Miraculous Ladybug: Season Six | Part One

Chapter Seventeen: Distance

Marinette's POV
  I watch Chat and Viperion disappear out of the corner of my eye and sigh, looking back over to Argos and Ryuko. "You guys can't tell him anything that you know, Argos; I'm well aware you know who Monarch was. Chat has to find out from me; it's for the best. We don't know how he'll react to me lying to all of Paris to protect Adrien Agreste." I begin as they watch me begin to break down. They watch without moving a muscle or making a sound. "Ladybug, you need to tell him before someone else does, and you know that whoever is in the possession of the butterfly miraculous most likely is aware that Gabriel Agreste was Monarch." Argos insisted, looking over at Ryuko before grabbing her hand. Ryuko sighs, "They could use it to their advantage and make a villain out of you and turn everyone you love against you, including Adrien and Chat Noir, not to mention everyone else you have failed to inform." Ryuko adds numbly, looking over at Argos for a brief second. I bite my tongue, "The person behind the recent attacks could also use Chat Noir's reaction to their advantage if he reacts in... a not so subtle way. I've been fabricating this lie for months now." I pled, pulling at my pigtails, wishing there was an easier way to tell him. "Marinette, you need to decide, or they will." Argos hissed, letting go of Ryuko's hand. I felt a massive lump form in my throat, "I-I-" I stammer, putting my hands over my mouth in a panic. I fall to my knees in front of them as Ryuko lays her now free hand on my shoulder. "You need to tell them, or you won't have anyone left, including all of Paris... and Adrien." She whispers before leaving me alone on the rooftop to sob.

I returned to my house; it was getting dark outside. I've been gone for a while doing this "project" at Alya's. I walked through the front door and was greeted by my parents; I waved gently before going straight upstairs to my room. I sit on my desk chair and stare at the failed attempts of ways to tell Chat Noir. "I think I know him, but I don't Tikki." I sob, covering my eyes as she flies out of my purse. "Marinette, you do know him, and that's why you're trying so hard to tell him in the most perfect way." She whispers, looking over my mess of a desk. I groan, "I don't know how he would react to me lying to all of Paris to protect some kid. He won't understand why he is so important to the situation, and honestly, I barely do myself... Adrien also deserves to know how horrible of a father Gabriel was." I began sobbing before slamming my head against my desk. My tears fall onto the wooden desk, soaking through the wood. "Yes, you're correct, but telling Chat Noir and everyone else will benefit your teamwork!" She exclaims with a huge smile plastered across her red face. I sigh, "I should talk to Luka... he knows who he is under his mask." I mutter, swallowing the lump in my throat again. Tikki nods in agreement as I stand up again, "Only I won't tell Luka until after I tell Chat. It's the only way this will work." I confirm, walking back downstairs with one last mission for the night.

  I walk onto the dock and see Juleka and Rose discussing lyrics for Kitty Section's new song. They wave at me, smiling; I return the gesture, walking backward before tripping on what seemed to be thin air. I planted onto the ground, "Marinette? Are you okay?" The blond boy asks me, reaching down to grab my hand. My eyes widened in shock, "ADRIEN!" I exclaim, standing straight up without any assistance. "How great to see you! Have you listened to the new lyrics? They sound great!" I giggle nervously, glancing at Luka. Adrien raises an eyebrow, "New lyrics?" He asks, looking past me over towards Juleka and Rose. I panic, "Y-yeah, you should totally check them out!" I continue taking his arm and dragging him over to Juleka and Rose.
  Juleka looks up at me from her seat, "Marinette, you know these aren't new, right?" She mumbles, showing me the sheet of paper. I wince, "I could've sworn you both were coming up with a new song!" I laugh awkwardly, glancing back towards Luka, who is standing at the entrance. Adrien takes my shoulder, "Are you okay?" He asks sincerely, turning me around to face him directly. No, your father is a literal terrorist, Adrien, and I can't tell you. "Y-yeah, I just need inspiration for an art project, and this houseboat is... perfect and unique!" I lie, using my hands to express the likeness of the boat. He nods in response, "I'll see you tomorrow?" He asks, beginning to walk away. I nod, "Of course!" I beam, waving as he starts to walk off the dock.
  Once he leaves the dock and is out of eyesight, I walk over to where Luka is standing. "I assume you needed to tell me something." He smirks down at me with his arms crossed. I nod frantically, almost desperately, for a second opinion. He leads me to his room like usual. He hops onto his bed with his guitar, "I know you're better at making excuses like that," he lectures as he begins strumming. I frown while gritting my teeth, "I know, but I can't be honest with him about this!" I quaked, raising my arms above my head. He looks up at me, directly into my soul, which makes my heart drop. "What exactly is on your mind, Marinette?" He asks, genuinely noticing me start to tremble. "I- uh... do you have more than a minute?" I ask, slowly joining him on his bed. He nods slowly, "You know I do."