HAPPY 100TH CHAPTER OH MY GOD! WOW WHAT THE HECK!

Thankyou so much for reading this far, I'm glad everyone likes my work. This story is seriously fun to write, I wish I had more time to do so. Thank you for being patient about updates as well, please leave a vote if you enjoy and feel free to comment feedback :)

Also, allow me to explain Lila's sudden role in the story. Sorry for forcing her character into your face. It just started out with me finding it funny for her and Marinette to interact but now I kinda like her. When I gave Chloe redemption, I gave her a lot of character development but now I want to challenge myself as a writer to make Lila, a dislikable character, endearing without completely changing her personalty. So, yeah, idk how that's goin' for yall but that's it.

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[Narrator's POV]

Marinette's face lights up when she receives a response from Chloe. "She said yes!"

"To what?" Lila asks.

"To me bringing a plus one." Marinette answers.

"What? No. No, no, no. No way!" Lila refutes.

"Come ooonnn, you love parties! And you love me~" Marinette tries.

"Debatable." Lila says bluntly.

"But you're my life coach! I need you there," Marinette begs, switching her tactics. "Lila. My most wisest advisor. My gracious god. Moreover, my friend!"

"Oh my god stop." Lila says. "I know I said you could call me whatever you want but geez if you're willing to suck up to me this much you must be pretty desperate."

Marinette grins and bats her eyelashes.

"Argh, fine!" Lila gives in. "I'll go, alright?"

"Yes!" Marinette pumps her fists up into the air in triumph. "Thank god! Thank you! I would have died going to this party alone!"

"You really are desperate..." Lila mutters. "Man, Chloe is not going to be happy if I show up."

As soon as these words leave her mouth, Lila's lips curl into a smile. She is suddenly a lot more enthused about the idea of going.

Lila laughs and slaps a hand on her forehead. "Why am I saying that as if I care? This is going to be hilarious!"

Lila grins and grabs Marinette's hand. "Come on, we're going shopping!"

"WAH!" Marinette hollers as she gets yanked from her seat.

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*Le time skip*

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"Alright, this store is our best bet." Lila says. "It's got basically everything but it's still relatively cheap. And judging by the clothes you're wearing..."

"I design and make my own clothes," Marinette says defensively. "This is my favourite outfit!"

Lila clicks her tongue awkwardly and averts her eyes.

"Okay, I admire that you chose not to insult me but you still gotta work on your efforts to conceal your expressions." Marinette says dully. "Your face is an open book, and it tells a mean story."

"Let's just go." Lila says, walking ahead.

Marinette sighs and follows her into the store. Lila places a hand on her hip as she scans the store, looking like she's here on serious business.

"You've got nice, long legs so I think we'll show them off a bit. That means it's off with the pink skinny jeans, got it?" She says. "...Marinette?"

Lila looks around but Marinette has left her side. It is then that she hears a gasp so sudden and shrill that it makes her jump in fright.

"Lila look! Isn't this just adorable?"

Lila turns towards the squealing to see Marinette holding up pink overall-shorts against her body.

"I used to have a pair just like these when I was little!"

Lila cringes. She approaches Marinette without bothering to wipe the disgust off her face and carefully takes the overalls away from her.

"Yeah...let's not do that." Lila says as she places them aside.

"Don't be so sour. I thought you were fun!"

"Wha—" Lila blinks in bewilderment as Marinette moves on without her. "You—I am fun!"

"Maybe being mean to people is fun for you but it takes two to tango." Marinette says in a 'matter-of-fact' way.

"We're here because of me, remember?" Lila replies bitterly.

Marinette giggles and races to another rack on the other side of the store.

"Oh honestly," Lila says impatiently. "It's like shopping with a hyperactive child!"

Lila takes her time crossing the store to re-join Marinette, who has her face buried in some shelves. She whirls around abruptly to face Lila, wearing funny glasses and a silly face. Lila is taken so off guard that an actual laugh manages to slip past her lips.

"Pff—haha, ahahaha!"

Marinette lowers her glasses to peer at Lila. "Would you look at that."

"No, please," Lila says, clutching her stomach. "Don't look at me with those stupid things on!"

Marinette chuckles and returns the glasses to their shelf. "You're a lot more attractive when you're not scowling. A person's smile says a lot about them, you know."

Lila settles down, but her smile remains. "I thought eyes were the windows to the soul?"

"Well, you don't have that going for you either." Marinette says.

Lila snorts. "Who's mean now?"

Marinette grins cheekily.

"Alright, let's go with this idea," Lila says. "We both pick out an outfit for you to wear and judge whose we should use for the party."

"Ooo, a fashion show!" Marinette says excitedly.

"I was thinking more of a competition that I'm going to pummel you in, but sure." Lila replies.

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*cue cute montage of Lila and Marinette shopping together*

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Lila sits back in the waiting chair with her legs crossed, jiggling her foot out of boredom. Marinette draws back the curtain of the dressing room and steps out wearing the outfit she had picked, a frilly pink dress and sparkly flat shoes. Lila looks at her silently for a moment before speaking hesitantly.

"It's...not bad," Lila starts. "Except that was a lie, I hate everything about it." She finishes bluntly. "I'm sorry, just, no. No, no. It's way too cutesy for a party. A prom, maybe. I mean, I wouldn't wear it myself but if we were going something like a prom then I guess I would let you get away with it."

"At least you're improving. You said sorry before dissing me and really tried to beat around the bush, but...it's still a diss." Marinette sighs.

"It's because you're wearing something like that, I can't help taking pity on you." Lila says. "So get your little girly butt back in that change room and put on what I gave you."

Marinette scoots back into the change room and pulls the curtain closed. After a long while she remains in there until Lila speaks up impatiently.

"What is taking so long?"

"Uhhh, nothing, I'm just..." Marinette slowly slips out from behind the curtain, wobbling unsteadily in the huge heels Lila had chosen. "I-I'm not so confident in this."

The outfit is a black playsuit with very short bottoms and a very low, v-neck cut.

Lila whistles and nods her head in approval. "You look hot!"

"I look like you..." Marinette says gravely.

"Oh, that's why!" Lila says with a smug giggle.

Marinette tugs on the hem of the shorts but shudders when the v-neck moves even lower as a result. She quickly grabs the top and shimmies it up her chest more.

"Wow, your legs really are long." Lila says proudly, still admiring her work. "Shorts and heels are a woman's best wingman."

"They feel like they hate me..." Marinette whimpers, her legs shaking.

"Well if you're going to look like a deer on ice the whole night then just take them off." Lila says.

Marinette bends her knees slowly and carefully until she is crouched down enough to unbuckle her high heels. She slips her feet out one by one and stands back up again with a breath of relief.

"We can get platform shoes or wedges, they're easier to walk in," Lila says. "And I suppose they don't have to be that big if you really don't want them to be."

"Okay, and w-what about this." Marinette points to her chest awkwardly. "I-Isn't this v-cut a little too low and, and big of an opening."

"Yeah, it is pretty pointless with a chest like that." Lila says.

Marinette's face turns red as she covers her chest. "H-Hey! Not what I was worried about!"

Lila shrugs with mocking smirk. "Guess Adrien is into that little girl look you have going on."

"S-Stop it!" Marinette squeaks in embarrassment. "I hate you! I'm changing!"

Lila laughs as Marinette retreats into the changing room. She brings a hand to the side of her mouth and says loudly,

"Don't worry, I'm sure you're just a late bloomer!"

"Shut up!" Marinette shouts from the other side of the curtain.

Marinette emerges shortly wearing her usual clothes and a grumpy frown.

"You say pink is too cutesy but we're not going to a funeral. All the clothes you've picked are black!" Marinette says. "How about a compromise? Red is a bold color."

"True, but maybe too sexy for you." Lila replies. "I don't think you'd suit it at all."

"What would you know? I suit up in red all the time..." Marinette mumbles.

"Anyway, red is a bit too vibrant and flashy. It's more for a date occasion." Lila says. "Why don't we cool it down to a nice maroon?"

Marinette taps a finger on her lips. "Actually...that doesn't sound too bad."

"Maybe a combination of our tastes is a good idea." Lila says. "You want a dress, I say shorts, so how about a skirt?"

"Yeah!" Marinette agrees spiritedly.

"Great, let's do this!" Lila says.

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*cue an even cuter montage of Lila and Marinette shopping together*

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^ This is the outfit Marinette is wearing and with some nice boots maybe. Now, let's skip to the party...

.

"Who would have thought the bakery girl had the potential to outshine even me," Lila says. "I'm jealous."

"You seem awfully honest all of a sudden." Marinette giggles.

"Well, this day has treated me well. I didn't have to go to school, I got a free meal at my favourite crepe place, I managed to actually hang out with someone and I've been invited to a party for the first time. I'm in a good mood, sue me!" Lila says.

"It sounds to me like you're getting all giddy about making a friend," Marinette teases. "I thought you liked being alone?"

"I don't need anyone to dance like a rock star. Solo dancing is fun and it's what I'm best at. But...I guess the tango can be fun too." Lila says. "So what of it? Do you....like tangoing with me?"

Lila has the courage to look Marinette in the eye to see her response, but...

She is completely lost for understanding, trying her best to put on a poker face despite the confusion swirling in her eyes.

"The entire day you've been hounding on me to be nice—What's with that lousy expression?!" Lila rages.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Marinette says frantically. "I-I'm sorry, I don't know how to do the tango so I'll have to decline your offer!"

"It was a metaphor you dingus! Earlier today you said it takes two to tango or some crap like that," Lila yaps. "I just wanted to know if it was fun for you too!"

Marinette pauses and double-blinks, her mouth forming an O-shape. "Oh...Ohhh! Ahahaha, I get it!" Marinette cracks into laughter. "You act so cool but you're actually super lame!"

Lila growls angrily. "You—"

"Of course I enjoyed today!" Marinette smiles brightly. "Don't I look like I'm having fun?"

Lila settles down as she stares at Marinette's tender smile, but all of a sudden...that smile fades.

"Looks like we're here." Marinette says as they reach the bourgeois hotel.

Lila stops to look up at the building. "Hey..." She says slowly. "You...You don't have to go in there. We can still turn around."

"I thought you wanted me to face my friends. To face Adrien. You were right Lila, I can't keep wallowing away in misery just because it's easier." Marinette replies.

Lila surveys Marinette uneasily. But you don't look like you're having fun anymore...

"Alright then..." Lila takes a deep breath to regain her usual confidence. "I'm your plus one so I'll be by your side the whole night. Shall we make these suckers grovel in our presence?"

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Chloe, Adrien, Nino and Alya, the four most eager to see Marinette, are waiting closer by the door while Nathaniel and Sabrina are retrieving drinks for the group.

"Say, can I ask you guys something?" Chloe asks, turning to Alya and Nino. "Aren't you still mad about what my mom is doing to Marinette? I thought you weren't talking to me."

Nino and Alya flinch. Both of them had forgiven Queen Bee after she stood up against Audrey but they had forgotten to make amends with Chloe as well.

"I couldn't hold a grudge forever. There are more pressing matters at hand," Alya excuses. "Besides, I shouldn't have held you accountable for what your mother is doing. I...I'm sorry, Chloe."

"I was never mad at you, things just needed time to settle. And Alya's right," Nino smiles and pats Chloe on the head. "You did nothing wrong."

"Everything is okay...You haven't done anything wrong."

A warm memory clouds Chloe's vision. As she looks up at Nino, she sees Carapace patting her head comfortingly in his stead. Startled by the awe in her big, blue eyes, Nino quickly pulls his hand away. He is just too used to Queen Bee, he had forgotten that he and Chloe barely know each other.

"I-I'm rather parched!" Nino says, his voice quivering nervously. "I'm gonna go see what's taking Nathaniel and Sabrina so long with those drinks."

With that, Nino scurries off.

Alya raises an eyebrow at her boyfriend's hurried leave. "Uh, I guess I should go too."

Chloe reaches up a hand to touch her head absentmindedly. "That's strange..." She mumbles.

"You're not falling for Nino are you?" Adrien jokes.

"I hadn't realised what a nice presence he has." Chloe says. "I feel oddly relaxed around him."

Adrien falters. "W-Wait, are you seriously falling for him?"

"No, he just...feels like someone else." Chloe answers, her eyebrows furrowed.

"He is pretty friendly but I've never seen him do that before." Adrien says curiously. "I guess he must really feel sorry for you."

"Well he doesn't need to. This dilemma won't last long." Chloe replies. "With the whole Queen Bee thing going on, maybe my mom will forget about Marinette or at least get distracted enough for me to get back her bakery."

"It seems you're suffering either way..." Adrien sighs. "Audrey gave us three days to hand in Queen Bee or all of us get labelled as criminals for conspiring against the Mayor. This is only the first day but I still feel selfish spending it on my own problems."

"It's fine," Chloe says. "I'm not suffering any more than you and Marinette."

"I wouldn't mind giving our relationship a break until this is solved, it's being completely separated that upsets me. Marinette won't even come near us." Adrien says sadly.

"If my mom saw you hanging out at all she would get suspicious so I can understand why Marinette is so afraid." Chloe replies. "But I agree, she can't just take everything on by herself. We can all be there with her."

"What is Lila doing here?" A passing girl grimaces.

Chloe's eyes snap up to scan the crowd. "Did she just say Lila is here? At my party? How dare she have the audacity to step foot in my hotel!"

"Settle down, Chlo—"

"Sorry Adrien, I'm leaving you on Marinette look out!"

Chloe storms off, pushing through the crowd until finally spotting Lila standing aside casually.

"Hey!" Chloe says as she strides up to Lila. "What do you think you're doing here? You weren't invited!"

Lila smirks. "Yes I was. You gave me special permission to come yourself."

"I did no such thing!" Chloe argues. "Get out of my hotel before I have security kick you out!"

"You can't touch me," Lila says smugly. "I'm your guest of honor's guest of honor."

Chloe's face scrunches up in confusion. "What?"

.

Marinette hums to herself as she pours two cups of soda.

"Marinette?"

Marinette looks up to see Nino on the other side of the beverage table.

"Oh, er, h-hey Nino!" Marinette says with a timid wave.

"You're here! Hey, did you really bring that plus one?" Nino questions urgently.

"Oh, yeah, I guessed you wouldn't like it..." Marinette looks down and fidgets with the soda bottle in her hands. "B-But I'm ready to be Adrien's friend so I really want us all to get along. Please try to be accepting."

Nino eyes widen. "Wait, what? Adrien's...friend? Marinette—"

"Get out of my hotel before I have security kick you out!"

Marinette looks up worriedly. "Oh dear, I shouldn't have offered to get the drinks alone. Um, sorry Nino, I have to go!"

Marinette quickly sets down her drink before running off. Nino reaches out a hand as she disappears into the crowd.

"Was that Marinette?" Alya asks upon catching up.

"We need to go get Adrien, stat." Nino says. "I don't like where this is going at all!"

.

"This is the first time you've dared to show up at one of my parties and it just so happens to be after Marinette and Adrien's breakup? I don't think so!" Chloe says, jabbing a finger at Lila's chest. "Just give up already."

"I told you that I'm not here for Adrien," Lila replies. "The only reason I was ever interested in him is because it was beneficial for me, being that he's rich and popular. You can understand, right?"

"You really have the guts to admit that you're only looking to take advantage of him?" Chloe spits. "Don't compare us! I at least cared about Adrien."

"Well I'm not interested in that junk now. Popularity doesn't appeal to me," Lila says. "Unlike you, I'm not desperate for the approval of others."

Chloe gasps. "You—You don't know anything about me! Just stay away from my friends!"

"I can't promise you that." Lila says.

Chloe crosses her arms. "And why's that?"

"Because she's here with me!"

Chloe turns to see Marinette struggling to weave her way through the crowd. She reaches them with puffed breath and concerned eyes.

"Don't fight!" Marinette says pleadingly. "Lila really lifted my mood today so I invited her to your party, I'm so sorry Chloe."

"Why do you have to apologise for inviting me?" Lila tisks.

"Because no one wants you here!" Chloe snaps.

"I want her here!" Marinette says.

Lila pulls on her eyelid and sticks out her tongue to make an ugly face at Chloe. This clearly ticks off Chloe's nerves but she ignores it for Marinette.

"Fine, she can stay. I don't really understand what's going on but we can discuss this another time." Chloe huffs. "You've really caused a stir. Everyone thinks you brought a date!"

"Heh?" Marinette says, her face going pale.

Lila places a hand over her mouth to stop herself from laughing.

Chloe glares at Lila. "You find this funny?"

"You have to admit it's a little..." Lila trails off upon realising Marinette's horrified expression. "Ah, but don't worry Marinette! I'm sure Adrien won't do anything rash."

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Nathaniel and Sabrina return with enough drinks for six people only to find Adrien by himself.

"Where did everyone go? It was so much effort trying not to spill these!" Sabrina complains.

"Nino ran off somewhere so Alya followed him and then Chloe heard that Lila has showed up and went off to find her." Adrien explains.

"Wait, Lila's here? But she hates Chloe, why now of all times..." Nathaniel ponders. "Do you think maybe—"

"Adrien!" Nino races to his friend in a panic, followed by Alya. "Adrien, Marinette's here. Have you seen her? Have you seen who she brought?!"

Adrien's eyes widen. Without even answering, he steps past Nino and strides away with his fists clenched.

"Has anyone seen who Marinette brought?" Nino asks hysterically.

"Hopefully someone who can take a punch." Alya says. "Adrien has murder in his eyes."

"We need to go after Adrien. I think..." Nathaniel looks around frantically for a place to put his handful of cups. "I think Marinette brought Lila!"

"What?" Sabrina, Nino and Alya all exclaim in unison.

Nathaniel grows impatient and just throws the drinks aside. "We need to stop Adrien before he makes a fool out of himself!"

.

Adrien's legs are moving on their own. His muscles are tense and burning with a strange fiery sensation. There is a deep discomfort within him, like an animal scratching for escape. He is so focused on Marinette that he feels as though everything else has gone blurry. The voices and music around him are completely muffled; all he can hear is the pounding of his own heart. The intense thumping seems to get louder and louder as he approaches the only thing clear in his vision. As his heartbeat picks up, so does his pace. Marinette barely has time to look at him before he has snatched her hand and walked ahead of her, pulling her away. Lila moves forward to help Marinette but Chloe holds her back.

"Ack—Hey!" Lila wriggles around irritably. "Let me go! Marinette's getting kidnapped!"

Chloe tightens her arms around Lila. "She's getting whisked away by her true love, it's romantic!"

"Not in this situation!" Lila argues.

"They need to be together!" Chloe protests. "They need to at least talk!"

"You think that's all they'll do?" Lila retaliates.

Nathaniel, Nino, Alya and Sabrina come rushing over.

"How is there a cat fight happening already?" Nino says.

"Shut up and help me hold her down!" Chloe demands.

.

"Adrien? Adrien! Answer me! Where are we going? Hey!"

Adrien doesn't answer, he just tightens his grip on Marinette's hand. His throat has closed up. His lungs have collapsed under his own anxiety. It feels as though he hasn't been able to breathe without Marinette.

The sudden exposure to cold, nighttime air stings Marinette's face a little as they walk outside. Adrien drags her around the corner of the building where he finally lets go of her hand, causing her to stumble slightly.

"What are you doing?" Marinette asks flatly.

"What are you doing?" Adrien steps up close to Marinette, his eyes locked on hers. "Marinette...what's going on? Why are you acting like this?"

Marinette shifts backwards. "I-I'm sorry that I avoided you today, I just had to sort out my thoughts and feelings—"

"Yeah, looks like it didn't take you long to get over it!" Adrien says before he can stop himself.

"Are you kidding me? Adrien, this is killing me! I ran away because I was too guilty to even look you in the eye!" Marinette replies, her eyes shining with tears. "I'm trying to protect you and my family, I'm trying to protect everyone by staying away. My life is crumbling, I'm distressed, and I didn't want you to get sucked in too. I can manage my own problems without getting everyone involved but I needed a little time to adjust, sorry for being so selfish! I came here tonight trying to get everything back on track but if you're going to keep forcing your way in then I really do need to stay away from you."

"We're not scared to get involved, Marinette!" Adrien steps forward once more, his expression strained with desperation. "I can easily buy you another property—"

"Audrey will just evict me again—"

"Then we'll leave Pairs! We'll go where she has no power, I have the money Marinette, please!"

"I can't let you do that Adrien. It's not fair to you and it's not fair to my parents. We have a life here, this is our home—"

"What if I wasn't Adrien?"

Marinette's breath hitches as Adrien utters the command that sends green light surging from his ring, transforming him into Cat Noir. She stares up at him nervously as he moves even closer to her.

"Adrien is nothing without you anyway." Cat Noir says seriously. "I'd rather stay like this forever, for you."

Marinette shakes her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "Y-You can't. This is why I tried to distance myself, because you're too good. You're too good of a person, Adrien..."

"I'm not. It's because I'm not a good person that I'm so persistent. I'm horrible and selfish. I haven't thought about you or your family or your home even once, I've only thought of myself. I'm bitter and I'm possessive. I want you all to myself. I should be happy and supportive of you but I'm not. I can't stand it." Cat Noir says, his voice croaking. "I'm not a good person. Especially now, without you to level me. I'm just filled with anger and self-pity. Would a good person have forced you out of a party on a cold night because of fickle jealousy?"

"Stop it!" Marinette cries. "Don't twist yourself into a villain...this is all because of me!"

Marinette pushes Cat Noir's chest and steps around him.

"Don't run away, Marinette!"

Cat Noir wraps his arms around Marinette from behind and hugs her tightly, his head rested on her shoulder.

"I'm a superhero, there's nothing to be afraid of. I'll protect you. Please, I'll wear this mask forever just to be able to talk to you. Even forever is not enough time..." Cat Noir says. "Stay with me."

"No, I-I can't..." Marinette replies.

Cat Noir's jaw clenches. He slowly shifts to press his lips against Marinette's neck. The startle causes her to draw a sharp breath, her heartbeat quickening. Marinette grows hot and flustered as Cat Noir kisses the soft crook of her neck. She can feel his heated panting on her skin.

"Wha—" Marinette winces as Cat Noir begins to bite her. "A-Adrien...?"

Cat Noir laps his tongue over the fresh hickey on Marinette's neck. "I told you I wasn't a good person," He whispers in her ear.

Marinette pulls out of Cat Noir's embrace and whirls round to face him, her face flushed.

Cat Noir smirks. "Go ahead and show that mark to your date. Let him know you're still mine."

Marinette's eyes widen in realisation. "Y-You idiot!" She says, clamping a hand over her neck. "I don't have a date, my plus one is Lila!"

Cat Noir freezes, the color draining from his face. Marinette narrows her eyes as if calculating the best way to kill him.

Cat Noir begins to sweat nervously. Her glaring is burning right through to my soul. What happened to being too guilty to even look me in the eye?!

Marinette takes a deep breath to calm herself. "It took a lot of courage for me to come to this party, and you've just spoiled it...Show them that I'm still yours? What the hell is that? How about instead you go tell Lila, who I had hoped to introduce you all to and have a fun night with, that I went home because you ruined the beautiful outfit she helped me pick out."

"I-It's just a tinsy mark." Cat Noir says, his bad-boy façade completely crumbling. "I'm sure no one will notice. I'll even give you my jacket—"

"Don't play the gentlemen you sly cat!" Marinette snaps. "You couldn't hold back for just a little while until I fix this? Is that all you dragged me out here for? This was never even about my feelings or supposedly helping me you...you jerk!"

"What? No—"

"Tiki, spots on!" Marinette orders.

Marinette looks away in disappointment as her pink magic transforms her into Ladybug. She growls angrily and zips away on her yoyo.

"W-Wait!" Cat Noir calls out.

Cat Noir launches himself into the air with his staff and lands on a nearby building. After spotting Ladybug, he sprints across the rooftops to follow her. Ladybug swings in and out of streets and weaves round buildings in an attempt to lose him but he keeps hot on her tail, shouting pointlessly for her to stop.

"Go away!" Ladybug yells. "Leave me alone, Cat Noir! Stop following me!"

"Never!" Cat Noir responds. "Don't you remember the years I spent blindly following you? I stayed by your side even though you didn't want me there. Even though you didn't yet reciprocate my feelings, I was happy enough just being with you, I was happy because I was still able to spend time with you and love you. So how could you think that my only motives are shallow ones? How could you think that's why I'm so bothered about breaking up? I'm bothered because you won't let me be at your side any more. I am concerned for you and I do want to help, I swear I'm not just trying to force a relationship. I meant all the things I said, and, and I'm sorry I kissed you after that, I'm sorry I touched you. I was desperate and distraught because I can't even love you anymore!"

"Pulling the move you did was totally inappropriate, yeah, but I'm more mad that you actually thought for a second that I'm not just as upset as you are! You're offended because I insinuated that you're shallow when you're the one that assumed I brought a date to the party?" Ladybug retaliates.

"Okay, touché, why don't we call that even?" Cat Noir says.

Ladybug takes a sharp turn, causing Cat Noir to skid and stumble off the edge of a building. He quickly pushes off the ground with his staff and brings himself back to Ladybug's level.

"You're upset about me not considering your feelings but you won't even talk to me!" Cat Noir persists. "You were running away and I had nothing else to lose. I know I was wrong for being possessive because the truth is you're not mine, I'm yours. I meant it when I said that I'm nothing without you, that's why! That's why you can't keep running away because when you leave me in the dark like this I don't know what to do with myself! It's been such a short amount of time but I've managed to forget how to live—I can't even breathe without you! Stop tearing us apart, you don't need to handle it like this!"

Without the strength to hold herself up anymore, Ladybug drops onto a rooftop. Her chest is tightening painfully. There are too many things stuffed inside. Too many swelling emotions.

"I'm trying to handle it..." Ladybug says shakily. "Even though I didn't want you to get involved...I didn't want anyone else to feel this....you're still hurt..."

Cat Noir approaches her slowly but her back is turned to him. "It's okay...my lady."

Ladybug flinches. "It's not. I-I can't even...My heart's going to burst. Stop making me want to run to you, i-it's pathetic...I can handle this."

"There's nothing wrong with relying on other people. Even if you don't want to run to me, there are six other people at that party waiting with open arms." Cat Noir says. "Come back to us. All of us. And I don't mean just putting on a nice face like you did tonight. You came to the party to get things back on track? That's bullshit. You may have stopped running but you were still trying to lie to our faces."

Ladybug is clutching her hands to her chest. Her shoulders are tensed. She is all clammed up and nothing that Cat Noir has tried could open her up.

"I miss those beautiful bluebell eyes..." He says solemnly. "What can I do to get you to look at me?"

"I'm the one who decided this, I can't!" Ladybug cries. "Just—Just go!"

"Alright." Cat Noir sighs. "Claws in, Plagg."

The bright green light of Cat Noir's transformation shines in the corner of Ladybug's eye. Her eyelids flutter and she raises a hand instinctively as a shield. She barely has time to look at Adrien before his body disappears over the edge of the building. Ladybug's eyes shoot open. Her legs push forward.

"Adrien!" She shrieks as she dives after him.

You're hurting this much? But I tried so hard to shield you. To bear it all on my own...

Ladybug's body loosens as she falls through the air. No longer concerned with keeping them in, her emotions flood out in tears that get swept away in the breeze. The cold wind feels as sharp as knives against her wet cheeks but she keeps her head strong, reaching out for Adrien. Her heart is pounding with an icy terror that makes her blood run cold. Her throat has closed up.

Is this how you felt, reaching out to me...only to have me drift further away?

Adrien closes his eyes as if accepting his fate. Ladybug grits her teeth.

Look at me. Look at me! You're the one that jumped, don't give up like that! I can still help you! I'll save you!

"I WON'T LET YOU GO!" Ladybug screams out. She grabs her yoyo and extends it to Adrien. "Hold onto me!"

The yoyo loops around Adrien's waist. Ladybug gives it a yank to pull him toward her and catches him. She finally gasps a breath as she wraps her arms around him securely.

I see...

Ladybug slings her yoyo onto another building and swings off just before reaching the ground. She lands on the flat surface of the rooftop but her body betrays her. Her trembling legs instantly give out and she and Adrien tumble over. Ladybug slowly pushes herself up, her elbows shaking.

"W-What...? My vision is blurry?" She murmurs in confusion. Droplets begin to sputter on the ground below. "O-Oh." Ladybug sniffs and wipes her eyes. "Stop...why won't it stop?"

Adrien sits up and grabs Ladybug's wrists. She stares at him with wide, shimmering eyes as he pulls her hands away from her face.

"It's okay to cry. I'm sorry that I shocked you, it looks like I tipped your emotions over the edge. But," Adrien smiles softly. "You're really looking at me." Adrien pulls Ladybug into his chest and wraps his arms around her. "You finally came running to me...Now I'll never let go."

His warmth melts her heart...He melts away all of the coldness invading her, her anxiety, her loneliness, her guilt...

Ladybug reaches her arms up to hug Adrien tightly. Her tears soak his shirt as she buries her face in his chest.

"I was...so scared..." Ladybug whispers. She hiccups before crying, "I was so scared! I've been so afraid!"

"I know...It's okay to feel that way. It's okay to cry...let it all out. All of your thoughts, your worries, all of your emotions, your pain...I want to share it all with you." Adrien says.

And so, Ladybug does just that. Adrien rubs her back gently as he listens patiently. He already knows how she feels but he also knows how important it is for her to say it out loud. To get it off her chest.

"Chloe's getting restless. She wants to take back your bakery while Audrey is distracted by Queen Bee. Though, I don't really like that she's willing to play the villain." Adrien says afterwards. "Mind you, I haven't gotten the chance to confront Audrey yet. I'm sure if we all stick together, we can do anything."

"I miss everyone..." Ladybug replies. "I feel bad that I haven't even been able to help Chloe because I'm too busy with my own problems."

"Hey. Quit thinking like that," Adrien says. "Your costumers are devastated too you know. I bet you that I could rally a huge protest!"

Ladybug giggles. "Thanks, Adrien..."

Adrien's heart flutters. "You feel better now, right?"

"Yeah...and I'd like to repay you for this evening," Ladybug's voice lowers, the heat of her breath on Adrien's neck causing him to blush. "Maybe I should place my own mark on you."

"H-Huh?" Adrien stutters, his skin growing hot.

Ladybug pulls away from their hug with a smile. Adrien gulps nervously, his eyes trailing down to her red lips. His eyelids begin to drop, his breathing slow. Perhaps it is because of this false drop of defence that he didn't notice Ladybug pulling her arm back until her fist came hurling toward him.

Ladybug punches Adrien square in the face, sending him toppling backwards. He lets out a long, agonised groan as he lays motionless on his back.

"Hopefully that'll swell so you can show everyone what a big head you have." Ladybug says sweetly.

"Okay...I may have deserved that," Adrien wheezes weakly. "But ouch. Your words hurt me more than your punch."

Ladybug stands up and holds out her hand. "Let's go. I've still got to catch up with everyone else and we've been gone for a while, they must be worried."

Adrien takes Ladybug's hand and hauls himself up. Blood trickles from his nose but he just smears it on his sleeve lazily.

"I'm glad you've got your confidence back. I'm sure that everyone is dying to see you," Adrien looks off into the distance at the Bourgeois hotel. "I wonder what they've been doing while we're gone..."