Chapter Forty
CamembertKing was relentless.
Alya was banning the CamembertKing48 account, knowing it wouldn't be long until he would be back. The troll was undeterred by being banned, and seemed to take it more as a challenge than anything else. And whoever he was, he seemed not to just be some random kid, but someone who actually knew what they were doing.
She had been hoping just to ban their IP address, which she had to do several times before with other trolls and bots on her blog– but with CamembertKing she had found nothing when she had gone to do so. Even Max had been stumped when she had asked for his help, and reported the same results from a friend he had asked– CamembertKing seemed to have no internet origin. As if something were constantly corrupting the signal he sent.
It was a bit frightening that someone could actually do that, and so she was actually grateful that CamembertKing seemed to have no other motivation but to be a hardcore Lady Noire fan.
It wasn't even fifteen minutes after account number 48 had been banned that number 49 showed up. How quickly he'd make another account always seemed to vary– either immediately creating another one, or sometimes days would go by without any reaction. She could wake up in the morning with dozens of comments from him, or sometimes she'd only get a few. He seemed to have no schedule of any kind, his comments appearing during school hours, early mornings, late nights– there was no cut off she had seen.
CamembertKing49: 'Okay this was one of your better articles because you got more right than I thought possible but that is probably because of everyone else involved and that war guy you interviewed but at least that is better than your random theories that don't make any sense but you still do have some random theories in this one as well because of course that is unavoidable with you and just about everything you have to say about Miraculouses is wrong.'
Alya knew she shouldn't reply, it would only encourage him, but she couldn't help but be a bit curious. Besides, this was one of his tamer posts.
BeetleBlogger: 'And what would you know about Miraculouses?'
CamembertKing49: 'Wouldn't you like to know, mortal.'
BeetleBlogger: 'Yeah, you're weird.'
CamembertKing49: 'If you knew who I was you'd be trembling before me.'
BeetleBlogger: 'Some dude in his mother's basement?'
CamembertKing49: 'What's that supposed to mean?'
It was clear to Alya that the conversation wasn't going to go anywhere– so she just went ahead and banned this account as well, before he started spamming hate on her articles once more. She deleted the conversation as well, though left the original comment as it was far from what he normally spammed on her blog. She sighed, tapping a finger against her phone, wondering if CamembertKing would ever get bored of leaving a bunch of comments. Or if he would eventually shift his focus to another blog or platform to harass.
She glanced up for a moment, looking about. Nino was still in detention with Ms. Mendeleiev, having been caught listening to his music instead of listening to the lesson (she kept telling him that those headphones were too obvious, but he insisted that earbuds distorted the sound). Marinette had headed home a while ago, while Adrien and Kagami were in fencing. She could head home herself, but she and Nino still needed to talk about the dance. She soon spotted another familiar face heading from the locker room, and she paused as she watched Lila. She hesitated for only a moment, before pushing herself to her feet.
"Um, hey, Lila– can I talk to you?" Alya asked, hurrying after Lila as she headed from the locker room. The girl paused, a look of frustration on her face, which softened as her gaze settled on Alya. "Er, if now is a good time."
"Of course," Lila said with a smile. "Is something wrong?"
"Er, well," Alya began, though she wasn't sure where to start– but this had been on her mind for far too long and she needed answers. "I... I was looking over some of my footage from past akuma attacks the other day."
"Oh?" Lila asked.
"I... I saw that when Reverser attacked that you were hit by an airplane," Alya blurted out, and immediately Lila tensed, expression becoming guarded. "And I, well–" She took a deep breath. "I just want you to know that if you aren't comfortable talking about what happened during an akumatization, or how you were affected, then just tell me, and I'll back off– no questions asked."
Lila watched her.
"I know I spend a lot of time with my blog and go out of my way to find things for it– but I don't want to put anyone in a situation where they're uncomfortable," Alya explained. "So if in the future I ask you anything you don't want to talk about, or you just don't want to be involved with my blog you don't have to lie, then just tell me and I promise I'll drop the subject immediately."
"Thank you for understanding, Alya," Lila said quietly, and several tears formed in her eyes. "You know my mom is a diplomat, and I don't want to put any pressure on my parents by having things about me out on the internet, you know? With a family in the public eye I just have to be careful for their sake."
"Of course," Alya said, her shoulders relaxing. There were many ways this conversation could have gone, and the last thing she wanted was to sound accusing.
Lila stepped forward, putting a hand on Alya's shoulder. "You will just keep this between us, right? It's all very personal to me, I don't want things just thrown out there."
"Of course," Alya said, feeling slightly guilty that she had approached Kagami about this already, but there was nothing she could do about that now.
"Thank you, Alya," Lila said, smiling softly.
"I'll see you around?" Alya said, not quite sure how to end the conversation.
"See you tomorrow," Lila said cheerfully, and Alya felt herself relaxing as she walked away, heading towards Ms. Mendeleiev's classroom. That hadn't been as bad as she had thought; she had just been worked up over nothing all this time. It had just been a lack of understanding that had started all of this, and she had been overthinking everything.
While Alya may have walked away with a smile, Lila's expression was a scowl the moment Alya's back was turned, watching the blogger with narrowed eyes.
"Now, Chloe, remember to put our best foot forward," Andre said with a smile as he adjusted his suit, and Chloe looked away. "This is a big change for all of us, but that doesn't mean it has to be a bad one."
She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, nothing bad at all with Mom cheating on you."
"Chloe–" She stiffened up slightly, but Andre had quickly changed his tone, a smile spreading over his face. "Chloe dear, that was years ago. It wouldn't be fair to hold that over her head now, hmm?"
Chloe gritted her teeth, but said nothing as her father approached. He straightened out her sleeves and went to tuck hair back, and she held up her hand. "I already look fine, Daddy, I made sure of that before even coming down here."
"I know, my little princess," Andre said, smiling at her fondly– but it only sent jolts of agitation through her. "I suppose I can't help but worry." His phone buzzed, and he swiftly pulled it out of his pocket. "Oh! Your mother and sister have just turned onto the street. Come along now, we want to be there to greet them!"
He waved a hand to hurry her along, adjusting his tie for the hundredth time, before rushing out into the hall. Chloe sighed, wanting to do nothing more than to head back up to her suite and to not come out until this living nightmare was over, but she didn't get that luxury. There would be cameras in the hotel lobby, and the news would not make it less than a scandal if the mayor's daughter wasn't there to welcome her 'family' home to Paris.
"Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous," Chloe muttered under her breath, flipping her hair over her shoulder to make sure it fell right, before heading out after her father. She held her head high, not acknowledging anyone as she made her way down the hall, towards where her father was nervously holding the elevator open for her. The doors slid shut as she stepped inside, and they rode down to the main floor in silence.
Were the elevators always this slow?!
At last the doors opened, and Chloe waltzed out with Andre right behind her. She didn't let herself hesitate, because that would be a sign of weakness. Her father scurried up next to her, laying a hand on her shoulder as if she needed comfort, but she didn't pull away because the ridiculous cameras were already being turned this way, because heaven forbid anyone miss the arrival of the Queen of Fashion.
Outside of the grand doors she could see the limo pulling to a stop in front of the hotel, and Chloe's stomach tightened. Someone rushed forward to pull the door open, cameras flashing as Audrey Bourgeois stepped out into the Paris streets. She pulled down her sunglasses for a moment to peer out, before holding her head high as she headed towards the hotel doors– which were immediately pulled open for her. Chloe's gaze didn't remain on her mother for long, however, instead being drawn back towards the figure trailing behind her, carrying herself exactly like Audrey, not even a stumble in her step.
"Audrey, my dear," Andre said softly as Audrey strolled into the hotel, and he stepped forward to take her hand. "I have missed you so much. I hope New York has been treating you like the queen you are?"
"Hmm," Audrey replied, eyes scanning Andre. "Well, I am sure Paris will have no trouble keeping up with such expectations."
"Don't worry, my dear, everything shall be perfect just for you," Andre smiled, his eyes turning towards Chloe. "We've missed you so much, our little princess has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
"Hello, Mother," Chloe said, feeling like Adrien in the moment as she offered the woman before her the most plastic smile she could manage.
"Oh, yes, hello, Cleo," Audrey said, peering over her glasses at Chloe, and she felt a pit forming in her stomach. "Ziva, get over here– it's about time that you met your sister."
No, this wasn't happening. Her mother's fumblings over her name was nothing new, but not now. Not in front of this so-called sister of hers. She was not about to have her first meeting with perfect-New York-daughter be her mother using the wrong name. She could not let this intruder... this– this fake relish the fact that Audrey knew her better! That she got to be close to her in the grandness of New York while she had been left behind in Paris.
"Er, it's Chloe, dear," Andre said in a soft voice– but Audrey only snorted, and Chloe wanted to wither away where she stood.
But there was nothing she could do as her half sister stepped forward, her face a perfect reflection of Audrey's. Ziva scanned her up and down as Chloe did the same, each looking for some weakness, before this apparent sister offered her a smile– one that was so obviously fake that Chloe could only grit her teeth. "It's nice to meet you, Chloe."
Oh, throwing her name out like that, rubbing the fact that Audrey hadn't even remembered it in her face. That her mother had to be reminded of the name of the daughter she was never around. Anger boiled in the pit of Chloe's stomach, but she still couldn't let it show. Not yet. So she offered the same smile to Ziva, letting her voice drip with fake sweetness so the girl knew exactly what page they were on.
"And it's nice to meet you, Ziva."
A moment of hesitation appeared on Ziva's face– a crack in her armor, and Chloe felt her smile pull triumphantly into a real one, which only grew as she heard the girl's reply. "Um, I'm Zoe, actually."
"Zoe," Chloe replied, the delight running through her. Audrey had gotten her name wrong as well– this girl was nothing special, then! Her victory couldn't last for long, though, because of this girl's horrible name. It was so close to hers, too close– this girl had been taking just about everything that was hers, and she had only known her for less than a minute. "Well, welcome to Paris, Zoe. I'm sure you'll find your place here quite quickly."
Zoe didn't get a chance to reply, because Andre had stepped forward– offering Zoe a warm and welcoming smile, one that startled Chloe. She knew her father, and she knew this wasn't forced or fake. She didn't understand why as he held out his hand to Zoe, who gave it a single shake. Why was he being like this? How was he doing this?
"It's so nice to meet you, M. Bourgeois," Zoe said with the same warmth as Andre. "Thank you so much for inviting me here, your city is absolutely beautiful."
She had a strong accent, Chloe decided. Just enough stumbling in her pronunciation to make it clear that French was not her first language. To show that she was just a visitor here, and that was just fine with Chloe. All she could do now was wait for this horrible public reunion to be over, where she could retreat to her room once more and call Sabrina over and pretend that none of this was happening.
"Chloe, why don't you show Zoe around the hotel?" Andre asked, and Chloe's eyes widened. "Show her where her room is going to be, and make her feel at home."
What had she done to deserve this?
"Of course, Daddy," Chloe replied.
The one good thing was she could get away from her mother's presence, and her father's complacency. Except that Zoe was now following a few steps behind her. She glanced back, watching as Zoe carried her head high, clearly already considering the hotel hers. As they approached the elevator, Jean came rushing forward, the butler smiling politely at Chloe, before turning his attention to Zoe.
"Can I take your bags, mademoiselle?" He asked.
Zoe held her purse close. "They're in the limo with Mother's things, sir."
Jean smiled, and bowed. "I will make sure they're brought up to your room immediately. I hope you enjoy your time here in Paris."
"First rule," Chloe said, snapping her fingers as they stepped into the elevator. "You treat Jean with the utmost respect. He has been working here since I was born, and we don't toss employees out like used napkins here like Mother likes to do."
She looked over her shoulder, and saw that Zoe's gaze was straight on her. Unwavering. Just as Chloe was watching her every move and trying to read her, Zoe was doing the same. It was a game she wasn't going to let this girl play, and one that Chloe would never lose.
"Of course," Zoe replied, and Chloe's eyes narrowed. Sabrina would probably say she was reading too much into everything, but she didn't know what to make of her tone. It was confident, but not quite mocking. Agreeing, but just enough edge to it to make Chloe's fingers curl. Oh, she was not liking this girl at all.
The elevator doors opened to the floor with Chloe's room, and she walked out without waiting. There was a slight quickening of Zoe's footsteps to show she had to hurry to keep up. "So you're going to be staying in my spare suite, so try not to mess anything up, hmm?"
She honestly never used it. Sometimes she would switch her rooms around when she got bored of the view, but that hadn't been in over a year. Still, it was technically hers, and this girl needed to know that.
"Well then, it sounds like it will be up to good standards, then," Zoe said briskly as they came to a stop in front of the door, her hand wrapping around the handle. "I'm going to freshen up, the plane ride here was far too long if you ask me."
Chloe was about to make a comment that she wouldn't know, but stopped herself from falling into the trap that this girl was slowly setting. Chloe had never been outside of Europe, and she did not need Zoe reminding her of the fact that she got to spend nearly every day in New York with their mother, that she was getting to travel with her with no questions asked. She couldn't show any weakness.
"Suit yourself," Chloe replied.
"See you at dinner," Zoe said, and Chloe paused.
"Dinner?" She asked before she could stop herself, but the door had already shut before the question could escape her mouth, Zoe locking herself away within the hotel room, clearly with no intent of coming out anytime soon.
And unfortunately, it turned out that Zoe was right about dinner– Jean stopping outside Chloe's room to inform her that her and the 'whole family' would be eating together in the hotel restaurant (where people would be able to see them, of course), before continuing on towards the room where Zoe was staying, a single duffel bag and a garment bag in his hands. He must have been making his last trip up here with all of Miss New Yorker's things, and judging by the outfit she had been wearing in the hotel, she was clearly no stranger when it came to fashion.
When it came time for dinner it was impossible to avoid Zoe with her sitting right across from her. There hadn't been any other option with her parents already at their table when they arrived, forcing her to sit between her traitorous parents and stare right at her 'sister' who seemed determined to mock her.
Chloe spent time pouring over her menu, even though she had it memorized by heart, and already knew exactly what she wanted. Her eyes kept grazing over the top of the menu, where Zoe was doing the same, as Andre made small talk between the silence of the rest of them. Zoe... well, she looked like she was Audrey's daughter, and Chloe hated that. They looked like were sisters, with light blonde hair, bright blue eyes, the shape of their face; and she wished that wasn't so. That they both could have taken a bit more after their fathers instead of their selfish mother.
At last their orders were taken, however, and Chloe couldn't help but notice that Zoe didn't order anything unique from the menu– choosing something from among what Chloe and her parents had chosen. Chloe couldn't help but wonder if she didn't know how to read French, or didn't recognize what was on the menu. Relying on them so she didn't stand out as she sat at this family table, one that did not feel like a family.
"So, Zoe," Andre said warmly as their food was brought out. "What do you like to do?"
"I have been putting most of my focus on school, M. Bourgeois," Zoe replied instantly.
"Feel free to call me Andre," he said with a smile. "What about your free time? What are your hobbies? Chloe here takes after Audrey, and has a strong interest in the fashion world. Always on top of all the trends."
"Well, perhaps not all of them," Audrey said dryly, her eyes briefly flickering over Chloe, who gritted her teeth.
"Well, Paris is the fashion capital of the world," Chloe said idly. "It makes sense that New York would be staggering a bit behind, hmm?"
Audrey's eyes widened, and Chloe felt her heart pound at her sudden daring– she had never made a comment like that directly at her mom, let alone when it came to fashion. The thrill was exciting, though, and she couldn't help but smile as her mother's gaze locked on her. Andre clearly sensed the rising tension, leaning forward as he swiftly spoke up to redirect the conversation.
"Anyways, Zoe dear– you were telling us about your hobbies? Go on, what are they?" Andre asked.
"Er," Zoe hesitated for a moment, eyes flickering towards Audrey. This moment was a slight chink in her armor, but Audrey's gaze was still on Chloe, and she spoke hesitantly. "I... I am interested in the acting world. Theater has been very enjoyable at school."
"Oh really?" Andre's full attention was now on Zoe– no longer just a desperation to change the topic. "Oh, I must say I love the film industry. I'm no actor myself, but the directing and the writing– it was always so fascinating. So tell me, have you been in any plays or productions? What does your school specialize in?"
Zoe answered Andre's questions, who responded earnestly in kind. Zoe never expanded more than what Andre's questions asked, though Chloe wasn't listening. She was locked in a staring contest with her mother, whose glare was still focused on her. She felt so small as she was stared down, but she couldn't look away. Now was not the time to back down or to like nothing was wrong, to be like her father and just throw everything in the past with no hesitation.
But the confidence that she felt didn't last for long, because every second Audrey watched her was a second her spite faded, replaced with a feeling she didn't know how to describe. Words were drowned out around her, only those horrible blue eyes fixated on her as each waited for the other to turn away. An entire minute seeming to stretch out to its own mini eternity.
Chloe hated herself for being the first one to look away.
The moment her plate was cleared, the moment she had a reason to leave, Chloe took it. She politely said goodbye, just enough edge in her voice to let them know how much she hated this meal, before excusing herself and pushing herself to her feet. Walking away as if she wasn't desperate to leave. She headed towards the kitchen, knowing that she was going to need chocolate if she was going to survive the evening locked up in her room.
She felt a gaze on her as she walked away, and her eyes couldn't help but slip towards the tables she was passing– and she was startled to see the eyes of Marinette Dupain-Cheng looking straight at her. Chloe couldn't help but stop, because no way Dupain-Cheng was here of all places to witness this horrible night. She had no idea why she would be there, but as she saw who her companion was it all made sense– Kagami sitting right across from her classmate, watching Chloe as well.
Since she had stopped to look at them Chloe forced a smile, waving at Kagami, who was the only one of the two she could stand– before continuing on to the kitchen without looking back, taking shelter within the warmth and aromas that now surrounded her, the kitchen loud and lively compared to the quiet atmosphere that had been the dining area. Her entrance didn't go unnoticed, the kitchen staff she knew all too well immediately turned their attention towards her, coming to her side.
She didn't say much to them, despite the part of her that wanted to. She just gave them smiles as she was given a tray of her favorite chocolates and sweets. Chloe didn't pay attention to the fact she hadn't needed to ask for them, or even say a word. It was just handed over with gentle smiles, and she wasted no time stuffing a pastry into her mouth, hoping it could wash this reality away.
Chloe didn't dare attempt to leave from the kitchen for a time, peering out at her family's table from the window in the door. When she at last saw it was empty her heart soared, and she pushed it open, ready to escape up to her room– only to retreat back into the kitchen moments later.
Zoe was still in the dining area– talking to Kagami and Marinette.
She must have seen her stop and stare at them, and had of course immediately moved towards the people she clearly knew. What did she even want? What was she hoping to accomplish? She realized this was Chloe's home turf, didn't she? Whatever games Zoe was going to play, she wasn't going to win. In fact, she wasn't going to hide away in the kitchen, she was going to walk past that stupid table and not even glance at the peasants!
She pushed the swinging door open, holding her head high as she entered the hotel restaurant once more. Her eyes couldn't help but slip back towards that table, and she found that Zoe was gone. It was only Marinette and Kagami once more, and Kagami was staring straight at Chloe with those steely eyes.
She walked just a bit faster than she had been planning on.
It was only two steps into the hallway– right after she let out a long sigh of relief– that she felt a hand on her shoulder. Chloe turned, ready to snap at whoever thought they could just grab her like that, and found it was Kagami standing there.
"What do you want?" Chloe snapped, pulling out of her grip.
"To talk," Kagami replied. "And I would like to make it quick, because I'd rather not keep Marinette waiting for long by running off to talk to you, considering your history."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Oh, I've barely pestered her at all this year, she can get over it."
"It seems your new target is your own sister instead," Kagami replied, crossing her arms
"She is not my–"
"She is your sister, whether you like it or not," Kagami cut her off. "And I was watching you guys eat, and how you're treating her is horrible, Chloe."
Her eyes narrowed. "I don't–"
"I'm not saying you have to like her," Kagami said in a low tone. "I'm not saying you have to become inseparable and that everything's flowers and sunshine, but the fact that you've decided to hate her for something that is not her fault in any form is just disgusting. If you don't like her, then fine– but at least hate her for who she is as a person and not for your mother's stupid choices."
"Easily done!" Chloe snapped. "You have no idea how stuck up she is, Kagami. She walked in here thinking she owns the world or something– I'm not going to let her play her stupid game."
"Is that who Zoe really is?" Kagami asked, crossing her arms. "Because that's not the girl I talked to."
"Well, I was with her for much longer," Chloe said briskly. "And she acted exactly like–"
"Exactly like you do?" Kagami finished, raising an eyebrow, and Chloe tensed. "Deny it, Chloe. I dare you, because you two were acting the same. Perhaps I haven't gotten the chance to see Zoe as much as you have, but from what I've seen I doubt anyone here has seen the true Zoe. She's a mirror, Chloe."
"A mirror? What is that even supposed to mean?"
"She acts just like the person she's talking to," Kagami said. "I'm guessing to be someone they would like and accept– themselves." She glanced back towards the restaurant. "You should have seen the mere difference between her engaging with me compared to Marinette. It was subtle, yes, but it was there. She's good at what she does. From what I saw when she arrived here? She was like a miniature version of your mother."
"I'm sure she's had plenty of time to learn how to be just like mommy-dearest–" Chloe didn't get to finish her sentence though, because Kagami had the gall to cut her off again.
"But when she was talking to your dad at the table?" Kagami said as if Chloe hadn't even spoken. "All of that was gone, you could just see it in her expression. Maybe you would have noticed if you weren't trying to shoot lasers from your eyes at your mother. At least you had the right idea then, and were actually blaming the one who actually did something."
Chloe said nothing, gritting her teeth, and Kagami took a step closer.
"Chloe, I know this has been hard. You were hurt, and everyone is acting like nothing's wrong– but how much harder do you think this has been for Zoe? Coming here to find you hating her for just being born? That's messed up, and I know you know it."
"So what?" Chloe muttered. "If she cares so much about what I think, then that's her own problem. She... has Mom. She has the one person that's impossible to get– and if she's not grateful for that, then that's her own problem and I'm not going to throw a pity party for her. The fact that everyone expects me to is ridiculous, utterly ridiculous."
Kagami let out a sigh, and put a hand on her shoulder. Chloe tensed, but looked back at her regardless, ready to glare her down, because while Kagami had a strong stare, it was no Bourgeois glare– but instead she found Kagami watching with a look she decided was pity. Chloe let out a huff, squaring her shoulders and looking away, and Kagami gave her a small squeeze.
"Are things really that way?" She asked. "Or is that what you're afraid of them being like?"
"I'm not afraid of anything, Tsurugi," Chloe muttered.
"Good. Then you're not afraid to get to know Zoe, then," Kagami said, and she pulled her hand away. "You never know, she might understand you more than you think. And even if she doesn't, well, that doesn't mean you will regret it."
"Whatever."
"I'm going to go enjoy the rest of my date," Kagami said, turning to head back towards the restaurant. "You know, Chloe, you might not be as miserable as you feel if you put yourself out there. Coming here to Paris has been one of the best things that has happened to me, and it's not because of where I am– it's because I finally decided to let other people in."
And with that, she was gone, heading back into the dining area, not looking back as Chloe stood there watching her walk away. The blonde let out a huff, wondering when Kagami had decided she could just lecture her– but she supposed the girl was always that way. She turned, heading away from the restaurant at last ready to take shelter in her room and never come out again. She had already stress-eaten her way through all her chocolates back in the kitchen, so she would have to order some more to her room.
The elevators were still painfully slow as it took her up towards her floor, and she tapped a foot impatiently. She had been through so much today, which was very much a crime in her opinion, and she wasn't sure she could get enough sleep to make up for the stress she had been put through. She headed down the hallway, eyes locked on her door and key to freedom, though her eyes couldn't help slipping to the suite across the hall, where her 'sister' was no doubt lounging about.
Everyone thought she was so great, and they didn't even know her. It was just like how everyone saw her mother, she was the Queen of Fashion so clearly she could do no wrong. Chloe wrinkled her nose, before going over and sliding her keycard against Zoe's door, which immediately unlocked. She peered inside, and much to her surprise Zoe wasn't in the mainroom, and Chloe let herself in– it was technically her suite after all.
Not much had been touched, everything looking about the same as when it had been prepared for Zoe's visit. The only thing Chloe saw that was different were a pair of shoes near the door. She wandered into the bedroom next, a mirror of her own– though lacking the personal touches Chloe had from years of living here. The closet door was pulled open, empty as it had been yesterday. Zoe's bags were on her bed– the same two she had seen Jean bring up here: a duffel bag and the garment bag, and nothing else. She glanced around the room, but it wouldn't have made sense for extra bags to be put anywhere else.
Was this really all she had brought?
Chloe unzipped the garment bag, and found a beautiful dress inside. It was from their mother's magazine, the dress that had been on the front page of last month's issue– brand new and probably had yet to officially hit store shelves. Chloe zipped it back up, gritting her teeth, and opened up the duffle bag instead. At the very top she found a pair of sneakers. They were a rainbow of color, looking as if they had been drawn on manually, and on one of the shoes was a message written in English. From there she found basic things in the duffle bag– a makeup bag, t-shirts and jeans, toiletries, a book and a journal. It was what she'd expected to find in one of her classmate's vacation bag– not someone who had traveled here with Audrey Bourgeois.
"Wh-what are you doing?"
Chloe looked up as she heard the English words, and saw Zoe coming out of the bathroom, wide blue eyes locked straight on her. She blinked, before putting the journal back in the bag.
"Who said you could go through my stuff!" Zoe shouted, this time speaking in French. "Get out of here!"
"What? Wasn't like I was going to take anything."
Zoe seized her bag, pulling it across the bed and towards her. Her expression hadn't changed, but her voice was much quieter this time. "Please, just leave."
Chloe left without another word.
Adrien was once again regretting telling his father he had a date for the dance.
He paced outside of his father's atelier, Luka and his father inside. He was sure this wasn't what most parents did when they wanted to meet their child's date, but here Adrien was knowing that Luka was probably being interrogated by the man, and with the incredibly high standards of his father he knew it wasn't going to be reasonable to pass. And he couldn't even be in there while it happened!
"You're going to wear out the floor if you keep pacing like that, Adrien," A voice said, causing him to freeze up in surprise. He turned, staring at the speaker as they walked across the foyer, not even glancing up from their tablet.
"Nathalie?" He said, stunned, and a smile broke over his face. "Nathalie– you're back!"
He couldn't help himself, bolting forward as she paused– and he crashed into her with a giant hug. For a moment she didn't move, before putting a hand on his shoulder. "It's nice to see you again as well, Adrien."
"You're working again?" He asked, able to get a glance at a spreadsheet as she lowered her tablet. "And... and everything is okay between you and Father now?"
"We talked," she said simply, and Adrien knew how to read between the lines: Father was still upset at her for no reason.
"He couldn't get ready for the show without you, could he?" Adrien asked as he pulled back.
A small smile tugged on Nathalie's face. "Preparations are going smoother now, if you must know. There's still a lot more to do, however, so I should be getting back to work."
"And you're staying?" Adrien asked as she turned to leave. "I mean, staying on the job?...You're not just going to be in your room again?"
"I'm not going anywhere," she promised, giving him a reassuring smile.
With that she left the room, heading upstairs. He watched her go, a warmth in his heart. His worry was suddenly gone, and for a moment everything in his life just felt right. Nathalie was back, his father was just on the other side of the door, Monarch hadn't attacked in weeks, school was going well– and if things kept up that way, Gabriel and Luka would walk out of the office with full approval to go to the dance, and that possibility didn't seem as distant as it had before.
"She looks like she's doing much better," Tikki said, peering out of his pocket. "I'm glad to see that, now you don't have to worry anymore."
"I hope Father still isn't giving her a hard time," Adrien said quietly. "Like... I don't like what she said to Ezra either, but blaming her for his akumatization was just too much."
"That was a very frightening day, Adrien, watching you fall," Tikki spoke softly, and he looked down at her. "Falling with you, and knowing that I would make it and you wouldn't... your father shouldn't have blamed her, but I can understand the fear he must have felt."
"Lady Noire would never let me fall," Adrien replied.
"I am glad that you trust her– but next time anything like that happens you transform."
Adrien smiled, and rubbed the top of Tikki's head in reply, which did not seem to reassure the kwami in any form. She glared up at him pointedly, but she didn't get the chance to lecture him, as the door to the atelier was cracking open. She tucked her head back into his pocket as Gabriel held the door open as Luka stepped out.
"Thank you very much, M. Agreste," Luka said.
The last of the tension in Adrien's shoulders relaxed as he saw the expressions on their faces– everything must have gone well. Adrien took a step forward as Luka offered his hand out to Gabriel, who shook it after a moment. His eyes flickered back and forth between the two of them, and Gabriel turned to face Adrien.
"I will put in an order for a suit M. Couffaine's size for him to wear to the dance. This will let the two of you match and give him something appropriate to wear while accompanying you," Gabriel said.
"Father..." Adrien said slowly– hoping that his father had not spent his time criticizing Luka's clothes or appearance.
"He also has full understanding of what going on a date with you will entail, and what will be expected of him if this is to turn into a relationship," Gabriel continued. "To be prepared for public attention, interaction with your fanbase, and the risk of negative things said online."
"Father, we're just–"
"You are a public figure, Adrien, this is unavoidable," Gabriel replied. "I hope the two of you will take care with how you act around others, and if things go south I demand absolutely nothing but civility between the two of you online and in public." He looked at Luka. "I can and will sue for defamation."
"Father, please stop!" Adrien cried. "We're– we're just going to a dance! You can't act like this is a contract of some kind!"
"I am just making sure he is aware of the realities that will come with dating someone of your status," Gabriel said, glancing at his phone. "Now, I have a meeting in a few minutes, so I will have to end our conversation here. We will talk later, Adrien."
"Adrien, it's fine," Luka said softly when he saw Adrien's expression. "Really."
"Thank you for your time, M. Couffaine," Gabriel Agreste said. "Adrien will escort you out."
"Can– can Luka stay?" Adrien asked as Gabriel turned to head back into his office. He paused, looking back at the two of them for a moment. "Just for a little bit? I barely got to see him at all today."
Luka grabbed Adrien's hand, giving a polite smile at Gabriel. The man said nothing for a moment, then sighed. "Very well."
"Thank you, Father," Adrien said, a surge of excitement pulsing through him.
"Make sure you leave your door open," Gabriel added, before stepping into his office.
"Father!" Adrien protested, eyes wide– and Luka let out a warm laugh. The atelier door was shut, and Adrien melted away. "I am so sorry, Luka, I don't know what he said to you in there, but he worries about every little thing–"
"Adrien, really, it was just fine," Luka assured him, grabbing his other hand. "It was just what I expected."
Adrien groaned, because he knew exactly what the band thought when it came to his father.
Luka lowered his voice slightly, leaning in close. "And I didn't mention anything about our candy smuggling. Don't worry."
Adrien couldn't help but let out a snort at this, momentarily breaking him from his embarrassment, which seemed to be what Luka wanted. He squeezed his hand reassuringly, smiling. "Here, let's go up to my room."
He led Luka upstairs. His face felt warm, and his hand touched his pocket where Tikki sat. She shifted as a reply, and Adrien pushed one of his doors open to his room, letting Luka step inside.
Luka's eyes widened as he looked across the room, eyes flickering up towards the vast ceiling. "Is... is that a zipline?"
"Um, yes?" Adrien said, rubbing the back on his neck.
"This is insane," Luka said. "Your room is bigger than my whole house!"
Adrien swallowed. "Yeah, I guess it is..."
Luka looked back at him, instantly picking up on his uncertainty. "Pretty sweet room, if you ask me. Not as cool as living on a boat, though."
"That is pretty hard to beat," Adrien said, and he made his way across the room. Luka was behind him, pausing for a moment to look at the arcade games that sat alongside one wall. Adrien picked up the remote to his room, pressing a button. "You like basketball?"
"Um, it's fine?"
"Great," Adrien said warmly, dropping the remote and scooping up his basketball, passing it towards Luka, who failed to catch it. "Can you make a shot?"
"Probably not," Luka replied honestly as he went after the ball. He picked it up, looking up at the hoop, before throwing the ball up towards it– where it missed by a good few feet. "Yep, I can't."
"Shame," Adrien said as he went after the ball, picking it up and throwing it over his shoulder without looking– enjoying Luka's impressed look as it went in. "It can unlock some pretty cool features."
The floor then opened up next to where he was standing, his piano rising up from the ground, settling in the middle of the room as if it had been there the whole time, and Luka let out a low whistle. "Okay, that is really cool."
"And better than basketball?" Adrien asked, slipping onto the piano bench.
"Definitely," Luka said, sitting down next to him, and he held his hands over the piano. "Can I try?"
"Be my guest," Adrien said, and Luka began to play. It took him a few notes to recognize the song, but he wasn't surprised at all by the Jagged Stone song Luka was now playing. It was strange just how different a song could feel, played on the piano compared to a guitar and a heavy beat, though it was still a far cry from the classical pieces he usually had to practice.
"Love the sound," Luka said as he came to a stop. "A keyboard can never actually replicate the real thing. Not in the same way."
"You want to make a piano one day?" Adrien asked.
Luka let out a laugh. "I'll stick with a violin for now."
Adrien hesitated for a moment. "What... what exactly did my father say to you today? Father can be... be blunt at times, and I really hope that he didn't make you feel–"
"Adrien, he was fine, I promise. He was just being realistic, that's all," Luka said. "How if we started dating, it would be very public. That people would say things about me, and he just wanted me to be aware of what everything would entail. He was kind to me, told me to reach out if I was experiencing any harassment online and he'd have it taken care of."
"I'm sorry," Adrien whispered– they hadn't even been on a date yet, and potential backlash was being brought to the table. But he knew what his fans could be like, and if he was going to date anyone... it was going to be part of it. Unless everything was under lock and key, it wouldn't be private.
"Don't apologize," Luka said. "I'm looking forward to the dance, and I'm glad you asked me. If I wasn't fine with this, I wouldn't be here."
"You don't know how bad it can get at times," Adrien muttered.
"I think you're worrying too much about it," Luka replied. "And I don't think you should. I mean, if we're going to worry about anything, it should be about something more important. Like the dance– like what on earth is your father going to put me in? Because I've seen some fashion shows, and some things can be... out there."
Adrien grinned. "Ah, haute couture, some of them can be really... memorable."
"Have you ever modeled any of the far-out-there designs?"
"...No comment."
"Time to go digging through the Adrien Agreste fan pages then and see what I can find," Luka said, grinning.
"Just wait until your face appears all over there too."
"Guess I should practice smiling for the cameras, then."
Adrien pulled out his phone. "What if we did take a picture, actually? For me to post online."
Luka blinked. "Like... an announcement? I mean... we technically haven't been on a date yet?"
"I've already had you meet my parent," Adrien said teasingly. "But no, I mean, just a photo. Just of us hanging out, let my fans... get to know you, I guess? See that you exist? Unless that's stupid."
"I don't mind."
So he and Luka pressed up against each other on the piano bench, arm around his shoulder as he smiled up at his phone (which Luka was holding, since he had longer arms). A few pictures were snapped before they looked at them. Both of them were smiling at the camera, and while it wasn't the smile that he had been trained to use in his photoshoots, Adrien went to post it on his account anyways– because that just made him like the picture more.
Nathalie had come up to inform him it was time for Luka to leave not long after that. Nathalie's presence felt surprising, yet comfortingly familiar at the same time.
After Luka left he found himself looking at the photo once more. Notifications keep popping up about his most recent photo, his fans excited to see something that was more related to his everyday life. He just muted the notifications, before pulling up the photo again.
Adrien smiled, and set it as his background.
"Marinette, you look absolutely adorable," Lila gushed as she spun around.
"Do you think Kagami will like it?" Marinette asked, looking in the mirror as she adjusted her dress. It was far from her first time wearing it– but it was her most recently completed project, and what she had been planning on wearing to the dance. She hadn't been expecting to have a date, however, and now she couldn't help but second-guess herself.
"You don't need to impress anyone, you should be doing this for yourself," Lila said. "And if you ask me, this is a work of art!"
"Thank you," Marinette said softly, and she turned to face Lila. She was also wearing the dress she was planning on wearing, a sleek dress made from a beautiful silky orange fabric.
It had been a gift during one of her travels, apparently made of pure silk. Marinette didn't have the heart to tell Lila that probably wasn't real silk as far as she could tell– but that didn't make the dress any less beautiful. The dance was this weekend, and Marinette felt far from ready. Thankfully, Lila had wanted to come over to experiment with makeup and accessories, and honestly just having someone there was helping her anxiety.
"You've just been so tense lately," Lila said as she pulled up behind Marinette, hands on her shoulders. "Sit down, this weekend is supposed to be a fun one, you need to enjoy it."
She let Lila guide her to the vanity, sitting down on a stool as she grabbed a brush. Her pigtails were then pulled out, the brush being run through her hair, and she closed her eyes.
"I'll be fine, just a bit nervous," she said.
"Are you sure Kagami isn't putting too much pressure on you?" Lila asked as she played with her hair. "You weren't like this before."
"No no, Kagami has been great," Marinette said swiftly, and Lila looked at her doubtfully. "Really!"
"If you say so," Lila replied. "But as your best friend it's my job to be completely honest, and I've been worried about you."
Marinette said nothing.
"Is... is it Alya again?" Lila asked in a soft voice, and Marinette closed her eyes. "Oh Marinette, tell me everything, I'm here to listen."
"Alya hasn't done anything," Marinette said– and this was true. Alya had always been a loyal friend to Marinette– but the problem was that she wasn't always Marinette. But it was still her. And while she knew this, Alya didn't, and even her mind struggled to fully wrap this around her head. Alya looked at her with admiration, and then fear. Alya praised her, but then became cautious. She was two different people in the eyes of the city– but it was nothing but contrasting interactions for Marinette.
And she was distancing herself because of it, and she hated herself for it, and she didn't know what to do, and she didn't know who to tell because the only one she could talk to about it all was Plagg, whose hobby seemed to be hating all of her friends.
"Oh, Marinette," Lila said so softly, wrapping her arms around Marinette, who only felt worse. Because Lila was seeing her expression now, and clearly she noticed her tension, yet she didn't understand, and never fully could. "I am so sorry, I know things like this are hard, when people aren't who you thought they were."
"It's nothing like that!" Marinette insisted, and she turned to face Lila, who only turned her back towards the mirror, continuing to brush her hair.
"If you say that, but Alya has–" Lila then paused, shaking her head, and Marinette watched her in the mirror. "Never mind, I'm just probably overthinking it."
"Overthinking what?" Marinette asked with a frown.
Lila hesitated for a second. "Oh, um, me and Alya were talking the other day, but like I said I'm probably overthinking it all... but Alya has been nosey with me. Like, I just think that when it comes to friends you shouldn't be you know, like researching them or something? I just don't get why she had to do that."
"I'm sure Alya didn't mean to pry," Marinette said. "Alya just has a good eye for detail, she's able to piece things together that others might not. I mean... what did she say to you?"
Lila shrugged. "It was just akuma stuff you know? I asked her not to do it again, I don't want my face out there because of my parents, and she's just so focused on her blog..."
Akuma things? Like something from Volpina? Yes, Alya had made an article about Volpina and the attack, one of her favorites actually since it confirmed her theory about Citrine Húlí's existence– but Alya never put names of who was akumatized, and she hadn't in months. Even when the city already knew who it was she was still careful with how she talked about akumatized victims because of how they had been treated in the past.
"Well, if you asked her not to do it anymore you have nothing to worry about," Marinette said, smiling at her in the mirror. "Alya does love her blog, but she's very respectful about who she talks about."
Lila watched her for a moment, still brushing her hair, before setting down the brush. She pulled Marinette's hair behind her shoulders, before grabbing a clip from the vanity and slipping it into her hair. She grabbed her shoulders, smiling. "Oh, you look so beautiful!" Lila gushed. "Why don't you wear your hair down more often?"
"I like to keep it out of my face," Marinette said, looking at her reflection.
"Mmm," Lila acknowledged, flipping Marinette's hair so it fell over her shoulders. "Shame, you just looked so… mature like this. The pigtails are cute, but a bit childish, don't you think?"
"I…" Marinette began, and Lila's hands rested on her shoulders once more. "I could wear it down for the dance…"
"Wonderful!" Lila beamed. "Oh Marinette, you're going to be the envy of the party, you're going to be bellissima! Could I do your hair for the dance?"
"Sure."
"Why so quiet?" Lila asked. "Someone like you should show a bit more confidence. How about we go grab some of your parents' pastries, I know those never fail to make you smile."
"True," Marinette said, this time offering a small smile.
Lila smirked. "There, that's more like the Marinette I know. Come on."
She grabbed Marinette's hands, pulling her to her feet as she stood. Lila led Marinette towards the trapdoor to her room, and as she knelt down to open it Marinette saw a blur of black rush past her. She turned, watching as Plagg landed on one of the wooden beams running along her wall, fur puffed up as he watched them. She smiled, tilting her head towards downstairs to let him know she'd grab him some cheese while she was down there.
Plagg huffed, turning away, and Marinette didn't have the chance to try to get his attention with Lila grabbing her hand once more, leaving Plagg behind as they headed downstairs. Lila was happily talking away, and Marinette had to temporarily put her worry for the kwami aside to make herself focus, so Lila didn't think she was ignoring her.
"You girls are looking beautiful," Sabine said as they entered the bakery, smiling as she saw them in their dresses.
"Thank you, Mme. Cheng," Lila said warmly, flashing her a huge smile. "I am just so excited for this, my other schools never put on any dances like this." Her hands landed on Marinette's shoulders, pushing her forward slightly. "Mari is still a little nervous though, you know, with Kagami and all. So do you have anything that could be a pick-me-up for her?"
Immediately Sabine turned her focus towards the abundance of baked goods on display at the bakery, scooping up Marinette's favorites and setting them in a small bag. She smiled softly as her mother turned back to her, who placed the treats in her hand before giving her a reassuring squeeze.
"There's nothing to worry about," Sabine said softly. "You just go and have fun, okay dear?"
"Of course," Marinette said, holding the bag out to Lila, whose hands left her to take them, and she felt herself relaxing slightly.
"Also, a letter came for you, it should be on the counter," Sabine said, and a bell echoed through the bakery, a customer entering. She turned her attention towards them as they approached the counter, while Marinette and Lila headed through the backdoor that led upstairs.
A strawberry macaron was held out in front of her the moment she passed through the door, and she took it from Lila. "Thank you."
"Are you feeling better now?" She asked, and Marinette nodded even though she felt the same– but she didn't want Lila worrying about her. "Oh, that's so good to hear! So, what time should we meet up for me to do your hair?"
"Um, well, probably a little bit before the dance, since Kagami will be coming right before."
"Are you sure?" Lila asked. "I could get you all ready so you could surprise her."
"She's already planned it all out, and because of her mom her schedule really isn't that flexible," Marinette replied. As they walked by the kitchen her eyes flickered towards the counter, towards where the mail set– and she spotted the letter her mom had told her about. "Um, one second, I need to read this."
She recognized the handwriting on the front, and with no return address she knew who it was from. Marinette picked it up, careful to angle it away from Lila as she opened it. She could have waited until she was alone to read a letter from the Guardians, but she didn't need any other worries on her mind again. A letter meant they were probably planning another session for Guardian training– and between the dance, school, and the fashion show her hat was going to be in freetime wasn't something she was going to have a lot of in the coming weeks.
Her eyes swiftly scanned the letter, and she felt relief running through her as she read– the letter having been sent to tell her that she and Crimson would not be meeting up with the Guardians for several weeks, because of the rapidly approaching end of the school year. That made things much easier for her, though the letter wasn't instructionless– requesting that during this time that Plagg begin to teach her about the kwamis of the 'upper box' and their powers. She didn't know what they meant by upper box, though she assumed it had to do with the Miracle Box.
"What's it about?" Lila asked, attempting to peer at the letter– though Marinette folded it up and stuffed it away in her pocket.
"Just a cancellation notice," Marinette replied– specific and boring enough so that hopefully no further questions were asked, but vague enough to not be a lie. "You want to go back up to my room?"
"Of course," Lila said, pulling another macaron from the bag. As they climbed up the stairs Marinette realized that she had forgotten to grab something for Plagg like she had promised him.
She would get him a cheese danish when Lila left.