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Very Good Reasons
Marinette had two very good reasons not to drink: the first being she was a very messy drunk, as she had discovered on her eighteenth birthday - the second being that a drunk Ladybug could mean the end of the world. Quite literally.
So she avoided alcohol at all costs - not even a glass of wine with dinner or business meetings. Excluding her eighteenth birthday and that whole disaster (she hadn’t been entirely sure at the time that she would ever be able to look Alya in the eye again but was eternally grateful that Alya had found her drunken flirting hilarious and laughed it off) she was successful in her plan until she was twenty.
Adrien was older than she was, and turned twenty one just a few months after her twentieth birthday. His twenty-first seemed to be the exception to his life long rule of no parties, his father (under extreme duress) had permitted Nino to put together a soirée in a hotel function room in his friend’s honour.
The room pulsed with music, there were dance machines along the walls, glittering glass bottles of alcohol littered every table, some people even wore costumes. Adrien himself seemed to be having the best night of his life. He gave hugs out freely to everyone but Lila, (he wasn’t entirely sure how she had made the guest list, his father’s doing?), had his usual single alcoholic drink (he claimed it was due to empty calories and a model’s diet, but truthfully he suspected Ladybug would be ticked if he showed up to an akuma battle half cut), he danced, he sang (he even dragged a very bemused Chloé up for karaoke), he played mario kart. All in all he felt more like an over excited child than the birthday boy of twenty one.
“Dance with me?” Adrien begged, holding her hands between his underneath his chin in a plea.
“What?!” Marinette called over the music, it was impossible to hear properly so close to the sound system.
“DANCE!” He shouted back, pointing at the dance machines. Marinette wasn’t really dressed for it, in a floor length dress - but she was hardly one to deny Adrien a request, especially not on his birthday. Allowing herself to be lead to the machine she assessed it before deciding she was glad she wore her flats instead of heels.
Even in a gown, she trounced their high scores. It helped that she was unashamed to hike her skirt up to her knees and keep playing.
“Drink?!” Adrien offered, stepping off the machine, all the more sparkly in the erratic lighting for having broken a sweat.
“Orange juice!” She shouted back over the noise.
“Why’s Marinette on orange juice? She’s not pregnant, is she?” Lila whisper-shouted across to Rose. Rose simply smiled.
“If she is we better go looking for a star in the sky!” She tittered, a little tipsy herself. Rose thought it was sweet that Marinette was waiting.
“No way. She’s still...” Lila gasped, wide-eyed and desperate for gossip.
“As far as we know. Rose, less rosé.” Juleka murmured, her voice getting lost in the din, quietly chiding her girlfriend.
“She just doesn’t drink.” Said Myléne, as Adrien returned with juice for his dance partner.
“Not after her eighteenth. She sticks to orange juice now.” Rose informed her. Juleka shushed her.
“What happened on her eighteenth? I’d have been there but I was in Gibraltar helping orphaned lambs.” Lila simpered, to hide the fact she had most certainly not been invited. Her friends smiled at her altruism.
“She got super wasted after like three drinks and basically hit on everyone at the party. And then cried and said she wished Cat Noir was there.” Alix snickered. It had been funny.
“It’s a good thing he wasn’t! Can you imagine getting so drunk you hit on someone so far above your station? I mean Marinette’s beautiful, of course, but he’s a hero of Paris!” Lila hated Cat Noir with a passion. But she hated Marinette more and the wheels in her wicked little brain were already turning.
Why humiliate Marinette in front of Adrien when she could just provide Marinette the fuel to humiliate herself? It was perfect. She stole her way across the room and slipped a bottle of vodka off of the table into her purple Gabriel purse, doing the same with the orange juice was impossible given it was an open pour, but she was able to duck under the table cloth and pour the clear liquid into the orange until it looked just a shade lighter from having been diluted.
“That ought to do it. Time you loosened up a little bit, Marinette.” She smirked as she emerged from beneath the table readying herself for fireworks.
“What are you doing?” Chloé asked suspiciously, eyes narrowing as she saw Lila rise from the cloth.
“I dropped my earring! They were real diamonds and everything! I wouldn’t normally cause a scene but my mother brought me them back from a business trip in Shanghai!” She sobbed, hiding the orange juice behind her back. “Please could you help me look, just under here?” She begged. Chloé looked beyond disgusted.
“I don’t crawl around on floors for my own missing diamonds, much less anybody else’s.” She huffed and stalked away. Whatever anybody said about Lila, Chloé could not stand her. Smirking as the blonde played into her hand, Lila set the orange juice back on the table where it had been.
Of course dancing meant sweating. Sweating meant drinking.
And Marinette’s friends, as predicted, ensure the little ditz stays well hydrated and doesn’t pass out from forgetting to drink. Lila watched in glee as several of them throughout the course of the night handed her a glass, because Marinette was the sort of person who always had things handed to her and Lila was glad to see it backfiring for once.
“Yeah but you’re... you’re sexy.” Marinette said decisively. Alya raised an eyebrow.
“I mean, I know - but what’s brought this on?” She said, sipping her own cocktail and eyeing her friend suspiciously.
“I don’t mean you’re sexy in an I’d-have-sex-with-you way.” Marinette clarified quickly, her already pink cheeks turning a deeper scarlet but coloured green by the disco lighting. “Well… maybe. But you’re sexy in a... a sexy way! Like you look like a grown up!” Marinette complained.
“I’m twenty one, I should hope so.” Alya laughed. “You feeling okay, Mari?”
“No. No, I feel like a toilet roll holder.” She pouted.
“Huh?”
“The dress is... it’s poofy. And stupid.” Marinette wailed far too loudly, swinging her large, tiered skirt in annoyance.
“I like it! You look like a Princess!” Insisted Alya.
“I am going to be thirteen years old forever.” Marinette huffed. “Nobody’s ever going to look at me the way they look at you because you’re a sexy grown up and I’m Princess toilet paper.” She complained. Beginning to suspect Marinette was not, in fact, okay, Alya frowned.
“Mari,” she said gently. “Have you been drinking?”
“No.” Marinette shook her head. “I don’t drink. Oh look there’s Kim!” And she wandered off. Alya headed straight to Nino behind the decks.
“Watch Marinette like a hawk.” She warned.
“Why?”
“She’s on the sauce, which is generally a bad sign.” Alya said, hoping the high vantage point of the stage could help her.
“I’ve only seen her with orange juice. She’s probably just buzzed because everyone around her is, I see it happen to designated drivers in clubs all the time.” Nino reassured, as he subtly kept an eye on Marinette talking with Kim. They seemed to be getting along fine, she didn’t appear to have insulted him yet…
Except then her hand was on his bicep, stroking curiously. Then again Kim regularly encouraged everyone to feel the guns... could be nothing.
“I’ll… keep an eye out.” Nino promised his girlfriend cautiously.
“Marinette!” Lila grinned, approaching her.
“Go ‘way.” Marinette grumbled, immediately shrugging her off.
“Ugh fine I didn’t want to talk to you anyway but it’s Adrien’s birthday and he asked me to ‘make myself useful’ and bring you a drink so here.” She thrust a glass of orange juice at the girl who immediately set it aside.
“No, thank you, I don’t trust... you probably put something in it. Or spat in it. Or both. Gross.” Marinette huffed, even drunk her instincts were on high alert.
“Fine, go get your own. Don’t say I didn’t try!”
“Maybe I will!” Marinette stuck her tongue out and went to go pour her own glass of orange juice, one she could trust . She spilled a large portion of it on her dress and began muttering about the absorbency rates of toilet paper.
“Adrien!” She cried, spotting him and waving. She waved a little too long and her hand went blurry with the effort. “Stupid hand.” She muttered to herself. “Don’t embarrass me in front of Adrien.” She warned it, as he made his way through the crowd toward her.
“Your dress?” He gasped. “What happened?”
“I was going for the unsupervised toddler look, obviously.” She complained, still lamenting having worn a full dress and ignoring the strange look he gave her.
“I uhm... I meant the stain...” he said, confused. Stain? Marinette looked down to see the front of her pink and white dress was remarkably bright orange... or blue in the light she couldn’t quite tell. She shrugged. Adrien reached over her - leaning incredibly close. She whimpered. Why did he have to smell so good? Like cologne and cheese. Why was cheese a turn on? He found what he’d been reaching for - paper towels.
She cackled.
“Okay so I haven’t stuffed my bra since I was twelve but I don’t think that’s going to improve the fact the dress makes me look like a puffball. Unless sexy toilet paper is your thing?” She asked suspiciously. Adrien looked incredibly alarmed. Marinette looked offended, despite the fact the comment had come from her.
“Marinette are... are you okay?” He asked, worried.
“Fine. Fine fine fine fine.” She insisted, nodding and sipping her drink. “How’s your party?”
“Oh, yeah it’s been amazing.”
“Like you!” She cheered. Adrien blinked.
“Uhm... you’re pretty amazing yourself?” He offered, confused. She positively preened and it took all his strength not to laugh. She looked so proud of herself. He smiled instead.
“Are you having a good time?” He asked.
“Better now you’re here.” She said then balked. “I mean... no. No. Screw it, you know what, that’s exactly what I meant, go with that.” She nodded decisively. “You’re amazing and I like spending time with you.” She concluded. “Even if you are distracting.” For a moment Adrien was confused but it seemed apparent she wasn’t about to elaborate.
“Uh... distracting?”
“With your... the hair and the the face and your eyes. Ugh.” She gestured at him in his entirety, apparently annoyed. Adrien was confused. “It should be illegal. You’re probably a health and safety hazard. How’s a girl supposed to think straight? Or maybe not entirely straight I did spend waaay too long looking at Alya earlier. Huh...” she seemed to realise something as she was speaking.
”But enough about Alya’s boobs, we were focused on you. You and your distracting hair. And your sexy eyes... why do your eyes look like Cat Noir’s?” She wondered, causing the blond to jump slightly in alarm. Adrien took the glass from her hand, sniffing it. The whole room smelled like alcohol which didn’t help him discern anything.
“Do you generally sniff things you like?” She wondered. She did too, after all.
“Marinette, are you drunk?” He asked, startled.
“No! Why do people keep asking that? I don’t drink. That would be irresponsible. And I am the opposite of irresponsible.”
“Uh Huh...” he said slowly, assessing her. Looking at her closely he could see the slight sway in her standing motion, out of time to the music. “Marinette. Wait right here okay? I need to go get Alya.” He told her gently.
“Noooo. We were talking.” She complained, pouting.
“Stay.” He ordered, immediately heading for the couple whispering together on the stage.
“Stay.” Marinette mumbled. “Stay. What does he think I’m a dog or something?” She folded her arms, annoyed.
“Well... if the collar fits.” Lila said, appearing from apparently having witnessed the whole exchange.
“Please, we both know the only bitch here is you.” Marinette said and then burst into giggles because she’d just dared to call Lila a bitch and her face was priceless.
“You know...” Lila mused, putting her finger to her lips. “I thought I saw Cat Noir outside earlier. He was on the rooftop opposite when I snuck up there for a cigarette.”
“You smoke?!” She gasped.
“Sure, want one?”
“No! Ew!” Marinette pinched her nose and moved away. If Cat Noir was on the roof she wanted to go say hello. He wouldn’t tell her to sit and stay. Lila waved her off, grinning.
“Alya. Problem.” Adrien said when he reached the stage.
“What’s up, buttercup?” Alya asked, leaning slightly against Nino.
“Marinette. I think she’s had too much to drink.” Adrien said, immediately concerned. He handed Alya the orange juice. She sniffed it but couldn’t tell so she took a sip.
“Yeah, okay, so that’s vodka.” Alya sighed. “Told you she was tipsy.”
“She’s way past tipsy.” Adrien warned, worried for her. “As in call a cab drunk?” Immediately concerned, Nino stuck the record on auto and followed.
“What’s she said?” He recalled her eighteenth with clarity, and knew Marinette would want to avoid a repeat.
“Uhm... it’s like...” Adrien paused. “Remember when we were kids and she used to get nervous and keep talking? Like that. But... with less filter.” He said with a grimace. He was about seventy percent certain she’d called him sexy and like Cat Noir. Awkward?
“Where is she?” Adrien wondered, arriving back at the drinks table to find her missing. “I swear I left her right here...”
“Rose, seen Marinette?” Questioned Alya.
“Mmhmm I think she went to check out the pool.” Rose said helpfully, pointing toward the roof door.
“Or go for a smoke.” Smirked Alix - that’s what the roof was usually used for, after all. Sirens seemed to sound in Adrien’s head: he hadn’t been there for her eighteenth, but by all accounts it had been… well… a train wreck. He knew she didn’t drink, knew she wouldn’t be used to alcohol and if she’d gone to the roof...
“She’s clumsy enough when she’s sober.” Alya seemed to have the same heightened concerns. A high rooftop, and a deep, unguarded swimming pool were potential disasters for anybody, much less a drunk generally tee-total twenty year old. The three raced up to the roof, taking the stairs as quickly as they could. Alya lagged behind, her own tolerance for alcohol much higher than Marinette’s, but still weighing on her. The roof door was locked, from their side, but Adrien flicked it open.
All three were relieved to see Marinette sat on the edge of the pool. She’d abandoned her shoes, hiked up her dress and was gently swishing her legs in the water. She waved merrily at them.
“Come on, lush, back downstairs.” Alya sighed heavily, glad Marinette was unharmed. Marinette, instead, turned her gaze skyward.
“I’m waiting.” Marinette said, simply, shaking her head.
“Waiting for who?” Nino asked.
“A friend.” Marinette smiled gently, glancing around.
“On the roof?” Nino was clearly confused.
“Cat Noir likes rooftops. He’ll find me.” She reassured. Adrien blinked in bewilderment. She was waiting for Cat Noir? Well she had called him sexy earlier... apparently alcohol brought back that old crush she used to have on him?
“Marinette... you’re drunk. We’re worried. Come on let’s go back down.” Adrien said gently.
“Why does everyone keep saying I’m drunk? I don’t drink!” Marinette protested indignantly.
“Because you’ve been necking vodka all night and hitting on everyone!” Adrien sounded... irritated. Marinette blinked slowly, then her lip quivered.
“So what I hit on you so I’ve been hitting on everyone? I’m NOT drunk. And I’m not a child either, even if I was drunk, which I’m not, you don’t get to tell me off!” She huffed.
“Mari, he’s not mad.” Alya cut in quickly, hoping to quell the oncoming argument.
“I’m a little mad.” Adrien sighed, his breath rising in the cold October air. “Mostly just scared because a rooftop is not a safe place to be drunk.” He admitted. “Come back inside.”
Marinette, however, was apparently in no mood to be told what to do. She stood up, pointing her finger across the pool at them.
“I’m twenty. If I want to drink I will but I haven’t been drinking! I hit on you because I have eyes and you’re gorgeous and I’m in love with you.” His eyes widened. “And apparently for some stupid reason I thought tonight might be different than the million and one other times I’ve tried to flirt with you but no I...”
Marinette stepped forward, mid rant, apparently in the zone. Too in the zone to notice she was still stood on the very edge of the pool. In a dramatic splash the fabric of her floofy dress flew up toward the water’s surface while she sank down with her own gravity, the pink and white fabric swirling up around her.
Adrien didn’t hesitate to dive in, fully clothed and drag her back up to the surface.
“Marinette...” he panted, heaving the pair of them up and over the edge. She peeled the fabric of her dress back down, sodden and misshapen.
“Nice night for a swim?” She suggested weakly. Adrien growled. He knew his anger was based in fear, he’d always been protective over his friend and seeing her put herself in such a vulnerable position was... frankly terrifying.
“You could have been killed!”
“I know how to swim.” She protested. “I can look after myself!”
“Clearly you can’t!” He yelled, shoving the dripping wet locks from his own eyes.
“I’m gonna go call her mother I can’t get reception here.” Alya informed them.
“I’ll go pull my car round I can drive her back.” Nino offered, a little shaken by the scene. Marinette was trembling - partially due to the cold, partially because Adrien had never been mad at her before, and she was torn between yelling at him and bursting into tears. Adrien was shivering too. His outfit was ruined. His birthday was probably ruined. All because Marinette had flirted with him? She covered her mouth in shock. She’d messed everything up for him. And he wasn’t even allowed parties often. Eyes wide she stood, sliding a little on the tile floor as she grabbed for her shoes.
“Where are you...” he sighed, getting to his own feet. He could feel Plagg squirming in his shirt pocket, bemoaning the unexpected autumnal dip silently.
“Home!” She insisted.
“Marinette...”
“Leave me alone. This is a disaster! I’m a disaster!” She howled. Adrien panicked when he realised she was not heading for the door but for the roof edge. He scrambled to follow her. “GO!” She barked.
“Marinette please don’t jump!” He begged, petrified.
“Jump? I’m not going to...” she looked confused, then realised she had most definitely been about to transform and yo yo home. Her eyes widened in shock. She’d been about to reveal her identity... to Adrien.
He seized the moment she paused, quickly stepping forward to lead her away from the edge, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tightly. She was shaking for an entirely different reason now.
“Adrien I... I don’t feel right.” She admitted, trembling. Because that had been the worst lapse in judgement she’d ever experienced and her brain felt foggy as she tried to understand why she’d nearly revealed her identity.
“It’s okay. It’s okay.” He whispered, hand skimming the back of her soaking wet dress. “C’mon. Let’s just go back downstairs?” He begged. Marinette nodded against his chest, frightened and confused.
Carefully, as they were both still dripping wet, he lead her down the stairs, keeping his arm around her to ensure she didn’t slip. He could feel how unsteady she was, and suspected it was more the vodka’s fault than her water weighted attire.
“Hey, are you okay?” Chloé asked as they stepped back in to the room. A large swathe of the attendees turned to face the pair, and Adrien knew they must look a state, sopping wet. No way this wasn’t getting out.
“Fine.” He said curtly.
“I... I don’t have proof.” Chloé said, eyeing them carefully. “But I’m pretty sure Lila spiked the orange juice.”
“Lila.” Marinette whispered, eyes wide. “Wait am I actually drunk? Oh no. Oh no, he’s gonna be so mad!” She said, aghast.
The noise Adrien made wasn’t human. A low, almost feral growl like a threatened animal. He’d foolishly assumed Marinette had let herself get into such a precarious position and the guilt he felt was eclipsed only by anger. He didn’t need proof. He trusted Chloé. He trusted Marinette. Someone had done this to her and the finger of blame should have first been pointed at Lila.
“Watch her.” He told Chloé. “Nino will be here in a second to collect her.
“Please don’t tell Cat Noir I got drunk again.” Marinette said, embarrassed. Adrien blinked, knowing for a fact Cat Noir had never seen her drunk. She really was wasted...
Nodding at Chloé to ensure she’d keep an eye on Marinette, he stormed across the room to where Lila was chattering with Mylène and Ivan.
“Get out.” He told Lila firmly. She smiled innocently.
“Hey Adrien.” She greeted, cheerful. “Oh my goodness you’re all wet!”
“She could have been killed!” Adrien said, livid. “She nearly drowned because of you!” He knew he was causing a scene. He didn’t care.
“Because of me? I didn’t get her drunk I’ve been over here most of the night, right?” She addressed Ivan, panicking.
“Lila only brought Marinette one drink and she refused it.” Mylène insisted.
“Someone saw you spiking the orange juice with vodka. And you can say they’re lying all you like because I’m sure the CCTV won’t take sides.” Adrien had never in his life been more grateful for his father’s overprotective nature. He pointed his finger at the camera and there was an odd sense of delight in watching Lila’s face pale a little. He had no proof to share for the moment, but he could see in her face she was guilty. So she couldn’t deny she’d done it... change tact.
“I mean I kicked up the punch a notch, yeah, but it’s a party, we’re all adults, I didn’t force her to drink and anyone can tell it’s got vodka in it.” A small crowd was gathering around them due to the raised voices.
“Lila!” Gasped Mylène. “That’s really dangerous! What if someone was driving?”
“Or pregnant?” Added Ivan, with a frown.
“Or on medication.” Rose chimed in.
“Or against alcohol for religious reasons. Yo, car’s here.” Said Nino, appearing at Adrien’s side.
“Or just plain not used to drinking like me and Marinette. You endangered so many people tonight. Our friends can go ahead and think it was poor judgement but you and I both know it was malice. Now get out.” Adrien growled at her.
“I made a mistake...” Lila whispered, immediately playing the sympathy card.
“Anyone who wants to defend her can leave too.” Adrien insisted. Nobody moved, an uncomfortable murmur going through the crowd as they all agreed that whatever her reasons it had been a dangerous thing to do.
“Do I need to get a bouncer to drag you out? Go.” He growled. Lila turned on her heel and stomped out. He knew there would likely be repercussions but for now his focus was getting Marinette home safely. “Everyone else, party on.” He encouraged, smiling at his friends before turning to Nino.
“Okay she’s with Chloé we just need....” except Chloé was there, looking distressed.
“She freaked out at you shouting and walked out. I couldn’t physically stop her! She’s surprisingly strong...” Panic rose in Adrien’s throat.
“Crap.” Alya whined. “Her parents are out of town.”
“And I just sent Lila out after her. Hell.” Adrien grimaced. “I’m going out to look for her.”
“Dude, you’ll freeze.”
“I’m tougher than I look.” Adrien said, heading toward the door. She’d wanted Cat Noir to be there well... he was a better hunter as Cat, so she’d get her wish. The night air chapped his wet skin as he hurried out. Mindful that Lila or Marinette could be around, he ducked into an alleyway and ensured he was alone before helping Plagg out of his sodden shirt pocket. The kwami shivered indignantly but nodded.
“What are you waiting for!?” He demanded. Adrien knew, despite his callous facade, that Plagg was worried too.
“Plagg, claws out!”
Transforming at least dried him off. He was still bitterly cold, but if he kept moving it should wear off. Ladybug was going to kill him if Plagg got sick and he couldn’t fight. Checking the hotel rooftop first, he scouted around the streets next. If she had any sense, she’d be heading home... but sense was something that had clearly been impacted by her night of unexpected drinking. Half his trembling was rage, rather than the chill. He headed toward her apartment, checking down alleyways and fire escapes in case she was hiding.
Her windows were dark, and knocking didn’t summon her. A full look around proved she wasn’t there and panic twisted in his gut once more. He doubled back toward the hotel, each click of his baton reminding him that Marinette was out somewhere, cold, drunk and alone. He felt sick.
He found Ladybug sat on a balcony a few streets over from the hotel.
“Hey, I’m glad I ran into you...” he began. She raised her head and immediately he was worried for a whole host of other reasons. She’d been crying, her eyes puffy and swollen, her face tinted red and her lips chapped with the cold.
“Hey Kitty.” She said, masking whatever was wrong. “What’s up?”
“Uhm... Marinette Dupain-Cheng’s missing, she got her drink spiked...” He said carefully. “You okay, Bug?”
“Marinette’s fine I dropped her off.” Ladybug said, shaking her head. “And no, I’m not okay. Night from hell.”
Cat Noir hesitated. He trusted Ladybug but...
“Dropped her off where? I already checked and she’s not home.”
“Does she not live at the... the...” Ladybug seemed to have forgotten the word. “Bread shop?”
“Oh. No. Not anymore.” Of course Ladybug wouldn’t know she’d moved out. The bakery was probably high up on the list of places Marinette would go, but with her parents out of town he wouldn’t have chosen to leave her there alone in that state. She’d probably be okay for a few minutes, in fact she’d probably just change and go to sleep. He’d swing by and check on her when he was done with Ladybug, who clearly needed a friend right now. “What’s up?”
Ladybug got to her feet, unsteady, and stepped into his arms.
“You’re like ice! How long have you been out?!” He worried, terrified that he was able to feel the chill of her skin through their suits.
“I’m sorry.” She whispered against his chest. “I’m so sorry.”
“For... for what?”
“For kissing you.” Ladybug breathed.
“Uh... that... that was a long time ago.” Cat Noir remembered that particular kiss quite well unfortunately. It appeared Marinette wasn’t the only one unable to handle her liquor. A few years back, one summer night he’d been upset about something or other, he couldn’t quite remember what, and his nightly patrol had wound up with Ladybug in his lap, kissing him senseless. Which would have been the perfect cheer up if she hadn’t immediately wrenched herself out of his arms and run off.
She’d avoided him after that for days. When she finally did talk to him again, she said she’d been drunk and that the first kiss they’d shared that he could remember had been nothing more than an alcohol induced mistake. It had cut like a knife but they’d worked through it.
“Why are you bringing it up now?” He asked when she said nothing and just buried herself further into his chest.
“Because I promised you it wouldn’t happen again.” She mumbled. Cat Noir hesitated.
“It didn’t.”
“Apparently I only want to kiss you when I’m drunk. I’m awful. Why? Why do you put up with me?” She wondered. He pulled back ever so slightly to see she was crying. Trying to keep calm he took several deep breaths.
“Ladybug, are you drunk?”
“Yes.” She admitted.
Cat Noir groaned and let her go.
“Why? You know we can’t... what if there’s an akuma?” He lectured. Letting her go seemed to worsen her teary mood, she wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. She couldn’t exactly tell him it wasn’t her fault if he was out looking for a girl who’d had her drink spiked. It would be too obvious. “Go home.” Cat Noir sighed, obviously annoyed. “Sober up. I’ll patrol tonight after I’ve checked on Marinette.”
“I just....” she paused, bottom lip quaking. “I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry. I’m sorry for kissing you. I’m sorry for still being in love with someone else. I’m sorry for throwing myself at him. Especially when he looks at me and my knees go weak and I think of your eyes instead. I’m sorry for getting drunk and I’m sorry for ruining my friend’s birthday and I’m sorry for getting Tikki wet and for messing you around and for just being a generally shitty partner okay.”
She was trembling as she readied her yo yo. Cat Noir blinked and was grateful for her condition only when he realised his reflexes were quicker than hers as his hand caught her wrist before she could take off.
“You...” he was trying to process it. Had he not been Adrien Agreste, half of her babbled apology wouldn’t make sense. But he was, and from everything she’d said... his heart raced. He’d come out looking for Marinette. Seemed he’d found her. “You safe to yo yo?” He asked eventually. She shook her head.
“Not really but I’m indestructible in the suit so I’m probably less of a danger to myself than in my other outfit.” She murmured.
She seemed slightly more stable than he’d last seen Marinette and he could only hope Tikki was working her magic to take the edge off.
“Stay here with me a little longer okay? Let it wear off.” He insisted.
“No. It’s cold and you’re mad at me and I want to kiss you and then you’ll be really mad at me and l don’t like it when I’m cold or when you’re mad at me.” She babbled, twisting the string of her yo yo round her wrist.
“I know you’re drunk this time. I won’t let you do anything you’ll regret. I’m not mad. Come here.”
“I didn’t regret it.” She mumbled, but stepped closer in submission. He tugged her on to his lap and wrapped his arms around her, covering her back like a blanket. “I regretted not doing it sober.”
“Well... we can talk about that tomorrow.” Cat Noir reasoned. “Tell me what you can about tonight.”
“Everyone’s mad at me.” She sighed softly.
“I’m sure they’re not.” He tried to reassure her.
“They are! The... the guy I...”
“The one you’re in love with.” He said gently, already wondering if maybe... just maybe... She nodded, embarrassed.
“I’ve never seen him angry. Ever. I didn’t even know he had an angry voice!” She squeaked. “And he used it on me! And he should have done! I was stupid and I let my guard down and I’m Ladybug I can’t let my guard down like that because Paris might fall and I should have been prepared but... but he doesn’t know I’m Ladybug he thinks I’m just a messy drunk and I am but that’s beside the point! And he used it on...” she hesitated, trying to cover what he already knew. “Another girl. She deserved it too. She’s lucky I didn’t smack her to be honest.” Ladybug ranted.
He rested his chin on her shoulder.
“Sounds like a rough night.” He agreed.
“And from the moment I started to feel... not right... all I wanted was you.” Ladybug whispered softly, leaning in to his embrace.
“Me?” Cat Noir whispered, startled.
“Yes. I... I can’t explain it. I didn’t feel safe. I feel safe with you. I thought... I thought you’d somehow know I needed you and come find me. Which is stupid, but...” she sniffed. “You did last time so I figured maybe... the rooftop.” She shrugged. Cat Noir paused, recalling the last time she’d been drunk.
Suddenly and with startling clarity he remembered why he’d been upset that night. He hadn’t been allowed to Marinette’s eighteenth party, and by the time he’d crept out as Cat Noir to go join in it was over... that’s when he’d found a drunk Ladybug and a bad night had gotten even worse.
He’d known it from her earlier rant, but it seemed to slot into place more and more as she spoke. Ladybug had been drunk because it was Marinette’s eighteenth birthday. He felt guilty for knowing, but she didn’t need the additional stress of knowing she’d blown her cover - it wasn’t her fault.
“You can always call me.” He told her. “And I’m sure you have friends you can call on too?”
“No. They’re all mad at me.” She huffed.
“Probably more scared than mad.” He said kindly. Adrien had always felt protective over Marinette - it wasn’t that he thought she needed it, more of an instinct he’d never been able to quell. Seeing her now he understood why. Protecting Ladybug had always been Cat Noir’s job. She seemed to be warming under his touch, her head falling back on to his shoulder.
“They’ll understand, Bug.” He promised her.
“Glad they will, because I don’t. One minute I was fine then I could barely stand.” She sighed. “Top tip: Kwamis do not like going swimming.”
“Noted.” He laughed. Plagg was gonna be pissed at him later. “So... you’re not safe to travel, and you’re frozen solid. So I need to get you somewhere safe.”
“Can’t. Identities.” She sighed.
“I know. But I know a guy who puts up with a stray cat once in a while.” He nodded decisively.
“That doesn’t seem very safe.” Ladybug didn’t like the idea of being in a stranger’s house in her current state of inebriation.
“Trust me?” He pleaded.
“Always.” She promised.
He climbed slowly to his feet, helping her up too.
“Am I okay to carry you?” He asked gently.
“Please?” He smiled at the shy note to her usual sturdy voice, sweeping her up in a lift. She buried her head in the crook of his neck.
“I do love you.” She said gently. “I just... I can’t stop loving him and it’s... it’s a mess. And it’s not fair on you. I’m so sorry.” She apologised. He kissed her forehead.
“It’s fine, Bugaboo. No hard feelings I promise. Hold tight.” He stole across the rooftops, wasting no time in deliberating his destination. He knew exactly where he was heading.
Landing on his own balcony he ushered her in, momentarily grateful that she seemed too dazed to recognise where she was. He unlocked the bedroom window, climbing in with her wrapped in his arms.
“I’ll just give him a debrief and then I’ll take off as...” he didn’t finish his sentence because she realised with a jolt just whose bedroom she was in.
“No. No no no no no. I can’t be here!” She hissed.
“Why not?”
“I...” she looked torn, debating who she’d rather inform of her reasons. “I know Adrien in my real life. He’ll figure me out!” She said eventually, deciding it was better to trust Cat Noir with that fact than risk Adrien finding out. Cat Noir hummed.
“Well... you know him well enough to recognise his bedroom. Anything I should know about that?” He joked. She glowered at him.
“Just get me out of here I can’t...”
“Okay here’s an idea... I leave. You detransform. I tell him I found his friend, naming no names, you stay the night as a civilian?” He suggested. She blinked. “He won’t know you’re Ladybug, I won’t know who you are under the mask.” He reassured. The plan, had it been legitimate would be flawed - Cat Noir had known Marinette wandered off from Adrien’s party, and Adrien might thank Cat Noir for bringing Marinette to him safely, but as he was Adrien it was safe and thankfully very drunk Ladybug seemed to be struggling with her logic.
“I... okay.” She said warily. Cat Noir kissed her cheek.
“We’ll book in another patrol tomorrow if your hangover’s not too rough, okay?”
“Thank you.” She sounded smaller than he was used to, and he’d be grateful to have sassy, fiesty Ladybug who could take care of herself and stand on her own two feet back by tomorrow. For tonight he’d gladly protect her from herself. He nodded at her, before leaving the room, amusing himself by calling
“Hey, Adrien. You home?” As he closed the door.
“Plagg, claws in.” He whispered, as he reached the kitchen. The magic of the miraculous had dried him off and at least he wasn’t sopping wet any more. He pulled some Camembert from the fridge and handed it to him. “I’ll send Tikki through when I can okay?”
“You have to tell her you know!” Panicked Plagg.
“I will. I promise I will, just... not tonight. It’s not her fault and if she knew she gave herself away she’d freak out. I can’t have her wandering off again like this.” He assured Plagg, tugging a towel from the radiator and setting it up on the kitchen counter, effectively creating a bed for his kwami.
He headed back up, knocking on his door to ensure she was prepared.
“Hey?”
“H-hi.” He heard her call back. He opened the door slowly. While he knew that she was Marinette, seeing her sat on his bed where he’d left Ladybug moments before was comforting.
“Thought it might be you.” Adrien smiled.
“What... what did he tell you?” She asked, eyes wide.
“That there was someone in my room in need of a friend.” He answered. “And then he jumped out of the window...”
“Mmm. He does that.” Marinette smiled gently. He noticed how she clutched her purse and assumed that was where her shell-shocked and undoubtedly very cold Kwami must be hiding.
“You want to go grab a shower? It’s been a long night.”
“I’m so sorry, Adrien. I ruined your party and I didn’t mean to and I know you’re mad...” she babbled.
“I’m not mad!” He promised, knowing from his conversation with Ladybug just how unnerved she was about him being mad. “I was scared. You... you’re one of the strongest women I know and seeing you so vulnerable was... I’m sorry I assumed it was you not knowing your limits. I should have known Lila would pull a stunt like that. But even if you had just made a mistake… I shouldn’t have been angry. I’m the one who’s sorry.” He insisted, approaching her and sitting down next to her on the bed. “Are you okay?”
“Embarrassed. But I promise I’m past the flirty drunk stage. I’ve reached teary drunk... bordering on sleepy drunk.” She admitted, wiping her eyes.
“Okay... well I’m happy to discuss flirty drunk Marinette’s confession in the morning. Until then... I’m glad your safe. Go take a shower. I’ve got some clothes you can change into.”
Marinette seemed to take a moment to process his words and then squeaked, covering her mouth as she recalled exactly what she’d confessed.
“Oh no. Oh no I told you... oh my god this is... no no no.” She shook her head, looking around desperately for an escape and eyeing the windows.
“It’s okay.” He insisted. “No heavy conversations when you’re drunk.”
“Cataclysm me.” She whined, mortified. He tried not to smile.
“Not my department, and pretty sure it’s against the rules. Shower’s through there - I’ll get you some clothes.” He helped her up and she scurried away toward the bathroom. “There’s towels in there!” He called.
Adrien took her abandoned purse and left the room. Setting it on the counter he busied himself trying to find something sweet.
“Sorry Tikki, I don’t keep sweets in - will fruit do?” He asked the purse. Tikki poked her head out - she looked exhausted and he gave her a sympathetic smile as she emerged.
“Fruit’s fine. Thank you for taking care of Marinette.” She said appreciatively. “You have to tell her you...”
“He’s gonna tell her in the morning.” Plagg fielded, poking his head out from his towel nest, Tikki seemed pleased to see him and zipped over to join him as Adrien placed a few grapes beside their little den.
“I don’t want her wandering off again.” Adrien sighed, finding his spare phone - his had taken a swim with him and Marinette earlier. He text Alya and Nino
Marinette is safe and with me, Adrien
He poured a glass of water and rummaged through his cupboard until he found the blessed box of painkillers - one too many late night photo shoots meant he was no stranger to headaches.
“We don’t... we don’t have to give up our miraculous right?” He asked, trying not to bely how uncomfortable the notion made him.
“I think you’re all old enough to handle it. It would have protected her tonight if you’d known.” Tikki hummed.
“And the amount of times you guys could have covered each other’s back before this... definitely better to know at this point.” Plagg agreed. “Go get her, kitten.”
“Nobody’s getting anybody tonight. She’s having a glass of water and going to sleep. I suggest you do the same. Night guys.” He waved them off, carrying his offerings through to the bedroom and setting them on the bedside table.
Rooting through his wardrobe he found a t shirt and a pair of sweatpants which would have to do, even if they’d drown her small frame. He knocked on the door.
“I promise not to look, I’m just going to put these in here.” He called.
“Thank you!” Came the voice from under the spray. He realised that without being able to see her he couldn’t actually tell Marinette’s voice apart from Ladybug’s. Idiot. He cracked the door open a little, placed the pile of clothes just inside so she wouldn’t have to venture out undressed, and returned back to the bed.
The fact Ladybug was Marinette should have been obvious to him years ago, and he kicked himself for not realising it sooner. Of course, she’d gone to great lengths to shield that fact from him as both Cat Noir and Adrien (he was going to need a proper explanation about Multimouse in the morning) so maybe it shouldn’t have been that obvious but he was frustrated at himself for not recognising the same feelings she stirred within him.
He’d written off his over protectiveness as her having a tendency to get involved in akuma attacks more often than the average citizen (he understood why now), had dismissed the fluttery feeling in his stomach when she wore her own handmade creations as pride in his friend’s work, had brushed off the jealousy he felt when other boys paid her attention as concern for her welfare. He was an idiot. At least he understood why he blushed so much when she wore her hair down now.
She stepped out of the bathroom looking a little healthier. His clothes were far too big on her and the t shirt slipped off of her shoulder. Adorable.
“Hey.” He smiled.
“Hi.” She whispered, embarrassed. “Adrien, I’m so sorry I ruined your birthday party...”
“You didn’t.” He promised her, offering her the water and painkillers. She groaned and took them.
“I don’t deserve you.” She mumbled throwing back the pills and sipping her water.
“Yeah well, you’re stuck with me either way.” He smirked, enjoying the blush that crept over her face. He beckoned her closer and she moved as though drawn by a magnet, automatically until she was beside him.
“Bed.” He told her gently. “We can talk it over in the morning. For now just...” he pulled the covers back for her. “Sleep.”
“In your bed. With you.” She said slowly.
“Paws to myself, I promise.” He crossed his heart.
“I wasn’t... I didn’t think you’d... I just meant...” she gave him a helpless look.
“I’ll grab an extra blanket so we can keep a barrier between us if it would make you feel more comfortable.” He offered. “Or I can take the sofa.”
“I’m not kicking you out of bed on your birthday! Oh my god, it’s your birthday!” She remembered suddenly. He checked the clock to confirm his suspicion.
“Not anymore it’s not. Kick me out if you’re not okay with sharing.”
“Adrien...”
“Marinette.” He countered. She pouted.
“Fine. But if I vomit on you it’s your own fault.” She huffed, climbing into bed. He chuckled, disappearing off to the bathroom to go change into his pyjamas in privacy.
He was unsurprised to find her already asleep when he got back.
——————
They didn’t gravitate toward each other in the night, aided perhaps by the extra blanket Adrien added to prevent awkwardness. He awoke a good few inches from her, smiling gently as the sunlight crept in and illuminated her features. He could definitely get used to that. Adrien yawned and dragged himself up. Given the night she’d had, he expected her to sleep in, so made his way to the kitchen to check on Plagg and Tikki.
“Morning!” Tikki greeted.
“Too early.” Plagg whined, rolling over in their little towel nest.
“Morning. You guys okay after yesterday?”
“Much better now, thank you. Is Marinette still sleeping?” Wondered the little red kwami, flying over to settle on his shoulder. He paused at the oddity of it, but continued all the same.
“Yeah. She’s never been a morning person, has she?” He yawned, shuffling across the kitchen. Breakfast... fried food was supposed to be best for a hangover, he didn’t have anything useful in for that though. Tikki seemed to assess his stock too before flying in to the fridge and zipping out with an egg.
“Pancakes.” She insisted, setting it on the counter and returning to the cupboard for flour.
“Might have to instruct me.” Adrien admitted, not trusting his cookery skills.
“We do this all the time. I can help.” Tikki promised, helping him set out the necessary items. Within minutes he was having fun with it, Tikki happy to instruct from his shoulder as he measured ingredients and mixed a batter. He was beaming by the time it was ready. Then came the shocked little shriek from behind him.
He turned to see Marinette, wide eyed in the doorway. He smiled.
“Uhm hi.” He offered. “Breakfast?” He followed her gaze and realised exactly why she was alarmed. Oh yeah. The kwami. Ah. “Tikki was helping me cook.” Tikki gave a shy wave.
“You... I... it’s not what... I swear I’m...” babbled Marinette, hungover and confused.
“Ladybug. I know. Not how I planned on having this conversation but... if it makes you feel any better, Plagg’s over there.” He nodded at the towel on the counter that gave a disgruntled ruffle in response. He watched her pale even more. “When you’re finished panicking, there’ll be pancakes.” He offered.
He turned his back on her, hearing the tell tale scrape of her pulling out her chair and sitting at the table while she processed it.
“How’s the headache, pigtails?” Plagg asked, emerging from the nest.
“Everything’s a little... loud. A little bright. I’m okay.” She reassured, staring at the black cat kwami in awe. He was Adrien’s. Adrien was Cat Noir. Oh, that made so much sense! No wonder she’d fallen for the goofball twice. He whistled as he made pancakes, Tikki whispering instructions in his ear as he went.
There was a quaint sort of domesticity to it. Adrien clattering around in the kitchen while Marinette sat at his kitchen table in his clothes. She swallowed, watching the line of his back as he practically danced around the kitchen, between his bowl of batter, the pan and the plates. Plagg nudged her hand gently.
“Sure you’re alright?” He whispered.
“Reeling. But yes.” She promised.
“Gave us a scare last night. My kitten was terrified.” Plagg informed her, his voice low.
“Your... you mean Adrien?” She giggled, unable to stifle it.
“What are you two laughing about?” Adrien asked, turning the burner off.
“Your kwami calls you kitten!” Marinette giggled. Adrien turned pink and swatted at Plagg with the tea towel.
“Quit embarrassing me. I’m trying to be suave here.”
“I don’t think you need to try impress her.” Tikki said helpfully. “She’s already crazy about you.”
“Oh my god, Tikki!” Marinette squawked, blushing bright red.
If there was a moment the whole thing was going to become too much, that was it, but after a beat they both dissolved into fits of giggles at the realisation they were both as ridiculous as each other.
Adrien set a plate in front of her and sat down opposite her, grinning.
“You know you kept apologising for ruining my birthday.” He told her. “Honestly this...” he gestured between the two of them “Second best birthday present ever.”
“You had Ladybug in your bed last night and it’s only the second best? Should I be offended, Kitty?” She asked, recovering from the absurdity of the day enough to fight back.
“Not really. I got a pretty awesome hand-made hoody from a friend last night.” He grinned, and her mock-offended face lit up.
“You really liked it?”
“I love it.” He insisted. A beat. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Marinette didn’t hesitate to say it. She didn’t fumble or panic. She just smiled, and began cutting her pancakes, cheeks a spectacular shade of pink.