I hated everything about her. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, she was a goody-two-shoes and she had always had some kind of grudge towards me. She did whatever she could to please everybody, a classic teacher's pet with straight A's. Everyone loves her, and she loves everyone, except for me. She can't even control her look of disgust when she walks by me, I usually return it with twice as much despise. I don't get why she's so liked, so loved, yeah she was beautiful, not the kind of beautiful you could get from a girl whose been with almost everyone, no she was different and guys loved it. Like her beauty was exotic, enchanting, lovely, and just- Anyways... But what made it worse was it was like she didn't know it. Ignoring the glances she got as she past the hallways with her friend Alya, as if she was walking on water. She doesn't even spare anytime for the poor chaps who follow her every move. I always made sure they never made a move, for their own safety of course.

It didn't help that I had almost every class with her, and that my best friend, Nino, dates her best friend, Alya, and she's almost ALWAYS with them. I can't hang out with Nino unless I have to stomach her presence. What makes it worse… She's LadyBug. As if saving Paris from akuma was hard enough, I have to work together with a girl who think's she's a saint, who always seems like she has a stick up her ass.

I don't understand her charm, the only charm she has is a lucky one that catches akuma, but not as good as me. And maybe the fact she always smells like sweets, courtesy of her parent's bakery. I'd say we're mostly enemies and not that cliche, "partners-in-crime." If it wasn't Hawk Moth, I would've dissolved our alliance already.

I hated everything about him. Adrien Agreste. His face was of an angel's, it was humanly impossible for someone to look as good as him. With his gold locks and greens eyes that shone like emeralds….. Anyways. I guess that's why he's a model everyone's obsessed with. EVERYONE. Not me.. Of course. He was beloved by anyone, like he didn't even have to try and the teachers gave him a passing grade despite his many absences. He was cocky, and good at everything, and he knew it. He knew it. Always showing it in my face. I hated selfish guys like him the most.

What makes it worse that he's in almost all my classes, and he doesn't try and he always gets a better grade than me. I guess it's because he has such a powerful and wealthy father. He didn't even have talents. Is modeling a talent? Like yeah if you had a good enough looking face, sure take a picture and plaster it on anything. I fought tooth and nail for my grades, to make my parents proud, to help our failing bakery, to try doing what I love doing best, drawing and fashion design. It wasn't fair he had everything handed to him in a silver-or golden platter. He is a spoiled little rich kid, and I know that better than anyone. Between being forced to hang out with him courtesy of Alya and Nino to our time spent saving Paris.

Yes. Worse of all I have to spend every night with him, he's Chat Noir. Together, or somewhat together, we fight akuma when we aren't fighting each other. I would've kicked his ass if we didn't have to defeat Hawk Moth.

"Marinette, you're glaring again." Alya sighed, gathering her books from her locker and dragging her feet to turn to my side. She leaned her shoulder onto the locker besides her, "Are you snarling?"

Wiping whatever disgusted look off my face, I turned towards Alya. "Can you believe that?" Alya's eyes slid towards the direction, there was Adrien leaning towards Mireille with a flirtatious smile. She blushed underneath him, turning slightly to the lockers opposite of where we stood. "He didn't even notice her until she won that stupid contest- What was the point of it?"

"What's the point of you glaring?" She raised an eyebrow, "To waste time?"

"Why don't you hate him like me?"

"Not when my boyfriend is-" If on cue, Nino popped up behind us, eyes twinkling as his girlfriend whirled around surprised as he tapped her shoulder. "Nino!"

"Hey cutie," He nuzzled her close to his side, and then smiled at me, damn I wish someone would look at me like that. "Hey Marinette!"

"Hey Nino," I grinned and then noticed Alya's pale complexion despite her golden tan. "I, uh, think you're suffocating her with your love."

Nino raised his eyebrows and looked down to see his girlfriend's glare. He leapt backwards almost taking her with him. "Babe- I'm sorry I was just so happy to see you." He scratched his head, embarrassed. "You okay?"

"Barely," She breathed dramatically, emphasizing her boyfriend's embarrassment. She looked down in defeat, deciding to give him a break. She shrugged straightening up from gasping for air. "What's up?"

"Oh-Uh, nothing. Just thought I could walk you guys to your class." He smiled, I could see Alya's heart do flips, evident to her blushing. He grabbed her books and extended his elbow for her to take. I sighed heavily, seeing that I was going to be the third wheel like the usual. We turned almost in unison, and almost collided with a heavily built body in unison. I looked up to see the sun, just kidding. It was just the gold emitting from his hair by the buzzing fluorescent lights. I sighed and rolled my eyes, Alya catching me and giving me almost a sorry, but nothing I can do. "Yo, what's up, Adrien."

Adrien eyed me with amusement, mischief danced in them as he saw the pattern of behavior he had grown to know. His eyes flickered back to his friend. "Nothing, where you heading, isn't you class the other way?" He gestured to our little formation.

"Well, I have study next so I thought I could walk Alya and Marinette to history." Adrien had looked away to give Mireille and sly smirk and a small wave. "Don't you have history with them?"

"Hmm? Oh yeah, with Madame Chamack? Yeah, I'll walk with you guys."

And just like that I was no longer the third wheel… Or maybe I was? I already pretend his presence is like air. We started walking towards the history wing, and Adrien had made his way to walk by me, on the outside of Alya and Nino's embrace. I could feel his glances like daggers, I didn't want to snap and it took me the most of my energy not to. Especially when he started talking to me. "What's up, Cheng?"

"My name isn't Cheng." I spared.

"Dupain?" He offered. Rolling my eyes, I put on a straight face hoping the fire that was roaring inside me could only be seen in my eyes, he obviously noticed the hot flames in my cool blue iris. Grinning, he kept at it. "I'm joking. Lightn' up will you? You're going to get wrinkles right-" I found myself walking right into his finger, poking me abruptly between my brows, "There."

I hit his finger out of my way, rolling my eyes once again. "And? Sorry I don't have a modeling career my father got for me, I don't have to worry about looking so… So perfect." I finished lamely.

"Oh so you think I'm perfect? Why thank you, Dupain."

Oh my god. I was close to exploding, infact I had turned my entire body towards him to tell him to go stick it somewhere but we were already at Chamack's door and I didn't want to risk my reputation with her. I exhaled violently and cut in front of him, making him stumble backwards from the small door opening, grinning as he swore under his breath. I took wide strides to get to my seat which was, of course, placed right in back of the biggest, egotistical, and blonde head of the class. No not Adrien, shockingly, but his friend Chloe Bourgeois. I didn't think there would be somebody I hated more than Chat- But there it was. Sitting there plastering makeup by the pounds onto her face. She glanced back at me giving me a sour look that smudged her wet mascara, she looked like a clown. I stifle a laugh and she gave me a confused look and when she turned back into her golden pocket mirror gasping in horror. Serves you right. I glanced out the door to see Nino close to Alya, happy the door frame hid them smacking their faces together.

"Settle down, Alya, I'm counting you absent if you don't go to your seat." Madame Chamack began, striding towards the door Alya was sneaking through, giving her teacher a poisonous look before heading towards her seat by me. "Now I want to go over this week's' agenda. I know school just started but your Junior year is going to be hectic and we can't afford to waste time."

I zoned out, taking out a blank notebook to draw out new fashion designs. Madame Chamack's was the easiest class, I could afford half listening to her endless and pointless lectures. Furrowing my eyebrows I felt somebody staring at me, I glanced around the class to find the source while subconsciously feeling the bag at my hip to get Tikki. I could almost hear a "zap" as I made contact with the greenest eyes I didn't think were possible to have. But then again many of Adrien's qualities seemed too good to be true, others not so much. He looked as surprised as me, balancing his head on his hand obviously making himself comfortable to watch me. What? I mouthed, almost threatening.

He raised his hands in defeat, obviously not daring to "poke the crazy." But he grinned as he turned his attention back to their teacher. Okay that was weird? Whatever. I sighed heavily, I noticed I've been doing it a lot today. Rolling my eyes, I went back to shading in deep concentration a white rose laced dress, but found myself drawing the very eyes that had captured mine what felt like a minute ago. Scrunching my nose in disgust and confusion, I closed my notebook and decided that it's best my concentration into my studies.

Marinette has always been an artist, it didn't seem fair that she can have talent and appearance. All I had to be proud of was the face I inherited from my cold father. I shivered at the thought of him. I didn't like the thought of turning my attention to someone like her but I was so.. Enchanted dare I say? She just looked so flawless and full of life. I wish I could see what she was putting so much of her attention into. It angered me that she managed to practically doze off in her classes and still get such high grades. I was in a daze until a bolt of electricity struck me, she caught me staring, I savored her innocence and genuine curiosity before it was exchanged with angered and embarrassment when she recognized who I was. Yep. Never doing that again. I lied to myself. I had been finding myself look at her more often, not to my liking. Huffing, I placed my head into my hands and tried to tune into what the teacher was saying, something about the Black plaque. Bored, I slid my phone underneath the desk, just wedged between me and the black table. Mireille showed up on his screen, I swiped it with a glance towards Madame Chamack.

M- Hey cutie, hope you don't forget able our date tonight.

A- Wouldn't miss it for the world. :*

M- Sounds good, see you at lunch?

I rolled my eyes, I barely see my best friend except for lunch and I'm already in bad terms with the people who shares the lunch table with Nino, and their names were of course Alya, although to a degree, and Marinette. No way I was going to give up that time to piss Marinette off and to see Nino for a girl I just found out goes to our school or risk bring her over and expose her to their wrath.

A- Sorry sweetheart, I already made arrangement with Nino, I'll see you after school?

M-... Fine. You shouldn't be on your phone. TTYL.

A- Okay? Sorry, I'll make it up to you.

M- K.

I rolled my eyes again, I've been doing it a lot today. To my relief, the bell rang and I slid the sleek phone back into my jean pocket. I would've been home free if it wasn't Madame Chamack who called my name and to my surprise, Marinette's. Swearing, I turned on my heel to give her my most loving smile I could sum up. The only reaction were disgusted faces from not only Marinette but from Madame Chamack. Clearly neither of them were affectionate.

"Adrien, Marinette, I'd like a word please." The rest of the class rushed out, I managed to see a pleading look from Marinette to Alya. I sighed and scratched my head, and finally stepped towards the desk sitting the dark and apathetic Madame Chamack. Marinette made her way, keeping her distance and was clutching the notebook she had with her everyday. "You two think you're very slick, huh?"

Despite ourselves, Marinette and I gave each other a confused and worrisome look. It was Marinette who spoke first. "No, I'm sorry if it came off that way… Um, what exactly did I-We, do wrong?" She fiddled with the binding of her notebook, a habit I've noticed she has when she didn't know what to say.

"Dupain-Cheng please, no need to suck up." She gave her a stare that looked like it bored into her soul, I laughed at the gaping 'O' on Marinette's mouth until Madame Chamack glared at me as if she could steal my life away in a second. I shut my mouth immediately. "Care to say anything, Agreste?"

"Um-No Madame." I shifted my weight to each foot. "I uh.. Nevermind." She blinked slowly at my awareness, sighing and taking her time to rearrange her seating as if she was really uncomfortable, although I'm pretty sure she was just letting us die of anxiety.

"A phone, Adrien? And a notebook full of," She waved her hand, "Doodles." Marinette flinched, hurt. I felt a ping of hate towards the teacher I've only known for a week. How dare she- I started. "I don't tolerate this kind of behavior, and I want to stop this early on before the school year really starts. That's why I'm giving you both detention, after school, today."

Marinette gripped her notebook tighter, but it was me who spoke despite myself, "Wait-!" I started.

"Adrien, I do not tolerate disrespect. You should've thought of that before you decided to spend forty minutes, FORTY, on your phone." It didn't occur how long I glared at the screen of my phone. I rolled my eyes that received a cock eyebrow from their withering teacher. I sighed in defeat. "Very good. You both will meet me here after your last class, is that clear?"

"Yes Ma'am," I mumbled, Marinette shook her head, mute.

"I'll see you later today then." She waved a dismissive hand. Wasting no time I strode to my next class, catching a glance at Marinette as she shuffled her feet out the door. I heard her shy, she didn't even look at me, giving my the regular glare I was so attuned to. I watched as Marinette Dupain-Cheng rushed past me, leaving me wondering what in the hell was going through her head. And why I cared so much about her.

I sighed in relief at the sight of my best friend but cringed that Adrien was already occupying the seat across her, by Nino. It didn't hinder my stride though, I was so ready to just to finished lunch and finish school. Nino and Alya were teasing each other-ew- and I had managed to get Alya's attention when I sat down. "Hey Marinette!" She said, re positioning herself from looking at her boyfriend to the both of them. I was grateful she could just understand her so well, that she included me in everything. Even in her relationship, though it wasn't much to my favor. "Everything okay?" She pressured.

"Hmm-Yeah, why? I have to go to detention with Chamack, but I deserve it." I thought I heard Adrien scoff, but brushed it off.

"Oh..That sucks, I'm sorry Mari..." She glanced to Adrien who was way to interested in his salad, and then to Nino who shrugged. "No reason. Just making sure." She took my hand and squeezed it.

"Okay weirdo," I teased, squeezing in return. Nino had reached his arm over Alya, almost like he was trying to create more distance between us. But the smile he gave me as he rested his chin on her blushing shoulder told me otherwise. I took it as a sign to converse in Alix who sat on my other side, and who also saw the intimacy between the two. Between talking about skating gear and new design sketches Alix inspired me to create, my phone went off from my purse. Excusing myself, my heart had dropped upon reading the screen name that said 'mom.' Giving Alya a wistful smile I headed to the bathroom that to my luck was deserted and swiped to answer the call.

"Marinette?"

"Yeah mom, is everything okay?"

"Mmm, Um, hunny I won't be home when you get home, I wanted to tell you now because I won't be able to tell you later…" She sounded tired but was trying her best to be upbeat. My fingers went absently to my earrings, the replacement of my notebook whenever I wasn't holding it.

"Is it another investment meeting?" I said almost breathlessly.

"Yes… Trust me! This one's going to work out, okay? We're closing the bakery-'' Again "-Today. So no work! Go hang out with Alya and enjoy yourself, okay?"

"Mom-" But the distance of her voice told me she was talking to someone, away from the phone. "Hellllo?"

"Yes! Yes. I have to leave now sweetie. We won't be home until later, okay? Make sure to lock the doors, we have a key. Love you, I'll text you after it's over."

"But mom-"

"Look, Marinette," The strained exhaustion bleeding through, I felt like something was pulling my heart down, or like a snake was constricting my heart. The shouting in the background got worse, evident that her parents were arguing."I really have to go. I love you." She hung up before I could respond. Taking a deep breath, I heard the unzipping of my purse and opened my eyes to Tikki, eyes almost bulging out with empathy.

"Are you.. Okay?"

Giving her a weak smile, I pat her head that she lovingly snuggled into. "Yes," I almost choked but managed to swallow my pain. "I am. Come on, I'll smuggle a piece of cookie into the bag, okay?" Tikki lit up but still held her gaze, as if trying to find an answer in them. Sighing she zipped her way back into the customized pouch.

"I love you, Marinette." I heard a muffle. Laughing lightly, I patted the purse where one of closest friends resided. "You know that, right?"

"I know. I love you too." Asserting my eyes to the bathroom door that would lead to the lunch room, I took a deep breathe to try to hide any signs of distress. I've been getting better at it. "Always." I whispered knowing only Tikki could hear her sadness.

She sat down in a huff, the edges of her eyes red as if burned by tears. She was hiding something, shoving something deep down. I had seen that in my mother's eyes, before she left my family for good. Finally having enough of Nino's endless flirting, I made my way to sit closer to Alix, knowing her from preschool it didn't feel too awkward talking about uhm.. Her rollerskating? I was still distracted by the slouching of Marinette, who was stroking her phone with longing. I was going to follow her, not in a creepy-stalker way, but the vibe I picked up when she glanced at the ID told me she would need somebody, somebody to simply ask her if she was okay. Nino did the same to me, when my mom left suddenly. It had helped tremendously but I guess Nino's new girlfriend distracted him from the feelings he could once see easily. Maybe she was going through the same thing, had one of her parent's left? Grimacing, I turned away from Alix giving her a half-assed apology that stirred Marinette from her self-loathing, enough to shoot me a warning glare. Whatever she's going through, it's none of my business. My heart leapt when I saw Mireille go straight towards me from her obnoxiously loud lunch table. Taking my hand into hers, she pulled me to her friends. Regrettable, I obliged.

"Guyssss, you know Adrien." I didn't know some of the people, despite already being a Junior, some looked old and younger, sophomores and seniors I guess. But they all looked inhumanely perfect. But so am I. I stifled a laugh and gave them a famous Agreste smile. Mireille smiled fondly up at me and it was hard not to blush, she was remarkably pretty.

"Hey!" They all seemed to greet in unison, Mireille was already pushing me into an empty seat pretty much declaring the new seating arrangement. I'd usually protest but seeing as Nino was way too busy all up with Alya, I don't see a reason to sit there other than to be confused about the hatred mixed with well whatever is confusing me I felt towards Marinette. Tuning out the rest of the commotion, I was brought back to my consciousness with the ear splitting ringing of the bell. One more classes and then detention.

Adrien walked in with Mireille, I wasn't surprised in the least. She'll be just another ex girlfriend of the famous Adrien Agreste. But I didn't let the bitterness sink in because, finally, I had art class. I felt free in the class, nothing mattered but my passion to design the million-and-one ideas I've accumulated throughout the day. The teacher, Madame Bovary, was one of the youngest teachers which was pretty rare. She was the only one who encouraged her passion for art and design. I smiled at her when she was sitting behind her desk, making my way to my easel with ease. Adrien chose the seat a few seats beside me, leaving Mireille to sit right by me. I had to listen to their endless jabber about absolutely nothing for the entire period. It was hard to tune it out and concentrate on my new suit ideas.

"Marinette!" Mireille giggled, revealing to me she finally had my attention after many attempts. "That is beautiful!"

"Oh, thank you!" I responded sheepishly, fully knowing how much I was blushing. "And yours?" I pressed, it was out of habit to start conversations and blabber nonstop. I silently cursed at my behavior but regretted it seeing how happy she beamed that I was interested in a conversation.

"It's absolutely horrible!" She giggled, and shown her design almost too eagerly. It was actually quite good, the linings and the lace designs were very well thought of, it was just the matter of practicing drawing to get it better conveyed on paper. "But I always wanted a dress like this."

"Woah, Mireille" I exclaimed, matching her eagerness, "It's wonderful, I didn't know you could draw."

Mirielle blushed, "You really think so?"

"Yes! Why'd I lie? I'm actually kind of jealous."

"Oh no you're not, you're not helping my ego at all Mari." She laughed again and I shared it.

"Neither are you!"

"You're too funny. Hey, I'm having a party this weekend, you in?" She ripped a piece of paper, from the corner of her design that wasn't occupied, writing down a street address and phone number. "I'd love it if you could come. Feel free to bring Alya!-" The bell rang, cutting her off briefly. "Text me okay? I'd love to talk designs!"

"O-Oh okay. Sounds like a plan." I returned her smile.

She practically skipped away with Adrien dragging behind, it hadn't occurred to me he was there the entire conversation. It had occurred to me that it was one of the first times I hadn't struggle turning my attention from Adrien to the actual subject. I knew I would be meeting him soon in the classroom I was dreading all day. Huffing, I said my final goodbyes to Madame Bovary, taking my time to walk to the hall way.

Madame Chamack was still as unpleasant as ever. I don't know why she hated me so much but I'd have to bear with it for another semester. I quickly sat down without making any eyecontact with either Chamack or Adrien. There wasn't many people there, maybe four or five others who managed to piss off Chamack within the second week of school, but then again it didn't seem THAT hard to piss her off. I put my head in my hands and stared heavily at the clock that didn't seem to move fast enough. The teacher finally had gotten up, long after the final bell, to address to the "delinquents."

"I'm making sure this is clear and fast: No talking, no phones, no eating, and no sleeping." She walked up the steps to a boy, Ivan, who had dozed off within the first three minutes of detention. She struck the desk without holding back, he awoke with a high pitched, almost girlish, yelp. I swallowed a giggle. It wasn't who I was, to make fun of other people, it wasn't part of the image I made sure was perfect throughout the three years of Highschool, but of course, my restrictions hadn't been towards Adrien who incidentally saw me stifle a laugh. His eyebrows were raised in amusement which I returned by skillfully putting up the middle finger, passing it off as if the hand I was leaning in had somehow raised the finger against the side of my chin which faced him. Hearing a chuckle and another bang, I smiled knowing the sound came from the boy whom I just told off. I brought out my homework humming tunelessly waiting for the class to pass.

How do people enjoy doing homework? I cringed staring at Marinette who had finished what seemed like a huge ass pile of homework that I'd would be skipping tonight, she was not doodling, or designing, in her sketchbook. Anxiety, amusement, and something I couldn't put a finger on circled my stomach as I just realized I had spent the entire hour of detention staring at the Marinette Dupain-Cheng. First it was just to make her uncomfortable, I waited until she returned my gaze with daggers like she usually does to return a gesture she so gracefully executed with a single finger. Wiping my eyes was painful, it felt like I haven't blinked all day. Gathering up my light backpack and stpping away from the rows of desks, thinking about the risk of getting glasses, I stopped to hear Madame Chamack call Marinette, yet again. I silently thank god and shuffled my way out, not risking the chance of being called again.

My feet stopped moving as I made it to the hall. Something told me to stay there and it wasn't plagg who whispered from the pocket of my denim jacket. Staying still and agile, like the cat I am, I leaned against the wall besides the door to Chamack's room.

"Marinette, I'd like to talk to you about... " Chamack must've gestured to something because she left her sentence hanging, to my confusion. "I feel like you should be focusing your time on something more… Promising." The words cut through the air like a knife.

"What do you mean?" Marinette recoiled.

"You're already a Junior… It's foolish to keep focusing your times on some kind of day dream." To my surprised, the elder teacher laughed, "I know, I was the same, with knitting of course-" I rolled my eyes at the old bat thankful she couldn't see. "And I know, take it from me, that it's not going anywhere. Please, Marinette don't take this the wrong way, but I want what's best for my student's future. You can't honestly tell me you were going to make a living, a profession from the drawings?"

I was already stepping in the classroom when Marinette laughed. She laughed. I retreated back to the wall I was occupying. "Of course not. It's just what you say, a hobby. Thank you for your concern, I really appreciate it. But I really have to go," I could almost see her shifting awkwardly. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Alright," Chamack hesitated, "Thank you for understanding. Remember today's assignment. Good day, Marinette."

"Good day."

She raced like a bullet past me, hiding her head behind the black locks that reflected the light like a raven's feather. Without knowing, I was already on her heels. "Marinette!" I shouted before regretting it entirely. I just eavesdropped. On Marinette. Great. I stopped and winced as she stopped abruptly and took her sweet time turning around, making me already on edge. "I-Uhm…"

"What could you possible want from me?" She spat them out like poison.

"Hey, I was just concerne-"

"Yeah well I don't give a shit." She didn't hold back the deathly glare, but despite my understanding of her situation, heat spread through my face making it red with rage.

"You don't have to be such a bitch, I was just trying to help." I managed to to spit out.

"Is that," She breathed sharply, clutching the notebook until her knuckles were white, "What you wanted to say to me?"

I winced at the tears that threaten to fall down her face, taken back with her lack of composure. "Wait, hey look…"

"I don't care, why do you care? You had no right to eavesdrop and then decide to "help" me by calling me a bitch. Just leave me alone." Her expression dropped from rage to hopelessness. Eyes pleading. "Just. Leave. Me. Alone." Marinettes eyes were no longer coated with tears but rather exhaustion. I wanted to hug her, tell her everything's okay and that she's too talented, too in love with design and art to let it go. But their relationship would never allow that. I hate her, right?

"Whatever." I turned on my heel and stalked out of the hallways exasperated. I only turned to look over my shoulder to see Marinette, looking absolutely normal, in a shell of a mask he knew all too well. I need to get out, I need a distraction. The phone vibrated in my jean pocket, looking at the ID I grinned to see Mireille's name.

"Hey what's up cutie? Still up for tonight?"

"You know it."

OKAY Chap. 1 completed, excuse any mistakes, it's currently 6:37am and I haven't slept. Anyways, hope you enjoyed my AU and I'll probably continue it for my own satisfaction. Please review! :^) Until next time, I will be correcting mistakes soon! Please bear with it.