Gabriel's Obsession

Chapter 10

GABRIEL

Gabriel Agreste was not known for his whimsical nature. So it surprised even him when it came time to judge the contestants when he decided to switch the positions of Nadia and Aiden. Everett was going to lose no matter what. His pandering designs weren't even very good. Although Aiden's designs were well done, they were still of the local super villain. Even if Gabriel considered himself to be the hero of his story, he knew that he was in truth the super villain. Still, he couldn't help himself. He decided on a whim to have Aiden win instead of Nadia. Even with the low score Astruc gave Marinette, she still made it into second place on her own.

However, Marinette wasn't supposed to have any connection to that Astruc person, which meant Nathalie had missed a connection. Not that it mattered, it worked out in their favor anyway. What had been more interesting was the kiss Marinette gave to Cat Noir. He remembered when he'd akumatized her father to go after Cat Noir for breaking her heart, but neither he nor Nathalie had realized she still had feelings for the hero. Nathalie had been too focused on Marinette's obsession with his son to notice. However, it did give him a number of important details. The first one being that at the very least Cat Noir was watching the show. That meant it would be easy to draw the heroes to the studio when the time came. The second came after Nathalie had sent him the entire clip of the interaction between Cat Noir and Marinette. He'd called her Multimouse. She had been a Miraculous user.

Gabriel thought back to Kwami Buster. He'd remember seeing the miniature fighters at the time. They must have been Multimouse. But why hadn't Marinette come when Miracle Queen had called? Had she been missed when the wasps had attacked everyone? That was pretty likely since he doubted the Bourgeois girl had managed to get all of the millions of people in Paris. Then again, Cat Noir knew she was Multimouse, meaning that he'd found out at some point. He knew that when the Tsurugi girl had used the Dragon Miraculous openly, Ladybug hadn't wanted to use her again, just as she always avoided going to the Bourgeois girl. He'd assumed it was because he knew their identities, but could it be anyone knowing? Had Cat Noir knowing kept Ladybug from using someone again. He laughed a bitter laugh.

"How can I keep losing to them when she doesn't even trust him?" He asked aloud. He wasn't normally a violent man but in that moment, he wanted to punch something.

JULEKA

"What's wrong, Juleka?" Rose asked as they sat together eating their ice cream.

"Nothing." Juleka huffed.

"You know you can tell me." Rose insisted.

"Actually, I can't, not until it airs on TV." Juleka replied.

"Oh, it's a problem on the show?" Juleka nodded.

"A couple of them actually." She admitted. "I don't think things will be the same afterwards." Rose's eyes went wide, which juleka honestly feared they would fall out. "I don't think I'll be able to remain friends with Marinette when this is all over."

"What happened?" Rose cried out in surprise.

"I can't talk about it yet." Juleka sighed. "Not with anyone outside of the show."

"So then you've been talking to Luka about it?" She asked. Juleka shook her head.

"That's the other problem, and I don't know how to talk to him about that problem. He just doesn't understand." Rose looked confused for a moment, but then understanding crossed her features.

"Does it have to do with him and the Nadia girl Marinette is friends with?" Now it was Juleka's turn to be surprised.

"You know about that?" She asked. Juleka hadn't actually been watching the last few episodes of the show. She honestly didn't want to see herself on TV after the novelty wore off when the second episode aired.

"Of course. I always watch since you Marinette and Luka are on it." Rose admitted. "I was stunned when Luka was making out with Nadia. I thought he was only interested in Marinette."

"What?" Juleka asked surprised. "That's not what happened." She paused a moment. "Well, not exactly what happened."

"Huh?" Rose asked in typical Rose form.

"Luka told me Nadia forced herself on him."

"That's not possible. Girls don't do that kind of thing." Juleka frowned at Rose's words and how they echoed Luka's own.

"That's what Luka said after describing it." Juleka growled. Rose looked concerned.

"So what's the problem then, if he says it's not?" Rose asked. Juleka felt irritated that no one saw the connection, or that they refused to see the connection. According to Luka, he did not want to partake in Ndia's advances, although now she wanted to see what happened on the show. Had her brother wanted it and just didn't want to admit it? She frowned again. Frowning had become her standard expression lately.

"I need to watch the episode." She said at last ignoring Rose's question.

ALYA

With the kwami's out of the bag, so to speak, Alya had allowed Chloe to join them for their own little former miraculous users meeting. They may have become a little paranoid due to another incident however, so Max and Markov had put together a device to help them look for bugs whenever they would talk. The incident that had forced this upon them, was when they'd found some burn marks at the space Chloe had reserved for her PTAS meetings. Upon a closer inspection they'd located some melted plastic and electronic components. The meaning seemed pretty clear; the sessions had been bugged. They assumed it was Hawk Moth who did it, since he'd destroyed Chloe's "Moth Phone" and it was likely because of them speaking so opening in the room. Although they only found a couple of scorched cameras, based on a lens surviving, they weren't sure if their were others. Max and Markov could use the same device to scan there, but it wouldn't be as practical because of the size of the space and the public access since they'd have to do it every time. It was easier to just do it at one of their homes when they got together. Leave all the miraculous talks to the more private area and the PTAS talks to the more public.

"So DJ Ner, erm, Nino was Carapace then?" Chloe asked.

"Yes." Alya replied.

"And Princess Pretentious was Ryuko?" Chloe also asked without censoring herself this time. Alya had to bite her own lip to keep from laughing. It wasn't the first thing that came to mind when she thought of Kagami, but she couldn't deny that it fit her. Even Luka seemed to be a little hard pressed not to laugh at the comment, although no one else really had much interaction with Kagami.

"That was a little mean, but it seems so, although she'd never confirmed it, or come to our meetings." Alya replied once she got control of herself.

"You still knew who I was talking about though." Chloe smiled like she'd won a victory.

"Eep." Was what Alya said at the comment. "Okay, she does come off that way."

"So what plans do we have in the works for dealing with Hawk Moth?" Max asked.

"Couldn't we just double check for bugs at the PTAS meeting and try tracking the signal?" Kim asked. "Like we talked about with the phone?"

"I believe that would still be an option." Max remarked. "It would take time to scan the room as the range of the equipment we were able to put together was not very high. I've made some adjustments based on what we salvaged from the bugs, but I was unable to determine any frequencies used. It appeared that they were designed specifically to be useless to anyone examining them for information. Had the one lens not survived I would not have been able to even determine that the one at least was a camera."

"Then we should go in early and do that." Alya said as the decided to do what they'd felt was impractical earlier. She was still upset with Chloe for her betrayal of them all, and the even more extensive support to Hawk Moth, but she was hoping they might be able to figure out his identity because of her. She laughed a little as she thought about her promise to kiss Chloe if they caught him. Chloe might be less inclined to help if she'd been serious about it.

"Looks like we have a plan." Luka stated and that's what they did. About an hour before the next PTAS meeting was to start, the group met together and went inside. Since the scanning device worked with Markov, there wasn't actually anything for the rest to do except to just look around themselves. Unfortunately none of them found anything, including Markov.

"So does that mean it's a bust?" Kim asked as he appeared to be picking his nose.

"The data is technically inconclusive. " Max stated. "The truth is, just because we did not locate any bugging devices does not mean there are none."

"What, then why did we go through all of this Robonerd." Chloe asked annoyed. Max seemed to take no offense at her nickname for him, in fact he smiled a little.

"The scanner I developed with Markov is only about ninety-nine point three percent accurate. There is still about a point seven percent chance that there is a bug in this room." Chloe's expression went blank.

"He's saying that there is virtually no chance there is a bug, that it's a near impossibility that one could still be here." Luka explained to her. Chloe's expression brightened a little, although Alya suspected it had more to do with the person translating for her then in the information itself.

"So we don't really have anything to fear from Hawk Moth?" She asked.

"Nope. We should be good here, at least today." Or maybe Chloe did actually brighten because of the information. Alya thought for sure the blonde wouldn't understand it.

MARINETTE

She really wanted to go home now. Everything had fallen apart. The one person who had been talking to her stopped. It had only been a couple of days, and Marinette felt so very alone. She'd thought it was bad before, but it was so much worse now. Now with only three contestants left, they were being monitored even closer, so her one reprieve of speaking with Tikki and Kaalki had been taken away by default.

Marinette spent most of her time sitting in front of the large TV, playing her favorite video game, getting extra brutal against the computer controlled enemies as a stress reliever. If nothing else, she was getting better at the game. Nadia and Aiden sat at the table talking while eating their lunch. They didn't mention her at all as they spoke in normal tones, which in a room that size allowed Marinette to hear them clearly even over her game. Apparently she didn't even rate negative talk anymore. That somehow made things worse. She had no way to get in on the conversation, at least not that she could see. She did another brutal take down of an enemy and started the next round.

"Good morning everyone." One of the staff members stated as he entered the room. It was the same guy who had allowed Marinette to have her secret spot for so long. She smiled at him, even though she knew he wasn't supposed to really interact with anyone. "I have some mail for all of you." He explained holding three high quality envelopes. The contestants all walked over to him, Nadia, Aiden and Marinette each received one. "I'm sorry to see you all alone. I wish I could do something for you." He whispered to her as he handed her envelope over last. "You remind me of my little sister." She smiled again.

"Thank you, I appreciate the thought." She replied and moved back to the couch to look at it.

"Is this for real?" She heard Aiden ask from behind her. Marinette opened her envelope.

"It's probably just for the next theme." Nadia replied. Marinette pulled out the high quality linen paper, with the lace border along the edges. In gold lettering were the words – You are cordially invited to the union of the Alec Cataldi and Nathalie Sancoeur." It also gave the time and place, which was of course that evening.

"No way they would have a wedding this fast." Marinette stated but was ignored.

"So what are you going to wear?" Nadia asked Aiden.

"I don't know. I didn't really bring anything for a formal event. Marinette noticed the crewmember was still waiting at the door. She got back up and walked over to him while glancing at the other two. They were still ignoring her.

"Is there a place to pick out clothes?" She asked in a whisper. He nodded and whispered the location to her giving her a wink. If they're going to ignore me, then there is no reason for me to try and help them, Marinette thought a little coldly. She left the room and went to the place the crewmember pointed out to her. She opened the door to a room filled with dresses, shoes and accessories. She grinned. Shopping was a way to get over, at least temporarily, her troubles and shopping without having to pay was even better. She knew she wouldn't be able to keep anything she grabbed, but who cared. She rushed through the room looking at everything.

Hours later Marinette got dressed in her room. She hadn't seen Nadia or Aiden at all while she was picking out clothes. Had they not gone too? Maybe they had a different spot for each of them, although the sizes of the clothing had all been different, so Marinette doubled they would have done that if they didn't expect all three to pick from the same selection. Then again with how they were ignoring her, maybe they just waited until she was done, since they weren't in the contestant quarters when she returned. Marinette got dressed in a simple black A-line dress, tan pantyhose and black mid height heels. She went with a subtle make-up style, even though there was no way it was a real wedding, she didn't want to go wild. She left her hair down but styled it in waves, similar to the way Alya's hair looked.

When she left her room, she noted that Nadia's and Aiden's doors were both closed, so they were probably getting ready as well. She thought about waiting for them, but in the end Marinette didn't feel like it. They'd probably just ignore her anyway. She didn't make it very far before she heard their doors open and the clicking noise from their heels reached her ears. She sped up a little, but they were faster and caught up and passed her.

"You think they'll throw us for a loop?" Nadia asked Aiden as she passed.

"No way, we have three weeks before the final judging, and doing wedding wear seems like a logical choice for that time. I am really excited to see the dress Gabriel designed for Nathalie. Did you know that he hasn't designed a wedding dress since he married his wife?"

"Really?" Nadia asked. Marinette wanted to chime in but kept her mouth shut. Once they entered into the studio area, a stagehand greeted them and showed them to their seats. The studio had been set up to look like a wedding venue, with a bunch of high quality white folding chairs laid out in two sections with the aisle down the middle. Standing up front was Alec in a nice tuxedo and Marinette had to do a double take at the officiator. It appeared to be a mannequin with a monitor for a head. A moment after they were seated, together and up front of course, the monitor turned on and the face of Gabriel Agreste appeared. Music began to play and everyone turned back to see Nathalie standing in the doorway.

NATHALIE

This was the outfit Gabriel had cheated on. With his other designs over all, he'd wanted to do his designs in the same amount of time as he was giving the contestants, but not this one. It really was the first wedding dress he'd designed since he and Emilie had gotten married, so he wanted it to be spectacular. Nathalie had never been one of those girls who dreamed of her wedding day. When she was younger, she mostly didn't care about relationships in general, at least not until she'd met Gabriel. He was the first person she could see herself with. That being said, she'd been surprised when he'd asked her about what she would want in a wedding gown. It was another occasion when she thought she would die on the spot because of her heart skipping a few beats then running hardcore to catch up with what it missed.

Gabriel gave her time to think about it. She looked at different wedding dresses online and discussed it with him. In truth, the idea of Gabriel designing a wedding dress specifically for her had raised her spirits to the highest of heights. She would probably never use it, unless he gave up on Emilie, and even then it was questionable. She did not give herself false hope that she could win his love just because Emilie was hypothetically out of the picture. Even so, it was a wedding dress for her designed by the man she loved and she was thrilled. Gabriel described the things he could do and improvements to the ideas she had. It felt truly like a collaboration, even more so then he'd done with Emilie all those years prior.

He'd decided to do the wedding theme for the final since they knew there would be three weeks for the contestants to work, and wanted a special project for that time as a test, even though he'd started his design the week he'd decided to do the show. Gabriel had done an amazing job on the dress as far as Nathalie was concerned. It really was the wedding dress she never knew she wanted. She smiled when she saw the reactions of those in attendance for her "wedding" to Alec. She stood tall and proud in her mermaid style wedding dress, with it's skirt hugging her legs to her knees, where it opened with a slit in the front showing off her lace stockings as she took her steps forward in her high stiletto heeled, strappy sandals. The waist came in giving her an hourglass figure she did not normally show off. The top of the dress curved at her breasts and had a deep "V" that traveled all the way past her bellybutton. The open area was covered by a sheer white fabric, which went all the way to her neck, appearing much like a halter top. The non-sheer parts of the dress had a lace overlay sewn in, with small iridescent beads.

Nathalie's arms were covered with a detached sleeve of the same fabric style as the main dress, which ended at mid upper arm at the top, and in a triangle at the back of her hand, with a little elastic circling to her middle finger to hold it in place. Most of her make-up was done to enhance her natural beauty, her eyelashes were extra long, but not out of place, and her lips were coated in a bright red. A sheer white veil, with a lace border, the same lace that had been used for the dress, covered her head and trailed behind her like a long tail as she walked slowly down the isle, her hands in front of her holding a bouquet with an assortment of white flowers.

Yes, she loved the looks she was getting from everyone because of her wedding dress and her slow walk had nothing to do with any impediment of her movement as some likely suspected but simply because of those adoring eyes upon her. She'd enjoyed the attention she'd received being one of the hosts and getting to wear new Gabriel designs, but this, this was so much more special. It was the adoration of a Gabriel design inspired from her own wishes. Once she reached the alter which had been erected on the stage, Alec turned to lift the front of the veil and settle it behind with the rest of it since she did not have anyone walking her down the isle.

"We are gathered here today, to announce the next theme in our contest." Gabriel's monitor announced. As he spoke Nathalie fantasized about Gabriel being across from her instead of Alec.

"Um Nathalie?" Alec asked. She'd been so lost in her thoughts she forgotten what was actually going on.

"I do." She replied. Alec and Gabriel's face on the monitor turned to look at her. She blinked and felt her checks flush with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I got too caught up in the dress." She admitted. Gabriel laughed a little and smiled.

"That's fine. I'm glad my design has had such an effect on you." He stated. She fawned, er, smiled back at him before turning to the "guests".

"A wedding dress for many is going to be a once in a lifetime fashion to wear, or at least that's really the hope many brides-to-be have. " She started getting herself back on script. There was a little laughter from the crowd from the joke.

"Although there are many who do an excellent job and specialize in wedding dresses, you may be asked one day to design one, so I want to give you that opportunity to do so now." Gabriel added.

"You will have until the morning of the last judging to come up with your designs." Alec continued. "However it won't be as easy as just designing and making the dress, you will also need to make a tuxedo and a bridesmaid dress."

"We will have mannequins available for the additional designs." Nathalie stated as a look of confusions passed over the three contestants.

"You can design and make as many as you have the ability to." Gabriel explained. "The requirement is one of each, but you can to as many of any of them afterwards. The judging will be mostly on the main set however. Do not neglect the quality of that design in order to increase your quantity."

"There will be people to help with embroidery and other embellishments. Gabriel does not want to hinder your creativity in this design at all. Your time will start when someone catches the bouquet." Alec said as Nathalie turned away from them and tossed it over her arm. The move was quick to keep the three contestants off balance, however she made note of where Marinette was sitting. She turned back in time to see that she'd aim perfectly and that Marinette had caught the bouquet. The looks of irritation and even anger on Aiden and Nadia's faces were priceless and exactly what she'd been hoping for.

MARINETTE 2

She hadn't really been all that interested in catching the bouquet, mostly because she was certain it would lead to even more animosity with Nadia and also Aiden, not that Marinette was as concerned about Aiden anymore. Nadia had stuck by her for so long that it really did hurt to have her ignore her like this. She really did wish Nadia would just get mad at her and have it out, and then maybe they could heal.

Nadia and Aiden did ignore her after they had missed the bouquet and went off together. Marinette knew they wouldn't work together on their designs, but it still annoyed her that they were making such a show of excluding her. Once again she felt the need to calm herself down. She knew she could not allow herself to be akumatized and even though she was positive they were outside of Hawk Moth's range, she knew it would be a slippery slope to give in to her anger. As much as she wanted to go home, she was in the final three now, and their attitude towards her, made her want to win again.

Marinette pulled a chair from around the table in the contestant quarters and dragged it out onto the balcony in front of her room and sat down with her sketchpad. It was at the moment that she realized she had no idea what she wanted to do for a wedding dress. She'd certainly spent more then enough time daydreaming about being a bride, mostly Adrien's, but she never really thought about her actual wedding dress. Every time she thought about it, it was a different design. Marinette wasn't sure what to do. She just stared at the blank paper and the end of her pencil.

In the case of the wedding dress, Marinette tried to think about what she really wanted herself. She figured it was the best way to come up with a design, but she just couldn't do it. She realized part of her problem was her mother. Not like a horrible mother problem, just that her mom had also been hoping she would consider going with a traditional Chinese wedding dress. Her mother had gotten married in a western style dress years ago. Sabine had dreamed of her wedding day and had loved both styles ever since she'd been a little girl, but in the end, she chose the western style because her and Tom had married in France. She loved her dress, but she still slightly regretted not going more traditional.

Marinette started working on her design. A traditional Chinese style dress using the wishes her mother had described to her as the basis. She'd make it a little more modern, but still very obviously Chinese. With that Marinette started to sketch furiously.

KAGAMI

"Who do you think would be better for Luka, Marinette or Nadia?" Kagami asked as they watched the two having the discussion about the boy on the television. Adrian ended up with a thoughtful look on his face, a look that Kagami found very attractive.

"It's really hard to compare the two." He stated at last. "I know Marinette but I don't know anything about Nadia except what we've been shown. Marinette hasn't been shown the greatest light either, almost like they're trying to make her out to be a villain. I don't think it's fair to try and decide." He explained. "Although I am certain Luka does like Marinette, and I thought she liked him too, but their relationship is so confusing."

"I understand." Kagami did notice that the show did portray Marinette more negatively then the others, but she had seen Marinette be devious before so it wasn't as cut and dry for her. Overall she thought Marinette was a decent person, but Adrien was correct about not really knowing Nadia. That girl was extremely confusing, especially when she did things like kiss Marinette's forehead like a family member would. Someone else's family member, her own mother would never do such a thing. "I would say it depends on what Luka is looking for in a relationship."

"Huh?" Adrian asked.

"It does seem to be true that Marinette is unclear about how she feels towards Luka. She came close to kissing him last week, but has not show that kind of affection since. Nadia however has shown that she is very willing to give him affectionate attention."

"I didn't really think about it that way." Adrien was once more distracted by the TV. "Alec and Nathalie are fighting? What happened?" Adrien asked as they continued to watch. "Wow." He added when he saw how Alec and Nathalie were fighting.

"Their choreography is well done." Kagami added.

"I like that they didn't try to add additional special effects in editing." Kagami gave a curt nod as they watched the selection process. She really wanted to use that as an opportunity to get closer to Adrien by claiming she did not know any of those creatures, however they'd watched enough fantasy anime and movies he'd never believe her. Then again, she mused, this is Adrien, he is pretty oblivious. It might work.

"I kind of wish they would show us the special effects process." Adrien said as the show went on. Kagami let her thought of tricking him go. "I think it's really interesting when they do make-up like that."

"We could always look it up online and try it." Kagami suggested as a joke, although one would not really be able to tell by her tone of voice.

"Maybe we should." Adrien's eyes practically sparkled when he said that. Kagami didn't reply. She wasn't really excited at that possibility, but instead noticed the designs Marinette was working on. "She is going in a much different direction then everyone else is."

"Wow, you're right. She's doing a futuristic thing. I wonder how it will turn out."

"But is that not that wrong? The theme is fantasy."

"Well Alec did say Sci-Fi Fantasy." Adrien commented at the same time Marinette replied "When Alec specified Sci-Fi Fantasy, I thought the Sci-Fi part would be good to play with", on the screen Adrien laughed at that. "I guess great minds think alike."

"I am so happy to hear that." Kagami remarked in a tone more devoid of emotion then her usual tone. They watched as Nathalie and Alec discussed the costumes and the practicality for those who would purchase them.

"I had not thought of that." Kagami admitted. "Would these be of any use to someone who purchased them?"

"Halloween maybe." Adrien suggested. Kagami knew Adrien would purchase them no matter what, but she was a little less enthused about following suit. She still wanted to support Marinette over the other contestants, but she had to admit, the way Marinette was being portrayed on the show made her less willing to. In her mind, she knew it was mostly the way things were edited, but her heart was more closely following the narrative created by the media.

"Your father seems to like her designs." Kagami noted as they continued to watch.

"That's good. Some of the others are really nice too, although that one guy's designs are going to give me nightmares." Kagami nodded in agreement. She did want Marinette to win since they were friends, but still. . .

"Oh my God, that explains it." Adrien stated a little excitedly when he saw Mr. Banana on stage. Kagami's confusion must have been obvious, since Adrien tried to explain. "The Mr. Banana costume. I remember seeing someone in a banana costume riding a scooter around the city a while ago. I thought I was imagining it."

"It would be an odd thing to see." She agreed. Was this the first time Adrien saw Mr. Banana? She knew about the character. Or maybe it did not occurred to him until just then, but why are his cheeks red? Is he embarrassed about it?

"I can't believe she's in the bottom two." Adrien exclaimed in reference to Marinette.

"It does not surprise me." Kagami countered. "She did not properly follow the theme."

"But she did really. She just when with the Sci-Fi part of it." Adrien argued. Of course he would defend her, Kagamai thought a little bitterly. I wonder if he would defend me like this if something happened? She knew the last thought was a little unfair. Adrien would defend all his friends.

"Do you think the studio is out of Hawk Moth's range?" Adrien asked after the sword tossed by Bobby fell rather limply to the ground and he was restrained.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Look at that guy, he'd be a perfect candidate to be akumatized, but there's not sign of an akuma. There have been other incidents on the show as well. I wonder if they are too far away for Hawk Moth to do anything."

"That would seem to be a logical conclusion." The two of them went silent when they heard the comment that was picked up on Aiden's mic., "Wow, look how well Marinette does when she doesn't have an in with the judges." They were both surprised to see the tears in Marinette's eyes as she ran off the stage. "What a sore loser." Aiden had stated just before the show ended.

"I don't think she was crying because she almost lost." Adrien stated. Kagami wasn't as sure as Adrien was, but nodded in agreement anyway.

WEEK 2

MARINETTE 3

It was strange not being given a new task or theme come the next week. She'd been so use to having to get her designs ready in only a handful of days she'd already finished her Semi-Traditional Chinese style wedding party designs. She loved the way they had turned out, but she realized she didn't want Juleka to model them. Not because she didn't think Juleka would look good in them, but because she remembered an incident not to long ago, where a cute blonde girl had worn a Cheongsam to her prom and was attacked on social media for it. It wasn't even the people of China who attacked the poor girl. They thought she looked beautiful. It was mostly Europeans and Americans who attacked. They yelled at her, media wise, for "cultural appropriation". People who want to segregate culture like that scared her. How long before they went from attacking multicultural things and started attacking multicultural people, like herself? She could defend herself as Ladybug, but being a superhero was a rare thing and not too many other mixed cultures people had that perk.

Even though she as the designer was part Chinese, Juleka was not, and she did not want those segregationist bigots attacking her friend. She would either wear it herself or put it on a mannequin when the time came, although she had to wonder if she'd be attacked since she was only half Chinese. Seemed very possible. She was able to change the heart and mind of her own grandfather, but she knew she couldn't do that for entire continents. That left her with the problem of designing another wedding dress. She started going through her sketchbook looking at some of her designs. She still didn't know what she would want, but she thought about what Juleka had told her she dreamed off for a wedding gown. I should make her wedding gown, Marinette thought. She wasn't sure if Juleka was still mad at her about the kiss, but if she was, maybe this would help sooth that a little.

JULEKA

Too many things had happened recently that caused Juleka stress. The normally quiet easygoing girl was finding herself angry. Rose noticed it on their last date, but Juleka couldn't talk about it then and hadn't seen Rose since. She was angry with her brother, angry with Marinette, angry at Cat Noir and even a little angry with Rose. She did not like being angry. Sure she often did the whole cliché emo thing, but even so anger wasn't normally involved. It was mostly her being dark and moody.

For the first time, she felt very alone and isolated. She wished she had someone else to talk to. She considered her mother, but this didn't really fall into the type of category her mother was good at dealing with. If not for the contract with the show, she could have talked to Rose easily about everything as it happened. Then again, if not for the show, most if not all of her stress inducing issues would have been a problem. How did everything get so messed up in life. She was finally dating Rose. Life should have been good but all she wanted to do was cry.

ADRIEN

At least now he understood why Marinette asked if he was really Mr. Banana. She must have remembered Cat Noir wearing the costume back when she'd had her only outing as Multimouse. Although that must not have made much of an impression on her considering she hadn't been one of the Miraculous users who came when Chloe had been called. Considering he'd been a failure as Aspik, he was betting he wouldn't have show up either. Well, at least not for the Snake Miraculous.

He was concerned about Kagami though now. She seemed like she was letting the show change her opinion about Marinette. He knew they didn't really get along well at first. Marinette seemed like she was really uncomfortable around Kagami, although in a different way then she seemed around him. Marinette was probably just worried because of how badly she'd screwed up the call during that fencing match. Of course he shouldn't have pushed her to give an answer either. Their own instructor couldn't call it earlier, why would someone who was just learning the rules be able to make a call. He'd been so dumb. He should have just told Kagami he thought she'd won the point at that point. No pun intended, he thought with a grin.

That had gotten Kagami akumatized so he could see the potential for a lot of stress in the girls' friendship over it. He couldn't help but think it was his fault upon reflection. Yeah, he should have said something then. Adrien didn't want to see Kagami and Marinette's friendship break apart since Marinette was the only other person Kagami's mom let her spend time with. Kagami needed to chance to go out more on her own. It was one of the reason Adrien spent as much time with her, to let her get out and meet other people, although that part hadn't worked out as well as he'd hoped either. It always seemed like they missed their previous chances to hang out with his other friends from school.

"..drien." He heard. He shook himself out of his thoughts.

"I'm sorry, what?" He asked.

"We have been sitting her for over a minute. Your bodyguard looks a little silly holding open the door." Kagami stated.

"Oh, wow, I am so sorry." He replied, feeling his embarrassment rise on his cheeks. Kagami let out a little laugh and smiled.

"It is fine as long as you were deep in thought thinking about me." She replied.

"I was actually." He smiled back at her. To his surprise, she actually blushed a little.

"I am glad." She whispered as he exited the car and held his hand out to her to help her out. The Gorilla handed Adrien a basket from the trunk of the car.

"I'll call you when we're ready." The Gorilla looked at him. "Seriously, we're just going to be with my classmates. You don't need to watch, we'll be fine." Then he whispered. "I hear the toy store a couple streets away received a shipment of new action figures." The Gorilla perked up and nodded to Adrien before getting back in the car.

"Yo, my man Adrien, good to see you." Nino's voice called from across the park. "Looking fine Kagami." He added. Kagami looked a little nervous.

"It'll be fine." Adrien whispered to her.

"Kagami!" Rose yelled and ran up to her and gave her a hug. Kagami looked uncomfortable for a brief moment but hugged Rose back. Adrien knew Rose was friendly overall, but this seemed surprising to him.

"Rose, I am very glad you are here." She replied and even petted Rose's head a little. Rose smiled and grabbed Kagami's hand to drag her over to the table they'd set up.

"Well, that just happened." Adrien said softly to himself and joined the others. Most of his classmates were there, including to his surprise, Chloe. Even more surprising she was sitting next to Alya of all people. Did I fall into another dimension, he wondered looking at them. He realized that almost all the former miraculous users were in attendance, except for Luka. Juleka wasn't there either. He figured their absence must have been due to their commitments to the show they were on with Marinette.

He watched as Rose started to introduce Kagami to everyone else. He was glad to see Kagami more at ease. Did Rose always have that effect on people? HE honestly would have expected Kagami to be even more nervous around someone like Rose who was so much more of an extravert then pretty much anyone else he knew. Not that he knew that many people.

When Rose eventually finished her rounds with Kagami, Kagami was standing near Alya and Chloe. The three of them were having a quiet yet heated discussion. Kagami looked angry at Chloe. Wait, are they talking about the Miraculouses? He wondered. He started to walk that way but Nino threw an arm over his shoulder and turned him towards the other boys from class. He never got a chance to hear any of the discussion between the three girls.

KAGAMI 2

The day had almost been ruined when she spoke with Alya Cersaire, almost. Alya was being a little too aggressive with trying to get her to join her miraculous group. Admittedly Kagami did want to, although not because she could no longer use the Miraculous because of Chloe, she'd already knew her time as Rouko was limited when she let out who she was when she fought her mother. No, it was because she liked the idea of have others to talk to about having been a hero for a brief time. She didn't know about the animosity that had been between Alya and Chloe previously, so it hadn't crossed her mind to find them being together so strange.

"You seem to be getting a little upset." Kagami noted. "You may wish to calm down and avoid possible akumatization." Alya just stared at her a moment, but Chloe was trying to hide a smile. Alya took a couple of breaths and signed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come off like that." She stated.

"I understand. If I could get away to spend time with the rest of you more often, I would be willing to do so. My mother does not like me just going out like that. She is very strict with my schedule."

"Oh, I didn't realize that." Alya remarked sadly. Kagami nodded.

"Why don't you just let Adri-kins cover for you." Chloe suggested. "Obviously your mother wants you spending time with him." Although the suggestion was good there was also obvious resentment in the last part of her statement.

"Perhaps that would work." Kagami seemed to think I over. "The problem with that is, I would loose my time with Adrien and we are meant to be together." A pair of unusual expressions crossed over the faces of Alya and Chloe when she made that statement. She ignored the looks as she thought it over. Adrien walked over.

"How are things going?" He asked sounding slightly concerned.

"Things are fine. I have been invited to a girl's event , but I can not go because of my mother's restrictions." Kagami explained.

"Oh, really." Adrien sounded surprised. "When is it? We could always tell her you're with me." He suggested. Alya looked surprised and Chloe just smirked a little.

"Oh, it's the day after tomorrow." Alya stated.

"That would be perfect then, we're already getting together to watch the show, I can have you picked up earlier and you can spend time with Alya and Chloe." He stated. "Then I can go hang out with Nino for a while. Alya's smile shifted a little but returned.

"I'm sure Nino will love that." Alya stated.

"That is wonderful." Kagami said with one of her terrifying smiles. The others all flinched at it. She really needed to work on smiling.

ALYA 2

She was strangely nervous. Alya hadn't expected to be nervous just because Kagami would be showing up at her home for the Miraculous club meeting. She'd had Luka, Max and Kim all hide in the twin's room only allowing Nino to be present. It was supposed to be a girl's day, according to Kagami, so only her and Chloe would be present as the only girls in the group.

"I have to give her credit for her quick lie." Chloe stated as she sat on one of the kitchen chairs with her legs crossed, foot swinging up and down. "But really, does she think that's going to help her with Adri-kins?"

"What other excuse should she have come up with?" Alya asked, but she'd been surprised by the quick lie herself. Isn't her culture supposed to be about honor or something? Is lying considered honorable? Alya was aware that some of her attitude towards Kagami came from the rivalry between her and Marinette. Even if Marinette had become friends with her, Alya was still having a hard time switching gears. She was also aware that some of her animosity came from Kagami's refusal to join earlier. It was a little petty to feel that way, especially after learning the girl's reason, but still it persisted. When the knock came to the door, Alya nearly tripped over her own feet in a rush to answer it.

"Good Morning." She smiled.

"Good Morning." Kagami replied with a slight bow.

"Hi." Adrien stated.

"My dude." Nino remarked holding out a fist. Adrien bumped fists with him.

"Thank you for bringing me, Adrien." Kagami stated before giving him a kiss on the cheek. Adrien smiled.

"My pleasure." He replied as Nino dragged him from the apartment. Once Adrien was gone, Alya offered Kagami a seat, which she took just as Max, Kim and Luka came out of hiding. Kagami greeted them all by name. They started to talk about their experiences as superheroes. Chloe didn't say anything, but Kagami did speak up.

"The first time I was Ryuko was supposed to be my last." She stated. "I revealed myself to my akumatized mother and Hawk Moth. I was disappointed, but I was also thrilled that I was able to have the opportunity. It came as a surprise when she grabbed me to do so again. Those were the only times I used a Miraculous." Alya glanced at Chloe who seemed to be seething a little at the mention of the second appearance of Ryuko. It made sense since that was the time her parents had been akumatized together. Why did Ladybug choose Kagami instead of Chloe that time? I know she'd told Chloe it was too dangerous to use her, but that hadn't stopped her in the past. Did Ladybug just prefer Ryuko for some reason?

Alya was surprised at the expression on Kagami's face. She could see just a slight curve to her lips. She was pretty sure Kagami was enjoying herself. Then again, she thought about the picnic in the park when Rose had not only hugged Kagami but introduced her around. Kagami had the same almost smile then too. It was honestly a little endearing to see. She'd always considered Kagami to be unfriendly and standoffish, but looking at her now, she felt like Kagami wanted to be friends with people.

"Your mother is the reason you don't get out more huh?" Alya asked before she realized she was speaking.

"That is correct." Kagami replied in her usual nearly emotionless way.

"We need to find a remedy for that." Alya remarked with a smile. The corners of Kagami's lips curled up a little further.

ADRIEN 2

"Wow." Adrien breathed as he watched the screen with Kagami, "That's so adorable." He cued.

"Yes, Marinette does make an adorable cat girl." Kagami agreed but sounded slightly annoyed too. "Although I imagine those shoes will be a problem for her."

"Huh?" Adrien asked.

"They have no heels and Marinette is not the most graceful girl around." The timing was just about perfect as Marinette had fallen while trying to chase Nadia. Kagami gasped when Marinette gave chase on all fours.

"She may be part cat." Adrien laughed as Marinette had little problem going after Nadia that way, but Nadia was still faster. Marinette stopped and sat on the ground crossing her legs.

"Giving up already?" Nadia laughed. Marinette just grinned before tearing into the buckles on the paw gloves with her teeth.

"I'll take them off, just stop chewing on them." Nadia exclaimed. Marinette looked at her and then started chewing again. Nadia rushed over and started to unbuckle the other glove.

"Thank you." Marinette said once they were off and she started undoing the shoes.

"Look at all the slobber on these." Nadia cried. "My poor gloves." Marinette rolled her eyes and Kagami couldn't help but laugh at the event.

"How come you still don't laugh like that when we're in public?

"My mother does not like public displays of any emotions." She explained. "She says doing such is a sign of feminine weakness."

"Are you serious?"

"Have you even known me to not be serious about my mother?"

"No. I'm so sorry to hear that. I think your mother might really be stricter then my father. He may get annoyed about laughing or crying in public, but he never called it a sign of weakness."

"Yes, I believe you are correct. I have been coming to the conclusion that my mother is what the Americans refer to a 'a hard ass'." Just hearing Kagami say that phrase in English caused Adrien to start laughing to the point his stomach started to hurt. Eventually he stopped and they went back to watching the TV.

"Looks like Marinette went with a simple design." Adrien remarked as the contestants started the obstacle course. "But what is Nadia thinking? There is no way she's going to be able to compete in that." Kagami appeared to be in deep thought.

"She will be fine." Kagami predicted.

"Those shoes alone will be a problem."

"She is constantly wearing high heels. I am sure she is more then capable of moving in them. If everyone else thinks the same way you do, she will have an advantage."

"I didn't think about it like that." He remarked. "I just remember the times I wore some and the problems I had."

"Hmm, perhaps you should wear them more often and get use to them." She suggested and even kicked off her own shoes. "They may be a little small for you, but not too much." She grinned. Adrien narrowed his eyes at her. She started to laugh again. He really preferred it when she was happier like this and laughing. He wished everyone else could see her this way.

"Fine." He said giving in and grabbing her shoes. They were a short heel, shorter then the Reflecta ones had been.

"I want to see you walk." She said with a huge smile plastered over her face. Adrien sighed and did as told. "We will have to work on it." She laughed a little and Adrien shook his head annoyed. He sat down just in time for the race to start. It became clear very quickly that Kagami was correct in her assessment of Nadia, but even so, Kagami looked as stunned as he felt.

"Sounds like Nadia had a strict father too." Adrien commented when she explained why she was able to make it through the obstacle course so easily.

"A little strict, but I would say also very practical. I wonder if I should incorporate heels into my training as well?"

"Sure, but leave me out of it." Adrien remarked with a chuckle. "Ewwww, Everett is wearing a thong."

"That backside should not be seen in public." Kagami agreed. Adrien went to the little refrigerator and retrieved a couple of sodas for them to drink as the continued to watch.

"Looks like Marinette is going with Ladybug and Cat Noir." Kagami mentioned upon seeing her initial designs.

"Makes sense. She's been rescued by them a few times. "I think she even helped them out when Nathaniel was akumatized into Evilustrator." He was pretty sure that had been mentioned on the Ladyblog so he wasn't afraid it would give out his identity. As they watched Marinette scrap her ladybug idea and go with Cat Noir for the dress Adrien exclaimed, "She's switched to just Cat Noir!"

"That is too bad, I really liked her Ladybug dress." Kagami mentioned and as she saw the Cat Noir dress take shape she smiled. "Ohh, I do like that one as well however. The green she is using is beautiful. It reminds me of Cat Noir's eyes." She sounded a little swoony to him. She must really like Cat Noir's eyes. I wonder if it's because they are fully green? She's never complimented my eye color before.

"See, told you, she's been rescued so often by Cat Noir." Adrien laughed at Marinette answer. Kagami laughed with him, but then Alec spoke up.

"So it wasn't inspired by this?" They both stopped laughing when the video of Marinette kissing Cat Noir played.

"Well," started Kagami. "They make a cute couple." Adrien wasn't sure if she was attempting a bit of levity at the situation or not. Before Adrien could say anything, Nadia's voice came through the speakers.

"Are you –BEEEEP- kidding me! First she knows like every judge in this competition, and now she knows the –BEEEEEEP- local super hero enough to make out with him. This is total bull –BEEP-!"

"Oh my God!" Adrien exclaimed as things on the screen heated up with Juleka yelling at Marinette before running off and Luka chasing after her, leaving Marinette all alone. Then came the conversation with Luka and Juleka about the near kiss with Marinette.

"I made out with Nadia." Luka confessed before the angle changed to focus on Juleka.

"What did Marinette say when you told her?" She asked.

"I didn't tell her." Juleka clearly did not like her brother's answer.

"Why didn't you tell her? Were you worried about her friendship with Nadia?" She paused a moment as he nodded. "You keep putting other people ahead of yourself. You need to stop it."

"But isn't that what you love about me? Sorry that didn't sound right." Luka had clearly been trying to make a joke, but it fell flat with Juleka.

"Then it doesn't matter. She was still leading you on and she kissed Cat Noir." The scene then cut back to the contestants with Adrien's father laying down the law, so to speak, about Marinette's involvement with Cat Noir and then the introduction of the guest judge Thomas Astruc."

"Oh no." Adrien frowned.

"What is wrong?" Kagami asked.

"Marinette did the whole Cat Noir theme, and I don't think Thomas really liked Cat Noir. That was the impression I got when I was doing the voice for him." Adrien explained.

"Oh hey, I know you. You don't have any of those macaroons on you again do you?" Thomas Astruc asked from the screen.

"What?" Kagami and Adrien asked together. They'd both been to the premier of course, and knew Marinette was there serving as a waitress, but really, Thomas remembered her because of the catering? That seemed so, so stupid. When Astruc made the comment "No accounting for taste." Kagami got to her feet and yelled at the TV about it. She was perhaps the angriest Adrien had even seen her outside of fencing. When the results were announced, they were both stunned.

"The Hawk Moth inspired designs won? How the hell is that possible?" Adrien asked.

"I can not believe Marinette still made second place after all the comments the judge made about Cat Noir." Kagami added and frowned. "Maybe it is true that the guest judges are giving her a higher score because they know her."

"No, no way." Adrien remarked. "Her designs were great."

"But that Astruc man does not like Cat Noir. What are the chances she could have received a high enough score from him to make second place?"

"What are the chances that a design inspired by a super villain would get first place?" He counted.

"Touché." Kagami responded. The episode itself finished off with the less then touching, but very emotional moment between Marinette and Luka, bringing the mood in Adrien's room down even further.

"I think it would be best if I just returned home now." Kagami suggested. Adrien got up. "Do not worry, I already called for my mother's car to pick me up here." She remarked. Adrien frowned and even though she'd said it wasn't necessary, he walked her to the car. It really felt like their night had ended poorly.

WEEK 3

ALYA 3

She still couldn't get over what she'd seen. Marinette kissed Cat Noir. As much as Alya wanted to see Cat Noir win the heart of Ladybug, even with the flirting she'd done with him as Rena Rouge, Cat Noir and Marinette were also an exciting prospect to her.

"If Marinette had shown that kind of initiative with Adrien, she would have won him easily." She said to no in in particular as she rewatched that part of the show. Around the 5th time she paid more attention to the technical part of the kiss scene and realized it had been slowed down and looped. She estimated the thirty second kiss on screen only lasted maybe four seconds. She had to give props to whomever had done the editing for the show since it fooled even her at first. So the kiss really was a quick thank you, a little more passionately then normal, most likely. Luka showed up earlier then the others for your miraculous meeting.

"Bro, at least I know why you've been so moody." Nino stated when Luka showed up. Luka stiffened.

"Played the episode did they?" He asked. Nino and Alya nodded.

"If it makes you feel any better, the kiss did not last as long as it appeared to." Alya said.

"But hey, at lease you got that Nadia chick." Nino added with a grin.

"Ugh." Luka responded annoyed. "I don't want that Nadia chick."

"Dude you totally seemed down with that."

"How do you get that impression?" Luka asked. While they spoke Alya had cued up Luka's chat with Juleka and played it.

"That is not right." Luka protested. "There was a whole lot more said then." Alya frowned. The conversation seemed pretty natural, but there were also a lot of cuts back and forth between the two and not a continuous shot of them together.

"Now that it's out there can you tell us what happened?" Alya asked. Luka seemed to think about it and then started to talk. Alya and Nino listened intently.

"My dude, you let a girl take advantage of you." Nino laughed.

"She assaulted you." Alya remarked giving Nino a dirty look.

"Not really." Luka said.

"Did you want her to do that?"

"No."

"Did you tell her to stop?"

"Yes."

"Then she assaulted you."

"Dude, chill Alya. Girls can't assault guys like that."

"Are you serious?" Alya exclaimed.

LUKA

"Don't worry about it." Luka stated feeling embarrassed by the conversation. He really wished he'd never said anything to Alya or Juleka. He just wanted the whole incident to go away. Didn't they understand, it's not like Nadia could have overpowered him if he hadn't let her. He could have thrown her off him, although she probably would have gotten hurt, and that was why he didn't. It's not like physically hurt him, although she had thrown him to the bed. He did feel guilty about it and even more so when he flirted with Marinette afterwards. He should have kept his mouth shut about the incident. He didn't like thinking about it.

MARINETTE 4

She'd designed her modern traditional Chinese wedding attire, her Juleka inspired wedding attire and something a little more western style wedding attire, based ultimately on what Rose had described to her that she'd wanted. Marinette was rather proud of her designs. She didn't know if they would win, but she was certain the people that inspired them would love them.

She hadn't spoken with Nadia or Aiden at all the last week. They hadn't even bothered to have conversations around her like they previously had. She'd been fully excluded from everything by those two. Sure Nathalie and Alec came around to talk about her designs a little. Gabriel Agreste had not done his usual tablet thing. He wanted to be surprised.

Worse yet, with all the time she'd spent trying to make the wedding designs, she'd had little time to spend talking with the Kwamies. It left her feeling more then a little down and stressed, but she'd managed to design and make, three wedding gowns, three groom's outfits, and a couple of bridesmaid's dresses. She actually overslept on the day of the judging and had to be woken up. Nathalie did the honors when Juleka and Luka had show up for the final fitting with Marinette nowhere in sight.

Juleka expression hardened when she saw Marinette. Marinette actually flinched just a little. She hoped Juleka liked the dress. She didn't even care if she won anymore, aside from wanting to beat the other two, she really just wanted to start fixing her friendship with Juleka.

"This dress was inspired by my mother." Marinette explained, "But It'll stay on the mannequin. This one. . ." Juleka interrupted her when she saw the third dress Marinette designed.

"That looks like something Rose would love." Marinette smiled and nodded before revealing the second dress. Juleka's eyes went as wide as tea saucers when she saw the her dress, the one she was expected to wear. "It's, it's beautiful." She gasped. Marinette wanted to cry with how happy Juleka looked but managed to control herself. Luka gave Marinette a smile and a slight nod of approval. She returned that smile.

"Luka, while I help Juleka into the dress, can you put on that tuxedo there?" She pointed to one that was designed to pair with Juleka's dress.

"Yeah." He replied.

Marinette helped Juleka slip on the dress and work all the small buttons and laces. Normally they would talk about the designs and other things while Juleka dressed, but this time Juleka didn't say much. She may have loved the wedding gown designed for her, but it seemed it wasn't enough to restore their friendship. Marinette couldn't keep the frown from her features. Juleka looked up in the mirror and their eyes connected through it but she looked away almost instantly. Marinette helped her with her stockings, shoes and gloves, lacing the tops of the gloves to the bottom of the sleeves before starting on the make-up. She would have left it to Juleka, however, and she hated to admit it even to herself, but she didn't trust Juleka to do it herself with the mood she was in. Once she finished she turned to Luka who'd finished getting dressed nearly forty minutes earlier and was practically laying in a chair in the changing area.

As Marinette helped Luka to his feet and helped to fix his tuxedo, she considered making a joke about the siblings dressed as a bride and groom, but considering that Juleka had gone silent after her initial reaction to the dresses, she decided not too. Instead she helped Luka with a little make-up as well to bring out his features and make him more presentable for the show. The extra mannequins along with her models were set up on an enlarged moving platform to be rolled to the judging area. Marinette, wearing the bridesmaid gown that went with Juleka's dress, walked alongside as the platform was moved. The show had an extended time slot, allowing for the events of the last three weeks to be played before the show went live on the air for the judging. Marinette was extremely nervous.

"Oh God." She heard Nathalie cry out, also in her wedding dress from weeks ago. Marinette watched as the woman ran from the stage area to someplace in the back.

"Is everything all right?" Marinette asked as Alec stood there still looking in the direction Nathalie had run.

"Her stomach has been bothering her all day." Alec explained.

"You wouldn't believe the smell." One of the crewmembers joked waving his hand in front of his nose. Alec shot him a dirty look.

"So what about the show?" She watched as Alec's expression shifted to something akin to worry.

"We're not sure. She's already taken some medicine for it, but it hasn't kicked in yet." He shook his head. "I really shouldn't be talking to you about this." He murmured. Everyone got into position for the judging to start. Nathalie made it back in time to pick up the tablet Gabriel Agreste used to interact with the contestants. The first they looked at was Aiden.

"Very Interesting." Gabriel Agreste commented as he looked at her main dress design. Dress wasn't really the right word for it. It was more like a Tuxedo, but using the same kind of materials, beading and lacing used in a wedding dress. It was very beautiful and unique. She also had a more traditional princes style wedding dress on the side. The tuxedo to match the wedding dress was black, with white highlights made from the wedding dress materials.

Nadia's main dress was an off the shoulder design, with an over the bust corset top, and a skirt that came to a point in the back just above the ankles, and swung upwards in the front to an upside-down V in the front just above knee height.

It had a somewhat rock and roll feel to it. She also had a more traditional style wedding dress on the side.

The Rose inspired wedding dress Marinette designed was in truth the sexiest of the three, a mermaid style gown, with a long train in the back and a sweetheart neckline. The back would have been open except for the sheer but embroidered material closing it. The embroidered designs were a rose pattern and where used around the dress strategically placed for impact.

"Both of your extra wedding gowns are exquisite. " Gabriel Agreste stated as he looked them over. "Very beautiful work on your more traditional Chinese style one." He specified. "I spent a lot of time in China in my youth." Gabriel seemed slightly down when he said that and Marinette had to wonder if he'd spent his time there with Adrien's mom. She noticed Nathalie discrettly passed the tablet to Alec before slowly backing away. Once she was out of the camera's view, she kicked off her heels and ran.

"Juleka was the inspiration for my final dress." Marinette explained as Alec held Gabriel's tablet up so the camera on it could get a good look at the dress. It was a more traditional princess style wedding dress, looking like something you might see in an old Disney animated feature with its wider skirts, long train, and Queen Anne neckline. The gown itself was lavender with an embroidered lace overlay. The gloves were shoulder length and connected to the partial sleeves of the gown with ribbons. The veil matched the lace overlay and as they watched Luka lifted the veil from Juleka's face and gently rested in the back as the father of the bride would do at an actual wedding ceremony. It was something Marinette knew Luka already planned to do for Juleka for real in the future if she got married since their father had long passed away. Marinette could feel a little dampness slip from her eyes as she watched. She noticed Juleka even had a couple of tears in her eyes.

"Very nice Marinette and a bold choice of choosing a non-traditional color for your main dress.

"Thank you sir." She replied wiping a couple of tears from her eyes.

ADRIEN

"Poor Marinette." He said softly as he watched the way she'd been treated by the other two girl's on the show over the last few weeks.

"You could have gone to see her again as Cat Noir." Plagg suggested as the kwami held up a large chunk of his favorite stinky cheese.

"Oh yeah and let them get more footage of her and him together to use on the show. I'm sure that would have turned out well." Adrien said annoyed. When the live portion started he leaned forward on his couch a little to better pay attention. He was happy to hear the compliments his father gave to Marinette. He thought Juleka look especially beautiful in the gown. It suited her surprisingly well, even thought he would have imagined her in something with a little more gothic sexiness to it.

"And now for our final special guest judge, a woman of style who spends her lime split between the New York and Paris fashions scenes, the Style Queen herself, Audrey Bourgeois." Alec announced in an over hyped manner. I bet she wanted that in her contract, Adrien thought with a smile. The screen had split as it had often donerecently showing Marinette's reaction as the guest judge came out, since she'd been familiar with so many of them. Marinette looked strangely calm and worried both. Chloe's mother was bad with names, but not with faces, unlike his father, but he was betting Marinette didn't know that. He was aware that Marinette ended up turning down Audrey's offer to work with her after one of his father's recent fashions shows and Audrey did like to hold grudges.

"Oh my, is that Mara I see there." She held her hand over her eyes as one would do to block the sun to get a better look at something in the distance. Like Chloe, Audrey could be very dramatic.

"So you know Marinette?" Alec asked, not even looking surprised this time.

"Oh yes, Martha there turned down an offer of employment from me." She stated with a frown. "But I digress, I won't hold that against her as I judge." She had a wicked grin on her face then.

"Well I am glad to hear that Audrey." Gabriel stated from the large monitor.

"Of course, I'm just surprised you'd have her as a contestant, Gabri-kins, considering her relationship with Agreste-junior."

"What?" Adrien's father asked.

"Agreste-junior?" Alec asked confused.

"Why yes Gabri-kins, my Clarissa always complains about how she's hanging all over your child at that school they go to and trying to break up my Clara's relationship with your son." She stated. Nadia and Aiden bot looked confused as they tried to keep up with the names. "Although in the cut throat world of fashion having such a trump card would be a boon to any inspiring fashion designer. She's obviously much more calculated then I gave her credit for after turning me down."

"Is that true Miss Dupain-Cheng? Are you involved with my son?" His anger was readily apparent.

"Well, I um, we go to school together and we're just friends, nothing more." Audrey laughed at that. And Marinette looked like she was about to panic and seemed to be searching for something or someone.

"Nathalie. She's looking for Nathalie to clarify things." Adrien stated remembering what Nathalie had mentioned to him at the beginning.

"This bull shit needs to end!" the voice of Nadia cried out. "You lousy little bitch. Thinking seducing Mr. Agreste's son would help you win." There had not been enough of a delay to bleep her words.

"I didn't think you had that in you." Aiden growled. "All this time you played oh so innocent and here you were with such a devious plan."

"No, that's not true." Marinette cried out with tears in her eyes.

"Did you really think being friendly with my son would help you win this contest? Do you think I have no integrity?" Adrien's father asked or more like accused. "Not only are you disqualified but I can see litigation in your future."

"Nathalie." Marinette croaked. She was in full tears now. Luka had jumped off the platform and was rushing to get to Marinette even as some of the stage crew tried to stop him unsure of his intentions. Adrien jumped up from his couch and started to run to the door to get to his father's office to put a stop to this. As he pulled the door open he heard a number of screams from the TV and turned to see a black screen. It appeared the lights at the studio had gone out. A moment later dozens of red glowing butterflies appeared.

TO BE CONTINUED

NOTES:

I know this chapter has been a long time coming. It was a hard one to figure out since I had three weeks with no show to film. I thought about doing all three as spate chapters, but then just did them as one. Plus I have to admit the last of comments or reviews on the last chapter really didn't give me the same excitement to write that I had in previous chapters.

I feel like my description of Nathalie's wedding dress does not do justice to the image in my mind. I apologize for that.

I butchered the spelling of smiled so bad it auto corrected to saw mill

Misspelled Ladybug as Lazybug

I'm writing Kagamo instead of Kagami. Whenever I see that error I image a clown, not Kagami as a clown mind you, just a random horrifying horror movie clown. BTW, not Pennywise. Pennywise's design doesn't really bother me on that level. Honestly feels kind of tame.

I don't think I've done a cliffhanger ending on a chapter in this story before. Sorry GeekQueen, I know how much you hate those. Muahahahaha.

PEACE AND LOVE!

Remember reviews and notes help fuel the will to write.