Work Text:
"Pound it!"
Ladybug looked back and forth between Rena Rouge and Chat Noir. "Recharge your kwami. Meet me on the roof of the school."
She swung away, wondering if she was really about to go through with what she had planned.
-------------
Chat leapt up onto the school roof, waving to Rena Rouge when he spotted her.
"Any idea what Ladybug wants to talk about?" Rena asked, looking around.
Chat shrugged. "No clue. You have anything to do with the Eiffel Tower bouncing around earlier?"
"What? It was bouncing?"
"My kwami said it was Trixx's doing."
"It was," Ladybug said, landing on the roof and announcing her presence. "Trixx had to use his power without a holder, to keep my identity safe."
Chat tilted his head, knowing Ladybug was building to something.
"There have been too many akumas recently caused by dishonesty and secrets," Ladybug said. "I, for one, have caused a few that could have been prevented if the people around me knew I'm Ladybug."
"Ladybug," Rena Rouge asked, "What's this about?"
"Rena, could you return your miraculous please?"
"In- In front of Chat Noir?"
Chat stood silently, observing Ladybug closely. She certainly seemed like herself, so he was happy to wait and see what she was getting at.
"Yes," Ladybug said. "In front of Chat Noir. Secrets have caused enough akumas- we need to be a united team. That means, knowing each other completely."
"Milady," Chat Noir stepped in. "You don't mean-"
"I do. Tikki, spots off!"
Chat closed his eyes as Ladybug's transformation dropped, mostly out of habit. "Claws in!"
Adrien wanted to open his eyes- to see who Ladybug was. But he was scared. Scared to see Ladybug disappointed to find out who he was, to see her demanding he turn over his miraculous.
"Trixx," he heard Rena say uncertainly, "Let's rest."
Adrien was getting more terrified. Ladybug still hadn't said anything.
"Adrien," Rena said. "It's okay, she's just- well, see for yourself."
Adrien cracked one eye open a slit, just enough to see Rena- Alya. He gasped.
Alya gestured over to where Ladybug stood- just outside of Adrien's periphery. Slowly, he let himself turn his head towards her.
Adrien smiled. "Of course you are," he said softly. "Of course you're Marinette."