"Ok, Alya. I've started working on your fox dress for prom. Take a look at the sketches and tell me what you think." Marinette said handing Alya a sketchbook. Alya looked over the sketches intently. "Wow. This is great. It seems like you've taken a lot of inspiration from Rena Rouge's outfit." Alya said after a few moments. "Is that a good or a bad thing?" Marinette asked. "Um good. But I think I should drop the gloves. I'll still go out and find some black boots but drop the gloves." Alya said handing the sketchbook back to Marinette. Marinette knew why she wanted to drop the gloves. She was afraid of her secret accidentally getting out. Marinette had suggested the glove originally but she didn't think Alya would keep them. She figured seeing the sketches changed her mind. "Hey, guys," Nino said as he walked up towards them. "Hey, Nino. Where's Adrien?" Alya asked. "Oh. He's off in line buying prom tickets." Nino said. "Really? For who?" Alya asked. "Didn't say. Just said he was going to buy some," he said back. "Of course they're for me and him." a familiar voice said. "Really? And you two have discussed this Chloe?" Alya questioned. "No but I know that he'd want it to be a surprise but of course I already know. Besides, who else would he buy them for? Certainly not Dupain-Cheng. Not after their little fight in October." Chloe said. Marinette looked up from her sketchbook. How much had Chloe heard? Did she hear any of it or just see it? Alya shook her head. "Like they'd fight. And even if they did, it's been six months. They would've cleared things up by now." she said. "Whatever. Everyone knows Adrien and I are meant to be. Dupain-Cheng doesn't even compete with moi. She'd be better off with Nathaneal or Juleka's brother." Chloe said, ignoring Alya. "Luka's off in college and in a few years will have a prom of his own and Nathaneal transferred. Adrien and Max are the only two available boys." Nino said. "Except Adrien isn't. So why doesn't baker-girl head off to prom with gamer-boy. Sounds like a match made in heaven to me." Chloe said. "Hey, guys," Adrien said as he walked up to the four. "Adrikins!" Chloe said she threw her arms around his neck. She attempted to kiss his cheek but he moved his head so just their cheeks touched. She didn't seem to notice. "You got us the tickets, right?" she asked sweetly. Marinette was about ready to leave. "Um no. I got my tickets. Sabrina's still in line for you guys' tickets." Adrien said as he pulled Chloe's hands off of him. "Um, what? No. T-that's silly. You told me you were getting our tickets. Sabrina's getting her own." Chloe said nervously. "Really? I don't remember saying that plus Sabrina told me that you told her to get tickets for you two," he said. Chloe's face turned red and she stormed off without a word. "Well then who are the tickets for?" Alya questioned with a smirk. "Oh just me and some lovely lady," Adrien said back. "Does she know that one of them is for her?" Alya asked. "Nope. I haven't told her yet. I hope to today though." he said. "Oh just spill already Agreste. If you don't tell us then it's obviously Chloe." Alya said. "Hey! No fair! You know it's not Chloe. Love a little mystery Alya." Adrien argued. "I do love mysteries. I love them because I get to solve them. Why won't you tell us? Afraid I'll jump on her to give me the deets?" Alya asked. "Nope. I just don't want to tell you." he said. "I DON'T WANT YOUR STUPID TICKETS! YOU TOLD ADRIEN AND RUINED EVERYTHING! YOU'RE FIRED!" a voice shouted. The group turned to see a steaming Chloe storming off from a crying Sabrina. "Why is she crying? She should be happy that she's free from that pest." Alya wondered. "Chloe was her only friend. If even Chloe used her, she saw Chloe as a friend. She knows how Chloe treats her but she just wants a friend." Marinette said. The group sees Max carefully walking over to comfort Sabrina. She turns her head to face him and their lips accidentally touched for a moment. "Oh. That's embarrassing. Kissing someone you don't like on accident." Alya said. "Probably more embarrassing than kissing someone you don't like on purpose. Like Ladybug did with Chat Noir." Nino said. "What do you mean? They like each other. She kissed him on purpose because she likes him." Alya said. "No. She said she was saving him and she was. In the picture, Naja showed, his lips were black. It's obvious Dark Cupid got to him. He got to you, Alya, and your lips turned black. She had to kiss him to break the spell. She needed him." Marinette said. "How did you see the picture? You weren't with us when we watched it." Alya asked. "You don't think a picture like that would've gone viral?" Marinette questioned. "Anyways, I'm going to go draw near the Eiffel Tower. I'll see you guys tomorrow." she said before they could answer then walked off. "One flaw in her explanation. If she did need to break the spell it would have to have been a true love's kiss. Not just a kiss." Alya said with a smirk. "But it's obvious that she doesn't like him." Nino said. Alya paused for a moment. "What if she likes his civilian form. Him without the mask. But he only likes her with the mask. Oh, that would be such an annoying love square. I'd hate it." Alya said. "Woah, woah. I'm lost. So she likes his civilian form as Ladybug and as her civilian form but she hates him with the mask on while he likes her with the mask on as Chat Noir and as his civilian form but he hates her without the mask on?" Nino asked. "I wouldn't say hates and we don't know if they know each other outside of the masks. But it would be cool if they did." Alya said. "I should get going guys. You two can keep theorizing about Ladybug and Chat Noir and their relationship status or whatever. I'll see you two tomorrow." Adrien said. As he walked out his phone rang. It was Nathalie. "Hello?" he asked. "I'm just now leaving but I'm going to do something." he said after a moment. "30 minutes tops, I swear Nathalie." he said. "Please, I need to talk to someone." he begged. "Thank you." he said then hung up.

He finally spotted Marinette. He needed to talk to her. There had been a chill between them for the last six months and he didn't want that anymore. Granted, it was all his fault. He had pushed her away but he never fully meant to. He had just needed time. Time to think. He had gotten that time and now he wanted to make things right. He walked up behind her and tapped her shoulder. She jumped random marks went across her paper. He stepped back as she gasped. He'd already screwed up. "Oh no," she said as she started to erase the marks. "Who's bright idea was it to tap the shoulder of someone who is clearly deep in concentration," she muttered angrily. Now or never. He thought. "Sorry. Not the smartest move," he said. She froze for a moment then continued erasing. "Well look what that cat dragged in. Himself," she muttered just loud enough for him to hear. No. The cat didn't drag himself in. The cat didn't drag anyone or anything in. The cat's not here. He thought. He sat down next to her. She continued sketching. "Just listen to me. Please," he begged. "I am. Speak," she said. He couldn't find his voice so he just attempted to hand her one of the prom tickets he bought. She set her pencil down and looked at him annoyed. "You honestly think giving me one of these and taking me to prom will just make everything ok?" she questioned. "No. I just…" he paused. "I never wanted to push you away but I had to," he said. "Wow. Real nice," she muttered sarcastically. "You don't get it. I had to. I needed to be alone. I needed to think. To think about my father, my life, everything. I've been questioning everything for the past six months. I didn't stay at home much. I always ended up just spending my time out. That's why I went to Nino's for Christmas. I couldn't be home." he said. "You could've come to the bakery. My parents would've gladly let you spend Christmas with us," she said, looking down at her sketchbook. Her tone switched from anger to sadness. "I couldn't have because…" he paused. Because you'd try to talk me out of doing what I did. He thought. "Because I didn't know how to face you. I didn't know what to say, or how to act. I didn't even know if you really wanted to see or talk to me." he said. They were silent for a moment. "What you said that day," she paused. "It was unforgivable. You acted like nothing had happened the day before," she said. "I-I know. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have. Just please at least consider the ticket." he begged. "Yeah, sure," she said. She closed her sketchbook, stood up and walked away.

Marinette looked across the sky. "You shouldn't be so hard on him Marinette," Tikki said. "I know it's just….what he said really hurt," Marinette said. "But he's going through even more hurt. He has no family left. He had been fighting his father for four years. You don't just get over that in a night." Tikki said. "I know. He said how he didn't know how to face me or if he should at all. I've felt the same way. I can't blame him. The longer the wait, the harder it is. I just wish he hadn't ignored me. The news hasn't disclosed Hawk Moth's identity yet. I'm the only who knows besides him. He can't really talk to anyone else. I guess his thinking explains why he hasn't come to patrols." she said. "Sometimes going through things alone helps more than talking with friends," Tikki said gently. "Friends. Yeah. That's all I ever thought we would be. But with the identities and everything I had gained hope. I thought it could work. We could finally be together. But then the next day," she paused. "The kitty-cat squashed the bug," she finished. "He didn't mean to Marinette. You know that. He never wanted to push you away." Tikki said. "I know. I just wished he had stopped and considered how I'd feel." Marinette scoffed. "Listen to me. I sound like a selfish little brat. Wanting people to only focus on how I feel and not their feelings. I'm terrible." she said. "Just a little selfish but I should've at least put in a little thought into my words and how they would affect you." a voice said. Marinette turned around to see a familiar pair of green eyes looking at her. "Surprised to see me, M'lady?" Chat Noir asked. "Uh yeah. Just a little. I am kinda glad you're here though." she said. "I came because," he paused and took a breath. "I didn't give you the whole truth. When I said for the past six months I had been questioning everything, I meant everything. Including this." he gestured to his suit. He walked up next to her and leaned on the railing. "After they took him I went straight to my room and took off my ring. I put it in its box and hid it away in my drawer. I didn't want to see it, feel it, use it, or be associated with it. I didn't want to be associated with a Miraculous. I tried to give the bracelet back to you because I pretty much saw it as an association with a Miraculous. Me giving up my Miraculous was also the reason why when you used your pet name for me-" "You acted like you didn't know." Marinette finished. "Yeah. I went home feeling stupid. I wanted to apologize but I didn't think you'd want to talk after that. I also thought that if I told you I had pretty much given up my Miraculous you'd find some way to talk me into taking it back. A few times I debated actually giving it to Master Fu. Even when I told myself I would, I'd forget. Pretty much up until January I'd try to deny that whole day. When the new year started though, I slowly started to accept it but I still wouldn't touch my ring. When I said I usually ended up spending my time out, I meant walking. Mostly at night. Anytime I'd see you across the rooftops I'd hide. I thought you'd yell at me or something for walking around and not being on patrol." he said. "I probably wouldn't have yelled. That would've been too much of a scene. I would've questioned you or maybe even given you a friendly scolding." she said. "I did find out something though tonight before I came here," he said. "What?" she asked. "Nathalie wielded the Peacock Miraculous. I should've figured when we found out who Hawk Moth was. It makes sense that his partner in evil would be his assistant. She knew what he was doing and she was fully willing to help." he said. "Oh kitty," Marinette said. She ruffled the hair on the back of his head. He unzipped one of his pockets and pulled out a brooch with five fanned out peacock wings. He handed it to her. "I snagged it before I left. It was hidden behind the portrait of mom. The same one he used to get to his lair. It's also where I found a book with stuff about- " "The Miraculous and their powers. I know." she cut him off. "How?" he asked. "Lila stole it from you. When you went to the park to meet her she threw it in the trash when you came by. Tikki pulled it out and I took it. I showed it to Master Fu. He said whoever had it could be Hawk Moth and I didn't tell him who I got it from because I didn't know if I should and when he said that my mind freaked that you could be Hawk Moth." she said. "Flattering. Thank you," he said sarcastically. "Hey. Major crush on you back then. If you were involved I didn't think that far ahead. At least not logically." she said. "Anyways, I went to school and Chloe was crying because you wouldn't be coming back to school and I found out the book was your dad's. That's how I originally came to the conclusion that he could be Hawk Moth." she finished. "Why'd you give it back?" he asked. "Well I wanted you to come back to school and Master Fu has a phone so he took pictures." she said. He smiled a bit. "I'll see you tomorrow Bugaboo." he said then turned and started walking to the other side of the rooftop. "Wait." Marinette said. He turned and faced her. "You're still deciding if you should keep your Miraculous, aren't you?" she said. He sighed. "Yeah. How'd you figure?" he asked. "You kept messing with it and you would come close to taking it off a few times." she said. "I just want you to know that I'll support you. Whether you keep it or not, I'll still be here for you." She smiled at him. He smiled back. "Thanks." he said and turned back around. He paused for a moment. "By the way, wear your hair down more often. It looks better that way." he said before grabbing his staff and taking off.

Ladybug was running across the rooftops. She enjoyed this more than swinging around with her yo-yo. She was alone. She had assumed Adrien was still trying to figure out if he wanted to keep his Miraculous. She wished he would come. She had important things to tell him and didn't get a chance at school all week. Patrols were few and far in between now with Hawk Moth gone. She still didn't know why his identity hadn't been revealed yet. She suddenly heard a noise on the rooftop next to her. Chat Noir was running across it. He smiled at her, grab his staff and put it in front of him. She knew exactly what he was doing. "Oh you're so on," she said as she grabbed her yo-yo. She swung across from building to building until she made it to the Eiffel Tower. She watched as Chat Noir made his way to the Eiffel Tower as well. When he made it he sighed and hooked his staff back to his waist. "The bug beats the kitty-cat," she said, walking up to him. "No fair. You had a head start and I'm out of practice," he argued. "Says the sore loser," she said and flicked his bell. He let out a small purr and she bit her bottom lip, holding back a laugh. "Shut up," he said annoyed, a mild blush creeping across his face. "I didn't say anything," she said with a smile. Her face turned serious. "Now, we have a few things to talk about," she said. "Ooo. Serious mode. I like it." Chat said with a smirk. She gave him an annoyed look and he quickly corrected himself. "Sorry. Serious mode. I'm listening." he said. "You coming here tonight, was it just because you wanted to see me or-" "It's permanent," he said cutting her off. "I've been wearing it all week. I thought you would've noticed. I left it on after I talked with you. I guess what I needed to make up my mind was some closure with you." he explained. She smiled. "Good. Now, do you know why the news hasn't said anything about Hawk Moth's identity? In November they said that he had been taken in but not who he was." she said. "I asked them not to. Not until the school year was over. I asked them to wait a month before saying he was taken in. I asked Nathalie if the house could be sold by the end of the school year and she looked into it and we can. That's another thing I've been doing is helping with that. I just didn't want the press asking all these questions and everyone trying to make sure I was ok 24/7." he said. "Where will you live when you come back from college during the summer?" Ladybug asked. "Maybe crash at Nino's, find an apartment, I'll figure out something," he said. "Ok. Now, something I've been wanting to tell you all week." she started. "You accept the ticket?" he asked. "Yes but that's not what I've been wanting to tell you," she said. "Ok. I'm listening," he said. "I took the Peacock Miraculous to Master Fu a few days ago. When I showed it to him he noticed it was broken. It was a small crack on one of the feathers but he said even minor damage to a Miraculous can cause serious problems. He put it on to release Duusu and the first word she said was 'Emilie'." She stopped to catch Chat Noir who had lost balance despite the fact that he was leaning against his staff. "Do you want to sit?" she asked. It took him a moment to find his voice. "Do you think I should?" he questioned. "It couldn't hurt," she said and carefully lower his arm. She sat down next to him and looked across the sky. "She explained how her recent wielder was quite odd. She didn't look normal she was hasty to transform. Then she went on to describe how great Emilie was and how great she and Gabriel worked together when they were younger. She also said she loved watching them take care of their little boy. She didn't want her to get hurt. She knew the Miraculous had been damaged when it had become lost and knew Emilie should stop using especially since she had a family now. Emilie refused and kept using it. One day, many years later, she slipped into a coma. Gabriel thought she was dead and before Duusu could convince him otherwise he removed the Miraculous. She's been dormant ever since." Ladybug said. Chat Noir looked across the sky. "He knew it was broken. Plagg told me. That's why Mayura hasn't been around lately. He didn't want what happened to mom to happen to Nathalie." he said. He smiled. "She was pretty stubborn at times. She was an amazing artist though. She designed most of Father's work. She was also a great fencer. She actually taught a bit of fencing when she wasn't sketching designs." he said. "You can still bring her back." Ladybug said. He turned his head to question her when he saw the Peacock Miraculous in her hand. "Master Fu fixed it. I got it back today. He said if it gets put back on her then it will help her. She'll need to wear it for a week otherwise she'll slip back into a coma." she said. "But he thought she was dead. She was buried. There was a funeral for her." he said. "I argued that too but Duusu said that in the short time Nathalie had the Miraculous on her, she had flown around the mansion. She found Emilie in a clear casket." she said. Chat was shocked and confused. He slowly reached his hand out and took the Miraculous. "Is should get going." Ladybug said and stood up. "See you tomorrow kitty." she said then swung her yo-yo and took off. Chat grabbed his staff and took off in the direction of his own home.

There was a knock on the door. Sabine walked towards it. When she opened it Adrien was standing there in a suit with a rose in his hand. "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng," he said. "Adrien. It's so nice to see you and you don't have to be so formal. Tom and Sabine is fine. Come in. Marinette is still getting ready." Sabine said, gesturing for him to come in. "Thank you," he said as he walked in. Sabine shut the door behind him and followed him towards the living space. "Marinette! Your date's here! Hurry up!" Sabine called up. "My hair's being difficult! I'll be down in a few!" Marinette called back down. "I'm coming up sweetie," Sabine said as she headed towards the stairs. "It hopefully shouldn't take them too long," Tom said. A few moments later the hatch to Marinette's bedroom opened. "I really don't think thinning my hair out is necessary mama. It's an old hair tie." Marinette said as she followed her mother down the stairs. "The bobby pins can't get all of your hair like they used to. We'll only get it thinned out a bit." Sabine said. "What happened?" Tom asked. "Her hair tie broke and her hair's getting a bit too thick," Sabine said back. Marinette sighed and turned to Adrien. "Hi," she said with a smile. "Hey. You look," he cleared his throat. "You look really nice." he finished. "Thanks," she said. "For you," he said, holding out the rose to her. "Oh wow. Y-you didn't have to." she said taking it. "I wanted to," he said. "Alright. You two have fun." Sabine said. Marinette gave both of her parents a kiss on the cheek. "Bye mama, bye papa," she said. "Remember the rules!" Tom called out as the left. "What are the rules?" Adrien asked. Marinette started pulling off her heels. "Um if you taste any alcohol in the punch trash it. If anyone tries to give you alcohol turn away. Oh, and I have to be back at 11 on the dot." she said. She managed to pull her heel off. "What are you doing?" he asked. "Lots of stairs and heels do not work together. Also, race ya!" she said then dashed down the stairs. "Hey! No fair!" he called out and ran after her. He was close behind but she still beat him. She handed him the rose to hold while she put her heels back on. When she looked back up his face was an inch away from her's. He grabbed her hand and placed the rose in it then kissed her cheek. "You can keep the rose. It goes with your dress," he said then smirked and opened the door. Marinette waited until he came out. "Oh my gosh. I can't believe you remembered," she said. "Lovesick fool party of one, no, wait, two," he said and put an arm around her shoulders. "I was not a lovesick fool," she argued. "I'm sorry. I thought not being able to get proper sentences out around me classified as being lovesick." he joked. "At least I could flirt," he said. Marinette scoffed. "Badly. And those puns. The worst." she said. "You loved them," he said. "Nope," she said. "Deny it all you want but I can tell that you did," he said then opened the car door. She took a seat followed shortly by him as he closed the car door. "Ok, mom. Off to the school," he said. Marinette looked at him shocked and confused. He smiled and mouthed the words 'thank you' then kissed the back of her hand. The car started and they drove off to the school. "Marinette, I can't help but notice your lovely dress. Where did you get it?" Emilie asked. "Oh. I made it myself. I also made my friend her dress as well." Marinette said back. "Really? You did a wonderful job. Are you thinking of pursuing a career in fashion designing?" the blond asked. "Yes. I'll be heading off to New York when school is over with Audrey Bourgeious so she can help me." Marinette said back. "Really? Audrey? She barely takes Chloe anywhere. Your work must really be spectacular for her to notice it and take you with her to New York." Emilie said. The car came to a stop as they pulled up to the school. "You two have a good time." she said as they got out. "Come back around 10:45? Marinette needs to be back by 11." Adrien said. "I'll be back. You two go have some fun. You need it." she said. Adrien closed the car door and she drove away. Adrien linked his arm with Marinette's. "So why no Gorilla?" she asked. "Mom hated that father wanted me to have Gorilla around with me. Whenever he was busy she'd drive me around, just the two of us." he said back. She kissed him on the cheek. "I like seeing you happy like this." she said.

The two had yet to find Alya and Nino. "How can we possibly miss her? She's in a bright orange and white dress." Marinette said. "Maybe they're not here yet?" Adrien suggested. "Aha! There!" she said and pointed to a couple standing by the punch bowl. "Good eye M'lady," he said as they walked over. Alya sat her cup down and turned in their direction. A smirk appeared on her face. "Well, well, well. I knew it. I knew that second ticket was for you." Alya said and gave Marinette a light punch to the shoulder. "You did a great job on the dress Marinette. I like your's too," she said. "Thanks," Marinette said. "Yeah. You did a really good job. Alya looks like an absolute fox." Nino said, putting an arm around Alya's shoulder. "Well, that was the point of the dress Nino. She wanted it to be fox themed." Marinette said with a smirk. "Ouch. Are you trying to make me seem like a terrible flirt?" Nino asked. "Nope. Just using a play on words. She does look really good. It suits her well." Marinette said. A slow song started playing. Now that I've worn out, I've worn out the world. I'm on my knees in fascination, looking through the night. And the moon's never seen me before, but I'm reflecting light. "Hey. Come on. Let's dance." Alya said pulling Nino out onto the dance floor. "May I have this dance, M'lady?" Adrien said holding out his hand. "Always," Marinette said, taking it. The two danced around. "Hey, you wanna know who Rena Rouge and Carapace are?" she asked. "Um let me guess, Alya and Nino," he said. "What? How did you figure it out?" she questioned. "Well after finding out about you I wondered who they could be and I figured that the first person you would choose would probably be your best friend. Then when we were fighting Anansi Carapace showed up and Nino seemed to disappear. Plus I heard him say 'dude'. I just didn't think anything of it at the time. I just put two and two together." he said. "And yet you couldn't figure out about me. The one who literally had nothing happen to her except a costume change," she said with a smile. Marinette put her head against him. "Je t'aime, kitty," she said. It threw him off guard but he smiled and kissed her forehead. "Je t'aime aussi, Bugaboo." he said. They danced in silence. And the moon's never seen me before, but I'm reflecting light.

I'm done! Yay! And it's before Thanksgiving for me so ha! I made my deadline. (tho most probably won't read this till tomorrow but oh well) 5k words. Dang. This chapter like wrote itself or something. I wasn't going to include like half of the stuff that I did in this originally. Longest chapter. Hope you all enjoyed Human Kwamis! I had fun writing it. Bye!