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Frantic footsteps crush the concrete road. Aspik's hands drag Ladybug's with an iron grip, leading her to a nearby alley.
“I knew we'd make an awesome team.” Ladybug breathes out, smiling. Her eyes are filled with so much admiration that he almost forgets he knows he'll just let her down again.
Flashes of past moments dance across his eyes.
Attempt 2317, when the Eiffel Tower falls on his Lady with a sick crunch.
Attempt 3856, when he pushes her away too late and the golden magical notes graze her forearm.
Attempt 5029, when Desperada's fingers squeeze Ladybug's neck tight, and all he could do was watch and reset time.
“Thank you so much, Ladybug. It's an honor to fight alongside you.” The words feel dry to his tongue, but the corners of his lips slightly raise, and he momentarily nods in acknowledgment.
And he hears the damned horn toot again. He almost jumps out of his skin, immediately baring his lyre like a startled cat.
Desperada's standing across him, leaning across a brick wall and raising her weapon. Aspik's eyes sweep the alley and… shit.
Ladybug's not here.
Desperada’s trumpet faces Aspik, and she fires. The same tune that stole Ladybug away felt more deafening than ever before.
The thought of letting himself get hit pervades his mind, yet if he does, all will be for naught.
The beam's an arm's length from his nose now, and he has never been more thankful he's gotten so fast at rewinding the bracelet.
Second chance!
Desperate footsteps touch the sewer floor. Aspik's hands clasp Ladybug's with a feather grip, leading her up a ladder.
“I knew you'd be perfect.” Ladybug breathes out, smiling. Her eyes are filled with so much admiration that he mournfully chuckles to himself, all the previous loops imprinted in his memory.
“Awesome team, alright!” Plagg may have been hiding, but the incessant remark drilled into his head was all Aspik could see.
The dialogue may be different, yet one thing stays the same. He'll just let her down again and again.