Work Text
Your eyes whispered, "Have we met?"
'Cross the room your silhouette
Starts to make its way to me
The playful conversation starts
Counter all your quick remarks
Like passing notes in secrecy
— 𑁍 —The skating rink represents many things to many people. Friendship, memories, laughter.To Marinette Dupain-Cheng, it represents freedom.Sure, her responsibilities follow her everywhere. Not to mention that the dreaded tagteam Chloé Bourgeois, the queen bee of Françoise Dupont, and her sidekick Sabrina Raincomprix, are also in her skating group, so she can't exactly escape their taunts and jeers. But it doesn't matter. The important thing is; when Marinette slips on her skates, steps onto the ice and soars, she feels free.But freedom doesn't always equate satisfaction, and sometimes the thrill of flying by the tag-teams on the skating rink is accompanied by a heavy loneliness. Marinette doesn't mind being assigned a new partner everytime she has to compete as part of the duet; and she pretends she can't see the coach frown when the chemistry isn't just right, but when the skates slip off and she's on solid ground — Marinette finds that she can't pretend anymore.
She sighs. Slipping a hair tie off her wrist, Marinette ties her hair back and stands up, walking a few measured steps before she's on the ice and twirling.It's then that she notices him.Blonde curls falling into his eyes. Wiry shoulders, but strong arms. He's standing beside her coach, who has spotted her, and Marinette realizes, vaguely, a little too late that Coach Tikki is hailing her.Marinette ignores Chloé snickering by the railing as she dips her head and moves over, and then she's next to Tikki and next to him."Ah, Marinette," Tikki says, a satisfied smile playing on the corner of her lips. "Meet Adrien Agreste — your new partner. Officially, Plagg is his coach. Unofficially, I can borrow him when I absolutely need a competing duo."All this goes in one ear and falls out of the other. Marinette is too busy staring at him, but Adrien doesn't seem to notice as he rubs the back of his neck self-consciously, offering her a wave of his hand and a shy smile.Tikki grins a knowing grin. "Why don't you two get to know each other, hmm?" She slides off, towards the railing, where Plagg is watching with a mischief sparkling in his green eyes.Marinette stutters over her words. "Uh, um, hi! I'm Marinette — Marinette Dupain-Cheng. You're Adrien Agreste," she says, slightly unnecessarily, "that sounded strange, sorry. I meant, hello. How are you?""Quite well, thank you," Agreste says, amused. He talks with a bit of an accent, Marinette realizes. "Adrien works just fine, by the way.""What? Oh!" She realizes she called him by his full name — you know, like an absolute clown. She blushes, looking down at the ice. "I'm sorry.""Well, you can make it up to me by letting me take you for a dance," Agres – Adrien says, and Marinette murmurs assent."It's only polite to ask properly first," Marinette quips without meaning to.Adrien's eyes twinkle. "Well, then, mademoiselle Marinette," he says, bowing, "care to give me the pleasure of a dance?"She giggles, albeit a little nervously, and takes his outstretched hand.Nobody notices Chloé glowering.
Tikki looks from her newest duo, and shakes her head. "Those two are going to be trouble.""Trouble is always good for chemistry," Plagg says, with an uncanny grin. He offers her a hand she takes.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
This night is flawless, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, dancing around all alone
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you
— 𑁍 —Marinette laughs and nearly stumbles on the ice. It's all Adrien's fault.It's been a couple weeks since their first meeting, and Marinette thinks they're well on their way to becoming friends. They're practicing their competing duet together as Tikki calls out instructions and Plagg just watches, but it's a little complicated when she has to be graceful while trying not to laugh at Adrien's horrendous puns."Come on, ice queen," he says, the smile audible in his voice, "lighten up and laugh a little.""That's going to end with the both of us getting reprimanded," Marinette points out."You don't mean to tell me the fabulous Marinette Dupain-Cheng is afraid of a little scolding?" He teases, spinning her around. "Besides, hell would freeze over before Tikki would deign to reprimand her favourite.""Are the ice puns a must?" Marinette groans, "and I'm not Tikki's favourite."Adrien disagrees. "You most definitely are, mon cherie. Just like I'm Plagg's. We're not their star duo for nothing.""And if we want to stay their star duo," Marinette says with a huff, even as she dips beautifully, "we're going to practice. Properly."Adrien holds her hand and they glide around the arena of ice, then; graceful and beautiful even in their silence. Their routine finishes, and they move towards the exit. It's only as Adrien helps her step out from the rink [it's hotter there, the ice melts, and they both know she's bizarrely clumsy off the ice] that Marinette realizes the absence of the familiar disappointment settling in her stomach.It's the first time in years. She sees Chloé with Sabrina; Rosé with Juleka — and her heart doesn't fall into her stomach into a pit of loneliness. Instead, she looks at Adrien and smiles.She's got a friend at last.
You know what, perhaps she was a bit too enthusiastic about having friends. Because now, she's standing in the middle of the skating rink looking into the wondrous puppy-eyes of one Adrien Agreste; who is begging her to do something completely unfathomable — namely, a skating trick that requires immeasurable courage and a partner."Adrien," she deadpans, "your alter-ego is Chat Noir. Black cat. Puppy-eyes do not fit your theme."He ignores her. "Marinette," he says patiently, "I know you can do it.""I don't want to get injured and die," she says with a huff. Her nose scrunches up, her cheeks are tinged red with frustration, and honestly, Adrien wholeheartedly believes it should be impossible for such a cute human being to exist. She has to be a glitch in the matrix, right? He snaps back to attention in the middle of her tirade, "–and never skate again and.. Adrien Agreste, are you listening to me?""No," he admits, then gives her that half-assed, charming grin. "But it doesn't matter, because I know that was just a freakout. I have to ask, though — do you pre-plan multiple demises to rant about, or do you just make these horrendous, improbable outcomes up on the spot?"Marinette gives a wordless groan. "Adrien," she says, "this is serious. I can't do this. What if I fall?"She stills when her gaze meets his. There's an intense, serious look unlike any she's seen before in those sharp green eyes, and her breath catches in her throat."Then I'll catch you," he promises.He says it like an oath, and courage suddenly blooms in her heart.They start it off with a preliminary glide around the rink, then Marinette spins to the beat of the music and leaps. She soars; she lands, and Adrien's arms are strong against her waist as he leans down to dip her and brings her back up.
Marinette looks up at him and for a moment, she sees Chat Noir, not Adrien.The illusion fades quick, of course — they're both the same. Chat is just Adrien in costume. But it leaves her with a taste of what it might be like when they make their big debut as a duo at their first joint competition.There's a hushed silence — then the arena bursts into applause. Marinette is still riding the adrenaline high, so she just beams around as Adrien; picture perfect as if he has decades of practice with paparazzi, stands in front of the crowd and gives them a cheery wave before leading Marinette off the rink."What'd I tell you?" He asks her, a smirk on his lips as he offers her an arm.She takes it, stepping onto carpeted floor cautiously. "Gloating is not a good look on you, Chat.""Wrong again, mi’lady," he says, preening, and she laughs again. "Everything's a good look on me.""Braggart," she says fondly, and they head off together.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Life was a willow, and it bent right to your wind
Head on the pillow, I can feel you sneaking in
As if you were a mythical thing
Like you were a trophy or a champion ring
But there was one prize I'd cheat to win
— 𑁍 —"Marinette," Adrien says, "you need to breathe."Marinette turns to Adrien with terror in her eyes.
"It's just a contest," he says, soothing. "We know this routine. We're going to kill it out there, Marinette. But first, breathe. Easy does it - in and out."He breathes in and out himself, exaggerated motions that Marinette copies."It's our first duet," she says, and her lower lip is trembling. "I don't want anything to go wrong."They're standing backstage. The walls aren't the same as the backstage walls of Tikki and Plagg's studio — Miraculous & Co. Plagg trains the boys — his Cataclysms, or so he boasts, and Tikki likes to call her students Charms. They're at the quarterly Paris skating competition; and they're next up.Marinette's dressed in her Ladybug garb. It's a long-sleeved crimson bodysuit spotted with black and matched with a flowing black skirt that dances about her thighs. Her dark blue hair, of course, is in a tight bun and her iconic mask fits across her eyes; black spots symmetrical on perfectly-fitted crimson. Red ribbons fly from her hair.Adrien's in front of her. He's in a silky shirt that falls in black ruffles across his torso, and pants with green highlights that accentuate his ankles. His blonde hair is more ruffled than usual, and his mask is pure shadow on his face. There's a silver cat's paw hanging from an earring on his right ear, and he looks like Chat Noir, not sweet, charming Adrien — but mysterious, sarcastic, and elusive Chat."Nothing will go wrong," Chat says, confident, and Marinette finds herself believing.The announcer yells, "Tonight, I introduce to you — our newest duo! Although I daresay you're familiar with them individually already. Please welcome the queen of the rink; Ladybug, and her newest partner, the shadow of the ice rink — Chat Noir!"
Sabrina Raincomprix watches the two gracefully make their way into the stage rink, and says, "Well, it's done, Chloé. You can't take this back."Chloé flips her hair over her shoulder. "Good," she snarks, glaring daggers at Marinette's retreating back. "I have no regrets.""Yes," Sabrina says, "I didn't think you would." She pauses, then says uncertainly, "why? This could hurt Adrien too.""He was supposed to be mine." Chloé clenches her fists in frustration; her gloves crease. Sabrina doesn't tell her to relax her fingers — they've already performed. "I convinced Gabriel to send him here. I assured him of Plagg's superior teaching. He was supposed to be mine, and no way am I going to let a baker's fool like Marinette Dupain-Cheng to come in and snatch him up."She exhales, and stares resolutely at the departing couple. Her anger seems to slow. "So what if Adrien gets hurt," she says, the picture of nonchalance. "He'll blame Dupain-Cheng. And I'll be the one he chooses to replace her. Queen Bee and Chat Noir." Her eyes gleam."What about me?" Sabrina asks.
"Do you mind?""No," Sabrina says, and she sounds resigned. "I suppose I can't."They fall silent and listen to the commenter. Ears crane for sounds of disturbance.
Adrien enjoys skating. Unbeknownst to many, he leads a restricted life — one caused by the world's biggest helicopter parent; also known as one Gabriel Agreste. Fashion mogul and head of the Agreste house of fashion, Gabriel's need to dominate didn't stop at the world of fashion. Diet, clothes, jewelry: Adrien didn't get a say in any of them.But when it came to skating.. Adrien is free. Chat Noir is charming, yes, but he's also sarcastic, and a jokester; a master of the rink. The hidden ace — the gold card. On the rink Adrien is free to be as chaotic and as wild as he wants.So it's not new when he speeds around the rink and reaches new heights of exhilaration. What is new, however, is the giddiness that flares across his face when he twirls Marinette – Ladybug – around, and sees her beam without smiling. She's the picture of professionalism.
Warm, gentle Ladybug. She never grins onstage, but each move and spin and twirl is technical perfection. She practises tricks to the point of flawlessness and rules the roost of the rink. Ladybug plays hard, and Ladybug plays to win.
It amazes Chat. His game is daring and consists of mad tricks that makes the spectators scream and worry for his safety [and his sanity, but hey, his name isn't Chat Sane].
Ladybug's flawless movements combine with his insane motion and he can sense all eyes on this beautifully packaged bundle of controlled chaos. Perfect chaos — an enigma, a paradox.They've practised this trick a thousand times over. Ladybug leaps, Ladybug soars, and Chat's warm hands grasp her waist as she lands on ice.Ladybug lands hard and a sharp crack echoes. The blade of a skate spins and slides away.Marinette stumbles, slips, and her back crashes hard against the wall.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
My team is losing, battered and bruising
I see the high fives between the bad guys
Leave with my head hung, you are the only one
Who seems to care
American stories burning before me
I'm feeling helpless, the damsels are depressed
Boys will be boys then, where are the wise men?
Darling, I'm scared (ah)
[ No cameras catch my muffled cries ]
— 𑁍 —"Looks like a wardrobe malfunction, folks!" The commentator says into the mic, "has Lady Luck finally run out of luck?" He frowns, then adds; "but stay tuned! I've seen enough contests to know that something could be afoot."Adrien hears nothing. All the screaming, the shouts, the facades of pity are just white noise. He's blanking it out — his eyes are fixated on Marinette."Marinette," he says urgently, shaking her shoulder. She doesn't move. Adrien raises her head gently and finds his fingers slick with red. "Marinette. Mari, come on.""We've got to carry her back, kid."
When did Plagg get here? Adrien feels dazed, and he turns to Tikki in anguish.
"I don't know what happened - it was going fine, and then..""It's alright, Chat - Adrien," Tikki says, her voice full of quiet authority. "Plagg will take her to the backroom. You need to watch her head. I'll be asked to inspect the rink."Adrien follows her instructions mutely. What else is there to do?
Marinette blinks awake to a mist of water. Her head aches, her brain dizzy and confused — but that doesn't stop the memory of the landing flooding her head. She screws her eyes shut and turns to her side in shame, hands flying to cover her face."Welcome back to land of living," Adrien says, but she can tell his heart isn't in the joke — his relief is palpable. Still, she doesn't want to look. "You gave us a scare."Marinette stays quiet. Adrien sighs."Mari," he says gently, and reaches out to grasp her wrists. He pulls them away and meets bluebell eyes filled with tears. "It wasn't your fault.""I failed." She chokes on the words, "I didn't stick the landing. I'm a failure. Tikki's going to be so angry. I'm hopeless, Adrien - our debut as a team, and I went and screwed it all up. I'm sorry.""Marinette Dupain-Cheng," Adrien says, and he sounds incensed. "Tikki isn't angry at you - she's worried for you! And who gives a shit about the debut? I was more worried about you. Screw the debut. You could have done the most awful, terrible, disproportionate pirouette on the rink, and I wouldn't care. I want my friend back on her feet."Marinette giggles, a little, at his semi-rant, and he softens. "You hurt your head," he says, "it's bandaged now. How do you feel?""Sore," she says after a moment.Adrien chuckles. "Yeah, that's to be expected. Don't get up - stay down, for now. We're going to get you home soon."So there Marinette stays, head resting against the pillow in a quiet room backstage as Adrien tells her jokes to pass the time, and she shakes with silent laughter.
"Hey, hey, sugarcube - what's wrong?" Plagg asks, genuine concern in his voice.Tikki glares at him. There's a red skating shoe in her hand, black highlights on its sides, and she points at it as if it's done her a personal offence. Plagg knows her well enough to know that she's trying to formulate a response without letting her rage do the talking, and so he waits.Eventually, Tikki turns the shoe upside down. "This is Marinette's shoe," she tells Plagg, then says, "look at it."Plagg takes it from her hands and looks at it. The blade is crooked, and there's a chunk missing. What stands out, however, is the way its crooked — almost like it was done on purpose."Shit. Shit, sugarcube - this - this is deliberate.""I know," Tikki says darkly. "It's sabotage. And I'm going to find out who exactly is to blame."Plagg says, flatly. "We already know who it is."Both turn to look at the first-prize trophy gleaming inside the room — as well as the two girls grinning beside it. Chloé Bourgeois smiles smugly and Sabrina Raincomprix chuckles at her expression, and neither see Tikki storming up behind them until it's too late to do a damn thing.Plagg can warn them. He finds that he doesn't really want to.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
This is me praying that
This was the very first page
Not where the story line ends
My thoughts will echo your name, until I see you again
These are the words I held back, as I was leaving too soon
I was enchanted to meet you
— 𑁍 —Chloé had been suspended for two weeks. Tikki had been furious enough to expel her, but Sabrina had surprised all of them by outright sobbing when Tikki's wrath had descended upon the two.Their first prize trophy had been rescinded, and the sabotage had been declared publicly. Ladybug and Chat Noir's reputation salvaged; Queen Bee and Chienne Rose's reputation hit; and it had been concluded that the duo would be allowed to make their debut at the next quarterly competition in three months. Meanwhile, they would still be allowed to compete in local contests — although Chloé and Sabrina were banned from appearing as Queen Bee and Chienne Rose until their suspension was over.And so it was after all the chaos of this that Adrien and Marinette had finally stolen away for some peace and quiet together."You know, I'm still surprised you didn't know of Andre's ice cream cart," Marinette says, then scoffs teasingly. "I mean, what self-respecting Parisian doesn't?"Andre's ice-cream cart was indeed famous - almost a landmark like the Eiffel Tower. It was general knowledge that he would traverse the city and leave clues as to his destination on Instagram, and ice-cream seekers would have to follow the trail until they figured out where Andre was stationed that day of the week. Their reward, of course, would be his awesome Gelato — famous for always being the colours of your soulmate.
You never chose the flavour. Andre did. And Andre was always right."Don't you mock me," Adrien says, sulking for a moment, before brightening up again. "I don't know everything - well, now I do. Look, he posted a picture of the Eiffel. Maybe he's nearby there?""Could be," Marinette agrees, smiling at his antics. They set off towards the famous tower, and can soon spot it inked against the Parisian sky. The Eiffel is there, like always - but yet again, there's no sign of Andre."Do you think he makes his followers walk around so much to get rid of the calories we gain from eating his ice-cream?" Adrien wonders aloud.Marinette registers what he said, then bursts into laughter. "ADRIEN. You're a dork.""Yeah, well, you still like me," he grins at her.She rolls her eyes. "Hush. Look, he posted a picture of the bridge above the Seine. I bet we can make it to him if we hurry.""First to reach the Seine pays for ice-cream," Adrien shouts, and takes off running, leaving Marinette to curse at his methods of letting him pay for things and fumble to catch up.
Like always, Adrien wins, and arrives at the Seine to the glorious sight of Andre the ice-cream man. Marinette isn't far behind, panting as she finally catches up, and groaning when she sees Adrien already there."I'm paying next time," she grumbles."That depends on whether you win, next time," Adrien says cheekily, and hands over a few euros.Andre smiles at them. "Ah, to be young again." He takes out his trusty scoop and scrutinizes them, before saying to Marinette, "caramel for the colour of his hair, mint for the shade of his eyes, and pure vanilla." Then he turns to Adrien and says, "for you, young man - blueberry, for her hair. Some bubblegum, for her ocean eyes, and strawberry.""Thanks, Andre," Marinette says, smiling.
"You really think he can predict our soulmates through ice-cream flavours?" Adrien asks her, as they make their way to a bench."Hey, now," Marinette scolds him with a grin, "don't diss on the Parisian traditions. Andre knows all."They find a good bench that overlooks a particularly foamy part of the Seine, and sit down beside each other, watching the water waves lapping against the shore and bubbling away.After a few moments of silence, Marinette takes a bite of caramel and says, "hey, Adrien. Can I ask you a question?""You just did," he teases. "But yeah, of course.""You use a lot of nicknames. Why? I'm not against it, I'm just curious.. you're always calling me Mari, or mi'lady when we're practising."Adrien looks out at the running water. In the distance, he can spot a boat - distantly he wonders the story behind the words 'The Liberty' scrawled proudly against the side of it.
"I guess I feel like when you have a name, everyone uses it," he says after a while. "I like showing my friends what they mean to me. And I like doing that by giving them a special name - something that's a secret between us, of sorts. Just for me and and just for them." Quietly, he adds: "I think it makes me feel safe, too. Like no one can ever take the friendship - or the name - away from me.""That sounds lovely, Adrien," Marinette says, her voice a little choked. "Do you - would you mind - if..""Mari," Adrien says, when she stops, "do you want to give me a nickname?"Mutely, she nods.He grins. "I'd love that. And before you start overthinking again - I'll love any nickname you give me, solely because you gave it to me.""Okay," Marinette says softly, but she sounds happy. She thinks, for a while, then says, "you're Chat Noir. Black cat. How does Minou sound?""I wouldn't have pegged you to be so on the nose, Mari," Adrien laughs, "I love it. Thank you.""Minou," Marinette tests out the word with a pleased smile, before nodding to herself. "Yes, I think I like it too, mon minou."
Andre smiles knowingly as he watches from afar. He's distracted, however, when another couple walk up - a girl with ombre hair and a boy with a cap.
"Want to try some of mine?" Adrien asks.Marinette nods. They stay there until late in the evening - it's the peace they so desperately needed.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Let us die young or let us live forever
We don't have the power but we never say never
Sitting in a sandpit, life is a short trip
The music's for the sad men
Can you imagine when this race is won
Turn our golden faces into the sun
Praising our leaders, we're getting in tune
The music's played by the, the mad man
— 𑁍 —Adrien feels an abject sense of déjà vu, standing behind yet another curtain and awaiting the call. Three months had passed too soon, with him either performing on his own or with Marinette in small contests. But today, they're back at the Quarterly Paris Skating Display.It's the day of their big debut.
It is going to be glorious. Adrien can just feel it in his bones.Marinette looks even more beautiful than last time, he thinks. Her wardrobe had been updated, courtesy of Tikki, who wanted tonight to go just as well as they both did. She's in a scarlet blouse with a dark neckline that slips off and reveals her dainty shoulders, peppered with the tiniest freckles. Her skirt is long and crimson and shows off Marinette's gorgeously sculpted legs. Adrien knows it's lined with black.
Her mask is sharper, cleaner, more streamlined. It fits over her bluebell eyes and rests on her button nose, and her hair is in a safe bun with black streamers flowing from it. The leather of her black gloves rests comfortably in his palm.Plagg, of course, wouldn't be one-upped. Adrien's shirt now cut a sharper figure with a collar lined with silver fabric and metallic green buttons. His black slacks had green highlights and were, again, lined with silver. His earring remained the same — a silver cat's paw, jewelled with emeralds, dangling from his ear. Even with how simple the changes were, he could tell his outfit looked more modern, more elegant. He looked fit to be next to the newer Ladybug.Adrien touches his mask and smiles. It's snug on his face, pure shadow over his nose providing a contrast to his eyes."Ladies and gentlemen — may I present to you the beautiful Ladybug — and of course, her dazzling partner; Chat Noir!"
They burst through the curtain together, hands held like a beacon. Marinette glances at Adrien from the sides of her eyes and finds him already looking. She smiles, and Adrien can tell her soft lips are tinged with nerves.Chat Noir gives a fanged grin and his earring glints under the lights. He speeds around the rink and spins to the centre, steadying Ladybug as she performs a series of dizzying stunts before joining him in the centre.
It's a complicated sort of dance - competitive figure skating. They move to the beat of the music, each move technically flawless. Ladybug pirouettes and Chat circles her like a spotlight. He glides closer, clasps her palm, and then - she unwinds herself, spinning away. The dance is teasing - the light hits her dress just right, and suddenly the skirt is flaring and the black shines boldly against the white ice. Ladybug is volcanic, a black and red tempest.Then she's running, skating with a fury; and then she leaps! Ladybug soars in the air and flips sideways, and then strong arms grip her torso and steady her breath. Chat holds a confident pose, Ladybug in his hands and a star above his head.Applause, applause. The curtain closes.
Marinette and Adrien fall apart, running to the backroom and collapsing into each other. They're giggling helplessly, breathless and panting, thrilled and feeling very much alive.Adrien and Marinette look at each other - and then Marinette leaps at Adrien, and strong arms are holding her tight. Her head is resting in the crook of his neck, her chest heaving in tune to his pants, and Adrien breathes in the cherry-blossom scent of her hair and thinks that they're going to be just fine.They're alive and high on a win. Oh, they're going to be fine.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
I still remember
the third of December
me in your sweater
You said it looked better on me than it did you
Only if you knew how much I liked you
But I watch your eyes as she
Walks by
What a sight for sore eyes
Brighter than the blue sky
She's got you mesmerized
..while I die
— 𑁍 —Marinette races towards the entrance, hoping against hope she won't be late - and smiles. In the distance she can spot blonde hair. Running faster, she stops in front of the gate, breathing hard."Whoa, slow down!" Adrien says, laughing as he offers her an arm to steady herself. "I think we're going to have to rename you to Cheetah or something. That speed, whew!"Marinette grins at him, punching his shoulder lightly for the joke, and they head inside together.
Immediately, they can see three newcomers next to Tikki. That's good - the success of Ladybug and Chat Noir's debut had clearly advertised the Miraculous Skaters to more clients."Alright, everyone, gather round!" Tikki calls, and the class crowds around her and Plagg. "We have three new pupils joining us. Would you three care to introduce yourselves?"A slender, fair girl comes forward. She has a blue bob of hair - the colour like Marinette's. Sternly, she says, "greetings. I am Kagami Tsurugi. On the stage I go by Ryuuko, and my motif is the honourable dragon. Thank you for your welcome." Bowing, she retreats.The boy steps forward then, and Marinette takes a good look. Tall and lanky, he has dark hair with the ends dyed blue and there's a silver chain around his neck - Marinette can spot a guitar pick dangling from it. He smiles, an honest, genuine smile, and says, "I'm Luka Couffaine. I like music, and I've been told I'm a dab hand at guitar. My alter-ego is Viperion, with a snake motif, as you may have guessed. Thanks for the welcome, guys, and before you ask, yes, I'm related to Juleka. She's my baby sister."Everyone turns to look at Musician, who is standing next to Choir - or rather, Juleka Couffaine standing next to Rosé Lavillant. Juleka pushes aside the dyed steak of purple in her hair and huffs, "I'm thirty seconds younger than you. Baby, my foot."That prompts some laughter. Luka Couffaine would fit in well.The last girl steps forward. She has an olive complexion with auburn-ish hair tied to frame her face. Her smile is so saccharine that Marinette instantly feels suspicious. "Hi, everyone! I'm Lila Rossi, and I've just moved here from Italy. Of course, we visited Venice and the Maldives on the way. I go by Volpina on stage, although I haven't debuted yet. It is my first time skating professionally, so I think I'll make my motif a fox.""But I'm the fox," somebody objects, and Marinette turns to see Alya Cesairé. Marinette doesn't know her all too well, but she's been with Tikki for a year now, and she is quite a good skater. With burnt orange-tipped curls and a strong build, she makes for a sight on the stage. "Alya Césaire - also known as Rena Rouge.""Well, why can't we have the same motif?""It gets confusing when the same motif is presented by different skaters from the same club, Lila," Marinette says, drawing attention. "After all, your motif is broadcast to the audience and is how you're recognized. It just makes sense to have different motifs.""That's true," Tikki says, and everyone turns to their coaches. "Plagg, any ideas?""Policy says Rena gets to keep the fox motif. She has seniority," Plagg says, before shrugging. "However, Rena has the red fox motif. Policy doesn't say Lila cannot have a different coloured motif."Something flashes across Lila's face, but it's gone too quick for Marinette to make anything of it. Lila smiles sweetly and says, "of course, how terrible of me! I wasn't trying to steal your image, Alya. I'll just go with a red wolf.""Alright, kids, let's get to training. Girls, you're part of the Charms - my students. Luka, please head over to Plagg. You're a Cataclysm now, which means Plagg is the one who'll be training you."Class ends on time as it always does, and friends crowd around each other like they always do. Marinette sees Luka glide up to Juleka and Rosé, and watches as the trio laugh at a joke and move out of the rink. Luka tugs his bag on his shoulder, waits for Juleka and Rosé to pack their shoes, and holds out an expectant hand for their bags as well.She's distracted when Adrien, rather eagerly, jogs over to catch Kagami before she leaves. Picking up her bag, she follows."You should totally hang out with us sometime," Adrien is saying to Kagami, who looks pensive. He turns to Marinette and says gladly, "hey, Mari! I was just telling Kagami she should come explore Paris with us sometime. We should take her to Andre.""I'm not sure Mother would allow me to," Kagami admits after a moment.Adrien scoffs. "Tomoe Tsurugi, right? Tsurugi Industries work a lot with Agreste Industries, don't they? Just mention Adrien Agreste. I'm sure she'll permit you.""That might just work," Kagami agrees.Marinette smiles and nods. She's not sure why she can't feel the happiness behind it.
Lila Rossi watches from afar and smirks. Now that.. that could be useful for revenge.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
But I don't like a gold rush, gold rush
I don't like anticipating my face in a red flush
I don't like that anyone would die to feel your touch
Everybody wants you
Everybody wonders what it would be like to love you
Walk past, quick brush
I don't like slow motion, double vision in rose blush
I don't like that falling feels like flying 'til the bone crush
Everybody wants you
But I don't like a gold rush
What must it be like to grow up that beautiful?
With your hair falling into place like dominoes
— 𑁍 —It's break-time. Has been for the past fifteen minutes. Marinette sits and stares.Adrien is sitting some distance away. Shoulders slack, legs half-crossed - he's relaxed, she can tell. There's an animated expression on his face as he converses with Kagami about something. Probably fencing. Yet another interest Marinette doesn't share.He's cracked a joke, it seems. Kagami is giggling softly - she's a far cry from the stern, cold girl she was in the first few weeks of her admission when she's with Adrien. Her hair bobs around in tune to her laughter. Kagami is pretty. She's beautiful in a cool, streamlined way. And the red shines on her in ways Marinette wonders about.Kagami is all angles and awkward smiles and proud bows. She skates fiercely, competitively, majestically. She has a sense of honour and a moral code she takes seriously, and she always takes the time to smile at Marinette. Marinette can't help but like Kagami.And still, when she laughs yet again at something Adrien said, Marinette's heart burns.Burns like ice.
"You're too obvious.""Pardon?"Marinette watches in disbelief as Lila Rossi, of all people, chooses to drop down next to her - in her perfect position to look at Adrien and Kagami."It's kind of cute, you know, in a pathetic sort of way," Lika continues, ignoring Marinette as if she'd never spoken. "You have such an obvious crush on him."Marinette squawks, and backtracks. "I do not! He's my friend. We're just friends."Lila laughs outright. "It's hilarious that you're so oblivious to your own feelings," she says, chuckling. "Don't you know how desperate you look, staring at them like that from here? Get out on the rink and quit being a stalker.""Excuse me?" Marinette asks, amazed at the audacity."I know your type, Dupain-Cheng," Lila sneers. "Pigtails and pretty blue eyes, and thinking you're entitled to everything. Well, you're not. And you won't get Adrien. He's not yours.""He isn't anyone's," Marinette says, even as her heart sinks. Great, another Chloé. Why couldn't the universe leave her alone?"That's where you're wrong, honey," Lila rebukes, "he's mine. Or will be, soon. Dragon-girl over there won't last long, and then I'll swoop in and pick him up." She stands up, and dusts herself off. "Do yourself a favour, insect. Get over your crush - or don't. That'll just make it more fun when you learn that pretty boys like that never go for bitches like you."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Bustling crowds or silent sleepers
You're not sure which is worse
Because I dropped your hand while dancing
Left you out there standing
Crestfallen on the landing
Champagne problems
— 𑁍 —"Marinette, was it?"Marinette Dupain-Cheng glances up to burnt-orange curls and a pair of chocolate brown eyes squinting down at her. Alya Cesairé."Are you alright?""Fine - fine," Marinette stammers, holding a hand to her forehead, then letting it fall by her side. "I'm fine, Alya."Surprise flares within her - within the right side of her chest and over her shoulders, when Alya carefully sits down beside her on soft carpet.
"You know, I don't like that girl much," she says, conversationally, and Marinette follows her gaze to one Lila Rossi. "She indirectly accused me of accusing her of stealing my motif. I think she's got a way with her words - or with her lies, so as to speak. I just overheard her trying to sell Mylene - that's Myrimouse, you know - some tall tales about founding a charity organization. The name she gave didn't even show up on a Google search." A small snort sputters from Marinette, and Alya grins - a wild, satisfied grin. "So I mean it, Marinette. Are you alright? You looked mighty pale when she was talking to you.""It's complicated," Marinette murmurs, eyes drifting unintentionally to him - and Alya sees."That's a pretty boy," she says, and laughs when Marinette turns to her with wide, shocked eyes. "Oh, don't worry, 'bug. He's not my type. But I bet he is little miss Rossi's."At Marinette's eyes growing wider, she slams her knuckles onto the carpet in victory. "It was about him, wasn't it? What'd she say - typical drivel about claiming a boy for her own?"
"..are you, perchance, a witch?" Marinette inquires, at last, and Alya gives a delighted cackle."Fox's senses, 'bug, they never do me wrong." Alya pauses, then holds out a hand. "I like you, Dupain-Cheng."Marinette stares at the outstretched hand and spares a drifting thought for the criss-cross of lines that beatified Alya's palm. "Who is your type?" She asks.Alya grins again - and turns to look at a boy. Marinette once again follows her gaze to a dark boy; slender and lithe arms, draped in a dark green hoodie with his turtle motif emblazoned on his chest. Nino Lahiffe - the Carapace of Paris.
Beside him stood Volpina.Marinette Dupain-Cheng smiles, and shakes Alya Cesairé's hand. Mutual enemies led to strongly forged bonds, after all.
"Your song is beautiful."It's nearing the end of the day. Marinette pulls her eyes away from the sight of Chat Noir raising Ryuuko into the sky and sees him - Viperion. Blue streaks and calm, cool eyes.[ "Adrien, coming?"
"Go on without me, Marinette," he calls, offering Ryuuko a hand. "I'll be with you once Ryuuko lands this trick."
Enamoured, pretty boy. Marinette ignores the sting and glides towards the exit. ]"I'm sorry?" She asks, now, focusing on Luka Couffaine."Your heart-song," he elaborates, and Marinette realizes abruptly that he has a guitar on his lap. He strums a tune and she breathes in, letting the music flow around her - it's magical. Beautiful and sweet - like if her favourite perfume was a guitar tune. He smiles at her, "that's you. It's what your heart sounds like.""That was beautiful, Luka," Marinette says honestly. She smiles back at him, "you'd make a really good musician.""I will," he corrects her, and Marinette's mind flits to a concert, under a cerise sky - Viperion in the centre with his beloved guitar. She's brought back to current times when he stands up, and extends a hand. "Care for a dance before we take off our skates?"Marinette glances back and sees Ryuuko smiling at a red-faced Chat."You know what," she says, taking his hand, "I rather think I do."Spring moves onwards, then, slow and in dreams.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
I think I've seen this film before
And I didn't like the ending
You're not my homeland anymore
So what am I defendin' now?
You were my town
Now I'm in exile seein' you out
I think I've seen this film before
— 𑁍 —"Of course, then I had to trip - there were six eggs splattered onto the staircase. Not more, thank goodness, although Maman was not pleased and did not see that as a blessing," Marinette chuckles, relating the story of a baking escapade and broken eggs, featuring her clumsiness.
Meanwhile, Luka is full-on laughing at the images produced. "You're hilarious, Melody," he says, when he can talk without snorting. There's a fondness shining in his eyes that makes Marinette's throat constrict painfully. "I can't imagine something funnier and more chaotic and living in your house, after all the stories you've narrated.""Tell that to Alya," Marinette says, playfully jabbing a hand towards the aforementioned girl, who only laughs. "She seems to think I have a lame sense of humor - wait. What'd you call me?"Both Alya and Luka are surprised by the sudden change in subject, but recognition - and a hint of embarrassment - dawns on Luka's face. The tips of his ears turn red."Melody," he says, a trifle awkwardly. "I thought - thought it fit."Alya turns her wicked, gleaming eyes at Marinette, who does her best to ignore them. "Thank you, Luka," she says, touched. Distantly, she is aware of the sound of Adrien's laughter floating towards them, and her heart hurting at the reminder of another few nicknames.Names. Pretty little things, with so much power.
Back at the rink, Plagg is standing next to her as Tikki watches."I think my matchmaking abilities are not up to par anymore," Tikki mutters, crossing her arms. She uncrosses them, runs a hand through her wild dyed red curls in a gesture of distress, then crosses them again.
Plagg snakes an arm around her shoulders, and squeezes. Today, his long jet-black hair is in a nubby ponytail, eyes obscured with dark aviators because well, he's just extra like that. He says it's to deflect the glare of the ice, but Tikki doesn't believe him."I wouldn't say that," he consoles, "there's time yet, sugarcube. You'll see."Tikki huffs. "Like you know everything, huh, mister?"Plagg's smug grin is like a seventh-wonder lighthouse. "I knew you believed in me and my future-predicting talents, sugar!"Tikki mutters something about 'Bunnyx' and 'affronted', but settles down to watch as Plagg laughs quietly by her side.
Adrien has barely caught notice of anyone else at the rink. Time flies with Kagami, it seems. The elusive-at-first girl is surprisingly humourous under her hard exterior."Adrien," Kagami calls, her voice still firm, but he knows not to take it as anger anymore. Kagami's tone is just like that - unyielding. "Where is Marinette?"Adrien guides her through a leap, then says, "her practice is over, so she's probably in the lounge. I'll walk her home once we're done.""You should spend more time with her."That seems to surprise him, Kagami notes. His brow furrows and he almost slips up, but catches her at the last second.
"What do you mean?"Kagami raises a single eyebrow. "You.. and Marinette? Are you not..? Her boyfriend?"Adrien's eyebrows knit together, then his face clears and he gasps, not turning in time. Kagami, with her spectacular grace, stays upright and stares indifferently as Adrien slides onto the cold ice and sputters, "I don't like Marinette like that!"Kagami raises both eyebrows, unimpressed.
"..I think," he adds eventually, rubbing at the back of his neck.
"Adrien, you're a good friend," Kagami says, considering her words carefully. "But I don't - I don't think of you like that."Adrien winces, and Kagami sighs. "It's not you," she adds, extending a hand. "But us together - we'd stay shackled down all our lives, Adrien. My mother and your father. I'm not looking for that.""That makes sense," Adrien confesses, glum. He takes Kagami's hand and pulls himself up. "Thanks, 'Gami. I have some thinking to do.""Me too," Kagami agrees. She smiles at Adrien; a nervous, hesitant, but nonetheless beautiful expression. "Take Marinette home safely, Agreste."Adrien flashes her a smile and a salute.
Lila smiles, too.
Marinette is about to enter the bakery when her phone flashes with a notification. Confused at the voice message from an unknown number, she presses play.Adrien's voice spills from her phone, "I don't like Marinette like that!"And then, Kagami, her tone soft in a way Marinette had rarely heard before, "you're a good boyfriend, Adrien."Marinette's skates fall from her hand. The world seems to split apart.