[Narrator's POV]

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"That city-wide evacuation yesterday was called for so that the heroes could take down Hawkmoth once and for all, did you hear? And get this, Hawkmoth was some old lady!"

"Not just any lady, Gabriel Agreste's personal assistant. I saw it on the news this morning."

"That's why Adrien isn't at school today. His family is probably trying to stay out of the public eye for a while."

Lila's eyes shift from student to student as she walks through the courtyard until finally she reaches Alya, Nino, Chloe and Sabrina.

"Is all that junk true?" Lila asks bluntly.

"More or less." Alya answers.

"So I guess Marinette won't be coming to school today." Lila says.

"Yeah, she's glued to Adrien's side." Nino replies.

"Alright, see ya." Lila turns away without another word and goes back the way she came to leave.

Next to arrive is Nathaniel, who sprints straight for Chloe, waving his hands about like the dork he is. "Chloe!"

"Nathan!" Chloe's eyes shimmer as she spreads her arms out.

Nathaniel squeezes Chloe into a hug, who gladly returns the embrace.

"You have no idea how much I needed a hug..." She whines.

"Where were you yesterday? I was so worried when you didn't come to school or answer my calls, a-and then the evacuation--"

"I know, I'm so sorry. I was just going through a really tough time."

"That's right!" Nathaniel pulls apart from Chloe to look at her. "Y-You're mom, she got exiled from Paris?!"

Chloe nods. "I kicked her out, and she's not my mother. Not anymore."

Nathaniel sighs and hugs Chloe once more. "That must have been hard, Chlo. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you..."

Chloe shakes her head as she nuzzles into Nathaniel's chest. "Don't be silly. You're always there for me..."

Sabrina's eyes shift from Chloe and Nathaniel to Alya and Nino. She makes a displeased groan and quickly runs after Lila.

"Wait! Lila!" Sabrina calls out with huffed breath. "Take me with you! Please!"

Lila turns around, raising a brow as she waits for Sabrina to catch up.

"What is with everyone and wanting to hang out with me lately?"

"I-I won't bother you. I'm super good at pretending to not exist!" Sabrina says. "I just...don't know Alya and Nino that well and Chloe and Nathaniel haven't seen each other in so long so I want to give them some space and--"

Lila holds up a hand. "We've been here for less than a minute and you're already talking my ear off. Weren't you going to pretend you don't exist?"

Sabrina hangs her head. "Sorry...sometimes I get too excited."

"Don't apologize around me, I hate it. And...I don't care if you talk all you want. It's better than Chloe's annoying voice." Lila says with a smirk.

Sabrina smiles up at Lila. "Really?"

Lila slings an arm round Sabrina's shoulders. "I'm starting to think Chloe isn't the only one who needed lessons in friendship 101."

.

Marinette has been sitting outside the surgery room for so long that her back aches but she is insistant on staying. It is the only place where she manages to catch a glimpse of Adrien when he is rushed to surgery, to his room that allows no visitors, and back to surgery over and over. They are only glimpses, but they are enough.

"I heard he fractured every bone in his body, strained every ligament and tore every muscle. He's totally wrecked." Marinette says. "It'll take so long for it all to get patched up and heal. A-And his condition is so unstable...What if after it all he can't even wake up?"

"He'll wake up Marinette. He still has his whole life with you to hold onto." Tiki says surely. "You know better than anyone how stubborn that cat is. He would do anything for you."

Marinette smiles weakly. "Thanks, Tiki. I hope to god you're right..."

.

"You really like this crepe place don't you?" Sabrina says.

The waitress slams Lila's plate down. "I wish she wouldn't."

"Is that any way to talk to a customer?" Lila says smugly.

"Can you be considered a customer when you dine and dash?" The waitress retorts.

Lila makes an ugly face at the waitress as she walks away.

"How can she talk to you like that? Shouldn't you complain to the manager?" Sabrina says.

"Nah," Lila replies coolly. "We have a mutual respect for each other."

Sabrina looks confused. "That's...respect?"

"I don't mind her anyway but I suppose she hates me. Oh well, I enjoy a little personality. Getting people fired up is fun. How boring would my meals here be otherwise?" Lila says. "Besides, if I complained about her she would dob me in too and I might get kicked out of my favourite place."

"I don't know about mutual respect. It sounds like she just has to put up with you." Sabrina replies. "You're really strange..."

Lila smiles in amusement. "Look at you, disagreeing with me like the big bitch you are. Good girl!"

Sabrina shudders nervously. "Huh?"

"You don't have to be so submissive all the time. I like it when you get more comfortable and start to act super smart and sassy. I think that's the real you." Lila says. "It's way more interesting too."

"If I stop being too polite and timid, wouldn't that in itself be submitting to what you say?" Sabrina questions.

Lila smirks. "See? Interesting..."

"I-I was just asking..." Sabrina stammers embarrassedly, lowering her eyes as she pokes her food.

"That's fine!" Lila twirls her fork in her hand before stabbing it into her crepe and lifting it up to take a huge bite. "Speak up as much as you want."

Sabrina remains silent. Lila watches her whilst she agressively chews her crepe but Sabrina continues to eat slowly and quietly with her eyes down.

"Do I make you uncomfortable?" Lila asks finally.

"N-No!" Sabrina answers quickly. "I've just never had to think so hard about how to behave."

"Listen, you can do whatever you want as long as you do it for you." Lila says. "I just hate to see people so pathetic and miserable. Like today, you were so concerned about how the others felt that you forced yourself to go with me and now instead of having fun with your friends in school, you are sitting here by yourself getting scolded by a sociopath."

"I'm not by myself, I'm with you! And you're not a sociopath. Yesterday you took my hand and pulled me away from danger when the city was being evacuated and I couldn't think straight. Even now you are only scolding me because you care. You take care of a little bunny with Nino and you do art with Nathaniel and Marinette. Marinette...you are so kind to Marinette. You can't be a sociopath. You are a good friend to those you take the time to know you, and even though we haven't known each other for long I want to be your friend. So I'm not feeling pathetic or miserable or alone at all; I enjoy your company!"

Lila stares at Sabrina in awe, looking deeply moved. That is, until she leans forward and squints her eyes to say bluntly, "You a masochist or something?"

.

* Time skiperoony *
.

"After two weeks in and out of surgeries, Adrien's body was finally left to rest but his condition needed to remain stable and completely undisturbed so visitors weren't allowed until another week later." Chloe explains. "Let's hope his modelling career isn't ruined by some unsightly scars."

"I think scars are quite aesthetic and admirable; they symbolise strength and experience. To me at least..." Nathalie says. "It's a miracle that Adrien survived. He shouldn't be ashamed of any remnants of that."

After having the time to think about what she said, Chloe lowers her eyes guiltily. "You're right. I shouldn't be so judgemental..."

"I didn't intend to make you feel bad, though I'm pleased your perspective has broadened." Nathalie says. "But, Chloe, it's been three weeks since the fight...According to your information, visitors are allowed to see Adrien now. So what are you doing in a place like this?"

Chloe's grip on the phone tightens as she gazes sadly at Nathalie through the thick glass. "I wanted to tell you everything that's been happening in the outside world. It must be hard not being able to hear any news of Adrien's condition. I-I'm sorry I'm only visiting just now, I was a bit nervous. But I...I missed you." Chloe extends her other hand and places it on the clear barrier between them. "I don't mind being here at all. In fact, I'm gonna come here a lot more often from now on! Every day!"

Nathalie smiles and touches the glass where Chloe's hand is. "Thankyou, Chloe..."

"Don't thank me. I could pull a few strings and bail you out easy peasy but I'm too noble and whatever to abuse my Daddy's power." Chloe says playfully. "Oh! Except for super villains that pose a threat to my family and our city, like Audrey Bourgeois. That lady is outta here!"

"What? What did you say?" Nathalie sputters. "You--You really kicked her out?"

"That's a light way to put it," Chloe smirks cockily and slams a fist down. "I banished that bitch! Exiled for eternity HAHAHA!!!"

Nathalie stares at Chloe in shock for a moment before bursting with laughter.

"That's the first time I've witnessed you laughing..." Chloe says.

Nathalie claps happily. "That's awesome! You never cease to amaze me, Chloe!"

Chloe grins. "I know, I know. But more importantly, they should seriously take off at least half of your sentence for making you wear that hideous jumpsuit!"

"You know what, I think they already did. Yeah, this was included in my punishment package." Nathalie jokes.

"Times up." The guard says.

Chloe's face falls.

"Chin up sunshine," Nathalie says. "You have to go visit Adrien and give him enough support for the both of us."

Chloe gives a strong nod and leaves with haste to do as she was told.

The entire class, plus Lila of course, has gathered in Adrien's hospital room.

Lila sniffs a cup of jello on Adrien's bedside curiously.

Nino too leans in intently. "What's that? Dessert?"

"Jelloo~" Lila says, her eyes locked on the cup. "I hear it's good here. Hospital jello, loaded with all kinds of feel good stuff ya know?"

"Ooo...!" Nino coos eagerly.

"Ahh!" They both holler as Chloe yanks them away.

"Get your dirty mits off Adrien's food!" She scolds. "He's gonna need his stength."

"It's not like he can eat it!" Lila snaps before immediately slapping a hand over her mouth and sinking away.

Marinette heaves a sigh and places a gentle hand on one of Adrien's casted arms.

"Heh heh, he looks like a mummy all bandaged up like that." Kim says.

Alix smacks his arm. "Dude!"

Kim looks at Marinette worriedly. "A, uh, totally not dead mummy!"

Max facepalms himself.

"It's...just all the medicine making him sleepy, right?" Marinette says sadly. "He's not damaged inside...right?"

"There's nothing that love can't heal!" Rose says passionately, earning a nod in agreement from Juleka.

Alya wraps a comforting arm around Marinette. "Adrien's makin' it just fine. I am certain he is fighting for his life with everything he's got."

"He's probably taking his sweet time cuz our summer vacation is just round the corner." Iven says.

Maylene elbows Iven in the ribs. "You mean he's trying his hardest to wake up quickly before then!"

Marinette manages to giggle a little. "Thanks everyone...You're fighting spirit makes me feel less worried. I should try to be more positive myself, sorry."

Nathaniel smiles kindly. "It's okay Marinette, we all sympathise with you."

Lila leans over to whisper to Nino, "Hey we can take the jello now right?"

"I dunno...I feel a little bad stealing from a bedridden hospital patient." Nino replies quietly.

"Then how about..." Lila grins devilishly. "Stealing from the cafeteria?"

Nino looks to be at war with his morals and his love of food. "I...I would never! But you know, maybe if I just happened to stumble upon some abandoned jello on my way out..."

Lila smirks and pats Nino on the shoulder. "I got you."

Alya had been watching the two whispering away and feels a strange tinge at the sudden contact. Her eyes trail Lila as she stealthily sneaks out from the room. Then, she approaches her boyfriend.

"Hey what were you and Lila talking about?"

"Nothing." Nino answers anxiously, wishing not to divulge Lila's crime.

Alya frowns as she thinks back to what Lila had told Rena Rouge.

"Are you...interested in anyone?"

"Kinda...yeah. I guess I am, but...they're in love with someone else."

Alya shuffles away from Nino and grabs Chloe. "Hey, remember our little debate over who Lila likes, Nino or Nathaniel?"

"Yeah what of it?" Chloe questions.

"How would you feel about doing a little snooping?" Alya proposes.

Chloe scoffs. "I don't really care to know."

"She's a potential love rival. You have to scope her out!" Alya says. "Please Bee, for me? Your foxy friend?"

"No fair, you know I would do anything for Rena." Chloe sighs. "Fine then! Let's do it. Lila's been talking to Sabrina a lot lately, maybe she knows something. Wait, where is Sabrina?"

.

Lila strolls through the hospital hallways until coming across a disgruntled nurse carrying a load of folders. When they pass, Lila swings her bag into the nurse's back causing her to fall. As she does so, Lila swiftly swipes her keys before catching her to save her from hitting the ground.

The nurse blushes as she looks up at Lila. "Sorry! Er, thankyou for catching me."

Lila smiles as she pulls the nurse back to her feet. "No, no. It was my fault for not holding onto my bag and hitting you by accident."

Lila picks up the nurse's folders and hands them back. She then waves and continues on her way, twirling the keys in her hand with a smirk. After checking every door she passes, Lila finally finds a closet full of bedsheets, pillow cases, spare mattresses, scrubs and most importantly-- hospital gowns. Lila closes the door behind her and begins taking off her clothes when all of a sudden, Sabrina walks in on Lila stripped down to her underwear.

"Hey!" Lila shrieks and grabs her jacket to cover herself, her face turning red. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Sabrina is frozen is shock, her eyes wide and her cheeks burning from embarrassment.

"Look away!" Lila yells angrily.

Sabrina squeaks and immediately turns around. "Sorry!"

"This glorious sight is not for you-- not for anyone! Just--"  Lila clenches her hand into a trembling fist. "Y-You dare lay your eyes on my godly body. You dare...you dare..."

"I-I just saw you leaving and wanted to know what you were doing, I swear I didn't know you would be doing this! What even is this?!" Sabrina says frantically.

"What are you doing? Why are you following me like a creep? I told you to start doing things for yourself!" Lila yaps.

"I am doing this for myself!" Sabrina says.

Lila recoils with a gasp. "Pervert!"

"No!" Sabrina exclaims. "I like hanging out with you. Helping people might make me seem like a pushover to you but it makes me feel good so, so I realised that doing things for others is doing something for me too!"

Lila heaves a sigh. "Alright, just get out."

Sabrina quickly does as she was told. Lila then slips on a hospital gown and hides her clothes away. She steps outside to find Sabrina there waiting.

Lila puts her hands on her hips. "I don't need your help."

"I know..." Sabrina lowers her eyes and twiddles her fingers. "I just wanted to be with my BFF."

"BFF? You sure get attached easy." Lila says dully. "Whatever, I'll let you hang around if you promise not to suck up to me like you did with your last 'BFF'".

Sabrina raises her head with a bright smile and nods eagerly but soon after looking at Lila head on for too long, she blushes and looks away awkwardly.

Lila rolls her eyes and struts off. "And don't get flustered either, just because you got a peek at my goods. I'm the one who should be humiliated. I was saving it for someone special you know."

"Someone special?" Sabrina repeats as she scurries after Lila.

"Not that it's any of your business." Lila adds. "Just forget everything."

"You sure I can't help?" Sabrina offers.

Lila glares at her out of the corner of her eye.

"Right, right, you're too cool to need any help." Sabrina says with a smile. "And I have totally already forgotten the last five minutes."

Once they reach the cafeteria, Sabrina waits aside while Lila ques in line with all the other patients. Nobody gives her a second glance as she orders some jello at the counter and then leaves ever so casually.

"That was a smart plan but also very morally questionable." Sabrina says.

"I'm a cunning fox." Lila replies as she tosses Sabrina a jello cup. "And I just love to lie." She adds with a wink.

Sabrina clutches her jello cup happily. "Thanks! Who's the third one for?"

"My main man Nino of course." Lila says.

Sabrina tilts her head curiously. The two then head to the closet so that Lila can change back, this time without disturbance. On their way back to Adrien's room, they cross paths with their peers heading out anyways.

"The visits over?" Lila peers past everyone. "Where's Marinette?"

"She's staying for a bit longer." Alya says. "What are you guys doing out here?"

"Just happening to stumble across some abandoned things." Lila answers. As another nurse passes, Lila hands over the keys. "Hey, I found these on the ground."

"Thank you miss." He says with a nod.

Lila gives him a thumbs up and then turns to Nino with a smirk. "This too." She says, holding out his jello cup.

"Sweet!" Nino snatches up the jello and digs in. "Can't have this laying around, someone might slip."

"Of course! You're such a good person." Lila jokes.

Alya cocks an eyebrow at Chloe. When everyone starts walking again, Chloe takes Sabrina's arm and pulls her back.

"What's up?" Sabrina asks.

Chloe looks to Alya for confirmation before starting her interrogation. "We're keeping this on the down low but we've decided to let you in on the secret since you have some insight. Lila is totally crushing on someone. Any hints as to who?"

Sabrina's eyes shift to Alya uneasily. "I dunno..."

Alya crosses her arms. "I can read you like an open book. It's totally Nino isn't it?"

Sabrina shakes her head vigorously. "No, no, no! I mean, I have no idea! Really, I just, well...I was only guessing because Lila went through so much trouble just to get some jello for him. But, but you can't say anything! It's not fact...Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Even if it were true without a shadow of a doubt, I'm sure Lila wouldn't do anything about it."

Alya groans and clasps her hands on her face. "But you just said she did whatever she could to get him jello!"

Chloe snorts. "She didn't have to go anywhere, we've got a heap of jelly right here." She teases, poking Alya on the nose.

Alya frowns and pushes Chloe lightly. "Be serious. Nino loves food! What if she feeds her way into his heart with desserts."

"This conversation is getting a little bit ridiculous," Sabrina says with a chuckle. "If you don't mind, I'm gonna go."

Chloe strokes her chin and turns to Alya. "Well, Lila might take art classes with Nathaniel but she has only ever stolen his food, she's never given him any. I think your detective hunch may be right on this one but we're gonna need concrete evidence."

"Then we gotta keep a close eye on her..."

.

* Le next day...

.

When the bell rings for lunch, Alya and Chloe look to each other and nod. They hang back together and follow Sabrina through the courtyard, out the building and round the corner into Lila's secret garden space where they hide away in the bushes.

"Well if it isn't the peeping tom." Lila says without looking up from her phone.

Sabrina flinches. "You said to forget that! How did you even know it was me?

"So you admit to being the peeping tom, Rina?" Lila teases. "Well, of course it's you. No one else follows me around."

"Does that...bother you?" Sabrina asks timidly.

"Not particularly," Lila answers. "Marinette is my only close friend but she's always missing or busy, it's so hard to keep track of her. So, I guess it's kind of nice having someone take the effort to chase me around for once."

Sabrina smiles bashfully. "Oh, that's cool. So, uh, why are you hanging out here again? Isn't this where you would go when you were an outcast...?"

Lila sighs in annoyance. "Must I repeat myself? Marinette is my only close friend but she is always missing or busy!" Lila snaps her phone case shut and shoves it in her bag. "She's not even answering my texts!"

"Aren't I a close friend of yours?" Sabrina says kindly.

Lila continues pouting, kicking her heel into the dirt angrily.

Sabrina lowers her eyes. "Marinette's at school today too..."

"What?" Lila responds immediately. "That brat!"

Alya's phone suddenly starts ringing. She quickly fumbles through her bag to turn it off but it had already drawn Sabrina and Lila's attention.

"Who's there?" Lila scowls and takes a step forward.

Just then, Marinette walks out of the school building and Lila stops to watch.

"Hey Alya, it's Marinette," She says into her phone. "I really couldn't concentrate during class so I'm going to see Adrien. Tell the teacher for me will you? And text me so I know you got this message."

Lila growls. "Oh come on! Skipping school without me now too. That's our thing! I'm not letting you ignore me anymore." And so, Lila goes sprinting after Marinette.

"And you call me a stalker!" Sabrina shouts after her.

Chloe and Alya leap from the bushes.

Sabrina gasps. "Are you spying on Lila?"

"No." Chloe lies.

"Yes." Alya answers at the same time.

Sabrina looks cross with them so before she can protest, the two run away to chase after Lila.

"Where did she go? How are we supposed to find them?" Chloe complains.

Alya smirks. "Easy, let's transform, my super bug bestie."

"Yeaha!" Chloe gives Alya a fist bump.

"Tail out!"

"Stripes on!"

The two laugh in wonder as orange and yellow light dances together to create a golden glow.

"Amazing...you really look like you now." Queen Bee says in awe.

"Yeah this is wicked!" Rena Rouge replies excitedly. "It feels cool transforming with someone. We're like real partners."

"I know! I feel all giddy," Queen Bee giggles. "It's crazy awesome that we're both heroes!"

"Okay, okay, compose yourself. We gotta be cooool," Rena Rouge says. "Sloothing super stealthy style."

Queen Bee nods strongly. "Come on, we've got a fox to catch."

Rena and Bee leap across the rooftops until spotting Marinette. They stop atop one of the buildings and peer down into the alleyway below as Marinette skids round the corner into it.

Tiki emerges from Marinette's bag. "You shouldn't miss out on too much school Marinette."

"Awww, that little ladybug is so cute." Queen Bee says. "Hey we should totally have a play date for all our kwamis."

Rena Rouge gives her a shove. "Shhh!"

"I know Tiki," Marinette is saying. "But I just can't bear it."

Lila had finally caught up to Marinette and stands in the entrance of the alleyway.

"I miss Adrien so much it hurts! I have to be there for my love...I have to see him as soon as possible!" Marinette says. "Tiki, spots on!"

Lila's gut drops. She exhales a shakey breath and stumbles backwards only to fall to the ground.

The now transformed Ladybug whirls round and gasps in horror. "Lila!"

Rena Rouge and Queen Bee tense up. "Uh-oh." They say in unison.

Lila's eyes, once widened in shock, narrow coldly. "Ladybug...You're Ladybug."

Ladybug hurries over and holds out a hand to help Lila up. "Yes, but you can't tell anyone--"

Lila slaps Ladybug's hand away. "Still only concerned about yourself? Whatever, I don't care so you don't have to worry!"

"Lila..." Ladybug says sadly. "What do you mean?"

Lila gets to her feet and dusts herself off. "Ladybug ruined my life! I was so alone and angry for so long but Marinette made that all go away. She accepted me as who I am instead of bashing me like everyone else, including Ladybug! She gave me a new chance, new friends, a new life-- she was so special to me. But now it turns out that she-- that you --are just FAKE!"

Ladybug shifts back. "Woah, Lila, I...I'm sorry but my secret identity is my greatest weakness, I can't tell anyone. And I'm sorry for how I treated you as Ladybug, that's why I did different as Marinette, but...it's not my fault that you lied about everything. I don't think you're right to call me a fake."

"Snap." Queen Bee whispers.

"Should we be doing something other than eavesdropping?" Rena Rouge whispers back.

"No way, if we join the fight they'll know we were here the whole time which is super weird but there is no way we can leave," Queen Bee argues. "It's just getting good!"

"We are bad people..." Rena Rouge mutters.

Lila scoffs. "Typical Ladybug, acting all high and mighty. Tell me...Does Adrien know?"

"Yes..." Ladybug says reluctantly. "But I didn't tell him I swear; it really is a serious secret!"

Lila clenches her fists, her jaw tensing. She glares at Ladybug for a moment but when tears begin to brim her eyes she turns to leave.

"Lila, wait." Ladybug pleads. Lila storms away but before she can escape the alleyway, Ladybug slings her yoyo round Lila's waist and pulls her back. "Stop!"

Lila thrashes about, the tears spilling from her eyes. "Just leave me and go to Adrien like you always do! Aren't you just dying to see him? Or are you suddenly interested in me because I'm a threat? I'm not gonna tell anyone about your stupid identity so just leave me alone!!"

"Lila!" Ladybug grabs Lila's shoudlers firmly. "I'm not gonna let you lash out and push me away like you used to! I'm still Marinette, your friend who will accept you no matter what, so tell me why you're acting this way!"

"Because you're just my friend!" Lila screams out.

Lila falls to her knees and starts crying her heart out. Something totally out of character that has Ladybug stunned.

"I...don't understand?"

"I can't compare to Adrien. It turns out I know nothing about you! And I can't protect you! I never realised how far from me you really were-- I can't do anything for you!" Lila mourns. "You're all I have but you have so much. I'm such a tiny part of your life. You are surrounded by people who love you and by people who you love...more so than me. I thought I could handle it when you still gave me attention but lately I've felt so abandoned. It's been bottled up for so long but it all shattered when you shocked me with this so I used it as an excuse to lash out. I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I'm the real fake!"

Ladybug is lost for words. Her heart is heavy with sorrow and guilt but she has no idea how to comfort herself or Lila. The best she can do is kneel down to her friend and give her a hug.

"Wow," Queen Bee says. "Clingy much?"

Rena Rouge hits her over the head. "Don't you get it?"

"Ouch!" Queen Bee snaps. "What?"

"Lila was in love with Marinette!" Rena Rouge says, gesturing to the two girls below.

Queen Bee's jaw drops. "What? No! Really? What?"

"Duh! It makes total sense, I can't believe we didn't guess it." Rena Rouge nudges Queen Bee. "Let's go."

"Why?" Queen Bee whines.

"This isn't any of our business, we never should have been spying in the first place. Lila is obviously trying to get over this so we can't go digging it up. She told me herself she wants to be Marinette's friend." Rena Rouge says. "Promise not to tell anyone, kay?"

"Okay..." Queen Bee replies glumly.

Rena Rouge gives one last look back and smiles before leaving with Queen Bee. In the alleyway below, Lila is still crying on Ladybug's shoulder.

"To think, Ladybug exposed me because I was flirting with Adrien. You're love for him has been screwing me over since day one!" Lila laughs weakly. "But really...I know that it's not your fault I lied to everyone and lost all my friends. And it's not your fault for loving Adrien either...I shouldn't be so petty. I really do want to be your friend, Marinette. Can I...still be your friend?"

"Of course!" Ladybug pulls away to smile softly at Lila. "We'll always be friends Lila."

Lila sniffs and wipes her eyes, her lip still trembling. "Not if I find out you told anyone that I cried..."

Ladybug giggles. "Course not! Today will be our special secret, just you and me."

Lila smiles. "And we stay friends forever."

Ladybug nods and holds out her little finger. "Pinky swear."

"Tch, lame." Lila says as she locks her pinky with Ladybug's.

Ladybug takes Lila's hands as she stands, lifting her to her feet as well. "I'm sorry you had to feel this way on your own. Why don't we go to your favourite crepe place? That's where you took me when I was heartbroken."

"Don't you have to see Adrien?" Lila asks.

"You're hurt too..." Ladybug says sadly. "I think I should support you today."

"Thanks..." Lila replies, despite looking guilty.

"Come on! We won't have to steal a car this time," Ladybug says playfully, swinging her yoyo with a grin. "I'll give you a special Ladybug lift."

"Okay, fine. I guess I'll let you if you pay for my meal." Lila replies cheekily.

The two laugh happily as they soar away toward the iconic crepe place, skipping school together to grab a milkshake and some dessert just like the day they first became friends.