Blamed for Murder | finished

Ch.9: I would do anything for love

It was the day of the photo shoot. Finally something I was looking up to after weeks of depression, bad news and insecurity. Alya told me that she was unable to make much progress with analyzing the video. Most things she noticed could already be seen in the low quality copy she already made at the press conference. At least she was still working on it. We met twice as she tried to show me her editing programs, video software and what she was looking for, but I never had any talent for this computer stuff. I felt so useless, Chat had to save me and steal the video, while Alya had to analyze it. Of course I couldn't just swing around Paris at night like this stealthy ninja-cat and neither was I a good investigator like Alya. I owed so much to both of them.

I still had a few hours before the shooting began in the late afternoon as Adrien called me. "Hello, Adrien. What's up?" I asked in an excited fashion. I managed to stop stammering the most time I talked to him by now.

He responded with a sad but calm voice: "Hey Marinette....I have to apologize, but we can't pick you up with our limousine. My dad will be on TV this evening because of the election in three days. He is all worked up about this since it's a head to head race, so he will need the car, the gorilla, and Nathalie. I know I promised you otherwise, but maybe I can walk you home after the photo shoot...if you want that."

I got even more excited. It was sweet how sorry he felt, but walking home with Adrien was something I wanted to do for a really long time. He walked me home from school once, but it didn't count since I literally live on the other side of the street. I tried to not sound overly excited about it. "That's no problem for me. I'm still very thankful for inviting me to the photo shoot. I've never done something like this before."

"The other option would have been Chloé. I want it to feel natural and not all faked up like Chloé is." We both started laughing as Adrien said this. He continued: "Anyway, my father still wants to speak to me about some instructions for the photos and all this stuff. I gotta go."

"Yeah, see you later Adrien." I hung up and took another look at the hats I made. This shooting was for an American magazine and themed after Bonnie & Clyde. Adrien asked me to make our hats because his father liked my design form the derby hat. Everything was in place as I liked it. This evening was going to be awesome.

Two hours later and I started to walk to the photo agencies studio. It was a very cold day, even for November. The last days of this autumn were even colder and windier than the rest of it. At least it wasn't raining. I still wore a pullover and a nice thick coat, because temperatures were really low in the night. Adrien told me that those shootings often took multiple hours so I came prepared.

I entered the tall building and met Adrien. We were having a little chat while he showed me around. Strangely enough, he smelled a bit like camembert and his own brand of perfume. He introduced me to the photographer, costume and make-up artist. The costume artists name was Jeanne and she was impressed as I showed my hats to her. We dressed up, got some make-up applied to us and were ready to go. It took us 4 hours until we got out again. A meeting, make-up, and dressing, taking the shots and getting dressed back to normal were pretty much work. It especially took me some time getting used to everything. There were some shots where Adrien held me in his arms and I blushed so hard that we had to interrupt everything just for applying more make-up to my face to cover my blushing.

It was 10 P.M. as Adrien and I left the building. The streets were nearly empty because it was very cold. We both were smart enough to bring thick coats with us to keep us warm, even though I wished he would keep me warm by sharing his coat with me.

We were talking about the photo shoot on our way to my home: "I'm sorry that it took so long because of me. I know I'm just an amateur, but I really had a lot of fun."

Adrien gave me a happy smile: "Actually I enjoyed this shooting just because of you. Usually, it's pretty boring and I just do it for my dad. He has a hard time since my mother...left...us. I'm really glad that I could work with someone I like. Also, you were doing quite good for your first time."

I blushed again. Did he just say that he liked me? How can this evening get any better? I was so happy: "I'm glad to hear it. I never intended to be a model, but I can help you out if you should need me." He gave me a baffled look. "In case you would end up with Chloé again, that is." We both started laughing again.

He was thinking about what to say next for a second: "No problem, I think you are.."

"Yeah tell me, she's what?" A dark-blue haired girl in a red suit with black polka dots suddenly landed in front of us.

I was shocked and confused. She looked exactly like Ladybug, her body, her hair, her mask, even the fabric and design of her suit lived up to the original. I asked with an insecure voice: "Who are you? What do you want"

"Isn't it obvious? I am Ladybug and the little Agreste sunny boy will pay for his father!" She rushed in and hit Adrien's chest with a kick, so hard he was send flying backwards for a few meters.

Adrien stood up, with a menacing look in his eyes. I knew this look from somewhere, but not from him. He always was kind, respectful and compassionate. But his eyes now were full of hate and anger. "You're nothing like Ladybug!" Adrien yelled.

Ladybug pulled out a knife and everything started to move in slow motion as she tried to rush past me to stab Adrien. I wanted to transform, not caring if anybody found out about my secret. But I had no time. I wasn't even thinking before I started to move. Adrien was the person I loved more than everything else in this world. I had to do whatever it took me to protect him. The next thing I remembered was stepping into Ladybugs way right in front of Adrien. The point of her knife hit me, I felt the sting of the cold steel inside my belly. It hurt so much, yet I wasn't able to scream. I wasn't even able to speak or move. Ladybug pulled the knife out which was covered with my blood. I fell on my knees, not able to even move a muscle. I heard sirens in the distance as Ladybug ran away and disappeared. Adrien rushed towards me, holding me in his arms.

"Marinette, please be okay. Please don't leave me. You shouldn't have done this." Everything turned blurry, dark and cold but I felt like he was crying.