Chapter Text
Dedication
I dedicate this work to all the people who have a love-hate relationship with this show and at some point, got really angry.
With love, Olympia.
Hidden Passions
Chapter I: A Certain Snake Returns (rewritten)
One morning I awakened
Oh Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful! Bye! Bye!
One morning I awakened
And I found the invader
Bella Ciao, Anonymous
Part 1: Lila Rossi
February 5th, 2018, Monday
12:20
Françoise-Dupont, Women's WC
Marinette
— You and I will only be friends the day you stop lying, Lila! — Lila's eyebrows jumped and her mouth dropped open before she had time to cover it with her hands. — I may not have proof, but I know for a fact that you don't have any ringing in your ears, that your pulse is just fine and that you've never met Prince Ali because you've never set foot in Achu and despite what Alya published on LadyBlog, Ladybug had never saved your life.
When Lila entered the bathroom, she stared at me as if I had done her some harm, looking me straight in the eye as if I were an abandoned puppy desperately craving attention. But those expressions fell away when Lila straightened her back, puffed out her chest, lifted her chin and gave a devilish grin. And she never stopped looking me in the eye, and whenever I tried to break contact, her green eyes followed mine. I want to be anywhere but here. Before saying what I already knew, she let out a loud sigh.
— I only say what people want to hear.
— That's called lying!
She started walking slowly towards me. I felt a drop of cold sweat run down my forehead.
— Anyway, there's nothing you can do, people can't resist when you tell them what they like to hear, if you don't want to be my friend, fine, but soon you won't even have a friend, and believe me: I'm going to stop you getting close to Adrien in class or wherever. — Lila cornered me against the wall. From then on, my heart raced even faster, my eyebrows tensed and the area under my eyes became tense. I could hardly breathe. She grabbed, or rather kneaded my shoulders and wouldn't let me break eye contact. — Look at me while I'm talking to you, you execrable creature. You seem to be a little less dumb than the others, so I'll give you one more chance: you're either with me or against me. — Her hands went up to my neck. I tried to respond, but my mouth barely let out a moan.
— You don't have to give me an answer now, you have until the end of class today.
Then Lila grabbed my jaw so hard it felt like it was going to break, but just as I was about to scream, she giggled and let go, turned her back and walked away.
I locked myself in the bathroom and started crying. I thought Chloé was evil, but Lila takes the whole cake! She's a supervillain, she doesn't even need a costume!
— Marinette, please calm down, don't let your anger get the better of you, you can't be akumatized.
— Désolée , Tikki, I can't do it. — Losing my friends, Adrien, because of her? It can't be true, it can't be true! — If I don't prove my innocence, she'll destroy my life! — I couldn't help myself and punched the wall. — Fatti fottere, puttana !
(Translation: Fuck you, bitch!)
I don't know how long I was in the bathroom crying, but I swallowed a sob when I heard Alya's voice.
— Marinette? Are you here? Amie , I'm worried.
I wiped my tears and opened the door.
— I'm here.
Alya ran towards me.
— Is everything okay? Have you been crying?
I was going to deny it, but when Alya held my hands, I suddenly felt so sleepy, this isn't normal, and Alya never called me "Amie". My vision started to blur and my head felt heavy. I blacked out instantly.
Dupain-Cheng Family House, Paris, France
5 hours ago
Marinette
Today I woke up a minute before the alarm clock went off. What a great way to start the week.
— Bonjour , Marinette. — At least Tikki is so cute that any remnants of frustration I might have felt disappeared instantly.
— Bonjour , Tikki. — I held her in my hand and gave her a little kiss on the top of her giant little head. My alarm clock went off, and when I looked at the notifications... Tikki, I need your cuteness and serenity NOW! The class group was full of messages.
[Lila] BONJOUR!!!!
[Lila] I've just arrived in Paris!!!
[Lila] Mon Dieu, how cold
[Alya] HAHAHAHAHA
[Alya] Welcome, sweetheart!!!
[Rose] Hello, Lila!!! How nice!!!
[Rose] How was your trip?
[Nino] HEY THERE!
[Juleka] salut
I couldn't read any further.
That's right, Lila's back from her wonderful trip through the streets of Paris and now she's back to life with us mere mortals.
— You already knew she was coming back, didn't you? — Tikki asked behind me.
— Well... yes...
After getting ready to leave, I didn't feel like eating anything and went straight to school. I'm not going to lie, Lila's return is making me more restless than I intended.
08:38
Françoise-Dupont, Courtyard
When I arrived at Françoise, I saw Nino and Adrien in a corner talking. Nino noticed me first and waved. Adrien mimicked him. I decided to go and meet them. Gone were the days when I couldn't even say a sentence around Adrien.
— Bonjour , Nino, bonjour , Adrien! How are you guys?
— I was better in my bed. — Nino replied. I put a hand on my chest in solidarity.
— How I understand you. And you, Adrien?
He shrugged.
— Normal, Nino and I were talking about the Ladybug and Chat Noir’s movie. The preview is on Tuesday, and guess who's going to be there?
— Beyoncé! — Nino considered it. Adrien and I giggled. He laughed at the same time as me. We're soul mates!
— By the way, do you know where Alya is?
— She's at the buffet, with Lila and everyone. — Nino answered. As soon as I heard Lila's name, my face closed up. — Is everything ok?
— Oh yes, everything's fine, if you'll excuse me, I'll see you in class.
— Marinette? — Nino called me. — When you're around Lila, try not to speak too loudly because she has something on her ear. — Another stupid lie. — If you don't mind, can I take your place, so she can sit at the front table next to Adrien? In the classroom.
— What?
— Did she suggest that? — Adrien asked.
— Yes.
I looked at Adrien and it looked like he just wanted a hole to open up under him and swallow him up.
— And where is the Marinette seat? — He asked.
— In Rose and Juleka’s seat, they're moving too.
With all due respect, what the fuck ?
— When did you decide that?
— This morning. We asked in the group if you could change seats, but you didn't answer. But we know you, you won't mind, will you?
Adrien was looking at me, but I didn't understand what could be going through his head. I rolled my eyes.
— Okay. — Then I muttered more quietly. — Tutto ciò di cui avevo bisogno era che quella bugiarda di bassa lega tornasse.
(Translation: All I needed was for that half-baked liar to come back.)
— Did you say something? — Adrien asked. I hope he can't speak Italian.
— I said I missed Lila a lot.
Adrien lifted one corner of his mouth and answered more quietly.
— I know you didn't say anything like that, but I'm going to pretend I believe it.
— Do you speak Italian? — I tried not to. — Lasagna , spaghetti and mamamia don't count.
— Non .
I heard Nino clear his throat.
— I'm still here.
I laughed awkwardly and literally ran to the buffet, and saw Alya, who is apparently now part of Lila's fan club, talking with one hand covering her left ear.
— Bonjour à tous! Ciao, Lila, buongiorno! Spero che abbiate fatto un buon viaggio . — I even greeted her in Italian, aren't I sweet? Lila looked at me with shining eyes, as if she had seen an angel.
(Translation: Hello, Lila, good morning! I hope you had a good trip).
— Bonjour , Marinette! — My friends greeted me.
— Can you speak Italian?
— Sort of, my grandma is Italian.
— Isn't your mother Chinese? Didn't you learn to speak Mandarin? — Lila asked.
Don't put my mother in the middle of this, please!
— I've tried to learn Mandarin, but it's not... my thing. I understand Mandarin, but only the basics. — Every time I opened my mouth I couldn't breathe, every damn word that came out of my mouth. She doesn't need to know this, so why do I keep talking? — So I started learning Italian, my father is half Italian and half French, and since Italian is a language derived from Latin, just like French, it was easier. But I should be asking about you, so... did you enjoy volunteering? — What volunteering? Maybe the akumatization on Heroes' Day?
— Of course!
Lila was telling a story about her adventures in Atchu to Alya, Mylène, Ivan, Rose and Jukela, and I decided to make myself heard as a marker.
— Salut Chloé, Salut Sabrina! — Lila waved to them and Sabrina stopped to say hello, and had to drag Chloé along, but Chloé had her head in the clouds and only realized she was standing next to us when Sabrina looked like she was about to shout in her ear. She's been like this since Heroes' Day. And she's certainly not thinking about what I said to her (as Ladybug) about her going to take care of her own mental health. Zoé told me about some Mr. Gorgeous . I'd just like to know who the unfortunate man is.
— What are we doing here? — Mon Dieu , this is going to be good. What's that, Marinette?
— Lila's back from her trip to Atchu. — Sabrina explained. — Speaking of which, welcome back. We've all missed you.
All?
— Ciao , Chloé, Oh Mio Dio , your hair looks so beautiful. That's Gigi Hadid's hair, isn't it?
Chloé looked at Lila as if she'd said that one plus one equals two.
— Non , this is my hair. Arr… who are you again...?
You meant hairstyle, Lila, but don't worry, girl, she would tease you no matter what.
Lila giggled nervously, while everyone looked sideways at Chloé, and Sabrina had to explain to her that Lila was a new student who had been away for a few months and was now back. Chloé looked down at Lila and put one hand on her chest and the other on her back.
— Oh... really? Her presence slipped my mind. So you decided to come back. Forgive me for not jumping for joy, it's just that my back hurts. I was busy being a hero. — She grumbled, and looked like she was trying not to say something even more derogatory, and left on her own.
Lila laughed sadly.
— What have I done to her?
— It doesn’t matter, but carry on with what you were saying, it was so awesome! — Rose asked.
— So...
Lalalalala, I don't care, but when I got up to leave, I heard Alya's voice.
— Where are you going, fille ?
Everyone was looking at me and I didn't have time to answer.
— What is it, Marinette, don't you want to know how my volunteer mission in Atchu went? — Lila asked in her innocent voice. — I met a girl so much like you. She was so sweet and she also loved fashion and wanted to be a designer, you were going to be such good friends... — Lila smiled at me. — I wanted her to come with me. I may not be rich, but I was certainly going to do everything I could so that she could make her dreams come true.
My problem with Lila's stories is that I don't believe them, no matter how moving they are, and I can't disguise it. My friends didn't look at me with the best face.
— Do you have a picture of that girl?
Lila's face twisted. Gotcha!
— No, I didn't. — She admitted it and no one was indifferent. — Her grandmother wouldn't let me, and I also tried to use as little technology as possible during the volunteering week, not only to connect more with the children but also because they work and are exploited by the big capitalist tycoons to get the metal that is used to produce cell phones and some household appliances, so it was like a tribute. And strangely enough, it was so nice to spend some time away from technology. It was horrible at first, but then...
— That's what I always say! — Milène said straight away. — But frankly, Marinette, what's wrong with you? It's not like you to go around invalidating other people's good deeds. Did Lila do something to you?
— No! — I just want to leave. — I didn't eat anything before I came here and now I'm hungry.
— Mi dispiace , Marinette! I didn't know. Go eat, ragazza , otherwise, you won't be able to pay attention in class! — Lila immediately exclaimed, her eyes wide and a hand covering her mouth. What a Drama Queen! The bell rang. — Oh, my ear! — Lila curled up on the bench and was helped by Rose and Mylène.
— Is that ringing?
— Yes. Sorry, amies .
INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC
Canonically, Lila Rossi first appeared on May 21st (source: ep 24 of the first season Volpina at minute 2:27).
As this story begins in February, I changed that date to mid-November. Lila stayed for a week, then left again. During that week, the NY Special took place, and Marinette initially thought she was just lying for attention, but she never got very close to her, only to show her the school, as it's her duty as a delegate, and Alya went along.
After Lila tried to "stop" Adrien from going to NY, Mari had her back to her.
Françoise-Dupont, Miss Bustier's room
08:50
— Do I have to go back there? — Lila asked, still holding her hand to her left ear. What nerves!
— Is that a problem? — Miss Bustier asked.
Lila looked down at the floor and started to take her hand away from her ear, but put it back and grimaced.
— Lila had an accident when she was getting off the plane and has a ringing in her left ear. — Rose explained; she's too innocent and Lila knows it.
— That's right, Miss, I'm going to the doctor this afternoon and I'll bring you the certificate, je jure . — Lila assured her.
— Then maybe you should stay in front. — Miss Bustier suggested.
Alya started talking about changing seats, and I think the mixed sandwich I had earlier is going to go back in my mouth so I can taste it better.
— Will I have to go back there? — It wasn't going to the back that bothered me, Lila did it all on purpose to keep me away from my friends, what a snake.
— Do you have a problem going to the back? — Miss Bustier asked me.
— I... sometimes I get a bit distracted, and if I...
— I can go to the back. — Adrien interrupted me. — It doesn't make any impression on me, really, and they can stay up front.
— No! — Lila and I almost shouted. There's no way I'm standing next to her!
Lila stood up.
— I shouldn't have come back, my return is being so inconvenient, I should have stayed on the other side of the world. — Lila grabbed her bag and got out her purse. — If Marinette doesn't want to go back, I will.
The indignation was almost general. Alya didn't seem to know how to react, Adrien looked worried about me, Chloé was like "if I was you, I'd have sent that loser back to where she came from". But the judgmental looks from my friends made my stomach lurch and my eyes started to moisten.
— I don't have any hearing or sight problems, so...
— It's decided. — Miss Bustier announced.
12:00
Classroom
Adrien
I didn't pay an ounce of attention to any of my classes this morning, and the worst thing is that I didn't get to talk to Marinette. Lila never left my side, and Marinette only left the classroom because we had a class with Professor Mendeleev in the lab, and even in the lab, she stayed away from everyone. I wanted to be near her, I needed to be near her, alone, to reassure her, to feel that she was okay. I know she's not.
As Lila said she was going to have lunch in the canteen, I made up that I'd forgotten my lunch at home and was going to have lunch there. It turned out that Marinette was also having lunch in the canteen. I decided to have lunch in the classroom anyway, and Plagg kept me company with his nasty cheese.
I was already in the courtyard scanning my eyes in case Marinette miraculously appeared, but instead of Marinette, I saw an akuma heading in the direction of the girls' toilets. Oh no, I have to transform!
Part 2: Chameleon
12:26
Lila
I want to break her chin, her face, her nose, everything! Mio Dio, what an insufferable brat! She can ruin everything! Great!
Some younger girls walked past me and I flashed them my best smile.
— Bonjour , I love your dress! — I remarked to the shorter one, by the way, not even my grandmother would wear that, it's so hideous and old-fashioned, maybe she was trying to be vintage . Poor thing. The girl turned red and giggled.
— Merci . — She could say “Merci beaucoup”, is not that hard!
I want to throw up. When I looked straight ahead, I saw a black butterfly. My mood immediately improved. This is my chance! Everyone was too distracted.
— Come here, Akuma!
I grabbed him and he got into the ring in my ear. That's it. I thought I'd hide in the broom cupboard.
— Hawk Moth, Je m'appelle Lila Rossi, I know you want to destroy Ladybug, just like me.
I know he smiled when he heard me.
— You really are the most talented person I've ever akumatized. — I'm glad he knows.
— If you give me supervillain powers, I'll bring you Miraculous.
— Well, I've got new powers for you, Chameleon.
Feeling Hawk Moth's power spread through my body and mind is the best feeling a human being can feel. I'm going to totally destroy Marinette Dupain-Cheng today, and not even Ladybug, Chat Noir, or La Sainte Trinité will be able to stop me.
INFORMATIONS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC
Chameleon is a supervillain who can transform into another person after touching them, causing her victims to fall asleep. As long as she remains in her form, her victims will remain asleep. As soon as the Chameleon assumes another form, they wake up, but need a few minutes to get back on their feet. By becoming a Miraculous bearer, Chameleon can use their powers.
Even though she doesn't take the form of a Miraculous carrier, she is very agile.
After Heroes' Day, the trio Renna Rouge, Carapace and Queen Bee became known on social media as La Sainte Trinité , which means The Holy Trinity.
Chameleon
— Lila? — I heard Alya's voice in the background. — Have you seen Marinette?
— Yes, I think she's in the computer room, do you want me to go with you?
— Yes, please.
We went to the computer room. This wasn't part of my plans, but now I think it might make more sense for Marinette to think I'm Alya.
Of course, when we got to the computer room there was no one there and Alya started asking questions straight away.
— Lila, where's Marinette? You said she was here.
— She was. — I took the opportunity and held one of her hands. — Maybe she's already gone . — I whispered as Alya collapsed on the floor. I saw my new reflection in the glass of the window, now I look just like Alya Césaire.
I don't want her to cause me any trouble, so I took away her phone and Apple Watch, and locked the door to the room with a chair. No one goes to the computer room at this time. I heard a commotion coming from the courtyard and when I looked, I couldn't believe my eyes. What is Chat Noir doing here? Has he seen Akuma? If so, how? I heard Hawk Moth's voice in my head.
— How did Chat Noir ever show up?
— I don't know, and there's no way Alya can even ask for help! Has he seen Akuma? Is Chat Noir a student at Françoise-Dupont?
12:21
Women's WC
Now I'm Marinette Dupain-Cheng. The real one is at my feet, completely unconscious, vulnerable, helpless. How cute! Should I tie her wrists and ankles so she doesn't get in the way of my plans?
No.
I have a better idea: I'm going to kill her. I want to kill her!
I happened to notice today that Marinette keeps a box cutter in her case. Let's see... I found it.
— Chameleon, what are you doing?
Awn, even the biggest terrorist Paris has ever seen cares about the baker's daughter, how sweet...
— I'm just getting rid of a... problem. Why is that? You've also been terrorizing Paris for so long and you've put so many people's lives at risk...
— It's not the same.
— Why not? Because you already know that Ladybug is going to save the day?
Hawk Moth remained silent. That's what I thought. He could even take away my powers, it's not like I need them.
I shoved Marinette's head into the toilet, my hands trembling with excitement, but before I could rip her throat out, her bag fell to the floor and her stuff scattered all over the bathroom, and as if that wasn't enough, I heard Chat Noir's voice, checking that the bathroom was empty because he was going to come in. Holy shit! While he was talking, I locked the cubicle where Marinette was.
As soon as he came in, I shouted, but it was he who got all embarrassed.
— Marinette? — Oh yeah, he thinks I'm Marinette, great!
— Chat Noir, what are you doing here, you pervert?!
— Yeah... I... sometimes I sense Akumas, and happen to sense an Akuma coming this way, so I got here as quickly as I could. Cat skills.
Got it. I know you’re lying, stupid cat!
— Smug.
He didn't seem to believe that sweet, pure Marinette had managed to insult him.
— Don't you dare come near me, you arrogant mongrel!
— Marinette, wait!
I ran away from him, but instead of going into the bathroom, he just stood there, but suddenly he ran towards me, the whole school was watching.
— What's wrong with you, Marinette?
— What is it, you flea-bitten street cat? — I asked loud enough for everyone to hear. — Did you really think I was a good girl? I'm not! I hate everyone here! — And I turned to the audience and held up my middle fingers. — Fuck all of you! You're all donkeys, imbeciles, assholes, camels! — I shouted. That felt so good.
Chat Noir became calmer and more thoughtful.
— I understand... — Suddenly he grabbed my neck. — I know you're not Marinette, where is she?
— You stupid cat, what are you doing? Je suis Marinette! — He squeezed my neck harder. I couldn't breathe. — Oh Chat Noir, you're really going to hurt a little girl as fragile as...
— Marinette isn't fragile! And I know you're not either! — He shouted, furious.
— My name is Chameleon!
— Chat Noir, back off! Don't let her touch you! — How did she get away? It took Chat Noir a while to get the message from that stupid Alya, now I understand why Ladybug is recruiting new heroes. Unfortunately for him, it was too late.
Once again, I heard Hawk Moth's voice in my head.
— Chameleon, the Chat Noir’s Miraculous! Take the ring off him! — I know it's the ring, old man! Let these clowns see their favorite fearless hero fall for good. Mio Dio , Chat Noir, this must be so humiliating, don't you think? Who is your favorite fearless hero, who is your favorite fearless hero?
— Don't you dare go near Chat Noir, Chameleon! — I think it was that idiot Nino who shouted in the distance. Do he and his little girlfriend really think they can do anything? How sweet, they even tried to throw a chair at me, but I used Chat Noir as a shield... human?
— Get your paws off him! — Of course Queen Bee, miraculous or not, wasn't going to miss an opportunity to show off her horror show. — Everybody get out of here! Queen Bee is about to enter the scene! Or stay and watch, I don't know!
I grabbed Chat Noir's wrist, but Chloé held my free hand, since when is she so strong? Alya and Nino joined the party, congratulations, three brats holding me. Nino was covering the mongrel's ring finger with his hand. What do they think they can do to me?
— We've got you. Chameleon! Now we just have to wait for Ladybug! You could tell us where your akumatized object is. — Alya proclaimed, clearly proud. Oh Mio Dio , this is comical! I had to laugh. — What's so funny?
I laughed even harder.
— What's so funny? — I got out of Chloé's hands and she screamed. I think I sprained her wrist.
Alya's triumphant expression quickly wilted.
— CATACLYSM!
Chloé screamed again, and Alya and Nino immediately let go of me.
— That bitch was going to kill me!
— I just did what everyone wants to do, Queen Désastre .
As soon as they let me go, I grabbed Chat Noir by the hair and put my right hand around his neck. I wish Ladybug were here.
— If you approach, you already know what's gonna happen to your favorite fearless hero, just remember that there's a person behind this mask.
My hand started to slip down his arm, but something pulled me away from him. Speaking of the Devil...
Ladybug
— Get away from him, Chameleon! — They (I have no idea what their gender identity might be) fell on a bench, which had been completely destroyed by the Cataclysm.
They laughed and got ready to leave
— Lila, please! — Alya shouted. Lila? Lila was in the bathroom with me, did she use my box cutter? — I'm your friend, so is Ladybug.
I'm not! I can expose her right here. How much is her word worth against mine?
— Yes, Ladybug, I was akumatized, all because of that horrible Marinette Dupain-Cheng! She's a psychopathic narcissist, she can't stand anyone outshining her!
Lila ran away.
— Hey! I'm the only one who can say anything bad about Dupain-Cheng! — Thanks, Chloé, I guess.
— Don't you dare badmouth Marinette!
Where does she think she's going? I have to go after her! But what about Chat Noir? Will he stay asleep forever? I have to go after Lila, without fail!
— Alya, Nino... Chloé? Please take care of him until I get back.
— Aren't you forgetting something, Ladybug? — Really, Chloé?
I took a deep breath and cracked my best social smile.
— You three guys are amazing, thank you so much for protecting Chat Noir.
And I left, I can't let her out of my sight. I'll save you, my kitten.
Tuileries Garden
12:33
Oh no, I've lost track of her! She could be anyone, what do I do?
— Bon Après-midi, Parisians! — Chat Noir was on top of the statue of the "rhinoceros attacked by two tigers". How did he get here so quickly? — How are you? Did you have a good lunch? — Chat Noir was blowing kisses in the air and only then looked at me. — My Lady, everything is fine. Any sign of Chameleon? — Chat Noir put away his staff and came closer. I'm still skeptical, how did Chat Noir know I was here? I'm assuming that people filmed me and posted it on their social networks. But when I woke up, in the bathroom, I needed almost two minutes to fully recover my senses.
— She must have changed her shape again, it could be anyone who walks past us, and we're not going to find out. — Chat Noir started to walk towards me, but I backed away.
— My Lady, it's me! Don't you trust me?
I trust Chat Noir, of course, but I'm not sure I'm talking to Chat Noir right now.
— Of course I do. I was just wondering why Chameleon would change form, since she has your powers, she's much more powerful than if she took the form of a civilian, don't you think?
— Maybe she wants your powers, so it would be easier for her to approach you if she were, for example, a small child. — Chat Noir approached again, but I moved away again. — Don't worry, My Lady, I'll protect you. — Is it just me or is Chat Noir looking at me like I'm a piece of meat? She came closer again. I grabbed my yo-yo and threw her away.
— You're not Chat Noir! Chat Noir is not an abuser!
— She's calling me an abuser! After everything I've done for her! — Chameleon shouted to those in the park and ran towards me with her right arm outstretched.
I have no more patience for this!
— Lucky Charm!
A pair of gloves? What am I going to do with these? Chameleon suddenly stopped walking.
— I think I'll test something... — I heard Chat Noir's, or rather Chameleon's, voice and turned to her. Chameleon took off Chat Noir's ring, but nothing happened. What a relief!
— What a shame, I thought I could find out his identity. Then you'd be the only one left!
I looked around. There was a lake in the park, and surely that lake must have fish in it.
Poor little fish, please forgive me, but it's for a good cause.
— Come and catch me if you can, Chameleon!
I put on my gloves and dived into the water. I grabbed a bigger fish and felt Chameleon's presence. Her hand was outstretched, I have to be quick. My hands are protected, so I grabbed one of her wrists and put the fish in her hand.
As soon as Chameleon touched the fish, a pink light came on and two fish and a silver hoop fell out. As soon as I broke the hoop in half, a black butterfly came out of its pieces.
Now it's business as usual.
— Miraculous Ladybug!
Suddenly, Lila was at my feet, soaking wet. I'm Ladybug now, I won't hurt her again.
— Mon Dieu , I'm sorry, Lila, this wasn't supposed to happen! I'm taking you home right now!
Lila was about to say something, but realized there were people watching her.
— There's no need, I swear. I live nearby, and you're about to get back to normal.
— I don't want you to catch a cold!
— What? Don't worry! Hurry up!
Chat Noir
Alya said that the last time she saw Marinette was at lunchtime, before she ran out of the canteen and left, because of a napkin and an origami. Surely that wasn't all.
I went into the ladies' room again, this time absolutely certain that it was empty. Could I wait for Alya? Yes, but I don't want to. Alya went to the computer room with Nino to do I don't know what.
Inside one of the cabins was Marinette's backpack, with all her things scattered around, including a stylus with the blade sticking out. Marinette must have used it to defend herself against the villain. But Chameleon showed up looking like Alya, Marinette wouldn't point a stiletto at her best friend. Maybe the stiletto was already like that. But why? What if... No, that's too much!
I packed up her things and left the bathroom.
— Mon Dieu!
— Chat Noir, take a picture with me!
— Chat Noir, je t'aime!
— Chat Noir!
— Chat Noir, remember when you saved my life?
— Chat Noir, autograph my boo...
— Has anyone seen Marinette Dupain-Cheng? — I shouted before the girl could finish her sentence and everyone fell silent, and then the murmurs started.
— I'm here! — Marinette's soft, sweet voice filled Françoise's courtyard and I immediately turned around.
As soon as my eyes met hers, the voices behind me suddenly became muffled.
Her sternum was rising and falling, was she tired? Had Lila done something to her?
— Marinette! — I ran to her and without thinking, I hugged her with all my might. I'd been waiting all day for this moment!
— Chat Noir? — I couldn't let go of her.
— Marinette, are you all right? Please tell me the truth!
— What? I'm fine! What's wrong?
I had to let go of her, I was being too invasive.
— I'm sorry for... this, please. Au revoir!
— Here you have your purse. I'm sorry for... this. I... see ya.
I didn't have the heart to look at Marinette as I left Françoise, however, I felt like my heart was almost smashed when I heard her voice.
— Chat Noir?
I turned, but I barely dared to look at her.
— Are you okay?
She was still slightly out of breath, but she kept looking at me.
— Yes. Thank you for caring.
I winked at her and left. Why does it feel like my blood is boiling?
Françoise-Dupont's courtyard
12:50
Adrien
When I got back, I noticed that there was a small crowd around Lila listening to her antics.
— Didn't the water hurt your ears? — Max asked.
— A little, but it's better now. Thank you all for being so sweet, really!
Marinette, however, didn't look so good.
— Lila? Today Alya met me in the bathroom, and five seconds later I fainted and didn't wake up for I don't know how long. But all my things were scattered around, even my box cutter had the blade sticking out. Do you have anything to tell me, Lila?
Lila made the most indignant face.
— Marinette, do you really think I wanted to hurt you? I've been akumatized! I don’t remember anything! If I hurt you, I don't remember, but anyway, I'm really sorry. And if it was someone else who messed up your things, were you short of money or something?
Marinette sighed, unwilling to play the psychological game.
— No, but you know what? it's all okay, nothing happened in the end, did it? Ladybug was going to save me, or Chat Noir. — Marinette looked Lila deep in the eyes. — But I genuinely believed that akumatizations intensified negative emotions and dark desires. — Everyone looked at Lila. — But I've never been akumatized, so there's no way of knowing a priori . I want candies, do you want to go to the bar with me, Adrien?
Miss Bustier's room
13:40
As soon as I entered the classroom, I heard Lila's voice, but I didn't bother to listen to the conversation. I went to sit with Marinete at the back table.
— The view from here is good!
— You can see the room well, can't you?
I wasn't thinking about the room.
— Professor, maybe I should sit at the back, it's less noisy. Maybe the tinnitus will go away in a week or so. I'll see what the doctor says. And Marinette can come to the front, then she won't be distracted! — Look at the fool, look at the pinderic, but is she crazy?
Miss Bustier shrugged.
— If you think it's best for you, do as you please. Marinette, do you want to come back to the front?
Marinette was scribbling something on her tablet and it took her a while to notice that she was being called.
— Did you call me, Miss Bustier?
— You're really distracted when you're at the back tables, could you come to the front table, please?
Marinette lowered her eyes and looked at me.
— Sure, whatever.
Marinette went downstairs, while Lila came up. I'm not going to stand next to her, not even if I hated myself to death. I raised my arm.
— Miss, can I go back to my old seat?
15:30
When the ringtone echoed through the living room, I packed my things and before leaving, I looked at Marinette, who looked back at me and smiled. I could stare at her forever. Come on, I'm in love with Ladybug!
— Let's go, Nino! — Alya called her boyfriend and pulled him out of the room, without even waiting for him to react.
— See you tomorrow, dude! — Nino shouted from outside.
I was about to leave when I heard Marinette's shy voice.
— A... Adrien? Wait a bit for me. That is if you want, or if you have time, I... ah, what a disaster...!
I couldn't help smiling. Marinette is so cute... Sometimes I feel like I could spend forever with her. Marinette is charming in her own way and such good company, her way is unique. Marinette is one of a kind, and sometimes it feels like having someone so incredible in my life couldn't be real.
— Adrien! I'll walk you out, wait! I haven't even told you half of what happened on my trip and the volunteer work, it was awesome! — Lila grabbed her bag and ran to the front row, where I was, and clung to me like I was a limpet and that made me extremely uncomfortable. Personal space was certainly not a concept in his dictionary.
— Well... I'm going with Marinette, maybe you can talk to me about it tomorrow. — I replied as I tried to disentangle myself from her arm; I wanted more than anything to grab Marinette and disappear from the school.
— Look, Sabrina, the new girl still hasn't realized that Adrikins must be sad right now and missing the time when he didn't even know she existed. It must be like when you have a cold and you start to appreciate the time when breathing was easy.
Marinette coughed to stifle a laugh.
Chloé doesn't like Lila either. Maybe because, well, it's Chloé, and because, just by chance, on Heroes' Day, I...
— J’adore your sense of humor.
Chloé stopped at the doorpost and finally looked at Lila, as if she'd said the most obvious thing of all, but seemed as interested in her as she would have been if she'd been watching paint dry.
— Of course you adore it, but this time I wasn't even making a joke. — And Lila didn't have time to reply, because Chloé and Sabrina quickly left her field of vision. And I didn't want to be anywhere near Lila either, and Marinette certainly didn't. As soon as Marinette had tidied up, I held out my hand to her.
— Shall we go?
Marinette blushed slightly and took it. I wanted to kiss her cheeks.
She's just a friend. Isn't she?
I pushed those thoughts out of my head when I heard her voice.
— See you tomorrow, Lila.
However, I almost had a fit when I saw her face. It looked like Satan himself had possessed her and was ready to end Marinette's race. Involuntarily, I pulled her closer and wrapped my arm around her shoulders, but when I looked at Lila again, her countenance changed radically. Suddenly, she looked like the most delicate and kind person who had ever set foot on Earth.
— Goodbye, Adrien! I loved spending this day with you!
I didn't.
I just gave her a nod and hoped I wouldn't hear from her again until the next day. Hope is the last to die!
When we were already in the corridor, I slowed down.
— Okay... what was that about? — Marinette asked.
— I don't know. I swear, Marinette, I'm so happy to be around you in class, you don't even know...
Marinette smiled. What a beautiful smile...
— Are you serious?
— Of course I'm serious! Do you want a ride home?
— No. I mean, I have rugby practice today and I'm staying here to study. But I'll keep you company outside.
I put a hand to my mouth. That's right, how could I forget about that?
Marinette
Adrien and I were in front of the Audi Q7, where Gorilla was waiting.
— Well, I've got to go. Thanks for keeping me company, Marinette. See you tomorrow. And good training.
— I'll see you tomorrow. See ya... — Then I noticed that Alya and Nino were looking straight at us and whispering little secrets to each other. I looked angry and started walking towards them, just to say goodbye, but stopped when I heard Adrien calling me.
— Marinette, wait!
He stood in front of me for a few seconds, but then surprised me by kissing me on the cheek and getting back into the car as quickly as he had left.
Adrien kissed me.
ADRIEN KISSED ME!
— Will you need me to hold you so you don't trip? — Alya asked playfully, one arm resting on her boyfriend's shoulder.
— That's so funny... — And without much desire for a candle, I said goodbye. — I have to go now, call me later.
As I walked back into the school, I didn't realize that I'd bumped into a person, or rather a snake.
— I see you've made up your mind. — Lila watched, and whispered in my ear. — From now on, you and I are at war, you'll lose all your friends and be alone, and soon Adrien will be mine.
But Adrien knows Lila's true nature, and I know that he knows.
— That's what we'll see, Lila, okay? — I even touched her shoulder before I left her behind.
To be continued…