The excited gleam in his peridot eyes didn't all hide the reluctance she saw deeper down.

It was almost like he didn't know how to feel about the mission Ladybug had planned, something she never really expected from him.

"Chat, all he wants is for you to model for it while retaining the cat theme," Ladybug repeated. "I can't interact with you unless something goes awry, or it'll throw our cover. Hawkmoth will be there and he needs both of us, not just you."

Chat Noir frowned. "But why am I in the limelight?" he insisted. "Why can't we just spy as our civilian selves?"

"Because Monsieur Aguillon wants Chat, not a typical teenager," Ladybug reasoned. "Besides, we might accidentally reveal ourselves to each other-" He gave her a pining, pleading look. "-and you know that I don't want to do that yet," she finished firmly.

Chat's ears drooped slightly. He didn't look at all happy about this. Ladybug sighed.

"Honestly, Chat, I thought you loved flaunting your 'good looks' to everyone around you."

He sighed and looked almost relieved when his ring beeped. "It's...you wouldn't understand." He breathed a bitter laugh and tried for a smile. "To put it simply, as a civilian the public thinks I'm the cat's meow."

Ladybug rolled her eyes and shoved him lightly in the shoulder. "Whatever. Now get home before I find out who you are. You have a week to prep for this."

"Great." He sounded unenthusiastic as he stood and tipped an invisible hat at her before leaping his way home.

She watched him, amused and yet partially concerned. He never felt reluctance toward her plans.

But she'd be there as Marinette. After all, some of her work had been included in the show and she could take notes whilst spying. Maybe if Chat got a break he might open up to her. They'd been friends for a while now anyway.

And he wasn't supposed to interact with Ladybug, no. But as far as he knew Marinette was an entirely different person and she hadn't said anything about not interacting with other people.

Ladybug stood and swung home. No matter how much he annoyed her, she did care for him and part of being his friend was knowing what made him uncomfortable.

The girl vaulted into her room and transformed into Marinette right before her mom came in to check on her.

After explaining that she'd just finished her homework and was about to get ready for bed, her mom gave her a warm smile and headed back downstairs. Marinette breathed a sigh of relief and got in bed to finish the homework she'd just lied about doing.

That was a close one.

::

Adrien sat down heavily in his chair, and huffed. Plagg giggled at him. "Now how am I gonna make this work?" he groaned. "Father's put me-Adrien-in there too! And knowing Marinette, she'll probably be there and she's the only one I know that I can talk to and I probably won't get any time! Plagg, this is a problem!"

"Just switch in between appearances," Plagg said through a mouthful of cheese.

"It isn't that easy." Adrien groaned again and leaned his head back, spinning his chair. "I have to show twice too. In the same show. As two different people. I'll have to run back and forth between my father and M. Aguillon and change into various costumes and honestly this is too much for me."

There was a knock at the door. Adrien slapped Plagg under the desk and sat up straight. "Yes?"

Natalie opened the door halfway, a clipboard in her hand. "Adrien, you're scheduled for the morning showing for the event."

"Morning showing?" he asked. This was a new development.

Natalie nodded. "Yes. Your father is showing first and after his exhibitions are through he will stay to watch Aguillon's works. You are expected to be in sight of the catwalk once your performance is finished, understood?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Natalie left and Adrien realized he was holding his breath, so he quickly exhaled and Plagg came out from under the table, complaining. "Geez, you could have just-"

"Plagg, I have things figured out now," Adrien put in. "I'll just sneak into the bathroom after I'm done, transform, then come back out and talk with Marinette or whatever, then I have to go to Aguillon."

"Why do you even wanna talk with Marinette anyway? You pretty much ignore her at school," Plagg pointed out.

Adrien glared at the kwami. "Because she's my-Chat's-friend. Around Adrien she's stuttery and nervous and I don't think she likes that side of me."

Plagg didn't look convinced. "Or, you know, maybe she's completely in love with you as Adrien and your thick skull hasn't realized that yet."

"Are you insane? She barely even looks at me, let alone gives off any hints that she's got a thing for me." Plagg raised an eyebrow but sighed.

"Fine. Whatever. I'm not arguing anymore," he huffed, waving his arms in submission. "What are you even gonna talk to her about?"

"I don't know. Maybe her work and stuff like that."

"Wow. Exciting. You're definitely not a boring person."

"Shut up, you dairy vacuum."

Plagg sniggered and grabbed more cheese, shoving it into his mouth.

Adrien frowned at him and spun around to finish his homework.

This mission was not going to be his favorite.

::

Busy. Busy busy busy busy. Take a few steps, get yelled at, repeat. Not moving your hips enough, you're too stiff. Less swing, more strut. Nag nag nag.

By this point Adrien was seriously considering whether or not spontaneous combustion was something he could do at will. Not that he wasn't used to it, no.

He always felt like bursting into flames after every rehearsal. Maybe then he wouldn't feel like such a disappointment.

Even after practice he was criticized. His father would pull him aside and chide his faults, point out his errors. "More enthusiasm, more flair."

With all due respect, he wanted to say, he didn't have much cheeriness left when it came to his father. He could see now why his mom left.

And yet he didn't speak. He'd just lose the few friends he had and be taken to a private school, or get homeschooled again.

So instead he nodded morosely with a, "Yes, father. I understand, father. It won't happen again, father."

And this happened nearly every day. School and Ladybug were his only escapes.

Today, Adrien dragged his feet up the stairs. His feet were sore and he wanted a nap. He was hungry and fatigued and wished they'd let him eat proportionately the same amount of food as Plagg ate cheese.

Modeling was fun at times, but, he realized, they starved you. This was dangerous business.

The boy pushed open his door weakly and collapsed on the bed. He'd have to be up early tomorrow. Plagg zipped around him. "First of all, cheese. I need it. Second, aren't you gonna check the Ladyblog?"

"Mmmuuhg," came the muffled response of Adrien, his face buried in the sheets.

Plagg rolled his eyes. "You know you have to feed me if we're gonna be Chat for the majority of tomorrow's show," he nagged. "And if you wanna catch up on your precious Ladybug, you may as well."

Adrien groaned and melted off the bed, sliding down until his face was now buried in the floor instead. "Ffffffine," he muttered slowly. He yawned and pulled himself off the floor, supporting his weight on his chair. Then he drifted tiredly out the room with not-so-perfect posture.

He returned a few minutes later with cheese for Plagg and then he flicked through the Ladyblog on his phone. He was too tired to turn on his computer.

A new post appeared at the top of the page: "Ladybug and Chat Noir possibly confirmed for fashion show stakeout! It's Aguillon's show, and I hear Chat is modeling, so be there if you can!"

Adrien groaned for the umpteenth time today and buried his face in his arm. "How does Alya find out about these things?"

Plagg shrugged and continued scarfing down his cheese. "Maybe Alya's Ladybug?"

"What? No, definitely not. Ladybug's got lighter skin."

"Huh, you seem so sure. Last time you thought Chloe was Ladybug even though they have entirely different hair color and attitude."

Adrien raised his head weakly and squinted tiredly, glaring at Plagg. He tried to say something but gave up and put his head back down.

Plagg sat on the boy's head. "Get rest. You'll need it for tomorrow."

"I'm too tired to move."

"Adrien, now."

Adrien sighed heavily and drew himself up to get into his pajamas. He brushed his teeth and then flopped in bed, falling asleep before he even hit the pillow.

::

The morning hadn't been too eventful. Alya called to see if Marinette was going to the show (which she was) and Chat Noir had dropped by early to, yet again, confirm if she was going. Satisfied with her answer he gave her a cheeky grin and a pun-filled farewell before bounding back home.

Marinette finished fixing her hair into a loose bun. The clumps that weren't in it she curled and she made her bangs a little more poofy than usual. Her dress was simple yet stylish, and of course she'd made it herself.

She admired herself in the mirror and her mom called her from downstairs. "Marinette! We have to go, we'll be late!"

"Coming, mom!" Marinette grabbed her purse and Tikki before sliding out her trapdoor and into the hallway. She couldn't wait to see how her designs looked on other people.

::

The flashing and clicking of cameras and the blaring lights above the runway were nothing new. The strut down the lighted catwalk was second nature; he barely even had to think about it.

As he flaunted Aguillon's outfit, he scanned the crowd for any sight of Ladybug.

No such luck. Perhaps she was undercover as a civilian and would transform later.

Chat Noir did see a familiar face though. Bouncy blue-black curls and pale skin with a light spattering of freckles, bright blue eyes and a short, fragile-looking stature.

Chat's smile then wasn't entirely for the crowd around him anymore and when he turned to head back down the catwalk he made a point to flick his belt-tail and wink at Marinette. He caught her rolling her eyes with a grin.

He didn't change into his uniform after disappearing behind the curtains and instead wove through the crowd to get to Marinette. She looked strangely smug.

"First off, where were you before I got on the catwalk, Princess?" Chat asked, raising an eyebrow in amusement and cocking his hip.

"I lost track of time," Marinette shot back, putting her hands on her hips sassily.

"Second, why so smug, dear?"

Marinette scoffed and shoved him in the chest lightly. "You look good in that suit." She seemed to be stifling a giggle, as if she knew something Chat didn't.

He didn't care. His mind was still on her compliment and, no matter how giggly, how genuine it was.

His face shouldn't have been burning.

He coughed and pulled at the collar of his black shirt. The bell that held it closed jingled. "Heh, thanks, Princess, but that doesn't exactly answer my question."

Marinette bit her lip. Chat realized she was both smug AND excited. "Chat Noir, surely you looked to see who made your outfit," she managed.

He frowned. "What?"

"Aguillon loved some of my work and put it in his show," Marinette explained giddily. "I never thought it would look so great! And, well, you're wearing one of my pieces."

Chat blinked. He looked down at the suit and examined it before looking back at Marinette and winking. "It's very well made, Princess," he purred. Even in the darkness he could tell she was blushing and he felt accomplished.

Marinette forced another scoff and tossed her head aside. Chat Noir puffed out his chest slightly. "I might just want to keep this," he sang.

A set of footsteps rang out among the oblivious chatter of the crowd, a set of footsteps Chat knew all too well. He stiffened and felt the urge to surrender. He stared at the ground, subdued. "Hello, Miss Dupain-Cheng," the footsteps' owner's voice said regally.

It was his father.

Gabriel shot a small smile toward Marinette, though whether or not it was genuine, Chat couldn't tell. His father never smiled at home.

Marinette beamed back at Monsieur Agreste. "Hello, M. Agreste, sir," she said cheerily. Chat wanted to shove his finger down his throat. This was unbearable. If only she knew what he was like.

Gabriel nodded and he looked out to the catwalk. "I heard some of your work was up there," he noted calmly. He directed his attention toward Chat, who tried even harder to avoid eye contact. Gabriel nodded toward his suit. "That one of yours?"

Marinette smiled wide. "Yessir."

The prestigious fashion icon smiled a little. "It's extremely high quality." His voice was soft and stern. He raised his eyebrows toward Chat. "May I?"

Chat stiffened and his pupils slit, but he forced a compliance. "Y-yes, fa-sir."

Gabriel looked somewhat confused but shook it off and gently inspected the suit. When he was through, he looked Marinette over.

"I am impressed."

Chat looked at Marinette. She looked like she was about to pass out.

Gabriel continued, "Though not the highest quality fabric, it is well made. You made good use out of it and could definitely bring in profit from this. Not many people your age can do that, Miss…?"

"Marinette," Marinette squeaked. She cleared her throat and hastily composed herself. "It's just Marinette."

Gabriel nodded. "Marinette," he repeated. "Well, I am thinking about introducing a new line of clothing in the future. You might consider taking it up as a career option."

Marinette looked like she was about to combust. Gabriel started to walk away, but he hesitated. He turned back to the girl. "You know my son, Adrien, right?"

Her breath hitched visibly. "Y-yeah, I like-I mean, I kn-know him enough to b-be an acquaintance of h-his, sir."

"Have you seen him? I told him to stay in sight of the catwalk but I haven't been able to find him." His voice sounded a little tight and Chat could feel his claws digging into his palms as he balled his hands into fists.

"Adrien's here?" Marinette squeaked. A stagehand changed the direction of the lights and Marinette's blushing red face became highly visible.

Chat started. Wait...did she...

Gabriel nodded. "Yes. I take it you haven't seen him?"

"N-no, sir. I mean, no, I haven't seen him."

"Ah," he replied, frowning. "I will ask around. But think about my offer, Marinette." And then he left.

"Adrien's here, Chat," Marinette giggled. "Let's go find him!"

"Why?" Chat wondered slowly.

Her face turned even more red. "N-no reason."

"Ah, well, okay then, Princess," Chat crooned. "But are you sure it's not because you like him?"

"What?" Oh, Chat Noir knew he was pushing her. If he hinted any more she'd burst into flames. Her face was so red, so very very red. "Pfft! I don't kn-know what you're talking about."

"Ooh, you're in denial! Another sign of having a cru-"

She smacked him across the chest. "Sh-shut up!"

The cat held up his hands in surrender. At least he knew she liked him. That was enough to satisfty him. "Okay, okay, Princess," he chuckled. "Are you happy about my fa-I mean, uh, Monsieur Agreste's offer?"

Though glad to have a subject change, Marinette squinted at him. "What'd you say?"

"Are you happy about Agreste's offer?" Chat repeated, his heart racing. Please don't figure it out, please don't figure it out, please don't figure it out.

Marinette stared at him for a moment, then let it go. "Oh, yes, I am," she sighed after a second. "I mean, this is the chance of a lifetime!"

"One you should noir avoid?" Chat punned.

And Marinette laughed. Usually she scoffed. But she laughed.

"That was a terrible pun," she giggled. "So bad."

She kept laughing for a moment, amazed by how irrelevant the pun was, and something shifted in his brain.

Her laugh was adorable.

It was like Ladybug's, but less...mature.

And now that he thought about it, there were a lot of adorable things about Marinette that he hadn't noticed before. Like her freckles, and her eyes, and her outfit…

Wait. Was he blushing? He was glad he had his mask on.

Marinette sighed and looked at the various designers, running about and making adjustments. "What I would give to be there," she moaned wistfully. "I love baking, but...behind those curtains, with the outfits I've made, that's where I wanna be."

Chat wanted so bad to tell her he could GIVE her that. He could fund her schooling, heck, despite his father's demeanor, even Papa Agreste could teach her. He could help her reach that dream and he felt a deep, pathetic longing in his chest.

He could only tell her simply, "I believe you'll get there."

Marinette beamed at him. "Thanks."

He smiled back. She looked so pleased, so glad to have him as a friend.

Now if only he could get her to use coherent sentences around Adrien.

Marinette looked in the direction of Gabriel's departure. "He seems like a kind enough guy," she observed after a moment.

Chat almost laughed.

She cocked her head. "But...I've heard he's really strict and typically emotionless, especially toward Adrien."

Chat wanted to say that yes, he was a jerk, he was so overprotective, it's no wonder his mom left. But he couldn't. To throw away everything you kept secret about yourself simply because you were frustrated was a foolish decision.

He sighed. "My own father is that way," he revealed quietly. "He always makes decisions for me and for once I'd like to make my own."

Marinette's expression grew into one of empathy. She put a hand on Chat's arm. "I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I hope he gives you more independence soon."

The cat gave her a gentle smile and opened his mouth to say, "Thank you" when someone screamed.

Marinette perked up instantly and she tensed, sneering in the direction of the scream. It was not the best time, but Chat Noir's heart jumped when he saw her expression. It was exactly like Ladybug's and he couldn't restrain the sudden lurching in his stomach at the thought.

Now now, Adrien, this is just a fleeting crush. You're just associating different things about her with Ladybug and feeling things because of that. Marinette is a friend.

He put an arm in front of her. "Now, Princess, I appreciate your willingness to fight-" Something exploded behind the curtains of the catwalk. "-but it's a hero's duty to keep as many civilians safe as possible, and you, my friend, are one I wish to keep unharmed."

"But-"

"Marinette." He looked her in the eye. All light-heartedness had left him. "Go. Now. Get behind me and get out of the building as fast as you can. Get home."

Marinette hesitated, but nodded and ran out the building. Chat drew his baton and spun it, ready to face whatever akuma had been formed now.

::

Marinette called Alya once she'd gotten outside. "Alya, there's an akuma in the building, get outside!"

Alya responded far too cheerily on the other end. "Can't! Chat's fighting it and it's great! Ladybug will show up soon, I know it!"

"Alya-"

"Oh, exciting! Gotta call you back, things are getting interesting! Bye!"

The phone beeped and Marinette groaned. She disappeared behind the building and transformed before running back out to the front entrance and swinging through the doors, shattering them.

Chat had just been thrown back by a fashion-themed akuma, some designer who'd been teased by the others for having "stupid outfits". Chat's cat ears were pinned back and he wiped blood from his split lip as he caught sight of Ladybug.

He immediately brightened. "My Lady!"

Ladybug smirked and helped him up. "You look dapper, kitty," she complimented. "Perhaps this designer's jealous?"

"Oh, it's entirely possible, My Lady," the cat smirked. He puffed out his chest. "I look marvelous."

The akuma howled and fired a mass of black sludge toward the two heroes. Chat regained focus and ducked just in time before grabbing Ladybug's wrist and pulling her along behind an upturned table. He spun his baton above his head to create an umbrella of sorts.

"What do we know about this one?" Ladybug asked, her hand resting on her yoyo.

"Well, he's definitely upset about something," Chat grinned.

Ladybug rolled her eyes. "That's nothing new, you idiot. What else?"

"His sludge isn't harmful and dissipates quickly, but it also gives you a horrible and tacky outfit that would make even Walmart shoppers cringe."

As if on cue, a man ran by, screaming, in such a gaudy, bad outfit that Ladybug fought the urge to hurl.

Ladybug looked at her partner. "Anything else I need to know?"

"If he realizes you're wielding a Miraculous, he gets extremely violent and very rude," Chat explained. He stuck out his lower lip, exposing the raw, jagged cut across its surface. "He hurt me and my feelings." His voice was dripping with fake self-pity.

"Great." Ladybug's eyes widened as the akuma ran at the teens and she shoved Chat out of the way, the two rolling on the floor as the akuma attacked the table they were just behind.

The bug pulled the cat up by the collar and drew her yoyo, spinning it threateningly in her hand. "Chat, cover me," she ordered. "I think I can get him under control."

"Are you kitten me?! L.B., that's insane! He'll-"

"Managed to throw a pun in even that one, eh?" She sighed. "Chat, as long as you have my back, I'll be fine."

His eyes were wide with worry, but he steeled himself and his frown was quickly replaced with a cattish grin. "As you wish, My Lady."

He gave her a two-fingered salute and Ladybug noticed that his hair had come out of its mostly-neat style it held earlier. Not that it wasn't typically shaggy and unkempt, but it was also partially controlled. After he'd been fighting alone, it was like he'd just gotten out of bed and had run a hand through his hair, like, twice, and called it good.

She'd never admit it, but Ladybug thought it hilariously cute on him and she had to resist the urge to giggle at him.

She grinned and bit her lip as she turned to face the akuma, brandishing her yoyo defensively.

"Mister Akuma, sir, monsieur," she called to him. The akuma whipped around and glared at the heroine.

"If you're going to stop me, it's no use," he hissed, and then, in his voice and Hawkmoth's combined and echoing each other, "I'll just take your Miraculous, and you'll be useless."

Ladybug sneered. The akuma knew she had a secret identity, and despite not knowing who, he also knew how to make her hurt.

Useless.

She felt Chat's presence next to her. She glanced up at him, and his face was void of any positive emotion. His pupils had slit and his ears were pinned, and his face held all the ferocity of an angry tiger.

"You do not speak to Ladybug like that," he growled quietly. "She is not and never will be useless, no matter what form she's in."

Ladybug put a hand on his arm. "Chat, back down, it's not him talking, it's Hawkmoth," she whispered.

"I know exactly who's talking." His grip tightened visibly on his staff and his tail swayed in warning.

"Chat, please." Ladybug looked at the akuma, who grinned terribly back at her. "Go through with the plan, and then you can tell Hawkmoth what for."

Chat sneered and Ladybug could have sworn his transformation also granted him the sharp fangs of a wildcat. He took a couple steps back and held his baton at the ready.

"Proceed, My Lady."

Ladybug took a deep breath. Hawkmoth was just messing with her head, she was NOT useless, even as Marinette.

"Wardrobe Malfunction, this is not you," she told him. "I know the others teased you, but what they say isn't true, okay?"

The akuma softened a little.

"R-really?"

"Yes. It doesn't matter what they say, you're a great fashion designer."

For a moment Ladybug had thought she'd gotten through to him and wouldn't have to instigate violence this time.

But then he started laughing. "Yes, I AM a great designer! I will make them see how great I am! And steal your Miraculous in the process!"

"Oh no. CHAT-"

He was already ahead of her, having been tensed and ready to leap even before the akuma attacked. He bounded after the akuma as it jumped toward him and Ladybug, and he clocked it in the forehead with his staff, knocking the astray designer into the wall. The cat landed on his left hand and his feet, holding his baton at his side.

"My Lady, now!"

Ladybug blinked in shock, then shook her head and used her Lucky Charm.

Today it was a Ladybug-themed handheld vacuum cleaner, which, with a little teamwork, she used to pull the designer's jacket off. She ripped the sleeve and cleansed the butterfly inside, setting it free. Then she threw the vacuum into the air with a shout and soon everything was back normal.

The designer went shakily back to work and was astounded that suddenly the others were avoiding him.

Ladybug helped Chat off the ground, and he pressed his fist against hers. "Pound it!"

She grinned. "Let's go." She turned to leave, but Chat grabbed her arm.

"Wait."

Ladybug looked at him. "Yeah?"

His expression had quickly turned somber and concerned. "What the ak-what Hawkmoth-said back there," he confided, "I know you probably thought nothing of it, but…" He locked eyes with her and she realized the pain of the jab earlier was deeper than she thought.

Nobody had ever insulted her with that much certainty.

She felt her eyes stinging and Chat saw it. His face twisted into a painfully distraught expression.

"Hey, look at me." He tipped her head toward him when she averted his gaze. "I wanted you to know that you are not useless. You never have been, you are not, and you never will be, no matter whether you're a civilian or a hero. Okay?"

He was right. He almost always was and she knew he was now. And her heart felt gooey and warm inside.

Ladybug couldn't help but smile, tears still in her eyes. Chat smiled in response.

"There's the Ladybug I know," he laughed. "And cheer up for me, will you? 'Else you and I will have a chat."

Ladybug laughed and shoved him in the chest. "That one sucked."

"You wound me, My Lady." He pouted.

Chat's ring beeped and he jumped, looking down at it. "Oh, gotta run," he bleated, frowning at his sudden squeaky voice crack and crossing his eyes. Ladybug giggled and he returned to smiling. "I'm afraid you'd go into a coma if you figured out who I am and how beautiful I am."

"Oh, hush, that's not happening any time soon," Ladybug laughed. "Get going."

"As you wish, My Lady."

And then he disappeared.

Ladybug ran outside. She transformed back into Marinette and tucked Tikki into her purse. She turned around to walk back and stopped with a jump. Her breath hitched.

Alya was standing there with a gape on her face. She held up her hands. "Honest, I didn't wanna see you transform, it just kinda happened."

Marinette blinked. "Alya, if you tell anyone-"

"I won't." Alya rubbed her temples. "Oh, I am the worst journalist ever. How did I-I mean, Marinette? Out of all people? I should I have known, but-wow...I just...what…"

Marinette was panicking on the inside. She ran to put her hands on Alya's shoulders. "Alya, I know it's a lot to take in, but please stop trying to process this, you'll explode your own brain."

"But you're Ladybug?!" Alya squealed. It echoed in the alleyway and Marinette covered her mouth.

"Shh!"

"Sorry!" the girl hissed sheepishly. She looked down at her phone and grinned.

Marinette looked at her. "What is it? Also you're taking this way better than I thought you would."

"Yes I am externally, but on the inside I'm screaming and imploding," Alya confirmed. "But look! I got this really cute video of Lady-I mean, you-and Chat after the fight."

"What."

"Well, you know, I myself didn't get all of it, but he was consoling you about something, wasn't he?"

Marinette looked at her. "You're gonna upload that one, aren't you?" she sighed.

"You know it, girl!" Alya laughed giddily. "Also, can I come over to your house after this? I need to let this sink in but I need to be with you when I do it."

Marinette laughed. "Of course. I need to get used to this too. But again, if you tell anyone I will sew your mouth shut."