i believe you've been pushing too hard
for the wrong things

in my opinion, you and your visions
are so inequivalent

good grief
cleopatrick

⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

The loud chatter of your fellow school attendees did nothing to wake you up further than you already were (which really wasn't much to be frank), mind too tired to understand what the hype was all about as you lazily climbed the steps to the school. Your eyes watered as you let out a long yawn, grumpily thinking about how your night went.

You spent the last of your weekend searching the internet, books-anything really-about interdimensional travel, but despite your deep search of the web, you found nothing that could help you return home. Even with Dawn's help you came out empty handed. "What a waste." You mumbled, stuffing your things carelessly into your locker, trying your best not to think about the sleep you sacrificed for nothing.

Closing your locker shut, you finally caught a snippet of the many conversations happening around you, all about the same thing. "Can you believe it? A new hero!" They exclaimed, making you pause in your step. You watched as their eyes trained on their phones, making you twitch. Oh boy.

"This is ground breaking news, Mari! And I'm going to be the first on the scoop as soon as I get more intel from Adrien." Alya exclaims, the two of them walking into the locker room. It was an odd sight, to say the least.

Alya was her usual self, talking about her new foundings, but that was the least of your concerns when Marinette stood there as if she was ready to implode-and that made you nervous.

"What's going on?" You approached the two against your better judgment, deciding it would be better to hear it now than to learn about it later. It almost made you flinch how quick Alya was to jump onto your curiosity. "It's about Saturday's akuma, which reminds me that I need to interview you." She squints at you, a knowing smirk on her face.

You nervously chuckle, glancing at Marinette who was stuck in her own head to notice she was talking about your 'day out' with Adrien.

With a shake of her head, she pulls out her phone, showing you a roaring picture of Adrien's akumatized bodyguard (who she calls Gorizilla-clever name). "I've been asking around about Hawk Moth's latest akumatization, since I wasn't there to record, but I didn't get much other than that it was Adrien's bodyguard."

She swipes to the left, a normal picture of the gorilla-built like man; not much of a difference other than the size and color of skin. "But I did get this sent to me last night on the blog!" Alay shrieks, shoving her phone in your face.

Your palms become clammy at the show of a video clip of that day of Saturday, where you stupidly decided to save Adrien dressed in your civilian form, nothing to hide your identity other than your fitful invisibility. You didn't need to watch the video to know what happened, your own memory serving as a reminder.

The Parisians looked at each other in shocked confusion as a rush of air passed them by, leaving just as quick as it came. There was no time to wonder if your ability was serving its purpose as you launched up the Montparnasse Tower, the distance between Adrien and the ground growing smaller and smaller.

You could hear how fast his heart was beating, his pace matching with yours as you grabbed ahold of him, arm protectively wrapping around him as you took a sharp left; out of sight. 'You're okay. I got you', was what you wanted to say, to soothe his fear, but you were too afraid he'd recognize your voice the second you opened your mouth.

Already feeling the effects of your new ability running thin, you sat him down in an alleyway, hoping he was smart enough to stay put and wait for help. You wanted to stick around, especially after he experienced something traumatic, but you couldn't risk getting caught like the last time. Guilty ridden, you shot a web out in front of you, just about to leave him all alone, when he called out to you. "Wait!"

Your breath hitches, body stilled with shock as you peeked behind you. Adrien turns around frantically, hearing the slightest hint you were still around. "Who are you?" He asks; a question you couldn't answer. With a frown, you turn away, debating for some reason if you should answer or not.

Luck was on your side as you spotted a stray rock, its shaped edges rough enough to write with. Cautiously looking his way, you slowly grabbed the rock, a gasp of shock coming from the blond as he watched it float. A smile makes its way across your lips as you squat down to write onto the concrete.

"All in due time."

You weren't sure as to why you were surprised you had been recorded, you were well aware of the possibility; you knew the risk you were taking. But still, why was it so nerve wracking to watch it happen all over again?

With no Chat Noir in sight, everyone watching was sent into a panic, some even screaming with terror as the boy grew closer and closer to the ground. But like some miracle, his fall had been interrupted by an invisible force, their shouts of panic turning into relief as they watched him being carried away to safety. But the only question remaining was; who was it?

You had gasped with mocked shock as you watched the remains of the video, readying yourself to spare a few words to seal the deal, when your heart dropped into your stomach. Alya snickered as you snatched the phone out of her hand, relishing in the reaction she was dying to see from Marinette (all she got was an awkward 'congratulations' for the big scoop). "I know!" She exclaims, jumping up and down with excitement as she begins to list out her ideas, unknowingly sending your brain into hey-wire.

In the video's final seconds, if watched closely, you could see a flicker of the 'mysterious entity' who saved Adrien. You could clearly see the messy head of (h/c) hair and the back of your shirt you wore that day.

How could you be so ignorant? You knew the risk of going in to help Ladybug, but you had completely forgotten just how underdeveloped your ability was! There was no doubt in your mind, if Adrien sees this, he'd know who you are.

You practically spent the whole day with him running around Paris! He could recall what you wore that day and connect the dots within seconds. And with the pictures taken of you and him? If Alya really wanted to, she could find out who you were, too.

"It's gotta be a new miraculous holder. It's the only thing that makes sense!" Alya babbles, her new information making Marinette's brow twitch. "With Chat Noir nowhere to be seen, Ladybug must have asked them for help!" Alya adds, retrieving her phone from you to type her thoughts out.

'Deep breaths, Y/n', you thought to yourself, taking a large intake of air as you breathed through your nose. "Maybe it's a chameleon miraculous?" You play into her theory. "That could explain the invisibility." You shrugged, managing to stay cool without breaking a sweat. But, oh boy, was your stomach churning.

Alya gasps, eyes lighting up as she typed her theory, along with yours, in her notes app "You're a genius!" She cheers, throwing a confused glance at Marinette's uncharacteristic behavior. "Are you okay, girl? You haven't said a word since we got here."

"Huh?" She looks up, freezing under both of your stares. "Uh—yeah, of course! I was totally listening about the new. . . miraculous holder." She says, her tone indifferent. Your face flickers with hurt, quick to fix it when Marinette turns to you. "What do you think? Do you really think Ladybug had enough time to give them a miraculous?"

It was a good question. How would Ladybug, in the short time of showing up at the scene and getting a miraculous to a new holder, be able to do all that under short notice?

Marinette was observant and quick to see through Alya's theory, and was only concerned where this 'mysterious entity' came from. So why did that bother you? "Well, with Chat Noir's late arrival, she needed someone to help her. Right?"

Marinette frowns. "But—"

"I'm just confused as to why they didn't stick around afterwards." Alya buts in, staring intently at her phone. "And why not show themselves?" She sighs out with disdain, a pout on her lips. "I wish I was there."

Marinette's frown turned into annoyance, a certain look on her face as she crossed her arms. There's no hiding it that she didn't like whoever decided to step in, and that worried you even more. "Why would Ladybug need anyone other than Chat Noir?"

The bell rings before you could give her a reasonable answer. You were a bit grateful for the interruption, hoping the journey from the locker room to first period would cool her off a little, but all that did was give her the time to gather more ammo.

Once you stepped into Ms. Bustier's class, you resumed where you left off. "Maybe Chat Noir had a personal problem." You shrugged before continuing. "There's no shame in asking for help."

Marinette 'humphs', taking her seat at her usual spot. "Ladybug doesn't need a rookie's help. She's gotten rid of akumas without Chat Noir before!" Your eye twitches. A rookie? Where was all of this coming from? Not even three days ago did Ladybug ask for someone new, and that was with Chat Noir present.

You laughed in disbelief, nails pressed into your skin with a clenched fist. "Maybe they were scared. Being a hero is a big responsibility and sacrifice!' You kept your voice as steady as you could, annoyed how easily you were getting riled up. 'You, of all people, should know that.'

She puckers her lips, a pout of annoyance, as she continues to push forward; unaware who she was talking about and just how much this conversation was bothering you. "If you asked me, Alya, they're just a ploy Hawk Moth is using to steal Ladybug and Chat Noir's miraculous."

You bite down your tongue to stop yourself from saying anything you would regret later, anger brewing at the sight of Marinette's distaste in the new 'miraculous holder', if you could even call your alter-ego that, because apparently-you're just a tactic.

"Uh, maybe we should drop this topic now." Alya nervously speaks up, unsure what this was, looking between the two of you with worry. Never had the two of you fought, not seriously, at least. But, there's a first time for everything, she guesses. You agreed for obvious reasons, turning away with a nod as you replay Marinette's words in your head.

"Hey, guys!" Adrien greets happily, a bright smile on his face as he approaches the three of you. Nino greets alongside him with his infamous finger guns, pulling a snicker from Alya as she speaks her greeting. Marinette fumbles over her words, lost in her weird world, with no trace of your conversation seen on her face.

When he hears no response from you, his smile weakens. "Y/n? You okay?" The boy asks, glancing at Alya who could only shrug with a frown of her own. Gathering your sour mood, you gave him a smile, letting him know you had a long night. Which was within the truth, but not the whole truth.

Adrien eyes your person, his main focus being on your hands. He spent enough time around you to notice most of your habits. From making a 'pop!' noise when bored/focused—or how you rock on your feet when you feel awkward—down to the cute thing you do with your hands when you shake them around when you're excited. But he also knew when you fiddled with your fingers, you were stuck in your head; worrying about something that you shouldn't have to. You were upset.

But before he could pull you off to the side and have a talk with him, Ms. Bustier walks into the classroom with a smile outshining everyone's. He watches with a sullen look as you turned away from everyone, not a word said as you took your seat in the back of the class.

⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

You were livid—and maybe even a little upset—but you were mostly angry. But the worst part of it all? None of it was directed at Marinette. Not a single drop. It was weird. For some odd reason, you couldn't find it in yourself to be mad at the girl, and that itself was odd enough.

You were no stranger to the burning emotion you were feeling now. Never did you feel the shame in making it known to whoever decided to cross your boundaries; confronting them with no hesitation. Why was it so hard to do it now? Maybe it was the fact she didn't know it was you who she was trash-talking. It wouldn't make sense to confront her about your alter-ego.

Or, maybe, you were growing soft and felt the need to let it slide to keep your growing bond between yourself and Marinette alive. You'd say it wouldn't make sense to suddenly drop her out of nowhere, but there's something more than that. You enjoyed her company, her silly antics, the way she embarrassingly foams at the mouth just at the mention of Adrien's name.

You scoff in disbelief with a shake of your head, your eyes suddenly aware of the colorful threads around your wrist—a promise weaved into the bracelet. At the very sight of it, all doubts you had of Marinette's friendship faded, your full attention returning to Ms. Bustier's literature lesson. And as you continued to write the notes displayed on the board, your hand stilled with confusion contoured on your face. When did you start wearing it?

The rest of the class carried on like normal, much to some people's surprise (even to yours), but you couldn't let your current dilemma slip past your fingers. Not knowing if your identity is safe, or not, has put you in an anxious state of mind for the whole day. Something needs to be done.

You could approach Alya and ask her about deleting the video, or even sneak her phone and do it yourself, but that alone is suspicious behavior. What other reason would you be able to give her other than the fact you're in the video and don't feel comfortable having it out there?

Then there's Adrien who you have to worry about. He, out of anyone, should have the closest idea on who (or what) you are. The awaiting answer had you nervous, causing you to subconsciously avoid conversation with him.

"I can't believe you got to spend the whole day with Adrien!" Marinette exclaims for the umpteenth time, hanging off your arm as she gives a heavy, love-sick sigh.

You roll your eyes playfully, shaking her around to knock the haze out of her. "Seriously? I thought we dropped this topic ages ago." You sassed, making her whine.

"But you were called his girlfriend! What was it like? Did he smell good like always? How soft were his hands? Oh, I wish I was in your place!" She cries out frantically, shaking you around to try and weasel the answers out of you. You laugh in disbelief, grabbing her wrists to stop her from giving you a concussion with how hard she was shaking you.

"For one, Adrien smells like anyone who practices basic hygiene." Except, he had an odd, faint smell of cheese. "And two, it's not like he, himself, called me his girlfriend. It was just a misunderstanding." You shrugged, eyes trailing behind the group as Marinette's shoulders sagged.

"Come on, Marinette. Cheer up! You'll get your chance with Adrien soon enough, especially with the Music Festival coming up." Alya grins, her attempt to lighten up Marinette's mood having an immediate effect on the girl.

Your attention was pulled from behind you to the bluenette twirling around the two of you, hands clasped together as she relays her fantasies out loud for anyone to hear. It's a wonder how Adrien is the only one unaware of Marinette's feelings.

Snickering behind your hand, your attention was once again pulled away as Marinette continued on with her plan to woo Adrien, the locker room becoming your main priority right now. "—and once Kitty Section plays their encore, I'll romantically confess to Adrien! He'll accept my feelings with a heavy heart, we'll get married, have kids, and live happily ever after!" Marinette shouts, throwing out her arms for dramatics.

Your brow twitches with tension, Alya shaking her head as she mutters under her breath. "You are aware there are people staring, right?" Marinette's face lights into flames, hot with embarrassment as she uses you as a shield to hide from their judgmental stares.

It's not news that Marinette has a crush on Adrien Agreste, but it's a wonder how the whole school knows, yet he remains oblivious as ever. Must be a guy thing—kidding. You're sure you'd be oblivious to romantical advances being made on you, too.

Sighing out with a chuckle, you look down at your phone, your mind made up as you pretend to answer a text. "Sorry, guys. My mom just texted me that I have a dentist appointment. Gonna have to leave early." You say casually, stopping the duo in their tracks.

"Aw, that's a bummer! I just got word that the Cafeteria is serving those mini cakes you love so much." Alya taunts, tempting you to stay even if it's out of your jurisdiction. It really isn't, but she doesn't need to know that. "Red velvet?" You questioned, groaning when they both nodded their heads knowingly.

You almost wanted to tell them you were only kidding about the dentist appointment, and waltz into the Cafeteria for those delicious cakes you haven't had in awhile, but you knew where your priorities lay. So, with a heavy sigh, you answered. "As much as I want to stay, you know it's out of my power to reschedule my appointment." You say with a slight pout, turning away from the giggling duo.

"Okay, okay. We'll make sure to save you one." Alya assures you. "Or, better yet, we could make one together at the bakery!" Marinette beams, your face lighting up with glee. "That sounds like a plan." You smiled, heart warming up at their kindness as you backtracked to the locker room.

"And don't forget to text us later about making plans for the music festival!" Alya shouts into her cupped hands, the gesture unneeded with how close you truly were. "I will!" You laughed, slipping through the locker room's door, the room conveniently empty.

Looking over the room for good measure, you sighed with relief to see no one was hidden in here. Unlocking your locker, you reveal your mask along with the fickle web-tech. Your eyes rolled with annoyance at the sight of them, stepping behind the locker door, shielding you from anyone who might walk in as you pulled on your mask.

"Y/n. I'm glad you were able to come when you did."

"So was I! Marinette kept talking on and on about Adrien." You grinned, leaning against the locker behind you. "Did you find anything that could help us get back home?" You lowered the volume of your voice, peeling your mask up to rest on the bridge of your nose.

"Not necessarily. The scientific discoveries on quantum physics are far behind your universe's knowledge."

You sigh out in disappointment, biting at your nails as your worries begin to pile on each other.

"But I do have a sort of good news. I have reviewed the school's layout, and you'll be pleased to know this school has a robotics room."

You perk up at the mention of the robotics room. "Oh, right! I completely forgot about that room. I haven't heard about it since Max tried to persuade me to join." You snicker. You weren't sure how intelligent Max thought you were, but apparently it was enough to want you to join the club.

" . . . "

Your brows furrow at her silence, confused as to why she didn't continue on with the reasons behind the mention of the robotics room. Did she say something odd?

"The mayor recently had a robotic arm installed for any heavy duty construction the robotics team might do. If you can gain access to that room, I will be able to construct a temporary communicative device for you to use with ease. Maybe then we will be able to find proper answers without having to worry about being discovered."

You cheer at Dawn's genius idea, even if it is what she's programmed to do. What would you have done if you didn't have her? Nothing probably. "Then we'll come back at night; sneak into the robotics room and get that device constructed. We could also figure out what's wrong with my web tech." You answered, thinking of your own plan.

"Good. We should now talk about you uncharacteristic behavior—"

"What—"

"Y/n?"

Ripping your mask off your head while panickedly slamming your locker door shut, your eyes widened at the sight of Adrien standing before you, his head tilted with confusion at your reaction. "Adrien! I, uh-"
Your eyes squint, following his line of view up to your hair.

You gasp in embarrassment, fixing the messy strands with your free hand. "—was just about to leave." You sighed in defeat, pretending you didn't hear his obvious amusement. "What are you doing here?"

"I came in here to talk with you." He shrugs, his smile tough to wipe away. It was the kind that Marinette would talk about for days; one that would melt her into a puddle. A little bit inside of you was starting to understand where she was coming from. "Oh! . . about what?" You asked nervously. 'Please don't be what I think it's about.'

His heart-swooning smile was replaced by a sullen frown, the change of his demeanor giving you whiplash as he voices his concerns. "Earlier today, in Ms. Bustier's class. What caused you to be upset?"

You stood there, a bit shocked to say the least. You were sure you hid your emotions well, especially how things resumed without a hitch or question about your 'fight' with Marinette.

Again, you wrongly misinterpreted your relations with Adrien. Heck, if you were anyone but yourself, you would have thought you two were-your face heats up. "Oh, well. I was—was just,"

What do you even tell him? That your best friend was bad mouthing you unknowingly? That your alter-ego is unwanted? Before your mouth could catch up to your brain, it spoke for you. "Worried. About you." You cringed, a crack of your voice disrupting your words.

Revealing to him you were worried about him falling to his death was not what you had planned, especially it worked out at the end, but this could work in your favor. A perfect opportunity to learn what Adrien knows at the price of your dignity. Sacrifices have to be made.

Adrien steps back in shock, guilt eating at him that he was at the root of your problems. Guilty he had made you worry about him. The guilt settled into his stomach, it bubbling into unworthiness. How could he call himself your friend-your best friend, if you will-if he was unable to make you feel safe?

He shakes his head, gently reminding himself this wasn't about him, but you. And as your closest. . . friend, it's his job to assure you that everything is going to be okay. Taking your hand in his, his eyes soften as they meet yours. "You don't have to worry. See?" He smiles, opting to ground you with physical touch, thumb rubbing gently circles into your hand.

"No matter what, Ladybug's magic will always ensure that I'll come back to you." He internally cringes, wondering if that was too much to say to a friend.

Your lips part, voice stuck in your throat at his words, mind running wild for a reason as to why your heart was racing so much. "I know! It's just. . ." The video. This is a perfect moment to ask about what he knows. "I saw Alya's blog." You mumbled, looking to the ground, his caring stare too much. "You were falling and then suddenly, you weren't? What happened?" A faux frown tugs on your lips.

He, himself, doesn't know how to answer that; to speak the truth. At first, he thought it was Ladybug coming to save him like always, but it hadn't been her lately. These days, it's someone who he couldn't see, someone he was unsure if he could trust or not.

Ladybug would have scolded him for entrusting someone so easily just because they saved him once, but there was this little voice inside his head telling him to believe in what his heart was telling him.

"I have no idea, if I'm being honest. I thought maybe it was a new hero, but Ladybug was just as confused when she approached me." Adrien shrugs, as if it weren't a big deal. Sometimes, he catches himself thinking about what would have happened if that 'mysterious entity' wasn't there. Would have Ladybug made it in time? Would he have—No. This wasn't the time and place to think about this.

He shudders at his thoughts, returning his attention back to you. You sighed with relief, surprising both yourself and Adrien, when you pulled him into a hug. "I'm just glad you're okay." You mumbled, relishing in the warmth the close proximity brings.

Adrien feels his face warm, quick to turn away his head to hide it, but what was the point when his heart was going wild? "I'm always going to be okay, just like how I'll always be here for you."

Hiding your grin in his shoulder, you pull away, almost forgetting you had your mask in your hand. "I better get going. I have a dentist appointment to go to." You mumbled, shuffling your feet as you felt the awkward aftermath settled in.

"That's a shame, you'll be missing those mini cakes you love so much." Adrien knowingly grins, making you sigh out as you were reminded the second time of the day.

"Don't remind me." You groaned out. Adrien laughs, holding a bunched up napkin in his hand. "Good thing I managed to grab one before they ran out."

You visibly perked up at the notion, unraveling the napkin to see the red velvet mini cake wrapped up nicely for you. "You're a saint, Adrien!" You cheered, pulling him in for another hug, a notion Adrien couldn't resist nor complain about.

As you pulled away, the bell signaling lunch was over sounded, reminding you where you needed to be. "Make sure you eat the cake after your appointment." Adrien taunts, knowing you wouldn't be able to help yourself from devouring the sweet delectable.

"No promises." You grinned.

Waving until he was out of sight, you quickly stuffed your mask and tech into your bag, running out the building before someone catches you in your web of lies.

━━━━━━━━  𝑻𝑶 𝑩𝑬 𝑪𝑶𝑵𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑼𝑬𝑫
(march.4) oh ho ho this is a milestone. not only is this 4.6k long, but the last chapter to be edited!! which mean5 the next update you'll see will be fresh n new, uncharted territory (even tho the second half of this update was never published  lol) super excited <3

hope you enjoyed!!

edited: 4/19
words: 4634