it to his chest, showering her with his best smoulder. "You look good enough to eat," he purred with his half lidded eyes connecting with her big blue.

The beauty sitting next to him rolled her orbs but failed to hide the blush which arose on her cheeks. "Flirt."

"Only with you." He bought her knuckles up to kiss them again, tentatively holding her delicate hand with his clawed fingers, "Bugaboo."

"Uh huh," Multimouse eyed him with mock disbelief, "sure you do."

Chat played along, splaying his hand over hers and covering his heart, the other on his forehead, "I am insulted! How you wound me Purrincess~"

The dark haired heroine snorted at his antics, and Chat felt a lopsided grin grace his face. He leant into her personal space, puckering his lips to capture hers, Chat was pleasantly surprised when she met him with equal enthusiasm by pulling him close to her and sliding herself onto his lap. Multimouse ended their passionate embrace, and rested her forehead on his while raking her bottom lip and running a gloved finger down the side of the blonde's chiselled face.

"I can't get enough of you Chaton," Multimouse sighed dotingly, searching his soft and loving green with her bright and sparkling blue. While the grey clad hero wrapped her arms around his neck, Chat snaked his arms around her form to hold her waist, the leather bound hero's gaze turning smug.

"I hadn't noticed," he smirked while nuzzling into the side of her face. "So what made you change your mind about this stray then?'

Multimouse twirled his hair while gazing at him with feigned deliberation, "hmmm, maybe it was because I couldn't get rid of y-ah!" She shrieked as he tickled her sides. “Stop! Okay okay, I give!'' Multimouse laughed and caught her breath before leaning to nuzzle his nose and place a small peck on his lips. Sitting back slightly the ravenette looked at him with genuine thought, resting her forearms on his shoulders as the black clad hero beneath her gently caressed the sides that he had been previously tickling.

"You saw me for me, the girl behind the mask, and you showed me a different side to the one I saw as Ladybug." Multimouse smiled as she remembered back to the moment she decided to give her whole heart to her partner. Chat chewed his lips and smiled at her explanation, his green cat eyes memorising the loving way her blue eyes rested on him. "It's ironic really," the raven haired beauty continued with a hint of nonchalance, "you were your own competition."

Chat raised his masked eyebrows, mouth agape as he stared at the way her lips curled coyly and her cheeks blushed softly. Her blue eyes peering mischievously at him though her eyelashes.

"You-I-compet-my own?"

Multimouse enjoyed seeing Chat splutter out his confusion while he wrapped his head around the information she had just given him. "Isn't it funny how my crush on your civilian-self is what came between us in the masks?"

The blonde was still unable to comprehend how ridiculous the situation sounded and Multimouse was obviously enjoying the way her usually cocksure partner was left mute by this revelation. "I have to say," she smiled teasingly, "it's funny to look back and know that you referred to yourself as an oblivious moron to not notice a wonderful girl like me…"

Chat Noir stilled momentarily before deflating out of his stupor, rolling his eyes he huffed his fringe out of his face. Resigned with the fact that she was right, he nodded as an accepting smile became apparent on his lips. "I was an idiot," he proclaimed, before slyly peeking at her through the corner of his eye, "or purrhaps I just didn't have all the information to make an edu-catted decision."

The young lady in his arms rolled her eyes good naturedly, and feigned annoyance with a sigh, "and so it begins…"

He pouted adorably, "I thought you enjoyed my p-"

Multimouse cut him off with a chaste kiss before splaying her hands over his defined chest. "I love everything about you Adrien."

"I love you too Marinette."

Lovesick grins occupied their faces before they both giggled bashfully. The blonde finally pulled his girlfriend into his chest and embraced her tightly.

Multimouse leaned away from his chest gaze up at her blonde knight in tight leather. "Would you like your surprise now?" She bopped his nose and Chat swatted her hand away in a teasing motion, catching it quickly and pressing a kiss to the tip of her gloved finger.

His green eyes peered at her seductively, "I thought this was my surprise," he literally purred, enticing a giggle from his partner. The grey clad hero stood abruptly and bent over to gently pull on his bell for him to lean towards her.

She whispered enticingly into his ear, "how about that game of Chat and Mouse?"

Chat nodded silently and found his throat immediately dry. His wide eyes and a rapidly beating heart told them both how much he enjoyed the idea of that. Leaning in further, Multimouse enjoyed the way his breath caressed her face, and stayed within millimetres for a tantalising moment longer than necessary. Her lips ghosting over his.

"Tag!"

Before Chat knew what was happening, Multimouse had kissed him quick as a flash and vacated their perch before suddenly jumping onto an adjacent roof top.

"Here kitty, kitty, kitty." She playfully gestured him to follow using a lone finger to pull him to chase her with a come hither motion. Chat needed no further prompting, as he got to his feet and gave chase to his gleefully laughing girlfriend

"Oh you're on!" The black clad hero laughed with a playful but determined spark in his electric green eyes.

After several captures between the two playful heroes, Chat Noir noticed they had landed on a particular balcony belonging to Le Grand Paris. Seeing his partner walking towards the doors leading to the room, Chat caught her slender wrist gently in his clawed hand. He looked at her knowing features hopefully, "Princess, what are you doing?"

Multimouse smiled up at him, "I think she's proven herself Kitty."

The blonde hero felt his chest wam and swell with pride, both for his lady and for his childhood friend. His eyes crinkled as his smile broadened and he could not help but spin her back to him and place a passionate kiss on her soft lips. The squeak he got out of her in the process was priceless, as Chat could not help the shit eating grin which graced his face.

"I thought you said I couldn't make you squeak bugaboo," he purred smugly at her bashful 'eep'.

"Uh, it's late. What do you want?"

The two interrupted heroes span to see a blonde head poking out of her balcony door. Chloé, lifting up her eye mask in annoyance, eyed them with irritation. "Some of us were trying to get to sleep."

The heroes smiled at the disgruntled heiress, Multimouse reaching into her jump rope compartment and pulling out a black collar and holding it up for Chloé to cast her surprised blue eyes on.

"Chloé Bourgeois, this is the Miraculous of the Dog-"

The blonde female's expression went from surprise to deadpan, pointedly looked at Multimouse, "I'm hoping this isn't a clever way of calling me a bitch Dupain-Cheng-"

Multimouse sighed with frustration, "do you want to be part of the team or not?"

Chat unsuccessfully stifled his giggle behind his partner, he could see this decision certainly shaking things up. The females in his company ignored him as Chloé quickly back tracked and nodded furiously at the grey clad hero.

"Then I will continue," the raven haired beauty cleared her throat and lifted the jewel up slightly higher. "Chloé Bourgeois, this is the Miraculous of the Dog. From what you have shown us today, you are extremely loyal and a strong ally, we would be honoured if you would join us in our quest to find Hawkmoth and Mayura, and return their Miraculous to the Miracle Box. Will you use this Miraculous for the greater good, and join us in the fight?"

Chloé felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, the vulnerability she was feeling became evident to the heroes on her balcony. Chat stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. His brow furrowed, "what's up Chlo?"

She sniffed and replied meekly, "what if I let you down again?"

Multimouse dropped her transformation and Marinette stepped to her side, "Chloé, you made a mistake, as did I." The ravenette rubbed the top of her arm comfortingly, "I should have come to explain the situation properly to you, I should have been patient and worked with you but I let other things get in the way. If you are willing, I am willing to start anew. What do you say?"

With watery eyes, the blonde socialite nodded at Marinette, "I'm sorry for being so awful to you for so long-"

"It's all in the past," Marinette peered up at her masked boyfriend, who was still holding Chloé's other shoulder. "I know Adrikins agrees with me."

Chloé laughed into her hand and then let out a sob, "I promise you both I will be better this time."

"Chloé," Chat began sympathetically, "you were a good hero last time, it was just too risky to give you the Miraculous with Hawkmoth knowing your identity, and where to find you."

"This time," Marinette carried on, "your identity will be kept a secret, and after what happened last time, they would assume that you would not be considered a candidate for a Miraculous again." She gave Chloé's hand a squeeze when she placed the jewel into it, "unfortunately, you cannot have pollen back, but Barkk is a wonderful Kwami."

The blonde grabbed them both around the neck, one with each arm, "thank you, I won't let you down," she whispered to them both.

Chat smiled, "we know."

"Does this mean I need to be nicer to people now?" The heiress joked and wiped her face when she released them from her embrace. "Or can I remain the fabulous person I am?"

"You just be yourself Chloé," Marinette patted her shoulder, "everything else will come in time."

Chloé smiled appreciatively, and Chat added: "and get to know your Kwami, you'll be with us during the next-"

Before he could finish his sentence a loud crash could be heard over by the Eiffel Tower. The three wielders looked toward the commotion.

"No time like the present?" Chloé stated with determination, then asked Marinette dryly "please tell me you also have your Ladybug getup on you?"

"Of course," Marinette replied as Tikki emerged from her hair. The little red Kwami noticing Chat's reddening cheeks.

"Don't worry Chat Noir, I gave you your privacy before," Tikki squeaked happily.

"Maybe you should recharge Plagg before you join us." Marinette placed a quick kiss on his lips while Chloé became acquainted with her new companion. "Chloé, do you want to come over with Chat? Get acquainted with Barkk and surprise Hawkmoth's latest victim when you're ready?"

"I think that is a great idea," the blonde replied as Marinette called for her transformation and Chat dropped his, "isn't it lucky my balcony has no one overlooking it." Her blue eyes flickered wryly between her company, to be rewarded with sheepish smiles.

Ladybug bounded off, knowing that the Miraculous of the Dog was in safe hands, this being confirmed when Chat Noir and Golden Retriever joined her in battle and the three proceeded to wipe the floor with a particularly menacing Akuma. Golden Retriever playing a crucial part by pouncing on the unsuspecting Akuma and dislodging the tainted item for Chat to break it.

Marinette may not have had all of her problems solved in one day, but the smile she wore, after bidding Chat adieu and clambering into bed, was wider than it had been for a long time. Her relationship was out in the open, Lila's lies had been brought to light and the outlook was looking promising for repairing the bridges between her and her friends. They even had a new hero to rely upon and help in their quest to bring down Hawkmoth and Mayura. Everything seemed to be falling into place, and her boyfriend's affectionate departure only added to her elation with the day's events.

Of course Marinette did not want her partner to leave her, but the promises of tomorrow and the rest of their lives would give them plenty of opportunities to spend time together. The only issue they still had was how on earth they were going to keep their hands off each other, but Adrien had mentioned something about a closet, and rooftop rendezvous. Maybe it was good to still have somethings just between themselves for now. As the dark haired beauty had told her boyfriend she loved him for the umpteenth time that evening, the black cat given he the best response Marinette did not know she wanted to hear. The words Chat had whispered against her lips before he tenderly kissed her good night, were still sending the butterflies crazy in her stomach as she drifted off to sleep.

"I'm yours."

Although the last chapter probably would have served as a great ending, I wanted to give you MultiChat fluff and just draw up a conclusion. If you have enjoyed the story, please let me know.

Also I apologise about Golden Retriever, but I have no clue what to call her, so my 7 year old made the suggestion and I went with it :D

Thank you for reading my fic, and for the comments, bookmarks and kudos.

Take it easy =^.^=

Lady Rhi X