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It was a lovely morning and Marinette was having a good time that week. In fact, she could say everything was going splendidly well.
No heavy workloads to finish from school.
No recent akuma attacks.
No crazy last minute commissions.
It was a relaxing week.
The only thing she had to do that day was take care of little Manon. She was actually happy to do so. She missed seeing the young girl and was glad to accompany her wherever she wanted to go.
“So… you really heard about this Ladybug themed restaurant being that amazing?” Marinette asked Manon.
The little girl bounced around on her two feet as she nodded.
“Yes! My friends kept telling me that the place was amazing! Everything’s Ladybug and Cat Noir themed! They even have those puppet things? They’re like… those things we saw in the wax museum? Except they can move!”
Marinette had to think about what she was trying to tell her. Mannequins that moved? What did she mean?
“You mean like animatronics? Like robots?”
The girl nodded her head faster.
“Yes! Those things! They have one for both Ladybug and Chat Noir!”
Marinette herself was actually eager to see the place herself. She’s heard rumors of this place which was inspired by her and her partner. She’s never had the time to visit of course but now was her chance. She wondered how they set up the place?
After checking the map on her phone a few times, both of them found themselves standing in front of the Ladybug themed restaurant.
“Lucky Charms. Home of Ladybug and Chat Noir?” Marinette raised her eyebrow at the title of the restaurant. They definitely didn’t ask permission from her nor Chat. She wasn’t going to confront them about it though. There really was no point. It was still kinda flattering that there was a whole restaurant based on them.
She entered the place and saw what she expected. It was a large open space with a huge dining area for groups. There were tons of kids roaming around and looking at all the Ladybug and Cat Noir themed items around the place. Marinette noticed posters, little statues, and toys littered around.
At the corner, there was an arcade and all of the arcade games featured her and her partner.
It was honestly pretty cool.
“Manon, you were right. This is pretty nice and… hey… are you okay? Is something wrong?”
Marinette noticed the young girl frown and cling closer to her. Her happy demeanor changed dramatically after just a few moments of entering.
“What’s wrong?”
“I… I don’t like it all that much after all. It’s… kinda scary.”
Marinette was taken aback.
“Scary? Why? What’s so scary?” She asked.
Manon slowly lifted her hand and pointed in the direction of a part of the restaurant. Marinette turned around and saw she was pointing at the stage. There on top were a group of animatronics just like she mentioned there were.
“What’s wrong with the animatronics? I thought you were excited for them?”
“Yeah… but look at it, Marinette. It’s… scary.”
“Scary? They’re just robots who look like Ladybug and Cat— OH MY GOD!”
Marinette finally understood what was bothering the young girl. After doing a double take, she got a better look at the animatronics. They all seemed fine at first. A few akuma based villain animatronics here. A Cat Noir as well too. But the Ladybug one… was downright horrifying.
“What the heck is that?!”
It was a scary mishmash of what she looked like as a superhero. The robot ladybug’s mouth was downright hanging. Her teeth broken and chipped. And one robot eye was sticking out and was looking in the opposite direction of the other eye. It looked like a scary machine from a video game.
“Where is the manager of this place?! Manon, sit right here and be a good girl, okay? I’ll be right back and ask them about the Ladybug animatronic.”
Manon just nodded her head and sat quietly at a table. Marinette made sure that she could always see her no matter how far she walked. She finally found someone who could possibly be in charge of the restaurant.
“Excuse me! I have a complaint with regards to that Ladybug animatronic! It’s frightening for children! You have to fix that right away!” Marinette complained.
The young employee sighed and just shook her head.
“I’m sorry, miss. We understand your concern. We currently don’t have the budget to replace the machine. It’s just wear and tear from being used all the time. Ladybug IS the star of the restaurant and her animatronic just conked out one day after being used constantly. “
“How can you not have the budget to fix that?! Can you at least cover it up? It scared the little girl I brought along.”
The disgruntled employee just groaned at her.
“I’ll get right on it.” He soon walked away and Marinette had a gut feeling that he wasn’t going to do as she asked anytime soon. She turned her head back and saw the frown deepen Manon’s face.
“She was so excited to go here too. This can’t end like this.”
Marinette soon had an idea. If she was quick enough, not too many people would notice and make a huge deal out of it.
Marinette took a quick peek around the restaurant and noticed it was still quite sparse since it just opened that morning. After taking a quick breath, she was resolute with her decision. She found a nearby closet, went inside, and decided to transform.
“Tikki, spots on!”
******
Adrien Agreste was having a great week.
No heavy workloads to finish from school.
No recent akuma attacks.
No crazy last minute photoshoots from his father.
It was a super relaxing week.
So relaxing in fact that he had time to sneak out and head to somewhere he’s been meaning to for quite a while now.
“Lucky Charms! There you are!”
He’s been meaning to visit the infamous Ladybug and Chat Noir themed restaurant for months now. Any place that featured his lady had to be visited.
Plus he was hungry and he would be game for a little pizza which, apparently, the place was famous for too.
He soon stepped in and wasn’t surprised at all by the decor. The place was full of Ladybug spots planted all over the walls. There were a few statues featuring Ladybug and himself. There were also posters and pictures everywhere. The entire place was shaded red just like the suit of his lady.
He loved it.
He had no regrets going there that morning. It was perfect timing too. There weren’t too many people in the restaurant so he arrived at the right moment.
And yet… he noticed a small crowd gathered right at the front. They were mostly children excitedly jumping up and down, and seeing something.
He then saw a familiar face among the children.
“Hey there! You’re Manon, right?” Adrien asked the little girl.
She perked up as soon as she saw him.
“Oh! You’re…that nice boy! The friend of Marinette who she likes!”
Adrien couldn’t help but blush at what she said. She must have misunderstood but it’s nice to hear that Marinette likes him… as a friend.
“That’s right. I’m Adrien. Marinette’s friend. What’re you doing here? Are you by yourself?”
Manon shook her head before replying back to Adrien.
“No. Marinette took me here today. She’s accompanying me to see the place. But… she went off to look for a manager.”
Adrien thought it odd. Marinette would never leave Manon by herself for so long. She was probably nearby.
“So you came here to see the restaurant? Me too! So what’s with the crowd? Why are all the kids so excited?”
Manon gasped for a moment as if she remembered her own excitement from a few moments ago.
“Oh! There’s a new Ladybug anima.. anima… robot! There was an older one which was scary and broken but they just brought out a new one! And it does all sorts of tricks!”
A new animatronic? He’d heard about them from the reviews online about the store. He wondered what was so special about this new one? After excusing himself through the crowd of kids, he made it to the front… only to come face to face with something he was pretty sure was not an animatronic at all.
“Wait… Is that… the REAL Ladybug?!?"
******
This was not how Marinette pictured her day would turn out. Here she was… pretending to be a new animatronic for a Ladybug themed restaurant.
“Welcome! Have a nice day!” Ladybug did her best robot movement again. She spun her yoyo for the 8th time for the screaming children. She had no idea how she was getting away with this? Where were the employees of this restaurant?! She literally put the old Ladybug animatronic aside and stood in place of it. Some people really didn’t care about their jobs.
It didn’t matter… here she was, cheering up the children. It made her happy seeing all the smiling faces of the children. When she saw Manon in the front row cheering a while ago, it made what she was doing all worth it.
“At least I made Manon’s day.”
She wondered how long she would have to do this before she could sneak back and change back to Marinette.
What she didn’t expect was for someone else to drop by too. Marinette did her best not to scream out loud as she saw none other than Adrien Agreste. His jaw dropped as he stared at her.
Through some miracle. She continued to do her robot impression in front of the kids but her mind was screaming at her.
“Adrien?! WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?!”
Marinette did her best to stay calm. She did a few more tricks for the other children. And soon enough everyone started to leave… except for Adrien and Manon in the front.
“See! I told you it was nice! This new Ladybug is so much better than the older one!”
Ladybug continued to move robotically and would pause every so often. She did her best to pretend but here was the issue…
It was easy to fool kids.
Adrien… didn’t seem fooled… AT ALL. In fact, he seemed rather amused.
“Welcome to the restaurant! T-thank you for visiting!” She said in a robot monotone voice of herself.
Marinette caught Adrien covering his mouth, preventing himself from laughing.
“Oh heck no. He knows doesn’t he?!”
Ladybug watched as Adrien looked at Manon before kneeling down to ask her a question.
“So Manon… you’re telling me, Marinette brought you here… left you for a moment to look for a manager… and then this NEW Ladybug appeared?”
“That’s right!”
“I see… Maybe Marinette asked them to bring this out just for you?” Adrien told the little girl.
“Oh wow! Marinette is the best. I wonder where she went?” Manon wondered.
“Oh… I have a feeling she’s nearby. Knowing Marinette, she’d never willingly leave you alone by yourself. She’s probably got her eyes on you.” Adrien then turned and looked straight at her.
“Oh my God… he knows who I am too.”
Ladybug was going to panic. But she couldn’t just stop now! She’s in too deep!
And then everything came crashing down when Adrien told Manon something.
“You know Manon… I heard online that the Ladybug animatronic has a special catchphrase you can make it say.”
“Really? What is it?”
Ladybug did her best not to react. What was Adrien talking about?
“Oh! I heard that if you ask it to, she can say “Lucky Charm” just like the real one does.”
“Oh wow! Let’s do it!”
“WHAT?!”
Adrien led Manon by the hand and stood in front of her.
“Ladybug! Show us your lucky charm!” Adrien said.
“YES! Your lucky charm!” Manon said.
Ladybug was unsure of what to do. If she said those words, then for sure her cover would be blown! But if she doesn’t do anything, then it would be suspicious as well! Ladybug could see Adrien was testing her. Who knew how devious the boy she loved could be?!
Seeing as there was no other choice… she spoke the words.
“Lucky charm!”
And just as always… a lucky charm fell from the sky and landed in her hands.
Ladybug inspected the item in her hands and noticed it looked awfully familiar.
“Oh wow! It makes a lucky charm just like the real ladybug! Best robot ever! What is it?! What is it?!”
Ladybug continued to examine it and soon realized what it was.
“It’s an exact replica of my favorite lucky charm, Manon. Right here in my pocket.” Adrien then showed it to Manon. The little girl looked surprised and interested.
Ladybug wanted to gasp. Adrien still held on to the lucky charm she gave him ages ago. He truly cherished it.
“Cool! But why would it be the same as yours?”
Adrien just chuckled as he put his lucky charm back in his pocket.
“I think it’s trying to tell me something. The identity of the girl I’ve been in love with for so long.” Adrien then looked at her straight in the eyes. His gaze unwavering. Caring. Loving.
“Wait… was he saying he loved me?!”
“What? Who do you love, Adrien?"
“The girl who gave me this lucky charm. Marinette… I’ve been in love with her for ages and only now do I realize it.”
“How come you didn’t know sooner?” The little girl asked.
“It’s because before I had a huge crush on Ladybug. But… I think everything’s a lot clearer now. Marinette has always been by my side… she’s absolutely wonderful. She’s sweet, funny, caring, thoughtful and one of the best people I know. And I’ve fallen for her like crazy. Thanks… Ladybug.” He said to “her” again.
Manon then shouted and jumped around a little.
“I knew it! I knew you and Marinette liked each other!”
Adrien chuckled again and nodded his head.
“You were right. I should have realized sooner. But I think Marinette doesn’t like me that way. I’m sure she sees me as just a friend.”
By that point, Ladybug was frozen on the spot. This boy had the audacity to confess his love for her right when she couldn’t move a single inch. And then right after that, he said out loud to Manon that she didn’t love him back?! She swore as soon as she had the chance she’d remove the smug look on his face… by kissing it off.
“I hope Marinette gets back soon! I’m sure she’ll tell you she likes you back! You should join us today!” Manon said.
“I’d love that. You know what… we should get back to your seat and order some food. I think I finally saw a waiter nearby. Come on. Let’s leave Ladybug for now.”
And with that, Adrien and Manon left, leaving Ladybug to stew in her thoughts. She was having a rollercoaster ride of emotions. She had to sort everything out.
Here’s everything she knew.
1. Adrien knew she wasn’t an animatronic but the real Ladybug.
2. Adrien knew Ladybug and Marinette were the same person.
3. Adrien was in love with her. He loved Ladybug but realized he was actually in love with Marinette too.
4. He still thinks she doesn’t love him back.
Everything was colliding in her mind. What was she going to do?! But there was a voice inside her heart that told her to push on through. Reach for it. Don’t you let go of what you’ve been dreaming of for so long.
“Take that chance!”
Ladybug did a quick look around to make sure no one was watching before sneaking off into the back.
***
A few minutes later, Marinette was back in the restaurant. Refreshed and pumped up.
“Now where are they?” She asked out loud.
Marinette walked a little bit to find Adrien and Manon enjoying a few slices of pizza together. It was really cute and the two of them looked like they were having a blast.
Marinette always had a feeling Adrien would be good with kids. Maybe she should ask him to accompany her for baby-sitting in the future?
She put those thoughts aside for now and walked straight towards them. They soon noticed her and smiled.
“Marinette! You’re here! They brought out a new Ladybug robot a while ago! It was so nice! Adrien said you did it! Did you really ask them to bring it out?” Manon asked.
Marinette just nodded at her and smiled.
“Yeah. I made sure they brought out the best “Ladybug” they had in the back.”
The little girl embraced her side, with a giggle.
“Thank you, Marinette! Oh! Your friend Adrien is here! Guess what? He said he likes you too! Very much!”
Marinette turned to look at Adrien who was blushing. She had a million things to say to him. But there was one thing she had to do right at that very moment.
“Oh… I know. A little ladybug told me just a while ago.”
Marinette moved forward, and then leaned in to kiss Adrien right there in the restaurant.
Adrien froze for a moment unsure of what he was doing but Marinette soon felt himself getting used to it.
Adrien funnily enough tasted like pizza… for obvious reasons. But his lips were so soft, and his scent was so nice. Adrien pulled her closer to him and she held him tight, playing with the hairs on the back of his neck.
It was a while before they remembered they had someone else alongside them.
“See! I told you, Adrien! You two liked each other!”
Marinette stepped back a little to see Adrien looking dazed but definitely happy.
“You were totally right… and I’m so happy I came here today.” He said.
Marinette giggled for a moment before agreeing.
“Me too.”
****
Epilogue
Alya Cesaire was having a nice day with her two sisters as she walked to “Lucky Charms”, a Ladybug themed restaurant.
It was an interesting week to say the least.
Her best friend finally got together with her long time crush, Adrien Agreste. She deserved a win in her life. And she was 100% sure those two were made for each other. She was so happy for them.
A week later, which was that day, Marinette invited her and her sisters to have lunch with her for a special show at the restaurant. Marinette didn’t tell her exactly what was so special but she decided to go anyway.
She entered the restaurant and saw Marinette waiting nearby.
“You made it!” Marinette said.
“Of course, girl! You said it was something we couldn’t miss! Is anyone with you?” Alya asked.
“Oh. I brought Manon along! And Adrien’s here too.”
“Oh. Loverboy. Of course. Where is he?”
Alya then noticed Marinette slightly smirk. As if she was missing out on an inside joke.
“Oh… he’s here. Somewhere. No worries. He’ll be back soon.”
Alya wanted to pry but she’d ask later.
As if right on cue, there was music playing and Alya could see something happening on the stage.
“Perfect timing, they’re bringing out the animatronics.” Marinette said.
Alya just followed along after her. Her sisters and Manon ran straight to the front.
“Marinette, what’s so special about these animatro—… WAIT… Is that?!?”
“Yup!”
“Chat Noir?!” Alya nearly shrieked.
Right in the middle of some old animatronics was none other than the real Chat Noir himself. And he was acting like a robot.
“Welcome to Lucky Charms!” Chat said robotically. He spun his baton and the kids were enjoying every moment of it.
“Wow! Last week was a new Ladybug! Now a new Chat Noir! This place is great!” Manon said.
Alya couldn’t understand what was going on? Where were the managers of this place?! Why didn’t anyone notice?
“Marinette… what the heck is happening?” She whispered to her best friend.
Marinette just giggled at her before shaking her head.
“Well last week, Chat teased the heck out of me. So making him do this is a little… payback.”
Alya whistled.
“Wow… What did he do to you last week?”
“I’ll let you know one day, but let’s enjoy the show! Looking good, Chat Noir!” Marinette shouted.
Chat just robotically waved back at her and Alya. He did his best to continue the act.
“Where’s Adrien? I think he’d love to see this.” Alya said.
“Oh… he’s definitely got a front row experience of the entire thing.” Marinette whispered.
The rest of the day turned out great. The children all enjoyed the new Chat Noir at “Lucky Charms.”