Chapter Text
Marinette lost her hearing when she was nine, and although she was grateful that her friends and family were willing to learn sign language for her, she always felt like she was missing some part of herself.
When she was halfway into her sophomore year of high school, the son of a famous French fashion designer began to attend their New York City high school. Marinette was skeptical of this mystery new boy but Nino, her best friend, assured her that he was sweet.
Are you sure about this, Nino? Marinette signed during their first period English class as they worked.
Yeah, he's a cool guy! And he knows ASL. Nino assured her for the millionth time, his signs fluid and steady.
You never mentioned he knows ASL, I thought he only knew 2 languages. Marinette's hands and face worked overtime to express her shock.
Nino was about to sign something else, but before he could there were the familiar vibrations of someone entering the classroom. It's Adrian, be nice to him. Nino signed, then pointed towards the door. Marinette turned and saw him walking in their direction, waving to Nino with a friendly smile on his face.
I'm Marinette, nice to meet you. She introduced herself to him, reaching her hand out tentatively. It felt odd, extending her only form of speech to a stranger.
Adrian did something completely unexpected. He took her hand in his and kissed it. He then signed, Adrian. Pleasure to meet you, Marinette. His hands moved with practiced ease.
Where'd you learn ASL, if you don't mind me asking? Marinette asked, biting her lip as she signed.
I learned it for fun, mostly, but I also know French sign language. My mother is deaf. His signs were nearly perfect as he explained.
Marinette was about to ask him about his mother when Nino stood, signaling that the bell had rung. Where are you headed next, Adrian? Maybe we could walk you to your class. Marinette signed
Adrian pulled his schedule out of his pocket and unfolded it carefully. I’m headed to the gym. How about you guys?
I’m headed that way too, Nino has AP US History, but we can go to the gym together. Marinette had a feeling that her and Adrian would be good friends.
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Marinette got home from school, and immediately threw herself on her bed. Tikki tapped Marinette on the shoulder. How was school Marinette? Tikki asked. While Marinette couldn't hear her, she was incredible at lip reading, and Tikki could understand her signs. So, she and Tikki could have conversations.
It was good. The new kid, Adrian, was in all of my classes. Marinette signed back. Her phone vibrated in her pocket. It was master Fu.
Fu: Marinette it’s time, meet your partner. On top of the Empire State building at 6:30.
Marinette: Okay. On my way.
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Marinette arrived on top of the building to see a boy around her age, sitting lazily on the concrete. He opened his mouth to say something but she pointed to her ears and shook her head. I’m deaf she signed before she could stop herself.
No problem! I’m fluent in ASL He transitioned to sign language with a natural ease. Chat Noir, and you are? he asked, his movements fluid.
Ladybug. Nice to meet you. She returned, her heartbeat growing faster with every gesture. Marinette looked up at him and he met her gaze, a slight smile forming around his eyes. He was only a little taller than her, and his eyes were a brilliant green. Whites and all.
My kwami told me there’s a user guide on our phone things. Chat Noir signed, holding up a baton. I think yours is your yoyo? He pointed towards the yoyo lying at her hip.
Thanks. She signed, grabbing the yoyo and pressing the center dot. The yoyo split in two, revealing a fully working phone with a user guide, which contained everything they needed to know about the Miraculous and its abilities.
So, Ladybug, I just moved to New York recently. And there’s this girl, and I really want her to be my friend. Are there any places you’d recommend going? He asked, his eyes and body language suggesting that the girl was more than a friend.
I don’t really get out much, but there's this Starbucks on Worth street that’s teen friendly. And really accommodating to deaf people. She was so excited recommending the Starbucks that her hands were moving faster than she would have liked.
Thanks. I’m really glad you mentioned the deaf accommodation, since this girl is deaf too. He signed with one hand and wrote on his baton phone with the other.
No problem. As her hands completed the sentence her earrings vibrated, which, according to the user guide, signaled it was time to head home. Well I have to go, see you around Chat Noir. She was hoping they could have talked for longer, but her parents were probably worried about her.
Until we meet again, Ladybug. He signed, and bowed gracefully.
As Marinette made her way through the city she couldn’t stop thinking about Chat Noir. His bright green eyes and soft smile flooded her thoughts, clouding her mind from thinking about where she was going. She slammed into someone on the street across from her parents bakery.
The person she’d collided with opened his mouth to apologize then stopped. Hi Marinette. He signed.
Marinette realized who it was then began to sign. Adrian, hi. I’m sorry for slamming into you like that.
It’s no big deal, really. I was just headed to that bakery across the street. Nino recommended it to me. He signed, then pointed to her parents bakery.
My parents own that bakery. She signed.
Really? That’s so cool. We can go together. His eyes grew brighter with every gesture.
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Marinette sat outside the school building, waiting for the doors to open. As she waited, she began to draw. Some were designs, but the majority of the doodles were of Chat Noir. Marinette thought of the cat boy with a fondness she’d never had before.
She looked up, startled by a shadow over her. Hey Nino. She signed, grateful for the distraction.
Marinette, did you by chance see Adrian at your bakery yesterday? Nino’s signs were rushed, but not sloppy. Marinette took this as a signal of importance.
Yeah, I did. He said you recommended it to him. What’s that about? Marinette signed, tapping her foot against the concrete.
Adrian mentioned missing fresh baked goods, and I figured “Who has the best bakery in NYC? Marinette's parents!” So, I told him where it was. I didn’t mention your name, I swear. Nino was biting his lip as he signed, which, if Marinette knew him at all, meant he was hiding some important details.
You're biting your lip. What is it? She was getting it out of him whether he liked it or not.
I promised Adrian I wouldn’t tell. The brunet looked around nervously as he signed.
Promised you would tell her what? Adrian appeared beside Nino, signing the question one eyebrow raised.
Nothing. Nino signed quickly.
Okay... Adrian looked between them skeptically. Hey, Marinette. Do you want to go out for coffee with me tonight? I have some homework to get done. His signs were rushed, and he wouldn't meet her eyes.
I would love to. Where do you want to go? Marinette had already gotten her homework done, but she had some designs she wanted to finish.
Great! I'll meet you at the Starbucks on Worth Street after school? His eyes conveyed an excitement his hands were trying to hide.
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Marinette hurried downtown, her backpack slung halfheartedly over one shoulder. As she entered the crowded business she locked eyes with her favorite barista, who waved at her from the counter. She ordered her usual, then scanned the room for Adrian. When she finally found him she pushed through the crowd to reach him.
He looked up from his phone as she approached. Hi Marinette, I was just about to text you. He signed nervously.
Hey. I already finished all my homework, so I’m just going to draw. If you need any help just let me know. Marinette gestured. She sat down and pulled out her sketchbook. They worked in silence for an hour or two before they exchanged their goodbyes and headed their separate ways.