Miraculous Ladybug: The Only Competent Villain

2 days later...

I was walking down the hallway towards my class, the almost sterile atmosphere of halls were filled with my minds thoughts of what happened yesterday. I'd been thinking.

More about my plans. More about what I really wanted. With Juleka and I's moment together it unlocked a certain. Clarity, within me.

Each step I took was measured, deliberate, carrying the weight of careful thought. My ultimate goal for this new life was to rule the entirety of Paris, including everyone within that had an inkling of power and take it for myself but I've realized what I wanted wasn't just control, but the adiration of everyone. I wanted them to not only see me as the rightful ruler even as they live under my oppressing thumb. at least the people whom I so diligently swayed to my side especially the more influential ones.

Yesterday Glaciator or better known as Andre the ice cream man was akumatized and I'd happened to be in the middle of the fray. Cat Noir and ladybug were leading the giant ice cream creature into the park where I happened to be going on my evening run.

The two were staying mobile in the air dodging and rolling from his relentless attacks in perfect coordination distracting him as they lead him into their premade trap. I felt as though I didn't even need to do anything. It was almost comical how easily they defeated him compared to cannon and once they 'de-evilized' him they noticed I was there with a perceivable smile on my face.

It was satisfying seeing there improvement and undeniable teamwork during the fight, the memory almost clouded my thoughts of my desire for a completed aspiration.

As I entered the classroom, a ripple of attention followed, subtle but unmistakable. Every glance from his classmates—Marinette, Alya, Kagami, Chloé, Adrien, Lila, and Nino—held a faint thread of curiosity. They all looked his way if not just for a brief moment. walking up to my seat composed, as I passed Chloé, he offered her a small, knowing wave accompanied by a faint smile. Her reaction was as predictable as it was satisfying—a haughty turn of her head, a dismissive huff, and crossed arms.

I only let a smirk appear at this and refocuses but my eyes caught Sabrina casting a wary glance at Chloé. Sabrina's unease wasn't misplaced; she had sensed something in the dynamic between us.

But I knew Sabrina's suspicion couldn't outmaneuver my long game. But I knew who could. My gaze swept over the room. Marinette was focused on her sketchbook, Adriene and Nino were chatting animatedly, and Alya wore her usual distracted expression likely editing something on her phone. Lila, however, was watching him, her eyes calculating. Of all his classmates, she was perhaps the one who intrigued him most.

But at the same time the most unpredictable. Currently they where allies more than friends, merely using each other for our own gain.\, but even wildcards like her could be controlled if played right.

I sat down at my seat staring at my true goal. Lila wasn't the key to power currently. It was Marinette. and in order to obtain it I need to be present during key moments, especially times when she needs someone to lean on. 

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Alya Pov....

Alya tugged the strap of her messenger bag over her shoulder, Her phone buzzed in her hand as she scrolled through the edits for her latest Ladyblog post. She didn't even need to look up; she knew the way to her seat like the back of her hand. Multitasking had become second nature by now.

The events from yesterday—the near-disastrous encounter with Glaciator—still played fresh in her mind. Seeing Ladybug and Cat Noir fighting alongside Luka, who had somehow been roped into their superhero antics, was surreal. While she was used to Ladybug's heroics and had even documented countless akuma attacks, Luka's calm demeanor amidst his uncontrollable surroundings always left her dumbfounded. 

One thought that had always been on her mind was the way he'd stepped in to help the hero's and herself who was stuck in the ice cage during stormyweather. It had been so long ago and it seemed as though everyone had forgotten except her.

seated beside Marinette, I couldn't help but glance her way. She was sketching something, her pen flying across the page with a focus that bordered on obsessive. It was her usual behavior after an akuma attack—distracting herself with designs to avoid thinking too much about what had happened. But this time, something felt... off.

"Still working on that 'special project'?" I teased, leaning closer.

Marinette jumped, nearly knocking her sketchbook to the floor. "Alya! I didn't hear you!" Her voice was high-pitched, her smile a little too wide.

I raised an eyebrow but decided not to push. Yet. "Relax, girl. You're jumpier than a cat near a vacuum. Everything okay?"

"Fine! Totally fine!" she said quickly, her eyes darting to the door.

I followed her gaze just in time to see Luka enter the classroom. His calm, unhurried steps contrasted sharply with the nervous energy radiating from Marinette. I didn't miss the way her face lit up before she quickly buried her sketchbook under her desk.

Interesting.

Luka greeted the class with a nod, his usual laid-back demeanor intact. He passed by our desk, offering her and I a small smile. Marinette's reaction was classic but not to the intensity of Adriene breathing in the same room as her. I wasn't quite sure what she felt towards him but my grin never faded.

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Marinette pov...

I had barely managed to shove the sketchbook out of sight before he walked past, his calm presence filling the room like a soft melody. Luka always had that effect—a quiet strength that somehow made you feel like everything was going to be okay, even in the middle of chaos.

Luka had always been so composed, so insightful, as if he could see straight through the storm and into the person behind it. That was what inspired me to create something for him—something to show my appreciation not just for what he'd done, but for who he was.

But how could I possibly explain that to him?

The bell rang, jolting me out of my thoughts. I tried to focus on class, but my mind kept drifting back to the sketches hidden in my bag. I had been working on a design for two days straight—a guitar strap. But not just any strap. This one would be unique, something that reflected Luka's calm and thoughtful personality while also hinting at his strength.

The strap would be made from durable, vegan leather, dyed in deep blues and blacks, like the quietest moments before dawn. I had already planned to embroider subtle, swirling patterns onto it—representing wind currents and music in perfect harmony. And at its center, just near the buckle, I wanted to include a small charm shaped like a lightning bolt, a reminder of how he'd stood steady in the middle of the storm.

But there was a problem.

I didn't know how to give it to him.

I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye. He was sitting at his desk, strumming an imaginary guitar as if the music was already in his head. He looked so at ease, completely unaware of the hurricane of emotions spinning inside me.

Alya nudged me with her elbow, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Okay, spill," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the teacher's lecture. "What's going on with you? And don't tell me it's nothing, because I saw the way you were looking at Luka just now."

My cheeks burned. "It's... not what you think!" It really wasn't but I doubted she'd believe me so readily.

"Oh, really?" Alya's smirk was almost as knowing as Luka's had been earlier. "So it has nothing to do with whatever you're hiding under your desk?"

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Fine, okay! I'm working on something for him. But it's just a thank-you gift, nothing more."

"Uh-huh," Alya said, her tone dripping with skepticism. "And why are you thanking him?"

"Because of everything he's done! Helping during the akuma attacks, staying calm under pressure... and just..." I sighed, trying to find the words. "Just being him, I guess. He deserves to know that someone noticed."

Alya's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "You're such a dork, Marinette. But you've got a good heart. So, when are you going to give it to him?"

"That's the problem," I admitted, lowering my voice even further. "I don't know how. What if he thinks it's weird? Or worse, what if he doesn't like it?"

Alya rolled her eyes. "Girl, if there's one thing I know about Luka, it's that he appreciates thoughtfulness. Trust me, he's going to love it. You just have to find the right moment."

"The right moment..." I repeated, glancing at him again. Alright I'll do it tomorrow, it couldn't be that hard right?