A/N: I started writing this short story after Gang of Secrets was released and all of these chapters were written before we got Rocketear. I may leave this as a short drabble or continue once more of Season 4 is released. For now, just enjoy!

I am Ladybug.

Those three simple words put the world in a whole different perspective. All those times Marinette had been late, all the times she had randomly disappeared, all the odd excuses, all the exclusive interviews, made total sense now.

The only thing that bothered Alya now, was the fact that she hadn't realized it before. Of course she knew from what Trixx had told her that their identities were hidden by magic when they wore the mask, but that hadn't stopped her from figuring out Nino was Carapace. She'd know her awkward mess of a boyfriend anywhere. So how had she missed that her best friend and her super heroine idol, were the same person?

Alya shook the thoughts from her head. Those questions didn't matter right now. Right now, Marinette was hurting and she needed her best friend more than ever.

Alya rubbed Marinette's back comfortingly and allowed her to cry until her sobs turned into sniffles. When she was ready, Marinette sat up and began to wipe the remaining tears from her eyes, focusing her gaze on the floor. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner Alya, but with Hawkmoth, now Shadow Moth, on the loose, telling anyone my identity is a great risk."

"Then why did you tell me?" Alya asked.

A fresh set of tears trickled down Marinette's cheeks. "Because being Ladybug, being the guardian, it's so hard Alya. There's so much pressure to protect Paris and the Miraculous and its stressing me out. I hate having to lie and make up excuses all the time to explain my disappearances. And I'm so scared of getting close to anyone because I'm afraid Shadow Moth will use them against me. I feel so alone, but at the same time I don't want to put any of you in danger. I just know I can't bear the weight of this pressure on my own anymore."

Marinette buried her face in her hands as Alya placed a hand on her shoulder. "The way you look out for others has always been one of your best qualities Marinette, and everyone needs someone like that, including you. I'm here for you girl, whatever you need, I'm here. Just say the word."

Marinette nodded. "Thank you Alya. Right now, I think I just need someone else to talk to besides Tikki, and possibly some better excuses? I'm starting to run out of explanations for my disappearances."

"Girl." Alya shook her head and laughed. "What am I going to do with you? Of course I'll help. One question though, who's Tikki?"

"Tikki, is my kwami." Marinette explained. "Would you like to meet her?"

"Would I?" Alya's face lit up in excitement. "Of course I want to meet her!"

Marinette looked over at her desk where Tikki was peeking out from behind her pencil holder. "Tikki, you can come out now. I want you to meet Alya."

Alya watched in amazement as a small, red blur flew over from the desk and stopped in front of her, waving shyly. "Its a pleasure to finally meet you Alya. I'm Tikki."

"Wow." Alya gushed in amazement. "I can't believe I'm meeting Ladybug's kwami. You're so adorable."

Tikki giggled. "Thank you. You're pretty too. Marinette is lucky to have a friend like you."

Alya smiled and held out her hand so Tikki could sit down. The little Kwami obliged as Alya examined her and giggled when she poked her tummy.

"You are absolutely precious." Alya beamed.

Tikki smiled then flew over to hug Marinette's cheek. "Are you feeling better now Marinette?"

"Yeah, thanks Tikki." Marinette replied, cupping her hand over the little kwami to return the hug.

Alya smiled at the two as she watched them then a thought struck her. "Why don't you talk to Chat Noir? You guys fight the same battles together everyday. He would understand better than anyone what you're feeling."

Marinette nodded. "You're right, he would. But it's too dangerous Alya. I've seen what could happen if Cat Noir and I reveal our identities to eachother. It can literally lead to the end of the world."

"End of the world?" Alya deadpanned. "Really girl? Don't you think that's a tad over dramatic?"

Marinette shook her head. "I saw it with my own eyes Alya. Cat Noir discovered my identity and it lead to him becoming akumatized into Chat Blanc. Then he literally destroyed the world. I can't tell him, ever."

"Cat Noir got akumatized!?" Alya gasped. "When did this happen and how do I not know about it?"

Marinette sighed. "It was Adrien's fifth name's day. You don't remember because Bunnyx and I travelled through time to deevilize Chat Noir and then stop him from discovering my identity so the akumitization would never happen."

Alya nodded. She remembered Bunnyx from the time that villian from the future, Chris Master, showed up. "So it happened, but technically now never happened because you went back in time and changed things?"

"Exactly." Marinette nodded.

"Wow. I never thought about things like that happening. I didn't even think you guys could be akumatized." Alya admitted. "But couldn't you talk to him without revealing identities though? Masks don't stop you from talking."

Marinette sighed. "I know, and I guess we could talk about the battles and stuff, but we wouldn't be able to talk about the more personal effects it has on us because we could give away our identities. It's just safer not to have deep conversations."

"Have you ever though Cat Noir may be feeling weighed down by the pressure too?" Alya asked. "He might need someone too."

Marinette shook her head. "He would tell me if something was wrong. He's my partner, we trust eachother."

"Girl, how would you know if you never talk to him about it?" Alya deadpanned. "You can't just assume he's okay because he hasn't said anything. If he knows you don't want to talk, why would he say anything?"

Marinette frowned. She hadn't thought about it like that. Cat Noir always had her back and trusted her judgement, but would he really hide his feelings from her just because she told him how important it was not say anything that could give away their identities? Now that she thought about it, that did sound like him. Cat Noir would do anything to make her happy.

Marinette sighed and covered her face with her hands. "I've been selfish haven't I, Alya? I've been making him do things my way to protect both of us, but I never considered how he felt."

Alya wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Hey, your heart is in the right place, but you should talk to him. At least ask Cat Noir if he's okay, you know?"

Marinette nodded. "Alright, I'll talk to him on patrol tonight. I would be good to catch up."

"I'm proud of you girl. You're an amazing Ladybug." Alya smiled, pulling her into a hug.

"And an amazing guardian." Tikki chimed in.

Marinette smiled and hugged Alya back. "Thank you both. It feels so good to finally share this with someone. I'm glad you believe in me."

Alya pulled away and looked her in the eyes. "Of course I believe in you! You're kind, caring, determined, and you always stand up for what's right. That's why I can't believe I didn't see it sooner, with or without the mask, you are still you everyday."

"Except without the mask I'm the clumsiest person on the planet." Marinette chuckled.

Alya tapped her chin with a smirk. "I seem to recall that on Ladybug's first day on the job she tangled herself and Cat Noir in her own Yo-Yo string."

"I didn't know what I was doing yet!" Marinette whined.

Alya chuckled. "Girl, point is you are always you, with or without the mask. And you know what? I think you are less clumsy as Ladybug because you have more confidence when wearing the mask. When you get nervous, that's when you get the most clumsy. You don't ever have to impress anyone, just be you, always. Okay?"

"Deal." Marinette agreed.

Tikki flew up in front of Marinette's face. "Marinette, the others are getting restless. Would it be okay for them to come out and say hello?"

Alya stared at them in confusion. "The others?"

"The other kwamis." Marinette explained. "I'm the Guardian, so they stay with me."

Alya's eyes lit up. "Does that mean I can see Trixx? Please Marinette?"

Marinette nodded and turned in the direction of where the miracle box was hidden. "Its alright everyone, you can come out now. Alya knows our secret."

On command an eruption of high pitched cheers filled the room and a variety of different colored blurs flew about the room before stopping in front of Alya.

"Alya!" The little fox kwami darted forward, hugging her cheek. "I missed you!"

"I missed you too Trixx." Alya smiled, cuddling the little kwami against her cheek.

Trixx grinned before flying up and sitting on Alya's head. "See everyone? This is my kit, Alya. Isn't she great?"

A series of nods and excited chatter of agreement made it's way through the small swarm of Kwamis.

"Hold it!" Barkk shouted, causing the kwamis to go silent. "I don't like this. How do we know this girl won't tell anyone about us? We don't know her."

"Hey!" Trixx defended. "Alya is my kit, she would never do such a thing."

"Says the kwami of illusion." Barkk huffed.

"That's enough!" Tikki ordered. "Marinette is the guardian. If she trusts Alya, so should we. You've all seen how hard things have been on her. We are taking a risk, but it's for the best."

"Tikki has a point Barkk." Wayzz pointed out. "One of the hardest things Master had to deal with was loneliness. That's why he went against the code of the guardian and wore my miraculous. He needed me, he needed a friend. Master would have told Marinette to follow her heart and do what she felt was right. We have to respect her decision."

"Thank you Wayzz." Marinette smiled.

Wayzz nodded before flying up to Alya. "Hello Alya, it's a pleasure to finally speak with you."

"Hello Wayzz." Alya smiled, holding out her hand so he could sit. "Its nice to finally meet the Kwami who gives my boyfriend his super powers."

"Boyfriend?" Daizzi asked.

Trixx nodded. "Wayzz's holder and my holder are dating! Isn't that cool?"

"I always thought it was supposed be the tortoise and the hare?" Fluff pouted.

Alya chuckled. "Sorry to disappoint you little one."

"Come now Fluff," Pollen tutted. "Young love is such a wondrous thing. You must respect their choice."

"I know." Fluff sighed. "Its amazing how things change with each generation of holders. They're always so unique. Oh how time flies."

"Yessssss." Sass agreed. "Our chosssssenssssss are very sssssspecial indeed."

Marinette smiled. "I only pick the best."

"Is that so?" Alya questioned. "What about Chloe?"

"That was an accident." Marinette admitted. "I was actually bringing the miraculous to you but I got knocked down and dropped it during the fight. We ended up not needing it, but Chloe found it before I could retrieve it and you know the rest."

Alya chuckled. "See girl, you're clumsy as Ladybug too. Admit it."

"Fine." Marinette sighed. "I'm always clumsy. Happy?"

Alya nodded. "I am. So, what will happen with the bee miraculous now? I mean, are you really going to give it to Chloe again if Queen Bee is needed?"

Marinette shook her head. "No, I'm not. Shadow Moth knows her identity which makes it risky, plus Chloe allowed herself to be akumatized and fought against us. I can't trust her anymore."

"Does that mean I will no longer have a queen?" Pollen asked.

"Of course not Pollen." Marinette reassured her. "I promise, if you are needed I will find the perfect new holder for you, I promise."

Pollen brightened at her words. "Oh thank you Marinette. Thank you."

Marinette smiled as Pollen hugged her cheek before flying over to chat with the other Kwamis once more.

Fluff, who was zipping around nearby, flew over to Marinette with a worried expression. "Marinette, I hate to bug you, but you should really check the time. You're late, so very late."

Marinette glanced over at the clock and her eyes widened as she jumped up off her chaise. "Aaaaaah! Oh no, I am late! Alya, I promised I'd help my parent's in the bakery this afternoon. I'm sorry."

"Its all good girl." Alya reassured her. "I should be getting home anyways."

Trixx flew up and hugged her cheek. "Bye Alya."

Alya held the little kwami close. "Bye Trixx, I promise I'll be back to visit soon. I'll even bring some treats for everyone."

"Hooray!" The kwamis shouted.

Marinette chuckled and opened her purse. "Come on Tikki, I'll sneak you a few cookies when we get downstairs."

Tikki flew into her purse and Marinette just barely had time to close it before Alya grabbed her hand, pulling her towards the stairs. "Come on girl, let's get out of here."