" Rouge Platonique"
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DISCLAIMER : "Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir", do not belong to me. They are owned by Thomas Astruc and Zag Heroes.
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The story takes place after "Glaciator", Episode 9, season 2.
(Adrinette-Marichat)
Enjoy it.
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* Chapter 1 : "Museé"
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- Do you have it, Sabrina? Chloe screamed. You better be able to get the gift for Adrien this time! Did you understand? You have to achieve it this time! She demanded, in a typical Borgeous hysteria attack.
-Get what thing? -innointed with innocence, a newcomer to the room, Adrien.
The blonde looked at him stunned and over her shoulder, she observed her friend, more terrified than her.
-Eh ... I ... Nothing! Is...! -she waved his hands nervous- A gift I want to give to the children of the Hospital. -she resolved gracefully, pretending to recover her calm- Do you know how horrible it can be not to have gifts? She said, in a voice of almost indignation.
-Agree...? Adrien said, not understanding the girl's initial neurosis.
-Grrrhh ...! Marinette growled softly.
Alya rolled her eyes and hit her forehead, in sign of disagreement.
-What happen?
- It's Chloe! -the girl protested- She already knows what gift to give to Adrien for Valentine's Day! And I ... I could not even give him his birthday, or sign last year's card, or even speak to him ... -she enumerated with satiety-. Maybe he will never do it and he will never know about my feelings, and he will end up marrying another girl, and I...! -A sudden choking forced her to pause-. Oh, my life is over! She complained again, kneeling, supported by her friend's legs.
-Marinette! She scolded-. You must control yourself, girl! Oh God...
-I am sorry. She sat up, solemnly with her eyes on the ground.
-We've already gone through this. -Alya said crossing her arms, starting to walk towards the exit- And we must get to another point, it's always the same!
"I know ..." the blue-eyed nodded, reluctantly and dragging her legs, following her friend.
-You, -she pointed to her- will do what I say, okay?
Marinette saw her, frightened.
-What...? What do you have in mind?
- Tomorrow, girl. Tomorrow, on the school trip. She blinked smugly and then closed her eyes, arms crossed again-. Tomorrow, you will try to start a coherent conversation with Adrien. You will inquire.
-M- me...?
-Yes. You.
- But what I'll investigate ...? She hesitated, making awkward movements of pensive detective.
-You 'll just talk! -Alya was slightly upset, before a somewhat frightened and shrunken Marinette-. I'm sorry. You must stay calm, Marinette. I will be there and nothing can go wrong, because I 'll cover any front.
-Well ... -the girl let go, after a long sigh- But I still fear not finding the perfect gift ...
-Well, we'll take care of that, too. We can not let Chloe outgrow your gift. Although, I seriously doubt that she could do it. -concluded the brunette, patting her friend on the shoulder.
- Thank you very much, friend ... See you at the mall, at four o'clock, then?
-Mmm ... I'll be taking care of my little sisters, Marinette. When my mother returns, at six, sounds better to me. -She said smiling.
They had already arrived at the bakery.
-Excellent, thanks Alya! I do not know what I would do without you.
- What for are the friends? -the young girl said goodbye.
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-Hey. -Tikki chided, getting out of her bag-. I can also advise you on Adrien. -she added, pretending to be offended.
Marinette laughed cheerfully.
-Of course I do, Tikki. And I, would be nothing without you. You know how much I love you?
The little kwami smiled happily and settled on her cheek, affectionately.
-I know, I was just kidding... You have to stay calm!
The girl rolled her eyes. If she had a ticket for every time she heard that phrase ...
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At the most important shopping mall in Paris, Marinette walked hopelessly and overwhelmed, waiting for Alya.
-I do not think I find anything. -she muttered, almost inaudible, grumbling at a very slow pace, with Tikki.
- What are you looking for, Marinette? Do you have something in mind?
The girl's expression lengthened further.
-I do not even know what I'm looking for ... -she snorted- I mean... What would be good enough to give to ...?
-Marinette! -her kwami called quickly-. Look! -she yelled-. Isn't Adrien?
-Ohhh! -the young girl shouted- What am I going to do now? I must hide, in-somewhere!
She ran behind a giant column, not to be visible, and at the same time, to be able to spy.
Tikki frowned without understanding.
- Why are you hiding from him?
-Because I'll be able to find out what he's doing here, just like Alya said. -she commented, winking at her, beginning to walk stealthily, a few feet from the boy.
Adrien, on the other hand, only looked at some stained glass windows in silence and advanced. Perhaps, in some of them he shook his head in obvious signs of internal disapproval, and then continued the march. In this way, Marinette spent a good time chasing him in secret, through exaggerated and almost unsuccessful precautionary movements. Until it happened.
Finally, the boy entered a store and talked with the shop's employee.
The location of Marinette, in one of the escalators, was close to the tragedy; to the evidence and notoriety, in front of whom she remained hidden.
After several tips from Tikki, she advanced her march until she noticed, that Adrien was ...
- In a wool store ?! -she exclaimed incredulously-. What is Adrien doing in a wool store?
-Want to knit a sweater? -the kwami proposed.
-That really does not make sense, Tikki ... -she whispered, hidden behind a palm tree-. Adrien models for the best-known brand in Paris, and would he need to buy wool? -she concluded, totally incredulous.
-Let's see more closely! -suggested the kwami, in an act of mischief.
Marinette did not think twice.
She could not see if he had bought something effectively, although he was saying goodbye to the saleswoman at the designer and wool shop.
-We better go, Tikki ...
-With here you are! -Alya ventured her complaint, in a scream that mortified Marinette.
-Aaah! -she screamed, swaying on one foot, frightened.
The girl was practically going to crash on the floor, if it were not for ...
-Marinette! -Adrien said, worried about what he saw.
Ten thousand colors focused on Marinette's face. Was there anything in the world, more perfect than being supported by his arms?
A slight sense of perdition seized her being, nullifying her now scarce sanity.
-A-Adrien! She said surprised, looking from top to bottom who, with very good reflexes, had just prevented the undisputed journey to the floor, continue.
-Are you okay? -He asked, with genuine interest.
-Ahm, I... Yes, of course! I just... I was... We were...
- Seeing what to give to Marinette's parents, you know? -savior Alya intervened, as usual, in the embarrassing situations in which her friend stood.
-I'm good, thank you for asking. -she sighed obnubiled- Not as well as you; e-it is me-mean, that I'm not as great as you are; not so perfect that you're amazing… -the girl said, laughing hysterically, to immediately cover her mouth with both hands.
The horror...
-It was nothing, Marinette, really. -Adrien added, smiling as always.
The girl just nodded with one of her characteristic maniacal smiles.
-And what about you, Adrien? Shopping? -Alya questioned, watching him scrutinizingly, finding no object in the hands or arms of the model.
-No ... I just walked. -he assured scratching his head with mixed shyness in smiles.
- Sure... -Alya agreed, not very convinced-. Well, Marinette and I have things to do... A very special thing. -she said, establishing a great halo of mystery.
Adrien saw her amazed, and then did the same with Marinette, who did not know where to hide, again. Finally he smiled at them, without trying to be more curious.
-Well, we'll see you tomorrow, girls ... -he greeted her friendly, with his hand, as he walked away.
-Until tomorrow, Adrien.
-Yes, ehm ... goodbye! -the blue-eyed one said goodbye, in a more acute tone than desired.
Alya denied several times and snorted frustrated.
-How could you even give him something? You must control yourself, Marinette; Adrien will not bite you!
Tikki nodded repeatedly, inside Marinette's bag. She knew that her kwami, still hidden, was highlighting a " I told you so " phosphorescent, larger than the Eiffel Tower.
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The next day, Marinette had not managed to recover her spirits, or discover a miraculous glimpse of intrinsic courage, to speak with Adrien. The fact that she had not found any potential gifts for the boy, made the whole situation worse. There was little time left before Valentine's Day, and the very idea of having to build / write / draw / make something to give him, turned her stomach from nerves.
- What thing in the world, could I give to Adrien Agreste? I do not even know too much about your tastes! -she complained.
-Marinette, don't you see? -Tikki stopped her drama soliloquies- Alya is right! You could take this school trip to talk to him.
The young girl paled. Perhaps...? She? Talk? With the?!
If there was a store where you could buy consistency, inner peace and spontaneous sympathy.
-Talk? Talking to Adrien is my weakest point… -she blinked heavily-. Tikki, hide! -she whispered as he reached the school door.
-You must try! -she said, before taking refuge completely.
Madame Bustier expected all the students to arrive, to get on the public transport, that would take them. They 'll visit an old Parisian museum, which after decades of being closed, had recently been reopened.
The excitement of traveling the streets of Paris was evident in most of the class. The boys, especially, showed greater emotion for not spending the day at school; while the girls looked expectant to learn more about art.
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Alya proposed to Nino to sit together in the bus, although this one still did not occupy its seat, because he was talking with Max. Adrien was alone, and Marinette sat momentarily with her friend.
-I repeat: Nino will sit here. You must go! -she exclaimed, still in a boisterous whisper.
-What? And where will I sit? -she questioned.
-Ehm ... How about… With Adrien? -she said dragging the words, to highlight how obvious and ridiculous her question sounded.
Marinette almost climbed onto the roof of the bus.
-Are you crazy?! I can't do this! What would I say to him? -she denied with both hands, energetically-. Surely some nonsense like: " Hello, Adrien, it's me, Marinette, hey, let's make this less weird: if I stay looking like a deranged person, just ignore me, yes, I'm insane and I can not control my nerves, when I see you . " -concluded, not without before ridicule even more his words, with funny gestures and mohs-. Are you serious, Alya?
-You could start over there.
-Not even in dreams.
-Come on! -the friend encouraged her-. What will you do when Nino comes?
- Stay in the one that is my seat?
- Don't be such a baby, Marinette!
- Shut up, he will listen to us.
-And that? It would be your fault anyway.
-Who is the baby now? -she challenged the brunette, crossed arms in disgust. She did not even want to look at his friend.
-The best thing that could happen to you, is that Adrien sees a gesture: ONE ONLY GESTURE from you, that tells how much you care about him. The rest is a piece of cake. Trust me. -she said, crossed arms as well.
-What? -Marinette rolled her eyes-. I can' t sit with him, Alya ... You know. I would ruin everything and say some great nonsense, and he will believe that I am a foolhardy ...
-Well ... -the girl sighed, defeated- Stay here, then, Marinette.
-Thanks ... -she smiled genuinely-. I have to go to the bathroom… -she announced, asking Alya for permission, and space, since Marinette was sitting by the window.
But as soon as they both stood up, the brunette pushed her friend into one of her front seats, empty, so that, surprisingly, Adrien spotted Marinette sitting next to him.
Alya smiled victorious, taking a seat in her own place.
-Hello ... -he greeted.
-Hello. -she said nervously-. Ehm... -she began, stretching the collar of her shirt-. Alya and Nino will sit back, for a while ... And I ...
-Yes...?
-Eh, hehehe ... I ... I have no where to sit and...
-Of course, you can sit here, Marinette. -the boy said, his expression of usual warmth.
-Great... Thanks, Adrien ...
He smiled slightly, and after a couple of seconds that were eternal, she could notice -when he was distracted- that Adrien was wearing headphones, while she and Alya argued like lunatics. What a glorious joy! It would have been so horribly embarrassing that anyone, but especially Adrien would have heard all of that ...
-With permission ... I ... I'll go find something ... -the girl said.
-Go forward... -sayed smiling.
-Hey, hey, hey! -Alya shrieked, as she saw Marinette walking away-. Where do you think you are going?
The girl restrained herself with indignation. He crossed his arms again.
- Now I can not go to the bathroom? Argh… I'm already sitting with Adrien, just like you wanted.
Alya bowed to her and left her, still proud to have her friend and Adrien, sit together.
But the problems should always appear ...
-Adri-Kins! -Chloe chimed in her typical squeak-. Are you alone? -the boy looked at her startled.
-Hello Chloe ...
-Alone?! Oh, that is extremely unacceptable! -she insisted, after another round of exaggerated gestures-. I will stay here and I 'll make you the best of the companies. Do you want to tell you, about the day, when I saved Ladybug from Cat Noir's attack? -she said with arrogance-. Without my help, everything would have been impossible for Ladybug… -she finished, in a dramatic, almost theatrical tone of voice.
Alya growled.
-Eeehh... Yes, sure, of course... -said Adrien barely, frowning and unconvinced.
By the time Marinette came back from the bathroom, everything had changed. Chloe was sitting next to the blonde, Alya looked very annoyed.
-Why did you take so long?! -she reproached, when he returned.
Nino still did not sit with her.
-What happen?
-Well, Chloe! -her friend grumbled again-. She is sitting in your seat. In what should be your seat. Argh! You can not have such bad luck, girl.
Marinette felt upset and disappointed at the same time.
-I suppose we'll sit together this time ... -she muttered, head down.
-What?! Do not! -she denied immediately-. Go and claim your place. Shall we surrender for Chloe? -she suggested ironically-. Never!
-I can't go and push her, Alya! -she reasoned.
-You 'll sit there!
-Do not!
-Yes! -she insisted.
-Do not! Are you crazy! -screames the girl, struggling, incredibly, with her friend.
-Yes! -Alya yelled childishly, forcing Marinette to go forward, causing her to fall into the lap of a pale Adrien and an annoyed Chloe.
-Adrien! -Marinette gasped, with all the horror in the world.
-What happens there ?! -Madame Bustier interceded, surprised of such screaming.
Practically the whole class was watching them and Alya did not know how to react. Until something quick and glorious came to his mind.
-Marinette! -she reproached her falsely-. You must be more careful not to trip over things! -she exclaimed, shaking her head and offering his hand quickly, to be able to sit up.
-I'm sorry, Miss Bustier, it was not my intention, I ... -the girl Dupain-Cheng said.
- You fell like the always stupid and clumsy you are... When will something new Marinette? -Chloe said with boredom and disdain.
-Chloe! -Adrien felt annoyed.
-What...? If you know it's true, Adri-Kins… -she said, rolling his eyes.
Marinette burned with shame. Her cheeks would not support another stumble like this, without showing the strongest crimson in history.
-I'm sorry, Adrien ... I didn' t want to bother, I ...
-Are you okay, Marinette? -He asked honestly.
-Yes-Yes, I'm fine, thanks... -she said the last, almost in an inaudible murmur.
The boy nodded slightly, still confused. With absolute dismay, Marinette moved away enough, to sit with Alya, behind both blondes.
-And that's the end of my first attempt of the day, to get closer to Adrien… -she breathed, sighing melancholy.
-It's only the first one. We must move forward. -Alya said, giving him a friendly tap on the shoulder.
Marinette was not sure. It seemed as if there was a superior force, which prevented any kind of normal interaction and without embarrassing, humiliating and clumsy moments... If only she had a small opportunity to be serene, open and friendly... If only she could do one thing, that meant something more... It's that of course, she couldn't just imagine the situation. She wanted to discover an exit, a path, that would lead her to some approach with the boy she loved... If only she could give him something special...
But she had no idea; she couldn't know what gift would be perfect for him. Well, after touring the mall for hours (with and without Alya), nothing managed to convince her. She even handled the possibility that the present was something made by her, but ... Another scarf? Any sweet from the bakery? I would never be sure, that the boy would like that ...
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The remaining journey to the museum, passed in bitter silence for Marinette and in an endless chatter of Chloe, for Adrien.
By God and all the Saints! They had arrived! Thank God.
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-Come on cheer up! -Alya smiled at him, before getting off the school bus.
The girl took a breath before doing so, after observing how Chloe still harassed Adrien, before a baffled Nino.
-Welcome to 'Le Musée' ! Madame Bustier announced.
The entrance only, was shocking to see. Several angels sculpted by hand, painted in brilliant gold, framed the main hall, with exquisite perfection. It was a very bright, silent place, but of that silence that invited reflection and personal contemplation.
The general bustle of the class was immediately appeased by amazement.
-It isn't beautiful? -the teacher said, while Director Damocles nodded.
-Welcome to 'Le Musée', guys! - greeted a lady of about sixty and so many years-. Today, you will witness the marvel of Parisian art, at its best. A guided look, towards the confines of the most beautiful inspiration, portrayed by each of these artists. Is someone here, a lover of Art, Design or Sculpture...? -she asked, looking at the group of young people.
Nathaniel smiled enthusiastically, as Marinette took a step forward. The boy did it, too.
-That is simply wonderful. -Insisted the woman-. By the way, my name is Claire and I 'll be your guide. You join me?
-Well... -Marinette said, completely stunned-. Look at this place, Alya! Is incredible!
-It is, friend... It is. But... I wonder... What would happen if there was an attack of Akuma here ...? Can you imagine Ladybug, fighting with villains, in the middle of such expensive works? -she said quickly.
Marinette enlarged his eyes, seeing it with rarity.
-Why do you think an akuma's attack could happen here ...?
-Wouldn't it be great ?! -continued the brunette.
Her friend just rolled her eyes. The museum was so beautiful, that the last thing I wanted was to fight against Hawk Moth's akumas.
- Do you know the story of the first painter of Paris, Marie Juliette Baudelarie? -Mrs. Claire commented, before telling them.
- Friend, this is a bit boring. -Nino wailed-. I would like them to take us to more striking places, more ... Fun! -He whispered to the blond, while the class listened attentively to the story.
-He was born in Rouen, in 1676… -Adrien murmured, not realizing that he was speaking aloud.
-Friend...! -Nino interrupted his thoughts-. Do you really know the story?
The boy started and looked at him, a little nervous.
-Eh... Yes, Nino... You see... -he said laughing partially-. My father was strict with private lessons and... While I was educated at home, I studied History of Art. Every year... -he added, sighing afterwards with weariness.
-Oh... Wow... I'm sorry, dude...
Adrien smiled sideways, shrugging. Nino patted his back.
-I mean, that is doubly boring for you.
-No, it's not, Nino... I like Art... I like to reflect on the hidden background in each work, the ideas and the message that the author tried to convey...
-Wow... Friend, you're a poet! -Nino laughed.
-I really like it...
-You should consider dedicating yourself to that, someday... I don't know, just saying...
The boy smiled. Of all the classes that his father forced him to take, History and Art were his favorites, in addition to Fencing, of course.
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-As you can see, this physical space in which we find ourselves is relatively new. This museum... It remained closed for many years, and reopened only three years ago...
-How many years was it closed? -Rose asked.
-Twenty five years...
-What a pity it was closed so long... -commented Marinette.
-It was, but... Good! One always manages to resurface from the ashes, like the Phoenix Bird. -The lady said, happier-. We have weekly exhibitors, and since today is Monday, it' s the first day that these works are presented to the general public. Come, over here! I will show you the works of the youngest artists of this week.
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The visit was normal. Most of the boys behaved correctly, with the exception of Chloe, who was constantly complaining about the low, of the extensive explanations of the guide; as also, boasting of the innumerable amount of works that his father, Mayor Borgeous, had acquired for her.
Alya couldn't stand the millionaire girl anymore.
-And our most veteran artist -the lady laughed lightly-, my older brother, Roy Lacroix.
-Good afternoon, guys. -the man greeted-. I'm always happy to receive visits from young people. What school are they from?
-From Françoise Dupont School. -they answered.
-Oh, great... Well... Do you want me to show you this crazy old man's collection? -Commented the man sympathetically.
-Wow, this guy is great… -Juleka said, observing the paintings-. It has all kinds of textures and themes ...
-So it is, young lady. Thank you very much, then, modesty apart. -He teased-. I like several styles. You can see that I have dabbled in impressionism, in abstract art, I like impressionist-realism ...
- Juleka is right. Although I do not understand anything, -Nino cut short- and although art is not my thing, this guy is great ...
-I like it a lot… -Adrien said.
- Did you hear that? -Alya whispered suggestively-. Adrien really likes this artist ...
Marinette smiled almost maniacally. But instantly, his smile vanished.
-I was thinking that the works of this artist are very beautiful ... -she began, in a hopeful voice.
-Yes...? -Alya encouraged her.
-But their prices are ...
- Ridiculously expensive! -she finished for her-. Really, is this valid? -she huffed.
-Wow... What a bad luck. -Marinette snorted, reluctantly.
-We'll find something. I promise! -said the girl with glasses, before her dejected friend.
-What were your sources of inspiration, Mr. Lacroix?
-Well... -began saying, looking around quickly-. One is inspired in many ways... Nature, the sky, space, animals, beauty, love... -he said, turning to his right, to see some point that nobody knew what it was-. Everything is very inspiring, you know?
Marinette was lost as soon as Mr. Lacroix mentioned love, as his inspiration. I could not stop watching Adrien, who did not notice the girl's fixed eyes, placed on him.
She approached where the boy was. He watched the paintings with interest, until one of them drew his attention.
-Oh, my God...! This is incredible. -He murmured, covering his face with his hands.
- Friend, are you okay? -Nino asked.
Marinette hid to listen without being seen, a classic in her.
-Yes, yes, Nino... I'm fine. Just ... This painting, -he said smiling stupidly-, this painting is amazing... It reminds me a lot of my childhood, happy moments ...
His friend smiled silently and watched her as well. He had never seen Adrien smile so much, as if he were traveling to a past, too good to be true.
-Good moments, huh?
-Yes... I would love to buy it ...
-As it is called...? -Nino frowned, approaching a small sign. I do not understand the letter...
- " Rouge Platonique ". -Adrien replied.
-It's very pretty, friend... But it's too expensive...
-I know...
-Maybe you can ask him to keep it for a while ..." Nino suggested.
-Maybe... Adrien agreed, wistful.
His friend left him alone, because the boy seemed unable to stop worshiping that painting visually.
-It's the same as my Mom... -he whispered, loud enough, for Marinette to listen.
Adrien put a hand to his heart and pressed against himself, while still looking at the work. He closed his eyes and blinked heavily, then joined the class group again.
-Well… -Marinette said, surprised-. This work is, decidedly, the most beautiful I saw in the whole afternoon ...
-It is, Marinette. -Tikki peeked out a little, from her purse.
-No. -The girl corrected-. It's the most beautiful I've seen so far ...! -She said confidently-. And Adrien loved it... Tikki, this painting reminds her of her mother!
-You're right, Marinette ...
-I think I know what I'll give Adrien... -she nodded, with a hand on his hip, feeling very happy about it.
-What? But, Marinette, it's very expensive! -Hee kwami yelled-. How 'll you get so much money?
-I will, Tikki. I don't know how. But I will achieve it. It is perfect!
-Oh, Marinette... -spired his little friend.
Sge didn't even know how she would give it to him, without blushing, without making some clumsiness or spitting out hundreds of words crossed and meaningless. But she knew 'll would succeed.
The negative? Five days were missing for Valentine's Day. And she was missing only... 90% of the value of the painting.
The positive? She had found the perfect gift for Adrien and would do everything possible to buy it ...
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TO BE CONTINUE…
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Hello everyone! 😊 Happy (yesterday) Valentine's Day!
Let me introduce myself: I'm Marhelga, and this is my first story about Ladybug. *Please do not throw tomatoes*. 🍅
I write fanfics almost six years ago, but only from the series "Hey, Arnold!". (Deduction: I'm someone young (?) But of a certain 'third age' for what is the fandom of Ladybug, or just an old girl, 👵 xD). But my old heart loves Ladybug, the cursilies and all this wonderful Universe that Astruc created. 🐞
I hope you liked it and let me know your opinions. I must admit, my natural language is Spanish. This is a pilot test, that I made, with a translator support. My apologies, if for you, this a completely disaster to read. If you dislike, I'll not continue here (in English, at least). *I pray to have success in Spanish, LOL*. 😂
I tried to keep the essence of each character, because that, for me, is one of fundamentals things. My goal is, that those who read this fic, feel that they 're watching a chapter of the series'.
I love 'Miraculous' and it's my current obsession O_O, haha. I confess that I was anxious for fifteen days, because I wanted to publish it today. And... I did it… Almost, xD. 😍
I will update often! Thank you for reading. ❤