Beyond the Mask | Miraculous

i. chapter 1

Marinette stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the strap of her duffel bag on her shoulder. Her reflection stared back at her, a mixture of excitement and nervousness twinkling in her bright blue eyes. She took a deep breath, gathering her composure.

Today was the day she was moving to the University of Paris, leaving behind her childhood home and the comfort of her family's bakery. It was a decision she had made after much contemplation, a choice to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a new chapter in her life.

As she walked down the stairs, the familiar aroma of fresh pastries and bread filled the air, a scent that had been a constant in her life. Her parents, Sabine and Tom, were bustling around the bakery, a mix of emotions playing on their faces.

"Marinette, ma chérie," Sabine said, her voice tinged with both pride and sadness. "Are you sure about this?"

Marinette smiled, her heart a swirl of emotions. "I am, maman. It's time for me to try living on my own, to be more independent."

Tom placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and support. "We're going to miss you, princess."

"I'll miss you too," Marinette admitted, her voice catching slightly. "But it's not like I'm moving to the other side of the world. I'll be right here in Paris."

Sabine nodded, wiping a tear from her eye. "And you'll still come home to visit, won't you?"

"Of course, maman," Marinette assured her. "I'll be back for Sunday brunch and croissants."

They shared a bittersweet smile, the weight of the moment hanging in the air. Marinette's decision to move into the dorm on the University of Paris had not been taken lightly. It was a choice rooted in her commitment to her responsibilities as Ladybug - as well as being her own true self.

Alya, Marinette's best friend, walked in through the bakery door, her vibrant energy filling the room. She had always been Marinette's confidante, and their bond had only grown stronger over the years.

"Hey, Marinette," Alya greeted, her smile a mix of excitement and sadness. "Ready for the big move?"

Marinette nodded, giving her friend a tight hug. "I can't believe it's finally happening. And you're off to the United States for journalism, right?"

Alya's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Yep, New York University. It's going to be a wild ride."

As they chatted, Marinette's heart ached at the thought of saying goodbye to Alya, a friend who had been with her through thick and thin. They had dreamed of going to the same university, but their chosen paths had taken them in different directions.

"But you'll still have us," Alya reassured, earning a light chuckle from Marinette

Marinette chuckled. "True, I'll always have you guys by my side."

The two friends spent the next few hours reminiscing, sharing stories, and shedding a few tears. Marinette's parents insisted on packing her a bag of pastries to take with her, a small reminder of home.

As the time came to leave, Marinette hugged her parents tightly, feeling a mixture of excitement and sadness. She turned to Alya, her throat tight.

"Take care of yourself, Alya. And don't forget to text me all the juicy details of your New York adventures."

Alya grinned, giving her friend a playful punch on the arm. "You know I will. And you better keep me updated about your own Parisian escapades."

Marinette nodded, her heart heavy as she turned to walk out of the bakery and towards her new journey. As she walked down the familiar streets of Paris, her determination to be independent mixed with a deep sense of gratitude for the love and support she had in her life.

Little did she know that this new chapter would bring unexpected challenges, new friendships, and a love that she couldn't have foreseen. And through it all, she would continue to be Ladybug, protecting the city she loved, her heart forever intertwined with the beating heart of Paris itself.

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AAAAA I HAVENT WRITTEN IN SO LONG HI GUYS WELCOME ILY