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Trials and Tropes	By : Cat_Eyes Category: +M through R > Miraculous LadyBug Views: 6594 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Miraculous Ladybug. Miraculous Ladybug is the intellectual property of Thomas Astruc and released by Zag studios. No profit was made writing this story.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
Marinette's head was spinning. She stared at her feet to try to stop the whirling, but it didn't help.
'There must be some mistake,' she stuttered as she squeezed her key card. 'I'll go check with reception.'
She turned her back on Adrien and sprinted to the elevators, wondering how such a blunder could have happened. She had wanted to use this weekend away as an excuse to get to know Adrien better, but she was not prepared to share a room with him.
She slammed the bell on the receptionist's desk repeatedly until a harassed looking woman emerged from the back.
'Can I help you?' she asked, with a heavy scowl.
'Sorry, I just have a quick question. The rooms booked for College Francois DuPont... Wasn't there supposed to be seven twin-shares, four for the girls, and three for the boys, in the booking?'
The receptionist regarded Marinette for a moment before turning to her computer. She typed in a perfunctory manner before looking back at Marinette. 'All the information here is correct. Whatever rooming issues you have, it's not the fault of the hotel's.'
Marinette hung her head. 'Ok, thanks for your time.'
She ran back to the elevator, then to Caline Bustier's suite. She pounded on the door until Caline answered with a disapproving frown.
'What is it, Marinette?' she asked.
Marinette forced an apologetic grin. 'Sorry, Madame Bustier, but I think there's a problem.'
Caline's brows drew down. 'What kind of problem?'
Marinette blushed and wrung her hands. 'Well, it would seem there's a mix up with the rooms.'
'What kind of mix up?'
Marinette's blush deepened. 'I'm in the same room as Adrien,' she squeaked. 'Reception says it's not the hotel's fault, so...' she trailed off.
Caline sighed. 'Well, if that's what the hotel said, then I guess we're stuck. You're just going to have to make it work.'
Marinette's eyes bulged as she stared at Caline in disbelief. 'You can't be serious,' she yelped.
Caline raised an eyebrow, and Marinette shrank into herself.
'I'm sure you and Adrien can make do. You're both mature and responsible enough to share a room. Go and get ready, now, we have to leave again soon.'
Marinette trudged back to her room, her nervousness sapping the last of her strength. She clumsily swiped her card and stood just inside the door, hands on her knees. Adrien was standing in the way of the rest of the room, but Marinette was too busy regaining her composure to interpret the look on his face.
'Reception says there was no mistake and Madame Bustier says there's nothing she can do. She just said to make it work,' Marinette wheezed.
Adrien didn't reply, but merely glanced between her and something deeper in the room.
Apprehension gnawed at Marinette's chest. 'Is something wrong?'
Adrien turned red and babbled incoherently, pointing at whatever had made him pause. Marinette edged around him, but stopped when she saw the problem.
Only one bed? she thought in a panic. 'Oh,' she whimpered, aloud.
This was too much. Her brain shut down, and she stood, as frozen as Adrien had been.
Caline's voice from the hallway yanked her out of her trance. Marinette ran to her bags and gathered her things before skirting around Adrien and out the door. She bolted toward the elevators and nearly swooned with relief when she saw Alya there, already waiting.
'You will not believe what is happening right now,' Marinette whisper screamed.
'What's going on?' asked Alya with wide eyes.
Stammering badly, Marinette explained. 'I'm sharing a room with Adrien.'
Alya gaped. 'What? No way.'
'Yes, way. This is so crazy. I get to my room only to see Adrien already there with a matching key. I went to reception, to ask if there had been a mistake with the booking, but they denied all responsibility. Then, I went to see Madame Bustier, but all she did was say to "make it work." But, you know what the real kicker it? I came back to the room only to find there's only one bed. So, not only do I have to share a room with Adrien, but I have to share a bed with him as well.' Marinette huffed, out of breath after her tirade.
Alya steered her into the first elevator, giving her motivational buzz words and slogans until they reached the lobby. Marinette took it all in, desperate for the confidence Alya was always so willing to give. As they walked around the city, however, Marinette's fragile self-possession crumbled.
'I'm going to die,' she moaned.
Alya took the time to build Marinette up all over again, even though it was in the form of jokes at her expense. Marinette took it, though, grateful to have Alya by her side.
Their afternoon project was a bust. Marinette worried she would fail the Cultural Enlightenment weekend away, but Alya didn't appear concerned. She followed Alya's lead, acting nonchalant when they came last in the unofficial class competition. Marinette shrugged, philosophising that there was no way she could have beaten Max and Kim, so it was best to take the defeat with good graces.
Dinner was a quiet affair at her table, that night. Marinette's attention kept drifting toward Adrien as he sat with the boys, Marinette missing most of the conversation at her own table. She couldn't help but admire his smile, and cherish the sound of his laugh. Once dinner was over, though, her nerves returned with vigour.
'I can't do this,' she whispered to Alya when they left the elevators.
'Yes, you can, Girl,' Alya replied, firmly, as she pushed Marinette into her room. 'This is the opportunity you've been waiting for. Go.'
As Alya slammed the door shut, Marinette couldn't help but feel abandoned. Slowly, she gathered her toiletries and pyjamas, and went to have a long, hot shower, hoping to calm her lingering nerves.
When she emerged, Adrien was sitting in the chair by the window, framed by the ugliest set of curtains she had ever seen. Even he couldn't make them look good.
Standing up, Adrien said, 'you can have the bed. I'll sleep in the chair.'
Marinette's eyes turned back to him. 'I couldn't let you do that,' she said. 'You'll get a crick in your neck. You won't be able to sleep, and tomorrow you'll be tired and sore. Unable to focus, you'll get hit by a car when you cross the road, end up in hospital and die,' she exclaimed.
She hoped he would take the bed graciously, but he proved to be surprisingly stubborn, saying he wanted her to have the bed. Marinette turned mulish in return, insisting he take the bed. They came to a stalemate, staring each other down while silently willing the other to surrender.
'Since neither of us wants the other to take the chair, how about we both take the bed? It's big enough to comfortably fit us both,' Adrien suggested.
Marinette's thoughts fizzled to a stop. Her arms came up to her chest in an effort to hold herself together, lest she burst with awestruck anticipation. She felt her cheeks burn and saw Adrien squirm under her stare, but she was unable to respond.
Oh, my God, she thought, giddily. Share a bed with my sweet Adrien, at his suggestion? If this is a dream, don't wake me up.
It was a mixed blessing when Adrien misinterpreted her reaction. As much as she wanted to throw her arms around him and scream her undying love, it would also be horrifically embarrassing if he knew what she was thinking. Instead, she accepted his offer with all the grace she could muster, even offering him first choice of sides.
He tossed and turned all over the bed before settling on the side closest to the door. When he went to shower, Marinette leapt from the bed to her suitcase.
'Tikki, wake up. I need a distraction. Now.'
Tikki drifted up from the depths of the bag, blinking sleepily. 'A distraction, is it? Hm, did you know that seventeen percent of all statistics are made up on the spot?'
Marinette's eyes widened for a moment before she narrowed them, critically. 'Ha ha, you're so funny.'
Tikki grinned. 'I should be a comedian. I'm way more humorous than Plagg and Trixx, combined.'
Marinette raised an eyebrow, sceptically. 'Uh-huh. Anyway, Adrien is mere feet away, lathered up and buck naked. What should I do?' Marinette blushed at her choice of words.
Tikki sighed and patted Marinette's nose. 'Calm down, it's not like you're going to barge in on him. Now, go to the storage closet.'
Marinette rose and moved toward the closet, looking back at Tikki expectantly.
'Now, take out all the spare pillows,' Tikki instructed.
Marinette pulled out the six spare pillows and tossed them to the floor on her side of the bed.
'When the two of you turn in for the night, use those pillows to make a wall down the centre of the bed,' Tikki explained.
'How will this help, exactly?' Marinette asked, dubiously.
'You're a sloppy sleeper. With a wall there, you won't roll all over Adrien while you're asleep.'
Marinette's eyes bulged and her blush returned. 'I hadn't even thought of that.'
Tikki nodded. 'It's a good thing you have me.'
'I'll say,' Marinette agreed.
Marinette pulled a container of biscuits out of her suitcase and passed one to Tikki, who accepted it with thanks, before settling on a chair to eat it.
Marinette had just tucked the container back into her suitcase when Adrien left the bathroom. Marinette stood up abruptly, glancing from Tikki, concealed by the arms of the chair, to a spot behind Adrien's shoulder.
'How did this even happen?' Adrien asked as he slumped over.
Marinette began to feel sorry for him. She was sharing a room with her crush - a dream come true. But he was sharing with a girl he barely knew. He probably thought she would sell his underwear on eBay. Adrien was a celebrity in his own right, and probably had to deal with creepy fan girls on an almost daily basis. This whole scenario was a great unknown to him with huge potential for disaster.
Marinette smoothed out her expression, hoping to give off an aura of calmness and security. 'Everyone else made sure to get matching keys. Only you, me, Alya, and Nino were careless enough to just grab anything,' she guessed.
They each heaved a quiet sigh before slipping cautiously into bed. Marinette grabbed her phone from the bedside table and texted Alya. She vented her panicked thoughts, secure in the knowledge that Alya would keep her secrets.
Help. Sharing with him! One bed. Pillow blockade. What do? Send help, asap!
Stop blowing up my phone, I'm right here, replied Alya.
Adrien. Bed. Sharing. One bed. His foot touched me!
Goodnight, Mari, Alya sent back.
Marinette stared mournfully at her phone when no more messages came.
While Adrien continued texting Nino, Marinette fetched the spare pillows from the floor and lay them down the middle of the bed. Adrien merely glanced at her curiously for a moment before turning back to his phone.
While she worked, Tikki slipped into bed beside her. Marinette gave her a soft smile as she finished laying out the extra pillows. She checked her phone to make sure her alarm was on, then turned to Adrien.
'You ready for lights-out?' asked Adrien.
'Yeah,' she answered, switching off her bedside lamp and wriggling down into the blankets.
'Ok. Goodnight, Marinette,' Adrien said, turning off his own light.
'Goodnight, Adrien.'
Sleep was elusive that night, slipping from her grasp with every motion Adrien made. She lay still, trying not to disturb him, and closed her eyes.

Marinette was frightened into wakefulness by someone screaming her name directly into her ear. She propelled herself upward and looked around in stunned confusion, until she saw Adrien as he stared down at her, smiling widely.
Her shock turned to outrage as she hurled pillows and insults at him. He avoided her projectiles easily, only fuelling her ire. When she ran out of pillows, she leaned over the side of the bed and picked up her shoe. It sailed over his shoulder, but Adrien got the message. Marinette's sleep was not to be trifled with, particularly after a night of very little rest.
Grumbling obscenities under her breath, Marinette went into the bathroom to clean up and dress, retrieving her shoe on the return trip. She shot Adrien a last, dirty look before leaving to find Alya.
Alya waited with polite impatience by the elevators. She took in Marinette's uneven pigtails and sour disposition with a questioning expression. 'What happened?' she asked.
Marinette hunched her shoulders. 'Nothing,' she muttered.
'Come on, Girl. You can talk to me,' she urged, quietly, as they took the elevator down.
Marinette didn't want to admit to the foolish way Adrien had woken her up. It made her feel like the butt of a joke. She wasn't proud of her reaction, either. It had been a harmless prank, but she was overtired and had overreacted.
Adrien probably thinks I can't take a joke now, she thought, morosely.
Instead of admitting to her faults, Marinette told her the second most embarrassing encounter from the morning. 'I think I pushed Adrien out of bed this morning,' she confessed.
She had thought her voice was low enough not to be heard, but Alix's and Kim's muffled laughs proved otherwise. She ignored their snickers as best she could, but shame burned in her chest.
She admitted to her other worries about being a rough sleeper, and how Adrien might think poorly of her for that, but Alya was quick to assuage her fears. Marinette was loathe to admit to how Adrien had woken her up, but thought the small omission wasn't a big deal, and refused to think on it any more.
That day, Caline took them to see two operas at different theatres. Marinette failed to pay any attention to the plots, but focussed intently on the costumes. Both companies had elaborate, and extensive, wardrobes which inspired Marinette immediately. She regretted leaving her sketch book at home, but made notes in her school books of design elements she would like to try and incorporate into her own pieces. Carmen's dress in particular reminded her of Ladybug's costume, and she wondered if she could create a Ladybug inspired Spanish gown.
When the day was done, Marinette's paranoia took hold once more. Sitting in her room with Alya as they wrote their essays, her old fears plagued her and prevented her from doing any real work. Finally, she gave in. 'I don't know if I can do this.'
'Shake your hand out, and write whatever crap comes to mind,' Alya suggested, absently.
Marinette had a moment of confusion, then shook her head. 'I don't mean the essay. What do I do about Adrien?'
It was a double pronged question. Alya, however, decided it was simply a continuation of their conversation from that morning. 'Oh. Well, if you did push him out of bed, then the logical thing to do would be to apologise.'
That was the logical option, and it covered all her bases. Yes, she feared she had kicked Adrien out of bed, but she also worried he thought of her as rude and humourless. Marinette wanted him to think highly of her, so if she made a mistake, she would have to be mature and apologise. She sighed. Apologising was an admission of guilt, and as such, was a hard thing to do. Even adults avoided doing so when they thought they could.
Alya finished writing and left, a look of grim resignation on her face. Marinette reread her essay and worried she might have missed the point of the question, but she had already written four pages.
Too late to change it now, she thought as she tucked the pages away.
Adrien returned, and they went through their nightly routines in an uncomfortable silence. Marinette wanted to initiate the conversation, but didn't know where to begin. As she was reinforcing her pillow wall, she decided to just do it.
'I'm sorry if I pushed you out of bed this morning,' she began. It wasn't quite what she wanted to say, but it was a start.
'You didn't,' he told her with a smile. 'You didn't spread out until after I got up and chucked the pillows away.'
Marinette sighed in relief; there was one obstacle out of the way. 'That's good,' she said as she crawled into bed.
'If you're ready?' he asked, his hand hovering over the lamp switch.
Marinette's lamp was already off. 'I'm ready,' she confirmed.
He switched of his light and settled down to sleep.
Coward, Marinette berated herself.

Marinette drifted slowly into consciousness with great reluctance. She was enveloped in a delicious warmth, and a comforting weight pressed against her back and side. She tried to stretch her legs out, but they were blocked from behind. Marinette was confused, but not distressed enough to investigate the anomaly.
This is nice, she thought, hazily.
It wasn't until she registered a warm, repetitive, puff of air against her head that she began to question her situation. The fog of sleep lifted enough for curiosity to take over, and urge her to look around.
Adrien had shifted over during the night and was currently pressed against her back, arms loosely wrapped around her. Marinette froze for one heartbeat, two, and then screamed as she sat bolt upright. Adrien moved like he'd gotten an electric shock, spouting apologies as he looked around in apparent confusion.
Marinette turned away, too embarrassed to look at him. He probably didn't even realise what he was apologising for. After a brief, laden silence, they surged into motion. Adrien went to his suitcase, as Marinette ducked into the bathroom. She leaned against the door and let out a shaky breath.
How? she thought, desperately.
Marinette met Alya at their usual meeting place, her face hot, and she walked with an unnatural stiffness that Alya noticed immediately.
'Is everything ok?' Alya asked in alarm as she placed a hand on Marinette's shoulder.
Marinette stared back, still in shock. 'Am I dead?' she asked the universe.
Alya was badly confused, but kept comfortingly close to Marinette all morning. Marinette didn't even realise where they were going, simply trusting Alya to lead her in the right direction. Colours and words swirled around her, but nothing settled. All she could think about was Adrien's arms, and how nice they had felt.
She would never admit it aloud, but waking up in his embrace had been heavenly. He was comforting, warm, and he smelled good. He also felt unexpectedly solid. His chest and stomach had been firm, his arms strong and capable.
All that fencing has really paid off, Marinette thought, deliriously.
She had regretted spoiling the moment the instant she had opened her mouth. She had been living her innermost fantasies and then spoiled it by screaming. She wanted to kick herself.
By lunch, a resigned melancholy had settled over Marinette, which calmed her racing heart and allowed actual thoughts in. Over their midday meal, she told Alya what had happened, but kept her feelings to herself. Her dreams were her own, and very personal, not something available for public scrutiny.
Despite herself, Marinette was lifted by Alya's analysis of the situation. It was pseudoscience at best, but Alya's conviction was heart-warming. After that, Marinette was able to pay attention to their museum guide, but maintained a respectable distance from Adrien. He looked like he was battling his own demons.
After dinner, the girls went to their rooms first, Alya shooting Marinette an encouraging double thumbs up before she left. Following her own example from the previous evening, Marinette relaxed under a hot shower while Tikki ate snacks in her suitcase.
Adrien passed her when she was done, looking haggard and tired, as he headed for his own shower. Marinette glanced after him, wincing in sympathy.
She texted Alya as she lay in bed, waiting for Adrien.
I'm not going to bother with a pillow wall tonight, Marinette sent.
Ooh, how bold, Alya replied.
Marinette blushed. I just. It wasn't. It didn't work, anyway. Leave me. She gave up after that.
Adrien finally emerged, looking better than he had before.
'No Great Dividing Range tonight?' he asked, humour lighting his eyes.
Marinette quashed the urge to grin back at him. 'Since it didn't seem to be doing any good, I didn't see the point. I hope you don't mind.'
Adrien laughed softly. 'No, I get it. It was pretty ineffective.'
They settled in and wished each other a good night. Marinette wasn't sure if she wanted a repeat performance of that morning, or not.

Marinette woke up sluggish and heavy. Adrien spoke to her, but she forgot what he said as she drifted back into sleep. There was a yell and a series of thuds, but Marinette couldn't rouse enough to pay attention. Suddenly, Alya was there, heaving her up and pushing her into the bathroom.
The shower woke her enough that she could dress and make her way safely downstairs, but that was it. As soon as she set foot on the bus, her eyelids drooped and Alya was pushing her into a seat against the window. Marinette slumped against it, lulled by the sun streaming in and the underlying rumble of the bus engine.
She didn't know how long she slept, but when she finally woke and stretched, she felt wonderfully well rested.
Until Adrien began to bellow, pointing at her.
'You're Ladybug?' he demanded.
Marinette's brain spluttered to an undignified stop. A quick glance around told her that everyone had heard and were now staring at her with wide, expectant eyes.
'No, I'm not,' she denied, weakly, sweat gathering on her brow. She thought she may have convinced a few people, until Tikki flew from her purse.
'Yes, you are,' she cried, utterly offended.
Marinette couldn't believe this was happening, and that Adrien and Tikki, of all people, were the ones to expose her. She felt hurt, angry and confused. Seeing no alternative, she got up and went to sit next to Adrien, with Tikki still in her purse and peering out with an unhappy expression.
'Explain. Now,' she instructed, keeping her voice low.
Adrien blanched, his eyes growing wide. 'I'm sorry,' he muttered. 'It's just the shock. That's no excuse, I know - '
'Just tell me how you know,' Marinette interrupted him, leaning in and frowning severely.
Adrien leaned back, sweat trickling from his temple. He told her what had happened, stressing that it wasn't really anyone's fault, but accepting the blame for shouting her secret to everyone present.
'While I know most of our classmates are trustworthy, there may be one or two who aren't. The bus driver, we don't know at all. You could've exposed me to the entire world. How am I supposed to salvage this?' she asked.
Adrien hung his head. 'Let me talk to them. If I can't convince them, maybe I can pay them off.'
Marinette didn't like the idea of just throwing money at the problem, but some people were motivated by greed. 'Do whatever it takes,' she hissed.
She returned to her seat, hurt and disappointed, as Adrien stared miserably after her.
For the next forty-five minutes, Adrien spoke to their classmates, teacher, and the driver, convincing and cajoling them into keeping Marinette's secret. They all agreed, Adrien assured her, but Marinette was not ready to forgive him, or Tikki, just yet.
Tikki, for reasons of her own, had retreated into Marinette's purse and refused to come out. So, Marinette placed the bag on the vacant seat beside hers and ignored Tikki in return.
Eventually, Adrien stood and headed toward the front of the bus. 'I have an announcement,' he called, holding up his hands to get their attention. 'I don't know how I can ever make this up to you, Marinette,' he said, contrition clear in his voice, 'but I think I can at least put us on even ground.'
Marinette gazed at him, suspiciously.
'Everyone, I am Chat Noir,' he proclaimed, without preamble. 'Plagg, transform me.'
In a flash, Adrien turned into Chat Noir, followed by polite applause from their classmates. He raised an eyebrow, but didn't question it.
Marinette was shocked. That stupid Cat, her thoughts shrieked.
Outwardly, Marinette's mouth hung open and her eyes were wide. She pointed mutely at him, unable to make her voice work.
Chat Noir approached her and took her hand, holding it delicately. 'I'm so sorry, Milady. I know this doesn't make up for my blunder, but I'll do whatever it takes to keep you and your loved ones safe. I only hope that, one day, I'll earn my way back into your good graces.'
Marinette could only nod. Chat Noir gave her a small smile and pushed her jaw shut with a finger under her chin. He detransformed and returned to his own seat.
After an internal debate, Marinette huffed in defeat and moved to sit beside him, taking his hand in hers. She blushed and refused to look at him, but Adrien gently squeezed her hand in understanding.

Marinette dragged her suitcase up the stairs and into her living room. 'You will not believe the weekend I just had,' she called, leaving her bags at the bottom of the stairs to her room.
Sabine came from the kitchen and hugged her tight. 'Did you and that nice Agreste boy finally get together?' she asked, eagerly.
Marinette blushed, furiously. 'What? No. I don't know. Maybe? No!'
Sabine tutted. 'Well, you'd better get a move on. He has a lot of admirers, for himself as a model, and for his work as Chat Noir.'
Marinette's jaw fell open. 'How could you possibly know about that?' she demanded, flabbergasted.
'Does he know you're Ladybug yet? He's been pining after you for so long now. I feel sorry for the poor boy,' Sabine continued, as if she hadn't heard Marinette speak.
'Maman,' Marinette cried. 'How do you know all this?'
'Oh, Honey.' Sabine stroked Marinette's cheek with a sympathetic smile. 'Everyone knows.'
'Ev... Everyone?' Marinette could feel the blood draining from her face.
Sabine sighed. 'Yes, Dear. Everyone,' she stressed.
'Which is why I think you're dumb for trying to deny it,' Tikki grumbled from her purse. 'Honestly, how could you not notice that literally everyone already knows? Furthermore, I'll have you know it was incredibly hurtful when you denied your powers like that,' she sniffled.
Marinette hung her head. 'Sorry,' she mumbled.
Sabine patted her head. 'I think you out to have a talk with your partner now, don't you?'
Marinette's cheeks warmed. 'Yes, Maman,' she replied obediently.
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