Archive of Our Own

“Your dad's macarons are the best!”

Tikki flew a few happy circles in the air, before dive-bombing on the plate of pastries Marinette just placed on her desk as a snack while doing some sewing. She smiled at the little fairy's exclamation.

“I wish you could say that to him directly! He's always so happy when someone compliments his creations.”

“I can imagine that, if he's only a little like you when someone praises the clothes and designs you make.” She blushed at the reminder, extracting a beautiful giggle from her Kwami. “Yes, like that! It's like you try to become a strawberry macaron yourself!”

“And you only have sweets in your mind.” She rubbed Tikki's head affectionately with one finger. “Watch out or you'll get big and fat and round with how many cookies you eat!”

“Don't worry, I've been doing that for millennia and it never showed.”

“Then you have an advantage over us others. The world is so unfair.”

“Don't be like that. You have other sweet things a Kwami like me could never be interested in.”

“Oh?” She raised a questioning eyebrow, receiving a wink.

“Your Adrien, of course! Love is a human concept. Kwamis have no interest in it.”

That made her cheeks burn even more. Her gaze fell almost automatically on one of the pictures decorating her walls. Beautiful emerald-green eyes met her, framed in a perfect face. Golden locks glittered in the sunlight and peach pink lips tugged into a smile.

God, he was so good-looking! She could almost smell his perfume. Could imagine the way he would embrace her, lips slowly closing in, as they both readied themselves for a long intimate kiss.

'I think I have to barf!'

Oh shut up! The voice had ripped her out of her daydream and her mood immediately took a one-eighty, plunging even deeper than when she was working on physics homework. And that was something to say, since she hated physics! All these formulas didn't make any sense! Why would she even need to know how long it would take something to fall off a three story building? Or which velocity it had when it reached the ground. The fact that it was falling at all, was bad enough. Couldn't you see I was occupied?

'Actually, I saw more than I ever wanted.'

Her expression must've given away how she was feeling, because Tikki flitted over, a cookie still clenched in her paws, as she looked at her holder worriedly.

“Are you okay? Did you prick yourself with a needle again?”

Marinette thought fast, setting said object and the fabric she was holding down and covered one finger with her hand. “Yeah. I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing.”

“Oh you. I'll go get something to disinfect it!”

She didn't even get the time to tell the Kwami that such a little injury didn't need to be infected, she was already fluttering away to where they had stowed the first-aid kit. A much needed addition to her rooms interior ever since she got the Miraculous. As well as the make-up case, to cover up any bruises left after the Miraculous Cure.

In the end, she didn't have to pretend taking care of an injury that wasn't even there, because in that moment her phone chimed with the usual Akuma alert. Tikki returned as fast as she had gone, eyes narrowed in confusion.

“Again? That's the second one this day.”

'I'm all for it!'

Of course you are!

'What's that supposed to mean?'

Don't even pretend you don't know that! Why did she have to be the one, who had to deal with this?

“Are you even listening, Marinette?”

“What?” She blinked, finding Tikki flying only a few inches in front of her face.

The Kwami sighed. “You've spaced out again.”

“Sorry.” She rubbed her hands embarrassed. She didn't like it when people noticed.

“It's all right. Let's defeat that Akuma and then you should lay down. You have been working on that dress for Rose for a long time.”

“Yeah, that's probably it.” Nope, definitely not. She knew what the problem was, but there was no way to change it, so why bother Tikki with it? ...or anyone else.

She stood, certain to get this over with as fast as possible. Her Kwami gave her a thumbs up, to show she was ready, only then did she speak the transformation words.

“Tikki, spots on!”

'Finally!'

As the last syllable left her lips, the familiar feeling of falling enveloped her. Her limbs grew heavy, the light in the room dissipated in a shower of sparks. Then nothing.

When she finally opened her eyes again, they were only met with darkness.

She still remembered it like yesterday. The day she was... well not 'born', since that would mean she had been a baby at the time and it also implied she had a mother. Both of which weren't true. She'd been like this from the moment she gained consciousness.

How could you describe it, if you didn't even have a body of your own? By standard definition, she wasn't even human. …well, let's just say 'she came into existence'. Yes, that sounded right!

The day she came into existence had been quite strange. Not that she could have an opinion on that right from the start. Her first impression had been, that a supervillain attacking Paris was pretty normal. An everyday thing people had gotten used to. At least as much as someone could get used to that. Only the way everyone was reacting had occurred strange to her. Like really, how could they be so incompetent at fighting the bad guy? She defeated him easily only minutes after getting to know her own abilities! Not that she was bragging or anything. It was a fact after all!

So no, giant stone monsters were apparently not a normal occurrence. Big butterfly-heads weren't either. Hawkmoth was his name. Some guy with a mental condition, thinking he could take over the world with her earrings and Chat's ring, by cosplaying as an evil moth-man. He must've been pretty bored with his usual work, if he had time for this.

It had been a really strange day until that point already. But the best thing had yet to come. The moment her transformation had timed out, she was ripped away from her surroundings and shoved into a small empty space. It was the first row to the spectacle of her future pain in her but freaking out about not having any memories of the past half an hour. Only then did she realize her own predicament.

She was in the same body as another person – Marinette, she learned later on – and the only times she was allowed out, was when said person transformed into 'Ladybug'! The new superheroine of Paris! Thus she was named.

Great birthday, right? Or first-existence day? ...whatever you want to call it.

At the beginning, Ladybug was okay with this arrangement. She couldn't change it anyway, so there was no reason to mop around about it. She tried to get to know Marinette. Her likes and dislikes. Tried to help her whenever she struggled with something or needed advice. They got along for quite some time without any problems.

...okay, she wouldn't lie! There were some problems! She couldn't help but be peeved at having almost no time in control of their body. This world had so many amazing things to discover, but she had to sit there and watch the young designer do her homework! Great! Amazing even! Whenever she brought it up, Marinette reminded her 'gently', that it was her body originally and she was only a guest. That she should be grateful the bluenette even lent it to her to go on patrol three times a week, or had to fight an Akuma.

That in itself wouldn't have been so bad, because yes, she was the intruder here and she wasn't sure how she would react if someone else just showed up out of nowhere to claim rights on what was hers. Not that she ever had something like that. The biggest problem was how Marinette behaved all the time. From the girl that did everything for her friends the second they asked, to her stalkerish tendencies with that Adrien boy. Ladybug didn't like the second on principle, but the first went against her own morale. She wasn't a fan of being walked all over. To be dismissed as a maid, only there to fulfil everyone's wishes. Marinette was exactly that! One word from her so-called 'friends' and she grovelled on the floor to get it done. It pissed her off, since she had to watch everything from the sidelines! And whenever she tried to talk to the girl about it, she was dismissed with a 'you don't know them, so your opinion doesn't matter'. ...not quite with those words, but the thought is what counts.

Sadly, those small problems were quickly followed by bigger ones. They started to involve themselves more in each other's affairs.

Marinette was actually the first to comment badly on her fighting style, so you could say it was her fault. Now they were in an all out war, seeking every opportunity to argue with the other.

But most importantly, they were sick of being stuck like this! Of not having any alone time at all! Which increased the tension between them even more. They began to almost hate each other. ...Ladybug wasn't proud of that, but she was someone with feelings and couldn't suppress them forever. With Marinette being the only person to talk to most of the time, she had to be on the receiving end of them. (She would never let it out on Chat, no matter the stupid things he sometimes spouted.)

'You finally finished with day-dreaming?' Commented the oh so annoyed voice of said girl, turning her attention back to the roof she was standing on. 'Don't you have an Akuma to take care of, or has that been deemed as not important enough for you?'

Ladybug rolled her eyes. Should I even mention the many times you are not focussed on what you're supposed to do?

'…'

Yeah, I thought so!

She sent out her yoyo to attach to the edge of a building and swing through the streets to where the fight was raging on.

It was a short one this time, no Lucky Charm or Cataclysm needed, so she sent out her Miraculous Ladybugs and settled down next to a smiling Chat Noir.

“You were stunning as always, M'lady.”

“Maybe, but I couldn't have done it without you, Chaton. Especially how you disarmed him so fast. That was smart thinking.”

He preened at her praise, a low rumble starting deep in his throat, that only got louder when she leaned onto him. He was warm, his touch comforting. Something she experienced only rarely. She couldn't feel when she wasn't in charge, there was only emptiness surrounding her. It made her crave for contact, but since Ladybug the superheroine didn't know anyone besides her loyal partner and it would be weird to cuddle with a stranger, the black cat had to endure her touch starved self often. He didn't mind though, he even revelled in it, enjoying every second. ...apparently his home-life wasn't the best.

“Want to get some ice cream?”

She wanted to say yes so much! Spending some time with her kitty was the best part of her day.

...sadly, she could practically feel the burning eyes on her, daring her to take even more time before changing back.

“I'm sorry, but I can't. I have to go.”

His eyes, that had been lit up with hope before, dimmed slightly. “Oh...okay... Then we'll see each other on patrol later.”

She took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. “I'm looking forward to it!”

The smile he gave her was so sweet, she hated having to leave him. Hated the reason for it even more. If she was her own person, she could stay as long as she wanted. Would even make the time to hang out with him more! She loved him so much. Not romantically though. He was her best friend and she was flattered that he was seeing her like this, but there was no way to reciprocate his feelings, even if she wanted to be together with him. It wasn't her own body she was using after all.

“Until later then, bugaboo.” He bowed, kissing her hand in his usual gentleman like way and waved after her, as she returned to Marinette's home.

'He's so smitten for you.' That was clearly intentioned to rile her up, but she just laughed.

I won't deny that. He's the best partner I could've asked for!

'And when will you tell him, about our little situation?'

That made her freeze, which was dangerous while in mid-air. Only a quick swing with her yoyo prevented her from painfully crashing into a rooftop. It didn't lift her mood one bit and she almost spoke out loud when she answered with a bite.

The moment you tell your sweetheart about your huge crush on him!

'...I hate you.'

Dully noted.

“So what do you think?”

Marinette lifted her eyes from the article she'd just been reading on the Ladyblog, to her best friend eagerly awaiting her response.

“It does get its facts straight and has a clear red line following through it.” That was an understatement. Alya had put up an analysis on how the characteristics Ladybug showed while fighting Akumas could point to her civilian identity. She even went so far as to summarise them, with links to the videos she noticed them in and put up a character sheet at the end. With this, she proudly exclaimed, she would go over every single teenager in Paris and finally find out who their hero really was. Marinette would have panicked at how detailed the work was...

...if it was even remotely close to the truth. She had to hold back a snicker at the part about 'graceful' and 'athletic'. The 'probably does gymnastics in her free time' nearly sent her to the ground. She was neither the first nor the second and the only sports she did was running when she was late to school again.

So yeah, she wasn't freaking out. Quite the opposite, she enjoyed reading this!

“Come on girl! If I wanted a grade on the structure I would go to Ms. B. Give me an opinion I can work with!”

“Okay okay, calm down! Sheesh!” Marinette chuckled, putting a calming hand on her friend's shoulder. “I think you make some very good points. Especially about her speech pattern indicating she's around our age and not just a small adult. But Alya.” Her eyes narrowed, as she got more serious. “Have you ever thought about the fact that Hawkmoth could use this information as well? The Ladyblog is one of the most popular sides completely focussed on our two heroes. I wouldn't be surprised if he reads every article you post.”

That made Alya actually shut up for a second. “You mean... I could be helping Hawkmoth by trying to find out their identities? Maybe even be the reason he gets their Miraculous?” She swallowed, turning white like a sheet. “Oh my god! I should take that post down immediately!”

“Wait! You don't have to do that!” Marinette grabbed her friends hand before she could do something stupid, like entirely delete her hard work. “This is just some surface level of analysis! There are a hundred girls in Paris fitting the description you put together!” And it wasn't even close to being right! “I don't think he will figure it out with just that. Just be careful in the future. Maybe don't post everything you find out and tweak something here and there, then everything will be fine!”

“Y-You think?”

“Yes! Now calm down, take a few breaths. We don't need an Akuma coming for you.”

“Yeah. Right. I'm okay.” She was definitely one-hundred percent not okay. But it was enough, so Marinette didn't have to keep an eye on the air around them.

'That went well. You almost caused your best friend to have a panic attack.' The young designer almost groaned annoyed, which would've earned her odd looks from the others.

Should I have let her continue trying to find out who you are?

'That wouldn't have happened. You saw it yourself, the details don't match.'

Oh yes, I forgot! You love standing in the spotlight! I'm so sorry for taking that from you!

'I do not! I'm a superhero, not a celebrity! The spotlight doesn't interest me even one bit!'

Keep telling yourself that.

She ignored the angry hiss reverberating in her mind in favour of concentrating on taking her tablet out of her bag. Class would start any minute now. Ms. Bustier was already sorting the sheets of paper for today's test on the teacher's desk.

…right. Maybe she should've taken the few minutes she was early for once to go through the material one last time, instead of reading Alya's blog. Whoopsie!

'You're such a bright one, you know?'

Be quiet! I'm trying to concentrate!

'On what? Failing another test, because you were too occupied with ogling at the photo's of your “sweet Adrien”?'

If I haven't studied enough, then only because you took so long to defeat that Akuma last night! I was perfectly on time until that.

'It's not my fault Chat kept being distracted with flirting with me! I told him more than once to finally stop doing it!'

Just reign your stupid cat in once and for all, then everything will be much faster!

'...don't call my partner stupid!'

Huh, that was more aggressive than usual. She still couldn't hold back her biting response. I'll call him whatever I want!

'Not with me here, you will not!'

You don't- She began, but a loud “Marinette!” right next to her ear made her jump in surprise. When she turned around, she was face to face with Alya, who indicated with a finger to look behind her. There stood Ms. Bustier with a pack of papers in her arms, looking at her worriedly.

“Are you okay, Marinette? We called you three times, but you didn't respond.”

Aw shit! Not again!

“Oh yeah. I must've been so focussed remembering the material, I didn't even notice you. Sorry about that.”

Her teacher's face lit up immediately. “That's good. I have no doubt then, that you'll get a good grade.” She laid a package of paper down in front of Marinette. “Good luck!”

She went on to hand the test out to the others and Marinette turned her gaze to the centre of the pure agony awaiting her for the next hour or so. The asking look of her bff was ignored as well. Good thing they weren't allowed to talk.

There had to be one last jab, though. She couldn't just let the heroine win this argument.

You never denied him being your cat.

The defeated groan following her words was worth it.

Ladybug loved the freedom of jumping over rooftops. There was nothing better then the rush of freefall, only to catch yourself with a well placed grab onto an edge with your yoyo. It made her laugh in pure joy, whooping excitedly, while her sweet kitty was at her side, taking part in it.

“You're in a good mood, M'lady!” He gasped, when they finally stopped on a random rooftop close to Montparnasse Tower.

“Yeah! I'm going to have more time to spend with you in the future!”

He perked up immediately, his eyes sparkling, “Really? That's great!”

Yes it was! And all thanks to her eidetic memory! Since Marinette hadn't studied enough for her history test, she had panicked over a lot of the questions. Ladybug, who had nothing to do in class anyway, had memorised everything they had gone through, knowing the answer to every single one of them. In the end, Marinette had, although begrudgingly, agreed to giving her an hour longer for each patrol, in exchange for the solutions.

She wouldn't have done it under normal circumstances, since she didn't like enabling laziness. But if it meant having more time to spend with her Chaton and more time as the one in charge as well, she could overlook it for once.

The best thing? She probably wouldn't even have to endure Marinette's whining either, since the girl had announced, she would take the time to get a little rest! Jackpot! She had agreed to be in bed when she transformed back though.

“Any specific route planned for tonight?” Chat asked, readying his baton to take off again, after they rested a little bit.

“Not really. We'll just go wherever it takes us.”

A scream sounded from far away.

“Yeah, exactly like that.”

“I think it must be my luck striking again.” He grinned cheekily, offering her a hand to give her a lift. It was more comfortable for her this way, if they tried to cover a large distance in short time, since speed swinging took a lot out of her. It was the same with Chat and vaulting for a long time, since he had to basically push himself up, while she let her yoyo do the tugging. So they both had their advantages and disadvantages, completing each other.

They reached the area the sound had come from in no time, dropping down in a dark alley close to the tower. A young woman was there, screeching about someone taking her purse, as soon as she noticed them. She almost threw herself at Chat all the while. Great. It was one of those cases. Not like they had enough of them this week alone.

“Don't worry Miss.” Her partner, ever the gentleman said, skilfully keeping her away from him. “We'll find the one responsible and get your things back.”

She pouted a little, fluttering her eyelashes at him. Ladybug made a barfing motion behind her back at the sight. “I don't care about the purse itself. It has been completely out of fashion for a week now. Just get me back my phone! All my pics are on there!”

“Of course! We'll always help someone in need.” Bless Chat for staying so cool.

The woman showed them the direction the thief had fled into and they took off again, flying over the rooftops as they searched for a suspicious figure fleeing the scene. Due to their superhuman strength, it only took them a few minutes to find said person, dashing through an alleyway with a bright yellow purse under his arm.

Chat let himself fall in front of them, raising his baton to fend off any attacks. Ladybug joined from behind, her yoyo readied in one hand.

They were so focussed on that one person, they didn't see the group of thugs the man had been running towards. Yes! Not the best decision! She regretted it instantly. One of them grabbed a gun from somewhere inside his pants – Ew! Better not think about where exactly that had been! - and aimed sloppily at her partner. There was no way it would hit him, with how gun-guy angled it, but a quick calculation in her head told her the purse-guy would not be so lucky. She grabbed him with her yoyo, yanking him to the side just as the shot rang out. She didn't even care that he crumbled to the ground, after hitting the wall with a crack. He should be glad he wasn't dead! At least with a concussion, he wouldn't be able to flee until the police was here.

Taken care of that, she called for a 'Lucky Charm', getting a red and black-spotted rubber band. Oh... Couldn't it have been something more difficult? A challenge once in a while would at least mix things up a little.

She snorted, hooking one end over a finger and aiming with another at her unsuspecting target. Said target and the other goons were occupied with her cat, jumping from wall to wall, showing off like always.

Her luck kicked in like always, making her hit perfectly on the finger holding the trigger. Gun-guy flinched, loosing his grip. The weapon went flying out of reach of any of them. Chat reacted immediately, swinging his baton in an arc to knock gun-guy out, followed quickly by the others.

“Well... that was some excitement.”

Ladybug chuckled, already dialling the police number personally assigned for their use. “It was a nice change to the usual dullness of cases like this.”

He sent her a raised eyebrow, but an amused smile grazed his lips at the same time. “You weren't the one he shot at.”

“Don't tell me you don't like being the centre of attention any more. You should've told me kitty cat. Next time I will play the distraction. Then you will see- Ah, yes! Four thugs, all unconscious. One just robbed a women. That's how we found them.” She rattled off the address of the street they were in to the officer on the other end. “Thank you very much! We really appreciate the help of the police forces. Yes. Goodbye.”

“Do we have to wait or can we go on?” Chat leaned onto his baton.

“She said we can go, since they are unconscious and a patrol is close by.”

“Great! Then let's get back to our own patrol!”

A high-pitched beeping sounded, making both of them jump. Right, she'd used her power.

“...after you've recharged, I mean.”

“Be right back.” She used her yoyo to jump onto the next roof. It was the best place away from any prying eyes and her partner respected her privacy, so he wouldn't follow her.

Only when she was about to speak the detransformation words, did she remember the most important fact.

Marinette was asleep! As soon as they switched, she would be stashed away again and had to watch as their body fell to the ground, unconscious. Depending on how deeply asleep the designer was, it would either cause her to wake up and freak out gaining the attention of everyone in the surrounding area, or she'd stay asleep and Ladybug couldn't return to Chat. Which would make her Chaton worry so much, he would look for her. Then he'd not only know her 'identity', but also find out about their predicament.

The only ways to prevent that, were either to return to Chat real quick, tell him she had to go and hope she was fast enough to get home, or she woke Marinette somehow while still transformed, so the girl was prepared for the switch.

The first option depended on a lot of luck. More than she ever had, even in Akuma fights. So the later it had to be.

Marinette? She began almost hesitantly. Are you still awake?

No answer... Yeah, she'd expected that.

Repeatedly calling the name of someone in your own head with increasing volume felt weird, but it was the only way to wake the sleeping designer. To be honest though, talking to someone in your own head and that someone answering should be weird as well. Some would even call it split personality. If Ladybug didn't know it better, she would even diagnose herself with that mental illness, but it didn't fit with her own memory. She only knew of her own being ever since the Stoneheart day. There was nothing before that. If she really was just another part of Marinette's persona, she should at least remember her childhood or something.

Her earrings chimed again, this time more frantically. Shit! Only one minute left and Marinette still made no signs of waking up!

Only one option left... Kwamis this would be embarrassing. Okay, focus. Deep inner breath. Then...

MARINETTE!

She could almost feel the way the girl was ripped from sleep, as her consciousness tried to grab onto any kind of control in response to the shock. She didn't get it. Only for the transformation to dissolve and thrust her right into the front-seat.

That had not been one minute! But that fact would need to go on the back-burner for now.

“What the hell!” The bluenette screeched, as she found herself on a random rooftop in the middle of Paris, in her pyjamas. It was not as loud as it could have been, but still pretty ear-grating. “What in God's name did you do?”

Nothing. Just forgot the timer after using “Lucky Charm”. It can happen.

“...you're so stupid!”

Well, I'm using your brain, so it's your fault I have moments like that!

“Don't pin this on me!”

...look, just recharge and transform again. Chat's waiting and he's probably already worried.

Marinette huffed, reaching down with her hand to where she usually had her purse with Tikki's cookies. But there was none.

“I think we might have a problem...”

Tikki, who'd watched Marinette converse with herself with wide eyes, chimed in. “I'll find something real quick... just... stay here.” Then she dashed away in a streak of red.

Ladybug and Marinette looked after her for a moment, then Marinette crossed her arms and said, finally back to speaking in her head. 'Seems like we have to kill some time. Want to explain to me what happened?'

“What were you two thinking?”

How was it Tikki could look so adorable all the time, but had such a good mum-expression while she was scolding Marinette? Like really? How did she learn it and could she please teach it to her for when she had her own kids?

'There are more important things than your future with your crush, right now. The little fairy trying to talk to you, for example.'

She rolled her eyes in annoyance. And who's responsible for that?

'I said I'm Sorry, which is how much you'll get out of me. I told you from the start to open up to her about this.'

Yeah, because you're not the one who has to do the talking!

'You love talking, don't you? See this as a gift then.'

Oh that little...

“Marinette!” Tikki calling her turned her attention back to the Kwami, whose brow was furrowed in worry. “You two were talking again?”

“...yes. Sorry, it happens.”

'Hey!'

“Just shut up for a moment! You wanted me to talk, now let me talk!” She spit back.

Tikki sighed. “I wonder how you could keep this from me for so long.” She settled down on the desk Adrien usually occupied. Now the classroom was empty, since everyone was at lunch. Marinette would be too, if the thing from last night hadn't happened.

Yes, she was grumpy. She'd looked forward to the new receipt for cheese danishes her father had tried this morning. Now she had to explain to Tikki why she hadn't told her about the whole situation before, instead. God, why couldn't her life be easier?

She squirmed a little, searching for the right words. “Okay... so... I didn't tell you, because I thought I was going insane at the beginning. Like... suddenly hearing voices and feeling like you're not in control of your own body doesn't sound like something every normal teenager goes through. I thought you might dump me immediately, if you knew I had some mental disorder or something.”

“No! Of course not!” Tikki zipped into the air again, crashing into her holders face to hug it. “I would never leave you just for that! You'd have to do some really terrible things first, to get rid of me.”

Her heart, that had been squeezed by the pressure of worried thoughts suddenly soared at the words. She lifted a hand to return the hug as tight as she dared with the little being. “Thank you!”

“There's no need for thanks.” Tikki broke loose slowly. “I might even have an explanation for how this whole thing happened.” At this, she rubbed her head embarrassed.

Marinette perked up, feeling Ladybug's soul stir in interest as well.

“I... might have taken your words back before you fought Stoneheart for the second time, the 'I need Ladybug', a little too literal. I wanted to take your best qualities, the ones that made you the Chosen for my Miraculous, and amplify them. ...it seems I gave them their own soul instead.”

'So I'm just an inferior copy?'

Marinette repeated the question, but with less bite in her voice.

“No, that's not it. You are your own being, Ladybug. An incomplete soul completes itself all on its own. You made yourself your own person over time. The only think you lack it a body of your own. Otherwise, you're as much of a human being as everyone else!”

'But we are still stuck together!' Ladybug didn't sound amused. 'I might be human, but I can't do anything with that fact.'

“Can you fix this?” Marinette asked Tikki pleadingly. The little fairy hesitated.

“Well... That could be a problem. Usually, when I create a soul, I'll immediately give it a body it can attach to. Otherwise it would slowly loose its connection to the physical plane and dissolve. The soul of Ladybug must've attached itself to your body, to prevent that.

“Since I'm only Creation, I can't destroy that connection, to make a new one. I would need Plagg for that.”

“And since Plagg is with Chat Noir, who can't know about the identity of Ladybug, there's no way of doing that.” Marinette sighed. She'd thought she would finally get her alone time back. “Seems like someone has to kick Butterfly-guy's butt first.”

'You know he's called Hawkmoth. And I'm already trying to beat him, but he's a coward that would rather send out his minions, than face us himself!' That eye-roll was audible.

“That would be the best option, yes. Until then, you two have to get along for a little longer.

“...I really am sorry. I never thought this would happen.”

Marinette rubbed the little Kwamis head soothingly with one finger. “Don't worry. There's a first time for everything. Even for a millennia old being.” She wanted to say more. Tell her friend to not think about it any longer. But just like the ass he was, Hawkmoth decided now was a good time to remind Paris, he was still here! Not like they could ever forget it!

A crash sounded in the courtyard. She was already out through the door before she realized her legs were moving.

The Akuma was big. Like, reaching the upper half of the school big. ...And it had pushed her classmates into a corner.

The logical thing would be to find an abandoned room, preferably the classroom she just left, to transform and let Ladybug do her job. But she wasn't thinking logical. She ignored the heroine screaming at her to not act rash like she was planning to do. These were her friends! She wouldn't let their safety depend on if Ladybug was in the mood to be nice today.

'Don't be stupid! I always get civilians out of the way first!'

She didn't seem to like them much, depending on how she wanted Marinette to stop doing things for them all the time. There was no guarantee she would treat them like everyone else.

'Oh no. You're catastrophizing again, aren't you? Damn it! Where did Tikki go?'

Marinette had to protect them, from that Akuma! She had to get them out somehow! How? Think Marinette! How do you attract the attention of a pissed off person?

'Please don't...'

...you piss them off even more! Yes, that's it!

'Dear Kwamis, please help this poor soul out!'

She grabbed a random pebble sitting on the ground and threw it with impressive accuracy at the back of the Akuma. To be fair, it shouldn't have done much. The thing had been tiny after all, but the massive head, previously focussed on keeping her friends where they were, now turned slowly around and two disgusting green eye-holes locked onto her.

'I think you should run.'

Yep! She thought so too!

She had the advantage of being on the second floor, so the hand of the monster needed a second longer to reach the place she'd been at. That second was enough for her to dash around the next corner, into the deeper parts of the school. There she found a janitor closet, she immediately dove into. A red blur followed her, before the door could fall shut.

'Finally going to let me help?'

Yes! You can have it! She sighed and called for Tikki to transform her.

There were a lot of things wrong with that Akuma. First of all, its looks. Damn, was it ugly! Not only had it stubby arms and legs, making it consist mostly of a giant upper body, with a big wrinkled head.

She shuddered only looking at it. Hawkmoth definitely needed to work on his designs!

And the stench! Ugh! It wasn't even describable. Just imagine the worst dump you've ever been to and multiply it by ten! That's how this one smelled like. She was glad Marinette didn't have time for breakfast again this morning, or it wouldn't have stayed in for long.

Chat joined her on the roof, as she observed their newest opponent, twirling his baton boastful, but his ears were twitching in disgust.

“Looks like we have a very unusual friend, today.”

“Even more unusual then all the other times. This is just atrocious! ...I would say the akumatized object is the sash on his hip.”

“Agreed. It doesn't fit the rest of his ragged and rancid appearance.” He sniffed and grimaced. “Let's finish this quick, please. If I want you to know what my breakfast consisted of, I would tell you myself.”

They swung down to grab the Sash before the Akuma could even notice them. Sadly, it never could be so easy. The monster – because there was no way to get this thing even remotely close to the label 'person' in her head – turned around, as if sensing their approach and lifted one of its stubby arms to swat at them. Damn it! It might have short arms, but also long claw-thingies on each fingertip. Ladybug had to do a flip in the air to avoid one. This made things more complicated. Seems like she would need her Lucky Charm sooner than later.

“Chat! Cover me!”

“On it!” Her partner used his baton to intercept a hand going into her direction and pushed it back with superhuman strength. “Don't you dare touch my Lady, you dirty piece of shit!”

Ladybug dove for the ground to get out of sight and ducked behind a pillar. There she called on her powers, which gave her a little rubber ball.

Oh yeah! Just beat a literal giant with one of the smallest balls possible! That should work!

'Don't you usually want more difficult puzzle?'

Not if I want a fight to be over fast!

'Next time, be more careful of what you ask for.'

Yeah, yeah. Says the one who thought she could fight that thing on her own, without any kind of superpowers.

'I was only getting its attention, so the others could escape.'

And almost prevented Ladybug from being able to do her job, but she wouldn't mention that. The fact Marinette had put her friend's safety above her own, had impressed her in a way. She'd always seen the young designer as a pushover, since she never really confronted Chloe, when the mayor's daughter had one of her moments again and did everything the others asked her to do. But not everyone could stand up against an Akuma, especially one looking so inhumane. It took some guts to do that.

Let's get back to that later. Any ideas?

There was a shocked silence. Then:

'Why do you ask me?'

Don't you want to be asked?

'No, I want to know since when are you asking me!'

I might value your opinion once in a while. A shocked cry from Chat could be heard. Time to wrap this up. If you don't want to, you don't have to say anything, but I would appreciate the input.

'… the eyes seem like a weak point.'

Ladybug glanced around the pillar. Of course! The holes acting as its eyes were too far up for its hands to cover them. If she came from above, she could use the rubber ball to... ugh... nope, don't think about what exactly would happen... Let's just say blind it. Yeah, that sounded okay!

She used her yoyo to catapult herself in the air, calling for Chat in the same breath. “Make it look up!”

A cry of “Cataclysm!” followed. The next moment, a part of the roof hanging over the courtyard caved in, right on top of the Akuma. Jep, that should do it!

Ladybug pulled the arm holding the rubber ball back, aiming at the eye closest to her and threw as hard as she could with her enhanced strength. The Lucky Charm was a streak of read, hitting its target perfectly and bounced off again, back to her. It took a heartbeat for the monster to register the pain. Then it cried loudly, reaching with his hands up to cover the affected spot, but unable to do so.

Chat used his chance, as their opponent was occupied, to pounce up and grab at the sash. His cat-like claws sliced right through it.

After that, it was the usual routine of capturing the corrupted butterfly and calling for the Miracle Cure.

She watched with the same wonder in her eyes as on the first day, how the magical ladybugs fixed everything. This part never got old! The last thing they did was Chat's collateral. The hole she stood next to, so she took a step back, to not get swarmed with them herself.

That was where her partner's bad luck outdid her own good one, once again. She felt how her foot slipped on the, from the nightly rain, still wet tiles, making her loose her balance. She shifted forward in an attempt at falling onto the roof, instead of off of it, but that only resulted in her hitting the edge painfully with her side, before dropping down.

At least she had more sense left in her than air in her lungs, because she sent out her yoyo and slowed her decent, so she'd only have a dark bruise the next day and not a twisted ankle as well.

“Ladybug!” Chat Noir cried and jumped to her side immediately. “You okay?”

“I will be.” She wheezed, trying to sit up, but abandoning the motion when fire ran through her side. “...in a few minutes. That one really hurt!”

“You're bleeding!”

She jumped at the voice. Not having noticed the arrival of Alya Césaire – Marinette's best friend – and a few of the other kids from Ms. Bustier's class. They crowded around her, all looking at her with worried eyes.

Ladybug lifted the hand holding the place of her injury a little, to notice that yes, that red was too bright to be her suit! Shit! The edge must've been sharp, to cut through the magical material like that.

Then her earrings chirped, making everything even more complicated.

'You only have a minute left! That's not enough time to get home!'

Not with that wound slowing me down, no... And I can't ask Chat to carry me either.

'Hide in the bathroom, so I can recharge Tikki real quick.'

There's no way I'm quick enough to loose these guys, before going in!

A chuckle sounded, but not mockingly like usual. 'You can trust them. They won't come in, unless you ask them too. They admire you too much for that.'

Huh... Marinette might have a point. Ladybug had heard enough conversations between her and her friends to believe that. Especially the one with Alya had embedded itself in her mind.

Okay. But if they don't stay out, it's your fault and you have to tell Tikki, why our identity is no longer a secret!

'Not like I'm the only one of us who can talk to her, but agreed.'

Ladybug turned her attention back to her partner, who looked at her, waiting for instructions. “You need to go, Chat. You only have a few more minutes than me left.”

“I can't just leave you like that!” He protested immediately, but she didn't miss the way he glanced at his ring for a second.

“I'm gonna be okay. But you won't be, if you reveal who you are to everyone here.” Her voice softened and she reached up to rub the spot behind his hear. “Just go, Chaton. We'll see each other on patrol tomorrow.”

He hesitated, then nodded determined. “Until tomorrow then. M'lady.” A clack of his baton onto the hard ground and he was gone. ...she missed him already.

“I need a place to hide!” She informed the people left and struggled to get to her feet. “I'm almost out of time.”

“What about your injury?” Alya wanted to know. She looked a little ill when her eyes flickered to the blood covering her hero's side.

“I'll take care of that after, it's not too deep. Keeping who I am a secret is more important right now!”

“...if you say so.”

Ivan and Kim helped her limp over to the bathrooms. Either boy could've carried her on his own, but she was glad they left her her dignity. Couldn't have the rumor that she couldn't take a hit spread through Paris like a wildfire.

“Fuck this hurts!” Marinette gasped as soon as the door fell shut and they switched back. 'I'm never going to make fun of you for something like that ever again!'

You were making fun of me? Now I don't feel sorry any more for being the cause of this.

'You should still feel sorry. We'll have to live with this for a few days.'

Nope. Don't want to.

'Now you sound like a pouting child.'

At least I'm young enough to be allowed to do that.

Stunned silence followed and Ladybug laughed internally. Looked like she found a new way to win their fights.

“I'm ready.” Tikki announced, licking the last crumbs of her cookie from her paws.

“Great! Now I can relax in the background again!” Marinette called for the transformation with much more enthusiasm than ever before. When Ladybug settled into her seat in the front, she understood why. Damn it, the world hadn't been spinning like that before, had it? And her side was burning, like it was on fire!

The others were waiting for her outside, carefully standing guard, so no one could accidentally enter and see her without the mask. They immediately came to help her, when she stumbled out. Alya presented a first-aid kid, Alix made a quick run to the cafeteria to get bottled water. Ivan held her up, as standing became more difficult, while Max disinfected the wound. Kim prevented anyone from coming into the locker room.

They did a great job. She could trust them. Marinette had good friends. How could she ever think anything else of them?

She'd put it on her woozy mind later, but she couldn't help the comment. I get now why you do so much for them. They've earned it.

'...being a superhero is hard. Stepping between a villain and their targets... it takes some guts. You are an amazing person, for being able to do that every day.' Huh... She must be really out of it. There was no way she'd just heard Marinette admit something like that!

Does this mean we have to be friends now?

'Hell no! My day would be a lot more boring if I didn't have anyone to take my aggressions out on.'

She couldn't describe how relieved that answer made her. Good. Otherwise it would just be weird.

They'd be okay!

Damn it, I'm late! Again! Maybe...

'No!'

Oh come on, please! Ms. Bustier will give me detention if I miss role call again! You can't go on patrol with Chat Noir if that happens.

'...I hate so much that you're right.'