Ragnoa And Katu

12- Lila's Lies

Walking into the school courtyard, Marinette walked to her class head held high. Upon seeing Lila, however, she couldnt hold back a frown.

The threat Lila gave her, she didn't want to be alone again. Just the thought of everyone hating her made Marinette cringe in fear. She would be devastated if Alya believed that far out of a lie from Lila, and Adrien? The pain was almost too much to bear.

"-course. Clara and I bonded overnight. When I was still in Italy, she got separated from her tour group, so I let her stay in our house for the night and helped her find her way."

"That's so amazing!"

"I can't believe it!"

"You have the best life ever, Lila. Care to share some of that luck?"

"Nightingale's ridiculous. Completely ridiculous."

Marinette kept her head down and slumped into her seat.

Lila this.

Lila that.

Everything was all about Lila. Lila, how did you do your hair like that? Lila, set me up with Adrien. What's Ladybug like as a friend? Is she as awesome as she is when she's saving Paris?

Lila. Lila. Lila. Lila. Lila.

"Hey, Marinette. How are you?"

Marinette looked up into Adrien's face, hardly needing to think about fighting the blush any more. "A little tired. You?"

"Same. I've had a lot of late nights recently."

"I know that story. I'm not even sure if I've gotten more than three hours of sleep a night."

The bell rang and everyone took their seats, already dreading the sound of Mme Mendeliev's voice.

The school day passed without much happening, until the day had ended.

After Mme Bustier's class, Marinette saw Lila talking to Adrien, giggling annoyingly, and finding every excuse she could to touch him.

Marinette could tell how much he was trying to politely slip away, but Lila wouldn't let him go. She then cupped her hand around his ear and whispered something to him, side-eyeing Marinette while doing so.

Adrien's eyes turned wide and glanced between Lila and Marinette.

Lila smirked, making eye contact with Marinette. Lila flipped her hair and said goodbye to Adrien.

Marinette couldn't move.

What did she say? Does he believe her? Please dont let him believe her.

She finally regained control and she ran to the locker room. Everyone had already left for home, allowing Marinette a moment to freak out, then breathe.

The door swung open and latched shut again.

"You know," Lila mused loudly, "he didn't react like I thought he would, learning your secrets and all."

"What secrets?" Marinette asked, barely keeping her voice steady.

Lila's laugh became a sound to haunt Marinette's dreams. "You lie more than I could ever hope to. True, they've been white lies, until they grow bigger."

"What are you talking about? I never lie. And hoe could I possibly be lying more than you?"

"You know very well what I'm talking about, Marinette." She dragged out the name, implying it wasn't her true name.

No.

It-it's not possible. How can she know? I've always been so careful.

"I told you I wouldn't be someone you wanted as an enemy. Adrien already knows your little secret, its up to you to decide if anyone else finds it out. Stay out of my way."

With her signature flip, Lila left.

"Tikki?"

"I think she knows," the kwami whispered, "She knows."