︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

"𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗
𝚏𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚎.
𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗
𝚜𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚝."

-𝖗.𝖍. 𝕾𝖎𝖓

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Tikki hadn't known Marinette for much time, but with every passing day she learned something knew about her. For as long as she's existed, Tikki has never met a Ladybug such as her current one. She was mature far beyond her years, and it only took a single explanation to learn the reason why. 

Tikki knew of the alternate realities that existed, the parallels to every universe. But to think that someone had crossed over and replaced the original Marinette was far beyond her knowledge. She wasn't sure there are any records of this ever happening. She could ask Master, but-

But that would be losing Marinette's trust.

Marinette confided in her, showing the weakness she hadn't shown anyone else. The sadness, the anguish, and the suffering she'd silently been enduring all this time. Tikki had noticed many things about Marinette. How she was quiet, observing everyone and everything with a keen eye. She was stoic throughout all interactions, only expressing annoyance and amusement, but not much beyond that (after their heart-to-heart, anyways...).

However, this comes in handy with being able to excuse herself from situations. Marinette is a very truthful girl, she learned. She speaks her mind, not afraid of what others think of her, and retaliates when needed. One cannot push her without being returned a harsh shove in return. Tikki felt a little remorse when Marinette had to slip her first lie out in order to become Ladybug. 

They had turned a girl who only every spoke her truth into a liar.

She also figured out that that Adrien boy definitely meant something to Marinette. Depsite her actions and words towards him, there has been no real confirmation that she doesn't not know him. She only drops him hints, asking him questions, prodding and mocking him instead of spilling the truth. Tikki doesn't know what happened between them, but if that picture (framed, surrounded with trinkets and possessions on a shelf that is always clean) in her room is anything to go by, their relationship goes farther back than Tikki knows.

Marinette is an ever-evolving enigma.

Tikki realized that Marinette cannot always hide how she feels when overwhelmed by feelings when she heard her scream for her newest friend from school and the little girl she's taking care of. 

It dawns on Tikki that Marinette is afraid of something. She can't place exactly what, but the terror in her voice, and her immediate action to run to the carousel is much more than being afraid for someone else.

She would eventually pinpoint what that is, but for now, it was Ladybug time.

(What Tikki learned later on what that fear was, was something that could eventually be Marinette's downfall.)

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵