"Kagami?" Marinette questioned as she looked curiously at the fencer sitting alone in the park.
"Marinette? What are you doing here?" Her tone was cold and very nearly made the super-powered teen want to leave, but she stood her ground.
"I could be asking you the same thing, are you okay?"
"I'm fine, now why don't you run along and do whatever it is that you do."
"Are you sure you're alright? You looked a little down."
"Why do you even care?"
"Because even though we got off to a rough start, you're still a person with feelings of your own, and if possible I'd like to help you out in any way I can. If that's okay with you?"
Kagami was speechless, she didn't understand why a practical stranger would want to help her.
"Thanks, but no thanks Marinette. I don't need your pity."
"Pity and kindness are two different things. I would never pity you."
"Is that so?"
"Of course, Kagami," Marinette finally sat down on the bench and paced a comforting hand on the other girl's shoulder, "Everybody needs someone to talk to no matter how big or small the problem, someone who's there for them in their time of need. Especially someone as strong as you."
"Alright, you've made your point," Kagami rolled her eyes at the bubbly girl before taking a deep breath and continuing, "I don't know how much you've heard about me, but I come from a very strict family and a prestigious line of fencers. There is no such thing as a 'second chance' in my family and I have lived by that rule my entire life. I know you didn't side with Adrien winning on purpose, even I wasn't sure who won for a second there, but still the pressure of having to be perfect just got to me, you know?"
Kagami looked up once more at the pink clad girl who simply nodded back at her, following her every word, not a hint of pity in her eyes. So she continued once more, "It felt like I failed my mother, which of course Hawkmoth had to go and take advantage of. Anyway, I've never failed before and I know I told you that I never hesitate, but when I did fail I hesitated to tell my mother because I don't want her to be disappointed in me. She does a lot to make sure I live a good life and it just hurts when I can't live up to that reputation. "
All of the sudden Marinette was gripping her in a tight hug, causing Kagami to stop talking, before hugging the girl back. This was what she needed, Marinette was right. The fencer felt the tension leave her shoulders as she relaxed even more into the hug.
"Failure is a good thing too, you know?" Marinette told her, not releasing her hold on the other girl, "When you fail at something it provides you with a learning opportunity. People learn from their mistakes, and if you never fail then you'll never grow as a person. Yeah you failed, but you also got back up and now you're stronger for it."
Though she didn't want to, the fencer couldn't help the tears that escaped her eyes as she squeezed Marinette tighter. The girl continued on as she also tightened her hold.
"I think you should talk to your mom, no matter how scary it might be. Let her hear your side of things, chances are she'll get what you're going through and it might even help your relationship with her. You said you came from a strict family, so maybe you can make her remember a time when she felt inadequate compared to the standards your family holds. She might also decide it's time for a change and take some of the pressure off of you. Yes, it's good to push yourself to be the best you can be, but when you fall short, just make sure to get right back up. If you tell her that, then maybe she'll understand too."
Slowly Kagami collected herself, pulled out of Marinette's soothing embrace, wiped her eyes, and took a deep breath so as to make her breathing more stable.
"Thank you." Her voice still sounded cold, but Marinette figured that's just how the girl is.
"You're welcome," Marinette said excitedly while grabbing the others hands and forcing her to stand, "Anytime you need someone to talk about things with, I'll be here. But for now let's go get some treats at my family's bakery!"
"Oh, no I really shouldn't-"
"Oh, yeah you really should. Come on, a treat once in a while won't hurt!"
Kagami rolled her eyes, but let herself be dragged away by the cheerful girl anyway, a small smile taking place on her face.