To Fall

A Viper's Melody

Marinette froze between the doors, heart pounding and legs shaking. The smell of honey helped to ground her as an arm draped over her shoulder, Luka pulling her into his side and placing a soft kiss on the top of her head. "Are you sure about this, Melody?" Marinette nodded against his lips and steadied herself, reminding herself she was Ladybug. They came in costume as to not draw suspicion, each wearing their hoodies and sweats to provide warmth and comfort. Halsey stood outside between each door, the officer sending the heroes a soft smile as they separated. Halsey stepped forward and gave Marinette a quick hug, a hand ruffling her pigtails. 

"Hey there spots."

Marinette smiled at the nickname and returned the hug, taking in his tired expression. "Have you slept at all?" Halsey gave her a sheepish look and stood back to attention, hand rubbing his neck. "A little. I wanted to be sure I was here for them more than anything. Nothing a little Ladybug coffee can't fix, if you wouldn't mind?" She gave him a knowing look and pulled out her phone, pulling up Starbucks on DoorDash.

"Coming right up. Any change?"

Halsey brightened slightly and nodded to the door to his left. "Anderson will be able to go home soon, she will be sore, but she will be okay." Marinette brightened and shot him a questioning look. Halsey chuckled and nodded, already used to silent communication with the hero. "Go on in. Just keep Viperion out here with me. You know Anderson doesn't like to be crowded." Marinette nodded quickly before dipping into the room quietly, eyes adjusting to the dark. Anderson was laying in her hospital bed, eyes glued to her phone as she scrolled TikTok. Marinette chuckled and knocked gently on the wall, Anderson's eyes snapping to her in surprise. 

"Buggy!"

Marinette chuckled and walked to her bed, sitting gently on the side as Anderson sat up, her long hair cascading down her back. "How you feeling 'Rissa?" Anderson shrugged and pulled her phone back to her face, watching dog videos as she scrolled. She moved to the side slightly to allow Marinette more space, a small gesture of friendship from the snarky sergeant. 

"I hurt like a motherfucker, they won't give me coffee and my doctor made fun of Taylor Swift. I hate it here."

Marinette chuckled softly and watched as Anderson struggled to do the same, her coughs breaking the laugh. Thick bandages covered her left shoulder and disappeared across her chest into her hospital gown. There would be scaring, and it pained Marinette to think of that, Anderson having to carry that with her. A quick thump on her head brought her back, Anderson scowling and pointing an accusing finger at her. "Don't even start that, LB. You can't stop everything. You came when we called and that's what matters most to us. I'm sure Captain Tight Shirt would agree." Marinette gave her a small smile and sighed, trying to push the guilt away. 

"So, you and the snake boy? You guys fucking yet?"

Marinette froze and looked at her in disbelief, Anderson giving her a cheeky grin. "Anderson! You can't just ask people that!" Anderson laughed and raised her hands up, a gesture of mock embarrassment. "I'm just saying! I see the way you two be acting and you can't tell me you haven't thought of letting his snake into your chamber of secrets." Marinette cursed her pick of friends and blushed lightly, eyes traveling to the door. Anderson followed her gaze, a genuine look of shock taking over. "Oh my fucking god he's here isn't he!?" Marinette threw her hand over her mouth and glared, blush creeping steadily over her face.

"Rissa, I swear to God if you don't shut the fuck up!" 

A cough echoed behind them and both women turned toward the door, Viperion looking at them in confusion as he took in a muzzled Anderson and a blushing Ladybug. "Uh, did I interrupt something?" Marinette got up quickly and glared at Anderson as she shot her a knowing look. "Just this one being a little shit. What's up?" Viperion shot her a look and pulled her to him, his arms closing around her as he whispered in her ear.