AN: The idea for this one came from a guest review.

To Butterfly: I'm glad you enjoyed that!

To Cesar848: She definitely doesn't deserve it, but she's such a sweetheart that something like this really would stay on her mind for quite a while afterward. But I promise this subplot will have a satisfying conclusion.

To yellow 14: I've been trying with her!

A little after two, Emilie pushed the bakery's front door open and let herself in. The seating area was deserted, the tables sparkling clean. Only two people were visible in the café. Sabine leaned casually against the counter, chatting away with a woman whose short red hair was held back in a tight bun. Not wanting to disturb their conversation, Emilie lingered by the door, allowing her eyes to wander as she took in the décor. A poster in the window displayed a trio of light orange bonbons with the phrase "Fall into Autumn Flavors" emblazoned around them in browns and oranges. Next to it she found a new poster showing an enormous figue sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with a star-shaped petit-four. Below it sat a small Bûche de Noël decorated with Ladybug and Cat Noir figures standing in front of a Christmas tree, the words "Have a Very Miraculous Christmas!"

A wave from the counter drew Emilie's attention back to her surroundings.

"Come on over, Emilie," Sabine called cheerfully, holding a steaming cup of tea out to her. "Sorry I didn't see when you came in!"

Emilie smiled back easily. "Not a problem," she replied with a dismissive wave. "I just didn't want to interrupt."

"Oh, you wouldn't be interrupting," Sabine assured her. "We're just visiting. In fact," she added slowly, eyes drifting between Emilie and the other woman, "I'm sure you would like a chance to visit with Caline, also!"

The woman at the counter, Caline, turned and started on taking a closer look at Emilie. "It's nice to meet you, Mme Agreste," she greeted her with a hint of embarrassment.

"Likewise, Mme…"

"Just Caline is fine."

"Then you can call me 'Emilie'," she replied, smiling and taking a sip of the tea. She sighed. "You know me far too well, Sabine!"

"It's a gift," Sabine answered, grinning. "About half our regulars I can have their usual order already prepared before they reach the counter! Like Caline: black coffee, plus a fresh pastry as often as not. She was the kids' homeroom teacher for Adrien's first year in public school."

"Oh! Of course!" Emilie nodded in realization, smiling. "They've told me so many wonderful stories about you. It's a pleasure!" She cocked her head in confusion. "But shouldn't you have class now?"

Caline shook her head. "I actually have a prep period at the moment, and sometimes I'll run across the street for a caffeine boost," she explained. "Some days I need it…"

Emilie chuckled. "That's a part of why I'm here, too," she confessed. "That and the company!" She took another sip of her tea. "I'm glad for the opportunity to meet Adrien's first teacher."

Caline laughed and raised an eyebrow. "I suppose I could say the same thing, Emilie," she pointed out. "After all, you were his teacher long before I was!"

"I do hope he wasn't too much trouble."

"Oh, no, he was a model student," Caline assured her. "At the beginning of the year, he was almost a full grade level ahead of the class in Math and Literature – two in Science. And even with his… photoshoots pulling him out of class on a regular basis, he never fell behind. I suppose that's a testament to your teaching more than mine!"

Emilie smiled in relief. "Teaching him a good work ethic was my first priority when he was younger," she explained. "Since we were always running around for business, he had to know how to focus and make use of the time he had available – you never know when something else will pop up, so he had to be able to work ahead on his Math while waiting for his turn at a photoshoot."

"It certainly helped him," Caline agreed with a nod. "Even with all of the disruptions, he never fell behind. He really was a pleasure to have in class!"

"All the same, I am so glad he got so much socialization from school," Emilie commented, frowning. "From what I understand, if it hadn't been for that, I don't know if he would ever have had a chance to make friends!"

"Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure you're correct there," Caline agreed. Her emotions turning sad, she sniffed. "I'm glad he had such a positive experience with school. Especially his friends." Her sadness shifted into pride. "Of course, that was more a testament to his attitude – and the class he was in." She turned to Sabine. "I've been rather impressed with that whole class," she added. "I'm sure they've done more than any other group of students I've ever taught."

"Oh?" Emilie asked curiously, examining the other woman closely. There was a hint of amusement in Caline's emotions, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Take Alya and her blog," Caline explained. "I still remember how it started – her writing has always been decent, though her first several articles weren't quite as professional as I think she thought they were. But since then? Her writing style has improved significantly with experience, as has the quality of her journalism. Her interview with you was excellent – every bit as professional as when you talked to Nadja Chamack. She certainly has a future in journalism if that's what she decides to do."

Sabine cleared her throat. "Unfortunately, Caline, it is that time…" she warned.

Caline glanced down at her watch and yelped. "Shoot," she muttered, downing the rest of her coffee before tossing the cup in the trash and almost sprinting for the exit. "Thanks, Sabine. It was nice to finally meet you, Emilie."

"Likewise," Emilie answered warmly. "Why don't you come over for tea after school some time – or wine, depending on the kind of day you had!"

"You know, I think I'll take you up on that offer!" Caline agreed, giving her a small smile.

"What afternoon works for you?"

Caline hummed. "We have a staff meeting today, and I have Creative Writing Club tomorrow… Thursday?"

"Thursday I'm free!"

"Then I'll see you then! And thanks." Caline paused with her hand on the door, mouth twisting up in thought. Emilie sensed a trace of nervousness from her as her eyes drifted between Emilie and Sabine. "I'm glad Ladybug and Cat Noir were able to revive you."

Emilie cocked her head suspiciously, her brows furrowed. "What do you mean?" Behind her, she felt a jolt of surprise from Sabine.

Caline pursed her lips, the nervousness increasing, and sighed. "When Gabriel was arrested, I started thinking, trying to figure out how I had missed that the father of one of my students was a super-villain," she admitted. "And while I couldn't think of any specific warning signs with Gabriel – I didn't interact with him often enough to see more than the reclusive genius façade – imagine my surprise on realizing just how many unscheduled 'photoshoots' Adrien had in the middle of the day. And how often Marinette was running off to the bathroom at the same time. Right when the Akuma alert sounded. And how often the heroes showed up to Akumatizations in my class far too quickly for it to be mere coincidence." She chuckled. "They said that they had used the Horse Miraculous to get onto Startrain, but in retrospect I should probably have realized it then."

Emilie nodded slowly as Caline's nervousness morphed into embarrassment.

"I… I hope I'm not overstepping." Caline grimaced. "And I assure you that I wouldn't want to put either of them in danger by sharing this – with anyone."

Emilie smiled, trying to put her at ease. "I know," she assured her. "And the kids do trust you."

"You have no idea how much Marinette adored you in collège," Sabine added.

Caline nodded, sighing in relief. "I just…" She paused. "We all owe them so much." She checked her watch again and muttered a curse. "And now I'm late. Have a good afternoon."

"Same to you!" Sabine replied.

"I'll see you Thursday!" Emilie called as Caline finally disappeared out the door.

After standing still and watching the door until it was fully shut, Sabine waited a beat and glanced over at Emilie. Raising an eyebrow she hummed contemplatively. "I suppose we shouldn't be surprised by just how many people know," she observed.

Emilie chuckled. "I suppose we should be glad there are so many people who care about them enough to notice!"