The Contest (one-shot)

Marinette and Adrien's lives are pretty normal. Like most kids, they're obsessed with gaming but their lives are about to change forever because of one particular contest...

Hi yall! I hope you're having a fab day and an even better week! I've had bad writers block recently so if I haven't been posting as much big apologies! But without further ado I hope you like this one- I had fun writing this one so I hope you enjoy reading xx.

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»The Contest«

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Word count: 2,503

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『••✎••』

Ultra Mega Strike. The greatest game ever created! You can battle against family. Battle against friends. Even battle others online in this amazing platform game. Everyone in school plays it- I mean, why wouldn't you?

Every year there is a massive contest. People from all over the world compete for the ultimate title. It's all done online- very practical. Anyone can enter but the same two people always come out on top.

Marinette (known as Ladybug to her fellow players and Adrien (also known as Chat Noir) are the top 2 players in the world. They've never met but they are constantly battling, talking, having a great time together.

I mean it would be hard to meet. Marinette lives in and Adrien lives in England. Miles apart, yet brought together by one game...

Marinette slipped on her pink headset and adjusted the microphone. She turned on her small computer in her room and loaded up Ultra Mega Strike. She picked up a midnight black controller (decorated by hand with her famous flowers) and logged in.

Upon opening the game Adrien's logo shone a bright green (indicating he was online). A grin broadened across her face as she clicked his icon and sent him a private message.

'Fancy a game?'

Her headset roared to life as they ed a group together. From the other line she could hear him moving around, before it went silent.

"Bonjour M'Lady"

"Hey Kitty." She smiled to herself. They had started giving each other nicknames, friendly banter that made their friendship that bit more special.

"How are you?"

"I'm good, what about you?"

"I'm ok, school's been a bit rough."

"Sorry to hear that. So, ready to be beaten again?" She heard him chuckle from the other line.

"Let me remind you I'm the world champion. I think it's about time I proved that."

"Ok big guy, just reminding you that I'm taking your title this year. It's about time I took it back from you anyway."

"We'll see Bugaboo, we'll see.."

They played together for an hour or so- constantly laughing together. Even though they were miles apart, they had a strong bond that would be quite hard to break.

They were about to start another game but sadly they were interrupted by Marinette's parents who asked for her help in the bakery.

"Sorry kitty I've got to help him out in the bakery."

"No problem! Catch up with you later?"

"Yeah bye!"

"Bye." She switched the game off and rushed downstairs. Her parents didn't know about Chat Noir. They never approved of her having online friends, too scared that she could be hurt through it. Protective parents for you. She didn't know what would happen if they found out she was talking to a 'stranger'. Banned from going online would probably be the start of it. Better to keep it a secret.

As she approached the kitchen she put on an apron.

"Who were you talking to upstairs?"

"Oh erm." She though for a moment, trying to think of someone (she was not great at lying on the spot). "It was erm Alya! Yes Alya!" She tried not to look guilty as her parents merely nodded.

"Ok well I appreciate the help honey, it is a family business after all. And I'm sure you'll be a great baker in years to come!"

"But I don't want to be a baker when I'm older." She murmured under her breath. "I want to be a fashion designer..."

○●○●○●

A few days ed before Marinette received some shocking news.

"OMG Alya this is huge!" She grabbed her best friend's shoulders before Alya put them down back by her side.

"I honestly can't believe they're doing the competition in person instead of online! Have they revealed where they're hosting it?"

"Not yet. I hope it's somewhere close as I doubt my parents would be very pleased with me travelling far." She shrugged and looked to the side. "I can't risk losing my position as #2 ranked."

"Hopefully you'll become number 1 girl! You'll beat that alley cat this year- it's your time to shine!" Mari nodded then suddenly gasped and put her hands over her mouth.

"Oh Lord. I'm going to meet him!"

"Who?"

"Batman. Who do you think Alya! I'm finally going to meet Chat Noir! Oh My God!"

"Oh a romantic love story. Brought together by one game and as soon as you meet it'll be love at first sight!"

"Shut up Alya! He's just a friend."

"A rich friend. I'm sure you told me he has a really rich father." She winks at Mari and checks her phone. "Oh look! They've posted the location on their page!"

"London? That's in England isn't it? That's not that far away!"

"You're going to smash this competition- Marinette style!"

"Booya!" They fist- bumped as Alya wrapped her arm around Mari as they both entered the school grounds.

○●○●○●

"Have you heard the news?" Marinette was back online, talking about the miraculous change of events with Chat Noir. She took a bite of a sandwich she had made and returned back to the game.

"Yeah, I can't believe it's so local to me! I'm actually thankful as I doubt my father wouldn't want me travelling too far."

"Same with my parents, I'm praying they'll let me go. But to them it's just a game so I'm not sure."

"Can't believe we might actually meet each other. All these years playing and talking behind a screen but now..." He went silent for a moment and sighed lightly. "I just can't wait to meet you Ladybug."

"Me neither Chat Noir."

"Maybe we should exchange phone numbers? That would allow us to talk closer to the event because obviously you won't have your computer when you fly over."

"That's a great idea! Let me get my phone." She pushes her chair towards her sewing machine and picks up her phone. "What's your number?" As he reels off the numbers she types them into her s and saves it. "I'll ring you know so you can save mine as well."

She takes her headset off and calls the number, putting her phone to her ear. She pauses the game on her screen as she hears his voice in her ear.

"Hey bugaboo!"

"Hey yourself. So, shall we get back to the game?"

"We shall." She hung up as she put back on her headset and unpaused the game.

○●○●○●

"Please! I have to go! You don't understand!" Marinette stood in front of her parents. "This competition means everything to me!"

"Sweetie, it's during school time. You can't miss school for a silly game."

"I'm ranked number 2 in the whole world! I have a chance at being first if you let me go, please..."

"Sabine I think your being a bit harsh-" Tom started. Her father ed her as much as he could, but her mother always got the final say.

"But we don't have the money to get you to London. You'll be there for a long time; a week minimum. We'll have to pay for a hotel, for food. We don't have that amount of cash at short notice." Marinette looked to the ground. Her mother was right. Running a bakery wasn't exactly a gold mine.

"What if I used my college fund?" Her parents looked at her in horror. "I'll pay it back by doing extra shifts in the bakery. I'll get a part- time job if I need to. Please guys. Let me go..."

Her parents exchanged a glance before her mother smiled lightly. "I guess we should let you go, it's clear this means a lot to you and we wouldn't want to spoil it for you."

"You're the best parents ever!" Marinette wrapped them in a tight hug to show her appreciation. These next few weeks she would play as much as she could to get ready for the contest. She was ready to take her title back from Chat Noir.

○●○●○●

Packing up her small suitcase full of only the necessary things she'd need. She took a long look at her room. In two days time the contest would start. In two days time she could begin her climb back to the top. In two days time she'd meet the infamous Chat Noir.

Pulling the suitcase down the stairs her parents helped load it into the car. Her best friend Alya was waiting. She had persuaded her parents to let her come, Sabine was grateful that Mari wouldn't be alone abroad.

"Hey gamer! Ready to show England what a pro gamer you are?"

"More than ready." A grin plastered on her face as they all climbed into the car and to the airport. Upon arriving they said their goodbyes and boarded the plane.

The journey wasn't long (couple of hours max) and before they know it they had landed on British terrain.

After leaving the airport they headed straight to their small apartment and unloaded their bags.

"I can't believe we're in London! We definitely need to go ride the London Eye and see Buckingham Palace!"

"Calm down- I have a contest to win first." She suddenly felt a vibrate from her pocket. Alya raised an eyebrow and Marinette took out her phone and checked her messages.

"Who's it from?"

"Oh no-one." She typed a reply and smiled to herself.

"It's clearly not no-one. Give it here!" Before Mari could react Alya grabbed her phone and tapped on the message icon.

"Hey!" Marinette went to grab it back but Alya held out her hand.

"Who's kitty?" She nudged her best friend before Mari took the phone back.

"Its Chat Noir ok! We exchanged numbers. It's just a nickname I made for him."

"And what's his nickname for you?" She grinned at her bestie.

'He has a few. The mains ones are M'Lady and Bugaboo."

"Adorable! Just like a couple have nicknames for each other!"

"We're not a couple."

"Not yet you're not." Alya patted her shoulder before walking into her bedroom. Marinette sighed and got back out her phone.

Have you landed yet? :blush:

Landed roughly 30 minutes ago

Nice, can't wait to see you in a few days xx

Kisses? Marinette thought about it for a moment but didn't think anything of it. He didn't mean it- probably just in a friends way.

I can't wait either xx

Be rude not to send some back.

There's still no way you'll beat me :yum:

Maybe now that it's in person that will change. I've been known to be quite distracting. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

We'll see about that bugaboo.

Gtg, friend needs me. I'll see you in two days!

Cya in two days...

○●○●○●

The next few days flew by. Marinette agreed to go sightseeing since Alya kept pestering her about it. They went to all the major landmarks and had a great time. London's not as nice as Paris but she still loved every minute of it.

When the first day of competition arrived. The contest organisers sent out the destination it was to be held in. Marinette woke up at 6am to make sure she wasn't late and wore her classic white top and pink jeans.

She grabbed her black jacket and wrapped it around her waist, before putting on her small satchel. Slipping on her shoes she and Alya locked the apartment behind them and walked to the given location.

Even though they were an hour early, the place was full of competitors from all over the world. She suddenly felt very small. So many people, and she only knew Alya.

Alya noticed her change in mood so squeezed her hand tightly.

"You'll be fine, I'll see you later ok? Good luck! I'll be cheering from the audience box."

"Thank you." She wrapped her in a hug before approaching the sign in table.

"Hello welcome to the Ultra Mega Strike tournament! Can I have your player name please."

"It's Ladybug." She showed her a screenshot as proof. The receptionist looked up and smiled.

"Glad to see you here Ladybug. Aiming on retaking your title back from Chat Noir I see?" Marinette nodded as the woman ed her a lanyard with her player name written on it. "Keep this on you, it'll let the other players and organisers recognise you."

"Thank you." She put it over her head and walked over to the board. She found her name and saw her first competitor.

"Phoenix. Never seen that name before." She quickly scanned for Chat Noir aswell. "Gamer. He's pretty good. But Noir will be able to beat him, I'm sure of it"

She walked away from the board and found a corner to stand in away from everyone else. She got her phone out and texted Chat.

You here yet?

No reply. She guessed he'd have his phone off so didn't bother sending anymore messages.

Half an hour ed before he messaged back.

I'm almost there, overslept because I forgot to set my alarm :sweat_smile:

Silly kitty

Where are you?

Near the giant notice board. Once you sign in they'll let you through. Its hard to miss.

Got it, I'll be there soon

Ok, I'll be waiting🙃

She felt butterflies forming in her stomach. Why was she so nervous to meet him? They'd talked so much online. I guess in person you can't hide behind a screen. Would he like her? Her crazy personality? Guess she'd have to see.

She heard her ringtone from inside her bag. Pulling it out she answered it.

-Hello?-

-Hey bugaboo!-

-You here?-

-Yeah, just been surrounded by fans of Chat Noir. Not used to the popularity. Probably why I prefer it being online.-

-I understand, so where are you?-

-Look up.-

-I'm sorry?-

-Look up.-

Marinette lifted up her head to see a blonde boy looking directly at her. Wow. Marinette grinned as she put her phone down. The boy walked towards her, twirling his lanyard in his hands.

"So we finally meet M'Lady"

"We do." He was a lot taller than she was. His green eyes stared down at her. Boy he was cute.

"You look a lot prettier than I though you'd be."

"I-..." Marinette could feel her cheeks turning red. The boy laughed and extended his hand.

"I'm Adrien Agreste. Aka Chat Noir."

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Aka Ladybug." She took his hand and shook it lightly. "Nice to meet you."

"A pleasure to meet you too." Adrien turned her hand around so her palm was facing downwards. He bent down and kissed it lightly. As he let her hand go he winked at her.

If Alya saw this she'd go mad. Thank God she wasn't here.

There was something about this boy. Maybe it was seeing him in person. He seemed a lot more... flirty in real life. At least he wasn't an old man pretending to be a 17 year old boy like her parents always assumed strangers were. Although he wasn't a stranger, not anymore.

These next few weeks were going to be interesting to say the least...

『••✎••』

Thanks for reading guys! Love you all xx. Please don't ask for a part 2 for this because I'll have to say no. Cya in the next post (whenever that is...) Byeeee :wave:

Edit: Thanks for the feature, love you all <3

#featureme