#on the surface she's a lot like nino in looks and character

[ariadondo-trackingfossils]

Bunnysuit Rosa and kid Rosa celebrating, there will be a casket with some pigs as a table.

For context, she's an amorphous quimera, had Nino at around 18-19, doesn't have contact with her family and was a SENAME kid since she was 10, never good news. Rosa dissapeared during the 27/2/2010 earthquake at 25, two years after entrusting a very young Nino to his biological father and her ex, Marcel. Aside from tax fraud and theft there is something else she's been hiding.

Nino remembers her as kind-hearted, brave and capable, but if you were to meet her that wouldn't be your first impression.

Impulsive and short-sighted with a fake bravado, due to her past she believes herself to be a bottom-of-the-barrel woman that can't do anything but one thing and jumps from man to man for a roof and resources, but unbeknownst to her there is a drive to help others and a sense of burning justice.

Rosa herself wouldn't believe it, but her son is right about her, even without a single chance granted to her by the hands of luck.

#i'm talking a lot on this section about her #because she doesn't appear all that much in canon #(the canon in my head) #on the surface she's a lot like nino in looks and character #but they're really different on both sides #nino is much less impulsive and more enclosed in his thoughts than it seems #all his pranks were thought (and forgotten) centuries ago #and rosa is considered charming because of her somewhat true but exaggerated selfishness #she can't tell what is normal and what is traumatic but she can see her personal feelings and morals well enough #the “thing” she did before bidding farewell to nino might be the single most self-righteous (positive) thing she's ever done #a true vengeful spirit #nino has feelings and morals too but he doesn't know himself that well and thinks there's none in him

[aihoshiino]

I'm glad that at least one person thinks that Kana didn't get lost in the role. I think this is a demonstration of how Kana has been living her life until now: whenever something happens, she can just disassociate herself from everything and move on. After all, you cannot get hurt if you simply detach yourself from everything, even yourself. There is no reason to get hurt if you play the game of looking at everything from a higher plane. Isn't it pointless to feel sad if everything is moving in its predictable natural direction? Just by thinking like that, one can move on with a smile, no matter what and no matter how many times.

Soooooo true. Honestly, in a lot of ways, Kana reminds me of Ai but especially in that regard? The self defense mechanism of not allowing yourself to have any expectations at all and convincing yourself that being let down and hurt are inevitable, because getting your hopes up makes it hurt worse. This is only really as explicit for Ai in Viewpoint B but it's pretty foundational to a lot of Kana's behaviour as her arc plays out.

TBH I feel like a lot of the general fandom vibe that Kana is somehow losing herself in the role of Nino or being taken over by her or whatever else are coming from people who just... haven't been paying attention to Kana? And so this surfacing of negativity seems like it's come from nowhere and the only thing they can point to as having been the supposed cause is her role as Nino when really, empathizing with Nino and seeing parallels in their situation was just part of the trigger.

That frustration and jealousy and pain is something that's been building up in Kana for a long, long time - I would even argue it's been brewing since as far back as the First Concert arc and Ruby's clout chasing and mistreatment of her & Mem while she was in Black Hoshigan mode just stoked something that was already there. The only way you could view this as coming entirely from her involvement in the movie and the role of Nino is if you just refused to engage with her as a character for whatever reason.

#soooooo many bitches will be like #ugh i hate kana she has no importance to the plot why is she getting page time boo we hate her pussy #and scream and froth that she's a side character #and it's like. are you dumb mfers reading the same manga lol #sorry that i pay attention to the story instead of incest cooming every time aqua and ruby make eye contact #anyway #oshi no ko #oshi no posting #kana arima #onk spoilers

[hcm92literature]

‘Out Of Character’ 13th October 2022

‘Out Of Character’ master page  

Read on AO3

Author’s notes: and that's all for today! now that i'm up to date again, i'll be posting the rest of the chapters on the dates they're supposed to happen (as long as i can finish the final two chapters in time)

thanks for reading! and happy birthday Adrien!

“A hat, scarf and gloves? Really?”

“What? It’s getting colder! He’s gonna need these sorts of things to keep warm.”

Alya looked thoroughly unimpressed. “But to give those things as a birthday present? After he made you that really nice lucky charm? Which, might I point out, you are currently wearing as a bracelet.”

Adopting an afronted expression, Marinette walked into the hotel’s elevator and jabbed the button for the floor the restaurant was on. “I just thought I’d wear it to make him happy on his birthday, that’s all. And I made these too. Plus, I’ll have you know, I put a lot of time and effort into them.”

“Why, because you only decided they were for him at the last minute?” Alya smirked.

“No. In fact, I’d planned to make these for him as soon as I found out when his birthday was.”

“And when was that?”

“T-two weeks ago. But it still counts!”

Alya laughed heartily as the pair walked out of the elevator only to be greeted by the contemptuous glare of Chloé Bourgeois. “Ugh, he invited you two as well? I didn’t realise Adricher was socialising with the common rabble nowadays.” The friends shared a look then greeted Chloé in exasperated unison. She waved a hand to usher them away from her. “You better have at least bought him decent presents. Now go join the rest of the riffraff over by the buffet and stay away from me.”

Rolling their eyes, Alya and Marinette moved further into the room and marvelled at how different it looked from normal. The main lights had been dimmed and disco lights installed to turn the room into a dance floor, and black and silver decorations had been attached to nearly every surface. Everyone they saw was wearing black and silver as that had been the theme stated on the invitations. Alya was wearing a silver sequined maxi dress and Marinette wore a black velvet skater dress with a silver ribbon around the waist, both of which Marinette had designed and made herself. The girls only recognised a few faces other than Chloé; Marc and Nathaniel, Benoît, and Nino who was manning the sound system. Everyone else was either from the fashion world or Agreste family friends. It was rather intimidating.

Alya then spotted Adrien leaning against the bar, surveying the room with a sour expression. He looked more severe than usual, with slicked back hair and wearing immaculately pressed black trousers and waistcoat over a grey dress shirt. The girls hesitated, wondering if he was in too bad a mood for them to greet him, when another more smiley Adrien appeared from between some of the guests and clapped a hand on the former Adrien’s shoulder, causing him to glower. He was wearing a similar outfit, with a shiny silver shirt instead of grey, but he was wearing it a lot less formally and straight-edged, and his hair was in the carefully tousled style they were used to. Sharing a confused look, the girls timidly returned a wave from the grinning Adrien who began walking towards them.

“Marinette! Alya! So glad you’re here!” He greeted the pair with a kiss on each cheek, then turned to look around the room. “It looks great, right? I personally wanted a Halloween themed party, but my father decided it wasn’t “in the brand’s interest”, so I settled for this. Still, it’s great to see everyone dressed up fancy, huh?” He turned back to Marinette whose cheeks were burning under his gaze. “You look…” Adrien seemed to struggle for words for a moment, then he cleared his throat and patted her shoulder lightly. “Really good.”

What the hell kind of compliment was that? Marinette frowned in confusion at him while Alya quickly pointed towards the other Adrien. “Who on Earth is that? He looks just like you!”

Adrien followed Alya’s finger and chuckled. “Oh, that’s Félix, my cousin. Our mothers were twins so I guess we turned out looking pretty similar as well.”

“He looks a bit… grumpy.”

“Yeah, I’m not really sure why. Maybe being in Paris isn’t agreeing with him.”

“Where’s he from?”

“London.”

“Ooh!”

The conversation continued in a similar manner for a while and Marinette couldn’t help feeling like an underdressed piece of furniture. She was again surprised by how different Adrien seemed from their D&D sessions and began wondering if she should rejoin the after-game drinks to see if this transformation was just a party thing or if the Adrien she knew from D&D was just him being in character. Alya then asked him what they should do with their presents and Adrien began rubbing the back of his head in what seemed like embarrassment. “You really didn’t need to buy me anything…”

“Oh, but Marinette made hers.”

Shooting Alya a glare as she received an elbow in the ribs and a smirk, Marinette couldn’t help the warm flush of her cheeks as Adrien looked down at her in surprise. She held out the shoebox wrapped in shiny silver paper with a black ribbon and firmly pressed it into his hands, letting out a squeaky “happy birthday”. Adrien smiled nervously at her then began opening the box. She barely dared to watch as he pulled out the light blue scarf with wide eyes.

“You made these? By hand?”

“Well… yeah, but it’s no big deal. I mean, I bet you’ve seen way more impressive stuff from your father’s work or whatever-”

Adrien dropped the scarf back in the box and rested his hand on Marinette’s shoulder. “I haven’t. Genuinely, this is a really thoughtful gift. Thank you, Marinette.” He then leaned down to kiss both her cheeks and she knew he must be able to feel how hot they were as she could feel the heat radiating from his as she pressed her lips to them. As he pulled away, they shared a look that flipped Marinette’s stomach and sent confusing thoughts racing through her mind. She didn’t like this. Things were much easier when she thought of him as the aloof and uncaring model she had assumed he was. Why did he have to turn out to be an actually okay human being?

“Adrien, your drunk music friend has spilled his drink over the carpet and Chloé is kicking up an embarrassing fuss.”

Everyone turned to see Félix standing behind his cousin’s shoulder and giving the girls a disdainful look. Adrien put his arm around Félix’s shoulders and gestured to the girls. “Félix! These are my D&D friends; Alya Cesairé and Marinette Dupain-Cheng!”

Félix’s gaze hovered over Marinette momentarily before he turned back to Adrien. “As charming as your girlfriend and her nerdy friend are, I really think you need to-”

“Girlfriend?!” Marinette couldn’t stop the outburst but immediately clapped her hands over her mouth as everyone turned to stare at her.

Adrien’s face flushed, then he laughed a little too loud and tucked Marinette’s shoebox under his arm. “She’s not my girlfriend, Félix. But you’re right, we should go help Nino out with Chloé.” He began shoving his cousin towards the sound system and grinned through gritted teeth at the girls. “Please, enjoy the party!”

Turning to the now tomato red Marinette, Alya cracked up laughing, resting a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Girl, you should see your face!” Marinette buried her burning cheeks in her hands as Alya continued. “What’s it like being a supermodel’s girlfriend, eh Nettie? Maybe I should interview you for my internship!”

Grumbling unintelligibly, Marinette began stomping over to the buffet table to grab a drink. Or two. Maybe getting drunk would help her to forget the weirdness of what just happened.

#hcm92literature #miraculous ladybug #'out of character' #fanfic #au #Marinette Dupain-Cheng #Adrien Agreste #Alya Cesaire #Nino Lahiffe #Félix Graham de Vanily #adrinette #happy birthday Adrien Agreste

[itsamiraculous]

Alya and Secrets

So I started making a post about Alya and secrets a little while back, but after Sentibubbler I put it off as I wasn’t sure, however after Rocketear I feel as if it still stands. 

Sentibubbler revealed to me that yes Alya can control things by herself, is loyal to Marinette and wouldn’t reveal her secret easily. I never wanted to insinuate that she ever would, but now after Rocketear, I feel as if my belief that Alya will make a mistake with the secrets department. Alya has told Nino about Rena Furtive when Marinette had firmly told her not to, knowing of Marinette’s fears and her position as Ladybug.

Alya decided to tell Nino everything because she doesn’t like keeping secrets from him, her relationship has never been like that. Her role as a journalist is to seek the truth as well. She is not comfortable with keeping secrets, and I don’t blame her for that, I think it’s actually very commendable. What I don’t agree with is that she has gone against Marinette. The repercussions could be dire, like what happened in Optygami, or it could cause a huge rift in their friendship. In Sentibubbler Marinette was afraid that all of her secrets would get out and that she would be betrayed by Alya. I believe that she will still have a “betrayal” by Alya (also by Chat, but that’s a different post). Then in Gang of Secrets she was afraid of telling Alya everything could change and potentially destroy their relationship.

Rocketear also highlighted again why Marinette keeps secrets. We see it breaking her relationships throughout this season; she is making sacrifices to those she cares about because of the role she takes on and the stakes as Ladybug and is breaking her and potentially all of her relationships, whether that be with family or other. 

Rest lies below the cut, this is a long post

Her responsibilities are keeping her away from happiness, with her family, from her friends, and has also broken her chances for romance with anyone. I don’t think that is a coincidence that her family was brought forward and the fact of Marinette’s need/want to keep secrets will be tested with Alya. Marinette’s vehemence of keeping her identity a secret is also influenced by the events of Chat Blanc

Speaking of Chat Blanc, within this episode Bunnix explains briefly why she was chosen to be the bearer of the Rabbit miraculous and it was because she knows how to keep a secret. Alya has constantly been surrounded by the challenges of being Trustworthy. Key episodes this season being Sentibubbler, Gang of Secrets, Optygami and now Rocketear.

I feel as if this has much more weight on it now after everything that has happened in this season so far.

Previously Alya has been shown how trustworthy she can or can’t be. In Puppeteer 2, Alya insists she didn't tell Nino about Marinette’s crush on Adrien when she clearly had. 

She clearly did tell Nino, or accidentally told him because otherwise there wouldn’t be the narrative of Alya and Nino trying to get Adrien and Marinette alone together etc.

I do trust Alya, but she has a recurring theme where there is too much emphasis on the word trustworthy which insinuates that this is a challenge for her character. 

Alya can als be quite pushy. Like in Sapotis when she got too swept up, and Trixx planted the notion of becoming a permanent miraculous holder, but he was also the one to help her realise to prove herself trustworthy. Trixx and Alya can also be very hard to say no to, they have a persuasive attitude, but it can also make people realise things.

Alya can be very pushy when she gets swept up in “helping” Marinette get close to Adrien. Reflekdoll and Gigantitan always have rubbed me the wrong way with Alya’s role. In Gigantitan, Marinette wanted to help that woman up the stairs who had baby August in the stroller, Alya insisted for Marinette to stay, until the woman was really struggling and Marinette just went, and even then Alya was in her ear saying to hurry up as Adrien was coming.

If Alya just let Marinette be everything would have been fine. In all actuality, if Adrien saw Marinette he would probably help and it would start a lovely, genuine conversation considering he also wanted to help, but couldn’t. It’s in their blood to help. Both Marinette and Adrien earnt the miraculous because they were the only ones around who cared enough to help people. 

In Reflekdoll it was both the fault of Marinette and Alya that Juleka went in on herself. Marinette didn’t allow Juleka to speak as she bombarded her with questions. Alya was pushing because of the time crunch and pushed Marinette and Adrien together, she had completely overlooked Juleka’s feelings as well. Marinette didn’t completely get blinded as she did try to double check that Juleka was alright. 

Alya can just be impulsive sometimes. Most of the time when she is told to stop, like in Sapotis when Marinette tells her to slow down in trying to find out Ladybugs identity, and then when Ladybug tells her she can’t tell anyone, Alya complies.

Being impulsive is what Alya has in common with Chat Noir with his self-sacrificial tendencies and emotions clouding judgement.

She is aware of getting ahead of herself anyways

Alya and Marinette are both making mistakes. Alya made a huge one in Optygami because her judgement is impared due to her emotions towards Nino. Marinette has made and is making a lot of mistakes. The huge ones are those which take time to surface, like what happened with Chloe and what is happening with Chat Noir. Marinette decided to reward Alya by giving her the miraculous permanently. I don't think she should have done that, at least not yet. It's a huge risk on top of another. Marinette knew from the beginning that Hawkmoth knew who the holders were, yet still decided to give them out to the same people, however with Chloe it was totally different. She should have been open with her in the first place. 

Marinette has also always been super lenient with Alya as well, first with allowing Nino and Alya knowing their alter egos (although Alya knew of Nino in the first place), but again a huge risk really, as we saw in Catalyst, they got distracted, and their emotions getting themselves turned into scarlet. 

Although, I do understand that there was a time crunch.

Marinette often has a double-standard and bias when it comes to Alya. For instance, in Style Queen Marinette was going to give the Bee miraculous to Alya as well. 

Why!??? When Alya already had been using the Fox Miraculous. Ladybug’s decision to constantly not tell Chloe is what led to Miracle Queen. It was not fair. Sorry, there is no way I can really excuse that. She was so blind-sided by judgement in that decision.

However that has equally been counteracted by proving she is trustworthy, that she is loyal and also looks for the facts. Alya can also be level-headed like the approach of finding out who was framing Marinette in Ladybug. 

She has been a big help for Marinette as well, as we see in Mr. Pigeon 72.

She was a miracle in Sentibubbler as well! As she kept her cool and thought ahead. She still made a couple of mistakes like telling Chat Noir it’s a two person operation etc. Not her fault though. Nothing said in that moment would have helped.

Alya is definitely a huge asset for Marinette to have, by running ideas and taking some of the pressure off of her shoulders and ultimately being able to think for herself.

It all comes back to Bunnix in Chat Blanc as well saying she can keep a secret, so I fear what is to come. Alix has constantly been the one shown to have a rational head. Reverser being the big one, but also the little comments when with the girls like in Gang of Secrets and Gigantitan. 

I have a feeling that Marinette’s leniency with Alya may end up being a mistake. I do think it’s good some of her weight has been lifted, but now it seems she is being a little arbitrary. Alya we know has a huge target on her back. She may have saved herself in Sentibubbler, but now she has told Nino everything, against the wishes of Marinette. Although, Marinette says that she does trust Alya when Alya fixes things at the end of Rocketear.

I think Alya makes this decision as she is firm in her belief that secrets shouldn’t be kept when it comes to loved ones, especially those who are meant to be your partner (best friend, boyfriend/girlfriend). I also wonder whether this decision to tell Nino was also influenced because Marinette was easy on her after what happened in Optygami, thinking Marinette wouldn’t mind. Plus she got around it all in Puppeteer 2.

Marinette is actively going against her own beliefs (and what she was told by Master Fu) by utilising the same miraculous holders. I understand that she is the new guardian and she is making her own rules, but she also saw sense in keeping things secret, because of her own identity, and how she refuses to allow Chat Noir to know who the holders are as well. It is way too risky, whatever Marinette is up to. She is not allowing Chat Noir his right to know as much as she does; they are meant to be partners, but it doesn’t feel like that. That is all due to her fear of Chat Blanc and its events. She is now heavily reliant on Alya/ Rena Rouge. That is going to cause a huge rift once Chat becomes wise to their dynamic as we are seeing blatantly now in Rocketear. 

What happens if Alya slips up again and it’s huge this time. What is the secret that Bunnix is referring to that makes Ladybug/Marinette realise that she is the one to be trusted with the Rabbit miraculous? When will that be? Will Marinette have a falling out with Alya after finding out that Alya told Nino that she was still working as covert Rena?

I think what Marinette has decided was untimely. These kids shouldn’t be dealing with this, but they are. They are feeling way too much and are still trying to learn about themselves. It is not fair. They are bound to make decisions. I just have this unsettled feeling that there is too much concentration around this topic to overlook. I don’t think that Marinette is going to be best pleased when she finds out that Alya has told Nino everything, especially after all that she has sacrificed with Luka and Adrien and as Rocketear stated about her family again. I think the pressure will get to her again.

#ml meta #ml analysis #s4 spoilers #optygami #alya cesaire #marinette dupain cheng #rena rouge #ladybug #mr pigeon 72 #ml theories #miraculous ladybug #rocketear #sentibubbler

[imthepunchlord]

Adrien’s Best to Least

Marinette, Alya, Nino, Kagami

Alright, officially four seasons in, we got more on Adrien which wound up to be... something. Let’s get this character study going covering his best to least fit. I apologize if this comes out on the side of salty, trying to be as neutral as possible, but be ready for his issues to be addressed.

Adrien is a complicated character in his set up, but Adrien himself is not a complex individual. He is, quite literally, one of the more straight forward characters in this show, and is quite stagnant and unchanging. And that is more the fault of the writers who don’t want to change him at all and deem him to be “perfect” while ignoring any flaws. Looking at him as a character without the narrative to act in his favor, there’s actually quite a struggle for him miraculous wise, but two seem to suit him best. 

His best are Turtle and Peafowl. Turtle meets the core who he is, working off his strengths, where he likes to be in the field, and his instincts. And this miraculous actually offers him the growth he really needs, while keeping true to who he is. Peafowl it turn can best adjust to his style and needs, his want to be flashy and dynamic. 

Adrien at the core is a protector, supporter, and follower. Being an incredibly reckless and active character, he thrives to be in the front lines, and has largely always prioritized his partner’s safety over his own, which has become problematic behavior at this point. But that’s what you want for a Turtle, someone who’s ready to be on the front lines and is being conscious of their allies. And out of the 5, this suits him best in who he is and how he works. 

The growth potential comes from the limits of his protection as Shelter can only be used once, and he has to be conscious about timing and how to use it. And typically, Adrien does have good responsive instincts for when he needs to be a protector. While this won’t stop him from diving in, it can afford him more means to do so while also keeping himself safe and in the fight, and it can shape him up to be smarter in how he protects others. This miraculous also counts for self-protection and ideally can get it into his head that his safety matters to. 

Overall, I do see Adrien and Wayzz getting along as Wayzz is friendly, engaging, and will adapt and adopt quirks of his humans so he can quickly bond with them. This sets up for him to click with his kwami a lot sooner, and with Wayzz being a more serious and responsible kwami than Plagg, this can set up Adrien to respect and listen to Wayzz. So when Wayzz calls him out on anything, Adrien is more likely to listen to him and consider his words. Wayzz is a kwami who doesn’t approve of reckless behavior, and that will address one of Adrien’s biggest issues. 

With Peafowl, in comparison to Fox, would be a lot forgiving of Adrien’s quick, responsive, and straightforward thinking. When Adrien makes his golems, they are made with a clear purpose that they will see to. And they will function as he expects them to. This will match his want to play by his own rules, as whatever he wants can come into existence, and for sure, he’d be quite the attention grabber. This miraculous is quite flexible in battle, able to be settled on the sidelines or join the golem in combat. 

Growth wise, this miraculous can inspire a spark of creativity, as while he makes golems to serve out a purpose, thought is required for them. He will also need to learn to be conscious of his resources as each golem is born from a section of his fan, and if he makes too many, he can end up weaponless. 

For him and Duusu, I see them being a very energetic pair, probably borderline chaotic. Duusu would actually probably add onto his flamboyance and encourage him to really let loose and “show his true colors”. She’d also be a source of affection and support, something that he really wants. She could also have Adrien step up in maturity as she can be a goofball. 

Adrien’s 2nd best is Bee. Bee can work off his energy and allow him to remain a mid-to-close-range fighter, though there are concerns to him using it which keeps this from being apart of his best, though he has enough potential and promise to use it well that keeps this from joining the worst. 

Bee will have a lot of the same appeals as Cat that makes this manageable for Adrien. It is direct, involved, allows him to be a teamplayer, and has an aggressive power. But while it has the same appeals to Cat, it has the same issues as Adrien can be reckless with his power and has activated Cataclysm at the wrong time a few times which has led to issues (Aeon’s death being the most iconic example). Chances are even higher that he’d have similar issues with Venom, and be more reckless with Venom as unlike Cataclysm, this is just a temporary paralysis, not pure destruction. Cataclysm requires some level of control and consideration in use. Venom is not the same in its use, so Adrien can end up more reckless with it as there aren’t so severe consequences with it, in theory. And with his tendency to charge and Venom requires some stealth and calculation in use, chances are good that many are going to see his sting coming and prepare for it. 

Growth wise, Bee can help Adrien grow as a team player, as teamwork is a big part of bee society, and while largely good, Adrien does have moments where he has struggled (like pranking his partner during a Lucky Charm use in the beginning of Refleckta, or Glaciator, rejecting to work with his partner due to her not showing up for the maybe date she said she was uncertain of making it to). And by chance he is reckless with Venom, ideally it would eventually click that he needs to be smarter in how he handles it. 

Adrien and Pollen as a pair could end up very problematic or very interesting. The Bee miraculous seems more designed to be used by girls and so far, we’ve only seen Pollen work off girls, we have yet to see how Pollen would engage with a boy as her user. She could be quite critical. But playing off the assumption that Pollen will engage with Adrien the same as we’ve seen in canon with Chloe, this would not be a good match as Pollen would essentially enable Adrien, and I don’t see him prompting the same sort of growth to her as other characters could. 

Adrien’s least fit are Butterfly and Fox. These two make up his greatest weaknesses: empathy and the capacity to plan before acting. 

Adrien can match Butterfly as he can be very supportive and encouraging (Origins and Mayura), but the issue stems that these instances are limited both in number and in depth. Adrien can be very emotionally deaf to the needs of others, often putting his own needs over them, and has made use of guilt to manipulate people (largely Marinette, seen in Syren and Malediktator). Another big issue with Adrien and Butterfly is that Adrien himself doesn’t make connections, he doesn’t include himself in anything. To use this miraculous well, one has to be or become, quite literally, a social butterfly. This miraculous at the core is about emotion and connection, to be aware of the feelings of others, to make connections, to assist and help raise others up. It requires teamwork and being on the same page. To have the user become a leader or teammate. This is not something Adrien is known for. He in general isn’t good at getting a grasp on emotional issues, as seen in Maledicktator, not getting the happiness everyone was feeling and lectured Marientte about it. Possibilities are good that with his tendency to lecture, who can upset the wrong target and end up championless. And with how passive he can be, can it be certain that he can rein in a champion if they go out of control? 

Growth wise, this does offer the most, but at the price that this is one of two that he’d really struggle with at the start. This miraculous can help him learn to branch out, make connections with others, and open his world more to making friends. But until he gets to that point, he’s going to be limited in diversity in champions and is more likely to stick to who he knows, and unfortunately, that’s not a lot. Chances are good that Chloe and Nino could be the only champions to be seen for a while and Chloe would not be inclined to share. 

With Nooroo, on the surface they can be a sweet pair, but being a very gentle and soft spoken kwami, I don’t see Nooroo as a kwami that Adrien will listen to if Nooroo spoke out or voiced his concerns. Nooroo can help Adrien understand and deal with emotional situations he may not have a grasp on, but that’s not a certainty until Adrien actually listens. 

Adrien can match Fox as a risk taker, someone who likes to be flashy, is playful, and wants to put on a show. But that there is where it ends. Adrien at the core is a very reactive character who likes to be in the thick of things and that’s not where Fox is supposed to be. Fox requires creativity, observation skills, and means of manipulating your audience without ever confronting them. Adrien is more offensive-oriented than a good Fox should be. He shares a similar issue with Alya that he would go with the first thing that comes to mind, whether its good or not, or even if he has all the details down needed for a good illusion. Chances are also good that (like Alya), he also waits to hear what illusion his partner may tell him to do than think of one himself. He tends to go with his gut and responds to the first thing he sees. And out of the 5, this is the one most designed to be background oriented, so him joining any fights makes things risky for him as he’s quite limited in fights. And having a Fox seen, enemies get a sense that there’s going to be an illusion soon. 

This would be the 2nd to address issues of his recklessness, but would be far more punishing. If he’s determined to become a good Fox, this is going to force him to step back, observe, and think. But being so action oriented and responsive, and having this instinctive need to act rather than plan (as we really see him struggle and get frustrated in Refleckdoll), its going to take a while before he gets that patience. 

Trixx and Adrien would be a pair that I see to be quite one sided. Passive as he can be, I see Trixx quite easily manipulating Adrien. And depending on one’s stance, this could be good or bad. Trixx is sharp enough to see what his humans desire, and knows what to say to change how think or change their actions. Trixx maybe the best kwami to pair with Adrien as he will assist Adrien in getting what he wants and needs, but is capable of getting Adrien to reconsider his stance or actions, which can improve Adrien’s character and his relation with others. 

Between Ladybug and Cat... honestly Adrien isn’t the best fit for either of them. But if he HAS to have one... it would technically be Cat as the power is more suited to who he is. It’s up his alley, though certain aspects don’t make it ideal. 

it is the same issue and risk as Bee, Adrien is very reckless and reactive. Canonly he has summoned Cataclysm too soon. And then there’s the issue of kwami. Plagg is not a good kwami match up with Adrien. Plagg isn’t a very involved kwami and he relies on his humans to self-sufficient and figure out issues themselves, largely expects a small mention will be enough. Not so with Adrien who needs a more direct personality to listen to, and by the time Plagg realizes he needs to be more direct, Adrien largely dismisses him as Plagg has set himself up as unreliable at the start. 

Between the two, Tikki would be the better kwami for Adrien. She is very involved and engaging, and makes it clear when she has an issue, to a point she’d be hard for Adrien to dismiss. Though chances are slim that he would as she’d be engaging at the start unlike Plagg. Adrien can even get Tikki herself to grow as he needs clearer answers than just a simple call out, forcing her to offer up solutions and alternatives for his own actions. Tikki also would get Adrien to start involving himself in others, if not outright stepping up as a leader, be more conscious of others and help them with their issues. She would’ve been good to help Adrien branch out. Unfortunately, the Ladybug miraculous is confirmed to not be a good fit and there would be a lot of struggles for Adrien at the start. 

#miraculous ladybug #adrien agreste #kwami swap #character study

[itawonka-creates]

This Jewelry Will End Up Killing Me - Chapter 5

[Prologue] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 6]

“Ms-”

“How dare you put me through all that worry? What were you thinking?!”

“Ma’am-”

“The audacity of you two to order Tom to come back inside alone! There was an AKUMA ATTACK! And-”

“MADAM DUPAIN-CHENG!” The silence that followed Damian’s outburst was exactly what he wanted. True, he didn’t expect to use this tone with anyone other than Beast Boy and Jason but it seemed necessary. He cleared his throat and bowed a bit, “I’m sorry for putting you through a scare like that.”

Sabine blinked before crossing her arms, “You put Adrien in danger. He’s been a long-time friend of the family. Not only that, you took my daughter for the night.” She paused for a moment before looking to her husband, “Tom, honey, go get my mop.”

“NO! No! Dad, do NOT get mom’s mop!” Marinette rubbed her temples and groaned, “Mama, I told you he’s saved me from a few things now.”

“Only after he put you in dangerous situations!”

Marinette opened her mouth only to close it when no rebuttal came to mind. “Okay, but he’s a good person-”

“Honey, you’ve known him for a few days.”

“Mama-”

Damian raised his hand and stepped beside Marinette, “If I may, we were hunting at your daughter’s request. Truthfully, she has yet to even tell you why. Can you save the judgement until afterwards? You can kick me out afterwards if you’d like.” Damian motioned for Marinette to move freely and Marinette nodded.

Marinette quickly ran upstairs as the group calmly listened to her footsteps. Alya nudged Adrien after noticing him rubbing his neck. He shrugged and grabbed her arm for comfort as Marinette ran back into the room. While holding a bag close to her chest, she took a deep breath. She put the bag onto the counter and opened it. Coins glittered inside.

Tom hesitantly reached into the bag and held up a coin. He handed it to Sabine before weighing the bag in his hand. “Marinette, this bag is heavy. How much Tikki-”

“Enough to cover the debt. I’ve saving up by working for Chloe-”

“I thought you said you only started working for her to network.”

“I know what I said.  I lied.”

Sabine looked at Alya, “Did you-”

“No! She lied to us too. You really think I would’ve let her work for Chloe if I had a say?”

Tom put the bag down, “Where did you get this much Tikki?”

Marinette bit her lip before pulling out her Adventurer’s Card and handing it to her father. “Don’t be mad, please.”

“When did you-”

“Yesterday, after I left with Damian. We went to the guild to get him a card and I ended up getting one too.”

Sabine grabbed the card and looked it over, “Honey, this is a lot of news.”

“I know, but I wanted to do this on my own. I could never leave you guys knowing I could help.”

“Leave? Why would you leave?”

Marinette walked over to Alya and Nino, “I want to be like them. I want to explore and have adventures. I want to be able to support myself and you guys. I didn’t think I could for a long time but-” Marinette squeezed Alya’s arm and did her best to keep her voice from shaking, “I want to try. Please. I want to go with them. I want to see new places, new people, and create things along the way. I want to grow.”

Alya placed a hand over her friend’s and smiled, “Marinette doesn’t have a lot of skills yet but we can train her. Keep her safe. I want to see her succeed too.”

“We both do.” Nino chimed in and grinned, “Plus she showed a lot of bravery yesterday with those toads-“

“YOU WERE HUNTING THE TOADS?”

Damian smacked Nino’s head, “Big mouth.”

“Why on earth did you go hunting toads? They could’ve killed you!”

“Well, I wasn’t alone. Damian-”

“Damian?” Sabine brought her attention back to the young man and glared, “Why does it always come back to you?”

“Mrs. Dupain-Cheng!” Sabine turned her head to Adrien, “He’s a good kid. If Marinette didn’t want to do this, she wouldn’t be talking to you right now.” Adrien put a hand on Marinette’s shoulder, “When she talks about Alya’s adventures, she has this look in her eye that you only see when she’s sewing. It’s something you can tell she’s really passionate about!” He looked over at Alya and Nino, “I think we’re just used to seeing Marinette here, it wasn’t really possible for to think of her outside of this place.” He glanced over to Damian before asking, “You didn’t have that problem, did you?”

Damian shrugged, “I just listened to her. It’s as you said before, she’s passionate about it. Even if doesn’t say it, you can see it.” He leaned against one of the tables in the bakery, “To answer your question, she picked out the toads. I was there the whole time. I wasn’t going to allow anything to happen to her.”

Sabine bit her lip and looked over Marinette, “Marinette, you didn’t have to-”

“I wanted to. I didn’t want to work for Chloe, but I wanted to help.”

Tom handed her back her card and hugged her, “When did you get so big?”

Marinette’s eyes watered as she shrugged, “Does this mean I can go? I’ll send you guys some of my earnings and-”

“Honey, you don’t have to worry about a thing.”

“She does though.” Sabine looked outside the window and frowned, “The Akuma. There’s no way. It’s not safe.”

“But Mama-”

“Not here.” Sabine sighed and looked over her friend group, “If you guys are going to leave, you should hurry before the Akuma strikes. I can help pack some things.”

“Y-You’re letting me go?”

Sabine smiled and nodded. She looked to Alya and Nino, “She never leaves your sight.”

“Of course.”

“You got it, dude.”  

Damian felt a large hand engulf his shoulder and he looked up, “Yes, sir?”

“Why are you here son? You left and ran after the Akuma. What are your intentions?”

Damian opened his mouth to answer before noticing the look Alya was sending him. He quickly thought of another reason, “I’ve been in fights before. My father ensures all his wards go through very… specific training. I knew I could help.”

“But what are your intentions?”

“To get back to my family. Last time I saw them, they were in trouble. I was told to become an adventurer, so I came here.”

Tom narrowed his eyes and examined Damian from head to toe. Damian did his best to stay stoic and looked to Adrien. Adrien tugged at his collar and stepped forward, “Sir, I can vogue for his good character.” Adrien walked over and grabbed Damian’s arm, tugging him closer and smiling. “I trust him.”

Nino came up behind the two and swung his arms over their shoulders, “Any friend of Adrien’s is good in my book.”

Both girls chimed in, “Except Chloe!”

Nino nodded and snapped his fingers in their direction, “Noted exception, dudes.”

Marinette turned back to her mom, “Mom, we have one last thing to do in the city. I promise we’ll head out once we’re done.”

“Honey, the Akuma-”

“Will be handled by Cat Noir.”

This caught both parents’ attention, “Cat Noir is back? Since when?”

“Don’t know but he just showed up to the Akuma attack with Damian.” Damian and Adrien both slowly turned their heads to Nino. Adrien’s eyes widen as he tilted his head, “What?”

“You really don’t have a filter do you, Nino?”

“What do you mean?”

Damian rolled his eyes before shoving Nino away, “Like I said, I’m much more adept to fighting all kinds of enemies. My upbringing ensured I’d be able to hold my own in any situation.” His resolve left no room for doubt. He meant every word.

Sabine hummed before whispering to Marinette. Marinette’s eyes widened before quietly scolding her mother, “Mama!” Sabine shrugged and giggled while walking behind the counter.

“I’m just saying, sweetie-“

Marinette flailed before making an ‘X’ with her arms and shaking her head, “No! Nope! We are not entertaining that!”

Alya pushed herself in between the two, “I’ll entertain it. What are we entertaining?”

“You are not repeating that.”

Sabine put her hand over her chest, “Marinette Dupain-Cheng, just who do you think you are talking to?” Marinette wilted and Sabine whispered to Alya. Alya snorted and nodded in agreement. Marinette groaned and knocked her head against the counter with a small ‘ow’.

Adrien looked to Damian, “By the way, what exactly did you bring on your adventure?”

“I can go get his things.” Marinette ran upstairs and brought down a bag, “Everything’s folded inside.”

“Thank you.” Damian rummaged through the bag, “Other than my weapons, it seems I only brought my uniform and – Oh.”

“What?” His fingers rubbed against a smooth surface. He debated taking it out before looking at the group. Alya shrugged, “C’mon. You can show us.” Damian thought for a moment before deciding against it and pulling out something else. “Another projectile?”

“It’s called a batarang. My father created these. They’re able to be thrown and then explode remotely.”

“Explode?! You never said they could explode! I held one of those things!”

“Relax. It wouldn’t have exploded just by being held.” Damian put the batarang back into his bag and closed it. “Thank you, Marinette.”

“You’re welcome.” Marinette’s eyes flickered to the bag for a moment, but quickly went back to Damian’s face. She pointed at him and Adrien, “We still have something to discuss.”

“Yeah.”

“I know.”

“WOAH! Woah! Since when do you discuss anything with Adrien Agreste?” Alya tugged on Marinette’s pony tail, “You’re holding out on me.”

Marinette winced before she looked to both boys pleadingly. They knew what she was asking, but Damian could feel a pinch by his shoulder. He shook his head and Marinette sighed before turning to her best friend. She grabbed a tug of Alya’s hair a tugged, “We’re discussing the new wardrobe I owe them after you guys drank too much wine at Chloe’s dinner!”

Alya flinched before she tugged on Marinette’s hair. Her tone was as embarrassed as she was offended, “I did not drink that much!”

“Yes, you did!” Marinette tugged as she emphasized the last word. Both girls narrowed their eyes at each other before bickering and pulling at each other’s hair intermittently.

Nino groaned and rolled his eyes, “C’mon Adrien. Before they get heated.”

“This isn’t heated?”

Damian patted Adrien’s back, “This is playful. Heated may result in them pulling each other’s hair out.”

“You just met them. How would you know?”

“I have Jonathan and siblings. All of whom I would not hesitate to murder over a scuffed shoe, let alone hair pulling.” Adrien was going to open his mouth to say something before deciding against it. He simply followed Nino’s lead to the girls. Damian grabbed his bag before noticing Marinette’s father staring at him. Damian looked to Tom and bowed, “I’m sorry.”

“For?”

“Causing chaos. I realize my presence has only caused you and your family trouble. I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

Tom paused for a moment before motioning Damian to stand up straight. He led Damian out of the room and into the hallway. The muffled bickering faded into the lasting tension as Damian waited for the man to speak. Tom leaned against the stair’s railing and pinched his nose, “That is probably the most worked up I’ve seen that girl in a long time.”

Damian set the bag down on the floor and did his best to come off earnest, “I apologize.”

“Don’t.” Tom chuckled and shook his head, “It’s relieving, to be honest.” Damian’s confused expression made Tom smile, “You didn’t know Marinette before a few days ago. Growing up, that is how she always acted. Kind, energetic, passionate, everything you’ve seen thus far.” Tom sighed as he looked in the direction of his daughter’s voice, “I haven’t seen that in months. Her mother and I have been worried we’d never see that girl again. She wasn’t designing, she wasn’t drawing, she barely had any energy. She just worked and slept. We would give her breaks at the bakery so she could take walks, maybe get some inspiration, but nothing has really brought her back to us.” Tom pointed at Damian, “Nothing until you.”

Damian’s eye brows shot up and Tom shrugged. Tom rubbed his neck nervously, “I’m really scared about what might happen to her out there. She’s never really left the city, but I can’t hold her back. Not when she’s this set on it.” Tom shrugged, “I don’t know why you’re here. Quite frankly, you being around Marinette scares me. But I also know you’d keep her safe if I asked, so this is me asking.” Tom put his hand on Damian’s shoulder and sincerely asked, “Will you stay with her and keep her safe?”

Part of Damian wanted to say no, it’d be a stupid promise to make. One he knew he couldn’t keep. This world and its threats are foreign to him. Besides, he couldn’t even keep himself alive. Damian kept his face as neutral as possible and his tone flat. “I’ll do what I can but I believe Alya and Nino have that covered.”

Tom hummed before smoothing out his mustache, “If you survive your journey, I suppose I could teach you some baking tips. They were passed down by the greats!”

Damian scrunched up his nose before shaking his head, “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“No! No! I insist! In fact, if you won’t be leaving right away, we could teach you something now!”

“Sir, I really don’t-”

“How do you expect to satisfy my daughter with no baking skills? She comes from a house of bakers!”

Damian nearly choked, “Excuse me? Satisfy?” He could hear Tikki snickering under his mantle. His mother and father’s apathetic nature proved to be a blessing. It’s the only thing that was keeping him from turning completely red.

“Of course. I mean, I know you’d be able to support her. Clearly you make enough Tikki by adventuring, although I don’t appreciate the idea of her being put in harm’s way. Still-”

Damian cringed and held up his hand, “I think you have the wrong idea about your daughter and I’s relationship. She’s helping me out and I appreciate it. Nothing more.” Tom raised a brow and Damian closed his eyes as he pushed through the next question, “What?”

Tom thought for a moment before choosing his words carefully, “How do I put this? She doesn’t just look at, talk to, or pay attention to anyone the same way she does to you. It’s especially odd considering the short time you’ve known each other.”

Damian was confused by the response, “Marinette seems like the open type, I didn’t think it was out of her character.”

“The fact that you know that is telling, you must realize that.” Damian was taken aback by the answer but a door swung open and the girl in question barged through.

“Papa! What are you doing to him?”

Tom didn’t miss a beat. He grabbed Damian’s shoulder and pulled him in, “Just telling him about the great bakers in our family. I’m going to teach him some-”

“Oh no you will not! You try that with everyone I bring home!”

“And yet, you always come back to this house hungry.”

“Because I live here!”

“Mhm, likely story sweetheart. You know no one else’s cooking compares to mine or your mother’s.”

Marinette opened her mouth before blushing and turning away, “Mom’s wondering where you are.”

Tom chuckled and nudged Damian. He leaned in and whispered, “Ask her about her designs. Cheers her up every time.” Tom winked before moving past Marinette and leaving the hall.

Marinette sounded exasperated as she leaned against the wall, “What did he say to you?”

Damian felt the same of exhaustion hit him and he took Marinette’s lead. He rubbed his temples and leaned against the same wall, “Nothing of interest.” Nothing he could tell her without her being mortified.

“Why don’t I believe that?”

“Because you know your father best.”

“Do I want to know?”

“My guess? No, not really.” She groaned and slid down the wall. When she didn’t get up right away Damian rolled his eyes and took a seat on the floor.

Marinette looked at the bag that was cast aside and pointed at it, “What’s in the bag?”

“What do you mean?”

“You changed after touching something in the bag. I know you took out the weapon but… I don’t think you’re the type to stutter over a weapon.”

Damian’s expression was subtle, but Marinette realized she struck something. She waited patiently for him to finally grab his bag and pull out the object in question. “What’s that?”

“My phone. I didn’t realize I had it on me.” He placed his finger over the bottom of the device and the screen lit up. Marinette’s eyes widened and she crawled over. She scooted to his side as he showed her the screen.

“Who are those people?”

“That’s my team. Hold on.” Damian hit a few buttons and a bunch of pictures popped up. He tapped on one and turned the phone sideways. The picture filled the screen and he zoomed in a bit, “This is my family.”

“Incredible. I love their clothes.”

“Of course that’s what you comment on first. Not the fact that there’s this little rectangle showing light up photographs.” He turned his head to make another comment but realized just how close she actually was. Her eyes were fixated on the screen, darting around and taking in all the little details. Damian didn’t turn away, instead he turned his phone back and swiped to the next photo. He watched her smile grow, astonished at the technology.

Marinette cautiously reached out and swiped to the next picture. By the little changes on her face, Damian could tell she didn’t expect it to work for her. Something so normal to him left her in awe. It was almost fascinating. She turned her head, her big blue eyes focused on him. The smile softly fell as she asked, “You’re not from here, are you?”

Damian turned off his phone and put it back in the bag, “No.”

“Will you tell me more about it?”

Damian was going to answer before Tikki nudged him. This wasn’t the time. “We need to take care of the Akuma first.”

“I know, but how are we supposed to separate ourselves from Alya and Nino?”

“You’ve known them longer. You should have that answer.”

“Not after that whole talk!” She leaned her head back against the wall and sighed.

Tikki flew out from under the mantle and motioned towards the girl. Damian narrowed his eyes and shook his head. This clearly wasn’t the answer the Kwami was looking for because Tikki glared at him before motioning more aggressively. Damian hung his head and begrudgingly saying, “Show me your designs, Marinette.”

“Huh? Oh, hi Tikki.” Tikki smiled at the girl and waved.

He repeated himself, “I said go show me your designs. You always talk about them. Go show me them.” Damian turned his head slightly and looked up at her.

She sounded surprised, “My designs? But why?”

“You always talk about them. Besides, don’t you need to design a traveling outfit or something?”

Marinette’s eyes widened before she bolted up, “I know how we’re getting rid of Alya!” She held her hand out to Damian and pulled him up with more ease than he was expecting. Tikki took her place at Damian’s shoulder and held onto the fabric. She grabbed his arm and pulled him up the stairs and through a living area before finally into a loft. By the feminine décor he figured it was her room. She scavenged around her room before smiling, “Perfect!”

“What’s perfect?” She pulled out a notebook and flipped through the pages. Damian looked at Tikki before walking up behind Marinette. Peering over her shoulder he frowned, “Your designs?”

“Yes, I’m looking for – Aha!” She held up a design that was simple. Pink pants. A shirt with a floral pattern. A blazer or jacket. Not to mention a bag that matched.

“This is what you want to wear on the journey?”

“I figure it’s simple, not going to draw a lot of attention, and I can move freely in it!” She ripped out a blank piece of paper and looked around for something to write with.

“I suppose but how will this get rid of Alya.”

She smiled and grabbed a pen before starting a list, “I’ll need supplies to make the outfit and since she is my very best friend and only girlfriend I trust with this sacred task, she’ll spend a lot of time in the market. She’ll probably drag Nino along-”

“Giving us ample time to test the new powers. Smart.”

“Thank you.” She finished the list and smiled, “Mom and Dad will probably leave me be if they know I’m with you and Adrien. We’ll just have to find a place to practice.”

“I’m sure I can help with that.” The two turned to see Adrien sticking his head up the trapdoor and grinning, “Your parents wanted to know where you went.” He walked further into the room and looked around, “So this is your room? It’s very you, Marinette. I like it.” Adrien winked at the girl before continuing to scan the area, completely missing the deep red hue creeping up Marinette’s neck.

Damian rolled his eyes and nudged her, “Alya.”

“R-Right! Right! Uh, I need to get this Alya to list! I mean- This list to Alya!” She laughed nervously before stumbling out of her own room.

Damian rolled his eyes before looking at Adrien, “So where are we going?”

“There’s an opening outside of town with an old abandoned manor. I practice my cataclysm there.”

Damian remembered last night’s fight and nodded, “Your power, right?”

Adrien frowned, “I’m sorry-”

“If you want to prove yourself then help Marinette. We’re going to need to figure out how to defeat an Akuma in less than 24 hours.”

“That’s unheard of.”

“But not impossible.” Damian thought back to his family and all the fights they’ve endured. For a bunch of humans with no powers, they’ve done the impossible before. This should be easy. He grabbed a small paper weight and threw it at Adrien, “Let’s see what you got, cat.” The blond caught it without much thought before smiling. This was going to be informative if not entertaining. “Now, tell me what you know about past Akumas.”

*******************************************************************************************

Tag List: @maribat-is-lifeblood @wannajointhecrabcult @animegirlweeb @jeminiikrystal @tbehartoo @moonlightstar64 @clumsy-owl-4178 @swiftie-miraculer13 @ how-to-fuction-properly @ our-preciousss @ toodaloo-kangaroo @ fantasyloversblog @ bluesimani @ paintedhope7

#TJWEUKM #maribat #konosuba au #fanfic #au #daminette #damianette #damimari #maridami #damian x marinette #dc x mlb #miraculous x dc #crossover fic

[dylanobrienisbatman]

TBR!

Aka, Tailored Book Recommendations! TBR is, you guessed it, a fully personalised book recommendation service! Sign up, fill out their questionnaire (extensive, and you can always edit!), and wait for your carrier pigeon email with 3 recommendations to arrive!! You can also get hard copies of the books mailed to you, if you prefer! So far, they’ve stepped just outside of my comfort zone and recommended me things I wouldn’t have picked myself but I think I’m going to love!

Velvet Was The Night - Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Noir mystery meets historical thriller in this new book from Moreno-Garcia. Set in 1970’s Mexico, the story follows a secretary who accidentally gets involved in a dangerous lot to take down students protests after her neighbor goes missing.

Recommended based on my interest in the author (also suggested Certain Dark Things, Gods of Jade and Shadow, and Mexican Gothic) and my interest in historical fiction! Definitely not something I would have thought to pick up but I’m super interested!

We have always been here - Lena Nguyen

A ship psychologist watches her crew descend into paranoia in this science fiction thriller. After being trapped onboard by a radiation storm, this crew of specialists begins acting increasingly erratically. Even the androids are affected. And as the walls begin to close in on Dr. Park herself, she realises that nothing - not the ship, not the crew, and not even the planet - is what it appears.

Recommended based on my love of sci-fi! Never read a thriller before, but the premise is so interesting and I’m stoked to dig in!

A Marvellous Light - Freya Marske

This historical fantasy novel features a bit of everything: magic, adventure, mystery, and romance. When an administrative error leaves Robin as the new liaison to a hidden magical society, he discovers an extraordinary reality that has always been hiding just beneath the surface of the British Isles

Recommended based on my love of fantasy, historical fiction, and dark academic, plus my request for LGBT romances or characters!! Very excited!

Phoenix Extravagant- Yoon Ha Lee

Phoenix Extravagant is a Korean inspired Sci-fi/Fantasy that blends the genres to create a story unlike any other. The story follow Jebi, a painter blackmailed into joining a top secret government program to help bring mechanical dragons to life.

Recommended based on my preference for sci-fi/fantasy, and my request for different cultural inspirations in those genres! Also, written by a trans author of colour and includes LGBT characters! Definitely the most off the wall rec so far but it seems very cool!

Finna - Nino Capri

Ever thought stepping into IKEA is a bit like exploring an alternate universe? Finna takes that concept to a whole new level when a worm hole opens up in a big box furniture store and the two most recent employees learn it’s their job to go rescue the customer who fell through it. To make matters worse, they also happen to be exes. This novella is a super fun take on speculative fiction.

Unique world building and characters, plus speculative fiction? Let’s do it! Never read a novella before, but this concept is so funky I have to try it!

Light From Uncommon Stars - Ryka Aoki

This novel combines sci-fi and fantasy to incredible effect. A family of alien refugees running a donut shop and a renowned violin instructor paying off a deal with the devil find their lives intersecting and are finally brought together by a runaway trans music prodigy searching for belonging. The disparate threads of this story come together to create something truly original.

Talk about out of the box and off the wall!! But I’m always down for SFF stories, and this one sounds weird and cool!!

If anyone has read any of these I’d LOVE to hear your (spoiler free) thoughts! I love the books I’ve been suggested so far, and plan to continue with TBR going forward! Absolutely recommend to anyone trying to broaden their bookshelves and find new, unique books to read!

#TBR #tailored book recommendations #Bailey Recs Books

[multibug]

Passion Fruit Lip Gloss

AO3

HAPPY (late) BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE U SO MUCH @emsylcatac

tags: identity reveal, fluff, kissing, aged-up characters, slight crack

Marinette adjusts the bedazzled party hat atop her head, the bright gold a stark contrast to her jet black hair. It doesn’t exactly go with her outfit of choice, though she’s not necessarily angry at it. 

It was either that or the bedazzled green tiny cowboy hat.-

(“Green?!” she had asked Alya, when she was showing Marinette ideas about what to do for the hats.

“For our school colors, silly. We probably won’t use them anyway.” 

Alya did end up using them in the end.) 

Marinette’s wearing a peach-colored long-sleeve silk button up with thin red and white stripes vertically lining it. It’s tucked into a pair of black shorts with a leather belt. 

In a moment of pure hastiness, she had chosen her tallest thigh high black heels, with a heel that raised her three full inches over her normal height. 

A small beret keeps one side of her hair pinned back so her ear is exposed. She tied a thin choker around her neck to complete the look and a small touch of makeup with glossy lips. 

It’s passion fruit flavor. 

The clock hanging on the wall reads 23h00, giving Marinette a good hour and a half before she can beg off feigning tiredness as her excuse so Alya doesn’t call her a party pooper. It’s not that Marinette doesn’t like to party per say, it’s that she’s not exactly the third wheel type. 

She’s had more than enough of it the last few days, thank you very much. 

All of their friends are paired up with someone, whether it’s platonic or not. Alya and Nino, Kim and Ondine, Luka and XY—a big shocker to all of their friends with how much Luka despised him back in the day. There’s the obvious Juleka and Rose still holding strong, Kagami and Chloé, another eye-opener when they revealed it to their friends earlier last month. 

Ivan and Mylène, who endured a long-distance relationship for a while before Ivan and his family moved back to Paris in August. Nathaniel and Marc, who sadly weren’t around a lot to cause Marinette much of a heartache, but enough nonetheless. 

Even Alix and Max, two entirely platonic friends, were enough to make Marinette feel like she was third wheeling. 

They aren’t doing it on purpose, at least Marinette thinks they aren’t, yet the longing to have someone on this chilly New Years Eve is almost unbearable. Almost. 

A mix of something fruity and strong loiters in her hand long enough to help kick the feeling. 

“Girl, what are you doing all the way over here by yourself?” Alya gently bumps her hip into Marinette’s, eyeing her over the top of her straw as she takes a sip of her drink. “You’ve been off all night!” 

Alya’s cowboy hat is nearly slipping off her head at this point, though it looks as though the redhead hasn’t noticed. 

Marinette stifles a giggle, shoving her half-filled drink into Alya’s free hand. She watches in bemusement as part of the drink sloshes to the floor and goes about fixing the small hat on top of Alya’s head. “There! All fixed.” 

“Don’t think I didn’t notice you trying to avoid my question,” Alya remarks with a sharply raised eyebrow. 

“Me? Trying to avoid your question? Alya, you must be drunker than you think!” Marinette quickly takes the drink back from Alya’s hand and downs the rest of it, throwing an overly enthusiastic thumbs up in its wake. 

“I’m on my first drink, M,” Alya deadpans. 

Pursing her lips together, Marinette shrugs her shoulder sheepishly. “Sorry?” 

The song changes from a slower song to a more upbeat one, the accompanying lights Nino installed in his and Alya’s apartment changing to the tune of it. 

Alya knocks back the rest of her drink and slams the cup onto a nearby counter, a devious glint in her eyes. 

Oh no. 

“Come dance with me, M!” Her hand encircles Marinette’s wrist, tugging her onto the makeshift dance floor whether Marinette wants to or not. 

Marinette nearly trips over her heels in an attempt to keep up with Alya’s longer legs, knowing it's fruitless to argue with Alya when she has her mind set to something. 

Out of the corner of her eye, a familiar tall blond squeezes past them with relative ease, Marinette briefly making eye contact with them. Time feels as though it slows down, Marinette’s lips parting slightly as she peers into the bright eyes of Adrien, who she hasn’t seen since Nino threw him a spectacular 19th birthday party in September. 

A birthday party that Marinette still can’t remember to this day. 

All she recalls is getting extremely plastered after seeing Adrien pictured with a girl in his newest edition of Vogue Paris. He hadn’t spoken about whether the girl was his girlfriend at the time, yet seeing them together had her feeling as though she was on fire. 

Months of Marinette working towards getting over him just for her to realize it’s seemingly useless. 

He’s always going to have a special place in her heart, she suspects. 

His eyes soften as soon as he realizes it's her, his lips curving into a beautiful smile that outperforms all of his photoshoot pictures by a landslide. His hair’s grown slightly longer since she’s last seen him, curling around the back of his ear—a bit reminiscent of their collège days. 

Adrien’s still just as gorgeous as she remembers. 

“You look good,” she squeaks out over the bass of the music, inwardly screaming at herself to shut up. 

“Thank you—” he cuts himself off as Alya drags Marinette across the room, his hand outstretched in reaching towards her. 

Gosh, how she yearns to see if it’s as soft as it looks, even in the dim multi-colored lighting. 

“Honey, I think the liquor is getting to you,” Alya whisper-yells into her ear, a tiny smirk lingering on her face. 

Marinette rolls her eyes and shakes her head, the party hat sliding with the movement. “No way, Al! I haven’t been drinking like that. Only enough for some liquid courage, you know?” 

Just then, she trips over the heel of her boot and nearly forces them to the floor from using Alya as leverage. Thankfully, Alya was standing close enough to the wall to support them before that happened. 

“Sure, babe. I’ll make sure either Nino or I take you home later.” 

Sticking her tongue out at Alya, she sets her empty drink onto the nearest flat surface and throws her arms around Alya’s neck, losing herself to the beat of the music. Her hips move in time with the songs, some she faintly remembers, and others she’s never heard of. 

Alya’s close enough to her that she begins to feel a bit sweaty as the songs pass. 

At some point while Hot in Herre by Nelly is playing, Nino saddles up to them with drinks in his hands. 

“Babe, I think she’s had enough,”Alya all but snaps.

Nino shoots her a look that says relax without actually saying it. 

“Thanks, Nino! You’re a real pal.” Marinette loops her arm through his and leans her head against his bicep, taking a sip from the drink he gives her. “Yuck, water.” 

“Yeah, you are a real pal,” Alya says with a fond grin, pressing a slightly sweaty kiss to his cheek. “Thanks, love.” 

Marinette huffs. “I take it back. You’re not my pal.” She ruins this statement by tightening her grip on his arm. 

“Ooh, she’s clingy tonight. Are you drunk, Nette?” 

“I’m not drunk. I’m just abnormally tipsy is all! I think it might just be hitting me now. Oh dear, maybe the water is a good idea.” Frowning, she sips at the water with her nose scrunched, a small pout forming on her face. 

Raising her arm up to stare at the watch on her hand, she squints her eyes and is barely able to make out the time: 23h50. 

Another New Years Eve, another kissless year. 

“Hey guys! Kim is looking for you two. He said something about a major spill in the kitchen?” 

It’s Adrien, dressed in a light blue—is that Givenchy?!—cotton button-up with yellow and green flowers scattered on it. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows and the shirt itself is tucked into a pair of black skinny jeans and a pair of brown chelsea boots. 

It suits him well, so much so that she clenches her jaw to stop it from dropping.

Snap out of it. 

Marinette blinks owlishly at Adrien, the liquor causing her head to feel fuzzy. 

“I don’t want to leave Nette alone—”

Adrien laughs softly, hands shoved into his pockets as he interrupts, “Nino, I can take care of Mar while you guys go help Kim, yeah?” 

“I am not a child.” Marinette detaches herself from Nino and stands proudly, chin held high. “I can take care of myself!” 

“I didn’t say you couldn’t,” Adrien replies gently, as to not spook her. “I’ll just be around to make sure you’re okay in the process, is that cool?” 

He’s so nice. It warms her heart. “Yeah, sure.” 

“Cool, let’s go.” He slings an arm over her shoulder languidly and smiles down at her. 

Her heart races. 

“Do you want to go onto the balcony to watch the fireworks? Nino and Alya said it’s off limits, but I’m sure they’ll make an exception for us, right guys?” 

Alya winks over at Marinette as Adrien’s head turns away to glance at Nino, and she replies, “Yeah, go for it.” 

A blush rises on her cheeks, heat stinging her face. She’s going to kill Alya. 

“C’mon, Mar, we’re out this bitch.” Adrien steers them over to the balcony and easily has them through the sliding doors within seconds.

It drowns out the party lingering behind them. 

Glancing down at her wrist, Marinette notes that her watch reads 23h55. Five minutes until midnight. Time feels as though it’s gone so fast yet so slow, strangely enough. 

She shivers, though the sensation is mostly coming from her stockings as her shirt’s fairly thick. She’s surprised when she feels a weight on her shoulders. 

Out of thin air, Adrien produces a heavy bomber jacket that warms her to the core immediately. Maybe he grabbed it on their way out without her realizing it? Whatever the case may be, she’s very grateful for the heat seeping into her body while they’re out in the frigid Parisian air. 

“Thank you,” she murmurs in response, her arms crossing to grab either side of the jacket and hold it around her body. 

“Of course,” he replies, shooting her the same smile from earlier. 

It warms her more than the jacket does. 

“You know,” he starts, hands twitching on the balcony railing, as he glances from the beautiful city view to her face. “I have so much to talk to you about. So much to say. Now isn’t the right time obviously, as you’ve been drinking—”

Her eyebrows furrow together. “I’m perfectly coherent, Adrien.” 

“I didn’t say you weren’t,” he defends easily, his arm groping her elbow to ground her. “I’m just saying that I think this is a conversation where both of us should be completely sober and open to hearing the topic at hand.” 

What does he mean by that? She’s not sure where she should be confused and worried or elated that he wants to talk to her about something serious. Either way, it’s puzzling her already fuzzy brain to the point where she bites down on her lower lip and lets out a huff unknowingly. 

“Is it bad?” she finally asks, eyes flickering to her watch. 

23h58. 

“No, no! It’s not bad at all.” He squeezes her elbow reassuringly and smiles warmly at her, eyes glittering even in the dim light that shines above them. “I’m hoping it’ll be a good conversation, though I want you to remember it. That’s why I’m waiting.” 

Waiting. Good. it’s good. For a good conversation. Ugh. Her brain hurts. 

“Okay,” Marinette murmurs, blinking up at him slightly confused. She returns the smile once she notices his, it being too contagious for her not to. “Okay, I believe you.” 

He hasn’t removed his hand from her elbow. She hasn’t shaken him off either. 

Beyond them, miles and miles away, in the sea of twinkling lights and crowds of people, fireworks explode into the night sky as bright sensations. They light up the dark with their vibrant colors and intoxicating patterns, making it irresistibly hard to look away. 

The second she does, her eyes are drawn to another light, this one alive. 

Adrien, who is watching the fireworks with an expression of wonder. A tilt to his eyebrows and a small drop of his jaw, cheekbones dipping high with the shadow of the night. 

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she asks, rather than wishing him a Happy New Years. Rather than stare at the beautiful swirls and patterns happening adjacent to her. She’s too focused on the beautiful boy in front of her, whether he knows she’s talking about him or not. 

It has to be said.

He lets out a small chuckle and nods his head, free hand rubbing at the back of his head as he whispers, “Yeah, it sure is.” 

“Bonne Année, Adrien, “ she whispers, so gently that she’s unsure as to if he’s heard it. 

Wonder-filled eyes flickering over to her helps in answering her question.. He grins impossibly wide, all of his teeth showing so it’s nearly comical, yet it’s so unabashedly Adrien that she can’t help but return it for a second time tonight.

Adrien leans in, and for a second, Marinette truly thinks he’s going to kiss her. Her heart starts stuttering and the color the cold had ripped from her returns to her body so fast it feels like whiplash. 

He doesn’t kiss her. 

And yet, that isn’t the exact truth either, is it?

Lips brush against the apple of her cheek, so light that the touch feels both hot and cold simultaneously. It sends shivers throughout her body and the spot on her skin that his lips linger on burns hotter than the temperature of the sun. 

She can’t think. Her brain is complete mush.

The tip of his cold nose nudges against her cheek afterwards briefly as he leans in to whisper into her ear, “Bonne Année to you as well, Marinette.” 

Her heart continues to flutter until she falls asleep minutes later, curled up in his jacket all while leaning on him.

---

Daylight shines in through the slits of her blinds faster than Marinette would’ve liked, considering the horrible ache in her head. Except, she can’t exactly remember how she made it back to her apartment, which is a weird feat for her. 

She rarely drinks enough to where she doesn’t remember what’s happening—Adrien’s birthday party being an anomaly. 

How did she make it home yesterday? 

Hm, maybe it was Alya or Nino? They aren’t the type to abandon one another in their times of need. even in times of absolute peril. There’s no way they didn’t have some part in getting her home, even if it meant physically seeing that she made it into her apartment building before leaving.

The thought makes her feel all fuzzy inside. 

It could’ve been any of their friends at the party, if she’s honest. She doesn’t remember anything after Hot in Herre played on the dancefloor; hopefully bits and pieces come back as time goes on. 

Oh well, it mustn’t be that important.

Peeling open an eye has her glancing over at her nightstand, a bottle of paracetamol and a glass of water sitting neatly on her otherwise messy cupboard. She makes a move to grab the bottle and water when movement near her balcony door has her freezing in place. 

Chat Noir is standing there, back turned to her—she can even recognize him in horribly-taken photographs—as though he’s trying to sneak out. He turns to glance back at her and she soundly slips her eyes shut, feigning sleep. 

As her balcony door creaks, her eyes open and she watches Chat shut the door and bounce off the balcony with his staff. 

“Tikki?” 

Her small, red friend flies out from her little nest. “Yes, Marinette?” 

“Was Chat Noir just in my room?” Her voice is thick with sleep and slightly hoarse. 

Tikki’s eyes widen and she glances around the room nervously. “No? Were you dreaming? Chat Noir was most definitely not in here!” 

Marinette’s eyes squint up at her. “Don’t lie to me. I just saw him!” 

“Well, then why did you ask me?” Tikki whines, deflating a bit as she floats closer to Marinette. “Yes, Chat Noir was here. If you want to know more, I’ll tell you as you are the Guardian and it’s your decision, but if you don’t, I won’t utter a word.” 

“Will it jeopardize me knowing his identity? I wouldn’t want to do that to him,” Marinette worries, using her thumb and forefinger to toy with her lower lip. 

Stroking her chin thoughtfully, Tikki shrugs. “It may. I can’t say yes or no for sure. It would have to be a risk you’re willing to take.” 

“Ugh, no. I’m not going to do that to him. It wouldn’t be fair.” Marinette sighs, finally opening the bottle of paracetamol and downing two with large gulps of water. “Though I am curious.” 

“As they say, curiosity killed the cat!” Tikki replies with a giggle. 

Face-palming, Marinette groans aloud. “Oh no. He’s rubbing off on you too!” 

---

“Girl, I’m surprised you haven’t called me,” Alya tells her, a few days later, when the New Years resolution goals have already lost their momentum. “I figured I’d get a phone call as soon as you got home.” 

“What are you talking about, Als? Sorry, hold on.” Marinette pauses, readjusting the phone between her ear and shoulder. Her classes haven’t let back in for the semester, yet she’s trying to get a headstart on pinning a new design she’s working on so she doesn’t fall behind. “Okay, go on. I have my brain screwed in now.” 

Things aren’t going according to plan, obviously. 

Alya snorts. “With you and Adrien, duh! Do you seriously not remember it? I thought you weren’t plastered.” 

“I wasn’t plastered! I guess I was just more tipsy than I thought I was.” 

“So, you were drunk?” 

“Shut up.” 

Letting out another round of laughter, Alya says, “Well, I can fill you in if you’d like. It’s pretty juicy.” 

“I don’t know if I want to know,” Marinette groans, rubbing an exasperated hand over her face. 

“Oh come on! It’s not even bad! You did pretty well considering the circumstances!” 

A pin falls to the floor at Alya’s word, forcing Marinette to tell her friend to hold on again. Three minutes later, she successfully finds the pin that somehow hid under the mannequin stand where she couldn’t see it. 

Lucky? Pft. Not Marinette.

“You were saying?” Marinette asks.

Alya fills her in on all of the details rather quickly, from Adrien whisking her away while still being a gentleman about it to them having alone time on the balcony. The story lasts all of a minute, even with Alya’s expertise in story-telling, and it has Marinette’s heart fluttering. 

The puzzle pieces start to connect. 

“Als, I just remembered what happened on the balcony,” Marinette says, eyes slightly wide. 

“Bitch, you better tell me right the fuck now or I’m going to come over to your apartment and sit on you.” 

“You say that as if it’s a threat.” 

“Marinette!” 

Marinette lets out a snort and slaps her knee. She sets the last pin before rolling the mannequin back into its temporary home for the night. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding. I’m just playing around, Als!” 

“I love you, babe, but you’re killing me here.” 

“Sorry,” she replies, though she’s really not. 

“.....Marinette?” 

“Oh! Right!” Marinette can hear Alya face-palming over the phone. “Well, all I remember is us talking and him telling me that he has to talk to me about something important. I don’t really remember much else but he kissed me on the cheek, Alya.”

Alya squeals—a sound Marinette’s never heard come from her mouth—and a jostling noise comes from her end. “Holy fuck, M! That’s amazing!” 

“Right? At first I thought he was going to kiss me, but a cheek kiss is just as good nonetheless!” 

“Babe, you were drunk. It’s a good thing he didn’t kiss you. That means he respects you, regardless of whether there’s any feelings or not there.” 

Marinette lets out a small laugh, her heart swelling at Alya’s words. “You always know how to make situations better, don’t you?” 

“It’s kind of my job,” Alya replies. 

“And I love you for it.” 

Alya blows a smooch over the phone. “Mwah! Right back at you.” She pauses, then quickly continues, “Oh! Did he say anything when he left your apartment after he dropped you off?” 

Wait, what? 

Marinette has no recollection of this happening whatsoever. She faintly remembers falling asleep against him—he was just so warm, okay?—but him taking her home? Alya has to be mistaken.

“He took me home? Are you sure? I don’t remember that.” 

“Yeah, he specifically told Nino and I that he’d take you home and then sent us a picture of you tucked in bed that night to ease my worrying. You know how much of a motherly hen I can be sometimes.” 

None of it makes sense. Even if he did take her home that night, why was Chat Noir in her room early in the morning? 

Unless…

No. There’s no way. Absolutely no way that she’s been this blind. No way that Marinette’s this lucky. 

She’d know if her two favorite people in the world—excluding Alya and Nino—were the same person, right? There’s no way that the miraculous could’ve hidden it that well from her that she wouldn’t have noticed.

Except maybe... It had? 

It comes together like whiplash. All of their mannerisms. From the way both Chat and Adrien rub their necks when they’re nervous, or when they make jokes but immediately retract them so as to not hurt the person’s feelings. Both of them having a rough home life and awful dads. 

Piercing green eyes that remind Marinete of a home away from home. 

It reminds her of those times in collège and lycée when Adrien would disappear and reappear whenever she would. She had attributed it to him being afraid of the akumas and finding somewhere safe to hide that entire time. It’s not like it was her place to judge anyone’s ways to cope with what was happening!

The quirks that the both of them share. Two halves of a whole. They merge together beautifully in her mind, filling a void she hadn’t known existed until now. 

Her heart is so, so full. 

“Als. I think I just had the world’s biggest revelation,” she breathes out, sounding absolutely lovesick. 

“What is it?” Nino’s yelling about something incoherent in the background, and Marinette can just faintly hear Adrien’s voice.

“I think I’m in love with Adrien.” Her stomach flutters at her words. 

Alya splutters out a hearty laugh. “Oh, M. We’ve been knew.” 

---

Three days. Marinette’s lived with her secret for three whole days and she’s losing it. 

She begged off spending time with Alya, Nino, and Adrien to try and gather her thoughts. Adrien being Chat is the best possible outcome for a partner she could’ve ever dreamed of, but she wants to tell him how much he means to her without fumbling over her words too much. 

It’ll probably still happen. He is Adrien, for crying out loud.  

Earlier, Marinette transformed so she could write some notes down in her compact in case she gets too flustered. Adrien’s nice enough that he won’t judge her for it, so she’s not too worried.

After a quick application of her favorite passion fruit flavor lip gloss, she sets off for their patrol meetup point. 

“Tikki, I’m so nervous,” she says. 

No response. Yes,. Marinette’s aware that her kwami can’t hear her or speak to her while she’s suited up, yet the hope still lingers for some absurd reason. 

Marinette wholeheartedly blames the nerves.

Spotting Chat—Adrien is difficult. He blends into the shadows so easily that Marinette nearly falls off the building when he blinks his eyes open. She’s lucky that he has fast reflexes to catch her by the waist, because with how out of it she’s been today, she might’ve forgotten to use her yo-yo. 

“Bug! It’s so nice of you to drop in.” 

Oh no. His jokes just make him more attractive. She’s fucked.

Marinette’s hands fall to his biceps, and she’s unsure as to if she wants to tug him closer or push him away at that awful joke that has her heart racing. A look of surprise crosses his face and she squeaks, ducking out of his grip. 

“Thanks,” she replies quietly. 

“You didn’t make fun of my joke. Are you okay?” Concern etches its way onto his face. Out of the corner of her eye, Marinette sees his fingers twitch in her direction. He stops himself as soon as he notices, choosing instead to idly twist the ring on his finger. 

Taking a deep breath, she places her hand over his restless one. “Relax, kitty. I’m okay. Just nervous, because I have to talk to you about something.” 

His eyes widen at her words, lips parting as he exhales a breath. She faintly feels it on her face as he says, “I have something to tell you too. It’s kind of urgent.” 

“You can go first, okay? I can wait a little while longer.” 

Adrien nods, tilting his head to the side with a cute smile on his face. “How much do you trust me?”

“With my life,” Marinette responds instantly. 

It isn’t a lie, either. She genuinely trusts him with her life. Transformed, detransformed, heck, she trusts him blindfolded at this point. 

He nods his head at her words and starts towards her, arms outstretched. Even as he scoops her up into his arms, her trust in him is unabated. “Hold onto me tight and don’t open your eyes until I tell you to, alright?”

“Alright,” she echoes. 

Then, Adrien’s off, running over rooftops at speeds that seem unimaginable when it isn't of her own doing. Her ponytail whips about in the frigid air, Marinette using his neck as a shield from the harsh wind. 

She’s thrown back to Glaciator, where she and Adrien spoke about misfortunes and missed opportunities. He ended up showing her a beautiful scene atop a nearby rooftop, as both Ladybug and Marinette. Thinking back, her racing heart should’ve been a sign that her feelings for Chat weren’t platonic, yet it took years of walking on eggshells for one of them to finally crack. 

“We’re almost there. You good down there?” 

“I’m fine,” she says, laughing into his suit. “This isn’t where I find out you’re going to drop me off a building as a prank, is it?” 

He scoffs, softly landing on what she assumes to be another rooftop. “Hardy har har, Bugaboo.” 

The sound of a door opening and closing lets her know they’ve arrived—apparently it wasn’t a rooftop—and the temptation to look around is higher than she expected. She waits for his approval, wanting him to trust her as much as she trusts him. 

“I’m going to set you down now, okay?” 

Marinette nods into his neck, extending her legs so she can place them on the floor as he lowers her. Her arms stay wrapped around his neck, while her eyes continue to stay closed. 

“I’m going to step back and then you can look.” Adrien lingers for a brief moment, breath fanning over Marinette’s face. 

As he shifts away from her, her arms drop to her sides. Her eyes blink open seconds later and she peers around the bright room a little dazedly. 

They’re in her shared apartment with Alya—in her room. 

Younger Marinette would be freaking out about having Adrien Agreste in her room. 

(Older Marinette isn’t faring much better.) 

For some strange reason, Adrien knowing her identity never popped into her head when he said he had to talk to her. She had no clue as to what it could’ve been—especially not that.

“Oh,” Marinette breathes. 

“Please don’t be mad,” he rushes out, hands shaking about in front of him in a nervous manner. “I couldn’t figure out how to tell you that I know. And I didn’t mean to find out! I swear! It kind of just happened? I can’t even tell you how I found out unless you’re willing to know my identity too—gosh, I’m going to stop talking now.” 

Seeing him so jittery helps to calm the rattling of her heart.

Marinette wordlessly grabs his hand and brings him over to the fluffy rug in the center of her room. She flops on top of it and criss-crosses her legs so he has enough room to do the same opposite her. 

He follows, albeit a confused expression lingers on his face. 

Their hands stay joined together, a nice weight resting on her knee. The tip of his claw is rubbing small circles into her palm, whether he notices it or not. 

“I’m not mad,” she says, the softest of smiles spreading onto her cheeks. “I could never be mad at you, kitty.” 

Adrien lets out a sigh of relief and squeezes her hand, her heart flipping at the fond look he gives her. “Good, good.” 

They stare at one another for a moment too long, before Marinette murmurs fuck it under her breath and detarnsforms. 

His suit is oddly cool against her bare knee, his eyes flickering to their hands then back up to her face. He licks at his lips and breathes out, “Oh.” 

“Hi,” she greets, with a small wave of her free hand. 

“You’re so beautiful,” he blurts out. 

Marinette lets out a surprised laugh, red peeking out under the dip of his mask. Her voice is teasing as she says,“Thank you, I can’t tell if you’re trying to make me blush or not.” 

“Marinette, please.” 

Hearing him say her name has her heart fluttering, and she detangles their hands to push up onto her knees, crawling towards him. She nudges his legs apart so she can fit between them, arms wrapping around his neck. Her cheek presses against his, the cool material of his suit helping to soothe her burning cheeks. 

Even with the suit protecting him, she can feel the thumping of his heart against her chest. 

“You wanna know my secret?” she asks faintly, as his hands move to settle on her back. 

“Yes, tell me.” His claws rest lightly against the fabric of her shirt. 

Her nose brushes against the tip of his ear and she feels him shudder. “I think you’re really, really cute, Adrien.” 

“Plagg, claws off.” The transformation light has her eyes slipping shut briefly. When she reopens them, Adrien’s sat in front of her with a blinding smile on his face. “Hi.” 

For some reason, she’s brought to tears by the situation. She holds them back the best she can. “Hey.” 

She’s just so happy. 

“I’m so glad it’s you, by the way,” Adrien professes, blinking back his own set of tears. “Like I know I’ve known for a while and all, but this still feels like finding out for the first time.”

“Are you trying to make me cry? You asshole,” she whines, tears sliding down her face.

Before she can reach up and wipe them away on her own, Adrien’s hand is there to do it for her. His touch is so gentle, and instead of returning to its previous position on her back, he tucks her hair behind her ear.

“I’m so glad it’s you, Adrien. You mean so much to me. And to know that two of my favorite people are the same person? How could I be so lucky?” 

“Two of your favorite people?” His head tilts to the side cutely, his hand idly stroking her jaw. 

A blush returns to her face as she replies, “Yeah, I’m shocked you didn’t know, if I’m honest. I was so obvious about it! I’ve liked you as Adrien for so long, and then as soon as I realized that you’re Chat, all of my feelings for Chat were brought to light.” 

“That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever heard,” he murmurs, licking at his lips. 

“Oh, shut up. Don’t tease me!” 

“I’m not teasing you, Mar! You’re just really cute!” 

Oh god. Her face hides in his shoulder as she emits a small groan, gripping the fabric of his sweatshirt. “I’m going to pass out if you keep talking about me like this.” 

Adrien lets out a laugh that vibrates against her chest. “Well, I don’t want you to pass out, but I need you to know how much I like you.” 

“Adrien,” Marinette squeaks, face digging into his shoulder. 

“Marinette,” Adrien echoes. 

Slowly, she raises her head to shoot a pouty look in his direction. “You’re mean.” 

“You don’t think I’m mean,” he starts, a devious glint in his eyes. Uh oh. “You like me.” 

Marinette’s heart flips as his words, her lip only jutting out further. She tries to maneuver out of his arms, yet he doesn’t budge,  his hand rubbing soothing circles against her back. “I take it back.” 

“No, you’re not allowed to do that. I will cry again!” He widens his slightly bloodshot eyes to prove his point.

“How did you even find out?” she asks, smoothly changing the subject.

“You told me. At my birthday party. You were drunk, so I sat with you for a while and you started rambling about things that didn’t really make sense—”

“Oh no.” 

He sends her a small smile, then says, “Yeah, I hadn’t really believed that you were Ladybug at that point because you were really drunk, yet you mentioned our patrol meeting spot for the week and called ‘Chat’ your annoyingly hot partner that has a nice ass and it clicked.” 

“That’s it. I’m leaving and never coming back. Why am I so embarrassing? Annoyingly hot partner that has a nice ass? I could’ve lived without knowing I said that to you!” Her forehead drops to lean against his cheek. 

“It was cute! You’re cute and I like you so much, yeah?” His head turns so he can make eye contact with her, their noises brushing with how close they are to one another. 

Marinette really wants to kiss him. 

“Can I kiss you?” she asks, chewing on the inside of her cheek as she awaits his response.

“Of course. You really didn’t have to ask, because I’d let you kiss me any day of the week, but I think it’s really nice that you did ask—”

She cuts off his nervous rambling by kissing him, her hand sliding up into his hair at the base of his neck. Her heart feels like it’s about to burst out of her chest. 

He tastes like flavored lip balm, hand moving from the dip of her back to her hip to hold her steady. 

He tastes familiar. 

It’s weird to think of. She kissed him when Kim became akumatized. According to the picture Alya showed her after hers and Nino’s joint akumatization, they had kissed for whatever reason. 

Their almost kisses come to mind and she feels a different type of heat rise on her cheeks. 

Marinette pulls back with a groan, nearly squeaking as Adrien follows her blindly to press a chaste kiss to her mouth. He lets her slip out of his arms and shove her face into the carpet, a hand trailing gently over her back. 

“Was it that bad?” he jokes, sifting his other hand through her hair. 

“No, oh my gosh. It was everything I’ve ever dreamed of! Your lips are really soft! I just thought of how I tried to kiss you when you faked being a statue all those years ago and now I’m embarrassed!” 

“You’re the cutest ever,” he says, flopping onto his side to lay next to her. He brushes his lips over the shell of her ear and nudges at her cheek with his nose. “Don’t be embarrassed! I’ve said and done so many things in front of you that could be considered embarrassing, but because it’s you, I don’t care.” 

She turns her head and shoots him a look. “You never tried kissing a statue version of me!” 

“And I like you even more for that! Look at us, Mar! We’re 18 and 19 respectively, and we’re laying on your fluffy rug around midnight! Everything about this could be considered embarrassing, except it’s not! Because it’s us.” 

Adrien’s words only make Marinette more attracted to him at this point.

“We’re allowed to be embarrassing, but only when it’s us?” she asks.

He nods, lips quirking into a big smile. “Yes, exactly. I won’t be embarrassing with anyone else but you. You’re my embarrassing person, Marinette.” 

“My heart shouldn’t be fluttering at you calling us embarrassing,” she whines, laying her hand on his chest. 

“Embarrassingly in love idiots?” he whispers, finding her hand to tangle their fingers together so he can bring them up to his lips and brush his mouth over the back of her hand.

Marinette exhales a quiet laugh and says, “Very embarrassingly in love.” 

They fall asleep like that, his arm wrapped around her waist while she lays her head on his chest, breaths mingling together. 

It’s the best sleep she’s had in ages.

---

Marinette’s phone buzzing wakes her up the next morning. 

She fumbles around for the device, letting out a small aha as her fingers grip the electronic. It’s hard for her to open her and stare at the small screen, yet when she notices it’s a message from Adrien, her eyes snap open.

Wait, when did she get in her own bed?

Quickly opening the message, she reads it with increasing vigor as the message goes on.

Adrien: Hey, Mar. I couldn’t stay long after you fell asleep because I had a photoshoot this morning and you looked so cute that I didn’t want to wake you. I feel like I did a poor job at letting you know how I felt yesterday, so I’m going to say it here so it’s clear and you know, okay? (Don’t judge me!!!) 

I like you, Marinette Dupain-Cheng. You have such amazing qualities that I admire and adore. You’re a leader who isn’t afraid to stick up for what she believes in, whether you’re in the suit or out of it! You make the world a better place just by being you. I couldn’t think of a better person being Ladybug, and it makes me so happy that it’s you.

I’d love to get to know you more. I think we both know that we click really well at this point, but I want to do this right with you. We’re a team, Bug. You and me. So, what do you say? 

Her hand groggily slaps the call button, wiping back a few tears that slide down her cheeks from his works. 

The phone rings three times before he picks up.

“Hey, Mar. Did you get my message—”

“You stupid cat! I’m sitting here at eight in the morning crying because of you! I loved every second of it.” 

He lets out a soft chuckle, and she can hear the smile in his voice as he asks, “So does that mean it’s a yes?” 

“We should go to the museum and reenact our statue scene as our date,” Marinette suggests, a large grin making its way onto her face. 

Adrien nearly chokes. “Of course. I wouldn’t want it any other way, little bug.”

#miraculous ladybug #adrien agreste #Marinette Dupain-Cheng #miraculous ladybug fic #chat noir #ladybug #adrienette #ladynoir #i don't know whether to tag theo thers so ill just kepe it at them OKKOHGDKAOYERAO #IHOPE U LIKE IT EMSY I LOVE U

[ecofinisher]

Chantal’s idea for Mother’s day (Mother’s day Oneshot)

Fandom: Miraculous

Main character: Chantal Lahiffe, OC daughter of Nino Lahiffe and Alya Lahiffe (Née Césaire)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24076351

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13580131/1/Chantal-s-idea-for-Mother-s-day

Info: Chantal Lahiffe and Elliot Agreste are my Oc’s.

It‘s Mother‘s day in Paris, a special day to honor all the mothers over the country. A couple of people were already out on the city looking for a last-minute present for their loved parent, while others were having a normal Sunday due to being busy working on this day in order to keep the circle of the economy work. Alya Lahiffe was one of the many citizens to be out of the house because of their job.

On that Sunday Nino Lahiffe was off from work and was at home with their daughter Chantal Lahiffe, which was disappointed, that her mother wasn‘t there with them to go out on a field trip like they had planned a few weeks ago. Nino then had an idea and suggested it to the daughter and together they planned it together to make it work….

Outside of the house of the younger generation of the Agreste‘s Nino and his best friend Adrien had lain a table with the surface aside on the floor, so that it would look to the front and a child with light-brown skin and curly light-brown hair brought a sheet, that was stuck together to be almost as big as a table and she placed it in front of the table, then waited for her father, which had opened a small bag with adhesive pads and placed a few pads over the table followed by Chantal sticking the sheet carefully over them.

„You‘re doing it well, Chanty,“ Nino complimented, then noticed Adrien trying to carry a wooden board with the help of his son. „Yo little dude, have you got a seven-pack under your shirt?“ Nino asked jokingly, making the boy laugh.

„What was that?“ The blonde child asked seeing his father laugh too at his best friend‘s comment.

„You know from these memes you see on Facestargram“ Nino explained helping the boy and the father place the wooden board over the legs of the table. „Good now we need two chairs and a cameraman“

„I‘m going to get the chairs, you guys can stay here, “ Adrien said walking back to his house, then Nino took out his smartphone and opened the camera by sliding at the camera symbol and pressed on video and gave the smartphone to the blonde boy.

„Here Elliot, you press the red button here then the timer up here starts to count the time of the filming. We warn you at the end when it‘s over and you have to press again on the red button. Is it good?“ Nino questioned the blonde earning a nod from the child.

„Yeah It‘s like the smartphone from my father“ Elliot answered earning a smile from the Moroccan, which ruffled the hair of the boy, making him chuckle.

Adrien appeared carrying two chairs with both of his arms, then placed them behind the table, adjusting them and walked back to his son, while Chantal took place on a chair along with her father.

„Okay we‘re ready“ Adrien announced watching Chantal looking at her notes, she had inside her trouser‘s pockets and unfolded them up to see them.

„Don't worry, we can try as much as we need to make a good video for your mom“ Nino commented earning a nod from the girl.

Adrien observed Nino watching Chantal going through her notes, then she gave Nino a thumb up and Nino raised his eyebrows up signaling Adrien, that the two were ready.

Elliot pressed the red button starting the recording, then Adrien pulled his shirt up covering his mouth to change his tune of the timbre of his voice.

„This was Adrien Agreste with the sports channel, now we‘ve got special news from Chantal Lahiffe with her co-assistant Nino Lahiffe,“ Adrien announced while Nino snickered under his breath at Adrien‘s idea.

„Sorry can we do that again?“ Nino asked. „Your idea was hilarious“

Adrien shook his head amused at Nino‘s reaction, then pressed on the smartphone Elliot held the red button and pressed it again and looked at the Lahiffe‘s at the table and did the same thing again.

„This was Adrien Agreste with the sports news, now we move back to Chantal Lahiffe and Nino Lahiffe with some special news“ Adrien spoke with his voice covered by the textile of his t-shirt and gave the two a thumb up.

„Here is Chantal Lahiffe with news….I mean with the news…..can we start again?“ The girl asked earning a nod from the blonde and Elliot copied Adrien‘s deed from before.

„Okay…...This was Adrien Agreste with the sports news, now we move back to Chantal Lahiffe and Nino Lahiffe with some special news“ Adrien foretold watching Chantal start her role again as a news anchor.

„Here is Chantal Lahiffe with some great news…..Today we‘ve got Sunday, the 27th and this isn‘t only a regular Sunday, today in France and various other countries such as Cameroon, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Sweden, Swenegal…….argh not again!“ Chantal growled making Elliot chuckle. „Elliot, that‘s not funny!“

„Sorry, I couldn‘t“

„Don‘t worry little B, we got more chances“ Nino mentioned. „Right?“

„Right“ Adrien agreed observing Elliot press the red button again letting the video start the timer again. „This was Adrien Agreste with the sports news, now we move back to Chantal Lahiffe and Nino Lahiffe with some special news“ Adrien recited it with his voice altered, then gave the Lahiffes a thumb up to start.

„Chantal Lahiffe is on with some great news. Today it‘s Sunday the 27th of May and this Sunday isn‘t just a regular Sunday. Today is mother‘s day in France and also in various other countries too such as Cameroon, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Sweden, Mauritius, Dominic…..I mean the Dominican Republic…..Sorry I‘ve had the name misspelled here…..“

„Sure, we give it another try“ Nino mentioned earning a nod from Adrien.

„Ready?“ Adrien asked earning a nod from Elliot, which pressed the red button to stop the filming. „This was Adrien Agreste with the sports news, now we move back to Chantal Lahiffe and Nino Lahiffe with some special news“

„Chantal Lahiffe is on with some great news. Today we have Sunday the 27th and this Sunday isn‘t just a regular Sunday. Today is mother‘s day all over France and not only France but also in various other countries too such as Cameroon, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Sweden, Mauritius, the Dominican Republic a few to be named. With this, I want to tell my mother Alya Lahiffe, who is currently working right now as a journalist at the TVI station something special“ Chantal recited without any problem, while her father Nino smiled and Adrien smiled too as he observed the girl speaking. Adrien looked at Elliot‘s job with the camera and shut his eyes open unsure if the timer of his smartphone was working,

„Elliot, did you press the red button to record them?“ Adrien asked earning a nod from Elliot.

„Sure“ Elliot answered looking at the time to see it was all set on Zero, then Elliot looked neutral as he noticed he didn‘t start to record the video again. „Oh“

„Elliot you did that on purpose!“ Chantal complained making Elliot feel down.

„But that was an accident. I really thought I had pressed the red button“

„Come on, we try it again“ Elliot‘s father advised the daughter of his best friend. „I make sure he doesn‘t forget it“

„Okay“ Chantal replied watching Elliot press on the display of the smartphone, then Adrien looked at the Lahiffes and recited his sentence again.

„This was Adrien Agreste with the sports news, now we move back to Chantal Lahiffe and Nino Lahiffe with some special news“ Adrien spoke pointing at the girl to do her part.

„Chantal Lahiffe is on with some great news. Today we have Sunday the 27th and this Sunday isn‘t just a regular Sunday. Today is mother‘s day all over France and not only France but also in various other countries too such as Cameroon, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Sweden, Mauritius, the Dominican Republic a few to be named. With this, I want to tell my mother Alya Lahiffe, who is currently working right now as a journalist at the TVI station something special“ Chantal formulated the words earning a thumb up from Adrien. „For the best mother in the world, Alya Lahiffe, or how I call her….Mom. Dear mom. You brought me to life and this was almost ten years ago. You raised me all these years, you gave me a lot of love and attention. From everyone in the family you‘re the friend, I trust the most and the one that is there for me, when I feel down. We know each other very good and you were even able to organize a meeting with my favorite singer Vivica and you knew how much I liked listening to her and you gave your best to convince her to come along. I know a simple thank you won‘t be enough for all that you have done for me in the past years and…...you know if there was a way I could show you how much grateful I am for all that you have done for me, I would,“ Chantal was done with her speech, earning a warm smile from her father, which looked at the Agreste‘s.

„That was the message Chantal had for you. You must be glad to know you have such an amazing daughter,“ Nino mentioned making Chantal roll her eyes down in embarrassment.

Adrien did a sign to his son to stop the recording, then clapped at the two Lahiffes.

„Well done you two, now we have to see it and when we receive an okay, we share it,“ Adrien told walking at the table and sat on the wooden board in front of the two, then the board slipped from the leg of the table causing Adrien to fall down on the ground.

„That was smooth dude“ Nino joked making Adrien laugh along with their kids.

At the TV1 studio, Alya walked out at the terrace of the building walking to the tables in the middle, where two women and a man sat eating their lunch.

„Ruby sent me a picture of a work in project canvas for mother‘s day, “ A brunette woman said showing to a blonde, that sat vice versa to the woman.

„My son drew me this invitation for a Spa day he plans to give me this evening with Wayhem‘s help. That‘s so far the cutest thing, they have ever planned to do“

„Hey Aurore, hey River and hey Jean“ Alya greeted sitting down next to the brunette.

„Hi Alya“ Aurore greeted. „Have you already received your mother‘s day surprise?“ The blonde asked watching the Martinic woman take out her smartphone turning the flight mode off, to receive a message from her husband Nino.

Nino has tagged you in a video.

„Oh I think I just received it“ Alya mentioned seeing the cover of the video with Nino and Chantal sitting together.

„A special mother‘s day present for a special woman. (And Bonus material)“

„Aww look they tried to copy our desk at the studio“ Aurore pointed out looking at the smartphone of the brunette along with River and Jean.

After two minutes Alya swiped to the next videos, which were the cuts from the errors done, during the making.

„This was Adrien Agreste with the sports channel, now we‘ve got special news from Chantal Lahiffe with her co-assistant Nino Lahiffe,“ Adrien‘s altered voice announced while Nino at the table snickered under his breath at Adrien‘s idea.

„Sorry can we do that again?“ Nino asked. „Your idea was hilarious“

„Those two together are really impossible“ Alya mentioned shaking her head amused at the scene, then swiped to the next scene as the first clip started again.

„Today we‘ve got Sunday, the 27th and this isn‘t only a regular Sunday, today in France and various other countries such as Cameroon, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Sweden, Swenegal…….argh not again!“ Chantal growled making Elliot chuckle offscreen. „Elliot, that‘s not funny!“

„Sorry, I couldn‘t“

„Don‘t worry little B, we got more chances“ Nino mentioned. „Right?“

„You got the very first comment“ River mentioned earning a nod from Alya.

„marinettedesigner: what a fantastic mother‘s day present,“

„Oh, that‘s Marinette“ Alya answered. „We‘ve been best friends for twelve years“

„Wow“

„Yeah“ Alya replied opening the account of Nino and pressed on the video call button to stabilize a call with him, then he answered and he sat on the stairs of Adrien‘s house along with Chantal.

„Hey babe“ Nino greeted.

„Hi mom, did you see the video I made with dad?“ Chantal asked earning a nod from the mother.

„Yes I did my angel,“ Alya answered. „It was wonderful, thank you so much“

„See, two hours of preparation and about 20 minutes for the rest. Didn‘t we or didn‘t we do good?“ Nino asked his daughter, which held her fist up and did a fist bump with the Morrocan man.

„Good to know it was worth it, “ Alya said earning a nod from the husband and the daughter. „Are you two going to lunch with Adrien?“

„Adrien is going to take us on a Brunch at the Grand Paris and believe it or not, Adrien joined the eating contest. He‘s going to regret it in the end, I can feel it“

„Then I would stay by his side after that“

„Sure, that‘s what friends are for, except he isn‘t alone there but still“

„Yeah, look I still have to warm up my meal and eat, is it okay if we stop right here?“ Alya asked earning a thumb up from the husband.

„Sure babe“

„Bye mother!“ Chantal said waving at her mother.

„Bye my angel, “ Alya said sending her daughter an air kiss, then Nino finished the call and Alya placed the smartphone down, then looked at Jean showing Alya and Aurore on his smartphone something making them laugh as they saw a video of copied parachuting scene of a senior in an advertisement.

#ecofinisher #ecofinisherfanfics #mother's day #oneshot #fanfic #fanfcition #ao3 #original character #miraculous #next gen #nino lahiffe #alya cesaire #djwifi #adrien agreste

[vegalocity]

I wanted to do some designs that were more Magical Girl Esque for Miraculous Ladybug, and by the time I started drawing Chat it was officially a Sleepless Domain AU  because Sleepless Domain is a really interesting deconstruction of Magical Girl tropes and conventions without being overly hopeless like other deconstructions usually are.

(if you’re thinking ‘where’s Nino?’ he’s at the bottom of the cut so please don’t reblog this asking that)

for those who aren’t usually into webcomics, here’s the basic rundown and how the ML crew would fit into it:

The world of sleepless domain is... I suppose one could call it a post-post apocalypse along the limnes of Nausicaa and the Valley of the wind. Where something deeply magical and horrible ravaged the lang long ago. But this one city, currently unnamed, has been rebuilt in thanks to the magic they have sustained. This magic takes two forms. The barriers, and the Magical Girls.

The Barriers are in fact two of a kind, the outer barrier and the inner barrier. The outer barrier keeps the monsters out for most of the day, it’s a huge dome like structure that surrounds the city, no one can go in or out when the outer barrier is up. But the Outer barrier needs recharging for about 4 hours every night, from 10pm to 2am. And when the outer barrier goes down, the inner barrier forms. The inner barrier is a sort of seal along every closed surface of the city, it can be breached if a monster is strong enough or has enough time to chip at it, but it can also be opened from the other side by the people inside. 

Which is where the Magical Girls come in. It’s currently rooted in mystery just how and why they get their powers, but when a girl gets her powers she’s usually around age 14, where she gets a mysterious, cryptic dream (some claim their dreams are creepy or depressing, while others find them almost serene) which ends with something, everyone knows there’s more to their dream but can’t remember it for the life of them. and when they wake up their hair and/or eyes have changed to some unnatural color, and a mark of the same color has been left somewhere on their body.  The powers usually leave when they become a young adult. it’s not been specified if there’s an exact age, but the 18-20ish area seems most likely.

The Magical girls are tasked with fighting the monsters as the outer barrier goes down so as to make sure they don’t attack any helpless civillians on the inside of the inner barrier. there’s a lot of commentary on how Magical Girls are treated as both quasi-diefied saviors and straight up commodities throught the story. And as such it’s encouraged that Magical girls work in teams to maximize profit. 

So this is the real shit on how Team Miraculous fits into the story

So Team Miraculous is a Non thematic team, in that despite all of them being based off of animals, they weren’t recruited with the intent on being a matched set. Thematic teams are usually shown to be thematic by having similar outfits, complimentary color schemes, and matching Marks.

Team Miraculous’ Animal theme is mostly coincidence.

So, as for the Ml kids themselves:

Marinette is the daughter of a former magical girl, Sabine Cheng AKA Shooting Star from the thematic Team Star. Sabine was... one of those kids that the city doesn’t like to talk about, someone who had a kid while she was still an active magical girl. Thankfully Team Star was only quasi popular and more of a ‘cult following’ than more overtly famous, so when Sabine quietly retired less of a fuss was kicked up than it could have been. It’s not a very common thing to have a kid while still a magical girl, but there is a precedent. When Marinette was born Sabine’s magic left her, and went into Marinette. There wasn’t much of a change other than her eyes. the color of Sabine’s magic. So when Marinette got The Dream it was inevitable. Sabine herself mostly encouraged Marinette to persue becoming a proper Magical Girl and as it turns out, the Magic that had left Sabine is now hers to channel.

Miraculous Ladybug’s power is not only Unlimited Lucky Charms (because we have no need for ML’s nerfing of the main characters anymore) but also ‘Lucky Streak’ which is based on her PV powers a little. Basically for a limited time whatever she’s attempting to do will turn out well for her, like the marvel lady Domino. 

For the sale of a Five Man Band, and also the iconique nature of the black Cat, Adrien had to be here too, so since there’s already one instance of ‘trans women are real women you fuckwads’ in Sleepless Domain, i’m throwing another in the ring. Adriana Agreste. However unlike Zoe, Adriana was thankfully allowed to come out on her own terms. Mr. Agreste took it... surprisingly well. It was when, two weeks later, that Adriana woke up with black hair and her scleras turned green that he freaked out. THAT’s the fight of the century right there. that’s Daddy dearest confining her to her room, insisting any tutor he could hire would be EONS better than anything at the Magical Girls Only Highschool in the city, and that’s when Adriana sneaks out. She’s not sneaking out to go to Future’s Promisce, she’s sneaking out to register herself she wants to fight, to have this peice of her mother, and maybe understand her sacrifice a little better, her father finds out of course, but adriana’s refusing to stop, After she got registered her counsilor offered to move her into Future’s Promisce’s dorms. So she’s given Gabriel an ultimatum. Either he lets her go to public school and fight, or she’s moving out, needless to say, Gabriel relents. And that’s how she meets Ladybug and the two become the founding members of Team Miraculous.

As Miraculous Cat Her powers have been tweaked a bit from canon. Altering Cataclysm to only work on Monsters, but only on monsters that have solid physical forms. If she can grab hold if it she can turn it into dust. But this pwoer takes a lot out of her. She can either do it one time a night on a large monster, or multiple times a night on small monsters. But alongside that she has that Calamity power that was hinted at in earlier notes and the PV, in that she can summon bad luck and cast it on monsters. Creating damages based on their surroundings. 

Alya’s as she always was as a character backstory. Her mother’s a chef, her father works with animals (though likely he just runs a shelter instead of a zoo since you know... dome city) But her older sister is an MG who just very recently lost her magic and is going to college. Alya still wants what she always wanted, to be a journalist and discover the truth. After what Nora went through as a Solo Magical Girl she wants to be the champion of the MG’s, since most news sites tend to lean into the idea of magical girls as they’ve been socially percieved as, Alya wants to show the world that magical Girls really are normal girls. That they don’t just exist to fight and die for the city. They have their own hopes and dreams. Sleepless DOmain seems to have decided that home technology ended around the mid 90′s since CD’s and corded phones are the norm, so Alya’s Self published journalism outlet is a newspaper instead of a Blog. She’s barely into making the deals with the printing company when she gets the Dream, and decides that’s even better, giving the city a first person perspective as a Magical girl. She opts to join her childhood friend Marinette’s team and become Miraculous Fox, since they’re already non thematic and it’d be easier to work with someone she already knew.

Alya still has an illusion based power of course, unlimited Mirage and all that. but most notably she’s the recon lady. able to summon a small orange fox that can do low level damage to enemies and more importantly she can see through its eyes so they don’’t have to rush into battles blind. She communicates with her fox with her flute when the little guy’s away from her. And she’s almost always seen taking notes on battles and what she learns from other MG’s for the next edition of The Magical Girl Banner

Chloe, of course, doesn’t initially go into this with the right intent in mind. when she was a kid she’s often try to dye her hair and draw marks on her skin in marker, claiming that she got her magic early. She wants the notoriety and fame that comes with being a Magical girl, and using the unfounded rumor that her family is actually descendant from the Founder herself as a reason why she DESERVES to get her magic early. of course, when her frequent target arinette is first to transfer out of their class due to actually BECOMING a magical girl, Chloe is pissed an flips a 180 on her stance, saying that being an MG is overrated anyway. then Cesaire transfers out too, then Lahiffe is asked to be their group’s manager. Chloe is so enraged by seemingly everyone around her becoming MG’s and not her, that whens he finally DOES get her magic she almost turns it down. especially since, for all her attempts to look like she got her powers early, they actually developed in her a year LATER than they should have. Straight up when she comes to class the next day to boast her ACTUAL magic, nobody belives her, thinking she simply put in yellow eye contacts. her hair doesn’t look particularly darker than it was before, her scleras don’t turn black until she’s transformed, and her mark is barely visible when stood against her skin. She ends up on Team Miraculous initially out of necessity, but that’s only the START of her character arc.

Chloe’s magic is more similar to Queen Wasp than Queen Bee. not unlike Alya she has a swarm of bees at her disposal, magic bees of course, they in fact help her fight. her most notable move is sending them swarming on monsters. But instead of paralyzing anything, the bees will turn into small lightning bolts, turning into an inescapable fury. She probably COULD use her bees to paralyze a monster, but that’s more being a team player than Chloe can do right now.

And Finally Kagami. Kagami is also as she always was. a long standing family, rumored to have had Magical girls in the line since Magical Girls first came about. The eldest daughter in every generation of theirs has become a Magical girl, and that runs true again in Kagami. She was groomed form childhood to fight, learning swordsmaship, archery, fighting with a bo staff, and learning any and all magical theory. her family are one of the ones that worship the deified idea of the founder, so it’s no surprise that Her Mother’s first step after Kagami becomes a magical girl is to get her registered and enroll her at Future’s Promisce. What she DIDN’T expect was her mother to dump her off at the dorms, give her a quick ‘behave yourself’ talk, and then leave. Kagamis’ mother was the second oldest, the only reason she inhereited the family name was the fact that her sister had died long ago. Kagami justifies being arguably abandoned at age 14 with her mother holding a secret resentment toward magical girls. The magic that took her sister away, and threatens to take her daughter too. That’s why she traiend Kagami but then sent her away. that’s why her life makes sense. She’s initially against joining Team Miraculous, that None of the Tsurugi’s before her had ever been in a team. But through her own lonlieness, about two years after she got her powers, she gives in and lets herself go from ‘Dragon’s Fang’ to ‘Miraculous Dragon’

Kagami’s got the sharpest deviation from her Canon power. I really coudln’t think of a way to make the Magic aspect work, so the best I’ve got is the transformative aspect. That’s right, Kagami’s magic lets her literally transform into a dragon. She has a sword to fight with when not transformed but the bulk of her magic is in the dragon form. She’s a mix of japanese dragon and western dragon, I don’t have the design finalized yet, but she’s got fire breathing and gold aesthetic, but also more directly japanese looking in design. 

And as a bonus for sitting through all of this absolute garbage:

Nino, long time friend of Marinette’s was asked to be her team’s manager when they realized they couldn’t represent themselves.He instantly clicked with Adriana and became best buds. After which he was given the honorary title of Miraculous Turtle.

As a deal with Mr. Agreste for him not to hire a more experienced manager, Nino has to look presentable when doing managerial things. That means a suit. He can wear the hat and headphones, mostly because he hides them when They’re going to grab Adriana at around 9, but he has to wear a suit if he wants anyone to take him seriously.

#Miraculous Ladybug #marinette dupain cheng #Adrien Agreste #chloe bourgeois #alya cesaire #Kagami Tsurugi #Crossovers are neat #sleepless domain #no seriously go read the comic i cannot do the brilliance of the worldbuilding justice in ONE tumblr post #Nino Lahiffe #kinda #he's just an Omake so idk if he counts #crossovers #Team Miraculous

[recentanimenews]

Bookshelf Briefs 2/16/20

Black Clover, Vol. 19 | By Yuki Tabata | Viz Media – The nature of these volumes is they tend to be between 9-11 chapters no matter what, and while some thought is always given for an appropriate “cliffhanger” (and there’s a good one here), it does sometimes mean that the emotional beat can happen earlier than the author might like. That’s definitely the case here—this book is front-loaded as hell, with the absolute highlight being Noelle reuniting with her family, kicking ass, and her older brother apologizing for the constant abuse he hurled at her. It’s really fantastic. The rest of the book can’t help but feel like an anticlimax, though there is a nice bit at the end where Asta and company make a chaotic entrance to join in the fight. Which isn’t over yet, so next time? – Sean Gaffney

Horimiya, Vol. 13 | By Hero and Daisuke Hagiwara | Yen Press – This manga has too many cast members in it we have to remember, especially given that it only comes out now about once every six months or so. We see Iura dealing with his younger sister, who is having exam worries, and it’s meant to contrast to his “the guy nobody likes” persona at school, but I can’t really retain enough about what he was like for it to really impact. One good thing about this volume is that Hori is relatively behaved, so there’s a lot less of the “wacky” consent issues we saw in prior volumes. When she acts relatively normal, she and Miyamura remind you why we loved this manga in the first place. That said, it really does not appear to be headed towards any specific conclusion. How long will it go on? – Sean Gaffney

Levius/est, Vol. 1 | By Haruhisa Nakata | Viz Media – I probably should have read the Levius omnibus before picking up Levius/est. As far as I can tell, the first volume is mostly a recap of the original series told at an astonishingly breakneck speed. (Levius ended prematurely when Ikki ceased publication; Nakahata essentially had to restart the series in a new magazine, Ultra Jump.) It’s admittedly impressive how much ground Nakata manages to cover in such a short span, but I’m hoping that Levius/est finds a more sustainable and enjoyable pace soon. I want to see the mixed martial arts matches between cyborgs that will either save or destroy the world. I want a chance to actually get to know the characters beyond a surface-level lightning overview of their tragic backstories. I want the worldbuilding to not need to rely on heavy-handed exposition. Right now, Levius/est‘s greatest strength is Nakata’s stylish artwork, but something more would be welcomed. – Ash Brown

Magus of the Library, Vol. 2 | By Mitsu Izumi | Kodansha Comics – Having enjoyed the first volume of Magus of the Library, I was looking forward to the second, even if the series is not always the most subtle of works narratively speaking. But I can’t help but love the underlying message of libraries (reading in generally, really) as a method of gaining knowledge, expanding one’s horizons, and developing empathy for others. At the same time, the work acknowledges the potential harm the written word can cause depending on its use. As a librarian, I can especially appreciate Izumi incorporating real-world social, economic, and political concerns surrounding libraries (fairly accurately, actually, although with simplification) into the fantasy setting of Magus of the Library. Other related areas the second volume of the series specifically addresses include bookselling and bookbinding. The volume also serves as something like a travelogue and introduces new characters destined, I’m sure, to become Theo’s cohorts in training at the Central Library. – Ash Brown

Murcielago, Vol. 13 | By Yoshimurakana | Yen Press – OK, the master swordsman arc did not finish off quite as fast as I’d hoped, but that’s fine, as it gives us a chance to see Kuroko in action some more (and still really struggling, which is cool), as well as Himiko’s dynamic entrance in her car, always a treat. After that’s resolved, we start a sequel arc, as Goldmarie’s body is not lying mouldering in the grave as it should be, but has gone missing. And now there’s a bunch of murders happening in and around the sewers, which gives the artist another chance to lovingly depict a lot of corpses and gore. Murcielago is never going to be children’s entertainment, but it’s a lot of fun provided ultraviolent lesbians are your bag. – Sean Gaffney

My Hero Academia, Vol. 23 | By Kohei Horikoshi | Viz Media – So Izuku has multiple powers now. That said, he’s still having trouble learni8ng about them at all, so has to finish the fight quirkless. Honestly, Uraraka is the MVP of this battle, and there’s some nice ship tease with her and Izuku as my reward. After that, we switch over to the dark side of the cast—it even gets pointed out, with one chapter being called “My Villain Academia,” and a heavier focus on the League of Villains, who are falling on hard times at the moment. Things are not helped by a new, more corporate set of villains trying to get their foot in the door, and the volume ends with a confrontation. This has become one of the biggest Jump series, and it’s well deserved. – Sean Gaffney

My Hero Academia, Vol. 23 | By Kohei Horikoshi | VIZ Media – There is so much going on in this volume. As the battle training with class B comes to a close, Midoriya learns that he will eventually inherit six additional quirks from past wielders of One for All and Shinso gets to use his power to save someone and earns admission into the hero course. Mina gets a couple of badass panels while Uraraka gets several (as well as a rare smile from Aizawa). I love how much Aizawa has taken Shinso under his wing as well as a glimpse and a reference to someone he and Mic knew when they were students, a boy called Shirakumo. We also meet the Meta Liberation Army, who are determined to take down the League of Villains. Todoroki and Bakugo get their provisional hero licenses and we learn a little of Shigaraki’s backstory. Phew! I love this series so much. – Michelle Smith

My Hero Academia: Smash!!, Vol. 3 | By Hirofumi Neda| Viz Media – Again, I like how this gag series is handled. It’s character-based exaggeration, but it also follows the main storyline for the most part, so it can use multiple modes of humor. It’s also not above pointing out its own flaws—when Momo is lacking confidence, Eraserhead tells her to spend a week living with Uraraka, and the latter is quick to point out that “my poverty being of service to you” is offensive. Of course, the series is also not above mocking her love of rich person’s food over and over again, so. We even get a good look at the league of villains here, and they’re just as goofy. This is still a lot of fun. – Sean Gaffney

The Quintessential Quintuplets, Vol. 7 | By Negi Haruba | Kodansha Comics – Somehow I missed reviewing the sixth volume of this series, and it’s a shame, as the seventh book is fantastic, possibly the highlight of the series in general. After spending about half of it leading up to the exams, and reminding us what’s at stake, we see the girls taking them one by one, each flashing back to their own issues and challenges—the biggest of which may be Yotsuba’s, as she reveals she’s the one who failed the makeup exam at their old school, and the others left with her in solidarity. The results are brought off perfectly, but Nino is saved for last, and she’s the one who gets the best part, right at the end. Still one of the best romantic comedy manga we’ve seen in some time. – Sean Gaffney

The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 2 | By Kousuke Oono | Viz Media – There’s not really much here in plot or characterization beyond the surface. But when the surface is this, you absolutely don’t care. Househusband is all about style, and in that the book succeeds dramatically. I liked that it featured his wife a bit more in the various chapters, and you can see why he loves her. Everyone keeps mistaking him for doing horrible yakuza deals, even when he’s pushing spices for birthday parties. That said, you really can’t blame them given he’s also pushing his yakuza thoughts into his everyday life, such as the yoga poses, which was absolutely hilarious. We also meet his wife’s family, and their desperate attempts at bonding, which they do after a fashion. This is a whole lot of fun. – Sean Gaffney

Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 22 | By Mizuho Kusanagi | VIZ Media – This volume begins with the aftermath of the adventure in Sei, with Lady Riri dealing with the gratitude of her people, which she doesn’t feel she’s earned; Hak reflecting on adolescent memories of Su-Won, whose ability to see the world impartially means he has no special attachment to anyone; and the Four Dragons working to get back a hairpin for Yona that Su-Won gave her. Then we’re off to another adventure in a foreign land. One of the princesses of Xing is sure they’re Kohka’s next target for expansion and proposes war while her younger sister proposes preemptive surrender in order to save lives. Would-be assassins raid the latter’s compound, where there are a couple of badass fighters and lots of kitties. It’s very much a transitional volume, but still quite good. I’m always bummed whenever I run out of Yona to read. = Michelle Smith

By: Ash Brown

#Anime #News #Manga Bookshelf

[gabrielsagresticles]

Animaestro Sucked, But Here’s What It Tells Us About ML

I know the fandom is having seriously mixed feelings about season 3, and between episodes like Animaestro and Chris Master, I can see why. They feel random, pointless, and completely disconnected from the rest of the show, with regressive, out-of-character behaviour from the cast, particularly Marinette. While season 1 did an amazing job of introducing us to the characters and showing us how their worlds widen, with Adrien learning to be part of a team, and Marinette learning how to lead, season 2 showed us how the bonds between characters, even outside the lovesquare, deepened. Season 3 hasn’t made such a clear mark yet, starting off with an episode that counters the growth of season 2, and most recently giving us a Marinette & Chloe team up, only to have it be very mean-spirited and revert back to square one... yeah, I was tasting that ML salt too, and in the midst of complaining about it, landed on a point I hadn’t considered before: perhaps Miraculous Ladybug isn’t about what I thought it was about. I’ve heard before that choices I don’t like and growth I find distasteful isn’t the same as bad writing, but never did I take it to heart as much as I did in that moment. So what is ML about? What is the growth that these characters are building to?

First of all, let me disabuse you of the notion that it’s about superheroes or about defeating Hawkmoth. It’s not, and I doubt you’d still be here if you thought it was. How much has the cast discovered about Hawkmoth since the beginning of the show? Say it with me, kids: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. We have a brief moment where Marinette zones in on Gabriel, someone even the littlest of kids has known is Hawkmoth since episode 1, and then it’s rapidly dismissed and the status quo is reverted. If you’re here for the superhero plot, this looks very bad, so I assume if you stuck around this long, you know the show isn’t about that. Especially since we, the audience, have it confirmed for us in that same episode that yes, Gabriel Agreste is Hawkmoth, while the two titular characters are stuck trying to figure it out. Meanwhile, we have learned next to nothing about the miraculous or kwamis, despite the fact that Tikki and Plagg are literally kwamis and Master Fu has become a more regular cast member. This is not a show about discovering secret powers or defeating an external evil. If it was, we’d have gotten more information, more mysteries, more substance to chew on.

 But you knew that. That’s probably why vast majority of us in the fandom treat this show like a romance. We want to know what will happen with the lovesquare, we rejoice in seeing the infrequent indulgences into Marichat or Ladrien, we all weep for joy when DJ Wifi get screentime, and we delight in imagining how Marinette and Adrien will discover each other’s identities and fall in love. We love (or love to hate) Kagami and Luka. Besides, romance stories have been criticized for ages about their seeming lack of plot, or how the plot only serves to act as a backdrop for two characters falling in love. In a story that is ostensibly about superheroes, and yet gives us none of that superhero plot and lots of tender moments between the different sides of the lovesquare... it sure seems to be falling into that pattern, right?

 And that’s where I went wrong. I thought that if defeating Hawkmoth wasn’t the main plot of this show, that Marinette and Adrien falling in love was. But how can it be, when they’ve been in love since episode 1? If at any moment, their identities were revealed, they wouldn’t hesitate to become a couple. There is no actual will-they-won’t-they tension between the sides of the lovesquare. The only problem is that they don’t know who the other really is. And that is the problem at the heart of Miraculous Ladybug: Marinette and Adrien don’t know who they are. Not who the other is, who they are. The real focus of this show is Marinette’s growth as a person, her journey to accepting and trusting herself.

 So let’s take a look back at Animaestro: Marinette offers to distribute macarons at the premiere of Ladybug & Chat Noir: The Movie because Adrien will be there and she wants to give him a special macaron, but discovers he’s there with Kagami and even Chloe can’t get close to them. Chloe and Marinette decide to team up to humiliate Kagami to get her out of the way, and this is where the episode goes off the rails and upsets most fans. It’s a gross display of pitting girls against each other to win a man’s love, it’s contrary to how Marinette has acted in the rest of the show, and it betrays Chloe’s character development, or at least what we want from her arc.

 I tried to look at this decision in as many different ways as I could. On the surface, it betrays the message of the show, and that’s highlighted by what Chloe says to Marinette to make her join her side: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing.” She reminds Marinette that she once said that to her, way back in Origins, when Chloe tried to make her sit in gum – the prank they attempt on Kagami deliberately mirrors this, forcing us to compare the two scenes. In Origins, Marinette becomes aware of the gum because Adrien is trying to take it off her seat. Even when it fails, Chloe and Sabrina laugh, and Marinette grouchily snaps at all three of them. In Animaestro, Kagami never becomes aware of the prank and avoids it by chance, but Marinette sports a guilty, surprised look at the last second. She doesn’t do anything, and later even sighs about the plan failing, but I like to hope that in that moment she didn’t feel like the good guy.

 We have to remember here that, although Chloe attributes the quote to Marinette, this isn’t an idea that came from her; she hears it first from Alya, who read it in a comic book about super heroes. Marinette becoming Ladybug initially has a lot to do with Alya: she’s so inspired by her strength and moral righteousness, she tries to hand the miraculous off to her, and only rises to the occasion when Alya is in danger. In fact, for most of the first two seasons, Marinette’s growth is lead by Alya. Who pushes her to be bolder with Adrien? To show up in places she knows he’ll be? Who pushes her to stand up to Chloe? I think Anansi made a good point in having Adrien and Marinette look longingly at the relationship Alya and Nino have: rather than look up to her own parent’s strong, cute relationship, Marinette longs to have what Alya has and to be more like Alya. But Marinette is not and never will be Alya, and the more she pines after what Alya has, the more lost she will feel, and it’s Kagami that actually points this out to her.

 “The only reason you can’t stay on your feet is your hesitation. I never hesitate.” So why are these words important, and why does Marinette hesitate? In the episode, it’s laid out quite simply: Marinette hesitates because she doesn’t know who to pick: Luka or Adrien. Except… there’s really no reason she would pick Luka, right? We know the girl is obsessed with Adrien and she barely knows Luka, so what is tempting about him at all? A lot of other fans have gone into deeper analyses of this than I will, but essentially, he’s tempting because he’s ready to return her feelings and Adrien isn’t. He might never be, and that’s a really painful thing to accept, even at 14. But who is it that insists that they’re soulmates? That there is absolutely more than friendship between them? Alya and the girls. If not for Alya, Marinette might have accepted her own words, that “maybe [they’re] just meant to be friends.” She might have gone on a date with Luka without glancing over and Adrien, and she might have had a good time. But she hesitates because Alya has always been right, she always knows what to do, she has an amazing relationship and she’s good at everything Marinette feels she isn’t (being brave, taking care of kids, romance, etc.). So she hesitates.

 And in her hesitation, she fixates on Kagami. Kagami is also good at so many things Marinette fails at: she’s coordinated, clever, and strong, but she’s not nice. She isn’t evil, she doesn’t lie, and if she hurts anyone, it’s not intentional, but she’s entirely focused on what she wants and how to get it, which certainly does hurt some feelings along the way. She sets her sights on a goal and works toward it until she gets it: failure is not an option, and you’d better move if you’re in her way. Kagami doesn’t behave like Alya and Marinette’s stereotypical idea of a hero/good person, and Marinette definitely casts her as a villain in her mind, even calling her an “ice queen,” yet Kagami reinforces the idea that “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing,” albeit in a more morally grey way. Kagami will never sit back and no nothing, she will always fight for the resolution she believes in, she’s just not really concerned with grand ideas of good and evil. She will never be a villain in the way that Lila, who lies to get what she wants, or Chloe, who hurts people to intimidate them into giving her what she wants, are and have been since their introductions. Nor do I think she resembles Hawkmoth, who thinks his wants come before others’ needs and expects the world to hand him a win. Likewise, I don’t think she will ever be as interested in abstract interpretations of truth and justice the way Alya is.

Kagami works hard, is honest, and growls before she bites. She rides a middle line between Marinette’s understanding of good and evil, yet still succeeds and is liked by Adrien, which baffles Marinette. It baffles her enough to make her lose sight of what good and evil are, because she’s never had a good innate sense of that to begin with. Marinette isn’t a morally righteous person, Alya is, but she’s a selfless person who will give herself up to help others, and that’s why she gets to be Ladybug. That is why Fu picked her, and that is what she must learn to love about herself. She never hesitated to save a life or to help an old man off the ground.

 To bring that back around to Animaestro, as much as I hate this continuing theme of pitting girls against each other to win Mr. Perfect (especially since Adrien plays into the oblivious man trope too well), I can see why and how it fits Marinette’s character to be led astray by Chloe. She doesn’t have a real sense of good and evil, or even justice, without Alya by her side. Marinette is lead by her desire to help and heal people, and in that moment, she thinks that Chloe and Adrien both need that help. No where in her plan would she have ever gotten to sit with Adrien, to supplant Kagami, or to “win” him over anyone else. She wanted to make him happy by giving him her special macaron and by getting the supposedly “evil” Kagami out of the picture, so she couldn’t hurt Adrien (or Chloe, who is obviously terrified of her). Bringing up that quote is exactly what Chloe needed to do to manipulate Marinette.

 When you think of the show as being not about becoming a hero or falling in love, but about growing into who you are as a person and learning to love yourself, the choices the writers have made for season 3 become a lot more understandable. Marinette is on a long path of self-discovery and self-acceptance, they’re not rushing her growth, and I think that’s okay. I think it’s great that her understanding of morality is becoming more complex and more personal, even if it manifested in ways I don’t like. ML going in directions I wouldn’t have taken it isn’t a bad thing, it’s not even something that will make me stop watching, it’s just a different thing, and one I’ll take pleasure in analyzing for as long as I can.

 Except Chris Master, that episode just sucked.

 (I was going to go on about Adrien, and how in both episodes, he tries to help a girl out by removing gum from a seat/shoe, but in Origins he gets snapped at, while in Animaestro he gets praised, and how that plays into his need for outside affirmations, but this is already extremely long.)

 Happy theorizing, everyone! 😊

#miraculous ladybug #animaestro #ml season 3 #ml salt #animaestro spoilers #marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste #alya cesaire #kagami tsurugi #long #theory #analysis #miraculous ladybug season 3

[imthepunchlord]

Alya Best to Least

Marinette, Adrien, Nino, Kagami

Alya is a pretty spread out individual that makes her one of the uncommon characters who can actually match with up to three miraculouses, which sets up her potential as another miraculous prodigy like Marinette. Alya has full capability of being a teamplayer and follower, but she has her moments of leadership, as we see that Marinette and Nino will follow Alya, and between the two, she is usually the one who takes charge of girl squad meetings. She is a very straight forward, direct, and pushy individual at times (though she often means well in her pushiness). While known for her flamboyance, excitment, and being a reactive character, she does have her moments of calm that allow her to be a solid supportive friend when required (and when the writers allow it). And with her curiosity and drive, she is eager and ready to get involved in whatever catches her interest. Between her broad imagination, how reactive she can be, how involved she likes to be, and having capability of thinking and planning, there are three miraculouses that suit her best and can work off her strengths. 

Alya’s best are Bee, Turtle, and Peafowl. All allow her to be direct and have a support role in battle, and meet different aspects to her. Bee works off her energy and straightforwardness; Turtle plays off her wanting to be a supportive friend and to be on the front lines; Peafowl plays off her quick ideas and preferring to play by her own rules. 

Bee matches Alya with her straightforward characteristics, being active, and her goal to see her interests through to the end. This miraculous also leaves it open if she wants to be a follower or leader. And as Alya is not an aggressive character herself despite how direct she can be, this won't be a power that's recklessly used by Alya. And as Venom requires some subtlety and calculation in use, I have a lot of faith in Alya using it well. Seen in Darkblade, she can be crafty and sneaky, catching Chloe off guard as she’s recording her. In terms of symbolism, this miraculous matches her as a character as bees are very involved with each other, and expect things to run as they should. This matches Alya as a very involved character and can work off her pushiness as she expects things to go a certain way. 

Growth wise, this expands on her critical thinking and tactics. As Venom requires being smart and sneaky in use, this can elaborate on how Alya approaches a situation, while not discouraging her directness. 

With Pollen I see a similar outcome with Marinette, Pollen would be a good source of support and devotion, and can grow through her interactions with Alya who will want a kwami who feels more like her equal. She will not shy away from Pollen’s praise though, she would enjoy the validation that she’s a queen. 

With Turtle, it also matches Alya as a very direct and straightforward character, but works more off her as a supportive friend that’s here to be in the heat of things, but not being the direct confronter. As pushy and direct as Alya can be, she’s not an aggressive character. Marinette’s actually more likely to throw hands than Alya (and that’s when push comes to shove). As seen in Origins, Alya ultimately backed off from Chloe, taking Marinette with her as a show that she chose to sit with Marinette herself instead of it being through Chloe’s own decision. This largely shows she’s ready to be in the heat of things, but not be the confronter. For Turtle, this works as you want the user to be in the thick of it, but have that goal more set around watching over allies than facing the direct conflict themselves. This isn’t an aggressive miraculous about fighting, this is more about having your friends’ back and being a shield for them. Similarly to Adrien, this offers Alya protection as well as she does have tendencies of self endangerment. 

Growth wise, this can help her be smarter on her approach without discouraging her involvement. And as a miraculous that can count for self-protection, can ideally help her learn to be more aware of her own safety without being reckless with it, but not discouraging her from involving herself. 

With Wayzz, I see them getting along, if headbutting occasionally as Alya can be headstrong and is on the fiery side of things whereas Wayzz is more passive but grounded. Alya as a reactive character that is on the go, she can be too responsive at times, which can lead to Wayzz calling her out, reminding her to slow down and consider everything, not what's before her. 

With Peafowl, it matches with Alya’s tendency to play by her own rules and makes use of her imagination. She gets to make whatever golem she desires, and allows her to think and create what she believes would be best choice. As every golem is made from a section of her fan, this can allow flexibility and a learning curve if the first idea she latches onto didn’t work. This miraculous allows flexibility in where she wants to be in the field. It’s not a must for Peafowl to be in the field but if it wants to, it can. This miraculous does still keep in her being a support role as she and her golems can actively assist allies in fights. She can even take on a protective role while her golem takes on the aggressive, taking on a role that she herself isn’t inclined to do. 

Growth wise, this would expand on her quick-thinking and creativity, and add onto her observation skills and detail gathering as she needs to consider what would be a desirable golem to use. 

With Duusu, they would be a very energetic and chaotic pair. Duusu’s goofy energy and flare would add onto Alya’s, which could make Alya an even more expressive character than she already is. With very similar energy and being affectionate characters, I see them becoming very fast friends. In terms of advisement, I do see Duusu reminding Alya to consider everything and to truly look and not latch onto what’s on the surface. 

As Alya is solid with 3/5, she has no least fit, but these two are a not so ideal matches. She can technically be able to pull them off, but she would struggle more with Butterfly and Fox than the other three. 

Starting with Butterfly, Alya matches Butterfly that she wants to help people, she wants to lift them up and push them to face their challenges head on. She can also know what to say to reassure, support, and comfort people who are in need to hear what they need to hear. She’s also open to reaching out to new people, is fully capable of sending others out to assist another (Kung Food sending Adrien over as translator), and this miraculous can allow her to be a leader or to be a teammate, and Butterfly is flexible for where in the field she can be. On surface level, this miraculous is very appealing as a match. But the issue is Alya’s pushiness, tendencies of being oblivious and inconsiderate, and she can be dismissive of others. As much as Alya can be helpful emotionally, she does have tendencies of being too pushy and is oblivious of the anxiety she can cause. Biggest example is her trying to help Marinette which has left Marinette a very anxious mess as she pushed Marinette forward before she herself is ready to go forward. And to use this miraculous well, you need to have an idea as to when to back off and let go; something Alya would struggle with as she’s the sort that likes to see things to the end and can be dismissive of others. Biggest example is New York special, Marinette tells Alya she wants to move on from Adrien but Alya keeps trying to push the Adrienette agenda, ignoring Marinette’s words as getting these two together is her biggest goal. 

Growth wise this miraculous has potential, it works to Alya’s strength and want to help people and being emotionally invested, and can help her learn to be more aware of others feelings and conscious of what they’re telling her. That would come with learning to listen and opening up her mindset more and putting some distance between herself and others issues. But to learn these things will take time and chances are good that she can wind up overwhelming her champions around the start of using this miraculous. 

While I do see Alya and Nooroo as an amiable pair, I do think she has more energy than he would like. Very soft spoken, I don’t see him always catching Alya’s attention, not to say he never would though as she can be calming and listening when she wants to be. 

Now Fox. Like Butterfly, this has a lot of surface level appears and should be a good match. Alya has a lot of characteristics that make her a good fox: she is curious, she is willing to be sneaky and use underhanded tactics, she has an eye for detail, a broad imagination, and is a risk taker. This miraculous is a support role and also plays by its rules, which also fits her. The issues though stem that Alya is a very straight forward character, both in her actions and how she thinks, this leads to her illusions being very basic. To do a masterful illusion, it requires having all the facts, and taking a moment to consider what the best option is; Alya as a reactive character who latches onto the first thought she gets doesn’t set her up to do immediate skilled illusions that will be elaborate and complex. Another issue is that this is a limiting miraculous for Alya in the field. Fox is meant to be more background support, manipulate from the shadows. Alya doesn’t have that level of cunning or manipulation required for a good Fox at the start, nor is she the sort to step back and work from the shadows. She’s incredibly limited as Fox, like the s2 finale, when you watch Rena Rouge closely, she does little to nothing in that fight which made her inclusion pointless and costing as her being turned into Rena Rage had Carapace immediately give up. The last big issue is all with Lila and how they wrote Alya’s interactions with her. She’s not a very encouraging Fox to see knowing how easily led and manipulated she is. If she had Bee or Turtle assigned to her instead, this wouldn’t be as big of an issue as those aren’t about looking deeper into things. But she is the Fox, the supposed to be master trickster and manipulator, and she’s being easily lied to. It’s niether impressive or encouraging. 

Growth potential is there, but you’re not going to have an immediately good Fox on the team when Alya has it. She is limited with one illusion to use per transformation, but she can gradually learn to get better and more elaborate with her illusions. Especially if she allows creativity to flow and consider more options than the first idea that comes to mind. She can also learn subtlety and get better at working people around her. This can also work on her observation skills and looking more into things than trusting them at surface level. 

I see Trixx largely having a similar dynamic with Alya as he would with Adrien. At the core friendly and playful, but easily leading and manipulating her to what he will perceive as the best route for her. This will help her grow and question more and consider all details, feeding into her curious nature. This will largely start out one sided in terms of mental equality, but I do see Alya getting wise to Trixx game as she grows mentally. 

Between Ladybug and Cat, Alya should receive Ladybug. Like, neither of them are an entirely ideal fit, but between the two, Ladybug would be better for Alya. 

I can see Alya having some potential for the Ladybug as it requires quick thinking, having an eye for detail, and being quick to respond to situations; but it also requires taking in all factors and thinking outside the box. As Alya works off the first idea that comes to mind, Lucky Charm will be a struggle as its usually not so basic or clear what to use it for first. I do her able to figure it out, just not immediately. Despite this, it would allow Alya to be more involved than Fox would as the Ladybug does have to be in the field though not close to the heat, which is where Alya would like to be. 

Alya and Tikki though would be a good match over all, though I do see them headbutting occasionally. Tikki can help Alya learn to be more conscious of her friends and their feelings, pointing out when Alya’s pushing too much, and Alya in turn is more than capable of not letting Tikki have full sway over her and know her limits. Unlike Marinette, who naturally wants to please, Alya is not a pleaser and won’t take on more than she can chew. No risk of a developing Atlas complex with her having Tikki. 

Cat would have a lot of the appeals of Bee, plus Turtle’s natural set up to protect and watch out for allies. And of course, Alya wouldn’t be reckless with Cataclysm and be smart with it, using only when necessary. Big issue is that this could be more aggressive than what Alya would like. Cat has a role that has it be up close and personal with enemies, to be very engaging and involved. Alya will face that heat, but she’s not one to prefer really fighting it. She’d be able to get it down quickly but it wouldn’t be her preference. 

With Plagg, he can be a nice contrast to Alya, not just in fun interaction potential, but also in his personality as he is Alya’s opposite (lazy and not one to involve himself). Ideally when Alya’s getting too caught up in herself, Plagg can help bring her back down to the ground and help her slow down, but I can see potential possibilities of them having similar issues that Adrien and Plagg have in canon: Alya deciding that Plagg isn’t always worth listening to. I can see her listening to Plagg more than Adrien, but I can also see her dismissing him quite a bit as well. 

#miraculous ladybug #alya cesaire #kwami swap #character study #things really do help you reconsider things #I used to stand that Alya would be a better cat between the two #but it clicked that she herself isn't aggressive and prefers not to be thick in the heat of things #so Cat wouldn't entirely be where she wants to be #between the two LB is more ideal for her #involved but not in the thick of it

[tokai-teio]

my thoughts on the nakano quintuplets as of chapter 114:

[some quintessential quintuplets spoilers ahead, but i won’t spoil who won]

ichika: i personally like her, even though she did some really underhanded stuff to get ahead. i guess that might be my fondness for older sister personality characters, but i like her teasing dynamic with fuutarou, and i find her to be charming and cute (appearance-wise, i think she’s my second favorite quint overall). while she’s a very interesting and entertaining character, she’s not my number one.

nino: grew on me A LOT since the beginning. i think what i enjoy about her is that she’s very forward and bold in her approach, and i like that she’s got a lot of hidden stuff beneath the surface. i kinda wish “kintaro” was a real person so she could get together with him, i felt kinda bad for her at that part. as i said, her head-on approach is very refreshing, plus the way she constantly looks out for her sisters is very admirable, and on top of that she had a lot of very heartwarming scenes that made me root for her a lot. definitely the quint who i changed stances on the most out of all of them.

miku: it’s not hard to see why she’s pretty popular, she’s very cute and endearing, i found myself rooting for her in some parts even though she’s not my number one. what i like about her the most is that she found what she wanted to do and devoted a lot to getting better at it even though she was unskilled and inexperienced with it. however, it’s frustrating to me that she’s so timid with her approach towards fuutarou, and i’m guessing it’s because i see a reflection of who i used to be in that behavior.

yotsuba: my number one quint, she was the girl i thought was just a funny character when i watched the anime, but the manga showed a lot of different sides of her, and her scenes had the most emotional impact on me (such as her crisis of lacking a purpose for existing) and got me to cry, likely because they hit close to home for me. still, she remains a nice source of comic relief in the story while still having a good presence as a main character, and she’s constantly been a source of support for fuutarou from the get-go. all in all, that’s why she’s my favorite.

itsuki: design-wise, i think she wins for me. character-wise, she admittedly did not stand out to me very much for a large portion of the series, though i thought she was an obvious winner based on how the anime seemed to treat her place in the narrative (she was the first on-screen, she formed a bond with fuutarou’s family very quickly, etc.). she’s another character that i found myself relating to a lot, especially how she constantly worked her hardest and did her best to be responsible and adult-like, only to achieve poor results on several occasions, and overall found her to be an unexpectedly charming character. i don’t think she would be a good match for fuutarou overall, mostly due to her not showing a lot of romantic interest in him IMO, but i do like her a lot.

i guess my rankings (for who i personally like, not who i think should win) would probably be (note: i still like all of them, i do not hate the fifth-place sister in the slightest):

1: yotsuba 2: itsuki 3: nino 4: ichika 5: miku

#adventures of prefix #quintuplets #sfw #5 ichika #5 nino #5 miku #5 yotsuba #5 itsuki #queue-rezure children

[whenimgoodandready]

🎶If there's something strange in you neighborhood, Who you gonna call? Kwami Buster! If there's something weird, And it don't look good, Who you gonna call? Kwami Buster! Now let me tell ya somethin’, BUSTIN’ MAKES HER FEEL GOOD!🎶 Yeah, I went there! So what else is new? This wasn’t the only parody they did with this ep and I’ll tell you ‘bout the others right here!

*Kwami Buster-The first five minutes we got from this ep was a quick little “Tom and Jerry” scene (no joke! There was a cheese trap!) where Marinette and Adriens strict and grouchy science teacher, Ms.Mendeleiev, was trying to capture Plagg and Tikki via butterfly net! (Btw, if someone could add in the cartoons music, (ex.Benny Hills “chase music”) and put it up for that scene, I’d be so happy!). However, she had no idea what they were and luckily for the Kwamies, they can phase through surfaces and not be seen in film or photos. Phew! Unfortunately this caused her akumatization when she failed to prove it to others on tv where she was laughed at and humiliated, thus Kwami Buster!

Kwami Buster was a Ghostbuster like villainess that can capture Kwamies by sucking them out from the miraculouses, have them unable to phase through cuz of her magic vacuum sucking pack and leave our heroes exposed in their civilian selves, but they’re good with dodging/hiding, so as not to cause any reveals. This right here is where she’s a Mr.Crocker expy from “The Fairly Oddparents” both being “mean teachers who are obsessed with capturing magical creatures to prove their existence”. Heard a lot of jokes on that and at least Ms.Mendeleiev ended up dropping that character trait and not goin’ crazy like Crocker (or even doin’ that twitchy body thing). She learned her lesson just to protect Paris from Hawk Moth.

You remember how Marinette always has those elaborate plans to work out a situation like how to secretly plan a date with Adrien with help from her girl squad (“Gigantitan”). Well, in this cause, she takes it up to 11! Basically, she took all the Kwamies to use and just, OMG! You have to see those scenes a million times just to figure out what happens! Your brain will go 🤯. Seriously! She mostly used the mouse miraculous which the fandom was half and half right about it’s power being shrinking and duplication! Wow! (my money was on the latter) It was pretty much given away what with the name “Multimouse”! C’mon! It kinda sucked that most of the miraculouses we saw in use were the ones we already know of and not the others cuz the other Kwamies were just used for “mouth transport”. Long story.

As you read from that last paragraph, you’ll get the idea of how “Multimouse” threw Cat Noir off guard that Ladybug and Marinette are “not” the same person. Adrien/Cat Noir came pretty close since Marinette was the only person he knew not to see both girls at the same time (I think he figured out about the time traveling powers of Timebreaker). Both the heroes got the realization that they might go to the same school and they fixed that with overly complicated plans (Marinette/Ladybug) and the simple, but quick trickery (Adrien/Cat Noir) just like how they always work. Their classmates aren’t really surprised since a few know they might be one of their own (Alya and Nino know about each other and Chloe and Chloe just felt entitled and it’s probably why they were the only ones to speak out about Ms.Mendeleiev).

So apparently, Ms.Mendeleiev knows that Kwamies exist, but she doesn’t know that’s what they’re called nor has she displayed this kind of behavior until this episode! Why? Did the writers forget she was a character and realized they forgot to akumatize her? It’s Season 3! Fans always thought she’d be akumatized as either a mad scientist or a witch type of villainess cuz of her profession and appearance, respectively, but now they pull this kind of thing and make her out to be a conspiracy theorist nut! How long has she known about Kwamies? Mostly, she used camembert cheese (of all cheeses) to lure in Plagg! Hmmm, was she aware her classroom smelled like that ever since Adrien started attending public school and has seen Plagg and Tikki flying around without them noticing? When she tried to prove their existence, she made crudely drawn artwork of Plagg and Tikki and only Marinette and Adrien were shocked, but not the other students who most of ‘em have had Kwamies!? Granted, it was probably cuz those two are the most important ones to keep secret, but you’d think they’d react stronger to a vaguely drawn picture of a Kwami and not have them worry. Sorry fandom, but I’m afraid Cat Noir wasn’t the one that gave Marinette the mouse miraculous like you all assumed (the closest we got was in “Desperada” for Luka). I personally don’t care cuz I think it’s too risky that Adrien doesn’t get too close to Master Fu due to the fact we know who Adriens father is *cough*HawkMoth*cough*. So it’s a safer choice Fu chose Marinette as the future guardian of the miraculouses (which is what happened in the episode after it and this is the last mid episode so from now on, we’ll see the ones near the end). Something we learned in this ep, too many miraculouses can drain you of your energy! Damn! Luckily, Marinette managed to get the job done! (possibly cuz she’s young and healthy). I gotta tell you guys this, I had no idea that you can blend miraculouses together! I only thought it was the ladybug and black cat ones that can do that cuz they give you God-like powers! But it turns out, they all have that purpose! (the combo pack not the eternal powers thing). It just-just throws out the significance of the two most powerful miraculouses that’s all! Ugh! That is so lame😒. This was the third time someone pulled a “it’s not me” to throw off suspicion that they’re not a superhero/villain. Gabriel did that when the heroes (correctly) thought he might be Hawk Moth (“Collector”), Adrien did it to avoid getting captured using his doppelgänger fanboy (“Gorizilla”) and now Marinette with the many miraculouses. There’s no need to have second thoughts now. Just wait until all three are revealed and the biggest Whomp! Whomp! Whooooooooomp! noise sounds!😏. The thing I heard people discuss most about was the possible identity reveals of Ladybug and Cat Noir. We all know Marinette/Ladybug wants it to be kept secret whereas Adrien/Cat Noir doesn’t and thinks otherwise and Master Fu thinks it’s a bad idea cuz he’d have to take ‘em back from them. It seems pretty drastic, but he may have a point. We all saw how Ladybug and Aspik worked together during “Desperada” and that didn’t go well for two reasons; 1.) There was no Cat Noir and 2.) They were too distracted by each other cuz they were in love. If Ladybug and Cat knew each other’s identities (especially when they realize their relationship isn’t so “one-sided”) they’d go through the same thing (with the second reason), but the thing is they’ve grown to understand what’s best to continue to fight crime and save Paris with them becoming so trustworthy! Plus they’ve gained experience so Master Fu recruiting newbies would just be a disaster! Would they still keep their miraculouses if they knew? Would they be careful like Alya/Rena Rouge and Nino/Carapce? Would it be safe? Who knows🤷🏻‍♀️.

#miraculous ladybug #kwami buster #miraculous ladybug kwami buster

[seasonofthegeek]

Love Keeps You Warm: Miraculous

Written for Alyadrininette Week at @mlshipfleet <3

Parts 1, 2, 3. 4:

Nino scratched his fingernails lightly against Adrien’s scalp. He’d been letting his hair grow longer again and Nino had to admit he preferred it that way. While Adrien could pull off handsome with any style, there’d always been something about him with longer hair that he really loved. Maybe it was how it looked when he first realized how he felt about his best friend.

“Can we talk about it?” he asked quietly and felt Adrien go very still beside him.

“I’m so tired of talking.”

“Yeah, I guess there’s a lot of that with four people involved in a relationship,” Nino sighed. He began to scratch at Adrien’s scalp again and the other man relaxed in his arms. “Do you feel any better after some sleep?”

“I feel like I need to brush my teeth.” Adrien turned to press his face against Nino’s chest. “And take a really long shower.” He enjoyed the rumble he felt when his boyfriend laughed in response.

“Yeah, you don’t smell great,” Nino agreed even as he held him tighter.

“Did you sleep at all?”

“Not much. I was thinking.”

“About the mess I keep making?”

Nino let out a loud sigh. “Dude, this isn’t all on you. I think we all kind of messed up. It’s a touchy subject. I know I haven’t been acting the best around you lately and I’m sorry.”

Adrien swallowed and his throat felt scratchy. He’d overdone it with the drinking. It’d been a while since he’d had that much in one sitting. “I’ll do whatever you guys want,” he finally said. “I can’t lose this. I can’t stand the thought of losing any of you so if…” He trailed off and closed his eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of Nino’s heartbeat.

“I don’t want you doing anything you aren’t comfortable with. We’ll figure something out.”

They fell into silence and the sound of the shower coming on in the master bathroom floated in to them. Alya was getting ready for work. There was the sound of humming as Marinette passed by the closed bedroom door and then music began to play from the kitchen.

“Alya would be such a good mom,” Adrien said, voice low. “She takes care of us already and she’s so patient.”

“Yeah, she’d be pretty amazing,” Nino agreed. “I bet she’d have us reading every baby book ever written to prepare.”

“Nah, only the ones with the five-star reviews.”

“Ah, true.”

“And I bet Marinette would absolutely glow,” Adrien added. “You know how they say pregnant women have a glow sometimes? I think she’d have that. They’d both be so beautiful and happy, I think.”

Nino felt cautiously hopeful. “I’m kind of surprised you’ve thought about this kind of stuff,” he admitted.

“Of course I’ve thought about it. I just…” Adrien pulled back enough to look up at Nino but found he couldn’t quite hold eye contact and dropped his gaze to his chin instead. “I just never see myself when I think about you guys as parents.”

He considered that for a long moment. “If we said that we still wanted to have a baby and wanted you to stay?”

“I couldn’t ever bring myself to go anywhere else,” he confessed. “But I think you guys would regret me staying.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“I do.” Adrien sat up and rubbed at his eyes. “But I don’t want to talk about this anymore right now. We need to get showered. We’ve got that birthday party tonight and they want a big set up. I’m supposed to meet the dance floor rental people at the venue at noon so I really need to get going.”

“Yeah, okay.”

“Wanna take a shower together?” He stood and stretched and Nino watched the action with appreciation.

“Sure, if Alya didn’t use up all the hot water.”

“Even more reason to share,” Adrien grinned. He dipped his head coyly, letting his hair fall in front of his eyes so that he was blinking at Nino through a curtain of blonde. “And you know I can be quick when I need to be.”

Nino felt himself rouse at the implication and pushed off the bed and into Adrien’s arms as the other man laughed. ______________________________

“How’s it going?” Alya asked, hooking her chin over Marinette’s shoulder as she worked.

“I think I’m almost done with this skirt which will give me three finished pieces. I want to try to get to ten before we do the shoot.” She lifted the skirt up and held it at arm’s length, tilting her head. “It’s kind of boring.”

“I like it. The little darts give it character.”

She frowned. “Maybe, but it still feels plain.”

“You could always come back to it later. You might like it more or you might know what you want to add. That’s what I have to do with my pieces sometimes.”

Marinette tilted her head back so she could kiss Alya’s cheek. “You have the best ideas.”

“I know,” Alya grinned. “Looks like we have the night to ourselves. The guys are working a birthday party.”

“Kid or adult?”

“Adult, I think. Rich too. They went all out. I think this one was booked by some people who were at that big event they did at the zoo so you know it’s got to be expensive.”

“Yeah, they definitely won’t be back anytime soon then,” Marinette agreed. “I hope they get to bring home some of the food like that last big party. Those cheesecake bites were so good.”

“Yeah.” Alya walked over to Nino’s desk and looked down at the large planner taking up most of the surface. “He has so many gigs lined up. Crazy to think this all started with that small truck at the festival.”

Marinette straightened up the piles of fabric on her desk. “I miss that truck. So many good make out memories.”

Alya laughed. “So true. I miss our truck too.”

“Yeah, it was really nice. Sometimes I want to go back to it and then I remember that we were younger and didn’t mind being in a hot truck in the summer with only a fan to keep us cool.”

“I’ve definitely grown accustomed to a more pampered lifestyle.”

“Me too,” Marinette giggled.

“You want to take a break and watch a movie with me in the living room?”

Marinette worried her lip. “I should probably keep working.”

“Compromise and you can sketch while we watch?” Alya offered.

“I think I can live with that.”

“Popcorn?”

“Ooo yeah.” Marinette grabbed her sketchbook, pencil, and kneaded eraser. “And do we have any chocolate? I think I’d really like some chocolate with popcorn.”

“We might have some leftover from Valentines.”

“Excellent.”

They made the popcorn and Marinette melted chocolate over her bowl and they finally settled down to find something to watch. Marinette grabbed a few pieces of chocolate covered popcorn and hummed happily as she popped them in her mouth. She chewed for a few seconds and then grimaced, jolting upright and going to the kitchen trashcan to spit them out.

“Everything okay?” Alya turned to watch as Marinette straightened and wiped at her mouth.

“Yeah, I think maybe the chocolate was just old or something.”

“It didn’t look old.” Alya reached for Marinette’s bowl and scooped up some of the popcorn to try. “Hmm, this is actually pretty good.”

Marinette grimaced. “You’re welcome to it. My tummy doesn’t feel good now.”

“Poor Mari.” Alya offered her the bowl of plain popcorn but Marinette’s lip turned up.

“No thanks. I think I lost my appetite.” She settled back on the couch and pulled the blanket over her lap.

“You’ve seemed a little off lately.”

“I guess I’m feeling stressed about these designs.” Marinette erased a stray line in irritation. “If this doesn’t work, I’m not really sure what to do.”

“Yeah, but you’ve been crying a lot.”

“I’ve always cried a lot.”

“Not like this.”

“I don’t feel like I’ve cried that much,” Marinette shrugged.

Alya studied her as she began to sketch again. “Have you had your period this month?”

“What?”

“Your last period. When was it?”

Marinette’s brow furrowed. “I don’t know. Not that long ago.” She fished her phone out from beneath the blanket and opened up her calendar. “Oh.”

“You’re late,” Alya said without needing to see the calendar for herself.

“Only by eight days.”

“That could be nothing. You said you’re stressed and mine’s been late before when I’ve been stressed.”

“Yeah.” Marinette worried her lip. “Except…”

“Except?”

She smashed her cheeks with both hands and brought them forward to pucker her lips.

“Marinette,” Alya prodded.

She dropped her hands. “Okay, so there was a night last month when you worked late and Adrien was in that goofy kind of sexy mood he gets in sometimes and wanted to do a strip show for us.”

“Uh-huh…” Alya had a sinking suspicion she knew exactly where the conversation was leading.

“So he got started and you know how you end up laughing at first but then he actually starts being all sexy and it’s a big turn on? He was grinding up against me and I was sitting on Nino’s lap and then he started grinding and I was in the middle and our clothes just kept falling off and…”

“You slept with Adrien without a condom, didn’t you?”

“Don’t say it all judgmental like that! It was in the heat of the moment and I was feeling weak and needy.” She shrank in on herself. “And it wasn’t just Adrien.”

“You didn’t use a condom with either of them?!” Alya threw her hands up in the air. “No wonder you’re knocked up!”

“I’m not knocked up! We ran out and I thought it would be okay,” she winced. “I showered right after and picked up some condoms the next day. You know I’m always so good!”

“I don’t think you get to use ‘always’ anymore.”

Marinette’s eyes widened. “You don’t really think I’m pregnant, do you?”

“Well, yeah,” she scoffed. “I’m pretty sure you are.”

“Oh no…oh no…” She shook her head. “This isn’t good. Alya, this isn’t good!”

“I thought this is what you wanted.”

“Not like this!” She covered her face. “I’m such a slut. I don’t even know who the father is.”

Despite watching her girlfriend melt down and the small jealous feeling nagging at her, Alya couldn’t help but laugh. “I don’t think that counts when it was your boyfriends. It could only be one or the other. It isn’t like you slept with all of Paris.”

Marinette huddled in on herself. “Yeah, but what if it’s Adrien’s?” she asked weakly.

Awkward silence settled between them and Alya closed her eyes, trying to think. “Okay, first things first, we go get a pregnancy test.”

“Or ten.”

“Yeah, the more, the merrier.”

“And then?”

Alya brushed Marinette’s hair out of her face and cupped her cheek. “And then we go from there.” She noted the worry still evident on her girlfriend’s face. “We could be having a baby, Mari. A sweet little version of you running around here.”

Marinette melted with her words and touch. “Is it really going to be okay?” she whispered.

“It’ll be miraculous.” ______________________________

“Okay, maybe I should take one more just to be safe.” Marinette chewed on the edge of her thumbnail.

Alya pursed her lips. “I think the five sticks you’ve already peed on are proof enough. You hardly got enough on the last one. You’re running dry.”

“I could drink a juice.”

“Marinette.” Alya knelt down in front of her girlfriend, clasping her hands in hers. “How do you feel about this?”

Marinette swallowed audibly. “I feel…I feel…” She swayed slightly and Alya steadied her. “I feel like I need to go lay down.”

“Come on, sweets.” Alya helped her to her feet and led them back to the bedroom.

#Alyadrininette Week #alyadrininette #ot4