Marinette had just finished supper and was absentmindedly sketching owl suit designs in her book. She was incredibly curious about who this woman who was supposed to teach her and bond with her was. Her father was watching the TV and when Marinette looked up she thought she saw interest gleam in his eyes. The story was about how a retired singer was now moving to Paris, or so the rumors say, while other sources believe it's just a vacation from her quiet home in Spain. Marinette was confused, why would this story- Wait- the name of the artist sounded familiar.
Minerva. A retired rock artist who mentored and sponsored Jagged Stone. Minerva had been her parents favorite band. And when she suddenly dropped off the face of the earth they'd never mentioned it again. The only reminder was her old CDs and even older records that were scattered around the house and consistently played while her parents baked.
Their doorbell rang and Sabine called out that she was getting it. She sounded excited and eager for some reason. Marinette glanced at her father to see him smiling broadly and briefly wondered about her parents odd behavior. She heard the door open before she heard the excited sequels of delight. "Paloma Garcia I thought I wouldn't see you again until my daughter's wedding!" The name struck a cord of familiarity in the girl and instantly had her moving.
She got up and approached the hugging forms lingering by the door. The woman was tall and fit, with cascading chocolate brown waves and matching eyes. You could even say she looked sweet. Her tanned skin and defined features made her very pretty and elegant looking. "Marinette!" she cooed as she hugged the young girl.
Marinette looked up at the woman with startled eyes. She was just as beautiful as Marinette remembered, her favorite baby sitter, her best friend growing up. "God Mother Paloma!" Marinette exclaimed. Paloma beamed, and Marinette remembered now. Paloma was Minerva who had retired awhile back from the music scene. She visited every now and then but had officially moved away from Paris when Marinette was seven.
"What a beautiful young lady you've become," Paloma praised. Marinette suddenly felt as if she were a little girl again smiling and giggling, wishing to grow up and be exactly like Paloma.
Paloma released Marinette and looked from the girl to her parents, standing side by side and smiling at her. The tanned woman frowned before saying "I'm really ashamed of how long it took me to visit. I feel as though I've missed so much. My look how much she's grown," Paloma said sadly. Sabine places a hand on Paloma's shoulder.
"Nobody could blame you, you're always busy even out of the limelight. Honestly we're just happy to see you before out daughter's graduation." Sabine reassured.
Marinette tugged Paloma up to her room, wanting to show off the gifts the older woman had gotten her throughout the years. She may have been absent, but she never failed to send gifts with lovely letters of love and encouragement on her birthday and holidays.
"Ah your designs are beautiful and stunning Marinette!" Paloma said. Marinette sat on her bed soaking up the positive reinforcement before Paloma joined her.
Paloma glanced around Marinette's room, enjoying the fact that her many gifts were being put to good use. She finally noticed the posters of a certain male plastering the room.
"Oh my is that a crush I see?" she teased. Marinette felt herself blush and before she could stop, she felt the story tumble out of her mouth along with a paragraph's worth of praise.
Paloma's gaze softened. Obviously Marinette could see right through the mask of a model's perfection to see his soul. Lucky boy Paloma thought.
She could see the love and joy but also the sadness and doubt in the young girl's eyes. Paloma patted her head affectionately and said, "I will help you catch the boy of your dreams." Marinette brightened immediately, eyes widened with surprise and enthusiasm. Paloma lifted a finger, "But. We will work on you first."
Marinette looked confused and opened her mouth. Paloma shushed her. "No questions, now I have to go, but I'll be back soon," she promised.
As she left the loft Marinette heard Paloma and her parents talking about a lunch meetup. She pondered the older woman's words.
"Work on you"? What did that mean? A make over? Did Sabine tell her about the stuttering? She had no idea. She knew Paloma would never make her be someone she wasn't so. What could it mean. Stopping the stuttering seemed impossible. A makeover would that really work? What was this woman's plan?
~Later~
Adrien was just saying goodbye to Nino when Nathalie almost crashed into them at the door. He'd never seen Nathalie look so disheveled as the woman flew up the stairs towards his father's study. Just then the clicking of heels made him turn his head. A tall woman with brown hair in a tan designer coat and black boots was strutting towards their front door. Her strong strides even made Nino turn his head and shy away from her in intimidation as they passed one another. Dark glasses obscured parts of her face. Adrien had no idea who she was until she stopped in front of him and whipped off her glasses.
"Paloma?" Adrien said as his eyes widened. Paloma smirked at the boy.
"Honestly Adrien I thought you would've heard about my arrival on the news," she teased, pretending to be offended. Adrien put a hand to the back of his neck and shot a cheeky grin.
"I'm sorry, I - uh - have just been really busy, going to school now and - yeah you know the rest." He explained. Paloma laughed before smiling at him.
"Yes, being a teenager is hard. Being you with your schedule is quite the nightmare." Adrien shrugged. He knew his life was different but school had been something he wanted, and he didn't regret it at all. Thinking of his friends. Alya and Nino. Plus sweet Marinette. He couldn't imagine a life without his friends anymore.
"Thinking of a girl?" Paloma teased recognizing the slight blush on the blond's face. He blush only deepened under the accusation.
"N-n-no," He stuttered. He groaned internally. Paloma was perceptive. She'd never let it go, knowing she could see the truth in his lies. He was surprised when she shrugged it off.
"I'm more interested in how you got your father to agree to let you go to school," she said. Adrien made a face, he wasn't quite sure how that happened either.
She read him like a book and waved the question off. He opened the door for her, allowing her to enter first.
Nathalie was just descending the stairs when she froze, making eye contact with Paloma. "Er - says you're welcome to stay here for as long as you want, we can make the arrangements immediately." Natalie spoke.
Paloma again waved it off. "What, does Gabriel really think I don't have my own accommodations arranged? I may barge in here everytime I visit, but I never ask that you house me." Her laughter could probably even be heard in Gabriel's study. Adrien could already hear his father's groan.
Paloma's relaxed casual personality clashed with Gabriel's strict schedules. Paloma never minded interrupting Gabriel when working and Gabriel could never tell the woman to leave him alone, of anything it only made the woman want to annoy him more.
Just then Gabriel appeared and grimaced when he saw Paloma standing next to Adrian. He backed away slowly and retreated down the hall to his study, trying to buy a few more minutes as if Paloma hadn't already seen him.
Paloma chuckled and interlaced her fingers before extending her arms, palms out. Cracking the digits as if readying for a fight. "Need anything Adrien?"
Adrien shook his head, while he had a lot on his mind, like his double life, but none of it could be improved with Paloma's intervention through Gabriel. "Well your father and I have a lot of catching up to do, I'll be with you again shortly," she said bidding him a quick goodbye.
Paloma had always been his champion ever since his mother was gone. She fought for Adrien's freedom and usually won. She was fierce and according to Nathalie downright scary when arguing with Gabriel. Adrien really never wanted to get on her bad side...
But he was glad to have her around. She was warm, loving and full of life. And... she was one of the few things Adrian had left of his mother. Paloma had been 's best friend, maid of honor at her wedding and finally God Mother to Adrian.
A/N: There will eventually be more of an Adrian/Chat POV. Next few chapters though will focus on Marinette/ LadyBug and growth for her.