worldinabox | { on the nights when the stars refuse to shine

{ on the nights when the stars refuse to shine

[ Marinette had faced so much-- as herself and as Ladybug. No matter how bad things got, she'd always found a way to persevere because she had strong ties to hold her.

But at heart she was still just a young high school girl. Her heart hadn't yet fully matured and blossomed into that of a strong, independent young woman like she might have liked some people to think when she was running around as Paris' superhero. All it took was a very bad misunderstanding to crush her.

Finally-- finally she'd gotten up the courage to confess her love for real. At least... in a note. Yes, she'd signed it. She triple checked this time. But even though she was nervous, she'd had so much support from Alya, Nino... even some of her other classmates. It made her feel like... maybe this was really it. This time it was meant to happen.

Unfortunately-- the last person anyone would want to notice took notice of her slipping the paper in the bottom of his locker. Chloe had proceeded to pull the pink note back out and read it; an ugly sneer on her face. 'Oh no she doesn't--'

And that was how her heartfelt letter ended up pinned to the bulletin board for the whole school to see.

Everyone thought Adrien must have done it, and somehow the reactions even made her believe it. Or maybe it was just because her heart already felt like it had been broken into a million pieces; her pride crushed. The girl had just... run. Once she was out of sight, she made a hasty transformation into her Ladybug form and used it to cross the city as quickly as possible, wanting to put as much space between her and the scene of her rejection as possible. But when she reached the eiffle tower she was forced to stop; tears clouding her vision. That was when she heard his voice.

'What a shame... some people have all the luck. But not you, hmmm? Worry not. I am your friend. I... am on your side. Help me and I will give you the power to make those who's fortunes have outshone yours, dim and crumble.'

She didn't stand a chance against the darkening mark overcoming her miraculous. She didn't have the heart to fight it. ]

...I like the sound of that.

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[ At the time she'd ended up putting that note in his locker, Adrien had long since been busy doing some fencing practice. His movements were getting better with that, at least, and by the time it was over, he'd headed to change and out to his locker in the hallway afterward to exchange some books for his next class.

He didn't really think much of it when he saw Chloe walking away from his locker with something in her hand, other than she seemed to have that incredible 'higher than thou' haughtiness to her again. Shaking his head, Adrien opened his locker and after grabbing the right books he needed, shut it and started off down the hallway and that's when he heard it. The murmurs and chatters - laughter mixed in there as well - coming from around the corner from his classmates and other students. Confused to what was going on, it was only as he emerged into sight that Nino seemed to come out of nowhere to round on him with a strangely disappointed look on his face. ]

Adrien. Dude. Tell me you weren't the one who did that, man. That's a bit low, even for you. [ Blinking a couple times, Adrien then gave his friend a inquiring look with his brows narrowed subtly. ] ...Did what? [ Nino stared at him for a moment as if he was a bit slow, before backing off and pointing over to where the gaggle of students were gathered around the bulletin board, where he saw a flash of pink. Something twisted in the pit of his stomach that gave him a bad feeling, moving forwards and through the crowd that lowered their volume to a quiet hush with all eyes fixed on him.

That was when he unpinned the letter, green eyes fixing onto the paper's contents and reading it quietly before widening in surprise. Not only was this a confession of love to him, but it was from Marinette, to boot. Why was it doing out here? ]

I can't believe the nerve of you, Agreste. That's pretty mean, even for you.

[ Ivan's voice sounded from behind him, adding to his initial confusion as he tried to process this before it actually clicked. Did everyone actually think he'd let Marinette confess to him and reject her by posting this up like some kind of jerk? At this thought, he shook his head and folded up the letter while rounding on everybody and a frown on his face. ]

Come on, guys! I didn't do this. I wasn't even aware she'd left that for me until now!

[ Everyone seemed to give him subtle, doubting looks and murmuring amongst themselves before starting to slowly disperse once they'd heard it. Unless he proved who posted this up - though he had an idea - people would just seriously think it was him. It was then that a hand grabbed the collar of his shirt and started pulling him a bit down the hall, not being released until they were fully away from the board.

Alya rounded on him with not an angry look, but something out of concern instead. Nino was just a bit behind her, hands in his pockets. ]

Alya? You know that wasn't me, right?

[ She nodded her head quickly. ] Yeah. I know you're not THAT awful, Adrien. I just... wanted to know if you've seen Marinette? I can't find her anywhere in the school.

[ That sinking feeling rose up again and he shook his head in response. This was bad. Just like the look of alarm that crossed Alya's face before she grabbed Nino, heading off while telling him that if he found Marinette to let her know.

With that in mind, he clutched the pink letter in hand a moment longer before bolting down the hallway and not stopping until he reached the outside of the school, eyes searching everywhich way for where he might be able to find Marinette. She couldn't have gone far, right? He... just wanted to make things right and tell her the truth, if he could.

She deserved that much. ]

[ With her new powers, it doesn't take the newly dubbed Lady Misfortune to return to the school. A lot of the students scream and scatter immediately, but even though she could wreck havoc easily amongst the masses, she doesn't. In fact, her eyes seem to scan the crowd for a particular face. There will be time for others but right now there's only one person she needs to see. Anyone who wasn't familiar with the scene earlier would have no way of guessing this villain's true identity, and even with that information, it would be a small jump to make the connection between their applauded hero and the clumsy girl-- because this wasn't Marinette who appeared to be akumatized, but Ladybug... an entity who's name had never been released to anyone.

Walking up the path to the school, her eyes locked onto familiar bright green eyes... eyes she'd loved so much... and a bitter smile unfolds on her features.]

Hello Adrien.

[ If there was any question that something was wrong, the sway of her hips, the narrow clinch of her eyes and the menacing twist of her smile didn't belong on Marinette or Ladybug. ]

You look like you're in a hurry-- I'm not bothering you, am I?

[ To say chaos sort of broke out was more of an understatement than anything else. It was as the other students around him, coming out the doors screamed and started to scatter in a wild mess that he made to step out of the crowd and find the source. He was ready to take on whatever akuma had decided to visit their school, but what met his gaze was not a randomly akumatized person, but her.

Shock rolled over him like ice-water, a tight, painful feeling clenching tightly in his chest. Gone was the bright red suit and black spots, inverted in a sick mockery of her usual colors, and instead of a strong smile and lovely blue eyes were shades of sharp, vivid amber bordering on an orange-red with an unfitting smile edging along her lips. The second realization hit him just as bad afterward; the knowledge that the one person whom could purify the akuma, was the one who had been tainted with evil.

Then she called out to him and he knew she'd found him, well before he could even have the chance to slip away and transform. ]

Uh... no. Of course not! I was just looking for someone, that's all.

[ He had to play it cool. At least until he could find an opening to escape. Why was Ladybug looking for him, was the real question? Especially while she was in this corrupted state, making him wonder why - of all people - she was here with that look on her face now that she'd tracked him down. Adrien had never given a reason for Ladybug to come after him by any means, so what was he missing?

Wait.

Marinette was the one missing after what happened before, right? People who experienced dejection, sadness or some form of negative emotions were usually targeted by their enemy to be tainted into something evil. So it would make completely logical sense that this would be her evilized form, a spurned young girl whose feelings had been trampled upon. Yet the girl who stood before him... she was Ladybug. The answer was so clear, making all of this worse by the minute. ]

Is there something I can help you with...?

[ Dark, unnaturally red-orange eyes are focused on his, as he stutters through a response. It's satisfying to see him reduced to the same kind of awkward response she might have given him on any other day. She wants to make him jump through hoops before she finishes him. It's not enough to just hurt him physically-- she wants to reach in and rip out that traitorous heart of his. ]

Oh? But... Don't you know? I came here to see you.

[ One, two... as many steps as it takes, she's ready to stroll right up to him. She seems so calm but under the surface a fire is boiling her blood. Pain, sorrow, regret, anger... She felt betrayed. It wasn't like she'd never considered rejection-- this was Adrien Agreste-- she'd never really felt confidant that she was good enough for the boy of her dreams. But there was just no way she could accept an answer so cruel; an act so uncaring. This boy was supposed to be at the very least a beloved friend. So why... why had he betrayed her? ]

I left you a note and everything. My heart... bared for you... oh but where is that note now--

[ Then she notices it in his hand. ]

Oh? You brought it with you? Why don't you read it out loud? Everyone might not have heard yet.

[ Having suspicions was one thing, but hearing it confirmed was something else entirely.

Something about her tone as she speaks to him again, a pained look flashing through his green eyes as he regards her now. It was true. She... who was Ladybug, was also Marinette and in turn? They were the same person, the girl to whom he loved so dearly and fought beside, and the sweet, positively charged young class rep with a clumsy streak.

Maybe that was why it felt like he was already being stabbed through. So many realizations all piling on at once, but now was not the time to fall short when she needed him the most. He shook his head, expression shifting into something more resolute and firm. Backing down was definitely not an option anymore.

Not when he was probably the only one here who had a chance at saving her. ]

I'd never do anything like that to you.

[ It wouldn't be so easy for him to convince her, but it's a start, right? Keeping his eyes on hers, he hopes it's not too horribly obvious when he takes a small step back towards the school doors. ]

What happened... was never something I intended for. You have to listen to me. We can talk this out, right?

[ Not realizing in her mindset she could take things out of context. How he just meant that her being like this, and the note being taken to get pinned to the bulletin board was never something he ever wanted to happen to her. In that mindset of hers, there was a possibility she could see it much worse than it was and why he had to really find an escape.

If she wouldn't listen to him, maybe she'd listen to Chat Noir. That was what he was hoping for, after all. ]

[ Her identity is the last of her concerns right now. No... she doesn't care if the whole school puts it together. It never crossed her mind to protect the Ladybug persona. She'd protected it for so long-- but right now all she could feel was the bitter swirling pain of the normal girl who'd hoped beyond all hope that the boy she liked more than anything might... somehow just might... like her too.

His words only draw her brows tighter; her face contorting into something of disbelief and suffering. It was like another knife through her heart. ]

Something you never intended? No... I'm sure you didn't. You made it very clear that you never wanted this.

[ 'This' in her mind being her confession. With the warped state of her consciousness she can't latch onto another explanation for what feels likes weak excuses now that he's cornered. He can't ignore her like this.

But because of her emotional turmoil, she doesn't notice the convenient way he's backing towards the doors. ]

You want to talk? Now?

[ Judging by the look that crossed her features alone, it told him that she'd taken what he said the wrong way and he winced a bit in hearing the words that followed. He opened his mouth to say something but faltered, that tight feeling clutching at his heart again before he shook his head vehemently, exhaling a soft sigh and the flicker of something almost sad over his features briefly.

By now he's well aware that the front doors to the school are right behind him, still unlocked. Now was the moment to act before she decided to get violent on him, trying to figure out a plan but it was all just sort of in pieces right now in his mind. ]

That... was the original plan. Though you... clearly aren't in the mood for talking this out. Maybe we should just... put it off when you're in a calmer mindset... which isn't right now.

[ With that, Adrien ducked inside the building and bolted down the hallway as fast as his legs would carry him, aware she'd be quickly pursuing him and knowing he needed to do this as she could easily catch him otherwise. Rounding a corner, it was a door half-ajar that he spotted halfway down the hall and the one he chose to duck into in a hurry. ]

Oh boy. This really isn't good, Adrien. How are you going to save Ladybug?

[ Plagg's face actually seemed to show a bit of concern as he'd flown out of Adrien's bookbag that'd been hurriedly set down once he got into the room. That just made the blond frown a bit before closing his eyes. She was coming. He had to act fast. ]

Don't know yet. Doesn't mean I won't still try. [ A nod of his head. He could do this. ] So... Plagg! Claws Out!

[ Once he'd transformed, he moved to press against the wall beside the door to listen for any sounds of footsteps that could be Ladybug coming down the hall. After all. The door to this room was now wide-open and she'd likely come for it first in search of Adrien. ]

[ She doesn't immediately chase after him, instead snorting derisively at his decision to run. It seemed a perfectly cowardly choice befitting the person who'd posted her letter up in front of the whole school. If it was a game of cat and mouse he wanted, then so be it. Ladybug waits a minute before blowing the doors open.

The hall is empty-- he's already found his way into one of the adjoining rooms.

He might actually give her a bit of a challenge after all.

One by one she tip-toes up to the doors and blasts them open, breaking them off the hinges. As she gets closer he might begin to hear with greater clarity her voice, calling out to him. ]

Adrien--? Where are you hiding?

[ Another door, another quick scan of the room and she can tell... he's not here either. ]

Come out, come out--

[ Yet another and still no sign of him. But she's getting close now. There's no doubt he can hear her clearly now, only a door away. ]

Wherever you are~

[ The sound of her blasting each door open as she comes down the hall is almost intimidating in itself, causing him to grimace a bit. Even moreso when he actually could hear her voice calling out to him inbetween each door she destroyed, her voice incredibly clear by this point.

Risking a very quick glance out of the room, he noted her gaze hadn't turned onto this one yet and what prompted him to slip into the hallway quietly with ease. Standing in the middle of it with one hand on his hip and a small grin curling his lips, he regarded her with a look of near disappointment written all over his face. ]

Not loving the color-change there, bugaboo.

[ Yeah this was incredibly reckless but nothing new by any means of the word. He was dealing with this and wouldn't stop until he was able to bring the girl he loved back from this twisted version of herself. ]

Hate to break it to ya, but if you want to find Adrien, you're going to have to go through me first.

...Chat Noir.

[ It wasn't a question. She knew that figure anywhere. It was just like him to show up so quickly, but this time she can't say she's glad for his prompt response. This time they aren't on the same side-- they don't share the same wishes, although she held no personal hostility towards him. In fact, it could be said that he was all the more important to him with the loss of the boy she cared about the most.

Ladybug froze up in front of him, regarding him with something akin to sadness and remorse. Not for the one she's chasing, but that they should meet this way. But despite that look, she stands firm.

He doesn't understand. She needs to do this. She's the one in the right here. ]

Move aside. I don't want to fight you.

[ Even in her despair, Ladybug was still able to focus her anger on a single person. The one who broke her heart. ]

[ Receiving such a sad look that was coupled with the way she'd frozen up like that was not what he'd initially expected. Pulling at his heart in a painful way, and yet giving him a sense of renewed hope that the Marinette he knew was still in there and could be saved. For now though, it meant they were essentially enemies in a way and he was literally the only way she'd get through to the person she was looking for.

Chat shook his head, crossing his arms over his chest even as vivid-green eyes narrowed slightly. This had a chance of ending really badly but what was life without it's risks? ]

Neither do I... but I can't do that for you. I won't move.

[ A sigh and he hesitated before finally continuing. Here it was. ]

I'm the only person who knows where Adrien Agreste is, and if you ever want to find him? You gotta deal with me first, my lady.

[ Almost too quickly Hawkmoth piped in, expressing his growing impatience. With Chat Noir right there, she needed to capture his Miraculous if she wanted to continue like this. That alone made her uneasy. Of course she had no intention of giving up these powers, but she'd never intended to make this a fight between herself and Chat Noir. But want to or not, he's put himself in her way, when it was unnecessary. They were already enemies in this fight, no matter how little she liked it.

Without any further convincing, she took a defensive stance; expression darkening. ]

Fine then... if I have to take it from you, I will.

[ After all, he was betraying her too, protecting the person who'd hurt her. The akuma tainting her heart just couldn't let her forget that. Even though a part of her was crying out against it... that part was too small and powerless to do anything against the much more prominent feelings of hurt and rage.

With a click, she released her yo-yo, swinging it in a violent circle at her side before shooting it out towards his chest-- a motion meant to be a direct attack. ]

Just don't go dying on me kitty.

[ How much she could still express truly wanting to keep him alive... wasn't as much as she'd like. At best it came across as apathy; any positive emotions being held back by the akuma's hold over her. ]

[ It didn't take a genius to figure out that like the other akumatized people, she would resort to trying to take his ring from him; his Miraculous. Just this time wonderfully coincided with what he'd said before, standing not as an ally beside her, but the one she would fight and it was kind of an intimidating thought.

He had to remind himself that this wasn't her in her right mind. She wasn't really Marinette OR Ladybug. Just... a very scorned, hurt young woman tainted with evil.

As she then took up that defensive stance, Chat made to mirror it in his own way while one hand slipped behind him to carefully wrap a hand around the end of his staff. His plan was slowly coming together, and it wouldn't be pretty if he got his way. No. When he got his way. Not if. ]

If you can. You know how elusive I can be.

[ Nothing unusual with his cheeky comment, the curl of his lips into a cocky smirk with the subtle cant of his head to the side.

Only as she released her yo-yo to start swinging it, he felt everything starting and this would be it. Her movements were sharp and quick, causing him to act just as quickly as he brought out his staff to deflect her weapon only seconds before it would have hit him. Taking a step back, he touched the bottom end of the now-extended staff against the floor with a soft noise while letting off a soft hum. ]

Can't make any promises, there. I personally don't even think a little girl like you would have it IN you to actually kill me.

[ Not much of a start but... it worked. He hoped. ]

[ He's all talk, strutting around like he's untouchable. That's so Chat Noir. Under different circumstances she might have cracked a smile. Even her teasing has a more nasty edge to it that's just not... like her. She's not pulling any punches. ]

Or maybe it's just that no one's ever wanted to make the effort to chase after you.

[ As he thought, his taunting worked. It rubbed the darkened part of her heart the wrong way. Where Ladybug would have turned it on him with a snarky retort, Lady Misfortune would have none of it. She snapped the yo-yo back and almost just as quickly, lashed out again, this time, taking a running start-- circling to his side, trying to strike him in a more vulnerable place, where he's less guarded. ]

Who are you calling a little girl?

[ Whether it hits or not, she continues to circle a bit further, trying to catch him from behind. ]

I don't want to-- but I will if I have to.

[ Ouch. That was a little more scathing than he'd thought it'd be. Though he played it off with a cocky, lop-sided grin as he shifted his weight to his other foot in a fairly light, graceful motion. ]

That hurts me, bugaboo. You know i'm absolutely irresistable and I know a good couple of people who'd LOVE to chase me.

[ Her tone of voice says volumes when she snaps that answer back to him, and he knew that his little taunt had succeeded. Where there'd normally be some kind of sassy retort of sorts, Chat was smart enough to know that anything she'd say back to him wasn't going to be even remotely nice right now.

The thing about all of this, was that while she attacked, he intended to not return the favor. Not because he doubted her fighting skill, but rather that he just didn't have it in him to hurt her.

She's fast and on the move again, though if she actually expected to hit him? It wouldn't work. Chat easily used his cat-like reflexes to easily jump up and out of the way with such relative ease, it didn't even look like he broke a sweat doing it. Even flashing her one of his usual grins once he landed on the ground, his slitted green hues watching her as she moved. ]

Oh? Is that an actual challenge? Try your worst, little lady.

[ Emphasis on the word 'little'. This was going to make it worse, and he was ready for the repercussions of what he was doing. He was ready to move if she did try to attack again, his staff tapping against the floor loosely in mute anticipation. ]

Fascinating. I can't imagine what sort of people they would be.

[ She gives herself a running start, going up the wall a good ten feet before jumping off, spinning mid-air and attacking him again from above. While it seems like she's aiming for him, in fact, she changes her target half-way through, her yo-yo wrapping around his staff.

Without warning, the yo-yo starts glowing an ominous purple shade, the light slowly enveloping his weapon as well. It only takes a matter of seconds to completely cover the surface. A moment later, she lands, and the magic has already been imbued into the weapon, and by association-- into him. The staff, too, glowed for a moment on it's own before dimming-- the metal now a darker, unsettling color. ]

I'm afraid it won't be much of a challenge. Sorry, kitty-- your luck has officially run out.

[ Misfortune will truly cling to the black cat now, thanks to the additional powers from the akuma. Because the staff was a part of the Chat Noir transformation, even though she hadn't hit him-- it wouldn't matter even if he let go of it now. ]

Probably those with absolutely purrfect taste in people, naturally.

[ The answer rolls off his tongue out of second nature without him even thinking about it, shifting his stance to something defensive as she'd started up the wall. If this was any other time, he would have highly appreciated her skill in the matter but for now it just meant he had to keep on his toes. He'd already fully expected she'd try another direct attack at him, ready to spring out of the way as the yo-yo flew in his direction.

What he didn't see coming was that when he'd made to side-step her 'attack', there wasn't the sound of the yo-yo flying through the air to hit the wall or even flying back to her grasp. The sound was strangely metallic, the realization causing a minute pause before he turned his gaze to his staff, the smooth surface already covered with that unusual light. His eyes widened a touch, half-expecting it to actually do something. So when the light just faded away and left the once-bright staff a muted, darker color, it made him blink a bit in mild confusion. ]

Yeah? Well. We're gonna have to see about that.

[ While initially it didn't seem like it bothered him, there was an unsettling feeling building in the pit of his stomach that he couldn't shake. Something about the way she'd done that, and the color of the formerly vibrant silver of his staff likely had to do with that so he'd have to keep an eye out for anything unusual that happened.

She mentioned his 'luck' running out and that usually never boasted anything good. Though he didn't even remotely look phased, if one read his eyes good enough, they'd see the unease flashing through them. ]

[ Ladybug makes a disgusted noise in the face of yet another of his stupid jokes. Endearing though she might grudgingly admit they were, she didn't want to be endeared to him right now. Everything was different now. She couldn't let any lingering feelings for her partner hold her back or she'd never be able to reach Adrien Agreste. Not as long as he was able to protect him.

He'd made it clear that he intended to avoid her attempts at attacking him from a distance. Continuing on like this wasn't getting her very far. So it was time to try a different approach. See what he'd do if she attacked him head on.

The yo-yo is placed back on her hip and with only a moment's hesitation, she moves to close the distance between them. His newly anointed misfortune will make it difficult to avoid an up close and personal confrontation with her; swinging her arm, aiming for the side of his head. ]

Then let's see how you handle this!

[ The anger is still bubbling under the surface; replaying those taunts from earlier in her mind. She has to defeat him. Not kill him, just... defeat him. That line between the two still exists, even with Hawkmoth urging her on the longer the fight went. All she had to do was take his Miraculous. Then he couldn't protect Adrien... then Hawkmoth would have no more reason to go after him. He could still be safe. She just needed him to stop fighting.

Whatever she needed to do to make it stop. As many times as she needed to hit him... she'd do it. ]

[ Blessed had this dear black cat been, given such sharp, acute reflexes that helped him fight the evil akumas from day to day. So when Ladybug put the yo-yo back on her hip, he'd been ready to act once again and move away with ease.

A witty comment had been on his lips as well, though soon dying when he'd tried to move to avoid that swinging arm and found that the wall had ended up behind him at one point during their fight thus far. An example of his luck 'running out' if anything. It still doesn't prepare him for the fist connecting with the side of his head immediately after, a surprising amount of force put into it that one wouldn't expect coming from a girl of her petite frame. The impact was so strong on it's own that it caused his head to hit the wall behind him and pain to split violently through his skull to the point that he nearly blacked out.

Chat could only hear the near-deafening ringing in his ears, pain throbbing so intensely that he could hardly think. Not that he was letting this be what took him down. ]

Is that... the worst you've got? C'mon. Don't... go easy on me now.

[ Though it was clear he was still trying to recover from the hit, not realizing the staff had clattered to the ground in the midst of that. His slitted green eyes were only a touch unfocused as they tried to turn onto her. ]

If I were the boy who'd broken your heart... just how badly would you hit him?

[ If he was that boy...? What was Chat Noir doing? No... she knew exactly what he was doing. He was trying to take the heat for him. In fact, he might even be using this as a distraction to buy time for Adrien to get away. She could try to outrun him; after all it wouldn't be difficult in his current state. He'd be lucky if he could keep up with her long enough to avoid losing sight of her, much less actually catch her. ]

You want to take his punishment for him? [ There's something equally sad and angry in her eyes as she narrows them on him. ] You always were the self-sacrificing hero-type.

[ In brighter times that was something she both admired and feared out of him. More than once she'd been protected by that same foolishness only to have to watch him pay the price in her stead. That had always been difficult for her. Maybe now it was time she showed him just how she felt about that. ]

Fine then. So be it.

[ Focusing on all those swirling negative emotions she stepped up, raising a hand to block his escape and effectively pinning him against the wall. She's only an arm's length away when she pulls back her hand and slaps him as hard as she can; the sound echoing coldly throughout the hall. With the unrestrained violence comes a wave of feelings that was hard to push back down. Adrien, Adrien, Adrien... She had so many beloved memories in her mind they'd shared. ]

How could you--?!

[ None of what follows is really meant for Chat Noir anymore, as her feelings come pouring out one by one. In between each pained set of grievances is another hit. They start off so strong there's no doubt she's putting her full strength into them. ]

Did you think I didn't know I was out of your league? Do you know how hard it was just to sign my name to those words?!

[ But the punches gradually lose their effectiveness; getting weaker with each one she dishes out. She's literally venting all of her anger out through her attacks. ]

Or maybe you thought it was just some silly crush. Didn't you take it seriously at all?!

[ The last part is whispered... and no strike comes, even though there's a long pause that's filled only by a shuddering sob. ]

And even now I... I can't forget you...

[ Even with the pain throbbing in his skull and ears still ringing, there's not even a shred of a second thought to nod at her question along with a soft, easy-going smile on his face. ]

What kind of guy would I be if I wasn't?

[ He would do it again and again if it meant saving her. She was the world to him, and losing her was the last thing he ever wanted. If a little pain would help keep her alive, he'd do it without question or hesitation. That was part of why he was doing this as he figured this would be for the best; let her vent out all that pain and frustration and get it off her chest for what it mattered.

So as she seemed to agree to it, there was no instance in which he even remotely attempted to make a break for it, run or avoid her when she blocked off his escape. Infact, under normal circumstances he would have cracked a overly flirty comment about her finally being honest in her attraction for him with how she was acting. Adrien knew the truth about her now, and it changed everything when it was put into perspective in a much larger picture. He understood a good idea of how upset, spurned and in pain she was, if she'd given in to the akuma so easily and was why she needed this.

Why he took that stinging pain as it lanced through his cheek with the force of her slap, turning his head to the side a touch.

No. He had not been the one to hurt her as she thought he did, but he would take everything either way. Every hit. Every word. Many could argue that physical pain was the worst, but listening to her voice between each excruciating punch that connected with his face was MUCH worse. As the taste of blood filled his mouth, he couldn't help but remember that not-so distant Valentine's day recently when he'd received that unsigned poetry that came in response to his own.

The writing style, the wording? It matched the letter Marinette had written this time, making SO much more sense and of this all SO much worse. Chat can tell the punches are getting weaker now, though he remained quiet and even closed his eyes as he listened to everything she had to say. Even if they felt like knives stabbing through his chest, and it was only as that sob resonated through the air that he finally raised his arms up and used them to pull her into his arms for a gentle hug, one hand placed on the back of her head. ]

You're pretty strong, bugaboo. Kinda hurts seeing you like this, but... I know you're only human and it hurts when you experience something like that. I can't fix what's happened to you, though if you'll hear me out for a moment...?

[ He makes a face at the coppery taste on his lips, not sure when his lip had split or the blood had trailed down his chin amidst everything. ]

You've bared your feelings to me, and it's only fair that I do the same. I'll even let you take my miraculous after, alright?

Edited 2016-08-15 21:11 (UTC)

[ It's not until the onslaught is almost or that she even has room to wonder why he was doing this. Why was he going so far? A small voice in the back of her mind-- the voice that belonged to the sweet girl who really owned this body-- wondered if part of him wasn't doing this for her. Because of him she hadn't been allowed to hurt anyone. No one but him. Was he shielding her too?

...wordlessly she began to slump against him, taking in the warmth of his arms around her-- comfort she hadn't asked for and yet craved, even in this twisted state. The tension from earlier had died out a bit.

But Hawk Moth only cared about that last part.

...he was willing to give up his Miraculous? Why...? What part of this was his to bear alone? No-- the only reason he was forced to bear this alone was because she wasn't there supporting him. She wasn't there to stop him from doing the stupid things he was drawn to doing. The least she could do for him was hear what he had to say. Then... then what?

She didn't know. ]

....fine kitty... you win. What could you possibly have to say at a time like this?

[ The real question was what wouldn't he do for her?

Him sacrificing himself like this, enduring this pain and keeping her attention on him so she wouldn't have the chance to harm any innocent bystanders was something he'd do over and over. It was necessary. She would feel worse later knowing she'd hurt other people, and he honestly cared for her too much to let that ever happen. Even if the resulting injuries were liable to leave some nasty bruises that his father would NOT be happy about.

All of it would be worth it in the end, he figured.

Exhaling a soft hum upon her words meeting his ears, it took a couple of seconds before he closed his eyes. Taking his time before answering her as he was going to make things right. He knew her feelings and how strong they were, so as intended, he would bare his right back along with something he didn't think he'd ever tell anyone else in this world. ]

More than you think.

[ Chat Noir offers a small chuckle at that, though afterward is when his tone seems to become soft, gentle and light. Almost unlike his usual cocky, loud self. ]

Love... it's pretty strong. I've felt it for a long time for someone close to me, but didn't put the pieces together for quite awhile. Didn't think they would ever accept it from me, or think I was joking about it and never took me seriously. This person... this girl means the world to me over anyone else, and to lose her is something I absolutely could never bear.

[ He pulls back just enough to meet her gaze, one hand moving up so he can lightly cup her cheek with an admiring look in his normally fiery gaze as he looked at her. ]

I would never. EVER. Hurt this girl or make her suffer in any way. I'll always take the hurt and pain for her, and for just one reason.

[ Chat Noir dropped his hand then, but solely so he could take one of hers within his own and placed it atop the hand where his Miraculous was on his finger. Then he leant in close to where their noses could almost touch, his lips close to hers. ]

Trust me. Remove it. It's okay.

[ Then. For just a fleeting moment, he moved in and placed a light, tender kiss on her lips. Nothing overly flirty, forwards or anything that screamed Chat Noir. Hopefully she wouldn't outright reject this. ]

[ His confession stuns her. For once, she has no way to deflect it and he left no room to doubt it's sincerity. Although it never started with any declaration it was meant for her and yet this time she knew exactly what he meant. His teasing nicknames, his flirty demeanor... she'd always believed that they were just a part of the person behind the mask. She thought they were things he would have said to any girl, not just her; even if she'd never encountered any evidence of this. Because why would he be chasing after someone he hardly knew when he probably could have charmed any girl he liked? It didn't seem realistic.

But then again, the Chat Noir she knew might have liked her because she wasn't so easily charmed. Even so, each new admission forced her to recognize how blind she'd been. Probably because she'd never been able to look at anyone but Adrien.

...but why was he saying all these things about how he would never hurt her? Did it have something to do with the fact that he refused to fight back, even after she'd done so much damage to him? Something in her stomach twisted. There was something... something that was screaming there was more to it than that.

Her eyes widened as she opened her eyes to see those familiar cat eyes so close to hers, her hand placed upon his so that she could feel his Miraculous under her fingers.

Trust him...

One moment they were breaths apart and the next she could feel his lips softly pressing against hers. It wasn't the first time-- although, she supposes he still didn't remember that-- but this time felt different. Her heart was beating like crazy, and they were barely touching. She found herself trembling, leaning into it just the slightest bit, closing her eyes again.

Choosing to put her faith in him, her fingers pinched the black ring and gently removed it from his.

When she opened them again, the magic was gone. A thick silver ring sat in the palm of her hand and the familiar signs of the black cat had disappeared only to be replaced with ones just as familiar.

Adrien Agreste.

Her head swam with questions, yet... she'd already decided that she believed in Chat Noir's confession and the gentle way he'd shown his love-- she could still feel it, her lips tingling where they were pressed against his. So what did this mean? The person who kissed her was Adrien? The one who wanted her to know just how strongly he felt about hurting her... was Adrien?

The person she'd been hurting all this time...

...was Adrien.

She looked like she was on the verge of tears; confused and hurt and hopeful and remorseful and frustrated all balled up into one confusing mass of feelings. But stronger than any of those things was one other, and she knew exactly what it was. Love. ]

--A-Adrien...

[ Going into this was done without regrets, pouring out his heart and soul to her about how he truly felt and ending it with the true, soft warmth of this sweet kiss they now shared. He felt her lean into it ever-so-slightly, making a light smile form on his lips without a second thought; signalling her acceptance of his feelings even as she made to remove his ring.

The long-awaited moment had come at last, the magic of the Miraculous gone and leaving him not as Chat Noir, but a mildly battered Adrien Agreste.

Pulling away from the kiss just a moment prior to her re-opening her eyes, he offered her a light smile as anything more felt like it would hurt. They were still fairly close to one another, her emotions visible within her eyes and hinting at the threshold of tears that could possibly fall any minute. ]

H-Hey.

[ His voice almost sounded sheepish then, but he never broke eye-contact with her even once. Now was where he fully clarified things from earlier as to absolutely remove ALL doubts that it had been him who'd hurt her earlier. ]

Ladybug... Marinette. I want you to know that your letter to me? I never did get it when you'd wanted me to. Not until I was coming back from fencing practice and found everybody gathered around the bulletin board. Nino... he even approached me about it and I didn't know what he was talking about.

[ A sigh. This wasn't great. He felt kind of dizzy now. The combined pain and that hit to his head earlier still hadn't worn off, causing him to wince faintly. ]

Everyone acted like I was this huge jerk. Like I'd been this awful person who rejected your love confession by posting it up for everyone to see. You know i'm not like that, Marinette. I... didn't know it'd hurt you enough that you'd have this happen, or how to explain myself so that's why I ran earlier...

[ Adrien brought his hand up once more, thumb running over her cheek in a soft, tender gesture. It was probably the moment speaking, letting him act so confidently out of love, wanting her to know everything so she had the truth and hoping it was enough that they could find a way to get her de-akumatized. ]

I'm sorry. I... really do love you, bugaboo. Please forgive me?

[ He never got it. But how? She'd made sure it went into his locker. Did someone take it out? And because of that, everyone had doubted him just like she did. Even though they'd all been in this same class together all this time, all it took was something like that and no one knew what to believe.

Silently she closed her hand around his Miraculous. Even though he'd just been using it, the metal was cool to the touch. It seemed so normal... she'd never suspected the ring her friend wore was an item as precious as the earrings she never took off. And now it was a symbol-- that he was willing to give her this precious item said everything about the trust he was putting in her.

And the akuma that was at battle with her heart right now was in her own Miraculous. Because she'd been unable to see past her own hurt feelings, she'd potentially ruined something so important and in the process hurt the person she cared about the most again. She couldn't purify her Miraculous in the state it's in now. She had no idea how to fix things.

But here Adrien was, putting everything on the line, trying to stop her-- save her...

With her empty hand she reached up, gently tracing her fingers over the injuries forming on his face. ]

Kitty...

[ Marinette leaned in, pressing her forehead against his. ]

Of course I forgive you.

[ What she can't bear to ask him is whether or not he could forgive her. Before she realized it, tears were gently streaming down her face, her chest racked with quiet sobs. ]

I love you.

[ Gently she puts his Miraculous back in his hand, pressing it there for a long moment, between their hands. ]

[ With the akuma still having a hold over her, Adrien really hadn't been sure that she would actually be able to forgive him for everything. Mostly for the misunderstanding, and the stupid things he'd done that resulted in him being injured as he was now. Granted, it was for the sake of saving her in a way, so he'd just as likely do so again if it ever came down to it.

Seconds pass before he feels the fleeting warmth of her hand as it gently traces over some of the forming bruises on his face, earning the slightest of winces. One of them was already a prominent, darkening purple and blue thing with a small cut glancing along it, while the other was on the opposite side on his jaw near his mouth and was a slightly lighter color; albeit not by much. That explained why his lip was split and he tasted blood, though sure enough he knew there'd be swelling, which made him sigh a bit internally at the thought of how badly his father would react. Especially seeing that it would affect any of his future photo shoots, and he already wasn't fond of his dad being in a bad mood as it was.

Yet it's the power of her voice that derails his train of thought, along with the press of her forehead against his own and the words he was more than thankful to hear. A smile edges briefly on his lips in response following it, though he's not able to ignore the tears running down her face or the way those quiet sobs break his heart. Seeing her crying just killed him to see, so as soon as she'd placed his ring back into his hand, it took a second for him to curl his fingers around it and her hand in turn. Even overlapping it with his other hand in a light, gentle gesture. ]

It's going to be alright. Don't... Please don't cry, Marinette.

[ His voice - while soft - held such genuine, real emotion, giving the hand he had now clasped between his a small squeeze. A look of sadness flashed over his features, wishing he was able to do more for her right now. ]

Edited 2016-08-16 08:20 (UTC)

[ There's only one thing she can do. She has to make sure this can't continue. Although she has no way of talking to her like this; Marinette reaches out to Tikki with her heart, hoping she can understand what choice she has to make next. And if she can, she wants the kwami to know just how incredibly sorry she is. In letting her weakness control her, she'd let her companion down.

Something inside of her told her that the kwami did, and that she would do everything in her power to help set things right.

Reaching up, Marinette's shaky fingers touch one of her inverted earrings. Taking these off... she'd hopefully be able to sever any connection with the akuma inside them. However, Tikki would be trapped with it. She hoped that maybe the ladybug kwami would be able to do something about it-- after all, they were her powers that Marinette borrowed to fight.

But there was also a good chance that she'd forget what happened here. As much as she fears that-- she knew that this was what she needed to do. Because she wanted to protect the sacrifice that Adrien made. That didn't make it any easier to face. ]

Listen... Adrien, when I take these off, I... might not remember any of this.

[ Her tone said it all-- just how much the thought of it broke her heart. ]

I know I messed up... and I'll probably mess up again... but I don't want to lose you.

[ It's definitely selfish, but she wants to have him at her side. She wants to ask him if he'll still love her anyway, but she can't bring herself to go that far. It feels like asking too much. Yet she maintains this unwitting hope that he'll make that choice anyway. ]

[ As per what happened to anybody that had been akumatized, it would only make sense that there would be the risk of memory loss so initially it wasn't that much of a surprise when she told him. Thinking about how she'd lose the memory of their talk just now was indeed painful, but it would not take away his feelings any less.

Plus. Talking it out again wouldn't be so bad, really.

Adrien simply opted for a light, kind smile as he shook his head and leant in so he could place a gentle kiss on her cheek for just a moment before pulling back once more. His hands still held her free one, not willing to pull away just yet when he felt this was something she needed right now. ]

You won't lose me. It doesn't matter if you remember this or forget it entirely as I'll still be here to tell you that I love you. Nothing will change with that.

[ That was about the time when he risked it and flashed her a grin reminiscent of Chat Noir, head canted to the side in an almost devious, flirtatious manner. He couldn't help but try to make her feel a bit better in this kind of situation, doing his best despite feeling that dizziness starting to creep in bit by bit. ]

Can't get rid of me so easily, my lady. You're stuck with me now.

[ It still felt surreal to realize that the sweet boy she'd harbored a crush on for the longest time and the partner she'd labeled as nothing more than a notorious flirt were one and the same. To see one's expressions on the other was such a strange feeling, although not as unpleasantly as Ladybug might have once believed. Instead she felt herself being won over by Chat Noir's sly smile; a weird and altogether unfamiliar shiver running down her spine when he looked at her that way.

But those words also put a small smile on her face when it seemed like little else could. It was never a question of what her feelings for the Miraculous holder were once she discovered his identity. Somehow it just fell into place as if part of her had always known this was how it should be. Her feelings for Adrien Agreste couldn't be separated from her feelings for Chat Noir and she didn't know how it happened, but it just felt natural. ]

I can't believe I'm really asking Chat Noir of all people to be the one I share the rest of my life with.

[ Yet here they were; an affectionate tone attached to her otherwise normally teasing voice. She removes her hand from his only to gently take his Miraculous again. But this time she takes his hand and gently places the ring back on his finger as one might after proposing. Then, in a very Chat Noir way, she lifts his knuckles to her lips and kisses them.

Let there be no doubt-- she loves him with all her heart.

That important matter settled, she bites her lip and reaches up to remove her Miraculous. She'd listened long enough to Hawkmoth's attempts to sway her; screaming and fighting against her choice to reject the dark path he offered her. The earrings come off and so too does the twisted version of Ladybug's signature suit.

What's left is a clearly dazed Marinette, all signs of the akuma gone at last; even her eyes returned to their normal watery shade of blue. But her memories don't crumble. Perhaps because the akuma is still technically alive inside of her Miraculous, along with her kwami who was no doubt battling to purify her vessel. With a heavy heart she pulls a small box from her purse and places the earrings in it for the time being. She would need to be sure they were all ready before she even thought about trying to wear them again. ]

...it's alright now. The akuma is gone.

[ At least from her. She wouldn't be hurting anyone else. As if she hasn't already done enough damage. Looking at Adrien again her stomach still twisted at the sight of the wounds she was responsible for. ]

[ In the old days that weren't that far behind them, he'd gotten too used to some kind of sassy comeback or retort when he - as Chat Noir - had openly flirted with her in any way. So upon seeing the little smile he earned from her with what he'd said to her, it was actually kind of endearing and welcoming to see. A sense of warmth and happiness welled up deep within him afterward, kind of glad that they'd been able to work things out as it meant a pleasant change in both of their lives from now on.

He couldn't hold back the soft chuckle at her little comment that did follow afterward, picking up on the affectionate tone that lined the usual teasing she used when speaking with him, usually in response to one of the cheesy comments he'd made. ]

I guess this is proof that even something miraculous can happen when you least expect it, yeah?

[ Even for what the situation was, it seemed second-nature to add a bit of a joke, but like her own tone of voice before, it held a soft tone of light-hearted affection within his own now as well.

Though he could easily say he wasn't at all expecting it when she took back his ring, only for her to slip it back on his finger and then press her lips against his knuckles in a gentle kiss. Something only he would have come up with as Chat, green eyes widening as the softest of color spread along his cheeks. Every step of the way she managed to surprise him, reminding him this was one of those traits he did love about her, and would continue to do so now that things had progressed to this point.

Which brought them back to the matter at hand and Adrien knew he'd be lying if he didn't feel a bit of apprehension while watching her as she removed her earrings. Her Miraculous. He felt his breath catch in his throat as he watched the magic wear off, revealing Marinette underneath once again, her eyes no longer that sickening shade of amber but now that lovely shade of blue he adored. There was still the chance she'd not have retained her memories, but he was ready for that possibility. ]

Great! I'm glad to see you back to your old self again.

[ A smile still danced along his lips easily, about to add something else along the lines of maybe they should try to get out of here. Especially since unlike every other time, everything was stuck like it was and not all nicely fixed up to the way it had been before. Which meant broken doors all down the hallway up to this point.

Not that he actually got that out of there before a small, black form emerged from seemingly nowhere and floated next to Adrien's head with a frown prominently on his face. ]

Hate to break the moment for you two little lovebirds but... don't you think maybe you guys oughta get out of the hallway sometime?

[ That was one way to make an entrance and Plagg did it without even seeming to hesitate, earning a bit of a wide-eyed stare from Adrien borne out of surprise that the little kwami was showing himself now. He'd kind of forgotten about him for a moment, so maybe this was Plagg's way of reminding him 'hey, i AM still here!' but being informative in the process. ]

Uh... good point. Plagg... uh... this is Marinette.

[ Turning his small, bright green eyes on the girl across from him and Adrien, he waved a small hand with something like a grin on his face while floating up to her. ]

Nice ta meet ya, Ladybug. You wouldn't believe how much of a crush Adrien's had on you~ [ Adrien's cheeks flushed pink and his eyes widened, making to swat at the kwami who just grinned cheekily and flew out of the way and over to Marinette's other side with ease. When he spoke again, his voice was hushed into a whisper so only she'd hear him. ] I actually want ya to watch over him, okay? He needs you more than anything, so just worry about him and you can bet Tikki will take care of the rest.

[ Miraculous... heh. Yeah... that's a good word for it.

There's something very satisfying about the way her actions catch him off guard. Just a little taste of his own medicine, honestly; although she had never had any intention of letting him think she was anything less than 100% serious. ]

It's... good to be back.

[ Even though she knows who he is now and he in turn knows who she is-- even though she'd just shown that she could be just as bold as Chat-- it was still so easy to get flustered when it was just Marinette looking at Adrien. Forget everything else. He still took her breath away and made her weak in the knees.

But that moment is short-lived when what appears to be the black cat kwami made his appearance. Plagg, Adrien called him. Marinette smiled at the cheeky kwami, thinking that somehow suited the being responsible for Chat Noir. Introductions aside, he was right. They needed to get out of here. But not before Plagg has a little fun teasing Adrien.

Considering all the times she'd made a fool out of herself trying to get Adrien's attention even before now, she understands the feeling; although she can't say she's not glad to give him a turn. She'd had more than her fair share prior, even if he hadn't noticed all of them. ]

You don't say. [ Marinette giggled softly. ] It's nice to meet you Plagg.

[ The rest is a bit of a surprise. He needs her more than anything? Those words bring a bit of pink to her cheeks, but she nods almost immediately. ] Don't worry-- I will.

[ Never once had there been any doubt that she hadn't been serious. She wasn't nearly as much of a joker like he was, being more of the logical thinker in tight spots and used her head rationally more than he did, which was perhaps why they were here now and he was the one with all these bruises on his face.

He felt like around her, now that she knew about his secret and vice versa, that he could be a little more open with how he acted. It didn't mean he'd start having a drastic change at school, but nor would he hide that he loved her from anyone else.

The only thing about the moment was that the little kwami just had to embarrass him in front of her and he was trying to keep his cool even despite that. He could try to reason that his crush had been just on Ladybug, but the more he thought about it, he really did love both her and the girl beneath the mask. That did make him quite hopeless in that area, shutting down his own reasonings for things while just coming to terms with it in the end. Adrien just opted to watch the two as the small cat-like kwami said something in secret to her that he couldn't quite catch.

Pleased that he'd gotten his message across, Plagg did nod and flash a toothy grin in her direction. ]

Good. Glad to hear it! Now. Adrien... You totally owe me some Camembert for all this, you know.

[ That just made the blond smile a bit before nodding, the small kwami seeming content with that for now and floating into the nearby room where Adrien had left his bag. He needed to be discreet and out of the way, plus until he was needed again, he'd do his own thing.

Left with the silence now between them, Adrien made to take a step back as to give her just a bit of space... or he would have but his vision seemed to swim just then, wavering where he stood. His head swam with dizziness worse than ever, making it hard to think or even process much else other than that he'd likely fall any moment if he wasn't careful. ]

We... should get somewhere. Quick, Marinette... I don't know... how much long this kitty can stay on his feet.

[ It's mostly intended as a joke but yet the severity of it lies within his nearly unfocused eyes, the way he seems a shade or two paler than normal now and can hardly even stand on his own at the moment. ]

[ Camembert, huh... Well she supposed cats should like cheese, but it was an oddly refined order. Then again-- this wasn't just any cat, it was a kwami. And they were a pretty mysterious sort. But she doesn't have long to contemplate what she does and doesn't understand about them before Adrien took a step back and nearly toppled; sending her heart into an anxious panic.

Ladybug's strength was so much greater than her own... this was serious. If there wasn't so little time, she'd no doubt be beating herself up over it again. But there isn't time and all she can think is Adrien, please be alright... ]

R-right!

[ In an instant that sense of urgency clicked and Marinette knew she had to get Adrien out of here. And fast. Biting her lip, she hurried over to his side, gently taking his arm over his shoulders; asking him to just lean on her for the time being. If she could have transformed, carrying him to the nurse's office would have been easy, but right now that's not a safe option. But she wasn't going to let that stop her. ]

The nurse's office... it's just the next hall over.

[ She places an arm around his waist. In the urgency of the moment, it doesn't really sink in how close they are. All she can think about is how much she needs him to be alright.]

[ Words could never properly explain his gratitude for her being here now, her support providing enough for him so that he wasn't just gonna crash to the floor in an unconscious mess. He instinctually leaned against her when she'd asked him to, frowning a bit as he tried to fully focus his eyes on the world before him but that was becoming even more and more of a task as time passed.

He vaguely registered her arm around his waist, her warmth strangely comforting amidst the situation. ]

Lead... the way. That should work... for now.

[ Okay so this was definitive proof that Ladybug was quite fierce on her own, not just holding swift reflexes but packed quite the literal punch. He knew with that newly gained misfortune she'd given to him, his luck had run out and that the chance of having avoided her hit back then was next to none. Not that he'd ever hold it against her either way, believing it was wholly the akuma controlling her that had harmed him and not actually Ladybug.

He'd never thought that the partner he'd fallen for was his classmate, but nor was it entirely surprising the longer he thought about it.

Marinette was quick-witted, smart and rather creative, rarely backing down from situations that was honestly kind of admirable in his eyes. This was the same girl that managed to make the cover for Jagged Stone's new album and had it sell to the point of it being number 1 once again, helped arrange a proper class photo for Juleka and a number of impressive situations she'd fixed with that quick thinking of hers. Couple that with the strong, confident, and sassy attitude of Ladybug and she was absolutely everything he could ever want in a girl.

He absolutely loved her. No doubts about that. ]

Remind me... never to get on your bad side, okay? You pack quite the punch. It kinda... makes me jealous.

[ It was likely the dizziness talking, but he still meant what he said despite it kind of being that he was trying to make light of the current situation the best he could. Hopefully not making her feel worse about it. ]

[ But in the same token, she can't forget that if she wasn't here this never would have happened. But that's only a stinging thought in the back of her mind right now; her everything focused on getting Adrien somewhere safe where he could rest. She felt better when she felt him rest some of his weight on her, able to support him down the hall. She stands strong, even without Tikki or her powers. Instead, what she got her strength from was her feelings for the boy in her arms. It helped her push herself and frankly made it possible to do things she might not have otherwise been able.

It's not a short walk in their current state, but she's patient with him, although she does give him a small push from time to time. As much as she'd like to let him take his time, if he lost consciousness here she was pretty sure she wasn't carrying him anywhere, much less down the hall.

Although he meant well, the words still made her wince lightly. More than once he'd made it clear that he didn't blame her at all. But grateful as she was for his forgiveness, part of her wished he'd at least accept that she was a little bit accountable for what happened to him. Not that she has any grounds to hope that he'd change his mind. ]

It wasn't a fair fight. I was up against some idiot who forgot how to fight back. Or is it against your nature to hit girls?

[ It still bothered her a little that he'd never defended himself; although her response takes a lightly sarcastic, teasing approach. Her worry was very serious. She wanted him to take better care of himself... of course she didn't want him to have to fight, but the idea of seeing him like this again-- maybe even worse-- she was terrified. She needed him. Safe. Healthy. Alive. How could she not worry after watching things go like that? ]

Okay, here.

[ Marinette turned the doorknob and kicked it open once it was free. She helped him inside; to the first bed. It was a tiring process but she was so glad they'd made it. ]

Lay down, I'll go get some ice.

[ As she'd helped him on the way to the nurse's office, he'd used every shred of his willpower to just keep himself walking along with her, those small pushes actually helping more than anything. He's quite stubborn, not wanting to put any more of a burden on Marinette than what already was at this point.

Being that his vision kept swimming more and more, darkness creeping in around the corners of the world he could see, Adrien almost completely missed the small wince of hers. Ah. He'd said the wrong thing, hadn't he? Opening his mouth to try and say something, he fell short and exhaled a small sigh while his gaze turned to the hallway while trying to compose his thoughts with minimal success. He was only drawn out from that when he registered she'd spoken to him, a sheepish smile curling his lips before he was even wholly aware of it. ]

No, that's not it. You should.. know I don't pull my punches, no matter... who it is i'm fighting.

[ This time had been different for so many reasons, and that he just didn't have it in him to try and hit her back. Not after she was already hurting from that one misunderstanding, and yes it had been an impulse thing to do - along with stupid - but in the end it had worked out, hadn't it? ]

I just... didn't feel right trying to hit you unless I absolutely had to. I didn't want to hurt someone I cared... no, loved with all my heart, even if it was the akuma in control of you. [ A touch of sadness lingered in his voice as he spoke then, his smile faltering some now. ] No... it wasn't a fair fight but... you can punish me later somehow for being careless, m'lady.

[ That wasn't really much of a joke as it was a real statement as he'd take any punishment for that, from her. Anything at all she wanted.

Soon enough they'd arrived and soon as she'd gotten him to the bed, he was more than a little thankful. Even sitting was a much better alternative than standing at the moment, barely managing a quick nod of his head as anything more would just increase the dizziness level he was experiencing already. ]

Y-Yeah... alright. Don't take too long, okay?

[ There was a sort of unspoken wish to have her at his side right now, but he left it at that before moving to lie down carefully as she'd told him to. This was much better, feeling the soft pillow beneath his head and taking quiet comfort within it. ]

[ So the reason he hadn't felt like he could fight back was because she was the one he was fighting. The admission creates a lump in her throat that was equal parts remorse and affection. Although she still couldn't let go of the blame; she knew that their feelings were the same. In her right mind, everything is very clear. She would do anything to protect this person, no matter what it meant for herself. To have such strong feelings returned was beyond her imagination. But more than his words now, he'd already proved the legitimacy of his claims, the words now only served to explain why she'd had to see him act that way. Of all the answers he might have given, it was probably the best, although it didn't ease all of her worries. She knew now that they were partners as much as they were anything else-- whatever else they actually were, officially or not. Danger would always lie between them. That was the nature of their roles.

But that's why she had to find a way to get her powers back. She needed to be there to make sure nothing happened to him. They needed each other to find that balance; chaotic as it might be. That's why she knows that time and time again she'll forgive him-- no matter how foolish he could be at times. ]

Slow down, kitten. You're way too eager to offer yourself up for punishment.

[ She can't believe she's joking about this. She can't believe they're joking about this. Way too much has happened in the last half an hour.

Once she sees he's comfortable she relaxes a little. He's safe here. She would make sure of it. When he tells her to hurry, she smiles and gently reaches for his hand, giving it a small squeeze. ]

Don't worry... I'm right here. It'll just take a minute.

[ He's not the only one who feels the weight of being seperated. Just taking her eyes off of him, every fiber of her being is protesting it. She needs to see him. She wants to hold him.

But she needs to help take care of the swelling. This was her fault-- she wanted to be the one to help make it better. A quick rummage through supplies brings into her possession a few cloths, some antibiotic gel and an ice pack. She also prepares a small bowl of water quickly before returning to his bed. She sits on the edge and wets the corner of one of the cloths, gently dabbing at the blood marking his perfect face. ]

It doesn't look that bad...

[ Okay, it's a little bit of a lie. It's... not good. But then... he's still beyond attractive in her eyes. ]

[ The use of that familiar nickname comes as something that keeps a smile on his face for that moment, though he does shake his head briefly without thought. Not even having to look at her this time when he responds back. ]

If it's... for you, i'll accept and take on anything that I can. Punishment or otherwise.

[ It's spoken in equal parts as Chat Noir and Adrien Agreste, his tone soft and very much genuine. There wasn't a lot he wouldn't do for her, making him borderline reckless with how often he put his neck out to help her out; to make sure she was safe and that he could be as of much use to her as possible.

Losing her was not an option by any means.

Though he wasn't stupid enough to think he wasn't as important or anything of the like, knowing if things went too far that he'd just make her upset in the process. Kind of like how it was now. But all he can even focus on is the feel of her hand as it comes in contact with his own, squeezing it ever-so-slightly. That warmth tells him she's there for him, even before her words followed after. ]

Of... course. Do whatever you have to.

[ Oh man. When did his voice start sounding so distant to him? It's enough that Adrien had to frown a bit, taking in a deep breath before exhaling it. He promised himself that he'd stay awake until it was alright to, though his body kept protesting it through the way his senses kept trying to dull away and briefly cut the sounds in and out from his subconscious until she finally came back.

Among the dull, warm throb that came with injuries, it was the cool sensation of the cloth touching against his skin that had him open hazy green eyes to fix on her. They were partially glossed-over but more or less focused on her this time around, reaching a hand up somewhat shakily to touch against the skin just below the bruise on his cheek. It was low enough that the swelling hadn't quite been enough to close his one eye yet, so that was something, even despite the thin, visible line that lanced across the surface of the bruise. ]

Yeah? Say that to my father. Bet you anything he's gonna lose it when he sees all this.

[ A note of bitterness lined his voice just then, though he didn't seem to be too negatively upset about it. The small smile he wore said volumes of that in itself, soon beginning to soften into something more like relief afterward. ]

I personally don't mind it. Just... means I might actually not have to worry about photoshoots for a little bit.

[ Adrien did a good job of proving that the current state of his face didn't bother him, which was important-- there could be no denying that internally she was relieved he wasn't upset about the mess her actions caused. But despite that, what surfaces first is pure, unfiltered panic. It's so sudden and so dramatic that it's almost a little comical. ]

Oh my god-- he's going to hate me!! What am I going to do?

[ That's right. The crippling blow to her psyche was caused by none other than the idea of Gabriel Agreste's rage. And he was right to be mad. She was totally responsible for his son getting hurt-- more than he'd probably know, but... That wasn't the point! The point was this was her future father-in-law... in her dreams. Having him hate her, much less disapprove of her was about the worst thing her over-active imagination could come up with at the moment; the matter of her Miraculous aside.

What if they became like Romeo and Juliet? Their love story had just begun to have a real positive light at the end of the tunnel... what if it was over before it even really began?! He had the means and the power to separate her from Adrien like a classic love story.

All of this goes through her head in less than a minute; a rambling internal monologue powered by anxiety and fear. ]

I have to apologize-- oh no. What am I going to say? Should I bring flowers? [ An agonized pause. ] What do you even give someone like Gabriel Agreste? Breathe, Marinette... your future depends on this!

[ It's just an overflow of her inner monologue-- not that she even particularly meant for Adrien to hear it, but her mind is buzzing with so many things. It's probably a little bit of the left-over adrenaline mixed with some of her usual ability to overreact to situations. ]

[ After he'd tried to make some kind of light and positivity out of the situation, that reaction wasn't exactly what he'd been expecting. It took a couple of seconds for him to piece things together and get that the 'he' was talking about, must be in reference to his father since he'd been brought up not long before.

Adrien had no idea of what kind of panic was running through her mind right now, trying to figure it out and initially falling short. He wanted to ask for more clarification or what conclusions she was coming to, but then she was at it again with surprisingly speedy, rushed words. Her... future depended on this? Wondering what to give his stick-in-the-mud father?

He just blinked a couple of times mutely before a wide smile formed, followed by a small, gentle bout of laughter. Not aimed at her, but rather her frantic mess of thoughts being so all over the place like that. ]

The only thing my father should be given by anyone is a sense of humor.

[ Which was true, considering how bland and 'work-oriented' kind of guy his dad was. Adrien then slowly focused his eyes fully back on her with a soft, kind light within them, wishing he could comfort her more than this but something kind of needed said first. He'd have to make it quick as she looked more like a blurry figure than an actual person right now. ]

You don't have to apologize to him, Marinette. I'm not... telling him it was you that did this to me. He doesn't have to know the truth... besides... do you really want to tell him that you were an akumatized Ladybug or explain everything around how this happened?

[ The way he saw it was that if she said anything at all, it could incriminate her and bring her role as Ladybug to light in some unwanted negative form. ]

I'm... going to tell him something else. How this... really cute classmate of mine found me, all beaten up and brought me to safety after there was a mysterious attack on the school.

Uh, well... I...

[ Admittedly she hadn't thought about that. Because of her identity, she couldn't really think of telling anyone what happened here... even if lying about it didn't feel quite right in this situation. But what could she do? It really was complicated. Hopefully she wouldn't mess up his story if-- when-- she met Mr. Agreste in person. At least he had a story. If it were up to her, she can't imagine what would have come out of her mouth. She's... not a good liar.

His story isn't entirely false though. It's not 'future wife' or even 'girlfriend' but-- cute classmate? It feels like a step up. She'll take it gladly. ]

I hadn't thought about that. That's... probably for the best.

[ But it's becoming clearer and clearer that he's not really looking at her anymore. Or she should say that he can't focus on her anymore. Knitting her brows, she leaned in and pressed the cool cloth to his head; giving the wounds a last wipe before setting it down on the table next to her. She still has some things to tend to but first-- ]

You should rest. Leave everything else to me.

[ It wouldn't be difficult to apply some antibiotics and patch him up. But hitting the wall really messed with his head. He needed to get some sleep. ]

[ Even in the state he's left in now, he's still relieved she saw reason in what he'd said. The last thing he wanted was to be torn away from the one person in this world he felt he had the most connection with, just because of some misplaced words at the wrong time.

It wasn't long afterward that he registered the feel of the cool cloth against his head for just a brief, fleeting moment before it disappeared once again. Something he was sort of subconsciously worried would happen once he did drift off, fearing that once he lost consciousness that she'd not be there when he woke up later. Maybe it was a side-effect of his head-trauma making him think that, a soft noise escaping him even as his eyes slowly fell half-way shut.

The worst part about it hadn't just been the wall, but combined with that she'd put legitimate force into that punch when she'd come at him. Due to the akuma's powers she'd controlled, his cat-like reflexes had not allowed him to move in time, resulting in two things having happened in such rapid succession. The actual hit to the side of his head, followed by the extremely hard surface of the wall that met him as a result of the aforementioned hit.

He remembered his ears ringing, unable to think for nearly thirty seconds before having responded back to her. Hopefully this wasn't too bad as he was chalking it up to be. ]

I will... I trust you to... take care of me.

[ With his consciousness almost gone now, he wills the last set of words out the best he's able to. Though the words got a little further apart the longer he spoke until he'd drifted off completely. ]

Don't let me forget that... I need to ask you something really... important when... i'm awake... again...

Edited 2016-08-20 10:53 (UTC)

[ Adrien's trust was precious to her. She wouldn't let him down again. Marinette knew unfortunately very little about the medical field. Injuries and illnesses... she didn't have a lot of experience with them, much less a case like this. It made her a little anxious-- but she still had hope that when Tikki purified the akuma, everything would be put back to the way it was. Including any outstanding injuries. Naturally that meant she'd probably lose her memory at that time, but if that was the only way, then she'd gladly give them up for his safety.

Everyone else must have been evacuated. It didn't sound like there was anyone still here. This situation would probably confuse the town just as much as it did them. After all, Ladybug hadn't purified the akuma, things were still broken, but the akuma was nowhere to be found.

Things were still...

Oh no.

When she'd failed to purify the akuma the first time, Stone Heart's statues had remained-- the lasting effect of his powers. Would... would what she'd done to Adrien remain as well? He'd been Chat Noir at the time, so there was some uncertainty as to whether or not it could really latch on to him or if it might affect Plagg. She had a lot of things to worry about while he slept.

Including what Adrien had said. He wanted to ask her something important? What could it possibly be? As if she didn't have enough to worry about already, she caught herself panicking over what he might say to her when he woke up. But she couldn't just worry. The whole time she was thinking through these things, she was working dilligently to patch Adrien up. She administered antibiotic ointment to the open wounds and bandaged them up-- keeping the squares of fabric as small as she could so as not to make it look any worse than it already was. Mr. Agreste would already be worried sick no doubt, not to mention their friends.

All that worrying was tiring though. It was a good few hours before she could but at some point she finally just... passed out. The chair nor her position looked entirely comfortable, and some of her concern remained etched on her sleeping face. But she never let go of Adrien's hand and that was enough to help her sleep peacefully for a little while. ]

[ Within his unconscious, dreaming mind, it was nothing like the real world.

Fields of vivid, bright green grass and the scents of flowers passing on the breeze. Underneath a large oak tree, it's cover of branches and rustling leaves provided shade for him and someone else. She smiles down at him with warm green eyes and delicately brushed golden-blond locks kept in a ponytail over one shoulder. His mother.

Her fingers ran through his hair in soothing, gentle movements as her gaze trailed upward and to a well-dressed man standing nearby them. He too had properly kept blond hair, with sharp, bespectacled blue eyes, but he wore a smile as he looked to her. A moment immortalized within a dream; a far-off wish of what he wanted in his life again, with his mom and dad both around and happy. Closing his eyes for a moment, Adrien exhaled a breath and just listened to the breeze as it blew through the tree above before it seemed to disappear just as quickly. The light he felt beneath recently closed eyelids lingered before just as quickly being extinguished, and when he made to take in his surroundings once more?

Gone was the peaceful, sweet environment filled with love and happiness, replaced with something else entirely. Broken buildings, the acrid scent of smoke reaching his nostrils and the tangible feeling of aching bones, bruises and hurt all over his body. One gaze to his hand showed the gloved hand of Chat Noir's costume against the ground, a darkened sky above him and something else apparent. A shadowy figure stood nearby, eyes dark and foreboding but he couldn't make out his appearance other than a smirk and the hand that outstretched before him, and at the end of it was a very beaten up, injured Ladybug held by her very neck. A familiar voice sounded then, one he knew too well. Hawkmoth.

"You've failed to give me your Miraculouses many times before now. This time I won't allow you both to foil my plans. Say goodbye to your precious Ladybug."

Just for a second, her wide blue eyes met his with a pleading gaze before the man snatched up her Miraculous with one hand, and in the other? Adrien felt his blood turn into ice as Hawkmoth released his hold on her, the suit fading away as she began to fall down from the top of the Eiffel tower where they must have been fighting. He didn't even register the scream that ripped past his lips as he pushed himself to his feet and jumped after her, hands reaching out for Ladybug... no, Marinette's hand outstretched toward him with a look of sadness and terror on her face.

No. He had to. Save her. Move faster... I can't...!

The ground moved closer and she was so far away, reaching his hand out as far as he could, but she was falling too fast. There was a moment then, where she gave him a sweet smile, tears falling from her eyes as the ground came closer and closer until--

Adrien's eyes snapped wide open, breaths heavy with panic for a few moments until he registered he was in the waking world again. Did that mean what happened wasn't a dream? He didn't know how long he'd been out but the most relief came when he found a figure fast asleep nearby, her hand holding onto his without fail. She was alive... it wasn't that awful nightmare. It was enough that he gave her hand a small squeeze, though not trusting himself to really move just yet. ]

...Marinette...?

Mm... [Blinking sleepily, Marinette slowly came to. At first she didn't realize what she was doing here. Then she saw her hand linked with Adrien's and her eyes widened-- everything rushing back. The events of the day replaying in a rush in her mind. She has a lot of things to worry about but right now there's only one she can think about.]

Adrien...?

[Panic rose to the surface, but... Adrien was safe. He was hurt, but... he was safe now. Her hand tightened on his instinctively.]

...how are you feeling?

[The moment her head was clear, she was inspecting his face for any signs of discomfort.]

[ The longer he lied there, coherent and awake was more time for him to briefly remember the events that had happened prior to his being in this bed. Her hand was like a lifeline with it's warmth, keeping him grounded and he was infinitely thankful for that.

However. If anyone had told him this morning that he'd be ending his school day prematurely, getting his stupid self beaten around AND then professing his love to the girl he'd long since given his heart to? He wouldn't have believed it, but here they were and after the gut-wrenching nightmare, Adrien was thankful Marinette was here. That made it easier for him to put on a light smile, not seeming to be in any real pain for the time being. ]

Not too bad, now. I think resting a bit really did wonders for my head, but I don't think I'm gonna be doing anything crazy again for a while.

[ His tone was light, good-natured to match his smile and he truly seemed more at ease now. The dizziness was sort of in the back of his mind, likely to spring up if he moved too quickly or without warning. So it meant this kitty was going to end up being house-bound for a while. ]

[ Hearing it, Marinette is able to breathe a sigh of relief. While she still felt uneasy about everything that happened, part of her couldn't help but see Adrien smile and feel like everything would be okay after all. Although it's almost just as much a relief to hear him say he won't be doing anything crazy for a while. She'd hoped she wouldn't have to argue the issue. ]

Good. Good...

[ She's still holding Adrien's hand; afraid that if she lets go now, she won't have the confidence to take it again. The warmth grants her a small sense of relief. He's okay... he's okay... ]

Everyone's already gone home. But... people will probably start looking for us soon.

[ They're going to have questions and she can't even imagine what she's going to tell them. No-- it's not so much a problem for her as it is for Adrien. After all, she was akumatized... she shouldn't remember anything. But they'd probably have all kinds of questions for him. But she wants to avoid putting him through that at all costs. That's all she can think right now. ]

[ Thing was? Adrien was the agreeable one; Chat wasn't nearly as much. So while he sounded fine with not doing anything too crazy, that other half of him didn't feel as if this would be too much of a deterrent but he left that unspoken.

Marinette's hand was warm, and he didn't want to let go of it one bit so that much was completely fine with him. She felt like the one thing he'd been searching for his whole life. Someone who was able to love him and take his own love equally in return, giving him something that his own personal life lacked since his mother's disappearance. ]

Yeah... Knowing my dad, he'll have a whole search party out for me or something. [ Sighing, Adrien shook his head. Sure, he overexaggerated a little, yet it didn't sound so preposterous on the one side of things. ] Your family's probably going to be worried sick about you, Marinette.

[ Then he remembers that he did have something important to ask her, and he couldn't exactly do this once everyone found him. People would be asking him all the questions to a story he had to partially lie and fabricate, due to the nature of his whole being Chat Noir and all. Though he was good at seamlessly coming up with excuses for things so that shouldn't be a problem, leaving him to focus on the matter at hand.

Something that causes a touch of color to rise to his cheeks and his grip on her hand tightened just a touch. If he'd been wearing that mask and the facade that came with it, this would be so much easier. ]

You remember earlier when I said I had something important to ask you before, right? I think now would be a perfect time to do that... I mean... if it's alright with you.

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{ on the nights when the stars refuse to shine

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