PREVIOUSLY:

Alim and Nina were standing at the door. Mouths wide open, Alim held his phone up as if he was taking a photo. "No. Way!" Alim screamed.

"YOUR LADYBEETLE?!"

Adrienne and Marin looked at each other. Adrienne giving Marin an apologetic smile. "I sorta...told Nina what was going on" Marin gave a slight pout. "Well that explains where they're here.

"You have a lot of explaining to do" Alim screamed again, forcefully shutting the door.

Chapter 9

Marin and Adrienne looked at each other, both exchanged worried looks. Of course, Marin had to make it worse by blurting it out. Now that everyone knew his secret, he should have figured someone might as well follow him up to the room and full on question him.

He started questioning how Alim and Nina got to the hotel in the first place. "Before I explain, why are you guys even here?" Marin asked nervously. His palms sweated and he gripped his hands on his jeans, trying to get rid of the bodily fluid. Alim leaned against the door, crossed his arms and sighed.

"Adrienne called us and told us what's been going on with that guy who was after you" Nina nodded, gripping on her headphone around her shoulders and leaning her body against her boyfriend. "I got really worried, so we came to check it out" Nina finished. Marin glanced at Adrienne, giving the injured girl a small smile before sitting at the foot of the bed. He's gonna have to start from the very beginning of how he got Tikki and his miraculous. Knowing his best friend, every detail counts. He was surprised Alim hasn't blown up in his face about Marin not telling his own best friend he was Ladybeetle, but Marin figured Alim would want to hear the entire story before expressing any type of negative emotion towards the now identified superhero.

"Alright, where do I even begin" Marin murmured. "You can tell us why you kept it a secret?" Alim suggested, showing no emotion on his face. Marin nodded, opening his shirt, Tikki flew out from the small pocket and floated up where she was in clear view of the 3 teenagers. Alim and Nina's eyes widened, seeing the small red creature. She smiled, waving her small paw.

"Guys, this is Tikki, she's basically what makes me Ladybeetle" Marin stated. Alim went closer, holding up his finger and cautiously stepped towards her like as if what he was going to do was poked the most dangerous let delicate thing in the planet which could cause the greatest explosion wiping out the human race.

Marin rolled his eyes, but chuckled at his friend's behavior. Tikki laughed and zipped towards him so fast it caught him off guard. Alim let out a small scream, fell backwards and scooted towards his girlfriend, hugging her legs like. Little frightened child. Adrienne snorted out a laugh and so did Marin.

"Alim I won't hurt you"

"OH MY GOD IT TALKS AND IT KNOWS ME. MARIN HOW DOES IT KNOW ME?!" Alim was basically freaking out on the floor, Nina grinned, shaking her head at his dramatic screams. "Sorry about him, he's just being a little baby" Nina crossed her arms. Tikki drew closer towards the girl while Alim got on all fours and crawled towards the kitchen clearly freaked out by the Kwami for some unknown reason. In all honesty Marin thought Alim would be amazed and curious than anything.

"The reason I kept it a secret was because I didn't want you in danger. Hawkmoth could easily use you in order to get closer to me and Chat" Marin gave an apologetic smile to everyone. They nodded, understanding the situation.

Marin glanced at Alim, he was looking through a cabinet and pulling out a piece of silver metal. His eyes locked on the Kwami that was floating next to his holder. Groaning at the sight of him grabbing a pan, he would have guessed if Tikki were to come near him, he'd defend himself with the pan. In the process, he'd hurt the magical creature.

"Dude, would you please chill? Tikki will NOT hurt you, she's completely harmless. I honestly thought you'd react differently than this" Alim was holding up the pan in one hand, phone in the other as he recorded. He saw Nina rubbing her head affectionately and Tikki smiled, rubbing her check against her tanned finger. "Yeah, red bug never did nothin to you" Adrienne sassed. That earned a sassy "mmmhmm!" Remark from Nina. "Girl you tell him!" Alim scoffed, letting the pan drop to the floor. "Babe! You're supposed to be on my side!" He whined jokingly.

Marin sighed, rubbing his neck. He remembered the first day he found Tikki and how bad he had reacted when he first saw her, so he can understand Alim in a way. "So, Tikki how do you know Marin?" Nina asked. The kwami giggled "I didn't at first, he was chosen to become Ladybeetle by the holder of all miraculous. Master Fu"

This was news to Marin and Adrienne. Marin never really bothered to question how he even got the miraculous in the first place. Same went for Adrienne, she didn't know exactly how Plagg even found her. Marin raised both his eyebrows, wanting to press into further detail about this Master Fu but he knew there was a lot more to discuss about.

Alim and Nina nodded their heads. "Awesome! Dude, you got so lucky to be chosen as a superhero" Alim gleamed. Marin pursed his lips, his mind still remembering to that day. Tikki glanced at Marin before floating in front of Alim's face. "Marin was about to give up his miraculous to you, but I'm glad he changed his mind. I'm sure you'll get the chance to become a Miraculous holder, you never know" she giggled. Alim's eyes widened. He stared at the dark haired boy sitting next to the blonde who was also looking at Marin in total shock. Marin frowned and avoided meeting Alim's eyes.

"No...way. You were gonna give me the Miraculous?! But why?!" Marin bit his lip. "I..I had a lot of trouble with my confidence okay? I figured you'd be better off since you're so into superheroes" he mumbled. Alim went over and placed a hand on his shoulder in comforting manner. "Dude, you were chosen for a reason. Besides, you proved to be an amazing superhero. See, you got this!" He encouraged. Marin gave him a thankful smile as they bumped fists.

In pain, Adrienne leaned forward and took a hold of Marin's hand. Just by doing the action made her cheeks burn slightly. She became very nervous and anxious now that she found out. What troubled her the most was telling everyone she's Chat Noir. "He's right Marin, you were chosen. You proved to be a very awesome superhero who always saves the day" Marin chuckled a bit, he saw it took effort just to say words due to her injuries but he appreciated the kind words coming from the model. "Thanks Adrienne". As the too stared at each other, Alim and Nina grinned from ear to ear seeing how comfortable two were getting with each other. They knew something must have happened between them for them to not be so awkward.

"Dang Adrienne, now that you know who Ladybeetle is guess you don't have to reject Marin anymore huh" Nina teased, trying her hardest not to explode from the laughter she was trying to contain. Adrienne took time to process that before she looked away embarrassed. She realized that she actually in fact did reject the love of her life without even realizing it. Now that she knows it's the same boy that had felt the same, there was no reason to right?

'I still have to get to know him better' she thought.

Groaning, she laid back down clearly embarrassed. Both her and Marin from Nina's comment. "I-it's okay A-Adrienne, just don't worry about it" Marin said quickly while glaring slightly at Alim, sending him a glare that said 'Jesus Christ, control your girlfriend' Alim laughed and shrugged.

"Bro, to be fair. You both are acting as if you were a lot closer than before. You sure nothing went on?" Of course stuff went on. They shared personal secrets, they began to be less awkward and enjoy each other's presence and most importantly they KISSED. But they didn't need to know everything right now.

"Nope"

After a few moments of talking about unimportant facts and things about the recent friendship development between the model and recently discovered hero, the subject of Ladybeetles secret identity was now being discussed.

"So the entire press knows your Ladybeetle?" Alim pouted slightly. Marin sighed once more and nodded. He ran his hands through his hair. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure everyone will start crowding him like he's a big celebrity"

"He is a big celebrity!" Alim argued.

"Now Paris knows who he is, how would everyone feel when they realize he's only 15 years old! No offense dude, you're doing a great job" Alim stated quickly.

For once, Marin noticed that he didn't have his phone out in front of him. Instead it was just barely poking out from his front pocket. He could see where Alim was going with it. Paris was basically being saved by a 15 year old half the people barely know. He could already imagine all the negativity he would start receiving due to his age. His thoughts wandered towards Chat, she would get as much crap from the media as he would due to age.

Is she even my age? He wondered.

Alim noticed his the silence and shook him slightly, noticing him staring at nothing. Snapping his fingers in front of his face to snap him out of his thoughts. "Earth to Marin? What's wrong dude?" Marin jumped slightly and blinked. He smiled and shook his head. "Nothing, I was just thinking about Chat, ya know, how she would feel about all this?" Adrienne tensed and Tikki noticed her frown. Her sighing caught Nina's attention and she looked at her friend worried.

"Something wrong girl?" she asked while rubbing her shoulder gently. Both boys turned to look at her, while Marin proceeded to take a hold of her hand and squeeze it gently.

"Please don't hate me Marin..." she mumbled sadly, pulling her hand back him his.

Marin's eyes widened, but he was also confused as well. "Plagg, come out" Plagg emerged from the covers and crossed his arms, taking a big sigh. "Couldn't you have said that sooner?"

Marin glanced at the floating kwami , surprised. He looked at Adrienne, mouth wide open, unable to speak a single word. 'Adrienne was Chat the entire time! Marin has stopped working. 'She's nothing like Chat! HOW?!' Marin was about to explode. Adrienne looked at Marin, biting her lip. By his silence, she took it like he did in fact hate her.

One specific thought ran through his head, the same one that Adrienne thought of, although both in different situations, when she realized Marin was Ladybeetle.

'I KISSED ADRIENNE ON VALENTINES DAY'

Alim and Nina had the same expression as Marin, both really shocked as much as he was. Adrienne was far different than Char Noir and the three knew it.

"Guys quit staring and say something"

Marin blushed as the words: I kissed Adrienne' kept repeating in his head. "How did we not see that..." Nina mumbled, covering her face with her hands. There was another silence between the teens.

Goal accomplished, Marin and Adrienne came out that their the superheroes who have been saving Paris this entire time. Alim stood up walking back and forth hands in pockets until he finally stopped, observing the others. "Now that we got the whole superhero thing out of the way, what now?" Marin pursed his lips, shrugging.

"Really? You can't think of anything to say?" Plagg lifted an eyebrow at the teens, confused. They all shook their heads. "I'm pretty sure cuz of this kid, not only is his identity revealed to all of Paris, Hawkmoth knows who you are as a civilian" Adrienne glared at Plagg at his rude tone, but she's got to admit. That was probably the most serious thing her Kwami said that's not cheese related. Thinking for a minute, he had a point. Marin transformed in front of the Akuma, meaning Hawkmoth could have seen him as well.

"Plagg does have a point" she spoke slowly. "Hawkmoth can see through his Akumatized victims eyes" her face filled with worry. Marin turned pale, seeing her reasoning. "You're right...oh god, this is really bad" he threw himself backward onto the bed. Tikki followed and sat on his chest, followed by Plagg doing the exact same. "Hawkmoth's bound to try and get you with or without akuma's, geez bro you might need a bodyguard just like Adrienne" Alim chuckled, his attempt of lightening up the mood worked a slight bit as the other chuckled.

"What do you think Tikki?" Marin asked. Tikki placed a paw on her face, thinking. "I thinks it's good to have your friends around, but you will have to be extra careful too" Marin gently rubbed the top of the Kwami's head. Tikki instead flew up nuzzling her head on the boys cheek, giggling slightly.

Plagg stared at the two before turning to Adrienne and gave her a blank stare. Adrienne raised an eyebrow confused before Plagg pointed towards them.

"Why can't we have a relationship like that?" He asked. Alim and Nina gave out a laugh before covering their mouths to try and hold it back. Adrienne gave Plagg a 'are-you-serious? Look. Plagg only hung his head, his ears dropping downwards. It seemed like he was extremely sad, which made Adrienne's heart ache with guilt.

"ILL LOVE YOU LITTLE ONE" Alim cried out. Adrienne rolled her eyes, but a small smile was plastered on her face. Instantly Plagg perked up and zipped towards Alim, excitedly. Nina shook her head as she began giggling. "Do you have cheese?" Plagg grinned. "I'll buy you lots of cheese" Alim's eyes seemed to twinkle in happiness. "Alim no" his girlfriend protested. "Any cheese?" Plagg asked. The same twinkle in his eyes. Alim nodded, a small tear dripping down his eyes. "Alim are you crying?!" Marin laughed. "Dude, one minute you're uncomfortable with Tikki, then next you're loving Plagg. Make up your mind"

"Adrienne give him the miraculous" Plagg said it in the most serious tone Adrienne has ever heard him spoke in, she was actually scared that the Kwami was being serious. "What? No!" Alim pouted, "YOU CANT KEEP US APART FOREVER" he returned to his girlfriend, hiding his face in her lap. Plagg snickered and gently cuddled against Adrienne's cheek, she closed her eyes and rubbed his head, feeling him purr as she did.

"Sorry Alim, but this little guy is mine" she mumbled. His purrs increased. "Fine" Nina shook her head. "You still have me" she said sweetly. To that, he grinned pulling her face down to kiss her. "Mmhm, that I do" Marin smiled. He felt some jealousy stir up, wishing he had that kind of relationship. He instead shook his thoughts away, realizing there was a bigger issue at stake than to be worrying about a relationship.

Marin yawned, feeling his body ache slightly, begging him to take a really nice and long rest. He deserved it. Adrienne's sighed contentedly before shutting her eyes and snuggling her head on the pillow.

"Let's get some rest guys"

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

The night slowly came, the sun set and everything seemed to finally be calm. Adrienne groaned, feeling quite uneasy. She woke up, groaning from the pain she was experiencing. Plagg continued to sleep on the fluffy pillow. She stood slowly, making her way to the bathroom. She examined her cuts on her arms, her bruises on her arms, legs and face. Adrienne sighed as she washed her face. The feeling happiness that she had earlier in the day was replaced by sadness and worry.

Hawkmoth is becoming a lot smarter and sneaky. She thought.

We have to find him and put an end to this. She rubbed her temples feeling a small headache throb around in her head.

This is really freaking me out

"You alright..?" Marin knocked on the bathroom door, making her jump slightly. She looked at dark haired boy standing at the door with his arms crossed. A small blush appeared on her face and she looked away trying to distract herself from his face. 'I still like him' she nodded her head.

"Fine"

Marin gave a small smile and nodded. "That's great, so why are you up at 3 in the morning?" Adrienne leaned back against the bathroom counter, a stinging sensation from pressing on what seemed like a bruise where she had applied the pressure. "Just thinking" Marin gave a disappointed sigh. She wasn't opening up to him and it worried him.

Why am I worrying so much?

Marin slowly made his way to Adrienne and wrapped his arm around her being careful on not pushing her sore back.

Will you look at that? Two teenagers hugging in a hotel bathroom...well that's normal.

Knowing she's Chat kinda made his nerves slowly disappear and his confidence increase. He was so confident with Chat, why not with Adrienne? Adrienne smiled, pressing her head into his chest and returning the hug. "About what?" Adrienne hesitated on answering him. What if he thought that she was worrying to much? Or that she was exaggerating or something. She didn't want to deal with having him laugh at her for being stupid.

"I can't help but worry how much danger were getting ourselves in. All of Paris basically knows who you are. What about your parents?" Marin facepalmed. He had forget all about that.

'They're going to kill me!'

His heartbeat picked up. "They're gonna kill me" he chuckled. "Don't worry Adrienne. We'll figure all this out." He seemed confident. Inside he was just as terrified and she was, though trying not to show it. She nodded, he felt the movement against his chest. "Hawkmoth seems to be getting stronger. We better amp up our game" Marin chuckled holding a bit tighter making her bite her lip. She fought back a whimper. "I agree. I have a feeling we'll get some extra help"

Still hugging they fell into a silence. Not wanting to let go of each other. Marin pulled back a bit and placed his forehead on hers. Adrienne felt her cheeks warming up. Her green eyes locked on his blue one. His own cheeks tinted red. She smiled, pulling herself up slightly to where her nose gently rubbed against the tip of his nose. Marin's eyes widened, although his face grew a bit hotter. He felt a warm feeling stir in his stomach, he love the way she made him feel. He loved her.

"Are you okay?" She asked softly. Marin smiled in response. "Fine, but I should be asking you that" A small giggle broke out from her lips and she pulled away from his face. He frowned slightly, already wanting more of Adrienne's attention. He felt like he needed to be closer to her. "I'll heal Marin, don't worry" He wasn't so sure. All her injuries seem pretty deep to be able to heal quickly. He guessed maybe around a month or so to heal properly.

When she pulled away was when Marin snapped from his thoughts to reality. She stumbled a bit before taking a hold of his hand and pulling him out of the bathroom. "Come on, let's talk more in the morning" Marin followed her out and went to his own bed and instantly fell asleep only to dream about Adrienne.

The next morning seemed normal. Gabriel checked in to see how his daughter was doing only find her asleep and the rest of their friends sleeping in various places throughout the hotel room. Nina and Alim cuddled together on the couch. Marin and Adrienne hogged the the other two beds. Gabriel nodded in approval, seeing he put a lot of trust in Marin. He would have killed him if he caught him sleeping with his daughter. Thankfully it didn't come to that.

He slipped out of the room, instructing Nathan to stand by once they all awoke. It wasn't until 9 in the morning when Marin got a call from his parents that everyone started to finally get themselves up and ready.

The phone rang and rang while Marin tried his best to ignore it and fall back asleep. "MARIN pick up the dang phone" Alim groaned, blinking a few times to clear his vision. "You're gonna wake up my girlfriend" Marin gave a slight grunt before picking it up, moaning out a simple "Hello?"

"Marin?! Oh thank goodness, you need to come home right now"

The distress in his mothers voice made him sit up straight, he became worried and more awake. He kept a tight grip on his phone.

"What? What's going on?"

"You're fathers hurt, please come home right now" Sabrine began her worried rambling that Marin can't even hear a word.

Adrienne hears the loud but hushed talking coming from Marin's phone. She rubs her eyes and looks in his direction. "What's going on?" She mumbled lowly, still waking up. Marin throws his covers off of him and stands up walking around the room.

"Mom...mom slow down. What's wrong with dad?"

"Our bakery got vandalized last night, your father is really hurt..please come home now" Marin stopped and said nothing. He felt his hands tremble in fear and his palms begin to sweat. "Mom, are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine but not the best"

"Do you know who it was that vandalized the store?"

"No... But they left a note for you..."

For me?

"Give it up. Bad guys will always win. I'm always one step ahead. It's signed with two black initials. HM" Marin paled "honey, Please come home as fast as you can, we're worried about you" Nearly dropping the phone, he bit his lip to keep himself from crying. "I have a better plan, you both are coming to me. I'll have someone pick you both up" he heard his mother sigh and pause momentarily before giving out a small "okay".

Adrienne made her way over towards him, gently taking his hand in hers. Marin placed a hand over his eyes and let out a frustrated grunt. "Marin, dude what's going on?" Alim asked yawning and stretching out his arms.

"Hawkmoth is going after my family"