Chapter Text
Ladybug's legs shook she landed in the alleyway. Hawkmoth had been sending out akuma after akuma nonstop the past two weeks. She was beginning to think that he was losing as much sleep as her and her partner were.
Although Chat didn't show it, she could tell that he was tired. He was slower, and the quips were becoming fewer and farther between. The akuma's weren't even challenging...just time consuming.
Her back hit the brick wall beside her with a thump. "Tikki, Spots Off."
The costume and mask fell easily, leaving Marinette leaning against a building and her kwami sitting on her leg.
"Poor Nooroo. He must be so tired." Tikki's words were muffled as she snacked on a cookie.
Marinette sighed, picking the creature up in her palm. "We'll find him soon. I promise. We just need more time."
Tikki looked sadly up into Marinette's eyes. "And how long can Nooroo wait? If Hawkmoth-"
"He won't." Marinette said determinely. She folded her legs up beneath her to help her stand. Tikki floated up to kiss her holders' cheek. "I hope you're right." She then zipped into Marinette's purse, disappearing.
Marinette bit her lip anxiously as she made her way out to the sidewalk. As soon as she made a right, she was met with a face that made her stop in her tracks.
Lila.
She was leaning right outside the alleyway. Just out of sight, but close enough to hear it all. Her face showed no emotion, which she found scarier than anything else.
Lila didn't bother to put on a fake smile this time. The only thing she did was gestured back to the alleyway with her head. Lila pushed herself off the wall and walked into the alleyway that seemed much more daunting now that she had to follow the liar inside.
The two stood across from each other silently for a moment.
"You heard it all, didn't you?" Marinette crossed her arms. "Don't lie and say you didn't."
"I thought the famous Ladybug would've been more careful. You're lucky I was the only one to see."
"Lucky? Do you know what this means?!"
Lila shrugged. "You're the guardian now, aren't you? You control what happens." All of Paris knew that Ladybug knew that she kept the Miraculous. Which is why an identity reveal was extra dangerous.
"It means that we're both in danger. You're family, your friends-"
The liar shrugged. "Even if my family or friends were to be akumatized, you would save them, wouldn't you? 'Cause that's just the kind of person you are." She spat out the last sentence.
"Lila, seriously. I'm not kidding. Hawkmoth is closer to knowing who I am and will come after my family if you get akumatized."
"Sounds like a you problem."
Marinette wanted to pull her hair out, but knew that she couldn't loose her cool in front of Lila. She wouldn't let her see that. Lila already had the upper hand. She was holding Marinette's world in the palm of her hand. And Lila knew that.
If Lila were to even suggest that Marinette was related to Ladybug, there would be a problem. And the way that Lila influences the class... Marinette can't fuck around.
"Please, just keep this one secret. I'll do anything." She willed the tears away.
A beat of silence passed between them. "...Anything?'
Marinette felt her heart drop.
"Yes."
Lila's face broke into a smile.