Chapter Text
Lila hummed a happy tune under her breath as she brushed her hair into its distinctive style. Another day, another opportunity to weave an exquisite web of followers. She pondered on whether she should press her attack on Marinette. She’s probably lied low long enough to lull the goody-two-shoes into a false sense of security. Wouldn’t hurt to remind her that if there’s one thing Lila Rossi holds true to, it’s her threats.
The poetic irony of the situation amused her to no end. So, what if the Eurasian could use some needle and pretty thread? It was Lila who knew how to wrap others around her finger and make them embroider a tapestry of adoration and worship in her name.
The Italian already had a handful of rumors prepared to spread seeds of doubt. Suspicions of being stalked, putting her on edge due to prior trauma from near-death experiences. Some side stories of adventure here and there and of course, an encounter with a well-known figure to further add to her credibility. Once the rumors took root, maybe she could try framing Marinette again. Only this time, make someone else the victim, preferably another classmate. Not only would it drive a wedge between them but it’d earn Lila (another one of Marinette’s ‘victims’) an even more steadfast follower.
Oh, the thought of twisting the knife in that bitch’s bleeding heart put an extra pep in Lila’s step.
Unfortunately, the sobfest she arrived to almost knocked her off her feet.
Marinette, Alya and all the girls (sans Chloe and Sabrina) were crying and locked in an embrace so tight, you’d need butter to separate them. Nino was comforting an Adrien who looked as though he’s been shot while Max consoled Kim as he ‘sweated through his eyes’ (though he too was just as ‘sweaty eyed’ behind his glasses). While subdued, there was a sombre air to Ivan and Nathaniel and even Sabrina and Chloe were less bitchy than usual.
“What’s wrong?” Lila asked, swapping her usual morning pleasantness for a sympathetic simper.
“M-M-Mari is...is.....” Alya’s tears choked her voice.
“She’s leaving!” Rose wailed.
Lila barely managed to stop herself from perking up because this was almost too good to be true.
“What?! Why?!” she gasped, many mistaking her eagerness for shock.
Shuffling forward, Ivan (one of the only two who’s voice wasn’t nasal from crying) explained the cause of such a tragedy.
It turns out, Marinette’s parent’s business is doing great. So great that they’ve decided to open another branch! Unfortunately, the business would be opened in a different arrondissement, meaning they’d have to move. The distance wouldn’t have been such an issue if Collège Françoise Dupont wasn’t known as an akuma hotspot. The thought of Marinette being trapped in the school while an attack occurred, no longer able to make a quick dash to the old bakery for shelter, didn’t sit well with her protective parents. Thus, she had no choice but to transfer schools too.
Lila didn’t even have to consciously school her expression into one of shock because really, who would’ve thought this big of an opportunity would be handed to her on a silver platter after weeks of plotting?
With Maribrat gone, Lila has zero opposition. Even better, the ‘Everyday Ladybug’ would leave the perfect vacuum for Lila to fill. Once these sheep see how much better she is, they’ll have forgotten her. Hell, once gone, Lila could spread as many rumors as she wanted and even if word got out, the sanctimonious brat wouldn’t be able to come back and speak up for herself!
And the best part, she realized, staring at Adrien’s dismayed (but no less handsome) face, was that she’d have him all to herself! She could swoop in and give him a shoulder to cry on until he’s moved on and forgotten about the pigtailed girl.
The thought of Marinette crawling back here only to see her old ‘friends’ and ex-crush waiting on Lila hand and foot was so sweet it made her lightheaded.
“Oh, that’s awful! But...I understand. Families like Marinette’s would prioritize a good education.” Lila said ‘sympathetically’. “Which school is she transferring to?”
“Collége Arté Du Louvre.” Marinette replied.
Wait, why did that school sound familiar?
“Hey, that’s Kagami’s school!” Adrien realized.
Lila scowled at the mention of Adrien’s ex-girlfriend. Then she smirked.
“Oh, Kagami. I’ve heard of her. Are you a close friend of hers like Adrien?” Lila asked.
“Yes, we are friends.” Marinette glared at Lila. “Kagami’s title as an ‘ice queen’ is an injustice to how kind she truly is.”
Adrien nodded, eyes shining with approval.
Damn it, why did their breakup have to be so mind-numbingly anticlimactic? It was obvious to most that Adrien and Kagami’s breakup was mutual and very amiable as far as these things go amongst teen celebrities.
In the month that followed, Lila graciously left Marinette alone. Let her milk what little time she has left with her friends before Lila crushes the illusion under her heels. Besides, the more others love her, the more desperate they’ll be for a replacement. And Lila was nothing if not a better, no, the best replacement.
In the end, she still spends the month plotting because the only other option is to put up with how sickening everyone is acting.
#mdcmemories and #ourEverydayLadybug were trending on everyone’s social media. Videos and collages of past hangouts with Marinette and stories of the latest ones were uploaded weekly on the Instagram shrine Adrien, of all people, made.
Alya brought her to watch the premiere of the latest Majestia movie, Kim arranged for them to have fun at a water park, Kitty Section wrote a short farewell song in her name, and Chloe fucking Bourgeois herself offhandedly gave her a free one-time pass for the hotel’s spa facilities. Even others outside of their class were giving Marinette well-wishes and singing her high praises!
Finally, finally, the last day arrives. It took every shred of willpower to rein in the urge to gag as everyone showers Marinette with heartfelt goodbyes. Lila seethed when she saw the presents they’ve prepared for her; Max got her some video game, Mylene gave her a succulent, Rose gifted her a childish plushie and Adrien presented a Sailor Moon necklace set. Each gift, she knew, must’ve cost a pretty penny.
(What was wrong with these people?! It wasn’t even her birthday! Why waste money on her?)
The car drives away, taking Marinette with it and finally, Lila can breathe.
Briefly, Lila catches Adrien’s eyes. His narrows while her lips quirk into a devious smirk.
Time to get back to what truly matters.
Come tomorrow, the class will be under her thumb.
Come one week, and it’ll be as though Dupain-Cheng was never here.
The next day, Lila gritted her teeth as yet another classmate oh’ed and aw’ed over Marinette’s Instagram.
Aside from the opening of the second bakery, the recently transferred girl had also posted pictures of her in her new uniform and fancy new school. Many gushed over the custom changes she made to her blazer and her cute socks and oh, how lovely her new hair ribbons look!
(So what, Lila could buy that same uniform and rock it ten times better than her!)
She tried leaving anonymous insults in the comments and forged nasty texts but all it did was entice Alya’s rage. The Creole girl went on a warpath to figure out who was trying to defame Marinette’s reputation just after leaving.
Realizing how spectacularly this has backfired, Lila quickly deleted any traces on her phone and told herself to lie low.
A week. She’ll give them a week to cool off.
A week later, Lila launched her latest scheme.
“Are you serious?” Alya gaped.
Lila shrugged meekly. “I dunno, it’s just this....feeling. I don’t want to point fingers but it’s not too far off, right?”
“I’m sorry but- Marinette working with Hawkmoth? Girl, that’s so far off you can’t see a point, period.” Alya replied.
“Think about it, Marinette’s never been akumatized.” Lila insisted.
“Neither has my boy, Adrien.” Nino pointed out.
“She used to flake out whenever we want to hang out with her.” Lila added.
“So? She has a life, I don’t go to every hang out either.” Alix shrugged.
“But what about her disappearing whenever there’s an akuma attack?” Lila asked, getting straight to it.
Everyone’s expression turned uncomfortable and Lila smirked, certain they saw her point but were too pious to say it out loud.
Chloe snorted.
“Well, duh. Dupain-Cheng’s family’s been akumatized as many times as the rest of you losers. Of course, she wouldn’t show her face around them.” The blonde scoffed while filing her nails.
Everyone stared at her, dumbfounded.
“Did Chloe just.....defend Marinette?” Juleka whispered.
“Can’t believe I’m saying this but Chloe’s right. We know she doesn’t stick around for akumas, Lila. Can you blame her?” Alya said.
“What if she’s using that as an excuse to spy on us?” Lila said.
“Lila, how can you say that!” Mylene scolded. “You of all people should know better than to invalidate someone’s trauma.”
“I’m not!” Lila backpedaled, taken aback by the mousy girl’s uncharacteristic anger. “I’m just worried and listening to my gut!”
“Adrien isn’t around for akuma attacks either and that sunshine’s the last person I can see working for Hawkmoth.” Kim said.
“Actually, if both Marinette and Adrien were to work for Hawkmoth, his success rate would increase by at least 85.7%.” Max mused.
“Holy shit, you’re right.” Nino’s eyes almost bugged out of his skull. “Adrien’s a master in karate and fencing, and he’s crazy smart. Like, he’s a physics wiz and knows English, morse code, Chinese and Japanese just from watching anime. Bro would wipe the floor with us.”
“And then there’s Marinette.” Ivan shuddered.
“I’m no Max but if she were in charge, akumas would 100% look better.” Kim scoffed.
“No kidding.” Nino grimaced, remembering Bubbler’s design.
“Not to mention how scarily creative and super organized she is. She’d have backup plans for backup plans.” Alya added.
“Imagine Marinette and Adrien teaming up to usurp Hawkmoth.” Nathaniel said.
Then his eyes widened and he quickly jotted that down in a notepad. This was a comic idea he had to share with Marc ASAP.
“Oof! Hawk-Marinette and Akuma-Adrien? Paris wouldn’t know what hit em.” Kim laughed.
Lila wondered what kind of fever dream she’s living in. This was insane! Instead of scorning Marinette as a terrorist sympathizer, they were gushing about how much of an awesome villainess she’d be! Worse, they thought she and an akumatized Adrien would be a power couple! (Over her dead body.)
“Morning, everyone!”
Turning around, everyone’s jaws collectively dropped.
He was wearing a vibrant moon and sun patterned emerald green shirt over a black turtleneck, tucked into slacks that cinched around his slim waist. A heart chain choker winked on his chest.
It was a far cry from the usual monochrome Gabriel insisted he wear for the brand.
“....is...everything okay?” Adrien asked.
“Dude! What’s with the glowup?” Nino asked.
Adrien shrugged, trying to mask his nerves. “Oh, father finally decided to let me experiment with my own style.”
“Seriously? Your old man’s letting you have some actual freedom? Als, pinch me.” Nino said.
“It’s real, Nino.” Adrien laughed. “Besides, it’s good PR. Shows that Gabriel isn’t afraid to branch out to different styles, especially the latest ones amongst teens. Like it?”
“Slay.” Alix complemented, high-fiving him.
“Thanks, Alix!” Adrien chirped.
“Gosh Lila, Adrikins must be evil after all.” Chloe smirked. In the background, Adrien was preening like a puppy under his classmate’s praise.
Lila glowered at her before plastering a smile and cozying up to Adrien.
“Oh Adrien, I’m so glad your father’s expanding his horizons. I can’t wait to model these new styles with you.” She cooed.
“You’re gonna have to. I only have solo shots today.” Adrien said, voice just shy of cold.
“You know I don’t mind spending time with you.” She batted her eyelashes to remind him of their ‘deal’.
“That’s nice of you Lila, but I can’t waste your time! Not when you have sooo much charity work to do.” The blatant sarcasm in his eyes stunned her long enough to pry her fingers off him.
The day continued and Lila was left in a bad mood. Adrien had smoothly evaded her grasp, taking advantage of the attention his outfit was giving him. She glared at every plebian who had the audacity to ask for selfies which Adrien obliged and when some flirted with him, he actually teased back!
Him! Gabriel’s perfect son. Polite, handsome, naïve, nice to a fault, bending over backwards to ensure everyone was happy and there were no conflicts.
“What are you doing?” Lila hissed when she finally managed to corner him.
Adrien blinked, the picture of innocence. “Uh....”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Agreste.” She hissed, jabbing her sharp manicured nail to his chest.
“Thank god, that would’ve been exhausting.” He sighed, trading concern for a weary look. “Alright, what’s your problem?”
“This!” she gestured to his outfit. “What are you wearing?!”
“Clothes.” He deadpanned.
“You sure your father would approve of this?” she asked.
“He definitely wouldn’t approve me running around naked.” Adrien snorted. “And frankly, you’re the last person to judge someone’s aesthetic.”
He casted a disgusted look at her sausage-hair and burnt orange jacket.
“How dare you! Wait till your father hears about this!” Lila threatened.
She blinked when Adrien held out his phone, Gabriel’s caller ID displayed.
“Why waste time?” he shrugged.
Red-faced at his composure, she snatched the device and rang him up.
“Adrien, what is it?” Mr. Agreste snapped.
“It’s Lila Rossi, sir.” She corrected.
“What are you doing with my son’s phone?” he asked.
“He gave it to me because he’s impertinent enough to believe you’d let him walk in public dressed like that!” she harrumphed.
“Are you questioning my decision?” he asked lowly.
Lila paled. Gabriel Agreste actually did approve of this.
“It’s not just that, it’s his attitude! He-!” she protested only to get cut off.
“The only ‘attitude’ I see is yours. Who do you think you are? I hired you as a model, Miss Rossi, not a consultant. Now, kindly return my son his phone. If your pathetically blatant attempts to trouble him are done, I bid you good day.”
The call ended and Adrien plucked his phone from Lila’s stiff fingers.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a solo photoshoot to get to.”
Lila scowled. Hand lunging out like a viper, she dug her nails into his wrist.
“You think our deal is off now that Maribrat’s gone? Think again, Agreste. I can still ruin her life and yours.” She growled.
“Do your worst.” He retorted.
Her eyes widened in surprise.
“I made the mistake of underestimating Marinette then. She doesn’t need me to protect her. You try anything and she’ll destroy you herself.” He replied with utmost certainty.
“And who will protect you? You think you’re some king, Adrien? When I’m through with you, you’ll be begging for my company.” She crowed.
“I wouldn’t touch you with a 10 ft. pole even if we were the last humans on earth.” He sneered, wrenching his wrist out of her grip hard enough to make her stumble.
Lila glared at his departing back. So, Paris’s sweetheart had some backbone after all.
Whatever. If it’s war he wants, it’s war he’ll get.
“Oh my god, what happened, Lila?!” Rose gasped.
Lila moaned pitifully as she held her sides, a painted black eye and slap mark marring face.
After the pink-clad blonde helped her to her seat, she burst into tears.
“I was as-assaulted on the way over. T-they beat me up and-and took my money!” she sobbed.
“Assaulted?! By who?” Sabrina asked, ready to make a report.
“I don’t know.” She sniffled. “I didn’t get a good look. I-I think one was a-a dark haired girl and the other a blonde boy.”
“That could’ve been anyone.” Max worried.
“I....I think it might’ve been Marinette and....Adrien.” she whimpered.
A deadly silence washed over the class.
Then a chuckle.
Chloe soon evolved into full-blown laughter so hard, she slapped her knee.
“Sabrina, call a hospital instead. I think Rossi’s head isn’t right.” She smirked.
“Chloe.....” Alya growled.
“How can you say that, Chloe?!” Lila sobbed. “I know Adrien’s your friend but-”
“But Adrikins is sickeningly kind. Do any of you honestly believe he has it in him to hurt someone for kicks? Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous.” Chloe sneered.
“Merde, can’t believe I’m saying this again but Chloe’s....right.” it really physically pained Alya to spit it out.
“Thank you.” Chloe cooed smugly.
Nino nodded. “Dude doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.”
“But what about Marinette?!” Lila asked.
“Uh, she’s not even in the same arrondissement as us.” Kim pointed out.
“But it might’ve been! What if she snuck back to attack me?!” Lila replied tearfully.
“Lila, I’m your friend and I care for you but I won’t stand for this. I get you and Marinette weren’t on good terms but this is too far-fetched!” Alya snapped.
“But what if she still hates me?” Lila tried. Why wasn’t this working?!
“Chloe’s put Marinette through crap since maternelle and not once has she raised a hand at her.” Alix pointed out.
“Hang on, didn’t Marinette almost get expelled and akumatized because you claimed she attacked you.” Kim asked, eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Everyone winced at the reminder of that horrible day. Not only had their dear friend nearly been poisoned by Hawkmoth’s manipulation, they themselves had miraculously dodged getting warped into nightmares again.
“Lila, what game are you playing at?” Nathaniel asked, exposed eye cold and hard.
The Italian panicked. When had these idiots develop common sense?! She scrambled to do damage control. Then she remembered the conversation they had a week ago and yes....yes...she could turn the tables! Or at the very least, buy herself some breathing room.
“Wait, let me finish!” she exclaimed.
“This oughta be good.” Chloe rolled her eyes.
“Marinette and Adrien have been akumatized!” she screamed.
Another round of dead silence.
It was so thick, you could cut it with a knife.
“......what.” Nino said flatly, breaking it.
Lila nodded frantically. “It’s true! Hawkmoth’s akumatized them into-to Marionette and-and Puppet Prince!”
“But-how?” Mylene spoke aloud for everyone.
“Well......” she stuttered, needing a moment to get her (lie) act together. “I went to visit Adrien at a shoot. It was at the arrondissement Marinette moved to! The photographer wanted to try out a kiss photo and well....” she shrugged. “By the time it was done, I saw Marinette running off. She must’ve been heartbroken seeing me get so close with Adrien and Hawkmoth took advantage of that!”
“I....she...what?” Alya needed a longer moment herself.
“Wait, then what about Adrien?” Nino asked.
“Maybe Marinette went after him first? She’s more....fixated on him after all.” She said ominously.
“I see.....” Max muttered.
“Mind sharing your perspective cuz I’m completely lost.” Nino groaned, massaging his temples.
“Well, yesterday, Adrien arrived in a new outfit.” Max explained.
“Yes, because his father wanted good PR.” Rose pointed out.
“But hypothetically, if Marionette has mind controlling abilities, who’s to say Gabriel’s immune to it?” Max asked.
“Whoa, you saying Mari’s got Gabriel under her control too?!” Nino gaped.
“His outfit does seem like something Marinette would make....” Alya admitted. Then she blanched. “Oh fuck, this is the Sapotis all over again.”
“So, both Marinette and Adrien are akumatized?!” Kim asked.
“Adrien is extremely empathetic. Marinette’s distraught state could’ve caused him to be prone to akumatization as well....oh dear, that’s worse than mind control.” Max realized.
“Their akuma induced mind think I’m to blame! Marinette hates me for being close to Adrien and Adrien hates me because he thinks I did it on purpose, which I didn’t!” Lila added on.
“This is horrible!” Rose wailed. “How could Hawkmoth take advantage of their hearts!”
The class didn’t want to believe it, but it’s not impossible. Marinette and Adrien wore their hearts on their sleeves. Even though the latter was oblivious to the former’s infatuation, he deeply cared for her as a friend. Between having to part with old friends and a familiar environment, adapting to a new one and confronting heartbreak.......
Oh.
OH.
Oh god, oh shit, oh fuck, Hawkmoth’s reached his fucking limit and has decided to deliver his failed akumas retribution in the form of their two most beloved classmates!
“What do we do?” Juleka asked, hugging Rose.
“Lila, do you know where the akumatized object is?” Alya asked.
Her determined face fell as Lila shook her head.
“Wait, there’s hope yet! Lila, can’t you contact Ladybug?” Max asked.
Lila cringed. Gah, that was definitely one of the few lies she regrets ever uttering. She’d rather kiss Hawkmoth than suck up to that insect.
“I tried but both of them fooled her into believing they’re alright.” She rep(lied).
“Chat Noir?” Nathaniel asked.
“Same thing.” She said hopelessly.
“Damnit, now what?” Alix hissed.
“I think we should stay away from Adrien, at least for now.” Lila suggested.
“WHAT?! Nuh-uh, I ain’t doing that. No way hozay.” Nino denied vehemently.
“But Nino-” was that cap too tight on his head?!
“That’s my best bud we’re talking about!” he squawked indignantly.
“I know but you said so yourself the other day. Adrien’s already strong and smart as an average civilian, imagine what he’s like as an akuma? And don’t get me started on Marinette.” She really hoped they wouldn’t. Speaking of that harlot positively nauseated her.
Still, the class themselves already knew how dangerous those two would be as akumas. Now that it’s come true, they’ll actually take steps to alienate them. Plus, they’d be more inclined to believe Lila’s claims on their ‘evil’ doings.
“Morning, everyone!”
Everyone’s head turned fast enough to get whiplash.
Adrien beamed, his outfit even more radical than yesterday’s.
This time it was an oversized black shirt laced with neon-green cord over a half-unbuttoned shirt. A chain necklace with a butterfly charm shone on his neck and butterflies were embroidered on his jeans. This time, his hair was tousled, unlike its usual neatly combed style.
The blonde noticed the tense atmosphere.
“Is something wrong?” he frowned.
“Nothing! Nothing at all! Everything’s definitely a-okay!” Kim blurted out.
Alix wasn’t the only one resisting the urge to facepalm.
Green eyes blinked a beat slower than usual.
“Ooookay?” he said, unconvinced but untroubled as he settled down besides Nino.
The teens collectively sighed in relief before returning to their own seats. Every now and then, they’d glance worriedly at Adrien who was absorbed in taking notes.
If that creep Hawkmoth thinks they’re gonna take this lying down, he’s got another thing coming! Heroes or not, they’re gonna find a way to purify their friends.