Chapter Text
Love me
Love me
Love me more
Than you can possibly understand
The day of her 15th birthday was very unexpected. Marinette found herself waking up with a pounding headache. Her eyes ached in the bright sunlight streaming through her window. She must have been grinding her teeth in her sleep because her jaw was so sore.
“Marinette! Wake up! Breakfast is ready.”
Her mothers voice pounded in her ears as she groaned a reply. The trudge to the bathroom was long and it seemed like everything hurt in her body.
Probably because of the late night akuma, Lady nightcrawler had really roughed them up last night. But the miraculous cure should have fixed everything. Marinette sighed, it wasn't the first time she had to deal with her superhero life overlapping her civilian one.
Wait.
Wait
Wait, something looked wrong.
Marinette inspected herself in the mirror. She looked different somehow. Was her skin clearer? Her small pimples had disappeared and her skin was like glass.Her hair seemed shinier and softer. Maybe puberty had finally caught up with her.
She got a shower enjoying the warm water caressing her skin as she washed the grime and sweat of her late night superhero activities away. She brushed her teeth noticing they seemed more sensitive but just brushed it off.
The warm scent of the bakery enveloped her as she made her way downstairs.
“Happy birthday!!” Her parents exclaimed as a loud pop showered her in streamers.
“Maman, Papa! Aww thank you!” She hugged them before looking over to the red velvet cupcakes sitting on the table.
“Make a wish sweetie!”
She blew out her candles as she thought about her wish that involved a certain model. Cheers filled the room as she devoured one of the cupcakes.
It didn't seem as good as she remembered, it seemed kinda bland somehow.
She shrugged it off as she continued devouring two more.
“Happy birthday sweetie, I hope you enjoy it.” Her parents said handing her a large package.
Marinette ripped into the packaging as she thanked them.
“Oh maman, papa. You didnt have to!”
The newest sewing machine that she had been dreaming of rested in her hands. She couldn't believe it. This was amazing. Ideas for outfits were already rushing through her mind.
She hugged them tearfully, her face lit up in the biggest smile.
“Oh honey, you gotta get to school.” Her mother said, kissing her forehead and shooing her out.
“Bye Maman, Bye Papa.”
She made her way to Dupont, a spring in her step as she ate one of her cupcakes. Nothing could ruin her mood.
Oh,
Oh no.
Marinette caught Adriens gaze as she bounced up the steps talking to Alya.
It felt like the air had been sucked out of her lungs.
And replaced with burning hot thirst.
His golden locks seemed to fall perfectly effortlessly. She could practically smell the soft cucumber shampoo he used. His tanned supple skin was toned and looked absolutely delectable as it peaked out over the collar of his shirt. The warm woody cologne that clinged to his skin seemed to short circuit her brain as her eyes zeroed in on his adams apple bouncing as he swallowed.
Was her mouth always this dry?
Without thinking she snatched alyas water bottle and downed it, desperately trying to quench the thirst that seemed to consume her.
“You thirsty?” Alya laughed, glancing over towards Adrien who looked confused.
“Yea.. Yeah I am.” Marinette laughed as they made their way towards the boys.
The thirst still burned her throat. The closer they got it seemed like Adrien just invaded all of her senses.
She could hear the soft baritone notes of his voice rumble, his eyes so soft and innocent as they looked to her with pink cheeks. His cologne mixed with his natural skin seemed to entice her closer. His pulse fluttered nervously in his neck, as he rubbed the back of his neck. The sweet smell of his anxiety made her teeth ache.
He looked like a five course meal.
Marinette was terrified and confused.
She stuttered out an excuse as she hightailed it to the bathroom. Checking to make sure the coast was clear she opened her purse.
“Tikki! What is going on?” She whispered, trying not to freak out.
“Why am I looking at Adrien like he's on a dinner plate? I mean yeah hes totally hot and dreamy and definitely looks like a snack.” Marinette smiled dreamily at the thought of adrien before shaking herself out of it.
“But not like this!!”
“Marinette, you've got to calm down.” Tikki replied, looking her holder in the eyes. Tikkis eyes were filled with concern and anxiety.
“I felt something change in our connection last night. I'm still not entirely sure what is going on.” Tikki sighed, “But we are gonna figure it out. Just be careful in the meantime.”
“Will i be able to transform and protect Paris like this?” Marinette gripped her face, her mind spinning with ideas of what was going on.
“Marinette!”
What if she hurt someone?
Or worse, hurt someone as Ladybug!
“Marinette!”
She would have to step down, and probably get thrown in jail. She's too young for jail.
She'd have to leave Paris, if not France entirely. Maybe she could just live with her family in china. But she didn't know enough Mandarin. Oh god her maman was right! She should've studied more about her family heritage.
“Marinette!”
A sharp prick pulled her out of her spiral as she looked up to find tiki holding a small sewing pin.
“Marinette, Breathe.”
Marinette took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly trying to pull herself together.
“You're gonna be fine.”
“Yes, you can still transform. We are gonna figure this out together.”
Marinette nodded, “Thanks, Tikki.”
Marinette made her way out of the bathroom, her confidence returned. She was gonna be just fine.
Class had not started yet as she sat down in her seat. Alya glanced over to her smirking as she caught her gaze before gesturing to the certain blonde boy infront of her. Marinette flushed as she looked away grabbing her books.
“Looks like someone was a bit thirsty this morning.” Alya hummed, a grin threatening to break out.
Marinette was desperately trying to ignore the pain in her throat that seemed to burn with the word. Marinette rolled her eyes and shook her head. The sweet honeysuckle smell of Alyas perfume mixed with her coconut conditioner smells like heaven. Her eyes drew to her best friend's neck, her soft collarbone that peaked up out of her button up. Her slender mocha neck gracefully arched away from her providing perfect access.
A loud crash shook the building as she heard students scream. Chairs clattered and the sound of feet escaping the room seemed to overwhelm her. The scent of fear and anxiety was thick and acidic. Marinette tried to make her way to the door ignoring her body's desperate protests. She felt dizzy and overwhelmed as her feet fumbled in front of her.
She made her way out looking for a closet in her haze. She finally spotted one and quickly found herself face to face with Adrien Agrest.
“M-Marinette!” He stuttered out surprised by her sudden appearance.
“Adrien!” She yelped, jumping back only to hit the door.
He was too close, all her senses were overwhelmed by his sheer presence. He was so warm and soft, his body so firm, the sweet salty scent of his skin was intoxicating.
“You smell really good.”
Marinette felt drunk off his presence, her voice seemed to slip out. She didn't even sound like herself. Her voice was like honey. She could feel his skin against her flush at her words. What was that heavy cloying scent that seemed to roll off him?
She couldn't get enough of it. The dim light of the closet felt like daytime to her as she watched Adrien's face turn bright red as he looked at her in surprise.
“ You just look so delicious.”
Marinette looked deeply in his bright green eyes. Her mind was hazy as she moved closer to him. Her hands gently braced against his chest as she moved towards his neck. The sweet scent of his skin as his pulse fluttered frantically under his skin.
She was so close, just a couple inches more and she'd be in paradise.
“Ow!”
A sharp pain in her arm brought her out of her haze, as she jumped back. As her now clear mind replayed the previous events she peeled out of the closet before she could even fully process what had happened
With a quiet bathroom and the magical phrase she was now ladybug.
She had more important things to worry about now.
Her legs burned with adrenaline as she looked for the akuma or her partner. She could hear the shrill voice of the newest akuma proclaiming their desires.
As she swung around the corner to get a better look she found herself being yanked back. She found herself pressed against the wall with chat noir leaning against her.
“Well hello m’lady.”
Ladybug blinked as her eyes met his. She felt her face flush slightly with how close he was. She noticed how even as Ladybug her senses were heightened. Chat noir smelled of leather and winter pine. She could almost taste the sweat on his skin. His heart hammering against his chest sounded drummed away in her ears.
The sounds of the city crowded her ears, as they seemed to overwhelm her. The screams of citizens screeched in her ears, as the crashes of the newest villain banged away at her sense of stability. Her feet fumbled as chat caught her.
“Are you alright m’lady?” He asked, eyes filled with concern.
Ladybug screwed her eyes shut trying to block out all the noise as she took deep breaths.
“Y-yeah! Everything is just so loud for some reason.” Her words felt drowned out by the noise filling her senses.
“Take a deep breath and focus on the sound of my voice.”
Ladybug honed in on the baritone notes of his voice. Letting all the noise melt away as he kept talking. His voice seemed to shroud her senses like a warm blanket.
Finally she could think without an excruciating headache.
“I had the same experience when I became Chat Noir. I know it can be extremely loud with heightened senses.” He smiled fondly before continuing. “I walked with a headache for a week after our first fight with Stoneheart”
“Thank you chaton.”
“Anytime bugaboo.”
Ladybug grabbed her yoyo, attaching to the nearest building before swinging towards their newest foe. They followed the mysterious colorful plumes of smoke to the akuma. The roads were becoming swamped with a fog of colorful smoke clouds. They watched as anyone it touched immediately became a two dimensional drawing of themself .
Carefully they avoided the colorful plumes. They found themselves on the roof of a house as they looked down at the akuma below. She was an older woman whose curly fluffy hair was an array of colors as she waved her staff around emitting the colorful gas. Her lab coat was now a bright yellow that had been splashed in paint.
“This capitalistic world has no color in it! We've all become slaves to money!”
Chat noir and Ladybug looked at each other, both sharing equal looks of confusion.
Chat noir raised his finger, his mouth open to form the question that lingered on his lips.
“I don't know, Chaton.”
He closed his mouth and nodded. Ladybug nodded towards the akuma signalling they engage with her.
They came flying off the roof landing in front of the akuma.
“Ladybug and Chat Noir! Once I, Splatter Artist, steal your miraculous i’ll show you how colorful this world truly is!”
She sprayed a plume of orange smoke towards them as they both rolled and dodged out of the way.
“I dont think so Splatter Artist!”
“Lucky charm!”
A large blank canvas fell into her spotted grip. She glanced around in her black and white view as the staff and her partner both became spotted, as a plan formed in her mind.
“I don't know how you're really that much of an artist. You're just throwing paint around to me.” Chat noir taunted as he dodged more of her plumes.
“I am making a statement about this Capitalistic Society!” She screamed as she charged forward towards Chat Noir.
“I’m gonna make a beautiful canvas out of you kitty cat!” She leered as her staff locked in with his baton.
“I’d say im already puurrfect the way i am!” Chat noir countered as he rolled away from her attack.
The beam hit the tree behind it reverting it into a colorful two dimensional version of itself.
Ladybug lassoed her yoyo around the akuma’s waist pulling her way from her partner right as her staff lit up.
Dashing forward, she launched the canvas at her partner, before grabbing the akumas coat and spun her around to the open canvas behind her. She fell into it as her wand grew brighter exploding into the white canvas with a mirage of colors.
The akuma was now trapped in the canvas as she helplessly tried to break free. The staff clattered to the ground as Chat noir released the canvas.
Ladybug reached down to grab the staff. She snapped it with her knee and a little butterfly was released. She lassoed the butterfly, trapping it in her yoyo.
“Bye bye little butterfly.” She smiled as she released the white butterfly.
“Miraculous Ladybug!” She threw the canvas into the sky, watching as it exploded into thousands of ladybugs that set about fixing Paris.
“Pound it!” They replied in union as they shared their usual fistbump.
“I must say you're my favorite piece of art m’lady.” Chat noir grinned as he leaned in. She laughed and pushed him off.
“Okay kitty cat.” She replied as she rolled her eyes with a smile.
They were both interrupted by their miraculous beeping, warning them that their time was almost up.
“Gotta go kitty.”
Ladybug swung off looping back around to the school. She slipped in the window of the bathroom to transform back. As her transformation melted away she suddenly felt exhausted. She leaned against the stall door as her legs shook slightly. The soreness of her jaw came back two fold.
“Ughhh, what is wrong with me today.” She moaned.
She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. She smiled at the mirror and paused. She smiled again, looking at her teeth. Was it her imagination or were her canines suddenly longer than she remembered?
Her musing was interrupted by the shrill ring of the class bell. She walked to class trying to ignore the aching in her mouth.
She plopped into her chair beside her best friend, resting her head on her arms.
She was so tired. The rays of sunlight were too bright. The soft mutterings and conversations of her class seemed deafening. She was so thirsty, her mouth felt so dry.
The bottle of water in her bag was quickly devoured, as she desperately tried to quench the drought of her mouth.
Something smells sweet, like crisp lemonade on a hot day. So cold and refreshing. The slightest hint of mint.
Marinette looked up, her nose flaring as she looked for where the smell was coming from. She immediately locked eyes with Adrien. She watched as his eyes widened and his cheeks darkened. It was like slow motion as he smiled bashfully and waved at her.
Marinette smiled and waved back effortlessly. Her body seemed to work on autopilot.
Adrien took his seat in front of her while Nino slid in the seat next to him talking about his most recent mixtape.
Marinette couldn't take her eyes off the model. She watched as he rummaged around in his bag seemingly looking for something. He must have finally found it as he pulled out a small box wrapped in pink wrapping paper with a white bow on top.
“Happy Birthday Marinette.” Adrien said, as he handed her the small box.
Marinette felt her cheeks flush as her hand grazed his. She could feel the boring eyes of her friends as she took the small box and started unwrapping it.
A small silver necklace with a black cat pendant sat delicately in the satin lining of the box. Marinette felt her face grow redder as she noticed the green gems sparkling in the cats eyes.
“I know you like Chat Noir and all..So i figured you might like it.” Adrien rambled, his hand brushing the back of his neck awkwardly.
“Thank you, Adrien. I love it.” She beamed back it him.
“Would you like me to help you put it on?” He asked bashfully, his cheeks tinted red.
“Uh, s-sure!”
Adrien slipped around her desk. His warm body inches from hers as he reaches over her shoulder for the necklace.
The scent of fresh clothes and his clean cologne seemed to encompass her. It was like being in an Adrien blanket. The sweet scent of lemonade seemed to roll off his skin, she could almost taste the sweat that beaded on the back of his neck.
She could feel his heart racing behind her as his hands fumbled slightly trying to unclasp the jewelry. Marinette felt warmer and uncomfortable, her mouth had begun to ache again. She felt smothered in his presence, but she couldn't bear to leave. The soft silver chain was now gently strung around her neck. Adrien was gently trying to clasp it together, his warm hands brushing the soft sensitive skin of her nape. Every touch felt like electricity running through her.
Was she breathing?
It didn't feel like it. She felt like she was floating on an Adrien cloud. She felt drunk on all the smells and sensations surrounding her. Maybe just a taste wouldn't hurt, he was so close.
Wait
Wait
No, friends don't bite friends. What in the world was she thinking?
“Happy Birthday Marinette.” Adrien whispered in her ear. She felt herself shiver as his breath ghosted over her ear. The sheer proximity had set her face aflame, but this was too much to bear. Marinette was absolutely positive she was going to explode at this very moment.