Chapter Text
Marinette Cheng’s life summed up into one word: hollow.
Walking through the muddy streets of New York City in the middle of a downpour with a broken umbrella in tow, Marinette could only sigh and hope her mother would understand her sloppy appearance.
Madam Cheng, the top fashion designer in all of America, is known for her stiff demeanor and strict standards. Should her daughter arrive soaked and disheveled, there would be consequences.
Distracted by her thoughts, Marinette failed to notice the car speeding past her and could not brace herself for the wave of dirty ice water that now covered her. Trembling, Marinette attempted to wipe away the specks of dirt from her eyes and mouth before she continued on her way. Now, she was not just soaked, but dirty. Marinette flinched when thinking of how her mother would react.
As far as Marinette could recall, there were few moments in her life where Madam Cheng did not scold her or lecture her. Marinette would not know any different if not for her stepsister, Chloe. Madam Cheng loved Chloe and rarely had anything harsh to say about her. In contrast, Marinette seemed to always be doing wrong, not quite able to measure up to her mother’s expectations.
A hollow ache encased her heart, and she felt tears join the rain down her cheeks. Why did it feel like something was missing?
Slowly trekking her way up the stairs toward her home, Marinette did her best to wring dry her clothes and hair before she entered the cold, large estate. Her skin instantly felt a chill as the cool air touched her wet skin. Shivering, Marinette quickly pulled off her shoes and made her way toward her room—hopeful that no one would notice her along the way. Naturally, her hopes were dashed when the firm voice of her mother echoed across the spacious room.
“So, you have finally arrived, and in such a state. Honesty, Marinette, I often question how you are even my daughter.”
Marinette flinched, keeping her eyes lowered as she said, “Forgive me, mother. My umbrella is broken.”
“How convenient.”
Marinette remained still as her mother’s sarcastic words carried heavy implications of what was to come. Without fail, Madam Cheng continued. “Since you are content being covered in filth, you would not mind cleaning the fireplace and scrubbing the baseboards. Please see that it is done by the time I come home tonight from my meeting.”
Marinette squeezed her fists in frustration, only nodding at her mother’s words. After a heavy pause, Madam Cheng dismissed her and Marinette quickly made her escape before more tasks could be added to the list. Letting out a sigh when she entered her small room, Marinette closed her eyes and breathed deeply. She would need to carve out time to do her homework before school tomorrow, but the chores her mother gave her took priority.
Marinette fought her fatigue and immediately went to work. After an hour of scrubbing the baseboards, Marinette felt ready to collapse. Rubbing her watering eyes, Marinette was thankful she had not run into Chloe.
Entering the living room to clean the fireplace, Marinette's shoulders slumped upon seeing Chloe lounging across the couch. Noticing her stepsister’s arrival, Chloe promptly said, “Ugh, why are you all sweaty?”
Marinette, not having the energy for such conversations, only shook her head and made her way toward the fireplace. Not enjoying being ignored, Chloe said, “Did mama give you more chores? Is that why you’re so dirty?” Chloe chuckled to herself, and Marinette did her best to ignore the dull headache developing from the shrill of Chloe’s voice.
Seeing that Marinette was not responding to her advances, Chloe huffed and went back to watching the most popular show on the network: The Adventures of Chat Noir.
Marinette took care to listen to the show as she mindlessly worked. Unbeknownst to Chloe, Marinette found the show to be fun and interesting. It always placed her in a good mood. But, given that Chloe had claimed the show as being her favorite, Marinette knew better than to show an interest, lest Chloe antagonize her for it.
Sweeping the ash from the fireplace with a hand broom, Marinette listened to the upbeat music as a battle between good and evil waged within the show. She could practically envision the look of utter determination on Chat Noir’s face.
“I will get her back! This is not over!”
The villain, an akuma named Alternate, laughed hauntingly as Papillion’s words echoed from his mouth. “She is lost. You will never find her.”
Marinette felt her heartbreak as she listened to Chat Noir’s broken cry. Daringly, Marinette slyly glanced toward the television just in time to catch Chat Noir in action.
With tears streaming down his cheek, Chat Noir charged toward the akuma with the magic of destruction pooling in the palm of his hand. The akuma aimed his weapon, a staff with the ability to alter a person’s reality, and fired. Time slowed as the gleam of white magic traveled through the air and toward a vulnerable Chat Noir.
Marinette felt herself hold her breath as Chloe gasped.
Chat Noir’s eyes widened before he brought his hand—charged with cataclysmic power—forward. A collision of forces caused specks of magic to riddle the air as silence rang. The akuma seemed at a loss as his power evaporated into nothingness. A heavy silence settled between the two. In the distance, Papillion exclaimed, “What are you doing?! Grab his miraculous!”
Spurred back into action, the akuma grit his teeth and aimed his staff. Only Chat Noir was nowhere to be found.
In sync, the akuma from the screen and Chloe shouted, “Where’d he go?”
Marinette pivoted her face away from the screen and toward the pile of ash she had swept into her dustpan. With her heartbeat speeding up, Marinette irrationally hoped that Chat Noir was safe. Then, shaking her head, she reminded herself that Chat Noir was a fictional character, and that the writers would likely make sure he remained the hero of the day.
Sweeping the last of the ash into the dustpan, Marinette caught Chat Noir’s last words as the episode concluded.
“No matter what the akuma says, Ladybug is not lost. I will find her. I must. ”
Marinette felt her heart hum pleasantly and could only contribute such an emotion to her love towards the fictional character and his determined spirit.
~*~
Marinette felt the urge to rip her homework to shreds. The physics equation had gotten the best of her. She admits her defeat.
Pushing away the stack of unanswered questions, Marinette looked out her window and up at the gray sky. Placing her face on her hand, Marinette felt a sense of melancholy overwhelm her. She could not understand herself.
All of her life, she had lived in a progression of uneventful, predictable moments. Her mother’s displeasure, Chloe’s harassment, and the feeling of loneliness were constant—not new. Yet, something had shifted. Where she had once been content living in her world of gray, she now craved a world of color. But why? If all she knew was the endless feeling of hollow loneliness, why did she suddenly feel as if she had lost something precious?
Marinette pulled at the roots of her hair as tears coated her vision. She only knew that the change occurred when she started watching The Adventures of Chat Noir. Was it she could relate to the heartbroken character and his determination to find the one he loves? She did not know the answer.
Through her blurred vision, a flash of vibrant red caught her attention. Blinking away the tears, it startled Marinette to see a ladybug crawling up along her window. Contrasting against the gray sky, the cherry red wings appeared like a flash of color in a world of black and white. Marinette stared in wonder, watching the creature slowly crawl off her window and onto her desk plant.
Normally, Marinette was not a fan of bugs—especially spiders. So, the feelings of nostalgia toward the ladybug surprised her. And, as the bug continued to crawl down the plant, onto her desk, and toward her stack of homework assignments, Marinette could only describe the feeling as being that of homecoming when the bug eventually made its way onto her finger.
“Hello,” Marinette said softly.
The ladybug fluttered its wings but remained otherwise still. Smiling, Marinette said, “Since you’ve decided that my finger is a good place to rest, I guess my homework will just have to wait. I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.”
Marinette couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her at her own joke. The ladybug ruffled its wings again, and Marinette was afraid she had scared it away, but to her relief, it remained still. Humming, Marinette said, “Should we watch a show to pass the time? I have one in mind. I’m sure you will love it!”
Without moving the hand that held the ladybug, Marinette clumsily grabbed her laptop from the side of her desk. With sure fingers, Marinette pulled up the streaming site and clicked on the most watched show on her list. Settling into her office chair with the ladybug resting on her finger, Marinette watched with a growing smile as Adrien Agreste attempted to feed his kwami something other than cheese.
~*~
Marinette had never been so excited to fold laundry.
Blending into the background while sitting in Chloe’s room, Marinette carefully folded a beautifully knit yellow sweater, all the while keeping her eyes on the television screen. For the first time, Marinette could watch the newest episode of The Adventures of Chat Noir the day it airs. Usually, Marinette would have to wait a few days after the episode aired for it to upload for on-demand streaming—not wanting Chloe to have any suspicions should she be caught watching the show the moment it’s released. Now, Marinette could watch the episode in advance, and she was practically shaking in her seat from her excitement.
The theme music came to life, bringing a smile to both girls’ faces. Yet, minutes into the episode, Marinette felt her body growing still as an unease crept under her skin. Even Chloe, usually the loudest commentary, was quiet and focused on the screen—not noticing that Marinette had stopped folding her laundry entirely.
Something was different about this episode.
Adrien Agreste’s eyes glowed with sad determination as he stared out his bedroom window and at the city of Paris.
“I think this is the only way, Plagg,” Adrien breathed.
Plagg floated his way onto Adrien’s shoulder. “Are you sure, kid? It’s risky.”
Adrien’s face altered as his voice broke when he spoke his next sentence. “It’s a risk I’m willing to take. I must find her.”
Plagg only patted his head, his own demeanor solemn. With bleak eyes, Adrien looked up at the kwami and sighed wearily. “It’s been weeks, Plagg. I feel like I’m going out of my mind with questions. Is she safe? Is she scared? Does she know I’m looking for her?”
As the tears fell in a steady stream down Adrien’s cheeks, Marinette felt her own tears pool in her eyes. Doing her best to hide her dismay lest Choe notice, Marinette breathed deeply before beginning her task of folding once more.
“Oh, Adriken’s. I love you. You don’t need Ladybug. You have me,” Chloe said in a whine.
Marinette flinched at Chloe’s words. Biting her tongue, Marinette focused on the screen just as Plagg practically pounced on Adrien’s face with reassurances.
“Fluff’s holder is good at seeing alternate timelines, and can create a portal that leads into a pocket dimension, giving access to those timelines. I’m sure they can help us!”
Adrien nodded before pausing. “So, you still believe Ladybug is not in this dimension?”
“I don’t know how else to explain Tikki’s absence.”
Sighing, Adrien bit his lip before running a hand through his hair. “Since Fluff is in the miraculous box, I must know the guardian’s location to get Fluff’s help. But, in order to do that, I must know the identity of the guardian—Ladybug.”
Adrien shook his head in his distress before he looked off into the distance.
Suddenly, the scene on screen shifted to show a flashback of when Alya, the well known Ladyblogger, had pulled Chat Noir aside soon after the attack of the akuma, back during episode one.
“Chat Noir!”
Chat Noir barely looked at the redheaded beauty, his movements frantic after having just lost Ladybug a mere hours prior.
“Chat Noir, please, this is urgent!”
Jumping down to meet the girl, Alya did not leave him questioning.
“I know who Ladybug is. She told me her identity.”
Chat Noir felt as if his entire world tilted. “What?!”
“No time to explain!” Pulling a minor note from her pocket, Alya hastily placed it in his hands.
“I could very well disappear should the akuma hit me and I don’t want to say her name out loud. Should you need it, the identity of Ladybug is in that note. Keep it safe.”
With the scene fading out, the show brought Adrien back to the present.
With a jump, Adrien ran to his lockbox hidden in his closet and hastily opened its lid. Pulling the note out, Adrien paused before frowning.
Looking at Plagg, he said, “I don’t want to disrespect Ladybug’s wish to keep our identities hidden.”
Plagg looked forlorn.“This may be the only way, Adrien. How else will we find her?”
Placing the note to his heart, Adrien let a small tear trickle down his cheek before he whispered, “I’m sorry, my lady.”
Then, after taking in a ragged breath, Adrien slowly opened the note with reverence.
Marinette felt her hands shake and her heart squeeze in anticipation and fear. She couldn’t explain why she felt so nervous about this discovery, but she knew this was required of her Chat Noir if he was to defeat the akuma.
To Marinette’s dismay, the scene did not show the confines of the note, but only Adrien’s expression.
Timidly opening his eyes to look at the note, Adrien’s mouth opened in a silent gasp. After several moments passed, a small smile grew at the edges of his lips before he whispered, “Of course.”
Then, the screen went black before showing the closing credits.
Marinette completely understood Chloe’s next actions. Jumping from her seat, Chloe shouted, “What?! Who is it?!”
Marinette hastily continued her folding, feeling Chloe’s eyes land on her. Thankfully, Chloe’s phone buzzed, taking Chloe’s attention off Marinette.
Answering the phone, Chloe shouted, “Can you believe that ending?! It’s ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!”
Marinette could hear a shout from the other end of the line, but did not fully make out the words. All she knew was that Chloe now had someone to vent to, leaving Marinette safe from her wrath.
Unfortunately, Marinette could not say the same for herself. Grinding her teeth, Marinette felt her curiosity boil as she stewed over the episode contents. With more vigor than necessary, Marinette finished folding the laundry in record time and slipped out of Chloe’s room unnoticed.
As she entered the safe confines of her own room, she frowned before saying to no one, “Who is Ladybug?”
Sighing, Marinette noticed a speckle of red on the dark green of her house plant. Looking closer, Marinette smiled at the small ladybug. Softly, Marinette said, “Looks like you’re still here. I’m glad. I have so much to tell you.”
Without delay, Marinette went into a detailed description of the happenings of the most recent episode of The Adventures of Chat Noir. The ladybug only fluttered its wings, as if in anticipation of what Marinette was about to say, before becoming still on its leaf.
A moment later, a subtle shift in the atmosphere caused Marinette to blink and the ladybug to take a few steps to the left. But, as the world continued to spin and time seemed unaltered, Marinette went on as if nothing had occurred—thinking it likely a trick of the eye—before continuing her speech with animation.
~*~
Marinette fought the urge to yell. Chloe had been talking nonstop for the last ten minutes.
“Utterly ridiculous! Chat Noir is not in love with Ladybug! Rose is wrong!”
Gritting her teeth, Marinette wiped the growing sweat from her forehead before continuing her current chore of polishing the tableware. Chloe, in her boredom, had sought Marinette out to discuss the latest conspiracies related to her favorite show. While Marinette rarely minds hearing the theories of her classmates—especially given that they don’t talk to her—she was not in the mood to have a one-sided conversation this early in the morning.
“I think Ladybug is a complete diversion. Two seasons and no Ladybug. The character is likely an illusion, only meant to distract Chat Noir from his true purpose.”
For some odd reason, the idea irked Marinette. Ladybug was a figure of hope and love for Chat Noir. Should he find she does not exist… it would be detrimental to him.
Biting her lip, Marinette remained silent as Chloe continued to drone on without expecting a response. Suddenly, Chloe was cut off abruptly by the sound of the front door creaking open. Both girls looked at each other in confusion—knowing their mother was at another meeting—before remaining silent, listening for any unfamiliar sounds. Marinette mentally prepared herself for battle, the possibility of a threat suddenly imminent.
The front door slammed shut, making both girls jump. Marinette sprang from her seat while Chloe ran behind her. Grabbing the closest knife she had been polishing, Marinette took Chloe’s forearm and guided them toward a hiding place.
An unfamiliar voice came from the direction of the entrance, its tone deep and panicked as it whispered in French, “Plagg! I told you we should knock! Why did you just barge in?!”
Another voice, one with no thought of being quiet, said loudly, “Why do we need to knock? This is practically your house.”
Chloe frowned as she looked at Marinette, who only shook her head. Had Marinette not taken lessons in French as a child, there is no way she would understand what was being said.
“It may look like my house, but it’s not—and you know it! Now, let’s get out of here before someone notices.”
Marinette breathed a sigh of relief, sensing that the person did not mean them harm. Chloe must have felt the same way because she stepped out of her hiding place and made a move toward the entrance. Marinette gasped, trying to grab Chloe and bring her back, but Chloe persisted.
In a whisper, Marinette shouted, “Chloe, we don’t know for certain if it’s safe!”
Chloe ignored her and continued walking toward the front door. Marinette could only follow in haste, not wanting to leave her stepsister in a precarious situation. With the knife still in hand, Marinette resigned herself to her fate as they rounded the corner where the entrance was.
Upon seeing the visitor, Marinette felt the breath in her body leave her.
The man looked identical to Adrien Agreste—though more human than animation. As he turned to look at them, his blond hair fell over his green emerald eyes. His clothing also appeared similar. His dark under-shirt contrasted well with his white over-shirt and blue jeans—the stripes on his dark shirt standing out to Marinette as a hallmark of Adrien’s character. Was he cosplaying?
Chloe must have thought the same thing because, in a gasp, she said, “Adriken?!”
The man jumped before he said in a breath, “Chloe?”
Chloe didn’t seem to hear him as she rushed toward him. The scene brought Marinette a strange form of déjà vu as the man hastily backed away only to be practically tackled by Chloe.
Marinette felt horrified at what her stepsister was doing to a complete stranger. Running toward the pair, Marinette had to rip Chloe from the man while saying, “Chloe, he is a stranger! What are you doing?”
Chloe seemed to startle at Marinette’s words before she ripped herself from the man. With a look of dismay, Chloe took several steps backward until she stood beside Marinette. With the man now only a few feet away, Marinette noticed the intent look in his eyes as he looked at her. Without prompting, he smiled at her with a look that showed she brought him joy.
The sight both warmed and scared Marinette. Acting on her fear, Marinette said calmly, “May I ask who you are and why you are in this house?”
The man looked to his shoulder—a move Marinette found odd—before he said in English, only a slight accent coloring his words, “My name is Ad—Arien. I am new to town and this house looks very similar to my own, which is how I ended up here. I apologize for the inconvenience.”
Marinette’s nose crinkled as she said, “But there were two voices. Where is your friend?”
Arian looked panicked, not seeming to have words to answer her question. Marinette grew more suspicious by the moment. But, before Marinette had a moment to question the man, Chloe said, “You said you’re new to town? Where will you be going to school?”
The question seemed to surprise Arien. “I’m not sure. I just got into town today.”
Chloe smiled before saying, “Your family must be well off if you mistook this house for your own.”
Marinette’s eyes widened at the implication of Chloe’s statement. Arien took it in stride. Smiling awkwardly, he said with an accent slightly more pronounced, “I work as a model for my father’s company so we are well off, yes.”
Several things stood out to Marinette by his statement. His occupation seemed very similar to that of Adrien Agreste, and he seemed to appease Chloe’s greedy nature by stating the extent of his family’s income. Marinette felt embarrassed when the latter revelation became true. With fluttering lashes, Chloe said, “Oh, then we will be good friends, you and I. My mother is in the fashion industry, so we will see each other often.”
Arien awkwardly nodded before he looked at Marinette. Marinette frowned, hoping to hide the automatic flare of heat that embraced her heart at the sight of him. At this, his awkward smile softened. Chloe interrupted their moment when she said with a level of fangirl glee, “You must watch The Adventures of Chat Noir since you are dressed just like Adrien Agreste.”
Arien seemed to startle before he awkwardly chuckled. “I actually haven’t seen the show you’re referring to, but I’m familiar with the character of Chat Noir.”
Marinette wondered if Chloe had lost some of her common sense in her glee because, to Marinette’s surprise and apprehension, Chloe said, “Then, you must watch an episode with me! Our mother isn’t home at the moment, but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind!”
Arien seemed both surprised and burdened by this gesture. “No, thank you for the invitation, but I have prior plans.”
Marinette could only feel shame and horror at Chloe’s words. “Plans are meant to be canceled.”
The man spluttered as an insistent Chloe suddenly dragged him away. Marinette looked at him with suspicious eyes. Something seems off.
Chloe—seeming to remember Marinette’s existence—said with annoyance, “Marinette, go put that knife away. For goodness’ sake, he is not a stranger!”
Marinette could only stare at Chloe in shock before she said, without thinking, “Chloe, he was literally a stranger no less than five minutes ago.”
“Well, he is not a stranger now!”
Ignoring Chloe, Marinette turned to the stranger and asked, “And where is your friend? I know we heard two voices. Where is he?”
Arien started sputtering again, but Chloe jumped in before he could try to answer. “He was probably on the phone, Marinette. Stop being so utterly ridiculous!”
Turning from Marinette, Chloe huffed before continuing her sprint to the living room with Arien in tow. Marinette watched for a moment, her frustration hitting its peak, before she slowly trailed behind—not feeling comfortable leaving them alone for whatever reason.
Listening to Chloe go on about the show, Marinette went over all that had just occurred within the last few minutes. One thing is for sure, she feels uneasy but can’t explain exactly why.
And, in the quiet depth of her mind, she could have sworn she heard him say the name Plagg.
~*~
After an hour in Arien’s presence, Marinette understood why she felt so uneasy. Marinette, with no good cause or justification, is drawn to this man. Something within her is pulling her toward him. She hasn’t felt like this since she saw the first episode of The Adventures of Chat Noir. While it was semi-normal to fangirl over a fictional character, it is another thing to feel the same way with a man she’s just met.
Sitting near the fireplace, supervising Arien and Chloe as they watch episode after episode of the show, Marinette found she was more entertained by the man’s reaction to the show than the show itself—which is a first for her.
When the first episode began, Arien—to the surprise of both girls—began crying. When Chloe had asked why, he only said, “I feel like I’m living it.”
This seemed to set the mood for each episode watched. Marinette deduced he must be really empathetic to Chat Noir’s feelings. Watching Arien live through the emotions brought Marinette to tears at some points—though she hid those feelings quickly lest Chloe notice.
And, as hours continued to pass, Marinette’s suspicions of the man lessened, though the unease—by her own making—remained. It wasn’t until their mother arrived home when the marathon of episodes came to a pause.
Walking into the living room with cold indifference, Madam Cheng looked upon the scene and only seemed to find fault with Marinette. “Marinette, it must bore you having nothing to do. Shall I make another list?”
Marinette felt a spark of fear ignite within her at the tone of her mother’s voice. Thankfully, whatever Madam Cheng was going to say next was interpreted by an excited Chloe.
“Mama! Meet Arien! He’s a model. Can you tell?”
Arien looked at Madame Cheng with wide eyes before he remembered himself. “Good evening.”
Their mother looked from Chloe’s gleaming face to the handsome man beside her before nodding her approval. “Indeed. Very good to meet you, young man. Please come any time.”
Then, turning her cold eyes to Marinette, she said, “The silverware better be shining or tomorrow the list will be doubled.”
With that, their mother turned from the room without a second glance. Chloe gushed about how much their mother approved of their new guest, while Marinette felt as if she’d swallowed a bolder.
Breathing deeply, she bit her lip to hide its tremble before slowly making her way out of the room.
“Marinette?” The voice of Arien stopped her in her tracks.
Looking back toward the handsome man, she felt surprised to see his look of distress and panic. Chloe, not enjoying having the attention of her guest elsewhere, quickly said, “Arien, let’s watch another episode.”
Arien’s attention remained focused on Marinette—to Marinette’s surprise. His eyes were pleading for something, but Marinette didn’t know what. Seeming to think better of saying anything, Arien shook his head before he said, “Good night.”
Marinette couldn’t help the soft smile that braced her lips. With no words to say, she only nodded before making her way out of the room. Heading toward the unfinished silverware, Marinette hugged herself, all the while wishing she could spend the rest of her evening in Arien’s company.
~*~
Finishing the last of the silverware, Marinette sighed wearily as she slowly made her way to her room. Hearing the telltale music from the show from the living room as she passed by, Marinette felt surprised and wondered if Arien was still in the estate.
Glancing at the time, Marinette did a double take at seeing that it was midnight. How could he still be here? Aren’t his parents worried? Suppressing a groan, Marinette questioned if she should check on them or ignore the situation and just make her way to her room.
Marinette didn’t have to question for long because, to her horror, Chloe’s voice rose in volume as they left the living room, indicating that they had finished watching episodes for the night.
“Come back tomorrow, Arien! I would love to keep watching episodes with you.”
Marinette watched as Arien smiled in the dim lighting before nodding.
“Will Marinette be around?”
Marinette felt her heart skip at his inquiry. Chloe only scoffed before saying, “Ugh, she’ll probably be around here somewhere. There is always something that needs cleaning.”
Breathing out, Marinette decided she would try to remain unseen—not wanting to be embarrassed further. Unfortunately, her hopes were dashed by the voice of Arien.
“Marinette?”
Glancing up at the pair, Marinette let out a nervous chuckle as she felt both of their eyes on her. “Uh, hello! I was just finishing the silverware! Don’t mind me!”
Not wanting to linger, Marinette quickly rushed up the stairs to her room, ignoring Arien calling for her to wait. Shutting her room door, Marinette leaned against the frame with a relieved sigh.
She was both glad and disappointed that she had made her escape from Arien. If Chloe hadn’t been present, maybe she would have made more of an effort to talk with him. But, alas, such conversations may never happen given Chloe’s interest in their new neighbor.
A soft knock shook the frame she leaned on, causing Marinette to jump in surprise. Arian’s gentle deep voice drifted to her from behind the door.
“Marinette?”
Marinette felt her heart leap in her throat as all the blood rushed to her head. In her panic, Marinette couldn’t contain a small squeal as he called her name again.
He must have heard the noise because he knocked a little louder as he said insistently, “Are you okay? Did you fall?”
Marinette didn’t know how to explain to him that his mere presence made her squeal in panic. Fearing that he would open the door in worry, Marinette quickly mustered the rest of her courage and opened the door—her body blocking the way into her room.
She caught Arien mid-knock with a concerned look on his face. The look both warmed and rattled Marinette’s heart.
Nervously, Marinette spoke in quick succession. “I’m fine. How can I help you, Adrien—I mean, Arien!” Marinette bit her lip at her misstep and looked at her bare toes as she felt heat rush to her cheeks.
A soft chuckle came from Arien, causing Marinette to whip her face upward. His eyes seemed to gleam at her as he smirked knowingly. Never had he looked more like a real-live version of Chat Noir than in that moment. Marinette leaned heavily into the door frame as she stared at him in wonder.
The smirk only seemed to grow as she continued to stare—to Marinette’s mortification.
“I’m glad you’re well. Why did you run when I called for you?”
Marinette didn’t know how to answer his question without further revealing his effect on her person. Naturally, the only thing she could say was, “Um, well, hmm, ah…”
Marinette abruptly shut her mouth as she realized nothing sensible was coming from it. When Marinette shyly glanced up at Arien, she felt surprised at the expression of endearment on his face—one she had not seen on another living soul in her lonely life. It took her breath away.
Seeming to sense her inability at speech, Arien graciously filled the silence. “I barely convinced Chloe to let me have a moment with you, so I know this won’t last long. I only wanted to ask you a question.”
Marinette felt relief now that she had something to focus on. “What is your question?”
Arien fiddled with his fingers while looking hesitant. Marinette could tell whatever he wanted to ask was requiring courage. Softening her stance, Marinette said, “You are welcome to ask me anything.”
Arien seemed to let go of the tension he’d been holding at her words. Smiling, he said shyly, “You’ve been watching The Adventures of Chat Noir, yes?”
Marinette only nodded.
“What are your thoughts on Ladybug.”
Marinette felt the urge to laugh, but she held in her amusement and joy. For one thing, Arien had seemed nervous to ask such a simple question. For another, this would be Marinette’s first time expressing her thoughts on her favorite show with a living person.
Marinette barely held in her excitement as she sprang into a long monologue about her thoughts on Ladybug’s character and role in the show, and how Ladybug’s identity is the key element that will bring Chat Noir to victory.
Arien listened intently to Marinette’s words and patiently stood outside her door. In hindsight, Marinette should have invited him inside her room so he may have sat comfortably, but in the moment, her excitement overcame her thoughts on etiquette.
“I just really wish I knew who she was. I’m sure all the fans do. I can’t wait for the next episode!”
Arien smiled at her elation before he said, “Do you feel a connection to Ladybug?”
This question brought Marinette to a pause. Considering her words, Marinette said, “I feel more connected with Chat Noir, and that is because we don’t know who Ladybug is and, therefore, have no character to connect to.”
Arien’s face seemed to dim as she spoke before he rallied with a quick smile. “I understand.”
Marinette, for whatever reason, felt as if she had disappointed him with her response. What kind of response had he been looking for?
A loud ding came from her pocket, indicating she had received a notification from her phone. Odd. Marinette could have sworn she had turned her phone setting to do-not-disturb.
She shyly glanced at Arien before pulling her pink phone from her pocket and reading the notification from The Adventures of Chat Noir website. As the words glared back at her, Marinette spoke her confusion out loud. “What? There’s a new episode? I thought it would air in a few days?”
Arien seemed to jump at her words. With a level of urgency, he said, “Do you mind if I see?”
Marinette shook her head as she handed the phone to him for him to see the evidence of her confusion.
His face contoured into one of worry before he said quickly, “Marinette, do you mind if I watch this really quick?”
“You want to watch it with me?”
Arien seemed hesitant, which confused Marinette. As the seconds ticked by without his answer, Marinette said, “Are you saying you want to watch the episode without me?”
Arien’s face looked stricken as he glanced between her and the phone. Clearing his throat, Arien said, “To be honest, I am involved in the production of this show.”
Marinette felt her eyes widen as she gasped. “What?!”
Arien continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “If the episode was due to air in a few days, I am wondering why it is airing now and am concerned.”
The more Arien spoke, the more hoarse his voice became. Marinette watched him carefully, taking in his worried expression and shaken disposition. While Marinette was excited to hear more about Arien’s role in the show—though somewhat confused since he had claimed never to have seen it—she didn’t want Arien to feel burdened or pressured to explain.
Sighing, Marinette let go of her disappointment. “Don’t worry, Arien. If you’d rather I didn’t watch the show, I won’t.”
Arien seemed torn by her words. After a moment, he said, “I… I shouldn’t keep you from watching it. You should know the truth. I guess… I’m just nervous. I wasn’t expecting this.”
His words confused Marinette, but she didn’t question him. “Okay, so which will it be?”
Marinette watched a parade of emotions pass over his face before it settled on determination. Speaking hoarsely, Arien said, “Let’s watch it.”
Marinette hid her squeal in a giddy smile. Belatedly, Marinette invited Arien into her room.
Glancing at the open door, Arien said, “To be honest, I’m shocked Chloe hasn’t barged in yet.”
Marinette was also curious about Chloe’s absence. Smiling, Marinette said the only thing that came to mind, though doubtful. “She either got distracted by the new episode, or she is talking with one of her friends and figured you’ve already left.”
Arien only nodded with a smile before gesturing to where he should sit. Marinette pulled several pillows from her bed and placed them on the floor. Getting the hint, Arien settled on one pillow while Marinette grabbed her laptop and a blanket before sitting beside him. To her surprise, the ladybug that had been perched on her house plant earlier was now on her laptop screen.
“Oh my, what are you doing on my screen? Here, let me take you off before it gets too bright.” Gently scooping the ladybug with her finger, Marinette placed the insect to the side of her keyboard.
Glancing at Arien to explain the bug’s presence, it startled Marinette seeing the intense look on his face as he stared at the ladybug.
“Umm, this is my little friend. She’s been hanging out with me and my house plant for a bit now,” Marinette said softly.
Arien only looked at the ladybug a few seconds longer before smiling and focusing on the laptop screen. Marinette found the exchange odd, but quickly let it go as her laptop came to life.
As Marinette clicked on the newest episode, she couldn’t contain her joy. “I’m so excited!”
At this, Arien’s smile became big and genuine. “I’m glad I get to watch it with you.”
Marinette only smiled as a small blush filled her cheeks before she became completely focused on the laptop screen.
The episode began like many before it—cheerful music introducing the character of Adrien Agreste and his secret life as Chat Noir. Yet, unlike previous episodes, the first scene made Marinette’s inside clench at the dramatic opening.
The scene showed Chat Noir standing in a pink room with a sewing box right in front of him.
Marinette felt herself suck in a deep breath, the image of the room bringing forth a feeling of nostalgia and homesickness. Shaking her head, Marinette focused intently on the screen, not wanting to miss what Chat Noir would do next.
Chat Noir hummed before he muttered to himself with a warm smile, “Such a clever lady.”
Beside her, Marinette heard Arien hum in approval, but she couldn’t force her eyes away from the scene even if she wanted to.
After analyzing the sewing box intently, Chat Noir pressed on several bundles of thread, causing a compartment of the box to open. Chat Noir smiled as he stood before the gleaming red miraculous box.
Marinette felt her whole body tremble as a feeling of panic swept over her. Why did she feel so afraid?
Chat Noir cautiously pressed the release button on the miraculous box, causing multiple flares of light to flutter about the room. The voices from the multiple kwamis seemed to jumble together as their excitement and joy over their freedom became clear.
Chat Noir seemed overwhelmed with the amount of activity occurring at once as he attempted to settle the kwamis down. Eventually, the little beings calmed from their excitement and greeted Chat Noir enthusiastically.
“Chat Noir! Very good to see you,” Wayzz said sagely.
Chat Noir smiled before he said, “It is good to see you all. I wish I could stay and chat, but I must speak with Fluff. It is urgent.”
The kwami’s seemed to become quiet at Chat Noir’s words, all of them seemingly aware of the magnitude of Ladybug’s disappearance. Without delay, Fluff floated forward.
“How may I be of assistance,” the small kwami asked.
Chat Noir cupped the bunny in his hands and said with earnest, “Is there anyway you can connect with Bunnyx? I was hoping we might work with your future holder to find Ladybug.”
Fluff seemed to contemplate Chat Noir’s words before saying, “I would need a holder to help channel the power of the miraculous. That is the only way I may contact Bunnyx safety. There are consequences if I use my powers alone.”
Chat Noir seemed to deflate upon hearing the words. “We could combine our miraculous, but I’d rather conserve energy so I can remain transformed longer. The hard part is that I don’t know who Ladybug would choose to be your holder.” Chat Noir’s voice cracked as he continued, “If these last few weeks have taught me anything, it is how little I really know Ladybug.”
A small tear slid down his cheek before a huddle of kwamis hugged his face in unison, causing Chat Noir to jump.
“Don’t cry!”
“We will figure something out!”
“Don’t worry, Chat Noir!”
“You’re doing a great job!”
Chat Noir’s chuckle was slightly muffled by a body of kwamis. As they released him from their comforting grip, he smiled and thanked them for their support. After a moment, Fluff spoke, “I believe I know who Ladybug would choose to be my holder. Do you trust me, Chat Noir?”
Chat Noir looked wide eyed at the bunny before nodding. Without pause, Fluff grabbed his miraculous object and flew out the open window toward his future holder’s destination.
Chat Noir sighed in relief. The other kwamis continued to flutter around him, causing him to glance around the room with their movement. It would seem that Chat Noir had been too preoccupied with his mission to inspect his surroundings. With a look of awe, Chat Noir took in the amount of pictures of himself—his civilian self—on the pink walls.
Chat Noir’s gasp resounded with Marinette’s. Without reason, Marinette said out loud, “Oh no.”
Arien spoke, breaking her attention from the computer screen. “What?”
Marinette looked at him before looking at the awestruck look on Chat Noir’s face. Clearing her throat, Marinette said hesitantly, “I just… I’m sure Ladybug might feel embarrassed if she knew he was there.”
Arien looked intently at her. “Do you feel embarrassed, Marinette?”
Marinette could only explain her embarrassment as a feeling of extreme empathy. Biting her lip, Marinette said, “I just… I just feel for Ladybug, that’s all.”
Arien hummed. “But isn’t this good? This means she likes Chat Noir, right?”
Marinette nodded. “Yes, I’m sure she likes him. I just think she would feel embarrassed if she knew he was there.”
Arien smiled cheekily at her before turning back to the screen, causing Marinette to do the same.
Marinette turned just in time to see the genuinely cheerful smile on Chat Noir’s face.
“Oh, my lady. You must have some feelings for me if you plastered my face all over your walls.”
One of the kwami’s giggled. “Oh, she likes you alright! She doesn’t shut up about you!”
Chat Noir’s face was practically beaming.
Without reason, Marinette felt heat travel to her face as a small squeak escaped her. Thankfully, Arien didn’t comment on the odd sound—though she heard him chuckling softly, but she ignored him, and focused on Chat Noir’s joyous expression.
Abruptly, a magical hole appeared within Ladybug’s room, causing Chat Noir to jump, immediately taking a stance of defense. Chat Noir only relaxed when he saw Bunnyx walk through the magical burrow, her expression stern and serious.
“You took a risk having my younger self get in touch with me.”
Chat Noir’s eyes widened. “I don’t know your younger self. I trusted Fluff to get in touch with you.”
Bunnyx’s expression only faltered slightly. “Well, after some extensive searching, I found Ladybug.”
Chat Noir seemed to jump at attention, his expression eager.
“She is in an alternate dimension of our own. Everything there is the opposite of her life here.” Bunnyx sighed sadly before she continued, “The best way to get her out is to go there directly. Unfortunately, I have other obligations, so I can only be the bridge between worlds for you. You must go alone.”
Chat Noir spoke with determined enthusiasm. “Of course! I must save her! I must-”
Bunnyx held up her hand to his mouth as she said, “Slow your roll, Little Chat. The situation is precarious. She doesn’t know who she is at all. She is completely immersed in this other reality.”
Chat Noir looked as if the breath had left him as his head hung low.
Bunnyx placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t give up, Little Chat. The situation is not without hope. You must help her remember who she is. The akuma can only erase so much. Somewhere within her are the memories of her life here, but they are hidden by the akuma’s magic.”
Chat Noir looked up at Bunnyx. “How do I do that?”
Bunnyx only smiled. “That’s up to you, Little Chat. All I can do is get you there.”
Chat Noir smiled, seeming to feel hopeful at the possibility of seeing Ladybug safe.
Bunnyx became contemplative. “If my memory serves correctly, the key to getting her out of this other reality is having her acknowledge that she is Ladybug. The moment she believes she is Ladybug is the moment she will have the ability to leave that world. She may not have all her memories intact when she comes back, but she will at least be able to defeat the akuma and make everything right.”
“I can do that! I can help her remember,” Chat Noir said enthusiastically as he smiled up at Bunnyx.
The bunny hero smiled back at him indulgently before she reopened the burrow she had come from. With a hand motion toward the burrow, Bunnyx said, “Let’s make a quick stop at your place so you can pack some essentials, then we will get you to Ladybug.”
Chat Noir smiled before walking into the burrow, waving the kwami’s goodbye. Once he was in the burrow, Chat Noir whispered to himself, “I wonder if Ladybug will be upset that I left the kwamis out of their box.”
Bunnyx chucked before saying, “Oh, Little Chat, still so much to learn.”
Marinette spoke without thinking. “She’ll probably be upset.”
Beside her, Arien squeaked. “Really?”
Turning from the computer screen, Marinette took in his guilty expression. With all seriousness, Marinette said, “Having seen how those kwamis have fun when they are alone, Ladybug will definitely be upset. They need supervision! They get into everything; the yarn, the dolls, the presents!” Marinette stopped her rant abruptly. There was no good reason for her to feel so worked up over this matter.
Looking at Arien, Marinette saw he was gawking at her before he said in a breath, “What you’re saying sounds rather specific.” After a pause, with an odd gleam in his eyes, he continued. “This episode is the first time we are seeing all the kwamis interact—and the miraculous box.”
Marinette felt her mind falter. She could have sworn she had seen them in the show multiple times. She could even tell which kwami was prone to specific behaviors or foods. “I’m sure they have appeared in some episodes. Maybe you are just forgetting.”
Arien smiled at her softly as he said, “I think you’re wrong. I just spent countless hours with Chloe refreshing myself on what happens in the show.”
Marinette huffed triumphantly. “But you didn’t watch all the episodes. It was probably way later when they appeared.”
Arien didn’t argue, he only smiled. Shaking her head, Marinette turned back to the laptop screen. They must have missed a part of the episode—possibly when Chat was receiving his things—because the screen showed Chat Noir and Bunnyx in the burrow looking upon a picture representing a period in time.
“This is it.”
Chat Noir looked at the picture with intensity. “New York City?”
Bunnyx nodded as she hummed. “Hope you’ve brushed up on your English.” Chat Noir continued as if Bunnyx hadn’t spoken, seeming too baffled by the view he was seeing. “That estate looks just like mine!”
“Yes, and that is where Ladybug lives in this world. Remember, things are not the same in this universe. Be careful.”
Chat Noir nodded before he made a move toward the picture. Abruptly, Bunnyx placed her arm in front of him, preventing him from going further. “Wait, Little Chat. You must drop your transformation. In this world, Chat Noir is a fictional character.”
Chat Noir’s eyebrows scrunched up at her words, but he didn’t argue and quickly transformed back into Adrien Agreste. Plagg floated up to Bunnyx and said with attitude, “How will I get my cheese? What if this alternate universe doesn’t have cheese?!”
Adrien laughed as he opened his travel bag to show the kwami the stash of cheese he had packed. Seeing the excitement on the kwami’s face, Adrien quickly said, “Don’t eat all of it! Like you said, we don’t know when we will get more.”
Bunnyx smiled at the kwami’s antics before saying to Adrien, “You will still have the ability to transform in this world, but be careful of who is watching. Oh, and in case you end up staying here longer than a day, take this watch.” Bunnyx placed a small gold watch in Adrien’s hands. “If you need me, tap the face twice before turning the dial. It will alert me when you might need help, or accommodations, for the night. Contact me once Ladybug leaves this world.”
Adrien smiled brightly up at Bunnyx as he placed the watch on his wrist. “Thank you, Bunnyx. I couldn’t do this without you.”
Bunnyx smiled before saying, “Anything for my future leader. Now, go get Ladybug.”
Adrien smiled before stepping out into this new world—a world that appeared gray and dull in contrast to his world. Staring up at the estate before him, Plagg popped his head out of his side pocket. “Boy, this sure looks like your place.”
Adrien only nodded as he began walking up the steps.
Marinette felt her breath become heavy. The estate looked identical to hers. She wondered if the producers based this scene off of her home. Glancing to Arien, she felt startled at meeting his eyes.
“What do you think so far?”
Marinette smiled as she said, “I love it, of course. By the way, did you create this scene based on our home? It looks just like our estate.”
Arien only stared at her wide eyed, his mouth opening as nothing came out.
The sound of a door opening drew Marinette’s attention back to the laptop screen, her mind quickly forgetting the odd conversation with the man beside her. She felt her stomach drop as she took in the familiar scenery of their estate's entryway displayed through animation.
Plagg practically shoved the door open in his haste. Adrien’s face contorted in panic as he said in a whisper, “Plagg! I told you we should knock! Why did you just barge in?!”
Plagg looked lazily at Adrien as he said loudly, “Why do we need to knock? This is practically your house.”
Adrien shook his head in reprimand. “It may look like my house, but it’s not—and you know it! Now, let’s get out of here before someone notices.”
Marinette felt odd. It was as if a small fire had lit within her stomach and was slowly creeping its way up her throat, burning faster and stronger as each phrase was said. Not able to rip her eyes from the screen to the man beside her, Marinette felt that fire turn into lava when two girls—both looking identical to an animated version of Chloe and herself—stepped into the frame.
The animated look-alike of Chloe seemed cautious until a look of recognition lit her face. In a squeal, the blond cried, “Adrikens?!”
Marinette stopped breathing.
Adrien looked both relieved and startled as he breathed, “Chloe?”
Suddenly, the scene shifted. Given that the show is centered on Adrien’s character, the writers always emphasized the inner workings of Adrien’s mind. The audience became privy to Adrien’s memories as multiple flashbacks with Chloe and Adrien as children played on screen in even successions.
The scenes were fuzzy, but aglow in warmth—as if from the perspective of a child’s mind; Chloe handing him a toy, Chloe playing dress-up, Chloe wanting to get married. Then, the flashback was abruptly interrupted when the blond threw herself into Adrien’s arms.
Marinette felt her body begin to tremble harshly. This was all too much. Adrien having a childhood relationship with her mean spirited stepsister…how could it be? And, while she should not have been surprised after all she had just seen, Marinette felt herself break into a cold sweat as the show displayed the animated version of herself, face panicked, running toward Chloe and Adrien.
Once more, Adrien’s heart became clear as the show put his mind on display.
Time slowed as the raven-haired girl ran towards him—showcasing that the girl coming toward him was special. The glowing smile on his face and the gleam in his eyes revealed his inner thoughts to the audience as the petite girl practically ripped Chloe from Adrien’s arms. “Chloe, he is a stranger! What are you doing?”
Marinette’s stomach churned as her vision blackened at its edges. She needed to breathe. Closing her eyes, Marinette tried to empty her mind and focus solely on taking in air. With her body so acutely attuned to every part of her, Marinette felt Arien’s arms the moment they wrapped around her.
“Breathe,” he whispered.
With his voice seeming to hold more command over her body than her own mind, Marinette took in a gasp of air before allowing her body to do what it must to receive the oxygen it required. Practically panting, Marinette curled in on herself as tears of fear traveled down her cheeks. Why does the girl on screen look just like her?
From a distance, she could hear the exact words she had said to Arien just earlier today.
“May I ask who you are and why you are in this house?”
Through the blood rushing in her ears, Marinette managed to hear a response.
“My name is Ad—Arien...” The rest of his words faded as Marinette focused on his slip of the tongue.
Marinette felt as if her entire body was throbbing from both lack of oxygen and disbelief. This was no coincidence.
Feeling her breath mellow and her heart settle into a steady rhythm, Marinette allowed her thoughts to focus on the man beside her. On a whim, Marinette said in a hoarse voice, “Adrien.”
The arms surrounding her seemed to tighten. “Yes.”
Popping her eyes open, Marinette shot up, displacing his arms and causing a short wave of dizziness to overwhelm her. Sensing her disequilibrium, the man placed an arm on her shoulder to steady her.
After a moment, her vision came into focus, allowing her the ability to take him in. He looked identical to Adrien Agreste—or a real live version of Adrien Agreste. His gold blond hair fell perfectly across his emerald green eyes. His clothing was the replica of Adrien’s common outfit in the show. Desperately, Marinette looked at his hands. On his wrist was a gold watch identical to the watch Marinette had just seen on screen. And, on his finger lay a plain silver ring.
Attempting to remain calm, Marinette glanced at the laptop screen just in time to catch the moment when he said, “I work as a model for my father’s company, so we are well off, yes.”
Looking back at the man beside her, taking in his sheepish expression, and glancing once more at the watch and ring—Marinette knew she must be crazy to even contemplate the possibility… Yet, how else could she explain what was occurring around her.
“You must watch The Adventures of Chat Noir since you are dressed just like Adrien Agreste,” Chloe’s voice echoed.
Marinette’s eyes remained fixed on the man beside her as she listened to his awkward chuckle coming from her laptop. “I actually haven’t seen the show you’re referring to, but I’m familiar with the character of Chat Noir.”
Marinette felt as if the last puzzle piece had fallen into place. Whispering through gritted teeth, Marinette said, “You’re not a producer; you’re the main character.”
“Yes,” the man whispered.
Sucking in a breath, her mind reeling in disbelief, Marinette said, “Am I to believe that your real name is Adrien Agreste?”
Another whisper. “Yes.”
Marinette took in his words and attempted to analyze the likelihood of her requiring professional help in the near future. To come to an accurate conclusion, she quickly summarized clear facts in her mind. One; this man’s appearance is identical to Adrien Agreste—the detail being so exact as to include the watch and ring. Two; the moment Adrien Agreste entered the alternate universe within the show, the dialogue and scenery henceforth has been exact and accurate to what has occurred in her reality. Three; Chloe and herself appear as animated characters within the show, a feat that would be close to impossible to achieve by the developers of the show without knowing details in advance. With these facts staring blatantly at her, Marinette could only conclude that this man was telling the truth—this man is Adrien Agreste.
Yet, this revelation comes with more questions than answers.
Breathing out, Marinette found that her mind still hadn’t accepted what she had already acknowledged as truth. Grinding her teeth, Marinette thought of one specific way she could prove to her mind that her conclusion was accurate.
Clearing her throat, Marinette said with a breaking voice, “Plagg, come out.”
While a part of her had expected it, the majority of her mind had still been in doubt. This became evident when her mind did not process the tiny, floating black cat that came within a foot of her face. What’s worse, it spoke. “Hey there, princess. Got any cheese?”
The lack of oxygen minutes prior, along with the overstimulation of her tired mind, caused Marinette’s brain to crash, leaving her in a world of nothingness.