Broken Melody

Where it all started

Summary:
Marinette is trying to keep being positive, but things are making it so hard for her. She's tired of being mistrusted and doubted by her friends, she's tired of giving 2nd chances to those who've hurt her, she's tired of the responsibilities that a 14yr old isn't supposed to have. She's tired of fighting.

Marinette is just... tired

As long as you and I both know the truth, does it really matter?” Adrien asked.

Speechless for a moment, Marinette closed her eyes as she sent him a tight smile, “Yeah, you’re right.” Looking down, she continued to smile as she excused herself, “I’m just going to my locker before class starts.” She looked up, hoping her smile didn’t falter and left Adrien staring after her.

In the empty locker room, Tikki flew out of her purse and looked concerned at her chosen, “Marinette?”

A bitter smile was on her face as she leaned her back against the wall, “She’ll just be hurt more, huh.” Marinette whispered, repeating what Adrien had said.

It seems Lila’s feelings matter more than her own…

Marinette closed her eyes, remembering Lila lying, making everyone look at her with glares and disappointment, threatening her in the bathroom, lying even more to her… friends. Her eyes slowly opened to reveal a down-casted glaze, “Then what about his friends- Nino? Is he going to let him continue falling for Lila’s lies?” she pressed the palm of her hand into her forehead, a strained look on her troubled face, “What am I going to do?” she quietly asked.

Nino was also her friend, but she wasn’t his best friend-Adrien is. His words would mean more than hers if what happened earlier in the cafeteria says anything.

Floating in the air with a worried frown, Tikki shook her head and zoomed in front of Marinette’s face with a determined look on her tiny face, “Like you said before in the bathroom, you’re strong, you’re confident, you’re Marinette!” she repeated, looking proud, “You can get through anything! I believe you can!”

Blinking back in surprised at the level of confidence her kwami had in her, Marinette closed her eyes and took a deep breath, a new set of determination burned in her eyes once she opened them. Clenching her fists up, Marinette beamed, “You’re right! My name is Marinette and something like this can be overcome! No sweat!” she declared as Tikki cheered alongside her.

A gentle smile settled on her lips as she turned a grateful look towards her little friend, cupping her in her hands as she brought her towards her cheeks, “Thank you, Tikki.” She whispered.

“No, thank you for being Marinette.” Tikki nuzzled into her cheek before planting a kiss there, "You're doing a great job as Ladybug."

When it was nearly time for the bell, Tikki hid back into her purse as Marinette left the locker rooms to head back to class just as the bell rang.

She walked in with almost everyone already taking their seats, as she walked pass Lila who was sending her a smug smirk, Marinette simply smile and waved as she walked to her new seat at the back of the class.

Settled in her new seat, Marinette leaned on her fist as she stared out the window, a relaxed smile on her face, the words Tikki said repeating in her mind.

She could get through this. There’s always a way.

While Marinette reassured herself, she didn’t notice Adrien at the bottom of the stairs, staring up at her with an awed look on his face. As Adrien continued to stare, a soft smile creeped up on him, having come to a decision. He walked pass his seat where a surprised Lila gaped at him and sat right next to Marinette.