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miraculous-consequence · 4 years

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Consequence of Our Love, Ch. 7: Requiem

“The attacker dodged him easily. Chat skidded to a stop and watched the unknown woman land lightly on the rooftop. Except - Chat Noir did know her. He knew that smirk. He knew that hungry glare. And he knew the snake-shaped bracelet that adorned her wrist.

Lila. It was Lila who stood before him. And she had the Snake Miraculous.”

Consequence of Our Love is a pre-reveal, post-Hawk Moth AU exploring Marinette and Adrien’s lives as adults. | Read from the Beginning | Read on AO3

Rating: Mature

Chapter Warnings (Overall in the tags): Mental anguish, mental torture, mild graphic violence

I've marked the section where this occurs, so you can skip it if you need. This chapter includes important backstory, but it will not significantly hinder your understanding of the plot if you decide to skip. Take care of yourself please.

The London air hung heavy around Adrien as he walked along the cobblestone streets. There once was a time where he relished walks like these - a chance to explore a new city, to understand its people, to finally fulfill the desire buried deep inside of him to know the unknown.

Now, these new sights passed through him like a fog. Numb. Cold. Indifferent.

Except something pulled him out.

Adrien stopped, drawn by something that he did not know yet, and it was if the world was coming into to focus for the first time in weeks. He began to process the city around him. He looked towards a pub, crowded with people spilling out onto the streets, all gathered to hear…

Music.

A feeling. It was just a feeling. Yet Adrien found himself walking through the door of the pub, shoving his way through the crowded space towards the back, towards the source of the music that had dragged him out of the fog that he had been trapped in.

There, he found Luka.

He stood on the stage, playing guitar as if he was the only person in the room. He had grown out his black hair and pulled it into ponytail, and his light eyes focused intently on the fretboard. The music was rougher than Adrien remembered, more rock-like in genre. But it was still Luka. It was still him.

For a moment, Adrien was transported back to their childhood, to the lazy afternoons when he would sit on the floor of Luka’s room, playing on the keyboard while Luka fiddled on the guitar. No matter what Adrien played, Luka could always match it. It felt as if Adrien could only reflect the music given to him, but Luka… Luka could create.

“Adrien?” A voice called next to him. Adrien looked over to a woman with long dark hair and exquisite make-up walking towards him. The low lighting flashed in her piercing golden brown eyes.

“Juleka?” He asked, incredulous.

“It is you!” Juleka grabbed his arm. “Come on, I’ve got a table.” She led him through the cheering crowd to a small table in the corner. She sat down, looking both refined yet wild. Adrien wondered at the confident woman before him, familiar yet unknown, before Luka’s music drew his attention again.

They watched the show in silence. Adrien was enraptured by every moment of it. “Come on, let’s go,” Juleka urged after the show finished. “We’ll head out back.”

“Wait, Juleka, does he remember-“ Adrien didn’t get the chance to finish. Juleka dragged him towards the back door, where Luka was locking his guitar in his case. When he spotted them - when he spotted Adrien - his eyebrows furrowed.

Anxiety roiled through Adrien. It had been so many years. He hadn’t seen Luka since the accident, since Adrien left Paris and all of his friends. Would Luka be angry at him, or…

Luka gave him a wary smile, and Adrien realized that it wasn’t anger or grief on his face.

No. Luka just didn’t recognize him.

The way it’s supposed to be.

Adrien held out his hand to his old friend and introduced himself. “Hey, I’m Adrien.”

Luka looked relieved as he clasped his hand in Adrien’s. “Luka,” he said, this time with a real smile. “It’s nice to meet you.” Adrien swallowed the stab of grief he felt in his chest and smiled back.

“It’s nice to meet you, too.”

---

“I have been waiting for this moment,” Ladybug said as she cracked her knuckles. Chat Noir smirked.

“She’s not getting away this time,” Chat hissed. “Volpina is about to find herself seriously outfoxed.”

Chat grinned at the small smile he earned from Viperion. “We’ll let you take the final punch, Ladybug,” Viperion said, and Ladybug laughed.

“Alright team, Volpina isn’t going to make this easy, so let’s take this seriously,” Ladybug commanded. “Viperion, let’s use your foresight. At your order!”

Viperion nodded, and he and Ladybug locked into position at the edges of the door. Chat Noir moved to the front, ready to kick the door in and smash Volpina’s face. He nodded to them, and Viperion raised his bracelet and swiped his finger across the snake’s head. “Second Chance!” He called.

Chat Noir only blinked once, but he knew when he opened his eyes and saw Viperion exhausted and ragged, that hundreds of futures had just passed by them.

Viperion leaned against the wall, whiplashed by whatever future he had just returned from. “Viperion!” Ladybug cried and rushed to his side. He looked up at her, and Chat Noir grimaced at the haunted look in his eyes. Just how long had he relived this moment?

“It’s a trap,” Viperion breathed. “You both have to go save Carapace and Rena Rouge at the Eiffel Tower, NOW.”

“Wait, what about you?” Chat Noir asked.

“We are not leaving you!” Ladybug said at the same time.

“I need to face Volpina alone,” Viperion hissed. He took a deep breath and stood up straight, dispelling the image of exhaustion that had assumed him a moment earlier. Now, Viperion looked strong and ready to fight. “Trust me, you two are more trouble than you’re worth in this battle. Now GO.”

Chat nodded and backed up towards the entrance, but Ladybug lingered, staring at Viperion intensely. He nodded at her, and she nodded back.

“Come on,” Ladybug commanded and rushed back towards the exit.

“Good luck!” Chat Noir called to Viperion, then followed close behind her.

---

“I appreciate the help, Ladybug, but we’ve got this covered!” Rena Rouge called as she slammed her fist into a sentimonster jaguar, sending it to dust.

“No way we’re leaving. Viperion sent us here for a reason!” Ladybug called back and kicked through a sentimonster.

While the two super heroines battled the sentimonster jaguars, Chat Noir and Carapace took on the source. Animan, the akumatized zookeeper, pounced at Chat Noir, but Carapace shielded him just in time.

“Maybe we could use a little more magical foresight?” Chat called back to Ladybug. He slipped out from Carapace’s cover and threw himself onto Animan’s back, an action he immediately regretted. The akumatized zookeeper roared and took off at a full sprint. Chat Noir screamed and clung on for dear life.

“Good call, kitty,” Ladybug answered, ignoring Chat’s fate. “Lucky charm!” She threw her yoyo into the air, red and pink magic swirling into its vortex. The magic consolidated into a object bathed in white light-

“LADYBUG WATCH OUT!” Chat screeched as Animan charged straight through Ladybug, sending both of them flying. They landed roughly a few meters away.

“Thanks for the warning,” Ladybug said dryly.

“No need to get catty,” Chat grumbled.

“Alright, I’m ending this!” Rena Rouge placed her flute to her lips and summoned her special ability. “Mirage!” She sent a brilliant ball of magic into the sky that exploded into millions of shining flecks of light. As the magic rained down, the scene before them transformed into Rena’s vision: a stunning landscape of vast plains and forests, stretching before them in a majestic natural beauty like nothing Chat had ever seen before.

“Wow…” Chat Noir touched the grass and gasped in wonder. He could hear the bubbling of streams and the song of forest birds. He could even smell the cleanness in the air. It felt so… real.

“I’d hate to see what kind of nightmare she’d make if she was angry,” Ladybug muttered. Chat Noir was inclined to agree. Rena Rouge’s abilities had grown exponentially since he first met her four years ago.

All around them, the jaguars stopped their attack and relished in their newfound habitat, rolling in the illusory grass and chasing each other around. Even Animan couldn’t help but be affected by the calming scenery. Rena Rouge kneeled before the akumatized zookeeper a few feet away, her hand outstretched towards him. Animan tensed up, but slowly he approached her. Rena presented the jaguar with the back of her hand, and after a tentative sniff, Animan rubbed his head on her.

“There you go,” Rena murmured. With one hand she petted the jaguar, and with the other, she unhooked his akumatized bracelet and tossed it toward Ladybug. Ladybug snapped the bracelet and trapped the dark butterfly that emerged within her yoyo.

“Bye bye, little butterfly,” she murmured and released the newly purified creature into the world.

Animan’s dark form dissolved into Otis Cesaire. “Was I…?” Otis asked, and Rena Rouge nodded.

“I know you just wanted a better home for the animals you love. I’m sorry I can’t make this happen for real,” Rena sympathized. Otis smiled and squeezed her hand. Chat Noir watched as they sat together and enjoyed the illusion around them for a bit longer.

Beside him, Ladybug bit her lip. “What’s wrong?” Chat asked.

“Why did Viperion bring us here?” Ladybug wondered aloud. “We clearly weren’t needed!”

“Maybe we just prevented a small thing that had massive, weird consequences,” Chat Noir offered.

“Hmm.” She didn’t look convinced.

Rena Rouge’s illusion started to fall around them. “Uhh, Ladybug?” Chat Noir and Ladybug looked over towards Carapace, who was holding what Chat realized must be Ladybug’s Lucky Charm. Except it was… Dread flooded Chat Noir.

“No,” Ladybug gasped. She grabbed it from Carapace. “No!”

The Lucky Charm was in the form of Viperion’s lyre.

---

Adrien sat huddled on the railing, trying to decide if it was more appropriate to stare at his drink or the wall. The three of them had moved out to the alleyway to sit on the cargo ramp and talk in peace, except none of them were saying anything. Adrien snuck a glance at Luka.

Luka. It’s actually Luka.

He immediately shifted his gaze back to his drink.

“I’m guessing we used to know each other?” Adrien shot his head up at Luka’s question. He cleared his throat and nodded.

“Uh, yeah, you were a good friend of mine.” Adrien stammered.

“I recognize you, but I’m sorry. I don’t remember you. My memory is… fuzzy at best from that time,” Luka apologized.

“It took a couple years after the accident for him to be able to hold onto new memories,” Juleka explained. The points clicked into place.

“And I was long gone by that time,” Adrien realized.

“University?” Luka asked. Adrien lowered his eyes.

“Uh, yeah. Mostly family issues, though.” Adrien offered. A light flashed in Luka’s eyes.

“Adrien Agreste,” he realized, and Juleka winced. “That’s where I know you from.”

“Guilty.” Adrien smiled uncomfortably. Right. The media. Of course Luka knew him from the media. Not old memories.

“That explains why no one mentioned we were friends,” Luka said, so casually it nearly hurt.

“N-Not that people thought bad about you! Well, Mom did- a lot of people did- but…” Juleka trailed off.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that,“ Luka added.

Adrien felt a strange mixture of shame and relief. “It’s okay. I understand. There’s… really no coming back from what my father did.”

They sat in silence, sipping their beers. Adrien watched Luka’s hand fiddle restlessly, a strange contrast to the rest of his body which he kept almost unnaturally still.

“So… have you been in London this whole time?” Juleka offered.

“Uh no, I went to college in the United States for a few years. I came back to Europe afterwards. Spain, Ireland, UK, Italy… A bit of everywhere. Wherever I was wanted for modeling.” And wherever the reporters weren’t vicious.

“I understand that,” Juleka murmured. “Luka and I are always on the road somewhere in the UK for my next modeling gig. I’m lucky Luka somehow manages to find work wherever I go.”

“You got into modeling!” Adrien gushed. Juleka had always been so shy and withdrawn when they were younger - he was excited that she achieved the dream she had always wanted.

“Yep,” Juleka blushed and brushed her out from behind her ear, letting it fall into her face. Almost reflexively, she pushed it back behind her ear. “Mostly indie or alternative stuff, a lot of gothic style or cosplay. I didn’t want to deal with the high-fashion industry shit - uh, no offense.”

Adrien laughed. “None taken at all.”

As they chatted, Luka pulled out his guitar and began experimenting. The familiar sound calmed Adrien down. When they were younger, Luka would play his guitar anywhere - it was almost like his way of processing the world.

“I’m glad to see you’re still playing,” Adrien said. “It must have been rough relearning the guitar.”

“It wasn’t that bad actually. My fingers remembered what my mind couldn’t,” Luka said without pausing. “Playing guitar grounded me while I figured everything else out.” He played a lick with expert ease, and the melody tugged at the back of Adrien’s mind.

“What about you?” Luka asked. “What did you have to ground you?”

Adrien opened his mouth, unsure of how to answer. “Travel,” he decided. “I traveled. As much as I could.”

“Where do you want to travel next?” Luka asked. The question caught him off guard. What did he want to do next? The music nagged again at his mind.

“I’d like to go home,” Adrien murmured softly, then quickly qualified, “I want to find home, I mean.”

His words left them with nothing but the sound of Luka’s guitar. Adrien felt Plagg shift in his pocket and suddenly, it clicked. Adrien remembered where he had heard this song before. It wasn’t quite the same. Some notes were different, or off by a half note. But the core of it was the same.

Luka looked up at Adrien and stopped, his eyebrows furrowed in concern. “Are you okay, Adrien? You’ve gone pale.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m okay. Cool song,” Adrien managed.

Many years ago, on a hot day on the steps of the Seine, Luka wrote a melody for Adrien that pierced him to his core and flooded his soul with grief and hope.

This was that song. This was the song Luka had written for him.

---

Chat Noir sprinted towards the recording studio, the adrenaline rushing through his veins like ice. He had lost sight of Ladybug - she had sprinted off before Chat even had the chance to process the meaning of her Lucky Charm.

Viperion. Luka. He was in serious danger. He had to get to him now.

Chat Noir cleared the last rooftop and twisted into a battle position when he saw Ladybug on the ground, crying out in pain as a woman he didn’t recognize dug her knee into Ladybug’s chest. Chat Noir didn’t hesitate. He let out a strangled, furious cry and charged towards the assaulter.

The attacker dodged him easily. Chat skidded to a stop and watched the unknown woman land lightly on the rooftop. Except - Chat Noir did know her. He knew that smirk. He knew that hungry glare. And he knew the snake-shaped bracelet that adorned her wrist.

Lila. It was Lila who stood before him. And she had the Snake Miraculous.

Rage boiled through Chat Noir. He lunged for her, claws outstretched, but she again bounded easily out of reach.

“You should really get some better partners, Ladybug. Your men are so weak,” Lila snarled.

“I’ll kill you!” Chat roared. He lunged again, but quicker than he could see, Lila swiped her harp against his side and sent him sprawling.

“I’d love to catch up and see you flail around more, but I’ve wasted enough time.” Lila gave them a victorious sneer and bounded off into the city. Chat Noir moved to follow her, but Ladybug’s pained groan stopped him. Chat rushed to her side.

“Luka,” she cried. She pushed aside his help and stumbled into a ragged dash inside the building. Chat Noir followed, ignoring the growing feeling that something was very, very wrong.

They arrived at the doors where only a little while earlier, they had prepared to take on Volpina together. They hung partially open, claw marks scratched on the inside.

//*Trigger Warning Starts Here. Please continue carefully, and take care of yourself.*//

“Luka!” Ladybug called and rushed in. Chat followed behind and his heart struck cold.

In the corner, in the dark, Luka was curled up in a ball, shivering and gasping for breath. His hands shielded his head and clutched at his hair.

“It’s not real, it’s not real, it’s not real,” Luka repeated, over and over. When Ladybug approached, Luka shielded his eyes from her as if his life depended on it. “She’s not real, she’s not real.”

“Luka, it’s me, it’s Ladybug,” Ladybug spoke softly and kneeled beside him.

“She’s not real, she’s not real, she’s not-“

“Luka-“ As Ladybug reached out to touch, his eyes shot up, wild with terror.

“NO! NonononoNONO leave me ALONE!” Luka screamed. He kicked at her, pressing himself as tight as he could against the corner. Chat Noir despaired at the look of complete and total terror on his face.

Ladybug stepped back, confused. “Luka, it’s me, I’m okay, we’re okay!” She assured. Desperation and fear soaked her voice. She neared Luka again, but he lashed out at her.

“GET AWAY!” He screamed.

“Luka, please,” Ladybug cried. Tears were streaming down her face. “It’s me, you know me.”

Luka turned away from her and covered his face. “It’s not real, it’s not real, it’s not real-“ he repeated over and over again.

Chat Noir moved beside Ladybug, careful not to make sudden movements. “This-this has to be some kind curse, some kind of new power Lila used on him. It has- it has to be reversible,” Chat stammered. It sickened him to his core what kind of power could cause this. Akuma powers turned people into henchmen or immobilized them or changed their appearance. Not this. Not this hell.

“You’re right,” Ladybug breathed. “You’re right! I can fix this!” She took a few steps back and tossed her Lucky Charm into the air. “Miraculous Ladybug!”

Magic flew from her, engulfing everything. As the light faded, Chat Noir saw the equipment in the room had repaired itself, and he heard the after effects of Ladybug’s power rippling across the city. But when he looked at Ladybug, he realized that the lyre had not been destroyed, and Luka…

Luka still shielded himself in his corner, trying desperately to convince himself that this reality was not real. Chat Noir began to understand just what Lila had done.

“MIRACULOUS LADYBUG.” A power so immense ejected from Ladybug that Chat Noir had to shield himself with his arms. When he looked up, the lyre still remained in Ladybug’s hands, and the fear still remained in Luka’s eyes.

“Ladybug-“ Chat Noir moved towards her.

“MIRACULOUS LADYBUG!!” Ladybug screamed, and the power forced Chat Noir to his knees.

But the lyre remained unscathed, and for all its strength, Ladybug’s magic was useless.

“NO!” Ladybug screamed and hurled the instrument at the wall. It bounced off harmlessly. Ladybug collapsed to the ground, sobs racking her body. Whatever Lila had done to Luka, whatever monstrosity she had committed, it had shattered Luka’s mind. And there was nothing Ladybug could do.

“I’m sorry,” Ladybug sobbed. “I’m so, so sorry.”

She reached out to Luka, but he shrank away from her.

“Luka, please,” she begged. Tears were streaming down her face. “We’re here to help you, you have to let me help you.”

She reached out to him once more, but Chat gently intercepted her.

“Wait,” he said softly.

Ladybug stared at him, uncertain. Chat Noir picked up the lyre and sat down on the ground. He plinked a few strings, and lilted sound echoed through the studio room. When Chat looked up, he saw he had Luka’s full attention.

Chat swallowed. He had barely practiced the lyre - his father wanted him to focus solely on piano, but after meeting Luka and becoming his friend, Adrien had wanted to try something else, to try and access that deep connection Luka seemed to have with his music. The lyre had been the easiest to purchase and hide in his room. When he was home alone, he would quietly plink across the strings, trying to mold music out of its beautiful vibrations, but never getting very far. In fact, he had only been able to play one song so far.

He played that song now, a song that Luka had written for him during those rare days where they were able to hang out.

His fingers stumbled, and the notes rang sharp, but still Chat Noir played. He did not stop, did not try to fix his mistakes. He just tried to bring a small piece of music into the world. For Luka.

Chat Noir did not realize when his sense of the physical world faded. He did not question the snapping of synapses firing around him, the feeling of electricity coursing through nerve after nerve, containing infinite memories and experiences and emotions.

He just followed where Luka’s song guided him.

It was only afterwards that Chat Noir and Ladybug learned that what they had done was a technique only a few Miraculous holders had ever achieved before. It was only afterwards that they understood that through their shared love and grief for Luka, targeted through Chat Noir’s music as a conduit, they been able to access Luka’s mind.

But now, in this moment, all Chat Noir felt and saw and heard, was Luka.

He saw Luka’s friends and family, annoying him and angering him and delighting him and surprising him. He heard music, felt how there was an everlasting itch in Luka’s fingers to play and keep playing, until the puzzle of the world could be solved and appreciated.

He saw Marinette, blushing, smiling, laughing. Chat felt her everywhere around him, understood the deep love Luka had for her, the incredible person that Marinette was.

With every memory, with every interaction, Chat Noir felt the love Luka had for his friends, his family, his music… And then Chat Noir saw each of those memories swallowed by darkness.

He saw the way Volpina manipulated Viperion into coming into the recording studio alone, how she played all of them like pawns on a chest board. He saw Viperion slicing through Volpina, only to have the illusion shift into Juleka, throat gashed wide open. Chat Noir saw himself murder Ladybug. He heard Volpina sneer at Viperion. I’m waiting for you, Luka.

He saw how Volpina restrained Viperion once he came in alone. He saw how she forced him to use his Second Chance ability, how her illusions (so real, they feel so real) tortured him and ate at his soul. And before the five minutes were finished, Volpina took Viperion’s wrist and snapped the snake’s head back, forcing Viperion back in time to relive his torture. Luka had lost count of how many times this had happened. Too many.

He saw barriers everywhere, ancient and cracked, scored with gauging claw marks. Chat Noir knew that a great secret rested behind them, and he knew from the gaping hole in the walls, that Volpina had torn out that secret from the nerves of Luka’s mind. Chat Noir turned away from what laid inside.

“Chat Noir.” The voice snapped him back into the present. The music stopped. Chat Noir turned to look at Ladybug.

“Luka…” Chat murmured. “We were inside Luka’s mind…”

Her eyes begged him desperately. “Chat, we have to fix this.”

“Ladybug…. We can’t. You tried, it didn’t work.”

“I know. I know. I can’t take this pain away from him,” she cried. “But you can. You can destroy what Lila did to him with your Cataclysm.”

“My..? No, no I won’t do that! That would kill him.”

“Chat! We were inside his mind! If we go back in and coordinate our powers, if we heal and destroy his brain at the same time-“

“No, NO! That’s insane! That could take everything away from him!”

“He’s already gone!” Ladybug cried, and tears streamed down her face. “You saw what Lila did to him. How she forced him to live through years of non-stop torture. He’s not going to recover from that.”

“Please,” she cried. “We have to save him.”

Chat Noir stared into Ladybug’s desperate eyes. He stared at the vacant, tortured gaze of Luka. He felt himself begin to go numb.

“Trust me,” Ladybug said.

“Okay,” he murmured. “Okay.”

He let Ladybug guide his hand to the side of Luka’s face, and she caressed the other side. They leaned together, until their foreheads were touching. With their free hands, they both grabbed one side of the lyre.

Together, they reached out until they felt Luka’s mind. Together, they summoned their magic.

“Cataclysm.”

“Miraculous Ladybug.”

Their powers clashed together in a brilliant bright light, and for a brief moment, Chat Noir felt like his body was going to be torn apart. Chaos and order, creation and destruction, lashed at each other for control. Panic overwhelmed Chat Noir and he reached out blindly.

A hand met clasped in his. Trust me.

He latched onto her words like they were a lifeline, and he pulled himself close. Ladybug met his embrace, and they grasped each other as their powers melded into one, and the magic consumed them.

They returned to the recording studio. The lyre was gone, and Luka’s chest rose and fell calmly as he slept. Traces of their magic still flowed through Luka’s body.

Null. They had made his mind null. This was the gift the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous had granted.

Tears welled up in Chat’s eyes. He bowed his head, and Chat Noir grieved for his friend and what he had just done to him.

---

Adrien leaned against the railing and bowed his head. A powerful emotion he could not name lurked within his chest. He wanted to go back to the fog. He wanted to stop feeling what he was feeling.

“I’m heading inside for more drinks,” Juleka said. “Same order?”

Adrien nodded and tried to swallow the emotions in his throat.

“Will you go back to Paris?” Luka asked. Adrien exhaled and looked up at the alleyway wall.

“Probably not. I could never give up the travel life,” Adrien said. He tried to keep the bitterness he did not realize he was feeling until now out of his voice.

“It is an amazing life,” Luka agreed and leaned against the railing next to him. “Though I get the feeling it’s not the life you want.”

Adrien stared at Luka, and the emotion rising within him bubbled over. He burst out laughing.

“I hated it so much when you would do that,” Adrien spat, still laughing.

Luka raised an eyebrow. “Do what?”

“Your hyper empathy!” Adrien threw his arms in the air, unable to stop the anger he felt. “The ‘reading people like they’re sheet music’ crap you do!”

Luka frowned. “I- don’t do that!” He argued. There was confusion and indignity in Luka’s voice, but Adrien didn’t care.

“You don’t even know who I am anymore, and you still can do it!

“Adrien-“

“And you’re so blunt about it! You sit there, you don’t talk, then once my guard is down, you stab me with a brutal truth!”

Luka’s chill demeanor snapped. “Hey! What about you, sunshine boy? Your life is clearly crap right now, but you’re just smiling it all away like its nothing!” Luka yelled. Adrien boiled with anger.

“I’M fine! YOU’RE the one who’s not fine! You should be ANGRY! You should be FURIOUS at what they did to you!” The emotions wouldn’t stop coming. Adrien let them come. “Why aren’t you angry!” Adrien shouted. “They took EVERYTHING from you! Why aren’t you FURIOUS!”

“HEY! I’ve processed my trauma!” Luka spat back. “Have you?”

This stopped Adrien in his tracks. He opened his mouth to fight back, but there was no more anger to fight back with. He stood down and bowed his head.

“I’m not the friend you knew, Adrien.” Luka said. Guilt shot through Adrien like a bullet.

“I know that, I know… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you.” Adrien clenched his fists. “I was projecting my own crap onto you.”

“Really,” Luka snorted.

Luka sighed and leaned back on the railing. “I see why I liked you. You make me feel fire.”

Adrien didn’t know what to say to that. Luka exhaled and crossed his arms.

“After the accident, I tried so hard to try to recover what I had lost. Not because I wanted to, but because it seemed so important to my friends and family. I felt like I needed to return the boy they knew to them. Except… well, that boy was gone. Eventually, I realized that the best thing I could do was not try to bring back someone who was never coming back, but to start building the person I had become.”

Luka stared straight at Adrien, and Adrien stared straight back.

“Should I come back in a little bit so you guys can finish your therapy session?” Juleka said, jolting Adrien into focus. He coughed and rubbed the back of his head.

“No, I was just about to leave. I think I overstayed my welcome,” Adrien said. He avoided Luka’s gaze as he bent down and pulled his scarf out of his messenger bag.

“Oh hey, you still have Marinette’s scarf,” Juleka commented. Sparks intermingled with confusion raced through Adrien at the mention of Marinette’s name. He frowned.

“What? No, my father gave me this scarf,” he explained, feeling guilty as he soon spoke. Though he tried, many times, Adrien hadn’t been able to give up one of the last good memories of his father. Perhaps it was time to.

“Ooh, she never did tell you. That’s just like Marinette.” Juleka grabbed the end of his scarf and rubbed her thumb across the stitching, nearly invisible against the soft blue fabric.

“See?” Juleka said, and pointed the stitching towards Adrien. Adrien squinted then gasped. The embroidery that he had always assumed was just a random pattern… It read ‘Marinette’.

“She made it for you for your birthday, but I guess your father claimed it as his own. Dirtbag.”

“Juleka,” Luka softly reprimanded. Juleka sniffed.

“Sorry,” she muttered.

“I-It’s okay,” Adrien managed. “He was a…Yeah.” He trailed off, unable to complete the sentence. He stared at the embroidery, still trying to process what it meant. Marinette had made him this scarf. The one good thing from his past…

Adrien looked up. “Thank you for showing me this. And thank you both for hanging out with me tonight. I needed some friends.” Adrien meant that.

“I’m glad I finally got to see you again,” Juleka said warmly. Adrien nodded then looked at Luka, who stared at him with a strange look of sorrow and amusement. He grimaced and stared at the ground.

“By the way, that song… You used to play it for me. Before, I mean.”

Luka widened his eyes and Adrien jumped in to explain. “I’m not trying to say you’re still that person, I just mean-“ Adrien sighed in exasperation and handed his phone to Luka, the screen open to add a new contact.

“I’d like to get to know who you are now, if that’s okay.”

Luka smiled and took the phone. He entered his number and handed it back to Adrien. “I was liking where I was going with that song. I guess it was meaningful to me,” Luka offered.

Adrien nodded. “It was meaningful to me, too.”

He waved them goodbye and set off down the streets, recognizing for the first time the rich hues of the stone pathway and the earthy city smell. He felt the embroidery signature as he walked, tracing the letters of Marinette’s name.

Luka was okay. He was okay. Adrien was going to be okay, too.

He was going to make sure of it.

Read from the Beginning >>

#consequence of our love #ml fanfic #luka couffaine #adrien agreste #long fic #unplanned pregnancy #trauma #mental anguish #angst and fluff #Angst with a happy ending #violence #ptsd #discussion of abortion #friends to lovers

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miraculous-consequence · 4 years

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Consequence of Our Love, Ch 6: This is Everything You Want

“Order and chaos need each other,” Plagg mused. “They balance each other out. It’s not that farfetched to believe that they would seek each other out over and over again.” He looked up to see Tikki smirking at him. “What?” He snapped.

“Oh nothing. It’s just heartwarming when I get to see your philosophical side.”

Plagg sniffed. “Well, it’s true, isn’t it? If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t have our bet.” Tikki chuckled and leaned back next to him.

Consequence of Our Love is a pre-reveal, post-Hawk Moth AU exploring Marinette and Adrien’s lives as adults. | Read from the Beginning | Read on AO3

Rating: Mature

Chapter Warnings (Overall in the tags): None

Tikki was sitting on the roof of Marinette’s apartment, gazing up at the stars, when Plagg found her. As he settled down next to her, she turned to him, eyes wide.

“Don’t worry, sugarcube,” Plagg assured her with a smirk. “You haven’t lost the bet. They just got creative.”

The worry in her eyes faded, and she snorted in amusement. “It’s amazing the lengths humans will go to for physical attention.”

Plagg shrugged and leaned back. “What can we say? They’re in love!”

“However much they try to deny it,” Tikki added, and they both burst out laughing.

They settled into silence. Neither of them felt the need to fill it.

“Can you imagine the face Marinette would make if she knew it was Adrien?” Plagg jeered. “She’d go insane!”

Tikki shook her head. “Marinette’s waaayy over her crush on Adrien,” she said. “Now if Adrien knew that she was Ladybug…”

“His poor heart might break.” Plagg finished, and they laughed again. They sat in silence a little longer, taking in the cool city night. He was glad that quiet wasn’t a burden for them.

“It never fails, does it? That our holders always fall in love?” Tikki mentioned.

“It’s not like they always fall in love. Some of them were just good friends.” Plagg leaned back and hung his head towards the sky.

“There are many kinds of love, Plagg.”

Plagg looked at her, expecting her to be looking back - but her gaze was on the stars. He watched as they danced in her eyes.

He lowered his chin. “Order and chaos need each other,” Plagg mused. “They balance each other out. It’s not that farfetched to believe that they would seek each other out over and over again.” He looked up to see Tikki smirking at him. “What?” He snapped.

“Oh nothing. It’s just heartwarming when I get to see your philosophical side.”

Plagg sniffed. “Well, it’s true, isn’t it? If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t have our bet.” Tikki chuckled and leaned back next to him.

“You might win this round after all,” she said. Plagg narrowed his eyes.

“There’s only a few more years before their 15th anniversary,” he countered. “With Marinette’s uptightness, there’s no way they’ll reveal their identities until after that.”

“Look at them, Plagg!” Tikki gestured in excitement. “They’re crazy about each other, however much they’re denying it. Once Adrien decides to stay, it’s only a matter of time before they find out. As much as I hate to admit it, you’ve got this bet in the bag.”

“Right,” Plagg managed, his shame rising higher. “Well, we’ll see.” He would see if Adrien really could manage to stay. Or if he would take Plagg’s advice and run.

Plagg glanced at Tikki and found her enraptured by the stars again. “What’s on your mind when you’re doing that?” He asked.

“What, stargazing?” Tikki said without looking at him. “I’m thinking of the pathways of the stars. We are the only beings in the universe that have followed the stars’ movements since the dawn of this universe. We have seen the orbits they follow, the joints they occupy in the universe, forging a tapestry of innumerable moving parts that are both everlasting yet changeable by the slightest force. Yet, as I sit here and look up… It feels like this is how it always was, and always will be. It’s all in perfect order.”

Plagg didn’t know what to say. So he didn’t say anything. He was reminded that Tikki could see a world of her own creation that he would never be able to quite fathom. To him, the universe was just… emptiness. Chaos.

“I’m ready, by the way,” Plagg said. Tikki turned to him and scrunched her face.

“Ready for what?” She said dryly.

“My big lecturing,” he said nonchalantly. “You know, for leaving you for 7 years?” He watched for the anger to flare up in her eyes, but instead Tikki just shrugged.

“Ah, yes, that one. I’m available tomorrow night, if that works for you?” She replied, equally nonchalant. Plagg paused, confused.

“You’re… not angry?” He asked, and Tikki snorted.

“I am. But I missed Marinette’s laugh even more. And you kept Adrien safe until he could make her laugh again,” Tikki said softly. “And… I missed you, too.”

The guilt pierced his heart.

Adrien awoke sometime later, pulled into consciousness by a nagging feeling. Bleary-eyed, he glanced at the clock on Marinette’s bedside. 2:36 AM.

Adrien realized that was his cue to leave. He had promised Marinette a night of no consequences - one big romantic date and then poof, she would never see him again. All of the fantasy, none of the aftermath.

Except… well, except that Adrien was maybe starting to want that aftermath. And he suspected that maybe Marinette wanted that aftermath, too.

It was about to be complicated anyway. When Chat Noir had offered to take Marinette on this date, he had been almost certain that he was never going to return to Paris. But after meeting with Ladybug, that kernel of hope that maybe he could be a superhero again - for the first time in a long time, Adrien felt like he might be able to actually do it. He might actually be able to stay in Paris.

And if he did stay, Chat Noir was bound to meet up with Marinette again sometime. If she was interested… Maybe Chat could start visiting her again, like he used to when they were younger. Maybe he could let this fantasy become something real.

Beside him, Marinette rested between his arms sound asleep, the blindfold she wore to conceal his identity still on from the night before. He remembered that brief, infinite moment where they both contemplated removing the blindfold. And how ultimately Marinette decided that was a bad idea. Doubt crawled through him.

He was being foolish. From the beginning, they had agreed that this whole night was just an act. Just because Adrien felt the glow, he couldn’t assume Marinette felt it too. Yes, they were attracted to each other. But he couldn’t assume that what he was feeling… This, something more… He couldn’t assume that Marinette was feeling it, too. Not when he had promised her just a few hours ago that he wouldn’t fall in love.

He should leave. Chat Noir would come back a few days later, if she would have him, to see if there really was something there between them. And if not, maybe he could at least convince her to keep being his friend. If she refused…That would be a loss bigger than anything.

Adrien sat up, trying not to wake her, but she stirred almost immediately. She turned to him, felt for him in the dark.

“You okay?” Marinette asked, her voice thick with sleep.

He answered her by taking her hand and kissing it gently. She nudged towards him and wrapped herself around him. Adrien smiled and laid back down. He could stay for a moment longer.

“Chat…” Marinette murmured, half-asleep. Adrien looked at her in surprise and rubbed her back to let her know he was listening.

“Please don’t leave. I want you to stay.”

His breath caught.

“I believe in you. I believe that you can recover from whatever pain you face. I promise I will be with you every step of the way. You are a hero. People believe in you. You just need to believe in yourself.“ Marinette grabbed onto him and buried her face deeper into his chest as she spoke.

“Please stay.” Marinette squeezed him tightly.

Adrien couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. He knew that she meant to encourage him. (This should bring you happiness.) He knew that she just wanted to help him more than anything. (This should bring you peace.) He knew that what she spoke of was entirely possible. (This is everything you want.) He could be fixed. (You idiot, why are you breaking down?)

But that didn’t stop (What) the anxiety from clawing its way (is) out of his chest and across his body. (wrong) His mind began to race, (with) and he desperately tried to calm his breathing. (you?!)

He hugged her tightly, letting her know he appreciated her words. But he couldn’t stop the tears welling up in his eyes. (Why are you like this? ) He couldn’t stop the overwhelming tenseness that overcame his body, threatening to release a monster of emotions. (How can you react like this?) He breathed through his nose and desperately prayed Marinette wouldn’t realize he was breaking down, yet at the same time, desperately hoping she did. (How can you do this to her?)

She shifted, and Adrien froze (I need to go away). But Marinette didn’t speak. She just sighed contentedly, and he smiled knowing she was happy, (I need to go away) even as he suppressed the shaking of his body and as tears streamed down his face (I need to go away).

They lay there for a long time. Eventually, Adrien was able to calm himself down, but the feeling that something was wrong (Go. Away.) would not leave him. He looked at Marinette, felt the slow, evenness of her breathing, and realized she was asleep. The emotion stuck in Adrien’s throat again.

Carefully, Adrien disentangled himself from her grasp. He watched her the whole time - but she didn’t wake up. He grabbed his clothes, looking back at Marinette before slipping out of the bedroom. She had draped her arm over the place where he had laid moments before, her hand dangling over the bed as if searching. Adrien turned the knob before closing the door so the click wouldn’t wake her.

As he stood on the dark balcony outside, Adrien reminded himself that he had made a promise - a night of no consequences. It was time to make the consequences go away.

“Plagg!” He called. “Plagg!”

A dark splotch in the dark night appeared before him, eyes flashing in the moonlight. Before Plagg could speak, Adrien declared, “Come on, Plagg, we’re leaving.”

“Back to the hotel then?” Plagg asked.

Adrien grimaced. “No. No, we’re leaving Paris.”

When he spoke those words aloud, Adrien realized that it was final. He had been misguided - he would never be able to overcome this fear inside of him. Ladybug and Marinette and everyone else just didn’t understand. They just didn’t understand how broken he had become.

Adrien had already met with the lawyers for his mother, had already signed all of the important papers - he would have Nathalie stay and finish the rest. It was high time he got out of this poisoned city.

He realized that Plagg hadn’t spoken. Grim silence hung in the air between them. When he considered why, grief threatened to overwhelm him.

“All I need you to do is get me back to the hotel,” Adrien managed. “Then you could go back to Ladybug. With the Miraculous. If you wanted.”

Another dark silence. But then-

“I’m with you to the end, kid.” Adrien felt Plagg’s familiar touch on his hand. “Let’s get you out of here.” Adrien rubbed the tears from his face and smiled in relief.

---

Before the first light of the morning sun had peeked through, Adrien was on a train, heading far, far away from Paris. He hoped Marinette would be okay. He hoped Ladybug would understand.

Three days ago, Ladybug held out her hand to Chat Noir and gave him a choice: stay, or give up his Miraculous forever. Now she waited, on the rooftop where they always meet, ready to collect on his promise.

She was certain he would stay.

Every part of Ladybug was buzzing with memories of Chat Noir. Every time she thought of seeing him again, she was filled with such excitement and nervous energy that she couldn’t help but dance around.

He might still decide to give it up, she dutifully told herself many times over the past couple of days. You shouldn’t get too excited. And she’d take a deep breath, nod solemnly, and remind herself that she couldn’t allow Chat Noir to roam the world unbound from the Guardian of the Miraculouses, and it was Ladybug’s duty to take the Miraculous from him and find a new partner if he chose to leave.

But then she’d remember their kiss and how natural and amazing it felt, and how cute his smile was and how charming his laugh, and how he made her-

Well, how he made her feel completely and totally amazing.

And she was sure he felt the same way. He had to. That night couldn’t have happened if he didn’t.

Ladybug held her hand over her mouth to hide her smile. She couldn’t help it. She had become completely infatuated with Chat Noir.

And that was going to make things a lot more difficult. Ladybug groaned aloud and covered her face with her hands. This was why she had never wanted to date in the first place. One magical interaction and she was lost to the whirlwind of romance. She should have never agreed to go on that date with Chat Noir.

(But he had been so charming and sweet and funny and she couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so alive-)

Ladybug took a deep breath to calm down. She reminded herself that Chat Noir had a very different relationship with Ladybug than he did with Marinette. She couldn’t let herself break out in a grin when he appeared. Ladybug scanned the horizon, hoping to see some shadow of him bounding towards her, her chest buzzing with nervous excitement. Nothing yet.

He would come.

Her thoughts drifted once again to that night they spent together. Ladybug touched her mask, remembering how she had almost removed her blindfold so she could see who Chat Noir really was. She had been foolish to even think about taking the blindfold off - but she couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if she had…

Marinette removed the cloth from her eyes and turned to look at him - really look at him - and finally answer the question that she’s wanted to ask all these years. She gasped when he saw him, grinning softly, hopefully, and she smiled. Marinette raised her hands to her ears and removed her earrings, revealing their true form, and placed them in his palm. She looked up at him and spoke, “Hey kitty. I missed you.” And they stared at each other, grinning helplessly at their real selves for the first time, feeling whole and complete, and they leaned forward and kissed, ready to be together, truly and forever-

Ladybug slapped her hands over her mouth and let out a muffled cry of frustration. What was she thinking?! They could never, NEVER learn each other’s identities. She refused to risk Chat Noir’s life like that! No, it was best that Ladybug never knew who Chat Noir really was. And it was best that Ladybug left her superhero self out of her’s and Chat Noir’s newfound relationship.

Ladybug had debated trying to romance Chat Noir as Ladybug so she could preserve her independence as a civilian, but there were too many risks there. For one, she didn’t want to find herself suddenly in a love triangle with herself. For another, Chat Noir was fiercely loyal to those he loved. She wasn’t sure she could make him fall in love with Ladybug. Even if she did succeed, Chat Noir’s natural tendency to sacrifice himself would go through the roof. Ladybug dug her nails into her arm at the thought.

Instead, she would let this seed she had planted with Chat Noir as Marinette flourish. Chat Noir had promised to never contact Marinette again, but after tonight, he was going to stay in Paris. It was only a matter of time before he popped up again at her bedroom window, flashing his ridiculous grin and asking to be let in. And if he didn’t, she knew where she could to find him.

Of course, she would have to take it slow. She needed to take care of Chat Noir first. He still needed time to heal and adjust to being a superhero again. Ladybug would help make that happen.

She had already planned how she’d start reintroducing him back into work. Luckily, ever since Hawk Moth was killed, the threats against Paris have been minimal. At worst, Ladybug helped out in rescue missions with the police and fire department. She would start Chat Noir off with basic patrols. She’d talk to him, try to get him to open up, and assure him he was still a good person. She’d make sure he was seeing a therapist. When he was ready, Ladybug would start sparring with him and inviting him on missions. Eventually, she’d take him to an old abandoned building on the outskirts of town and guide him as he learned to use his Cataclysm again. She’d assure him that she could fix any damage he might cause. She’d assure him that she could protect him, no matter what.

Eventually, they’d be just like they always were. Two perfect partners, always in sync. Ladybug was determined to make it happen.

She searched the horizon again then checked the time. She frowned - it was already a few minutes past midnight. Any moment now, he’ll show up. Ladybug paced the rooftop restlessly, scanning the city and checking her yoyo every minute. When 12:30 passed, she tried calling his phone, but no luck. She sent a text message instead, but no answer.

Ladybug remembered how confused she had been when he left before she woke up, or when she didn’t receive news of him in the following days. Worry and anger began to rise in her.

No, Chat Noir would come. He had to. He was probably just caught up in something. Maybe that thing he said he had come here to take care of.

She believed in Chat. He would come. He wouldn’t leave her again.

…Would he?

Hours passed, and the answer became clear. Yet, still Ladybug waited. She sat huddled on the rooftop, hugging her knees against her. Her eyes were crusty and drooping. It was only when the sun began to rise did Ladybug accept the reality of Chat’s choice.

“Tikki, spots off,” she murmured, and Tikki formed before her.

“I’m sorry, Marinette,” she said gently.

“I’m sorry, too, Tikki.”

Tikki rested on her shoulders, and they watched the first light of the morning sun peek over the horizon. Tikki turned to Marinette and asked, “What will you do now?”

Marinette clutched her knees tighter. She should have known better. Chat Noir wouldn’t give up Plagg without someone forcing him. She should have demanded it from him when they met three days ago. She should have never let herself get caught up in what was so obviously just a game. She should have never let herself give Chat Noir a second chance.

As Marinette watched the sun rise up over the city, she understood that it was always going to be just her.

It was better that way.

She let out a long, deep breath, relaxed her shoulders, and stood up. Chat Noir had made his choice, and that was okay. She’ll take his Miraculous when the time came. She hoped that he would find some sort of peace before then.

But she wasn’t going to be burdened by his choices any longer.

“I think I’m going to go hiking,” Marinette declared. “What do you say, Tikki? I’ve heard Mount Blanc is lovely during this time of year.”

Tikki smiled at Marinette and summoned her powers from deep within her, bringing into existence a beautiful pink flower.

“I’ll be with you wherever you go, Marinette,” Tikki promised as she tucked the flower into Marinette’s hair. “Whatever you choose.”

Read Ch. 7: Requiem >>

Read Full Story >>

#miraculous ladybug #consequence of our love #ml fanfic #marichat #adrienette #long fic #unplanned pregnancy #trauma #mental anguish #angst and fluff #angst with a happy ending #violence #ptsd #discussion of abortion #friends to lovers #romance

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miraculous-consequence · 4 years

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Consequence of Our Love, Ch 5: Night of No Consequences

As the possibilities crossed his mind, he found himself sitting up next to her, his hands following his desires and resting upon hers. They sat, frozen, quiet, as they both contemplated the consequence of what rested beneath their joined hands, how easy, how painfully easy, it would be to make this choice.

Adrien stared at her furrowed brow, her slightly parted lips. Would Marinette want this?

Consequence of Our Love is a pre-reveal, post-Hawk Moth AU exploring Marinette and Adrien’s lives as adults. | Read from the Beginning | Read on AO3

Rating: Mature

Chapter Warnings (Overall in the tags): Explicit Sexual Content (Consensual)

Not your cup of tea? No worries. You can totally skip this chapter and pick back up on the next one. All you need to know is that both Chat and Marinette have an amazing night together and probably weren’t as safe as they could have been.

For those who do enjoy spicy content: There are a couple headcanons I have that are important here.

One (with canonical basis): Supersuits are melded to their bodies like a second skin. They can’t be taken off while transformed.

Two: The Miraculous grant a sort of glamour to their wielders when transformed. Everyone is magically discouraged from making the connection between a hero’s voice and appearance with that of a civilian. This effect is in addition to Ladybug and Chat Noir’s natural tendency to alter their voice from their normal selves - Ladybug’s voice is louder, deeper, and more confident. Chat speaks with a greater range of inflection and tone and is generally louder.

Chat Noir landed on the balcony, Marinette held tightly in his arms. They were both giggling relentlessly. Chat set Marinette down on her feet and grinned at her. Her cheeks were flushed with joy, and she couldn’t seem to stop smiling. It was utterly adorable. He brushed her hair back, and the grin she gave him flooded him with happiness.

This. He had had not expected This.

Chat knew he would have fun with Marinette tonight. He just didn’t expect the fantasy to actually work. When he had planned this date, he had, at most, expected an enjoyable evening hanging out with his friend where they pretended to be more but never actually felt like they were. Maybe they would have an awkward kiss to commemorate the moment, just to try it out. Making out with Marinette and thoroughly enjoying every second of it was not a part of his original plan.

His heart twinged bittersweetly that it was already time to leave. This fantasy they had built together had been an escape he sorely needed.

Marinette alone had made being back in Paris almost worth it.

“Well, my princess,” Chat Noir said and gave her his grandest bow yet. “It appears that the time has come for us to part, even though it pains me to leave your side. The magic of this night has exceeded all of my expectations.” His gesture was met with silence. Chat looked up, confused, and saw Marinette looking at the ground, nervously holding her arm.

“Do you have somewhere to be?” She asked, looking up at him. Her bluebell eyes seemed to pierce right through him.

His heart stopped.

“Do you… want me to stay?” He asked.

Before he knew it, Marinette was in his arms, and they were locked together once again. Her brashness surprised him, but he welcomed her soft lips and the sparks of soft, elated energy she sent coursing through his body.

He thought she would pull back, but she didn’t. Instead, Marinette pressed her body against his and moved her hand slowly down his side. In an instinctive response, Chat held her tighter against him, reciprocating her desire. His heart pumped faster. As they adapted to the feel of each other’s mouth, the nervous tension between them faded, and they kissed each other deeper and deeper.

Finally, they broke apart, but still they held on to each other. Chat searched Marinette’s wide, wondering eyes, her slightly parted lips that seemed to beg him to keep kissing her - was he mistaken in seeing the lust in her expression?

“Is my night of no consequences over, or would you be willing to stay with me a bit longer?” She spoke softly with an earnest voice that confirmed Chat’s suspicions.

He grinned, then slowly kissed her forehead, then her nose, then her lips. He pulled back and watched her face turn red. “I am here for whatever you desire,” he promised. Marinette smiled and guided his lips to hers once more.

“Let’s go inside,” she said and took his hand in hers. Together, they entered the apartment, ready for what awaited them.

Inside, Marinette flicked on the lights. As Chat set down her bags from the farmer’s market, he watched Marinette shrug off her jacket, revealing her soft shoulders. Chat came up behind her and kissed them. He moved to her neck, and she sighed contentedly.

“Anytime you want to stop, just let me know,” Chat promised. She turned towards him, her expression strangely surprised yet pleased.

“I will,” she murmured, and she rose to take his lips in hers.

Their confidence had grown in exploring this new territory neither of them had expected to be in, and their tender steps quickly devolved into something wilder. Mouths locked, bodies clasped, they stumbled towards the couch. He rushed backwards onto the cushions, and Marinette followed him without hesitation.

In a fervor, Marinette shrugged out of her shirt - it was soft and pink and framed her neck in such an attractive way he was almost sorry to see it go - but the feeling was quickly replaced with the shock of pure novelty of seeing the bare skin of one of his best friends. It was surreal - but he decided in a heartbeat that it was definitely not unwelcome. The tight-forming shirt caught her ponytail as she pulled it off, causing her hair tie to loosen and several locks of stunning black hair to fall in her face. She winced and removed the tie, letting her long dark hair frame her pale body.

Marinette leaned down again, and they locked together. He disappeared into the sweet taste of her mouth, the sparking of her lips, only reemerging when he felt her scrabble at the zipper on his chest. They pulled apart as the reality of the situation struck them both.

Marinette groaned and rested her forehead against his in resignation. “What are we even doing?” She pulled away from Chat. “It’s not like we can continue this further!”

Chat smiled apologetically. His supersuit wasn’t a malleable thing he could just take off. It stuck to his body like a magical second skin. Though his boner pressed hard against the leather of his suit, there was no way it was breaking through the magic material. The only way for him to meet Marinette’s desire - his desire - was to detransform.

And there was no possible way that was going to happen. Unless...

“What if we blindfolded you?” Chat offered. Marinette looked at him in confused surprise.

“I don’t think I’d be into that kind of thing...” She started, but Chat Noir shook his head.

“No no no, it’s not like that.” He covered her eyes with his hands. “We can turn off all the lights and cover your eyes with a blindfold, and I won’t speak at all, so you won’t recognize my voice without the Miraculous’s glamour. There’ll be no way you can know who I am. All the fun, none of the consequences.”

Marinette’s eyebrows furrowed. “Are you saying I’d recognize you by your voice?” He cursed internally.

“Of course you would. I’m famous,” he tried, and Marinette snorted louder than he thought was warranted. Somehow it made him feel better.

“You sly cat,” she said and removed his hands from her eyes. “Let’s do it!”

“Are you sure?” Chat Noir asked as he hugged her close to him. Marinette squealed and tackled him into a lying position on the couch.

“Yes! I mean, you’re clean, right?” Marinette asked, sitting up.

“Of course, I get tested regularly. Though…” Chat sighed as another dutiful yet unfun realization struck him. It was his turn to sigh in resignation. “I don’t have any condoms.”

“What, you don’t keep condoms in your magic staff?” She teased, tapping the weapon strapped to his side.

“Hey, it already extends as long as you like. Can’t have everything.”

Marinette snorted. “It’s alright, I have an implant.” She raised her arm above her head and pointed to a raised line on her upper arm. “And I’m clean, too. It’s been a long while anyway…” She trailed off, slightly embarrassed.

“That explains why you jumped me,” Chat Noir teased.

“I did not jump you! I believed it was a mutual attraction, which I was correct in assuming!”

“Not at all. I’m only doing this because of my duty to help out my good friend.”

Marinette punched him, harder than he thought was necessary. “You kissed me!” She argued playfully.

“We kissed each other,” he corrected. “But yes, the attraction was very, very mutual.” Chat held her face with both hands as he slipped back into their elaborate prose from earlier. “Because you, my gentle princess, have made me feel more alive than I’ve had the blessing of knowing in years, and I couldn’t restrain from showing you just how incredible you really are.”

Marinette blushed again, then grabbed Chat by the collar and kissed him deeply. “Oh shush, kitty. This is a night of no consequences, remember? No falling in love,” she reprimanded and dragged him into her bedroom.

Chat Noir kissed her as they stumbled onto her bed. “I remember. I promise, no love here. Just satisfaction,” he growled. The thought of sex without a layer of rubber between him and Marinette filled Chat Noir with intense excitement. He gripped Marinette’s waist and bit her ear, noting with satisfaction how she arched her back in pleasure.

“Wait there. I’ll find a blindfold.” Chat Noir sought out a long-sleeve shirt from her closet then turned off the lights. He brought it over to the bed and folded it into a blindfold fashion as she sat up, legs crossed in a way that made her look very seductive. “Are you ready?” He asked.

“I’m ready. Are you?” Marinette challenged. He answered her with a smoldering smirk and tied the make-shift blindfold around her eyes.

She looked so beautiful. The minor light from the moon highlighted her lovely, soft face structure, and he couldn’t help but admire her tiny, adorable nose. Her lips twitched into an expectant smile, and Chat Noir leaned forward to kiss them.

“Tell me what you want, Marinette,” he spoke deeply and softly. She didn’t answer for a long moment as she decided her desire.

“I want to be taken, Chat Noir. Take me, and take care of me.” She spoke with certainty.

He met her request with a kiss that slowly laid her flat on the bed.

Chat Noir stood back and exhaled deeply. “Plagg, claws in.” Three words, and all of his armor fell away with the rushing wisps of magic. He nodded to Plagg, who smirked and flew away into the next room.

Adrien turned to Marinette, and though all of his clothes were still on, he felt bare before her.

He reached out to her, suddenly unsure of everything. As he rested his hand on her cheek, sparks shot through their bodies, and she flinched intensely. He jerked back.

“I’m sor-“ he started, then forced himself to shut up before she recognized the sound of his voice. Immediately Marinette sat up and reached for him. Her hands found him, and again electricity passed between them.

“No, no! It’s okay, I just haven’t - It’s just - I’ve never felt your real hand before.“ She groaned in frustration and rested her forehead against his chest. “Oh gosh, that’s so stupid…”

Adrien desperately wanted to tell her that it wasn’t stupid at all, that he felt overwhelmed too - but instead he squeezed her hand and held her tight against him.

Marinette felt for his body underneath his shirt, and shockwaves bolted through him at her touch. He waited, breathlessly, as she began gently mapping the contours of his body under his clothes. She followed the surface of his chest, traced the length of his shoulders, gripped the small of his back. Everywhere her hands explored, his nerves exploded with sensation. It felt like he had just been struck with lightening.

Marinette lifted her head and began tugging his shirt off. He finished what she started, and watched as she grasped his cheeks in her hands, rubbing her thumbs along its edges.

Do I meet your expectations? He wanted to say, as a way to dispel all of the potential energy built up in his body, as a way to find comfort in a situation he had no idea what to do in. She smiled as though he asked it anyway, and drew him in for a deep, long kiss.

It felt very, very right.

They kissed for a long time, and though the electricity never dimmed, Adrien began to understand its currents and feel confident in its fire. He fiddled with her bra strap, silently cheering when he unlocked it within a couple seconds, then silently imploding when he felt her breasts against his skin. Her nipples were hard and her breasts warm and soft. Adrien pressed her closer to feel more of her squished against him.

Marinette slipped her hand underneath his jeans and dug her nails into his ass. He gasped slightly and bit her bottom lip in response, earning him a guttural moan of pleasure. She pulled away and started undoing her pants. He grinned and did the same.

Though he desperately wanted to (he really, really wanted to), Adrien withheld from taking her right away. She needed proper seduction and pleasuring before he could take his turn.

He warmed her up slowly and intentionally. He started with her breasts, circling around the nipple as he kissed her. Then he began sucking on her and rubbing the length of her body up and down. Finally he moved his hand towards her clit, going slowly in case she wanted him to stop. Marinette took his hand and quickly put it where it needed to be. She didn’t want him to stop.

She gave him instructions, and he followed them dutifully. She shuddered and moaned when he would get it right, and he paid close attention to her signals, holding position where she leaned in, and pivoting where she retreated.

Finally her whole body tensed up.

“Fuck!” Marinette snatched his hand and held it firm against her clitoris. Adrien watched as her body tensed then shuddered in pleasure. She dropped his hand and collapsed limply on the comforter.

“Oh. Fuck.” She breathed. “I didn’t think you would…. Fuck.”

Adrien laid down next to her, thrilled at the pleasure he had brought her. She nuzzled her way against his chest, clutching him like a life preserver, breathing heavily. As she recovered, he rubbed and kissed her lightly. It wasn’t long before she was kissing back. With vigor.

She rolled her hips against him, signaling a new phase, and he seized the opportunity eagerly. Adrien pushed her on her back, and with her guiding hand, entered inside of her. He didn’t need lube.

God, she felt good. He thrusted into her a few more times, reveling in the absolute ecstasy of the motion. Overrun with lust, he pulled her to the edge of the bed, threw her legs over his shoulders, and went to work. They both moaned in pleasure. With each thrust, he pounded her harder. She clutched the bedsheets as they collided.

Adrien climaxed, and everything went out of him. He barely registered when Marinette wrapped herself around him, and they collapsed onto the bed to catch their breath.

They laid there for a long while, breathing deeply. They never let go of each other. Marinette rested her head in the crook between his arm and chest. He buried his face into her hair, breathing in her sweet, natural scent.

After a long while, Marinette shifted and pushed herself up. Adrien watched as she raised her hands to her blindfold. The breath caught in his throat when he realized she wanted to take it off.

Flashes of a different life followed the movements of her fingers. Dinners with her family. Baking bread together in a cozy kitchen. Waking up every morning to her, greeting her with a kiss. Late nights playing the piano, while she sat curled up under a blanket and listening. Cradling their child, safe in his arms from all pain.

Adrien stared at her furrowed brow, her slightly parted lips. Would Marinette want this?

Did he want this?

She answered for them both. She guided his hand down, away from the dream he knew could never really happen. Adrien smiled apologetically out of habit, though he knew she couldn’t see him. He brushed her hair out of her face instead. Without a word, they laid back down and got ready to sleep.

He spooned her as they lay there, his hand resting on her belly. Adrien breathed in the sweet, sweaty smell of her hair and let himself relax into the peace of this moment. As the night wore on, her allure captured him again, and he grew hard at the thought of earlier. He shifted away, not wanting to bother her - but she snuggled back up to him, and pressed her ass against him. They rocked together, half-asleep, perfectly content and comfortable. She squeezed his hand when he shuddered in release.

As Adrien drifted off into the twilight periphery of sleep, he let himself dream of what could not be, and he hugged Marinette tightly.

---

Read Ch. 6: This is Everything You Want >>

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#consequence of our love #long fic #unplanned pregnancy #trauma #mental anguish #angst and fluff #angst with a happy ending #violence #ptsd #discussion of abortion #friends to lovers #romance

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miraculous-consequence · 4 years

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Consequence of Our Love, Ch. 4: Just-A-Friend Date

He appeared calm and collected, but Marinette saw the way his eyes were slightly too wide, how he breathed shallowly, how he blushed. “Are you ready?” He asked coolly.

It was an act, but it was so much more. She saw the twitch of his genuine smile underneath his cool, manufactured demeanor. Excitement sparked throughout her at the opportunity they had forged for themselves.

If Chat Noir wanted to perform, so would she. “I’m ready,” she said.

Consequence of Our Love is a pre-reveal, post-Hawk Moth AU exploring Marinette and Adrien’s lives as adults. | Read from the Beginning | Read on AO3

Rating: Mature

Chapter Warnings (Overall in the tags): None

The sun had disappeared below the horizon when Chat Noir stopped before an extravagant building in the richer city district. No sign marked the entrance, though from the tall windows and rooftop decorations, it felt like a club or a restaurant. It was quiet, with no people around.

“Here, hold this,” Chat said as he handed her all of his bags. Marinette slumped under the sudden weight.

“What are you doing?” She hissed as he paced the perimeter of the building. He didn’t answer her. “Chat??”

“Aha! Here we go!” He ducked behind a giant planter pot gracing the building and lifted up a set of keys. “Got them!”

Marinette exhaled in relief. “I thought you were going to break in.”

“Don’t worry, I usually wait until the third fake date before I start committing crimes,” he jeered, and she stuck out her tongue. He unlocked the door then grabbed all of the bags from her. “Wait here, okay?”

“Wait, no, not okay, I don’t want to be out here alone-“

“I’ll be right back!” Chat disappeared inside. Marinette huffed and squeezed her arms. She glanced behind her at the evening sky, streaked with orange and the faintest hints of purple. As the comforting light of the day left, the anxiety of what the night offered loomed over her.

For years, she had avoided relationships like they were akumas, knowing thoroughly that anyone who got involved with her would be at serious risk. She had considered casually dating, like Alya often did, but Marinette knew herself, and she knew that if she fell in love, there was no holding back. The only solution was to never let herself fall in love in the first place.

And - apparently - get her mischievous, platonic super-partner with killer drama skills and a free night to pretend to be her boyfriend so she could get her romance fix.

Absentmindedly, she stuck her finger into her purse, and Tikki’s gentle touch brought her back into the moment. Marinette opened her purse and smiled at her Kwami. Tikki could always calm her down.

“Do you want me to stay?” Tikki asked. Marinette shook her head.

“I’ll be fine,” she assured.

“I’ll be close by if you need me,” Tikki promised. As Marinette watched her friend disappear into the night, the feeling she now recognized as fear crystalized and dug in deeper. This was her once-in-a-lifetime chance to court love. After tonight, she was back to avoiding romance like the plague. What if she was bland and didn’t know what to say? What if they spent the whole night awkwardly trying to force themselves to have fun? There was no farmer’s market to distract her, no Tikki to fall back on for comfort. It was just her and Chat Noir. Pretending to be in love.

And historically, love did not turn out well for her.

“Ready?” Marinette spun around and saw Chat leaning against the doorway, basked in the golden glow of twilight.

She immediately felt the difference, hanging tense in the air between them. As he walked down the stairs towards her, Chat moved with purpose, every movement strong and smooth. His tail wagged lazily, flirtatiously, and his green eyes smoldered with the night. She held her breath as Chat Noir stopped before her and held out his hand. Marinette prickled with anxiety - she couldn’t do this, she couldn’t take this risk again - but then she saw the promise of a nervous grin peeking out beneath his flirtatious smile, and the uncertain, excited shimmer in his eye, and she realized - he was playing.

Her worries vanished. She was with her partner now. They had spent years facing wild, inconceivable situations together, and they always came through alright. Whatever happened tonight, they could handle it. They could make anything happen.

Marinette’s body relaxed, and she narrowed her eyes with a sly smile. She rested her hand on his outstretched palm, and he bowed low to kiss it. She could play, too.

Chat guided her into the building and up the stairs towards the top floor. He stopped before a grand doorway, surrounded by a magnificent gold-inlaid frame. He rested his palm on the door and pushed it open as he announced the next phase of their date. “Trait two of a perfect relationship is Romantic.”

She was expected to gasp. So she did. It helped that the scene before her earned it.

The restaurant was beautiful. What the outside took away with its extravagance, the interior made up for with its subtly and taste. The lighting was set low. All other tables were pulled apart and cast in shadow, save for the single, small table for two in the center, framed on both sides by walls of gentle waterfalls and crawling ivy.

It was quiet. The kind of quiet that envelops an empty stage. Safe, calm, yet teeming with possibilities.

“It is important to be comfortable, but still, you need fire. You need passion. You need intention.” As if on cue, Chat Noir stepped forward and lit the candles on the table. They glowed softly but brightly, flickering with life at each movement they made. He turned back towards Marinette and gently pulled her close to him. He gave her plenty of time to pull away, to set the boundary of what was too much - but she didn't resist, instead letting her body press up against his and resting her palm upon his firm chest.

She became very aware of how close his lips were to hers. She blushed.

“Romance doesn’t just happen,” Chat rested his hand on the small of her back. “Passion doesn’t just happen. Both need sparks, but ultimately, it is up to you to stoke those sparks into a roaring hearth.” Chat Noir smiled. He appeared calm and collected, but Marinette saw the way his eyes were slightly too wide, how he breathed shallowly, how he blushed. “Are you ready?” He asked coolly.

If Chat Noir wanted to perform, so would she. “I’m ready,” she said.

She pulled away from him, slowly, intentionally, letting her hand trail briefly across his stomach. She undid her bun, letting her hair cascade down. She didn’t look back.

“How did you manage to rent this place for the night..?” Marinette asked as she traced the delicate engravings on the outer wall. She had always guessed Chat Noir was comfortably secure, but she didn’t think he was that secure.

“This lovely place actually belongs to a friend.” Chat Noir followed behind her, not close enough to be forward, but close enough that she felt tingles running down her back. “It’s not open yet. I promised to give him a full, glowing review in exchange for a test-run. A private test-run.” Chat emphasized.

“He definitely deserves the glowing review,” Marinette said and turned to face him. “This style is exquisite, and the atmosphere is… electric.” She leaned back against the wall and pushed her chest forward. “Though I guess I haven’t even tasted the food.”

“Trust me. It will be well worth it.” Chat Noir leaned close, so close that Marinette could barely breathe. He lingered for a long, heavy moment, before brushing her hair out of her eyes and withdrawing. “Would you like anything to drink?” He asked as he turned away.

Marinette exhaled sharply, pressing her fingers against where he touched to lessen the intensity of the sparks. “Sure,” she said, out of breath. “T-That would be lovely.”

Marinette followed him to a wall filled with wine bottles, irritated that he had overwhelmed her so easily. He had outdone her - but she would be victorious next. She watched as Chat picked out a bottle of red towards the bottom and carried it over to the table. He stuck a claw in and popped out the cork. “Courtesy of my friend,” he said as he poured them both a glass. She watched his hand slightly wobble when he handed her the glass, sending ripples of reflected light across the red surface.

“You’re nervous,” Marinette stated as she accepted the glass, making sure their fingers brushed.

“Of course I am.” Chat answered her challenge with a strong and steady voice. “I’m in the company of an extraordinary lady who I would very much hate to disappoint.”

“I do not mean to worry you.” She did.

“It’s not your fault in the slightest, save for the fact that you have a magnetic nature and an alluring smile that I am compelled to preserve.” Marinette found herself smiling at the elaborate compliment before quickly drawing back to a composed expression. She prickled at the amused twinkle in his eye. His acting was good. Very good. She needed to turn up the charm.

“Would it soothe your nerves if I assured you that you have exceeded all of my expectations, that there is no other place in the world I would rather be tonight than right here, with you?” She mused. Oof, too much - but she would roll with it. She set her glass down and stepped closer to him. She half-expected him to move back, but he stood firm.

“There’s no antidote to my worries except the promise of a lifetime by your side, but hearing those words from your lips bring me more joy than you could ever know,” he answered and lifted her chin up. His flowery words made her feel much better about her own. As sparks transferred between them, she felt a surge of confidence. She knew exactly what would make him falter.

Marinette closed the distance between them and set her hands upon his chest. He stiffened at her sudden touch but immediately relaxed. Marinette lifted her head up, eyes half-closed and lips slightly parted. She exhaled softly and watched in delight as his eyelashes fluttered in response. She inched closer to him, lips open in invitation. Chat Noir inhaled sharply, and Marinette waited for him to withdraw in defeat - but instead, he gently cupped the sides of her head and lowered his lips to hers.

There was no backing out. Their lips were centimeters away, drawing ever closer. She had written their script, and she must carry it out.

But as they were about to kiss… she giggled.

She pursed her lips together, trying to hold back the laughter, trying to preserve the romance, but then Chat Noir snorted. She laughed again, and he matched her with a wide grin. They held their poses, a moment away from each other’s lips, both trying very hard not to break into laughter. They were not successful.

Marinette broke first. Chat’s face contorted into a ridiculous expression in his attempt to hide his amusement, and she buried her face into his chest and burst out laughing. Chat wrapped her in his arms and they clung to each other, roaring with laughter.

“We tried,” Chat said, sighing.

“We tried!” Marinette answered, before giggling and restarting the laughter.

“You are very good at being seductive,” Chat complimented.

“And you can actually flirt! I didn’t think you could do it without being cheesy,” Marinette praised. She regretted saying that the moment it came out of her mouth.

“Don’t count me out yet,” Chat Noir geared up. “I’ve got a bunch of *gouda* puns! They’re all *brie*-lliant! By the end of the night, you’ll be *feta* up with me!”

“Stop!” Marinette laughed and shoved him playfully.

“I really missed you, Marinette,” Chat said, but his mischievous voice belied his sweet words. “And you know what they say, ‘absence makes the heart grow *fondue*’”.

He got a punch for that one. A good-hearted one though.

“I actually got surprisingly into this whole thing,” Marinette mused. “But then I thought about… well… this whole thing is just…” Marinette stumbled.

“It’s weird!” Chat exclaimed.

“It’s weird!” Marinette answered, and they broke out laughing again.

“Do you want to make dinner?” Chat asked. Her head shot up.

“Please! I’m starving!”

The dining area had been beautiful, but the kitchen truly took her breath away. Marinette gasped and skipped forward. “There’s so much COUNTER SPACE!” She exclaimed. She rubbed the smooth steel surface with both hands. “Look at those cabinets! They’re GORGEOUS. Is that a wood-fired oven?! And-“ she gasped louder than she thought possible. “Chat!! Look at the KNIVES!” She ran over to the display and pulled one of them off. “These are just top notch!!”

Chat laughed and tenderly removed the knife from her. “My friend Wayhem has taste. He knows quality when he sees it. Though he does tend to get obsessed…”

“Wayhem sounds like my kind of guy,” Marinette cheered.

“Alright, let’s get cooking!” He tossed her a sleek gray apron. “I’m going to start chopping vegetables, and you-“

“I’m going to start my cookie dough. It needs to chill for at least half an hour,” Marinette said as she pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail. She started checking cabinets for bowls and utensils and cheered when she found a stand mixer - it was the best possible brand, too. She stood up and clapped her hands together in preparation. She was going to enjoy this. “You got this?” She asked Chat.

“Oh, I’ve got this,” he retorted and tossed the knife in the air. He caught it and pointed it at her with a wink and a smirk. She stuck her tongue out and got to work.

Chat Noir could cook, oh yes. His cooking style was just as chaotic as his fighting. He didn’t measure anything, and he threw in strange mixtures of herbs and spices on a whim. Many times, Marinette was certain his decisions would lead to a disastrous result, and she’d start mentally preparing how she’d pretend to like his food - but whenever he held a spoon up to her mouth for her to taste, tail swinging excitedly, she found she didn’t have to lie at all. It was absolutely delicious.

“What’s it like, being Chat Noir again?” Marinette asked. She had finished the dough and was chopping green onion while she waited for it to chill.

“What do you mean?” Chat asked as he seasoned the vegetables. Marinette frowned.

“Well, I, um… I’ve been following you on the web. There hasn’t been a legit Chat Noir sighting since you left, and I’ve looked everywhere. I kinda assumed you haven’t transformed until… well, now.”

Chat chuckled. “I didn’t stop being Chat Noir. I’ve just been a lot more careful than I’ve ever been before. I tried to only transform in nature, where there aren’t a lot of people. When I do transform in the city, it’s always in the dead of night.”

“Why hide so much?” He swallowed and furrowed his eyebrows.

“I… didn’t feel like a hero anymore, and I didn’t want people to see me. I didn’t want them to think I could help them, and I didn’t want them to be angry when they learned I couldn’t.” Chat Noir murmured. “Though I guess I messed that up yesterday.”

“You were rather public with your return,” Marinette conceded. Chat chuckled, but Marinette could sense he was feeling nervous. She switched topics. “So you transformed in nature? What do you mean?”

“Well… like, I climbed Mount Blanc in the Alps. I spent a whole month at its base during spring one time. Rarely anyone goes out at night because it’s dangerous, so I could transform and hike all over without fear of running into anyone. It was absolutely thrilling - it was an exercise in endurance that I had never known before! I kept food and supplies in my staff, and I could practically go the whole time with detransforming. I could push myself to limits I never knew I had when I was just in the city,” Chat gushed. He got more and more excited as he spoke.

“I also learned scuba diving. I got certified and learned all of the best places to dive off the American west coast. I learned all the risks and tendencies of the ocean, then I would rent a boat and go out at night to dive as Chat Noir. Do you know how many fish appear at night? It’s like a whole new world! Pressure and decompression sickness doesn’t matter when I’m transformed, so I could dive deeper and longer than any human could. My night vision isn’t as good underwater because of the limited light, but there’s still so much I could see!”

Chat sighed. “I just… feel so alive when I’m doing stuff like that. It makes me feel like I could stay happily tucked away at the bottom of the ocean, or the top of the mountain, or the middle of a jungle, forever. It made me feel safe.”

Marinette was enthralled. She had never imagined doing things like that, and as she listened to him talk, all she could think about was, why hadn’t she? She imagined the feeling of charging across a mountainside, free falling through a great canyon, skating across a massive frozen lake… She jerked when she felt fingers brush her. She turned to Chat, who watched her knowingly.

“I know you were only able to be a superhero for a few hours, but it’s intoxicating, isn’t it?” Chat asked. Marinette chuckled.

“It’s amazing,” Marinette confessed. “I could do things I never thought possible, and the best part was I could use all of that strength to actually make a difference. It no longer mattered that I was the clumsiest person I knew, that I could trip while standing still on a flat surface - for once, I could be useful in a way that really mattered.”

Chat grinned and nudged her. She blushed and punched him.

“Sorry that you couldn’t continue being Multimouse, by the way. You were absolutely amazing. I would’ve loved to work with you again, but Ladybug is kind of a stickler about the identity stuff.”

“I don’t blame her at all,” Marinette said dryly. “When you have that kind of power, it’s too risky to let others know you have it.”

“In most cases, yes,” Chat conceded.

“In ALL cases,” Marinette pushed back. “You haven’t told anyone your secret, have you?” She barely held back the alarm in her voice.

Chat Noir shook his head. “I have no intention on getting even more on Ladybug’s bad side. And like I said, in most cases, it’s a really bad idea.” He paused for a moment to set the vegetables in the oven. “But I have seen what secrets can do to a person. It eats them alive, and everyone surrounding them. There comes a time when hiding that kind of power destroys a person and everything they fought for.” He finished darkly.

Anger shot through Marinette. “There is nothing more dangerous than revealing that kind of secret. You don’t get a choice of sharing your powers, because it will end with someone getting hurt.” Her words had more bite than she intended, frosted with painful memories, and she saw realization dawning in his eyes. She lowered her head, embarrassed and afraid.

“I’m sorry, Marinette. I didn’t mean to offend you. I didn’t consider how much pain Luka’s accident must cause you.” The mention of his name made her flinch. Chat reached out to her, but she avoided his touch.

“It’s in the past,” she said with finality. Chat opened his mouth as if to speak, but he didn’t say anything.

They worked in silence for a long while. Squirming with discomfort, Marinette spoke up first. “Can you pass me the flour?” Marinette said without looking up.

“Uh, yeah sure. Here.” Marinette raised her head and was promptly bombarded with a fistful of flour. She gasped, wiped the flour from her eyes, and glared at Chat Noir.

“What the HELL?” She screeched.

“I was trying to comfort you.” His expression was wild, as if he didn’t know what he was doing.

“By throwing flour in my face?”

“…Yes.” He threw another handful at her. She could feel herself breaking, but she sank her teeth into her annoyance and held on like hell.

He dealt the final blow. “You know, it is traditional to get a girl *flours* on a date.”

It worked, however much she didn’t want it to. She tried to remain angry, but a giggle broke through, and she collapsed into a fit of giggles.

“I’m sorry,” Chat Noir repeated. Marinette took a deep breath and smiled.

“It’s okay,” she assured. It really was. She may have lost Luka in her life, but he was now getting to live his own life, safe from the world of superheroes and supervillains. She understood Chat must feel the same way. “Come on, let’s get back to work.”

Chat Noir was an excellent cook, but his timing was off. The pasta was ready ages before the vegetables. It didn’t matter though, because they were both snacking cooks. They broke into the bread before they even started cooking the pasta, and as they drank, they kept stealing more and more bits of food and cookies. As soon as the pasta was finished, they dug into it, already two bites in before they gathered enough decency to at least put it on a plate. They didn’t bother leaving the kitchen.

Afterwards, they both sat on the counter, content with the delicious food in their stomachs and nibbling on the leftover bread. Chat Noir was right - that was the best meal she’s had in a long time, and it wasn’t because of the food. Chat tore off a chunk of bread and handed it to her.

She accepted it, touched by the act. “I can honestly say this has been the best night I’ve had in a long time. Thanks for letting me live my fantasy for a bit.”

“Thank you for letting me be a part of it. It’s so much better getting to skip right to the good stuff of a relationship.” Chat said through chewing his bread. “Though I must say, our execution was rather off.”

“I think we did reasonably well, considering. Don’t get me wrong - all of this is absolutely crazy. But then again, I guess I’ve been missing chaos lately. And you, sir, are very chaotic.”

“And you, princess, are the perfect conduit.” Chat smirked and handed her another piece of bread. She took it, smirking right back at him. She wouldn’t mind getting to do this every night.

“So, what was the last phase?” Marinette asked. Chat smirked and looked away. “Come on, tell me!”

“I thought we ended the whole charade after that failure of a kiss,” Chat said teasingly.

“I was promised the full treatment. Don’t skimp out on me!” She felt a strong urge to touch him, so she pushed his shoulder.

Chat chuckled, took her hand in his, and squeezed. She realized he was nervous. He inhaled slightly, as if preparing to speak, then withdrew when the words couldn’t seem to come out. It was endearing to see Chat Noir at lack for words for once in their relationship.

Finally, he spoke. “The last trait of a perfect relationship is Vulnerable. In order for a relationship to last, in order for a relationship to be true, you must be vulnerable. You must be honest. You must be able to trust your partner with your life - all of the good, all of the disgusting, all of the parts that just are.”

His words resonated deeply with her. Marinette’s heart twinged with this wayward wish for a companion she could be her everything with. “Did you plan anything for this phase?” She asked. Chat nodded and shifted along the counter until he reached the cutout in the kitchen wall where guests could view the cooks at work. He motioned Marinette over, and they both peered out into the restaurant.

Chat pointed to a booth in the corner. “I was going to take you there. When you open the curtains, you can see an incredible view of the city. I wanted to just sit there and talk with you. The kind of talking you can do for a whole night without realizing the passing of time. The kind of talking where you discuss your innermost desires and beliefs, and feel completely seen and accepted. Do you know what I mean?”

Marinette smiled. “Yeah, I know.” She sat back up and smiled sadly. “But I also know you can’t force those kind of talks.”

“Just like you can’t force romance,” he said with a wink. Chat pushed himself back to into a sitting position, rested his head against the wall, and closed his eyes.

Suddenly, inexplicably, Marinette wanted to feel him against her again. She gripped the edges of the counter stiffly, unsure of what to do. Finally, she decided to lean against him, slowly, (platonically), and let him decide what to do next. She laid back against his warm body, waiting for him to shift away or tell her to move - but instead, he moved towards her to make her more comfortable. She relaxed. It was a perfect fit. A moment later, Chat slipped her hand into his.

“Thank you,” Chat said. “For doing this with me.” He squeezed her hand, sending shockwaves through her. Marinette had forgotten how much could be shared within a single squeeze of held hands.

Her entire body started burning.

“I feel ashamed,” she managed. “We didn’t even use the lovely table you set up.”

“That’s perfectly alright. I prefer it this way.” He rested his head upon hers. Everything grew fuzzy as he drew near, and she decided that she didn’t dislike it. She didn’t think when she lifted her head towards him, and she didn’t think when he lowered his lips towards hers.

The kiss was perfectly mutual. And it was perfectly real.

They broke away, slowly, luxuriously. She missed his warmth immediately. So she pulled him in and kissed him again. Guided by his strong hands, she pulled herself onto his lap and leaned in close.

This is temporary, Marinette told herself as she disappeared into his kiss. She breathed him in deeply. This is all a fantasy.

But what a fun fantasy it is.

Read Ch. 5: Night of No Consequences, or if you’re not interested in spicier content, skip forward to Ch. 6: This is Everything You Want >>

Read the Full Story >>

#consequence of our love #miraculous ladybug #ml fanfic #marichat #adrienette #long fic #unplanned pregnancy #trauma #mental anguish #angst and fluff #angst with a happy ending #violence #ptsd #discussion of abortion #friends to lovers #romance

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miraculous-consequence · 4 years

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Consequence of Our Love, Ch. 3: Just Enjoy

Then she felt the spark that glowed where their hands touched. Comfortable. Quiet. Happy.

“Okay,” she said, and she smiled. “I’m all yours.”

Consequence of Our Love is a pre-reveal, post-Hawk Moth AU exploring Marinette and Adrien’s lives as adults. | Read from the Beginning | Read on AO3

Rating: Mature

Chapter Warnings (Overall in the tags): None

It wasn’t right.

Marinette removed her hair clip and ran her fingers into her hair, undoing the hairstyle she had just spent a half hour finishing. The updo had been too formal and flirty, definitely not suited for the date. It was the fifth hairstyle she had tried, and she still hadn’t picked out an outfit from the twenty laid out across her bed, and the remains of ten attempts at makeup stuck to towels on the floor. Nothing seemed to be right for a date with Chat Noir.

She huffed. That was the issue. How could anything she wore be right for a date with Chat Noir? The date itself wasn’t right!

“How did I agree to this ridiculous idea?” She cried and slid down the bathroom wall in defeat.

“I’m just as dumbfounded as you are,” Tikki chimed in. She was painting herself with a tiny makeup kit for children that Marinette had gotten her. She liked the bright colors.

“I should be kicking his furry ass out of Paris for showing up so out of nowhere! I should be slamming the concept of responsibility into his tiny, idiot brain and shaking him until he finally realizes how much of a stupid, inconsiderate jerk he is!” Marinette mimicked shaking Chat Noir by his ears. “Instead! I’m going on a stupid DATE with him! And now I’m the stupid one obsessing over the fact I can’t find ANYTHING GOOD ENOUGH TO WEAR!”

“Do you think that maybe you missed him?” Tikki asked. Marinette grunted. Tikki had perfected the art of asking seemingly innocent, pointed questions.

“Of course I missed him, Tikki. He’s my partner. Was, my partner, I guess.” She bent forward and rested her elbows on her knees.

“There’s still a chance he’ll stay,” Tikki offered. Marinette sighed.

“I hope so. He just seemed so… not Chat Noir last night.” She leaned back and rubbed her arms. “I mean, he was totally the Chat Noir I remembered when he was with me by the river. He was obnoxious and flamboyant and confident…. But last night, he seemed so… scared. I’ve never seen him so broken before.”

Marinette squeezed her arm. She expected Tikki to respond with an encouraging quip like she always did, but when Marinette looked up, Tikki was staring darkly at the countertop. She looked just as dejected as Marinette felt. For a moment, Marinette faced the deep unease that had been growing inside of her ever since Chat Noir knocked on her window.

Marinette dug her nails into her skin, shoved the feeling down, and stood up. There was no point in fretting over what Chat Noir would do - especially when a chance to get him to stay awaited her.

“You’re right, Tikki,” she said, and leaned against the counter. “There is a chance he’ll stay, and I’m going to make sure I do everything I can to make him take that chance. Chat Noir can be a superhero again. He can find a life worth living here in Paris. Tonight is the perfect chance to show him that.”

“Marinette, I don’t think-“ Tikki was interrupted by Marinette’s text tone. Marinette picked up her phone and saw it was from Alya.

Movie and ice cream tonight? I got the fancy stuff!

“Shoot,” Marinette cursed. She did want to hang out. Ever since Alya got her new job as a reporter and Marinette’s fashion line took off, it had been harder and harder to find the time to hang out. Their slump was incredibly frustrating. Marinette really missed Alya, and she was desperate to pounce on any chance to be with her best friend.

But tonight, she had another friend to tend to.

“Are you going to tell her about your date?” Tikki asked. The thought curdled inside Marinette like bad sushi. She grimaced.

“I can barely tell myself that I’m doing this. No way I’m telling Alya!”

“I bet she’d understand,” Tikki offered.

“What would I even say? ‘Hey Alya, can’t make it! I’m going on a make-believe date with my old superhero friend who I have no romantic interest in, because I’m absolutely desperate for any sort of romantic affection, even though none of it is real and none of it can be real!’” Marinette exclaimed dramatically.

She scrunched her face up in disgust. “Plus it’s Chat Noir. How can I admit that I’m going on a date with Chat Noir?” It was like going on a date with a childhood friend you’ve known since you were both in diapers. It didn’t matter how strong and handsome he looked now. Didn’t matter how warm his eyes were. Didn’t matter how kind and charming and funny he was.

It was just weird.

Sorry Alya :( I need a raincheck. Hanging out with an old friend. Marinette sent back.

You have other friends? I didn’t think it was possible! Alya sent a GIF of a women dramatically collapsing on the floor in shock.

What did I do to deserve a friend as kind as you.

I always believed in being charitable.

Love you, Al.

Love you M.

Marinette smiled and placed her phone back on the counter. She leaned forward and applied another round of makeup.

“Sorry Tikki - you were saying something?”

“I…” Tikki trailed off as if she was trying to find the right words to say. Marinette paused and looked at her, confused by her hesitation.

“I just wanted to ask - what do you think he’ll do for the date?” Tikki finished. Marinette laughed weakly.

“Honestly, I’m kinda scared to think about it.” She teased out her hair. “Based on what he’s done for Ladybug in the past, he’ll probably do something textbook romantic. Lots of roses and candles. I hope it’s not too cheesy.”

“Like dinner-at-the-top-of-the-Eiffel-Tower kind of cheesy?” Tikki said mischievously.

“UGH, I hope not. It’s so windy up there!” Marinette stepped back and examined herself. She pursed her lips and grabbed the make-up remover.

“I bet it’ll be sweet and unexpected,” Tikki said. “Chat Noir can be very thoughtful.”

“He can be very thoughtless, too,” Marinette retorted, then conceded. “But he does have a tendency to surprise.”

Her phone sounded again. Marinette reached for it, expecting it to be another text from Alya, but instead it was from an unknown number. She could guess who it was from. Inside was a long list of directions to an undisclosed location, signed with a green paw print. Marinette groaned.

You could’ve just sent an address, Marinette texted back. A few moments passed, then Chat’s response.

Google would’ve killed the surprise. Don’t be late.

She snorted and put up her phone. “Guess I better settle on an outfit.”

Marinette took a deep breath. Compelled by a looming deadline, Marinette’s brain snapped into the zone where it always worked best - crunch time. She grabbed her best pair of high-waisted black pants and slapped them on the bed. “Sensual, but not sexy or formal!” She swiped her pink sleeveless top with the high neck, and threw it above the pants. “Cute and inviting, but not revealing!” Next, she tossed her black leather jacket onto the pile.“Cool AND functional!” Lastly, she grabbed her reliable pink sandals that wrapped up her ankle. “Comfortable, stylish, and most importantly, heeled to give me an extra inch on that tall bastard!”

“And Voila!” Marinette spun around in the mirror, admiring herself in the full outfit. She finished the look with a quick bun - just the right amount of formal, just the right amount of messy.

“It’s perfect, Marinette!” Tikki exclaimed. Marinette burst out laughing when she saw her kwami in the mirror. Tikki had given herself a full clown face from the make-up kit.

“Tikki, that’s way too much make-up!” Marinette said. “You gotta learn subtlety!”

“I think I look dashing!” Tikki said happily, unshaken by Marinette’s reaction. She posed for Marinette, making her laugh even harder. “I do actually need help getting all of this off,” Tikki giggled. Marinette wiped her face and carried Tikki to the bathroom, chuckling the whole time.

“This is one of those times where I really wish you could be caught on camera,” Marinette said as she grabbed a couple make-up remover wipes. Tikki laughed again, but this time with less cheer. As Marinette wiped away the make-up, she realized Tikki had something heavy on her mind that she wanted to share.

“What is it, Tikki?” She asked.

“Marinette…” Tikki began. “I know you want to fix Chat Noir, but the reality is that Chat Noir has changed. Emotional pain is different from physical pain - we don’t have the power to turn back the hands of time on trauma. We can’t just fix it. You know that.”

Marinette looked away. I do know that. She clenched her fist. Better than anyone.

But she couldn’t just sit back. The last time Chat Noir left her, he was gone for seven years. She had to do everything she could to get him to stay this time. She had to let him know she was going to be there for him - both as Ladybug and as Marinette.

“I’m not trying to fix him, Tikki. I just… want to help him get better. I want to show him that he’s capable of being a superhero again.”

Tikki bowed her head, then glided up to rub Marinette’s cheek. “The best way to do that is by enjoying the time you spend with him. Chat Noir must make his own choice. Only he knows what will be best for him.”

“But I can make a difference,” Marinette answered. Tikki shook her head.

“Just enjoy, Marinette,” Tikki said. “Don’t worry about any of the other stuff - just focus on having a good time with Chat Noir. That’s the best thing you can do for him. And for you.”

Marinette bit her lip. “I’ll do my best, Tikki,” she said. Tikki smiled and glided to her compartment inside Marinette’s purse.

Just enjoy tonight, Marinette told herself as she slid on her purse. The rest will follow.

With her head held high, Marinette set off towards Chat Noir’s mystery date location. The instructions were surprisingly thorough. She smiled at the thought of Chat Noir going along the same path she was, stopping occasionally to write down notes.

She smelled it before she saw it. It smelled like fresh bread, spring, and summer.

“An outdoor market!” She exclaimed. The market stretched before her, full of carts and stalls teeming with artisan foods, fresh produce, photography, flowers, artwork, and more. People milled around happily, laughing and enjoying themselves. Marinette was filled with excitement and wonder.

She didn’t hear the sound of the footfalls behind her, but she felt them. The hair on the back of her neck rose, and all of her muscles tensed. She gripped her purse strap.

“Hey Marinette!”

In a flash, Marinette was swinging her purse at her assailant. She only realized who she was attacking when her purse smashed into Chat Noir’s face.

“GAH!” Chat cursed and staggered away. “Geez, Marinette!”

“Shoot!!” Marinette rushed forward to help him. “Why the hell did you do that!” She snapped as she gently held his face to examine the damage. She thumbed his cheek, then realized in embarrassment that Chat was essentially invincible. There was no point in tending to his wound. She drew back, blushing.

“I was trying to surprise you. I didn’t realize you had insane instincts and a motive to kill.” Chat said, rubbing his face.

“Well when you have maniacs landing from the sky right behind you, you tend to be prepared— uhhh, what the hell are you wearing?” Marinette finally got a good look at Chat Noir, and realized he was wearing clothes. Normal clothes. A sweater. Cargo shorts. Over his supersuit.

“Like it?” Chat asked, posing. She stood speechless, her mouth trying to find the right words for… whatever this was.

“It’s definitely… a look,” she managed. “Is this supposed to be some sort of terrible disguise?”

“Not a disguise.” He held his arms out, as if it gesturing to an adoring crowd, and projected his voice. “It’s all part of the plan, purrrrincess, to give you an authentic Chat Noir relationship!”

Marinette stared blankly at him. He held his pose.

“I’ve made a mistake. I should go home.” She turned away.

“Trait one of a perfect, romantic relationship!” Chat blocked her path with a dramatic scoop, and she couldn’t hold in her giggles. “Casual and comfortable! Relationships can’t all be romance and passion - we all must come home and take care of the chores of day-to-day living. The best relationships,” he paused to tap Marinette’s nose, “are the ones where no matter what you’re doing, no matter how boring or stuffy the task, you’ll enjoy doing it, because you’re doing it with someone you care about.”

“So you’re wearing clothes?”

“It’s supposed to represent being casual!” Chat argued, his voice back to normal and whiny. He fussed with his shirt sleeves. “Is it really that bad? Gah, Plagg was right. I’ll go take them off-“

“Nope!” Marinette grabbed his arm and stopped him. “You’re committed to this, kitty. I’m not letting you back out. Now go on, continue with the show.”

Chat Noir smirked, coughed for effect, then gestured widely to the market. “AND SO!” He boomed. “We are going shopping! The bounty we gather will serve as our sustenance tonight during the rest of your brilliant, swooning night of no consequences.” He ended with a bow.

Marinette clapped and chuckled. “Alright, I gotta admit. This is actually a really lovely idea, Chat!” He grinned and gazed wistfully out at the plaza.

“I ALWAYS wanted to go to one of these when I was in Paris, but I never got the chance,” he said. “I got so lucky that this was happening today! I was worried that you would’ve guessed I was taking you here, since you probably keep track of these kinds of events.”

Marinette shook your head. “I had no idea, actually. I haven’t gone to an outdoor market in forever.” When was the last time I went to one of these? Or any community event? She thought.

“Then this should be an awesome experience for both of us,” Chat cheered. He handed her a few empty tote bags, all decorated with food puns. “And as for dinner later - I’ve got the main entree covered, but you are responsible for baking something delicious for dessert!”

“I thought this was supposed to be my most romantic night ever, yet I’m supposed to be making my own food?” Marinette teased.

Chat Noir didn’t lose his swagger. “I happen to know firsthand that the best meals are the ones you get to make with those you care about.” Marinette chuckled.

“I suppose I can make some cookies,” she said. “But they’re not gonna be pretty with the time you’re giving me!”

“As long as they have personality,” Chat teased.

A flash startled Marinette. She jerked towards the source, and she realized that they were being photographed. A few people had gathered and were pointing excitedly at Chat. Anxiety prickled at her insides. She had never quite gotten used to media attention. She handled it much better under the confident mask of Ladybug, but as a civilian, Marinette felt too vulnerable in the camera’s sights. Chat Noir seemed unphased.

“Don’t let them ruin our date. They’re all just trying to have a good time, like we are,” he told her, then held out his arm. “Shall we get going?”

Marinette glanced nervously at the bystanders, then back at Chat’s charming smile. She smiled and took his arm. “Of course, my purrrince,” she teased. She was very satisfied by the ridiculous grin he gave her.

They took off into the market, which spread across several blocks. Artists, farmers, and local artists had all come out to show off their talents and creations. It was incredibly charming. Marinette couldn’t believe that she hadn’t been here in so long.

“So comfortable and casual, huh?” Marinette said as they walked.

“Yep.” Chat Noir said. “I feel like the idea of being comfortable with your significant other is underrated. It can’t all be passion and fire.”

“Otherwise, it’s just… torture.” Marinette agreed. She narrowed her eyes, thinking of all those years during her youth spent pining fruitlessly over Adrien.

“If you’re not comfortable, the expectations of what should be become too much. It overshadows the quiet, powerful moments that really make up a relationship.” Chat continued. She considered this idea and found herself agreeing. His insight surprised her.

“Cheese!” Chat exclaimed suddenly. “I need a few kinds for the meal tonight. Let’s go there first.” He took her by the hand and guided her to the cheese stand. He left her to bargain with the stand owner, and she watched him from afar, joking and laughing as if all was good in the world.

He was back to his charming, funny self. It was a sharp contrast to the anger and pain he showed Ladybug last night. Marinette knew that pain was still simmering underneath his facade, but she found herself forgetting all of that within the glow of the day and his presence. She realized that she was actually enjoying herself - she hadn’t once thought about how freaking weird this whole thing was since they had started.

It just felt like old times.

Lost in thought, she didn’t see the cat run beneath her feet as she took a step.

“WAH!” Marinette fell to the ground, releasing the contents of her purse onto the pavement. She opened her eyes to see Tikki desperately clinging to the inner mouth of the purse so she wasn’t tumbled out into the public view. Marinette rushed to close the purse clasp before getting up off the ground. She groaned and held her head.

“Marinette!” Chat Noir ran over to her and helped her back onto her feet.

“Thank you,” Marinette said as he lifted her up, then on an impulse added, “You don’t make a half-bad superhero.” Chat smiled at her, but it was dry and polite. Marinette suddenly felt ashamed.

Chat Noir turned away and began helping the crowd of people collecting her purse’s former contents. They all returned her items with a smile and nod. Her embarrassment was replaced with warmth from their kindness. She was proud of the people she protected.

She turned around to see Chat holding out her good-luck charm. Adrien’s good-luck charm. Her face immediately turned red, and she swiped it from Chat’s palm.

“That’s a lovely bracelet,” Chat mentioned. “I bet there’s a story behind that.”

“Y-yeah,” Marinette stuttered. “It was given to me by an old friend as a good-luck charm. I probably should have thrown it away years ago - I haven’t really talked to him in years and we never got the chance to get really close - but I just couldn’t bear to give it up…”

“I think it’s really sweet to keep a token of an old friend.” Chat placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. She looked up at him. Was he blushing? Chat Noir moved his hand to her back and guided her onward. “I bet he still thinks fondly of you from time to time.”

Marinette smiled. She squeezed the bracelet and placed it gently back in her purse. She wasn’t so sure Adrien still thought of her - but that was okay. She just hoped he was doing alright, and that he was enjoying today with a friend.

They navigated the stalls, talking to the stall owners and examining the wares. Marinette recognized many of the stall owners as people she helped as Ladybug. It was delightful to meet them in a different context. She bought something from every stall she could, even those that didn’t interest her, and tipped extra to those who were just as pleasant to her as they were to Ladybug.

“I don’t mind paying,” Chat Noir had offered, but Marinette politely declined.

“My dream has given me a comfier lifestyle than I thought I’d ever have,” Marinette explained. “I want to support those who are building their dreams now.”

“Even if it means buying a lot of stuff we won’t use?” Chat lifted up a bag looped on his arm, bulging with artwork, trinkets, and sculptures.

“Bah, I’ll find a use for it all! Like I could 3D print a frame for this flower sculpture! And this pottery would look great with some greenery on the shelf in my living room.” Marinette started digging through his bag, ignoring the way his muscles bulged as he compensated for her force. She fished out a small bright green gem and held it up proudly. “I could totally fashion this into a necklace for you! Or maybe a keychain? What even is your fashion style? The only other thing I’ve seen you in is a banana suit.”

“The banana suit is my only other fashion style.” Chat Noir said, deadpan.

“Maybe it’d look best on a bracelet.” Marinette ignored him. “I can make you your own good-luck charm!”

Chat Noir broke and chuckled. “I’d like that a lot.”

They pushed onward. Marinette stopped to buy ingredients for cookies at a bakery stand then perused their fresh bread options. Chat asked if they could make their own bread, and Marinette gave him a withering look. He smiled apologetically, veered towards a vegetable stall, and began talking with the vendor. Marinette noticed his words were loose and warm, but he examined each vegetable meticulously. He seemed determined to find the best ingredients, and she was surprised at how much he knew. Marinette could bake like no other, but cooking had never been her strong suit. Chat even seemed to know the different varieties and how to tell if produce was ripe. Marinette smiled. His attentiveness was… very endearing. Even if he didn’t understand how much time and effort it took to bake bread.

Chat sniffed a clump of oregano and widened his eyes in surprise. “Wow, I should shop more often as Chat Noir. With my enhanced smell, I can basically taste which produce will be the best!” He exclaimed and set aside the oregano to be purchased.

He picked up a lemon and immediately hissed in pure disgust. He dropped it back on the pile.

“Cats aren’t known for their love of citrus, ya know,” said the stall keeper. “Didn’t think that applied to cat men, but might as well.” Chat Noir stuck up his nose.

“Guess I shouldn’t have planned a lemon-based sauce,” he grumbled. Marinette held her fist up to her chin in thought.

“Were you planning on cucumbers? I wouldn’t want you to be scared…” She teased, earning an elbowing from Chat.

“Let’s go ahead and pack up two onions, three of the zucchini and squash, four bell peppers- surprise me on the color- and -“ he grabbed a cucumber and booped Marinette on the nose with it. “-one cucumber please.”

“You got it, Cat Man.”

They left the stall loaded with bags of produce. Chat insisted on getting extra veggies for Marinette to take home with her, though she protested that she hardly cooked for herself. He promised to leave her with some recipes she could try.

They left the market as the sun began to set and the stands closed up for the day. As they walked, Chat suddenly sneezed. He looked around in surprise then sneezed again, more violently.

“You okay?” Marinette asked, and he turned to her, bleary-eyed.

“Allergies. Must be a lot of birds around here,” he explained, though the street was empty. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously, then said, “Come on, let’s keep moving.”

They walked slowly, partly because of their load, but mostly because they were savoring the moment.

“I gotta admit, I wasn’t expecting this,” Marinette said.

“You mean the date?” Chat asked.

“Yeah. Actually, I didn’t know what to expect at all. But not a farmer’s market.”

“I thought it’d be a good way to relax into things. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been on a fake date before. I knew if I jumped straight into the romance, I’d be too tense to effectively ‘woo’ you.” He bowed when he said this, but his bags shifted forward, pushing him off balance. Marinette laughed and helped him recover.

“It was a good idea,” she said as she set him on his feet. “I was anxious all day thinking about what we’d do and how I should act. But when I actually got here… well, I forgot we were even doing anything weird.”

“This is weird?” Chat asked, then laughed when Marinette made a face. “I’m glad I was able to help you relax.”

“Smacking you in the face certainly didn’t hurt,” Marinette teased. He laughed.

“I take my commitment to my role seriously,” Chat Noir said with a wink. Marinette grinned.

“I look forward to seeing what my fake-boyfriend will offer me next,” she teased. “Because right now, it kinda just seems like two friends hanging out…”

Chat Noir laughed. “Don’t you worry. ‘Comfortable and casual’ was only Phase One. The night is still young.”

“Anything I should do to prepare?” Marinette asked. She gasped as Chat spun her towards him and grabbed both her hands. He squeezed them.

“Just enjoy,” he said. Marinette looked up into his eyes, and she felt the warmth from his gaze flood her entire body like the sun rising over a spring morning.

She thought of the pain hidden behind his smile. She thought of the decision resting in his mind, hanging heavy in the air between them. She thought of the power she held to convince him to stay.

Then she felt the spark that glowed where their hands touched. Comfortable. Quiet.

Happy.

“Okay,” she said, and she smiled. “I’m all yours.”

Read Ch. 4: Just-A-Friend Date >>

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miraculous-consequence · 4 years

Text

Consequence of Our Love, Ch. 2: The Rooftop Where We Always Meet

She looked powerful. She looked intense. As Chat Noir stood by her side, he became acutely aware that this Ladybug was no longer the girl he remembered. Chat Noir clenched his fists. Did she hate him for what he did?

She must. He did.

Consequence of Our Love is a pre-reveal, post-Hawk Moth AU exploring Marinette and Adrien’s lives as adults. | Read from the Beginning | Read on AO3

Rating: Mature

Chapter Warnings (Overall in the tags): None

She was already waiting for him when he arrived at the rooftop where they always met. Ladybug stood at the edge, staring out at the fading twilight sky. Her arms were crossed.

Chat Noir was struck by the intensity he felt upon seeing her. He approached her slowly.

Her super suit had changed. The once all-red spotted suit was now broken up with edgy swathes of black. Instead of pigtails, her hair was pulled into a straight ponytail, trailed with two long red ribbons. She looked powerful. She looked intense. As Chat Noir stood by her side, he became acutely aware that this Ladybug was no longer the girl he remembered.

Chat Noir clenched his fists. Did she hate him for what he did?

She must. He did.

He had never been able to return to Paris after what happened seven years ago. When Nathalie confessed to Ladybug and Chat Noir about Hawkmoth’s identity, and Chat Noir realized everything that bastard has done, he was filled with rage. He couldn’t justify his father’s actions any longer. Even now, when he thinks about how his father had forced his mother to stay alive, how he terrorized Paris for years trying to fix a mistake he could have avoided in the first place, how he tried to kill Ladybug-!

Chat Noir had known what he was doing, that day of the final battle. He had known that he might need to kill his father, and he was ready. He was so sure that he could do it. All that mattered to him was ending all of the pain.

But when it actually happened… When Chat Noir set his hand upon his father’s chest and watched as his body decayed and disintegrated into nothing…

He remembered the quiet afterwards. Bunnyx had told him later that it wasn’t quiet at all. His Cataclysm had spread like a virus throughout the whole Agreste mansion, shattering it from the inside out, and the massive, birdlike akuma Hawkmoth had made out of his mother’s body was screaming and throwing itself into the walls as its connection to its master was severed.

Bunnyx rescued them before the mansion could crush them. She let Ladybug out first, then turned towards Chat Noir, who stood in the middle of the burrow. Numb.

“You know who I am, don’t you?” He had asked her. She bowed her head.

“I’m sorry, Kitty Noir.” She hugged him tightly. He couldn’t muster the strength to hug her back. It was then that he realized what kind of life awaited him on the other side of that portal - a life where he was an orphan whose father was a mass terrorist.

“Bunnyx,” he had said. “I need to go away.”

“I know.” Bunnyx closed the portal Ladybug had gone through and opened up another one. When he looked through it, he saw it was the Startrain bathroom. He stepped towards it, then looked back at Bunnyx.

“Will you tell her I’m sorry? For all the pain my family has caused her?” He asked.

“No, Chat Noir. I won’t.” It was a bandaid on a stab wound.

He bowed his head and stepped through the portal.

Yes, he had known what he was doing, that day of the final battle. He was prepared to sacrifice himself for the safety of all of those he cared about, and that’s what he did. He had understood that stepping through the portal meant abandoning everything he and Ladybug stood for. It meant abandoning Paris. It meant abandoning his friends. It meant abandoning Ladybug.

But at least he was able to save them all. He wished he could have stayed with them after, to help them recover from the aftermath of Hawkmoth’s cruelty, but killing his father cost him everything.

He was broken. Alive, yes, but broken.

Chat Noir looked at Ladybug, cast in the harsh shadows from the city lights. Even seven years later, she still looked more beautiful than anything he had ever seen before. Guilt racked his chest as he thought about what he put her through. Whatever she needed to say to him, he would take it.

“You’re back.” Ladybug’s voice broke the silence, and he swallowed.

“Ladybug, I’m-“ he began, but she cut him off.

“It’s okay, Chat Noir. You don’t have to say anything.” She sounded soft and gentle. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

“M’lady-?“

“Look, I know... I know killing Hawkmoth must have been incredibly difficult for you.” She turned towards him, rubbing her arms. She didn’t meet his eye. “I know you feel responsible for ruining that boy’s life by killing his family. I understand why you would want to run away from that.”

Chat Noir stood speechless. He had expected fury, after all that he had done. But kindness? Empathy?

“I thought you would be angry,” he said. Ladybug laughed darkly and stared straight at him. He flinched. Were her eyes always so intense?

“Don’t get me wrong. I can understand how you feel and still be angry.” She walked towards him, and he stiffened. She drew back and crossed her arms.

“I just wanted to say that it’s okay if you don’t want to come back,” she said.

She doesn’t want me, he realized. Ladybug thought he was trying to come back, and she was letting him down gently.

Chat Noir looked down at his boots. He had considered coming back to Paris many, many times before. He had even bought train tickets on more than a few occasions. He deeply missed his friends, and he especially missed Ladybug. There was so much he wanted to say to her.

But as soon as Adrien would arrive at the train platform to leave for Paris, the memory of his father would stab at his body over and over again until he was forced back to his apartment, breathing so hard it felt like he was trapped in tumbling dryer.

Even now, he felt the anxiety jabbing at his chest, threatening to reclaim him.

Chat Noir clenched his fists. “I’m sorry for leaving, Ladybug. After everything that happened, it was the only thing I could do.”

“I understood why you killed him, Chat.” Ladybug argued softly. “You saved my life! It was clearly self-defense. I would have done the same thing if it was you in his grasp.”

“No, you wouldn’t have,” Chat shook his head. “You create with your powers. You bring something new into this world with every fight. I’m the one who’s supposed to take away what shouldn’t be.”

“What you did was necessary.” Ladybug reached out and touched his arm.

“I know.” He made no move to reciprocate her touch. She took her hand away.

“You could’ve stayed. I would’ve taken care of you. I would’ve made things better.”

Chat Noir grimaced. There was only one way Ladybug could have made things better, and that meant changing the entire fabric of reality to take away all of his scars and give him a family again. Chat knew what lay at the end of that road.

“I appreciate that, Ladybug, but even you couldn’t fix me.”

Ladybug shook her head and crossed her arms.

“You could… You could still stay. I can help you through whatever you’re going through,” Ladybug murmured.

Chat Noir looked at her in surprise. “You wouldn’t want me.”

“Of course, I want you.”

She… wanted him? Even after everything? He had abandoned her. How could she still expect him to be her partner?

Chat Noir tightened his jaw. He couldn’t accept that. Ladybug couldn’t want him. Maybe she’s saying she did now, but that’s only because she didn’t realize how broken he really was. He can’t even fight anymore. Eventually she’d realize that he could only bring more pain into her life.

“I can’t, Ladybug. I’m not coming back.” Chat looked straight into her eyes.

“Are you sure?” She said softly.

He nodded.

“Alright then.” The disappointment in her voice weighed heavy. She turned her back and exhaled deeply. When she faced him again, her fists and jaw were set in determination.

“Then I need the Black Cat Miraculous back.”

Chat’s stomach dropped. “What?”

“If you won’t be my partner, I need to find someone else who will be.”

“No, no, no, no, no, Ladybug, this is MY Miraculous!”

“It is NOT your Miraculous, and you know it!” She hissed. She inhaled deeply, trying to appear calm and rational. “The Miraculous belongs to the good of the world. They are not a toy to be wasted by someone who won’t even try to use its power to help others-“

Anger shot through Chat Noir. Won’t even try? She had no idea how much he has tried! He bared his teeth.

“Ladybug, I only came back to do what I should’ve done a long time ago, and tell you that I’m not coming back to Paris,” he said darkly. “I’m not about to give up the most important thing in my life because you want to keep playing hero.”

Her nostrils flared. “I need that Miraculous, Chat Noir. This isn’t a game - when the next threat to our world comes, it’ll need both the Ladybug and the Black Cat.”

“Hawkmoth is gone, Ladybug. It’s done, it’s over. We won. I made sure of that.” Chat held his hand over his chest and spat.

“There is no winning, Chat! As long as there is this power in the world, somebody will try to misuse it! People are going to get hurt, unless we’re there to stop it from happening!”

“The world is doing just fine. You’ve been doing just fine, Ladybug! We should be enjoying life right now, not preparing for a war that doesn’t even exist yet.”

“Maybe you can ignore the responsibility that comes with the ring you wear, but I refuse to let down the people who depend on me!” She hissed.

Chat let out a cry of anger. “You have a dozen Kwamis at your beckoning! Any one of them could be your new partner!”

“None of them would be you!” Ladybug shouted.

Chat stared at her in shock. She caught herself.

“N-None of them would be the Black Cat.” She continued on, looking at the ground. Her face grew red. “Look, Chat Noir. I’m not asking for the Miraculous now. I know you need time to say goodbye to Plagg.”

“Before you take him away from me?” Chat Noir spat.

“Plagg has been alive for far longer than you’ve had him, and he’ll have hundreds of owners long past you. You’d always have to give him up eventually.”

“But I have him now.” He clenched his jaw and waved his hand. “Could you really give up Tikki?”

Ladybug flinched, then set her jaw. “The Ladybug Miraculous is crucial to the safety of the world. If I needed to give up Tikki for the good of the world, I would.”

The good of the world. Chat huffed in disgust as she used her know-it-all voice, as if he didn’t know what it meant to sacrifice for the good of the world.

“I can’t give up Plagg. He is all I have.” Chat said darkly.

“Then stay with me Chat!” Ladybug grasped his hand. “I can help you with whatever you’re going through. We can figure things out together! We can be partners again!”

“I can’t!” Chat shoved her hand away.

“YES, you can!” Ladybug grabbed hold again. “You didn’t even let me try! Let me try!”

Her voiced cracked, and Chat realized she was crying. Tears and snot ran down her face as she clutched his hand to her chest.

Without thinking, without understanding why or how he felt, he grasped Ladybug tightly in his arms. As she sobbed into his chest, he stared out at the city below.

Could it be possible..? To be fixed..?

Ladybug pushed herself away from him.

“When do you leave?” She asked as she wiped her nose with her arm.

“Monday.” He looked at her numbly, mouth slightly open.

“Then meet me Sunday night at midnight, right here. You have until then to decide if you want to give up the Miraculous, or if you want to try to be better.”

He didn’t respond. She pushed forth.

“I promise, if you stick with me, we can figure this out. You just gotta stick with me!”

Still, he didn’t respond. He didn’t know what to say.

“I’ll be here, Chat. Three days, okay? I’ll be here.” She assured him. “Please. Don’t make me take it from you.”

He nodded, mouth still agape. After a moment, he turned around and began to walk away. After another moment, he began to run.

—

Chat Noir raced to his hotel, transforming back into Adrien in the alleyway outside before returning to his room. The floor and bed were covered in legal papers and forms.

“Shit, Plagg,” Adrien said, slumping down to the floor. The Black Cat Kwami slinked out of Adrien’s shirt pocket and onto the floor next to him.

“I told you we shouldn’t have talked to her,” Plagg complained.

“I know, I know.” Adrien sighed and placed his head in his hand. “But I needed to face her. I owed her that much.”

“She certainly had her own ideas about what you owe her,” Plagg grumbled.

That she definitely did. Adrien sighed.

“Maybe Ladybug is right,” Adrien said as he twisted his ring. “Maybe it is time to come back. It hasn’t been that bad being here…”

“Are you sure you could handle that?”

“No, but what’s the alternative? I give you up?” After a moment’s pause, he hesitantly added, “Is that what you want?”

“Hey, I’m with you until the end, kid. Where else would I find a rich brat with a heart and wallet of gold who can fund my expensive cheese needs?” Adrien laughed and affectionately pet Plagg under his chin.

“You know, Adrien, Ladybug isn’t always right,” Plagg continued.

“Doubting her has only gotten me into a lot of avoidable trouble in the past,” Adrien argued.

“I mean, yeah, she’s right about most stuff,” Plagg conceded. “But she’s also laser-focused on what she thinks to be the noble, just thing to do.”

“Isn’t that kind of a good thing?” Adrien retorted. Plagg rolled his eyes.

“What I mean, Adrien, is that ‘right’ is a fluid concept. Everything you do or don’t do has consequences. It’s up to you and what you value that decides what’s ‘right’ for you.”

It took a moment before he realized what Plagg was getting at.

“You’re talking about leaving, without giving up the Miraculous.”

“It’s like you said. The world is doing just fine right now! Why should we force ourselves to keep sacrificing when we don’t even need to yet?”

Adrien took this in without a word.

“I mean, come on,” Plagg continued. “I don’t want to go back to the Miracle Box, and you don’t want to be back here-“ Adrien looked away and rubbed the back of his head. Plagg must have noticed his hesitation.

“Do you… want to come back here?” Plagg asked.

“It wouldn’t be the worst thing. I mean, I made it here, in Paris! I thought I’d die if I ever came back, yet here I am.” Adrien said. “Maybe it’s not too much of a stretch to think I could eventually be a superhero again.”

“You remember what happened before when you’ve tried to be a superhero again,” Plagg warned.

Adrien did remember. Not long after he had left Paris, Chat Noir had interrupted a thief in the middle of his stealing, but just as Chat was about to land the blow that would incapacitate the thief, he couldn’t bring himself to strike. The thief escaped, and Chat was left overwhelmed by memories in a filthy alleyway. It was the first time Adrien realized just how much killing his father had broken him.

“Maybe this time will be different,” Adrien said.

Plagg looked hesitant, and uncertainty filled Adrien. Would it be different?

“I trust you, Adrien,” Plagg finally said. “I know you have it in you, and if you want to explore that, go ahead. But don’t feel like you have to just because Ladybug’s making you!”

“I want to try, Plagg.” Adrien said with a weak smile. Plagg gave a smile in return and rubbed his head against Adrien’s hand.

Adrien sat back against the bed and began twiddling his ring. Plagg settled down on the comforter above him.

“I wonder if Marinette is still up,” Adrien pondered. He sighed. “No, I shouldn’t bother her until tomorrow.”

“Right, let’s talk about your one-night stand idea.”

“It’s not a one-night stand. Just a friendly date.”

“And a stellar example of how the most powerful artifact in the universe should be used for the ‘good of the world’,” Plagg said mischievously.

Adrien stuck his tongue out at him. “Whose side are you even on?”

“The less boring one.” Adrien swatted at him.

“I need all of the distractions I can find to get me through this mess,” he said, grabbing another clump of papers. “Besides, I owe Marinette something. I feel so rotten for leaving her all alone. She was even angrier than Ladybug! She deserves a proper apology.”

And she makes me feel like everything’s alright, he thought.

Even though it’s not. He looked around at the piles of paper scattered about, threatening to overwhelm him.

“How are you doing with all of this?” Plagg asked gently.

“Not great.”

Scattered across his hotel room was the reason he came back. He picked up the closest paper to him. It was part of a series to submit the request for his mother’s official death certificate.

It takes seven years for a missing person to be declared legally dead. Had he never known about his mother’s kidnapping, he would have been able to declare her dead when he was 21 - but unsurprisingly, the story of Gabriel Agreste keeping his wife on life support in the basement of his secret villain lair made headlines. Everyone knew she was alive. When they couldn’t find her body amidst the rubble of the mansion, and when investigators found suspicious activity on her bank account a few weeks after her supposed death, there was enough doubt that she was alive that her missing status got reset. Thus his mother’s case was forced into the limbo of the legal system for seven more years.

Adrien had to come back to finalize the process. He hadn’t want to. He didn’t particularly care about whether the country of France declared Emilie Agreste dead or not. He knew she was dead. There was no changing that.

But persistent family on his mother’s side wanted to know what was in her will, and they wanted her many entrapped possessions and assets back in the Graham de Vanily family. He was ready to tell them all to go to hell, but Nathalie sat him down and gently explained that this was the proper thing to do for Emilie, so her name could be cleared and she could finally rest in peace.

Adrien thoroughly searched for ways to do the process remotely, but no matter how he diced it, it was far easier to maneuver the bureaucracy and lawyers in person.

Maybe it’s finally time, he had conceded. Maybe this time will be different.

So he called up his old bodyguard, rented a car with black out windows, grabbed all of the blankets from his room, and sat huddled up in the backseat with music blaring from his headphones until they arrived at the hotel in Paris.

As he stood in his hotel room, staring at the Eiffel Tower outside his window, Adrien had been filled with an unbearably confusing mix of ecstasy and terror. He was here. He was here.

Impulse control abandoned him, replaced by a deep, familiar desire for freedom. He had transformed into Chat Noir and leapt out into the city in broad daylight, something he had always strictly avoided. Before he knew it, he had attracted an adoring following, and the return of Chat Noir was trending on social media. His excitement was almost manic - at least until he realized that Ladybug would find out he was back.

Luckily, Chat Noir had known where he could find comfort in an old friend.

“I need to make this date amazing,” Adrien said. “Something she’s never experienced before.”

“You could have dinner on the top of the Eiffel Tower.” Plagg suggested.

“Too cliche, Plagg. And very windy. Besides, this night needs to encapsulate a whole relationship, not just one cheesy date.”

“I like cheesy dates,” Plagg grumbled. “Well, what’s a perfect relationship for you? Maybe try shoving that into a day somehow.”

Adrien tapped his foot and thought aloud. “It would be… comfortable. Exciting. Honest. Whenever I’d be with them, it’d be the most natural thing in the world. I could trust them with everything. No matter what we faced, I’d always know we’d be alright, because we were together.” He trailed off, lost in a daydream. Plagg tapped his owner’s head impatiently.

“Well? Does that spark any ideas?” He asked. Adrien smiled.

“I think I have one. Or a few.” Adrien pulled out his phone and began making calls. He was going to make this the most brilliant date Marinette has ever been on.

It was a nice reprieve from the impossible weight he felt hovering over his chest.

Read Ch. 3: Just Enjoy >>

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miraculous-consequence · 4 years

Text

Consequence of Our Love, Ch. 1: The Proposition

After 7 long years of protecting Paris alone, Marinette learns that her partner has finally returned - and has shown up unexpectedly at her window with a proposition too tempting to deny.

Consequence of Our Love is a pre-reveal, post-Hawk Moth AU exploring Marinette and Adrien’s lives as adults. | Read on AO3

Rating: Mature

Warnings (Overall): Pregnancy, Minor Violence, Mental Anguish, Angst (with a Happy Ending), Consensual Sexual Content (skippable)

Chapter Warnings: None

"Chat Noir has returned!!!!”

“Ladybug and Chat Noir are back in business!”

“Glow-up of the century! Chat Noir looking fine as hell!”

“No way its the same Chat Noir. It’s gotta be a new player.”

“If Chat Noir is back, does that mean we’re in danger again?”

“Is he sticking around? I can’t take another heartbreak”

“Does Ladybug know he’s back yet?”

Marinette watched as her media feed flooded with posts and sightings of Chat Noir’s return. She scrolled in a daze - her emotions hadn’t yet caught up to what she was seeing in front of her.

Is he really back...? It had been seven whole years since Chat Noir had left. Seven years since they had defeated Hawkmoth. Marinette touched her neck, trying to assure herself that the hands she felt wrapped around her throat were just echos of the past.

There was no one else in the world that went through everything she went through, who could understand the fear she felt on that terrible day and on every single day afterwards, except for Chat Noir. And he had left her.

Seven years. Seven years all by herself.

That asshole, she thought, but the anger she had felt towards Chat Noir had long since dulled. Now she wasn’t sure what to feel.

When he first left, she had thought he would return within a month or two. Maybe he just needed a break. She certainly did. But after four months, the fear that something had happened to him became too much, and she spent an entire school semester traveling France to look for him. When she came back with no clues, she continued her regular superhero duties without him, bitterly angry but still holding onto hope that he would soon return. When he didn’t show after three years, she accepted that she would likely never see him again.

But now there he was, right in front of her on her phone screen, a blurry black figure leaping across Parisian rooftops in broad daylight. Marinette set down her phone and exhaled deeply.

“Tikki, I think we’d better go find our idiots,” she said. The Ladybug Kwami had been resting on her shoulder, absorbing the news right alongside her.

“I cannot believe Plagg let him stay away for this long!” Tikki grumbled. Unlike Marinette, Tikki had retained her anger at her Black Cat counterpart. “It’s completely irresponsible!”

“We’ve done just fine on our own.” Marinette climbed out of her bed and stretched, frowning when she saw it was already 1pm. She filed through her closet for an outfit.

“We shouldn’t be on our own!” Tikki argued as Marinette pulled a shirt over her head. “The Ladybug and the Black Cat are eternal partners that keep the order of the world in balance. If Chat Noir wanted to run away, Plagg should’ve made him give back his Miraculous! You should have never had to shoulder everything on your own!”

As Marinette finished getting dressed, she picked up Tikki in her palms. Plagg was the only creature that could make Tikki lose her normally cool head. “I appreciate your concern, Tikki. But it’s okay. I’ve been handling everything just fine.” Marinette smiled at her Kwami, trying to show confidence that she didn’t really feel. “Let’s go talk some sense into our boys, alright?”

“Okay, Marinette,” Tikki conceded, smiling back.

“Okay! Tikki, spots-“ BANG BANG. Marinette jumped in the air. Without thinking, she grabbed a nearby roll of fabric and raised it in a fighting position towards her window. The noise sounded again, but nothing broke through to attack her. She slowly approached the window and peeled back the curtains.

She gasped in surprise. Before her was Chat Noir, hanging upside down outside her window. He grinned and knocked again. She opened the window.

“Chat Noir?!” Marinette exclaimed.

“Hey Marinette!”

“What the f- How are you-” Marinette stuttered. “What are you doing here?!” She pushed the window fully open and Chat Noir climbed in, retracting his stick from where he had extended it between two buildings.

“Do you want to get some ice cream?” He asked. He walked around in wonder, observing her room.

“Ice. Cream?” Marinette asked incredulously as he picked up and examined a pink elephant bauble Alya had gotten her for her latest birthday.

“Yeah, I was just in the neighborhood and wanted to see my old friend.” Her mind kicked back into gear, and anger boiled through her.

“Just in the neighborhood..!” That arrogant, block-headed, boorish son-of-a-!

“HEY!” Marinette grabbed Chat’s arm and forced him to face her. He stumbled into her, surprised by her aggressiveness. A chill ran through her veins as she looked up into his warm green eyes for the first time in seven years. For a moment, she forgot everything she was feeling and all she intended to say.

She recovered quickly.

“Chat, you’ve been gone for seven years!” Marinette threw his arm aside. “We can’t just go get ice cream. I have questions! Like- like where have you been? Why did you leave? Are you here to stay?” Marinette rambled off.

“No, I’m not here to stay.” He said quietly. This shut Marinette down, along with the faint light of hope she didn’t realize she was feeling.

“I was kind of expecting you to be more excited to see me.” Chat mentioned guiltily. Marinette scoffed.

“Your adoring fans online are excited enough. I have more important issues to address first with your sudden reappearance after seven years of NOTHING.”

Chat grimaced and tugged at his collar. Marinette noticed with surprise that he no longer had his bell.

“Well, I-um… I just…” Chat stumbled, clearly not prepared for an interrogation. Marinette frowned. Did this idiot really think he could just waltz in like it was old times and completely ignore the fact he had disappeared?

She growled in frustration, snatched up her purse and keys, and headed for the door.

“You will explain EVERYTHING afterwards.” She demanded, menacingly pointing her polka-dot-patterned house key at Chat. He smiled wide.

“I’ll pay for the ice cream.” He said, following her out the door.

“That wasn’t even in question.”

Marinette had never seen Andre gush more than he did upon seeing Chat Noir again.

“My Chat Noir!” Andre exclaimed. “How marvelous, how fantastic! You’re back, you’re back! How I’ve missed you!”

“It’s good to see you again, Andre,” Chat said warmly. He held out his hand, but Andre swept him up in a hug. Chat laughed. “Still predicting the hearts of Parisians everywhere?”

Andre set him down with a flourish. “But of course! This city will always need my help! Just like you still obviously need my help. Here you are, with a lovely girl at your side, yet I can tell you have not pledged your heart to her!”

Both Chat and Marinette broke out laughing. “Trust me, this one is just a friend.” Marinette said with a teasing smile at Chat, who met her with an equal grin.

“And as lovely as she is, I am sure she has already claimed someone’s heart, which I will make sure she tells me about in detail soon.” He elbowed her lightly.

“Keep wishing, kitty. We have more important matters to discuss.”

Andre eyed them with a knowing smile. “Ah, but of course! I was mistaken,” he said, with no sign of embarrassment. “Marinette, for you, peach and mint. And for you, Chat Noir, strawberry and blackberry!”

Marinette took her ice cream with concealed bemusement. This was Adrien’s ice cream combination - a pairing that had long left Marinette’s realm of desire. Andre must have given this to her as an homage to that old memory. He had done the same to Chat Noir. Red and black - those were Ladybug’s colors. She noticed Chat grimace slightly as he took the sweet treat. Had he gotten over his old crush, too?

She bit her lip and looked down. He must have. Otherwise, he would’ve cared enough to contact her after he left.

They said goodbye to Andre and began walking aimlessly through the city. Marinette wanted to ask him right away about his sudden reappearance, but he masterfully distracted her with jokes and questions about her life. Before she knew it, they were catching up like old friends.

“You really have your own fashion line now? Marinette, I’m so proud of you! I can’t wait to go out and buy some of your clothes!” Chat Noir exclaimed through a mouthful of ice cream cone. She blushed at his praise, amused at the way he covered his mouth with the inside of his arm.

“You’ll have to wait longer! My first men’s fashion line isn’t ready yet.” She responded. Chat waved his hand dismissively and swallowed his mouthful.

“I look amazing in all clothes, Marinette.” She laughed at the thought and silently considered that he was probably right. Her scrawny cat boy had turned into something of a model. She felt a strange pride at his handsomeness.

They caught up on all of the latest about each other’s lives - well, mostly Marinette’s life. Marinette learned that Chat had been traveling all over Europe and even the US. Chat probed her about her career and inquired how her friends were doing. Marinette was surprised at how easily they were talking, as if no time had passed at all. She recalled the many times Chat Noir visited her when they were younger. They would spend hours just talking and hanging out in her room, eating sweet treats and trying to outplay each other at video games.

Multiple times, Marinette tried to edge Chat into talking about why he had left and why he was back, but he would always worm his way out of the discussion. As they crossed a bridge over the Seine, Marinette saw her next chance. She chose her approach carefully - indirect and full of praise.

“You could stay you know.” Marinette said, acting as if it was an off-hand mention. “Paris could use a devilishly sly superhero like you again. People are super excited that you’re back!”

Chat Noir stopped, his back to Marinette. His body tensed, then he let out a sigh. Finally, he spoke. “I don’t think I can be a superhero anymore.”

“Aw, come on! I bet Ladybug would forgive you for leaving if you apologize enough. She must want her partner back!” She said teasingly. She jumped up to sit on the bridge railing.

“No, I mean… I can’t be a superhero anymore, Marinette.” He raked his fingers through his hair.

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t… My powers are too…. Ugh,” Chat cried out in frustration and whirled around to face her. “I’m broken, Marinette. I can’t fight anymore.”

“I don’t understand. Did something happen to your Miraculous?” Marinette frantically grabbed Chat’s hand to examine his ring, but the Black Cat Miraculous was in perfect shape. Chat gently pulled back his hand.

“No, it’s not the Miraculous. It’s me.”

“But you’re here, you’re transformed! I don’t understand what could be wrong-“

“Please, Marinette.”

She stopped talking and looked up at him.

“After what happened the Hawkmoth - after what I did to him - I just can’t handle fighting anymore, even if I want to fight. My body won’t let me anymore. I can barely stand being back here in Paris.”

“But, you still have your powers! And I bet if you start out slowly, you could get back into the swing of things, and Ladybug could help-“

“No, you don’t get it!” Chat cried. He let out a resigned sigh. “You… can’t get it. Which is… good. I never want you to feel what I feel.”

Marinette stared at him, and she recalled how she used to be able to walk down a street without constantly checking the crowd and the rooftops for potential enemies. She recalled how she could sleep without checking the locks on the windows and doors three times, then once more for good measure. She recalled how she used to be able to hear the name Gabriel Agreste without flinching.

She touched her neck. She did understand.

“You’re really going to leave again, aren’t you.” She said. Chat Noir touched her hand, and Marinette understood that he left because he there was no way he could have stayed.

“I’m sorry for not contacting you.” He said softly.

Marinette felt a lump rise in her throat. She swallowed it. “I understand why you needed to separate yourself. You obviously had more important things on your mind.”

“Still, I should have left a note, or done something. I shouldn’t have just left. You were one of my best friends, and I should’ve respected that. At the time, it felt like the only thing I could do. Now, I realize I was just a jackass.”

Marinette silently agreed. She should make him feel bad, she thought. He should’ve contacted her. He was her friend. He abandoned her. She wanted him to know how he made her feel. But she didn’t want to make him feel worse than he did. So she pivoted.

“Well, you’ve must have had lots of interesting experiences during that entire time away,” Marinette tried. “Wanna tell me about them?”

Chat looked up in surprise, then gratefulness. “It honestly wasn’t that impressive. College is college. The US is stupidly big. My proudest accomplishment was learning to cook. You know how early twenties are.”

“I certainly do. There must have been some fun moments though.”

“A few.” He didn’t enlighten her further. Marinette pouted her lips.

“You’re making changing the topic unnecessarily difficult.” She said dryly. Chat smiled apologetically and took a deep breath. She could see him intentionally force positivity into his mannerism.

“Then let me take a shot and ask a much more enticing topic,” he said cheerfully. “Like… Hmm, why don’t we talk about all of those lucky suitors of yours that we told Andre about?”

“Why can’t we talk about your romantic conquests?” She grumbled.

“Because, Marinette, I am a man of intrigue and mystery. And I can almost guarantee you’ve had a more interesting romantic experience than mine.”

“I’m not so sure about that. I haven’t had a boyfriend in years, and I have no intention of getting one.”

“Really?” He looked genuinely surprised. Marinette shifted uncomfortably, and her heart rate rose.

“My life isn’t really suited to having a romantic partner.” She said, rubbing her pant leg nervously. “I’m just so busy with the new fashion line coming out, and I mean who would want to stay up all night with me at these fashion events or deal with me sewing clothes at 3 in the morning, and...” Marinette trailed off as she realized she was rambling.

“It’s just not in my future. I’m not dating material,” she ended with a fake laugh, her gaze shifting to the ground. Well, Ladybug isn’t dating material.

It wasn’t like she didn’t want a boyfriend, but the truth of the matter was she was the Guardian of the Miraculouses now. Her responsibility to the world far outweighed her own personal desires. Her life was dangerous - maybe not now with Hawkmoth finally gone, but someday soon, malicious forces would return. Marinette, and Ladybug, had to be ready for when that day comes. Whoever she allowed into her life would be at risk, just like Luka was...

“That’s ridiculous!” Chat Noir broadly gestured in exasperation. “You’re totally dating material. It’s silly for you to doubt yourself.” Marinette pouted her lips at his fluffy praise.

“Slow down, kitty. I KNOW I’m fantastic,” she retorted. She crossed her arms. “A relationship is just a lot more effort than I have the time or energy for right now.” Chat Noir didn’t look swayed by her flimsy argument.

“Well that’s BS,” he muttered.

“What!” Marinette snapped at Chat, which he responded to with a satisfied grin.

“I remember you being all about romance, Marinette! You were always playing matchmaker with the couples in your class and helping people plan the perfect dates for their significant others. And I remember how you swooned whenever you hung out with Luka-“ Marinette flinched at the mention of the name, “and when you made those super cool masks for his band.” Chat Noir bent down to Marinette’s eye level and smirked.

“You’re made to be in a relationship, Mousinette.”

“Oh shut up! You have no idea what you’re talking about!” Marinette bristled. Anxiety shot through her at his reckless reference to her alternate superhero identity, Multimouse. How did Chat always manage to find her buttons, then proceed to press them incessantly? He did the same thing when they were Paris’s super-duo, and it seems like he hasn’t changed a bit, much to her disappointment. She thought some time would have made him a bit more tolerable to be around.

Chat chuckled, then relaxed. “Come on, Marinette. Don’t you want to be in love? To care deeply about someone… someone who intrigues you and fills you with energy and life! Someone who’s your best friend who you could trust completely, who accepts you for all of who you are, and” he gestured dramatically, “have someone romance you thoroughly, as if you were the most precious thing in the world to them?”

Marinette laughed. Even though he acted theatrically, she could sense the sincerity beneath his fancy words.

“Yes, yes I do,” she admitted. More than I could possibly describe.

“Ha!” Chat said victoriously. “See? I’ve got you pegged.”

“I know, I know. It’s just... I want to experience all of that, but I really, really don’t think a relationship would be a wise decision for me right now.” She sighed and rested her head and arms against the railing. “I wish I could just experience all of that for a day, but then wake up tomorrow and never see the guy again.”

Chat remained silent as he processed. “You mean like... a one-night stand?”

“No! I mean, yes, I guess - kind of - like a one-night stand but with romance instead of sex! Though sex could be included. But mostly it’s about the romance, and I would feel totally comfortable with him as if we’ve been dating for years, but without any of the emotional ties or relationship responsibilities the next day-“ Marinette gave an exasperated sigh. “Oh, whatever. None of this is coming out right, and it’s impossible anyway.”

They sat in silence for a while. She expected Chat to respond with some witty remark about how silly she was being, but he said nothing. Marinette shifted awkwardly, trying to figure out a safe topic to switch the conversation to, when he finally spoke.

“So you want to have a full-on romantic date with me then.” He said it not as a question, but as a statement. A sound between a cough and a snort erupted from Marinette.

“How the hell did you get that from what I said?” She exclaimed. Chat smirked in amusement.

“Isn’t it obvious? You want to experience a romantic date with someone who you’ve known and been friends with for years -“ he pointed to himself and mouthed the word me, “- you want someone who you would never have to see again, and who you’d never be able to track down or contact -“ again, he mouthed me “- AND you want someone who could give you the most brilliant, most romantic date that you’ve ever experienced in your life.” He paused for dramatic effect, then pointed. Me.

Marinette couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Go on a date? With Chat Noir?? “That is absolutely ridiculous.”

“Ridiculous? Don’t I recall you professing your undying love to me?”

“What? I mean - T-That was years ago! We were young! I didn’t know how obnoxious you really are!”

“Obnoxiously adorable! And sexy as hell if I do say so myself.”

“No, no, this is - how can you suggest this, this is so-”

“Excuse me, I think I still look incredibly good in this suit.”

“No, that’s not what I’m talking about-! I mean, UGH, Chat!”

Chat Noir placed his hands upon Marinette’s face, and in a single, weird instant, Marinette felt her body go calm and relaxed. He was smiling, but not in his usual smirk. He seemed... sincere and kind. She stared into Chat’s green eyes, mesmerized.

“Marinette! Calm down! You don’t have to get so worked up over this.” He released her face and gently tousled her hair. She stared at him, still wordless. “I only offered because it makes sense to me. It seems like I could give you what you need, no strings attached. But only if you actually wanted it.” He leaned back against the railing, still smiling softly at her. Marinette looked away and clasped her hands together in front of her.

“I also think Andre might be disappointed in me if I don’t take you on a date, and I don’t think I can risk that,” he added. She laughed.

“Okay,” she said.

“Okay?” Chat echoed questioningly.

“I will accept your offer to ‘romance’ me,” she looked Chat straight in the eye and smirked. “If you think you can pull it off.”

Chat Noir grinned at Marinette. “Oh I think I can.”

"But no falling in love! This is just for fun!" She quickly added. He laughed.

"Of course," he agreed. He bowed and extended his hand to Marinette, who placed her hand in his. “I’ll pick you up for your night of no consequences tomorrow at 4pm.”

“So early?”

“Someone as difficult as you needs extra time to be fully romanced.”

Marinette tried to pout, but she couldn’t help grinning.

“I look forward to it.” She said. Chat’s tail waved happily.

“So do I,” he said warmly.

Chat looked at the setting sun, and lowered his ears.

“Shoot, I didn’t realize how long we’d been talking,” he said. “It’s already sunset. I’m sorry, but I have to go. There’s someone I have to sort things out with.” Chat rubbed the back of his head. Marinette bit her lip.

“What will you say to her?” Marinette ventured. Chat sighed.

“I don’t know.” He looked into her eyes and smiled. “Goodbye, Marinette.”

“Goodbye, Chat.” Marinette smiled back. “Oh, and by the way - you do look good in that suit.”

Chat laughed. “Don’t I?”

“I mean - as good as a full grown man can look in a skin-tight leather catsuit.”

A moment of silence, then, “Yeah, that’s fair.”

Marinette watched as Chat Noir faded away into the background of Paris before walking the opposite way.

“Marinette,” Tikki said, floating up next to her shoulder. “You know who he’s going to see now right?”

Marinette grasped her purse tightly. “Yeah, I know.”

“And you know what you have to do?”

“I just want to give him some more time. He said he’d be here for a few more days at least!”

“The more you wait, Marinette, the harder it will be.”

“I know, Tikki. He just went through so much…” She recalled the look of pure fear on Chat Noir’s face as his Cataclysm ate away Gabriel Agreste’s body. She clenched her purse even tighter.

“So did you, Marinette. Yet you stayed.” Tikki floated in front of Marinette’s face, forcing her to stop.

“Just a bit longer, Tikki. Then I’ll take it. I promise.” She cupped Tikki in her palms and gently moved her out of the way, ignoring the unconvinced look on the Kwami’s face.

Marinette ducked into an alleyway and looked around for other people. When she confirmed there were no threats to her identity, she brushed her hand by her ear and uttered the magic words.

“Tikki, spots on.” Magic power coursed from her earrings through her body, enveloping her in Tikki’s power and transforming her into Ladybug. She grabbed her yoyo and launched herself onto the roof. She knew exactly where she would find Chat Noir.

Just a little longer, she thought as she sprinted across the rooftops. Then I’ll take it. I’ll take the Black Cat Miraculous from him.

Read Ch. 2: The Rooftop Where We Always Meet >>

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