Chapter 15: An Afternoon with Manon and Kagami
The scent of blood was in the air, mixed with the unmistakable smell of iodine solution, gauzes and sewer water, as Brutus took care of Reptile's injuries. Hawk Moth had not been kind, when it came to punishing Reptile for his failure. His wounds were extensive and it was going to take him a few days to fully recover. But Brutus hoped, as he stitched him, that through his care, Reptile's wounds would heal a little faster. This was a bit hard, however, because Reptile continued to move, instead of remaining still.
"Try to hold still, while I stitch you up." -Brutus warned Reptile.
"I-I d-don't need that… I can heal, o-on my own…" -Reptile protested, while gritting his teeth in pain.
"I know that. But with this, you will heal and recover a lot faster. And I'm going to need you, for my next plan." -Brutus told him, as he finished stitching Reptile's shoulder. –"The master was not gentle with these blows." -he thought to himself.
"A plan? What plan?" -Reptile asked him.
"A plan that will allow us to find the perfect vessel for one of the master's Akuma Butterflies." -Brutus answered him.
"And what kind of plan is that? Unless you have a better plan, than the usual going out and s-search for someone, whose negative emotions are spiking through the roof, I don't know how much that other plan of yours will be." -Reptile said, as Brutus bandaged his shoulder.
"As always, you're not thinking with your head, and are being driven by your need to please the master." -Brutus pointed out. –"Luckily, I can think out of the box." -he said.
"Are you going to keep insulting me, or are you going to tell me that plan of yours? Because if you are going to continue to insult me, I'd rather have that blasted hag insulting me." -Reptile told him, practically spitting the words.
"Patience, Reptile, patience. I'm getting there." -Brutus told him. –"I know you don't see eye to eye with Romani, Let me ask you this. Do you know why the last Akuma that was created by our master, thanks to Madame Romani, who found it, was so destructive and almost managed to kill some of the heroes?"
The idea of showing Madame Romani that he was a far better lieutenant was not only tempting, but it was also an idea that Reptile wished to prove was true. He had a problem with working with her, but Brutus was different. He listened to him, and even if he did not like the way he wished to deal with a problem, he would not tell him bluntly, like Romani did. So, when it came to giving him a chance to explain himself about his new plan, the lizard man was willing to hear him out.
"Why?" -Reptile asked him. –"Why was that so?" -he asked again.
"Because she went to the source. She went to that psychiatric hospital, and chose someone whose emotions could be used our master. She chose someone who was not psychologically well." –Brutus said. –"All we have to do, is go there and find someone else, with the same attributes." -he declared.
"And you think that you're going to find another psychopath who loves fire and wishes to burn the whole world to cinders?" -Reptile asked him, doubtful of such idea.
"He was not a psychopath; he was a sociopath. And no, I'm not expecting for us to find another sociopath who dreams about fire there. But in a place like that, there's bound to be at least another person, whose negative feelings can be used by our master to create another powerful Akuma. We just need to find someone whose emotions aren't well, and then… well, you know what happens."
"And how do you plan on doing it so?"
"We're going to do what she did. We're going to stalk the place, and we're going to find someone who we believe, is the right target for an akumatization." -Brutus said.
"And what if she does the same?" -Reptile asked him.
"I don't believe she will do it. I noticed she's not the kind of person who hunts on the same spot twice. But if she goes back to it, then we will work with her." -Brutus said. –"We can't allow petty squabble among us, to stop us from doing what we were tasked to do… and don't you give me those eyes. I know you don't like Romani, but you need to put your personal feelings aside, otherwise, we'll continue to fail, and you know what happens, every time we fail." -he said.
"You don't seem to mind being punished by the master." -Reptile scoffed him.
"Just because I take my punishments, without complaining, doesn't mean I like them." -Brutus said. –"Anyways, going back to what we were talking, once you're back on your feet, you're going to help me find the perfect victim to be akumatized. And with it, the master will create an Akuma, which will finally destroy the Miraculous Team, once and for all." -he told him.
Though people tried to avoid it, Monday arrived, and with it, a new week. Usually, at Collège Françoise-Dupont, classes on a Monday tended to look like they went on forever. But on that particular Monday, time seemed to go much faster, which felt strange to the students. After classes ended, Marinette made her way back home, knowing that in a few hours, she would go out again, to meet up with Adrien for a quick date, once he ended his fencing lesson. Because of his tight schedule that week, it would be hard for them to go out. So, they had to improvise and make the most of what they could. But what Marinette did not know, as she walked back home, was that she had someone waiting for her. When she entered her parent's bakery, who should come out from behind the counter, and hug her, but little Manon. Marinette smiled at the little one, while hugging her back, surprised to see her there, as she did not remember Manon's mom calling her to ask her to babysit her. But before she could ask herself if she had forgotten about it, Sabine, who was behind the counter, told her that Nadja had showed a few minutes earlier, and asked if they could babysit Manon for a couple of hours.
"So, she asked me to babysit Manon for a couple of hours?" -Marinette asked, as Manon kept dancing around her, happy to see her.
"Yes, Marinette. I don't know why, but I figure that it's because she had something important to do, because she practically sprinted out of here, after dropping Manon." -Sabine said. –"She said, she would pick her up, after dinner." -she added.
"Well, I already had plans for this afternoon. But I guess I can find a way to make them work, while taking care of this young lady here." -Marinette told her mom, while kneeling in front of Manon. –"You're ready for a fun afternoon, Manon?" -she asked her.
"Yes!" -Manon exclaimed.
"Yes, what?" -Marinette asked her, demanding a proper answer.
"Yes, Marinette. I'm ready for a fun afternoon!" -Manon giggled. –"Can we get some ice cream, or some chocolate?! And some cookies too!" -she asked her, always laughing.
"Well, we can start with the cookies, right now. As for the rest, we'll see." -Marinette smiled at her.
"Thank you, Marinette." -Manon thanked her.
Following the blue-haired teenager behind the counter, Manon kept skipping joyfully, knowing that she was about to get a sweet treat from her favourite babysitter. Grabbing two chocolate-chipped cookies, she gave one to Manon and then bit the other, before slipping the rest of it into her purse, where Tikki was waiting for it. Manon happily ate the cookie in silence, and Tikki did the same. As always, the cookies were delicious.
"You shouldn't slip cookies like that into your purse, Marinette. You'll fill it with crumbs." -Sabine said.
"Don't worry, mom. I'll make sure to eat it before any crumbs come lose from it." -Marinette joked, knowing that in a matter of minutes, there would not be even a single cookie crumb inside her purse, courtesy of her kwami.
"So, what were those plans you had?" -Sabine asked her
"Oh, I was going meet Adrien, after his fencing class and walk him home." -Marinette answered her, after which Sabine giggled. –"What? What's so funny, mom?" -she asked her mother.
"Sorry, sweetie, it's just that when I was your age, it was the boys who walked the girls' home, not the other way around." -Sabine giggled.
"Yes, I know all about it. It was back in the Palaeolithic." -Marinette joked.
"I'm not that old, you know?" -Sabine shot back at her, in a playful tone.
"I know. I'm just joking." -Marinette chuckled. –"Anyways, now that I have to keep an eye on this little angel here, instead of waiting until Adrien's fencing lesson is over, I'll go and take Manon on a little walk, and then we'll meet up with him. You don't mind if we do that and accompany Adrien home, do you?" -she asked the little one.
"No! But we'll have to go by superfast-express!" -Manon giggled.
"Superfast-express, sweetie?" -Sabine asked, not understanding what Manon was talking about.
"Oh, it's how she's calling buses nowadays." -Marinette explained her.
But that was not the truth. What Manon meant, when saying they would have to go by superfast-express, was something completely different. That was how she called the times when Marinette transformed into Ladybug and gave her a piggyback ride through the town, leaping from building to building, and swinging through the streets with the help of her yo-yo. Ever since Manon found out about Marinette and the rest of her class's secret, that she had Marinette give her those rides, whenever it was possible, and the holder of the ladybug miraculous knew that that was about to happen, once again, as soon as they left the bakery.
"Superfast-express, huh? Well, it's a funny way to call a bus, indeed." -Sabine said. –"Just be sure not to come back too late, okay?" -she told Marinette.
"Don't worry. We'll be back before dinner time." -Marinette said. –"By the way, what's for dinner?"
"Still haven't decided it yet. But since we'll be having an extra guest, maybe your father could work up some of his world-famous pizzas." -Sabine said.
"That sounds like a great idea. Doesn't it, Manon?" -Marinette asked the little girl.
"Yes! Cheese and Ham pizza with peppers and mushrooms!" -Manon said.
"You heard her, mom." -Marinette smiled.
"I did." -Sabine said. –"And did you hear her too, honey?" -she asked her husband, as he entered the bakery, carrying a tray of freshly-baked baguettes.
"I did. And I'll be glad to bake the pizzas for dinner." -Tom smiled.
After making a quick stop in her bedroom to leave her backpack and everything school-related she had with her, Marinette quickly grabbed a couple of things she needed from her wardrobe, stuffed them in the backpack she had bought for when taking Manon on a walk, grabbed Manon and left. Walking down the street, Marinette looked for a place where she could transform without being seen. Luckily, by now she already knew all the places near her home, where she could transform, without risking being seen. All she had to do was to walk to one of them, and check if the coast was clear, before doing it. This time, she had Manon to lend her a hand, and tell her if anyone was coming. When finding the perfect spot, they wasted no time. To be able to ride on Ladybug's back, Manon could not look like herself. Which was why Marinette had designed, sewed and kept for her, in her wardrobe, a black and purple hoodie that would allow her to keep her identity a secret, for cases like that. The hoodie was also equipped a safety belt that Marinette would buckle around her waist and chest, to prevent Manon from falling. On top of that, she had also bought her a pair of large aviator goggles, which helped to hide her eyes. While wearing those items, Manon became unrecognizable, which was what they wanted.
With time to kill, until Adrien's fencing lesson ended, Marinette and Manon were going to enjoy themselves. And since Manon had asked her if they could go for some ice cream and some chocolates, Marinette was going to take her to the carnival she knew had been put up near the Place de la Bastille. And she planned on getting there, as fast as lighting. Helping Manon get the hoodie on and the aviator goggles, Marinette could not help but to smile, because of how cute the little girl looked.
"Okay, you have your jacket on, and your goggles. I think that's all. You're ready to do this?" -Marinette asked her.
"Yes! Transform into Ladybug, please." -Manon exclaimed, excited.
"Not so loud, Manon." -Marinette begged her. –"Remember, no one can know about it, okay?" -she reminded her.
"Yes, sorry." -Manon said.
"You know, it's not that I don't love to do this with you, but we'll have to keep these to a minimum for a while." -Marinette told her. –"I don't want people to accidentally find out it's you riding at my back, for your own sake." -she tried to explain it to Manon. –"So, from now on, we'll only do this when you spend the night with me, or when it's an emergency, okay?"
"Okay." –Manon sighed, after hearing such sad news.
"Now, don't do that face, Manon. I don't' want to see any tears on those beautiful hazelnut eyes of yours. And I want to see a big smile on that pretty face of yours." -Marinette said, trying to cheer her up. –"Who's my favourite guardian of the secret, huh?"
"Me?" -Manon said, with her eyes a bit teary.
"That's right." -Marinette said. –"And guardians of the secret don't cry." -she smiled at Manon. –"And you know why?"
"No." -Manon said.
"Because they're brave, and they're always there, when one of the heroes needs their help." -Marinette smiled, while caressing Manon's cheeks with her hands. –"And you're the bravest little girl I know." -she continued to smile, hoping that would get Manon to smile again.
And as if by magic, a smile showed up once more in Manon's face. Marinette's kind words, combined with her kind smile, had done the trick. Sometimes wondered until how long that trick would work with Manon, with her getting older. But she tried not to think about it much, also because she knew that with time, she would find other ways to deal with Manon, as she got older; while at the same time, she also believed that as she got older, Manon would continue to be the kind-hearted and lovable girl she was already.
"Now, how about we go and have some fun?"-Marinette said.
"Yes!" -Manon exclaimed. –"I'll go see if anyone's coming." -she said, as she ran to the corner of the alley, to check if there were persons, who might see Marinette transforming. –"No one's coming, Marinette!"
"Then, let's do this." -Marinette told Tikki, who winked at her. –"Tikki, transforme-moi!" -she told her kwami, as this one was sucked into its miraculous.
Engulfed in a flash of light, Marinette's regular clothes were replaced by her iconic red and black skin-tight catsuit. No matter how many times she did that, once the transformation was over, she always felt like she could take on a whole army. And that meant that she had enough energy to take on little Manon, who sometimes had the same amount of energy as an army.
"Well, Manon, shall we?" -Ladybug asked the little girl, while kneeling down, so she could climb on her back.
"Yes!" -Manon said, as she got on Ladybug's back, wrapping her arms around her shoulders. –"Let's go." -she said, as Ladybug buckled up the hoodie's safety belt around her chest.
Getting to the carnival was easy. And during the time they were there, Marinette and Manon had all kinds of fun. Marinette took Manon on every ride there was, starting with the Merry-go-Round and ending with a ride on the Bumper Cars. It had been a while since either one of them had been to a carnival, so it was fun. There was something magical about it. They did not know if it were the rides, the carny music, the food, or all that combined. All they knew was that they loved whatever it made it magical, and they could not get enough of it. It was the perfect place to go to have some fun, on a Monday afternoon. And true to her word, she bought some goodies for the them to share along with Tikki. Chocolates, cotton candy, funnel cakes and candy apples. Marinette was sure that with all that sugar, it would take hours before Manon settled. But she figured it would not hurt for once, if she ate all that sugar. Plus, that would give her an excuse herself to eat things she would not eat on a daily basis.
"I bet I can eat more cotton candy than you, Marinette!" -Manon said, as she pulled a little piece of cotton candy and ate it.
"We'll see about that!" -Marinette shot back, as she pulled a large piece of cotton candy and placed it inside her mouth. –"So… delicious…" -she said, as she swallowed it. –"Beat that, you little squirt!"
"I will! I will!" -Manon said, as she pulled a larger piece of cotton candy, and stuffed her mouth it, desperate to equal Marinette.
"Slow down, Manon, or you'll end up biting your tongue." -Marinette joked.
After that little sugar feast, Manon insisted on going on a couple of rides again. Looking at her watch, she saw they still had a little bit more time, before it was time to go, so she took Manon to whatever ride she wanted. Finally, when she saw it was almost time for Adrien's class to end, Marinette told Manon it was time for them to go. Obviously, Manon was too amused to go, but after Marinette told her that if they did not hurry, Adrien would be worried, she agreed it was time to go.
Using the same scheme, they had used to get to the Carnival, Ladybug and Manon made their way through the city streets, heading towards their destination, the Academie Royale d'Escrime Française. But unlike the first turn, this time the scarlet heroine took the scenic route, swinging through the streets at a much slower pace, because she did not want Manon to throw up. More than once, she landed on top of a bus or a truck, allowing some passing citizens to snap a couple of photos of her, and wondering who the little girl she was carrying on her back. As they approached the Parc Monceau, where the academy was, the scarlet heroine looked for a spot where she could revert to her civilian identity. Finding one, behind a building, she descended and quickly reverted back to normal. Grabbing Manon, the two of them walked away from the spot they had landed, and in a matter of seconds mingled with the people that were on the sidewalk, making their way towards the park, which they needed to cross to get to the fencing academy.
"So, did you have fun?" -Marinette asked Manon, as they crossed the street.
"Yes!" -Manon giggled. –"But I think I shouldn't have eaten that candy apple." -she declared. –"I got caramel stuck in my teeth."
"I warned you, didn't I?" -Marinette asked her in an amused tone. –"You'll have to wait until we get home, so you can brush your teeth." -she said. –"But before we go home, we have to go and get Adrien."
"Where is he?" -Manon asked.
"He's at his fencing lesson." -Marinette answered her.
"Fencing? What is that?" -Manon asked, never having heard of it.
"It's a sport. It's like sword fighting." -Marinette explained to her. –"I also practice it in school." -she added.
"Oh, sounds fun! Are you good at it?" -Manon asked.
"Not really." -Marinette chuckled. –"But I like to practice it. It makes me feel a bit like a knight in shining armour." -she said, as they entered the park.
"Does it help you fighting Hawk Moth?" -Manon asked Marinette, almost in a whisper.
"Not really. I mean, if I had a sword for a weapon, it would probably help me. But since I don't have one, I can't say it does." -Marinette said. –"But changing the subject, how was school?" -she asked Manon, curious. –"What have you learned today?"
"Oh, I learned the names of the flowers." -Manon said.
"Really?" -Marinette asked. –"And what flowers did you learned the name of?" -she asked her.
"Well, there's daisy, rose, lily, tulip, orchid, chry.. chrysan…" -Manon said, saying all the names she could remember, and clearly having problems with one of them.
"Chrysanthemum?" -Tikki said, form inside Marinette's purse.
"Yes! Thank you, Tikki." -Manon thanked the little scarlet kwami.
"Looks like you learned a lot of flowers' names today." -Marinette smiled at Manon.
"Yes! And tomorrow, we're going to learn the names of the trees." -Manon said, excited.
"The trees, huh?" -Marinette said. –"Well, then how about I teach you one or two, so you can tell them to your classmates, tomorrow?" -she asked her.
"Yes, please!" -Manon exclaimed.
"Okay, then let's see… oh, that one over there, that's a chestnut tree." -Marinette pointed to the chestnut tree. –"And that one over there, it's a pine tree." -she said, pointing to the pine tree.
Crossing the park, Marinette continued to point to the different kinds of tree that existed in it, with Manon repeating them and memorizing them. This went on until they reached the park's exit and saw the building where the fencing academy was.
The building was a rather large building and dated back to the end of the 17th century, when the academy was first founded, though one would never guess it, thanks to the numerous architectural renovations that the façade suffered over the centuries. The large stone columns adorned with the academy's coat of arms, gave the building an even more imposing air. But it was not just the columns that created that imposing aura to the building. The large windows and the entrance with its stairs covered in a red velvety carpet, also helped to create majestic aura to it. And standing on the entrance was Adrien. But he was not alone. Next to him was a girl, whom Marinette recognized. It was Kagami. And Marinette wondered what she was still doing there, not that she had any problem with it. She was just curious about it. And speaking of curiosity, upon seeing his girlfriend arriving. accompanied by Manon, he wondered why she was with Marinette.
"Adrien!" -Manon exclaimed, upon seeing him on top of the stairs.
"Hey, there, Manon." -Adrien said, as he knelt down to give the little girl a hug. –"I wasn't expecting to see you today." -he admitted.
"My mommy had to go to work, and she asked Marinette to babysit me." -Manon told him.
"Ah, I see. Lucky you." -Adrien said, before looking to Marinette who smiled at him. –"Have I ever told you that you're a box filled with surprises?" -he asked Marinette.
"Occasionally, yes." -Marinette told him, before looking at Kagami, who she recognized from the time Adrien asked her to help him buy a Valentine's present at Cartier. –"Uh… aren't you going to present us to your friend?" -she asked Adrien.
"Oh, of course, my bad. Sorry." -Adrien apologized. –"Huh, Kagami, this is Marinette, my girlfriend, and a little friend of ours, Manon… Marinette and Manon, this is Kagami, my friend and fencing partner." -he said.
"Pleased to meet you." -Kagami said with a polite voice, as she greeted her with the customary Japanese bow.
"Pleased to meet you, as well." -Marinette smiled at her, while also greeting her the same way. –"This here is my little friend Manon. Say hello to Kagami, Manon." -she told Manon.
"Hello! Nice to meet you!" –Manon giggled, as she waved her right hand at her.
"It is also a pleasure to meet you, little one." -Kagami smiled at Manon.
"Two smiles in less than one minute? Whoa, that's a record for Kagami." -Adrien thought to himself.
Adrien quickly explained that Kagami was keeping him company, while waiting for her driver to come and pick her up, who was running late, because he had a flat tire. Given that, Adrien told her that there was no point in her having to stay there at the academy's entrance, waiting for her driver to come and pick her up, and that she could wait for him, in the park, with them. At first, she tried to dodge the invitation, believing she did not have the right to disturb their date. But then both Marinette and Adrien insisted that she came with them, instead of just staying there, alone.
"I must apologize to you both. It was not my intention to ruin your date." -Kagami apologized, as they crossed the street and walked into the park.
"Don't worry, about it. I mean, it's not your fault your driver had a flat tire and is running late." -Adrien told her.
"He's right. It's not your fault that happened." -Marinette smiled. –"Besides, I think our solo date went down the drain, when I found out that I had to babysit Manon this afternoon." -she said, while continuing to smile. –"Also, that way I finally get to know you. Adrien has talked about you, and I was curious to see if you are the way he describes you."
"And… how does he describe me?" -Kagami asked her.
"Loyal. Hard-working. Disciplined. And of course, a very good listener." -Marinette declared.
"A very good listener?" -Kagami asked, while looking at Adrien.
"Well, it's true. You are a very good listener." -Adrien said. –"You're always there for me, when I need someone to talk." -he said. –"Look, there's a bench. How about we sit over there?"
"I am not one to brag about it, but my grandmother has taught me that people who listen more, and talk less, are the kind of people one must aspire to be." -Kagami admitted, as she, Marinette and Adrien sat on the bench.
"Can I borrow Tikki to play, Marinette?!" -Manon asked Marinette. –"Please! Pretty please!" -she begged.
"Tikki?" –Kagami asked, not understanding what Manon was talking about.
"Oh, it's my lucky keychain plush. Manon loves to play with it." -Marinette quickly came up with a story, as she opened her purse and looked at Tikki, who winked at her, before assuming her usual static pose. -"Here's Tikki, Manon. Be very careful with it, and don't wander off. I want to be able to see you, at all times, okay?" -she said, as she carefully handed Tikki to Manon.
"Okay, I will." -Manon giggled, as she held Tikki in her hands. –"Let's go, Tikki. Let's go and save the day!" -she giggled, while sprinting away from the three teenagers.
"She's a very creative kid." -Marinette chuckled. –"With a very big imagination." -she said.
"She seems to like you a lot." -Kagami said.
"I've been babysitting her for more than two years now. And you could say that we've gone through a lot together." -Marinette declared, as she remembered the time when Manon was kidnapped by Madame Romani, and forced her and the rest of the Miraculous Team into saving her, which ended with Manon finding out about Marinette's identity as Ladybug. –"Also, Manon's the sweetest little kid I know. She might be a bit of a handful, but I've got no trouble with that." -she declared, while looking
"Marinette has a special talent with kids." -Adrien said.
"It's nothing much, really." -Marinette said. –"All you need to do is making sure that the child you're babysitting is always happy and safe. The rest comes naturally, I suppose." -she admitted.
"I can see by the way you talk and say things, that you seem like a very responsible person. That is a good thing when dealing with children" -Kagami told her.
"Well, I admit that I'm a responsible person. But I think that part of the reason why I'm good with children, is because I can think like a little kid." -Marinette said.
"Think like a little kid?" -Kagami asked, puzzled.
"Yeah, like a little kid." -Marinette answered her.
"I'm afraid I don't understand what does that mean." –Kagami declared.
When Kagami said those words, Marinette did not know if she was speaking truthfully, or if she was just joking. But given the expression on her face, Marinette believed she was telling the truth.
"It means that you need to put yourself in the kid's shoes, you know? If you do that, it'll be a lot easier to find a way to deal with any situation that involves a child." -Marinette explained.
The conversation went on, between the three of them, while Manon continued to play where Marinette was able to see her. When Adrien described Kagami to her, Marinette could not help but to think if he was exaggerating a little bit, when saying that she did not behave like a regular girl, but more like a robot. But now that she had met her, she saw that he was not exaggerating, and that Kagami was just like he had described her. And that made it hard for either one of them to have a regular conversation, as most people would put it.
"So… how was fencing today?" -Marinette asked, trying to find common ground.
"It was okay. Kagami here almost beat me." -Adrien said.
"Indeed. I wasn't totally focused on class today." -Kagami declared. –"I apologize for not giving my best today, when it was clear you were." -she told Adrien.
"It's okay. We all have days in which things don't go as planned." -Adrien casually told her.
"Unfortunately, it is the sad truth." -Kagami agreed.
The conversation went on like this for a little longer, with Marinette trying her best to come up with casual conversational subjects that Kagami would be interested into. Unfortunately, her attempt to do so, failed, with her not finding a subject she seemed to be at ease with. Adrien, feeling that Marinette was having trouble, also tried to start a casual conversation with Kagami, which did not involve fencing, or her family. But just like Marinette, he was unable to do it. At the same time, Manon was beginning to feel exhausted, from running around the grass. The sugar that was in her blood, ran out, and feeling like she could not take another step, Manon walked towards the bench, and sat next to Marinette, thanking her for giving her Tikki to play with. With a smile on her face, she rested her head on Marinette's lap, before beginning to sleep. Looking at her, Marinette smiled, knowing that she would have to carry her home, in her arms.
"Manon… I should have known that eating that much sugar, would end up with you falling asleep, once you burned it." -Marinette thought to herself.
A few moments later, Kagami received a text from her driver, warning her that he had just parked in front of the academy, and that he could not see her. Quickly, she texted him back, saying that she was on the park and was going to meet him. Apologizing herself to Adrien and Marinette for having to go so suddenly, she wished them both a good afternoon, and quickly made her way to the park's exit. After she left, there was a minute or two of silence, between Marinette and Adrien, before resuming their conversation.
"I guess Manon fell asleep." -Adrien said, as he looked at the little girl, sleeping on Marinette's lap.
"I shouldn't have given her so many sweets. I should have known that once she burned the sugar in her blood, she would fall asleep like this." -Marinette said, while stroking Manon's hair.
"So?" -Adrien asked.
"So, what?" -Marinette asked back, while smiling.
"So, how did you like Kagami?" -Adrien asked her, curious.
"I think… I think that she's… nice." -Marinette answered him, with doubt in her voice.
"But?" -Adrien asked her, noticing the doubt in her voice.
"But… well, if I had known her in another situation, I would probably think that she's a little snobbish, and perhaps even a little rude, from the way she talked in that almost monosyllabic voice of hers. Also, the way she talked when not understanding what I was talking about, made it look like she was a robot, even though you could see, it was not her intention to do that." -Marinette said. –"I know I shouldn't say that, especially because she's your friend, Adrien, but…"
"Marinette… It's okay, believe me. When I first met her, I actually thought that she was just the way you described her." -Adrien admitted. –"But she's not always like this. And I think she just acted like this, because she doesn't know you, like I do." -he said. –"She's a little bit like me, back when I was transferred to our school. Because she never had many friends, and spent most of her life surrounded only by either her parents, or her grandparents, and a few servants, she's not very good with people. Also, according to what she once told me, her parents' strife for perfection, and they demand that Kagami strife for perfection in front of everyone."
Upon hearing Adrien say that, Marinette felt guilty for thinking about Kagami the way she did. It took his words to make her realize that if it was not for her and the rest of their friends, Adrien might be like Kagami, or at the very least, he would be a little more reserved. It was just a simple difference between them, but that had large consequences.
"That's so sad." -Marinette said. –"I don't know about you, but I can't even imagine the kind of life she must have, with parents like that. And I think that maybe she would be happier, if she had a few more friends. People she could relate to." -she told Adrien.
"I think so too. But I don't know if that will ever happen." -Adrien said. –"If you think my dad is sometimes a little extreme with my schedules and with whom I hang out with, then you should see Kagami's. Her parents make sure that every single hour she spends awaken, is used wisely, as she puts it." -he said. –"Besides school, she has numerous tutors who help her with her studies, once she gets home, as she has told me. And I think her only extra-curricular activity is fencing, which she has with me."
"You think? You're telling me that you know her for years, but you don't know much about what she does, besides school?" -Marinette asked him.
"Yeah… I mean, you've seen how she is. She's not the most conversational person in the world. I've tried to talk to her about numerous things, but she is like, and I hate to use this expression, a broken record. Sometimes I think she's afraid to let people into her life." -Adrien said. –"Also, most of the times, we let our swords do the talking for us, when we're in class." -he admitted.
"On that, I agree with you. She definitely isn't a very conversational person." -Marinette said.
"I say it's because she's secretly a robot, with very few emotions." -Plagg joked.
"Don't be stupid, Plagg!" -Tikki shot at him. –"She's just a girl who's shy, and who might be afraid to let people know who she truly is." -she said. –"She reminds me a bit of one of my previous holders, Thalina, who lived in Ancient Rome. She was such a wonderful girl, but she was incredibly shy and because of that, most people thought that she was an unpleasant person."
"Well, none of my holders were like that. They are all usually a barrel of laughs." -Plagg said, before looking to Adrien. –"Well, almost all of them… no offense to you, Adrien, but you're not exactly super funny. I mean, you are, but you're only funny, when you put on the mask." -he told him.
"None taken." -Adrien said. –"And I think that's a good thing. Imagine if I was always acting like Chat Noir? I'd definitely get into trouble." -he laughed, as he imagined it in his head.
"Well, the holders of the black cat miraculous are always troublesome." -Plagg joked.
"Uh, no offense to you two, but maybe we should go back to what we were talking about?" -Marinette asked Adrien and Plagg. -"According to you, Kagami's only extra-curricular activity is fencing. But she's got to have a couple of hours to have fun, like any other girl, right? I mean, she's not a robot." -she said.
"If she does, I don't know about it." -Adrien admitted.
"Well, there's only one way to find out. Next time you have a fencing class with her, ask her. And if she does, ask her if she wants to go out with us." -Marinette said.
"The two of us?" -Adrien asked her.
"Well, it can be just the two of us, or we could also ask the rest of the gang, if they want to join. The more, the merrier." -Marinette said., -"That way, she would have more chances of making more friends." -she pointed out.
"Don't you think you're going a little too fast, Marinette?" -Tikki asked her, as she –"What if she doesn't like hanging around people? What if she's reserved, like she seemed to me? Perhaps, instead of going that fast, you slow down a bit. Try to become her friend, get to know her first… you know? Just like you did with the rest of your friends." -she suggested her. –"And then, when you're already friends with her, will you see if she wants to become friends with other people.
Once again, Tikki served as the voice of reason to Marinette. As it sometimes happened, Marinette was trying to bite more than she could chew, and that was never a good thing. And it was times like that, that she was glad she had Tikki by her side, to warn her about it, and prevent her from doing something that could get her into trouble.
"Maybe you're right. Maybe I should just try and be her friend first, and then when I get to know her better, I'll try and see if she'll be okay with meeting Alya and the rest of our friends." -Marinette said. –"Thanks, Tikki." -she smiled at the scarlet kwami.
"Any time, Marinette." -Tikki winked at her.
"Well, I can tell you this. She liked you. And Manon here, also managed to steal a smile from her, and that's hard." -Adrien said, as he looked at the little girl, who continued to slumber, with her head on Marinette's lap. –"I think it's safe to say that you gave the first step to become a friend of hers, bugaboo." -she smiled at Marinette.
"You really think so?" -Marinette asked him.
"I know so." -Adrien nodded. –"Tell you what. We'll go with your plan. Next time I have a fencing lesson with her, I'll casually ask her, if she would like to come with me to the movies. If she says yes, we'll go to the movies, where you will casually show up, saying that you just finished running an errand to your parents. Then, I'll come up with an excuse, saying that my dad scheduled a photoshoot for me and I'd forgotten about it. I'll leave, but I tell her that you and her could go to the movies instead." -he said, after coming up with what he believed was a reasonable idea.
"That's some sneaky plan, Adrien." -Plagg told him, from inside Adrien's jacket pocket.
"It's not sneaky, Plagg. It's just clever." -Adrien joked. –"Besides, first I have to find out if she has the time to come, or authorization from her parents." -he said.
"I think it's a great plan. And if you think that that is the best way for me and her to get better acquainted, I'm all for it." -Marinette smiled. –"That way, I will get to know her better, and make sure that she understands that you only have eyes for me, in case she tries to snag you from me." -she declared with a diabolical voice, and a cute smirk on her face.
"I only have eyes for you, remember?" -Adrien joked. –"Besides, Kagami's just a friend. A very good friend, but still, just a friend." -he said.
"Well, one can't be too careful these days." -Marinette joked back, before leaning a giving him a peck on the lips. –"It's not every girl who's lucky enough to be dating the handsomest boy in Paris." -she smiled impishly. –"I'm willing to go to war to prove my love for you."
"You keep smiling that, and instead of Ladybug, I'll start calling you Ladynoire, for stealing my trademark feline smile." -Adrien joked, before kissing her. –"And as for going to war for me, I feel flattered. But you've got nothing to worry about, bugaboo. All the other girls in this city don't even come close to how amazing you are."
One of the things Marinette loved about Adrien was just how he was able to sweet-talk her into anything. And it was that kind of honest sweet-talk that made her see she had nothing to worry about, when it came to Adrien's feelings. Leaning forward, she placed a kiss on his lips, which he returned, by kissing her back.
"So, are you going to walk me home?" -Adrien asked Marinette.
"Yes, I am. And unlike what my mom thinks, there's nothing wrong about being the girl walking the boy home." -Marinette said. –"But I'm going to ask you for a little favour." -she told him.
"You want me to carry Manon, right?" -Adrien asked.
"If it's not much to ask…" -Marinette said, with a mischievous smile on her face.
"Why am I not surprised she would take advantage of you?" -Plagg joked, from inside Adrien's pocket.
"Cut it out, Plagg." -Adrien chuckled. –"But he does have a point. You do have the strength to do it… But being the gentleman that I am, I'll do it." -he said, as he gently grabbed Manon and held her against his chest. –"Whoa, is it me, or is she getting a little heavier?"
"It's either that, or you're losing your strength, silly kitty." -Marinette joked, as they started to walk, side by side.
Another day, another chapter. I did not tell you that Kagami was going to show up in this one, because I wanted it to be a surprise, I admit. But I also admit that adding Manon to the story, wasn't in the initial plans. But as I rewatched "The Puppeteer" episode, I felt the need to add Manon, which turned out to be a really clever idea, because that way we get to see her again, after her not showing up for a couple of fics.
The Fencing Academy that we see in this chapter doesn't exist in real life. There are a couple of fencing school in Paris, but not a big fancy academy like the one I added to the story. It's not the first time we see it in this AU, but this is the first time I name it. I figured that since the academy will be making more appearences in future fics, that it was only fair to name it.
Oh, and before I forget, I recently commissioned the artist Cogamori for a little fanart of the next couple in this AU of mine, ChloexSabrina. Check out her DA page, or her Instagram to see it. As always, feel free to comment, fav and leave suggestions to improve this fic, or future sequels.