Marinette in China

The Hotel

"Marinette, wake up!" Chloe yelled, shaking me to rouse me from my sleep.

I groggily opened my eyes and sat up, still feeling a bit disoriented. "What's going on?" I asked, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

"We're landing!" Chloe exclaimed, jumping up and down with excitement.

"Alright, calm down, Chloe. You don't want to make the plane crash," I teased, playfully.

Chloe rolled her eyes but couldn't contain her excitement. Together, we made our way out of the jet, eagerly anticipating our arrival in China.

"Okay, class, follow me. We are going to stay in a luxurious five-star hotel that the King and Queen have reserved for us," Miss Bustier announced, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

With a sense of anticipation, our class followed Miss Bustier as she led us towards the hotel. The building was a sight to behold, a testament to the King and Queen's commitment to our comfort and enjoyment during our stay.

"Chloe and Marinette will have the royal suite," Miss Bustier stated, but before she could finish, a familiar voice interrupted.

"That's not fair! Marinette stole my room!" Lila exclaimed, attempting to play the victim.

Alya stepped forward, defending me. "Marinette didn't take it. The King and Queen arranged it," she clarified, putting an end to Lila's manipulative act.

I looked at Alya with gratitude. Maybe there was more to her than meets the eye.

~~~

"Hey, Chloe, let's call Alya and invite Nino and Adrien over," I suggested, feeling the boredom creeping in.

Chloe and I found ourselves in the hotel room, searching for something fun to do to pass the time. The idea of a game and inviting our friends seemed like a great way to entertain ourselves.

~~~

"What's the flirting challenge?" Adrien asked innocently, unaware of the implications.

Alya's eyes sparkled mischievously as she explained, "You basically flirt with each other, and the first person to blush loses."

"Got it," Adrien replied, seemingly oblivious to the potential consequences.

"Okay, first up, Alyno," Adrien announced, using the wrong ship name.

"You mean DjWifi," I corrected him with a playful smile.

Alya smirked confidently, clearly well-versed in this game, while Nino seemed slightly nervous.

"Hey, Nino," Alya began, her voice taking on a seductive tone.

"Hey, babe," Nino replied, trying his best not to blush.

"Have I ever told you how cute you are?" Alya continued, her eyes fixed on him.

Nino, now resembling a ripe tomato, protested, "No fair, you always win."

Alya playfully retorted, "Well, who asked me to be so good at this?"

"GET A ROOM!" Chloe and I chimed in simultaneously, unable to contain our amusement.

"Anyways, ADRIENETTE!" Alya declared, shifting the focus of the game.

To win this challenge, I knew I had to tap into my inner Ladybug.

"Hey, purrincess," Adrien winked, his playful tone triggering a connection to Chat Noir and his endearing nicknames.

'Wait, that sounds familiar. Isn't that Chat Noir's nickname for me? Well, civilian me. This alley cat needs a lesson about revealing his identity,' I thought, amusement dancing in my eyes.

"Hey, handsome," I flirted back, fully embracing the playful nature of the game. A mischievous spark ignited within me, and I couldn't resist teasing Adrien a little.

Adrien raised his eyebrows in surprise, clearly taken aback by my response. But undeterred, he continued, "Has anyone ever told you that you're so adorable?"

"Actually, many people have told me that, but you're the first one I've accepted it from," I replied, a teasing tone lacing my words. Adrien's face flushed with a bright shade of red.

"Yay, I won!" I exclaimed triumphantly, relishing in my victory.

"How? Just how?" Alya questioned, a mix of disbelief and awe in her voice.

"Things aren't always as they seem," a certain bunny said, suddenly popping out of nowhere, breaking the playful tension between Adrien and me.

"Hey, Bunnix," Adrien greeted her, confirming what had become increasingly apparent. The charming Adrien Agreste is indeed the flirty Chat Noir.

Bunnix, having delivered her enigmatic message, vanished back into her "void," leaving us to our own devices. The boys retreated to their shared room.

"Bye, girls, I gotta go," Alya said, heading towards the door.

"Bye, Alya," I replied, waving her off.

"Time for sleep," Chloe yawned, clearly ready to call it a night.

"Wait, Chloe, I need to tell you something," I said, my voice tinged with nervousness.

"What is it? You seem anxious," Chloe observed, concern etched on her features.

"Well..." I began, hesitating for a moment.

"What she means to say is that you, my queen, get to keep your miraculous, and that she is Ladybug," Pollen interjected, buzzing into the room.

I sighed, shaking my head at the kwami's antics. "What has Plagg done to you?" I muttered under my breath.

Chloe's eyes widened in surprise as she processed the information. "That's amazing! Thanks, Nette. I have no idea how I can thank you," she said, gratitude evident in her voice.

"No problem. You just have to change your name and suit. Pollen can help you with that using one of the special potions. Just imagine your new look when you transform," I explained, handing her the miraculous comb.

"Pollen, BUZZ ON!" Chloe shouted, her excitement palpable.

"Not too loud, Chlo," I cautioned, amused by her enthusiasm.

"So, what's your new name?" I asked.

"Princess Honey," she replied with a smile.