Ladybug sighs as she lands on top of the building closest to her destination. It had come to her just before classes ended, the perfect way to escape everyone while still being nearby.

Changing back, she sneaks out of her hiding spot over to the man selling tickets and smiles at him.

"Hello, um, I would like to buy a ticket for a boat ride?"

The man nods his head and fidgets behind the counter for a moment, "That will be $6.50. Ma'am, will that be all for you?"

She holds out the money, "Yes. That's it."

He takes it and with a flourish, presents her ticket.

Getting a little excited, she quickly hops down the steps towards where the boats are and waits for a young woman to approach her, "And how are you this fine evening?"

She answers her honestly, "I'm hoping to do better after the ride."

She gives Marinette a sideways glance as she stamps her ticket, before guiding her to a boat, "Ah, looking to get away for a little while?"

"Something like that."

The young woman helps her into one of the many seats before moving to the front of the boat, "Then I guess we shouldn't wait a moment longer." With a mighty push, they drift away from the dock, floating lazily down the river, "Is there anything in particular the lady wishes?"

Marinette grimaces before looking around, "Is it possible to stay more in the middle? I… I don't really want to deal with people right now."

The young woman nods in understanding before guiding them to the middle of the river, "If you would like to talk about it, I'm all ears. Otherwise, please enjoy the ride."

The blue haired girl nods, settling into her spot before pulling out a sketchbook, "Um, actually, if you don't mind. Can I draw you?"

The young woman looks back at her, "Like a portrait?"

"Sort of," She turns her book slightly, "I draw inspiration from around me to make designs and I wanted to know if it was ok to use you as a reference?"

The young woman, or now that she's paying attention, teen, nods her head with a blush, "I mean, I don't see why not. I probably should have dressed better if that's the case."

Glancing at her outfit, Marinette notices that the teen went more for a sailor vibe, white pants that went all the way up to her stomach and a crop top with blue and white stripes, "I think your outfit is fitting!"

The teen smiles, the blush still in place, "Thanks. Usually tourists like the Frenchy sailor feel and I guess this fits the bill. If I had a beret and a mustache I would probably fit the stereotype better but most don't see girls rowing boats."

Marinette giggles, "You know tourists. Always listening to those stereotypes."

The girl throws a hand out, "Right?! Oh! Sorry, you wanted to draw. I'll leave you alone now."

Giving her a reassuring smile, she looks down to her page, "I'm happy to see someone enjoying my company for once."

A moment of awkward silence passes before the teen is leaning down to talk a little quieter, "Hey, I know it's not really my business but… is someone hurting you?"

Looking up, the blue haired girl takes note of the others features, she's a little lighter than Alya, freckles dotting her face. Her hair is a nice brown-ish blonde, sunbleached she thinks, and eyes the shade of dirt, "I'm…" She heaves a sigh, "It's not a boyfriend or family if that's what you're thinking."

The girl nods, turning forward to adjust their path before turning back around, "Bullies at school then?"

Marinette nods, "Yeah."

The teen seems to contemplate something before sitting down at the front of the boat, "My names Nicole. Short for Nicolette, what's yours?"

"Oh! My names Marinette." She holds out her hand.

"Nice to meet you! You know if you ever want another ride, just let me know! I can get you a ticket for free anytime." They shake hands.

Marinette shakes her head, "I couldn't ask you to do that, you need the money don't you?"

Nicole waves a hand, "I was in the same situation once. I actually have this job because of it. Found it easier to deal with the world by being far away from it. Honest, just say the word and I can get you on for free."

Marinette considers the others words and nods, "Alright, if you're sure."

"I'm positive!" The teen jumps back up to her spot at the front of the boat and guides them through the water.

Smiling at her kindness, the blunette turns her attention to the blank pages in her book and starts sketching to her heart's content. Thinking of casual wear, formal, hats, winter clothing, anything her mind can come up with is placed into the book. Details of what material to use, length for someone her size, children's outfits, and accessories quick to follow.

By the time the ride is over, she's so lost in her book it takes Nicole saying her name to get her out of her revere, "Marinette?"

Looking up, she almost throws her book into the water, but another hand grabs it before it gets too far, "Wow, there. Can't lose all that hard work can we?"

Staring in awe she takes her book back with a grateful bow, "How did you do that?"

The teen shrugs, "You'd be surprised at how many people lose their stuff off of a boat. It's gotten me quite a few tips for catching some poor guys glasses or a woman's phone from the watery depths."

"That's so cool!" Marinette jumps out of the boat, holding her book as tightly as possible.

"Consider it fast reflexes. Anyway, I hope the rest of your day goes well and if you ever need somewhere to run, I got you covered."

Marinette bows again, "Thank you Nicole. I really appreciate the ride."

The teen waves her off with a fond, if not knowing smile on her face. Walking quickly, Marinette exits the dock area and surveys where she had been let off. She's only slightly surprised when she recognizes it as the last point on the boat ride, closest to the Eiffel Tower. Where she can just make out an Akuma making their way to the top of it.

"Hmm, back to work then." With a smile, she runs to find a hiding spot to transform.