Ladybug and Chat Noir: The Discovery

Chapter 1

Adrien's P.O.V.

"I don't see why we can't get Camembert for breakfast," Plagg whines, sticking his head out of my bag, "it's so delicious. I don't see why you hate it so much."

"Because it stinks," I roll my eyes, "besides, cheese isn't exactly breakfast food."

"Says you," he grumbles, "you always ruin my fun."

"And you always ruin my mood," I accuse, "now get down and shut up. We're almost at school."

As the car pulls up to the curb, I see Nino through the window, waiting for me. I don't wait for the driver to get my door but instead hop out and run towards my best friend, waving all the way. He's bright and smiley as usual, sporting his signature red cap, thick glasses, and headphones strung about his neck.

"Hey, man," he grins as I reach his side, "how's it going?"

"Okay, I guess," I shrug, "I had to deal with a bit of a pest this morning."

He cocks his head to one side, "Who?"

"Never mind," I say quickly, "it's not important. So, how's that new song coming?"

"Great, man! This new sound system I got..."

Nino's voice fades into the background as I begin my morning ritual of trying to match any of the faces in the crowd to my precious Lady's. It's gotten really bad lately: I can't seem to stop thinking about her, even during class. It's really starting to take a tole on my grades. My eyes scan across the sea of faces, mentally placing Ladybug's mask on each one that even remotely resembles her. Nothing seems exactly right. Nothing until...Marinette? No, it couldn't be. She's...well, she's Marinette. And Ladybug is Ladybug. They can't be the same person.

"Who can't be the same person?" Nino asks.

Oops. Guess I said that out loud.

"N-Nothing," I stammer, "it's nothing."

"Okay, dude," he shrugs, "but just to let you know, you've been acting extra weird lately. Why were you staring at Marinette, anyways? Do you like her?"

"What? No!" I blush. No, I like someone else. Love someone else.

"Yeah, okay," he smiles knowingly, "whatever. You'd make a good couple, though. Seeing as she has a huge crush on you and all."

Marinette? I wonder. I've never really thought of her like that. Maybe because I've been so focused on my Lady. Yes, my Lady. I can't date Marinette when I'm in love with someone else, even if they do look an awful lot alike. They're not the same person. Ladybug is so confident and outgoing. Marinette is sweet and kinda goofy sometimes, at least around me. But that may just be around me because of her crush and all. I don't know what she's really like. But I do know someone who does.

"Hey, Nino?" I question and he nods in acknowledgment, "What's Marinette really like?"

"So you are interested?" He raises an eyebrow.

I give a one shoulder shrug, "Maybe. I don't know yet."

"Well, she's funny, outgoing, really nice, too," he lists, "she also has some great leadership skills. You saw how she kicked butt for the class rep thing."

Leadership, outgoing, funny...maybe Marinette is my Lady...