The adventures of Ladybug and Chat Noir (A rewrite)

The Flight To Success

Sunday, 12 PM Marinette's Room

A week had gone by since the last Akuma fight, Chat Noir and Ladybug have been discussing who the person behind the Butterfly Miraculous could be and their motives. Tiki's mysterious sensing of an evil presence was about as helpful as Plagg's usual cryptic comments. That was fine because it kept Marinette busy from her school life and boy problems.

Usually reserved and shy, Marinette found herself more at ease around him. Felix had a unique ability to draw her out of her shell, making her feel comfortable and understood. Their bond was undeniable; a comfortable familiarity. It was natural for her to seek his warmth, to lean on him, and to wrap her arms around him in casual embraces.

Felix and Marinette had been inseparable since they were six, their bond forged in the heart of a martial arts dojo. In that unassuming space, where status held no sway, they found solace and understanding. Felix, for the first time, could truly connect with someone without pretense or ulterior motives.

As the years passed, Marinette's admiration for Felix blossomed into a quiet crush. He was the one who truly understood her, the only person who seemed to see the real her. She had planned to confess her feelings on Valentine's Day, but fate had other plans. Felix's sudden departure to London, without a word, left her heartbroken and confused. A week later, a call revealed the heartbreaking reason behind his absence: the loss of his father.

Despite her own pain, Marinette pushed aside her feelings to support her friend during his time of grief. Her unwavering loyalty and empathy further cemented their bond, even as her heart ached.

With Felix back in her life, Marinette found herself craving every moment with him. Their days were filled with shared lunches, walks between classes, and evening strolls home. It seemed as though they were both equally invested in their newfound closeness. If Marinette wasn't suggesting a plan, Felix was eager to initiate one.

Despite their mutual friendship, the ravennette felt like she was on the losing end, no matter how hard she tried.

"She is totally clinging on to him. Poor Felix, his kind heart won't let him reject the bakery girl." That's the first thing she heard.

Then;

"She's totally after his money."

"She really is just throwing herself at him."

"How could he handle that?"

"I thought Marinette was pitiful, but now she's just pathetic."

"Should have known a scholarship student would try anything for the chance at money."

"Do you think she's failing her classes? She probably needs something to start paying off her tuition."

"Figures."

All this frustrated her. Just when she thought she was in the clear for that stupid Agreste rumor, when she finally starts being herself, it all comes crumbling down. Anyone of those snobs could say whatever they wanted and Marinette couldn't do one single thing about it.

She crushed an energy drink can with Adrien's stupid face on it.

"Poor guy didn't do a thing to you." A sly voice said behind her.

Marinette whirled around to find Chat Noir leaning against a nearby wall, a mischievous grin plastered on his face. "His face was irritating me," she retorted, tossing the crumpled can aside.

Lately, Chat Noir had been making a habit of dropping by her room, much to her annoyance. It all started the day after the party where Nino got akumatized. At first he came to beg for some baked goods, he said he deserved a reward for "saving her life". She didn't mind at first, she even thought it was silly. But as the week went on, he got...Comfortable.