Summary:
Chloe begins to unravel even more; Marinette starts gathering the courage to confess to Chloe, and Adrien tries his hand at playing the role of 'Wing man'
Nothing goes as planned.
Chapter: The Empathizer P.1
Chloe hadn't slept at all, despite being exhausted. She felt empty and incomplete. She felt as if she was missing more of herself suddenly, she knew she was broken, but she knew she still held onto the more major parts of herself. She was just missing more small pieces of herself.
She couldn't help but feel her chest ache with guilt and disgust. She felt weighed down.
She'd come to the realization that She didn't deserve to suddenly be taken in by her peers, the same peers she tormented for most of their childhood. She didn't deserve to have Sabrina in her corner, or...Adrien. But most of all, she didn't deserve to be so close to the Dupain-Cheng, she had no right, no right to hold her in her arms, no right to be on the receiving end of those bright warm smiles and she definitely had no right to hold hopes for something more from the Baker girl.
She felt dirty, and perverted for even hoping that with this fresh start they had a chance to have, that maybe Marinette and her could be together, that maybe once this whole hellish situation fully washed over and they managed to truly collect themselves, they could be more than friends.
She had laughed bitterly at her many thoughts throughout the night. She had wondered when it was that she had fallen into such a delusional idea. How foolish of her. She should have known better. The irony of it all, honestly.
Jokes on her.
"You got this.", Adrien said as he walked beside Marinette. He fist pumped the air, he wore a determined expression, he was encouraging the girl beside him.
"I got this.", Marinette fist pumped the air in determination, she welcomed the boy's support. "I'm going to ask her if she's free after school.", she said.
Adrien nodded his head enthusiastically, "Yeah, and she's totally gonna be free.", the boy's voice cracked a bit. Puberty. He blushed slightly.
Marinette giggled from beside him, she playfully slapped his arm, "You're going to talk with Chloe first right?", She asked as she hugged the boys arm. She looked at him with puppy eyes.
The blonde chuckled when he saw her expression, he nodded with a sincere smile, "Of course, I'll talk to her during lunch, I'll get her alone and I'll let you know what happens.".
"Great, hope everything works out.", Marinette beamed.
The blonde smiled softly, he hoped everything worked out too, truth be told, he actually wanted them to get together, Marinette was the most kind hearted person he knew, the ravenette was genuine and sincere, sweet and beautiful, both inside and out. He couldn't help but hope that Chloe saw what he saw, of course, in a more romantic sense and if there was the chance that Chloe was actually straight, he hoped she wouldn't react negatively. In all honesty, Marinette would have been someone he could have fallen for, unfortunately his heart skipped for another girl already, it skipped for his lady, despite knowing how unrequited his feelings for her were, he still loved Ladybug. One could not simply just stop feeling things for someone else after all. He knew it would take time before he could get over her, if he even does. He knows eventually someone else would come along, someone meant to be with him.
Marinette grinned and released the Agreste's arm. Both teens had walked together from her home. Adrien had been dropped off at her home all for the purpose of walking her to school so they could 'strategize' together. She couldn't help but feel happy, her and Adrien worked out for the better, the boy now held an even more important spot in her heart, a spot next to the spot Alya held. She felt safe and comfortable with Adrien now, she trusted him. Who knew confiding in the boy you used to be in love with would work out so well? She certainly couldn't have foreseen this deeper friendship blossom between them, it still surprised her a bit.
"So remember, I'll text you or catch you after lunch, okay.", Adrien said as he noticed they were close to the school's steps.
"Got it.", Marinette gave the boy a thumbs up.
Both teens were excited.
Certainly not expecting anything to go wrong.
"Aww man, it started raining.", Nino groaned and slouched in his seat. A look of disappointment washing over his face. His gaze was towards the window.
Adrien frowned slightly, "That sucks.", he muttered, he turned around to look back, he gave Marinette a sympathetic look.
Marinette shrugged but kept her smile. The Baker girl was clearly still in a good mood.
Adrien merely returned the smile, feeling glad that the girl wasn't going to let the weather get her down and ruin her plans.
"Girl, smile a little harder and I think your face may just split in half.", Alya commented and chuckled, amused by how her best friend was acting, the ravenette had been giddy, fidgety all morning since arriving to school.
Marinette merely beamed at the brunette.
"Ah, so bright!", The brunette jokes as she makes to shield her eyes from the beaming Dupain-Cheng.
The Baker girl giggles softly, she playfully slaps Alya's shoulder. She couldn't help but feel so happy, so light, so free. Talking to Adrien had relieved her of so much, he gave her hope, hope for acceptance. She couldn't help but feel her heart thumping rather fast and strong in her chest. She was determined to try and win Chloe's affections. She wasn't going to just sit by and do nothing, she'll get her closure this time, whether said closure was in her favor or not, didn't matter. She would go through with something, and she'd grow from it.
"Hey, Chloe! Rose and the band are playing this coming Friday, I got plenty of tickets, do you want one?", Juleka suddenly jogged up to the front, a ticket in hand, she wore a fond smile.
The class all looked up, most of them were stuck in their own conversations, they missed Chloe entering the classroom.
"Hey, Chloe!", Nino waved and greeted cheerily.
Alya smiled, "Morning, Blondie!", the brunette spoke up.
Many other students started greeting the blonde. All wore cheery expressions. They genuinely greeted her.
Marinette merely smiled softly in the blonde's direction. But her smile faltered slightly when she noticed the look Chloe wore. Chloe appeared exhausted, worn out and just...not in her best mood.
Chloe averted eye contact with the cheery teen in front of her, she sighed, "Can't.", she merely said, breathing out deeply and she nearly pushed passed the girl, but Juleka was quick to get out of her way. Chloe slipped into her seat, she sat rather stiffly, she kept her gaze forward, staring rather blankly, there were slight bags under her eyes, her lips were pressed together in a small frown.
"Uh, okay, maybe next time.", Juleka says, she gives the blonde a sympathetic confused look. She sighs softly and looks down to the ticket in her hand and makes her way back to her seat in the back, she plops down beside a confused Rose.
Marinette raises an eyebrow, she feels a sinking feeling suddenly weighing in her chest, she frowns slightly. Her eyes on the side of the blonde's face, a part of her expecting the blonde to look at her like she usually did. But...nothing, Chloe was still, staring at the blank board in front of the class.
Alya narrowed her eyes slightly, she turned to Marinette, "What's with her?", the brunette whispered softly.
While Alya and Marinette both whispered to each other, Adrien stared at the Blonde intensely, he was confused, Chloe was fine just yesterday. What changed? Suddenly thinking of yesterday, Adrien realizes Chloe never even texted him. 'Weird', he thinks, he decides he wants to talk to her to see what's wrong but Just as he was going to get out of his seat, Sabrina comes into the class, she walks slowly and sluggishly, keeping her gaze down.
Kim, Alix, Mylene and Ivan look at each other. Rose and Juleka both stare at the red head as she walks passed the row where Chloe sits and keeps walking up the steps towards them. The students are all silent, most watched intensely at what was unfolding before them. Sabrina never sat away from Chloe, never.
Alya and Marinette are both wide eyed, Nino and Adrien physically turn their bodies to keep their gazes on the red heads back, both had their mouths shaped in 'O'. The four were struck with shock just as the rest of the class had been.
Sabrina silently sits in the empty row in front of Rose and Juleka, she averts meeting anyones gaze directly.
Adrien turns to look at Chloe, but finds Chloe still eerily stiff, facing forward. "Chl-"
"Alright class!", Ms. Bustier suddenly walks into the class, wearing her signature room brightening smile. She set a thick book onto her table and looked around the class, her smile wavered slightly when she saw the looks the many students wore, she noticed Chloe sitting alone, wearing the most unsettling look she thinks she's ever seen on the blonde's face. "Uh", she clears her throat and clasps her hands together, she smiles at full force, "So on today's agenda-", she starts, all the while her eyes darting over the blonde every now and then.
The class time flies by faster than it's ever had, most students are all just fidgety in their seats, eager for lunch to start so that they may socialize with each other to no doubt piece together whatever the hell was happening between Chloe and Sabrina.
"Alright, well, that's it for today, remember the essay is due Monday.", The woman spoke when all the students started to get up from their seats. The woman gave Chloe a sympathetic look and exited the class.
Chloe sighed deeply and got up, she grabbed her text book and made to leave the row she sat at, but Adrien quickly appeared in front of her with a worried expression.
"Hey, Chlo. You okay?", he asked sincerely and softly. His emerald eyes held a look of genuine concern.
Chloe felt something in her starting to snap, she felt sick, she felt angry. "I'm fine.", she said rather roughly, from behind Adrien, Chloe could see Marinette and Alya as well as Nino starting to make their way towards her. "Get out of my way.", she said blunty, bitterly.
Adrien tensed and was taken aback by how his childhood friend spoke to him in that moment, he stepped back, not wanting to push Chloe into getting defensive. "Wh-...uh Chloe-", he didn't know what to say.
Chloe walked passed him when he moved, a glare taking over her expression.
"Dude…", Nino merely said, bewildered.
The Class starts to murmur softly amongst themselves.
Marinette and Adrien both gave each other worried looks, the Dupain-Cheng sighed and briskly walked passed her stunned friends to go after the blonde. She jogged out of the class.
"I think the heroes have had more than enough time to recover, and so have I.", Gabriel sighed deeply as he tapped his cane onto the floor.
Nathalie sighed deeply, "Are you sure about this, Sir?", she asked hesitantly. She knew that ever if Gabriel felt bad for what happened, his quest to gain the two magic jewels that will grant his wish, was still his first priority.
"Yes.", he answered, he turns back to look at the woman standing behind him. "No one will get hurt.", he says as he sees the look of concern on the womans face.
Nathalie nods her head slightly, "Pain doesn't have to be physical.", she said.
Gabriel, nods, "Correct."
Nathalie's expression fell glum, "This is going to hurt.", she said bluntly. Her tone coming out with slight disappointment.
"Yes.", The man says as he turns around. "I think this one will surely pull at the heartstrings."
Sabrina sighed deeply and stood up slowly. She kept her gaze down, staring at the floor. She looked just as exhausted as Chloe had.
"Sabrina, what happened?", Adrien jogged up to the teen, worry in his tone, his expression was soft and sympathetic, "What happened with Chloe?", he asked.
Alya, Nino and a few students looked on.
"Sabrina.", Rose piped up from behind the girl. "What's wrong? What happened? You two were both okay yesterday.", the blonde spoke softly, she rounded her row and got beside the red head, placing a hand over the teen's shoulder.
Sabrina slowly looked up, she locked eyes with Adrien. "She...I tried…", she said slowly. Her eyes were watery. She wore a broken look.
Adrien a sinking feeling in his chest, "Tried?"
"To get through to her.", Sabrina sighed deeply, she returned her gaze to the floor. "Chloe...Chloe cut me off.", she smiled bitterly, sadly. She swallowed thickly, trying to swallow the knot building in her throat.
Alya grimaced sympathetically, "Why?", she asked, her voice just above a whisper.
Sabrina shrugged, "I...tried to coax her into talking to me...I...I know her, I know she's struggling…I just wanted to help her.", her voice started breaking.
Rose teared up slightly, she gently pulled the girl into a half hug.
Juleka sighed deeply, she knew all too well what depression looked like. She knew Chloe was struggling, both her and Rose could see it. Despite all of Chloe's attempts to seem 'okay', she could see that distant look glaze over her expressions whenever Chloe thought people weren't looking. Chloe was trying to be 'okay'.
Kim rubbed his arm and looked down, saddened, he had also taken note of Chloe's behavior, sure she was nicer, but there was something there that just unsettled him. Like he could tell she was forcing it.
"She had this thought that I felt obligated to be her friend all these years.", Sabrina spoke again, she sniffled lightly, tears starting to roll down her cheeks. A small whimper broke from her throat.
Adrien cringed, "What?", he said in surprise.
Sabrina wrapped her arms around herself, she looked up, "I know how Chloe is, I know she hates talking about what she really feels, but I thought, maybe...maybe she would feel safe enough with me, we've known each other since we were little kids.", she explains, hot tears still running down her rosy cheeks. "I just...I thought she knew I really did care for her."
Adrien is baffled, he knew despite Chloe having treated Sabrina a certain way, the blonde certainly did care for her, this much Adrien knew and from his prospective, Sabrina seemed to genuinely care for Chloe as well. Why would Chloe just completely push the red head away like this?
Sabrina suddenly unwraps her arms from around herself, Rose pulls back from the half hug. The red head digs a hand into her pocket and takes out a familiar brooch. She holds it in her hand and offers it to Adrien. "Here, give this back to her."
Adrien gasps softly, students around them all gasp as well. The boy shakes his hand, he grabs her hand and closes it over the brooch, "No, it's yours. Chloe's in a bad place right now, I…I had no idea it was this bad.", he swallows thickly, he knew, he knew Chloe was drowning, he just didn't know she was starting to sink. "I'll talk to her, okay."
"That's not the point, Adrien. I...I wanted to talk to her, I wanted to let her know I was there for her. But...she...just cut me off, she kinda...half threatened me too.", Sabrina lips quivered slightly, eyes glossy behind the glasses, "I know she's in a bad place, I understand that...I just...I'm completely useless to her. What good am I?"
Alya felt her chest ache, she knew the two teens were inseparable. How could Chloe not see that Sabrina did care for her. She knew a little bit of where Sabrina was coming from. After finding out Marinette was Ladybug, she felt a little useless, and powerless, she felt that she had failed her best friend in some way.
Sabrina opened her hand, the shiny brooch resting in her hand, "Just take it.", new fresh tears started to roll down her cheeks.
Adrien made to talk, but just as his lips parted.
Terror began.
"AKUMA!", Alix suddenly yelled out in what had to be pure terror, she pointed to the open window, where there was a dark butterfly coming their way.
Panic ensued among the remainder of the students.
Kim Jumped onto a table to flee, he ran frantically. Alix and Max both yelled and pushed to get out of the class, horror written all over their facial expressions. Juleka grabbed Rose and pulled her from Sabrina's side, practically dragging her. Mylene and Ivan both jumped back, stumbling to create distance between themselves and what they knew had to be the Akuma's target.
Adrien remained still, in place. Panic arose in him, but he collected himself, forcing himself to remain composed. "Sabrina, Chloe cares about you, she truly does.", his voice sounded desperate.
Sabrina frozen in place she tried to keep herself together, her cheeks stained with tear tracks. She looked at the boy with fear.
The other students pushed and shoved to get out of the room, save for Alya and Nino, both stood behind Adrien.
It was clear that the 'Brutalizer' incident left many terrified of future akuma attacks.
Alya sucked in a shaky breath as she saw the butterfly flying idly, as if on standby, as if waiting for Sabrina to slip. "Shit...shit…", she breathed out softly, she slowly took her phone out and sent out an akuma alert. Nino stood beside her with a determined look.
"Dude, It's tough, it's been tough for all of us. People handle things in different ways.", Nino spoke. "Trust me, Chloe's just being hard headed right now. Like you said, you know her, you know she'd rather push people away than open up.", he reasoned. "Don't let this get you down."
"I know what it's like, Sabrina. To just...want to help someone, or just protect them and not be able to.", Alya stepped in, "These past few months have been hell for all of us, especially for Chloe and Marinette. Those two were both dealt the short end of the stick.", Alya swallowed thickly, she took short glances at the akuma as it flapped its wings, it remained flying in place. "Marinette was falling in on herself, she was having a tough time, and for a while she wasn't talking to me about her problems, she was bottling it all in because she didn't want to be a burden to me…", the brunette frowned sadly. A part of her realizing how similar Marinette and Chloe were. They were both hard headed, they were both determined to carry their loads on their own. "You're a good friend, Sabrina."
The redhead sighed softly, "Maybe.", she said softly, she started to whimper softly.
Adrien clenched his jaw, he started to step away. He noticed the Akuma finally drawing in. Sabrina was too hurt right now, as much as she tried to hold it in, she couldn't, and Adrien knew what was to come next.
"SABRINA!", Alya yelled.
Chloe sighed deeply as she made it to the bottom step of the stairs, she just wanted this day to end. She felt utterly tired. So tired. Each step she took felt so heavy.
"Chloe!", Came an all too familiar voice.
Chloe tensed heavily, just when she thought things couldn't possibly get worse. She schooled her expression and calmed her thumping heart. She sucked in a breath and exhaled softly and slowly turned around.
"Chloe, what's wrong?", The Dupain-Cheng made it to stand in front of the blonde. She wore a look of concern and confusion.
Chloe's eyes scanned over the teen's facial features, "Why do you care?", she spoke harshly. She spoke in a tone she'd been using less and less. Eyebrows furrowed, eyes narrowed. Her chest ached, 'I need to cut her off', she thought, it would hurt, but it was the right thing to do.
Marinette is visibly taken aback. "C-Chloe-"
"I don't need your pity, or your stupid friends.", Chloe said rather venomously. Chloe felt her resolve falter when she saw hurt flash across Marinette's face.
Marinette winced as she took a step back. "What...Chloe I-"
Chloe felt her throat tighten, she felt her eyes water up. She knew her face would betray her if she stood here long enough, "Look, Dupain-Cheng, just stay away from me and leave me alone.", she cut the baffled teen off, she felt her chest ache and her stomach grow knotty.
Marinette tensed heavily, she took another step back, she felt like someone stabbed a knife through her heart, she winced again, "Chloe.", she managed to mutter, her eyes teared up.
Chloe turned away quickly, she couldn't stand to look at the Baker girls broken look, it broke her heart. She gripped her bag's strap tightly and finally started to step away.
Marinette balled her fists up as she suddenly felt something akin to anger rising up inside of her. She felt a mix of emotions coming over her, smashing into her like waves of cold water. This was the person she wanted to give her heart to. "You're unbelievable.", she whispered shakily, eyes filled with unshed tears, her vision was blurred. "I-I thought…", her voice dropped. She turned away and brought a hand over her arm, she held her arm tightly as she bit her bottom lip.
Both teens walked away from each other, Marinette was going to head back up the stairs, and Chloe was going to head to the cafeteria, but just as both started to create distance between themselves. Horrified shrieks began. Both Chloe and Marinette stopped in their tracks and looked up to see students pouring out of their classroom. Kim nearly flung himself from the railing to get to the stairs. Marinette stumbled back to get out of his way, nearly tripping back.
Chloe gasped and without a second thought, she ran to get by Marinette's side as the teen held onto the rail for support when Kim flew passed them, "What the fuck, Kim!", the blonde yelled out angrily as she got behind Marinette, hands over the Dupain-Cheng's tense shoulders, steadying the girl.
Marinette was taken aback, she was surprised, but her surprise would soon turn into horror when more students suddenly came her way, pushing and shoving.
"What the-!?", Chloe exclaimed, she yanked the teen back and into her arms, they both fell to the floor beside the stairs. Both watched as their peers ran for what had to be their lives.
Marinette sat between Chloe's legs, baffled, "What's going on.", she whispered to herself and just as she had, her phone, as well as Chloe's own went off.
"Akuma alert.", Chloe said without even checking her phone, fear was evident in her tone.
Marinette felt another wave of emotions wash over her. She trembled slightly, she wasn't prepared to fight an akuma, not yet. She felt a little out of breath.
"Relax, I got you.", Chloe suddenly said as she shifted to her knees, she kept both her hands over Marinette's shoulders.
Marinette swallowed thickly. She rose a hand and pushed her bangs back. Forcing herself to keep it together.
"C'mon, let's go, you need to get to safety.", Chloe said as she slipped into Queen Bee mode. She pulled the teen up. "C'mon-", and as she spoke, her vision blurred, and she felt that familiar sensation of warmth running down her cheeks. "W-What the…", Chloe broke physical contact with the teen and pulled back, she looked down to her hands, droplets of tears fell onto her hands.
Marinette turned around and found Chloe confused, and seemingly crying. "C-Chloe…"
Chloe was perplexed, "I...I'm crying…", she made to wipe her face but just as she had, more tears escaped her eyes and started to roll down her cheeks.
Marinette felt one of her eyes starting to get that familiar prickling sensation, she felt her heart sinking a little more. She rose an arm wiped her left eye with her sleeve and just as she did this, her other eye started to tear up, and before she knew it, she was crying. "I...what's going on…", Marinette started to sniffle.
Chloe screwed her eyes shut and shook her head, "What the fuck.", she cursed. She raised a hand to her chest and placed her hand over where her heart was, she felt the pang of pain intensify. She started to wipe her face again with more desperation, using her free arm's sleeve.
Marinette looked up and through her tears found Chloe trying to wipe her own face.
"Chloe!", Someone called out.
Both teens looked up to find Chat Noir standing on the metal rail, Rena and Carapace both beside him, staring at them.
Marinette instantly locked eyes with brown eyes, she sighed, the brunette's cheeks were stained with tear tracks. Alya had been crying.
Chat Noir clicked his tongue. His own eyes were glossy, tears danced on his lashes. "Chloe.", his voice shook slightly, he cleared his throat and swallowed thickly, he sounded as if he was on the verge of crying. "Transform, we need you to paralyze the akuma.", his lips struggled to not form a pout of sorts.
Chloe nodded and released a shaky breath, she turned to Marinette, "Get to safety.", she said and she ran from the girls side to get to the locker room.
Marinette didn't say anything to the blonde, she merely turned and ran in the opposite direction, and just as she did this, Rena hopped down and followed her, saying something about making sure that Marinette would be safe and that she'd be back.
"-It's a pain that no one understands because they do not feel it.", Gabriel said as he balled his fist up. "But you, you have the power to make others feel each other's pain. You can prove your sincerity through your emotions.", The man sighed deeply, empathy was always such a complicated thing, emotions, feelings...were just something he couldn't grasp fully. "Now, go, show them what it feels like. Open them up, expose them, and let them feel raw pain. My young 'Empathizer'."
Marinette sucked in a deep breath as she entered the bathroom. She leaned against a sink and shakily ran a hand through her hair, pushing her bangs back.
"Are you okay?", Tikki suddenly appeared, popping out from the inside of Marinette's jacket, concern in her expression as she floated closer to her master's face.
"I-I'm fine, I just...I don't know what's going on.", Marinette explained, she wiped her face again with her sleeves and found it futile to keep her face clean of tears. "I just, I feel so...sad?"
Tikki drew closer and pressed herself against the Dupain-Cheng's cheek, cuddling against the moist skin, "It's okay, Marinette, this must be the effect of the akuma.", the kwami said as she pulled away, she smiled softly, "Are you ready?", she asked.
Marinette smiled lightly, "Yeah-"
"Mari!", Alya burst in. Causing Tikki to release a surprised squeak and hide behind Marinette.
Blue eyes met with Brown.
"Alya-Umph!", The Baker girl spoke but was quickly cut off by the brunette tackling her down to the floor, Alya had practically pounced on her.
Alya wrapped her arms tightly around the teens neck, hugging her as if her life depended on holding the girl. "I'm sorry, Mari, I just…", she whimpered softly.
Marinette felt her eyes prickling with more tears, she felt herself suddenly overwhelmed with something...a warm feeling. Sapphire eyes closed, the teen wrapped her arms around the girl she's grown so fond of, she holds her just as tightly.
"I love you.", Alya says softly, shakily.
Marinette uses a hand to rub her best friends back, "I love you too.", she says, "I love you so much, Alya."
Alya suddenly breaks apart from the teen and blushes, "I...I'm sorry, I just...felt this need.", her lips breaking into a soft smile as she straddled her friend.
Marinette returns the brunette's smile, "I...I know. It's okay…", she chuckled softly, "I feel weirdly happy now.". The teen couldn't help but take note of the change of what she felt, she had felt sadness just moments ago, but Alya had changed that, her presence brought comfort to her.
Tikki smiled at the two, but quickly realized that they needed to take care of the akuma. "I hate to break this moment up but...the akuma.", she reluctantly intervened.
"Oh right!", Alya exclaimed. "Sorry.", she apologized again, she shifted off Marinette rather sheepishly.
Marinette laughed, "Stop apologizing.", she stood up and playfully booped the tip of Alya's nose. "So, wanna fill me in on this Akuma? Cause honestly, I've been feeling a whole lot of different feelings."
Alya nods a bit enthusiastically, eyes watery, but her tears had ceased. "Uh...So...Sabrina was akumatized into the 'Empathizer'."
"Empathy.", Tikki cut in, "Her presence is throwing everyone off their emotions.", she looked between the two.
Marinette hummed and wiped her face, this time successfully, "Yeah, I mean, I felt so sad, but now I feel at ease.", she turned to Alya. "You said you felt the need to come to me.", she commented.
Alya nodded, "Yeah, I...well, when we tried to comfort Sabrina, she said some things and I just, I just felt glad you and me are as tight as we are.", her cheeks burned slightly. "I want you to know that I'm always here for you.", her voice was soft and full of sincerity.
Marinette's gaze softened, "I appreciate you, Alya. I really do. I'm glad we're close too.", with that, the teen gave Alya one more smile and finally turned to Tikki, a look of resolve took over her expression, "Alright, let's get to it.".
Sorry about any typos.
Feel free to drop any comments ects.
Be safe y'all.