Distorted Fantasy

Lost Slipper

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN MIRACULOUS LADYBUG OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS, WHO BELONG TO THOMAS ASTRUC!

Edit: Does this story feel rushed? Please let me know and I'll slow it down a little!

Also as stated before, Marinette & Adrien are roughly 17 during this AU! Marinette and Adrien have gotten a lot more comfortable around each other, so that's why she's not as flabbergasted/embarrassed around him :)

Thank you for reading !!  XOXO, Mokyubun

Warning(s): none :)

"Before I can explain what's happening, you have to know something." Adrien sighed, running a hand through his golden locks.

Marinette, who was still heavily blushing, furrowed her brows. Her head was spinning and her mouth was running dry; she didn't think she could take any more surprises.

"I know that you're Ladybug." He winced, awaiting her shock. He felt bad for just blurting it out, but he needed to cut to the chase.

"Wh-What?" Marinette stuttered. "What makes you think that?" Playing dumb was her only option at this point— she had an instinctual reflex to protect her identity.

"Does that matter right now?" Adrien sighed; he knew that his Lady wouldn't give in so easily. He bit his lip, but he could not keep his mouth shut. "Because I'm Chat Noir— during our fight with Nom De Plume, we got trapped inside of her story book." He hastily spat out without considering the consequences.

Marinette blankly stared at him; it was all so much to take in. But what he was saying was beginning to make sense.

"Marinette I know that it seems wild. But now is not the time to discuss this," Adrien weakly smiled, "right now we need to figure out how to escape this book and save Paris. For all we know Nom de Plume could still be a threat. We have civilians to worry about."

Two years ago, she would have fainted.

Two years ago, she would have turned bright red and broken down.

But now— after discovering that the mask wasn't some magical confidence booster, the young superhero felt calm. She fumbled less, and talked with more courage; it was like Ladybug and Marinette had merged into one complete being.

So what if her crime fighting partner turned out to be her teenage crush?

Honestly, it kind of made her adore him more.

A minute passed before she finally spoke up. "Y-You're right." Marinette bit her lips, perplexed. "But after kicking Nom De Plume's ass, we should really talk about this."

"Of course we will, my Lady." Adrien chuckled. Her dazed expression was absolutely adorable and the redness of her cheeks made his heart skip a beat— how could he have not noticed before?

"So I'm pretty sure it's obvious we are living through the story of Cinderella." Marinette pondered aloud. "You're Prince Charming and I'm Cinderella. Honestly, I think we should complete the story. It's been working for me so far."

Adrien lifted a his hand to his chin. "So you're saying that maybe if we reach the end, it'll let us out of the book?"

"Bingo." Marinette quietly giggled. "I mean, it's a start, right?"

"I think that's a 'purrfect' plan, Bugaboo." Adrien couldn't help himself— now that their identities were revealed, what could it hurt?

Marinette shook her head, trying to hold in another giggle. "Stupid cat, now isn't the time for puns." She mocked, grinning.

"Hey, you've put up with my 'clawsome' puns for three years now...I'm pretty sure a couple more wouldn't kill ya," Adrien smirked. "So where are we— in the story— I mean?" The blonde added while creasing his forehead.

"Well," the young woman paused to think, "I believe we now have to go dancing until midnight. Then I have to run off, leaving my shoe behind." Marinette smiled— she was secretly proud of her knowledge on fairytales.

On the contrary, Adrien frowned; he didn't like the idea of separating again. What if something terrible happened to her? "We are the only two people in this world with a mind of our own— do you really think it's a good idea to split up?" He stated in a concerned voice.

The blunette took notice of his saddening orbs— they tugged on her heartstrings, causing a frog to form in her throat. She weakly smiled at him; despite her once overbearing crush, Marinette shook off her pervious spell of embarrassment and formulated a more serious and lighthearted expression.

She then delicately cupped his hand within both of hers, lacing her fingers between his. "Adrien, listen," She spoke, her words soft and sweet. "Nothing terrible happens to Cinderella— except maybe getting locked into a room." The European sighed; she did not want to leave him either, but what other choice did she have? "Even so, I'll just have to stay put until you come and find me, Chatton."

Adrien lightly chuckled at Marinette's remark. Her actions were surprising, as she's never initiated contact before— he could tell that her Ladybug personality was peaking through more than usual.

After placing his free hand on his face to hide his overpowering blush, he deeply exhaled. "It's not like you, my Lady, to wait for a savior."

"Oh hush, stupid cat." Marinette shook her head as a smile crept upon her lips. "Come on, you have been away from the party for too long. It's the Prince's Ball, after all. You have to make another appearance."

His hand still in hers, the couple proceeded to walk back towards the party. With each step, the music and chatter got increasingly louder.

Ding Dong Ding Dong

At last, the clock had finally struck midnight. Chimes echoed through the ballroom, making the hour known to all the guests.

Marinette's eyes saddened as they focused on Adrien, who was chatting with the Prime Minister at the time. After noticing his frowning princess, the blonde weakly smiled back.

I'll see you soon. He silently mouthed from across the room, which caused Mari's lips to twitch upward.

Her beautiful dress twirled around as her body pivoted; she then took off running towards the castle's formal entryway. She tumbled past Rose, the maid whom helped her, and flew down the grand staircase. Marinette slightly giggled to herself as she kicked off a shoe, just as it were in the storybook.