Chapter Text

– Adrien –

Sometimes, it’s just too much.

Too much work.

Too much inattention.

Too much pressure.

Why can’t he get what he wants instead of what other people want for him?   He just can’t take it anymore—he needs to get out of here now .   The walls are closing in on him; he can feel it.

Feet pounding down the hallway.

Running down the stairs, skipping steps.

Flinging open the door.

Running out, before he can be stopped—he refuses to be stopped.

Running…

Running…

Running…

Always running…

When can he finally stop running after his loved ones?

Catching his breath in the park.

It’s so…quiet.

Peaceful.

Adrien Agreste sits down on a bench in a park in the middle of Paris and closes his eyes.

– Asami –

Scritch scritch…scritch…scritch…

A sigh.

A page is turned, the design marked with three stars, indicating it was okay, but not great.

Inspiration was slow coming.

A gentle screech as a chair is pushed back.

Soft rustling and zipping as pencils are packed up and a sketchbook is closed.

Quiet creaks as she moves down the stairs, drawing supplies in hand.

A door opening.

A call of goodbye, of reassurance, of “I will be back, don’t worry”.

A reply.

A click as the door closes.

Walking…

Walking…

Walking…

Time was all she had.

There was no need to run.

Stopping in her special inspiration spot in the park.

There’s a boy sitting draped over one end of her favorite bench, eyes closed as if sleeping.

Asami Yamikawa sits on the opposite end of the bench and opens her sketchbook.

Chapter Text

– Adrien –

Silence.

The Jardin de Luxembourg was always quiet at this time of day.

Except for the distant sounds of people talking and walking throughout the garden, it was silent.

So quiet.

So peaceful.

Adrien wished that he could stay just like this forever. Just relaxing on a bench, taking in the sounds of life, not having to do anything.

No modelling.

No piano or Chinese lessons.

No pressure.

Just him and the sounds of life.

Or, not just him, he supposed.   He'd felt the end of the bench dip down slightly earlier. Someone was sitting on the other end. They weren't bothering him though, so he supposed that he could let this intrusion of his quiet space go—he didn't think he could’ve faked another smile if they had asked him for an autograph.

– Asami –

That boy over there was contemplating the meaning of life—Asami just knew it.   He had a very obvious thinking expression, despite his calm and peaceful face and posture.

People-watching was always such a fun and interesting activity.   It always got her creative juices flowing to imagine people in various outfits to fit various scenarios.

Asami would bet that in a fantasy setting, he would be a prince—one that had a secret pastime of stealing the jewels of the rich and influential.

A rogue prince , she mused, sketching out a figure, the features of the boy on the bench slowly taking shape.   One that portrays a face of gentleness, of control and restraint, when among others, but desires an outlet for his inner chaos and recklessness, finding that in…less than savory pursuits.

A prince’s military uniform quickly took shape, with epaulettes and a shoulder cape, but also leather straps instead of a sash and black gloves rather than the usual white.

Asami smiled down at her finished sketch.

– Adrien –

Adrien sighed.   He knew that he had to go back eventually, but he really wasn’t looking forward to the inevitable lecture he was going to get.   Adrien squeezed his eyes shut.

To go, or not to go , he pondered.   That is the question.

But even as he thought this, he knew the inevitable answer—he would have to return.

Back to his father.

Back to the cold and empty mansion.

Back to his room, desolate of any presence and touch except his own.

Adrien sighed and opened his eyes, sitting up straight.

It was time to go home.

– Asami –

The boy stood up.   To Asami’s eyes—or rather, the corner of one of them—he looked lonely.   Tired.   There was a story here; she could feel it in her bones.

As the boy walked past her, she caught his eye.   She wasn’t quite sure what prompted her to do so, but she smiled encouragingly.

You can do it! she tried to project.   Whatever is weighing you down, you can get past it.

She didn’t know if it worked, but as the boy exited the park, she could have sworn there was a slight curl to his lips.

As Asami turned back to her people-watching, she put one last note in the corner of the page with the design of her rogue prince: find the right cloth for a quiet rebellion.

– Adrien –

Every step felt like his feet were sinking into the ground as he trudged back to the Agreste Mansion.   Every step felt like his shoes were made of lead.

“Adrien.”

Adrien turned.   Nathalie Sancoeur stepped out of the Agreste car, holding her tablet.   “Nathalie,” Adrien greeted tiredly.

“Your father is quite upset with you for running off like you did,” Nathalie said, straightening her glasses.

“So he is.”

“Yes.   It’s time for you to return.   Let’s go, Adrien.”

With a sigh, Adrien climbed into the limo.   Nathalie followed him in, closing the door behind her as Placide I.T. started the car.

“How angry is he, Nathalie.”

“Quite. Though he was more concerned with your safety.   You did run off so suddenly.   He has ordered that we install a gate for the mansion so this does not occur again.”

“Great.”

Adrien slumped in his seat, leaning against the window.   Just what he needed—to be further caged in the prison of a mansion that he called home.

– Asami –

“Tadaima!”

Asami pulled off her shoes with practiced ease.
“Okaeri!”, her mother, Seina, called from the kitchen.   “Mi-chan, we’ve got some very exciting news!”

“Really?”

“Yep!   Your father and I have just landed a campaign contract with Gabriel Agreste!   The Gabriel Agreste!”

“Wait, seriously?   That’s amazing!”

“I know!   It’s such a huge opportunity!   Oh—and I hear his son is about your age, so maybe you’ll make some friends while you’re with us!   He should be bringing him too if I’m not mistaken.”

“That would be nice,” Asami said with a smile.   “I’m going to go wash up before dinner, kaa-san.”

“Alright, just don’t take too long—dinner’s almost ready!”

“Will do!”

Asami hurried up the stairs two at a time, and dropped her supplies on her bed.   But before she could leave, something made her pause.

She hesitated, and opened her sketchbook to the rogue prince.   A soft smile tugged at her lips.

Picking up a pen, she scribbled a small annotation in the corner before closing the book and stepping out of the room, the moment already fading into the background of her mind.

The annotation?

A five star review.

– Adrien –

“Adrien.”

“...Father.”

Gabriel Agreste’s eyes were as frosty as his demeanor, his presence filling the room with cold.   Adrien did his best not to curl into himself.

“You ran off.”

“...I did, Father.   I’m sorry.”

“You will not do so again.   Do you understand me, Adrien?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Nathalie will be taking measures to ensure that you do.   Additionally, I shall have her increase your fencing and piano practice to ensure that you truly understand the severity of what you have done.”

“Yes, Father.   I understand.”

“See that you do.”   Gabriel placed a firm hand on Adrien’s shoulder.   “You must understand, Adrien, that you are my son.   My greatest treasure.   I cannot have you doing something so dangerous like what you did.”

If I’m your greatest treasure , Adrien thought miserably.   Then why are you never around?

Adrien nodded along silently.

Gabriel released him and turned around.   “We will be having visitors tomorrow, and I expect you to be in attendance.   Now, go to your room and think over your actions today.”

“...Yes, Father.”   It took everything in him to walk out of the room silently, but as soon as the door closed, he was sprinting down the hallway, teeth gritted, and green eyes welling with tears.

He barely made it to his bed before he was sobbing into his pillow.

As he cried himself to sleep, Adrien could only think of the gentle curve of the smile the girl at the park had given him—kinder and warmer than any he’s had before.

Adrien fell asleep, dreaming of the feeling of sun on his face and the sound of pencil scratching gently on paper.   When he awoke the next day, he couldn’t remember why.

Chapter Text

– Adrien –

Adrien woke slowly, the lingering memory of gentle smiles and warm sunlight giving way to the cold stillness of his room.   He lay awake, face pressed into his pillow, wishing he didn’t have to leave his bed.   But despite his wishes, a knock resounded on his door.

“Adrien, it’s time for breakfast.”

It was Nathalie.   For a moment, he silently cursed her name for making him leave the only warmth in his house.

“Yes, Nathalie.   I’ll be down soon,” he sighed, sitting up.   The morning was always so chilly.   Just like his empty house and his father.

“Very well.”

Adrien went about his morning routine with a sort of detached feeling.   He hated mornings; it always signalled another day.   Another day of fake smiles.   Of cold loneliness.   Of silence and empty rooms.

Splashing water onto his face, he looked at himself in the mirror.   The image that stared back could’ve been mistaken for a criminal mugshot with how grim he looked.

Adrien sighed and then forced his signature shy smile, and Mr. Adrien Getting-My-Mugshot Agreste turned into Adrien Perfectly-Demure-Model Agreste.

“Smile, Adrien.   Father is receiving guests, and you will not mess this up for him.   You are an Agreste.   Act like it,” he muttered, staring into the eyes of his reflection.

Now fully ready for the day, Adrien walked down to the dining room.   Nathalie was waiting by the long table with his breakfast.

“Is Father coming to eat?” Adrien asked, sitting down in his seat.

“Your father has decided to eat in his office today,” Nathalie replied, eyes holding a subtle flicker of pity that was quickly replaced with her usual stoic professionalism.

“Of course,” he sighed.   His father never ate with him; he should’ve expected it.   Was this how it was always going to be?   Breakfast was a silent affair—just like always.   Just like everything.

– Asami –

“Sweetie, it’s time to wake up…breakfast is almost ready.”

“Mmm…okay, Kaa-san…I’ll be up in a minute…”

“Hurry, please.   You don’t want your food to get cold.”

“Hai, kaa-san.”

Asami stretched as she sat up, taking in the feeling of warm sunlight on her skin.   Hopping out of bed, she shuffled her slippers on and padded to the bathroom to wash up, humming softly to herself.

Her parents’ soft voices drifted in from the kitchen, accompanied by the gentle sizzle of cooking fish.   Washing her face, she continued to hum a cheery tune as she thought to herself.

Today’s the day.   Kaa-san and Tou-san meet with Mr. Agreste!   I better not mess this up for them!   Though, I do wonder…   “What is he like?”   She stared at her reflection.   I hope we get along…   “Things will go fine, won’t they?   Kaa-san and Tou-san will finalize the contract, and I’ll have a new friend!”

She smiled reassuringly at her image, the morning sun glowing behind her like a soft golden halo.   “Everything will be fine.   I just have to make a good impression—Kaa-san and Tou-san’s hard work can’t go to waste!”

Asami quickly finished her morning routine and rushed downstairs, entering the kitchen just as her father had finished plating the grilled fish with rice and her mother finished doling out miso soup for the three of them.

“Good morning, Kaa-san, Tou-san!”

“Good morning, sweetie.”

“Good morning, Mi-chan!”

“Waahhh, it smells so nice!”

“It does, doesn’t it?”

“Itadakimasu!” they said together.

Asami dug into her food, munching happily on the grilled fish.   Mm…mackerel , she thought.

– Adrien –

Adrien sighed, leaning his head against the backrest of his couch as he idly flipped through TV channels.   A knock sounded on his door.

“Adrien.   It’s time.   Our guests have arrived.”

“Coming,” he murmured, pushing himself up.   He looked in the mirror one last time, brushing himself off and fixing his hair before slipping on his Model Smile.

He made his way to the foyer, where his father and Natalie stood waiting with their guests.

“This is my son, Adrien,” he father intoned, as cold and unreadable as ever.

“Hello.   It’s nice to meet you, sir, ma’am,” he greeted politely, then turned to the girl beside them.   “And you are…?”   He idly noted how blue her eyes were— like gems , he thought.   Or the sky without a single cloud in sight, the kind that never seemed to exist over his house.

The girl stepped forwards, giving him a slight bow and a warm, genuine smile.   “Asami Yamikawa.   I’m their daughter.   It’s nice to meet you!”

Her voice was like a sunny day—cheerful, warm, and completely out of place in his cold house.

He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly feeling oddly self-conscious.   “It’s nice to meet you as well.”

An awkward silence ensued before they both opened their mouths at the same time.

“Have I seen you before?”

“You seem familiar.”

The girl—Asami—blushed slightly in embarrassment.   She wasn’t alone, as he could feel his own cheeks warming up as he chuckled in embarrassment.

“Adrien.”

Adrien jolted, having forgotten about the adults in the room.   Nathalie’s eyes twinkled, just for a moment, before her usual stoic professionalism snapped back into place.   His father stared down at him.

“Take Ms. Yamikawa to your room.   I have business to discuss with her parents.”

“Ah—um..y-yes, Father.”   Adrien’s voice caught as he stumbled over his words, wrongfooted.   His father turned away.   A clear dismissal.   It never failed to hurt whenever it happened—like ice water on unprepared skin.   He couldn’t help the slight flicker of hurt he felt.

“Um…”   Asami shifted beside him.   “Shall we go up to your room, or…?”

Adrien nodded, gesturing for her to follow.

He didn’t know why his stomach felt strange.   Maybe it was nerves.   She did seem somewhat familiar…

…Or maybe it was the hurt of his father’s dismissal still lingering like an aching wound.

Adrien glanced briefly back at his father’s retreating figure, the weight of his dismissal sitting heavy in his chest.   Even now, the cold of his dismissal managed to drown everything out—even the warmth just a step behind him.

– Asami –

“So…what do you like doing in your spare time?”

“Um..I play video games.   Ultimate Mecha Strike III .   And I fence…?”

“Oh, you play too?   Awesome!   We should play together sometime!”

“Oh, um…sure.   I’ve never had anyone to play with, so this’ll be a new experience for me…”

“Oh, that’s fine.  We’ll have plenty of fun even then!”

Adrien stopped in front of his room, turning to her with a strange, thoughtful expression.   Asami stared back, cheerful as ever, if not slightly confused.

“Why are you so…nice?” he asked

“Is there a reason I shouldn’t be?” she asked, slightly concerned.

“No…?   Sorry, it’s just weird for me to meet someone who’s so…genuine.”

“Well, now you’ve met me, so there you go!” she said with a little grin.

Adrien smiled slightly—a genuine smile—before turning to open his door.

Asami stepped inside and paused.

“It’s very…”

“Open, yeah.”

“Open is a bit of an understatement.”

The entire outside wall was made of glass.   There was not a speck of personality to be seen in the room—no models or personal items strewn about.   It could’ve been taken out of a magazine with how pristine and perfectly placed everything was.

“You don’t feel uncomfortable with the giant windows and everything?” she asked, wandering a few steps in.

Adrien made a so-so motion.   “I think I’ve just gotten used to it—it doesn’t really bother me.   The windows are also one-way, so it’s not as bad as it seems.”

“Oh, okay.   If you say so…”

Asami sat down next to Adrien on his plush couch, silence falling between them—not awkward, but uncertain.

Then Asami brightened. “Would you like to look at some of my designs?   I’m planning on becoming a fashion designer.   Maybe you could tell me what you think?”   She pulled out a pocket-sized sketchbook from her shoulder bag.

Adrien smiled at her, surprised by her offer. “I think I would like that, yes.”

– Adrien –

Adrien didn’t know talking with another person could be so… easy .

Conversation was effortless as they talked, laughed, and flipped through Asami’s sketchbook together.

“You should add ruffles to the sleeves.   It would add just a little more flair to tie your piece together,” he said shyly, tracing the edges of a sketch of a man in a 1800s inspired outfit.

Asami paused, considering his advice before her eyes widened.   “Wait, that’s a great idea!   I was wondering why I felt like something was missing.”   She took back the sketchbook, scribbling quickly.   “You’re a genius, Adrien.”

“...Not really…” he murmured, fingers twitching nervously as a soft flush dusted his cheeks. But the gentle smile she gave him was so full of warmth that he had to duck his face into the collar of his shirt to hide his own.

He didn’t realize how much time had passed until Nathalie knocked on the door.

“Ms. Yamikawa, your parents are ready to leave.”

Adrien couldn’t help the slight pout that formed on his lips.   “It’s that late already?”

Asami smiled.   “We can exchange numbers, if you want.   So we can text and make plans to meet up again?”

Adrien perked up.   “That would be great!”   He pulled out his phone immediately.

They traded phones and typed quickly, Asami sending a quick “Hiii!” to confirm it was him and receiving a “Hey!” in return.

Asami smiled at him as she got up from the couch.   “Well, guess it’s that time.   It was really nice getting to know you, Adrien.”

“You too,” he replied, heart fluttering in his chest.   Was he sick?   Excited that he had a new friend?   He couldn’t tell.

“I’ll text you when I get back home, alright?   Bye, Adrien!”

“Bye, Asami!”

Asami closed the door behind her, and a few minutes later, he could hear the Yamikawa car start up and drive off.

Adrien threw himself onto his bed and clutched his pillow, burying his face into it and kicking his heels like an excited puppy.

I have a new friend!

Chapter Text

– Asami –

Beep!   Beep!   Beep!   Beep—

A hand shot out from under the covers, slamming the alarm clock silent.   Asami sat up, stretching her back.

First day of school!   Awesome!

She couldn’t help but grin to herself, rushing through her morning routine with excitement.   She threw on a plain black shirt, a pair of black cargo pants, and paired it with a few thin silver necklaces and bracelets.   Giving herself a quick look over in the mirror, she grinned and hurried out of her room.

Asami bounced down the stairs, humming a happy tune.   “Good morning, kaa-san!   Good morning, tou-san!”

Her parents called out varying greetings.   Her father blinked sleepily at her, unable to comprehend the idea of being so peppy in the morning, while her mother cooked at the stove.   She grabbed the onigiri already prepared for her and rushed to put on her shoes.

“What’s the rush?   You have plenty of time,” her mother laughed.

“I’m just excited!” she called back, tying up her black Converse in record time and then whipping open the front door.

“I’ll see you later, kaa-san, tou-san!”

— ♦ —

Running down the street, Asami soon made it to her new school: Collège Françoise Dupont .   Stopping to catch her breath, she stared up at the large doors.

“Wow,” she murmured before heading inside.   Fiddling anxiously with her fingers, she approached a girl with purple tips in her hair.   “Excuse me,” she began.   “But do you know where I can find Ms. Bustier’s class?”

The girl turned around, eyes blinking in surprise.   “Oh, um…second floor, the corner classroom on the right furthest from the entrance,” she mumbled, gesturing vaguely in the general direction.   “I can…show you, if you want?   That’s…my class.”   She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“That would be great!   I’m new, so I don’t know where anything is…” Asami fidgeted with her fingers, uncertain.

“That’s okay…um, you can just follow me if you want,” the girl said, turning towards the stairs.

“Thank you!   I’m Asami.” she introduced as she fell into step beside the goth.

“Juleka…” the girl murmured.

— ♦ —

As they climbed the stairs, Asami snuck a few glances at Juleka.   “I really like your style,” she said sincerely.   “Your hair is really pretty.”

Caught off guard, Juleka blinked bemusedly at her.   “Oh…um, thank you.”   She flushed in embarrassment, but her lips curled into a tiny smile.   Reaching the top of the stairs, Juleka turned to the nearest door.

“Our class is this door…” she said, pushing it open.   A red-haired woman glanced up from the papers she was sorting at her desk.   “Oh, hello!   You must be one of our new students!”   The teacher greeted Asami warmly, placing down her papers.

Juleka quietly moved across the room, taking her seat beside a pixie-haired girl in pink.   Meanwhile, Asami nodded and approached the teacher.   “I’m Asami Yamikawa,” she said politely.

“Nice to meet you, Asami.   I’m your homeroom teacher, Ms. Bustier.   Why don’t you take a seat besides Ivan?” Ms. Bustier offered, turning towards the third row.   “Ivan, would you please raise your hand.”

A large boy next to the aisle seat lifted his hand into the air.   “Thank you, Ivan.”

Asami went over and placed her bag on the desk, sitting next to him.   “Hey.   I’m Asami,” she greeted.

“Ivan,” he grunted out as the bell rang.   Asami smiled, and then glanced around the classroom, taking in her classmates talking with one another and the neat structure of the classroom.

Ms. Bustier smiled at the two students’ introductions and then turned to the boy sitting behind Ivan.

“Nino, why don’t you have a seat in the front row this year?”, she said just as a final student burst into the room.

The boy—Nino—jolted in surprise and then reluctantly trudged down the steps to the first row, slumping down in his seat as the late student took the second row aisle seat.

Then not a second later, a palm slammed down on the late girl’s desk.   Asami stared at the instigator.   She’s very…yellow , Asami thought.   Blonde hair, yellow jacket, gold jewelry…   She practically screams ‘I have an attitude and I’m not afraid to use it.’

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng,” Yellow Girl said to Late Girl with a mocking voice.   “Here we go again,” Asami heard Late Girl—Marinette—mutter.   “That’s my seat,” the blonde snapped.   “But Chloé, this has always been my seat,” Marinette protested.

“Not anymore,” a red head said, sliding into the neighboring seat.   “New school, new year, new seats.”   She was clearly on Chloé’s side and was likely her best friend, by Asami’s observations.

As the situation began to escalate, Asami considered intervening before a buzz from her pocket distracted her.

Adrien 🐾: Hey, I never got to ask, but what school are you going to?

Asami smiled and started texting, sufficiently distracted from the drama in front of her desk, though she filed the blonde’s animosity with the bluenette away in her mind for later.

Asami 🌸: I’m going to Collège Françoise Dupont!

Asami 🌸: Why?   Are you going here?

Adrien 🐾: Yes!   I just need to sneak out of my house first…I’ll be there soon, hopefully!

Asami 🌸: I’ll see you soon, then! 💜

– Adrien –

Adrien grinned at his phone as he ran through the park towards the school.   He’d only barely managed to escape his house thanks to the still yet-to-be-installed gate.

Glancing behind him, his eyes widened as he saw the Agreste car speeding by.   He began to run faster, making it to the steps just as the car screeched to a stop behind him.   Nathalie and Placide I.T. stepped out, ready to take him back.

“Adrien, please reconsider—you know what your father wants,” Nathalie said as she approached him.

“But this is what I want to do,” Adrien fired back.

He was about to run up the stairs into the school before he heard a groan of pain.   Turning, he saw an old man on the ground, his cane having fallen out of reach as people walked by without care.   His bleeding heart couldn’t help it, and Adrien ran to the old man, handing him back his cane and helping him up.

“Thank you, young man,” the old man said.

Adrien turned around, about to enter the school, before he saw Nathalie and Placide I.T. blocking his path to the school.   His shoulders slumped, and he walked to them, feeling defeated.

“I just want to go to school like everybody else.   What’s so wrong with that?” he said before slumping in defeat.   “Please don’t tell my father about all this…” he pleaded as they escorted him to the car.   Even as he said it, he knew it was a fruitless endeavor.

Chapter Text

– Asami –

Adrien 🐾: Hey…I got caught.   I don’t think I’ll be coming to school today…

Asami 🌸: Oh, that’s too bad…I really would’ve liked to be able to have my first day with you there…

Asami 🌸: It’s okay though!   You can just come tomorrow!

Adrien 🐾: Yeah!   I’ll be sure to wake up earlier this time so they won’t catch me!

Asami put away her phone, smiling softly.   The bell soon rang as homeroom ended, and Ms. Bustier stood up to address the class as the boy in a red hoodie waved a piece of paper at Asami.

“Those of you who have PE, Mr. D’Argencourt is expecting you at the stadium,” she said.   “The rest of you can head over to the library.”

Asami took a quick glance at the open note.

You haven’t even got the guts to tell Mylène you love her.

Wuss.

She gave a dry look at the boy.   Really? she thought.   Talk about rude…   The boy mouthed for her to pass it to Ivan.   Asami promptly balled up the note in response, receiving a frown from the boy that she blithely ignored.

However, Ivan had noticed this exchange, and gently took the crumpled note from her hand, unravelling it to read, even as Asami tried to stop him.   His eyes widened.

“KIM!” he shouted in anger.   Asami cringed as Ivan shot up from his seat, storming over to Kim even as the boy smirked.

“Ivan!   What is going on?!” Ms. Bustier immediately stepped in as Ivan raised his fist to punch the other boy.

“It’s Kim!   I’m so going to get—”

“Ivan!   Go to the principal’s office!”   Ms. Bustier clearly wasn’t going to tolerate any fighting in her class.

“Ms. Bustier—” Asami started, but her voice was buried under the wave of laughter from the other students. Ivan shot her a grateful look, his anger fading just a little, before he stormed out with his things.   Asami frowned in worry.

— ♦ —

“Why did you write that?”

“What do you mean?” Kim gave her an inquiring look as they walked with their classmates to the stadium.

“I mean, why did you have to write it in such a rude way?” Asami clarified.   “Couldn’t you have just said ‘Go tell Mylène you love her’?”

“Well, what’s the fun in that?   Besides, it’s just some harmless ribbing.”

Asami sighed, shaking her head.   The group of students entered the stadium, where soccer nets were set up.

“ ‘Tis a fine day today, and for that we must make the most of it!” Mr. D’Argencourt announced, sweeping his eyes over the gathered students.   “But alas, while mine heart desires to teach thee in the art of the sword and foil, ‘tis not to be.   Nevertheless, we shall participate in yet another noble sport: soccer!   A battle of quick feet, sharp wits, and teamwork!   Form two teams.   But before you alight this field, we warm up.   Ten laps around the perimeter!   And no cutting corners—I’ve the eyes of a hawk and the soul of a knight!   I shall be watching!” His eyes narrowed, scanning the crowd as if challenging them to defy him.

Asami dropped her bag and joined the rest of the students in their warm-up.   Her legs burned as she sprinted around the stadium perimeter, effortlessly outpacing the rest of the students.   In record time, she was finished.

“ Excellente!   You are indeed swift of foot.   If ye wish it so, mayhaps you shall continue your swift flight ‘round the perimeter?” Mr. D’Argencourt praised.

“I’ve got nothing better to do,” Asami agreed, already taking off for a few more laps while waiting for the rest of her class.   She managed to finish another two laps before the other students had finished their ten.

– Adrien –

“Who was the first president of the Fifth French Republic?” Nathalie quizzed.

“Everyone thinks it was de Gaulle, but it was actually René Coty before the first elections,” Adrien sighed out, utterly bored.

“Excellent, Adrien.”

“Give me a minute would you, Nathalie?”   Gabriel Agreste appeared at the doors of the dining room.

“Yes, sir.”   Nathalie stepped aside, giving them some space.

Adrien straightened in his seat, bracing for the lecture he knew was coming.

“You are not going to school—I’ve already told you,” Gabriel scolded his son.   Adrien turned a betrayed look to Nathalie, who looked away.   He shot up from his seat, protests falling from his lips.

“But, Father—”

“Everything you need is right here, where I can keep an eye on you—I will not have you outside in that dangerous world ,” Gabriel cut him off.

“It’s not dangerous, Father.   I’m always stuck in here by myself—why can’t I go out and make friends just like everybody else?!”

“Because you are not like everyone else—you are my son! ” Gabriel snapped, ending the conversation.   “Continue.”   He turned and left the room without a word.

“...We can leave it there for today if you—” Nathalie began.

Adrien didn’t wait for her to finish. He bolted from the room, heart pounding, and collapsed onto his bed, burying his face in the pillows like he had so many times before—muffled screams of frustration lost in the fabric.

— ♦ —

Suddenly, he felt it; the ground was shaking, like something massive or heavy was walking by.   Sprinting down to the main entrance, Adrien threw the doors open to see the police creating a barricade in front of the mansion entrance.

He couldn't see what they were aiming at—until the ground trembled, and a massive stone foot slammed into view.   The officers fired to no avail.   Adrien’s eyes widened as the golem glowed yellow and then grew massively in size.

“ KIM! ” the golem roared, causing the officers to scatter.   The golem picked up a police van and hurled it at an escaping officer.   Adrien quickly ran up to his room before he could see more.

He leapt over his couch, snatched up the remote, and flipped on the news with shaking hands.

“I’m asking all Parisans to stay home until this situation is under control,” the mayor said.   Instantly, the press began to hound him for answers.   The screen zoomed out to show Nadja Chamack.

“As incredible as it seems, it’s been confirmed that Paris is being attacked by a supervillain.   The police have been struggling to keep the situation under control..”   The screen then switched to an interview of Officer Roger Raincomprix, who sported a broken arm in a cast from the thrown police van.

“Be confident that the strong arm of the law will come crashing down— A-ahhh!   I-I mean the other arm…” Roger stated seriously before cringing in pain as he accidentally lifted his broken arm to gesture.

Adrien stared blankly at the screen for a moment.   If asked later, he would say he had no idea what possessed him to do so, but he looked down at his coffee table.

“What’s this doing here?” he muttered, staring at a hexagonal box with a red symbol on the lid.

Chapter Text

– Adrien –

Curious, Adrien opened the mystery box.   He only managed to get a glimpse of a black ring with a green paw print before he was blinded by a ball of green light.   He yelped in shock, raising a hand to cover his eyes.

The ball of light eventually faded, coalescing into a…floating black cat-thing?

Adrien stared as the cat—was that even a cat?—yawned.

“No way…like the genie in the lamp!” he muttered, reaching out a finger to poke at the tiny figure.

Then, the thing began to talk?!

“I met him once.   So he grants wishes—big deal!   I’m way more personable,” the flying cat said.   “Plagg.   Nice to meet you!”   The cat turned his attention away from Adrien as the boy processed his rapid-fire introduction.

Adrien was jolted out of his musing as Plagg flew over to his foosball table.   “Ooh!   Swanky!”   The cat promptly attempted to take a bite out of one of the foosball players.

“No!   Don’t touch that!” Adrien made a wild grab for the cat, missing as the cat flew towards his arcade machines.   “Hey!   Come back here!”

“Ooh!   It’s so shiny!   Can you eat this?” Plagg attempted to take a chomp out of the joystick, failing once more.   “Oh, no you can’t!”   The excitable cat flew off once more as Adrien lunged at him again.   “Ooh, what about this?!”

– Asami –

“Left!”

“I’m open!”

“Hey, no shoving!”

The stadium field was a flurry of activity as the game went on.   Asami kicked the ball across the field, the ball swerving in a perfect curve past the goalie and into the net.

“Goal!   A strike worthy of a battlefield!   Magnifique!   A point to the valorous Red Team!” Mr. D’Argencourt cried.

“Nice one!” shouted Kim, giving Asami a high five as she ran past him.   Asami planted her hands on her knees, bending over slightly as she eyed the opposing team.   She panted lightly, adrenaline thrumming through her veins and sweat sliding down her forehead.

The whistle blew, signalling the start of the next play.   The ball shot across the field, this time in Blue Team’s favor.

“Get her!” Kim shouted, in the middle of blocking Nino.   Asami ran after Alix, catching up to the pink-haired girl quickly.

“Hey Alix!   Sorry, but I’m going to need that!”   With a quick movement, Asami stole the ball from the shorter girl and was already halfway back down the field before she knew what was going on.

“Hey!   No fair!”

“Sorry!” Asami called back.

– Adrien –

As Plagg attempted to take a bite out of Adrien’s TV remote, shaking his head and spitting out a piece of plastic in frustration, Adrien quickly searched for a plan.

He glanced around his massive room, eyeing the climbing wall above the basketball hoop. Desperate times, right?   He scaled the wall before bracing himself for what he was going to do next.   Taking a flying leap, he snatched the cat out of the air, landing safely on the couch.

“Aah!” Plagg cried out in surprise, trapped in Adrien’s fist.

“I still don’t know what you’re doing here,” Adrien said, staring at the cat, who turned in his hands to face the human.

“Look.   I’m a Kwami.   I grant powers.   Yours is the power of Destruction.   Got it?” Plagg stated dryly.   Adrien shook his head in confusion, but Plagg could care less.

“Good.   And now, got anything to eat?   I’m starving ,” Plagg whined.

Adrien got up from his couch, Plagg still clutched in his fist.

“My dad’s pranking me, right?” Adrien asked him, before amending his statement.   “Wait, he couldn’t be—he has no sense of humor.”

Plagg flew out of Adrien’s hands, glaring sternly at the boy.   “Your father must never know that I exist!   Or anyone, for that matter!”

“What?   Why?   He’s my father!” Adrien protested.

“Do you want to put your father in danger?   You’re a superhero, kid.   Superheroes have enemies!” the Kwami retorted, crossing his arms, before going off to explore the room some more.

“Anyway, you’re going to have a partner to help you.” Plagg continued.   “They’re going to be wielding the Ladybug Miraculous.   Their superpower is the power of Creation.   What you have here is the Black Cat Miraculous.   Your ability is Cataclysm.   You call it out, and then you’ll be able to destroy whatever you touch.   Then after that, you’ll have five minutes before de-transforming.   The two of you are going to be the team that protects Paris!”

“But I’m stuck here!   I’m not even allowed to go to school!   What good is a superhero that’s imprisoned in his own house?! ” Adrien said.

“No good!” Plagg said, rolling by on a roll of toilet paper, leaving a trail of white.   “That’s why it’s all going to change soon.   If you’re willing to change, that is.”

Adrien looked down at the silver Miraculous in his hand, contemplating his choices.   Then, he clutched the ring in his hand and made his decision.

— ♦ —

“Alright.   I’ll do it!   But how do I become a superhero?” Adrien asked.

“‘Claws out.’   That’s how you transform,” Plagg informed him casually, popping his head out of a toilet paper tube after he’d finished unravelling the roll.

“Got it!   Plagg, claws out!” Adrien shouted.

“Wait, I haven’t finished explaining—!” Plagg shouted as he was sucked into the ring.

With a flash of green light, the black leather of his superhero suit materialized on him.

“Too cool!” he said, staring down at his clawed gloves before leaping out of his window, excited to start his new life.

Grabbing the baton at his waist, he extended it and used it like a vault.   Once he was a few blocks away, he decided to change things up and use it as a bridge, marvelling at his perfect balance.

“I’m starting to get the hang of this!” he said to himself.   Suddenly, he heard a distant sound of screaming, quickly getting louder.

Looking up, he saw a red spot in the sky falling towards him.   The spot soon became visible as a screaming girl in red ladybug-spotted spandex.   Adrien barely had time to yelp in surprise before she collided with him.

— ♦ —

The momentum of her fall knocked him off his baton, sending them falling towards the ground.   Luckily for them, however, her yoyo wrapped around the baton, saving them from becoming twin splatters on the ground.

Adrien grinned, even as he hung upside down, tied to the mystery lady by her wire.   “Well, hey there!   Nice of you to drop in,” he joked.

“I’m sorry—I didn’t do it on purpose,” she apologized.

Freeing himself from the wire, he landed softly on his feet and then introduced himself.

“I bet you’re the partner my Kwami told me about!   I’m…Chat Noir.   Yeah, Chat Noir.   And you?”   He watched as the girl desperately pulled on her wire, trying to get it free.

“I’m Ma— er, Ma—”   Suddenly, his baton, now free from the girl’s yoyo, fell and collided with his head, making him cringe and rub it in pain.   “Madly clumsy…I am so clumsy,” the girl finished, staring miserably at the ground.

“No sweat, clumsy girl!   I’m learning the ropes too!” he reassured her.   But before he could say more, a loud boom echoed through the area, and the two watched in horror as a skyscraper collapsed.

Chat Noir immediately extended his baton, using it to vault up to the roof of a nearby building.

“Hey, wait!   Where are you going?” Clumsy Girl called.

“To save Paris!   Right?” he called back, before continuing his path towards the sound of destruction.

– Asami –

Asami stretched, her back popping slightly.   Her team had won 5 to 3, and her legs ached wonderfully with all the running she did.

“Hey.  You did pretty good!”   Kim came over to her and held out a fist for a bump.

“You too—”   Just as Asami’s fist touched Kim’s there was an earth-shaking boom that rattled the stadium.   Asami and Kim whipped around in shock, the latter quickly paling in horror.

“What in the world…?”   Asami’s whisper was lost in the roar of anger that came from the massive stone golem that was standing on the stadium roof.

“ KIM! ” the golem roared.   “ So, who’s the wuss now?! ”

“Oooh MY GOSH, WE’VE GOT TO RUN!” Asami yelled, grabbing Kim’s arm.

As the two began to sprint across the stadium field, the golem leaped down into the stadium and gave chase, arm outstretched to grab Kim.

“Is that Ivan?!”

“Looks like it!   So much for harmless ribbing! ”

“I didn’t know—ah!”

Kim tripped and fell, nearly dragging Asami with him.

“Kim!” She shot forward, placing herself between him and the incoming fist.   The golem’s hand came closer, almost brushing her, before a metal pole slammed in front of it, blocking the attack.

Chat Noir dropped from above, his body twisting mid-air with feline grace before landing in front of Asami, baton at the ready.

“Hey!   It’s not very nice to pick on people that are smaller than you,” the hero proclaimed.   Despite his confident words and pose, tension laced his body as he subtly positioned himself between Asami and the golem—Stoneheart.   Kim immediately took the distraction as a chance to escape, leaving Asami behind.

“ I guess you’re talking about yourself ,” Stoneheart retorted, raising a massive fist.   Chat Noir raised his baton, tense and ready to deflect the blow.   His eyes briefly flicked to Asami, but he never shifted his position between her and the threat.

“Ivan, stop!   This isn’t you!” Asami shouted.

The fist stopped inches away.

Seeing the opportunity, Asami pressed on.   “I know what Kim wrote in the note was mean.   I know that it was unfair for you to be sent to the principal’s office without being able to properly explain yourself,” she said.   “But you’re better than this.   So, please—let’s calm down and talk properly.”

The fist hovered, massive and terrifying.   Please work…please…

Then, it began to retract.   Asami released a breath she didn’t realise she was holding.

“ Okay.   I— ” Ivan began, before a glowing pink butterfly outlined his face.

Asami’s breath caught as Ivan went silent, as if listening to something only he could hear.

Then—“ Yes, Hawkmoth ,” he finally responded.   Who…?

The outline disappeared and his yellow, lamp-like eyes glared down at them.

“ Sorry, Asami ,” he said.

A massive fist came swinging down.

— ♦ —

Chat Noir immediately grabbed her waist and leapt backwards, narrowly avoiding the oncoming fist.

“Run!” he shouted.   “I’ll distract him.   You have to go!”

Chat Noir prepared to face off against Stoneheart.   He tightened his grip on his baton and grit his teeth in preparation for the next attack.

“Wait!”   Asami grabbed his arm.   “Will you be okay?”

Chat Noir grinned confidently.   “I’m a superhero—of course I’ll be fine!”

Asami nodded and ran across the field, heart pounding, until she reached the perimeter—near the other new girl in her class.

Why was she even here? And… was she recording ?

Asami turned to watch Chat Noir battle Stoneheart. One hit accidentally made him grow, so Chat Noir resorted to dodging instead.

Then Stoneheart got angry.

With a roar, he yanked a soccer goal free and threw it at Chat Noir.   The hero dodged—

But the metal frame struck the ground and ricocheted—hurtling straight toward the two girls still in the stadium.

Asami didn’t even have time to scream—just to shove the girl to the ground and brace for impact.

— ♦ —

“No!”

Chat Noir hurled his baton.   It expanded mid-air and struck the player’s entrance, redirecting the goalpost’s trajectory.   Asami had thrown herself on top of the new girl, knocking her to the ground, and she flinched as the soccer goal slammed back down nearby.

“Are you alright?” she asked the girl.

“Yeah.   Thanks for that.   Uh, name’s Alya.”

“Asami.”

Asami looked up, just in time to see Chat Noir get caught in Stoneheart’s fist.   “Oh no!”

“What are you waiting for, Super Red Bug?!   The world is watching you!” Alya suddenly shouted.

Asami’s head whipped around, seeing a red-and-black figure on the roof of the stadium.

Another hero?   What took them so long?

The person seemed frozen.   Then, in a burst of motion, she leapt off the roof.   Sliding through Stoneheart’s legs, she whipped her yoyo around his ankles.

“Animal cruelty?   How shameful!” the girl said, yanking the wire and knocking Stoneheart flat onto his back.

Chat Noir rolled into the soccer goal with a grunt before flipping back onto his feet like the cat he represented.

The girl ran up to him, breathless.

“Sorry it took so long, Chat Noir.”

“Chat Noir, are you okay?” Asami asked, eyes wide.

Chat Noir merely grinned.   “I’m fine.   Also, it’s cool, Wonderbug.  Now let’s kick his rocky behind!”

“Wonderbug” reached out, snagging the other hero’s tail before he could charge in.   “Wait!   Haven’t you noticed?   He gets bigger and stronger with every attack; we have to do something different.”

“Different how?” the cat-themed hero questioned, holding his tail protectively.

“Uh…I don’t know.”

“Okay, then.   Let’s use our powers!   Cataclysm!”   Chat Noir grinned, holding up his glowing black hand.   “Apparently, I destroy whatever I touch.”

“I don’t need a superpower to destroy everything,” the ladybug-themed hero said.

Still excited, Chat Noir reached out to touch the soccer goal.

“No—don’t do that!”   Too late.   His hand made contact, and the metal quickly rusted and broke apart.

“Woah,” Asami muttered.   Behind her, Alya was still filming with a manic glint in her eye as she slowly edged away for a wider shot.

“Cool—it’s just you and me now!”   Chat Noir charged towards the massive stone golem coming their way.   “Time to rumble, soon-to-be rubble!”

“Chat Noir, wait!” the spotted heroine cried out.

Chat Noir’s hand landed on Stoneheart’s foot—only for nothing to happen.   He tapped it a few times, clearly confused, before he had a realization.

“Uh-oh.   I guess I only get one shot to use my power…” he muttered, waving at Stoneheart nervously.

A second later, he was kicked back to the three girls.   Asami ran forward and caught him with a grunt.

“Are you alright?” she asked.

– Adrien –

Chat Noir groaned in pain.   That kick was brutal… he thought.   “I’m fine…” he wheezed out.   “Just a bit winded.   Thanks for the catch.”

Asami helped him up, worry clear in her eyes.

“And now you only have five more minutes before you transform back!” his partner scolded.   “Didn’t your kwami explain anything to you?!”   Asami’s eyes sharpened in curiosity as she listened, hand still on Chat Noir’s arm.   Chat Noir plastered a smile on his face.   Why was she talking about their kwami’s when there was a civilian around?!

He laughed sheepishly, free hand going up to rub the back of his neck.   “I guess I was a little excited about my new life…”

The ladybug-themed hero smiled.   “Well—up to me!   Lucky charm!”   A rubber wetsuit was created out of the pink sparkles of the Lucky Charm.

“And…what’s that supposed to do?” Asami asked.

“ Super power,” Chat Noir agreed sarcastically.

“My kwami told me I have to break the object where the whatchamacallit—the Akuma—is hiding,” the spotted heroine said.

“Well, he’s made entirely out of stone ,” Chat Noir said, pointing at the slowly approaching golem.

Chat Noir could see his partner come to a realization.   “His right hand!   It’s still closed—he never opens it!   It’s like the Russian dolls; the object isn’t on him, it’s hidden in his fist!”

“So, what’s your plan?” he asked.

Chat Noir watched his partner look around the stadium, keeping an eye on Asami, who was visibly getting more tense with each step closer Stoneheart took.

“Are you alright?” he whispered to her.

“I’m fine,” she said.   “Just…nervous.”

Suddenly, a wire wrapped around his ankles.   “Huh?”   He saw Asami glance down, and looked as well.   Dread filled him as he saw her ankles were tied with the wire as well.

“Don’t resist!” shouted his partner.   Before he could react, the wire snapped taut, yanking them both off their feet and sending them hurtling towards the looming stone figure.

“THIS GIRL’S CRAZYYY!!!” he cried, hugging Asami to him as she screamed in surprise at the sudden move.

The next moment, they were airborne, flying straight towards Stoneheart.   The stone golem caught them in his fist, and Asami cried out in pain.

While Chat Noir had done his best to cushion the impact for her, her arm still painfully collided with the stone surface of the massive hand.

“Asami!   Are you okay?!” Chat Noir asked.

“I’m…fine.   Nothing’s broken, I think.   I’m just going to have a really nasty bruise tomorrow…” she gritted out.

Chat Noir frowned and then glared at his partner, who had just enacted the rest of her plan and was running to crush the purple stone that had fallen from Stoneheart’s hand.   What was she thinking, getting a civilian involved in their fights?

Suddenly, he was falling, the stone collapsing around them.   Chat Noir grabbed onto Asami, landing carefully on his feet and letting her go once she was steady.   The stone vanished into nothing, leaving a disoriented Ivan on the ground.   “What’s going on?   What am I doing here?” he asked.

Chat Noir gave a tight smile to his partner.   “Nice job, Miss, uh Bug-Lady.   But if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take this civilian here home so she can get some ice.”   His ring beeped, signalling his time was running out.   “And also because of that.   See you!”

Chat Noir pulled Asami to his side, using his baton—that had magically reappeared at the small of his back—to vault them out of the stadium.

“Mind pointing me to where I should drop you off?   I’d like to make sure you get some ice on your arm…” he said.

— ♦ —

“You can drop me off here.   And um, before you go, I really wanted to thank you for saving me…”

The memory of Asami’s last words to him replayed in his mind as he bounded across rooftops toward his house.   His heart had skipped when she’d thanked him, and he found himself replaying her words over and over, unwilling to forget the vulnerability she’d shown.

However, as he leaped through the air toward his home, Adrien also couldn't shake the image of Asami’s pained face, the impact of her collision with Stoneheart’s hand lingering in his mind.   He frowned to himself as his house came into view.

Leaping through his window, his ring beeped a final time and he de-transformed, Plagg flying out with a groan.

“Oh, my stomach!   My head!   I need food—fast!” Plagg cried dramatically.

Adrien sighed, turning on the TV.

— ♦ —

Several hours later, four covered dishes sat on his coffee table as Plagg smelled each one while Adrien watched the news.

“I am pleased to announce that we will be organizing a huge celebration in honor of our city’s new protectors: Ladybug and Chat Noir,” Mayor André Bourgeois stated.

“So her name’s Ladybug,” Adrien murmured, mind still thinking of his friend’s pained face as she collided with the stone hand.

He was quickly broken out of his reverie by Plagg.   “ Ew , ugh , what is this? ” Plagg complained, brandishing a fancy fruit cup like it had insulted his very existence.

“Seriously?   My personal chef made all this,” Adrien said, annoyed.   Did this guy have to be so picky?

“If you expect me to get my energy back after a transformation, I need to eat something more… delicate ,” Plagg declared, dropping the cup.

“Okay…what do you want?” Adrien sighed, already bending to clean up the mess.

He soon regretted saying this, as apparently, “delicate” to Plagg meant camembert .

“Camembert cheese.   Fantastic .   All he eats is camembert, which means I’m going to smell like stinky old cheese,” he muttered, thoroughly disgruntled.   Plagg ignored him, chowing down happily on the wheel of runny cheese like he was at an all-you-can-eat buffet.

On the TV, breaking news began to play, showing pictures of civilians being turned into copies of Stoneheart by black butterflies.   Nadja’s voice was heavy with concern as she spoke of civilians turned into stone beings.

Adrien felt his heart race.   Could he have prevented this? Had they really defeated Stoneheart, or was it all just a temporary fix?   His stomach twisted as the thought of the civilians trapped like statues made his mind spin with panic.

“Plagg…what’s going on?   I thought we defeated him?” Adrien asked.

“Did you capture the akuma?” asked the Kwami.

“What akuma?”

“It’s a magical black butterfly that went into an object to give Stoneheart his powers.   You need to capture it to prevent exactly what you’re seeing here.   If the kid gets upset again, he’ll be re-akumatized into Stoneheart and be able to make all those stone beings his army!”

“An army?!   Oh…that’s not good.   That’s…that’s really not good,” Adrien got up and began to pace.   “Is there a way for me to capture the akuma?”

“No can do.   You’re going to need Ladybug for that.”

“So I can’t do anything without Ladybug?” Adrien asked, his horror growing.

“Only Ladybug can capture akumas and repair damage caused by supervillains,” Plagg confirmed, tossing another piece of cheese into his mouth.

“Oh, wonderful…” Adrien buried his head in his hands, feeling more useless than ever.

Chapter Text

– Asami –

Asami awoke to a dull throb in her right arm and leg.   Carefully stretching, she glanced down—and winced.   A massive purple and blue bruise had bloomed overnight, and she could bet that her leg looked just as bad, if not worse.

With a quiet sigh, she slid out of bed and hobbled over to the nearby cabinet, wincing with every step.   She rummaged through it until she finally pulled out a small pill bottle from the back.

She eyed the Advil label warily, giving the bottle a shake.   The tablets rattled around inside.   With a sigh of resignation, she unscrewed the cap and shook out a tablet.   She dry swallowed it and then cringed at the feeling.

Hopefully it kicks in before I get to school , she thought.

She slid on a red long-sleeved shirt to mask the bruises and then wrestled on a pair of jeans, doing her best not to jostle her injured limbs.

“Minimal movement,” she muttered to herself.   “Easier said than done.   Though this would’ve been a lot worse if it was my left side.”

Hobbling to the bathroom, Asami went through her morning routine, the ache in her muscles dulling slowly.

As she moved slowly down the stairs, her father looked up at her, concern lining his face.   Even her mother was glancing at her, keeping one eye on the stove as she cooked.

“Mi-chan, are you alright?   Usually, you’re more excited and happy in the morning,” her father asked, still nursing his cup of coffee.

“I’m just a bit sore from PE,” she said.

“Are you sure you can make it to school?   I can drive you if you want.”

“You don’t need to, tou-san.   I’ll be okay.   I’m just going to take it slow and keep some Advil on me.”

“If you say so.   Just remember to only take about 200 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours, and no more than 1200 milligrams a day, okay?   Don’t overdo it,” her mother piped up.

“Got it, kaa-san.”

— ♦ —

Asami walked into class with a slight limp.   Ivan, ever observant, eyed her with concern.   “You okay?” he asked quietly.

Asami repeated the excuse she gave to her parents.   “Just a little sore from PE.”

Ivan didn’t seem to believe her, but let it slide.

A buzz from her phone got her attention.

Adrien 🐾: I’m almost there!

Asami 🌸: You can do it! 💪💪

Adrien 🐾: 👍

– Adrien –

Adrien was so glad the gate had yet to be installed—its absence is what made escaping his house for the second time just as easy as the first.   The difference this time was that he woke up earlier this time, determined to make it out of the house and into the school building before Nathalie or his father noticed he was gone.

So far, so good.   His feet pounded across the stone pavement as he ran through the park.

Plagg spoke up from inside his jacket.

“You’re such a strange kid.   Who would want to be at school when you could stay at home all day?”

Adrien laughed breathlessly.

“You don’t get it, Plagg.   I’m sick and tired of being caged like some exotic pet in my own house.   I want to meet people.   Make friends.   Go to a real school—with Asami!   There’s no way I’m passing this up.”

Plagg whined theatrically.    “Ah…I think I’m feeling weak.”

Adrien sighed, reaching into his bag and fumbling for the plastic bag of cheese mid-run.

“You know what’s strange?   The fact that all you eat is this disgusting, rotten-smelling Camembert cheese.   And then I have to smell like it 24/7.   That’s strange,” he complained.

He shoved a wedge into his jacket.   Plagg snatched it with an eager chomp.

“If you want to be able to transform into a superhero, then stinky cheese is the deal, my friend!” Plagg retorted.

Adrien grumbled in annoyance, running faster.   “I really hope my cologne is strong enough that Asami can’t smell it on me.   She’s going to think I’m so weird .”

— ♦ —

Adrien sprinted up the stairs, glimpsing the Agreste car pulling up out of the corner of his eye.

Making it to the top of the stairs, he heard the car door slam.

“Adrien!   Don’t do this!   Your father will be furious! ”

“Tell my father he can go eat shit!   Respectfully! ” he called back, running into the building.   He could practically feel Nathalie’s horrified silence at his back.

Eyes scanning the crowd, Adrien searched for the one face he was hoping to see.   But there were too many students loitering and walking around.   He frowned—

“Hey, that’s enough!”

The voice cut through the air like a whip crack.   Asami!   He whipped around, heart leaping.

There she was—locked in a standoff with Chloé

Oh no …

Adrien moved closer to the group.

“Have you no shame?” Asami snapped.   “Insulting people for when they were at their weakest?   Could you be any more pretentious?”

Chloé laughed mockingly.   “What’s wrong with me just telling the truth?   I mean, am I wrong?   If he wasn’t such a monster , he wouldn’t have turned into one!   I mean, he did break Sabrina’s dad’s arm.”

“Quite literally, what is wrong with you?!   Why do you have to be so antagonistic?”

“Antagonistic?   Moi? ”   Chloé blinked in faux innocence.

“Yes, you! ”

“Oooh, are you getting angry?   Going to split your underwear and turn into a giant muscley monster?”

I really need to step in , Adrien thought, seeing Asami getting progressively more angry with every word out of Chloé’s mouth.

“Asami!”

His friend whipped around, startled.   “Adrien?”

Adrien waved, beaming.   “Hey!”

“Adrien!”

“Adrikins!”

Both Asami and Chloé ran towards him.   He opened his arms just in time—

Asami reached him first.

They collided and fell to the ground in a tangle of limbs and laughter.

“Adrien!   You’re here!” Asami cried, hugging him.

“Sure am!”   Adrien laughed as Asami buried her face in his neck, hugging him tight.   Her grip was warm and gentle.   He could see Chloé standing nearby, her face contorted with shock and growing irritation.   Oh dear…   He could hear the temper tantrum brewing already.

“ Why are you hugging my Adrikins?!” the blonde screeched.

Adrien winced.   His childhood friend really did have the not-so amazing ability to ruin any moment…   It was really quite depressing, actually.

Asami sat up, a fire sparking in her eyes.   “ Your Adrikins?   Last time I checked, Adrien didn’t belong to anyone.   He’s his own person!”

“Asami, it’s okay,” Adrien said, touching her shoulder.   “She’s just excited to see me.   No big deal.”

He helped her up, brushing himself off.

“Yes, now—where was I?   Adrikins!   You came!   Yay!” Chloé ran over, throwing her arms around his neck.

That got people’s attention.

“Adrien?”

“I can’t believe it!”

“He’s so handsome!”

“It’s Adrien in the flesh!”

“Can I get a selfie?!”

Nearly every student within earshot immediately ran over to ask for autographs.

“And that’s our cue to go!” Asami shouted, snatching up his hand.

The two sprinted away from the crowd, laughter trailing behind them.

“HEY!” Chloé screeched as Adrien slipped from her grasp.

— ♦ —

Adrien and Asami burst into their classroom, winded and laughing.

“That…that was something! ” Adrien laughed breathlessly.

Asami was doubled over, too busy giggling to respond.

Once they caught their breath, Asami tapped the seat next to Nino.

“Your seat’s over here, Adrien.”

“Cool.   Where will you be sitting?” he asked, wiping a tear of laughter from his eye.

“Two seats behind you.”

Adrien smiled.   “Awesome.”

Adrien slid into his seat and turned to Nino.

“Hey.  Adrien.”

He held out a hand for a shake.   The other boy grinned.

“Nino.   Nice to meet you, dude.”

They clasped hands, both grinning—instant camaraderie.

Just then, Chloé burst into the room with Sabrina scurrying behind her.

“ADRIKINS!” Chloé screeched before immediately turning on Asami.   “How dare you take my Adrikins away from me!”

Asami looked absolutely done with Chloé, staring at her with the flattest expression known to man.

“HEY!   I’m talking to you, new girl!”

Adrien watched in growing amusement as Asami didn’t even flinch.   She’d completely tuned Chloé out, arms crossed, eyes drifting lazily across the room like Chloé didn’t even exist.

Honestly?
Adrien was almost impressed.

— ♦ —

Chloé eventually ran out of steam—then smirked.

Adrien watched in confusion as Chloé handed Sabrina her gum, which the girl stuck on top of the bench on the other side of the aisle.

“Hey—what’s that all about?” he asked.

Chloé flicked her hair.   “The brats that sat here yesterday need a little attitude adjustment.   I’m just commanding a bit of respect, that’s all,” she drawled haughtily.

“Do you think that’s really necessary?” Adrien asked, kneeling down to pick at the gum.

Chloé just laughed as she flounced to sit in the seat behind his.

Asami watched the scene with a critical eye and a judging frown.

A minute later, Marinette and Alya entered the room—and found Adrien messing with the wad of gum on Marinette’s seat.

The bluenette immediately assumed the worst.

“HEY!   What are you doing?! ” she demanded, storming up to the blond, who’d whipped around in panic.

Adrien stammered, caught off guard.

Behind him, Chloé and Sabrina laughed mockingly.

Marinette’s eyes narrowed into slits.   “Okay.   I get it.   Good job, you three.   Very funny .”

Adrien shot up from his crouched position.   “No, no.   I…was just trying to take this off! ”

Asami piped up behind him.   “He’s telling the truth.”

“See?”

Marinette wasn’t buying it.

“Oh, really?”   The bluenette eyed the gum on her seat and then placed a napkin over it.   “You’re friends with Chloé , right?” she said, glaring at the blond.

“Why does that even matter?” Adrien muttered, sliding back into his seat.   His new friend leaned closer, voice low.

“Dude, Chloé’s a massive bully.   She throws her dad’s weight around like it was her own.   You seriously didn’t know?” Nino whispered.

“No…I just…I didn’t really have anyone else growing up.   Until I met you and Asami, she was my only friend.” Adrien explained.

“Well, be glad you’ve got me and your girl, now!” Nino grinned, throwing an arm over his shoulder.

Adrien blinked.   “She’s not—”

Nino just held out a fist, grinning.   “C’mon, man.   Fist bump.”

Arien smiled in spite of himself and tapped his fist against Nino’s.

– Asami –

Asami smiles, seeing the fist bump.

I’m glad he’s making more friends , she thought.   Adrien needed someone like Nino—someone that would look past all the fame, money, and looks to see him .   He was perfect to be Adrien’s buddy—he practically radiated chill.

Asami let her gaze drift as she thought, deftly ignoring the burning glare that Chloé kept throwing over one shoulder at her every few seconds.

Still upset I took “Adrikins” from her? she thought dryly.

Asami’s grip tightened on her desk.   She would not let Chloé cling to Adrien like an entitled barnacle—not only did he not deserve it, but he had too much on his plate already.

A slight frown tugged at her lips as she remembered the sight of his room:   Open.   Empty.   Utterly devoid of personality.

It practically screamed “Rich Child, Son of a Wealthy Man” like some kind of museum exhibit.

He was clearly neglected and lonely.    Asami made a mental note to bring him over to her house as much as possible.

Between her and Nino, they should be able to teach him how to talk with his peers, make friends, and actually socialize.

And, hopefully, how to stay away from Chloé.

Adrien certainly didn’t need a spoiled blonde with a superiority complex and a possessiveness to rival Hades to interfere with his social growth.   He was undersocialized enough as is—he didn’t need to learn toxic behavior on top of all of that.

Ms. Bustier walked in, clipboard in hand, and called the class to order.

“Agreste, Adrien?”

Adrien shot up out of his seat, his arm raised high.   “Present!” he shouted.

The class laughed at his excessive motions while Adrien smiled shyly.

Asami smiled to herself.

Cute.

“Bourgeois, Chloé?”

“Present!”

“Bruel, Ivan?”

Actually…where was —

The classroom door exploded off its hinges.

A massive stone golem stomped in with a roar that made the windows rattle.

“ PRESENT! ” he bellowed.   “ MYLЀNE? ”

Stoneheart.

Papers flew.   Tables toppled with loud crashes.   Students screamed in terror.

Stoneheart stomped up the aisle, knocking tables and benches aside as the students scattered.   Asami scrambled out of her seat to the back of the classroom.

Stoneheart finally reached Mylène, who stood frozen in shock, and grabbed her in his giant hand.

“Let go of me, Ivan!” she cried.

“ I’m not Ivan anymore.   I’m Stoneheart! ” Stoneheart growled.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked.

“ So you and I can be together— forever! ”

Asami cursed under her breath—and then froze as she heard Chloé’s voice…coming from underneath her table.

“Daddy, the monster is back!” she whined into her phone.

Stoneheart had heard her, too.

Throwing aside the table the blonde was hiding under, he snatched her up as well.

Asami stood frozen as Stoneheart approached the southern wall.

With one massive kick, the wall exploded outwards.

Stoneheart leaped out and landed with a thunderous crash that cracked the street beneath him.   Dust billowed around his massive stone feet as he began moving off.

Asami sprinted toward the edge of the ruined wall, Alya right beside her, phone still rolling.

The two students watched as Stoneheart stomped away into the city, carrying the two screaming girls.

“What…the hell,” Asami muttered.

Next to her, Alya was practically vibrating in excitement.   She turned to Marinette, eyes sparkling with glee.

“Come on!   Let’s follow him!” she said.

Asami tuned out the ensuing conversation as she sat back on her heels, contemplating the absolute cartoon her life had become.   She pressed a hand to her head in disbelief, ignoring the renewed throbbing of her arm and leg.

Then, she had a sudden thought and spun around to survey the classroom.

Where was Adrien?!

– Adrien –

Adrien whipped open his locker as he complained to Plagg.

“My first day of school and I don’t even make it past roll call! ”

In stark comparison, Plagg was ecstatic.   “A day off?   Now that’s what I’m talking about!”

Adrien, on the other hand, had different plans.   “Oh, no no no no,” he said, wagging a finger at his Kwami.   “We’ve got homework to do.   Plagg, claws out!”

— ♦ —

Chat Noir vaulted out the locker room window, scaling the building with feline ease.   His enhanced hearing caught a noise.

Chloé!

“You have no idea who you’re dealing with.   My daddy, the mayor, will bring in the police, the army, the entire cavalry! ” Chloé proclaimed, gesturing wildly.

“And don’t forget the superheroes!” Chat added, leaping over Stoneheart and smacking his baton onto his head.

In response, Stoneheart just grew larger.

“Oh no—my bad,” he muttered.   I forgot that Stoneheart grows larger with each attack!

Chloénow stuck in the grip of a much larger Stoneheart, scoffed.

“Super incompetent , you mean!”

Moments ago, Stoneheart had been barely taller than a door.   Now, he was as large as a building .

Oh dear…I really messed up this time!

“ HA!   You wanted the cavalry?   Well here it is! ” Stoneheart bellowed.

Chat Noir yelped as he felt the ground shake.   That’s not good!

Then, they appeared.

Half a dozen massive stone beings, each well over 10 feet tall, came stomping into view.

They were the civilians the akuma had infected—now lumbering copies of his rage.

That’s REALLY not good!

“ SEIZE HIM! ” bellowed the 20 foot tall golem.

— ♦ —

Chat Noir took off at a sprint, dodging grasping stone hands.   With each close call, his frustration grew—Stoneheart was getting farther and farther away.

“If you can hear me, Ladybug, I could use a little help!” he yelled, flipping out of the way as a car hurtled past

He dodged another car, only to see it ricochet—

—straight toward Alya, who had been filming nearby.   No!

Thinking fast, he hurled his staff.  It knocked the car aside just enough to prevent it from crushing the girl—but not far enough.   The car slammed onto its side, trapping her against the wall.

Vulnerable and weaponless, he barely had time to react before he was grabbed in a crushing grip.

He struggled uselessly as the golems began to stomp away with him in tow.   Shit, this is bad!

“Let go, you rockhead! ” he shouted, arms pinned tight in the golem’s grip.

— ♦ —

Goddammit, where is that girl?!

Chat Noir struggled, still trapped in the golem’s hand.   No matter how he twisted, the stone fingers wouldn’t budge.

Then—a distant shout.

His staff fell onto his shoulder.   Huh?

“Chat Noir, extend it!”

Ladybug!

He wiggled an arm free and jammed the baton against the fingers holding him.

“Ha!” he shouted as the baton extended, forcing the hand open.

He rolled to his feet, staff at the ready—

—just in time for a massive stone palm to swing down toward him.

Just before he could be turned into paste, a wire wrapped around his waist and yanked him up.

“Ow!”

Chat Noir’s head smacked into a street lamp as he dangled from Ladybug’s yoyo.

“Sorry I was late.”

“It’s fine, Lady.   Now if you could untie me, that would be even better.”

He grabbed onto the lamp and swung himself up to crouch beside her as her yoyo released him.

“ RAAGH! ”

Beneath them, the golems began to stomp closer, the ground trembling with every step.

“We’ve got to get out of here!” Ladybug shouted, swinging off.

Chat Noir leaped after her without hesitation.

— ♦ —

“Hey, aren’t we going to take care of those guys?!” he called to her.

“No.   If we want to save them all, then we go to the source,” Ladybug responded, landing atop a wide staircase.

Across from them, on top of the first level of the Eiffel Tower, stood Stoneheart.   The massive stone being was visible even from a distance, roaring angrily.

“That one.”

Below them, he could hear Mayor Bourgeois demanding Chloé’s safe return.   Chloé’s cry of “ Daddy! ” could be heard even from their distance.

“ You know what?   YOU’RE WELCOME TO HER! ” 

That was the only warning they got before Chloé was thrown like a baseball.

“Ladybug!” Chat Noir shouted.

“On it!” Ladybug streaked across the bridge, swinging with her yoyo.   She caught Chloé mid-air just before she could hit the ground.

Chat vaulted over just in time to see Chloé reunite with her father.

“Alright, we’re clear to attack!” Officer Raincomprix declared.

What?   There’s still a civilian up there!

“Wait—don’t attack them!   You know it’ll only make it worse!” Ladybug cried.

The officer grinned confidently atop the police van.   “I have a new plan, unlike you.   Move aside and let the pros do their thing—you’ve already failed once,” he said.

Chat Noir could see how much the words affected Ladybug.

“He’s right, you know.   If I’d captured Stoneheart’s akuma the first time around, none of this would’ve happened!   I knew I wasn’t the right one for this job…” the spotted heroine buried her face in her hands.

Chat frowned.   “Actually, he’s wrong.   Without you, she’d no longer be here,” he said, looking at Chloé and her father.   “And without us?   They won’t make it, and we’ll prove that to them; trust me on this.   Okay?”

Ladybug blinked up at him.   “Okay.”

Suddenly, Stoneheart began to cough.   Loud, chest-heaving, hacking coughs.   As if he had something stuck in the back of this throat.

Then, he spewed out a cloud of akumas that formed the shape of a head.

What in the world is that?!

“ People of Paris.   Listen carefully.   I am Hawkmoth,” the head announced.

His voice was deep and regal, like a self-declared monarch.

“Hawkmoth?” the two heroes muttered.

“ Ladybug.   Chat Noir.   Give me the Ladybug Earrings and the Cat Ring now! ” the head demanded.   “ You’ve done enough damage to these innocent people. ”

Chat Noir couldn’t believe his ears.   Damage?   THEM?

As if he was the one to turn Ivan into Stoneheart!

Ladybug seemed to have similar thoughts.   She began clapping sarcastically.

“Nice try, Hawkmoth.   But we know who the bad guy is.   Let’s not reverse the roles here,” she said, stepping forward.   “Without you, none of these innocent victims would be transformed into villains.”

“Hawkmoth,” she continued, eyes blazing with determination.   “No matter how long it takes, we will find you.   And you will hand us your Miraculous!”

Chat Noir watched in awe as the girl charged forwards, swinging her yoyo about and capturing akumas left and right.

Ladybug landed on the Eiffel Tower steadily, turning to the news helicopters.

“Let me make this promise to you,” she said to the people of Paris.   “Ladybug and Chat Noir will do everything in our power to keep you safe!”

And with a flourish, she released a cloud of pure white butterflies from her yoyo.

Chat Noir stared in awe, his heart pounding in his chest.

“Wow,” he murmured.   “Whoever she is, beneath that mask, I love that girl.”

– Asami –

“Oh, thank goodness…”

Asami slumped against a bookshelf, her shoulders sagging in relief as the students around her erupted into cheers.   Ladybug’s cloud of butterflies filled the screen, and the sight of them flying past in a wave of white was almost calming.   For a second, it felt like Paris could breathe once again.

Then Stoneheart stood up.

The students around her gasped as the golem rose to his feet, Mylène still clutched in his fist.   The massive golem leaped onto one of the Eiffel Tower’s supports and began climbing.

Even with the poor zoom quality of the news helicopter’s camera, Asami could see Mylène’s terrified face.   Her heart clenched in worry.

Stoneheart climbed towards the top of the Tower, the heroes following close behind.   Beneath them, Asami could see Stoneheart’s army following them up.

“Oh, gosh,” Asami muttered.   The size disparity between the golems and the heroes was enormous .   And with the lack of space as they went further up the tower?   They would be boxed in on all sides with nowhere to go.

Within seconds, Stoneheart had made it to the top of the Eiffel Tower.   Ladybug followed soon behind, landing on the lightning rod with ease.

“Help!   I’m scared of heights!” Mylène cried from Stoneheart’s fist.

The camera panned towards Ladybug.

“Everything’s going to be alright!” the heroine called.

Stoneheart let out an angry bellow at the insinuation that she was going to take Mylène from him.   The news helicopters backed up to a safer distance.

Meanwhile, Stoneheart’s army had reached the uppermost level.

“How are you planning to get them closer than they already are?!” Chat Noir called up to Ladybug.

“By using our powers!” she responded.   “Lucky Charm!”

Asami watched as a cloud of pink sparkles emitted from Ladybug’s yoyo, condensing into—

A parachute?   Her stomach dropped.   There was only one reason for a parachute—someone was going to fall.

— ♦ —

Ladybug flicked her yoyo and caught Stoneheart’s arm—then yanked hard.   The massive golem’s hand, still gripping Mylène, pushed into his face.   Their lips collided.   It was awkward.   Forced.   Unmistakably deliberate.

That’s sexual assault , she thought distantly.

Then, Mylène was falling.

Asami gasped as Mylène clung to Stoneheart’s fingertip, dangling a thousand feet above the ground.   Several students covered their eyes.

The next moment, a purple ripple flowed over Stoneheart, and he was Ivan again.   Problem was, Mylène was no longer holding onto anything, and neither was Ivan.

“No!” Asami shouted as the two began to fall.   The students around her exploded into a cacophony of terrified cries.

Then, Ladybug was diving off the Eiffel Tower, parachute strapped to her back as Chat Noir caught Ivan.

Mylène was falling…

She was going to die.   On live television.   In front of the entirety of Paris.

…Until she didn’t.

Ladybug caught both her and the escaping akuma simultaneously and immediately released her parachute not fifty feet from the ground.

Down the two floated, landing softly as the parachute settled behind them.

Asami clutched her heart in relief as the students broke out into cheers.   She was pretty sure some of them were crying.   They made it…   Thank heavens.

Ladybug seemed to have one last thing to do.   She threw her parachute into the air with a cry.

“Miraculous: Ladybug!”

Glowing ladybugs exploded out from the parachute, zipping everywhere and repairing the damage that had occurred from the two-day attack.   A swarm zipped into the library and swirled around Asami.

She gasped as she felt her bruises vanish.

“Wow,” said Asami.

But even as the students cheered, even with her gratefulness for her healed injuries, something about Ladybug’s methods gnawed at her.

– Adrien –

“Adrien!   Are you alright?   You ran off so suddenly and I couldn’t find you!   I was so worried!”

Asami picked up on the first ring.

“Sorry, I hid in my locker,” Adrien lied.   “Though I kind of regret it now.   My back has a cramp.”

Asami laughed at him.

“Yeah, yeah.   Laugh it up.”   Adrien rolled his eyes good-naturedly, even though Asami couldn’t see it.

“Gomen, gomen,” Asami giggled out.   “It’s just too funny.”

Adrien smiled, listening to his friend calm herself down as he scrolled through pictures of Ladybug on his computer.   Nearby, Plagg eyed him with a bland look before turning back to his cheese.

“Ahhh…I’m okay now,” she said, a few stray giggles slipping out.   “Oh, wait.   It’s almost time for dinner.   Sorry, I’ve got to go.”   Asami sounded apologetic for cutting off their call.

“It’s alright.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, then?” Asami asked.

Adrien hesitated.   The gate had finally been installed, and it would be much harder to escape now.

“Adrien?”

“...Yeah.   I’ll see you tomorrow.”

— ♦ —

The next day, Nathalie led him to the Agreste car with his schoolbag.

“Where are we going?” he asked.   And why did I need to bring my schoolbag with me?

Nathalie didn’t respond as the car quickly pulled up in front of the school.   Oh.

In front of him, the screen on the seat flickered to life.   His father appeared against the backdrop of his office.

“You disobeyed me, Adrien,” he said.   “Take a look at that school.”

Adrien complied, looking at it sadly, already dreading what would come next.   “Yes, Father…”

He could see Asami waiting for him at the top of the staircase, looking confused on why he wasn’t coming out.

“You will never—I say never —go back there again,” his father stated, face stone-cold.

Adrien’s eyes widened in horror and despair.

“Father, no…”

He didn’t know if he could take it if he had to remain trapped in his house for the rest of his life.

“—without your bodyguard,” his father finished.

Wait, what?

Adrien blinked in confusion, nearly unable to believe what he was hearing.   I get to go to school?   His heart lightened—he hadn’t even known it had felt heavy in the first place.

“He will drop you off and pick you up every day.   Nathalie has offered to organize your new schedule,” Gabriel continued as Adrien turned to Nathalie in awe.   “You will be continuing your music, Chinese, and fencing classes and your photoshoots.”

By then, Adrien was practically vibrating with joy.

“Thank you, Nathalie!   Thank you, Father!”

Without waiting another second, Adrien threw himself out of the car, racing towards Asami and his new future.

— ♦ —

“Asami!”

“Adrien!   What took so long?”

Adrien’s face lit up, and before he could stop himself, he threw his arms around her.

“I get to go to school!”

Asami blinked in surprise.   “Wait, really?” she asked, pulling back a bit to look at him.   Her face softened at the sight of his elated face.   She’d never seen him this happy.   “That’s amazing!   You deserve this.   Truly.”   She squeezed him gently before linking their arms and leading him to their classroom.

Adrien grinned, unable to contain his joy.   He was still processing the moment, still trying to believe what he heard.   “I get to go to school.   For real!   I…I get to live like everyone else, Asami.   I can meet people!   Make real friends!   Not just—”   He paused, laughing at himself.   “Not just people in photoshoots.   I get to be a real boy!”

Asami smiled softly at him as they walked across the courtyard.   “You always were a real boy, Adrien.   You just weren’t really living.   But now you are!”

Adrien nodded, still overcome with happiness.   He felt like he was floating, like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders.   “I can finally just be me, you know?   A normal kid.   I can go to school with you without worrying about other stuff getting in the way.”

— ♦ —

Adrien was still practically bouncing with excitement as they stepped into the classroom.

Asami gave his hand a final squeeze before unlooping her arm and heading for her seat beside Ivan.

Adrien grinned at Nino, who returned a half-wave—then his eyes landed on Marinette.

He offered her a hesitant wave.   She gave him a cold look, and then turned her back to him.

Adrien sighed.   Guess you can’t win everything…

He ran his hand through his hair, feeling awkward as he slid into his seat.

Nino leaned over.   “Dude.   You want to make friends, right?   Well, go talk to Marinette.   You know, about the chewing gum,” he whispered conspiratorially.

“What would I even say?” he asked, sounding defeated.

“Just be yourself, dude.”

Adrien sighed again, uncertain.

His phone buzzed in his pocket.

Sliding it out, he saw a text from Asami.

Asami 🌸: You can do it! 💪💪

Adrien 🐾: You can hear us?

Asami 🌸: Yep!

Asami 🌸: Go talk to her after school.

Adrien 🐾: Okay 👍

Adrien smiled down at his phone.   Maybe things wouldn’t be so bad after all.

— ♦ —

It was pouring—that was probably the kindest way to describe the Gods deciding to dump a whole river’s worth of water onto Paris.

Luckily, Adrien had brought his umbrella, which would protect him from the cold rain.

As he walked to the entrance of the school, arm in arm with Asami, he saw a figure in the archway.

Marinette.

Adrien hesitated, turning to the other girl.   Asami smiled at him reassuringly and waved him forward.

He smiled softly and then took a breath to steady himself.

Walking over, he stood next to the bluenette, who looked away.

Adrien sighed, and opened his umbrella.

“I just wanted you to know…that I was just trying to take the chewing gum off your seat.   That’s all,” he confessed softly.   “I’ve never been to school before.   Or had friends.   I’m…sort of new to all of this.”

Adrien hesitated, and then turned, offering her his umbrella.   “Here.”

Marinette stared at him, seemingly in disbelief, before the rumble to thunder snapped her out of it.

She reached over, and took the umbrella with hesitance.

Then, her finger accidentally pressed the button and the umbrella closed on top of her.

He couldn’t help it—he burst into laughter.

As he did his best to contain his chuckles, he felt Asami step up beside him, her own red umbrella in hand.

Marinette lifted the edge of the umbrella and giggled as well, embarrassed.

Adrien finally stopped laughing, catching the amused glint in Asami’s eye.

He smiled at Marinette, giving her a final wave before linking arms with Asami.

“See you tomorrow.”

Marinette, interestingly enough, began to stammer.

“Uh huh!  See you tomo- toma-   Woah, why am I stammering?” Adrien heard Marinette say as he and Asami walked to the Agreste car.

“Someone’s got a crush~” Asami teased.

Adrien shook his head.

“She’s just a friend.”   He blinked in surprise.   “Woah.   A friend .”

Asami gave him a sardonic smile.   “Right.   Just a friend.   Keep telling yourself that, Mr. Heartstealer.”

Chapter Text

– Asami –

The gentle humming of her sewing machine filled the room as Asami carefully connected the skirt to the bodice of a new dress.   She hummed a soft tune as she added another pleat, folding the red fabric with practiced care.

So focused on her task, she barely noticed the buzzing of her phone until the screen lit up.

Pausing the needle, she picked up her phone and smiled.

Adrien.

Picking up, she put the phone on speaker as she resumed her task.

“Hey, Adrien!   What’s up?”

“Asami!”   His voice chimed through the speaker, cheerful and a little too excited.   “You wouldn’t happen to be free this afternoon, would you?” 

“No, I’m free.   Why?”

“I’m doing a photoshoot in the park, and well…I just had a feeling it’ll get boring.   So I was wondering if you would like to come along?   As my partner?”

Asami tilted her head slightly, eyes locked on her work.

“You want me to pose with you?”

“Yeah!   It’ll be way fun with you around.”

“I’ve never modelled before…” she said, chewing her bottom lip as she folded another pleat.   “Are you sure that’s okay?”

“Don’t worry!   You have more than enough charm for the both of us.   Plus, I’ll be there to help!   Please~?” Adrien begged.

Asami laughed at his playful pleading, carefully guiding the fabric under the needle for the final stitches..   “Do I get a choice in this?”

“Nope,” he said smugly.    I can almost see that grin on your face, you brat.

The answer came so quickly and confidently, she laughed even harder.

“Alright, alright.   I’ll come,” she agreed, finally freeing it from the machine.   She held it up, eyeing it for any imperfections.

“Perfect!” Adrien said, his smile practically audible.   “Dress up nice and I’ll meet you at the park in 30 minutes, okay?”

“Mhm.   See you there!”

“Bye!”

Adrien hung up, and Asami nodded to herself, satisfied with her work.

She held the dress against herself.

“Let’s see if this is model-worthy.”

– Adrien –

The camera’s shutter clicked softly, nearly drowned out by the bubbling of the fountain.   Adrien posed, sitting on the edge as Vincent, his photographer, snapping away madly.

“Bravissimo!   Show me confidence!   Yes, yes!   Now show me calm—tranquil as a lake!   Excellent!”

Adrien easily complied with each direction, adjusting his posture and expression with ease.

He tilted his head slightly, staring into the camera.

“Magnifico!    Super!   I want to see a hunger in your eyes!”

Adrien turned his head—and froze.

The world shrank to a single point: a lone figure approaching along the park path.

A gentle breeze sent chiffon rippling like blood-red ink flowing atop dark waters.   He thought he heard Vincent say something, but his focus was unbreakable.

Asami.

She moved with effortless poise, the dark red maxi dress flowing around her legs with every step.   The pleated skirt shimmered softly, catching the light just enough to look ethereal, while the bodice—slim, form-fitting, and edged in delicate black lace that made pale skin glow—drew his eyes upward.

But what truly knocked the air out of his lungs like a punch to the solar plexus was the slender choker around her neck.

A black ribbon hugged her throat, and at its center dangled a small charm:

A black cat.

With green eyes.

Like Chat Noir’s green eyes.

His green eyes.

A strange, low purr curled in his chest.   Something primal—more feline than human—woke up at the sight.   It stirred like instinct, and yet he couldn’t name it—only feel it rising, sharp and warm in his chest.   What he did know was that it liked what it saw .

Adrien didn’t register Vincent’s calls of his name before he was jabbed in the ribs with a tiny elbow.

“Ow—!”   He glanced down at his jacket.

Plagg’s green eyes glared up at him from within the hidden pocket.

“Get your shit together before you start drooling,” the Cat Kwami hissed.

Adrien’s cheeks burned as he straightened up, meeting the amused stares of Vincent and his bodyguard.

“Something catch your eye?” Vincent asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Adrien ducked his head, suddenly very interested in the cobblestone beneath his shoes.

And then she was in front of them.

“Sorry—I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?” she asked, her voice breezy and innocent.

— ♦ —

Fortunately for his poor, traitorous heart, Adrien was excellent at holding a mask—it came with being a model and a celebrity.

So for the next twenty minutes he wore it well—smiling, guiding Asami through the poses, and fighting down the heating in his cheeks every time he saw that darned pendant swinging in the hollow of her throat.

By minute thirty, he’d more or less wrestled his impulses into submission.

Mostly.

That is, until Asami spoke up.

“I saw you looking at my necklace earlier,” she said casually, raising her chin to the perfect angle for the camera.   “Do you like it?”

Her finger brushed the charm lightly.

The cat charm.

Adrien swallowed hard.

Did he like it?

Did he like it?

Was the sky blue?   Was water wet?   Was his heart not attempting a full samba routine in his chest right now?

Not trusting his voice, Adrien nodded.

Asami let out a soft breath.   “That’s good.   I was worried it’d be a little too much,” she admitted, shifting her weight to lean against his shoulder.

Vinet whooped somewhere nearby.   “ Excellente!   Hold that pose!   Love the chemistry!”

Then she smiled.   “It’s official Chat Noir merch, you know.   Took me a while to find it amongst all the Ladybug merch online…but I do my research,”

Stop, hold on, wait a minute, pause— what.

The pendant was Chat Noir merch?

That charm was— him?

Adrien’s heart stuttered , then launched itself against his ribs.   His chest tightened, and this time, he couldn’t help himself.

A low, pleased rumble escaped his throat.   Dammit.

Asami blinked, glancing up at him.   “Did you say something?”

“Nope!   Absolutely nothing, purr -incess,” he said too quickly.

Oh, crap.

That had definitely come out with a purr.

“ Purr- incess ?   Was that a pun? ” Asami laughed softly.

Adrien flashed a grin.   “Yep.    Totally.   Aren’t cat puns just paw-some? ”

Asami clamped a hand over her mouth, muffling her giggles as Vincent’s camera clicked so fast, he was surprised it didn’t catch fire.

“You know, I’m feline a little punny right now,” she managed between muffled giggles.   “And you are going to be the purr , unfortunate victim to my puns.”

Adrein gasped theatrically.   “Oh, no.   How would I ever survive your claw -ful wordplay?   Have mercy!”

Asami’s grin grew.   With every new cat pun—his or hers—her laughter got freer, louder.   Unrestrained.

It was beautiful.

And Adrien never wanted it to stop.

— ♦ —

Asami eventually managed to get a hold of herself, her laughter fading as she fanned herself to calm down.   Behind her, Adrien saw Vincent snapping away with the enthusiasm of a man who’d just struck creative gold.   The man tossed him a dramatic thumbs up, then immediately resumed firing the shutter, darting around them like an over-caffeinated rabbit on rollerblades.

Adrien smirked.

If Vincent wanted gold, he’d give him platinum.

“Hey,” he said, gently taking her hand.   Her fingers twitch in surprise.

“Wanna dance?”

“What—?” she began, but he was already twirling her.   The chiffon of her skirt fanned out like water blooming in slow motion.

Her laugh bubbled up again, delighted and a little breathless, as she spun back into him.   He caught her by the waist without missing a beat.

Then, with a mischievous grin, Adrien lifted her off the ground in one fluid motion.   Asami gasped, arms instinctively clutching his shoulders for balance, her laughter turning into a startled shriek as he spun them both.

The skirt flared around her like blooming fire, catching the light in a swirl of red.

“Adrien!” Asami laughed.   “You’re gonna drop me!”

“Never,” he grinned, eyes glittering.

Vincent could be heard squealing behind them—actual, honest-to-God squealing—as his camera clicked away at a speed just slower than that of light.   Adrien wouldn’t have been surprised if it caught fire and the man still attempted to continue taking photos.

Eventually, Asami patted his shoulders, still giggling.   “Okay, okay.   Put me down before you drop me.”

Adrien pouted playfully.   “Hey, are you saying I’m too weak to hold up a shorty like you?”

“I’m not short!”

“Sure thing, pipsqueak.”

Even as he teased, he gently lowered her back to the ground, hands lingering a moment at her waist.

They swayed together for a moment, not quite dancing anymore, but also not letting go.   Just…existing in the same space.   Chest to chest.   Breath to breath.

Then, from the corner of his eye, Adrien caught motion nearby.

A familiar figure.   Two, actually.

He turned, hand still loosely holding Asami’s.

By the treeline stood Alya and Marinette, with a small girl clinging to Marinette’s hand.   The girl tugged at her impatiently, trying to get her to move, while Alya desperately tried to get her to stop.

Marinette, however, was stock still.

Her eyes were locked on them—on him —with a stare so intense it made Adrien’s skin prickle.

He blinked and offered a wave with his free hand.   Asami glanced over his shoulder and waved too.

That’s when Marinette smiled.

It was… wrong .

Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.   It stretched too far, like elastic pulled one tug too many.

It was creepy .

A chill slid down Adrien’s spine.

He dropped his hand, pretending to fiddle with the collar of his jacket, praying for anything to distract him from how off that smile was.   Asami’s grip shifted—pressing more firmly into his.

Her gaze lingered on Marinette—eyes narrowing slightly, assessing.   She didn’t say anything, but the tension in her jaw made it clear she’d noticed.

He didn’t want to be here anymore—didn’t want to unpack that look, that smile .   Didn’t want to feel the way it made his stomach twist.

Adrien turned away and tugged Asami towards Vincent.

– Marinette –

He was waving.

At her.

Marinette’s heart fluttered—then dropped, hard, as her eyes refocused on the girl beside him, holding his hand in the way she so desperately wanted to.

As Adrien turned away, she whipped around, startling Manon—who had been pulling on her hand—and Alya—who had been trying to get her to stop.

“Alya, what do I do?!   He’s holding her hand—her hand!   They’re going to fall in love, get married, have kids,  and I’ll die alone while Hugo, Emma, and Louis never exist!” she screeched.

“Chill out, girl!   It’ll be fine!   They’re just having a photoshoot.   I mean, yeah, they do seem a bit close, but that’s nothing!   You just gotta show Adrien that you’re better than her!” Alya said, standing up and giving Marinette a little nudge. 

Marinette nodded.   “Yeah, you’re right!   I just need to—”

“MARINETTE!” Manon shrieked, finally fed up with her babysitter’s inattention.

The photographer whipped around, face flushed with the fury of an artist whose creative vision had just been shattered.

“Silencio!” he barked.

Marinette shrank back, chastised, and turned to soothe her charge.

“Manon, please—”

“No!   You won’t listen to me and you keep getting distracted by that boy!”   Manon stomped her feet.    “You’re supposed to be babysitting me!   And I want a balloon of Mireille!”

Alya crouched beside her and attempted to placate the young girl.

“Hey, why don’t I take you to get that balloon?”

“No!   I wanna go with Marinette!” Manon snapped, immediately clinging to Marinette like a barnacle with a grudge.

Marinette looked up—right into the unimpressed glare of Adrien’s photographer.   The bodyguard was hovering ominously nearby, arms crossed.   And worst of all? Adrien and that girl were watching them now, eyes wide with curiosity.

Marinette sighed in defeat.

“I’ll deal with it.   I am her babysitter,” she said.   She began to limp off, dragging Manon—still latched onto her leg like a limpet—along with her.

“But what about Adrien?” Alya called after her, futilely.

— ♦ —

To Marinette’s disappointment, her babysitting trials weren’t over.   Manon had immediately demanded to go on the merry-go-round after receiving her balloon.

“Manon, we need to go back!   I’ve got to get back to Adrien!” the bluenette cried, catching up to the fleeing girl.

Manon looked up at Marinette, eyes watering.

“Oh no.   Not the babydoll eyes,” Marinette begged.   “You know I can’t say no to the—”   Her protest crumbled as Manon unleashed her most powerful weapon, rounding her eyes and conjuring crocodile tears.

Sighing in defeat, she allowed the young girl to drag her along.

“I wanna ride the unicorn!” Manon proclaimed, bounding over excitedly.

Marinette seated herself and Manon on the plastic unicorn, getting comfortable just as Alya ran up.

“They need an extra to pose with Adrien!” the blogger panted out.

“What?!” Marinette shot off the unicorn like it was suddenly on fire.   “Seriously?!”

Images ran through her mind at light speed—of her and Adrien holding hands, sharing a smoothie, maybe even a kiss…A wedding!   Three kids!   A hamster named Snuffles!

Alya waved a hand in front of her face.   “Earth to Marinette!   Focus!   You have a photoshoot to get to!”

“Right!” Marinette made to run off before Manon’s protests stopped her.

“But Marinette!   You promised!” Manon cried.

Alya cut in, climbing onto the mount behind Manon.   “I’ll handle Ms. Unicorn here while you get going to your photoshoot with Prince Charming over there!   You don’t know how to handle her anyway.”

“No way!” the younger girl protested.   “Marinette’s my babysitter!”

“Go, girl!” said Alya, waving Marinette off.   “I’ve got this!”   She turned back towards Manon.   “Unicorns unite!   Let’s go find some sad village kids and grant some wishes!   Yeehaw!”

Gasping with delight, the younger girl was immediately distracted.   “Yeehaw!” she cheered.

Marinette smiled and ran off.

— ♦ —

She didn’t get far.

A scream cut through the park—then another, and another.

Marinette spun around just in time to see a figure floating above the carousel, parasol raised like a wand.

A sharp gust of wind burst outward, spiralling into a blizzard.   Snow howled through the air, swirling so thick it swallowed the carousel completely.

When the wind died, the ride was revealed—trapped inside a glittering dome of solid ice.

— ♦ —

Marinette sprinted off, leaping over a bench.   She landed in a crouch and opened her purse.   A red Kwami—Tikki, the Kwami of Creation—flew out.

“Time to transform!   Tikki, spots on!”.  Marinette cried.

In a flash of pink sparkles, the young girl was transformed—becoming Ladybug, the Parisian superheroine.

– Adrien –

You have got to be kidding.

Adrien was annoyed.

No—he was beyond annoyed.

He was pissed .

Just when he was finally having fun at a photoshoot—for the first time ever! —a villain just had to show up and ruin it.

He was finally enjoying himself!   Genuinely having a good time!

Cracking puns!   Dancing to a beat only they could hear!   Holding hands with one of his best friends as they wandered around, seeing who could make the other laugh harder!

It wasn’t just fun—it felt real!   Normal!

And now he had to suit up and deal with some tantrum-throwing weather witch who just had to ruin everything!

Ridiculous!

Utterly ridiculous!

…Huh.   Maybe Chloé was onto something with that one.

Adrien grit his teeth, the wind stinging against his face.

On one hand, he needed to transform.   But on the other hand…

His eyes drifted towards Asami, shielding her face from the blustering wind with her arms.

The cackling girl in the sky sent another powerful gale screaming through the park.

The next moment—

Asami was gone.

Ripped from his side like a leaf in a hurricane.

“ASAMI!!!”

— ♦ —

He’d say the worst part about that moment was that he couldn’t do anything.

No matter how fast he ran, how loudly he screamed—

He couldn’t stop it.

She was already in the air.

Flung like a ragdoll.

Out of reach.

And then—

She came crashing down.

He heard it.

The crack.

Her head against the ground.

…She wasn’t moving.

She wasn’t moving.

— ♦ —

Feet pounding against the ground.

Only one thing mattered: making sure his friend was okay.

“Asami!”

He dropped to his knees beside her.

“...Asami?”

She looked like she was sleeping.   If not for the thin trail of red in her hair.

“Asami, wake up…this isn’t funny…”

Nothing.   His friend didn’t move.

A hand landed on his shoulder.

He looked up.

Vincent.

“Go find cover, Adrien.   I will take care of Miss Asami,” the photographer said, his face severe.

Adrien wanted to protest—to shout, to scream—that he should stay.   That he could be of use.   But he knew the truth.

He was of no use here.

…But Chat Noir could help.

If he defeated the akuma, if Ladybug used her Cure, Asami would be alright!

…Right?

There was no time for doubts.

He glanced back at his friend, now lying unmoving in Vincent’s arms as the man did his best to stem the bleeding.

Adrien nodded—just once—then turned and ran.

— ♦ —

“Plagg!   Where are you?!” Adrien shouted, sprinting towards where he left his bag by the photography equipment boxes.

“Kid?   What’s wrong?”

His Kwami came zipping out from one of the boxes.

“It’s Asami!   She—she got hurt.   Bad.   I need to transform.   Now.”

Plagg’s eyes widened as he finally registered Adrien’s pale face and shaking hands.

“Woah, woah, okay.   Breathe, Adrien.”

“There’s no time!” Adrien snapped.   His voice cracked with barely held back tears.

Plagg sobered instantly.

“Then say the words, kid.”

Adrien didn’t miss a beat.

“Plagg, claws out!”

His vision exploded into green light and when it faded, he was Chat Noir.

He narrowed his eyes.

I have a witch to hunt.

— ♦ —

The sleet was icy—slicing at his cheeks and numbing him to the bone.

Wind was howling in his ears, but Chat Noir couldn’t hear it—only the pounding of his heart and the echo of Asami’s fall replaying in his mind.

He grit his teeth and pushed forwards, fury fueling his every step.

“Chat Noir!"

The feline hero whipped his head around, teeth bared in warning.   His muscles were coiled to strike—seconds from pouncing on the fool who dared to interrupt his hunt.

Then he registered the voice.

Ladybug.

His lips pressed into a tight line and he straightened with a stiff nod.

But the tension in his shoulders didn’t ease.

“Ladybug.   Good to see you,” he intoned.

Ladybug blinked.   “What happened to ‘Milady’ and ‘Bugaboo’?” she teased.

A vein pulsed in Chat Noir’s neck, hidden beneath the high collar of his suit.   His claws dug into the leathers of his gloves with such intensity that had they not been magic, he would’ve drawn blood.

Bugaboo?

Was she joking?

His best friend was possibly on the verge of death and she was focused on—

The rational side of his mind landed a metaphorical punch to his gut.

It’s not her fault for being focused on something else.

She doesn’t know about Asami.

She couldn’t know.

But still…she interrupted your hunt, a darker side of him hissed.   Chat Noir ruthlessly crushed that little voice with the weight of his better judgement.

“Have you found the weather witch yet?" he asked, voice tight.   His claws flexed with anticipation of finally confronting the girl that had hurt his friend.

Ladybug tilted her head, visibly confused by his demeanor.   “No, but the trail of destruction makes it pretty easy to find her.   Chat Noir, what’s going on—?”

“There’s no time,” he cut her off as he vaulted away to resume his search.

“Chat Noir?!” he heard the heroine call as he quickly followed.   He ignored her.

He had more important things to focus on—like finding that damn witch.

— ♦ —

Chat Noir followed the trail of overturned cars, stalking the smell of unnaturally icy wind.   He prowled along the rooftops, leaping from each to the next like a silent shadow.

At least, he would be if it weren’t for the bright red beacon that was Ladybug, trailing behind him and calling out questions he didn’t have the patience or time to answer.

Seriously, did that girl not know she was giving their position away to every person in earshot?

“Chat Noir—!”

“Could you cut it out?!”

Ladybug flinched in surprise.   Her mouth opened—then closed again.

He knew he was being different.

Rude.

Mean, even.

But right now, he didn’t care.

His best friend was hurt, and he wanted—no, needed —to find the bitch who hurt her.

He could still see her in his mind’s eye—lying there, motionless.   That thin trail of red curling from her scalp.

Someone so full of light and life shouldn’t be that way.

Still.

Silent.

Deathly.

So he’d be angry, be rude, be downright mean for now.   Until he got her back.

Oh, he knew he’d feel guilty later—but right now, he only had one focus.

And that was to get his friend back.

Ladybug stared at him, an emotion he couldn’t read in her eyes.   Was it anger?   Disgust?   Disappointment?

“Chat…you’re crying,” she said softly.

Oh.

He knew what that emotion was now.

It was concern.

And for some reason, that made it worse.

He swallowed thickly, suddenly feeling the hot tears slipping down his mask.

His breath came in short gasps.   He couldn’t—he couldn’t breathe.

Ladybug began to look nervous, unsure of what to do.

“Chat, you need to breathe,” he heard her say faintly.

But he could only see the moment Asami’s head hit the ground— that moment.   That sickening crack replayed in his ears over and over again.

“My friend—” he gasped out.   “She—”

His knees gave out beneath him.   Ladybug jolted forward, catching him as he fell.

“Chat!”

“She’s hurt—” he gasped out.   “She’s hurt and—and I couldn’t— I couldn’t—”

“Chat, I–I don’t know what happened,” his partner said.   “But you need to breathe.”

Chat Noir shook his head.   His lungs felt like someone had wrapped them in chains and pulled tight.

“It’s my fault,” he whispered.   Tears leaked from beneath his mask, hot and endless.   “I wasn’t fast enough.   I couldn’t—couldn’t reach her in time.   And now—”

Ladybug clamped a hand on his shoulder, cutting off his spiral.   Her hand was trembling—just a little.   Distantly, he realized that his panic was unravelling her too.

“Chat!   If we purify the akuma, I can fix this.   Your friend will be okay!”

“She’ll be—she’ll be okay?”

“Yes,” Ladybug said, more firmly now.   “But only if we move.   I can’t fix this without you.”

He felt the tightness in his chest loosen—just a little.

Yes.   If I can defeat the akuma and Ladybug purifies it, Asami will be fixed.   She’ll be okay!

He refused to think of any other possibility.

He nodded, calmer now.

More grounded.

Plan in mind.

“Okay.   Let’s go.”

– Marinette –

She didn’t like this.

Chat Noir wasn’t supposed to be like this—sharp, angry, distant.

He was supposed to grin with reckless confidence, flirt at the worst moments, throw puns like punches.

This wasn’t him.   It wasn’t how he was supposed to be.

Chat Noir moved ahead in grim silence, leaping from building to building with single-minded focus.   Ladybug sprinted across the rooftops, her worry growing with every step.

He screeched to a stop as a nearby billboard flickered to life.

Ladybug landed beside him just as the cracked screen lit up.

“ Hello , viewers!”

A familiar voice rang out.   The weather witch smirked deviously, stepping back from the camera and into view.

“Here’s the latest forecast for the first day of summer.”   The Akumatized girl grinned as a map of France appeared.

“Looks like Mother Nature had a change in plans,” she said in mock disappointment.   “Summer vacation is officially over! ”

Ladybug waited for Chat Noir to crack a witty comment.

A pun.

Even just a sarcastic groan.

Anything.

But…nothing.

Only silence.

He narrowed his eyes, the light from the screen reflecting in emerald slits.

When he finally spoke, his voice was as cold as the winds whipping around them.

“She must be at the news station.”

She could only nod silently.

— ♦ —

Chat Noir burst into the news station, Ladybug close behind.

As he continued on his single-minded path, Ladybug paused, her eyes zeroing in on a cutout.

“That’s her…”

Ladybug’s gaze darted between the cutout and the cackling girl on the billboard.

“And that parasol—that’s where the akuma is!”

When she looked up, Chat Noir was already gone—vanished down the hall without a word.

A loud bang echoed deeper in the building.

Ladybug’s eyes widened.   She sprinted down the corridor.

She burst into the recording room to see a light fixture crashed to the ground in a spray of sparks.

Chat Noir dove aside just in time.

Above them, the villain laughed wildly as the lights began to flicker.

“You’re going to pay for what you’ve done, bitch!” Chat Noir snarled.

Immediately, the girl’s manic smile dropped into a snarl of indignation.

“My name is Stormy Weather! ”

A bolt of lightning shot towards him.

Chat Noir twisted and dodged, then launched himself at her with feline precision.

His claws extended, and he pounced—teeth bared in a snarl and pupils thinned into slits.

Stormy Weather snorted and swung her parasol.

A violent gust hurled him backwards.

He flipped midair and landed hard.   Claws gouged deep furrows into the floor.

“Chat Noir!” Ladybug shouted just as the lights went out.

— ♦ —

Pitch black.

Ladybug couldn’t see a thing.

“Goddammit!” she heard Chat Noir curse.

A gloved hand grabbed her wrist and began hauling her forward.

“Come on!   We can’t lose her!”

She stumbled blindly, trying to keep up.

“Wha—Chat Noir?!”

“Yes—now let’s go!”

A door slammed open, echoing.   A stairwell?

She was proven right when she nearly tripped on the first step.

Chat Noir yanked her up.   “Come on!”

Seconds later, they crashed through another set of doors.

Cold sleet slammed into her face as she blinked against the sudden brightness.

Stormy Weather floated fifty feet above their heads.

“You airheads! ” she cackled.   “You fell right into my trap!”

Wind howled.

A cyclone dropped from the sky—a descending maw of a hungry beast—spiralling down to wrap the top of the news tower in a roaring funnel of chaos.

Beside her, Chat Noir hissed in anger.

A pink butterfly outline appeared briefly on Stormy Weather’s face, then vanished as she smirked.

“There’s no way out!   Party’s over, fools!”

“Not so fast!   We’re just getting started,” Ladybug said.   “Lucky Charm!”

Pink sparkles condensed to reveal—

A giant lollipop?

Ladybug barely caught it.   The thing was the size of a trash can lid and almost as tall as she was.

Are you kidding?

Seeing this, even Chat Noir couldn’t help but let out a sarcastic quip.

“Nothing like a sweet treat when things get stormy, huh?”

Ladybug’s eyes flicked around frantically, searching for a plan.

Her eyes snapped to the shiny wrapper glinting under the lightning and then the towering billboard behind Stormy Weather.

Reflective wrapper.   Sticky surface.   A giant metal billboard.

Stormy Weather raised her parasol to launch an attack.

Ladybug immediately hurled the lollipop into the air—aiming it so the shiny wrapper would catch the next flash of lightning.

“Chat!” she shouted.   “The billboard!”

Thankfully, he understood.

“ Cataclysm! ”

His hand dragged along the base of the billboard as he ran along its length, leaving behind a trail of growing rust.

With an almighty boom , the supports buckled.   The billboard lurched sideways just as lightning struck.

The lollipop’s wrapper reflected the blinding light—right into Stormy Weather’s face.

“ AAHH! ”

She cried out, dropping the parasol to rub her eyes.

Ladybug’s yoyo whipped out, snatching the parasol out of the air as Stormy Weather shook her head hard and dove to retrieve it.

“NOW, CHAT NOIR!”

Chat Noir leapt, using the collapsing billboard as a ramp.

He snatched the spinning lollipop out of the air and shredded through its wrapping.

The rain instantly soaked it, turning it into a sticky mess.

“You’re not going anywhere , Ice Queen!”

Crack!

The sticky treat collided with Stormy Weather’s torso, slamming her against the ground.

Her arms stuck fast, pinned like an insect in amber.

“No!” she shouted.

Snap!

Ladybug cracked the parasol over her knee in one sharp motion.

The black butterfly fluttered free.

“No more evil-doing for you, little akuma…   Time to de-evilize!”

Her yoyo snapped out with unerring precision.

“Gotcha!”

The heroine pressed a button on her yoyo, releasing the pure white butterfly.

“Bye-bye, little butterfly.”

She wrinkled her nose as she scooped up the half-melted mess of candy, holding it delicately by the stick.

Still, she hurled it skyward.

“Miraculous Ladybug!”

Pink sparkles burst across the sky, zooming all over the city.

The cyclone dissipated, and sleet gave way to sun.

With a groan, Stormy Weather vanished, black bubbles disappearing to reveal Aurore Beauréal, the KIDZ+ weather girl contestant.

Aurore groaned as she held her head.

“...What am I doing up here?” she mumbled, sitting up.

She looked around the rooftop in confusion.

All while this happened, Ladybug didn’t miss the look of hope on Chat Noir’s face.

He was already turning away.

“...Pound it?” she asked tentatively, raising a fist.

Chat Noir froze, already poised to leap away.

He hesitated and then stepped forward.

“Pound it,” he said, softly.

He tapped his fist against hers and then smiled wryly.

Then he was off—vaulting away and vanishing into the distance.

– Asami –

“...Asami…up…”

“....please…got to wake up…”

“...Asami!”

A voice tugged her out of the dark of sleep.

There was…something wet?...falling on her cheek.

Something warm…

Why were her limbs so heavy?

Asami’s eyes fluttered open.

Blurry gold and green hovered above her—like sunlight through tree leaves.

A…face?

A familiar face.

“...Adrien?” she murmured sleepily.

Adrien let out a sob and flung his arms around her.

“You’re awake!” he cried.   “I thought…you hit your head so hard…”

“I’m okay,” Asami whispered, carding a hand through golden locks.

He let out a wet laugh into her shoulder.

“Why are you comforting me when you’re the one lying in a recovery bed?”

A…what?

Asami grunted and tried to sit up.

Immediately, Adrien panicked.   “What are you doing?!   You’re recovering—lie back down!”

“I’m…fine…!” she groaned out as she forced herself up on trembling limbs.

He leapt up and pushed her back down.

“No—stay!   Don’t get up!” he scolded her, eyes still red and frantic.   “If you need anything, I’ll get it for you—just stop trying to move for five seconds and relax!”

He rubbed at the tear tracks on his face before taking her hand.

“Asami…please.   Don’t move—just…please.”   He sounded defeated and exhausted.   “...For me?”

Asami folded like a cheap shirt.

— ♦ —

“Adrien, I’m fine.”

“Shh…I know what I’m doing.”

“Sure you do…”

“I do!”

Asami deadpanned, bundled in more blankets than a baby panda with a cold.

“Adrien, I asked for one blanket.   Not thirty .”

“But what if you get a cold?!”

“Adrien!”   Asami wrestled an arm free and grabbed his hand.   “I’m fine.   Truly.”

Adrien paused in his third rearrangement of her pillows.

“...Promise?” he whispered, voice vulnerable and soft.

Asami’s heart softened.

“Promise.”

Adrien searched her eyes for any trace of dishonesty.   Then, satisfied, he sat down in the chair beside her.

She smiled and squeezed his hand gently.

He squeezed back, a helpless smile on his lips.

…Click.

Both of them froze, their smiles suddenly stiff.

Adrien turned his head robotically towards the source of the noise.

There at the entrance of the tent stood Vincent, staring down at his camera like it betrayed him.

The photographer looked up, meeting their unimpressed gazes.

“...I thought I turned off the shutter sound,” he whispered, horrified.

– Marinette –

“I’m ready for the photoshoot with Adrien!”

Marinette burst into the medical tent, Manon and Alya in tow—

—Only to be greeted with the sight of Adrien laughing brightly, hand wrapped around Asami’s, as the photographer groaned over his camera settings.

The tent fell silent, as if all sound had been sucked out of it.

The photographer’s face darkened.

“There is a recovering girl here…and you’re concerned about a photoshoot with Mr. Adrien?”

“I…um…”

Adrien wasn’t smiling anymore.   The disappointment in his eyes said more than any shout ever could.

“Non.   I will not have you as my extra.   Not with that sort of attitude.   That…callousness.   You should be ashamed of yourself, young lady,” the photographer snapped.

Adrien was watching—watching with a blank face and pursed lips.

Marinette’s stomach twisted.   What did that mean?

Alya stepped forward, throwing an arm around her best friend.

“Aw, Marinette’s just excited.   She really wants to do the photoshoot, you know?   There’s no need to go that far.”

The photographer’s glare deepened.

“No, I do not ‘know’,” he snapped.   “A child her age should have more sense than to barge into a medical tent with a recovering person inside.   I will not put Miss Asami under unnecessary stress by having you here.”

He turned and pointed firmly at Manon.

“In fact, that little girl has been more of an angel than the two of you combined!”

Marinette and Alya gasped in disbelief.

“You’ve got to be joking—” Alya began, outraged.

The photographer held up a hand.

“I am not," he said coldly.   Behind him, Adrien had turned away to mess with Asami’s pillows once more.

Marinette felt her heart crack as she watched him carefully smooth her blankets with soft eyes.

Her breath caught, but she snapped back to reality as the photographer stepped forward and knelt in front of Manon.

“Would you like to be my extra, my dear angel?”

Manon looked around in confusion, then pointed at herself.   He nodded encouragingly.

She lit up like someone had told her Christmas had come early.

— ♦ —

Her hands were clasped so tightly her joints were creaking.

She couldn’t look—didn’t want to look.   But her eyes drifted over anyway.

She could see them through the open tent flap—laughing, smiling .

Her jaw clenched as Adrien gently brushed a lock of black hair behind Asami’s ear.   Manon giggled and burrowed into the other girl’s side.

They looked like a little family.   A perfect one.   One she didn’t belong to.

She told herself she wasn't angry, wasn't jealous.   But the tightness in her chest said otherwise.

The bench was too hard.   The laughter rang in her ears—too loud, too bright.   It echoed with her heartbeat, creating a discordant rhythm in her ears.

“Asami!” Manon called, giggling.   Marinette flinched.   “Can I have a hug?”

“Of course, sweetie.”

How was she so… motherly?

Marinette bit the inside of her cheek hard enough to taste blood.

Maybe she’d never been needed.   Not really.   Not like that.

A nudge jolted her out of her self-deprecating thoughts.

Alya smiled, reassuring yet oblivious to her inner turmoil.

“We’ll get him next time,” she said with the confidence of someone sure of the game they were playing.

Marinette forced a smile.

“Yeah.   Next time.”

– Adrien –

Adrien sat on the edge of his bed as moonlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his room.   Somewhere behind him, Plagg snored obnoxiously.

His face was buried in his hands.

His mind kept replaying the events of the day, over and over.

More specifically, the battle.

Adrien sighed as he rubbed his face in frustration.

He hadn’t meant to be so…rude.

So mean.

Ladybug didn’t deserve the way he’d spoken to her.

She’d looked at him with such shock—like she hadn’t recognized him.

For a moment, he hadn’t recognized himself either.

But he didn’t regret it.

Asami—his friend —had been hurt.

And it had been all because of Hawkmoth and his stupid akumas.

He flopped backward, Plagg’s snores stuttering before resuming as he was jostled.

Why was it always Asami that got hurt?

What kind of hero couldn’t even protect those closest to him?

Why couldn’t he do his job right?

Chapter Text

– Asami –

She didn’t expect it to become a habit.

At first, it was just Adrien’s worry—he’d been a wreck after Stormy Weather sent her crashing from the sky.   In the end, he’d begged Nathalie to let him leave a few minutes earlier to pick her up.

Surprisingly, Nathalie hadn’t refused.   Instead, a strange expression flickered across her face when he’d mentioned it was Asami he’d wanted to pick up—then she simply nodded.

So for the next week, the Agreste car waited outside her house each morning, Adrien’s anxious face pressed lightly against the window.

Then, one week turned into two.   Then three.

Before Asami knew it, it became normal to walk outside and see Adrien waiting for her, eyes brightening the moment she appeared.

And there he was—smiling in that quiet, gentle way of his, sitting in the car as he patiently waited for her.   Just like he did every other day.

Even today.

But today was different—one a little more special than any other.

Today was Adrien’s birthday.

“Hey, Adrien!”   Asami slid into the seat next to him as the driver started the car.

“Hey!”   Adrien grinned.   His arms opened automatically to receive her hug.   “What’s going on?”

“Well, it’s your birthday, isn’t it?” She dug into her bag, then pulled out a soft bundle tied in green ribbon.   “Happy birthday,” she said, and handed it to him.

“You got me a present?” he laughed, pulling at the ribbon.

“No, I made you one,” Asami corrected.

The ribbon unfurled and he held the hoodie up to the light.

She could see the exact moment it hit him—the moment his brain went “Oh.” and fell silent.

His eyes widened, soft and shining, like a puppy that’d just gotten its first present and didn’t know what to do with the joy—which wasn’t entirely inaccurate.

He looked at her, lips parted slightly.

“You made this?”

Asami nodded.

“For me? ”

She smiled and nodded again.

His expression turned even more awed.

Adrien turned back to the hoodie, fingers brushing over the soft fabric.   Green paw prints marched up the sleeves while small cat ears stuck out from the hood.

“Turn it around,” she said.

Adrien flipped it over and grinned at the swirling script on the back.   “ Meow ,” he snickered, finger tracing the word.

“Do you like it?” Asami asked, already knowing the answer.

“Like it?   I love it!”   He shrugged off his jacket and wrestled the hoodie on right then and there.   His head popped out of the top, bangs flying every which way.   He didn’t seem to care how ridiculous he looked.

“I’m definitely wearing this to my photoshoot—my dad can suck it .”

He examined his hands and gasped excitedly.

“You made me sweater paws! ”

He curled his fingers like claws and bared his teeth, pink toe beans poking from the oversized sleeves.   It was both completely ridiculous and unreasonably cute.

“ Rawr ,” he growled.

“Terrifying,” Asami deadpanned, grinning as he pulled up the hood, cat ears twitching with the motion.

Adrien preened like a cat showing off its new collar.

– Adrien –

How did that one quote go?

‘Be still, my beating heart’ ?

Well, his heart better take that quote into consideration soon, because it was going absolutely ham .

Asami better not be hearing this.

He would die of embarrassment if she found out just how much he was freaking out over her gift.

But then the hood brushed his cheeks and— WHEEEE!

His grin split his face like sunlight breaking through storm clouds as he bounced out of the car after her, puffing up like an overly pretentious peacock as heads began to turn.

Nino was the first to come over.

“Hey!   Happy birthday, man!”   Nino clapped him on the back, eyeing the hoodie as Adrien grinned proudly.

“You look great!   Where’d you get this?”

“Asami made it!”   He couldn’t help but do a little spin, showing it off.   Around him, a smattering of applause came as he posed.

Nino whistled.   “Off the chain!   Hey, you think you can make one for me too for my birthday?” he asked, turning to Asami.

She raised an eyebrow, amused.   “Only if your ego doesn’t inflate like Agreste’s is.”

“Hey!”

Even as Nino cackled, Adrien knew it was true.   He was up on Cloud Nine, preening like the cat that’d gotten the cream, showing the hoodie off to anyone who looked his way.

The hoodie was perfect —warm, yet light, and so perfectly him .

If he hadn’t already known about Asami’s uncanny ability to look at someone and instantly know their style, he might’ve worried she’d figured out he was Chat Noir—

—if he wasn’t too happy to care.

Adrien stuck his hands in the pocket, marvelling at the perfect warmth despite the lightness of the fabric as Nino calmed himself down, pulling out a bubble wand with his free hand.

“So!   When’s the party?” he asked, absently blowing a few bubbles.

“O-oh.”   That one question brought his mood down like a punch to the gut.

He felt the empty pit in his chest ache, helped slightly by the gentle warmth of the hoodie.   “There…isn’t going to be one.”

“What do you mean?” Asami asked softly, eyes shining in confusion.

“Ah…my father thinks it wouldn’t be a good idea,” he muttered, squeezing his sweater paws.

Nino gaped.   “Dude, seriously?   Talk about lame.   Has your dad always been such a downer?”   He stuffed his bubble wand back into his pocket as the trio began moving towards their homeroom.

Asami grinned mischievously.   “Maybe you should threaten to shave off your eyebrows and tattoo your face if he doesn’t let you have a party next time you ask.”

Adrien snorted—then started cackling, imagining his father’s horror.

“He’d—he’d probably pass out from shock,” he giggled out.

Nino waggled his eyebrows, pulling open their classroom door.   “Even better!   We can party while he’s sleeping.”

Adrien wheezed as he fumbled his way into his seat.

— ♦ —

By the time lunch rolled around, Adrien’s mood had lifted considerably.   He’d received fifteen compliments on his new hoodie—yes, he’d been keeping count—and for once, he didn’t mind the attention.   Not when it felt like being wrapped in sunlight and soft fabric.

He liked it.

In fact, he was so deep into his musings about how perfect his present was that he nearly walked into someone.

A black-and-pink blur zipped out from behind a banister and screeched to a stop in front of him and Nino.

It was Marinette—bent at the waist, arms extended, and with a blue box clutched in her trembling hands.

Adrien stared.

Nino stared.

Marinette looked up at both of them like a deer in the headlights.

She shot up ramrod straight like she’d been struck by lightning, hiding the box behind her back.

“...Hey!” she squeaked out, waving slightly.

Adrien and Nino exchanged confused looks.

“Hey?” Adrien tried.

Then came the most confusing conversation he’s ever had—and he’s been in a lot of strange conversations before.   (Gala people were weird .)

“I…uh, hahaha…I wanted to…um, gift you a make!   I mean, gift you a give I made!   I mean—”

Adrien had no idea what was going on, but he had to applaud her commitment to getting her message out.   He also kind of wanted to apologize—he’d started to zone out again, distracted with his sweater paws.

The next moment, Chloé—who’d walked over at some point, and was now yawning in boredom—shoved Marinette aside.

“Out of the way!”

Instantly, the blonde’s demeanor flipped.

“Happy birthday, Adrien! ”   Before he could stop her, she shot forwards and planted her lips on his cheek.   Her arms slung around his neck.

“Uh, yeah.   Thanks, Chlo.”

He smiled hesitantly, unsure of why the skin of his cheek was crawling.   His hands rubbed the fabric of his sleeves.   Were they shaking?

A throat cleared behind him, and he twisted his head to look.

Asami stood a step above them, an unimpressed look on her face.

“Let him go, Chloé.”

Chloé’s eyes narrowed.   Her hold tightened possessively, and Adrien felt his skin crawl even more.   He clutched the hem of his hoodie, squeezing rhythmically to stave off the uncomfortable feeling.

“And why should I listen to a peasant like you? ” she snapped.

“Because you’re making him uncomfortable,” Asami said simply.

“He’s not!   Right, Adrikins…?”   Her voice trailed off as she turned her head, eyes catching the way he was beginning to hunch into himself.

Adrien swallowed nervously, unsure why his hands suddenly felt clammy.

“Um…could you let go?   …Please?” he asked softly.

Chloé stared at him for a moment, then stepped away without a word.   He felt the tension in his chest loosen slightly.

“Thanks…”

An awkward silence fell over the group as Adrien continued to fiddle with his hoodie.

Blinking quickly, the resident queen bee eventually regained her bravado.

“Anyway!   Did you get the gift I sent you?” she asked, voice sugary.

He thought for a moment.

“Um, no?”

“Ugh.   Those delivery guys! ” she scoffed.   “I bet it was too heavy , so they had to go back and get another guy to help!   Those slackers! ”

She placed a hand on his shoulder, though Adrien noticed it pause just slightly before it landed.

“I’ll make sure they get it to you by tonight, okay?   Later! ”

Then, she was gone—flouncing past them up the stairs.

— ♦ —

“...You alright, man?”   Nino placed a hand on his shoulder, gentle yet supportive.

Adrien hesitated, then nodded.   “Yeah.   I’m good.”

Asami stepped closer, joining their little circle.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner,” she apologized, looking remorseful.

He shook his head quickly.   “That’s not your fault!   I just…”   His voice failed him as he tried to search for the right words.

How could he explain the way he wanted to push Chloé—his oldest friend —away?   The way his skin felt like ants were marching along it?   The way the hug had felt like a noose, like the world was suddenly too small?

A gentle tug on his hand broke him out of thoughts.   He looked down into Asami’s smiling face.

“I get it.   You don’t have to explain.”

Adrien smiled back.

A soft quiet settled between them, filled with understanding.

With kindness.

With all things soft and good .

“...Ahem.”

Adrien blinked, turning to look at a mightily unimpressed Nino.

“I’m still here, you know.   In case you forgot.   With your… moment .”

He chuckled nervously, searching for an escape.

Then he spotted it, out of the corner of his eye.

“Oh, look at the time!   I’ve got a photoshoot to get to, soImmaseeyoulaterbyeNino!”

Adrien dove into the Agreste car, Nino’s shouts of protest behind him as the vehicle sped off.

“Hey!   You can’t just make me suffer through all that romantic tension and then just leave!   Adrien! ”

– Asami –

Asami paused on her way to the cafeteria, watching Marinette walk down the school stairs, shoulders slumped.   It wasn’t hard to guess the reason—she’d caught the tail end of the bluenette’s flustered attempt to deliver her gift to Adrien, only for Chloé to swoop in and derail it.

She hesitated, debating whether to offer a few comforting words, but before she could move, Alya darted up, waving her arms.

The brunette leaned in and whispered something into Marinette’s ear.   Whatever she said appeared to work—Marinette’s somber expression brightened, and they hurried off together, sprinting down the sidewalk.

Nino tapped her shoulder.

“Hey, I’m going to have a word with Adrien’s old man,” he said.   “You go on without me.”

Asami frowned.   “Are you sure?   He’s super strict, so I’m not sure if it’ll work.”

“Well, someone’s got to ask.   Adrien deserves a party!   He works so hard—he needs to have some fun!”   He gestured excitedly, eyes bright with conviction.

Asami smiled uncertainly.   Somehow, this feels like a bad idea…

“Well, you can try, I guess.   But be careful, alright?”

Nino waved her off, already bounding down the steps.   “I’ll be fine!”

“Good luck!” she called.   He waved, already halfway down the street.

— ♦ —

Asami settled at a corner table in the cafeteria, pulling out her sketchbook, a soft ball of yarn, and her crochet hook.   Her hands moved methodically as she worked, following the pattern she’d drawn out.   Lace formed beneath her fingers, her mother’s shawl for her next photoshoot slowly taking shape.

A soft ping from her phone interrupted her rhythm.   Then another.   And another.

Adrien 🐾: [Image]

Adrien 🐾: [Image]

Adrien 🐾: [Image]

Adrien 🐾: Who’s the coolest cat around now?

Asami smiled softly at the photos of Adrien modelling her hoodie, warmth blooming in her chest.

Asami 🌸: Chat Noir 🙄

Adrien 🐾: I am so much cooler than Chat Noir! 😤

Asami 🌸: Sure lol

Adrien 🐾: 👎

Asami 🌸: 😝

Asami smirked, picking up her crochet hook once more.   The gentle rustle of yarn on metal resumed.

– Adrien –

While his birthday hadn’t started out the way he wanted, he couldn’t deny that today was a pretty good day.   Case in point—the absolutely wonderful hoodie that Asami had given him.

Seriously, he just didn’t want to take it off!   It was so soft.   And comfortable.   And just absolutely amazing!   (Did he mention how comfortable it was already?)

It was like wearing a hug—a perfect one, gentle and warm and not at all suffocating.

I’m keeping this hoodie forever.

Adrien snuggled deeper within its folds as he made his way up the stairs to his house.

Opening the door, he saw—

“Nino?   What’re you doing here?”

His best friend turned with an easygoing grin, his skater clothes and casual demeanor out of place amongst the cold elegance of the Agreste mansion.

“Just trying to convince your dad to throw you a party, dude!   You totally deserve one!”

Nino turned back around.

“Show some awesomeness, du—I mean, sir!   Please?’

At the top of the staircase stood his father, glaring down at them.

Oh no.   Adrien’s stomach dropped to his feet.

He could feel the growing anger even from where he stood.

He shrank deeper into his hoodie, as if trying to hide without moving.   The warm fabric seemed to stave off the coldness of his father’s eyes.

His father’s voice came cracking down like a whip.

“Listen, young man.   I decide what’s best for my son.   In fact, I’ve just decided that you’re a bad influence , and you’re not welcome in my house ever again.   Leave now! ”

Adrien panicked, stepping forwards.

“F-Father, he was just trying to do something cool for me!”

His heart lurched in his chest, but he had to speak up—had to say something.

Nathalie stepped in front of them, face blank.   A physical barrier against Nino’s presence.   “Goodbye.”

The dismissal was clear.

Adrien’s shoulders slumped in defeat.   Next to him, he could hear Nino grinding his teeth together.   Nino turned and marched away, shoving the door open and muttering obscenities under his breath.

He ran after his friend, catching his shoulder.

“Nino, wait!   I’m sorry about my father.   He’s just…really stubborn.   And strict.   It’s just better to stay out of his way,” he said miserably.

Nino scowled down at his shoes.   “It’s not fair , Adrien!   It’s your birthday .   You’d think he’d be a little more lenient!   Uncool. ”

The boy stormed away, leaving Adrien despondent at his front door.

He turned, staring up at his father, who watched them from his position on the stairs.

Walking up the stairs, he stood in front of the older man, glaring with all the force he could muster.

His father stared back coldly, a single eyebrow raised.

He thought of Asami's offhand comment.   I've got nothing to lose anyway.   He focused on the warmth of his hoodie—like it was a hug of reassurance.   Of support and courage .

The trembling in his hands stopped.

“...I’m going to shave my eyebrows now.”

Adrien turned and sprinted to his room, slamming the door behind him.

His father’s head whipped around so fast Adrien nearly heard a crack.

“What?   Adrien! ”

— ♦ —

Flopping on his bed, Adrien pulled out his phone with a sigh, feeling the weight of the past few minutes settle on his chest.   He stared at the screen, then opened his messages.

Adrien 🐾: Hey, can you come over?

The response came almost immediately.

Asami 🌸: Now?

Adrien 🐾: Yeah

Adrien 🐾: I just…need someone

Asami 🌸: 👍

A small smile tugged at his lips as he buried his face deeper into his hoodie, inhaling the scent of fabric softener and flowers.   Like a shield against the world.

A few minutes later, his phone chimed.

Asami 🌸: I’m outside

Hopping up from his bed, he ran down the hall and took the stairs two at a time, straight to the foyer.   Flinging open the door, he saw Asami’s worried face at the gate.

“Nathalie, can you open the gate?   Asami’s here!” he called over his shoulder.

A moment later, the gate creaked open.

Asami ran up to him, and he met her halfway.   He slammed into her, nearly bowling her over with the force of his hug.

“...I missed you,” he mumbled into her shoulder.

“We saw each other half an hour ago, Adrien,” she deadpanned.

“Doesn’t matter.”

After another moment, Adrien took her by the hand and led her into the mansion.

— ♦ —

Adrien lay next to Asami on his bed, the silence between them warm and easy.

He tried to find his words, to explain just what had happened moments earlier and how he felt—how much it hurt—but the words caught somewhere in the back of his throat.

Asami waited patiently.   The tick of the clock and their gentle breaths were the only sounds in the room.

“...My dad kicked Nino out of the house,” he whispered at last.

Warm fingers found his, lacing through and squeezing gently.

“...He was so mad.   He just…it scared me, you know?   I just want to have a party for my birthday.   Even a small one.   I asked this morning and…he just said no.   Like my wishes didn’t even matter to him.”

He threw an arm over his eyes.

A thumb brushed the back of his hand, calm and steady. 

His breathing picked up as he fought back tears.

“Then Nino came over and insisted and my dad was just so cold and angry and I— I was just so scared that he’d start yelling and— and—”

The words tumbled out faster than he could control.   He gasped for air, eyes stinging.

Gentle arms pulled him close, and Adrien buried his head into Asami’s neck, tears from years of neglect—of missed birthdays and empty halls—flowing freely.

“...Why can’t my dad just let me be normal? ”

— ♦ —

She didn’t say anything.   Not at first.

Instead, she pulled him closer and ran a comforting hand through his hair.

“I don’t think your father knows how to be a parent,” she whispered finally.   “Not the kind you deserve or need.”

Adrien didn’t respond—just shuddered softly, curling deeper into her arms.

“You deserve so much more, Adrien,” she murmured.   “To be happy.   To have fun.   To feel normal.”

His sad green eyes peeked up at her.

Asami offered a small smile and held him tighter.

“If you want, you can come over to my place,” she offered.   “Any time.   My door’s always open to you.”

The silence settled again—filled not with sadness, but with comfort.   The warmth of knowing you’re not alone.

Adrien breathed out, more relaxed than ever.   His body untensed with every steady beat of Asami’s heart.   The clock ticked quietly in the distance.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then—

BOOM.

A loud bang rattled the massive windows of his room.

Adrien and Asami shot to their feet.

“What was that?” Asami asked breathlessly.   Her eyes were wide in shock.

Another bang sounded, and he could see colorful light glinting off the nearby rooftops.

“Fireworks?” Adrien muttered.   Why would there be fireworks?

A third bang.   Pink sparkles twinkled in the sky above his windows.

Wait.   If the fireworks are that close, that means—

Adrien turned and sprinted out of his bedroom.

“Adrien?!”

His feet pounded down the hall, Asami a step behind.

He skidded to a stop in front of the massive front doors.

Heart hammering, he flung open the doors—

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

Cheers erupted as more fireworks exploded in the sky.

His entire class stood in front of his house, waving at him and cheering.

A DJ stand was set up on one side of the courtyard with a buffet table of snacks on the other.

Asami inhaled sharply behind him as a whistle caught his attention.

Adrien looked up into the face of a grinning akuma.

“Hey, hey, hey, birthday boy!” the colorful villain crowed.   “Guess what?   Daddy’s gone, and while the cat’s away, the mice will play!”

“Nino?!”   Adrien stared up at the floating boy, eyes wide.

“The Bubbler ’s brought all your homies together for one single, sole purpose : to ce-le- brate! ”

The now named Bubbler pulled a large bubble wand from his back and unleashed a massive purple bubble.

It zipped past Adrien.   A yelp sounded behind him, and the next thing he knew, Asami had been encased within it.

“Asami!” he cried, reaching out just as the bubble whooshed past.   It carried her into the sky and hovered next to the Bubbler.

The Bubbler grinned maniacally.

“Now, let’s get this party started! ”

He flipped off his own green bubble, landing behind the squarely DJ station, arms wide like a showman.   Dance music began to play as the Bubbler hyped the crowd up.

Asami’s spherical prison descended like a drifting balloon.   It popped just before reaching the ground, and she stumbled out, dazed but unharmed, into the crowd of dancing students.

Adrien backed up, feeling behind him.

Grabbing the door handle, he whipped open the door and slammed it behind him.

His kwami flew out of his coat.

“Plagg, what do I do?!”

– Asami –

Oh gosh…that talk with Mr. Agreste must’ve gone really bad!

Asami chewed her lip, glancing warily at Nino—now the Bubbler—as she edged towards Juleka.   All around her, downcast eyes stared into empty space as their owners danced aimlessly.

The goth’s expression was hollow, her body moving along to the music like an animatronic put on loop.

“Juleka!” she hissed, stepping close.   “What’s going on?”

The older girl started slightly in surprise, life returning to her eyes.

“You don’t know?” she asked softly.

Asami shook her head.   “I was with Adrien.”

Juleka blinked slowly, eyes dulling once more.   “The Bubbler captured all the adults, and now they’re floating above Paris.   Look. ”   She tilted her head skywards.

High up above the city, tiny green dots littered the sky— the adults.

Asami gasped—too loud.   Their host whipped around with a suspicious glare.

She quickly schooled her expression, ducking her head slightly.   The Bubbler eyed the crowd with narrowed eyes before returning his vinyls.

Her heart thundered in her chest.

Kaa-san!   Tou-san!

Are they okay?   Are they—?

Her mind conjured images she didn’t want—of her mother and father drifting above Paris, trapped, slowly running out of air.

No, no—that won’t happen.   Chat Noir and Ladybug will fix this.

…But what if they can’t?

Asami shook herself out of her thoughts.   No.   Now was not the time to think like that.

An electric buzz crackled through the air and the music shifted—slower, dreamier.

People around her began to pair up, swaying slowly to the music.

Asami turned her head, looking for a partner.

A throat cleared behind her.

There Adrien stood, a shy smile on his face.   Behind him, Chloé seethed, eyes burning with murderous rage and frustration.

“ Adrien! ” Chloé snapped.   “You’re supposed to be dancing with me! ”

He didn’t even glance her way.

Asami watched, confused, as he swept into a low, theatrical bow.

“Would you care for a dance, milady?”

— ♦ —

For a moment, Asami thought she’d misheard him.

Was he serious?   Now?

She glanced around.   Chloé was practically trying to burn her to ash with a glare.   Other students swayed in pairs, faces vacant.   The Bubbler smirked at her, waggling his non-existent eyebrows.   Above, green and purple bubbles shimmered—eerie and ominous.

It was absolutely not the time for this.

And yet, here Adrien was—expression earnest and hopeful, hand still outstretched like a storybook prince.   For a moment, the chaos around them faded into the background.

Despite herself, Asami smiled.

“...I would be honored.”

His smile could’ve outshone the sun.

With a flourish, he bent and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles.

Asami laughed softly, surprised and amused.

“Playing Prince Charming now?”

“Only if you’ll be my Princess,” he returned smoothly, without missing a beat.

Adrien spun her once, pulling her into his arms.

Her hands wrapped lightly around his neck.   His hands settled at her waist.

They swayed softly as the music swelled—slow and romantic.

It felt…oddly peaceful.   Like they were the only two in the world, and nothing could disturb them.   The world around them faded away.

Asami looked up at Adrien.   He was already watching her, a soft look in his eyes.

His green green eyes pulled her in—like the first burst of life after winter.

Her heart quickened.

She could feel his breath on her lips.

Were they…?

Her eyes fluttered shut—

Record scratch.

The music jolted into an upbeat pop track, and the spell was broken.

Asami’s eyes blinked open, dazed.   Adrien pulled away, looking around in confusion.

Around them, people separated, bouncing to the beat.

At the DJ station, the Bubbler whipped his head left and right, trying to find the culprit.

“Who messed with my mix?!” he barked.

“Your’s truly!”

Asami’s eyes snapped up.

Ladybug.

The spotted heroine stood at the parapets of the mansion, smirking down at the Bubbler.   With a little wave, she dove out of sight and was gone.

Asami’s brain lagged.

Did…Ladybug really just crash the party to change the music?

— ♦ —

Asami barely had time to process Ladybug’s strange actions before the Bubbler marched past her, eyes narrowed like he was about to tear someone a new one.

“Hey, you!”   The villain stalked up to Ivan, who was leaning against the wall.   “Why aren’t you having fun?”

Ivan scowled.   “None of your business,” he snapped.

“Then I’m going to make it my business,” the Bubbler growled, reaching for his bubble wand.

Gasps rippled through the crowd as people backed up.

Alarm bells rang in Asami’s head.

She moved without thinking, skidding between the two.

“Hey, hey—easy!   No need to fight,” she said placatingly.   “Some people like to dance, and others prefer watching.   Ivan’s probably the latter.”

She giggled nervously.   “Or he’s tired.   Right, Ivan?”

She threw Ivan a desperate glance.

He nodded stiffly.

The Bubbler blinked at her, considering.   Slowly, he nodded.

“Makes sense,” he muttered.

Then his eyes narrowed again, and he pointed a threatening finger at Ivan.   “But no funny business , you hear?   You’re lucky Asami stepped in.   No bad vibes allowed!”

Ivan mumbled something and looked away.

“Great!   Glad that’s all figured out,” Asami’s mind raced for what to do next.   “Ivan, why don’t you go check out the snack table?”

The larger boy blinked and lumbered away.

The Bubbler watched for a moment, then headed back to his turntables.

Asami sighed quietly in relief.

Ladybug…Chat Noir…please hurry!

– Adrien –

Adrien raced into his bedroom and slammed the door behind him, the echo of music thudding through the walls like a distant heartbeat.

“I’ve been a complete idiot ,” he muttered, thudding his head against the wood.

Plagg flew out from his hood, wiggling and dancing to the beat.

“Dude, chill!   You’re not the first guy to get moody at a party.”

Adrien shook his head, pacing the floor.

“That’s not it.   I let myself forget what was going on, and Ivan almost got bubbled —if it weren’t for Asami…”

He trailed off, fists clenching.

“She shouldn’t have had to step in in the first place.”

He turned to his Kwami, expression hardening.

“I don’t know how much longer she’ll be able to hold out.”

Adrien squeezed his hoodie, grounding himself.

“No more excuses—we’ve got work to do.   Plagg, claws out!”

— ♦ —

Chat Noir launched himself up to the roof with feline grace.

Above him, more fireworks exploded—but as he landed, he could see they weren’t fireworks at all.   Instead of sparks, the explosions bloomed into shimmering bubbles , drifting eerily above the mansion.

Each one reflected a warped, pastel version of the world below.

“Those don’t look like good news,” he muttered.

Crouching behind the parapets, he peered down at the party.

The Bubbler stood at his turntables, head bobbing along to the beat as he fiddled with the controls.   Further away, he could see Asami weaving through the sluggishly dancing crowd, subtly guiding a few students towards the snack table.

Even from this height, he could see the tension in her shoulders and her smile.

Her eyes constantly flicked back towards their former best friend.

Chat Noir cursed himself inwardly.

How did I not see this sooner?

He gave his head a hard shake.

I’ve got to fix this.

He spun his baton in his fingers as he eyed the scene.   A few steps back—

Perfect.

With a hard spin, he launched it like a discus.

The baton spun through the air and reflected off a wall.

With a crack , it slammed into the power strip and knocked all the plugs free.

The music cut off with a crackle as the baton ricocheted back into his awaiting hand.

“What the hell?! ” the Bubbler cried, looking around furiously.

Chat Noir dropped like a shadow, landing on the steps with a soft thump .

“Sorry to burst your bubble ,” he said, rising to full height.   “But the party’s over!”

“Like hell it is!   This party’s just getting started, buzzkill!”

Two bright red bubbles were immediately launched his way.

With a quick spin of his staff, he dispersed them and threw himself into the fray as the other students screamed and scattered.

Chat Noir spun his staff, dodging and popping bubbles as he clashed with the Bubbler.

Bursting another crimson bubble, he vaulted off the snack table as an identical bubble shot past, scattering food everywhere as it exploded, sending chips and salsa flying.

He charged forwards and swung his staff—the Bubbler parried it with his wand and lashed out with a kick.

Pain exploded in his ribs as the kick sent him crashing back, skidding over stone.

Ow.

Chat Noir flipped back onto his feet just in time to see a swarm of bubbles headed towards him.

“Shit!”

He spun his staff quickly, deflecting and popping bubbles left and right.

There’s too many!

One slip and he’d be trapped, floating skywards like the others—helpless.

A red-and-black figure dropped down behind him.

“Ladybug!” he shouted as she whirled her yoyo like a massive, bubble-popping weed wacker.   “What took you so long?!”

“I got caught up with something!”

The bubble storm abated, and Chat Noir and Ladybug stood panting with exertion, weapons at the ready.

“Heh.”

The Bubbler smirked and snapped his fingers.

High above them, the bubbles that had been floating freely above the mansion shone an ominous green.

Like a tornado dropping out of the sky, they descended, swirling around the duo.

“Huh?!”

Chat Noir held up his arms, the sudden wind stinging his face.

The tornado tightened, and bubbles stuck onto them with relentless force.

No matter how hard he swatted at them, they wouldn’t come off.

Then suddenly, the bubbles were gone—all but one.

The one they were trapped in.

— ♦ —

Of course this would happen.

He cursed to himself as he kicked at the walls of his new prison.

He should’ve known those bubbles weren’t just for decoration.

“Dammit!” he hissed.

Outside, the Bubbler cackled in victory.

“Give me your Miraculouses before you run out of air!” he demanded.

“Dream on, Bubbler! ” Ladybug retorted.

The villain sighed in mock-amusement.

“Total party-poopers!   Just like… adults! ”   His voice dropped into a growl.

Next to him, Ladybug snapped out another reply—Chat Noir didn’t hear.

He was a bit busy panicking, kicking desperately at the slick walls.

His foot bounced back every time.

Was it getting hot in here?

Chat Noir pulled at the collar of his suit.

His breath was starting to come in gasps.

He needed— he needed—

A tap echoed next to his head.

Huh?

— ♦ —

He turned his head.

“You— What’re you—”

Chat Noir gaped, eyes wide in disbelief.

There, just outside the bubble, crouched just out of the Bubbler’s view…was Asami goddamn Yamikawa.

How did she get here?!

She gave him a small wave—like they were in a school hallway and not in the middle of a supervillain battle.

His jaw dropped.

“Are you okay?” she whispered—far too calmly for someone within attacking range of an Akuma.

“What are you doing here?!” he hissed, panic lacing his voice.   Was this girl insane?!

“You were having a panic attack,” she said as if it were obvious.

He peeked over his shoulder.   Ladybug and the Bubbler were still arguing, though the latter seemed to be getting increasingly agitated.

Chat Noir turned back around, face serious.

“Look, you can’t just be here!   It’s too dangerou—”

“ Look out! ” Asami shouted.   Behind him, Ladybug screamed.

He whipped his head around just in time to see the Bubbler charge at them with a feral roar.

He only had enough time to widen his eyes in shock before the villain’s foot connected with their prison.

“Chat Noir!” Asami cried as the bubble shot into the air.

Their eyes locked for half a second—hers wide with fear, his with helplessness—before he was jerked into the sky.

— ♦ —

Chat Noir raked his claws down the sides of their airborne prison.

You’d think that claws + bubble = pop, right?

Not this bubble.

Instead, they slipped right off, molding around his fingers like he was trying to touch water.

Behind him, the Eiffel Tower grew smaller and smaller as they shot farther up.

Then Ladybug gasped in realization.

“Use your Cataclysm! ” she said.

…You’re kidding, right?

“Couldn’t you’ve said that five hundred feet ago? ” he deadpanned.   He resolutely refused to look down.

Ladybug rolled her eyes.

“We can’t stay stuck in this bubble forever ,” she retorted.

Chat Noir smirked, wiggling his eyebrows.   “If you say so, bugaboo.   Cataclysm!”

He pressed his glowing black hand against the bubble, and their ascent stopped.

Then with a loud pop, they were falling.

— ♦ —

Wind roared past them.

Chat Noir’s ears rang.

His stomach tried to escape through his spine.

They were falling—fast.

“Shall we see if you land on your feet this time?!” Ladybug called to him.

“No thanks!” he shouted, trying to steady his breath.

The ground grew closer and closer.

This is it.   His heart pounded in his ears.   I’m really going to die.

“Look!   About last time—” he called over the wind.

“Chat Noir, your stick!   There!” Ladybug cut him off sharply, pointing.

Snapping back to the moment, he gritted his teeth.

“Got it!”

With a grunt, Chat Noir hurled his baton.   It lodged into the metal supports of the Eiffel Tower with a loud clang .

Ladybug grabbed his wrist.   “Hang on!”

Her yoyo shot out, wrapping around the shaft.

With a yell, they swung around the Tower, barely missing the ground.

With a zip the yoyo released, and the two were sent soaring through the air.

Chat Noir dove into a roll before flipping back up to his feet.

He hunched over, catching his breath.

Ladybug walked over, baton in hand.

“We’ve got to get to that bubble sword—that’s got to be where the akuma is!”

He nodded, accepting his weapon back.   “Yeah, that makes sense.   Listen, about how I acted last time—”

“Not now, Chat!” Ladybug snapped, already preparing to swing away.   “We can talk later—we have more important things to worry about right now.”

Chat Noir pressed his lips together.   His ring beeped in warning.

“Right.   Let’s make this quick, then.”

— ♦ —

“Where is everybody?   Get out here and party! ”

The Bubbler’s angry voice greeted them as they landed on the entry gate of his house.

A sharp voice cut through the tension.   “ Nino!   That’s enough! ”

Chat Noir’s eyes widened in horror.

There she was.

Asami—brave, reckless, stupid Asami—was glaring down the Bubbler, standing between him and the rest of their hiding classmates.

“You can’t just force people to party!   That’s not how a party works! ” she snapped.

“Back off, Asami!   You don’t know what you’re talking about!” the Bubbler snarled.

“No, you don’t know what you’re doing!   Look around you!” Asami gestured around them.   “The snack table’s overturned, the music’s been wrecked, and everyone’s hiding!   No one is happy!   This isn’t a party anymore!”

Her voice softened almost to a whisper.   Chat Noir leaned in to hear.

“Look, I know you want to make Adrien happy—but this isn’t the way to do it.”

The Bubbler narrowed his eyes in frustration.   “Then what do you suggest, huh? ”

“We can throw him a party elsewhere ,” she insisted.   “Who said that it needs to be here?   We can have a small one in our classroom…or a bigger one in the park!   Why limit ourselves?”

The Bubbler seemed to consider it.

The crowd of students waited anxiously.

Chat Noir held his breath in anticipation—

—then Alya shot to her feet, eyes bright and grin wide, pointing directly at them.

“ Ladybug! ” she cheered.

Chat Noir smacked a palm to his forehead.

Several pairs of arms shot out from behind the banisters and yanked her back down.

Too late—the damage had already been done.

— ♦ —

“ You two! ”

The Bubbler whipped around, a snarl forming on his face as he glared up at the superhero duo.

Behind him, Asami leveled a ferocious glare at where Alya had been moments before.

“Can’t you see I’m talking here?!” her face practically screamed.

A purple butterfly outline suddenly lit up the villain’s face, then after a moment, vanished just as quickly.

The Bubbler smirked, a cold glint in his eyes.

Without warning, he swung his bubble wand wide.

A wave of shimmering purple bubbles surged forth, sweeping through the crowds of students.

Asami stumbled back in shock.

One by one, students were encased—pounding fruitlessly on the walls of their new prisons.

Everyone, except Asami.

The Bubbler’s smirk deepened as he looked down at her.

“Since you’re also Adrien’s best bud, I’ll leave you alone.   But as for everyone else— outer space is their next stop if Ladybug and Chat Noir don’t hand over their Miraculouses!”

“We’ll never hand them over to you!” Ladybug shouted, face set with determination.

The Bubbler’s grin widened.

“I was hoping you would say that.”

With a snap of his fingers, the bubbles pulsed an eerie green—and began to rise, zooming skyward with alarming speed.

“No!” Chat Noir gasped.

With a wild laugh, the Bubbler leaped over the mansion walls.

Ladybug didn’t pause for a second.   Her yoyo snapped into her hand.

“Come on!”

Chat Noir sprinted after her, vaulting across the rooftops.

The chase was on.

— ♦ —

Since when could he use bubble bombs?! Chat Noir thought, diving out of the way as a crimson sphere shot past.

The bubble flew past him, exploding into a fiery blaze of heat against the Eiffel Tower supports.

His ring beeped again—two pads left.

“Ladybug, could you hurry it up?!   I don’t have much time!”

“Lucky Charm!” Ladybug shouted.   Pink sparkles swirled and formed—

—A large wrench?

Chat Noir blinked.

“Your…plumbing skill is gonna help us out?” he asked, confused.

He didn’t have time to ask anything else as his ears twitched, and suddenly he was dodging fire-bubbles once more, climbing higher up the massive structure.

He landed on a support beam, balancing with feline grace.

“Could use a little work—is that all you got?!” he shouted at the Bubbler.

The villain growled in anger and fired off another spray of bubbles.

He leaped out of the way, eyes catching a flailing vent pipe that Ladybug had just released with the wrench.

“Chat Noir!   Cover me!” she shouted.

Chat Noir grit his teeth, then dove off the beam, snagging the pipe.   High-pressured steam poured out of the opening, stinging his face and making his eyes water.

“Go on!” he shouted to his partner.

The Bubbler launched another volley, but the escaping steam deflected the bubbles away.

Enraged, he swung his wand high for another attack.

Then Ladybug’s yoyo shot out, wrapping around the shaft and tearing it out of his hand.

With a sharp yank, she reeled it in and broke it over her knee with a crack .

“Get out of there, you nasty bug!” she shouted.

The akuma fluttered free, making its escape.

“No more evil-doing for you, little akuma,” she murmured, flicking open her yoyo.   “Time to de-evilize!”

Ladybug swung it out in a wide arc, snagging the akuma in its hold.

“Gotcha!”

With a tap, her yoyo opened once more, releasing the purified butterfly into the sky.

“Bye-bye, little butterfly,” she said with a wave.

Kicking up the wrench into her hands, she hurled it skywards.

“Miraculous: Ladybug!”

Pink light exploded across the sky, sparkles flying through the city as the captive adults and children were deposited back onto the ground.

Further away from them, black bubbles crawled over the Bubbler as he vanished, and Nino reappeared in his place.

“Wha…?” he muttered, clutching his head as he sat up.

Chat Noir tapped his fist against Ladybug’s.

“Pound it!”

His ring beeped again.

“I’m going to have to go.   Could you handle the rest?” he asked.

“I’ve got it.   No worries,” she grinned.

“And um, before I do…about how I acted during the battle with Stormy Weather…” he started.

“Chat, it’s fine,” she interrupted, holding up a hand.   “What matters is that we won.”

Chat Noir felt a pang of disappointment.

“O-Oh…okay.”

He forced a smile.

“See you.”

Without waiting for a response, he vaulted away.

— ♦ —

Adrien sat at his desk, rubbing the blue scarf he’d gotten from his father between his fingers.

Plagg poked out from his hoodie, staring down at the fabric.

“I don’t get your father—if he wants to give you a birthday present, why a scarf?   It’s warm outside!” the Kwami teased, flying over to poke at it.

“I don’t get it either.   I mean, there’s got to be a reason, right?   Asami’s hoodie is pretty thin, but this?”   Adrien held the scarf up to the desk lamp.   “This is pretty thick.   Way too warm for this season.”

Plagg shrugged, flopping onto a stack of books.   “Your dad’s weird.”

Adrien sighed, stuffing the scarf back into its box and slumping in his chair.    “Tell me about it.”

A silence fell over the room.

Only the quiet tick of the clock could be heard.

…Or actually, was there someone in the house?

Adrien sat up, straining his ears.

“Plagg, do you hear that?”

The Kwami lazily opened an eye, ears twitching towards the door.

“Sounds like your friends came over.”

“What?!”   He shot up from his desk, scooping a squawking, protesting Plagg into his hoodie pocket and throwing open the door.

As he ran down the hall, the voices got clearer.

He could pick out his father’s stern voice and one other.

Adrien skidded to a stop at the top of the foyer stairs.

There was Asami, folded into a deep bow, her hair brushing the floor.

Behind her, his class stood in neat rows, armed with cupcakes, balloons, and streamers.

His father stood impassively in front of them, regarding Asami’s deep bow with a stoic silence.

What was she—?

Then it hit him.

She was bowing to his father.

For him .

Oh.

Oh no.

Oh no no no.

Adrien scrambled down the steps.

“Asami—what are you doing? ” he hissed, tugging at her arm.   “Get up—he’s going to think you’re crazy!”

She didn’t move, staying stock still with her head bowed.

“Please, Mr. Agreste,” she said softly, voice steady and calm.   “We only wish to celebrate Adrien.   Just for a few hours, with your permission.”

His father regarded her for a long moment, face unreadable.

Then he finally muttered, “At least one person in this house knows how to show respect.”

He turned to Nathalie.   “Make sure they’re out by ten.”

He left without another word.

Everyone stood frozen in silence, unable to believe their ears.

Slowly, quiet murmurs of surprise broke out amongst their classmates.

Asami blinked in surprise, lifting her head to stare at his father’s retreating back.

“...Did that really just happen?” Kim muttered.

Like a wire snapping, the tension broke, and quiet cheers and high-fives rippled across the room.

They fell silent again as Nathalie stepped forwards, her expression stern.

“You heard him. Out by ten,” she said crisply.   “No mess. No noise that’ll disturb Mr. Agreste.”

There was an awkward pause before she added, almost reluctantly, “Enjoy yourselves.”

With that, she turned and disappeared down the hallway.

A fresh wave of subdued cheers followed as everyone scattered to set up.

Asami straightened, giving Adrien a relieved look.

He stared at her, still floored.   “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to,” she said.   “You’re my best friend.   I would do it again.”

Adrien pulled her into a tight hug, burying his face in her shoulder.   “Thank you.”

– Marinette –

As soon as the Agreste car pulled up to the curb, Marinette was bouncing in place.

Anticipation for the sight of her scarf around Adrien’s neck thrummed through her veins.

Did he like it?

Is he wearing it?

He’s going to look so cool!

Adrien stepped out of the car and—

She scanned his neck, heart pounding, searching for any hint of that familiar splash of blue beneath the black hoodie he wore.

Nothing.

Where was her scarf?

“Hey, man!   How you doin’?”   Nino bounded over, Asami following behind at a more relaxed pace.

The two boys tapped fists.

“How does it feel to be fourteen and a day?” Nino laughed, slinging his arm over Adrien’s shoulder.

“Pretty awesome, actually,” Adrien grinned, pulling Asami into a quick hug.

“I see you’re still wearing my gift,” Asami teased.

He laughed, bright and cheerful.

“What can I say?   It’s pretty awesome.”

As Adrien continued to praise the hoodie, Marinette’s smile faltered, her shoulders hunching in self-consciousness.

Alya noticed immediately, clocking the source of her insecurity.

“Hey, Adrien!   Get any other cool gifts besides your new hoodie?” she called over.

Adrien thought for a moment.

“Not really…although I did get a pretty weird gift from my dad.”

“Really?” Asami asked.   “What was it?”

Adrien shrugged, brows furrowed in confusion.

“He got me a scarf.”

“A scarf? ” Nino echoed.   “Isn’t it still summer?   Why would he get you a scarf? ”

Adrien shrugged, equally baffled.

“I have no idea.   I mean, it’s better than the pen he got me for the past three years, but still…”

“Maybe he’s just being prepared for when it gets colder?” Asami offered.

He shrugged, pulling out his phone.

“I took a picture since it was the first actual gift he’s gotten me,” he said.   “Just give me a second…there.”

Adrien held up his phone.

As Marinette leaned over Alya’s shoulder, her eyes caught onto a flash of blue.

Her heart stopped in her chest.

No.

There, displayed front and center on Adrien’s screen, was her scarf.

“I mean, it’s not a terrible gift, you know?   Just really weird considering how thick it is,” Adrien continued, sliding his phone back into his pocket.

“Well, if the scarf’s too warm, what about your hoodie?” Alya quickly piped up, eyes flicking between Marinette’s frozen form and Adrien’s oblivious face.   “Shouldn’t you be boiling in that?”

Adrien beamed, pulling at the hem.   “Oh, this?   This is actually pretty thin.   Doesn’t look like it, but it’s really breathable.   It’s actually perfect for this weather.”

Marinette felt like she’d been kicked in the chest.

So Asami ’s hoodie was perfect.

But her scarf?   Too thick.   Too warm.

And now—credited to someone else entirely.

“Seriously though,” she heard Nino laugh as he, Adrien, and Asami headed inside the building, “who even wears a scarf in this weather?   It’s practically steaming out!”

Marinette flinched, feeling a ten-ton weight drop onto her head.

Alya winced beside her.   “Oh, girl…”

She gripped her backpack straps a little tighter, biting her lip until she tasted blood.

Right.   Who would do that? she thought miserably.

Alya gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.   “We’ll get him next time.”

Marinette forced a smile.

“Yeah.   Next time.”

Chapter Text

– Adrien –

Click.

Click.

Click.

Click.

Dazed green eyes stared unblinking at the screen as Adrien mindlessly refreshed the page once more.

Click.

What was he doing again?   He couldn’t remember.

Click.

Oh, right.   He was remembering.

Click.

“An akuma?   Now?   Oh, you've got to be kidding!”

Click.

“How nice of you to hold the door open for me!”

Cl-click.

“Ah!”

Pain exploded along his back.

The sarcophagus lid slammed shut.

His head hit stone as the coffin tipped backwards.

Cl-click.   Click.   Click.

Were the walls…closing in?

Cl-click.   Click.   Clickclickclick.

“Ladybug?   Ladybug, are you there?   Ladybug, please!”

Was it just him, or was it getting warmer?

Click click.   Click.   Cl-click.

Fists pounding against stone.

“Ladybug, get me out of here!”

Cl-click.   Cl-click.   Clickclickclick.

Silence.

Nothing but the echo of his voice in his ears.

The feeling of his own breath…trapped against his face.

Why was it always like this?

Why was it always him?

“Kid?”

Clickclickclick.

Why was he always trapped?

Always caged?

“Kid, can you hear me?”

Cl-click.

The walls were closing in.

“Ladybug, please!   I can’t— I can’t—”

“KID—!”

“ I can’t breathe! ” Adrien gasped out.

Plagg froze.

Adrien clutched at his chest, wheezing for air.   His eyes were blown wide.    His breath came in short, sharp bursts.

“...Adrien?”

A strangled wheeze was the only answer.

Plagg floated closer, tail twitching nervously.

“Come on, talk to me,” he urged, circling him anxiously.   “What’s happening?   What do you need?”

Adrien shook his head, knees buckling beneath him as he tried to stand.   He collapsed in a shivering heap in front of his desk.

Plagg fluttered anxiously around his head, waving his tiny paws.

“Alright, you don’t have to say anything!   Just breathe, okay?   In and out.   In and out.”

Breathe?   He would’ve laughed—if he could unclench his lungs long enough.   What did he think he's been trying to do?   Do a line dance?

He tried—he really did!

But his chest felt like a rock, and his lungs refused to expand.

Air—I need air—!

His vision blurred.   His ears rang.

The edges of his sight began to blacken.

The pounding of his heartbeat in his ears drowned out everything else.

His arms collapsed from under him, and Adrien lay folded over on the floor, tears streaming silently down his face.

He prayed for someone to save him.

Someone…anyone!

His wheezing breaths blew back against his face.

His cries inside the sarcophagus echoed back in his mind.

…Please…

“If you want, you can come over to my place.   Any time.   My door’s always open to you.”

What?

Asami’s face appeared in his mind, gentle and kind.

He latched onto it like a lifeline.

“Would you care for a dance, milady?”

His breathing shook as he focused on that memory with all his might.

“...you can come over to my place…My door’s always open to you.”

The hard grit of stone beneath his fingers.

“I would be honored.”

Her arms around his neck.

“...you can come over…always open…”

The rawness of his throat from screaming.

“Playing Prince Charming now?”

Her blue blue eyes.

“...you can come over…”

The fear of being left alone—forgotten.

“Only if you’ll be my Princess.”

Her breath against his lips.

“ Come over. ”

Adrien’s eyes snapped open—

and air surged in like a flood.

— ♦ —

Cool air rushed into his lungs.

Sweat clung to his skin, matting his hair to his forehead.

Moonlight filtered through his windows, casting long, quiet shadows.

How long had it been?

“...Kid?”

He let the cool air wash over him a moment longer.

Just lying there.   Just breathing.

Then, slowly, Adrien pushed himself up on trembling limbs.

He winced as his head knocked against the underside of his desk.

“Kid, are you alright?” Plagg asked, floating closer.   “You with me?”

“...Yeah.   I’m here.”

The Kwami heaved a relieved sigh, going limp midair.

“Shit, kid.   You scared the bejeezus out of me!” he complained.

“Sorry, Plagg,” Adrien muttered, pulling himself up by his chair.

Plagg waved a paw, eyeing his holder’s shaking hands.

“Forget it, kid.   How are you doing?” he asked.

The blond was silent for a moment.

“...Better,” he whispered.

“But still not good, huh?   What pulled you out, anyway?”

Plagg drifted down to nest on Adrien’s head.

Adrien stumbled to his feet, white knuckles gripping his chair to remain upright.

His first step was unsteady.   His second slightly less so.

“...Asami.”

Plagg hummed, contemplating.

“Your blue-eyed beauty , huh?   Should’ve known it would be her.”

“What…does that mean?” Adrien panted out, fumbling for the window remote.

“Oh, nothing.   More importantly, where do you think you’re going?”

He finally managed to get a good grip and pressed the button to open his window.

Night air spilled in, cool against his skin.

“Asami said…I could come over whenever I wanted.   I know she meant Adrien…but maybe it counts for Chat Noir too.”

After a beat of silence, Plagg floated off his head, hovering in front of him.

“Well, what are you waiting for?   Let’s go!”

Adrien blinked.   “You aren’t going to argue or anything?   I thought you hated transforming.”

Plagg leveled him with a dry stare.

“Kid.   I’m not going to stop you.   You obviously need her.   In fact,” he said, floating closer,   “if you don’t say the words within the next five seconds, I’m going to shred your sheets and leave you to answer that assistant’s questions on why you need replacements in the first place. ”

Adrien snorted.   “Thanks, Plagg.”

“Three seconds~” he sing-songed in reply.

“Alright, alright—I’m going,” Adrien sighed, smiling.

He took one last deep breath of night air.

“Plagg, claws out!”

– Asami –

The knock came an hour before midnight.

She’d just settled down, book in hand, when a gentle tap-tap-tap came from her window.

Asami froze, eyes wide.

A burglar?

Her head creaked slowly towards the sound—

—only to be met with a mop of fluffy blond hair and familiar green eyes framed in black leather.

Asami sagged in relief, getting up and pulling open the window.

“Chat Noir,” she greeted.   “What brings you to my window?”

The hero was perched on the end of his staff, the end extended all the way down to the sidewalk.

Chat Noir wet his lips, suddenly looking nervous.

“I…,” he began.   He fidgeted slightly, looking up at her with sad eyes.   “I just…   Could you…?”

Asami raised an eyebrow.   Did he want something from her?

He glanced down.   “Sorry,” he muttered.   “This was stupid.   I’ll just go.”

He turned, preparing to leap off.

“Wait!”   She reached out towards him.

Chat Noir paused, turning his head slightly to look at her.

“...Do you want to come in and talk?” she asked softly.

Hope flickered in his eyes.

“Um, if it won’t be too much of a bother…” he murmured.

Asami stepped aside, and Chat Noir slipped inside, his staff retracting with a quiet shlick .

He glanced towards the book she’d left abandoned on her covers.

“ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , huh?” he said with a faint smile.   “Good choice.”

“It’s my favorite.”   Asami sat down on her bed, watching Chat Noir look curiously around her room.

“So what’s wrong?” she asked.

Like she’d flicked a switch, he hunched into himself, ears folding on his head ( how did they do that? ) as he fiddled with his fingers.

“I-I didn’t mean to impose,” he murmured.   “I just…”

He fell silent once more, expression downcast.

Asami waited patiently, seeing the conflict in his eyes.

“It was a really bad day,” he finally said, so softly she almost didn’t hear.   “You were there—in the bubble, I mean—so I just thought…”

Looking at him now, she could see the tension lining his shoulders, the exhaustion in his demeanor.

He looked so much smaller up close, curling into himself like a kicked cat.

Asami’s heart twisted.   What had happened to him?

“Hey.”

He looked up, blinking in confusion.

Lifting a hand, she gestured him closer, waving more insistently as he hesitated.

He padded closer, sitting next to her.

She reached for him again—gentle, certain—and guided his head to her lap.

His breath hitched.   Her fingers slid into his hair.

He went still—then cracked, sobs tearing from his chest like a dam bursting.

Asami sat there with him, letting Chat Noir cry into her arms.

— ♦ —

She didn’t know how much time had passed.

It didn’t matter—Chat Noir mattered more.

At some point, the sobs had quieted, fading into a soft, broken purr against her lap.

Cats purr when they’re sad , she remembered a pet store employee saying once.   Not just when they’re happy.

She continued to run her fingers through his hair.

Eventually, his breathing steadied.   The purrs faded.   Still, he didn’t move or speak.

She didn’t speak either—there was nothing she could say to magically fix his worries.

But she could be there.

She couldn’t lift the weight off his shoulders, but maybe she could carry it with him—just for a little while.

So she stayed, legs slowly going numb beneath his weight, fingers gently combing through his hair.

The silence between them rested peacefully, no longer heavy.

“...Do you want to talk about it?” Asami asked softly.

Chat Noir shook his head, face still buried in her lap.

“Do you want me to just…talk?”

A hesitant nod.

She hummed, thinking.   “I think the Pharaoh was possessed by the actual King Tut.”

A pause.

Chat Noir shifted his head to look at her.

“...What?”

“Think about it,” she said, gesturing with her free hand.   “He said that he fought Ladybug five thousand years ago.   But how would he have known?   Where did he get the memory from?   As far as we know, akumatization doesn’t give you historical knowledge.”

Another pause.

“...Possessed by Tut,” he muttered, almost disbelieving.

“Sounds crazy, right?” she agreed.   “But it totally makes sense if you think about it.”

He snorted.   “Sure.   If you say so.”

“I do say so.”

He laughed, real and unforced, rolling over to face her.

He looked more at peace lying in her lap than when he came in.

“...Thank you,” he murmured.   “For letting this stray cat in.”

Asami smiled down softly at him.   “For you, my window will always be open.”

“Even if I just want to annoy you?”

“Or if you want to talk,” she countered.   “You could never be an annoyance to me.”

She watched as Chat Noir stared up at her, pupils blown wide.

He looked younger now.   Softer.

Like someone who’d finally been seen instead of being found a nuisance.

Something in her heart ached—just a little.

Then he flipped around suddenly, hiding his face in her stomach.

“...Thanks, Princess.”

Chapter Text

– Asami –

Asami’s pencil glided along the sticky note taped to her desk, leaving tiny doodles in its wake—jackets with puffy sleeves, shirts with sharp collars, and dresses with just the right amount of flair.

Her eyes flicked to the clock, then to a certain empty seat.

Two minutes until the bell.

Asami frowned to herself.

Where was Adrien?

He’d asked to go to the bathroom fifteen minutes ago, yet he still hadn’t returned.

Now his backpack and tablet lay abandoned at his desk.

And he wasn’t the only one missing—Marinette had vanished around the same time.

While it wasn’t uncommon for two people to be in the bathroom at the same time, it certainly was… unusual for both of them to be gone for so long.

Did he ditch? she wondered, then immediately discarded the thought.   No, he loves school too much to do that.

The shrill ringing of the bell interrupted her thoughts.   Students began to pack up, chattering as they went.

At the front of the classroom, Ms. Bustier began handing out worksheets to passing students.

“Tonight, I want you all to read chapter three of The Breathtaking France: the First Thousand Years ,” she called out.   “Then, answer this simple questionnaire.”

Turning to Nino, she handed him two copies.

“Make sure Adrien gets his homework,” she told him.

Nino took one look at the papers, then turned to Asami before he even stepped away from his desk.

“Yo, dudette!” he said, waving Adrien’s sheet.   “Think you could handle the delivery?   I don’t think Adrien’s old man will be too happy if I showed up at his front door again.”

“Probably not,” she agreed.

Asami accepted the paper, scrawled Adrien’s name at the top, and slipped it into her binder.

But as she hefted his messenger bag onto her shoulder and grabbed his tablet, her eyes drifted again to his seat.

A quiet unease twisted in her stomach.

Just where was he?

– Adrien –

Loud.

God it was loud.

They just kept talking and talking and—

Chat Noir forced his smile a little wider, dutifully ignoring the sound of popping bulbs as the news people chattered on behind him.

“How are you doing, buddy?” he asked.   “Feeling better?”

The 8-year-old boy—Rémi—nodded shyly, pulling the shock blanket closer around his shoulders.   His eyes shined with excitement at meeting Chat Noir—a real hero!

Then, his eyes flickered over Chat Noir’s shoulder—and dimmed in disappointment.   The boy hunched in on himself, wilting like a flower someone’d forgotten to water.

Chat Noir couldn’t help the slight stiffness that crept into his smile.

Behind him, Ladybug was waving at the cameras—completely ignoring the previously akumatized victim.

He couldn’t help the slightly bitter thought that crept through his mind.

Shouldn’t she be more focused on her job?

Chat Noir patted Rémi’s head, grinning mischievously.

“Hey, want to ask the paramedics if you could ride up front?   Like in the movies?”

Rémi perked up right away.

— ♦ —

Chat Noir flipped through Adrien’s open window, de-transforming in a flash of green light.

Flopping onto his bed, Adrien half-heartedly rummaged through his nightstand for his triple-sealed stash of camembert.

“ Yawn …that was exhausting ,” Plagg groaned.   He caught the chunk of cheese lobbed at him without opening his eyes.

“Tell me about it.”   Adrien rummaged through his pockets for his phone.   “I missed an entire half day of school! ”

He clicked it on with a sigh.

One missed call.   One voicemail.

Asami.

He pressed play.

“Hi Adrien, it’s Asami.   Not sure where you ran off to, but I grabbed your bag and homework.   Just come by my place whenever you’re ready to pick them up.   If you want, you can stay for a bit, and we can work on the homework together.   Otherwise, I’ll see you tomorrow.   Bye!”

Adrien stared blankly into space, then faceplanted on his pillow with a muffled groan.

“...I forgot my school bag.”

— ♦ —

Adrien had a bag to retrieve, homework to finish, and a girl waiting for him—

—and his Kwami wasn’t cooperating.

“Plagg, come on!   We have to go!”   Adrien peeked under his bed, barely catching sight of a pair of glowing green eyes before Plagg zipped off again.

“We just got back!” he whined, dodging Adrien’s grab.   “Can’t this wait a few more hours?”

“No, it can’t!”   Adrien lunged across his couch, fingers grazing Plagg’s tail.   “If we don’t leave now, there’s no way I can explain why I didn’t get picked up from school!”

“And,” he grunted, pulling himself upright.   “Asami’s waiting for us.”

Plagg whizzed past his head once more, settling down on the foosball table.   His green eyes watched Adrien trudge past to sit heavily on his bed.

“ Oh , going to see your little lady love, huh?” he teased.   “Well, why didn’t you say so!”

“I don’t like her like that, Plagg.”   Adrien cracked open his emergency camembert stash, waving it like a white flag.   “She’s just my friend.”

“Sure, sure.”   Plagg floated over, swallowing the hunk of cheese in one bite.

“She is!”

“Don’t you have a certain someone’s house to get to?” Plagg interrupted.

“Shoot, you’re right.   Plagg, claws out!”

— ♦ —

Chat Noir flipped off a rooftop and landed in an alley.   Checking twice for cameras, he finally de-transformed and caught Plagg out of the air.

“Alright—from the address she sent me, we should be about half a block away,” Adrien said as his Kwami ducked into his jacket.   He pulled out his phone to check the time as he made his way out.

“I miss the hoodie your friend gave you.   Why’d you have to wear this thing?” Plagg complained.

“It’s in the wash.   You’ll get it back tonight.”

“Better be soon—it’s barely half as comfy as that hoodie,” Plagg grumbled.   Adrien finally reached Asami’s house, stepping up to the red oak door.

“Just deal with it.”   He sighed and rang the doorbell.

He ran a hand through his hair and plastered on his model smile just as the door swung open.

Asami blinked back at him, and immediately frowned.

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”   Adrien blinked in confusion as he followed her inside.

“That thing you’re doing with your smile.”

What was she talking about?

“What thing?”

She threw a look at him over her shoulder as they climbed up the stairs.

“Your smile looks fake.   Like plastic.   Cut it out.”

“Wha—I thought your parents would be the ones answering the door!” he defended.   “I wanted to make a good impression!”

“Still not an excuse to use your model face,” she retorted, pushing open the door to her room.   “You’re here as Adrien, not Adrien-the-model.”

Adrien rolled his eyes, then remembered something.

“Oh, by the way—if my dad or Nathalie calls, could you say that I was here with you the whole time?”

“Sure,” she said, turning toward her desk.   “Here’s your bag, by the way.   And your homework.”

Adrien stared at the outstretched bag and then at the girl holding it.

“You’re…not going to ask why?”

Asami raised an eyebrow.   “Should I?”

He shook his head hesitantly.

She smiled at him.   “Then I won’t.”

“...Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

— ♦ —

Her room was neat—that was the first thing he noticed.   Everything had its place: skeins of yarn sorted by color and weight on shelves, sketchbooks stacked in neat columns in her design space, mannequin standing proud in the middle of the floor with a half-finished jacket, and not a hint of dust.

And yet, it didn’t feel like it came out of a magazine.   Not like his room.

It felt…homely.

He picked up a Slytherin plushie from her bed, the little tongue sticking playfully out at him.

“That’s Wiggles.”

He turned, startled to find Asami suddenly peering over his shoulder.   She gave the plushie a pat.

“What?”

“His name is Wiggles.   And this—”   She dropped a pink bunny into his hands, “—is Berry.”

Adrien stared down at the stuffed animals, one in each hand.

“Berry’s a she,” Asami added helpfully.

Wiggles and Berry beamed up at him.

Carefully, he pulled the two plushies into a hug.

“I would die for them,” he whispered.

Asami snorted.   She thought he was joking.

(He wasn’t.)

– Asami –

Adrien hadn’t let go of Wiggles or Berry since the moment she handed them over.

Even when her parents came up with snacks, he clung to them, eyes round with surprise when her mom asked if he wanted juice.

She couldn’t help but note with a pang how young he looked at that moment.   Like he couldn’t quite believe someone would offer him a drink.

Now he was scribbling happily in his notebook, eyes locked on his textbook, cookie hanging from his mouth—Wiggles and Berry still nestled in his lap.

Adrien finished his cookie, then gave Wiggles a solemn little pat—his third today—like the plushie was his emotional support animal.   His free hand searched his plate for another treat, and he pouted when all he found were crumbs.

Asami pretended not to see as Adrien eyed her plate of cookies, inching his hand closer and closer.

She bit back a laugh as he swiped a cookie from her plate, stuffing it into his mouth with lightning speed.   Adrien’s eyes glinted with pride at pulling one over her.

Do not laugh.   Do not laugh.   Donotlaughdammit.

Casually, she reached down like she was taking a cookie—

—then pushed the plate in front of him.

He froze mid-chew.

Asami went back to writing in her notebook.

Adrien’s head creaked towards her, eyes wide.

After a solid minute of staring, she looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.

He blinked back at her, confusion swimming in his eyes, like he wasn’t sure if he was allowed to accept her offering.

Asami smiled and nudged the plate a little closer without a word.

Adrien ducked his head shyly and finally picked up his juice.

She watched him sip slowly, like he didn’t want to waste a drop.

She looked away before he could see her smile.

— ♦ —

Adrien left just before dinner, bright-eyed and cheerful.

Asami watched him go, then quietly returned Wiggles and Berry to their spot on the bed.

She’d never seen him so content, and resolved to bring him over again whenever his schedule allowed.

But that thought would have to wait.

Because it was the next morning, and she’d just walked into class to find half the room whispering and the other half staring at Chloé like she’d just committed a felony.

Asami slid into her seat, eyes flicking around the room.

She gave Ivan a quick nudge.

“What’s going on?” she hissed.

“Chloé got Alya suspended,” the larger boy whispered back.   “Alya thought she was Ladybug and broke into her locker for proof.”

What?

“Didn’t Chloé get saved by Ladybug before?” she muttered.   “And aren’t their hair colors completely different?”

Ivan shrugged.   “Maybe she forgot?”

Asami dragged a hand down her face.

Of all the people Alya could’ve accused, it had to be the class bully.

I can already feel the akuma brewing…   Yay…

True to prediction, the projector suddenly turned on an hour into History, revealing a freshly-akumatized Alya.

Of course, class got cancelled.

It still didn’t stop Ms. Bustier from assigning homework.

– Adrien –

The sun had barely set, but Adrien could already feel a headache coming on.

His homework was done.   He had an alibi for the night.   He was back in his favorite hoodie.

He’d be video calling Asami if Hawkmoth weren’t being a bi—

Ahem.

Point is, because Hawkmoth doesn’t understand the concept of a school night, Chat Noir was now stuck staking out Chloé’s room from the roof of his own house.

Yay to being neighbors…

Some time ago, Chloé had changed into a Ladybug costume and was now throwing the yoyo around her room, fighting invisible enemies.

Chat Noir sighed as Chloé managed to get tangled in her own yoyo—for the second time that evening.

His ears flicked as a gentle thump came behind him.

“Ladybug,” he greeted tiredly, eyes not leaving his baton screen.

His lady laughed, walking over to crouch beside him.

“No ‘milady’ today?”

“I’m a little too busy dying of second-hand embarrassment,” he shot back.

Chloé toppled over in her attempt to free herself.   Chat Noir cringed as he eyed her baffled face.

— ♦ —

An hour later, Chloé was still trapped in her yoyo, though she mostly managed to free herself.

Chat Noir dragged a hand down his face, weighing the pros of untangling her himself against the risk of blowing their cover.

Then, Chloé looked up towards her bag.

Her phone was ringing.

Chat Noir’s eyes narrowed.

He and Ladybug watched as Chloé hopped over to answer her phone—

—only for pink light to burst out of the screen.

His body tensed.

Chloé threw her phone across the room with a scream.

Like a hologram turning on, Alya—now Lady Wifi—appeared in a flash of pink pixels.

“We’ve got Wifi!” Ladybug shouted and leaped off the roof.

Chat Noir sprang after her.

— ♦ —

They kicked open the balcony doors just as Lady Wifi unmasked Chloé as “Ladybug”.

Lady Wifi’s head whipped around in shock.   “Who’re you? ”

Ladybug and Chat Noir exchanged a glance, then turned to face their newest villain.

He gave a sunny smile and a wave.

Lady Wifi’s head snapped back to look at Chloé—who was paused mid-run by a pink icon.

Realization flooded the villain’s eyes.

“But I thought you were Ladybug!” she shouted at Chloé’s frozen form, glaring fiercely.

“Come on—every good reporter knows to double-check their facts!” Chat Noir snarked.

Lady Wifi growled in anger.   “You’re going to pay for that.”

…Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.

— ♦ —

Just as expected, karma came back to bite him in the ass.

Chat Noir slammed back-first into the walk-in freezer shelves with a grunt.

The door slammed shut, and his Miraculous flew off his finger.

He instantly de-transformed, collapsing onto the ground as Adrien.

The ring clinked away, and Plagg popped out with a groan.

The Kwami began to shiver, zipping up to Adrien for warmth.

“S-so ch-chilly in here…” he mumbled, ducking into the hoodie.   He sighed in relief as the warm fabric enveloped him.

Adrien shuddered, pulling up the hood as he sat up.   His breath fogged the cold air.

Thank god for Asami… he thought, blowing on his…fingers…?

“My ring!”

He whipped his head around, looking for the silver band.

“If the ring’s lost, we’re both toast!” Plagg hissed, burrowing deeper into the hoodie.

“I know!”

He scrambled forwards, feeling the floor.

“Where is it?!”

— ♦ —

Minutes crawled by as he frantically searched the freezer floor.

The cold was beginning to seep through the hoodie.

Plagg was starting to shiver again.

Then he felt it—his ring!

“Found you!”

His head snapped up as a loud bang echoed just outside the freezer doors.

“H-Hurry…” Plagg whispered, body shaking with cold.

“Claws out!”

Adrien transformed just in time—Ladybug whipped open the door not a second later.

Chat Noir stumbled out, blinking against the sudden warmth.

His legs wobbled.

A hand caught his arm.

“I’ve got you,” Ladybug said, steadying him.

A beeping sound caught his attention.

A dot vanished from Ladybug’s earring.

“Y-you…used your Lucky Charm,” he murmured, voice hoarse.

“It’s okay—I got you out,” she replied, eyeing the camera icon floating in the corner of the kitchen.

“But that means you’re running out of time!”

“Exactly—so listen to me…”

She leaned in and whispered in his ear.

He nodded.   “Got it!”

Ladybug may have crazy plans, but they worked, so he’d follow her lead.

— ♦ —

One game of rooftop cat-and-mouse with Lady Wifi later, Ladybug and Chat Noir raced down into the empty hotel lobby, searching for a place for Ladybug to de-transform safely.

Glancing around quickly, Ladybug ran to a supply closet, yanking open the door.

Wait!

He rushed forwards and caught the door before it could close.

“Stay!   I won’t tell anyone who you are,” he swore.   “Cat’s honor.”

Ladybug sighed, looking at him with sad eyes.

“Nobody must know who we really are—not even us.”

She pulled the door closed.

Chat Noir stared at the door.

She didn’t shut it all the way.

His hand reached hesitantly for the handle.

He began to pull it open—

“Stop.”

Chat Noir jolted, hearing Asami’s voice in his head.   She sounded unusually serious.

“She said no.   Respect her decision, Adrien.”

But…I just want to know who she is… his thoughts whispered sadly.

“She’ll tell you when she’s ready.   You can’t do this to her.”

Chat Noir grit his teeth—

—and pushed the door shut, running out of the hotel.

Because in his heart, he knew she was right.

And for some reason, he felt lighter for it.

— ♦ —

Chat Noir vaulted through his window just as the clock tower struck ten.

Adrien de-transformed with a groan and flopped face-first onto his bed.

Plagg nestled onto his head, ignoring his mumbled complaints.

“Twice in two days,” the Kwami said.   “This guy must really not have anything better to do.”

Adrien sighed and rolled over, eyes closed.   Plagg tumbled off with a squawk.

“If Hawkmoth sends out another Akuma tomorrow, I’m hunting him down and punching him in the face.”

A pause.   Adrien breathed steadily, his body relaxing—

—only to be jolted back awake as Plagg poked his cheek.

“Hey, why didn’t you open the door back there?” he asked.   “You could’ve found out who Ladybug really is.”

“I don’t know, Plagg,” Adrien sighed, staring up at the ceiling.   “I just…did what felt right.”

Plagg stared at him judgmentally.

“...Riiiiiight.   And it had nothing to do with anyone telling you ‘no’?”

Adrien sputtered, sitting up straight.

“How’d you know that?!”

“HA!   I was right!” Plagg crowed, zipping around Adrien’s head.   “You had that look you get when someone says something true and you have to admit it!   I knew it!”

“I don’t have a look! ” Adrien protested, chasing his Kwami around the couch.

“Yes, you do!   So who was it, huh?   That boy with the headphones?   Your dad?   Ooh, I know!   It’s your pretty little friend! ”

Adrien felt his cheeks burning as he took another swipe at Plagg.

The Kwami cackled, flying out of his reach.

“ It is!   I totally knew it!   You like her!”

“I like Ladybug!   Asami’s just a friend!”

“Keep deluding yourself, loverboy!”

Chapter Text

– Asami –

The quiet scratching of pencils on paper filled the room, broken only by the occasional turn of a page.   Ms. Bustier’s heels clicked quietly as she paced down the aisles.

Asami dropped her pencil and grimaced, shaking out her wrist.

The lesson had ended early, and Ms. Bustier had given them the last fifteen minutes to start on homework.   Of course, everyone had jumped at the opportunity.

…Well, not everyone.

Asami’s eyes drifted down to the seat in front of her.

Marinette scribbled away in her notebook, head against her fist—but she wasn’t taking notes on chapters 6 and 7 like they were supposed to.

Instead, her hand wrote the same word in looping cursive, over and over: “Adrien”.

Asami ran her tongue over her teeth, watching as Marinette finished filling the page and moved onto doodling little hearts around each one.

She knew about Marinette’s crush—she wasn’t blind .   Though she wasn’t entirely sure it could be called a “crush”.

Asami really hoped it was just misplaced hero worship and not what she actually thought it was.

Because if she was wrong?   Asami pushed the thought away.   She didn’t want to think of the implications.

At the front of the classroom, Ms. Bustier began her third lap, walking up the center aisle.   She paused next to Marinette’s desk, peering down at the page.

The bluenette didn’t seem to notice, too busy coloring her hearts pink.

Without a word, Ms. Bustier smiled and kept walking.

…Huh?

Asami blinked in confusion.

Was she seeing things?   Usually, Ms. Bustier would quietly reprimand any students that weren’t  focusing, giving them a stern but gentle warning.

It is the last few minutes of class though…   Her eyes drifted to the clock.   And she’s not really causing a disturbance…

Asami’s eyebrows pinched in confusion as she stared down at her textbook, her mind replaying the past few seconds.

She didn’t know why, but something about that moment itched at her.   Even as she thought it over, she couldn’t figure out why.

With a quiet sigh, she picked her pencil back up and cast her thoughts away.

I’ll figure it out later.

— ♦ —

The bell rang loudly overhead, triggering the inevitable stampede of students trying to be the first one out.

Asami slung her bag over her shoulders, adjusting the straps absentmindedly.

Marinette zipped past, giggling with Alya, her notebook of romantic scribbles clutched tightly to her chest.

Asami watched her go, a contemplative look on her face.   Her mind drifted back to the photoshoot all those weeks ago.

First the photoshoot, now this .   Maybe it’s just me, but…

A tap on her shoulder broke her out of her thoughts.

“Hey,” Juleka murmured.   “What’re you thinking about?”

Asami smiled and shook her head.

“Nothing important,” she said, following the older girl out of the classroom.   “Want to hang out for a bit before Alix and Kim’s race?”

Juleka nodded, a small smile on her lips.

Asami grinned as they headed down the stairs.   “Cool.   We can get boba and walk around a bit before the race starts.”

— ♦ —

One quick detour to Asami’s house later, the two girls sat at a bench overlooking the Seine, backpack-free and boba in hand.   A gentle breeze tugged at their hair, sending black and purple strands flying.

“Okay, but Rose would look great as a ballerina princess,” Asami said, gesturing with her cup.   “A pink tutu and a tiara?   It totally fits her aesthetic.”

The goth snorted into her drink.   “Add some sparkly fairy wings, and she’d pass out from joy.”

Asami gave her a look as she chewed a pearl.   “I mean, you’d probably catch her, so she’d be fine.”

Juleka raised an eyebrow.   “And how would you know I’ll be there to catch her?”

Asami smiled.   “Because personally , if I were to make Rose, say, a light or love fairy, I’d make you a shadow fairy—and put you right next to her.   You two would contrast really nicely, but still work well as a set because you’d balance each other out.”

And just like that, the air felt a little lighter, like the universe was letting out a breath of relief.

Juleka looked down at her lap, biting back a smile.   Asami could see her ears turning pink through her curtain of hair.

She nudged the older girl, pulling out her phone.

“Come on—let’s take a picture.   The sky’s really blue, and the Seine actually looks nice today.”

“Ah…I don’t know about that…”   Juleka seemed to fold in on herself, clutching her boba cup in her hands.

Asami blinked in confusion.   “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just…whenever someone tries to take a photo of me, something always goes wrong.”

Juleka stared down at her cup, squeezing it rhythmically and feeling the plastic deform around her fingers.

“Well…”

She looked up at Asami, who was smiling mischievously.

“We do have about thirty minutes before the race starts,” she said.   “And I happened to learn a few things from Mr. Vincent, Adrien’s photographer.”

Asami hopped to her feet, brandishing her phone like a weapon.

“Why don’t we try to break the curse?”

Juleka blinked up at her.

“Are…are you sure?” she asked hesitantly.   Her eyes searched Asami’s face for uncertainty.

Asami grinned confidently.   “Absolutely.   I’ve got the power of boba and burst shots on my side—there’s no way we’re going to fail!”

— ♦ —

“Alright, just tilt your head just slightly to the left—oh, that guy behind you is leaving, hold on.”

“Are you sure this is going to work?” Juleka asked, fiddling with the cup in her hand.

“Absolutely.   We’re getting close to breaking it—I can feel it!” Asami promised.

“You said that three tries ago…”

“ Ah .”   Asami held up a finger.   “But each time, the amount of interference decreases—your face is becoming less and less covered.   And this is our seventh try, but my lucky number is seven, so I have a good feeling about this one.”

She adjusted her settings, holding up her phone.

“Ready?   Smile!”

Juleka smiled just as a harsh wind blew, causing her to flinch and push her hair out of her eyes.

Her eyes widened as the wind settled.

“Wait—did I ruin it?” she asked, leaning in.

Asami swiped through the photos on her phone, pausing at the last shot.

“You tell me,” she said, grinning.   She turned the screen to face the goth.

Juleka’s lips parted in surprise.

There she was, hand carded through her hair, as loose strands flew around her head.   The sun shone down just right, making her eyes gleam like pools of red.   There was no blur, no random pedestrian blocking the way, no stray pigeon blocking her face.   Just her.

It was perfect.

“...Woah,” she murmured.

“I know, right?” Asami murmured around her straw.

They stood there silently as Juleka stared, her hand reaching out slowly to touch the screen—

“ Hnk! ”   Asami let out a strangled choke and doubled over coughing.

“Oh no—are…are you okay?   Do you need water?”   Her hands hovered nervously over Asami’s back

Asami held up a hand as she wheezed.   She grimaced as she straightened, eyes watering.

“...The bubble went up the straw too fast.   I nearly snorted it up my nose,” she said, wiping her eyes.

Juleka couldn’t help it.   She started laughing.

— ♦ —

“We aren’t late, are we?” Juleka asked as they descended the stairs to the Trocadéro fountains.

Asami checked her phone, a fresh cup of boba in her other hand.   “Uh…nope.   We’re right on time.”

“Hey!   Over here!”

They turned towards the shout.   

Adrien and Nino waved at them from the middle of the crowd, ducking between classmates and squeezing through with wide grins.   Rose trailed behind them, her tiny frame allowing her to slip between gaps with ease.

Asami and Juleka waved back, taking their time down the steps.

Adrien popped free of the crowd just as they made it to the bottom.

He jogged over, Nino and Rose close behind.

“Is that for me?” he teased, already reaching for the cup.

Asami pulled it out of his reach.   “You wish.   This one’s mine.”

“We can share,” Adrien said, making grabby hands.   His eyes sparkled, completely locked onto the sweet drink.

She gently smacked his hands away.   “No.   Bad Adrien,” she said, ignoring his whines of complaint.   “This is mine.   Get your own.”

She took a pointed sip as she tapped fists with Nino, ignoring how Adrien’s pleading eyes bored into the side of her head.   She will not fall to the kitty eyes.   Not today.

“Is Marinette here yet?” Juleka asked.

Nino shrugged as they made their way back to their classmates.   “Alix isn’t here yet either, so she’s got time to make it.   She promised to make the banner, right?”

Rose clapped excitedly, bouncing in place.   “I bet it’s going to look amazing! ”

Asami hummed, chewing on a bubble.   “Can’t wait to see it.”

— ♦ —

Kim’s extensive posturing and boasting were cut off with Marinette’s arrival.   The bluenette ran up to the group, a roll of cloth clutched tightly in her arms.

With a flourish, she unfurled the banner, eliciting a round of gasps and cheers from the crowd.

“Not bad,” Asami murmured, leaning forward to examine the chibi Alix and Kim heads—

—and immediately felt something being yanked from her pocket as the cup was plucked from her hand.

“Hey!”   She whipped around just in time to see Adrien stab her spare straw through the sealing film and take a victorious sip.

“Ish mine now,” he gloated, mouth full of bubbles and grinning like the cat that got the cream.

“No, it isn’t!   Adrien, give that back!” Asami protested, grabbing for her precious boba.

Adrien shook his head, eyes glinting mischievously as he chewed furiously.   He danced out of her way, clutching his loot to his chest, and for some reason, she was briefly reminded of Chat Noir.

Adrien sucked up another round of bubbles just as she grabbed hold of the cup.

“Adrien,” Asami said flatly.

The blond blinked innocently, chewing away like he didn’t just commit grand theft boba.   “Mm?”

“You used both straws just now.”

Adrien froze mid-chew.

His eyes dragged down from her face to the boba cup clutched between them.

Two straws.

Side by side.

And one of them was definitely hers.

Behind them, Marinette made a strangled noise.   Chloé breathed heavily like she was two seconds away from erupting in rage.   Nino and Juleka were muffling giggles behind their hands.

Asami ignored the embarrassed screeching inside her head, plucked the cup from his frozen fingers, and took a pointed sip.   The screeching intensified.

“Don’t take my boba next time,” she said around her mouthful of pearls.

Chloé snarled in anger, the sound quickly followed by Sabrina’s placating.

Adrien stared at the straws.

Then, his face began to steam and he crouched down, burying his face in his hands as he let out a strangled whine of embarrassment.

Nino couldn’t hold back his laughter anymore, which set Juleka and the rest of the class off.

Asami sucked up another pearl as Adrien did his best to disappear into the ground.

“What’s going on?” asked Alix as she skated up, eyebrows raised at Adrien’s armadillo imitation.

“Nothing important,” Asami said serenely, ignoring the panicked screeching in her mind.

“Okay…?”

Adrien whimpered miserably on the ground.

— ♦ —

“Attention, everyone!”

Max’s voice rose above the din, quieting the laughter as he clapped twice.

“The race is about to begin, so let’s review the official rules,” he said crisply.   “Two laps around the fountain—approximately five hundred yards.   The first one over the line’s declared the victor!”

Alix and Kim took their places, Kim bouncing in place like he was about to enter a WWE match as Alix checked her skates.

“If Kim triumphs,” Max continued.   “Alix will relinquish her rollerblades to him.   If Alix triumphs, Kim will be prohibited from making another dare for the rest of the school year.”

At this, their classmates began to cheer.

“We’re through with all of those stupid dares!” Juleka shouted, unusually loud.

“Uh-huh!   That’s right!”

“No more dares!”

Asami and Adrien shared a glance.

“He never dared me,” he murmured.

“Me either.   Maybe because Chat Noir and I saved him from Stoneheart?”

The corner of Adrien’s mouth twitched up into a smile.

Max spread his arms wide as Alix and Kim got in their starting positions.

“On your marks…get set—”

“Hold up!” Alix shouted.

Kim leaned too far forwards and fell onto his face with a grunt.

Asami pressed her lips together to hide her smile.

The class laughed as he pushed himself back up.

“Forfeiting already?” he taunted.

Alix ignored him, making her way to Alya.

“Hold onto this for me will ya, Alya?”   She placed a silver pocket watch into her hand.   “I don’t wanna drop it during the race.”

Alya stammered, staring down at the antique piece.   “H-hold on, girl!   I can’t, I’ve gotta—”

Alix pressed the watch into her hand, staring the brunette down.   “Guard it with your life—it’s a family heirloom!”

“But—”

Before she could protest more, Alix skated back to her spot, leaving her with the watch that she promptly shoved into Marinette’s hands.

Isn’t Marinette notoriously clumsy?

Asami frowned, moving closer to the bluenette holding the banner.   Adrien followed behind her, eyes still on the track.

Max raised his arms once more.

“On your marks…get set…go!”

Like a shot from a gun, the two were off—Kim quickly taking the lead.

Asami kept half an eye on Marinette as the two racers zipped around the fountain.

And she was right to do so—catching the moment when Marinette was yanked sideways by Nino’s enthusiastic cheering pulling the banner.

The watch flew into the air and Asami lunged to grab it—

—just as Adrien’s head whipped around like a cat that saw something shiny, and his hand snapped out to catch the watch midair.

She exhaled in relief.

Crisis averted—for now.

“Need any help?” Adrien asked Marinette.

“W–wha…yep!   Thanks.   Gotta be careful, even if you are amazing,” she stuttered out.

Asami’s eyebrows nearly shot to her hairline.

Woah.   That was…really forward.

Adrien blinked at Marinette, surprised.

“At holding things!   In your hands!”   The flustered girl scrambled to change her wording.

Asami tilted her head in confusion before stumbling with an oof as a certain queen bee shoved her way past.

“ Adrikins~   Whatcha got there?   Some super old case or something?”

Chloé plucked the watch from Adrien’s hand, examining it with a critical eye.

“Chloé, give it back to Adrien,” Asami snapped, stepping closer, her eyes locked on the watch.

She snorted.   “And who are you to tell me what to do?”   She pressed the surface with a perfectly manicured finger.

Blinding blue light burst out from the casing and Chloé screamed, throwing the watch away from her.

“ No! ” Asami shouted, lunging forwards.

For a moment, time seemed to slow to a crawl.

The watch was falling.

Chloé was still screaming.

Her shoulder clipped Alya’s elbow as she dove forwards.

Her finger brushed the edge of the watch, just missing.

It clattered onto the track—

—and Alix skated over it, shattering it to pieces.

– Adrien –

For a moment, no one dared to breathe.

The only sound was Alix’s yell of victory as she crossed the finish line, Kim close behind.

She turned, grinning widely, ready to gloat—

—only to spot the glittering shards scattered on the track.

Her face dropped into a look of horror as she slowed to a stop.

“I call a rematch—that false start back there threw me off!” Kim panted.   He blinked as Alix skated past him without a word.

She dropped to her knees in front of the twisted shards of her watch.

Gently, she scooped them up, her hands shaking.

For a moment, all she did was stare.

Then her face contorted with fury.

Her head whipped sideways, sending a look of absolute rage towards Alya.

“Did you do this?!” she shouted.

Alya visibly scrambled for an answer.

“I…uh…h–had to video-tape the race, so I gave it to Marinette, but then she had to hold the banner, so she gave it to Adrien, then Chloé snatched it from him and dropped it, but Asami tried to catch it and— uh…then you skated over it…ehe…”

Alya’s nervous answer didn’t satisfy Alix the slightest—if anything, she looked angrier than ever.

“My old man gave me this for my birthday! ” she cried, tears pricking her eyes.   “This watch is a family heirloom! ”

She clutched the remnants of the watch to her chest as she began to roll away.

“It was an accident! ” Marinette said, stepping forward.

Adrien opened his mouth to agree, only for a hand to clamp over it.

Beside him, Asami shook her head silently.   The fabric of her knees were slightly torn from her desperate dive to save the watch.

Then Chloé spoke up, voice condescending.

“Whatever, this wasn’t my fault anyway,” she scoffed, examining her nails.   “And it couldn’t have been worth much in the first place, so it’s no big deal—”

“ Chloé! ” Asami snapped.

“SHUT UP!” Alix shouted, spinning around with enraged tears streaming down her face.   “This is all your fault!   My watch is broken because of you!   In fact, you’re all to blame!   All of you!”

With that, she skated away sobbing.

— ♦ —

Why is it always like this?

Adrien rubbed a hand down his face.

Around him, his classmates were still standing in a group, murmuring to each other uncertainly about what to do.

Asami was checking the tears in her pants.

Chloé was…being Chloé.

Then, if things couldn’t get any worse, an Akuma showed up.

A skater in a black suit—who was clearly Alix—zipped out of nowhere and charged straight for them.

Crap.

“Run!” he shouted.

Everyone scattered, screaming.

Wait—Asami!

Adrien turned back just in time to see Asami rip open the seal on her boba cup and hurl it directly into the Akuma’s face.

“Agh!”

Even with her helmet’s eye shields, Alix still instinctively raised her arms to block the splash.

In that moment that she wasn’t looking, she swerved too close to the curb—and crashed hard.

Kim, who was closest, took those precious seconds Asami bought to escape with the rest of the group.

Adrien quickly ducked behind a tree, watching Asami run off with Juleka.

The Akuma slowly rose to her feet, dripping with honeydew melon tea and growling with rage.

“Wow, that girl was sure brave to attack an akuma like that,” Plagg commented, peeking from his jacket.   “She didn’t even have any powers!”

“She was,” Adrien agreed.   “But now, we’ve got to make sure that Akuma doesn’t try to hunt her down!   Plagg, claws out!”

In a flash of green, black leather replaced fabric and Chat Noir stood ready.

— ♦ —

Chat Noir cast a quick glance at where Juleka and Asami were hiding behind the stairs then vaulted out from his hiding spot.

Landing a ways behind the Akuma—Timebreaker, as he heard her call herself—he extended his staff and tapped her shoulder.

“So!   I’m guessing we’re playing tag and you’re It?” he snarked.

“ Exactly ,” Timebreaker growled, shooting towards him.   He could hear the crackle of latent energy in her skates as she neared.

“Don’t let her touch you!” Ladybug shouted from where she was crouched by a fast-disappearing Mylène.

With a quick leap, he sprang over Timebreaker, flipping to land on his feet as she zoomed past.

“Missed me!” he called.   “Just a second too late.”

Timebreaker growled, then looked to her left as the sound of a video capture went off.

Shit!   Alya!

Chat Noir ran to stop her, but could only watch as Timebreaker leapt to her feet, skidded down the hill after the blogger, and tagged her before she reached the bottom.

He and Ladybug ran after the skater as she zipped off, searching for her next victim.

“We can’t let her touch anyone else!” he shouted.

As Timebreaker leapt towards Ivan, Ladybug threw her yoyo, wrapping it around the Akuma’s wrist and yanking her back.

Timebreaker yelped, then flipped and landed on her feet.

“Keep your hands to yourself!” Ladybug yelled, gripping the wire tightly.

With a loud cackle, Timebreaker yanked hard, sending Ladybug flying forwards—to land at the villain’s feet.

No!

Chat Noir lunged between Timebreaker and Ladybug, wrapping his arms around his partner as the villain reached for her.

Unbidden, his eyes drifted towards the Palais de Chaillot stairs.

The last thing he saw was Asami reaching out towards him, a scream on her lips, as Juleka pulled her back.

I’m sorry, Princess.

Everything went black.

– Marinette –

He was gone.

He’d thrown himself between her and Timebreaker—and paid the price.

Now, she was back where it all started.

Back at the moment Chloé dropped the watch.

Or… was going to drop it?

Time travel made things weird.

Because that’s what had happened.

Timebreaker had used her skates to go back in time, pulling her along when she’d tried to use her yoyo to stop her.

Then, she’d escaped to who-knows-where.

I’ve really travelled back in time!

Ladybug gaped down at the lower level as past Alix and past Kim finished their first lap.

She could see Chloé peeking over Adrien’s shoulder from the upper level of the Trocadéro.

Her loud, obnoxious voice drifted up, partially covered by the cheering of the crowd.

“ Adrikins~   Whatcha got there?   Some super old case or something?”

Chloé plucked the watch from Adrien’s hand, holding it up to the light.

Asami stepped forwards, glaring at the blonde.

“Chloé, give it back to Adrien.”

What a goodie-two-shoes.

Ladybug scowled.

She has no right to be standing so close to him.

Her teeth ground together as her glare intensified.

That should be me .

Her eyes locked onto the watch.

The watch that started all of this.

Because of Chloé and Asami .

She couldn’t take it anymore and leapt on top of the stone banister.

“Chloé!” Ladybug shouted.   “Put the watch down! ”

Every head in the crowd snapped around as gasps and murmurs rippled through the air.

Chloé yelped in shock, and her grip loosened.

The watch slipped from her fingers.

Merde.

— ♦ —

The silver timepiece plummeted towards the ground, its metallic surface glinting in the light.

But before it could shatter into a thousand pieces, Asami’s hand shot out with unerring accuracy.

Her fingers closed around it with perfect timing.

Ladybug’s breath caught in surprise.

For a second, nobody moved, too shocked by Ladybug’s sudden appearance to do anything.

Then Asami sighed in relief, leaning her forehead against Adrien’s shoulder, holding the watch firmly.

Ladybug couldn’t stop the snarl that formed on her face.   Her lip curled in derision as her fingers dug into her palms.

Her mind flashed back to when she’d first shown off her banner—Adrien hadn’t even looked , too occupied with drinking Asami’s boba .

Her breathing picked up as she scowled down at the oblivious ravenette.

She didn’t care that her classmates were staring.

She didn’t care that they were whispering loudly about how angry she looked.

She didn’t care that her past self had noticed Adrien and Asami’s position and was also glaring jealously at them.

She just wanted that damn girl to get away from Adrien.

The whispers grew louder, and Ladybug inhaled, ready to yell some more.

Then Timebreaker leapt past her, landing in front of the group with a bang .

Their classmates began screaming almost immediately.

– Asami –

“ Give me the watch! ” the Akuma shouted.   Around them, students were screaming as they scattered in every direction.   Everyone except Asami and Alix, who’d just arrived and promptly froze at the sight of a new villain.

However, as soon as the demand left the other girl’s mouth, Alix snapped back to herself and glared.

“In your dreams, bozo!   That’s my watch!   She’s not giving you squat!” she snapped, rolling forwards to stand between Asami and the would-be thief.

The Akuma rolled her eyes and lunged forwards, slamming a hand onto Alix’s chest.   Asami inhaled sharply, taking a step back.

Alix was frozen mid-motion—just as she was being thrown back by the force of the Akuma’s hand.   Not only that, but she was slowly vanishing, becoming more see-through by the minute.

“Look, I don’t care if you’re my past self,” the villain said, glaring at the pinkette.   “But that’s my watch—and right now?   You’re in my way.   And my name’s Timebreaker —not ‘bozo’, twerp .”

“And you,” Timebreaker hissed, turning her attention to Asami, who was slowly backing away.   “Hand the watch over.   Right.   Now. ”

Asami’s eyes flicked around her, assessing her options.   

Her jaw set, and she clutched the watch tighter to her chest.   “No.”

“ ‘No’? ” Timebreaker echoed.   Her mouth curled into a smirk.   “You don’t have a choice.   Give it to me! ”   With a roar of anger, she rocketed forwards, wheels screeching on the pavement.

Asami dove aside, rolling to her feet as Timebreaker zoomed past, a cloud of dust kicking up in her wake.

She took off into a sprint.

Timebreaker might be on wheels, but if Asami Yamikawa was anything—she was fast.

— ♦ —

“ Get back here! ”

Timebreaker was catching up.

Clutching the watch to her chest, Asami glanced at her other hand as she sprinted down the sidewalk.

Miraculously, her boba cup hadn’t spilled when she’d dodged Timebreaker’s first attack.   And if she was going to be chased down by an Akuma, she might as well get every advantage she could.

She glanced over her shoulder.

Ten feet…nine…eight…seven…now!

Asami planted her foot and swiveled.   With a shout, she launched her cup full speed at Timebreaker’s head.

She was too close to dodge.

“ Shit!   Again?!”

Timebreaker shouted as the cup exploded against her helmet, knocking her head back.   Her skates skittered beneath her as she tried to regain her balance.

Asami swept her leg out and kicked out the Akuma’s legs from under her.   With a yell, she went crashing down.

She didn’t wait around for her to get up or to question what she meant by “again”—she bolted.

– Adrien –

“Jeez, what a takedown!” Plagg commented, eyes wide.   “Who needs superpowers when you’ve got that kind of aim?”

“No kidding.   If she didn’t have a helmet, she’d be knocked out cold!” Adrien agreed, peeking around the tree they were hiding behind.   He watched as Timebreaker got up, dripping wet.   A boba pearl slid slowly down her visor and plopped down at her feet.

Timebreaker shook with rage and let out a wordless scream of anger.   She shot off, wheels kicking up both dust and sparks, and began tagging everyone in sight.

“Crap!   We waited too long—we’ve got to transform now! ” Adrien cursed.   “Plagg, claws out!”

Black leather spiralled down his body, and Chat Noir leapt into the fray, running after Timebreaker.

He looked over at the banister Ladybug had been standing on as he sprinted past.   She was gone.

Where is that girl?!

He didn’t have time to wonder—Timebreaker was already reaching for her next victim.

I can’t stop her!

Then a yoyo shot out of nowhere, knocking her off her feet.

Timebreaker went flying with a yelp.

Ladybug landed next to him.   “Sorry I’m late.   I had to do something.”

“It’s fine, milady,” Chat Noir replied, glancing at his partner.   “Any chance you’ll tell me what’s got you so tense?”

She pursed her lips.   “No.”

Chat Noir felt a twinge of disappointment that he quickly squashed.   “Ah.   Okay—”

“Watch out!” Ladybug shouted as Timebreaker, having recovered from her fall, lunged towards the heroes.

He quickly deflected a punch from her with his staff, swinging the other end around as Ladybug went for a kick to the head.

Timebreaker dodged both and swiped a hand at Ladybug’s leg, only for a yoyo to wrap around her wrist.

…Wait, what?

Chat Noir’s head snapped up.   A few yards behind Timebreaker stood…a second Ladybug?

“What the hell…?” he muttered.

The second Ladybug—Ladybug 2?   Yeah, Ladybug 2—yanked on her wire, swinging Timebreaker around so she stood between him and Ladybug 1.

Timebreaker growled, glaring at the three heroes.

Then, her head snapped to the left, like she’d sensed something.

Chat Noir followed her gaze.

His heart dropped.

Asami was peeking from behind one of the pillars of the Trocadéro fountain.

And in her hand?   Was Alix’s watch.

— ♦ —

Timebreaker grinned ferally before launching herself in Asami’s direction.

Asami’s eyes widened, and she sprinted off, the villain hot on her tail.

“Asami!” Chat Noir shouted.

Behind him, Ladybug 1 growled in…was that annoyance?

“We don’t have time for this,” she snapped.

Ladybug 2 nodded, the irritated twitch of her lip poorly hidden.

What is wrong with these two?

They didn’t seem angry at Timebreaker—rather, it was when he shouted Asami’s name that they got upset.

He didn’t understand.

He was broken out of his thoughts as both Ladybugs summoned their Lucky Charm.

His eyes immediately snapped to Asami—still alive, if not playing a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse by dodging Timebreaker’s attacks at the last moment—and then to the Lucky Charms.

A towel and a roll of tape?   Why—

“Oh!” he gasped.   “I know what to do with this!”

The Ladybugs blinked.   “What do you—”

He snatched the towel from Ladybug’s hand—he’d forgotten who was who—and ran to Trocadéro fountain.

“Lay some rows of tape across the track and sidewalk!” he shouted over his shoulder.   “Sticky side up!”

“What?!”   “What kind of plan is that?!”

“Just trust me!” he called.

Chat Noir dropped to his knees in front of the pool of water, dunking the towel in.

He grimaced at the cold feeling, but soaked the towel thoroughly.

Yanking the towel out of the water, he yelled across the fountain.

“Asami!” he shouted.   “Over here!”

Asami glanced over, narrowly dodging another swipe, but turned and began sprinting over.

Chat Noir hurried over to his position, watching her worriedly.

His breath hitched as Timebreaker quickly caught up to her, a hand reaching for her back—

—only for her to leap out of the way and flip the Akuma over her shoulder.

Asami ran over, panting with exhaustion, though her eyes glinted with determination.

She glanced at the rows of tape as she neared, and without breaking stride, leaped over them and skidded to a halt by where the two Ladybugs were waiting.

Timebreaker climbed to her feet, more incensed than ever.

She flew around the track, screeching to a halt 20 yards away from Chat Noir.

A purple butterfly outline lit up her face before it vanished.

She cackled, her voice carrying across the track.   “Sure thing, Hawkmoth.   Less competition is good anyway.”

With that, she charged forwards, wheels sparking as she picked up speed.

“Give me your Miraculous!” she shouted as she lunged for him.

Chat Noir smirked, then dove to the side, swinging the sopping wet towel he’d hidden behind his back into her face.

Timebreaker stumbled, nearly knocked off balance by the sheer weight of the towel on her head.

“I can’t see!” she cried, as her speed carried her forwards—

—right into the rows of tape on the track.

Her skates were immediately tangled with the tape as they stuck to her wheels, and she fell forwards with a yell.

Asami sprinted forwards and yanked her skates off.

“Catch!” she shouted, throwing them to him.

“Cataclysm!” he shouted as the skates landed in his hand.   They immediately broke apart, and the akuma fluttered free, making its escape.

— ♦ —

One of the Ladybugs easily caught it and purified the akuma, but Chat Noir’s eyes were only on Asami.

As black bubbles crawled over Timebreaker and then vanished to reveal Alix, he watched as Asami reached out to help her up.

“Hey,” Ladybug—now one person again—said, tapping his shoulder.   “I’ve got to go.”

She still looked tense, her eyes flicking back to Asami and Alix every now and then.

Chat Noir deftly ignored it as he smiled.   “I’ll see you later then.   Pound it?”

Ladybug nodded.   “Pound it.”

They tapped fists, and Ladybug swung off.

He turned his focus back to Asami, watching as she handed Alix her watch and then made her way to him.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey.”   She smiled softly at him.   “Good job with that plan.   Really clever.”

“I took inspiration with your boba-to-the-face trick,” Chat Noir admitted, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

“Well, I’m happy I was able to help.”

A comfortable silence enveloped him before his ring beeped in warning.

“I’ve got to go,” he whispered softly.

“I know,” she said.   “I’ll see you around?”

Chat Noir nodded.   “Cat’s honor.”

Asami smiled, and stepped back slightly as he prepared to vault away.

“Bye,” she said.

He grinned at her and gave her a two-finger salute.   “See you.”

He extended his baton and leapt up to the top of the Palais de Chaillot.

Glancing back, he could see Juleka running up to Asami and checking her over.

He smiled to himself.

Today wasn’t so bad.

Chapter Text

– Marinette –

Principal Damocles walked into the classroom just after roll call, calling everyone to attention with a sharp clap of his hands.

“Alright, class,” he said with a pleased smile.   “I’m pleased to announce that you have been chosen to participate in a very special fashion design contest.”

Marinette blinked in surprise.

“Of course, participation isn’t mandatory,” he continued.   “But for those of you that do want to participate, listen closely.”

“You only have one day to work on your fashion piece—and it must be your own design,” Principal Damocles stated.   “In ten hours, your finished presentation will be judged by none other than the great fashion designer Gabriel Agreste —the father of our very own student Adrien Agreste! ”

Around her, the class ooh-ed and ah-ed as Adrien rubbed the back of his neck shyly.   Marinette smiled, leaning forwards as she stared lovingly at the back of his head.

“In fact,” the principal continued.   “Adrien will model the winning design in his next photoshoot!”

Marinette’s eyes lit up, and she turned to Alya, who gave her a knowing smile as she beamed with joy.

This is it.

This is my chance to prove to Adrien and Mr. Agreste that I’m the better choice compared to Asami!

I’m definitely going to beat her this time!

She clenched her fist in determination.

“And now to announce this year’s theme,” Principal Damocles stated.   Marinette sat up straighter in anticipation.

“Derby hats!”

Her mind blanked.

Derby hats?

— ♦ —

“Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot! ” Marinette hissed, flipping frantically through her sketchbook.   “I don’t have any derby hat designs!”

Behind her, Alya watched as the bluenette paced anxiously, scouring through her sketches for the third time.

“How am I supposed to make Adrien fall in love with me if I don’t win?!” she wailed.   “He’ll be like ‘Oh, Marinette.   You can’t make a derby hat?   How lame—Asami can.’   Then he’ll fall in love with her, get married, and I’ll be alone for the rest of my life! ”

“I’m completely screwed!” she cried, flinging herself into Alya’s lap.

Alya just laughed at her.   “You’re totally blowing this out of proportion.   Lemme see your sketches, girl.”

She plucked the book from Marinette’s hands, popping it open and flicking through the pages.   “You’ve gotta have something to use…”

Marinette groaned, pulling herself up to sit next to her best friend.

“I have nothing ,” she complained, then let out a sigh.   “Besides, it’s not like there’s any point.   I’ll probably mess things up for myself in the end.”

“Hey, those are some pretty cool designs.”

A voice came from the other side of Alya, and Marinette promptly freaked out, scrambling to the other side of the bench.

Adrien leaned over the brunette to peek down at Marinette’s sketchbook.

“I didn’t know you had such mad skills, Alya,” the blond commented with a smile.

“I don’t,” Alya said.   She waved a hand at the other end of the bench, where Marinette was hiding.   “This is Marinette’s.”

Marinette waved shyly before ducking back down behind the edge of the seat, missing Adrien’s look of confusion.

“Well anyway, these are really cool—you have a lot of talent, Marinette,” he said.   “I think you have a pretty good chance at winning!”

Marinette stammered, peeking over the bench again.   “Well, I—um.   Really like designs that…that…”

She began to get lost in his eyes, her voice trailing off.

They’re so green…

“Marinette?”

“Huh?   What?”   She snapped out of her reverie.

Adrien and Alya stared at her, baffled.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Y-yeah!   I’m great!   Totally!” she yelped.

His eyebrows pinched together slightly.   “Ooookay?” he said, still confused.   “Well, I’m just going to leave you to your designing…so, see you!”

He walked off with a wave.

Marinette stared after him in a daze before she snapped out of it and slumped back onto Alya’s lap.

“I completely failed at talking to him!” she wailed.   “I just got lost in his eyes, and my mind totally blanked!”

Alya snickered, patting her head.   “You definitely need to work on that, girl.   But look on the bright side!” she said.   “He thinks you’re good enough to win!”

Marinette perked up, lifting her head.

But before she could bask in the glow of Adrien’s praise, his voice floated across the courtyard.

“Oh, wow!   Is that really me?”

Asami’s laugh came drifting after.

“Yep!”

“I look absolutely amazing!   Did you seriously make three different designs already?   It hasn’t even been an hour!”

“What can I say?   I’m dedicated.”

Marinette’s head creaked around slowly.   Dread pooled in her gut.

Adrien was lifting up Asami’s sketchbook as he leaned against her, his posture relaxed and comfortable.   The red cover was bold like a warning sign…or a signal.

Adrien laughed in disbelief as he flipped a page.

“How are you so creative?   All of these look incredible! ”

“Seriously, though,” he said, tilting his head back onto her shoulder to look at her.   “I would be honored to wear any of your designs.”

Asami smirked, poking his cheek.

“You already are, remember?   Your birthday hoodie?”

Adrien laughed.

“I know, but still!   I can’t wear it all the time outside because I’ve got to promote Father’s brand, but I toss it on almost as soon as I get home.   Having more of your clothes to wear would be great!”

Marinette’s ears rang.   She refused to listen anymore.

…I would be honored to wear any of your designs…

…You already are…

…Having more of your clothes to wear would be great…

Marinette swallowed harshly, feeling a lump form in her throat.

Alya placed a hand on her arm.

“Hey,” she said, turning Marinette’s head to face her.   “Ignore them.   You’ve got the talent.   You’ve got the skill.   You can do it.”

Marinette nodded hesitantly, then more firmly as determination filled her.   She scrambled to her feet.

“Right!   I just have to go to my secret garden of inspiration!   I can do this! ”

“Hurry, girl!” Alya said, checking her phone.   “You’ve only got nine hours left!”

“Oh, no!   I’ll see you later, Alya!”

Marinette ran off.   She needed to get to the Trocadéro as soon as possible.

She needed to win!

– Asami –

“Hm…”

Asami held up her sketchpad, leaning back in her chair as her eyes flicked between Adrien—who was lounging on her bed, playfully squeezing Wiggles with Berry nestled under his chin—and her designs.

She flipped back a few pages, staring at the drawing.

“I think… this is the one that will not only suit you best but also catch your father’s attention the most.”

She turned the sketchbook towards him.

“What do you think?”

Adrien whistled.   “Whoa.”

“You really think so?” she asked.

Asami’s sketch showed a derby hat reminiscent of the Gilded Age—gold filigree patterns swirled delicately along the crown as a single pheasant feather curved gracefully from the side, affixed to the ribbon band by a small antique gold brooch.   It was elegant, but sophisticated in its restraint.

“Absolutely,” he declared.   “That’s incredible. ”

“Luckily for me,” Asami said, rolling over to her supply cabinet.   “I made Kaa-san a pheasant feather fascinator last year.   I still have a few feathers left, I think.”

“Are they synthetic?” Adrien asked, sitting up.   “I’m allergic to feathers.”

“They are,” Asami confirmed, rummaging through the back.   “I try to buy artificial feathers when I can, unless they have to be natural to fit the piece.   Even then, I still clean them to try and get rid of as much lingering dust and particles as possible, even if I bought them online.”

“Oh, okay.”   Adrien flopped back down, hugging her two plushies to his chest.   “Thanks for thinking of that.   I can’t imagine sneezing my way through a whole photoshoot.”

“It’s no problem,” she reassured him.   “Just what a good designer should do.”

The silence between them was comfortable, only broken by the sounds of Asami’s searching.

“Okay, got them!”   Asami pulled out a plastic bag, the mottled stripes of the feathers clear through the plastic.

“I’m going to wash these real quick with some soap and water,” she said, pushing herself to her feet.   “Then while these air-dry, I can get started on the actual hat.”

Adrien waved absentmindedly as he patted Berry’s head.

— ♦ —

“The filigree alone would take a while,” Adrien noted as Asami measured a swathe of interfacing.   “How are you going to finish it in, what, eight and a half hours?”

Asami hummed thoughtfully.   “I was thinking of machine embroidering the filigree.   It won’t be as shiny as if I used metal, but it’s faster and it won’t heat up in the summer.”   Her scissors flashed as she sliced off a large section.

Adrien blinked, rolling onto his side to look at her.   “But the derby hat is round?” he said, confused.

She grinned.   “That’s why I’m going to split the pattern into panels—that way, when I stitch them together, they’ll be round.”

Adrien paused, processing, then sat up, eyes wide.

“Oh…oh!   You mean like how you cut maps into strips to fit around a globe?”

Asami snapped her fingers, pointing at him.   “Exactly.”

He laughed, surprised.   “That’s genius!”

The sudden whirr of a plane interrupted him before he could say more.

“What’s that?” Adrien called over the noise.

Asami glanced out the window, then did a double-take.

“Are those…birds?”   Adrien ran over to take a look.

Sure enough, pigeons flying over Paris in the shape of fighter planes.

“Oh, no,” Adrien groaned.   “I hate birds.”

Asami snorted, then reached into her cabinet to pull out a KN95 mask.

“It’s for when I’m using paints with strong fumes,” she explained.   “I have more.”

“Thanks,” he sighed, pulling it on.

She raised an eyebrow.

“I should probably leave before you start making your hat,” he said, sliding off her bed.   “Since…you know…I probably shouldn’t be biased and so you can focus.”

“Oh…okay,” she said, getting up.

“No no no, you don’t have to see me off,” he said, waving his hands.   “I’m just gonna go.”

He darted out the door before she could protest, leaving Asami blinking after him.

The front door opened and shut soon after.

Asami sighed in amusement, then turned back to her materials.

“That was such a bad excuse,” she murmured.   “But if he has something to do, who am I to stop him?”

Still…he’s always running off like that…

– Adrien –

Adrien was not having a good day.

Why, oh why, did there have to be a pigeon-themed Akuma?

If not for the mask Asami gave him, he’d have sneezed up a lung by now.

“I’m not going to have to take off my mask to transform, am I?” he asked his Kwami.

His voice was nearly drowned out by the thundering sound of flapping wings of the overhead birds.

“Nah, you’re fine,” Plagg reassured him.   “Just say the words, kid.”

“Plagg, claws out!”

Green light flashed, and Chat Noir—now armed with a medical-grade mask—vaulted off in the direction of the pigeon-planes.

— ♦ —

As he vaulted over a park, the news he was playing on his baton suddenly switched topics.

“Breaking news!” came the anxious voice of Najda Chamack.   “Alongside today’s Akuma, there are alarming reports from across Paris—park keepers have vanished without a trace, leaving their posts completely abandoned!”

What?   Did the Akuma do this?   Why?

Chat Noir vaulted over a building, and spotted a strangely empty park below.

He landed in the middle of it, eyes flicking around for any hint of policeman blue.

A quick check around confirmed it: not a single park keeper was to be seen, and any visitors had long fled, leaving only the pigeons.

“This isn’t good!” he muttered, vaulting up to the rooftops once more.

Then a flash of red caught his eye.

Ladybug!

The spotted heroine stood at the eave of a roof, staring up at the passing pigeon-planes.

Chat Noir landed on the ridge, his sharp ears picking up Ladybug’s mutter.

“Now this is weirder than weird,” she said.

“Well, what can you say?   Birds of a feather flock together,” he called out, leaning against a nearby chimney.

Ladybug’s head snapped up.

“Chat Noir!”

“Hey!”   He slid down the roof, stopping neatly in front of her.   “How’ve you been, milady?”

“Not important right now,” she said.   “Why’re you wearing a mask?”

“I’m allergic to feathers,” he replied.   “Luckily, one of my friends gave this to me.”

His eyes crinkled as he smiled.

“Anyway, we’ve got other problems besides just the birds,” he said.   “I don’t know if you heard, but the park keepers are missing!”

Ladybug gasped in shock.   “What?!   We have to track down Mr. Pigeon ASAP!”

“And where exactly…are we going to find him?” he asked skeptically.

She smiled.   “I have a plan.”

“Of course you do,” he said, smiling under the mask.

— ♦ —

This is ridiculous.

Chat Noir stood at the edge of a park with a park keeper’s hat perched on his head.

Why am I even here…

Ladybug’s plan was apparently for him to disguise himself as a park keeper to be bait.

This is a terrible plan.

He didn’t even look close to being a park keeper.

Absentmindedly, he began to whistle La Marseillaise , tapping his finger against his leg to the beat.

Allons enfants de la patrie,

Le jour de gloire est arrivé!

His eye caught onto a stray pigeon on a lamppost.

Hm…what if…?

He gave the pigeon a wave, then playfully tapped his ring.

Come on…take the bait…

The pigeon cocked its head, blinking…then took off.

Score!

“What are you doing?!” Ladybug hissed from her position behind a tree.

“Speeding things up!” he called, rocking cheerfully on his heels.

Sure enough, a swarm of pigeons descended, forming a ball around him.

Wings and beaks brushed against his face and suit as they closed in.

If I wasn’t wearing a mask, this would’ve been really bad for my allergies!

“Take me to your leader, my feathery fellows!” he called.

— ♦ —

“ Hup! ”

Chat Noir was deposited on top of Le Grand Paris with a thump.

Brushing himself free of feathers, he tightened the strings on his mask before taking a glance around.

Pigeons roosted all around him, staring with beady black eyes.

Great.   A rooftop full of allergy bombs.   Just what I wanted.

Ladybug landed next to him soon after, eyes sweeping the rooftop.

“So…where’s that bird brain Mr. Pigeon?” he asked.

“He’s got to be here somewhere…” she murmured.

Without warning, the surrounding pigeons took off, spiralling up and around the duo.

Even more pigeons soared up from the streets, joining the airborne swarm.

“Uh oh,” he muttered.

The spiral tightened, and pigeons swarmed around them in a tight swirl.

Sharp beaks and talons flashed every time they tried to push through the pigeon-cyclone, leaving them trapped back-to-back.

Feathers flew everywhere, making it a danger zone for him without his current protection.

“Got any bright ideas, Bug?!” he shouted, covering his face with his arms.

“ You’re the cat—don’t you eat these things for breakfast?! ” she yelled back.

Chat Noir opened his mouth to retort, only to feel a tug on the strings of his mask.

“Hey!   Paws off!” he shouted, clamping a hand over his mask.   His free hand lashed out, slapping a bird away.

The pigeon flew off, squawking angrily. 

“Ugh!”   He slapped away another pigeon that was nearing his face, hearing a sudden boom echo around them.   The swarm of pigeons suddenly scattered.

What?

He peeked through his arms, then gasped, straightening.

Thick iron bars surrounded them on all sides.

The pigeons had dropped a cage on them.

They were trapped.

— ♦ —

“ Roo!   Turpy day!   I’m so ruthless. ”

Above them, Mr. Pigeon stood cackling on a floating platform of pigeons.

Despite their current situation, Chat Noir couldn’t help but stare.

I hate to say it…but this guy looks really dumb.

He shook himself out of his thoughts.

This is not the time to roast Hawkmoth’s fashion designing skills!

He refocused just in time to see a purple butterfly outline flash briefly over Mr. Pigeon’s face.

Hawkmoth was watching.

Mr. Pigeon flashed a crooked grin.

“ Roo!   Roo!   Your Miraculous—give them to me, or face the wrath of my feathered friends!” he demanded.

Wait, what?

Mr. Pigeon blew his bird call, and a loud bang resounded.

Ladybug and Chat Noir’s head snapped up.

The pigeons above them jumped on the roof of the cage, and with every landing, the ceiling dropped lower.

“On the count of three, my beloved pigeons will commence fire ,” Mr. Pigeon said.   “You can still save your sorry skins by handing me your Miraculous. ”

Around them, pigeons took aim, shaking their tail feathers in the air.

“One…two…”

Oh, hell no.   I did not come here just to be shit on!

“Cataclysm!” Chat Noir shouted, raking his hand across the bars.

Rust spread quickly, and with a loud creak , the walls caved outwards.   Pigeons shrieked, scattering as the bars fell flat.

Above them, the ceiling dropped with nothing to hold it up.

Chat Noir easily caught the falling roof and tossed it aside.

“Well, well,” he said, straightening.   “Looks like your plan failed.”

Mr. Pigeon leaped backwards onto the roof ledge as they advanced on him.

“And now you’re running away?” Ladybug mocked.   “Seems you’re more of a chicken than a pigeon .”

Mr. Pigeon laughed.   “I’m not running away—I’m just killing two birds with one stone .”

With that, he tipped backwards, blowing his bird call.

“Ah!”   Ladybug and Chat Noir sprinted over to the edge, only to screech to a halt as Mr. Pigeon flew up on another pigeon-platform.

As more pigeons flew after the escaping villain, the platform became a plane, and a large ball formed, separating from the plane.

“ Merry Christmas! ” he shouted.

The sphere of pigeons dove at the heroes.

“Run!” Chat Noir shouted, taking off towards the rooftop exit with Ladybug hot on his heels.

They barely made it behind the metal door before the bird bomb slammed into it, creating a massive bulge.

To their relief, none of the birds broke through.

“Oh my god,” he muttered, collapsing to his knees.   “That was way too close.”

— ♦ —

Despite the baffling misunderstanding that he needed to go to the bathroom—why did everyone think he needed a litter tray?—he was able to get a private room to de-transform safely and get Plagg his camembert recharge.

Now, he and Ladybug were at the Grand Palais, following the various spheres of pigeons that were converging on the location.

Chat Noir and Ladybug peered through the skylight from the roof.

Down below, the missing park keepers were corralled in a cage.   Pigeons roosted on every rafter while the villain himself perched on a catwalk.

“Okay, you open the window—I’ll grab him and yank him onto the roof—then you snag his bird call away from him!” she whispered.

Chat Noir shrugged, smiling behind his mask.   “Sounds good to me.   Early bird gets the worm!”

Reaching forwards, he unlocked the window and yanked it open.

The sudden movement whipped up a draft of feathers, but Chat Noir merely grinned.

Asami strikes again!

“Ha!”   Ladybug launched her yoyo.

Mr. Pigeon looked down as the wire wrapped around his waist.   “Uh?”

With a yelp, he was yanked skywards, zooming towards the open window.

Alright!

However, they miscalculated one tiny thing—the window was too small.

With an almighty bang , his head and all his limbs collided painfully against the edges of the window.

The yoyo unravelled from his waist, and he fell straight down.

Right onto his face.

Chat Noir stared in horror as Mr. Pigeon groaned, lying on the catwalk.

“...Oops,” he muttered.

We didn’t give him a concussion, did we?

Ladybug made a strangled noise beside him.

— ♦ —

Mr. Pigeon groaned on the catwalk below, wobbling unsteadily to his feet.

He whipped around, quickly shaking off the fall, face red with fury.

“How dare you try to clip my wings!” he shrieked.   “That was fowl play! ”

“Time for Plan B!” Ladybug shouted, leaping through the skylight.

Chat Noir jumped after her, landing at her side as they charged towards him.

Mr. Pigeon dove over the railing, catching himself with his pigeons and running off.

He skidded to a stop and faced them, blowing his bird call as they closed in.

Pigeons swarmed from the rafters, forming two massive balls around his hands.

“Come closer, featherheads,” he hissed.   “I have a bone to peck with you.”

With a roar, he launched the pigeon-balls at the two heroes.

They couldn’t dodge.

“Shit!”

With a loud crash , Ladybug and Chat Noir slammed into the park keeper’s cage, collapsing at its base.

The pigeon-balls dispersed, reforming around Mr. Pigeon’s hands as he advanced on them.

“Get us out of here, Ladybug!” one of the park keepers cried.

Chat Noir’s eyebrow twitched.   Jealousy wasn’t usually his thing, but being constantly sidelined in favor of Ladybug was starting to get under his fur.

Do they think I’m a sidekick or something?

Ladybug climbed to her feet, calling out for her Lucky Charm.

Pink sparkles coalesced mid-air to form—

—a coin?

Seriously?

Ladybug always got the weirdest things.

Mr. Pigeon cackled menacingly as he strode forwards confidently.

“You can’t buy your way out of this one, Ladybug!”

Charging forwards, he hurled the pigeon-ball at them.

Ladybug charged forwards to meet them.

But an instant before she made contact, she slid under the ball.

“Ladybug?!” Chat Noir shouted.   The park keepers behind him cried out in shock and dismay.

The ball of pigeons continued on their path towards them, the sound of thundering wings getting louder with every second.

Gritting his teeth, Chat Noir spun his staff and launched himself forwards, smacking away pigeons.

Talons raked across his face and suit as the birds screeched in protest.

A stray claw sliced through one of the strings on his mask.

Shit!

Still, he stood his ground, defending the cage from the pigeon attack even as his mask threatened to fall off his face.

As the pigeons dispersed, a shout cut through the air.

“Chat Noir!” Ladybug shouted from the vending machines, throwing a bag of popcorn into the air.

Where did she get that?

It didn’t matter—he understood her plan immediately.

“Got it!” he shouted, smacking the last pigeon away.

He lined up his shot and hurled his staff like a javelin.

The bag burst open above Mr. Pigeon, covering him with popcorn.

“ No! ” the villain cried as his feathered minions descended on him.

With a harsh yank, the villain was suddenly suspended mid-air from his ankle by Ladybug’s yoyo.

“My bird call!” Mr. Pigeon yelled as he was once again swarmed by pigeons.

When had she done that?

The bird call dropped to the ground, and Chat Noir ran forwards, slamming a boot down on the akumatized object.

It shattered under his foot, and the akuma fluttered free.

As Ladybug released Mr. Pigeon and prepared to capture the akuma, he ran back to the cage.

“Cataclysm!” he shouted.   With a touch, the bars fell apart and the park keepers rushed out, surrounding him with worried voices.

“Chat Noir, your cheek!”

“You’re bleeding!”

“Chat Noir, are you alright?!”

He smiled cheerfully, eyes crinkling as he ignored his stinging cheek and the smell of fresh blood.

“I’m fine,” he said.   “It’ll be fixed soon.”

They sighed in relief, and their concern quickly turned to praise.

“You’re the real hero, Chat Noir!”

“Thank you for protecting us!”

“You were awesome back there!”

Before they could say more, pink sparkles engulfed the group, forcing him to cover his eyes.

As the sparkles faded, Chat Noir blinked in confusion.

They were gone—along with the pigeons and feathers—and so were his injuries.

Even his mask was fixed.

He pursed his lips, then plastered on a smile.

“Oh, thank god,” Chat Noir said, pulling off his mask.   “I’m finally pigeon-free.”

He ignored the pang of disappointment.

Just like he always did.

– Asami –

Asami hummed softly as she angled the hairdryer towards the feather, the whirr of the motor drowning out her voice.

The synthetic feather slowly warmed, and she quickly flicked it off, grabbing the tip of the feather and bending it back.

“Alright…now just stay in place…” she murmured.

A few minutes passed silently before she carefully let go.

The feather maintained its shape.

Asami gave the feather a careful wiggle.

Nothing changed—the feather stayed as malleable and soft as before without losing its curve.

“Yes!”

She pumped her fist and plucked her hat from her desk, checking it over again for gaps or obvious stitches.

The felt was firm yet soft in her hands as she turned it over to check the lining and sweatband.

“Perfect.”   She grinned and held the hat up, pressing the feather against the ribbon band.

The burgundy color seemed even more vibrant against the gold filigree as Asami adjusted the feather’s position, trying to find the perfect spot.

Pulling a pin from her pincushion, she carefully stabbed it through the feather, securing it to the felt.

She added a second pin just for extra security.

Asami reached for her needles and her black thread, unravelling a good amount with a quick pull.

She dampened the thread and slid it through the needle’s eye in one practiced motion.   It was second nature by now—like breathing.

Tying the ends together, Asami quickly secured the feather to the hat, looping the thread over the feather before pulling out the pins to thread the string through the holes.

She gave the feather a gentle tug.

No movement.

“Okay…now some glue…”

She rolled over to the bookshelf on the other side of her desk.

Bending down, she pulled out her UV resin and UV lamp.

“Haven’t used this in a while,” she muttered, dusting the lamp off.

Snapping on a pair of gloves, she dabbed the glue onto the base of the feather, covering the thread completely.   With a toothpick, she shifted the ends of the thread so they were immersed in the glue.

Asami picked up her UV lamp, aiming it at the connection point.

A few minutes later, she clicked the lamp off, tapping the glue.

The click of her nail against it confirmed that it was cured.

“Awesome.”

She smiled proudly at her piece before eyeing her sketch.

And now for the finishing touch…

“Hm…   I have a whole bunch of random beads and trinkets around here somewhere…”   Asami dug through the bottom shelf of her cabinet.

“Ah!”   She pulled out a flat box of bead containers.   “Here you are!”

Asami popped open the lid and plucked out the container of gold beads.   It was larger than the rest, glinting with beads, pendants, and trinkets of the same color.

Right in the middle of the container was an antique brooch from a lace dress she’d taken apart to use for applique.   (The dress itself had been hideous , though the lacework had been beautiful.)

Wiggling the brooch free, she checked it for any damage, smiling when she found none.

“Perfect,” she murmured.

The brooch was an openwork design of a swirling kaleidoscope.   It was a shiny gold piece, and Asami suspected that the seller had no idea it was a Trifari brooch, seeing as the dress and brooch together had cost only 15 euros.

Granted, she had thrifted it, so…

Eh, whatever.

Asami popped the back open and carefully pinned it over the base of the feather.

“Now that is elegance,” she murmured, holding the finished hat up.

She smiled, imagining Adrien’s face when he saw it as she carefully placed it in a hat box.

This is going to look so good on him!

— ♦ —

Since she’d finished an hour early, Asami decided to spend some time drawing before going over to the school—no point in baking outside for an hour.

The clock ticked quietly as the minutes passed by, flowers and swirls blooming under her pen as she sketched a new design.

With a satisfied hum, she lifted the finished design to the light, leaning back in her chair to look at it.

“I think this looks pretty good,” she said.

Her phone suddenly beeped.

“Hm?   Oh, it’s time!”

Grabbing her hat box, she raced down the stairs to the foyer, shoving on her sneakers.

“I’ll be back in an hour or two!” Asami called back as she flung open the door.

Running down the street, she rounded the corner and hurried up the stairs into the courtyard.

Four stands stood at the center, and she beelined to the last stand, where no one was standing.

Juleka and Rose stood by the first stand with a hat covered in silver gears—a steampunk theme, she assumed, while Chloé and Sabrina stood at the second with a…pigeon feather-themed hat?

Seriously?   Weird.

Alya guarded the third stand, clearly waiting for Marinette.

“Can I see your hat now?”

Adrien’s voice came from over her shoulder, and Asami shrieked in surprise, clutching her hat box to her chest.

Every head in their vicinity turned to look at them, and her face burned in embarrassment as she shot the sheepish blond a glare.

“Adrien, what the hell?!” she hissed.

“Sorry,” he whispered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Asami huffed in exasperation and lifted the lid.

Her hand shot out before Adrien could take a peek, planting itself firmly on his forehead.

“No—bad Adrien.”

He pouted, giving her a petulant look.

Asami rolled her eyes, lifting the hat out of the box to place it on the stand.

Crickets.   Absolute silence.

Asami turned around, wondering why he wasn’t saying anything—

—only to find his jaw on the ground as he stared in amazement.

“Close your mouth before flies go in,” she snickered.

He straightened, blinking out of his stupor.

“I just…I have no words,” he said seriously.   “Just…wow.”

“Really?   ‘Just wow’?”   Asami raised an eyebrow.   “You’re usually a lot more descriptive than that.”

“Well, that’s because you knocked me speechless,” he retorted.   “But seriously—that looks gorgeous.   I so want to wear it.”

Asami snorted, waving him away as she adjusted the position of her hat on the stand.

She smoothed out the edge of her feather, then straightened.

Now, all that was left to do was to wait—and hope her work was enough to impress a designer who never gave praise lightly.

– Marinette –

Marinette rushed into the school courtyard, slamming her hat box onto her stand.

Just in time!

She sighed in relief.

“Where have you been?!” Alya demanded.   “You got your hat?”

“Right here,” Marinette said, pulling her hat out of the box and setting it on the stand.

Alya gasped in awe, then frowned.

“What?” Marinette asked.

“It’s the same as Chloé’s! ”

“What?!”   She whipped around, and sure enough, Chloé’s hat was the same as hers.

“That thieving little brat! ”

“Want me to take care of it?” Alya asked.

“No,” Marinette said, calming herself down.   “I can handle this one.”

Principal Damocles, Adrien, and Natalie—holding a tablet with Adrien’s father displayed on it—arrived at Marinette’s station.

“Hm…”   Mr. Agreste stared critically.   “Turn the tablet back to Ms. Bourgeois’ hat.”

Nathalie obliged, stepping over to the other stand.   Mr. Agreste stared harder at the identical derby.

“Is this a joke?”

Chloé gasped loudly.   “No fair!   Marinette copied my design!” she cried.   “It’s scandalous —how could you do that?!”

She began to sob dramatically, slumping onto her hat stand.

Marinette stepped forwards.   “I apologize for the situation Mr. Agreste, but I can prove that this derby hat is my original design,” she stated confidently.

“Go ahead.”

Marinette picked up her hat.   “Everything on my derby hat is hand-made—from the embroidery, to the weaving of the band, to the stitching of the brim,” she stated.   “All done by myself.”

“And last, there’s a special design element only the true designer knows about,” Marinette continued, turning over her derby.

“I signed mine.”

And there it was—Marinette’s name, glinting on the band in shining gold.

Chloé gasped and accidentally knocked over her hat stand.

Everyone turned, looking at the hat now lying on the ground.

The same signature shone up at them.

Chloé teared up and fled from the courtyard.   “ Daddy! ”

Nathalie turned the tablet back to Marinette.

“Very clever,” Mr. Agreste commented.   “However…   Nathalie, move the tablet a bit closer to the hat.”

Nathalie stepped forwards, angling the camera towards Marinette’s hat.

“Hm…the stitching is messy, and the feathers on the crown are misaligned.   Additionally…   Nathalie, give the feather a tug.”

Nathalie reached out and gave the silvery feather a gentle pull.

“Wait, no!” Marinette yelped, reaching out to stop her.

It immediately came off, strings of glue clinging to the attachment piece.

Mr. Agreste pursed his lips.

“Hm…this hat was clearly rushed.”   Nathalie turned the tablet to Marinette, dropping the feather on the hat stand.   “You were given ten hours to design and build your hat.   How is it that you only just finished it?” he demanded.

Marinette began to stammer.

How do I explain?!   I can’t tell him I was busy being Ladybug!

But, before she could say anything, a loud sneeze came behind Nathalie.

Adrien was holding the feather in his hand, eyes watering as he sneezed.

“Marinette— achoo! —is this a real feather?   Achoo! ” he asked, dropping the feather and stepping back.

“Sorry…I’m allergic,” he said, rubbing his nose.   Asami hurried over with a tissue.

“I…um….”   Marinette was at loss for words.

Nathalie picked up the feather, examining it closely.

“If I’m not mistaken, this is a pigeon feather,” she said.

“A pigeon feather?” Adrien’s father repeated.   His eyes sharpened.   “You used a real pigeon feather in your hat?”

She could only nod wordlessly.

“How unsanitary.”

Those two words were like a punch to the chest.   All the air left her lungs, and she hunched in on herself as Nathalie walked away with the tablet.

Her eyes watered with tears as Alya patted her on the back in comfort.

“He can’t tell genius from glue,” she murmured reassuringly.

Marinette didn’t hear her.

I…failed.

– Asami –

“Whose hat is this?” she heard Gabriel ask.

Asami glanced up as she led Adrien away from Marinette and her…pigeon feather hat.   (Mr. Agreste really was right.   The idea of using a feather that had been from the ground—because how else would Marinette get a pigeon feather in such short time?—was kind of gross.)

Nathalie and Principal Damocles were standing in front of her hat stand.

“That’s mine,” she said.

All eyes turned towards her.

“Oh?   Is that Miss Yamikawa I hear?” Mr. Agreste asked.

“Yes, sir,” Nathalie confirmed.

“I wasn’t aware that you were into fashion design,” he commented as the tablet turned towards her.   “What a pleasant surprise.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Hm…   The filigree detailing along the crown demonstrates both sophistication and boldness without edging into gaudiness—restrained opulence,” Gabriel stated, approval in his voice.

“Balancing that with the pheasant feather—I trust that it’s artificial?   Excellent—adds texture without overwhelming the silhouette.   The brooch adds just the right note of glamour and refinement to the piece to tie it together,” he continued, nodding once.   “It’s an exquisite piece.   Miss Yamikawa, you’ve won.”

Asami smiled, maintaining her professional composure.   “Thank you very much, sir.”

“Adrien will wear your derby on our next advertising campaign,” he continued.   “Keep up the good work, Miss Yamikawa.”

“Absolutely.”

With that, the screen turned black, and Nathalie strode away without a word.

Adrien grinned, plucking the hat from the stand.   “Awesome~” he hummed, placing it on his head and striking a pose.   “How do I look?”

Asami grinned.   She’d known it would look good on him, but seeing him wear it was something else.

“Perfect,” she said.

Their classmates swarmed them, spouting compliments and congratulations.

“You look great, Adrien!”

“Sick hat!   Totally rad!”

“That looks absolutely wonderful!   Congrats on winning!”

Asami grinned as Adrien nudged her.

“Good job!” he whispered.

“Thanks,” she murmured.

Her smile dimmed slightly when she noticed Marinette and Alya standing apart from the crowd.   Marinette was crying silently as Alya comforted her, occasionally sending glares Asami’s way.

Marinette looked up, caught sight of Asami’s hat again, looked at her own hat, and burst into a fresh wave of tears.

Alya pulled her closer and threw a sharp glare at Asami.

Asami raised an eyebrow.

Don’t look at me like that.   I didn’t do anything to her.   I made my hat, and she made hers.

While Asami felt sympathetic for Marinette, she also knew that she earned her win, and Alya had no right to blame her for Marinette’s loss.   She wouldn’t apologize for doing her best when it was clear that the other girl rushed her hat.

Even so, she wasn’t heartless.

She’ll bounce back—it’s not the end of the world.

She just needs time.   Humility.   And maybe to learn how to take criticism with grace.

It wasn’t her job to fix Marinette’s grief over her loss, but she hoped the bluenette would come back better for it.   And hopefully learn proper time management.

Chapter Text

– Asami –

The door swung open with a creak, and the classroom fell silent.

The click of heels echoed as Ms. Mendeleiev stepped inside, eyes sharp like a hawk’s.

She carried the presence of a storm and wielded it like a weapon to keep her students in line.

“Listen closely—I will not repeat myself a second time,” she declared, cold and commanding, like a general sending soldiers off into battle.

“Today, we will be beginning our first project of the semester.   You will spend the next three days designing a house that would allow human survival within one of five extreme environments: deserts, arctic tundras, volcanoes, high mountains, and dry valleys.”

“You will be working in groups of three—and no , you may not choose your own,” she snapped, cutting off protests with a dark glare.

“Each group will build a model and write a report.   You will all present on Thursday.   Am I clear?”

The class called out various affirmations.

Ms. Mendeleiev’s eyes caught onto Nathaniel Kurtzberg, who hadn’t responded.   Her eyes narrowed, and she marched over, heels clicking ominously.

She slammed a palm down with a loud bang.   The boy flinched, jolting upright from where he’d been hunched over a sketchbook.

“Nathaniel.   What are you drawing?” she demanded.

The redhead stammered for an excuse, caught off guard, his shoulders hunching in shame.

Ms. Mendeleiev’s glare sharpened further.   She snatched up a loose drawing from his desk and held it up.

“You are failing science , and you still think you have the time to doodle while I’m giving out instructions?   March yourself down to the principal’s office immediately and explain yourself!”

Nathaniel scrambled to shove all his things into his bag and clutched it to his chest as he hurried down the aisle—but just before he reached the front of the classroom, his foot caught on Mylène’s bag.

He let out a startled yelp as he went flying.

Unfortunately for him, his sketchbook also went flying—skidding to a stop right in front of Chloé.

A few students gasped in concern.   Asami leaned forward, ready to offer him a hand up.

The blonde was faster, immediately snatching the sketchbook up and cracking it open.

“Ooh!   Look , Sabrina!   It’s him —as a superhero! ” she crowed, holding up the sketch.

“And look who he’s saving—it’s Marinette! ”

She giggled mockingly as she tore out a page.