I actually like this chapter. Usually I wait like weeks [read: months] to post a chapter but I like this one.

Disclaimer: I do not own ML nor MK/DC

Chapter 9: Plans in the Making

If Conan was honest with himself, Paris, to him, was like an amusement park that never ended. He knew of other Japanese people like him that came to the city of love and left disappointed. Not him. Especially not with the new Superheroes. Ladybug and Chat Noir. Fighting temporarily insane people and crime. It was those people or Akumas that made it even more thrilling. No one knew what kind of villain they would get that week. They could either obliterate half of Paris or turn everyone into a fish. It was great. Even better because Hakuba had gotten hit by that sea queen that week. The boy turned into a half jelly fish creature. Thankfully the child was able to get away fast enough before he was turned into some koi fish. Or at least that's what he thought.

He was cornered by a crowd of the monsters when he was saved. He was snatched up and swung away as if he was in a cliché Spiderman movie. The red lady, Ladybug, had stowed him away to a balcony. She spoke to him as if he was a child who had just been traumatized. Naturally he tuned her out and spent his entire time examining her. Everything about them screamed familiar.

Blue hair in signature pigtails that's in almost every news story.

Bluebell colored eyes.

Twitchy fingers. Must be the adrenaline from fighting. Does she get a thrill out of this?

Earrings that have the same color scheme as the rest of her suit. Must be her miraculous.

Drumming of her foot. Ha! She is eager to get back to the fight.

Her size reminds me of another female. Now who was it?

"Conan? Are you okay? You've been staring into space."

Conan? A thought had raced through his brain. How does a big time superhero know a foreign kid's name? Hm.

Slurring his words around to turn his French to mush, he responded back. "Wow~! Ladybug knows my name!"

That seemed to get her attention. The girl showed a brief glimpse of panic before settling with a charming smile. "Of course! I'm a superhero, I know all the names of people in my city." Doubtful. "Did you get separated from your parents? I'm sure they're probably worried."

"Probably worried…"

"Sure they're probably worried…"

Where had he heard that—Of course! His mind trailed back to the heist and onto the rooftop. Where he had seen a young woman with a bright smile and the same voice.

"Now why don't we get you to your parents or guardians. They're probably worried."

"Marinette…" he mumbled. Of course it was simple. To think that he met a superhero outside of her mask. And he didn't realize it until now!? Although, now that he thought about it, it became more obvious the longer he stared. They were the exact same.

"M-Marinette?! W-What about her?" she was nervous now.

"You said you know everyone right? Do you know Mari…Marinette?" he hesitated on the name to act like he struggled with it.

"Aha! Yeah, she's my bestfriend!" A crash and alarm was heard in the distance. The girl tensed. "Well! I best be going! Goodbye!" the girl zipped away and Conan felt a smirk curling on his mouth.

That had been too easy. Way too easy. It made him wonder what was taking the civilians to figure them out. Did the whole country need a pair of glasses? Well, I guess that leaves the cat. He sighed and was about to turn away when another thought shocked through him to his very core. The note! Of course! If I know, KID must know too. The Red Lady! It was never the actor or the character being played, it was Marinette. The Red Lady. The Miraculous Ladybug.

So, does that mean she knows who he is too?

"Wait, wait, wait, you want us to go where?" Marinette questioned.

It was before class and Kaito had already suggest something that made her wary. He wanted to…the thief wanted to go to…

"The Louvre!"

"You forget, we've all been there many times." Alya smiled at him as if to say, Nice try.

"Yeah, but I'm new to this country. I want to see the famous museum. And I want to hang out with my four friends."

"Four?" Alya and Adrien spoke in unison.

Kaito looked at them confused before nodded his head. "Of course. Marinette, Nino, and you two. What did you think I didn't think of you guys as friends? You're bestfriends with my bestfriends. So it's obvious you'll be my friends!"

Adrien and Alya seemed surprised but happy with Kaito's words. Although, Adrien seemed to have a guilty expression on his face. What could her perfect Adrien feel guilty about? The model gave the magician a sheepish smile. "Thanks Kaito, that really means a lot."

"Yeah! Same here! You haven't been around long, but I feel like your trustworthy…to a certain extent." Alya added.

"A certain extent?!" he acted like it was such a surprise.

Alya hummed and shook a finger his way as if she was a scolding mother. "I know your history, young man. Marinette's told me all about your little…What did you call them? Habits?"

"Habits! Oh please, Marinette were you telling little fibs about little ol me?"

"Fibs? I only tell the truth, and nothing but."

"Are you insinuating that I don't?"

"I'm not insinuating anything like that. No, nothing like that. I'm only suggesting that I can tell the difference between the truth and a trick."

"But sometimes I prefer a little Illusion to lighten up the mood."

"I prefer reality. You know, things like hard evidence?"

"Well adding a little bit of magic to your life ain't so bad."

"Magic? It depends on what kind of magic you're providing?" What are you planning Kaito?

"Oh nothing, a little bit of this and that. Nothing but fun, I assure you."

"Fun? What kind of fun?"

"Wouldn't you Louvre to know?"

Alya groaned out loud. "That was the worst pun ever! And to follow it up with a bunch of flirting? I'm disappointed."

"F-Flirting! No way! That was just banter! Besides he already has—" she was cut off by the magician.

"What Marinette means, is that it's just playful banter. Nothing more and nothing less."

Alya didn't looked convince. Neither did Nino. However, Adrien looked irritated yet confused at the same time. Like he was trying to figure out something. Could it be that he was trying to figure out the hidden meanings in our conversation? That would just cause more complications that they could solve. It was an accident that she found out about Kaito's identity, she didn't want her crush snooping around and digging up the truth. Even if she did love him.

Besides, if Kaito really is involved in something bad, I don't want Adrien anywhere near it.

When they all got to the museum, Marinette kept a close eye on Kaito and anything he might be planning to take for his next heist. Everything looked the same as the last time she was here. Nothing too precious, unless he wanted to steal the crown jewels. Which she would have to stop immediately before it could begin. They wandered to the Egyptian part of the museum and saw some men installing a new artifact. It was a another large sarcophagus and a glass cage. Inside was a large necklace. The necklace was mostly green and teal colors. It was thick and beaded with unique craftsmanship. In the middle stood an emerald. It was in the shape of a scarab. It was beautiful and definitely worth a fortune.

Once the men moved away, Kaito was the first to walk up to the case and stare at it. She looked around and noticed that Alya, Nino, and Adrien were off looking at other things. She took this time to walk up behind the boy and stand beside him. Her eyes found a small plaque with a small description of the object. It read:

In Cleopatra's reign, she often gave gifts of Emeralds to important dignitaries. It was a status symbol stone.

This necklace was discovered in a sealed tomb. Like any other tomb, it was filled with the dead's possessions.

The person the tomb was made for clearly had a love for cats as the whole thing was filled with cat-like objects.

Even the coffin inside, depicted a cat on it.

Another strange thing about the tomb was that all over were warning words.

"Those who Disturb this Tomb Shall be Cursed with Misfortune for All Eternity."

Obviously, it was used to ward off grave robbers as have all tomb warnings have done.

"Interesting don't you think?" Kaito chimed.

"I suppose so." they fell into a small silence. "So are you going to tell me what you have in mind, Thief?"

"Maybe later. I still want to keep you on your toes for our little cat and mouse game."

She huffed and whispered. "Don't call it that, my partner deals with cats. Not me."

"Don't become a liar now Marinette. It's obvious you've domesticated him."

"Domesticated him? No. Not at all."

"Oh come now, I can see the way you look at him." he teased.

"Look at him? In what way?"

"I don't know. Admiration?"

"I do admire him. He's my partner you know. He matters to me. A lot." The truth was that Chat Noir meant the world to her.

Sure his jokes are corny and sometimes have bad timing. But that was part of his charm. Not that she was tell him that. He did so much for her. She certainly didn't feel like she deserved a partner like him. Sure she had been a little snappy at him at the heist, but she doesn't let people badmouth her friends, in any personas.

"Maybe it's love?"

"Purely plutonic." Her answer was too quick.

"You know, it's okay to love two people."

She felt a spark of panic before she smothered it out. "Two? I don't love two people. I only love one."

"Hmm, am I correct to assume it's blondie over there."

"How did you—"

"The signs were too easy to read." She huffed but didn't deny it. "But you know, I can get why you're hesitant. Loving two people sounds…messy. Because I imagine that one day you'll have to choose between them. That sounds like a pain in itself."

"Good thing I only love one person."

"De Nile isn't just a river in Egypt, Marinette."

Did he just…he did NOT JUST—! "You did not just do that."

"What? I thought it was punny."

She sighed. "Can't we just…talk about the heist already? I assume you didn't bring us all here just to hang out." she snapped at him.

He gasped and placed a hand over his heart. "Mari-chan! You really think so low of me don't you?"

"Oh cut the crap. I know that you have something up your sleeve."

Kaito smirked, "Both literally and metaphorically." he suddenly grasped her hand and she tensed. She felt something being pushed against her palm. What was the thief doing this time? "I think it's time to set our stage don't you?"

Set the stage? Does he mean to strike now? But I'm not ready!

"Just make sure you make it look natural yet magical."

"What are you going on about? What did you put in my hand?"

He gave her no answers and suddenly broke away from her. He waltzed over to Alya and Nino. He distracted them by pointing over to another part of the exhibit. Marinette sighed and glanced at her hand. It was a piece of paper with a shiny surface. Must be some sort of sticky tape. It bent like how a sticker would, so she assumed it was. Carefully she peeked to the other side and saw a shape. Something round with a hat…and—

"Marinette?" she jumped and twisted around. Her arm rested against her back. It was Adrien. He looked curious and concerned.

"A-Adrien! W-What a pleasant surprise! I thought you uh…" She gestured to another glass case that held some artifacts. He had been over there just a second ago. It sounded like he was talking to someone. But she assumed he must've been on the phone.

"I wanted to check this new one out." he pointed to the necklace behind her.

"O-Oh yeah that, it's uh…real mice—I Mean Nice! Real Nice." Adrien, I love you, but you got to leave. I think I've got to stick this onto the case. But where. I can't just put it one the glass. That would be too suspicious. Besides the security cameras would find me very suspicious if I stick what I think this is on there.

"Just make sure you make it look natural yet magical."

What could that mean? She pondered as she watched Adrien walk up to the case. He peered in side and seemed highly curious in the artifact. Make it look natural he says, but how? Her eyes scanned the area and she wished that she could have her Ladybug Vision at this moment. Her eyes flickered to the glass then found the plaque that stood behind it. The thing was sticking out and looked like the perfect size of the object on her hand. She turned her attention to Adrien and saw that he was leaning forward and staring at the necklace. She turned her head and saw that her other friends were distracted. Kaito and her made eye contact for a moment before she ripped her eyes away and towards the floor. She looked at her slip-ons and saw the scratches on them. She couldn't count the many times she had tripped over everything and nothing.

Trip! That's it! I need to trip! She looked around at her surroundings one more time. This time she spotted two security cameras on her left and right. They were moving side to side in opposite directions. She would have to time it right. It felt as if she was in the middle of an akuma battle and she had just summoned her lucky charm. Crappy lucky charm. A sticker. Marbles would be a lot more useful. If she imagined it, she could practically see the world slow and turn gray. Even see each piece of the puzzle flashing ladybug red with black polka dots. Her plan formulated and she stepped forward.

"Yeah it's amazing, no?" she spoke, confidently. Only able to because her mind was on the plan. Do this for Kaito. Do this for the Truth.

The boy got up and turned her way. He seemed to brighten like the sun. Stupid perfect sunshine. Don't distract me! "I know right! I've always found history fascinating."

She placed her arms behind her back, acting innocent and smiled at him. "Fascinating, indeed. You can tell so much from just a single bead from a necklace, like—" she brought her right hand out and pointed at the artifact while stepping forward. She made extra sure to land toe first. Gravity took hold and she fell. Feeling creative, Marinette even added her own little shriek to it to make it authentic. For this to work, I need him to do what he always does! Time seemed to slow as she brought her left hand out and curled it to conceal the card . I need him to catch me!

Her faith was well placed because as she turned her body to face Adrien, he had reach out and grabbed her. Her right arm reached out and curled around his neck for extra support. Once everything finally stopped, it looked as though they had been dancing and he had dipped her. Her heart pounded from the adrenaline and the fact that she was so close to Adrien. Her eyes were wide and staring right into his. Her chest heaved up and down as she felt like it was only the two of them there.

She desperately didn't want to break the spell but the show must go on. Her four fingers slapped over the plaque. It successfully stick the card to the plaque, which she then used that to push herself up. This action however, was starting to make her dizzy. It caused her to come closer to Adrien's face. She wasn't sure she could do this anymore. Not if he kept looking at her like that! Why was he looking at her like that!? With soft and warm eyes that was making her melt. She twisted her left hand and slid it horizontal over the card. Not only to press it further down, but to cover it's contents if Adrien's eyes decided to wander from her—Oh god, is looking at my l—

He was the first to pull away as if he realized or remembered something. His face seemed to flush in embarrassment. "Are you okay, Marinette?"

"Yeah…" her voice sounded as if she was mystified by something. "I-I mean. Thank you. I-I guess I can count on you to c-catch me when I fall." she was spitting nonsense now. She couldn't wait to rush home and die of embarrassment.

"Always." he sounded serious for a second.

"H-huh?"

"You can Always count on me to be there when you fall, Marinette. I'll always be there for you." MAYDAY! MAYDAY! THE ANIME'S NEVER TAUGHT ME WHAT TO DO WHEN SENPAI SAYS THINGS LIKE THAT! HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM! HOUSTON TO MISSION CONTROL, WE HAVE A PROBLEM!

"uh…" THIS IS MISSION CONTROL TO HOUSTON—REPLY BACK! HURRY SAY SOMETHING! "I-I…Thank you…I mean…I feel the same—As in, I'll catch you too! I-I may be a k-klutz but you can still count me out—uh count on me!" MISSION FAILED!

Adrien gave her a smile and she mentally changed that Failure flashing in her head to a bright sign of Success.

"Alright Lovebirds! We don't have all day." the two of them blushed and stepped away from each other. Marinette's hand left the plaque but she refused the temptation to look at the thing she stuck on there. Adrien scratched the back of his neck.

"We should…" he tried.

"Yeah…" she attempted.

"Yeah…" Adrien started to stroll backwards before almost tripping over himself. He laughed and turned away completely.

Marinette walked away from the target and placed her hands over her heart. The organ was still beating erotically. She tried to steady her breathing to calm her heart down. Her face was probably as red as a tomato. Oh…my…GOD! She heard someone chuckle and glared at them. It was Kaito, who was smirking proudly. With a huff, Marinette started to walk forward, away from the scene of the soon-to-be crime. She watched him looked briefly around before pulling out a white flower. It wasn't a rose, but was wide flower that was fairly big. It was still gorgeous.

He flicked the flower in the air and it summersaulted towards the necklace case. It perfectly landed on top of the glass. It's fall was so silent that if she hadn't been looking she wouldn't have noticed it. She looked at the magician who just gave her the universal sign of silence. Shrugging her shoulders, she gripped her purse and strolled out of the museum. As far as she was concerned her job was finished. For now.

When they arrived outside, Marinette gazed up at the sky. It was bright blue with little white clouds floating by. I wonder, what did that thing say? Could it have been a note?

"Ice cream?" Alya offered. Everyone else eagerly cheered and they all began on their way to the nearest stand.

Ding.

"Huh?" Marinette stopped and pulled out her phone.

One message? She unlocked it and went to her messages. There she saw Kaito's face and a text.

[Trickster]: Nice job back there. Now we move onto Act 1 scene 2.

[Mari~]: Act 1 Scene 2?

[Trickster]: I'm gonna need to get you prepared for the heist. Some old friends of mine are in town, so I highly recommend you swing by later today for some lessons! You won't regret it~!

[Mari~]: I'll be there.

[Trickster]: ;)

Dork.

I actually like this chapter. I finished this with NO sleep, so that's why I like it. Once I finally get some and re-read this, I'll think other wise. I hope you enjoyed another taste of Adrinette (Adrienette?) It was my absolute favorite to write. Until then, I'll see you next Illusion.

Ciao-su~