United We Stand

"Marinette, honey, you have a letter!"

Marinette pauses her sewing, glancing at Tikki in confusion. Why would she have a letter? Sure, she's somewhat popular since she's designed for Jagged Stone, won Gabriel Agreste's hat contest, and been complimented by Audrey Bourgeois for said hat…

But a letter? She doesn't get fan mail and it definitely wouldn't come addressed to Ladybug. She's made sure of that.

"Coming, papa!" She shouts before running down the stairs. Tikki hides in her purse, watching with big eyes. When she gets to the kitchen, her dad hands her a sealed letter. She peels it open curiously before reading it.

It's a letter from a school in Scotland going by Hogwarts. Apparently, she's a wizard. But somehow, all the magic schools have missed her until now. And they want to teach her about her magic or bad things could happen…

She kisses her dad's cheek before running off, meeting up with Master Fu. He probably knows if this letter is legitimate. And if it is, they can plan what to do. How she can go and still defend Paris. She can't just leave her partner alone and her ability to cleanse the Akumas is too important.

She hurries to the massage parlor, making sure to stay in her civilian identity so no one will follow her and find the Guardian.

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Adrien is in the middle of practicing his piano lessons when Natalie knocks on his door. He sees Plagg disappear in the corner of his eye before he stops playing, glancing at her as she enters.

She's not one to interrupt his lessons and he knows it's not time to stop. He peers at her curiously before the woman holds out an old looking envelope at him. He blinks before accepting it, opening it up. It's already been read as apparent by the broken seal. He reads it over, not all that surprised.

School named Hogwarts wants him to come learn about his magic. He's been found later than normal. He needs supplies.

He has a lot of questions. Unfortunately, he doesn't expect to get very many answers. That's how his father works.

"I didn't figure father would let me go," he peers at Natalie who types on her tablet, face neutral, "What about modeling and lessons?"

"Your father wants to tell you more at dinner tonight," the secretary nods before sending him a reassuring smile, "Be patient with him, Adrien. And know he never meant to not tell you more about your family history."

"...okay…" Adrien nods before sighing softly, looking at the attached list. He doesn't understand what 90% of it is. Guess he'll find out…

First, he's going to talk to Plagg. And then he has to talk with his Lady. He doesn't want a repeat of New York City. He lost her trust (thankfully, only temporarily) that day by not telling her he was suddenly actually being allowed to go on the class trip and he messed up badly enough to nearly kill Uncanny with his Cataclysm. No, he needs to tell her as soon as he gets done talking with his father.

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Nino is in the middle of experimenting with a new soundtrack and DJing equipment. He's having a blast when his mom slips into his room.

"Nino, honey," she interrupts softly, "I really need to talk to you."

"Okay, maman," he grins before shutting down some of his stuff, slipping away to stand before her, "What's going on?"

"Well, remember how I told you your father was a wizard?"

"Yeah, I never believed it until recently with Shadow Moth's attacks. Clearly magic exists," Nino laughs before frowning in confusion, "Why?"

"Because you finally got an invitation from Hogwarts," she answers seriously, handing him a letter. He quickly reads it over, staring in shock. Him? Magic? Yeah, he has magic as Carapace but not as himself? He's never shown magical abilities, "I know it's hard to believe. But you have magic just like he did. And I want you to learn about that side of your heritage. I don't know enough to help you. He wasn't able to tell me much."

"What about Chris?" Nino questions curiously, "Does he have magic too?"

"I'm guessing so," she smiles softly, "But we won't really know until he gets accepted at 11, I think. I don't know why they didn't notice your magic before now."

"What about the money?" He asks curiously. His mom is already busy keeping up with having enough for the three of them now. Added boarding is only going to add more, "And you guys?"

"The school will help with that," his maman nods at the letter, "I do remember your papa said that most of the wizarding schools do have extra funds for those who don't have the means. As for us, we'll be just fine, baby. You'll visit for the holidays. I know it's necessary for you to learn about your magic."

"Thank you, mom," Nino hugs her close for a moment before something hits him, "Oh shoot! I gotta tell my friends! Well, not the magic part but the attending a different school part!"

He bolts for Alya's place. They share everything and he knows she'll be able to contact Ladybug and Chat Noir so they can know he'll be gone for a while. They have about a month and a half until September 1st. Their…muggle (right? He saw it somewhere?) school is out for the summer, just a week or so ago.

He hurries over, trying not to think too much yet.

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"Yo! Little sis!"

Alya groans as she pauses editing her blog. She's busy putting up pics of the superhero group. They had snagged a group pic (yes, even with Chloe aka Queen Bee) and she really wants to post it. She even got Ladybug's permission, since she obviously knows who the redhead is.

"What!?!" She shouts before looking at her door. Nora stands in the doorway, arms crossed and brows up as she leans back, "What do you want, Nora? I'm a little busy…"

"Your weird LadyBlog again?" The taller laughs before rolling her eyes. Alya doesn't feel annoyed because she knows her family supports her interests, even if they don't get them. Even her overprotective sister, "You work on that all the time, little sis. You need some fresh air or homework time!"

"It's summer break, Nora," she rolls her own eyes. She loves her older sis but sometimes she's a bit much, "And my LadyBlog is important to a lot of people, including Ladybug and Chat Noir themselves."

"Yeah, I know Beetle and Mr. Whiskers like it, and I'm pretty proud that my little sister is a upcoming reporter," the other steps into her room, holding her hand out, "There's a letter here for you."

She raises a brow. She does get fan mail from LadyBlog fans sometimes. But Nora isn't normally one to bring them in herself. It must be something important. She looks at it before peeling it open and reading it.

Holy shit! She's a wizard! She's known about her mom's side of the family for a while now but it's something else to actually be confirmed. She wonders why she hadn't been detected sooner and then her mind jumps to her sisters.

"Wait, so do you not have magic?" She asks curiously, "What about Ella and Etta?"

"Nah, I take after pops! I don't need any magic to kick some butt!" Nora says proudly, "As for the two troublemakers, we'll find out soon enough. They're still too young to even think about going to any magic school."

"Does momma know yet?" She asks.

"Pfffffttt, nah!" Nora waves her hand before punching and kicking the air a few times, "I knew you'd want to tell her the good news yourself! She should be back home sometime soon."

"Thanks, big sis," Alya grins at her before looking at her blog. She suddenly gasps, "Oh no! How am I going to run my blog if I'm in Scotland!?! Nooo!"

"I got an idea," Nora grins before doing some more kicks and thrusts, "Let your followers send in stuff and set up a trusted friend who can post them as soon as they come in. You do have a lot of nerdy friends."

"Anansi! You're a genius!" Alya hugs her sister before grinning, "That's a good idea! And when I'm back, I'll take over again! Just stinks that Hogwarts magic disables tech…"

"Meh, who cares?" Her sis shrugs before hugging her tightly enough to hurt, "You'll have magic! Magic, little sis! Sounds way better than tech!"

"Well, you're not wrong," Alya grins, knowing that magic really is cool. As Rena Rogue, she's used it before with some pretty cool effects, "But still. My blog is a big part of me."

"I know," Nora smiles before starting for the door, "Just don't get lost in your blog and miss maman."

"I won't," Alya grins before getting back to her blog. She posts what she was planning to before deciding he's going to have to contact her favorite superhero to let her know the news. She doesn't want to worry the duo. As for who she'll get to run the blog while she's gone…well, she doesn't want to dump this on her best friend. Marinette already is super busy with being Class President and all. Possibly Nino but she knows he'd rather do something else instead of watch videos and upload them. And she doesn't want to ask Adrien because she's seen his crazy schedule and wonders how he actually gets enough time to do anything. But she's sure the others would help like Markov and Max. Heck, maybe they'd all pitch in.

She can hear her sisters greeting their parents out in the livingroom. She grabs her letter before going to talk with her mom about it.

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"Yes, I say it is very legitimate," Master Fu agrees with a shake of his head, peering at the letter Marinette showed him, "While I am not a wizard myself, I do know other magical people. In fact, I do know the headmaster of the school. He's not that much younger than me. As you know, I took the Miraculous Box with me as I traveled. I ended up in a lot of places before settling down here a decade or so after World War II. One such place was Hogsmeade where I blended in for a while. It's fairly close to Hogwarts."

Marinette glances at her floating Kwami who shrugs.

"I never was out of the Miracle Box when he was there," the ladybug goddess grins though, "But I have had previous holders who were wizards, some who had studied at Hogwarts. I do know Hogwarts is around 1,000 human years old. Plagg and I have been powering holders for nearly 5,000. And Chat Noirs tend to be close to their Ladybugs in location and spiritually so it's no surprise that Plagg has also had wizard holders before, often at the same time."

"In fact, I would not be surprised if our Chat Noir is also a wizard now," Master Fu rubs his chin in thought before his brown eyes glance at her warmly, "After all, the Ladybug and Cat Miraculouses are a balanced yin and yang team. I sensed a deep powerful magic in both of you when I tested you."

She frowns in confusion before glancing at Wayzz who only nods in agreement, waving one fin.

"Okay, but why haven't we been detected by now?" She raises a brow, "I'm nearly 15 in a few weeks. People usually get in at 11 plus why are Parisians being accepted to a Scottish school?"

"I think I do have an answer for that," the elderly man chuckles softly before gesturing to the Miraculous Box, "The magic of the Miraculouses has overshadowed your magic. That is until recently. Your and Chat's magic must have grown enough that it's detectable over all of them, including the Butterfly and Peacock. I am quite surprised you two have not had any instances of accidental magic, to be quite honest. Even now I can feel the magic you hold. As for why Hogwarts invited you, well, it's because they likely sensed you first. There is a wizarding school in France but I think Hogwarts will be the best place for you."

"But…what about my…our duties here?" Marinette asks cautiously, remembering her partner may very well be in the same situation as her, "I can't be in both places. And protecting Paris from Hawk Moth and Mayura takes priority."

"You are completely correct, but there is a rather simple solution," Master Fu nods before sharing a look with Wayzz like they know something she doesn't. Before she can ask, he opens the box, pulling out a strange pair of glasses. A ball of light appears as a horse Kwami flies over to them with a small shout of awe.

"Ah! What is all this!?!" She runs around before landing by Marinette, hugging Tikki who laughs back, "Tikki! It's been so long!!! Where's Plagg!?!"

"Kaalki," Tikki giggles before pushing the other away, "It's only been a few months since we last saw you!"

"Yeah, but time in the box is strange," the horse snickers before floating up to her with a small gasp, "I remember you! You were Multimouse! Hello, Ladybug!"

"Yep! That was me!" Marinette grins before waving. She gets what the idea is now. The horse Miraculous can teleport, "Hey, I might be needing your help again for a while. Think you want to?"

"And see the outside world?!" The Kwami grins, "Woohoo! I'm in! Just put on my Miraculous and I'll get you anywhere you need to go!"

"Thank you so much!" She grins before petting the Kwami's hair curl before she looks at Master Fu, "If that's okay with you?"

"I would not have offered it if not," the man grins fondly, "And I get the feeling you'll be needing the Fox and Turtle too. I think you've found trustworthy allies in Rena Rogue and Carapace?"

"You're thinking they're wizards too!?!" She waves her hands around in surprise, "How!?! What!?!"

"Magic is quite extraordinary," Wayzz floats in front of her, his wisdom coming out, "And you are quite lucky to know who the two of them are."

"Well, yeah, I picked them myself-" Marinette freezes before an unsettling thought slams into her, "Oh no! Oh no! I don't know Chat Noir's identity and he doesn't know mine! And we'll be bound to know who we are after entering the school! There's no way any of us are not smart enough to figure it out! What do we do! This is a disaster!?!"

Master Fu merely chuckles before leaning on his cane in thought.

"I normally want you to keep your identities a secret for safety purposes, in case any of you get Akumatized. Then Hawk Moth can't find both the Miraculouses," the man shrugs a bit, "But as of now, that may be more detrimental to our effort. I do not want you all blindsided by each other appearing at a new school."

"So what?" Marinette stares in shock. She's wanted to tell her partner who she is for a long time now but she's held off stubbornly to keep her loved ones safe, including Chat. But now, "We reveal our identities?"

"Yes, I think it is time….and I think I should be teaching you four about Guardianship too…."

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Adrien waits for his Lady on the Eiffel Tower.

He's got a lot to think about…

Apparently, his family is full of wizards from all over parts of Europe. Not only is Agreste a well-known name in the magical world but so is his mother's side, the Graham de Vanilys. Both pure bloods with strong magic. And he's never learned about this because his parents thought he wasn't born with any magic, moving into seclusion to keep their family away from the wizarding prejudice. They rarely used their magic these days, even before his mom disappeared. They also did not attend Hogwarts or even meet at a magical school. No, they met at a muggle (so non-magic people?) university when they were studying to become fashion designers and actresses. A lot of pure blood families want little to nothing to do with the muggle world, but their family has never been normal. Although his father and mother were the first to split off on their own and not interact with the wizards for nearly 15 years now.

He still wants to ask a million questions. If he remembers correctly, his father is an only child like him so there probably isn't anyone left on the Agreste side besides them. And he knows it was just his mom and aunt (and his cousin) for the Graham de Vanilys. But what about extended family? Where are all of them from? Were there any ancestors from Hogwarts at some point? Just how well-known is their name? Was it good or bad? Would it bring a lot of attention to him like it does in the muggle world? And would his father be able to watch his every move while he's gone? Maybe he can act more like himself while he's gone?

"Chat?"

He jumps into the air with a small yelp of surprise, tail straight out and hair going everywhere in a distressed mess like an actual cat. He has to heavily suppress the hiss that wants to come out as he looks.

"Oh, hey, M'Lady," he grins before winking at her, "Didn't mean to ignore you. Just thinking…"

"About what, Kitty?" Ladybug asks curiously, kneeling by him. Adrien watches her beautiful blue eyes, getting the feeling that she already has an idea of what he's going to say…

"Well, I just found out that I've been accepted to a school in the UK," Adrien admits after a moment, swinging his legs around. He can't lie to his Lady but he can't look at her either, "And I know our job here is super important. And I would absolutely love to stick around because I want to help you, always, My Lady. But I have to attend it and I won't be able to make it back to help with Akumas in time. Apparently, I have untapped potential or something…My father won't let me out of it anyway…"

He pauses for a moment before gripping his fist, staring at his ring in thought. He could never give up his Miraculous like this. Chat Noir is his freedom, part of him, and he sees Plagg as his family now. He can't just…just give it all up in one go. But…

"I'll be here for about a month and half still, and I can help you until then," he says morosely, fidgeting with the accessory. Nervous family habit. He prepares himself for this next part, "But I understand if…if you want to take my Miraculous back to Master Fu so he can choose another Chat Noir to work with you…"

"I…wait, what!?!" His eyes fly to her. She sits there with huge eyes, pale. He doesn't know what to say, so he says nothing as she recovers, looking livid. He tries not to flinch, "You think I'm here to take your Miraculous back!?! No!!! I will not!!! Never!!! You are my partner, Chaton! You and only you! I know I've been keeping you in the dark and calling in others more often. And there's things I can't tell you, simply because I'm not ready to talk about it…but I want to know you. I can't do this without you."

Adrien stares in shock and confusion.

"Wait, you…you want to know me now?" He blinks before his head spins. It feels like an 180° flip, "But…you're always so adamant about keeping our identities secret…what changed?"

"Well, I spoke with Master Fu, and he gave me permission to reveal our identities to each other," she looks over the city for a moment before her eyes land on him, sincere as an open evening sky, "Because I'm going to Hogwarts too, Kitty."

His brain short circuits for a moment, blanking…did his Lady just say…but…what???

"Cat got your tongue?" She teases him before frowning nervously, "Hey, Chaton? You…still with me?"

"I…You…" He blinks before a wide grin lights up his face, tail swishing around happily. A laugh comes out as his ears perk. He doesn't have to leave his Lady's side! She'll be going with him, "You're a wizard too!?! Yes!!! Yes!!! I thought I'd have to go to it alone!!! I am so glad you'll be there, too, M'Lady!!!"

"You're not mad???" His Lady tilts her head in confusion, "I've held you to keep our identities for nearly two years now at all costs and now I'm suddenly saying otherwise. Why?"

"Well, I am very confused and kind of hurt," Adrien responds honestly, gazing at his best friend, "But I know you have your reasons, Bugaboo. And I can guess we should know each other's identities before we go to Hogwarts and figure it out? I think not very many students start there at our age, right? Especially ones from Paris."

"How do you do that?" She asks softly before rubbing her wet eyes, "How can you forgive so quickly?"

"Because you're worth it," Adrien chuckles, unable to keep the flirtatious tone out of his words even though he genuinely means it. He becomes serious before hugging her close, brushing his nose close to her neck. The smell of sweets and vanilla hits him, nearly making him purr, "And I don't want to waste time not being with the people I love, especially over stuff like this. You're my best friend, My Lady. My favorite time is when I can spend it with you. Your friendship means the world to me, even if that's all it ends up being…even if you never share the same feelings I have for you when we learn each other's identities."

He pulls away, yearning for the touch still. He knows he's definitely touch-starved from years worth of isolation. He looks into her eyes instead, grinning softly, holding out his hand.

"Us against the world, remember, My Lady?" He asks before nodding, "I got your back, no matter what."

"Oh, Kitty," His Bug calms down, smiling sweetly before shaking his hand and holding it, "You're the best partner a girl could ever ask for. Thank you. I have your back too, minou. Always."

He stares at her with a fond expression, watching the lights play off her hair and face before something hits him.

"How are we doing our reveals?" He questions, "Here, now?"

"Actually, Master Fu suspects that we have two other wizards who will be joining us," Ladybug grins widely before pulling out her yo-yo, checking the time, "And we'll show ourselves with them. You know Rena Rogue and Carapace."

"Do you?" Adrien asks curiously before snorting, "Oh, duh. You're the one who picked them. Great choices, by the way, My Lady."

"You really think so?" She asks softly.

"Definitely, I trust your judgment," he grins honestly before retrieving his baton from the small of his back, "So where are we going now?"

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Nino jumps as something thuds outside of Alya's window balcony. He had been so focused on the conversation he and the other had been having. Apparently, Alya is also going to be going to the same school. He was overjoyed at that. And the only thing that could make it better was for his best friend and Marinette to join them.

"Ladybug!" Alya yells in surprise before grinning widely, rushing to the superhero who wanders into the room, "We have something we need to tell you."

"Hey, there, dude," Nino smiles before he chuckles softly, "We have the craziest news."

"You're both going to Hogwarts too?" The hero says with a hopeful voice, looking at the two of them who stare in shock, "And you're Carapace and Rena Rogue. Wait…when did you guys know each other's identities?"

"Heh heh…whoops," Ladybug winces before sighing tiredly, "Sorry, Kitty. That was a special thing. I didn't have enough time to give them their Miraculouses individually. It was during Heroe's Day."

"Well, I already knew Nino was Carapace," Alya grins before raising a teasing brow, "I am his girlfriend, after all. Plus, he's the only one constantly calling everyone 'dude' so…"

"Awww…come on, babe," Nino begs as he leans against the other, "Can you blame a dude? I don't think you act much differently as Rena."

"And you still didn't figure me out," she teases before taking pity on him, giving him a small kiss, "Quantum masking is weird, babe."

"Oh, yeah," Nino agrees before shrugging, "Wait…you're going to Hogwarts too?"

"Wait!" His girlfriend screams in excitement, "You are!?! I get to go to magic school with my idol!?!"

"Yes," Ladybug nods before blushing at the attention, "We're also wizards. And we decided to reveal our identities."

"WAIT!?!" Alya exclaims even louder in excitement, "YOU ARE!?! Holy crap! I get to find out Ladybug and Chat Noir's identities!?!"

"Not if you announce it to the whole world," Chat rolls his eyes in amusement before leaning his chin on his baton with a smirk, tail swaying side-to-side, "But I know exactly what you're feeling. I can't wait to find out My Lady's real self under her mask."

"Okay…" Nino nods, "Well, you know I'm Carapace and Alya is Rena. Who are you two?"

"Well, I know you two," Ladybug grins widely before glancing at them separately before her eyes find her partner's, "I hope you don't feel differently once you find out who I really am…"

"I would never be disappointed, M'Lady," Chat reassures her with a playful wink, "You're stuck with this black cat. And my puns, no matter who you are."

"Oh joy…" Ladybug responds sarcastically yet she laughs fondly. After a moment, she relaxes, closing her eyes, "Tikki, spots off…"

With a flash of pink light, Marinette stands in the hero's place. A red Kwami floats up into the air, landing on her head, yawning.

"AHHH!" Alya screams joyfully before quieting down some, "My best friend is LADYBUG! MY BEST FRIEND IS LADYBUG! My best friend is Ladybug and she never told me!?!"

"Marinette, awesome, dudette!" Nino chuckles as half of his wish comes true. Marinette is coming too!

A choked sound has them glancing at Chat Noir. The feline-themed hero stares in shock and disbelief, mouth open. There's a small blush on his cheeks.

"Ma-Ma-Mar-Marinette!?!" He blinks a few times before grinning brightly, rushing to her and grabbing her into a hug, spinning her around as she yelps in surprise. He smiles sheepishly before putting her down, "I really wanted it to be you. Heck, I almost figured out that it was you at least once. I'm so glad it's you…wait a second…Plagg is right. I am blind. I have feelings for you on both sides, purrincess."

"Really?" Marinette asks curiously.

"You know I'm head-over-heels for my Lady," he winks before sighing dreamily, "But I've definitely liked my princess too since we met. I just wish it had been under better circumstances…"

"Better circumstances?" They all ask, wondering what that meant.

"Well, I don't think I should be opening my umbrella extension on my baton inside," he goes on with a knowing smirk, "Bad luck and all that."

"A…" It's Marinette's turn to choke on her breath, cheeks turning red as her suit, "Ad-Ad-Adrien!?!"

Nino is pretty sure he's in a dream. There's no way his best friends are all going to a magical school with him! But it makes so much sense. It explains so much about the blond model and raven-haired designer. Every excuse, bruise, tired day, and just…everything.

He's going to have a great time!

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Alya has been searching for Ladybug and Chat Noir's identities for two years now. She's a curious person who likes to know everything she can.

She never expected them to reveal themselves, much less like this. And she never expected them to be freaking Adrien Agreste and her best friend!

In hindsight, that makes way too much sense. The two are usually missing as soon as Akumatized victims appear and are usually the last ones to show back up. Adrien is crazy fast, always the first out of the room and Chat Noir is normally the first to show up to a fight. It explains Marinette's terrible excuses and why she's so busy and who her other vague guy friend is that she never gets to meet personally.

No, wait…she has met him. He's actually in front of her now.

Which means Adrien is Chat Noir and Mari is Ladybug!

"I was right!" Alya yells before all three stare at her in confusion. She rolls her eyes, "I even showed Mari a pic with Sunshine photoshopped into Chat's outfit! It matches so much! But someone didn't believe me…"

Marinette sputters before blushing.

"What did you say again?" Alya teases before smirking as her best friend looks ready to kill her, blush so bright she's red as her suit again, "Oh, yeah…'Adrien's a thousand times more legitimate than Chat Noir!' or something…"

"Alya!"

"...do you not like me as Chat Noir?" Adrien asks with a little bit (oh, who is she kidding? There's a lot) of sadness in his tone. His cat ears fold back in fear, tail tucking between his legs, "Because I honestly feel most like myself when I'm like this…"

"No…I…you," Marinette stammers for a moment before placing her hands on his shoulders, "Oh, Kitty…"

"Sorry," the other apologizes as his ears stay backward, "I really shouldn't complain. It's not like I'm bad off or anything. I just can't be…well, me, in my everyday life. You know my father. He demands perfection at all times which means no jokes or puns or even a hair out of place. Being Chat Noir gives me a lot more freedom. And I hate having to wear a mask every day as myself…sorry…"

Alya exchanges looks with her boyfriend who looks equally angry and morose as she does.

"Nuh uh," Alya steps up before holding onto his shoulder, "You don't need to apologize for having feelings, Sunshine. If you're more comfortable acting more like Chat, that's okay. Be who you want to be. I mean, look at me. I'm pretty unique and I love it."

"Exactly as Alya said, dude," Nino comes up to his side, slinging an arm around his shoulders, "Your old man can't dictate your life forever. You deserve to be happy."

"I do," Marinette speaks up softly, watching the blond who stares back in confusion, one ear perked, "At first, I thought you were purely a jokester. Yeah, your flirting kind of annoyed me, especially in battle. But…lately, I've been liking my partner as more than a friend…"

"But…what about the other boy?"

Alya raises a brow before she snorts in exasperation.

"Girl, you sure got yourself into a tangled square of love," Alya bursts into laughter.

"What?" Adrien asks in confusion.

"It's you!" Marinette yelps out before letting out everything, "It was always you. You were the other boy. I fell in love with you the day you gave me your umbrella. I judged you so quickly for something you didn't do. I know you would never put gum on anyone's seat now. You were just trying to get it off and I blew up. And yet you apologized to me and took time to tell me what happened. You're just so kind and patient and caring and…you're so amazing. I can't imagine my life without you, in and out of the mask. The only reason I held back from falling in love with you was because I was utterly obsessed with you!"

"You…are?" Adrien asks incredulously before gasping, "Plagg, claws in."

A flash of green light takes over him before he appears as Adrien. A blur of black zips through the air.

"Finally!" The Kwami exclaims before floating around, "It took forever! Do you know how many times I've had to listen to my kid go on and on about how amazing Ladybug is and how special Pigtails is!?! Makes me want to gag!"

"Thanks, Plagg," Adrien says sarcastically before pulling a…piece of cheese out of his jacket, "Get your Camembert before I do anything rash with it."

"Don't threaten my precious Camembert," Plagg zips to him before snatching the cheese up and flying over to Marinette's Kwami, "Hey there, Sugar Cube. Miss me?"

"Stinky Sock," the red-and-black being rolls her eyes, "Why would I miss you?"

"Meow-ch," Plagg says before sitting right beside her in Marinette's hair. Marinette doesn't look too happy with that, "I definitely didn't miss you either, Sugar Cube."

The ladybug Kwami grumbles something before flying into Marinette's purse. A moment later, she reappears with a cookie, settling down next to Plagg who gulps down some of the cheese. The air fills with a nasty smell that Alya recognizes Adrien smells of a lot. That explains a lot…

"So what do we do now?" She asks curiously, "We have a month and a half until school starts."

"Well…"