The Lies We Tell

We Don't Remember Days...

"Spots Off."

Marinette closed her eyes as the rush of magic took her powers away, suddenly feeling very, very tired.

The fall out of Miracle Queen was nothing short of hectic.

Ladybug had informed the police what had transpired while Chloé was being arrested.

Her court case was set to be in a couple weeks - although it was just a formality really.

With two heroes as witnesses, coupled with various surveillance tapes from Le Grand Paris hotel - the trial should be cut and dry.

And that's not even mentioning the public backlash the mayor will face after everything....

All of this...

Everything that just happened.

Hawkmoth finding Master Fu and taking the miraculous for himself.

Chloé betraying them for Hawkmoth and becoming Miracle Queen.

Master Fu giving up the miracle box and appointing her the new guardian - despite knowing it would mean he'd lose his memories.

Despite knowing that she'd have the same fate if she ever had to give up her title...

Everything was her fault.

It was all her fault, she knew that.

Marinette just wished her mistake wasn't so costly this time...

Marinette sighed, running her hands down her face as she glanced around her room - her gaze landing on her haphazard hiding place where she shoved the miraculous box.

Another responsibility.

Another secret to protect.

Fu was gone.

Because of her.

Because of her stupid mistake, why did she-

"Marinette?" Tikki asked worriedly as Marinette tore her gaze away from it.

She flopped back on her bed, laying her hands on her eyes, trying desperately to keep it together.

"What do I do now Tikki?" Marinette whispered, feeling tears pool in the corners of her eyes.

"Do what you always do Marinette, be there for your friends when they need you. I know they'd do the same for you," Tikki answered, hugging her cheek.

Marinette cupped her hand around Tikki, gently hugging her back.

With another, softer, sigh she turned on her side - examining her corkboard filled with all of her friends. She tried to smile but her gaze focused on the big photo of Adrien, and her thoughts flashed to earlier that day.

That's right... Adrien was with Kagami now.

Marinette had to wonder if there was someone out there laughing at her.

Mocking her for being a disappointment.

Making fun of her every time she tried even talking to Adrien.

Ridiculing her for every mistake she made around him.

Volpina, Backwarder, Desperada, the second Puppeteer, Reflekdoll, Miracle Queen...

She bit her lip, debating with herself.

"Tikki... I want to move on," Marinette said quietly, placing her hand on the photo.

Bright blue eyes looked to her in shock, "Are - are you sure Marinette? You never know what the future holds-"

"I'm sure, Tikki," Marinette stressed, "He's got Kagami now, and... it's not doing me any good to hold on to these feelings."