Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ping.

An Instagram notification.

Moving the fabric on the mannequin she was hunched over, Marinette reached out blindly to her desk to locate her phone. After only a few moments of fumbling, she finally found the object and turned it on, eyes scanning her notification wall.

She rolled her eyes to see a notification from Chat. He liked to spam her messages on her Ladybug account, and no doubt he found some ridiculous cat meme to send.

But wait...why was it a follow notification? Had he accidentally unfollowed somehow?

Curious, she sat and opened the notification. Her eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.

itsmechatnoir has requested to follow marinette.dc.

Why was he requesting to follow her?! Should she let him? Sure, the superhero made occasional appearances on her balcony, but to directly follow her personal account...was he crazy?

Ping.

itsmechatnoir has started following designsbymarinette.

And now her fashion account, too??

Gaping, Marinette could only conclude that he just wanted to tease her a little. She groaned as she realized Alya would have Chat’s notifications on and would eventually discover this development. She was just grateful she didn’t have a Twitter account.

Biting her lip, she pressed the accept button for the request on her personal account, hoping she wouldn’t regret it.

~

Ping. A DM notification.

itsmechatnoir: hey purrincess, guess why i just landed on my feet

itsmechatnoir: bc i fell for u

marinette.dc: i’m going to block u chat don’t test me

itsmechatnoir: [sadkitten.jpg]

itsmechatnoir: u wouldnt abandon a kitty in distress would u </3

marinette.dc: why are u in distress

itsmechatnoir: i’m hungry and i want dupain-cheng pastries

marinette.dc: do ur feet work

itsmechatnoir: ?? yes

marinette.dc: then walk into the bakery and buy some.

marinette.dc: [thenperish.jpg]

~

LadybugOfficial: Chat, did you follow a civilian’s account?

itsmechatnoir: why hello my lady <3 and i may have followed a fur-iend of mine

LadybugOfficial: …

LadybugOfficial: Moving past the pun, you know we aren’t supposed to follow civilians. It gets messy. And people start asking more for follows and such.

itsmechatnoir: i know, my lady, but she’s a good friend. she won’t exploit me i purromise. and i wanted to dm her as chat :(((

LadybugOfficial: ...Alright, just message me before you do it again.

itsmechatnoir: thank you my lady!!!! <333

~

 Ping.

Marinette’s eyebrow twitched.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” Alya asked her, looking up from where she’d been poring over her phone. A wicked gleam entered her eye. “Is it--”

“Probably.” Marinette hid her face in her hands and groaned. “That’s the fourteenth cat meme he’s sent me today. I don’t know why I haven’t blocked him yet.”

“You have a follow from the Chat Noir and you’re complaining?” Alya scoffed. “I was over the moon when he and Ladybug finally followed the Ladyblog account.”

Marinette smiled behind her hands. Yes, she remembered that. It was a good way to keep up on akuma alerts, and besides, she’d wanted to support her best friend. Ladybug following the Ladyblog wasn’t too weird.

“What’d he say?” Alya’s excited voice broke through her musings. Marinette glanced down at her screen and resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

itsmechatnoir: [grumpycat.jpg]

itsmechatnoir: me when u don’t reply

marinette.dc: chat i’m at school rn

itsmechatnoir: but ur not IN class rn are u

marinette.dc: yes now begone thot

itsmechatnoir: methinks the purrincess is a liar

marinette.dc: what proof do u have

itsmechatnoir: call it a cat’s intuition.

Marinette groaned and thunked her head on the table. Alya snickered. 

Her eyes widened when she heard her best friend say gleefully: “Hey, Nino and Adrien. Perfect timing. Do you guys wanna join us for the rest of study hall?”

She heard murmured words of assent as the pair joined them. She could see Nino taking a seat beside Alya, which meant the warm body beside her was…

Marinette lifted her head to come face-to-face with the smiling visage of Adrien Agreste.

He gave her a bright, yet somehow lopsided, smile. “Hi, Marinette. Have you been having a good morning?”

She squeaked. “I--uh, good. Very perfect. I’ve had a good morning.”

“That’s good to hear.” There was a playfulness she couldn’t quite understand in his tone.

“You guys won’t believe who followed Marinette on Instagram this weekend,” Alya said gleefully, leaning forward. “Chat Noir!”

“Really? A superhero?” Nino turned his surprised eyes to her, but Marinette was too busy turning bright red, trying to stutter out an explanation before Adrien jumped to conclusions.

“That’s awesome, Mari. He must really like your designs.” Adrien’s voice saved her from continuing to flounder. Gulping, she snapped her mouth shut and just nodded.

Alya rolled her eyes. “I think he likes more than her designs. Her phone’s been dinging nonstop all morning.”

Adrien’s eyebrows lifted, but he seemed to be pleased about something. “He’s been messaging you?”

Marinette nodded, making a mental note to skin that cat later. “J-Just, like, memes and stuff.”

“Cat memes?” Adrien asked, a twinkle in his eye.

Nervously, she nodded.

“You’ll have to send them to me. I love those kinds of things.”

He did?!

“You do?” Alya’s surprised voice came into focus. “Pretty funny for someone who never uses his Insta account, Agreste.”

Adrien shrugged his shoulders, a coy smile tugging on his lips. “What can I say? Having a brand account isn’t much fun.”

“Yeah, I guess a celebrity account doesn’t lend itself to much personal stuff,” Nino commented. Marinette knew Adrien’s account; she’d stalked it regularly to moon over the photos. 

They returned to their work, and after a couple minutes Adrien shifted to pick up his phone. At Nino’s questioning look, he shrugged. “Some schedule stuff for a modeling shoot got moved around. I gotta confirm it with Nathalie.”

I wonder what kind of shoot it is, Marinette thought with a smile, but before she could speculate any further, her phone dinged.

itsmechatnoir: im telling ladybug u keep ignoring me

Despite herself, Marinette had to stifle a snort. Glancing up, she was relieved to see Alya and Nino were too engrossed in their work and Adrien was busy smiling at his own phone.

marinette.dc: oh noooo, not the mighty ladybug. she might lucky charm me to death.

itsmechatnoir: hey u arent smack talking my lady are u

marinette.dc: ur the one saying ur gonna go crying to her like she’s ur mom or smthn

itsmechatnoir: [bananacatmeme.jpg]

itsmechatnoir: no one controls THE chat noir >:T

marinette.dc: ur a huge dork.

itsmechatnoir: is that why u keep messaging me?

marinette.dc: u would yowl outside my window all night if i didnt

itsmechatnoir: [surprisedpikachu.jpg]

itsmechatnoir: how did u know!!!!

marinette.dc: u need to update ur meme game, scrub

marinette.dc: [lasereyeladybugmeme.jpg]

Adrien started coughing loudly beside her, drawing her out of her conversation with Chat. She looked at him, alarmed, taking in his red face. He was covering his mouth with a hand.

“A-Adrien? Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” he wheezed, then took a breath. “I-I’m fine. I’m good.”

Marinette watched him with concern, but she could’ve sworn he was trying to hide a massive, goofy grin behind his hand.

Chapter Text

alyatheblogger has added you to a chat.

Marinette’s eyebrow twitched. She glanced up at her best friend, who was sitting cross-legged across from her. “You didn’t.”

“Hey, they might actually respond now! Since Chat follows you!” Alya was grinning like the Cheshire cat.

“So why use your personal and not your Ladyblog account? The one they follow?” Marinette raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“Because that’s strictly business. I don’t want to scare them off by adding them to chats using that account.” 

Marinette rolled her eyes.

alyatheblogger has added DJNino.

alyatheblogger has added OfficialAdrienAgreste.

Marinette eeped. “Nino and Adrien, too?!”

Alya waggled her eyebrows. “Bonding with your crush in a group chat for superheroes? How romantic!”

Marinette groaned.

alyatheblogger has added LadybugOfficial.

alyatheblogger has added itsmechatnoir.

DJNino: um, Als? Not that i’m questioning you but what is going on

marinette.dc: she’s convinced chat and ladybug will reply bc he followed me lol

DJNino: ahh

alyatheblogger: hush, both of u. they’re in this chat too u know

marinette.dc: haha not like they’ll actually reply

marinette.dc: [kermitsippingtea.jpg] 

itsmechatnoir: nice one purrincess

alyatheblogger: SKSDJSKJS

alyatheblogger: SEE HE’S HERE

DJNino: hi chat noir

itsmechatnoir: hello my fave civilians

itsmechatnoir: [catwaving.gif]

Marinette’s eye twitched. That damn cat. Why is he responding to random DMs? 

Well, he’d probably noticed she was in it...shit. The last thing she needed was a direct line of communication between Chat and her friends.

Ladybug, at least, needs to stay professional, she told herself.

alyatheblogger: awh we’re ur fave civilians?

itsmechatnoir: well u do have a purrincess among u

itsmechatnoir: [theresanimposteramongus.jpg]

marinette.dc: among us memes? really chat? 

DJNino: Lol

itsmechatnoir: u wound me!! what’s wrong with them!!

marinette.dc: i thought i told u to upgrade ur meme game

marinette.dc: [blurrychatfalling.jpg]

alyatheblogger: OH MY GODDD

itsmechatnoir: WHERE DID YOU GET THAT PHOTO

itsmechatnoir: DELET

marinette.dc: i am the meme master i have my ways

alyatheblogger changed the group name to meme masters.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Hey guys!

marinette.dc: hi adirn

marinette.dc: adrein

marinette.dc: adrien

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Hello Marinette :)

DJNino: hey dude

itsmechatnoir: who invited blondie

marinette.dc: chat wtf be nice

itsmechatnoir: [catrollingeyes.gif]

alyatheblogger: hey adrien

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Hi Chat Noir. Do you think Ladybug will join us?

itsmechatnoir: do i look like i know

marinette.dc: CHAT

alyatheblogger: LMAOOO

DJNino: [ooohrabbit.gif]

marinette.dc: dont encourage him

OfficialAdrienAgreste: It’s alright Marinette I don’t mind

itsmechatnoir: :3

marinette.dc: thats it

LadybugOfficial: Chat, stop bullying civilians.

alyatheblogger: WTF OMGGG

alyatheblogger: HI LADYBUG

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Hello Ladybug! :)

LadybugOfficial: Hi ADRIEN

LadybugOfficial: *Adrien haha autocorrect

OfficialAdrienAgreste: It’s awesome to meet you!

LadybugOfficial: Same!

itsmechatnoir: dont u mean……

LadybugOfficial: Don’t

itsmechatnoir: pawsome

itsmechatnoir: [awwyeah.gif]

LadybugOfficial: Anyway, Ladyblogger, I appreciate you adding us to this groupchat, but Chat and I aren’t supposed to use these accounts for personal stuff.

alyatheblogger: aww okay :((

alyatheblogger: thanks for responding tho this is so cool

LadybugOfficial: Of course :)

itsmechatnoir: but my lady i dont wanna leave :(

itsmechatnoir: mari tell her how clawsome it is to have us here

LadybugOfficial: Don’t drag her into this.

itsmechatnoir: jealous my lady?? ;33

LadybugOfficial: In your dreams, kitty.

DJNino: is this what its like to third wheel

alyatheblogger: omg this is so cute #LadyNoir

itsmechatnoir: THAT HASHTAG SKDJSKJ

LadybugOfficial: Alright, I’m leaving.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Okay, goodbye Ladybug. It was nice chatting with you.

LadybugOfficial: Well, I might pop in from time to time.

alyatheblogger: YAY REALLY

LadybugOfficial: Why not :)

itsmechatnoir: does this mean i can stay in here my lady ??

LadybugOfficial: Sure Chat.

itsmechatnoir: YAYYYY

itsmechatnoir: [dancingcat.gif]

Marinette put her phone down and groaned. This was definitely a mistake. She shouldn’t stay in the chat. But Adrien had been so excited…

Alya was practically dancing in her seat. “I can’t believe they’re staying! We’ve got superheroes in our groupchat!”

She tried to give Alya an enthusiastic thumbs-up. “Yeah, it’s awesome.”

“And we got to witness Ladynoir firsthand,” Alya sighed happily. “I ship them so hard.”

“Haha, I don’t think it’ll happen, but good for you, Alya.” Marinette was saved from her nervous laughter by another ping.

itsmechatnoir: where did mari go i miss her :((

marinette.dc: relax im right here

itsmechatnoir: PURRINCESS

alyatheblogger: princess huh???

marinette.dc: chat we talked abt this

itsmechatnoir: ;3

alyatheblogger: chat spill

itsmechatnoir: [lasereyeladybugmeme.jpg]

marinette.dc: HEY

marinette.dc: MEME THIEF

itsmechatnoir: I DONT SEE A WATERMARK

marinette.dc: ITS THE PRINCIPLE OF IT

alyatheblogger: wait mari you made that meme??

itsmechatnoir: yeah princess did u really

marinette.dc: i dont have to sit here and take this

marinette.dc: im leaving the gc

alyatheblogger: [huzzit.jpg]

alyatheblogger: girl don’t be hasty

itsmechatnoir: mariiii im sorryyyy dont go :(((

itsmechatnoir: [sadkittyeyes.jpg]

marinette.dc: fine

DJNino: none of you would happen to have the chem hw would u

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I have it Nino!

itsmechatnoir: nerd

marinette.dc: CHAT

 

This was going to be a very long night, Marinette suspected.

Chapter Text

itsmechatnoir: [dancingcat.gif]

itsmechatnoir: [nyancat.gif]

itsmechatnoir: [singingcat.gif]

marinette.dc: chat its two am.

itsmechanoir: !!! purrincess! I didnt think anyone would be awake!!!!

marinette.dc: that’s bc we shouldnt be awake

itsmechatnoir: [heartcat.jpg]

itsmechatnoir: so why are u awake then

itsmechatnoir: :3

marinette.dc: commission stuff

marinette.dc: i procrastinated on this stitching and its gonna cost me lmao

itsmechatnoir: awh princess :(( do u want some company?

marinette.dc: chat this is the gc

itsmechatnoir: im omw

marinette.dc: alya when u see this no u didnt

~

“He visits you?!”

Marinette shrunk down in her seat as Alya loomed over her, eyes on fire. “Well, no, not really...just occasionally...since the whole Evillustrator incident…”

“And you didn’t think to tell me?”

“You’d take the opportunity to drill him with Ladynoir questions and you know it, Alya,” Marinette said flatly.

Alya huffed. “Well--maybe, but still--!”

Just then, the two were interrupted by the school bell. Alya’s eyes narrowed, and she jabbed a finger towards her best friend. “This convo is not over.”

Marinette nodded and stifled a yawn as she left.

~

While on her way back from school, her phone pinged again. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes, wondering if she should mute the groupchat. She fished out her phone and glanced at the notification.

And promptly almost dropped her phone.

New message notification from OfficialAdrienAgreste.

What?!

Adrien had never DMed her before. Come to think of it, why was he DMing her on Instagram when he had her phone number? It made sense for Chat, since she couldn’t have his number, but--

Okay, she was overthinking this. She gulped and opened the DM.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Hey Marinette. :) I just wanted to make sure you were alright. Alya seemed to be grilling you pretty hard in school today. 

marinette.dc: I’m fine! promise! haha it wasnt anything bad haha

OfficialAdrienAgreste: That’s good to hear. 

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Was it about the messages from the group chat last night?

Marinette winced. That boy was too perceptive for his own good. She chewed her lip as she thought of how to reply. She never thought in a million years she’d be talking about Chat Noir with her crush on Instagram DM.

marinette.dc: well yeah it was, but its just a misunderstanding

OfficialAdrienAgreste: So he didn’t visit you?

marinette.dc: ...he did but its not what it looks like haha

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I dunno you two seem pretty close

OfficialAdrienAgreste: or should I say

OfficialAdrienAgreste: purretty close?

The sound that left Marinette’s mouth was not human.

~

alyatheblogger: I would just like to say 

alyatheblogger: chat you visiting my bff is confusing me

itsmechatnoir: and why is that madame ladyblogger

alyatheblogger: bc ur sinking two of my fave ships

alyatheblogger: and yet

alyatheblogger: i’m kinda starting to ship marichat

DJNino: ...babe.

itsmechatnoir: ALDJSFJKDJKS

itsmechatnoir: MARICHAT??

itsmechatnoir: i love it #marichatforlyfe

alyatheblogger: OMG MARI LOOK HE SHIPS IT

alyatheblogger: my ladynoir heart is confused

itsmechatnoir: wait whats the other ship im sinking

alyatheblogger: ahh well thats mari and her boi

marinette.dc: alya do not say anything else i swear

alyatheblogger: hmm idk this is what happens when we keep cat-related secrets from our bffs

marinette.dc: alya pls

marinette.dc: [emojiwithgun.jpg]

marinette.dc: i will find you. and i will kill you.

DJNino: Lol

alyatheblogger: LMAOOO dw girl you know i wouldnt

alyatheblogger: not in the gc anyways

itsmechatnoir: dm me

marinette.dc: DONT YOU DARE

marinette.dc: ALYA

marinette.dc: CHAT!!

marinette.dc: GUYS OH MY GOD

marinette.dc: dont make me sic ladybug on you chat

marinette.dc: why arent they answering meeee

DJNino: rip mari

itsmechatnoir: WELL WELL WELL

itsmechatnoir: i didnt know you had a type purrincess!!

marinette.dc: ...alya u didnt.

alyatheblogger: what can i say he bribed me with an exclusive interview

marinette.dc: i literally hate u both sm omg

itsmechatnoir: its ok princess ur secret is safe with me <3

itsmechatnoir: [thumbsupcat.jpg]

marinette.dc: ugh

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Hey guys!

itsmechatnoir: well well

marinette.dc: hi adrienchat dotn

itsmechatnoir: look what the cat dragged in

OfficialAdrienAgreste: So you have a crush, Marinette? Lucky guy!

itsmechatnoir: dont flirt with her blondie

alyatheblogger: i--

itsmechatnoir: [hissingcat.gif]

alyatheblogger: im so glad to be alive and witnessing this rn

itsmechatnoir: where did mari go :(

alyatheblogger: i think u broke her

DJNino: i think all of you broke her

marinette.dc: thanks adrien!

alyatheblogger: LOL that was a bit late girl

OfficialAdrienAgreste: That’s okay Marinette you’re welcome :)

itsmechatnoir: paws off blondie

itsmechatnoir: [catflippingoff.gif]

marinette.dc: chat i can and will neuter you

itsmechatnoir: ohhh kinky princess <3

Marinette wondered if it was possible to strangle someone over the phone. And made a mental note to make Chat patrol twice as long the next time Ladybug saw him.

For now, a DM from Ladybug telling him to calm it down would have to be enough.

Chapter Text

Marinette had just posted a photo of herself trying on a half-finished design on her personal account (her fashion account was for finished work and other work-related posts only) when her phone pinged.

itsmechatnoir commented: you’re the purrettiest princess at the ball <3

Marinette groaned. It was bad enough he followed her, but now he was going to start commenting on her photos, too? This was way too much attention.

Ping. Ping. Ping.

QueenChloe commented: not bad, but it could use more yellow.

alyatheblogger replied to itsmechatnoir’s comment: guys quit flirting on main

alyatheblogger, QueenChloe, DJNino and 12 others liked itsmechatnoir’s comment.

Marinette hid her face in her hands. Her friends weren’t any help. In fact, they were probably enjoying this way too much.

She was debating deleting Chat’s comment when her phone went off again.

OfficialAdrienAgreste commented: Great start Marinette! I love what you did with the lining on the bodice!

Marinette shrieked and dropped her phone. Adrien?! Adrien commented on my photo? He’d done so before, of course, but few and far between, and usually when it wasn’t just her in the photo. And he’d complimented her stitching. She thought she might faint.

Ping.

itsmechatnoir replied to OfficialAdrienAgreste’s comment: so u admit u were staring at her chest then blondie

Marinette had never craved death so soon after feeling on top of the world.

~

Luckily, Adrien had never responded to Chat’s jab, and Marinette had muted the photo after that. She was grateful her personal account was private, since that meant fangirls wouldn’t see Chat’s comments. Fangirls of Chat or Adrien.

That didn’t make it any less embarrassing, of course, but it helped.

And that also didn’t mean Ladybug wasn’t going to have a few choice words with that mangy cat.

LadybugOfficial: Chat, we need to talk.

itsmechatnoir: well hello my lady!! <3 what about?

LadybugOfficial: It’s about that civilian you followed, Marinette.

itsmechatnoir: what abt her?

LadybugOfficial: You need to stop flirting with her so openly. People might get the wrong idea.

itsmechatnoir: nah it’s ok my lady, thats just how we tease each other

LadybugOfficial: Yes, but what if she has a crush on someone?

itsmechatnoir: oh she does ;3

LadybugOfficial: See? You could be giving him the wrong idea.

itsmechatnoir: trust me bugaboo, he doesn’t mind.

LadybugOfficial: What?? Did you talk to him??

itsmechatnoir: wait howd u know it was a him

itsmechatnoir: ?? hello

LadybugOfficial: I may have talked to Marinette

itsmechatnoir: AHA

itsmechatnoir: THE TRUTH COMES OUT

itsmechatnoir: wait

itsmechatnoir: ur friends with mari??

LadybugOfficial: No not really haha we just talk sometimes

itsmechatnoir: hmm

itsmechatnoir: so what... u dont like her??

LadybugOfficial: No it’s not that! She’s very nice and cute. I like her fine!

itsmechatnoir: hold up

itsmechatnoir: [holdupmeme.jpg]

itsmechatnoir: my lady...dont tell me you…

LadybugOfficial: chat look dont tell anyone pls 

itsmechatnoir: no fukin way

LadybugOfficial: alright u got me

itsmechatnoir: YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON MARI??

LadybugOfficial: WHAT NO

itsmechatnoir: OH MY GOD

itsmechatnoir: THIS IS UNPRECEDENTED

itsmechatnoir: im so sorry ladybug i didnt realize

itsmechatnoir: so thats why u were so against the follow and gcs

LadybugOfficial: Chat I Do Not Have A Crush On Marinette.

itsmechatnoir: its ok bugaboo i get it shes purretty great

itsmechatnoir: although im sad its not me i do get it shes pawesome

LadybugOfficial: Nothing I say will convince you otherwise will it.

itsmechatnoir: nope!

itsmechatnoir: although u do realize im not backing off

LadybugOfficial: ??

itsmechatnoir: this means war my lady <33

Marinette had a feeling that conversation had gone as badly as possible. But the horrifying truth of it was, Chat knew she liked Adrien, and now also believed Ladybug (her) had a crush on Marinette (also her).

What had she gotten herself into?

~

alyatheblogger changed the group name to marichat stans.

marinette.dc: alya wtf

itsmechatnoir: ohh madame ladyblogger is stating her loyalties

alyatheblogger: i still adore ladynoir ok but this is getting juicy

marinette.dc: alya i swear

itsmechatnoir: dw princess i think its cute <3333

DJNino: Lol

marinette.dc: why is the topic of the day always my love life

alyatheblogger: i can think of worse things than being shipped w a superhero

marinette.dc: to You

marinette.dc: [toyoumeme.gif]

itsmechatnoir: btw princess

itsmechatnoir: what do u think of ladybug

marinette.dc: uhh shes cool ig. i like her hair.

itsmechatnoir: hmm

itsmechatnoir: oki

LadybugOfficial: Chat, stop.

alyatheblogger: OMG LADYBUG HI

LadybugOfficial: Hi everyone. Chat, did you forget I was in this chat?

itsmechatnoir: maybe :3

LadybugOfficial: I knew it. Anyway, stop bothering Mari.

itsmechatnoir: ohh mari huh??

LadybugOfficial: Chat.

marinette.dc: dont worry ladybug i know hes just joking around

LadybugOfficial: Thank you, Marinette.

marinette.dc: haha no prob. Just chat being chat

LadybugOfficial: Hahaha as always, you’re right. :p

alyatheblogger: ..did ladybug just use an emoji

alyatheblogger: at mari

LadybugOfficial: ?

alyatheblogger: MARINETTE GET UR BUTT BACK HERE

alyatheblogger: MARI!!!

LadybugOfficial: Maybe she’s busy?

alyatheblogger: how do u know

alyatheblogger: are u with her??

LadybugOfficial: what no

LadybugOfficial: Marinette and me in the same room?? No haha

itsmechatnoir: suddenly i feel very threatened

alyatheblogger: at last the cat returns

alyatheblogger: u better defend ur marichat status or maribug stans will rise

itsmechatnoir: NO

itsmechatnoir: MARICHAT STANS ARE SUPREME

itsmechatnoir: MY LADY STOP BLOWING HOLES IN MY SHIP

itsmechatnoir: wait bugaboo are u really with mari rn

LadybugOfficial: NO

alyatheblogger: guilty as charged

itsmechatnoir: …

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Hey guys! What did I miss?

alyatheblogger: hi sunshine boi

DJNino: hey dude

DJNino: apparently marichat is on the rocks and maribug is rising

LadybugOfficial: Hi Adrien haha

LadybugOfficial: These are all jokes I am not in love with Marinette haha she is single

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I see 

alyatheblogger: so adrien

alyatheblogger: marichat or maribug?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Well Ladynoir is kind of cute!

alyatheblogger: not what i asked

alyatheblogger: which one

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Well, if I had to choose

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Marichat for lyfe.

itsmechatnoir: i knew u werent completely annoying blondie

itsmechatnoir: also mari disappeared again >:(

DJNino: i think u guys made her combust

LadybugOfficial: You guys should stop teasing her so much.

alyatheblogger: ;) defensive are we ladybug?

LadybugOfficial: You know what.

LadybugOfficial: Fine, Mari and I are going to go enjoy ourselves. Bye.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: WHAT

itsmechatnoir: I AGREE WHAT

itsmechatnoir: MY LADY!!!

alyatheblogger: NO FUCKIN WAY

itsmechatnoir: princess is this true!!!

itsmechatnoir: princess!!!!!! Mari!!!

alyatheblogger: mari answer ur damn phone

itsmechatnoir: this is the worst day of my life.

Needless to say, Marinette felt as though her revenge went well.

Even if a needy and wide-eyed cat showed up at her balcony that night.

Chapter Text

Despite the weirdness that had persisted over the last few days (mainly Chat and Alya bugging her about the new ‘Maribug’ ship, which she was too tired to dispute) things had settled back into a nice routine. Except for the occasional superhero update from Alya, the groupchat had remained blessedly quiet. Marinette had purposely not been posting anything. Life felt normal again.

Which led her to sit out on her balcony that night, enjoying the slight chilliness and sipping a cup of herbal tea she’d made. Her homework was done, no akumas had been spotted in the last couple days, and even Chat had been an absent visitor.

Things were quiet and calm.

And she was bored as hell.

She would never admit she missed Chat’s visits, but she did. She even missed the abundance of memes in her DMs. He’d been oddly quiet lately.

Her mind switched to another blonde boy she was worried about. Adrien had been absent from school, as the Agreste brand geared up for a spring launch. He’d been working nonstop, and only Nino’s updates kept her in the know on what was going on with her crush.

Marinette sighed and sipped her tea. I miss them.

Ping.

As if on cue, her phone beeped. Mindlessly, she reached out for it, not used to receiving many notifications anymore.

itsmechatnoir: what’s my purrincess up to tonight?

She sat up. Chat? She tried to resist the warmth flooding through her, but it was there. Stupid cat and stupid fluttery feelings.

marinette.dc: just chillin with some tea i made. wbu?

itsmechatnoir: doing what cats do best. 

marinette.dc: shredding furniture?

itsmechatnoir: sitting by myself.

Marinette frowned. She’d been expecting a quip back, but his response was oddly flat.

marinette.dc: you okay, chat?

itsmechatnoir: yeah, sorry princess. i’m just tired and miss my friends.

marinette.dc: life been busy?

itsmechatnoir: u have no idea

itsmechatnoir: [sleepingcat.gif]

marinette.dc: do u wanna talk abt it?

marinette.dc: if u want to that is

marinette.dc: nvm that was dumb ignore that

marinette.dc: i know u cant that was dumb haha

itsmechatnoir: mari, it’s okay. thank u for caring. I’m ok i purromise. <3

marinette.dc: okay

marinette.dc: but u know…

marinette.dc: i have another mug of tea here just getting cold

marinette.dc: chat?

marinette.dc: are u there?

itsmechatnoir: i’m on my way, princess. <3

itsmechatnoir: btw… u wouldnt happen to have any cheese, would u?

~

He was late.

Ladybug huffed, hands on her hips as she scanned the Parisian skyline. It was time for their joint patrol, and she was down a black cat.

She’d been careful to remain cheerful around him, but he seemed back to normal quickly. Around the same time, Adrien had returned to school, and Marinette was relieved that the model also seemed in good spirits despite working so much.

However, no matter how tired he was, he was never late.

She flipped open her Bugphone. Lost in thought, she didn’t realize she selected the groupchat and not her DM with Chat.

LadybugOfficial: Chat, you’re late. Where are you?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: what do u mean

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I mean, hello, Ladybug. Is something wrong?

She winced. I’m in the groupchat. Shit.

LadybugOfficial: Oh, no, haha. Chat’s just late to our patrol.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: That was tonight?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I mean, you guys do that every night?

LadybugOfficial: Oh, not every night. Just when we can. We’re both pretty busy haha

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I see.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I’m sure he’ll be there soon.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I just wanted to say, I think you’re an amazing hero.

LadybugOfficial: oh haha wow thank you ADRIEN

LadybugOfficial: *Adrien I mean 

LadybugOfficial: You’re pretty amazing yourself.

LadybugOfficial: Adrien? You still there?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Oh yeah lmao oops sorry dropped my phone

OfficialAdrienAgreste: You think I’m amazing?

LadybugOfficial: Well sure, I heard about all the work you’ve been doing for the Gabriel spring launch. You must be tired. I’m a fan of your work.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: You are?? Really??

LadybugOfficial: Yeah! You’re incredible!

LadybugOfficial: I mean your work is incredible haha! But so are you!

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Thank you, Ladybug. <3

Ladybug was grateful Chat didn’t show up until after she’d retrieved her Bugphone from where she’d dropped it off the Eiffel Tower.

~

Marinette was sitting in the library, working on a science project, when she felt someone slide into the seat across from her.

Not glancing up, she murmured: “Alya, I’ve told you  thousand times, there’s nothing going on between me and Ladybug.”

The deep chuckle in response made her freeze like a deer, and she slowly looked up to meet the amused eyes of Adrien Agreste. He winked.

“Not that I wouldn’t love the details of your and Ladybug’s relationship, but I came over to chat with you.”

He looked so pleased with himself that Marinette felt as though she was missing some sort of joke, but he continued before she could dwell on it.

“I guess I was curious…” he leaned forward, across the table, and Marinette felt her face go red. He’s in my space he’s in my space hesinmyspacehesinmyspace…!!

“You and Chat--” he was cut off by a loud “shh!” from the librarian. Immediately snapping his mouth closed, he gestured to her phone. Confused, Marinette picked it up.

Ping.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: So are you and Chat close?

She gulped, looking up to meet his curious green eyes. This again? Why was Adrien so curious about her relationship with Chat?

Biting her lip, she looked back at her phone.

marinette.dc: i guess haha. we’re friends.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: You like hanging out with him?

marinette.dc: yeah, hes kinda goofy and puns a lot but honestly its kinda charming

marinette.dc: omg dont tell him i said that ahaha

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Don’t worry princess, your secret is safe with me.

Marinette felt like she might hyperventilate. Noticing her lack of response, Adrien’s eyebrows furrowed.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Sorry, is ‘princess’ a Chat thing?

marinette.dc: oh i dont mind haha esp if its u haha i just wasnt expecting that

marinette.dc: it surprised me

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Hmm I see

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Guess I better not say that, Chat might not like it

marinette.dc: maybe not haha

OfficialAdrienAgreste: It does suit you, though.

marinette.dc: awh thank you adrien

marinette.dc: sunshine boy suits u too :)

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Ah, I forgot about that. I suppose Alya will never let me live it down.

marinette.dc: she definitely wont haha

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Maybe you should make a nickname for me, too!

marinette.dc: haha like what?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Not sure, but I’m excited to see what you come up with. ;)

DJNino: ...you guys do realize ur in the gc, right?

Marinette suddenly craved the sweet embrace of death. Apparently Adrien was of the same opinion, as she could see a noticeable flush crawling up his face. It was kind of amusing, seeing the usually composed Adrien so flustered.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Oops 

DJNino: yea, oops. Alya is freaking out next to me btw but her phone is dead

marinette.dc: yeah oops hahaha

DJNino: GIRL

DJNino: SUNSHINE BOI THAT WAS SMOOTH AF

OfficialAdrienAgreste: ?

marinette.dc: alya please

DJNino: SKDJSKDJSK ADRIENETTE RISES!!!!

marinette.dc: ALYA!!!

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Lol Mari we already have a ship name!

marinette.dc: haha yeah what are the odds

itsmechatnoir: i dont approve of this development

itsmechatnoir: u realize this means war blondie

itsmechatnoir: [armycat.jpg]

itsmechatnoir has changed the group name to adrienette sucks.

 

marinette.dc: chat please dont

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Bring it on, pussycat.

DJNino: DKSKAKDJAKSJSJ!!!! AKDJSKS!!!!!!!!!

DJNino: okay i got my phone back from alya

DJNino: marichat v adrienette huh

itsmechatnoir: you bet and i shall not lose

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Then how come Mari and I are having a study date?

itsmechatnoir: oh yeah? Then how come princess complimented my humor?

itsmechatnoir: dont try to hide it princess i saw it up there^^

itsmechatnoir: princess?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: She’s bright red and hiding her face right now

OfficialAdrienAgreste: It’s cute too bad you can’t see it

itsmechatnoir: i???

itsmechatnoir: oh its on blondie

DJNino: chat you’re also blonde

itsmechatnoir: WHOSE SIDE ARE U ON NINO

DJNino: i’m staying neutral on this ship war

DJNino: alya has a lot of opinions tho

marinette.dc: ok enough of this haha funny joke guys

alyatheblogger: ahh she cant accept bc of ladybug ;)

alyatheblogger: oh i plugged my phone in

itsmechatnoir: theres no helping it then

itsmechatnoir: i’ll have to fight my lady and blondie for the hand of the fair princess

itsmechatnoir: [fiteme.gif]

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Anywhere, anytime, pussycat.

itsmechatnoir: pampered rich boi thinks he can take on a literal superhero lmao

alyatheblogger: this tension kinda potent tho

alyatheblogger: could these two have an enemies-to-lovers arc? Adrichat?

itsmechatnoir: No.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: No.

DJNino: Lol

alyatheblogger: mari u got anything to say abt this war??

LadybugOfficial: All of you suck and Maribug is supreme.

Needless to say, Marinette turned her notifications off after she sent that.

Chapter Text

LadybugOfficial: Chat can you cover patrol today? Something came up

LadybugOfficial: Just let me know

LadybugOfficial: Chat?

LadybugOfficial: Chat are you getting these?

itsmechatnoir: i’m not talking to u

LadybugOfficial: What why

LadybugOfficial: What did I do?

itsmechatnoir: u know what u did!!!

itsmechatnoir: [angerycat.gif]

LadybugOfficial: Chat I have no idea what you’re talking about.

itsmechatnoir: >:(

LadybugOfficial: Wait

LadybugOfficial: Is this about Marinette?

itsmechatnoir: OF COURSE IT IS

itsmechatnoir: YOU GUYS WENT ON A DATE 

LadybugOfficial: For the last time it wasn’t a date

LadybugOfficial: We just hung out to get you guys off our backs.

itsmechatnoir: hanging out???? sounds sus

itsmechatnoir: [vibratingcatmeme.gif]

LadybugOfficial: ...ignoring that, you literally know Mari has a crush.

LadybugOfficial: and for the millionth time, we aren’t dating.

itsmechatnoir: i cant believe i’ve been betrayed by my own partner

itsmechatnoir: guess i’ll die

LadybugOfficial: Stop being so dramatic oh my god

itsmechatnoir: u have wounded me, lb. WOUNDED ME

itsmechatnoir: [spongebobsoileditmeme.jpg]

LadybugOfficial: You and Mari aren’t even a thing why are you so mad?

itsmechatnoir: u don’t know that!!!!

LadybugOfficial: You literally declared your undying love for me last week.

itsmechatnoir: that was the old me!!! i’m a new cat!!!

LadybugOfficial: Right.

LadybugOfficial: You don’t even have feelings for her ffs.

LadybugOfficial: Chat?

LadybugOfficial: ?

LadybugOfficial: Hello?

LadybugOfficial: Lmk about the patrol!

~

Marinette was tired, but happy.

Chat had agreed to patrol for her last night, eventually, after not answering her DM for hours. It gave her time to catch up on homework and stuff she’d been severely procrastinating on. Which meant she had a free conscience to go to the movies with her friends this afternoon.

It was a rare instance where Adrien had been allowed to go, and she found her shyness wasn’t getting in the way as badly as they made their way inside. They decided on Twilight, as the theater was doing a re-showing of the original and Alya practically dragged them inside when she saw.

Marinette enjoyed the movie, even if she was hyper aware of Adrien’s shoulder touching hers during it. And their hands touched a few times while getting popcorn. She wondered if her face had been noticeably red in the dark. Probably.

However, she should have expected the inevitable when her phone pinged later that evening.

alyatheblogger changed the group name to team edward stans.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Really? Edward? I liked Jacob.

itsmechatnoir: ofc u did blondie

itsmechatnoir: everyone knows the vamps are where its at

alyatheblogger: i-

alyatheblogger: have u seen twilight chat?

itsmechatnoir: uh yes and frankly i’m offended u had to ask

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Okay but Jacob has been her friend for forever and stuck by her and supported her...he was great!

itsmechatnoir: yea and he was also in love with a literal baby

itsmechatnoir: [ick.jpg]

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Okay yeah that was weird

OfficialAdrienAgreste: But isn’t that in the later books?

alyatheblogger: chat have you seen all the movies??

itsmechatnoir: :3

itsmechatnoir: mayyyybe

marinette.dc: yeah he has, we marathoned them

itsmechatnoir: PURRINCESS!!! <3333

itsmechatnoir: hello!!

marinette.dc: hey chat

alyatheblogger: wait you two marathoned movies together??

marinette.dc: yeah sometimes we have movie nights

marinette.dc: its not a big deal alya

alyatheblogger: not a big deal i-

alyatheblogger: ur literally having date nights with both ladybug and chat,

marinette.dc: i am NOT

itsmechatnoir: princess and i have movie nights what do u think abt THAT blondie

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Mari and I had an actual movie date today so :)

itsmechatnoir: excuse moi

itsmechatnoir: a date date???

marinette.dc: haha it was nice haha all of us went

itsmechatnoir: did u pay for her ticket? Buy her snacks? walk her home? kiss her??

marinette.dc: CHAT!

itsmechatnoir: bc if not then it wasnt a date

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Hmm maybe

alyatheblogger: you should fix that adrien!

OfficialAdrienAgreste: You think so?

alyatheblogger: definitely!

alyatheblogger: btw edward is superior

itsmechatnoir: oh yea we were discussing that

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I can’t believe you don’t like Jacob

OfficialAdrienAgreste: After all

itsmechatnoir: dont

OfficialAdrienAgreste: You’re both furries.

alyatheblogger: HAHAHAHAHA

marinette.dc: LMAOOO

itsmechatnoir: !!!!!!!! EXCUSE YOU

itsmechatnoir: I AM NOT A FURRY!

LadybugOfficial: You’re kind of a furry, Chat.

alyatheblogger: hiii ladybug! 

itsmechatnoir: bugaboo u are NOT helping

itsmechatnoir: besides if i’m a furry ur like…. a buggy

LadybugOfficial: A buggy???

itsmechatnoir: what’s the bug equivalent

itsmechatnoir: brb

alyatheblogger: CHAT DONT GOOGLE THAT

alyatheblogger: CHAT

alyatheblogger: …

alyatheblogger: rip to our fallen soldier

marinette.dc: can i get an f in chat for chat

marinette.dc: f

alyatheblogger: f

LadybugOfficial: f

itsmechatnoir: WHAT THE FRIG

itsmechatnoir: the internet is a scary place……..

marinette.dc: poor chat

itsmechatnoir: but i am still not a furry

itsmechatnoir: does this look like a fursuit to u

marinette.dc: yes

alyatheblogger: yes

LadybugOfficial: yes

itsmechatnoir: man

itsmechatnoir: [kermitlookingoutatrain.jpg]

itsmechatnoir: princess u dont think im a furry do u? :(

marinette.dc: i mean

marinette.dc: u do have cat ears and a tail

itsmechatnoir: they add charm!!!!

LadybugOfficial: or something.

alyatheblogger: HAHAH

alyatheblogger: LB are u team edward or jacob

LadybugOfficial: Uhh well I think Adrien is right, Jacob is nice :)

marinette.dc: simp

marinette.dc: edward is better

itsmechatnoir: GET HER PRINCESS

alyatheblogger: is there trouble in maribug paradise???

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Thanks Ladybug :)

marinette.dc: maribug can weather any storm

LadybugOfficial: This is merely a setback

marinette.dc: <3

LadybugOfficial: <3

alyatheblogger: SKDJSKDJSKSJ??????

itsmechatnoir: thats it. i’m coming over

marinette.dc: now?? its one in the morning

itsmechatnoir: too late i’m omw

LadybugOfficial: simp

DJNino: i’m team alice.

Chapter Text

“Hey, LB?”

Ladybug turned her head to look at the cat sitting next to her. They’d just finished a late Thursday night patrol, and were now taking a few minutes to relax at their favorite spot on the Eiffel Tower. She noticed Chat had been unusually quiet tonight.

“Yeah, Chat?”

His tail flicked nervously. He was staring out into the Paris nightlife. “Do you ever get jealous?”

The question caught her off guard. She mused over it for a moment, chewing her lip. “I guess? But I tend to get more sad than jealous, although I still am. I guess I’m more envious than jealous.” Ladybug side-eyed her partner. “Why?”

Chat seemed reluctant to answer, but he eventually did. “I’m not used to feeling jealous...but I have been lately. And I don’t like it.”

Ladybug stared at him. “Jealous? Of who?”

His cheeks started to pinken, and Ladybug was baffled. “Chat?”

“Of you,” he mumbled, so quietly she almost didn’t hear him.

“What?”

“Well, it’s just…” his face was flaming. “I used to visit Marinette all the time, and it was kind of nice being her secret visitor, you know? And I knew you two were friends, but...I dunno...I just didn’t like the idea of being replaced.”

It took all of Ladybug’s self control not to bust out laughing, but she managed. “Chat, I know you and Marinette are good friends, but trust me, there’s no reason to be jealous.”

“But the groupchat…”

Ah, right. Oops.

“Mari and I just like to joke around. It doesn’t mean anything.” She tried to reassure him. “You and her are still very close.”

He was squinting at her. “Mari, huh?”

Jesus Christ. “Chat, I’m not that close with her, okay? You don’t need to be jealous.”

He leaned in close. “So you don’t have feelings for her?”

Ladybug blinked. Her brain rebooted.

“...what?”

“You don’t like her?”

She groaned. “We’ve been over this. No, I do not have a crush on her. We’re casual friends. She’d tell you the same thing.”

Chat’s shoulders seemed to relax, and he leaned back, satisfied. “Okay.”

Ladybug’s head was spinning. She thought Chat had been joking in the groupchat. “Wait, I thought you had feelings for me? Why are you so insistent on Marinette?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, uh, I found out something interesting lately...and it’s made me think about some stuff…” he trailed off, not elaborating.

Ladybug decided to ignore this train of thought, because she would definitely combust. Then something occurred to her. “Wait. You were literally told Marinette’s crush’s name. Why aren’t you upset at him? Especially since you seem to hate his guts.”

“I don’t hate his guts!” Chat defended himself.

Ladybug raised an eyebrow.

“I just like to tease,” he mumbled.

“You need to be nicer to Adrien,” she chastised him. “He’s sweet.”

Chat stared at her so long she wondered if she’d broken him. “You think Adrien is sweet?”

She shrugged. “Well, he seems to be, anyway. This is why we shouldn’t get involved in civilian groupchats as our hero identities.”

This seemed to stir him out of his reverie, standing up and stretching. “You need to loosen up more, LB.” His smirk was back. “Even you have to admit that chat is really fun.”

She scoffed, but knew he was right. “Sure, sure.” She stood, mirroring him. “Well, we’d better call it a night. It’s late.” 

He nodded. “See you next crisis, my lady.”

Ladybug smiled, turning to extend her yo-yo, when Chat caught her arm. “Hey, LB?”

She paused. “Yeah?”

“You know you’re my best friend, right?”

Warmth filled her chest. “Of course.”

He searched her face, as though trying to find an answer, and she looked back at him, curious and confused. Finally, he seemed to reach some sort of conclusion, because he nodded and released her arm. 

“Goodnight, Ladybug.”

“Goodnight, Chat Noir.”

~

Ping.

Marinette rolled over to her phone, momentarily abandoning her homework to accept a welcome distraction. Physics was going to be the death of her.

Opening it, her heart skipped a beat when she noticed it was a DM from Adrien. It still amused her that he was using Instagram instead of text, but any message from Adrien was a welcome one.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: What are you up to?

marinette.dc: i’m finishing the homework for today, wbu?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Same! I’m not sure of the last few questions on the English portion, though.

Marinette squinted, confused. The English homework…? But…

marinette.dc: really? but I thought u were fluent in english?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: oh right lmao

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I am haha 

OfficialAdrienAgreste: but it was still difficult that’s all

marinette.dc: ohh ok

marinette.dc: if you want I can share my hw with you

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Really?? That’d be awesome Mari

OfficialAdrienAgreste: if you’re having any problems I can help too!

marinette.dc: sounds great! I could really use a hand on the physics hw

OfficialAdrienAgreste: then you are in luck

OfficialAdrienAgreste: for I love physics

OfficialAdrienAgreste: and I would be honored to tutor a cute classmate

Marinette dropped her phone on her desk. What??

Did he just call me cute?

Is he flirting?

What should I do?

Distressed, her thumb hovered over Alya’s contact information. She needed a second opinion. She wasn’t very good at this. But Alya might be busy...or overreact...maybe she was overreacting? Was she leaving him on seen for too long? What should she do?!

On the verge of a panic attack, a thought occurred to her. What would Chat do?

This calmed her down some. If she just pretended she was talking to Chat, this would go so much easier. She could do this. She took a deep breath.

marinette.dc: ever the charmer I see

marinette.dc: but a tutor would be much appreciated!

OfficialAdrienAgreste: awesome!

OfficialAdrienAgreste: would it be easier if we facetimed?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: if you’re not busy

OfficialAdrienAgreste: or have any stray cats in your room

marinette.dc: what omg no

marinette.dc: chat isn’t here rn

marinette.dc: haha 

marinette.dc: but yes chat good

marinette.dc: i mean chatting with u

marinette.dc: on facetime

marinette.dc: haha

Marinette was flustered, but excited. She patiently waited for Adrien’s reply, and wasn’t expecting it when her phone suddenly started ringing. She yelped, nearly falling over, and checked to make sure her hair looked okay.

“Hey Marinette!” Adrien was suddenly smiling at her from her phone screen, his face weirdly pink. “Ready to go over the homework?”

She smiled, reminding herself of her strategy. It’s Chat. You’re talking to Chat. “Yep! Just try to keep up with me,” she teased.

He laughed. “Ah, I will do my best. I’m sure your work, as always, is purrfect.”

Marinette blinked. 

Did he…?

“Anyway,” Adrien kept going, his voice suddenly a bit higher than usual, “you said you were having trouble with the physics work?”

“Right. Yeah.” Marinette shook her head. “It was the stuff with velocity…”

I must’ve just imagined it, she thought to herself. I was thinking about Chat. That’s all it was. There’s no way…

...right?

Chapter Text

itsmechatnoir has tagged you in a photo.

Marinette’s eyebrow lifted as she received the notification. Chat was notorious for posting random shots he took of Ladybug during patrol, but this time it was her civilian account that was tagged in the photo. She opened Instagram.

...and was immediately mortified.

It was a photo they’d taken together in her room. She was standing partially behind him, a couple of sewing pins in her mouth and her hair loose and mussed. She was giving the camera an unamused look as Chat snapped the selfie. He had a sweatshirt draped over his arms and shoulders, held together by pins, and he was winking at the camera while holding remarkably still.

The caption read: this cat always has time to help a purr-incess in need, even if that means paw-ssibly being stuck with needles <3

Marinette scrolled through the comments despite herself.

omg i didn’t know chat hung out with civilians

shes pretty!!

CHAT IS THIS YOUR GF

This is sinking my LadyNoir wtf

She’s not as cool as Ladybug!!! Chat get back to ur lady!!!

I wish that was me ugggh

she kinda looks like a bitch ngl why does she look like that lmfao

wait she goes to my school omfg

Marinette groaned. She figured this would happen. 

437 new follower requests.

marinette.dc: hey chat?

itsmechatnoir: hi princess!! what’s up?

marinette.dc: do u mind deleting that post of us

itsmechatnoir: :(( why? u don’t like it?

marinette.dc: it’s not that, i’m just getting spammed with comments and notifs

itsmechatnoir: ohh

itsmechatnoir: i’m so sorry mari

itsmechatnoir: i didn’t think about that

itsmechatnoir: it’s gone

marinette.dc: it’s ok chat i appreciate the gesture

itsmechatnoir: still

itsmechatnoir: you’ll tell me if anyone starts bothering you?

Marinette blushed.

When had Chat gotten so…

Well, he’d always been this way. She was just surprised that she was reacting to it.

She smacked her face. Stop it. You have a crush on Adrien.

marinette.dc: i will, i purromise

itsmechatnoir: NICE ONE

itsmechatnoir: IM SO PROUD <33

marinette.dc: ur such a dork

marinette.dc: and over a pun

itsmechatnoir: ;3

itsmechatnoir: can u blame me 

itsmechatnoir: since you only pun around me

itsmechatnoir: [sippingtea.jpg]

marinette.dc: how do u know i’m not a pun master at school huh

itsmechatnoir: i reserve the right to not reveal my sources

marinette.dc: ooooh mysterious

itsmechatnoir: its part of my charm <3

marinette.dc: that’s one word for it

marinette.dc: or should i say

marinette.dc: fur it

itsmechatnoir: [hearteyescat.jpg]

itsmechatnoir: marinette u are a princess after my own heart

marinette.dc: whatever u dork

marinette.dc: now get off ur phone ur gonna be late for patrol

marinette.dc: ? ok i didn’t expect u to actually leave

itsmechatnoir: <3 talk to u later princess

And if Marinette was blushing as she transformed to meet Chat for patrol, she would never admit it. Not even to Tikki’s sly look.

~

When she arrived, she had sufficiently calmed herself, but was hyperaware of Chat the entire time. He didn’t do anything out of the ordinary, but certain offhand comments and the suspicious lack of pet names made her slightly uneasy.

Is he still in love with me? she found herself wondering.

It was bothering her so much she found herself reaching for her phone once she’d returned home. Maybe it was stupid, but she couldn’t get the thought out of her mind.

LadybugOfficial: Hey Chat, can I ask you something?

itsmechatnoir: hey LB, sorry about the late reply!! what’s up?

LadybugOfficial: So, I know this is a weird question, but are you still in love with me?

LadybugOfficial: actually don’t answer that

LadybugOfficial: that was a stupid question

LadybugOfficial: ignore that

itsmechatnoir: it’s okay ladybug

itsmechatnoir: i would say it’s kind of complicated

itsmechatnoir: i’m trying to figure some stuff out, like i told you that one time?

itsmechatnoir: you will always be my lady. You are my partner and i never want a different one. no matter what ends up happening, i know that the only lady i want fighting next to me is you. I trust you implicitly and i will cherish whoever is under that mask. you are my best friend in the whole world and you are so so important to me, bugaboo.

Marinette didn’t even realize she was tearing up until one escaped. She sniffed, wiping her cheek absently as she reread Chat’s message over and over. He really was sweet. A goofball, and a dork, and he drove her crazy...but she wouldn’t want it any other way.

LadybugOfficial: You’re my best friend, too, Chat. I hope you know how much you mean to me.

LadybugOfficial: And whatever ends up happening, I want you to know that you’re the only cat I’d want standing next to me.

itsmechatnoir: <3

itsmechatnoir: thanks LB. 

itsmechatnoir: you know u can tell me anything, right?

LadybugOfficial: of course.

itsmechatnoir: and i just want to reiterate...whoever you are under the mask...you are incredible.

itsmechatnoir: but i know ur not ready

itsmechatnoir: and thats ok

itsmechatnoir: tbh… i’m not sure if i am either

itsmechatnoir: but i know since its us, we’ll be ok

LadybugOfficial: You’re pretty incredible yourself, kitty.

itsmechatnoir: [catshugging.gif]

itsmechatnoir: bffs forever right?

LadybugOfficial: bffs forever, chaton.

LadybugOfficial: [fistbumpemoji]

itsmechatnoir: [fistbumpemoji]

~

alyatheblogger: soooo

alyatheblogger: are we all just going to ignore the fact the internet has exploded with rumors abt mari and chat?

itsmechatnoir: what

itsmechatnoir: what kind of rumors

alyatheblogger: tf u mean “what kind of rumors”

alyatheblogger: what did u expect after posting that photo

alyatheblogger: everyone thinks there’s smthn goin on

itsmechatnoir: well marichat is superior soooo

marinette.dc: -_-

marinette.dc: everyone keeps asking me inappropriate questions bc of u chat

itsmechatnoir: inappropriate questions?? 

itsmechatnoir: like what?

alyatheblogger: LMFAO

marinette.dc: u really don’t wanna know

itsmechatnoir: i do

itsmechatnoir: princessssss tell meeeeee

marinette.dc: someone asked me what ur ass tastes like today

marinette.dc: someone else asked if ur into leather

marinette.dc: and not in the costume way

marinette.dc: ??? where’d he go

itsmechatnoir: WHAT

itsmechatnoir: oh my god

itsmechatnoir: excuse me while i pass away

marinette.dc: you???

marinette.dc: how do u think I Felt

itsmechatnoir: did u at least make me seem cool

marinette.dc: CHAT I DIDNT ANSWER THEM

marinette.dc: JESUS CHRIST

alyatheblogger: she blushed tho

marinette.dc: not helpful

OfficialAdrienAgreste: No one’s been harassing you, have they, Mari?

marinette.dc: oh no haha alya’s been helpful

marinette.dc: and you helped me a lot today by escorting me haha

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I’m glad :)

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I don’t want anyone to bug you.

itsmechatnoir: was that a ladybug pun

OfficialAdrienAgreste: No.

itsmechatnoir: booooo

itsmechatnoir: [boo.gif]

alyatheblogger: anyways hopefully they back off before too long

alyatheblogger: esp since they dont know this gc exists

itsmechatnoir: true true

itsmechatnoir: where did mari go :(((

marinette.dc: sorry this physics hw is kicking my ass

marinette.dc: adrien ur help was greatly appreciated u got me through this week’s test

marinette.dc: [praiseemoji]

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Anytime Mari :)

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I can send you today’s homework after this shoot if you’d like!

marinette.dc: omg god bless

marinette.dc: ur a lifesaver

OfficialAdrienAgreste: I gotta go, but I’ll DM it to you later :)

marinette.dc: okay!

alyatheblogger: ooh chat adrienette is rising

alyatheblogger: ?? hello chat

marinette.dc: he must be busy

alyatheblogger: well that’s no fun

alyatheblogger: [grumpychatmeme.jpg]

marinette.dc: holy shit that meme is great

marinette.dc: did u make that??

DJNino: nope, I did.

marinette.dc: skdjsdjskdj???

DJNino: what you thought you were the only meme maker in this chat?

marinette.dc: nino, we’re gonna need a meme swap asap

DJNino: I agree.

alyatheblogger: as long as i get access to these memes, i am on board.

DJNino: Deal.

marinette.dc: Deal.

~

Ping.

Marinette absently picked up her phone. It must be Adrien sending the homework. A smile tugged on her lips. It’s so nice of him.

She glanced at the clock. It’s kind of late. I wonder if Chat will stop by tonight…

Musing, she opened the DM.

itsmechatnoir: Here’s the physics homework, Mari! Let me know if you need anything else :)

Her phone slid out of her hand and bounced off her desk onto the floor.

Chapter Text

It was fair to say that Marinette had been freaking out all night.

Chat had, understandably, not shown up that night. Or should she use the name Adrien? Adrien, Adrien Agreste, had been her partner! Adrien was the one who had confessed to her multiple times! Who had brought her roses! Who had flirted with her all the time!

It didn’t help that she had, begrudgingly, just admitted her feelings for Chat.

Unsure of how to proceed, Marinette hardly got any sleep. Tentatively, she slipped into class the next morning, keeping her head down. She was aware of Adrien’s eyes snapping up to look at her, but she didn’t know what to say. Her last conversation with Chat as Ladybug kept ringing in her ears.

Bffs forever, right?

She groaned and thunked her head on her desk.

~

Marinette avoided Adrien the entire day.

She knew it was stupid, and he was probably a nervous wreck (after all, he didn’t know she was Ladybug) but she just needed to pull herself together. She was having a hard time reconciling the two, and kept scrolling back in the chat to read their interactions. He had a ship war with himself!

To be fair, she’d done the same thing with her alter ego.

After escaping to the safety of her room, she was lying facedown on her bed when she heard an all-too-familiar noise.

Ping.

“Are you going to answer that, Marinette?” Tikki asked her gently.

Groaning, she turned her head and picked it up. Sure enough, it was from Chat. Adrien. Whatever.

itsmechatnoir: mari?

itsmechatnoir: can we talk?

itsmechatnoir: [saladcatmeme.jpg]

marinette.dc: you did not just send me a cat meme

itsmechatnoir: it seemed appropriate!

marinette.dc: wh

marinette.dc: actually that’s pretty much on point for u

itsmechatnoir: :3

itsmechatnoir: soooo

itsmechatnoir: let’s address the elephant in the room

marinette.dc: u mean the cat?

itsmechatnoir: ok that was good

itsmechatnoir: but seriously, are you ok?

itsmechatnoir: you avoided me all day

itsmechatnoir: i thought u were angry with me.

marinette.dc: i’m not angry, adrien.

marinette.dc: i guess i’m just.. Confused?

marinette.dc: it’s a lot to process, u know?

marinette.dc: i mean, alya literally told you i have a crush on you lol

marinette.dc: it’s kind of mortifying

itsmechatnoir: but you don’t see me differently?

itsmechatnoir: you’re not disappointed?

marinette.dc: [thefuck.jpg]

marinette.dc: why tf would i be disappointed

marinette.dc: ur an incredible hero, adrien.

marinette.dc: we couldn’t have asked for a better chat noir.

marinette.dc: i’m sorry for avoiding u. I guess i just needed time to wrap my head around it

marinette.dc: esp with all that shit u pulled in the gc

marinette.dc: oh my GOD u bullied urself so much

itsmechatnoir: LMAO

itsmechatnoir: what can i say im a jokester

marinette.dc: ur such a fuckin dork

itsmechatnoir: but u love me

marinette.dc: shut up

marinette.dc: i take it all back 

marinette.dc: i can’t be seen with a furry

itsmechatnoir: maaaaari

itsmechatnoir: princesssss

itsmechatnoir: no take backs

itsmechatnoir: ur stuck with me

marinette.dc: [notalkimangy.jpg]

itsmechatnoir: :3

itsmechatnoir: can i come over?

marinette.dc: i’ve got ur hot chocolate ready. <3

Needless to say, they had a lot to talk about. 

As Chat delicately landed on her balcony, turning to her with those big green eyes filled with anxiety and affection, Marinette resolved to tell him the truth. He deserved to know her just as much. 

Maybe they’d talk about their feelings tonight. Maybe not. 

As he joined her under a blanket to sip hot chocolate and watch the stars, she decided her confession could wait. At least until tomorrow.

~

alyatheblogger: ok

alyatheblogger: i would like to make a couple observations

DJNino: oh boy

marinette.dc: ? what kind of observations

alyatheblogger: exhibit a

alyatheblogger: [image.jpg]

alyatheblogger: u and adrien getting chummy in the library yesterday

marinette.dc: where tf did u get that photo

alyatheblogger: exhibit b

alyatheblogger: [image.jpg]

alyatheblogger: u and adrien smiling at each other in the classroom

marinette.dc: ALYA!

alyatheblogger: exhibit c

alyatheblogger: [image.jpg]

alyatheblogger: u and adrien walking home together

marinette.dc: oh my god

marinette.dc: can i leave this gc

alyatheblogger: absolutely not

alyatheblogger: not until u explain yourself

itsmechatnoir: well well well

itsmechatnoir: u two seem pawfully close

marinette.dc: chat do not start

marinette.dc: [gun.jpg]

itsmechatnoir: go on princess

itsmechatnoir: whats going on between u and blondie

marinette.dc: i plead the fifth

alyatheblogger: wrong answer bestie

alyatheblogger: if u won’t spill i’ll spam adrien’s dms

marinette.dc: i hate it here

DJNino: chat I expected you to be more upset

DJNino: what about marichat

itsmechatnoir: as long as the princess is happy, i am happy

itsmechatnoir: <3

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Simp

alyatheblogger: ahh hello sunshine boi

alyatheblogger: care to enlighten us?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: What’s so weird about spending time with my very good friend Marinette? :)

alyatheblogger: …

DJNino: …

marinette.dc: …

itsmechatnoir: …

alyatheblogger: nvm i have no more questions

marinette.dc: yeah that’s what i thought

itsmechatnoir: can i jump him

DJNino: sure.

~

Marinette chewed on her fingernail, her thumb hovering over her DM with Chat. It was late, but Chat was usually still up around this time. The question was, could she do this in person? Or was it easier to do over DMs?

Squaring her shoulders, she typed out a message.

LadybugOfficial: Hey Chat. Can we talk?

itsmechatnoir: ah I was expecting u to dm me, bugaboo.

LadybugOfficial: You were?

itsmechatnoir: sure. This is about mari, right?

LadybugOfficial: I hope you’re not still going on about maribug.

itsmechatnoir: skdjskdj

itsmechatnoir: no no

itsmechatnoir: it’s abt my identity getting revealed, right?

LadybugOfficial: Yeah… about that

LadybugOfficial: Do you trust Marinette?

itsmechatnoir: with my life.

LadybugOfficial: ...really? Your life?

itsmechatnoir: sure.

itsmechatnoir: she’s smart, and brave, and funny, and my best friend in the whole world

LadybugOfficial: Wow you really do like her haha

itsmechatnoir: she always puts others first

itsmechatnoir: and she trusts me with her life

itsmechatnoir: and she looks good in red

LadybugOfficial: ?

itsmechatnoir: and she’s the best partner i could ask for.

LadybugOfficial: wait

LadybugOfficial: you knew?

itsmechatnoir: yeah

itsmechatnoir: sorry but you had one too many slip-ups, mari.

Marinette wasn’t sure if she wanted to laugh or cry. She was slightly mortified, knowing Adrien knew yet hadn’t said anything, but at the same time it came as a relief. No more secrets. And she didn’t have to confess.

LadybugOfficial: how long have you known?

itsmechatnoir: i’ve had suspicions for awhile, but you gave it away when you messaged me ‘ur gonna be late for patrol.’ only ladybug knows the exact patrol schedule since it changes every week

itsmechatnoir: i didn’t answer for a moment bc i couldn’t believe it lmao

LadybugOfficial: you’ve suspected for a long time? Why didn’t you say anything?

itsmechatnoir: i knew you weren’t ready. I told u LB, ur my best friend. I was scared of revealing myself, too, esp since chat and marinette got close. I was scared of losing u as adrien, esp if i was right abt ur identity.

itsmechatnoir: I get it. I really do. 

itsmechatnoir: in the end, social media dms gave you away, my lady.

LadybugOfficial: fuckin

LadybugOfficial: I KNEW that gc was a bad idea

LadybugOfficial: man.

itsmechatnoir: i’m glad we know tho mari

itsmechatnoir: it’s kinda funny really

itsmechatnoir: we had crushes on each other this whole time

LadybugOfficial: oh my god ur right

LadybugOfficial: on the different versions i-

LadybugOfficial: how karmic is that

LadybugOfficial: we were literally in the stupidest love square of all time

itsmechatnoir: I KNOW

itsmechatnoir: it would happen to us

itsmechatnoir: but at least we know now right??

itsmechatnoir: bc i really do like you mari.

itsmechatnoir: those confusing feelings chat told lb about...it was bc i had feelings for marinette and ladybug. both of you.

LadybugOfficial: how ironic

LadybugOfficial: since i was wrestling with my feelings for chat noir.

itsmechatnoir: well i can’t blame u there

itsmechatnoir: i am pawsitively a-mew-zing

itsmechatnoir: ;3

LadybugOfficial: I take it all back

LadybugOfficial: I can’t believe you bullied yourself in the gc

LadybugOfficial: ur an even bigger dork than i thought

itsmechatnoir: HEY

itsmechatnoir: IM NOT THE ONE WHO SHIPPED THEMSELF WITH THEMSELVES

itsmechatnoir: miss maribug stan

LadybugOfficial: do NOT come for me

LadybugOfficial: YOU were the one fighting with urself for adrienette v marichat

itsmechatnoir: marichat is still superior

LadybugOfficial: I can and will roundhouse kick you

itsmechatnoir: ohhhh princess ;3

LadybugOfficial: oh my god.

LadybugOfficial: you realize chat can’t flirt with mari if we start dating?

itsmechatnoir: adrien won’t mind. I purromise

LadybugOfficial: please use ur brain cell

itsmechatnoir: DKJDKSDJSK

itsmechatnoir: i know i know dw

itsmechatnoir: sooo…. What are we then?

LadybugOfficial: that depends

LadybugOfficial: are you coming over or not?

itsmechatnoir: my my how bold purrincess

LadybugOfficial: just get over here u mangy feline

LadybugOfficial: i think this is a chat best had in purrson

itsmechatnoir: i just swooned

itsmechatnoir: see you soon my lady

itsmechatnoir: <3

Chapter Text

All in all, things had gone rather smoothly.

She was nervous about whether or not Adrien would agree with her, but after a short discussion he agreed Ladybug and Chat should not make their relationship public knowledge. It was just too dangerous. For several reasons.

However, that didn’t mean Marinette and Adrien couldn’t publicly date.

They were going to have so much fun with this.

~

OfficialAdrienAgreste changed the group name to adrienette is canon.

alyatheblogger: ?

alyatheblogger: excuse moi

alyatheblogger: YOU CANT JUST DO THAT AND NOT EXPLAIN

alyatheblogger: AGRESTE!

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Is something wrong, Alya?

alyatheblogger: [choke.gif]

alyatheblogger: explain yourself this instant, model boy.

OfficialAdrienAgreste: There’s nothing to explain.

marinette.dc: it’s exactly what it looks like, alya

alyatheblogger: ???? KDJKSJFDKSJDS ????????

alyatheblogger: SO WHAT, YALL ARE TOGETHER???

marinette.dc: yeah 

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Yep! :)

alyatheblogger: OH MY FUCKING GOD

DJNino: congrats dudes!

alyatheblogger: im freaking tf out

alyatheblogger: mari once i’m free you’re calling me asap

alyatheblogger: i want the DETAILS bestie the DETAILS

marinette.dc: haha no prob alya

alyatheblogger: wait

alyatheblogger: what do our heroes think about this

marinette.dc: hmm

marinette.dc: idk, i think they’d be pretty happy for us

itsmechatnoir: NOOOO

itsmechatnoir: I’VE LOST MY FAIR PURRINCESS

itsmechatnoir: </3 </3 </3

marinette.dc: chat.

marinette.dc: jfc don’t be dramatic

itsmechatnoir: my heart is shattered

itsmechatnoir: [pensiveemoji]

itsmechatnoir: all of my wooing was for naught

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Wooing? You mean that awful flirting?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Weirdo behavior

marinette.dc: adrien.

itsmechatnoir: blondie

itsmechatnoir: as much as it pains me to say this

itsmechatnoir: you have won the princess’s heart

itsmechatnoir: therefore i concede defeat </3

itsmechatnoir: marichat is dead </3

marinette.dc: don’t say that

marinette.dc: marichat will live on in our hearts

alyatheblogger: i…

alyatheblogger: am i on a prank show

alyatheblogger: what is happening

DJNino: Lol

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Marichat might be cute

OfficialAdrienAgreste: but Adrienette had conquered <3 

OfficialAdrienAgreste: so everyone praise my beautiful talented amazing gorgeous smart brave girlfriend Marinette

itsmechatnoir: hear hear

alyatheblogger: [clappingemoji]

marinette.dc: awh adrien

marinette.dc: <3

alyatheblogger: y’all cute

itsmechatnoir: i will nurse my broken heart

itsmechatnoir: and cheer you on

marinette.dc: i swear to god

LadybugOfficial: Congratulations, you two! You’re very cute together.

marinette.dc: thanks ladybug!

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Thank you LB :)

itsmechatnoir: my lady we’ve been cast aside

itsmechatnoir: discarded

itsmechatnoir: ignored

LadybugOfficial: You’re such a drama queen

alyatheblogger: LMAOOO

alyatheblogger: still aren’t you sad maribug is dead LB

LadybugOfficial: As much as I’ll miss the good times, I must let Mari be with who she loves

LadybugOfficial: I concede 

itsmechatnoir: dkjskjskjdj?????

marinette.dc: thanks bugaboo <3

itsmechatnoir: BUGABOO

itsmechatnoir: PLEASE I-

marinette.dc: :) something wrong kitty?

itsmechatnoir: i hate it here

marinette.dc: u started it

alyatheblogger: i’m lost

marinette.dc: lmao nvm

DJNino: so double date when?

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Anytime. It’ll be fun!

marinette.dc: seconded

itsmechatnoir: thirded

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Were you invited?

itsmechatnoir: i’ll fight u blondie

marinette.dc: [lasereyeladybugmeme.jpg]

marinette.dc: both of u behave

OfficialAdrienAgreste: yes ma’am

itsmechatnoir: yes ma’am

alyatheblogger: omfg

LadybugOfficial: Anyway

LadybugOfficial: Congrats on your new relationship

LadybugOfficial: I hope it’s filled with much fuckery and silliness.

marinette.dc: as long as we’re in this gc? it will be.

~

Marinette was sitting on her balcony, Adrien bumping her shoulder as he joined her. They sipped their tea, enjoying a quiet evening after being attacked at school.

Alya had wanted all the details, of course, and excluding the superhero parts, Marinette told her how Adrien and her had come together over social media, of all things. Her face was so happy while she spoke that Alya didn’t suspect a thing. The girls were left to squeal together.

Nino had asked Adrien about it, and giving much the same story, Adrien was pink and grinning like a dork. Nino had given him a high-five and a “congrats!”

They’d just finished patrolling together, and Marinette marveled at how natural it was to relax on her balcony afterwards. How easy it was to tangle her fingers with Adrien’s. How surreal this entire experience and last couple weeks had been.

“Hey, Bugaboo,” Adrien spoke, stirring her from her thoughts. “Can we stay in the chat? As Ladybug and Chat Noir?”

She mulled over that. “I don’t see why not, as long as we don’t have any more account switch-ups.” She nudged his shoulder playfully.

He wrinkled his nose. “You gave yourself away first, might I add.”

Marinette giggled. “But I didn’t use the wrong account, did I?”

Adrien bopped her nose and she laughed as they wrestled playfully. Truth be told, she was grateful he’d slipped up. It led them to now, to being together.

“You need to stop with the Marichat dramatics,” she groaned. “Alya’s gonna start speculating at this point. And I don’t need rumors of me cheating on Adrien with Chat Noir.”

Adrien laughed, and Marinette couldn’t help joining in despite her indignance. “It’s just so funny to see everyone’s reactions. I don’t know why making fun of Adrien is so fun. Besides,” he levels her with a look, “that’s coming from Miss Maribug. Why was Ladybug waxing poetic?”

Turning red, she hid under her blanket. “Shut up,” she muttered.

Her boyfriend laughed again and stood, stretching. “As fun as this is, I need to get going. It’s late, even for heroes.” He called on Plagg, and Marinette peeked as he transformed into Chat.

Chat winked at her and stooped, kissing her forehead gently. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Purrincess.”

Marinette felt her cheeks heat up, and tugged his bell so she could kiss him properly.

After longer than she’d ever admit, they broke apart. His eyes were mischievous. “So you do admit Marichat is superior, then?”

She rolled her eyes and shoved him towards the railing. “Go home, you silly Chaton.”

He blew her a kiss before leaping and disappearing over the railing.

~

A bit later, she heard a familiar noise.

Ping.

itsmechatnoir: mari

itsmechatnoir: i just realized

itsmechatnoir: you never followed me back.

itsmechatnoir: [ladybugwithagun.jpg]

Chapter Text

Hypotheticals

itsmechatnoir: question

itsmechatnoir: hypothetically speaking

itsmechatnoir: if someone were to, say, accidentally get locked in the louvre and couldnt get out without setting off all the security alarms

itsmechatnoir: how would they get out

itsmechatnoir: hypothetically 

LadybugOfficial: Well, hypothetically, if it were a regular person, they would call emergency services to come and get them out.

itsmechatnoir: ok and lets just say, hypothetically, they werent a normal purrson and were actually a celebrity 

LadybugOfficial: Hypothetically, if they were a celebrity, they could still call emergency services.

LadybugOfficial: However, if we’re being completely hypothetical here

itsmechatnoir: ofc

LadybugOfficial: if it happened to be, oh let’s say, Chat Noir, one of Paris’s trusted superheroes…

LadybugOfficial: then Ladybug would hypothetically throw him into the Seine for waking her up at two in the morning to bust him out of the Louvre.

itsmechatnoir: good thing this is just a scenario then lmao

LadybugOfficial: Very true

itsmechatnoir: completely unrelated my lady but. you up for a midnight adventure

LadybugOfficial: No.

itsmechatnoir: fair enough

~

Ladrien

alyatheblogger: yknow what I feel like we dont talk abt enough? ladrien.

marinette.dc: …what

itsmechatnoir: i second that what

alyatheblogger: hear me out ok

alyatheblogger: ladybug and adrien are so polite to each other

alyatheblogger: and i’m just SAYIN

alyatheblogger: they have chemistry

itsmechatnoir: [beyonce?!meme.gif]

itsmechatnoir: ladynoir sweetie i am so sorry that she would say that in front of u

marinette.dc: no no she’s got a point

marinette.dc: let’s hear her out

alyatheblogger: LIKE OK I KNOW IM BEING DRAMATIC BUT THEYRE CUTE

alyatheblogger: THEY GET ALL FORMAL WHEN THEY CHAT AND ITS JUST?? WHOLESOME

DJNino: Lol

OfficialAdrienAgreste: You think so, Alya?

itsmechatnoir: blondie literally shut up

marinette.dc: chat!!!

LadybugOfficial: Chat, don’t be rude. 

alyatheblogger: SEE

marinette.dc: well they ARE cute

LadybugOfficial: Thank you Marinette. :)

itsmechatnoir: i have never felt so betrayed in my life

OfficialAdrienAgreste: Cope

LadybugOfficial: I–

marinette.dc: LMAOOO

alyatheblogger: i rest my case.

~

Best Girl

alyatheblogger: hey yall i need help

marinette.dc: with what?

alyatheblogger: nino and i cant decide what to do this saturday

alyatheblogger: we need date ideas

itsmechatnoir: YOUVE COME TO THE RIGHT PURRSON

marinette.dc: full stop

marinette.dc: chat istg

itsmechatnoir: lucky for u, im the most romantic kitty in paris

alyatheblogger: i mean

alyatheblogger: fair

alyatheblogger: so what did u do on ur dates

itsmechatnoir: well mari i think u should go ahead

itsmechatnoir: bc i think u were going to say smthn

marinette.dc: no no go on chat

marinette.dc: tell us abt your dates

itsmechatnoir: well maybe not speaking from ACTUAL expeirence 

itsmechatnoir: expirience

itsmechatnoir: wtf

LadybugOfficial: Experience. 

itsmechatnoir: thank u my lady <333

itsmechatnoir: but yeah that

alyatheblogger: then how do you know theyre good??

itsmechatnoir: shojo wouldnt lie to me

alyatheblogger: you got ur dating advice from anime???

itsmechatnoir: dont insult my taste miss ladyblogger

itsmechatnoir: i have refined senses

marinette.dc: that doesnt even make sense

itsmechatnoir: [animepeacesign.gif]

itsmechatnoir: i mean im practically a magical girl anyway

marinette.dc: youve seen sailor moon??

DJNino: Nice

itsmechatnoir: OF COURSE I HAVE

itsmechatnoir: ITS IN MY TOP TEN

marinette.dc: ok but have u seen inuyasha

itsmechatnoir: omfg inuyasha and ranma ½

itsmechatnoir: <33333

itsmechatnoir: shampoo best girl

marinette.dc: WHAT

marinette.dc: akane is best girl wtf

itsmechatnoir: slander

itsmechatnoir: shampoo is LITERALLY a catgirl

alyatheblogger: uh guys

marinette.dc: i cant believe this

marinette.dc: akane is his FIANCE

itsmechatnoir: so is ukyo???

alyatheblogger: i’ll just google date ideas i think

marinette.dc: BUT HE LOVES AKANE????

DJNino: Ryoga is best girl

~

Not Real

itsmechatnoir: have u guys ever wondered

itsmechatnoir: what if this is all fake and we arent real

LadybugOfficial: What?

itsmechatnoir: LIKE OK what if we were just made up by someone and part of a tv show or smthn and its all not real

itsmechatnoir: like a cat and ladybug superhero duo??? pretty sus right???

LadybugOfficial: You are quite literally half of that duo

marinette.dc: where did this come from

itsmechatnoir: WHAT IF WE ARENT REAL

alyatheblogger: ok first off if we werent real theres no way ladybug and chat noir wouldnt have fallen in love already

marinette.dc: excuse me

alyatheblogger: and second of all i am literally the queen of fanfiction so i would know

itsmechatnoir: you write fanfic hold up

itsmechatnoir: of who

OfficialAdrienAgreste: *whom

itsmechatnoir: shut up bitchass blondie or istg

alyatheblogger: use one brain cell to guess

marinette.dc: WHAT

itsmechatnoir: REALLY

DJNino: Lol

itsmechatnoir: YOUVE BEEN HOLDING OUT ON ME

itsmechatnoir: link???

itsmechatnoir: [eyesemoji]

marinette.dc: alya for the love of all thats holy dont link it

alyatheblogger: LMAOO no but i remain anonymous <3

LadybugOfficial: Chat, stop

itsmechatnoir: WHY ARENT ANY OF YOU FREAKING OUT

itsmechatnoir: NONE OF THIS MATTERS ANYWAY WE’RE ALL FAKE

marinette.dc: how much coffee have you had today

itsmechatnoir: unimportant

marinette.dc: ok lets say we arent real. Then this is literally the most drawn out season of my LIFE

alyatheblogger: literally

LadybugOfficial: fr

itsmechatnoir: im going to get to the bottom of this

LadybugOfficial: Please don’t

itsmechatnoir: time for fur-ther ex-purr-ation

itsmechatnoir has been kicked from the group.