(Mood Music: Under the Sky of Paris · Andre Rieu)

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Marinette furrowed her brows in discontent. It had been a night of fretful sleep, her mind a furious whirlwind of emotions. She couldn't get Chat Noir out of her thoughts. His melancholy expression, the fear in his eyes, his hopeful smile, his gentleness... She just had to find a way to help him.

Languidly sipping her drink, she wondered what she should do. Defeating Hawkmoth was still the number one priority. If Chat Noir were to join her, it would definitely turn the tide. However, she wasn't sure if he'd be willing, or even able to. It would be asking a lot from him, especially since it sounded like his father controlled every aspect of his life, including whether or not he got to keep his own miraculous. If Hawkmoth detected any signs of defiance, Chat might be powerless or even in danger before he even got the chance to make a decision about it.

Fighting by herself all these years had been challenging, to say the least. Practically from the very beginning of her career as Ladybug she had all but pleaded Master Fu to give some of the other miraculouses away so that she could have allies, but he'd always been vehemently against it. It was understandable though, she supposed. After giving away the most powerful two miraculouses and unexpectedly have one of them so grossly misused, he insisted that they couldn't risk any others falling under Hawkmoth's control. Especially since he had given the miraculous to another boy around her age, and the people Marinette trusted the most (and would subsequently recruit for help) were her peers. On the outside, Chat Noir had seemed perfect for the job... but Fu couldn't have predicted things would happen as they did.

No, she concluded. Master Fu was right; they couldn't have yet another miraculous fall under Hawkmoth's control; it was out of the question. Fu had already been through enough, having paid for his mistakes as a guardian. All things considered, Marinette knew he was trying his best. With no other allies, it was up to her alone to defend the city and retrieve the butterfly miraculous and, if things didn't go as she hoped, the cat miraculous as well. Her heart ached just thinking about it.

She frowned and her resolve strengthened. She would help Chat Noir as best as she could, in whichever way ended up being the best for him. If that meant taking his miraculous and freeing him from Hawkmoth's control, she would do it, albeit begrudgingly. But she had faith that he would change his mind on his own, and held onto the belief that he would rebel against Hawkmoth despite their close association.

"Marinette?"

Chat had said that they wanted the Ladybug miraculous for a good cause. Who were they doing all of this for? Why was it so important that--

"Marinette!!"

Marinette's head shot up and she shrieked, losing her balance on the chair and nearly falling over.

"Girl, are you alright?" Alya rubbed Marinette's back and gave her a sympathetic look. "You've been totally spaced out all afternoon! Is something on your mind?"

Marinette's head lowered a bit and she shrugged. "Sorry, Alya. I guess I just didn't sleep well last night. Shouldn't have had that latte so late in the day, I guess!" she fake-laughed.

Alya raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Well, if you say so," she acquiesced, then leaned over and lowered her voice, "but be sure to tell me if something really is bothering you or if you need help with anything. Okay, Mari?"

Marinette grinned widely. She reached over and gave her best friend a hug. "I will. Thanks, Alya."

Alya squeezed back lovingly and kissed her forehead. "Just try to take it easy. School hasn't even started yet but you already seem stressed out. Relax, take a dip in the pool." She stood up and tugged lightly on Marinette's arm, signaling to the pool with her head. "Come with me, I'm about to go back in myself."

Marinette nodded and stood up, half-heartedly walking towards the pool ... until she spotted Nino and Adrien splashing in the water. They turned towards the girls and waved cheerfully, and Marinette suddenly felt like she was wearing snowshoes, devoid of any sort of grace or glamour. Adrien's damp golden hair glistened in the sun, his svelte, statuesque physique looking like it came straight out of a sports magazine. The years had been kind to him. Very kind. In addition, her brain somehow conjured up sparkly bubble vision that surrounded him, blocking out the rest of the enormous swimming pool. Despite having sewn herself a stylish two piece halter top swimsuit for the summer, she suddenly felt very naked. Fighting the strong urge to cover herself and hide, she waved back with feigned enthusiasm.

Alya looked over at Marinette with a mischievous gleam in her eyes and called to them, "Hey! You guys wanna play 'chicken fight'?"

Adrien cocked his head to the side quizzically. "What's 'chicken fight'?"

Nino answered, "It's a game where you have two teams; each team has one person sit on top the other one's shoulders, then each couple tries to knock the other team's top person down into the water."

"Doesn't that sound fun, Marinette?" Alya cooed. Marinette shot her a furtive glare and Alya grinned back at her mischievously.

Adrien perked up and smiled. "I've never played that before! I'm in!"

Alya chimed in excitedly, pointing at Nino, "Dibs on that hot guy back there with the goggles!" She winked at him and he rubbed the back of his head, his face reddening noticeably.

Adrien waded towards the edge of the pool and looked up at Marinette. "That means you'll be my teammate, Mari. You can give me some pointers!" His bright smile was so unfairly attractive, displaying innocence despite his facial features, which had become more sculpted and handsome since their first meeting several years ago, leaving behind any remaining traces of baby fat. Marinette thought she could feel her knees shake and didn't trust herself to speak, so she simply smiled back and nodded.

Apprehensively, Marinette slipped into the water and the four of them headed towards the center of the pool. Once they reached the area, Adrien's face scrunched in concentration and he suddenly dove down into the water behind Marinette. She yelped briefly as she felt him slip between her legs and hoist her up. Adrien rose out of the surface laughing and spluttering, wiping water away from his face.

Desperately trying to feign nonchalance (Adrien's hands were on her skin!!!) Marinette adjusted herself until she was comfortable, and Adrien curled his hands around her knees to hold on. Together, they walked toward the patiently waiting Nino and Alya, already in position.

Uncertain, Marinette's hand fluttered around Adrien as she tried to decide where to hold him, finally settling on his head. "Sorry, I don't know where else to hold on."

"It's okay, Marinette, I don't mind," he replied brightly. "Sorry I'm not very graceful; it's my first time walking in water while carrying someone."

Marinette replied, "O-oh thanks! And don't worry, you're great. I mean, I'm great. I mean, I'm doing you. I mean, you're doing great!!!" Adrien laughed airily in return and he patted the top of one of her legs in reassurance while Marinette internally screamed.

The first round was Alya and Marinette on top. Years of sleepovers, pillowfights, and wrestling meant they were well aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses. With this knowledge, Marinette played dirty and occasionally tickled Alya while they grappled, but to no avail; after a couple of minutes Adrien finally lost his balance when Marinette leaned sideways a bit too much and they tipped over with a loud splash, Nino and Alya whooping victoriously.

Accepting Adrien's help, Marinette clambered onto his shoulders again for a second round, which they won, having gotten the hang of the game more. Laughing and cheering, they gave each other a watery high five.

The third round was Alya sitting on Marinette's shoulders and Nino on Adrien's. Alya swayed forward repeatedly to tightly wrap her arms around Nino's torso, forcing Marinette and Adrien to bump into each other lightly and apologizing awkwardly every time.

Is she doing that on purpose?! Marinette wondered suspiciously.

Ultimately, Alya's tactics were unsuccessful. Nino surged forward and grabbed her face, then followed up with a remarkably passionate kiss which, incidentally, caused Adrien and Marinette's bodies to become tightly pressed against each other and almost shared a kiss of their own, their lips briefly brushing, but ultimately smooshed on each others' nose and chin. A quite dumbstruck and dazed Alya flopped into the water, and the round went to the boys.

"N-nino, what the hell!" Alya sputtered as she rose out of the water, "That was such a cheap move!" She splashed at him vigorously and huffed at him with mock indignation.

"Hey babe, you started it!" Nino laughed and zealously splashed back.

Once their splashing died down Nino swam up to Alya and grabbed her around the waist, then rested his forehead against hers. "Cheater," he teased.

"Ch-cheater, who?" she panted lightly, a bit breathless. "I was visually impaired and you took advantage of it, Mr. Prescription Goggles."

Nino smirked at her, holding her tighter. "I think maybe you like how they look."

"Hmmm," Alya sighed as she blushed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Maybe I like how all of you looks."

Nino lowered his head and captured Alya's lips and she made a slight gasping sound. She grabbed hold of the back of his head to deepen the kiss and he let out a small moan. Nino lifted Alya to his height so her toes no longer touched the floor of the pool, and she felt like she was weightless. Moments passed and it was like everything stood still for them so they could revel in each others' touch.

"Um, GUYS?! WE'RE STILL HERE!!!" Marinette declared loudly as a very red-faced Adrien tried to hide a smile behind his hand.

Alya and Nino's eyes shot open and their bodies stiffened like wooden boards. Nino fake-cleared his throat and Alya adjusted her hair as they clumsily broke apart.

Alya stammered, "S-so, uh, one more round?" She smiled innocently and shrugged.

Marinette rolled her eyes and shrugged. "Sure. But just one, so you guys can go and snog elsewhere. Emphasis on elsewhere." Nino and Alya glanced at each other shyly and smiled sheepishly. Marinette looked back at Adrien and inquired, "Uh, that is, if you still have time before you have to get back for your photo shoot."

Adrien gasped and glanced at his waterproof watch, but then perked up and smiled. "Phew! I've still got an hour before I have to go."

"Perfect!" Marinette beamed. Despite her chronic shyness and lack of eloquence (to say the least) when she was around him, she had really missed being with Adrien, as he hadn't been able to spend much quality time with his friends over the summer.

For the next match, Marinette got on Alya's shoulders and Adrien on Nino's. Marinette's nervousness slowly melted away as she and Adrien laughed and wrestled with each other, every brush of skin sending more and more delightful tingles to her stomach.

Despite Adrien's larger size, it looked like Marinette was getting the upper hand. Suddenly, as Adrien was retracting his arm from behind her back to change positions, his watch got snagged on one of the straps from her halter top and, as if time had slowed down and everything was in slow motion, they both watched in horror as the knot came untied.

Horrified, Adrien did the only thing he could think of: before the halter top could fall down all the way, he leaped off Nino's shoulders and tackled Marinette into the water.

Nino and Alya turned to look at each other, sharing the same baffled expressions. Nino spoke up, hands on his hips, "Dude, you didn't need to tackle her to win, it's just a game."

Alya squinted at a floating object and exclaimed, "Wait a sec... is that Marinette's top?!"

Nino gasped, "Whoa whoa whoa, Adrien! You gotta get a room first, bro!"

Adrien and Marinette rose out of the water, coughing and sputtering.

He held her in a tight bear hug, everything but their heads staying below the surface. Panicked and panting, Adrien stammered, "W-we're having a s-slight situation!!" Marinette was too stunned to do anything but make a tiny screeching sound.

Alya realized that Adrien was actually shielding Marinette from a colossal wardrobe malfunction and her eyes grew wide like saucers. "OHHHH MY GOODNESS, NINO GET A TOWEL, QUICK!!!" The pair quickly scrambled towards the pool ladder while Adrien and Marinette slinked behind them, an incredibly flustered Adrien protectively clutching a mortified Marinette.

Distraught, Adrien squeezed Marinette so tightly it almost made it hard for her to breathe. As they made their way towards the others, bodies and faces touching the entire way, he whispered into her ear, "M-Marinette, I am S-SO SORRY! I swear it was an accident! I'm so, so sorry!"

Despite being in a dumbfounded state herself, Marinette still managed to assuage him, rubbing his back lightly. "It's okay, it's okay... it wasn't your fault."

Dozens of embarrassed apologies later, they finally reached the edge of the pool. Alya immediately wrapped a large towel around Marinette as she slowly stood up. Alya rushed to their seats and grabbed Marinette's bag, who then turned towards the boys and said meekly, "Umm, we'll be right back." She made her way to the changing rooms, Alya's arms protectively around her shoulders.

After fetching Marinette's halter top, which had fallen off completely sometime during their walk, Adrien sat on a bench and put his head on his hands, groaning pathetically.

Nino sat beside him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "Hey man, you didn't mean it, Marinette knows that."

Adrien shook his head. "Ugghhh, I wouldn't blame her if she hates me now."

"Hey bro, it's Marinette!" Nino rocked him lightly. "She's like the sweetest gal in Paris! She could never hate you!"

"I've also never undressed her in public before," Adrien argued.

Nino inhaled sharply through his teeth. "A good point. Still, she's a good egg. She'll forgive you for sure."

"I really hope so," Adrien replied, his eyes lifting once he spotted Marinette and Alya returning from the dressing rooms, Marinette wearing a regular shirt.

Unable to look her in the eyes, Adrien jumped up and handed back the swimsuit, with an expression so sorrowful and guilty one would think his puppy got stolen.

Accepting the wet garment, Marinette mustered up the most chipper voice she could and said, "Thanks, Adrien."

Finally raising his eyes, Adrien was about to speak when Marinette gently put her fingers on his lips and interrupted, "Don't you dare say that you're sorry again, Adrien! It was an accident and I am NOT upset with you!" She removed her hand and shrugged. "If anything, I'm to blame since I consciously picked fashion over functionality. Should've gone with a one piece!" she chuckled nervously, trying to bring an air of lightheartedness back into the group.

Alya picked up on Marinette's attempt to reassure Adrien and chimed in, "Oh, Mari, these sort of things seem to only ever happen to you! We should get you a lucky charm to carry around everywhere. Maybe then you'll start finding money on the ground and can take us all out for ice cream!"

All except Adrien laughed, the latter staring at the ground and looking like he was about to get beaten to a pulp.

Marinette lifted her hand and touched his arm. He looked up at her and saw that she was grinning widely, not a hint of anger in her eyes. Slightly relieved, he smiled back weakly. "Thanks, Marinette," he said, almost whisper quiet.

Alya glanced up at Nino and made a furtive gesture. Nino quirked an eyebrow, puzzled, but then a beat later he understood and nodded. Alya announced, "Hey, sorry guys but we gotta go. Nora just sent me a text message that she burned dinner and needs me to pick something up on the way home."

Alya secretly poked Nino's back and he continued, "UH, yeah! And Alya left her wallet at home so I'm gonna buy the food with my card."

They scurried off, leaving the pair by themselves. Adrien and Marinette shuffled uncomfortably, struggling to maintain eye contact, the mutual embarrassment still thick in the air.

Say something! Adrien inwardly screamed at himself. Why am I so awkward and weird?! I bet she secretly does hate me and is just being polite!

Marinette was the first to recover from the uncomfortableness. She walked up to him, gently bumping shoulders and asked, "Can I walk you home?" Grateful and relieved that Marinette had been the one to break the silence, Adrien smiled back weakly and nodded. He picked up both their bags and they began the trek home.

"Shouldn't it be me walking you home? It seems the more chivalrous thing to do," he inquired as they walked at a leisurely pace.

Marinette shrugged and chuckled. "It's okay, I have to run a few errands after this so I'm not going home yet." She looked up at him and said wistfully, "Besides, I haven't gotten to see you very much over the summer, so I wanted to spend a few extra minutes hanging out together."

Looking away, he grimaced. "I just wish I hadn't ruined everything though. I feel really bad about spoiling the game." He sighed. "Sometimes I feel like I'm cursed."

Eyes wide, Marinette tried to soothe him, "Oh, Adrien! You didn't ruin anything! You're way too hard on yourself. It was just a bit of bad luck!" Trying to bring back some levity into the conversation, she added, "Alya wasn't wrong when she said it tends to follow me everywhere. Maybe I can get myself a lucky coin, or some lucky socks. Although a fancy calligraphed Chinese talisman sounds pretty cool too. I do have a lucky bracelet but I left it at home. I bet that's what happened! I'll be sure to remember to stick it in my purse next time." She gave him a sweet, reassuring grin.

Adrien smiled, a comfortable warmth spreading in his chest. "I'm so glad you don't hate me, Marinette." Quietly, he added, "I'd be devastated if I ever lost you as a friend."

Marinette snorted, "Oh please. I could never hate you. You're too nice." She winked and added, "Besides, it'll take more than a mere BARE hug to come between our friendship."

Adrien's whipped his head towards her and stared incredulously for a moment, then burst out into loud guffaws. Marinette joined in and the pair earned a few curious stares from onlookers, but they paid it no mind.

"Really though," Marinette interjected once the laughing died down. "We're okay. Really. I promise." She reached out and grabbed his upper arm, squeezing gently.

He beamed at her, reaching for her hand with his free arm and squeezing back. "Thanks, Marinette. You're the best, seriously."

At that point they had finally reached the large, imposing gates of the Agreste manor. Adrien buzzed the intercom and helped Marinette into her backpack. "Thanks for everything, Mari," he said sincerely. "Despite the, uh, 'incident', I really did have a lot of fun today."