I figured everyone deserves an overview of Krissy's 'gang.' I read a review and realized it might have been confusing. I'm not too worried about the OC's because they are just there to bring my vision alive. But before we jump into today's story- we'll start a slight backstory and proper ages for each of the OC's! And then it jumps right into chapter three.
ANIMALS:
Animal: Cat; Color: Black; Gender: Female; Name: Demonica; Mommy: Krissy
Animal: Cat; Color: Orange; Gender: Male; Name: Ray; Mommy and Daddy: Ronald and Daisy
Animal: Dog; Color: Brown; Gender: Male; Name: Brownie; Mommy: Krissy
Animal: Dog; Color: Brown; Gender: Female; Name: Hershey; Mommy and Daddy: Gabriel Sr and Mary
Animal: Cat; Color: Gray; Gender: Male; Name: Ash; Mommy: Krissy
Animal: Cat; Color: White; Gender: Male; Name: Vanilla Ice; Daddy: Jamal
Animal: Dog; Color: Black; Gender: Female; Name: Maya; Mommy: Isabella
Animal: Dog; Color: Black; Gender: Female; Name: Meatball; Mommy and Daddy: Gabriel Sr and Mary
Animal: Dog; Color: Gold; Gender: Female; Name: Artemis; Mommy: Krissy
Krissy is 29. Single. She was 15 when Adrien was born.
Gabriel is 39. He was 25 when he had Adrien and he was 10 when Krissy was born. When he was eighteen he left without saying goodbye.
Krissy was eight when Gabriel left home. She was smart. She tracked her brother down. He moved into an apartment far away from his family.
He was surprised when he got home from work one day to find Krissy ransacking his fridge.
"What the hell are you doing here?" He looked around. No sight of his parents, "alone?"
She explained, "looking for you, dummy. Mommy is sad. You need to come home or at least call her. You missed daddy's birthday."
"You need to leave! Find your way home, Krissy. Get out."
"You're going to let a little girl walk home alone? You know how far we are from the house, right?"
Gabriel grunted, "you made it here by yourself, you can make it back by yourself."
"That was different. I snuck out. Most grownups who know kids snuck out, drive them home to make sure they get back safely."
"I'm not most grownups, Krissy. Get going."
Krissy cried, "you suppose to be my big brother."
Gabriel sighed, "I suppose to can come with me."
Krissy tilts her head, "what?"
Gabriel explains, "I am going to Pairs. This woman thinks I can make it as a French designer."
Krissy says, "oh yeah. I can only see one flaw in that. Mom's Italian who moved to the United States when she was 14 or 15 and Dad's born and bred American. We were both born in America. Where the hell do you hear french anywhere in this description?"
Gabriel almost laughed. Her voice was high and cute. But he knows what route she's going down if she stays in this city with their parents. "My French is impeccable. I can teach you. I can persuade mom and dad to give their parental rights to me. I can raise you. I'll give you things mom and dad can't even dream about. For starters, I'll make sure the lights never get turned off."
Krissy snaps, "I'll never abandon mom and dad."
"Then you can leave."
Krissy pouts "your a real jerk, you know that."
Gabriel shrugs, "it's a shame really. Your such a brilliant young lady, but mom and dad's bad influence will turn you into white trash."
"Fuck you."
"oh, already learned how to swear. Nothing more precious than a little girl cursing."
"Enjoy your richy rich person city. Hope you remember to call."
Gabriel was 20 when he met Natalie. He loved Natalie. She was so efficient. And never faltered. He never had an assistant, but his company started to gain traction and knows deep down it was because of that lovely woman. At the young age of 21, he had the city eating out of the palm of his hands. And he met the love of his life. He forgot all about his family. Until Adrien was born and got a call from his sister.
She wanted to see the baby. But he declined. That first year, Krissy was relentless with the calls. But then Adrien turned 1 and Krissy took it down a notch. Every year without fail, until Adrien was 6 Krissy called on Adrien's birthday trying to hint to either come home to celebrate or fly them out there. Gabriel called her awful names. Told her to stop calling. And she did.
Then his wife 'disappeared' and Krissy called him.
"I told you to stop calling."
Krissy sighs, "yeah, but then I heard about your wife and I thought you might... I just wanted to check on my big brother, you know."
"I don't need you to check up on me."
"You're a fucking douche. I call to offer you my condolence and you flat out just gonna be a dick."
"Goodbye, Krissy."
"No, wait." Gabriel didn't say anything, but he also didn't hang up. "Is Adrien okay?"
Gabriel rolls his eyes, "your not talking to him."
"I didn't ask to. I asked if he's okay!"
"He's fine. He's an Agreste."
"Jordan!"
And Gabriel hung up.
Kids:
Andrew (age nine): His parents were abusive and neglectful. How he ended up under the care of his aunt Daisy and 'Uncle' Ronald. Ronald was the one to notice the abuse and told Daisy something seemed off with her brother and his wife. Daisy decided to look into the situation a little more thoroughly. Andrew was taken in by Daisy when he was 7.
Elana (age five): Mother (single mother): Isabella Lopez. Father: Tyrone Moore. Elana is in full custody of her mother.
Daisy and Ronald: long-term relationship. Dating.
Ronald (age 29): Grew up in Foster Care and didn't really have a plan when he turned 18. Krissy and Ronald were best friends growing up. After she got her home, she gave Ronald one of the bedrooms.
Daisy (age 28): Was disowned by the rest of her family when she 'wrongfully' took Andrew away from her brother. She found a room for rent for her and Andrew. But Ronald was not allowed there. After she announced she was pregnant, Ronald asked Krissy if he can move his girlfriend and nephew into the house. Krissy couldn't turn away a little boy and a pregnant woman.
Krissy happily invited Daisy and Andrew to live in her house with Ronald. And to think Daisy didn't like Krissy and Ronald's friendship at first. Daisy is due in a few short months now.
Isabella (age 31)
Became friends with Krissy through one of Krissy's many jobs she has had over the years. Isabella messaged Krissy when Tyrone kicked her and Elana out of their apartment. Isabella is currently struggling to get child support from Tyrone. Krissy told Isabella she ran out of rooms, but she was still welcome to stay. Isabella and Elana sleep on Krissy's couch.
Jamal:
Friends with Krissy. Jamal didn't have a close nit family and struggled to get a steady job with a criminal record. His own family disowned him when he was convicted. Krissy was there for him when he was released and Krissy gave him a place to stay and helped get him a job but he does not make nearly enough to move out onto his own just yet and after staying with Krissy and her makeshift family, he doesn't want to. He loves the disfunction and love.
Regina:
Not in a relationship with Jamal, but there is a second bed in that room. So when Krissy offered her a place to stay, Regina shacked up with Jamal. Regina just turned 21 recently. But she was invited into Krissy's house when Krissy found her on the street at 17. Regina ran away from her parents at 13 because her mother's boyfriend was touching her. Krissy was feeling extra generous because it was Christmas time. Regina was not treated like a child. Krissy told her, she can come to her house, but she was expected to get a job and take care of herself. Regina is now 21, and close friends with Krissy. Regina is sick to her stomach when she thinks about the what if's. What if she listened to her gut and didn't come home with Krissy. What if she left when Krissy said she would have to shack up with a boy. And she laughs when she remembers how scared she was when Krissy explained Jamal had been to prison. But now Jamal and she are good friends and she knows Jamal would die before hurting her. And he's a secret softy. Though she can't stand the number of girls that come through her bedroom. Thank god she has learned how to be a heavy sleeper.
Oliver:
Before Isabella was invited, he slept on the couch. But he offered the couch to her and Elana when they came to the house. Oliver grew up with Krissy and Ronald, but they weren't friends when they were kids. Oliver was kind of a douchbag to Ronald and that was Krissy's best friend so Oliver got beat up by the girl more than once (though he'll never admit he actually lost those fights). Krissy was going to let him rot, but to Oliver's surprise Ronald (someone he bullied pretty bad back in the day) asked Krissy to give Oliver a place to stay. She would do anything for Ronald. Oliver, at that point, lost everything. Oliver didn't fit into the ideals his family stood for. Being gay and all. So, he had forced himself to marry a woman, who took everything when their community turn their back on him after they discovered the truth. His parents disowned him. His so-called friends left him. He had literally nothing and nobody.
Mary and Gabriel Sr (Gabe)
Krissy's parents. When Krissy turned 18, her parents finally lost their house. Krissy worked hard. She called Gabriel a few times to try to get help, but her calls were mostly denied. She eventually was able to get her and her parents a home. And she built a family inside that home. They do not have a lot of money, but they have more than enough love.
And now, on with the story!
Hours. They have been arguing for hours. Tom and Sabine were at a near loss of words when they were not given a good reason why they couldn't take Adrien home with them.
The lady looks at the clock: 8:07 pm. "It's bedtime. You need to leave!"
Tom slammed his fist on the table. Through gritted teeth, he says "not without Adrien!"
Sabine put a hand on his shoulder to attempt to calm him down.
The woman behind the desk doesn't care. "I have orders. The boy stays put. Understand?"
Tom growls, "we'll leave, but we are coming back every day!"
The woman rolls her eyes and with a sigh "looking forward to it."
As they reach the door, Sabine tries one more time, "Suzanne, he's just a boy."
"I have orders. He is supposed to stay here. And I can't say any more on the manner."
Marinette approached her parents hopeful. "So?"
Tom shakes his head, "I'm sorry sweety. We really tried."
Luka was surprised, "they wouldn't grant custody?"
Tom growled, "no. And without a good reason too."
Sabine looked around and asks, "what happened to Chloe?"
Alya explained, "her father called her and demanded she go home."
Marinette adds, "I never heard the Mayor speak like that to Chloe before."
Alya suggests, "I think Chloe was surprised too."
Tom asks, "did Nino go home too?"
Alya says, "no. He's still with Adrien. I'll go get him."
Sabine called after her, "we'll wait right here for you two."
After a few minutes of hunting down the room, Alya was able to successfully find it.
She knocked softly. A few moments later Nino peaked his head out. "So?"
She shook her head. "No. After all that. No. And it's time to go."
Nino turned his head and said, "I'm going to visit tomorrow after school."
Adrien slowly nods, "okay."
Nino pulls his phone out of his pocket. He removes the screen lock. He hands Adrien his phone. "I'll bring a charger tomorrow, but if anything happens, call Alya."
Alya says, "ooo, wait. I have a charger you can have." She pulls one out of her bag, handing it to Nino, who in turn hands it to Adrien.
Adrien says, "I can't take your phone."
Nino snorts, "it's fine. I have a tablet at home. Just until we can get you a phone."
Nino hugs him and whispers in his ear, "if you feel like doing anything like that again, you call us."
Alya waited until Nino was out the door. She says "Marinette and I are here for you Adrien. One of us will be bound to pick up, so don't look at the time. Wake us up if you have to!"
Adrien nodded, "thanks, Alya." And she shut the door. And Adrien was alone. He hasn't been alone in so long.
Alya smiles, "that was kind of you."
Nino doesn't say anything.
Alya sighs, "do you want to hold my phone tonight?"
Nino was surprised, "you would let me keep your phone for the night?"
Alya hands him the phone and he gingerly takes it. "I'm spending the night with Marinette anyway."
Nino wraps her in a hug and kisses the crook of her neck, "best girlfriend in the world."
Nino quickly shot Adrien a text explaining, 'Alya gave me her phone for the night.'
Adrien sent a few smiley-faced emoji's. Then sent, 'cool. Maybe you'll let me text Plagg later?'
Then add's '^^^^delete that.'
Nino did delete both the prior messages. And sent a thumbs up before texting, 'he's your Kwami, bro. Whatever you want.'
Then added, 'I'm deleting that ^^^^^ too.'
With Nino... and Plagg!
Nino enjoyed having Plagg. It was similar to when he had Wayzz but still different enough. Plagg was not that supportive. But he was still fun to be around. But Plagg was also a constant reminder of Adrien's situation.
Nino plopped on his bed, "this is a nightmare."
Plagg agreed. "Adrien will be fine." Then he decided to ask, "are you okay, though?"
Nino looked up, "what? Yeah, I'm fine. Why you ask?"
Plagg said, "your mother is..."
Nino finished, "troubled. It's fine. She just gets like that. Ignore her."
Plagg says, "she wasn't like that with your little brother."
Nino shrugs, "well Chris... Let's keep this about Adrien."
Plagg pouts, "your the boss."
Nino shakes his head, "no man. Were friends. I don't like talking about my mother because... I rather just talk about Adrien. Or anything really. You are like a bajillion years old. You probably got some killer stories."
Plagg shrugs, "I have a few." Then smirks, "I suppose."
With Krissy.
The plane ride was so long. Despite naping for most of the ride, Krissy knew she could sleep some more. Krissy followed each and every command until she made it through customs. At the front counter, she asked, "you got a list of motels?"
They did supply her with a list. A pamphlet of tourist hot spots. With pictures. She skims through the pamphlet. Not exactly what she has in mind. If this was a cartoon, her eyes would have turned into dollar signs that explode.
"Oh, no, no, no. I said motels." Then she says, "know what... Never mind. Which of these is the cheapest?"
The man behind the counter asks, "cheap in experience or finance?"
Krissy was not amused. "You know damn well what I meant, bruh." She rolls her eyes. Annoyed. "Come on, man. I don't gots all night. Like... I got a big day starting in a few hours. Lots of shit to settle. All so I can come back here to take another long-ass plane ride."
The man was annoyed with her. Thinking to himself, 'why do these Americans come to Paris if they don't have money.' He looks at his phone. He looks up 'cheapest hotels in Paris.'
He jots down the address the one at the top of the list. "Here." This should be in your price range.
Krissy says "cool. Appreciate the help, man." Krissy places the address in her GPS and then walks toward the door. She switches it from automobile to walking. With a sigh of relief, "59-minute walk." She sarcastically mutters, "awesome."
Krissy slowly makes her way down the street.
With Adrien.
"father?" Adrien looks at himself. He looks young. "Mother?"
Emilie turns around, "well there's the birthday boy."
His father chuckles. 'Did father use to laugh?' "how's it feel to be eight?"
'I'm eight?' Adrien looks in the mirror. 'Am I dreaming?'
Adrien was shaken from his thoughts by his mother picking him up. His mother gawked, "isn't he the cutest?"
His father looked down at him, "the image of perfection. Just like his mother."
She giggled, "oh you." She placed Adrien on the ground. "Go get ready."
His father agreed. "Your friends will be here shortly. For your party."
Adrien got excited. 'Friends.' And he zipped up to his room to put on his formal attire. But when he ran back downstairs it was just Chloe and... Felix. 'I don't have friends.'
Adrien's head fell slightly. 'wait I remember this day. No. No. No. I don't want to live this again.'
But the scene changed quickly. Adrien stared in horror at the box that gave him nightmares for weeks. 'Why here. What is happening? Why now?' The scene flashed again, this time Adrien was in the box. And he remembered how the story goes. "Felix, let me out. Felix Please let me out!" He bangs and bangs but no one answers. 'No, he's out there. He hears me!' So again, louder, "Felix. Please. I want to get out now. Let me out!"
He remembered this. Felix jumps on the box, startling him. Felix sneers, "why should I? I could let you die, you know! Take your place. Live this fantasy life!"
Adrien remembers crying. But he doesn't remember how he got out. But right now he just listens to Felix. Felix only said it once. But now he's repeating himself. 'It's just a dream.' Adrien knows he can control it if he just tries hard enough.
But he doesn't get a real chance to try, because he was jolted awake. Temporary panic set in when he realized his ring was gone, but then he remembered allowing Nino to hold onto Plagg.
Adrien looks around and finally sees another boy. Looks to be about his age.
The boy says, "Listen, here's the thing. I'm taking the bed. If you are nice, you can stay. On the floor."
Adrien was confused, "um, this is my room."
"No. Not right now anyway." The boy noticed Adrien was confused, so he elaborated, "I just spilled some soda on my blankets. You can't expect me to sleep on a wet mattress with no blanket, right?"
Adrien asks, "So where am I supposed to sleep?"
The boy laughs, "I just told you. You can have the floor."
But Adrien doesn't move.
The boy says, "come on, rich boy! You know your place. Get on the floor."
Adrien rolls his eyes, "fine." Adrien was pulling the blanket with him, but the other boy quickly snatched the blanket before hopping onto the bed. "Hey."
He simply says, "blanket stays."
"It's freezing in here."
The boy chuckles, "that's why I need the blanket."
Adrien complied. Glaring. He grabs Nino's phone from the bedside table and makes his way to the corner of the room.
Adrien cringes when he hears, "good boy." Then the taunts continued, "you make a pretty obedient pet. Maybe I'll just keep you."
Adrien glares, "you have my bed, leave me alone."
The boy shrugs. With a yawn, he says, "I thought it was funny."
Adrien hovers over the send button. A simple question: 'are you up?'
Adrien was nervous about sending the text, but then remembered Alya's words from earlier. He pushes send.
He didn't have to wait long for the reply from Nino (using Alya's phone): 'I am now -insert emoji sticking tongue out- What's up.'
'nm.'
Nino wasn't buying it, 'something's up.'
Adrien bit his lip, 'I just wanted to talk.'
Nino asked, "can I call you?'
'Probably a bad idea.'
Nino calls him anyway. Adrien picks up. Whispering he says, "what did I just tell you?"
Nino squints, "why are you whispering?" When Adrien doesn't say anything, Nino continues "are you on the floor?"
Adrien sighs, "when are you coming over to visit?"
Nino says, "after school. And Marinette's parents are coming too. They are going to try to take custody of you again."
Adrien asks, "really?"
Nino assures him, "of course. Tom said they are going to keep coming back until you are safely at their house."
Adrien smiles. 'I have never been so wanted.' But don't say that out loud.
Nino asks again, "wanna tell me why your not in your bed?"
Adrien sighs and turns the camera to the boy sleeping in his bed.
Nino asks, "who the hell is that?"
Adrien turns the phone back around. "I don't know. He spilled something on his bed, I guess."
Nino was confused, "and where do you fall into that scenario?"
Adrien shrugs, "He just made me get on the floor so he can take my bed."
Nino bites his lip, "I do have Plagg."
Adrien tilts his head, "I know that? Thanks again?"
Nino suggests, "I could transform and bring you blankets?"
Adrien shakes his head, "no. I told you..."
Nino interrupts, "but it's nighttime. Maybe she won't see?"
Adrien was unsure. Nino could read that all over his face.
"Listen, I'm sorry I suggested it. I just don't like the idea of my best friend sleeping on a concrete floor, especially without a blanket."
Adrien sighed, "I love you for that." Then he suddenly asks, "you promise you won't get caught?"
Nino smiles, "I promise. I'll be there in a jiffy."
Adrien reminds, "de-transform before approaching the building. I'll meet you by the door. It's probably locked, but there is a mail slot."
Nino was ecstatic. "You got it. I promise no one will be the wiser.
Nino did make it to the facility without being caught by anyone. Nino slowly walked to the door with a blanket in hand. He smiled when he saw Adrien patiently waiting by the door. Nino couldn't hold his excitement back from seeing his best friend. Adrien jumped to his feet when he spotted Nino.
Adrien lifted the mail-slot panel, "hey?"
Nino smiled, "hey. As promised."
Plagg slipped past the door and gave Adrien a hug, "I miss you."
Adrien hugs Plagg, "I miss you too buddy."
Nino says, "I am going to slip a piece of the blanket into the mail hole here. You're going to have to pull."
Once Adrien pulled the entire blanket through the tiny hole, he wrapped it around himself. "Thanks, Nino. This means a lot."
Nino smiles, "Yeah, well I would do anything for you."
Adrien yawns. "You promise you're going to visit tomorrow?"
Nino assures, "I wouldn't miss a chance to hang with my best bud. I gotta get home before someone notices I'm gone."
And Nino backed away. Adrien waited for Nino to be out of sight before walking back to 'his' room. Adrien knows that he probably could have found another blanket in the facility if he tried, but a few minutes of seeing Plagg and Nino were worth it.
Adrien slowly entered the room. He quietly shut the door behind him and made himself a spot in the corner. Leaning against the wall. he allows himself to close his eyes.
Nino, still transformed, was stealthily making his way through the city. When he came to a stop. Noticing something unjust. But this issue would be better solved as Nino, vs Shade. He's only a block or two from his house. He made his decision. "Claws out." Nino now has a better look. The poor woman's bag- broke? It looks like it broke and she's struggling to gather her belonging.
Plagg was confused, "uh, this is not your house."
Nino says, "I know, I just got to help that tourist first." The few people out at this hour were not interested in helping her. 'More tourist.'
Plagg argues, "Adrien doesn't want you getting caught with the ring."
Nino says, "I am not transformed. It will be fine. Just hide Plagg."
Nino made his way to the person in need of help.
"Ma'am, would you like assistance?"
She looks around until she spots Nino. She didn't bother to hide the surprise that someone offered to help her. With a deep accent, she says, "I ain't gots money for you."
It takes Nino a moment to understand what she said. He then noticed the translation device on her ears. Nino smiled before saying, "I don't need money. Just let me help you."
And she shrugs, "well, if you don't mind. Why the hell not. Thanks."
Nino began helping her pick up the few items that have gone astray. He says, "I'm Nino."
She was more focused on gathering her things. She utters a single word-her name "Krissy."
Nino then says, "you have a deep accent." Then asks, "where are you from?"
She looks at him, "uh New York."
Nino says, "that's cool. A new student at school is from New York. She's super nice."
Krissy starts to laugh, "nice?" Then through her giggles, "What happened? The real New Yorkers run her out?"
Nino was confused, "what?"
Krissy rolls her eyes, "New Yorkers ain't nice."
Nino argues, "I think you're nice."
Krissy snorts, "Yeah, well... try to steal my shit and see how nice I am." Then she says, "you go to school? Here in France? 'Cause, shouldn't you be in bed or something? Ain't this a school night?"
Nino shrugs, "I was just heading home."
Now that all her belonging were back in the damaged suitcase, Nino waved bye.
Krissy stopped him, "wait. Kid. Maybe you can help me?"
Nino was eager to help.
Krissy explains, "my phone telling me this" she shows him the picture "is supposed to be right here, but I be wondering for like 15 minutes. I can't find it."
Nino knows the hotel she is looking for because it is a few doors down from his house. Nino explains, "it's around the corner. Uh, basically on the other side of that shop. But that place closed down for the month because of an infestation."
Krissy was disappointed, "oh great. You're kidding me, right?"
Nino apologizes, "sorry, miss. But there are more hotels. Nicer places than that anyway."
Krissy rolls her eyes, "I can't afford nicer. Thanks again for the help, kid. You better get home."
Nino pouts, "Wanna come to my house for the night?"
Krissy scoffs, "didn't your parents ever teach you stranger danger?"
Nino shrugs, "you don't look too dangerous."
"But you don't know me. I could kill you in your sleep for all you know!"
Nino chuckles, "are you going to kill me?"
Krissy licks her lips. Amused. "Well no, but a killer would say the same thing." Then she adds, "despite that, I know about stranger danger and I am not going home with you. That's how pretty American girls end up missing in foreign countries. You could be working for some deranged lunatic."
Nino laughs, "okay, okay. I see your point. There is another hotel near the water. That's a hot tourist spot so they may not have vacancies, but you could try there. The rooms go for nearly two hundred euros. Um, in the US currency I think the rooms are more than two hundred."
Krissy smiles, "well, better than nothing I guess." She looks back at Nino, "don't let me read in the paper tomorrow you got yourself killed."
Nino laughs, "I'll be careful, though I assume you can't read French."
Krissy laughs, "yeah, you right."
Plagg whispered, "that was nice of you."
Nino shrugs, "yeah, well..." Then he saw Ladybug and 'Alya?' But she was transformed as Rena Furtive. "Stay hidden Plagg." And Nino hid as well. Neither saw him as they landed.
Alya, or Rena, touched her hand to Ladybug's shoulder.
Plagg whispers, "you should let them know you're here."
Nino shushed him. He wanted to hear.
"Girl, are you tired yet?"
But Ladybug shakes her head, "how could I sleep now when Adrien is stuck in that awful place all alone."
'why would Ladybug care about...'
Rena, with a hand on her hip, says "yeah, but there is nothing you can do by starving yourself from sleep. There is no danger here. Let's go back home!"
Ladybug sighs, "I suppose your right. Let's go."
Plagg almost breathed a sigh of relief that neither used their real name.
After a few moments, Nino emerged. "Alya knows who Ladybug is."
'Shit.' Plagg couldn't help but think.
Nino then remembered, "she was staying with Marinette." Nino was so sure, "Plagg, do you think Marinette could be..."
And Plagg felt Dejavu at that moment. "Listen, even if I wanted to tell you, I can't because you're not sure of the identity."
Nino says, "pretty sure though." Nino sighs, "whatever. Let's get back to my house."
Plagg asks, "on foot?"
Nino nods, "well, Marinette or not, Ladybug is flying through the city. I can't risk her seeing me with the ring." Nino smiles, "not like my house is very far from here."
Plagg says, "wasn't cool to spy on them."
Nino rolls his eyes, "yeah well if it is Marinette, she did some uncool stuff herself."
Plagg says, "hey, your the one that said she was pink tails. No one else did."
Nino squints, "call her Marinette."
"Marinette?"
Nino perches his lips, "hmmm, either the magic doesn't stop you from saying someone else's name or she's not Ladybug."
Plagg says, "she's not Ladybug."
Nino smirks, "likely story!"
Back with Krissy.
She finally found the hotel the kid told her about. She was excited, "finally." She could hold back. She rushed through the front doors. The lobby was bursting with music and people. 'Nice digs.' It reminded her of home.
She approached the counter. "Hi." But was ignored. A little bit louder, "excuse me." But the people behind the counter kept ignoring her for other customers.
Krissy laughs sarcastically. She mutters, "oh lord help me. These damn french people don't know." Then says, "you don't know." She takes a deep breath. "Okay." She says again, "excuse me?" She snarls, "anybody?" She takes another deep breath, 'don't kill these morons!' She shouts, "I need assistance." But everyone ignores her. "Holy shit, my god." She decides to tap the gentleman on the shoulder.
He finally looks over at her, "oh hi there. Can I help you?"
Krissy sighed with relief, "yes, I need a room."
He looked at her with guilt, "I'm sorry ma'am, but we are booked."
Krissy was disappointed, "are you kidding?"
He shook his head, "of course not. I wouldn't kid. We are busier than we have been because Monarch has finally been defeated. Brought all the tourists back, you know."
Krissy wanted to scream. "Okay, awesome." She asks, "any cheap spots to crash?"
He thinks for a moment, "I think our rooms are the least expensive in the city, but most hotels will not have rooms last minute. We haven't had business in such a long time. But Ladybug and her team defeated Monarch. Our city is booming with life again."
Krissy supposes she understood. She picked up her bag to head for the door. She took a seat on a bench. She types into google: nearest hotels with vacancy.
And two top searches would cost over three hundred for a night. And Krissy knows she cannot afford it if she wanted to purchase two tickets back to the united states. 'shit.'
She grabs her belongings. And she's on foot again. "Maybe I can crash in a Walmart or something." She typed into google: nearest Walmart. And was not happy with the results. She noticed a vendor, "Hey, man. What's up?"
He greets, "hi miss."
Krissy smiles, "can you point me to the nearest Walmart, my phone acting up." She waved the phone around for emphasis.
He tilts his head, "we do not have a Walmart."
Krissy scoffs, "Walmart has like a zillion stores across the world. Your telling me Paris ain't got a single location?"
He laughs, "no. I'm telling you France doesn't have a Walmart."
Krissy internally groans. "Oh, this shit gets better and better."
Krissy walks away. She looks at her phone. She set an alarm for 4:30 am. 'Guess I am roughing it for the night.'
At five a.m. Nino woke up. He grabbed Alya's phone and shot Adrien a text message. "Hey, text me when you get up."
Nino stared at the ring on his finger. He gripped his hand in a fist. He showered after returning from his nightly outing to Adrien, so all he had to do was get dressed. Once done, "come on Plagg."
Nino bumped into his mother in the hallway. "So-sorry." She smiled, "it's fine. You getting ready to go to school today?"
Nino nearly sighed with relief. She wasn't angry today. "Uh, yeah."
She asked, "would you like a ride?"
Nino was confused, "um, you don't have to."
She shakes her head, "nonsense. I have to drive Chris to school anyway."
She drives Chris to school every day. But Nino typically walks. Unless his stepfather has enough time to give him a ride. Nino is extremely confused. "Thank you?"
Once alone, Plagg says "wow. She did a 180 from yesterday."
Nino smiles, "I told you she is not always mad. She just... It's not her fault."
With Adrien.
He was woken up by one of the 'nurses.' She uses her foot to nudge him awake.
Adrien blinks his eyes, "uh, I um..."
She asks, "did someone take your bed last night?"
Adrien nodded.
She simply shrugged. "If you're hungry..." At the mention of hunger, Adrien gripped his stomach. "Better hurry to the mess hall." She left.
Adrien pushes himself up and grabs the phone. He sees Nino's text and smiles. He texts back, "just got up."
He puts the phone in his pocket. Adrien never felt dirty in his life. He really wants a shower. And a hairbrush maybe. But first things first. Food.
It took Adrien a few minutes to find his way around the building. But he eventually found a room titled 'Cafeteria.' Adrien opened the double doors. He spots the trays and grabs one. Adrien looks around. There are actually more kids here than he thought. Adrien makes his way to the line. He didn't see many options that he thought he could stomach. But they had omelets. Once it was his turn, he asked "can I have an omelet, please?"
The server nods, "sure." Then drops it on the floor, next to Adrien. "Oops."
Adrien slams the tray down, "fine. I get it." And he walks away.
Before Adrien could reach the door, someone slammed him into the wall. Adrien grunted as someone whispered, "that was pretty rude, baby moth."
Adrien stayed silent. He hated that name. He saved them. How dare these people... Deep breath. Breath in. Adrien whispered, "let me go."
Another egged on, "Monarch scarred this city. Don't let him go. Show him what dear daddy put us through."
Adrien blinked the tears away, "but I didn't know."
"Let's jog your memory."
Krissy found the police station holding her brother. She had an awful night. She's tired. Pissed. Ready tpo go home. Luckily finding this police station wasn't too challenging. All the parisons had the drop on this place.
She approaches the counter, "hey. I need to see a prisoner."
The officer smiles, "a pretty little lady like yourself? Needs to see one of these crooks?"
Krissy scoffs, "please most of my family is either behind bars or been behind bars. And I'm here to see Monarch."
The officer was surprised, "why would you want to see him?"
Krissy explains, "I'm here to have him sign custody into my name. I think Natalie drew or had the papers drawn. We gots to sign 'em."
The officer understood, "oh you the famous sister I heard about."
Krissy snorts, "famous? Yeah, I wish." The officer handed her the paperwork. All that was missing was her signature.
He explains, "once you sign, Adrien Agreste will be in your custody."
Krissy was disappointed, "uh thanks, but I want to actually see Gabriel."
The officer gave her an unsure look.
Krissy explains, "I haven't seen my brother since I was... I was, um... I was just a little kid when he left. I want to see him. And now he's locked up he can't run away."
The officer sighs, "only because the kid is probably going through hell right now. And you seem nice."
Krissy followed the officer, "wow. The second person to say that to me in this city. Maybe I'm nicer than I thought."
Krissy waited patiently for the officer to bring Gabriel in. Gabriel was surprised to see her. "I signed the papers already. You don't need to do this."
Krissy rolls her eyes, "just take a damn seat before I whoop yo' ass."
Gabriel takes a seat across from Krissy. "Violence would probably get you locked up too."
Krissy pushes the custody papers toward Gabriel. His eyes widen when he sees that she hadn't signed them yet.
"Why haven't you signed them yet?"
Krissy shrugs, "ask me to sign them."
"What?" Gabriel didn't understand.
Krissy explains, "you never wanted me in your son's life. You don't want this now, do you?"
Gabriel was about to answer her, but she had more to say.
"You went psycho terrorist on this city? Like why? You had everything you could want. I should be the fucking terrorist. I have jack shit and I struggle day in and day out but you made it. You had it all and you still..."
Gabriel shouts, "my wife. I lost my wife. I just wanted to get her back."
Krissy shakes her head, "I don't want to hear that bullshit. You don't care about people. Your parents. Me. Your son."
"I loved her." It was silent. "I love Adrien. I really do."
Krissy rolls her eyes, "Sure you do."
Gabriel slams his fist on the table, "I swear I do." Then he adds, "I love you too."
Krissy says, "you left me."
Gabriel argued, "I wanted to take you with me."
"By abandoning mom and dad, dipshit."
And Gabriel fell silent.
"They are the best parents. They sacrificed every day for us. They went without to make sure we had."
Gabriel shouted, "they couldn't even keep the lights on."
Krissy shouted, "so? Those were some of my favorite times. Dad got a generator. They did what they could. I helped them when I got older. And when they lost their house, I could not abandon them. I got us a house. I am never leaving mom and dad."
"Your right. I shouldn't have behaved like that. I should have called."
Krissy wipes the tears away. She forces a smile. "I wanted you to call."
Gabriel pushes the papers back to Krissy. "Please take my son in. I haven't been the best father to him. But you will give him something I should have given him."
"What's that?"
Gabriel takes a deep breath, "love. I love my son, but I don't think I ever showed it. Not like mom and dad used to. I thought they gave us way too much freedom. I took away all of Adrien's."
Krissy snorts. "We never had to lie or sneak around. Mom and Dad were great parents."
"I see that now. I thought strict schedules and extracurricular were what my son needed. But he needed love. Support. A father after his mother was lost."
Krissy pulls a pen out of her bra. She signs her name. "I know Natalie called me, but thank you, Gabriel."
"I'm glad she called you. At least Adrien will be safe with you."
Krissy folds the documents and puts them in her bra for safekeeping with her pen.
Before she could leave, Gabriel asks, "can you bring Adrien by to see me?"
Krissy says, "if he asks to see you, yes. If not, I'll drop the idea, but I ain't going to drag him here kicking and screaming. I'm not going to keep him from seeing you. Keep in mind, I do live in the US."
Gabriel understands, "I know you'll be leaving as soon as possible. So I was hoping you can bring him here before you leave, but I'll understand if he doesn't want to see me."
Krissy smiles, "I'll do what I can." Then adds, "love you."
Gabriel never understood why she insist on loving him after all these years. He was awful to her and his parents. But she still says it. Gabriel says it back, "I love you too. Thank you."
I always get annoyed when I see no people in the background. So a good excuse would be that tourists stopped coming around with Shadomoth's appearance. And I imagine residents leaving the city. So now that he was gone, I see a bunch of people moving back and tourists feel welcome to visit the city again. Well R&R!
