'VIV'A LA VIDA SECOND BEST

Vivica Agreste, 23, has been voted Paris' number two sexiest woman, trailing behind Paris' national sweetheart, Ladybug.

It seems the French model has taken the news rather badly, announcing on her social media page that Ladybug is nothing more than a mask and false hope. It seems Vivica is finding it hard to come to terms with Lila Rossi's, 24, latest sentencing, knowing that her BFF will be behind bars for a very long time.

Vivica has made it known in the past that there is definitely friction between herself and the superhero, quoting that '[Ladybug] has caused more harm to Paris than good', and that 'villains only exist because of her and her 'merry band' of superheroes'. She has also called our devoted heroine a coward for hiding behind her 'out of season' polka dot mask.

Vivica has always been a favourite in France, showing her sweet and wholesome character as she attended events with her husband, Adrien Agreste, 24, giving them a permanent position as Paris' number two power couple behind Ladybug and Chat Noir. However, there is something about our Miraculous Ladybug which rubs her up the wrong way.

Five years ago, Adrien was kind enough to be interviewed for our 'Teen Idol' edition and during his interview, he claimed that Ladybug was 'everything he could wish for in his dream woman' and that 'under the mask she must be the most amazing girl'. Could it be that Vivica is jealous of her husband's past infatuation with the hero? Or has Vivica been deceiving us all regarding her sparkling personality?

In other news, Ladybug's feline partner, Chat Noir, has beaten France's sweetheart Adrien Agreste to claim the title as most sexy male. As always, Chat Noir has given us an exclusive interview regarding himself and his partner.

'I'm not surprised about LB at all. She's the most beautiful person, inside and out and deserves the recognition for it. She is a friend to all and stands for what is good and what is right. However, we are both in agreement about the promotion of 'competitions' such as this one.

As grateful as we are for the votes from fellow citizens of Paris, and even France, both of us do agree that low self esteem can be promoted by magazines and newspapers holding competitions like this and promoting a 'perfect body' which does not exist.

We are both extremely lucky to have a job which keeps us fit, active and healthy, especially as I have a rather mega sweet tooth, Bugaboo will be witness to that. I also would like to draw your attention to our past teammates. I think it's fair to say you can be a hero regardless of your body type."

Once again, Chat Noir has stolen our hearts. He has proved once more that beauty is on the inside.

'Moda Mania' have contacted Vivica and her husband, Adrien, for a statement about this year's hit list, however neither have yet to comment.

•••••

"I hate things like this. How can it still be allowed for national publications to have competitions based on bodies?"

"Calm down, Bug. I made our point, and luckily because it was Alya's article, the whole statement was printed word for word. We're never going to change the world but at least we've made our point stand about the issues with it."

Ladybug handed over a macaron as she sat alongside Chat Noir on the highest beam of the Eiffel Tower. It was mid afternoon, and both had decided to go out for a 'stroll', and as luck would have it (Ladybug's luck, of course) they'd bumped into each other and made their way to the top of the tower.

"I know but look," she waved the magazine in his face causing the cat to quickly realign his balance before he fell off the beam. "They're making it into something more than what it is! I don't give a flying fuck what Vivica fucking Agreste thinks!"

"Yeah, I don't think that's her middle name."

Ladybug turned her head to eye up her partner next to her before squinting her eyes and practically growled at him. "I ... don't ... give ... a ... shit!"

"For the sweetheart that is Ladybug, you have such a dirty mouth!" Chat burst out laughing, taking another macaron and popping it in his mouth. He closed his eyes to savour the sweet strawberry flavour only to reopen his eyes onto his partner who still looked as though she was going to push him off the beam. "What's it to you anyway? You don't usually get riled up like this when it comes to people's opinions on you."

"It's her," she waved the magazines again, "Miss Millionaire socialite, she just really annoys me!" He had no idea how much. The woman had body shamed her. Thighs and butt too big, boobs too small. Seriously, how she hadn't kicked her ass still surprised Marinette. Maybe she was going up.

Tonight was trap night and Vivica has requested to see everything from what she'd chosen as her outfit to the lipstick colour she'll be wearing. It had been continuous, and more than once she was ready to tell her to stick it. If it wasn't for Peyton reminding her of the money, and Alya reminding her of the revenge, she would have most likely told her to choose another honey. She had better things to do than seduce Adrien fuckingAgreste.

"Yeah well, not everyone can be as wonderful as you, Bugaboo."

"I don't know if you're patronising me, making fun of me or being serious." Ladybug said, raising one eyebrow at him.

"You wound me! Of course I'm being serious, you are wonderful." He placed an arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his body, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Awwww ... You're so short!" He said, causing her to slap him across the arm.

"I'm out."

"Oh come on, Bug. Please?" She stuck her tongue out at him before laughing and taking her yo-yo from her hip. "You're actually ditching me aren't you?"

"I've got a hot date tonight, I need to prepare." She winked at him, extending the yo-yo and swinging over to the next building. She was giggling as she heard his voice calling for her from a distance.

"I hope he doesn't lose his false teeth in your mouth."

•••••

Adrien left the meeting at six thirty five, only five minutes later than he promised Vivica. He'd left Max to finish sealing the sweet deal with a client who would be bringing in a substantial amount of revenue for the company and a two series television deal for 'Kwami Heroes', based on their game. After all, it was the only one endorsed by the heroes themselves.

Adrien wouldn't usually sit in on these types of meetings, but he knew he held additional power to support Max, and also he was used to this sort of sell. All he had to do was throw the weight of his fame and money around a little and they'd chewed Max's hand off to seal the deal.

He arrived at the restaurant five minutes after their arranged time, but didn't think too much about it. Vivica was notorious for turning up late, he could count on one hand the amount of times she'd actually turned up on time, surprisingly their wedding being one. It was always a hair disaster, or a nail malfunction, or the need to go to 'Gabriel' and beg for a new dress. She was so high maintenance and it annoyed the living hell out of him.

The restaurant she had selected was a high end, A list restaurant, meaning they wouldn't be surrounded by his fangirls, or as Vivica calls them, peasants. Paparazzi were always quiet outside of the restaurant too, it wasn't very often they'd been snapped arriving or leaving there, and although the price of the steaks were the same as a five star city break to Rome, he couldn't deny the food was nice, and the cocktails were immense. Perhaps he should just get hammered, what else was there to do?

Pushing open the door, Adrien made his way to the maître d' stand, scanning the area for any sign of his wife and sister-in-law. He prayed they'd both be there at the table, he couldn't stand having to sit with 'Disco Dave' whilst waiting for the girls to come back from their face painting in the toilet. At least with the women there it meant he could get through the night smiling and nodding, there was no need for him to actually speak.

"Ar, M. Agreste, your wonderful wife has called ahead. They're running a little late so she has asked if you could wait in the bar for them. She's ordered you a Long Island Iced Tea to keep you company whilst you're waiting."

Adrien let out a sigh and nodded, of course she was running late. He'd only just been thinking how she was always late, why did he think this would be any different? A waiter came over to the stand, indicating for Adrien to follow him into the bar area and seated him on a high stool. Pushing himself up to be seated, Adrien pulled out his phone and found Nino's number.

Adrien

I rushed out of the meeting for nothing! She's not even here yet!

He placed his phone down on the bar, and ran his hand through his short blonde hair. He'd changed styles only months ago, wanting to have a clean break from his former life as 'Adrien Agreste model' to his new life as an actor. He couldn't deny how excited he was about it, it was something he'd dreamed about since he was sixteen. He was mere days away from the start of the filming schedule, and he swore he wouldn't let whatever was going on with Vivica drag him down.

The bartender brought over the drink, giving him a little smile as she placed the napkin down first followed by his cocktail on top. He reached for his wallet and pulled out a couple of euros, thanking her for the drink and giving her a hefty tip. He could see her hanging around the area but he really wasn't in the mood for making conversation with random folk. He reached for his drink, noticing how the girl who'd just served him had picked up her towel and began cleaning the area next to him. She kept looking over at him, a sultry smile on her face and he couldn't help but sigh out a held breath. He just wanted to get over tonight and go home. He had no interest in getting hit on by random women and having to kindly tell them to leave him alone. She started to approach a little closer and his phone vibrated. He gave her an apologetic shrug and focused on whatever the message was that had just arrived in his inbox.

Nino
Want me to come down? We can go out and get bungalowed.

Adrien read the message once... twice ... three times, but nope, it made no sense.

Adrien
Bungalowed?

That was a new one. The girl working on the bar moved even closer and Adrien prayed Nino would respond quickly because he just knew she was going to start talking to him.

Nino
I'm trialling a new word for wasted. What do you think?

Adrien
I'm forwarding you my therapists number, I suggest you make an appointment and because I'm the best friend ever, I'll even pay.

Adrien smirked to himself as he sent it. That was quite funny if he did say so himself. He began to play with his bare left finger. He hadn't been wearing the ring now for months, yet it still felt strange. He hated everything it had represented, but the freedom of the metal was unsettling. Was he finally, after twenty four years, gaining freedom? He wondered how he would feel if he took off his Miraculous. He was almost sure it had moulded into his skin at this point. It had been seated on his right hand for ten years now, it was pretty much part of his anatomy. He looked it over, moving it slightly and noting the white band underneath where the sun had, for years, been absent from this section of skin.

"Are you Adrien Agreste?" and there it was. He lifted his head from his phone and he noticed the girl was now standing in front of him and staring quite intently.

"Yes, I am, and you are?"

"Tiffany," she thrust her hand out and almost knocked his drink over.

"Nice to meet you, Tiffany." He stretched forward and placed his hand in hers, giving it a small squeeze before letting go.

"Is it true you're going to be that spy dude?"

Spy dude? Obviously she was a lot younger than him because that spy dude was a legend. Forget James Bond, Edwards Collins was a french treasure, he was part of Adrien's childhood and, in his eyes, even cooler than Chat Noir.

"Yes, yes it is."

She went to speak again but someone up above must have been looking out for him as his phone began to ring. Looking down at the name on his screen he then realised it wasn't an Angel looking out for him it was actually the devil. He answered the phone and prepared himself. What had he done this time?

"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry but I'm not feeling too well and had to cancel tonight. My sister and her boyfriend are going to stay home and have a take away instead."

Adrien sighed, rubbing his thumb and forefinger in the centre of his eyebrows.

"You're joking right? I had to leave an important meeting to be here."

"Aren't you going to ask me how I am? That wasn't very nice was it?" He could hear the smugness in her voice, she was lying out of her ass.

"We both know full well there's nothing wrong with you." A fake cough sounded through the phone and he could feel his blood starting to boil. After so many years of holding back his feelings because of his father he found now, in certain situations, he couldn't hold back at all. His days of being passive aggressive were over. "I call bullshit."

"Now, now, I know work is stressing you out but don't take it out on me. It's not my fault your little gaming company is struggling." God he wanted to burst out laughing. Little gaming company? It's thanks to that Little gaming company that she was currently lazing around a six bedroom mansion in the center of Paris. His modelling didn't even touch the wage he received from GNE.

"I think you'll find work isn't what's stressing me out, Vivica," he wanted to follow with an 'it's you' but unfortunately that would have just added more fuel to her fire.

"What are you implying? What is wrong with you?"

"What is wrong with me?" His voice raised and he noticed a few people around the area began to look at him. He waved his hand in apology and lowered his volume. "You've done this on purpose haven't you? You complain I'm working too much, and that I don't come home, that you want us to spend more time together and you pull a stunt like this. We're not teenagers anymore Vivica, what the f-, what is wrong with you?" He was so close to swearing, so damn close, but one rule he always set for himself was he'd never swear at a woman, even if that woman made him want to pull off his right arm just so he had something to beat himself with.

"Karma's a bitch isn't it?" He could hear the smugness in her voice and he was losing it, he was losing it big time.

"What do you expect to achieve with this? It's not like we have a relationship that can be fixed."

"At least I'm trying, Adrien, which is more than I can say for you."

"Trying to do what, exactly? Because all you're doing at the moment is pissing me off." Again his voice had raised louder than he intended and attention was pulled back to him. He had too much riding on keeping his image clean, he couldn't risk being thrown out or locked up for the night. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes counting from five to zero. As he got to three a scent hit him and he just about lost his mind. It was gorgeous, and settling, something like home?

Opening his eyes he looked to the side and noticed a woman with long black hair had placed herself two seats away from him. She had her back to him at the moment, conversing with someone to her right. Curiosity got to him and he wished she'd turn around.

"I'm going to go before I say something I regret." He tore his eyes away from the woman on his right and focused on the conversation he was currently having with his 'wife'. "I won't be home tonight." Before Vivica could reply, Adrien ended the call and slammed the phone down on the bar in front of him, picking it up and slamming it down three more times for good measure. To be honest he was tempted to send it sailing over to the other side of the bar. Instead, he added to his theatrics by draining the remainder of his drink before slamming the glass back down on the napkin.

"Woah, easy there tiger." The voice was soft and smooth like honey, the sweetness pulling his attention and turning his head. His heart all but stopped beating as he eyed the face and body of the woman with the most glorious smell and voice. She was beautiful. Her soft face and bambi eyes made her look innocent, but as his eyes moved down her body he couldn't help but find it a severe contradiction. He gazed over her red strapless dress, ending on the edging which was riding high on her thigh. He looked back to her face noticing her lips were moving but he hadn't paid the slightest bit of attention to what she said.

Oh, shit, this wasn't good.

•••••

As Adrien eyed every inch of her body, the nerves Marinette had been feeling disappeared. It was clear that he didn't recognise her, but in addition he seemed to really like what he saw. His eyes had skimmed every inch of her body, and even though Vivica had an issue with the size of her breasts it seemed her husband didn't, especially if the drool leaving the corner of his mouth was anything to go by.

"You know, I don't think you're meant to treat phones that way?" She pointed down to where Adrien had left the phone after repeatedly slamming it against the bar. It was obvious Adrien wasn't the passive aggressive he used to be and unfortunately, Marinette's ovaries screamed at her about how hot it was.

"I knew I was doing something wrong."

She chuckled as a male bartender came over to take her order, the female one she'd noticed fawning over Adrien when she walked in was suddenly nowhere to be seen. Of course, thanks to her well placed makeup and extremely fitted dress, she had the guy eating out the palm of her hand. As she ordered her drink, orange juice with a slice of lemon but no ice, and she could feel Adrien's gaze skimming her body again. How obvious could he get? He was acting like a man who hadn't seen a woman's body in years.

The bartender hung around for a while and Marinette couldn't help but wish he would go away so she could do her job, get the evidence and go home. A new series of 'You' was on Netflix and she was desperate to get in her 'Chat Noir' pj's, tie her hair into a messy bun and watch the first episode.

Ten minutes later, the bartender was not getting the message. Picking up her drink she excused herself and headed outside into the garden area. It was a cooler night, and she hoped Adrien was still the gentleman he was and would come out to check on her. She opened her clutch and noticed Tikki eying her like she wanted to speak. Turning to face the windows that led into the bar she noticed Adrien was looking in her direction, as their eyes met he scrambled to pick up his phone and look down at it intently. He was checking out her ass, the only time a guy reacts like that is when they are caught doing something they shouldn't be. The smile stretched over her face, oh how the times have changed.

Keeping a hold of her drink in one hand, she brought the other to her ear, clutch in hand and brushed stray hair behind her ear slowly. Giving Tikki time to talk.

"Want me to kill the battery on your phone?" The small kwami whispered. Tikki was good at this, it was one of their tried and tested techniques, kill the phone and use/pretend to use the targets. Luckily, Tikki could also charge it back up once the hit was trapped.

Smiling Marinette whispered a yes through clenched teeth at the exact time Adrien turned his head back out the window. Bingo! She placed her clutch bag on top of a small table along with her drink, and pulled out her phone. She prayed Adrien was still watching and that no other random men would come out to 'save' her. She didn't think Vivica would be too happy knowing her money had gone on trapping someone else's husband.

Removing her hand from her bag, phone intact, she quickly changed her smiling face into one of disappointment and worry. She looked around panic stricken and then back at her phone. In the corner of her eye she saw movement.

Houston, we have lift off!

"Are you okay?" Adrien had made it out to her, his face full of concern. She felt her betraying heart flip, and cursed herself. He's just a pretty face, she reminded herself, just a pretty face, he's a cheater and a liar ... do your job and go!

"My phone died and I need to check in with my friend. I'm meant to be meeting someone I met online, and she's my point of contact, you know, so nobody kidnaps me."

Adrien let out a laugh, a sparkle in his eyes. "Was he the guy at the bar?"

"Oh - um - no, the jerk hasn't turned up."

Marinette watched as Adrien's eyes changed from shock into curiosity.

"Use mine," he stepped forward, pulling his phone out of his pocket and offering it towards her.

She laughed and crossed her arms over her chest, it was time to check what he did and didn't know. "You don't even know who I am, how do you know I won't steal it? It's a very new model." She'd stolen his phone once before after all, not that he knew that.

"In those heels you're wearing, you won't be getting too far." Marinette looked down at her three inch stiletto's before looking back at him, a smile on her face.

"I could just take them off," she shrugged, causing Adrien to plaster on one of his inside melting smiles. He may be a cheater, a liar, a bastard ... but he was most certainly a beautiful one. She'd forgotten what he looked like close up.

He pushed his phone into her hand. "I'll take my chances."

She smiled at him, taking his phone and thanking him. "Thank you, I won't keep you too long." She started to type in Alya's number then stopped, "can I just check something before I use it?"

He looked worried but nodded for her to carry on. "Do I just press the red button to end it, or do you want me to slam it against that wall over there?" Adrien's laughter filled the silent night air and Marinette couldn't help but pull a genuine smile on her lips. His laugh was one of the most beautiful sounds she'd ever heard, she would be lying if she said she didn't miss it. Her heart ached for the could have beens.

Continuing with Alya's number she waited for her friend to pick up. If she didn't she'd just leave a message sounding like she was talking to someone. She was a good actress, a year of trapping gave her some unbelievable skills.

The phone was ringing out for quite a while, and just when she thought she'd need to improvise Alya picked up.

"Hello?" The curious voice of her friend sounded through the speaker, she must have been checking caller ID.

"Hey it's M-, it's me." Marinette smiled at Adrien as she spoke, making sure she kept as much eye contact as possible. "My battery is dead so I'm borrowing a phone. I didn't want you to worry that I hadn't responded to your texts. The jerk never showed up, so I'm going to have a quick drink and head home. Do not let me go on internet dates anymore."

"Oh my God Mari, is that Adrien's phone?" She could hear Alya's excited squeal on the other end of the line. Perhaps calling her friend wasn't the best idea. She should have just left herself a voicemail.

"Oh, it's some guys. He's letting me borrow it." She watched as Adrien's eyebrow lifted in the way that used to make her swoon. Obviously he wasn't used to being just 'some guy'. "Don't worry I can't see an axe so I don't think he's going to murder me."

Marinette turned to Adrien, rolling her eyes. "My friend thinks you might be an axe murderer trying to lure me away."

"Yeah that's exactly what I think," Alya snorted over the other side of the phone.

"I have no axe," Adrien shouted towards the phone, only to be met by Marinette's giggle.

"Girl, you sound like a schoolgirl. At least you're not stammering."

"I'm not fourteen anymore." Marinette sounded down the phone only to be met by Alya's cackle.

"Can we have some fun? Pretend you're describing him to me, like, I don't know, tell me what he looks like, actually no rate him out of ten or something, big up his ego."

Using her best flirty voice she placed one hand to her cheek and looked shyly at Adrien. "I can't do that, this is embarrassing." She could see he was intrigued by the conversation.

"No, what's embarrassing is that flirty voice! How the hell do men fall for that?" Alya burst out laughing and Marinette kicked it up a notch.

"Stop! I can't just rate the guy, he's looking right at me."

"Marinette, I swear this is pitiful -"

"I don't mind, go ahead." Adrien raised his eyebrows in challenge and Marinette applauded herself and Alya. There's the hook ... and he was firmly attached, now she just had to reel him in.

She thought back to how Adrien was in school. He was fun and one of the class clowns, she could use that. Moving her eyes up and down, Marinette skimmed the whole of his well designed body.

"Oh, he has a solid seven hair style, but I think six point five as a general overall score."

Alya burst out laughing and Adrien smiled.

"It's over five, I'll take it." He said.

"Actually, when he smiles it's more of an eight. Got to give him something for using those extra muscles." Marinette wasn't sure if she was telling Alya or Adrien, anyhow, the plan seemed to be working.

"Describe the rest of him and drop him a hint about who you are." Marinette could hear the excitement radiating from Alya on the other side of the phone. Checking no one was near, Marinette turned around avoiding his eye contact, attempting to make it as though she didn't want him to hear.

"He's tall, probably six-three or something, oh and he looks like that kid from collège, what was his name again? Aiden?" She turned slightly and saw his eyes grow wider, that was quite an obvious clue. "Anyway, I don't want to run up his bill, so I'll see you later tonight."

"Before you go, see if you can get him to mention his best mate, see what you can find out please?"

There was no way she was doing that. She wouldn't hurt her friend more than she already was hurting. "Love you too," Marinette sang into the phone, ending the call and handing it back to Adrien.

"Thank you for that, you were a lifesaver."

"Is she that bad?" He asked.

"Oh yes, she would have been down here kicking ass." She laughed, wrapping her arms around her body to keep warm. She wasn't acting this time. The lack of clothing she was in, plus the sudden change from day to night, had sent the temperature dropping substantially, the slight wind only making it harsher.

"Here," Adrien slipped off his suit jacket and placed it over her shoulders. It buried her. There had been a few times over the years she'd worn Adrien's over shirt or jacket, but it had never looked like this. He started to laugh, and placed his hand to the back of his neck. Finally, she'd got him nervous.

"Would you like a drink, just as a thank you? You could keep me company before I head home and eat a whole tub of ice cream." Marinette nodded her head back into the bar area where she knew Gail was seated ready to capture the trap for Vivica.

"Arr, so you're using me?" He crossed his arms over his chest and lifted an eyebrow. The line was tightening and she knew she was reeling him in closer. This was easier than she thought.

"Of course -"

Marinette was interrupted by Adrien's phone alerting him to a new message, it was still in his hand and she could see the name on it.

Vivica

Marinette watched as he lifted his phone, swiping to read the message. The cool, calm Adrien she'd just interacted with suddenly changed and she could see his shoulders tense again, lifting at least three inches.

"I'm sorry, but I've got to go."

"Are you sure? You look like you could use one, more than I could." She tried to smile and use her eyes in the flirtatious way that always works, only for Adrien to smile back, shaking his head.

"Oh I definitely could do with at least another three, but I best be going."

Mayday! Mayday! She was losing him.

"Here," she began to struggle out of his jacket, before two hands stopped her from moving.

"Keep it," he said calmly, "it looks good on you."

With that he turned around, waving his phone in the air. "Thank you for not stealing it," and exited back through the bar.

"Fuck!" Marinette said. She'd been so, so close! How had he not taken the bait? She'd tried every trick she knew, well almost ... She just prayed to God Vivica would give her another chance.

•••••

It took every inch of Adrien's power to not slam the door shut as he made his way into the rental, but if he was staying here for a while he didn't want to piss off the neighbours.

He'd spent the whole ride home arguing with Vivica, and he was done. Of course, he threatened with finally pushing the divorce papers through again, but she promised she just needed a little more time, and even though he had grown some balls since becoming an adult, he still found it hard to let people down. So he agreed to six more weeks, but then that was it. No more.

Making his way into his bedroom, he pulled a sleeping Plagg gently from his pocket and placed him on his homemade bed (courtesy of Ladybug) before getting himself changed and washed. Heading to his wardrobe he took out a clean pair of pyjamas and his work clothing for tomorrow. He had his last couple of meetings before handing the reins fully over to Max for the next year and half.

As he pulled out his leather shoes, a book cascaded to the floor. His collège yearbook.

'He looks like that kid from collège, what was his name again? Aiden?'

Flicking through the pages he looked at both the solo and group photos. He needed to know who this mystery girl was, and he had a feeling the answer would be in there.