Chapter Text
(A/N: This is an identity reveal and a watching their own show fic that takes place shortly after season three episode one aka Chameleon. There is a brief reference to the Weredad episode.)
(thoughts/sounds) (text messages)
Marinette's confidence from telling Lila 'We'll see about that Lila, we'll see' lasted until she was in her room and then she panics. "Tikki what do I do? I don't know where that burst of confidence came from but I don't think I'll be able to keep it up for long."
"Maybe you should tell someone about what Lila said to you. You don't have to face this alone."
"But Tikki, who do I tell? Alya and Nino still, for the most part, believe Lila over me. Plus they think I'm jealous over her being all over Adrien. After that all I have is Adrien, but who knows how long that will last."
"Marinette, did you already forget what Adrien said at the end of lunch? He knows Lila is a liar, so do you truly believe he would all of a sudden be at Lila's side of his own free will?"
"Well, no I don't. Ok say I reach out to him, how much am I allowed to say? I can't tell him I had your help with fending off the Akuma, that would be telling someone that I am Ladybug. Someone who isn't Chat Noir!"
Tikki giggles "Then tell him you did it all by yourself! After all, he did call you their 'Everyday Ladybug'. So he clearly thinks you have some of Ladybug's strengths and personality. Since he doesn't know you really are Ladybug. In that sense, it wouldn't be too out of your typical behavior to single-handedly keeping an Akuma from akumatizing you."
"I guess that's true, well at least from his point of view anyway. Alright, I'll text him since he's at fencing practice right now." Marinette pulls out her phone and pulls up the messages to and from Adrien. She types out: Hey Adrien, umm I know you won't get this until later. But I need a friend I can trust. I'm still hurt by Alya and Nino's dismissal of me. And you're all I have left. Not that that is a bad thing. Just so you know. I need to tell you something and it needs to be in person and be in private. I don't trust Lila or anyone on her side to overhear what I need to tell you. If you could come over to my house when you have some free time, like at lunch or after school. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks! ~Marinette~
"There now all you have to do is wait," Tikki says cheerfully. Not even a minute later her phone dings. Marinette looks at the screen in shock. Adrien texted back already?!
The message reads Hey Marinette! I would have gotten this much later but Lila is currently lying to Mr. D'ragencourt so fencing is canceled. So I can come over right now if that's not too soon. I'm grateful you consider me a good enough friend to tell me something important. And I don't blame you for not wanting to trust Alya and Nino yet. I think that's smart, Miss. Everyday Ladybug. Anyhow text me back and let me know if now is a good time. =^~^= Adrien =^~^=
Marinette groans at Adrien's signature while Tikki laughs. "Tikki, why did he have to use cat faces in his signature?"
"hehe, I don't know Marinette. But you might want to text him back."
Marinette quickly responds: Hey, I'm sorry about fencing practice being canceled. It's definitely a good time for you to come over. I can have mama bring up some goodies from the bakery for us to eat while you are here. I'll see you soon. ~Marinette~
"Okay Tikki, while I go let mama and papa know about Adrien coming over, can you take down the magazine photos of Adrien. But leave the one with him wearing my derby hat. Oh, and group photos are fine to leave up."
"Go, I've got this." Tikki pushes against Marinette's cheek in an effort to make her move. Marinette giggles as she walks down the stairs.
While Tikki flies around the room doing what her chosen asked of her, Marinette makes her way down to the bakery. "Mama? Papa?"
"Yes, sweetie?" Sabine answers.
"I invited Adrien over to hang out since his fencing practice was canceled last minute and he didn't want to go home yet. I hope that's not a problem."
"Of course not! Adrien is welcome over anytime. Here take this tray and fill it with snacks to take up to your room."
"Thank you, mama." Marinette quickly piles on different baked goods and several croissants just for Adrien. As she puts the tongs down and lifts the tray up, the bakery bell rings as the door opens. Marinette sets the tray down and turns around to help the customer.
Before her, stands Adrien. "Hey." He waves.
She waves back and picks up the tray once more. "Come on upstairs." Adrien follows her up to her room. Tikki did a good job. Adrien sets his bags down by the chaise as he sits on it. Marinette hands him a croissant before she sets the tray on her desk and sits on the chaise next to him. "So, umm."
Adrien watches her wring her hands together as she struggles to speak. "Marinette?"
"Yeah?"
"You don't have to be so nervous. I'm here for you. You can tell me anything, and if it needs to be kept a secret, then I can keep a secret. I promise."
Marinette lets out the breath she didn't realize she was holding. "Thank you. What I have to say isn't a secret per se, but I can't be the only one who knows anymore." Adrien nods and waves his hand as if to say go ahead. "Ok so at the beginning of lunch today, Lila was making everyone get her food for her, saying she couldn't due to a sprained wrist. I knew it wasn't true and I told Alya and Nino as such. But they said I couldn't know because I didn't know her. So I told them I tell them something I've never told anyone else. Do you remember when Lila first showed up?"
Adrien nods. "Ok, so after I heard several stories about her, I got a bad feeling about her. So I followed you guys into the library and overheard the conversation. When you dropped your bag, Lila dragged a book out of it with her foot and took off with it. I followed her to see what she wanted with your book. She went into a jewelry store and then the park. When she got to the park, she put on a foxtail necklace. When she saw you approaching she tossed your book in the trash. Shortly after that Ladybug appeared and told Lila off. Lila ran past me but she didn't see me. After both, you and Ladybug left I grabbed the book out of the trash. I ended up taking it home to clean it up a bit. I was going to return it to you as soon as I was done, but then I found out that you got in trouble for losing the book. So I returned it to your father the very next day, after his Akumatization. I told him I was the one who took the book by accident and apologized and asked if he would let you come back to school. And he did. I tried telling all of that to Alya and Nino but they cut me off at the eavesdropping on you at the park."
"Wait, you're the reason I got to go back to school after that? Father didn't say anything to me. I only found out when Nathalie woke me up the next day and told me to get ready to be driven to school. I can't thank you enough for that Mari. You really are an Everyday Ladybug, aren't you?"
Marinette blushes at both the compliment and the nickname. "It's not a problem. You're my friend and if I have the means to help you out I will. But that's not all I need to tell you. After Alya and Nino dismissed my claims and demanded proof. I threw a balled up paper napkin at Lila and she caught it with her supposed sprained wrist with no problems. It was only after I pointed it out to everyone that she claimed to be in pain and that she only grabbed it to save Max from having his eye gouged out by the napkin. Everyone bought her lies and yelled at me for causing Lila more pain. So I stormed off. Lila found me in the restroom, asked why I was mad at her since we have never met. She concluded that I was jealous over her sitting next to you and offered to be my friend and help me I guess to get a date with you." Marinette ignores Adrien's gasp.
"I told her the only way we would be friends is if she stops lying. I told her I can't prove it yet, but I know she's lying about the tinnitus, the trip to Ahcu, everything. She tells me 'I only tell people what they want to hear' to which I reply with 'It's called lying'. She tells me that if I don't want to be her friend that's fine but don't expect to have any friends when she's done with me. She gave me until the end of the day to give her my answer. After she left, I ran into a stall and got so angry and hurt that an Akuma came after me."
"What!? Are you certain it was an Akuma?"
"Yes, I am. I'm not sure how but I managed to calm down enough to force the Akuma away. I guess the Akuma Papillon sent after me, found its way to Lila. I stayed hidden in the locker room until I saw Ladybug's magic cure sweep across the school. It was only then I felt safe enough to walk around. With the exception of Hero's Day, Papillon hasn't been able to Akumatize more than one person a day, from what I've noticed at least. Anyhow after you stopped me from confronting Lila, I thought that I could handle what Lila wanted to throw at me, since at least I had you on my side. But after school Lila approached me, she told me that we are now at war and that I am going to lose my friends, wind up all alone, and that she is going to make you her's. I told her we'll see, but I'm scared. I don't want another Akuma to come after me. Especially if Lila makes good on her word, and I find myself all alone. I don't know if I can fight off another Akuma like that." Marinette starts crying now that she has opened up.
Adrien pulls Marinette into a hug and she cries harder, making his shirt wet with her tears. "Oh, Mari. I don't know what to say other than I believe you. I don't know how helpful I can be but I will always stand by your side, much like Chat Noir does for Ladybug."
"sniff. Does that mean you'll be my Everyday Chat Noir?"
"I would be honored if you'd have me, milady?"
Marinette giggles "Pet names already, Chaton?"
Adrien blushes "Why of course! If I'm going to be portraying Chat Noir, then shouldn't I go all out?"
Marinette boops his nose "Silly kitty, if we're not careful people are either going to think we are dating or that we are the real Ladybug and Chat Noir. And when it comes to your father, I don't know what would be worse. I don't want you getting hurt because of me."
"You know, you really are like Ladybug. Thinking ahead, and worrying about your Chat Noir's safety."
"Of course I'm going to worry about your safety. You mean a lot to me, Adrien. And I can't lose you, much like Ladybug with Chat Noir, I would be lost without you. So please, don't do something too reckless."
"I promise, Marinette. And to answer your question, I think my father would be okay with me dating someone. Especially someone who has already captured his attention with her impressive derby hat. But I don't want you thinking I would only date you to save your life. You mean a lot to me too, Mari. And now that I know how much you've helped me out. It shows just how much you care for me. And while I can't claim my feelings for you are completely romantic. I do care a lot about you."
Marinette's face is as red as Ladybug suit. "You... do?" She asks.
Adrien grabs her hand and presses a kiss upon it. "Of course. I don't know how you feel about me. But I assume it's very positive from what I know. If it makes my feelings for you seem more real, I can always ask your parents if I can court you?"
"Court me?"
"It means I ask their permission to date you. Though in most of the romance novel it leads to the couple getting married later on down the line. But we are only 15, so that doesn't have to happen anytime soon or at all. We can decide on that after we graduate high school."
Marinette shakes her head so she doesn't get lost in her fantasy daydream that could become a reality. "I.. I think I'd like that. Being courted I mean. Mama should be coming up to prep dinner here in a few minutes. If you want to talk to her first. I know my dad can be intimidating. But trust me they like you. And as my feelings for you, well I answered your poem for Valentine's Day. Though I don't know if you got it."
"Wait, you mean the poem I threw away?"
"Yeah, sorry. But I had never seen you so focus on something that even the teachers thought you weren't paying attention. I wasn't sure it was for me, but I'm the only one in our class that has bluebell eyes and hair dark as night. I would have signed it but a ladybug landed on it and Alya distracted me by talking about how ladybugs bring good fortune to lovers and I just mailed it off."
"I got it. In fact, it was the only one I opened that day. I was so shocked to get a response that none of the others meant anything to me. Can I be honest?"
"Of course."
"When I was writing that poem I was thinking about both you and Ladybug. When I realized I was writing a love poem that combined two wonder girls, I felt sick. It didn't feel right to keep working on it, and it wouldn't have been fair to either of you. I wanted to send Ladybug a Valentine's Day card. But I wasn't sure how to get it to her. Then I thought about you and how much you mean to me and how much I wanted to know more about you, and then I ended up writing that poem."
"So did you think that Ladybug was the one who replied to your poem?"
"A small part of me did. But a larger part figured it had to be someone else. I didn't care either way. I have it taped next to my bed, so I can see it when I wake up and when I go to bed."
"I did the same thing with your poem. It makes me happy. And since I'm the Everyday Ladybug, your poem means even more to me."
"I'm glad Mari. Now I shall start my quest to court you. I think I'll try and ask them at the same time. I don't know if I could handle one parent saying yes while the other says no. Wish me luck, milady."
"hehe, good luck Adrien. Though I swear you don't need it. Do you want me to come with you, or should I stay here and wait?"
"Could you follow a few steps behind? I don't want them to see you, but I still want you near."
"I can do that. Lead the way, Chaton."
Adrien walks down the steps and into the living room. Sabine isn't there. As he makes his way down to the bakery, Marinette follows a few steps quietly behind him. He opens the door to the bakery and leaves it open a crack. Marinette stands next to the open door and carefully looks through the crack.
"Excuse me, Mr. Dupain and Mrs. Cheng. I have a question to ask the both of you."
"Adrien, we've told you before call us Tom and Sabine. But go ahead and ask your question." Sabine answers while Tom wipes his hands on his apron, a serious look on his face.
"I would like your permission to date your daughter."
Tom's serious face fades as he starts laughing and Adrien quickly loses hope. Sabine slaps Tom with a towel. "Dear, that behavior is uncalled for. Adrien, sweetie please ignore him for now. I can answer for both of us. Yes, you may date our daughter. I'll even give you permission to marry her when you are both old enough. Now, will you be staying for dinner?"
Adrien's jaw dropped. What just happened? "Um. I don't know if I can. I'll have to call Nathalie."
"That's fine. Go back upstairs. I'm sure Marinette will be eager to know our answer. I'll be up in a few minutes to start dinner. Let me know then."
Adrien bows "Thank you, Mrs... I mean Sabine." He walks out of the bakery and closes the door behind him. He grabs Marinette's hand and pulls her up the stairs. She follows with no problem. Once back in the safety of her room, Adrien lets out the breath he was holding. He pulls out his phone and dials Nathalie. The call is answered quickly. "Hello, Nathalie? Oh, hello father. Can I stay at a friend's house for dinner tonight? Her parents just invited me so I had no prior notice. Marinette Dupain-Cheng and her parents. They live right across the street from the school. Yes, she is the one who designed my derby hat. I don't know, I can ask." Adrien covers the mic with his hand. "Hey, Marinette? My father wants to know if you'll be entering in his next design competition?"
"Well, I've thought about. But I don't know if my designs are good enough."
"Marinette! Oh, ok. My father wants to speak with you." He hands her his phone.
"Good Afternoon Mr. Agreste."
"Good Afternoon Ms. Dupain-Cheng. Why do you think your designs aren't good enough?"
"Well, because I'm just a self-taught designer. I've followed this competition for years and only the ones with a proper education win. I only enter the derby hat competition because it was a small group and all of us were self-taught designers, with the exception of Chloe who tried to steal my design."
"Now I'm going to stop you there. I picked your design because it was the best. I wouldn't have had it walk down my runway if it didn't meet my high expectation. Now I would love to see more of your work. So please reconsider entering the contest. Now I must be going. Please tell my son that he can stay for dinner, and I'll have the car pick him up at 9 pm. Goodbye."
The call ends and Marinette is in shock. "Marinette? Marinette?!" Adrien calls out.
She shakes her head. "Huh?"
"What did my father say?"
"Umm, you can stay for dinner, the car will pick you up at 9 pm, and he wants to see more of my work. He wants me to enter his contest!"
"Mari that's fantastic! I knew your work was amazing, and now so does my father. So are you going to enter?"
"Um. I think so."
"Awesome! Let me know what supplies you need. Only the best for my girlfriend will do."
"Girlfriend?!"
"Well, yeah. That's why I asked your parents if I could date you."
"Sorry. It's going to take me a few moments to get used to this. My imagination may be wild, but it never thought about this."
"It's okay. We will go at your pace."
"I hate to ask, but can we keep our relationship a secret for now? I don't want anyone at school to know yet, especially people who believe Lila over me."
"I understand. I'll do my best to keep myself in check. I don't want to slip up and call you a pet name. Hey! It's like Ladybug and Chat Noir being careful about their civilian identities."
"That's right. And since we are the Everyday Ladybug and Chat Noir, we have to keep our relationship quiet. And we have to be quiet about you being my Everyday Chat Noir. But we can still talk and interact. And at lunch and after school we can come here and be boyfriend and girlfriend."
"Sound like a plan, milady."