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Prologue
“Chat… do you really mean it?”
“I do, m’lady. Whoever you are behind that mask, I’m sure I’d love you, no matter what.”
Ladybug’s heart was racing.
Here she was, with her superhero best friend and partner. It was sunset and the two of them were alone on a rooftop looking over Paris. The air was filled with romance and she could barely breathe.
“Okay… here goes… Tikki… spots off.”
A pink flash of light later, Marinette was left standing on the rooftop in front of Chat Noir. All she could see was Chat’s warm gaze continuing to be shown at her.
“I knew it.” He said.
“Y-you, did?” She gulped.
“Only you could be Ladybug, Marinette. I’ve always had a feeling. I love you. I’ve loved you for so long.”
Chat slowly approached Marinette. His head leaning closer to hers. She gulped once more. He was inching closer.
“Are… Are you going to k-kiss—?“
“If you would allow me to?”
Marinette nodded.
Chat leaned in.
He was so close. She could see her reflection through his gorgeous green eyes.
She remembered when they kissed during Dark Cupid. It was short but sweet. But that was different.
Now… this would be the real thing.
“Marinette… Marinette…”
She closed her eyes.
“MARINETTE!”
“GGAHHHH!!” She screamed.
Marinette opened her eyes… and found herself in her classroom at school during Ms. Bustier’s class. All of her classmates were looking and giggling at her.
“Marinette… you were called 5 times already! I had to wake you up!” Alya said.
It was Alya who apparently woke her up from her daydreaming.
“Oh no… it happened again didn’t it?” Marinette covered her face in embarrassment.
She had another Chat daydream. It was happening way more often recently.
She was slowly coming to terms with the truth.
She was falling in love with Chat Noir.
“You totally said his name out loud several times.” Alya teased.
“You awake now, Marinette?” Ms. Bustier had a teasing grin on her face.
“Y-yes, Ms. Bustier. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s alright. Now please pay attention. You can dream about Chat Noir later.” Her teacher teased and winked back.
It made Marinette blush a deeper red. She whined.
“Oh god.”
She had to do something about this situation. But the truth was there was only one solution.
Confess.
“I love Chat Noir.” She whispered.
“Marinette… did you just say what I think you said?!” Alya leaned in closer after her words.
“I think… I’m going to do it.”
“Y-you mean?” Alya whispered louder.
“I’m going to confess.”
Alya’s face turned excited as she heard her best friend’s words.
“Let’s plan this!”
Marinette and Alya continued whispering to another as she started writing ideas on how she was going to finally tell Chat the truth about her feelings.
All the while, there was another blond boy who was blushing in the seat in front of Marinette. He didn’t hear everything. But he heard the important details such as…
“Marinette loves Chat Noir.”
Adrien’s heart was racing. He’s been thinking about Marinette more and more lately, completely forgetting about his failure at wooing Ladybug. Now here was more proof that Marinette must be the girl for him.
“Oh god… here we go again.” He whispered to himself.
Adrian realized the truth.
He was in love with Marinette Dupain-Cheng.
“And she’s going to confess to Chat!”
****
One Week Later
“Oh god. Oh god, I’m late! Ladybug’s going to kill me!”
Chat Noir was speeding through as he jumped from rooftop to rooftop to meet up with his superhero partner.
After a long day working for his father, Adrien had to end up finishing his homework as fast as he could before their assigned meet up for patrol that day. This was so unlike him to be not ready for their patrols. But with what Marinette said a week prior, all he could think about was his lovely classmate. It caused him to be sloppy during his job. He even had to rewrite some of his answers a couple of times.
He was madly in love.
He’s been waiting patiently for a week now. Marinette’s not once tried to approach her. He’s been patrolling every night. Even without Ladybug beside him.
But no such luck.
But now he was so dead. How could he miss a planned patrol session with Ladybug?!
“Ladybug even said there was something important she had planned today!” Chat was talking to himself as he recalled his lady’s words.
“Be there early on Tuesday. I… I have something planned if that’s alright?” Ladybug said.
Whatever it was, Chat felt so guilty for not being on time.
A few more jumps later, Chat found himself on the assigned rooftop that night. He took in a breath and found his bearing. He panted a little with his head facing down towards the the floor of the rooftop.
“Chat! You made it!”
It was Ladybug’s lovely voice. She seemed cheerful as she spoke. It gave him hope that she wasn’t mad at his late arrival. But it was best for him to apologize. He looked up to see Ladybug smiling at him. No anger. No frustration. Just pure sweet Ladybug.
She was such an angel. His best friend.
“I’m so sorry I’m late tonight, Ladybug! Would you forgive me if I said I had to finish some homework tonight? Whatever it is you had planned, I’ll make up for it if it’s too late!” Chat put his hand togethers in a praying fashion. He hoped he didn’t ruin any plans for his lady.
“No! No! It’s fine, Chat. I completely understand. I actually had a ton of homework to finish too. I barely made it in time myself. I’m just— I’m just glad you’re here. Come on!” Ladybug then took Chat’s hand and started pulling him to one side of the roof.
“Uhhh. Where are we going?” He asked.
Just to this side of the roof. Right behind this… chimney! Tada!”
Ladybug then with her hands started signaling to what was on display. Chat was a bit lost for words.
“What… what is all this?”
Chat saw what appeared to be a wonderful evening picnic setup. A nice little floor mat for them to sit on. Some nice candles. A basket full of pastries and goodies. Some nice sparkling juice for them to drink. Ladybug even set up a little speaker that she started playing some music on.
“And here we go! We can’t have a nice evening like this without some music!” Soon, some lovely classic songs were playing in the background. It was perfect.
“Ladybug? What’s going on?” Chat smiled. It wasn’t often that Ladybug surprised him with special gifts or treats. This was definitely unexpected and it warmed his heart.
“Well… nothing really. Just thought I’d treat my partner to something nice.” Ladybug shrugged shyly. She seemed so sincere and the same time unsure. As if she was worried that he wasn’t going to accept this lovely gesture.
Why would she ever think that would happen?
Chat decided to show how much he appreciated it by giving her a warm hug.
“This is amazing, Ladybug. Thanks so much. This is perfect after such a long day. Come on, let’s dig in!”
Chat then pulled his best friend down to sit on the floor. The two of them began munching on their goodies, as they listened to music and shared stories.
****
It was about an hour later and the two of them continued to laugh and enjoy their time together. But as the time flew by, Chat noticed something was up with Ladybug. It was if the air was different around her. It was like she was a bit on edge. Like she was waiting for something.
“Is something up, m’lady?”
Ladybug startled before shaking her head.
“W-well. No, not really. I-it’s just… I mean.” Ladybug sighed for a bit.
“Well… okay, maybe I kinda half-lied a while ago. There is a reason for preparing this nice spread for us this nice evening aside from wanting to treat you.”
Chat was a bit surprised. So there really was an underlying reason.
“What is it, Ladybug? Is… it… Are you going to tell me something bad? Like did you want to soften the blow first?” Chat’s body grew stiff at the thought.
“N-no! Not that. It’s nothing crazy like that. It’s just… I… I wanted you to understand what this was. It was… something to do with what you said last time. Y-you know?” Ladybug began blushing with her last words.
“What I said?”
Chat began to think back to their last talk. It was a week ago. And they were talking about gifts for the people they loved.
****
A week prior
“So you’re telling me, a key to a guy’s heart is through food and company, Chat?”
“That’s right! Guys appreciate nice gestures like those. I’m sure of it! Get him some pastries. His favorite foods! All that stuff! But I’m curious now why are you asking tips from the master? Are you up to something?” Chat teased.
Ladybug then shoved Chat playfully to the side. She rolled her eyes at him.
“No reason, kitty-cat. Just curious on what you think.”
****
Ladybug was waiting as she saw Chat recalling the conversation they had previously. Her heart was beginning to race. This was a long time coming. She wanted to make this special. She wanted to tell him the truth. Why she did this all for him.
The whole setup.
The lovely food.
The nice gesture and music.
It was all pointing out to one thing.
Chat’s face brightened as if he understood what was going on. This was it. No turning back. He finally knew what was up.
“I get it! You’re practicing!” He snapped his fingers.
“Yes! I Lov—… Wait, what did you say?” Ladybug had to stop herself from speaking further.
Chat then placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring nod.
“You’re practicing how to confess to that boy you love with nice gestures! Exactly how I said! And you wanted to ask if this will work! I totally see it! Nice one, LB! This will totally sweep him off his feet!”
“What?” Ladybug couldn’t understand his thought process. “Wait…. You think I’m doing this for someone else?”
Chat nodded enthusiastically at her.
“Well yeah! That boy you always talked about. He's such a lucky guy! "
An image of Adrien appeared in her head. It was a while since that happened. Since she decided to give up on him. There was a momentary heart skip. But the truth was all of this was not for him.
It was for the kind cat costumed superhero in front of her.
And he was being so dense right now.
“Uuuhh… sssuure. It was definitely for practice…. For that boy.”
And unfortunately for Ladybug. She was chickening out on telling him that night too.
“10/10 romantic date idea! Great job! Hope you can treat him soon! Anyway, thanks for the fun time, Ladybug! Good luck!”
Ladybug was still as she watched Chat jump away.
When he was far enough, Ladybug transformed back to normal. Marinette was alone now with Tikki by her side.
“That boy is a lot denser than I thought.” Tikki whispered.
Marinette realized that whether it was Adrien or Chat Noir… Confessing never got easier.
In the distance, the handsome young boy had a smile on his face. He had such a wonderful night. All he could think about was how he wished he could have a nice rooftop dinner like that with Marinette some day.
Attempt # 1 Fail
******
It was a week after and Ladybug tried confessing again. This time, a different setup with pillows, a nice view and good food. It was a lovely late afternoon and the sun was setting. It was perfect.
“Ladybbuuuugg. Aaahh-haaaaaa!.” Chat began to yawn loudly. “You really outdid yourself. An outdoor nap with all these comfy pillows and blankets. Best stake out ever!”
Ladybug slowly situated herself to lie down beside her superhero partner. Sure enough, after some slow movements, the two of them were practically cuddling together on that nice evening.
It was so nice to feel his warmth. Ladybug was in heaven.
“Right? The weather is perfect tonight. Maybe I am just lucky today.” She wondered if Tikki had anything to do with this lovely weather for that evening. It was the perfect time to finally confess.
“Ssssuper lucky.” Chat said with a bit of a whisper. He was snuggling closer to her and it was making her heart race.
“Chat?”
“Hmmm? What is it, Ladybug?” Chat said with his eyes closed. He was curling himself closer to her.
Ladybug had to act fast or else she’ll melt from his coziness.
“I have something to say. Please don’t interrupt or else I might not have the courage to finish. L-listen. I… We’ve been partners for a very long time now. And you’ve become important to me. Very important. And I know… that a while back, you showed interest in me but I never reciprocated. But now… But now, things have changed. I realized that what I’ve always wanted was already right beside me. Chat Noir… I… I…”
Ladybug closed her eyes for a moment before telling the truth.
“I LOVE YOU, CHAT.”
Ladybug waited with bated breath for his reply.
The seconds flew by and every moment was agony.
“Chat… say something. Please.”
The silence was deafening.
Did it mean she was too late?
And then she heard him.
“ZZzzzz-zzzzz-zzzzggggppphh!!!” Chat snored louder than she has ever heard him do.
Ladybug at that moment also lost it.
“You stupid, cat!!!”
A moment later Chat Noir was woken up violently with a pillow to his face. He was left alone on the pile of blankets as Ladybug was quickly preparing to leave the rooftop, feeling mortified.
“Wha- M’lady?!” Chat shuffled back with a face full of pillow.
“Ugh! N-nothing! I just can’t today anymore!” Ladybug got her yo-yo and zipped away.
“L-ladybug?! What happened?! Wait!”
“It’s nothing! JUST GO SLEEP!” She shouted back as she swung away.
The rest of the night ended up with Chat chasing his lady and apologizing to her multiple times as he apparently fell asleep on her as she said something important.
He never did end up finding out what it was that she needed to say.
Attempt#2 Fail
*****
Marinette was desperate. She decided she needed to think outside the box this time. She needed help from someone else. And Nino was there to help her. He and Alya were sitting with her at the cafeteria as they discussed whatever Nino came up with.
“No sweat it, Marinette. I’ve got this covered.”
“What exactly did you do, that’s got me ‘covered’?” She asked.
“You know how you’re always fumbling when you confess to someone? Why not let someone else be the delivery boy? And you know who’s perfect at doing things, even when there’s total chaos? Kim!”
Marinette paused for a moment to understand what he was saying.
“Wait… what’s going on with Kim?”
Nino smiled, looking pretty pleased with himself.
“Remember that love letter I told you to make?”
“Ugh. Don’t remind me. I mean, I’ll never have the courage to give it to him—“ Marinette suddenly choked.
He stared hard at Nino. Her eyes went wide.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t tell Kim to give it to Chat Noir?! Please tell me you didn’t!”
It was at that moment that Nino went pale.
“Uhhh. I didn’t?”
There was something off with his speech. Even more than what she was fearing.
“Wait… why am I getting a feeling that it’s something even worse.”
Nino started looking nervous.
“We have to find Kim right now!”
“Nino! What did you do?” Alya asked.
“Well! When you said Marinette’s need help with confessing to a certain blond haired hottie. I immediately thought you meant Adrien! You’re in love with Chat Noir?!?!”
“What?! Nino! I already told you about it!”
“And I thought you weren’t serious! I thought it was like a celebrity crush with everyone loving Ladybug!”
Marinette’s ears were ringing.
“Oh my God…. Is Kim delivering a letter to… Adrien?!” She screamed.
Marinette then ran faster than she ever thought possible towards her classroom.
***
A few minutes later.
Marinette was running out of breath as she slammed open the door of her classroom.
In the back of the classroom, he saw Kim about to hand off the letter to Adrien. He looked curiously at the letter. She could hear Kim quietly saying this letter was from ‘Marinette.’
Adrien smiled for a moment. His hand stretched out.
“NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”
Marinette zoomed across the room… and leapt.
****
Adrien watched as if in slow motion, he saw Marinette miraculously jump across the room to reach out towards them.
“Marinette?!”
It was the most amazing jump he’s ever seen done without any superpowers. Somehow, Marinette was able to jump halfway through the classroom and snatch the letter from Kim’s hand.
A loud thud was heard as Marinette collided with the wall and slid down towards the floor. Letter still in hand.
“Oh my God! Are you okay?!”
Adrien knelt beside her. He waited for her to react. Was she hurt?
Then, she surprised him once more, as Marinette did the unthinkable.
She ate the letter.
“What the?! Marinette?! What are you doing? I thought you wanted me to deliver this to Adrien?” Kim asked.
“MMMhasppmmmppphhh!!” Marinette’s word were garbled as she had some letter in her mouth.
Adrien was so confused.
“Marinette! What’s going on? What was that—?” Adrien was stopped as a hand was placed on his shoulder.
It was Nino.
“Dude. Don’t ask.”
“But Marinette ate the—“
“Just don’t ask.”
Attempt #3 Fail
***
Later that evening
Ladybug was tired. Very tired of waiting. This shouldn’t be so hard for her. Chat loves her! At least… she hoped he still did. He’s shown her his affections so many times. More than she could count. Why wasn’t it easy to do the same? So this time, there was no stopping her.
She was just going to plain out say it.
“Chat Noir, I love you.” She practiced again and again on a random rooftop of Paris.
This was it. All the preparations for this perfect moment.
Ladybug was ready.
And so… she leapt off in search for her partner.
But after a few minutes, she realized she couldn’t find her superhero partner in any of their regular spots. She decided to call Chat Noir and see if he was already waiting for her. True enough, he answered quickly.
“Hey kitty! Where are you?.”
“Oh sorry, Ladybug! Was just circling somewhere a bit new and—“
“Say no more! I’ll head over there!”
She didn’t mind going somewhere new for patrol every so often. She checked her yoyo to see the map and find his location. When she looked closer, she realized it was a location very familiar to her.
“Wait… Isn’t this--?”
***
A rooftop away, Chat Noir was pacing back and forth. He was troubled. Very troubled. All because of Marinette Dupain-Cheng.
“Why the heck did she eat that letter? What was in it that she didn’t want me to see?”
Adrien was stumped. He tried his best to learn what were the true contents of that letter that caused Marinette to head to the nurse’s office that day.
“You ate a whole letter, Marinette. You could have just tossed it out the window. All because of Chat Noir.”
Adrien overheard Alya whisper to Marinette later that day.
“So it was for me… but NOT me? If Kim had only given it to me a moment sooner, I could’ve finally read it! Maybe it was a love letter?!”
Chat hoped it was. He’s been trying to figure out to how approach it. Maybe he should go on the offensive? Why not instead of waiting, he visits Marinette directly? And that is how he ended up just a rooftop away from Marinette’s balcony. Chat looked over again and saw the lights off.
“She’s still not home.”
“Who’s still not home?”
“GGYAAHH!”
Chat nearly jumped two feet into the air from shock as his lady whispered the question into his ear.
“Ladybug?! When did you arrive? I didn’t hear you!”
“You’re the one with your head in the clouds. Just arrived a few seconds ago. Whatca looking at?” She asked.
Ladybug looked over towards the direction he was looking at a moment ago. Her expression looked curious.
“That’s Marinette Dupain-Cheng’s balcony. Are you spying on her, Chat Noir? No one likes peepers.” She teased.
Chat blushed.
“W-what?! N-no! I just. I kinda was waiting for her.” He rubbed the back of his neck on instinct.
“Waiting for her? Why?”
Chat let out a breath. He wasn’t sure what to say? Here he was, in front of his first love. Now he’s going crazy about his current love. Was it alright to ask her for advice? Besides, Ladybug doesn’t love him back anyway. She said she’d always be his friend. Maybe she wouldn’t mind?
“I… I actually like her. I’ve been meaning to tell her so.”
Ladybug stared at him for a moment after his reply. Her eyes grew wider by the second. Then she started to turn red. And then finally she squeaked.
“Meeep!”
“Uhhh? Ladybug?”
“Y-you like, Marinette?”
Chat nodded shyly.
“I mean… you’ve told me before how I should try to find someone who’d love me back. Someone wonderful and sweet. Well… here I am. I overheard that Marinette actually likes me.”
“Y-you have?!” Ladybug questioned.
“Y-yeah. I can’t tell you how I know but today she tried writing me a letter. I think it was a love letter but before I could get even it. She literally ate it before I could get ahold of it. Crazy right? But the thing is, there was nothing she had to worry about. If she just told me sweet and simple, I’d obviously say it back.”
“I love you, Chat Noir.”
“Yeah, like that, Ladybug. If she just said it like that I’d—“
“No. You’re not getting it!”
Chat’s face was suddenly held by Ladybug’s soft hands. She carefully made him look at her.
“Hear me again. Pay attention.” She took in a breath. “I love you… Chat Noir.”
There was a momentary pause as Chat took in what she said.
“W-what?”
His heart was racing. Ladybug looked determined and serious. No jokes. No signs of any ulterior motives. Just heart.
Ladybug… was confessing to him.
“W-wait. You l-love me?! N-now? B-but! Oh uhhm.”
“I-I know it sounds last minute. I’m not trying to make you confused. And this isn’t just something I would say out of the blue. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. I love you. I love you SO SO MUCH.”
Chat felt dizzy. He wasn’t sure what to do. He had just gotten over his Lady for Marinette. And now she’s confessing to him?
“I can imagine that you're deciding on what to do. Maybe this will help.. make things simpler. Spots off.”
There was a flash of pink light. Chat had to blink for a moment. But when he opened his eyes once again, everything made sense.
“Marinette.”
“Hi, kitty.”
It was at that moment, everything seemed right with the world.
“It’s you. It’s always been you.” He chuckled.
Marinette giggled back at him.
“I love you. Is it not too much of an issue that I’m Ladybug now is it?” She asked.
Chat couldn’t have thought it more perfect.
“The girl I’ve gotten over from, is also the girl I’m currently I’m love in. I’d say it’s like were in some cheesy rom-com. All I could think about is… you’re perfect. I love you so much, Marinette.”
Marinette surprised him once more… by leaning in. And kissing him right there on the rooftop.
It was like magic. His lips slotted perfectly on hers. He could taste her cherry lipstick. He was in heaven. A few seconds later, they let go and they were smiling at one another.
“You have no idea how much I’ve dreamed of that kiss.” Marinette said.
“Likewise.” He had dozens of dreams of that moment. It was better than any of his dreams.
“So uhh… does that mean we can start dating?” Marinette asked.
The answer was absolutely yes for Chat.
“Ohhh, of course. But uhm. Can we date maybe not as Chat and Marinette? That could be kind of an issue you know.”
Marinette rolled her eyes.
“I was thinking the same thing, silly. That’s why I revealed myself first! I’m… I’m ready!”
Adrien felt tense for a moment.
“I’m… I’m not sure if you’d like me under the mask.”
Marinette held him tight to comfort him ever so carefully.
“I’d love you… whoever you are underneath.”
And with that, Chat got the courage to do so.
“Claws in.”
Marinette leaned back a little away from him to see his face. Her eyes growing wide once more.
“Hi. It’s me… Adrien.”
She screamed.
****
Epilogue
Alya Cesaire was quickly walking towards the Dupain-Cheng bakery with a kit of goodies to cheer up her best friend. As soon as she entered, Mrs. Dupain-Cheng was there to greet her with her warm smile.
“Alya! So good to see you, dear. Are you here to see Marinette too?”
Alya was surprised for a moment. What did she mean by ‘too?’
“Hi Mrs. Dupain Cheng! That’s right. Marinette’s been having some issues with uhhh… school recently. Wanted to help her out. Is someone else here?”
Marinette’s mom began giggling. She seemed a bit mischievous as if she knew something interesting she should know.
“Well… Adrien’s upstairs already with my daughter.”
“Adrien?!”
“Go on! Why not say hello?”
Alya grinned. Her afternoon got a whole lot more interesting.
“Thanks for letting me in.”
Alya quickly but quietly went up through the house. As she approached the steps to Marinette’s room, she tried hearing for any conversations from within.
“I still can’t believe you ate a whole letter, Marinette!”
Alya was sure that was Adrien’s voice.
“Worst stomach ache of my life! I couldn’t let you, my first love, get a letter for my new love!”
Alya nearly tripped on the step. Did Marinette just admit she loved Adrien?!
“Well… it would’ve been perfect since I am the exact same person, isn’t that right, m’lady?”
Alya nearly fell once more. She was also considered quite quick witted among her friends. The pieces were slowly starting to fit in her head.
“Wait… Adrien… no… Could he be?” She whispered. And did he just call her m’lady? Did Adrien know?!
“Oh shush kitty cat!…. and kiss me!”
That was all the evidence she needed.
Alya slammed open the trapdoor to see Marinette and Adrien kissing on her chaise. They broke apart instantly at her arrival.
“Alya?!”
“Alya?!”
“I KNEW IT! MY SHIPS ARE SAILING!!! BOTH OF THEM!”
***
The rest of the night went well as the three friends caught up and laughed. It was a happy evening for everyone.
Except for Marinette… who had slight stomach issues for two more days. She never ate a letter again.