Eclipsed memories

Chapter 7: Accidental Reveal

(Guys but I changed the story a little bit causing Alya to not know that Marinette is Ladybug)

Marinette's POV

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Marinette Dupain-Cheng—my best friend, clumsiest girl alive, and reigning queen of awkward crushes—was pacing her room like a whirlwind. Tikki, her tiny red and black companion, hovered nearby, occasionally chiming in with advice while Marinette stressed over... being Ladybug.

Yes, Ladybug. THE Ladybug.

How did I end up here? Well, it started with a little snooping. Okay, a lot of snooping. I'm a journalist—it's practically my job. Marinette had been acting suspiciously for weeks. Vanishing at the weirdest times, flaking on plans, and looking ridiculously tired. Something was up, and I wasn't about to let it slide.

When I confronted her, she tried to laugh it off, but I knew better. So, like the dedicated investigative genius I am, I followed her one day after school. And now here I was, sitting on her bed, staring at a real-life kwami.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me!" I said for the millionth time, arms crossed.

Marinette stopped pacing and turned to me, her expression a mix of guilt and exasperation. "Alya, I couldn't tell you. It's a secret identity. Do you know how much danger I would've put you in?"

I scoffed. "Danger? Marinette, I've been chasing akuma attacks for years. You think that's not dangerous?"

Tikki, the tiny creature, floated closer. "Marinette was only trying to protect you, Alya. It wasn't an easy decision for her."

I sighed, slumping back on the bed. "I get that, Tikki, but come on. I'm your best friend, Mari! You've been out there risking your life, and I've been here completely clueless."

Marinette sat down next to me, her hands clasped tightly. "I didn't want to lose you, Alya. If Hawk Moth ever found out you knew my identity, he'd target you."

I wanted to be mad. I really did. But seeing the worry in her eyes, I couldn't bring myself to yell. Instead, I gave her a playful shove. "You're lucky I'm not mad. But you owe me big time. Like, best-friend-reveals-her-superhero-identity level big."

Marinette's lips twitched into a smile. "Does that mean you're not going to tell anyone?"

"Of course not," I said, rolling my eyes. "I'm not going to blow your cover. But I'm definitely going to tease you about this forever."

"Great," Marinette muttered, but the relief on her face was obvious.

"So," I said, leaning in with a mischievous grin. "How does it work? Is Tikki like your magical sidekick? Do you transform by shouting, 'Ladybug, assemble!' or something?"

Tikki giggled, clearly enjoying my enthusiasm. "It's a little more graceful than that, Alya. Marinette calls on me, and I give her the power to transform into Ladybug."

"Cool," I said, my mind racing with questions. "What's it like being a superhero, Mari? Do you ever get scared? Or—ooh—have you ever messed up an akuma fight?"

Marinette groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Can we not talk about all the times I've messed up?"

I laughed, patting her shoulder. "Relax, girl. You're still Paris's favorite superhero. Even when you're clumsy."

"Thanks, Alya," she said dryly, but I could tell she appreciated it.

Then, a thought struck me, and I gasped dramatically. "Wait. Does this mean you and Cat Noir are, like, besties? Oh my gosh, you have to tell me all about him. Is he as flirty as he seems? Does he ever take off his mask?"