As Luck Would Have It

Chapter 1

Ladybug crouched on the ledge, fingers curling over the lip of a rain gutter. Water streamed by, sloshing onto her suit to join the raindrops. She squinted through the haze. Chat Noir's figure was a black smudge atop the chimney.

"Kitty," she called, cupping her hand. His fake cat ears twitched, but he kept at the post. Huffing, she swung herself up on the roof shingles, adjusting her footing.

"Quiet," he whispered, as she approached, keeping her low crouch. "The akuma is out there."

"Waiting for us to make a mistake no doubt." Ladybug grimaced, rubbing her forearms. "And in the pouring rain. I'm surprised you're so calm. Don't cats yowl if you so much as mention a B-A-T-H?"

"Not this cat," he said, grinning. "I'm quite accomplished at grooming. I could lick your fur for you sometime if you'd like." His grin became distinctly cheshire, teeth reflecting the streetlights below. Inhuman eyes glowed.

She coughed, clinging to the rough bricks. Solid in the rushing water. "Ah, I take care of myself fine, thanks." Rain dripped down her nose. "Agh, what an annoying power. Controlling water. The butterfly must be in her watering can."

Chat pointed. "Look, down there."

She craned her neck, peering over the ledge. The sun had fallen too fast with all these rain clouds. "I can't see anything."

"Looks like some kind of gardener with that get up," he said. "I swear, they've gotten more ridiculous over the years. Hawk Moth must be running out of costume ideas. Follow my lead, my lady."

He dropped from his perch, landing on all fours. Chat snatched her wrist. "Come on. We'll surprise her."

They descended the sloped roof. "Careful," he whispered in her ear, fingertips on the small of her back. "We're nearing the edge. Don't fall."

"You know me," she said, leaping off the side of the building.

"Ladybug," he cried as wind rushed past her ears in a torrent of noise.

Her yo-yo flew and snagged on an outcrop the next building over. She arced through the pelting rain. As a superhero, she could take care of herself. Chat Noir babied her too much. She was a perfectly capable young woman, thank you very much. They weren't fifteen anymore.

She dropped onto an awning above a small flower shop. It sunk beneath her weight like a stretched blanket. He'd catch up.

The akuma spun on the street, raising her watering can. Above, clouds released a furious downpour, concentrated on the street corner. The rain smothered her. Ladybug held up her hands, shielding her eyes.

It was no use.

The akuma raced beneath her, shooting blasts of concentrated water. They ripped through the awning. Ladybug scrambled as a jet sliced across her thigh. If her suit hadn't been there… There'd still be a bruise tomorrow.

She leaped to the sidewalk. The rain left everything in shadow. Another blast. It zipped past her ear.

"My lady," Chat Noir yelled, sprinting across the street, his staff swinging at his side. Must have slid down. "Get that watering can away from her."

"Lucky charm," she hissed out. Her yo-yo spun upwards it a flash of light and a rubber band plopped into her palm. Scanning the horizon, she stretched the band and shot, gritting her teeth.

Smack. A clang of metal.

"My watering can," the akuma yelped, shaking her hand where the rubber band had struck.

Ladybug leaped down as Chat Noir spun his staff in a whirl, closing in before leaping for the fallen watering can.

The akuma snatched the handle with her foot. She flipped it up and grabbed tight. "Not so fast."

Chat slid on the pavement. He aimed and hurled his staff like a javelin to spear the watering can from below, sending it spinning through the downpour.

Ladybug squeezed her eyes tight and listened. There. She dived, metal meeting her outstretched hands. Standing, she slammed it to the ground and stomped, shattering it. A butterfly fluttered from the cracks.

"I free you from evil," she said, releasing her yo-yo, snatching the fleeing insect. Ladybug smiled, tapping the cover. "Bye-bye, little butterfly."

"Miraculous Ladybug," she said, tossing the rubber band into the sky. In a sparkle of red, the clouds lifted their clutches from Paris. A watercolor sunset replaced it, drizzled in popping reds and soft pinks.

"So much for being careful," Chat Noir said, strolling over. "You charged in like a bull."

Ladybug tucked away her yo-yo. Of course she charged in. He had her back. They knew how to complement each other, alternating between offense and defense, covering every advance. She trusted Chat Noir with her life. Together, no akuma could beat them.

Chat Noir glanced at the sky. "I'm soaked."

Wringing out her hair, Ladybug sighed. "Me too." Her earring beeped.

His eyes flicked over, not changing his position. "Are you going to leave now, my lady?"

"Not yet," she said, lowering herself to the curb. Chat Noir settled in beside her. Perhaps a little closer than necessary. She'd accepted it ages ago. The unspoken tension of his crush. She flushed.

He chuckled, leaning back, using his arms as support beams. "What? I'm cold and soggy. This cat wants to cuddle in warm blankets, and as there aren't any blankets, you're an excellent alternative, my lady." He winked and rubbed his cheek on her shoulder, leaning his face closer. "Do I need to purr too?"

"No purring."

"Alright."

Side by side, the heat spread between them. A breeze gusted over. Ladybug shivered and Chat Noir's arm wrapped around her waist. She swallowed. Opening her mouth, she caught his eye as she faced him. Those strange luminescent orbs gazed back. The black mask surrounding them the perfect highlight.

"How do you do it?" she whispered, redirecting her gaze beyond his face. "Be Chat Noir and live your normal life? I make too many excuses, disappearing for long stretches with no warning."

"We all make sacrifices."

Another beep. Tikki was warning her. "Yet I still don't know who you are. My partner in crime."

"I am your partner," he said, grabbing her hand between both of his. "Through the thick and thin." He grinned. "You're clawsome to be with and the rest of Paris agrees."

She laughed. "Cheesy as always. Don't get ahead of yourself, kitty."

His smile dissolved as he stood, still holding her hand. "You better go."

Her hand flew to where her earrings struggled to hold onto dots. "Wait." Ladybug tightened the hold. "Next time we meet… I want you to know who I really am. Behind this mask." She traced the bottom outline with her fingers. The mask was practically glued to her skin. "You've earned it after all these years of respecting my privacy."

"My lady…" he fumbled. "I think I need to get my ears checked. We've discussed this..." He trailed off. Her knees began to quiver as the silence drew out. "You're serious." It wasn't a question.

"You heard correctly." The final beep. "Still might want to check on those ears. Until next time, Chat Noir." She squeezed his hands, placing her other on his, then raced down the nearest alley, heart pounding.

What had she just promised? It had flown out wild and free. Sure, writing it in her diary was one thing… Least it was worth that shocked, bewildered stare. Ha, might as well have knocked him over the head. She giggled, strolling down the alley as she returned to ordinary Marinette.

"Did you hear me Tikki?" she said. "I must have lost my mind."

"About time," Tikki said, floating beside her in the deserted alleyway. "Two and a half years is awhile. I didn't think you'd last a few months. Too curious about the mysterious black cat."

"He is handsome," she mused, twirling her braid. The pigtails has gone out of fashion a year ago. She'd needed something fresh. A simple one for Ladybug and intricate ones as Marinette, the fashion designer. Tikki always loved helping her out in the morning to get the hard to reach places. "Those can't be his normal eyes."

"No, magic has altered them," she confirmed. "This is so exciting! What are you going to wear?"

"I'll think of something. You're almost as bad as me now with fashion."

"It's contagious."

"Tikki," Marinette said, unclasping her purse latch. "We're almost to the main street."

"I hope this is everything you wish it to be Marinette," she murmured, slipping into her usual spot.

"I do too."

...

Chat Noir stood on the sidewalk. Oh man, did that happen? His bell was too tight, chest constricting, hands still buzzing from her touch. The sun was sinking like his heart for Ladybug. Those curves had become even more visible as she grew into a fine young woman with a defiant gleam in her eyes. It sent shivers along his arms and spread all the way down to the soles of his feet.

He went to the display window of the flower shop. His reflection gazed back. Should he buy her some? Or would that be too much?

"Ah, you see anything you like?" a woman in a green apron asked, rubbing the back of her neck. She scanned the front. "I'm not sure how I got outside, but you can come in if you like."

"Oh, you're... " He hesitated. The akuma had just controlled this woman. "Are you sure?"

"It wouldn't be a bother. Everything is on discount anyways." She sighed, deflating. "Flower shops aren't popular enough to stay in business in the expensive city of light. At least not mine. We'll be closed within the week."

"Oh," he said. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. But it would warm this heart of mine if Chat Noir bought something."

"Certainly."

He strolled into the shop, the owner leading him in. The entrance bell atop the door chimed. His hand rose to clasp the bell attached to his collar.

"Take whatever you like," she said, rummaging behind the counter. "Have any special occasions coming up?"

"I do. There's this girl—"

She raised her palm. "Say no more. Romantic gestures are what we're here for. Any flower in mind?"

"A rose?"

The shop owner tsked. "Maybe too classic. What about a tiger lily? Or stargazer lily? They're good for any occasion."

Chat Noir sniffed. So many scents. The urge to sneeze tickled his nose. Ladybug would claim he was too sensitive. Tears sprung to his eyes. He wasn't going to sneeze.

"Perhaps a mixed bouquet of bright white lilies and daring red roses," she suggested.

"That sounds wonderful," he said, blinking away the tears. "How much?"

"No need," she said, shaking her head as she wrapped the bouquet.

He reached into his front pocket, slipping out his wallet, then held out his hands for the flowers. "Thank you very much."

Chat Noir glanced back. She was boxing up the side displays. He tugged out the remains of his allowance for the month and tucked it under a front display pot.

"Au revoir," he said with a light wave as the bell announced his departure. The lady returned it with a small, wilted smile.

Outside Chat Noir breathed in fresh air. Least the freshest you got in Paris. When he was in the countryside for rustic shoots his lungs couldn't get enough. His ring beeped. He frowned. He hadn't used cataclysm. Plenty of energy left. It beeped again.

"Oh, you just want out." The alleyway Ladybug had used for her escape had to be open by now. He detransformed, adjusting his belongings.

Plagg plopped into his hand after he finished, patting his stomach. "I'm hungry."

"You're always hungry," Adrien groaned. "Let me get home before you start complaining."

"Home?" Plagg said. "Didn't you have some big shoot for your father or something?" He yawned. "Is that tomorrow?"

Icy fingers gripped his heart. "I…" He snagged his phone out, flipping to his calendar. It was color coded to decipher all his scheduling. A large stretch of orange covered this time period. The photo shoot for Father's biggest client. Three exclamation points followed it. And it had already been in all caps. He swallowed, throat scratchy. God, it ended at eight.

His mind blanked. "What time is it?"

"Check your phone, dummy." Plagg tapped the home button then read upside down. "Mmm, seven fifty-five. Bad?"

"It's all the way across Paris." Adrien sighed, slumping against the building, flowers falling to his side. "I'm doomed."

"Don't be so dramatic."

"I'm not. Father has hinted at my absences. My piano lessons, I missed them last Thursday. So I practiced twice as hard. Fencing is an on or off deal now. He didn't know for awhile, so I thought I could get away with it…" He bit his lower lip. "But he found out two days ago. This could be the last straw."

"You'll deal with it. Let's go get me some cheese."

Adrien pried open his shirt and Plagg snuggled inside. "Agh, it's wet," he said, popping his head out.

"Deal with it," Adrien said, peeking out of the alley. Coast was clear. "Like I am with my father. Besides, I'm changing as soon as we get to the mansion."

"You're not even going to stop by the shoot location?"

"I'm not chancing being yelled at in public again, Plagg. And I wouldn't survive the car ride back." The autumn breeze fluttered between his layers, catching the damp cloth as he headed home. He shivered. "Not in one piece."

"True. How about we stop at a cheese shop to delay, mmm?"

"I don't have any money on me. Sorry." Plagg scampered down his chest, tugging at his wallet. "Hey, that tickles."

"What about these credit cards?" Plagg's cat eyes gleamed as he pulled them out of their slots. "You know the shoots give you tons of money. Modeling pays well and your dad never lets you spend it."

"Those are for emergencies," Adrien said, snatching the wallet out of his paws. "Give back the cards."

"You never do anything for yourself," he whined.

"You mean for your sake? Cheese doesn't do anything for me."

"Yeah, that too. But you know I'm right. Come on." He waved over Adrien's hand, slipping the cards on his palm. "I'll let you think on it," he said, patting his thumb. "How could this get you in any more trouble?"

Adrien continued walking, twisting the cards to catch the streetlights' glow. The silver pin numbers glinted. Could it really hurt? It was his money after all.

"Alright. Just this once. We'll get your favorite. Promise not to complain for at least a few days."

"Camembert," Plagg reminded.

"I know."

The last light vanished before Adrien arrived at the meats and cheese deli. His stomach pinched, gnawing at its lining. Might as well pick up dinner. Ms. Lafond wouldn't have prepared a meal if he was supposed to be at the shoot.

It was almost too easy. Point at cheese, order a deluxe sandwich, swipe the credit card, and sign. Lowering into a wire chair, Adrien sighed. He gently settled the flowers on the tabletop. At least he had Ladybug to look forward to. His hunger subsided as butterflies took its place. How was he going to interact with the girl of his dreams? What if he messed up?

"Order 3," the butcher called out, settling the sandwich and wrapped cheese on the counter.

Adrien walked over. "Can I have a bag for this?"

The man nodded and a paper sack soon covered it. "Here you go, sonny," the man said, half muffled as he switched a toothpick to the other side of his mouth.

Snatching the food, Adrien gathered up his flowers and exited. He'd wait until the comfort of his room. Putting food in his stomach suddenly wasn't appealing. He'd throw up.

He wandered down the streets of Paris. "What if I'm not what she's looking for?" he muttered as he typed in the pass code for the main gates.

Sneaking through the mansion's side entrance, he passed through the kitchen. He grabbed a tall glass and filled it with tap water. Perfect for her flowers. He entered the servant's passageway, the best way not to be seen, though Father's limo wasn't in its normal spot. He still had time.

Sealing the door to his room, Adrien unwrapped the cheese. Just a sliver so it didn't stink up everything.

"Dig in," Adrien said, as Plagg hovered above sniffing.

"My lovely," Plagg said. He nibbled a side chunk. "And so tasty."

Adrien set up the flowers on his desk, adjusting them so he could see their bright petals from his bed. He pried away his damp shirt. It still clung to his body, molding to his lean muscle. "Better change."

After sorting out a new outfit, the one Father had commented brought out his eyes, he flung himself onto his bed, forearm resting on his brow. Which one to worry about first? Father or Ladybug? Time trickled away on the father front—his limo would arrive shortly.

Adrien's forehead burned beneath his arm. He tried to swallow, but the saliva resisted, sticking in the back of his throat. Ladybug was right. Teenage superheroes weren't all they were chalked up to be. Being overscheduled, taking extra classes, all his lessons, and especially saving Paris…

"I can't do it," he whispered. "It's physically impossible to meet all my father's expectations and be Chat Noir. I tried, but I couldn't."

"What are you mumbling about?" Plagg said. "Come over and try this cheese. It's delicious."

A dim light flashed at the window.

Adrien sprung up, holding a finger out to Plagg with an added glare. "The limo is coming up the drive." He inched his blinds enough for a pair of headlights to peer through. "Oh man…"

"How about you eat your sandwich?"

"Not possible. My stomach is churning like mad." He sat back down and bounced his foot on the rug, perched at the edge of his bed. "I'm going crazy."

"You could always meet your fate by going down to greet him."

"I'll wait for Nathalie to direct me to his office."

"Suit yourself." Plagg shrugged, gobbling down more than twice his size in cheese. Where did it all go? Probably to that big head of his.

Adrien strolled to his desk, stroking a red rose, wary of the thorns below. He'd know who she was soon, his ladybug. The new braid fit her perfectly. All those smiles and laughs they've shared over the years… She wouldn't care who he was, right? She'd probably see him as the teen model plastered around Paris. Not for who he was beneath it. Like everyone else.

A knock at the door. He signaled Plagg to vanish into his shirt pocket.

"Mr. Agreste wants to see you," Nathalie said, cracking the door open.

"Yes, Nathalie. In his office?"

She nodded and clicked it back. Adrien sighed. "Time to meet my fate."

...

Brrrrh!

Marinette's hand snaked out of the warmth, seeking the blaring machine. She pounded the snooze button. Turning over, she snuggled further into her pillow. Ten more minutes.

"Marinette!" Her second alarm floated not far from her head. "You need to get to school, not go back to sleep!" Cool air nudged Marinette as the little kwami tugged at the edge of the comforter.

With a groan, Marinette sat up and properly switched off her alarm clock, glancing at the time displayed. Merde! Only minutes to eat breakfast. Why did she always do this to herself?

Throwing off her blankets, barely missing Tikki, she rushed about the room. She hopped over to her desk as she tugged on the last sock.

Marinette nodded to herself as she combed through her blue-black hair. "Adrien will definitely be back today, Tikki. I'm sure of it!"

Tikki glided over, already holding hair bands as Marinette began to plait one side of her head. "He has been out for a while," she agreed and passed them over, helping make sure every hair was neatly tucked into the side braid.

"His father doesn't seem like the sort to let him get a week behind," Marinette continued. "I hope he isn't too sick."

She glanced at her work space. The half finished ladybug-themed mug cozy was at the top of her priority list. The calculus problems due today were miles behind. Had she even started? She stuffed her books into her school bag. Best not to worry. That's what lunch was for.

A few days wasn't unusual—Adrien was a busy professional model after all. But all these unexplained absences... Marinette bit her lip. It wasn't like him.

So once he'd missed a full week of classes, she decided to knit him a mug cozy as a small way to say, "I'm thinking of you." And his spring-green eyes, gold-spun hair, lithe form, and… Heat crept up her face. No, he didn't need to know those thoughts.

"All set," Tikki chirped, giving Marinette's head a pat as she circled to face her. Noting the slight blush and tracing her gaze, Tikki giggled.

"He'll love it, silly! Don't worry, Adrien will be back in no time."

"I need to finish it first," Marinette said, gathering up her book bag. Slipping in her project, she rushed downstairs, taking the steps two at a time. She would give it to him this time. Although Adrien was an enormous fan—she'd seen his erasers and pencil case—she wasn't going to blatantly self advertise. Her updated plans included a little black cat. Not right next to the bug, but close.

Marinette snorted. She wasn't about to give her crush, the boy she'd been in love with for years, a Ladynoir mug cozy. Why did Alya's Ladyblog have to coin a term for her and Chat Noir's supposed relationship? She was so not helping the cause. How was Marinette supposed to face the boy behind the mask when half of Paris awaited their wedding announcement?

Her ears burned as she slid over to the counter, snatching an egg croissant.

"Bonjour, Marinette," her mother said with her soft smile.

Marinette jerked. "Oh! Morning, Mom."

Mom nudged her packed lunch over. "Here you are, dear. I'd tell you take your time eating the croissant, but you should have left seven minutes ago." She laughed as Marinette crammed the remaining croissant in like a chipmunk, cheeks bulging.

"Merci," Marinette said, crumbs trickling out as she secured her lunch and bolted. It would only take ten minutes if she half jogged. The blustery morning breeze swept her along. She turned the last corner. Yes, it was in her sights now.

Marinette navigated her way through street construction, men calling out to each other. She bounded up the school steps. Digging out her phone, she checked the time. Two minutes late.

She speed walked along the halls of her high school, encountering one other straggler. They exchanged a silent nod in acknowledgment of their joint tardiness. She slowed as she reached advanced physics, easing open the door, and slipped into her seat next to Alya. The new student Jeremy smirked behind her. Marinette rolled her eyes, letting her heartbeat return to normal. He was the only one to join their class since Adrien.

The teacher turned from the whiteboard where Electricity and Magnetism was sprawled, red against white. "Bonjour, class."

"Cutting it a little closer than usual, girl," Alya whispered as Marinette flipped through her notebook to a fresh page, passing numerous ladybug and cat doodles.

"I have a sad announcement before we begin," Mr. Rolland continued. "Adrien Agreste won't be in class for a while."

What? Her eyes flew to Adrien's gaping seat. Nino slouched, chin resting on his hand in the adjacent chair.

Mr. Rolland waited for the gasps and mutters to end then waved for them to settle down. "It's a private family matter, so don't bother pestering me for more information because I honestly don't know any more. Now, on to today's lesson, as science waits for no one…"

Marinette reeled. Not coming to class? Had someone died? He'd need more than a cozy.

"Hey," Alya said. "You okay? Well, of course you're not. I heard from Nino this morning he tried to visit Adrien yesterday and—"

"As enthralling as I'm sure your conversation is, or will be, I need your attention up here, young ladies." Mr. Rolland stared them down. "Neither of you can afford to miss this."

"O-of course. Sorry, Mr. Rolland." Alya turned away from Marinette. Facing her blank notes, Marinette groaned, head falling to her desk. So much for paying attention, and she really needed to. She had been a mess this week over the impending revelation of her identity to Chat Noir. Her stomach churned.

A note slid onto her notebook while Mr. Rolland wrote a new equation on the board. We'll talk later. A small smile tugged at Marinette's lips. Of course they would. As if Alya'd be allowed to keep anything she knew about Adrien's disappearance from her. It helped that Alya's boyfriend was his best friend.

Marinette frowned. Just two more classes to go.

The school day dragged on, until her head bobbed, her eyes half open. She did stay up until one o'clock working on that cozy...

"...and have an excellent lunch, everyone. Bonne journée." Mrs. Moreau shut down the projector and shuffled her papers.

Alya immediately shot out of her seat, vice grip on Marinette and Nino dragging them along. Only luck kept Marinette from stumbling.

"Alright." Alya stopped around the corner, hands anchored to her hips. "Nino, tell Marinette what you told me this morning."

Adjusting his shirt, Nino shot Alya a glare and muttered under his breath before turning to Marinette. "I tried to visit our favorite model yesterday." He grimaced.

"And? How is he? Is he alright? What happened?"

"Tried," Nino said. "I couldn't get anywhere near him. His dad's assistant wouldn't even let me say hi. Just told me he wasn't allowed visitors and to leave, and then she cut off the call. No excuses or anything."

He huffed. "Damn nerd. He hasn't responded to any of my texts or calls for a week either."

Marinette tugged at her braid. What was going on? Alya peered at her, then nodded, slipping her hand into Nino's and starting toward the cafeteria. "Well, we can figure out more later. Now we have food to eat and some calculus to compare."

Mariette froze. Calculus! She groaned, falling into step with Alya and Nino. "I completely forgot. I haven't even started. I got so distracted by everything that's going on, and I finally decided what to make Adrien. I just had to start it and-" She fumbled.

Alya burst out laughing, Nino grinning beside her. "Only you!"

"Neither of us is as good at calculus as Adrien, but we can help you finish it faster if you like," Nino offered as they settled down at an open table.

"Thank you!" Marinette reached for her bag, pawing at empty air. "Shoot," she said, standing. "I must have left my bag back in the classroom."

"I blame Alya," Nino said, smirking at his girlfriend. "If she hadn't pulled us out of the classroom as if all of hell was on her heels then-ow!" He rubbed arm, smarting from Alya's punch.

"It's not a big deal," Mariette said, backing away from her friends. "Save my seat," she called over her shoulder as she left. Alya flashed a thumbs up before turning back to Nino.

Heading through nearly empty halls for the second time that day, Marinette stepped into the deserted classroom. Tikki's head popped up out of Marinette's purse. "So what are you going to do about giving Adrien his get-well gift?"

"I don't know, Tikki," Marinette scooped up her bag, checking for her calculus homework. "It doesn't sound like anyone is allowed to see him, or even contact him."

"Mmm." Tikki tapped her chin. "What about something for Chat Noir?"

"What?" Marinette stared at her.

"You know, like a hello gift. You will be meeting a whole other side of him after all, and he you."

Marinette buried her face in her hands. "Don't remind me, Tikki. Ugh, why did I ever propose it?"

"Don't you want to know who Chat Noir is?"

"Well, of course I do. But w-what if he's disappointed? What if we don't like each other?" Her heart constricted. What if I love him more than Adrien? Keeping him at a distance, on one side of the mask… That had been safe, a way to avoid her feelings.

"You two get along great, and no masks could change that. Besides," Tikki teased. "I bet he's cute."

Mariette's face flamed. With those brilliant eyes, shapely mouth, and defining jaw, there was no doubt. "Tikki!" she scolded. "That doesn't— we're not— No."

Tikki giggled. "You should see your face, Marinette. Chat Noir sure wants to. But don't you need to get back to Alya and start on calculus? Lunch is almost half over." She dove back into the purse.

Gathering up her things, Marinette huffed. Wants to see her face indeed! Well, in a way that was fair. He began asking about her civilian identity nearly three years ago when they were fifteen, and it never really stopped.

But soon he would know. Maybe even today.

Notes:

Hello, guys! Hope you all enjoyed the first chapter of As Luck Would Have It. We're thinking it'll be about eleven chapters in all. There are two of us working on it, but we're planning on releasing one chapter each week so we have enough time to keep it at the quality we want.

Lilies - We decided to include some lilies in the bouquet Chat Noir gets for Ladybug since they mean "I dare you to love me." White is also innocence or purity.

French:

Au revoir / Bonjour - Goodbye / Hello. Chat Noir tells the flower-shop owner "au revoir" as he leaves because in France it's polite to say "Bonjour" and "Au revoir" when you enter and exit a store respectively. Bonjour is also commonly used to say good morning, which is why Marinette's mom used it.

Merde - shoot/shit

Merci - Thank you

Bonne journée - Have a good day