Chapter Text
When Plagg told Adrien that they could learn crucial information by watching the alternate universe, he was expecting information along the lines of Hawk Moth’s identity or even just a hint of where the villain was operating from. Never did he expect to learn that on top of being a fashion designer prodigy, Marinette also had the voice of an angel. He wondered if she could sing like that in this dimension too…and so was everyone else if Rose throwing herself onto Marinette begging her to audition for Kitty Selection, as well as several people from the school choir were any indication. Marinette, of course, was handling this just like he expected her to…by covering her face and pretending the world doesn’t exist as Alya comforts her. Adrien smiles to himself, that girl never changes. Fearless and encouraging when it comes to defending others, meek as a mouse when the attention is on her. It’s honestly adorable…
“Well doesn’t SOMEONE look smitten?” Adrien hears his best friend ask, and when he turns to face him, he sees that Nino has a knowing smirk on his face.
“Huh? What do you mean?” Adrien asks confused
“Dude, you were totally checking Marinette out!” Nino exclaims his smile growing
“What?!” Adrien yells shocked “You’re being ridiculous. Marinette is just a good friend” Besides Adrien was in love with Ladybug and that would never change. Those bluebell eyes, that dark hair, her determination, her intelligence, and most importantly her compassion towards everyone. She was everything Adrien could ever dream of. (Meanwhile, somewhere DEEP in the back of his subconscious, he noted that Marinette and Ladybug actually had a lot of similarities when he thought about it, but of course, he quickly dismissed it as an interesting coincidence and thought no more of it.)
“Sure, dude. And how do you explain that dopey grin on your face?” Nino asks not believing it for a second.
‘Smile?’ Adrien thought to himself, and sure enough he was smiling fondly to himself, not only that, but his heart started racing as well. He never noticed, but he figured it must be because he was thinking of Ladybug, and Nino got the wrong idea, but then again, the way Nino talked made it sound like this during Marinette’s song.
“Well…Marinette was amazing just a few moments ago. Everyone else thought so too, remember that standing ovation she just got?” Adrien says finding the logic also explains things to himself as well.
“Sure…but you have the same look on your face as Juleka’s brother does.” Nino brought up, and sure enough, Luka had the same fond, no, smitten smile on his face.
Seeing that smile brought an unexplained clench to Adrian's heart that he couldn’t explain, and a familiar dark feeling he can’t place. He tries to recall the last time he felt that feeling and then suddenly remembers. It was back during the statue unveiling when that artist expressed his fondness for Ladybug. Before Adrien could even process the words coming out of his mouth, he said that Ladybug was already his, just to get him to back off. He felt bad about lying, and even worse when it led to the poor guy getting akumatized, and he still doesn’t know why he did it. All he knows is that he was feeling VERY overprotective at that moment and now that overprotective feeling was now pointed towards Marinette.
Adrien shakes his head to rid himself of the unwanted feeling and turns to his best friend. “You don’t know that Luka has feelings for Marinette…” Adrien weakly says he didn’t need to look at Nino’s face to know that he probably had the biggest deadpan that would probably ever see, so he took a page out of Marinette’s book and pretended he wasn’t that at that moment.
Nino realizing Adrien is going to stay firmly in his denial, sighs and says “Whatever you say, dude. Don’t come crying to me, if someone sweeps her off her feet.”
The dark feeling returns to Adrien’s heart at Nino’s words but quickly quashes it. He knows he’s in love with Ladybug, it doesn’t feel right to just…fall for someone else. Besides, it’s not like Marinette feels the same way about him, so the issue’s moot.
(Suddenly, every single person (and kwami) in that theatre felt an unexplained urge to facepalm and slap Adrien upside the head. They quickly shook that thought off, but were still curious why the urge appeared at all)
Meanwhile, Marinette has finally managed to fend off the onslaught of new fans she just received, while Juleka managed to pry Rose back to her seat. As Marinette collapses into her seat, Alya giggles next to her.
“Not easy being famous, huh?” Alya says amused
“Ugh…That was SO embarrassing. It’s not like I’m the same as the Marinette on screen. I’ve never sung before. There is no reason to believe I would be able to perform like that!”
“I don’t know, remember that crazy dream everyone in Paris had where Santa Claus was akumatized? You were singing beautifully there too. Maybe it’s fate” Alya teases.
‘Except the Marinette in that dream is the same one we’re watching, but I can’t tell you that’ Marinette bemoans to herself as she accepts her humiliation.
“Besides…I don’t think you should give up on singing so quickly, Adrien sure seemed to like it…” Alya teases
“WHAT?!?!” Marinette screams…then proceeds to shink nervously as the entire turns towards her. Once they go back to their own conversations, Marinette whispers to Alya “Adrien…liked it?” Marinette asks now suddenly very curious.
“Yeah, you should have seen it, absolutely smitten,” Alya says confidently, as Marinette suddenly does gain the desire to test out later if she does have any talent in singing…though the idea of serenading Adrien? Marinette turns a bright red. Yeah, she doesn’t think she has the confidence to pull THAT off.
“You were thinking about serenading Adrien, weren’t you?” Alya asked knowingly
“Whaaaat? Noooo, that’s ridiculous! You are a funny girl, Alya. Heh heh heh…” Marinette says, embarrassingly.
“Whatever you say, girl,” Alya says, amused as the screen starts up again.
(Scene: After Marinette sings, she lands on her rear in front of civilians, embarrassing herself in front of them. She gets up on her feet quickly and runs away. In the same building, a car arrives in front of them. Nathalie walks towards the car to assist Gabriel as he steps out of the car.)
Crowd: Mr. Agreste!
Nathalie: The teams are ready for you in the showroom.
(Gabriel grunts in reply as he and Nathalie enter the showroom. Camera shutters are heard everywhere as models pose in front of the cameras, modeling Gabriel's designs.)
“Father!?” Adrien calls out, surprised
“Dude, why is your father on screen?” Nino asked confused
“I have no idea. The last scene featured Marinette, maybe this viewing focuses on students at school first, and Father is attending one of my photoshoots?” Adrien guesses.
“I guess that makes sense.” Nino agrees
Vincent: To die for! Bravo! (off-screen) Yes! Ahh!
(Inside the showroom are more fashion designers who are in their busy schedules organizing the photoshoots. The elevator opens as Gabriel and Nathalie step out.)
Nathalie: In other news, the show was a success in every way.
Gabriel: I want copies of every review as soon as they come in.
Nathalie: Yes, sir.
Gabriel: (sneers at a designer) Take three centimeters off the right. Lower the hem. And get rid of that sash.
“...Well, it looks like your old man’s counterpart isn’t much different from the one we have. Still a stick in the mud.” Nino deadpans, annoyed at his best friend’s father’s behavior
Adrien scratches his neck, embarrassed, not really able to offer any form of rebuttal. “That’s Father, for you. Always serious, and always expect everything to be perfect.”
Meanwhile, Marinette has her eyes on the outfit Gabriel was looking at and the corrections he made. “Wow…I never would have thought of that! I thought it already looked perfect. ‘Sigh’ Guess that shows I still have quite a ways to go…” Marinette takes out her notebook and takes notes.
“Is it really that big a deal, Marinette? Both versions look amazing.” Alya asks curiously.
“Of course it matters, Alya. The sash was too much for what was obviously supposed to be more simple and elegant, removing it also allowed the dress to appear slimmer. As for the altercations, people do notice small issues like one side being longer, especially when the dress is the main focus and it’s being criticized.”
“Wow…” Alya says, slightly shellshocked at the detail her best friend went into.
“Oops…Sorry, about that. Guess I got a little passionate there.” Marinette said, looking a little embarrassed.
“Nah, it’s cool. You were on a roll.” Alya said, impressed.
Vincent: (looking at Gabriel's critiqued dress) Oh! To die for!
(Scene: Exterior, Collège Françoise Dupont. Nino arrives at school with his skateboard and high-fives with Alix. He spots Nathaniel and greets him as well.)
Nino: 'Sup, dude?
(Meanwhile, Marinette stands before the school, her eyes shifting from side to side, looking at every student around her, feeling anxious as she holds on her backpack strap more tightly.)
Kim: Working out?
Ivan: I'm getting swole!
“It shows…” Mylene mutters, blushing, Ivan overhears his girlfriend and blushes too.
“Bet I’m still stronger, Ivan!” Kim brags
“Huh? Oh! Uh… No way! I could lift twice the amount you can!” Ivan snaps out of his flustered state and challenges Kim.
“Looks like we have a challenge forming after the movie’s over. Anyone interested in taking bets?” Alix says eagerly
“I hope you’re joking, Ms. Kubdel. You know full well there is no gambling on school grounds.” Ms. Mendeleiev sharply remarks
“R-right, heh heh…I was clearly just joking, Teach!” Alix giggles nervously
“That’s what I thought.” The science teacher said, turning back to the screen
(Max is seen getting chased after by Alix while Marinette bumps into a student. By the school's main entrance, Chloé performs a quick run-through of her checklist with Sabrina.)
Chloé: Outfit?
Sabrina: Perfect.
Chloé: Books?
Sabrina: Check. Adrien?
Chloé: I promised to show him around. If all goes well according to plan, he'll escort me to the ball come December. Everything must go according to plan, okay, Sabrina?
Sabrina: Plan? Check.
“‘Sigh,’ Chloe, you know I hate dances.” Adrien moans, both tired of his childhood friend's attempts to ask him out, and looking bored at the thought of going to a ball.
“That’s because you’ve only ever attended the fancy balls your father makes you attend, Adrikins. School dances are completely different. Those you’re actually supposed to enjoy yourself instead of mingling with high society,” Chloe argues
“I…can’t believe I’m saying this, but Chloe’s right, dude. School dances are totally awesome!” Nino said, surprised he was agreeing with something Chloe said. “Huh, Alya’s right, that DOES feel weird to say…”
“Why does everyone keep saying that?! I’m always right! Right, Sabrina?! Chloe asks arrogantly
“Oh! Uh…Y-yes, Chloe! Sabrina immediately replies
“See!” Chloe barks as if Sabrina isn’t clearly a biased source.
“Anyway,” Nino rolls his eyes at that and turns to his best friend. “Trust me, dude. The vibe is completely different from those fancy shmacy parties you’re used to.”
“Huh…maybe you’re right…wait, does our school even have a ball in December?” Adrien finally realizes, and as soon as he says this, the whole school realizes it as well.
“Mr. Damoclès, do we have a ball this December? I don’t remember one planned,” Ms. Bustier asks.
“No…we don’t. This must be another change, like how Ms. Dupain-Cheng said events she witnessed aren’t the same as she remembered.” Principal Damoclès theorizes as the school starts getting excited.
“What kind of ball do you think they’re going to have?
“Well, it’s in December, so statistically speaking, something magical or Christmas-related.”
“I hope there’s a dress code! Seeing everyone in fancy dresses and suits… “sigh” So romantic…”
“Eh…Balls aren’t really my thing.”
“Even if you don’t like dancing, some people go just for the atmosphere. Schools tend to put a lot of effort into the presentation.
“Yeah! If we had a ball here, I bet our school would look like something from a fairy tale.”
“Man, I almost want to see it now.”
“I know! It sounds so fun!”
Ms. Bustier lets out a chuckle. “If this commotion is any indication, we might need to set something up this December.”
“Sounds like a waste of our school’s time and resources if you ask me.” Ms. Mendeleiev scoffs
“Oh, don’t be like that, Olga. It could be fun.” Ms. Bustier says goodheartedly
“Hmmp, I’m not saying it’s out of the question, but it would be something we would need to talk about in greater detail, and not while being trapped by one of our students in a magic movie theatre.” Principal Damoclès states
“Fair enough,” Ms. Bustier concedes
Alya overhears this and shoulders Marinette. “If they do set up a dance, I think you’ll finally have the motivation you need to ask Adrien out…” Alya teases
“Alya!” Marinette shouts bright red.
“Come on, girl. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it. You and Adrien, who’s dressed like a prince by the way, dancing under the moonlight, staring at each other like you two are the only two people on Earth.” Alya says, painting a VERY appealing picture in Marinette’s head, who is still blushing and now has a dreamy smile on her face.
“‘Sigh’ Prince Adrien…” Marinette sighs longingly as Alya looks at her best friend with a fond, amused expression and leaves her to her fantasy.
(Marinette takes a deep breath and begins her way towards the school, long before Nino bumps into her...)
Nino: Watch out!
(...and Marinette bumps into Chloé, spilling a drop of coffee on her shirt, making her furious.)
Chloé: You just ruined my Gabriel Agreste sweater!
Marinette: (panics) I… I'm so, so…
Chloé: (grabs Marinette by her collar) Marinette!! You... are so—
“Chloe! We do not manhandle students!” Ms. Buster chastizes
Chloe scoffs “Two things, Ms. Buster. One. This never happened. Two. I’m the victim here! Do you have any idea what a Gabriel Agreste Sweater costs? Thanks a lot, Maritrash!”
“Wait! You just said this didn’t happen! Why are you complaining? Besides, it was clearly an accident! Even more to the point, it was just a drop of coffee!” Alya shoats immediately leaping to her friend's defence
“It’s the principle of the matter! I feel offended on my counterpart's behalf!” Chloe rebuttals
“That doesn’t even make any sense!” Alya shoots back
“Enough, both of you! It’s clear that any actions that take place on screen didn’t happen in this reality, so no disciplinary actions will be taken, nor will you two continue tearing each other apart. Do I make myself clear!? Ms. Mendeleiev shouts
“Yes, ma’am…” Both girls mutter, still glaring daggers at each other.
“Thanks, Alya,” Marinette says gratefully.
“Anytime, girl, I just hope the me in this universe comes to your rescue soon,” Alya says
“Huh? But this is our first day of school, and we haven’t even met yet. How are you so sure you’re coming to my rescue?” Marinette questions
“Two reasons. One, there’s no way I’m going to leave anyone to Chloe’s mercy if I can help it. Two, no matter what universe we’re in, one thing I know for sure is that we’re destined to be best friends.” Alya says confidently, to which Marinette gives a fond smile
(Alya is heard clearing her throat as the camera pans to her, showing that she's already recording the whole thing between Chloé and Marinette.)
Alya: Don't stop on my account. I'm just a fly on the wall.
Chloé: ...so gonna be my new best friend! (lets go of Marinette and dusts off her jacket) It's just a priceless cashmere sweater. Come on, Sabrina. (snaps her fingers while smiling forcefully) Let's get to class. We have much to study. (pulls Sabrina along with her towards the school entrance) I am so angry right now! I could eat… a piece of bread with butter!
Sabrina: But that's carbs and fat. You could break out!
Chloé: (exasperated) I know! (proceeds to walk dramatically inside the school)
“See! What did I tell you? Alya to rescue.” Alya says victoriously
“Thanks…again, Alya,” Marinette says
“Like I said before, anytime,” Alya says reassuringly
“It’s not the end of the world if you indulge every once in a while, Chloe. I sometimes have pancakes in the morning and still look great.” Adrien calls out to his childhood friend.
“‘Scoffs’ Adrinkins, you’re in the fencing club, take self-defense courses, play basketball, and jog every morning. Indulging every once in a while for you, really doesn’t make a dent in your physique.” Chloe deadpans, counting all the activities Adrien does on her hand
Adrien rubs the back of his neck, embarrassed. “Oh yeah…good point…” He also mutters quietly. “There’s also my 'other activities’ that keep me in shape as well, so maybe I’m not the best example.”
(Scene: Interior, Collège Françoise Dupont. Marinette and Alya walk along the corridor.)
Marinette: You didn't have to do that.
Alya: Oh, sorry. Did I need to take a number behind the line of friends coming to your rescue? (Marinette frowns.) Joking. Name's Alya. (puts out her hand for a handshake)
Marinette: Thanks, I… (shakes Alya's hand) I'm Marinette.
Alya: You have a rep around here: a magnet for catastrophe. You do not disappoint. Some people have to try to fail that hard.
“Alya?!?!” Marinette shouts in betrayal as the theatre snickers
“Sorry girl, but it’s not like I’m wrong. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you spend all your time around a black cat,” Alya teases
“‘Sigh.’ The sad thing is you’re not exactly wrong about that…” Marinette mutters to herself
“What was that?” Alya asks
“Nothing!” Marinette exclaims
Marinette: Yeah, I try… not to. You might want to stay away.
Alya: Are you kidding? I live for the action shots. I'm gonna stick to you like glue. (chuckles)
(The school bell rings.)
Alya: I think you and I were meant to be.
“Totally agree alternate me! You just made the best friend of a lifetime,” Alya shouts in approval
“Actually, I think I was the lucky one in that interaction, Alya,” Marrinette says happily to her best friend. “Although…I think you downplayed to my counterpart about how much you “live for the action shots,” she doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into.”
“Excuss me?! I’m not that bad!” Alya argues
“Oh really? The Pharaoh…almost getting sacrificed? Ringing any bell?” Marinette counters
“Ugh, how long are you going to hold that over my head?” Alya complains
“Alya, you told me you were OFFENDED when Ladybug said you shouldn’t be sacrificed. That you were and I quote “excellent sacrificing material”. Marinette deadpans
“Fine. I’ll admit it. That wasn’t my finest moment. Are you happy now?” Alya says sulking
“Very,” Marinette says smugly
(Scene: Interior, Collège Françoise Dupont, inside the classroom. Marinette plays the recorder in front of the class, only to produce cacophony with it, making the whole class cover their ears.)
Student: Is that a dog whistle?
(Everyone in the class begins to complain, except for Alya, who raises her two thumbs at Marinette.)
Everyone in the theatre covers their ears as well.
“Oh god! Make it stop!”
“Marinette never play the recorder again!”
“How can you sing like an angel, but play like that?!?”
Marinette blushes beet red and covers her face. “Ugh! Someone kill me! This is so embarrassing! This is even more of a disaster than my real first day of school!”
“Come on! It isn’t THAT bad, and hey, at least it can’t get any worse.” Alya tries to comfort her
(Scene: In the gym, Marinette tries out gymnastics, observed by Mr. Damocles and Ms. Bustier, only to fail as well, falling down the balance beam and hitting the ground head first. Alya reassures her once more by giving her another thumbs-up.)
Everyone winces as Marinette hits the ground.
“Ouch! Is she okay?”
“Oh, she’s fine. Marinette always bounces back! It’s probably more embarrassing for her than anything else.”
“Right in front of Ms. Bustier and the principal too…”
“Yeah, seriously bad luck. Usually, Marinette is much quicker on her feet than this.”
Marinette’s parents look worryingly at her, hoping their alternate daughter isn’t seriously hurt. Their actual daughter, on the other hand…
“WHY?!?!” Marinette bemoans burning her face deeper into her hands
“Okay…Still not great…but, hey! It can’t POSSIBLY get any worse than that!” Alya weakly reassures her
(Scene: Chemistry class. Marinette hesitantly pours a chemical from a test tube into another flask, causing an explosion inside the classroom. The students outside the classroom get shocked as well.)
Max: (outside the classroom) Huh?
Alya: (to Marinette) That is so cool!!
The entire theatre went silent at that.
“Okay…uh…At least my counterpart thought it was cool?” Alya tries finding the bright side, but the annoyed look from her best friend shuts that argument down. “Yeah…I’ll just…uh… stop talking then…you’re doing great!” Alya says weakly, giving her a thumbs up, trying to be encouraging as Marinette wonders if it’s possible to die of second-hand embarrassment from another you from an alternate dimension.
Meanwhile, with everyone else…
“How does that even happen?!”
“Whoa! She blew up Ms. Mendeleiev's classroom, awesome!”
“Not awesome! Is everyone okay?!”
“I think so? I think this was made more for comedic effect rather than realism.”
“How did she even do that? She mixed a single drop into that beaker! That’s it!”
“There aren’t many combinations of chemicals that would result in an explosion, let alone one of such a magnitude; the odds are astronomical.”
“You should know by now, Max. Marinette’s luck always beats the odds! That was still awesome!”
Ms. Mendeleiev, meanwhile, has a look on her face that is equal parts dumbfounded and relieved. “I am so glad that never happened in my classroom…I don’t even WANT to imagine how long it would have taken to clean that up.”
“You don’t have chemicals capable of doing that in your classroom currently, right, Olga? Because that is a lawsuit waiting to happen.” Principal Damoclès asks concerned
“Believe me, that is going to be the FIRST thing I'm going to check once we get out of here.” Ms. Mendeleiev assures, glaring are the more mischievous students, making sure they don’t get any ideas.
(Scene: Back at the showroom, Gabriel wanders around his creations placed on mannequins. Emilie begins speaking to her in his mind.)
Emilie: (v.o.) My love, where is that dress you promised me?
Gabriel: (stops in front of an elegant silver gray dress) Honey, I'll get to it. (Emilie's ghost appear in the dress as if she was wearing it.) We have all the time in the world.
Emilie: (as a ghost) And I don't mind waiting forever.
“Mom…” Adrien says his face pale.
“Dude, that was your mom? Why is your dad seeing a hallucination of her?” Nino asked, surprised and confused
“I…don’t know. I guess…it’s to show that father still misses her…a lot,” Adrien says, looking down at the ground.
“Are…are you okay, du-Adrien?” Nino asks concerned
“I-I’m fine…I guess…I just… didn’t know my father still made dresses for her. ‘Sigh,’ He still misses her…so much.” Adrien says heavily, as Nino places a comforting hand on his shoulder, not knowing what else to say. “Thanks…’sigh’ I wish…father would…just…talk about her. Just…get it all out. I don’t like seeing this…”
Everyone else in the theatre looked awkward at seeing such a private moment or felt pity towards the Agreste family.
Gabriel: I would give every moment I have left... for just a glimpse of you in that dress, Emilie. (looks down on his hand the Butterfly Miraculous, and the longer he looks at it, vague mysterious voices begin speaking to him)
(Flashback: During the time Gabriel first found the Butterfly Miraculous...)
Curator: To be honest, I've never seen such a strange artifact. (presents a small box containing the Butterfly Miraculous) It gives me the chills.
(End of flashback.)
(Scenarios of Paris in chaos, the rivers turning into lava and people screaming in terror appear before his eyes. Gabriel gasps and snaps out of the horrid vision that was shown to him.)
Everyone was silent for a brief moment, and then a random student shouted.
“What the HECK?!” And all hell broke loose.
“What was that jewel? And why did it show him, Paris being destroyed?!”
“Okay…so this definitely took a turn from family-friendly musical! Why does it look like a volcano erupted in Paris?!?!”
“Yeah, total tone shift here, Claude! How did we go from Marinette’s embarrassing first day of school to Gabriel Agreste seeing a vision of PARIS ON FREAKING FIRE?!?!”
“T-that had to be a hallucination, right? There’s no way that’s real, right?!”
“If it is, I can definitely see why this is a Ladybug and Chat Noir movie! They need to get on that pronto!”
“Oh God! You don’t think that could happen here, right? Because that is WAY worse than the normal Akuma attacks!”
“Don’t put that image in my head, man! I want to sleep tonight!”
“Don’t worry, even if it does happen, I’m sure Ladybug and Chat Noir will find a way to save the day like always.”
“I know, you’re right, but it doesn’t change the fact that I just don’t want to even experience that.”
“Fair enough, but let’s not forget that this is all fake and it’s probably just…dramatic tension.”
While that’s going on Nino looks over to his best friend with wide eyes. “Dude…has your dad ever mentioned having a jewel like that or it showing him visions of Paris being destroyed?”
“No…” Adrien said, shellshocked. “I have never seen that jewel before in my life, and father has never brought up anything like what we just saw.” Adrien then thought to himself. ‘Although…Nathalie did say that, she, along with mom and father, used to be treasure hunters…as hard as that is to believe, father ever being adventurous and free spirited. And that jewel is an artifact? It also looks like a butterfly…it can’t be! Father was akumatized! So it’s impossible, there is no way that father could possibly be… It's ridiculous!’ Unbeknownst to Adrien, Plagg, who is sneaking a peek out of his owner’s pocket, has a look of utter shock.
“Uh oh…That’s not good…” Plagg says quietly, looking up, concerned about his partner.
Tikki is having a similar reaction as well, peering out of Marinette’s purse with concern at Adrien, “Well…this is going to complicate matters,” She says to herself quietly while her owner is having her own train of thought.
‘I’m flattered everyone thinks that Chat Noir and I can handle this, but I have NO idea how we’re going to fight that! What kind of Akuma is that?! What did someone think it was too cold in Paris, so Hawkmoth gave them the power to spread lava everywhere?!?’ Marinette thought to herself in a frenzy before calming down and thinking about that jewel. “Huh…that jewel looks familiar, where have I seen it before?”
Meanwhile, Master Fu’s eyes opened wide at the sight of the Butterfly Miraculous and immediately turned to Adrien with a look of concern and pity.
(Inside the Miracle Box)
“Hey! It’s Nooroo’s Miraculous! We’ve found it! Woo hoo!” Xuppu shouts
“Now we just need to find Duusu, and we’ll all be reunited again! Ziggy cheers
“Yeah, with Tikki, Plagg, and their holders on the case, we’ll be reunited in no time!” Roaar shouts
“I do hope those two are alright. It’s been too long since we’ve last been reunited.” Pollen chimes in
Once again, the more excitable kwamis celebrate, while the more mature ones try to maintain order.
“Please! Brothers and sisters, we must have order! I know we’re all excited to finally see the miraculous of the kwami of Transmission, but we must remember that the seal on the Miracle box is broken. We will be heard if we’re too loud! Sass hisses
“You are right, noble kwami of Intuition, I apologize for my outburst. My excitement got the better of me,” Pollen replies
“What I want to know is what was with that vision, Nooroo’s holder received from touching his miraculous. Nooroo doesn’t have precognive abilities.” Orikko squawks
“Hmmm…if I recall correctly, the miraculous and kwamis in this universe function differently than in ours…Ah yes! If the potential user of a miraculous in that universe plans to use their powers for selfish gain, then the miraculous will try to warn them from that path, by showing where that path will lead.” Wayzz explains
“So that means if this guy uses Nooroo for evil, then Paris is in great danger!” Fluff exclaims
“Oh no! Nooroo would hate if his powers were used to cause that!” Daizzi weeps
“Don’t worry! Like Roaar said, Tikki, Plagg, and their holders will handle things. They both had nothing but good things to say about them.” Stompp reassures
“Indeed, if this universe is anything like our own, then I’m sure we can trust the young heroes to save Nooroo and prevent that catastrophe.” Wayzz agrees as the Kwamis finally settle down.
(Scene: Interior, Collège Françoise Dupont. Classes are over and so Marinette and Alya walk out the classroom.)
Alya: Hey, you keep your head up, girl.
(Marinette frowns yet again. Alya rushes to her and gives her a tight embrace.)
Alya: (gestures a telephone with her hand) You call me, okay?
Marinette hugs Alya tightly. “What would I do without you, Alya? I think you’re the only person in the world who could see that utter train wreck and still want to be friends!”
“You’ll never find out, girl. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.” Alyas says amused while patting her shoulder.
(Students along the corridor begin gossiping about Marinette.)
Juleka: I wish I could make an explosion like that.
Female student 1: You're too much, Marinette!
Male student 1: It's like she does it on purpose!
Female student 2: She's crazy clumsy!
Female student 3: Whatever she does, better stay away!
Female student 4: Were you born clumsy?
Needless to say, the following students were horrified by their behavior…and Luka looks over at his twin with slight concern.
“What am I saying?!”
“How could you say that?!
“I’m so sorry, Marinette!”
“You’d better apologize too!”
“I don’t know what got into that version of me!”
Marinette, who looked like she was going to have a panic attack on her counterpart’s behalf, while Alya was looking like she was going to go overprotective best friend on every single person who insulted Marinette, was instantly snapped out of it from the onslaught of apologies and people defending her on her behalf. “Guys! It’s fine! Remember, earlier? This is a completely different universe! I’m not going to hold anything some other version of you said against you!” Marinette reassures
“Are you sure, you’re okay, hun?” Tom asks, concerned for his daughter.
“I’m fine, Dad. They feel bad enough already, and they really shouldn’t, like I said, it’s like they’re the ones saying it.” Marinette assures her father, hiding the fact that the words affected her more than she cared to admit.
Lila noticed the reaction and smirked to herself.
Speaking of noticing the reaction, Julika finally noticed her twin’s look.
“What?” Julika asks confused
“Nothing, just…Sometimes I notice you really do take after Mom in some aspects.” Luka says, turning back to the screen
“W-what is that supposed to mean!?” Julika asks, to which Luka refuses to elaborate. “Luka! Explain!” Still no reply…
(Arriving at her locker, Marinette takes a deep breath and opens her locker door, only to be greeted by Chloé as soon as she opens it.)
Chloé: Hey, Marinella! (closes Marinette's locker) Why don't we braid each other's hair after school? Then, I could strangle you with it! How does that sound?
Marinette: Wait, is that another girl wearing an Agreste sweater?
Chloé: (gasps) Who dares?? (notices that Marinette has run off) Hmph, you won't escape me, Marinella!
(Running off, Marinette bumps into a few students.)
“Well, THAT’S just a great way to end the day, isn’t it? Because why not, my life is clearly not hard enough already!” Marinette says sarcastically, fully accepting everything that could go wrong for her movie counterpart will go wrong.
“At least you're still quick on your feet,” Alya says, amused
“Ugh,” Marinette groans, “Can this get any more embarrassing?!”
“I think I just proved just a moment ago that Murphy really enjoys a challenge, Marinette,” Alya jokingly remarks
“Why?!” Marinette complains, realising what she just said.
“Ugh! How did I fall for that?! There’s no way I would ever fall for a trick as simple as…” Chloe starts to complain
“Hey, Chloe! I think that girl is wearing the same eyeliner as you!” Alix calls out
“WHAT?! Who would dare?!” Chloe yells out looking for the offending student, while Alix and a couple of students chuckle to themselves. (Sabrina giggles quietly to herself as well, finding it a little funny as well, but is careful not to let Chloe notice)
Marinette: (after bumping into Rose) Excuse me! Sorry.
(She pushes open the door to the library and runs inside to hide behind the shelves. Before the door closes, Marinette takes a peek at Chloé who is already by the library door. Luckily for her, Chloé didn't see her that easily as she hid quickly. She takes a quick peek again before walking around.)
Marinette: There must be an exit. An emergency exit. (leans on a shelf and groans) My life is over. I'll have to leave Paris, change my name, dye my hair! (groans and leans back on the shelf) A little luck here, please.
“Why is leaving Paris and changing your identity always the first place your mind goes to when something embarrassing happens, girl?” Alya asks amused, knowing that Marinette will be fine.
“I don’t know…Probably so I could find a place where my reputation isn’t lowered to the point where people are just…expecting something wild to happen around me.” Marinette bemoans.
“At least until you procrastinate in your new home, and start the cycle up all over again,” Alya smirks knowingly
“Yeah…Pretty much…” Marinette depressingly accepts as Alya gives her best friend a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
(Leaning her head on the shelf, Marinette pushes a book and falls off. Looking through the hole on the shelf, she sees Adrien on the other side. She stares at him briefly and notices her after a few seconds, making her wide-eyed.)
Adrien: Are you okay? (removes one of his ear-pods)
Marinette: Oh, uh—uh... me?
“Speaking of universal constants,” Alya says, looking VERY amused
“Oh no…Whyyyyyy?!” Marienette panics, covering her face, blushing madly, knowing exactly how the following scene is about to go down.
“I did warn you about Murphy.” Alya teases
“Not helping, Alya. I don’t need to see my mega crush on Adrien from a third-person perspective, especially in a theatre full of people…Oh my god! Adrien is going to see this!!! This is a disaster!” Marinette despairs.
“It’s not as bad as you think, everyone already knows you have a mega crush on Adrien…except Adrian himself somehow. So it’s not like most of them are seeing anything new. And who knows! Maybe this version of you can handle herself better around him!” Alya says, trying to be reassuring
“Do you really think so?” Marinette asks doubtfully
“Not really, but stranger things have happened,” Alya says honestly
“Still not helping!” Marinette cries
(Meanwhile with Adrien and Nino)
“Huh, that’s not how Marinette and I first met,” Adrien said curiously
“Yeah, looks like that misunderstanding between the two of you because of Chloe isn’t going to happen,” Nino observes
“That’s a relief, that means Marinette and I might become friends even faster than we originally did!” Adrien says cheerfully
“Yeah, cause that look in her eye definitely screams 'friendship'.” Nino mutters sarcastically
“What was that?” Adrien asks confused
“Nothing, dude. I just…really love your innocence sometimes, it makes my life so much more fun.” Nino says, leaving Adrien confused
Adrien: Are you crying?
Marinette: What? No, I'm not! Um... This is just, uh, allergies. There's a lot of pollen in here. I mean, not pollen, dirt— I mean... Dust! I must have it in my eyes.
(Adrien simply smiles and lets out a chuckle in reply as he walks towards a table to grab a seat. Marinette, from the other side of the shelf, watches him from behind the books on the shelf. Finally arriving on the other side where Adrien is, Marinette unknowingly leans on a cart of books and pushes it, causing her to fall on the floor.)
Adrien: Are you sure you're alright?
“Why?!?!” Marinette screeches mortified
“Oh, I am SO glad this is consistent,” Alya says, trying not to laugh
“Alya, this isn’t funny!” Marinette complains
“It kinda is, Marinette, besides it’s not much different from how you usually act around him now,” Alya explains
“That’s why this is so embarrassing…” Marinette bemoans
The rest of the theatre is either amused at the familiar scene or cooing at how adorable it is.
“Aw! It’s love at first sight!” Rose gushes, “How romantic!”
“Too bad, it looks like Adrien isn’t much more aware of her feelings on screen than he is in real life.” Julika points out
“Well, maybe, this Marinette will manage to win that Adrien’s heart, causing our Adrien to finally notice our Marinette’s feelings for him and then they’ll fall in love and live happily ever after!” Rose rapidly explains
“You are very invested in Marinette’s love life,” Julika points out
“Adrienette is my OTP ship! I am counting the days till those two get together!” Rose explains
“Can you ship two people in real life?” Julika wonders
“You can’t put rules on love!” Rose cheerfully states
“Aww.. our baby is developing her first crush again on the same boy! How adorable!” Sabine gushes
“I still think our little girl is still too young for a girlfriend,” Tom grumbles
“That’s not what you thought last week when you thought Marinette was dating Chat Noir.” Sabine teases
“Okay! I’ll admit that wasn’t my finest moment, and I may have overacted a little. I guess I should be grateful that Adrien seems like a fine young man as well.” Tom concedes, a little embarrassed
“True, now if only Marinette can build some more confidence in herself and tell that boy how she feels,” Sabine remarks
(Anxious, Marinette bumps on the shelf, with books falling on her head. She quickly grabs a book with a black cat on it to cover her face and takes a little peek, seeing Adrien reaching a hand out to her.)
Adrien: Need a hand?
(The two share a brief moment staring at each other. Marinette stretches out to take Adrien's hand, shaking. As their hands make contact, Adrien pulls her up and proceeds to pick up the books on the floor. Standing up, Marinette couldn't move her feet from Adrien's gesture and stared at the hand that Adrien held. Seemingly, the young girl is beginning to develop feelings for the young boy.)
Marinette gains the exact same look on her face, and sighs longingly, “He’s such a gentleman…”
“It really doesn’t take much for you to fall for him, does it?” Alya amusingly remarks
“He’s so dreamy…” Marinette says infatuated
Nino, being a good friend (and because his girlfriend told him to), takes this opportunity to once again try and help his best friend become aware of a certain baker girl’s feelings.
“So…Adrien, my man… Marinette is sure acting weird about the two of you holding hands, do you have any idea what that is about?” Nino subtly hints.
“Hmmm…you’re right. Maybe, since this is our first meeting, Marinette is a bit intimidated by my modeling career and is a bit starstruck. I’m sure she’ll realise soon that I’m just a normal kid like her, and try and help her relax around me.” Adrien determines
“Sure…that makes sense. I’m glad you were able to figure that out,” Nino sighs
Unbeknownst to Nino, Adrien doesn’t fully believe his own words. He’s seen that look on Marinette’s face before, it looks like the one he sees in the mirror whenever he thinks about Ladybug. If Marinette has a crush on him, well, he would be flattered, but…he couldn’t accept her feelings, he’s in love with Ladybug. It wouldn’t be right. He doesn’t want to ruin their friendship by making things awkward between them. Besides, this is a completely different universe, there is no reason to think that his Marinette has the same feeling as the Marinette on screen, right?
Marinette: Wait, do you think we should— Hello?
(As she turns around, she sees nobody, not realizing that Adrien had already left. She notices the door is slightly opened and closes completely. Outside the library, Adrien says to himself...)
Adrien: She's so weird.
“Oof…Sorry, Marinette, I guess that version of me doesn’t know how shy you are yet and thought things were getting awkward.” Adrien apologizes sincerely
“Oh! Uh! I-It’s fine! You were probably really handsome- I mean, really busy! And besides, you helped me up after I fell for you- I mean, fell down! So there’s no reason to worry! Things are A-Okay between us!” Marinette tries to explain, as Alya facepalms.
“...Okay, then. Thank you for your understanding then.” Adrien says, taken aback.
(Before he could wear his ear-pods, Nino calls him from the other side of the corridor, riding his skateboard.)
Nino: (as he skateboards to Adrien) Hey, bro! (bumps into students in the hallway) 'Scuse me! Sorry! (bumps into another student) Sorry! (to Adrien) Bummer you're missing all the action, man.
“Babe, you have got to be more careful on that skateboard, I think that’s like the fifth person you’ve almost hit so far…actually now that I think about it, you’re the one who bumped into Marinette, causing her to bump into Chloe!” Alya reprimands her boyfriend.
“Heh heh…My bad, cutie. Guess I should be more careful when grinding. Sorry, Marinette, for getting your counterpart in a spat with Chloe, that was totally uncool of me.” Nino apologizes embarrassingly
“It’s fine. Like I said before, you don’t need to apologize for something you technically didn’t do.” Marinette kindly waved off.
“Perhaps, but I don’t think my counterpart is ever going to realise how difficult he unintentionally made your counterpart’s life, so consider this an apology on his behalf, okay?” Nino explains
“Okay, then. On behalf of my counterpart, who I’m sure would have realised it was an honest mistake, I accept your apology.” Marinette says, giggling slightly
“Heh…Thanks, Marinette.” Nino chuckles
“Good job.” Alya walks over and kisses Nino on the cheek, causing him to blush
“Heh heh…Sure thing.” Nino laughs goofily, while his best friend chuckles amused.
Adrien: Yeah, it's kinda lonely in there.
Nino: Yo, fair's opening tomorrow. You should come with. There's some sick new rides, dude. It'll be awesome! You know that I'm here for you, right?
Adrien: Alright, dude. (frowns as he wears his earpods and walks away)
“Looks like the two of us have already formed our friendship. It’s like Alya said earlier, no matter what universe, we’re destined to be best friends.” Nino says happily as he holds out his fist to Adrien for a fistbump, which Adrien gladly returns.
“Awesome.” Adrien cheers and then frowns as he notices his counterpart walking away. “I wish my counterpart would be a little less rude, though. Here you are checking up on him and inviting him to the fair, and he can’t muster up any enthusiasm.”
“Don’t worry about it, dude. I’m sure my counterpart has already that he’s going to drag you out of that funk if it’s the last thing he does.” Nino says confidently
“Thanks, man. I’m sure my counterpart appreciates having a best friend who makes sure he’s out there having fun!” Adrien says gratefully as the two exchange another fistbump.
(Scene: The Agreste mansion. Nathalie runs over some of Gabriel's upcoming plans to him.)
Gabriel: Anything else?
Nathalie: Your world-fashion interview is tomorrow, first thing.
Gabriel: Fine. Merci, Nathalie.
Nathalie: Dinner? With your son, sir.
Gabriel: No, I have work to do.
Nathalie: He needs his father.
Gabriel: And I'd appreciate it if you minded your own business.
(He pushes open the door to his office as he enters and the door closes behind him, leaving Nathalie standing right outside the door. As footsteps are heard by the stairs, Nathalie turns around and sees Adrien, who was eavesdropping between her and his father.)
Nathalie: I'm sorry, Adrien.
Adrien: (dejectedly) I know the drill. (goes up the stairs)
“Well, nice to see your old man is a dick.” Nino grumpily remarks
“Nino, do-” Adrien starts to defend his father, but Nino cuts him off.
“No, Adrien. I’m not being too harsh. It’s not going to kill him to, at the VERY least, have dinner with you every once in a while. You do everything he ever asks, never complain, and all you ask in return is to have some father-son bonding time! I mean, seriously, what could he possibly have going on that is more important than spending time with you?!” Nino rants, and Adrien can’t bring himself to say anything in response to that.
(As he goes up, the camera pans to the giant portrait of Adrien and Gabriel placed by the staircase. Nathalie, with nothing else to do, takes her leave as well. The scene changes to Gabriel's office, where Gabriel looks at their family picture with Emilie. It match cuts to Adrien's copy of the picture as he looks at it too with a frown. Gabriel closes the curtains; Adrien walks by one of the halls with a bigger copy of their family picture as he looks at it as well. The scene once more changes to Gabriel locking a safe in his office, then to Adrien now on the train station, walking on the sidewalk with his earphones on. Back at the mansion, Gabriel presses the combination on Emilie's portrait in his office. At the same time, Adrien is now in front of a theater, where Emilie used to perform. He walks towards the curtains and brushes his hand against them, sentimental. He stops at the center of the stage as a memory of Emilie flashes before him, where Emilie is greeted by applause while she waves back to the audience, holding a bouquet of roses. Looking to her right, she sees Adrien and reaches out a hand to him, gesturing for his son to join her in the spotlight. As soon as he tries to hold hands with the memory, the spotlight turns off. Adrien notices a brochure of Emilie on the floor, picks it up with a melancholic face and says...)
Adrien: Happy birthday, Mom.
“Oh…dude…I’m so sorry.” Nino said now feeling bad about yelling at his friend.
“‘Sigh’ It’s…it’s fine…here’s… ’sigh’ another difference though… My mom’s birthday wasn’t on my first day of school…” Adrien depressingly remarks
“Dude, that’s not important right now. Do…do you want to talk about it? I’m here if you just need someone to scream at or a shoulder to cry on.” Nino offers
“No…I’ve decided a while ago that, while I still miss her, I’m not going to let grief stop me from living my life… I guess, this version of me is still in mourning, though…Not that I’m judging him for it.” Adrien remarks
“For sure, man. people should take as much time as they need to mourn, even…different versions of yourself, I suppose. Although, remind me to punch Claude after he’s deakumatized for airing out your dirty laundry like this, okay?” Nino says
“Come on, Nino, you know you can’t blame people for what they do while akumatized; they’re basically different people.” Adrien humorously chastised.
“Darn you and your logic. Fine, I guess I’ll just settle for Ladybug and Chat Noir teaching the Phantom a lesson then.” Nino “concedes”, satisfied he snapped Adrien out of his funk.
Once again, the theatre grows silent out of respect for Adrien.