Dance with Me, Chaton

Civilian Lives

She was smart, this Ladybug of his. Adrien had to give it to her. Tracing the origins of her email had brought him to a public computer at a library half a city away from Gabriel's offices. And a very busy library at that, as it stood in between a few educational institutions and the flow of students who needed to use public computers there never ceased.

His next idea was to infiltrate his father's company and snoop around for any clues. Not that he didn't work there but now Adrien needed to actually mingle with employees instead of showing up for photoshoots and disappearing as soon as those were over. Don't get him wrong, Adrien wasn't an antisocial person. It was the mountain of responsibilities and studies that had kept him away. However, now that his official education was over, he could try to fit in better. Surely, he'd spot his Ladybug soon enough. Such fire and passion as she displayed in her email would be hard to miss.

His mind made up, Adrien called Nathalie, his father's long-time personal assistant and more of a parent to him than Gabriel ever was. A short conversation later she agreed to provide him with an official cover and access everywhere he needed. Adrien couldn't be happier. He was one step closer to his freedom.

However, it was a reply to his email that really made his day. Adrien emailed Ladybug in a hustle, having nothing better to do. He didn't dare to hope she'd reply. Yet, here he was clicking on an email from a Ladybug addressed to him, not his father.

From: ladybug@miraculous.fr

To: chatnoir@miraculous.fr

Subject: RE: Hello stranger

Hey, Chat Noir. Although I cannot approve of anyone bestowing a title of Bad Luck upon themselves, I like your logic with choosing a name. It was rather clever and fun.

I'm also glad you share my sentiment regarding M Agreste's latest fashion choices. Let me assure you that writing that email hadn't come easy to me. I deeply respect M Agreste and his work. He's been my idol since I can remember myself and seeing him suddenly trying to pull this nonsense hurts me too much to stay silent. First, for M Agreste's and Gabriel's reputation. Second, for all of us working here. I'm saddened to learn he ignored my email, especially because I was voicing concerns of the whole team. It's rather disappointing, but, well, at least we tried. All we can do now is to keep our fingers crossed the line won't flop too badly, and we'll still have a job after the show.

Thanks for letting me know.

Ladybug

Adrien started to type. If Ladybug replied once, who is to say she won't reply again, and then who knows, she might let something slip about her civilian identity. Paired with his infiltration of the company, his chances of finding this mysterious Lady Luck was looking more promising with every minute.

From: chatnoir@miraculous.fr

To: ladybug@miraculous.fr

Subject: Lovely to hear from you

Hello again, my lovely Ladybug. I'll be honest, I didn't expect you to write back, but I'm so glad you did. You mentioned my nickname choice. Well, let me assure you it's a fitting title. Most people would say I'm a lucky fellow, but I do not consider my life to be all that fortunate. What others see as fortune, in fact, is a gilded cage with no viable escape routes. And this cat has been yearning for some freedom ever since he remembers himself. However, less about me, it came to my attention you mentioned you were voicing concerns of a group of people. May I assume you and I aren't alone in believing that sequins, neon sneakers, and Mickey Mouse bows aren't a staple of formal wear? Especially when they all go together.

Eagerly awaiting your reply,

Chat Noir

She took longer to respond than he'd like, but nevertheless, an email arrived at the end of the day.