Chasing Ladybug 📸 (A Miraculous Ladybug Fanfic)

A Retelling: 14 | Camouflage

With many new disguises to camouflage himself with, Copycat can start the next step in his plan: finding out what the baker's daughter knows. He'd spent the past two days parading around the city as Cat Noir, meeting important people such as the mayor, Miss Bustier, and top reporter, Nadja Chamack, as long as many fans fond of the cat.

He has the most important face of all: Adrien Agreste. Masquerading as the young model now, the fake walks down the street, trying his best not to draw attention to himself, which was hard since he bared the same resemblance to a certain famous fashion designer's son.

Copycat!Adrien stops to greet fans, posing for photos, and with each new person he met, he makes sure to shake their hands. He didn't know how many faces he'd need to disguise himself with, but having a collection didn't hurt. He wanted to be prepared for any situation.

If Copycat's going to find out more about Cat Noir—and Ladybug's secret identity—he has to go to the source itself: Marinette Dupain-Cheng. He's not sure if she knows anything, but she's close with the cat, and that's enough.

Marinette turns around as the bell above the door dings and she breaks out into a smile. "Adrien? What are you doing here?" She walks over and meets him by the door. "I thought you had to stay home for piano practice."

Copycat!Adrien beams a smile. "I snuck out to see you."

A blush casts across her cheeks. "You snuck out for me?"

"Of course..." He grabs her hand. "You're my girlfriend and I love you."

Marinette's eyes widen. He said it first! "You... you said it."

"Said what?"

"That you..." She giggles. "You know... love me."

"You haven't said that to each other yet?" He asks, confused.

Marinette tilts her head.

"Uh, I-I mean, we—"

"I-I was waiting for the right moment," She spits out fast, embarrassed, and starts waving her hands around as she talks. "I know that's something we've struggled with the past month, and you've been so helpful in trying to get me to understand my feelings, and I know that seems ridiculous, but I've only been waiting because I wanted to know for sure—"

Copycat!Adrien squeezes her hand, silencing her worried words. "No, I understand, Marinette. Feelings are complicated. Trust me, I know all about that."

"I'm ready to say it back now."

"I don't want to pressure you into anything."

Marinette smiles. "I love you, too, Adrien."

At least she trusts this imposter. Copycat!Adrien leans forward, inches away from kissing her, but she pulls back fast. I've seen them make out before. Why is she being shy now?

"Not in front of my parents," Marinette whispers, side-eying them behind the register. "Remember?"

Tom walks up to 'Adrien', a serious and stern look plastered on his face.

Marinette grabs his arm. "Dad—"

Tom bends and hugs her boyfriend, tight. "I'm sorry if I cared you away before. I'm really glad that you and Marinette are happy with each other."

Holy shit, I... can't... breathe! Copycat!Adrien struggles to catch his breath as he's trapped in her father's arm, his body crushed. "I-I, uh, I'm very fond of your daughter, Mr. Dupain-Cheng."

"What's with the formalities?" Tom asks as he sets him down. "You know you can call me Tom." He pats 'Adrien's' shoulder. "I know you respect my little girl, but this is your first and only warning: no more alone time in her bedroom."