"There you two are!" Ladybug cried, rushing over to Wisp and Cat Noir as they exited the alleyway. "Where were you? I was worried—" She suddenly became aware of the fact that the two were holding hands and blinked in surprise. "Is it...official?"
Wisp glanced at Cat Noir, who nodded supportively. "Yeah. It's official."
"Oh..." Ladybug didn't exactly look thrilled about that, but she quickly changed her expression to one of joy. "I'm so happy for you guys! And we can finally live in peace now that Hawkmoth's been defeated!"
"That's right!" Wisp grinned, then remembered something. "Oh, right, Ladybug, now that we don't need to hide our identities, can't you tell us who you are?"
"Oh!" Ladybug flinched, her eyes darting over her friend's connected hands. "Really? I guess you're right, but that's...well..."
"You don't have to, M'lady," Cat Noir reminded her gently. "It's fine if you don't want to."
"No!" Ladybug yelped, putting up her hands. "I do want to, it's just...complicated."
Remembering the look, Wisp carefully asked, "Does it have something to do with our relationship?"
Reluctantly, Ladybug nodded.
Wisp's mind raced through all the possibilities of who she could be, until she landed on one, undeniable idea. There was no way, but...the hair, the face, the eyes, everything was so similar she felt like an idiot for not figuring it out earlier.
"Don't tell me you're M—"
"Could we maybe take this to a quieter place?" Ladybug asked, glancing around nervously. "I don't want the whole world figuring out my identity."
"Right. Sorry."
The three walked back to the alley Naya had been hiding in, and then gathered into a circle. Taking a deep breath, Ladybug put a hand over her heart. She took a few more calming breaths, then whispered, "Spots Off."
A red glow encircled her and before them stood the last person Wisp wanted to see behind the mask:
"Marinette?" Cat Noir gasped. "You—you're Ladybug!?" His face lit up. "One of my best friends is also my partner in fighting crime? This is—!"
"Stop." Wisp pushed his shoulder lightly and he frowned. But when they both turned toward Marinette, he understood. The blue-haired girl had tears gathering in her eyes and was clenching the hem of her shirt as if it were the only thing keeping her on earth. Her face was flushed and she was panting slightly to keep her tears in check.
Marinette loves Adrien. Ladybug doesn't love Cat Noir, who is Adrien. I love Cat Noir and Adrien, and he loves me back, and now we're in the process of figuring out where we're at while Marinette has to watch the love of her life be taken by her friend.
"I-I'm so sorry—" Wisp tried, glancing between the two frantically. "I didn't know! I don't even know how to—"
"Naya, what are you talking about?" Cat Noir asked, completely oblivious as usual. "I don't get the problem."
She sighed deeply. "Of course you don't. The thing is, Marinette—"
"Wait!" Marinette yelped, pouncing on Wisp. She stumbled back in surprise as the poor girl whispered, "Please, let me tell him. I can't...I can't go on like this."
"Okay." Wisp held her out at arm's length, adding, "but you have to tell him, or else I'll do it." When Marinette said nothing she turned her around and gently pushed her towards Cat Noir. "Go on, Marinette. Please, I promise it's better this way."
The tears started flowing from her eyes as Marinette took one trembling step towards the boy she loved and the boy she couldn't have.
"I...Adrien, I..."
"It's okay, Marinette," he whispered, reaching out and pulling her into a tight hug. After a second she hugged him back, violent sobs shaking her body and tears flowing freely from her eyes, flowing off his waterproof suit like tiny diamonds, breaking on the ground below them.
"I was i-in love w-with you," she sobbed into his shoulder. "But if we can be friends, then I-I'd like that too. Please, can we be friends?" He was silent for a few seconds and her eyes widened. "Cat Noir? Adrien? Please! Don't leave me!" She wrapped her arms around his waist and held on tightly as if he were to jump away at any moment.
"M'lady..." Cat Noir finally pulled away, smiling gently. "You'll always be my partner, and one of my best friends. Someone I can tell anything, especially now. I'll always, always be here for you. So don't worry. I don't plan on leaving anytime soon."
"R-Really?" Marinette sniffled, and Cat Noir nodded.
"Of course."
Wisp smiled. Marinette would be okay, she could tell. After all, she was a strong girl. Naya knew that well.
YOU ARE READING
Will o' The Wisps (miraculous ladybug x OC)
FanfictionNaya wiped her eyes, grabbed her tablet and pencil and started up the stairs. They went up to a metal door that opened to reveal the roof spreading out in front of her, a steep drop off showing the stars encroaching upon the day as it faded away. A...
