Based on an idea by a reader (rubyirenereed176)

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Confidence.

That was something Marinette lacked. Every little thing worried her and she never thought her designs were good enough. Her confidence as Ladybug was just a shield. She didn't even think she was good enough to be Ladybug. She never felt worthy.

These feelings didn't get any better after her rejection. Marinette thought it would be a good idea to confess to Adrien. They had recently gotten close and she was really happy about that. Alya convinced her to do so and Tikki encouraged her too. Why not? she thought. What could go wrong?

Everything apparently.

Marinette woke up late, despite having set three alarms. She rushed to school without eating breakfast. She barely reached the doors as they were being closed. She walked into class and sat in her usual seat. Alya gave her a sympathetic look and Marinette rested her head on her hands.

As Ms. Bustier was teaching, Marinette's stomach growled, earning a few giggles from the students and an insult from Chloe.

She hoped for and dreaded lunch. Marinette was very hungry since she didn't eat breakfast, but that was when she was supposed to confess.

Class stretched for what seemed like hours and she was grateful and distressed by it. When it was time for lunch, Marinette sat frozen in her seat. Almost everyone, including the teacher, had left the classroom.

Alya stood next to Marinette, a hand on her hip. "C'mon girl," she said. Marinette looked up at her, "But what if he rejects me?! A-and marries Chloe! He's going to hate me Alya! My life is going to be over!!!!" Alya laughed. "Oh Marinette, you drama Queen. Get up! That's not going to happen. Adrien is too sweet to hate you."

Marinette sulked in her chair. Alya sighed and grabbed her by the arm. She dragged Mari out of the room and down to the lunch room. Nino and Adrien were seated at a table, laughing at whatever Kim had said. Marinette gulped and both girls walked towards the table.

"Hey, guys!" Alya spoke up. "Hey," Nino said between laughs. "Oh, hey," Adrien smiled. Marinette felt her face grow hot. Kim laughed, "You ok Mari? Your face is the color of Nathaniel's hair." Marinette sent him a glare and he raised his arms up in defense.

Alya rolled her eyes. She turned to Adrien and grinned from ear to ear. "Hey Adrien, Marinette needs help with something, can you go with her and help her?" Adrien nodded, "Of course."

Marinette stood frozen in place. "Don't just stand there, go!" Alya muttered. "R-right! Way this- I-I MEAN THIS WAY!" Marinette stuttered. Nino and Kim laughed and Alya sighed. Adrien paid no attention.

Marinette walked in the direction of the lockers and Adrien followed after her. They both reached her locker and stood there for a few moments.

"So what do you need help with?" Adrien asked. Marinette felt dizzy and her stomach ache. "U-um, actually. . . I-I need to t-tell you something," she muttered. Adrien looked at her with concern. "Is everything ok?" he questioned. Marinette simply nodded. "Well, what is it?"

"A-Adrien. . . I like you!" she blurted out. "I like you too! You're a great friend, Marinette." Adrien stood confused as Marinette's face turned sad. It was then the realization hit him. "O-oh, y-you meant. . . Marinette I'm sorry, but I love someone else."

Hearing those words tore Marinette's heart. She knew deep down she was going to be rejected, but she didn't imagine the heartbreak. He loved someone else. Chloe? Lila? Marinette blinked back the tears and forced a smile. "It's ok, Adrien! I promised my parents I'd eat with them, so I got to go! Bye!"

Marinette took off before Adrien could say anything. He just stood there, saddened by the heartbreak he caused the girl.

Marinette ran to her room, the bakery was busy so neither of her parents noticed. She grabbed the food her mom made for her and went upstairs to her room. She ate her food as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Of course he was going to reject you Marinette! You idiot! He probably hates you now! Why would he even like you? You're not good enough," she muttered to herself.

"Don't say that!" Tikki said immediately. "You're so brave and talented. You're Ladybug!" "Yeah but no one knows that," Marinette snapped back. Tikki blinked in surprise. Marinette's eyes widened and she cupped the kwami. "Oh, I'm sorry for snapping Tikki! I'm just not feeling so good right now."

Tikki smiled, "It's ok Marinette. I forgive you. You did just get your heart broken. Just eat your food and get through the rest of the school day! You can do it!" Marinette smiled, "Thank Tikki."

Marinette finished her lunch and went back to class. Alya was already sitting there and she smiled when she saw Marinette. "So? How was it?" Alya asked. Marinette sighed. She sat down on her desk and put her head down. "Horrible."

Alya smiled sympathetically. She rubbed her friend's back. "It'll be ok girl." Marinette sat back up and looked at Alya. Alya noticed her puffy eyes and immediately hugged her best friend. "How about we go shopping after class? Do you have a lot of homework?" Alya asked. Marinette shook her head. "Good, I'm taking you on a girl date!" Marinette smiled.

Adrien walked in right as the girls finished talking. Adrien waved at both girls with a small smile. Marinette looked away immediately, avoiding eye contact. Alya raised a brow at him. Adrien's smile dropped and he put his hand down. The rest of the day went similarly. Marinette avoided Adrien at all cost and Alya followed suit.

When school ended, both girls ran off almost immediately, leaving Adrien hurt. He wanted to apologize for the heartbreak, but now it seemed like Marinette hated him.

Alya's sister picked the girls up and dropped them off a the mall. "Ok, we're going into every shop possible! You need to relax and this will be perfect," Alya smiled. Marinette nodded.

Both girls walked into the first store that caught their attention and Marinette froze at the entrance. On the display window was a photo of Adrien and another model. A look inside the store showed it was a high-end store. One Adrien would frequently model for.

Marinette stared at the model next to Adrien. She was beautiful. Bold eye makeup and long lashes made her hazel eyes pop out. Her plump lips were glossed and her contour made her natural features stand out. Her hair was in waves that landed perfectly off her shoulders and down her back. Her ripped jeans hugged her curves and her laced crop top looked stunning. She was an American model. It was an American-French store. It provides trendy fashion from both countries.

Alya looked at her friend and then back at the poster. "She looks hot, but I bet we can make you look even hotter! Adrien will be sorry he rejected you!" Alya grinned from ear to ear. Before Marinette could retaliate, Alya pulled her inside.

"I know you've been looking at all his magazines and I know you've noticed he's been modeling a lot for American brands. So why not go with American style!" Marinette frowned, "I don't know Alya."

Alya pouted, "C'mon! It wouldn't hurt you to try." Marinette sighed. "Fine." Alya squealed and clapped her hands. A young woman walked up to them. "Bonjour, need any help girls?" "Bonjour, oui, my friend needs to find the best clothes! She needs to make a boy feel sorry for rejecting her!"

"Alya!" The going woman laughed, "Oh you teenagers, I'll help." All three searched through the racks of clothing. Alya and the young woman rushed Marinette into the dressing room and had her try of numerous things.

After countless clothing, Marinette found some she actually liked. It consisted of a dark red short top with a matching mini skirt. The outfit was accompanied by a thin creme sweater and wedged shoes.

It wasn't Marinette's usual style but she really liked it. Upon seeing her, Alya insisted she buys it and so she did. The girls hit a few more shops, mainly makeup stores. Alya offered to pick and buy the things for Marinette. "You're going bold! American style!"

Alya bought a big eyeshadow palette with multiple matte and shimmering shades. She bought lashes, highlighter, blush, and anything else Marinette didn't already have. Alya always kept two stacks of emergency money, one being for this very occasion.

Alya's sister picked them up again and dropped them off at Marinette's. The girls finished the little homework they had and went to sleep. They had a big day ahead of them.

.

The next morning, Alya managed to wake Marinette up early. Alya started with her hair, knowing Marinette would mess up her makeup in her sleepy state. Alya curled Marinette's front strands and put the rest of her hair in buns.

Dark smokey eyeshadow made her blue eyes pop. Red lipgloss made her lips look full. Long eyelashes and white liner made her eyes bigger. Alya contoured her face slightly and added highlighter and blush.

After everything was done, Marinette stood in front of the mirror, her mouth agape. She looked beautiful. A smile crept onto her face. "O-oh my god!" Marinette placed her hands on her hips and posed. She felt pretty. Very pretty. She felt confident.

Both girls ate breakfast and made their way to the school. Marinette wasn't nervous at all. She walked to the staircase and sat down. Her fellow classmates stared at her. Students gave her many compliments on her look. Even Chloe.

Well sort of, anyway. Chloe got out of her car and narrowed her eyes. "Marinette?" she questioned. "Yes Chloe, it's me," Marinette replied. Chloe's face softened, "You. . ." Her face turned back to a normal one and she scoffed, "Finally you dress less hideous!" Marinette rolled her eyes with a smile. A compliment was a compliment. She thanked all of them and conversed with a few people.

As the doors began to open, Adrien arrived. When his eyes landed on Marinette, his jaw dropped. She looked stunning. Marinette turned to him and then turned back. She got up and walked inside with Alya. He couldn't help stare at her walking away. He felt bad yet. . . drawn?

The heartbreak he caused her made her change her look, but he couldn't help but enjoy her beauty. Yes, Marinette was a pretty girl, he knew that, but seeing her show up so confidently and lively just, reminded him so much of Ladybug.

Marinette's demeanor wasn't any different, however, she was surrounded by people. Girls asked her for fashion and makeup advice. Guys tried to win her attention but all failed. She had the attention of almost every boy — including Adrien. However, she paid no attention to any.

Adrien sat in his usual seat and his thoughts couldn't escape the blue-eyed beauty behind him throughout the day. Was it just her looks that attracted him so suddenly? No, she always looked beautiful. Was it the way she walked in so gracefully and confidently despite having her heart torn? Was it her opening up and talking to him without stuttering? Was it his eyes finally being open and him realizing deep down he had feelings for her too? Or was it mere jealousy? He couldn't tell.

All he knew was he was now falling for a girl he just rejected.