Chapter Text
Ladybug didn’t mean to crash-land on Adrien’s balcony.
Really. She didn’t.
How many shots of tequila she may or may not have had prior to swinging by his apartment was, frankly, irrelevant. Also irrelevant? That she’d tried to sneak a glimpse of him through the curtains on her way by.
But regardless of intentions, she sat there stunned as Adrien burst outside, frantically pulling on a sweater and looking around wildly once his head popped through the top.
“What’s going on?” he asked. “Is there an Akuma?”
Ladybug shook her head. Honestly, she was a little bummed about the sweater. But it was January, so maybe she’d give him a break. After all, if he froze to death, how would she be able to appreciate what was underneath the cashmere?
(Ironic that her drunk self was so thirsty despite Alya forcing her to finish two glasses of water before they left the club.)
“Ladybug?” Adrien’s frantic voice snapped her out of her daze. “Are you alright?”
“Uh…” Apart from being completely mortified? “Fine! You’re totally fine!” She punctuated her sentence with a pair of finger guns—like the disaster bi she was.
Emphasis on disaster.
A smirk played across Adrien’s face for a split second, but he quickly exchanged it for a carefully arched eyebrow. It looked really good on his stupidly attractive face. So good that Ladybug almost missed his next words.
“Don’t you mean you’re fine?”
“Heh. Yep, that too.”
Adrien sent her another smile and reached a hand down to her. Ladybug just stared at it for a moment, trying to decide if she should take it or not. With her luck, she’d end up accidentally pulling him down on top of her. Or she’d abuse her superstrength and yeet him off the balcony. Maybe if she she kept limp while he pulled her up? It wasn’t like she weighed any more than normal, so as long as she didn’t make any sudden movements, then—
“Ladybug?” Adrien seemed worried again. “I don’t bite, you know.”
“Hmm…” Ladybug finally accepted his hand, unable to keep from imagining what it would be like if he did bite. He pulled her up, and they ended up much closer than she’d expected, close enough that she could see the lovely flush on his cheeks. And then she couldn’t help herself.
“Actually,” she said, “I don’t mind if you do.”
Adrien’s eyes widened. “W-what?”
Crap.
“Huh?” Playing dumb seemed like her best option. Maybe he hadn’t heard her.
“...Did you just say you didn’t mind if I bite you?”
Double crap.
“Oh no,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry!”
Mortified, she stepped away from him, only to crash backwards into the railing a half-second later. This balcony really wasn’t big enough. She ought to leave, now. Before she lost any more of her dignity.
Assuming there was any left to lose.
“Hey.” Adrien raised his hands slowly. The way he probably would if he were trying to soothe a wild animal. A giant, feral ladybug. “It’s okay!”
“No, it’s not!” She buried her face in her hands. “I’m a stranger who invaded your home!”
“Well, just the balco—”
“I got drunk and tried to take advantage of you!”
Adrien laughed. He covered his mouth with one hand and tried to hide it a moment later, but his eyes were still sparkling when he spoke. “Okay, we’ll circle back to the drunk thing, but I promise you haven’t taken advantage of me.”
Ladybug stared at her feet and mumbled, “You wouldn’t say that if you knew what I was thinking.”
“Pretty sure your thoughts don’t count, Bugi—Bug Lady.”
“Bug Lady?”
He scratched the back of his neck. “Sorry, that was dumb. I’ll think of a better nickname.”
“You really shouldn’t.” No matter how much that idea thrilled her. “I shouldn’t be here at all. I almost damaged private property, I can’t seem to stop yelling—so you’re definitely risking a noise complaint—and I’ve objectified you! Which I know you—I mean, I imagine you hate that, with the whole used-to-be-a-model thing. It can’t be fun when people act like they know you. Not that I’ve heard you say that before. Obviously.”
He gave her an unreadable look, which only made her guilt seep in further.
“See!” she cried. “Now I’ve made you uncomfortable!”
“No, no, no. You haven’t, I swear.” He rubbed his neck again. “Honestly, I, uh…I don’t mind if you think of me that way.” He smiled shyly. “I think you’re pretty amazing, actually. So…”
He kept smiling at her (far too innocently, as if his words hadn’t just killed her), even as he crossed his arms and shivered. No doubt he was freezing out here—another thing she had to feel bad about.
She was just about to tell him she was leaving when he spoke again.
“Would you like to come inside?”
Ladybug knew she absolutely shouldn’t. A smarter, more sober Ladybug would have politely declined, apologized again for disturbing him, and said goodbye.
Fortunately—or unfortunately, since Sober Ladybug would have to be the judge of that—her responsible self was distracted by the radiance of Adrien’s smile. By the warm sincerity of his gaze.
Honestly, it would have been rude to refuse with him looking at her like that.
“I’d love to,” she said.
Marinette had been to Adrien’s apartment before—when she helped him move in, and once afterwards—but it had been a while. Balancing her first year of University with Akuma attacks didn’t give her much in the way of free time, and she’d been too busy helping her parents in the bakery to visit him over winter break.
But if she hadn’t known any better, she would have thought it had only been a few days since her last visit—the apartment hadn’t changed one bit. The walls were still bare, and the only pops of colour came from the throw pillows and Adrien’s odd collection of pun-adorned fridge magnets. All the furniture was lovely—designer pieces Adrien had hired someone to buy, since he’d also been busy with classes—but none of it was really him.
“This is…nice,” she told him as she slid onto a stool at the kitchen island. Adrien walked around to the sink, turning on the tap and testing the temperature.
“I know it’s not much,” he said as he opened a cupboard. “But at least it’s mine.”
“No, really. It’s lovely!”
He paused midway through reaching for glasses, twisting around to send her a smile. When he turned back, she did her best not to stare at the way his shirt rode up—if took her longer than it should have to look away, she could blame that on drunk reflexes, right?
God, she was insufferable tonight.
“I meant to do more to decorate it,” he said as he filled their glasses. “But honestly I don’t know what I’m doing. Actually, I meant to ask one of my friends to help out. Marinette—she’s a friend from collège.”
“Oh?” Oh.
“Yeah…” He shut off the tap, but kept his back to Ladybug. “Heh. I don’t really know why I said her name. Not like I have any reason to think you know her. That would be random.”
SO random. Almost as random as her sitting behind you right now.
“Actually, I do sort of know her? Chat Noir and I have rescued her a few times.”
She paused, debating how much she should hype herself up. Eh, why not go for it? When else would she get this chance?
“She’s even helped us take down a few Akumas over the years. She’s pretty awesome! You know, smart, creative, pretty…” Ladybug twirled her ponytail around one finger, then dropped it abruptly when it dawned on her what she’d said. “Uh, I mean, from what I could tell.”
Ladybug wanted to bash her head against the counter as Adrien turned back towards her. Had she really just called herself pretty? What was she doing here, drunk in Adrien’s kitchen? Why had she decided to play wingman for her civilian self? Why?
And who’d let her become an adult? Literally, who?
Then again, it was all worth it when Adrien leaned his elbows against the island, setting down two glasses of water and smiling softly across at her. “She is, yeah.”
Ladybug couldn’t help the squeak that escaped her.
“I mean, the first three things!” Adrien amended. “Amazing, smart, and creative. Not that she’s not pretty, but I don’t, uh…it’s probably weird to notice that about your friends?” He ducked his head, and Ladybug didn’t miss the flush returning to his cheeks. “Or maybe it’s not. Maybe I’m overthinking things. I just…wouldn’t want to give you the wrong idea.”
Too late for that, Ladybug thought dreamily with her few remaining brain cells. Most of the other ones were occupied planning her wedding—Adrien would look unfairly attractive in a tuxedo. Meanwhile, a final offshoot of neurons laughed uncontrollably, wondering how the hell she’d gotten herself into this mess.
“I’m, uh, sure Marinette wouldn’t mind,” Ladybug said before the silence could lapse into awkwardness.
(Marinette very much didn’t mind.)
He grimaced. “I don’t know about that. But that’s not the point. She’s really good designing things—you should see some of her clothes—and not that an apartment is the same thing, but I thought she’d have fun with it. Except, she’s been really busy lately, so I didn’t want to bother her.”
“You wouldn’t be!” Ladybug winced when she realized she’d basically shouted. “I m-mean, I’m sure she wouldn’t think that.”
“That’s nice of you to say.” Adrien smiled, pushing one of the glasses towards her. Ladybug tried not to make a face—honestly, the idea of drinking more water seemed gross. She would have killed for a piece of bread, but it seemed a strange thing to ask for.
She took a small sip anyways, meeting Adrien’s eyes for a split second and trying not to spit the water back out when his smile made her hear thump its way up her throat. She quickly lowered her glass, and vowed not to pick it up again. There were already enough ways she could embarrass herself without choking hazards or breakable objects.
“You know,” she said, nervously tapping her fingers against the counter, “I’m not so bad at home decor myself.” The fact she had zero actual experience aside from her own bedroom—which she hadn’t updated in years—was besides the point. “Maybe I could help you.”
Adrien’s eyes widened. “Oh. I definitely couldn’t ask you to do that. I mean…”
Ladybug looked away. “Right. That would be weird.”
“No! It’s just that we don’t really know each other…I’d feel guilty about asking for your help without offering anything in return. Then again, I could pay you…”
“That’s, uh…I don’t think I’d feel right taking your money.”
“Ah. Fair.”
Silence fell between them, stretching out long enough that Ladybug risked another sip of water, just to have something to do. She searched frantically for something to say, but her mind remained blank. Adrien’s finger circled the rim of his glass as the seconds ticked by, words apparently escaping him as well. They both ended up trying to speak at the same time, then broke into awkward chuckles.
“Go ahead,” Ladybug said, ducking her head shyly and peeking up at him through her lashes.
“Okay. Thanks.” He hummed in amusement, watching her for a moment before continuing. “I just wondered…what brought you here tonight? You mentioned a little something about being drunk?”
She hid behind her hands. “Ugh. You cannot tell Chat Noir, okay? The last time I drank and yo-yoed…” She shook her head. “Let’s just say alcohol makes it very hard to hang onto strings sometimes, and he might have had to rescue me from the top of l’Arc de Triomphe.”
“I see,” Adrien said, sounding rather entertained. “Should I be concerned?”
“No! I promise, I’m not that drunk this time! I just had a few shots—I can count them on one hand, see!” She held up four fingers, making Adrien laugh. “And I know what you’re thinking,” she added before he could cut in. “What if there’s an Akuma, right?”
“I really wasn’t—”
“I have a plan, okay? I have a designated sober friend who…she knows.” Ladybug cocked her head to one side, squinting at Adrien. “I definitely shouldn’t have told you that. Buuut you’re pretty. And I trust you.”
“Y-you trust me because I’m pretty?” he spluttered. Huh. Having that sort of effect on him was fun. “You sure that’s the best idea?”
She grinned. “No. The pretty thing is just a bonus. As for the trust thing…I have my reasons.” Her reasons being tequila.
Before she could stop herself she reached across the counter and booped him on the nose. He just let her do it, smiling the whole time and going comically cross-eyed when she made contact. Entertaining her whims, even as she acted like an idiot.
Gosh, she loved him. And that wasn’t just the tequila talking.
The tequila was definitely adding volume to the words, though. And a goofier-than-normal smile to her face.
She couldn’t bring herself to care about either of those things.
“Any special occasion you were drinking to?” Adrien asked.
Ladybug’s euphoria diffused a little. “Not really, no. Definitely wouldn’t call it an occasion, just…felt like letting off some steam, I guess.”
Adrien’s expression softened, which did something funny to her insides.
“Is everything okay?” he asked. “If there’s anything you want to talk about…”
“It’s nothing, really.” She forced a smile. “Everything’s fine!”
He raised an eyebrow—why was he so damn good at that?
She sighed. “It’s just…I had a friend from school over earlier, to work on a project. And she was talking about this summer internship in New York she’s really excited about applying to. It sounded really cool. Like, the kind of thing I’d love to do if I could actually leave Paris.”
Ladybug was careful to avoid the pity she knew she’d find in Adrien’s gaze as she continued. “Anyways, I guess my mom overheard our conversation and asked me later if I was applying to anything like that, and I just” —she hunched over and rested her chin on her arms— “hate that I had to lie to her about the reason I couldn’t go.”
“I’m sorry,” Adrien said. “I can only imagine how hard it is to keep secrets like that from people you love.”
“Yeah…” Ladybug let her head flop dramatically before she pushed herself up. “But I should be used to it by now. I’ve been lying to my parents about Ladybug things for years—brushing them off for movie nights or disappearing when I’m supposed to be helping them out with something. But, I don’t know, lately it’s been getting to me. I’m just so tired of it.
“And they’re so understanding about it, every damn time. Like, sometimes I almost want them to get upset! Which is stupid, I know. I should just be grateful that I have such amazing parents. Because I know so many people don’t have that, and I shouldn’t be complaining about this to you of all people, but…” She groaned. “Here I am, making a fool of myself anyways.”
“You’re not making a fool of yourself,” he said softly, staring her directly in the eyes. “And you’re allowed to complain—I don’t mind.”
“I know, but still.” she said. She let out another long sigh. “I just…never mind.”
Adrien reached across the table, sliding a hand over her wrist. “What is it?
Ladybug stared at his fingers as she spoke. “Sometimes I just wish I could get away from home for a bit. Like, if I could just have a break…if I had somewhere to stay where I wouldn’t have to hide that part of my life.”
She shrugged. “It’s silly. And I don’t have the money. But it would just be nice to just…not have to make up an excuse when I have to run off to fight an Akuma. Not to have to worry about what I’ll say if they realize I’ve disappeared from my room.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Well, you’re definitely too young and too pretty to be Monarch, so it’s not your fault.”
Adrien chuckled half-heartedly, then sobered. “I still wish there was some way I could help you. But short of offering you my spare room…”
Ladybug snorted, entertaining the idea of being Adrien’s roommate—as Ladybug—for a moment. Tying an apron around her suit to bake him cookies for when he came home from class. Leaving him notes when they ran out of milk. Maybe they’d even go grocery shopping together—he’d look so cute being pushed around in the cart.
And maybe they’d fall asleep cuddling on the sofa one night. Maybe even…nope. She wasn’t going there.
“Probably not the best idea,” she said, hoping he didn’t notice the way her voice cracked.
“Probably not,” he agreed.
“Like…the worst idea.”
“Hey! I resent that,” he joked. “You’re not thinking about the perks. I’ll have you know I make amazing sandwiches. Like, next level.”
She smirked. “And what else can you cook?”
“I don’t see how that’s pertinent information.”
“See? It’s a terrible idea! I’d have to decorate your place, teach you how to cook, and put up with your questionable sense of humour.” She gestured to the fridge magnets.
Adrien tutted her. “Can’t believe you’re insulting my pun magnets. After I invited you in from the cold.”
“I’m just saying, aside from a place to stay—which I technically already have—what would I be getting out of this arrangement?”
“Hmm…Nino says I give good hugs?”
He did. Ladybug could also attest to that. But it seemed like a dangerous thing to think about, so she steered the conversation in another direction.
“Are you sure you can even trust me?” she said. “You said it yourself—we don’t really know each other.”
(Even though she did know him. She knew every little bit of how sweet and adorable and loveable he was, and it was killing her to pretend she didn’t.)
“You’re literally Ladybug. What’s not to trust?”
“You don’t know my life! For all you know, I could secretly be living a life of crime.”
He laughed. “So it’s like that, is it? Hero by day, drug dealer by night? Gotta pay the bills somehow. Or maybe you’re a secret adrenaline junkie, so you rob the occasional bank in between Akumas—just to get a taste of the high you’re missing. Naturally, you donate your profits to charity.”
“Naturally.” She rolled her eyes. “It was phone theft, actually.” He didn’t need to know the specifics—that it was his phone she’d stolen. “Maybe some minor breaking and entring, but I don’t think that counts.”
“Ah, but see, you just gave yourself away right there—you said you were a phone thief. Past tense.” He leaned a little closer to her across the kitchen island, chin resting in his hand. “I won’t judge you for your past if you don’t think less of me for the huge collection of Ladybug memorabilia I used to have.”
“Used to?” she asked. “Why don’t I believe you?”
“Well, fine. If you’re going to doubt me, then the roommate offer is officially revoked.”
Ladybug felt a little disappointed at those words, even though the offer had never been real. Still, she teased him back and kept up the banter until she could convince him to make her a sandwich. And perhaps her drunk, smitten self was biased, but honestly it was one of the best ones she’d ever had.
In the end, she didn’t leave his place that night with an offer for lodging. But she did acquire an open-ended offer to visit his balcony again whenever she pleased.
Not that she planned on doing that again.
Nope. Not at all.
Then again, he did give great hugs.