Chapter Text
Marinette crashed down onto her bed, feeling her transformation wear off as magic fizzled around her. She'd cut it far too close for comfort, she could only hope no one had seen her, she did not have the energy to deal with identity problems right now.
She groaned loudly as she pulled herself up into a sitting position, Tikki fluttering around her, concerned. Monarch's latest akuma had sucked on every level. She'd just been leaving school with Alya when the alarm was sent out, so that on it's own had been terrible timing as she was already mentally drained from school work.
The akumatised victim had been a shop worker who had been abandoned to work shifts on their own one to many times by an uncaring boss. The feeling of constantly running around and needing more of themselves had made them the perfect candidate for the Mouse Miraculous and an absolute nightmare to defeat. Rounding them all up had taken so much time and energy she'd lost her afternoon and just wanted to sleep the night away. Chat, the lovely person he was, had noticed her fatigue and had offered to patrol by himself tonight. She sighed, a mixture of love and resignation.
"Tikki, that was awful, I'm exhausted"
"I'm sorry Marinette but you've done a great job today! Look what you've won"
It was an effort to cheer her up, but she couldn't deny it worked. Looking down at the ring in her hand a little of her guilt lifted, the burden on her shoulders a little lighter. Monarch's victim never had time nor chance to get an alliance ring, so to give them the greatest chance of winning, he'd made the foolish gamble of deciding to hand over the actual Mouse Miraculous, something he probably wouldn't do again anytime soon. Well, she thought it was the Mouse Miraculous anyway. She frowned down at the cold metal, it had none of the life of the original, none of the spark of magic. Instead of exhilarating, it felt awful to touch.
"Is this actually a Miraculous Tikki?"
The Ladybug Kwami flittered over, dutifully inspecting the ring. After a few moments she floated back up, nodding somberly.
"It is. I can definitely feel Mullos power inside it"
That just made things more confusing to her. She'd worn this Miraculous and it hadn't felt like this.
"Then why…why is it so warped?"
Tikki tilted her head in thought, trying her best to answer her chosens question. Finally she shook her head sadly and her stomach plummeted. Bad news was certainly to follow.
"The guardians don't reveal the secrets of the miraculous to us but, if I had to guess, I'd say it was intention"
"Intention?"
"Yes. Thoughts, emotions and beliefs, they all have power. They all have their own magic. Monarch's intentions, a part of his being, is in this ring. I think so anyway"
She froze, ice cold water dumped on her and woke her up.
"Can he track me with this? Can he find my home? My family?"
"No! No Marinette." She flew over to rub against her cheek, trying to soothe her holder. She appreciated the love and raised a hand for her to land in. Tikki got herself comfortable before continuing her explanation. "Miraculous can't be tracked while dormant. While they're being used only allies of the chosen human can see their location. It doesn't matter that he made these forms, the magic within is far older and stronger than him"
She breathed a sigh of relief, her catastrophising prevented before it could truly begin. She looked down between her two hands, Tikki in one, the ring in the other thinking about her trophy. The mouse miraculous had lost all personality, all sense of individuality. How did Mullo feel- "Ah! Mullo!"
Tikki was off her hand in a flash as she quickly shoved the ring onto her finger. Magic thrummed through her, summoning a pink orb of light in front of her. It shimmered brightly for a moment before it died down, revealing Mullo, pulled away from she could only guess where. The poor Kwami blinked up at her in disbelief and shock. She rubbed at her eyes, but the scenery didn't change.
"I'm back?" Mullo's voice was quiet, unsure, like she was convinced this was a dream. It broke her heart to see the normally cheerful Kwami so sombre. Slowly, tenderly so as not to spook her, she cupped her hands underneath her, allowing her to sit in her hands. Mullo looked around for a moment before it finally seemed to sink in. She was safe, she was home. She shot up, flying a circle around her head before slamming into her cheek to cuddle her. "Marinette!"
A relieved giggle escaped her at the Kwami's antics. Mullo didn't seem hurt, but that didn't mean the time with Monarch had been even the slightest bit enjoyable. But Mullo wasn't harmed, her personality hadn't been made as muted and cold as the ring, that was something.
"Mullo! Are you alright?"
The mouse Kwami floated backwards, Tikki coming up to be by her, as she nodded slowly.
"Yes. I'm not physically hurt but-" Mullo was interrupted by pink bubbles escaping her mouth. Despite the no doubt strange sensation, she giggled. "Excuse me. Monarch wasn't exactly nice to us. You're going to save everyone else too, right?"
"Of course!" She plastered a grin on her face, doing her best to dredge up some confidence. "Soon you will all be causing trouble again, I promise"
Mullo smiled up at her appreciatively. It was going to be less crowded in the miracle box for a while, but Mullo wouldn't be without her dear friends for too long if she could help it! Now she knew Monarch was making them miserable, it was even more motivation to try and find him. Not that she didn't already have plenty to begin with. And with another option on her side she was sure she could come up with more plans. When she was more awake that is.
"I should test the Mouse Miraculous, make sure it works"
"Can we?! Please!"
Mullo seemed more than ready to go, she had always wanted a permanent holder, though Tikki looked a little more unsure. "But aren't you tired Marinette?"
She waved her off, catching Mullo's enthusiasm. It was giving her a second wind to see the little Kwami so excited. If Mullo was so desperate for freedom, could she really say no?
"I'll be alright, it's a patrol not a fight"
"Chat won't be happy though, he knows you push yourself too hard"
"You're right, he'll resist the idea of Ladybug showing up and send me back"
She sighed heavily, she loved that silly cat, but he worried far too much about her sometimes. She needed to use the mouse to-
"Multimouse!"
An amazing and probably very selfish idea hit her immediately. It was obvious to anyone who knew her what she was thinking and Tikki was pretty unimpressed.
"Marinette, you're supposed to be resting"
"No, no Tikki, I'll be fine! Really, I'm getting a second wind in fact"
"Right of course you are," Tikki shook her head, not buying it for a second. "And the fact you're getting to talk Chat Noir has nothing to do with it?"
She flustered, that cursed stutter threatening to rear its ugly head again. What could she do against the fact she had apparently been caught so quickly? Double down of course!
"He's not going to have any issue with Multimouse being there and I get to test the Miraculous to make sure Monarch hasn't done anything weird to it. Talking to Chat while he knows I'm Marinette has absolutely nothing to do with it"
"Of course it doesn't"
She really didn't need such a dry response, thank you very much! Alya and Tikki might both think she's running from Adrien but not only was that not true, she didn't appreciate the lack of support for her new feelings for Chat. Especially as Alya had been the biggest LadyNoir shipper on her blog. It was hypocritical and she felt rightly defensive about the whole thing. She was thinking of some sort of comeback when she realised Mullo was looking between them, baffled. Heat lightly dusted her cheeks as she realised she was going to have to explain this multiple times to different Kwamis.
"I have feelings for Chat Noir. I've been trying to make it obvious as Ladybug, but he hasn't caught on yet. He seemed receptive to Marinette though" She paused for a moment as curiosity started to swirl within her. She hadn't stopped to ask why Chat had been so interested in a civilian, even if she'd interacted with him before as Marinette, that way led to very dangerous territory. "So he doesn't have to be lonely during patrol and I can test out the Mouse Miraculous. That's why I'm doing this Tikki"
Despite her very convincing act, she still didn't have Tikki fully on her side. On the opposite extreme, Mullo looked far too mischievous.
"So…you want me to help you flirt with Chat Noir?" She was expecting Mullo to start scolding her too, but the Kwami let out a squeak of joy. “Let’s do it! Make him blush Marinette, make him not able to speak!”
She blushed at Mullo's enthusiasm and blunt manner. How in the world could she just say things like that? And did she give notes?
"You think I can?"
"Easily!"
"I don't think it's a good idea to listen to Mullo, she likes to cause trouble-"
She cut Tikki off (feeling a little guilty) by standing up on her bed. She tapped the ring thoughtfully, brimming with hope and excitement. She raised her first upward and called out the magic words.
"Mullo, get squeaky!"
Mullo let out one last loud cheer before being sucked into the ring. Magic bubbled over her, filled with elation and anticipation and she soon stood there in her grey and pink outfit. Her hair was up in cute ear shaped buns and had a skipping rope as a tail. A classic look and one easily recognised by a certain someone. She bounced a little on her bed, familiarising herself with the Mouse Miraculous again. It was weaker physically than the Ladybug earrings but the increased agility and stealth had its own advantages. Tikki fluttered up to her, a large frown on her face.
"I can't say I approve but…just be careful Marinette." She understood her. She was nervous as well as excited. She could very well be barrelling straight into danger but it was a necessity.
"If I patrol alone Tikki I'm going to show up on his baton, he's going to have questions. I also can't ask someone else to potentially risk themselves with this ring. I need to only bring this out when I plan to use it, no other time. So I need to be an expert with it"
"You already are good with the Mouse Miraculous…but Chat would be curious and he wouldn't appreciate being lied to…"Tikki heaved a sigh and she knew she'd given in. She saw the bond between Ladybug and Chat Noir as essential to defeat Monarch; she wouldn't jeopardise that. "Fine, but I'm coming with you in case you need to switch."
"Thank you Tikki. I'll treat you to some macarons when we get back" Tikki nodded, as if that was painfully obvious, before hugging her cheek. She reached a hand up to cup her and give her a gentle one hand hug. "Ok, let's go"
She opened up her balcony hatch, pulling herself up and out into the late evening. The sun was setting, it would be dark by the time she found Chat. She took in a deep breath and before she could talk herself out of it, bounded across the Parisian rooftops, looking for her kitty.
It predictably took her a while, the time in which he could start patrol was always awkward and ever changing. He claimed he lived a busy civilian life and she'd just had to accept that. Still, she finally caught him, casually making his way through his route. After a lazy pole vault he stopped down on a rooftop to catch his breath and that was her moment to strike. She landed behind him, using her new abilities to soften the noise. His faux cat ears twitched slightly and she crouched as low as she could. Her new instincts guided her, slowing and quieting her breathing, and he soon focused back on the streets below. She crept slowly up to him, grin widening as her mischief grew. It felt like the seconds dragged until she was behind him. A smirk curled her lips as she spoke into the quiet night.
"Hey there handsome cat"
He let out a yelp, jumping to the side and away from her. He stared at her eyes wide and chest heaving in surprise. She waved innocently at him, standing and smiling as he took her in and recognised her. The surprise didn't go away, even as he straightened up, trying to seem like he hadn't just lept a mile away from her.
"Mar- Multimouse? What are you doing here?"
She pouted, slightly childishly, that he wasn't reacting to her compliment, but maybe she'd shocked him too much for that. She looked him over and even with his every cell twinged with anticipation, her heart still thumped loudly in her chest. Just seeing him there in front of her was satisfying enough and was also setting all thoughts ablaze. She did have a good reason to be here, but the fates had abandoned her and she couldn't remember it. Then tentatively, as if she was the one that was about to bolt, he walked over to her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. It was supposed to be a calming gesture but it just brought more heat to her cheeks.
"Are you ok?"
She took in a deep breath, looking up into his eyes and gaining strength from his care. He was too sweet and he deserved an answer!
"Y-yeah. I'm fine. I was just trying to get my words in a proper order. Ladybug came to me with the Mouse Miraculous. It confused me that it was a ring now but she said she didn't know why it was a ring now. She wanted to test it but was exhausted so she asked me"
He blinked owlishly at her and mortification quickly set in. Well done Marinette. Just dump all that on him at once, very smooth. She resisted the urge to groan loudly. Why was she always so awkward around blonde boys? Couldn't she find her stepping just once? Thankfully, Chat seemed to have taken her word vomit in stride, nodding slowly.
"The akuma today took a lot out of her…and you have already proven yourself. But… I didn't think I'd see Multimouse again"
"Neither did I, but here I am!" Her arms shot up as she did a small 'ta dah' in the hopes of smoothing out this strange atmosphere but the longer the silence continued, the more her confidence dwindled. She slumped back into herself, uncertain. "Unless, you don't want me here?"
He straightened up immediately, eyes snapping to hers in blatant panic. His hands returned to him as he waved them about in his distress.
"No! I mean yes I do! Fighting alongside you is everything I want!...No! I-I mean it's great that Ladybug trusts you with a miraculous again and it's nice to have company! Um…" His hand went to the back of his neck in an achingly familiar nervous gesture, a light flush appearing under his mask. She did her best to ignore the way his eyes roved over her for a moment before catching her gaze again. He fake coughed into a curled fist, trying to regain his composure. "Multimouse, I'd love it if you patrolled with me"
A part of her wanted to let him off. He'd tried so hard there to wrangle himself in and be a professional hero. But there was another part, that sounded suspiciously like Mullo, that wanted to grasp this new reaction and run with it. The fact that she could apparently undo him just by standing with him as a hero, well, that was the confidence boost she needed.
"Great! Let's start with a race! I need to get back into practice after all! Though I bet this mouse is faster then the pretty kitty"
For a moment he smirked, ready to take on her challenge and sure of his own victory. Then her compliment hit him like a truck. She did her best to keep her grin normal as he gaped at her, a blush now fully claiming his cheeks.
"E-excuse me?!"
She had no idea where the silly, playful Chat had gone, nor why he was currently a stuttering mess, but it was fascinating to watch his mind shut down in real time.
"What's the matter? I thought you liked flirting? Perhaps this mouse has gotten the Chat's tongue?"
He let out a small squeak and for a moment she had to wonder if they truly had swapped places, or at least, swapped Miraculous. He was acting very much like a nervous mouse instead of the cool and collected cat he was. Actually, what would he look like- She mentally shook herself. Now was not the time to guess such things, she'd just have to sketch out her thoughts later. As for right now, Chat was doing his best to respond to her and that deserved her attention.
"Mari-Multimouse. You're going to kill me" Her next auto loaded reply of 'I can return it' died immediately. She hadn't even said it but what had she been thinking? She flushed as mortification took over her. What has gotten into her lately? The amount of awful flirting she was taking part in lately was terrible. She'd need some lessons, or learn to not get so embarrassed at every line she said. Her silence allowed him to awkwardly barrel on. "It's not that your attention doesn't make me happy, it does…Um it makes me very happy. It's just you're currently…"
He waved at her helplessly, like that explained anything. He was blushing darkly, eyes darting over her before stubbornly gazing at her face. Was it the fact that she was currently Multimouse? Was a confident hero flirting with him knocking him off balance? Him? Chat Noir? It was enough to make her laugh if he didn't look so defeated. Right, it was time to switch gears. He shouldn't be so uncomfortable. Not around her. They were partners, though he didn't know it. She should always be a safe place for him to land if he needed it
"Ah, I'm sorry. I got too excited being out here with you. I mean, I did jump at the opportunity straight away"
He blinked, startled, before a wide, toothy grin spread across his face. There he was, this was a far better expression. No matter how much she enjoyed his flustering, he should enjoy being around her. That smile was beautiful.
"You were excited at the idea of patrolling with me?" She nodded eagerly, desperate to keep his cheerful mood going. It bolstered her own mood and widened her own smile in return.
"Of course! Ladybug assured me that I wouldn't be on my own tonight. When I heard you'd be out here it was an easy yes"
He swayed from side to side, hopping on his feet in obvious delight. His tail was swinging behind him to make it more obvious.
"Ah, well of course. You know how purrfect time with me is" He posed for her, flexing and showing off. She giggled, which only encouraged him. "If I was you I'd accept too."
"Of course you would. And if I was you I'd be thrilled to hangout with the Multimouse"
He barked out a surprised laugh and she could drown in this lively and comfortable atmosphere they'd created. He was willing to follow her lead and be a bit sillier than he perhaps would be with Ladybug. She didn't have to be as serious either. As far as anyone knew, she wasn't the one with the Ladybug earrings. Tonight was going to be fun for him, she'd make sure of it.
"The Multimouse?! I had no idea you were a 'the'. I am pawsitively impressed"
She groaned, shaking her head. She'd run straight into that she supposed. Still, if he was punning, she was doing something right. Would he prefer that perhaps? Would it upset him less if she flirted with tame puns? She'd need to find a book or something to test this working theory.
"As you should be. Now you understand that when I say we should play a game of tag, it's strictly for training purposes, not for fun. I am a professional, serious hero"
He snorted in disbelief, not even entertaining that statement for a moment.
"So professional you forgot you said we should race?"
Did he have to be so smug? He was right that she had forgotten, but still, a little mercy would be appreciated! She let out a small huff, crossing her arms stubbornly.
"I'll have you know that tag is the hot new event for the upcoming superhero. Racing is so last season"
His grin was wobbling as he did his best to hold in laughter. His eyes shine with mirth and mischief though, so he'd be terrible at poker.
"Oh, silly me, how could I have not known?" He placed a clawed hand on his forehead in as dramatic a pose as possible. "It's simply…catastrophic"
He allowed himself the toothy grin he'd been holding back, all so proud of himself. Well, if he wanted to play, she'd beat him at any game. She confidentially closed the space between them, a coy smile gracing her own lips as her mind plotted.
"You know what Chat? Just for that-" She leaned in closer so they were nose to nose. He was a little less brave in this small space and she could feel the heat on his cheeks. She let him stew for a second before leaning in to distract him from the hand reaching up and…flicking his bell."-you're it!"
With a giggle she quickly spun away, darting to the rooftops edge before he could even properly process what was happening.
"H-hey Multimouse!"
She looked back to see him thoroughly put out, what in the world was causing that pout? He seemed more like a child denied a sweet than a hero. She waved innocently at him, though she didn't think for a minute he was fooled.
"Come get me if you can kitty"
She crouched low before jumping over to the next building. She picked up speed when her enhanced hearing caught the sound of his feet stumbling into action. She was about to jump again when he let out a loud challenge.
"Just wait until I catch you! You're in so much trouble!"
It was supposedly a threat, but it was far too bubbly and joyful to be taken seriously. So she simply turned her head, pulled her tongue out at him and darted onward. She revelled in his responding laugh, knowing the game was truly afoot now. She'd do her best to outmanoeuvre him for as long as possible. Anything to keep him joking and laughing with her, anything to keep that spark in his eyes.