A/N: I don't think I mentioned before, but the cycles are not being posted in chronological order.
Her feet pound the pavement as she runs the last block to home. The mail truck passed her a few streets back, driving her to get home as soon as possible. Today, she tells herself, maybe today will be the day it arrives.
She comes to a sudden stop in front of her mail box, wrenching it open. Her heart pounds as she flips through the stack.
"No...no….no….come on, please be here…."
And there it is at the bottom of the stack, a tattered envelope with her name written on it green. His favorite color.
"Mom, I'm home!" She says, running into the kitchen to deposit the rest of the mail on the table.
"Annabel, wait. I want to know how your day went." Her mom turns away from the sink to face her. "You've been so busy with band practice and work that we've…" Her eyes land on the letter clutched in the girl's hand. "Oh….you got a letter."
"We'll talk later mom, okay? At dinner, I promise." Annabel pleads. "Right now I need to…."
"I know sweetie. Go on. I'll let your father know you're not to be disturbed until dinner."
"Thank you mama!" Annabel gives her mother a crushing hug before tearing off down the hall to her room, the door practically slamming behind her. "Sorry mom!" She shouts knowing full well in this situation, her mother won't scold her anyways.
Others don't get it, taunt her even, but her parents have been mercifully understanding. Far better than she ever imagined they would. She is truly blessed. After all, not all parents would be content with letting their only daughter communicate with a man she had only met once.
She was a relatively new worker at the cafe when he came in wearing his uniform. He was quite shy, so she smiled and suggested some of her favorite menu items.
"Honestly, what I'd like more than anything is someone to talk to."
It had caught her off guard, but Annabel smiled nonetheless and checked the clock. Her shift would be ending soon and she could easily let her parents know she'd be back a little late. What would be the harm in talking with a cute(there was no he was cute, especially with that bashful smile) boy? He couldn't be much older than her. Besides, he seemed like he could use a friend.
"I've still got some time on my shift, order something and by the time you're done I should be off. I can show you one of my favorite places to go."
He agreed and proceeded to order her favorite item off the menu.
A package should come for you as well. I found a hair bow and couldn't resist buying it. I'm sure it'll look as cute as the one you wore the night we met.
Her bow was the first thing he commented on as they sat on the pier by the lake. They spent hours talking on that pier. He was shipping out the next day he told her. His parents were sick with worry and his friends didn't understand why he was doing it.
"So that's why you have such sad eyes."
She hadn't meant to say it, but it made him laugh.
"All my life, I've felt as if I was meant to be doing something. Something bigger than myself."
"And you think joining the military is the answer?"
"Truthfully, I don't know if it is." He admitted with a shake of his head. "But it led me here to you, so it's got to be a step in the right direction."
She wanted to ask what he meant, but Annabel didn't trust her voice. She was sure if she tried to speak, it'd shake just like her hands were. Instead, she let silence wash over them. Somehow just sitting with him felt more right than anything had in awhile. She found herself wishing he wasn't being shipped out the next morning. But would they have met if he wasn't? A small voice had whispered from the back of her mind. Possibly not. Surely it was better to have a little time, than none at all….right?
In the silence, his hand had moved to grasp hers. He didn't look at her when he asked the question that started everything, instead choosing to look at the reflection of the moon on the water.
"I'm sure you have a boyfriend or something so I understand if you say no, but would you mind if I sent a letter back here to you?"
"I don't….I don't have a boyfriend. And I've never had a pen pal...it seems like fun though."
I hope you're still wearing bows. If so, I want a picture as proof.
After she's finished reading the letter, Annabel starts to call to her mother but stops when she spots a small package on her desk. Could it be his? She grabs it and rips it open. Inside rests a red bow with black polka dots with a note that reads
Thinking of you, princess.
She never should have told him about her childhood dream to grow up to be a princess. He's never going to let her live it down.
My parents want to meet you.
That request is what brought her to the train station. It was sudden, to say the least. Annabel knew he'd mentioned her to his parents, what she didn't realize was how much he talked about her.
They're curious about you and want to meet you. i'm sure it'll be a little weird, since they're strangers. You could bring your parents if you want, if that'd make you more comfortable. I'm sure they'll insist on it anyways. I just…
I want you to meet them Annabel.
He'd included a picture of them and their address.
When Annabel brought up the idea with her parents, they were surprisingly supportive of the idea.
"Seriously?"
"It's only about an hour by train, I think you can handle that." He father shrugged.
"You'll let me go by myself?"
"Of course sweetie. You're a smart girl and we trust you. But, if you want us there we'd be happy to come." Her mother assured her.
"I don't know."
"Well, you think about it and let us know. I'll get you a round trip ticket for this weekend, okay?"
In the end, she decided to go alone. She's old enough to take a day trip without her parents. Besides, it seemed like they needed some alone time anyways.
Annabel spends her time on the train simply staring out the window. She tried writing a letter, but her hand were shaking too much. She's nervous, more than nervous. Annabel almost feels like she's meeting her boyfriend's parents for the first time. But she's not, they're not like that,...no matter how much she wishes they were.
Everyone tells Annabel she shouldn't feel that way. Tease her, saying she's too young to be waiting on a solider. Everyone, everyone but her parents has an opinion on how she should feel. She's sure they have one, but at least they're kind enough to keep it to themselves.
"Oh you are just adorable, Annabel! Please, come in. Are your parents not with you?"
"No, they let me come alone, Ma'am."
"I'm sure you`ve more than earned the trust they have in you. And please, call me Molly." Molly turns to call down the hall, "Steve, Annabel is here!"
They settle in the livingroom, where a plate of cookies waits on the coffee table.
"I hope it's okay that we asked you here. Micah just talks so much about you, we couldn't wait to meet you." Molly says.
"Y-yeah, he um, he mentioned that." Annabel pretends to straighten the bow in her hair for something to do.
"A girl with a bow in her hair." Steve smiles.
"I-I'm sorry?"
"That's how he described you, when he told us how you two met." Molly explains. "He mentioned you like to wear them a lot, is that the one he got you?"
Annabel's face reddens. Just how much has he been telling them?
"Molly, you're embarrassing the girl." Steve reaches forward for a cookie. "I promise, Micah has only had good things to say about you. But don't worry he hasn't told us everything, which is why we wanted to meet you. We can only get to know you so well with all the information coming from Micah."
"Micah always called us 'busy bodies' because we liked to meet all of his friends."
"It's understandable. My parents are the same way actually." Annabel says, nibbling on a cookie.
"Now if you don't mind me asking, Micah mentioned a nickname he has for you. Could you tell us what it is? Micah's insistence on keeping it a secret has made me curious."
He told them! Maybe not completely but he told! He's a dead man the moment he gets back.
"There you go embarrassing the girl again." Steve shakes his head. "You don't have to answer that if you don't want to."
"It's um, it's nothing special. He just likes to tease me about something from when I was little."
"That's Micah for you, you have to be careful way you tell that boy." Steve says, chuckling. "Tell you what, I'll get the photo album and we can tell you some of his embarrassing stories so you can have some revenge when you write him next."
"What do we do now, Clay? We agreed to wait until Annabel was older and that time has come."
"She's still in high school though, Colette." Clay argues. "She's so young."
"Physically. You're the one who told me that, remember?"
"I know. And I know the way things happened has made everything more complicated for you." Clay sighs, dropping onto the couch next to his wife. "But I'm not sure we need to wake them up. Not yet."
"You say that because even though you know Annabel needs her Chat Noir, you don't want to think about your little girl being in love with a boy." Colette states. "But we can't think as her parents. Not anymore."
"What if we give her the earrings, but don't tell her?" Clay suggests. "And we can figure out how to give Micah the ring, just in case."
"We promised we'd tell Annabel the truth one day."
"But we might not need to do that yet. We both know that Micah asking her to meet his parents means something." Colette nods in agreement. "I doubt he's told her, and probably won't tell her until he's back home for good, but he loves her. And Annabel is completely in love with him. Maybe...maybe we just need to wait this out, just use the earrings and ring as back ups just incase something happens."
"Okay. For now….we can wait."
"Feel free to call us anytime." Molly says as she gives Annabel a tight hug. "And don't be a stranger. We want to hear all about how school is, come for dinner at least once a month okay? It'd do my heart some good, this house feels so empty with Micah gone."
"I will." Annabel promises.
"Make sure you have your parents call us." Steve reminds, "We want them to feel comfortable coming on a regular basis. And we'll come to you sometimes, the five of us can have dinner."
Annabel nods, blinking back tears. Spending the afternoon with Molly and Steve has made her feel more connected to Micah than she has since that night on the pier. They were right, there really is only so much you can fit in a letter. She'd heard so many stories she'd never know otherwise. Even watched some home videos, Micah was an adorable toddler.
"You better hurry up and board or you'll miss you train!" Molly gives Annabel one last hug then ushers her towards the train.
Annable waves out the window until they're no longer in sight. WIth parents like them, she has no trouble understanding how Micah ended up the way he did.
"Speaking of…"
Anabell reaches into her bag for paper and pen. She has a letter to write.
I met with your parents today. They're very nice, which isn't a surprise. We talked a lot and they told me lots of stories. Like that time when you were five years old….
"Marinette!"
Marinette jumps, turning her head to look at her roommate. "Sorry Alya, I guess I was day dreaming."
"Must have been a pretty intense day dream, I called your name three times."
"Yeah, kinda. Sorry." Marinette's cheeks flush. "What did you need?"
"Chloe and I are going out for coffee, do you want to join us?" Alya asks.
"Sure. Let me just grab my purse."
"Don't start day dreaming again or we might leave without you." Alya teases as she leaves.
"Are you okay?" Tikki flies out of her hiding place.
"Tiklki...was I Chat Noir ever named Micah?"
"Yes...he was." Tikki nods slowly, "That was….not our finest hour."
"Why? What happened?" Marinette questions.
"That doesn't matter now. Go get coffee with your friends, Marinette."
Sometimes when it gets rough over here, I think of the night sitting on the pier. If I close my eyes, I can still see your pretty smile.
Annabel shakes her head, a blush spreading across her cheeks. He can be such a flirt.
"Annabel!" Molly's voice calls, causing her to look up. "I swear you've grown since we last saw you."
"I had a little growth spurt. It's about time, hopefully now people will stop confusing me for a middle schooler." Annabel hugs the woman. "Steve couldn't make it today?"
"No, he had work but I didn't come alone." Molly gestures the red head next to her. "This is Alex, he's Micah's best friend."
"I hope it's okay that I came." Alex smiles shyly. "It's just that...well, Micah talks highly about you."
"And as the best friend it's your job to make sure I'm not a crazy person." Annabel nods. "I'm glad you came. Micah's told me about you too."
"Is that from him?" Molly's eyes fall on the letter. "I hope we didn't interrupt you."
"Oh don't worry about that, I was almost done anyways. I can finish later. Let's get some lunch, I'm starving."
"I'll bet. you worked hard to get such good grades on your final exams. Steve and I are so proud of you."
They chose a small cafe and settled into a booth. They talked about Annabel's summer plans, which largely consisted of her working at the diner. Alex, who has been Micah's friend for years, tells Annabel stories of the antics dating back to grade school.
After they've finished, Molly says her goodbyes, apologizing for needing to leave so soon. Alex stays behind, saying he needs to find a gift for his mother's birthday. Annabel offers to help him pick something out and give him a tour of the town.
"I'm probably the only one who didn't fight Micah on his decision," Alex says as they walk, "probably because I've known him for so long."
"He told me none of his friends understood his decision." Annabel says.
"I didn't fight him on it, but I certainly didn't understand it."
"I don't understand then."
"Micah's always felt like he's had this...destiny or whatever."
Annabel nods at this, "He mentioned that. How he felt like he was supposed to do something bigger than himself."
"I don't get how that translated into 'I should join the military' but it did. He's been searching for something his whole life, if this is his answer, who am I to fight him on it?"
"I think I get it. Let's try this shop."
Before boarding the train, Alex hands Annabel a piece of paper with his name and number on it.
"In case you want to talk to someone closer to your age." He says, "Not everyone gets what it's like to have someone they care about overseas."
When she's in the privacy of her room, Annabel finishes the letter.
Don't worry, but I won't be able to write for a while.
Don't worry? Ha! All she does is worry.
"You visited Molly and Steve today didn't you?" Clay asks over dinner.
"Yep. I'm glad it's summer now, it makes it easier to see them."
"How's Molly doing? She seemed down last I spoke with her." Collette mentions.
"She's got a bad case of empty nest syndrome." Annabel says. "They both miss Micah a lot, but they're proud too."
"Of course they are, they have a lot to be proud of. Just like we do." Clay ruffles his daughter's hair, making her pout. "Your mother and I have a gift for you."
Colette slides a small black box across the table, and Annabel gasps when she opens it.
"These are your special earrings! I can really have them?"
"I think you're old enough now. Be sure to wear them, they'll bring you luck."
The car is in the driveway when Annabel arrives home from school, but neither of her parents are home. Thinking this is odd, Annabel grabs the note from the kitchen table hoping it'll provide an explanation.
Molly and Steve called, they want to see you.
Things keep getting weirder, Molly and Steve never ask her to travel to them on a school night.
I left the keys to the car on your nightstand. There's a small duffle bag on your bed, pack it with stuff for overnight, Just in case. I already made arrangements with the school and your work, don't worry about anything. Take as long as you need.
I love you my sweet Annabel.
Mom
The closure of the note unsettles Annabel, her mom almost never addresses her that way.
"Stop freaking yourself out, Annabel," She mutters with a shake of her head. "Mom is probably just being overly sentimental again. It's nothing. Everything is totally fine."
With a new determination, Annabel goes to her room and quickly packs and over night bag then grabs the car keys and heads out.
It's nothing. Everything will be fine. Just fine.
Annabel no longer runs home for school,
No longer checks the mail.
Phone calls from Molly and Steve go unanswered, their messages torn up and thrown away.
She locks herself in her room for hours at a time, but not for the same reasons she once did.
Letters from colleges interested in her pile up on the table, completely ignored. Her parents don't nag her to read them, to even think about college They barely bother her about school. Her grades are still good, so despite the drop, they're happy.
Well…..
As happy as they can be with their only daughter falling apart before their eyes. At night they lie awake listening the her cries, knowing there is nothing they can do to help.
They failed her.
Again.
There's an after school snack in the fridge, please try to eat some. We'll be home late, I left money for pizza if you're hungry.
Love,
Mom
Annabel crumples up the note and tosses it to the side, knocking over the pile of mail in the process.
A letter addressed to her in familiar green handwriting falls into her view.
Annabel's stomach churns. She barely makes it to the bathroom before the bile comes up.
"The gods are sick bastards." Annabel sobs, falling to the cool tile. "Sick, sick bastards."
Logically, she knows letters from the military take a ridiculously long time to arrive. That the letter could have been sent well over a month ago. But just for an instant, it felt like a letter from the grave.
Annabel can't bring herself to open the letter. She can't read the words he wrote just for her. The pain is too fresh. Through her sobs, she wonders why this had to happen. Why the person who had felt like her soulmate was taken from her so tragically. She wants the pain to end, wants Micah back.
Damn you gods. Damn you for taking him from me.
Someone….please...just take this pain away. Make it end.
"Oh no." A soft soprano voice gasps. "I'm too late."
She wrote a letter. Maybe it's stupid. Maybe it's pointless, it's possible she's crazy. But she wrote one anyways.
The letter was addressed to Chat Noir, with a ladybug drawn in the top left corner. Perhaps it's possible he'll be able to read it. If fairies of good will can exist, why not?
With the letter she leaves a plain silver ring at the foot of the head stone. It was supposed to be his anyways. The gods will ensure it ends up in his hands eventually.
"I'm starting to wonder if this is just a cruel game the gods like to play." She whispers to the grave, "Come find me in the next life."
I should have had the courage to say this sooner. I wish I had. Then maybe I wouldn't be left with so much regret.
I love you Micah.
I think I've loved you since that night on the pier. But now you're gone and I have to live the rest of my life without you.
After Tikki appeared, I was tempted to end things quickly, to start the new cycle as quickly as possible. But I can't do that to my parents. They don't know anything, they certainly don't deserve to lose their only child.
I hope you find me in the next life.
I love you and miss you, My Chat Noir.
Alex failed again. Micah's death was a trigger. He remembered everything, remembered his oath.
The girl with a bow in her hair, was Chat Noir's princess.
Some help he is. He keeps failing them, always remembering too late. Making a move when there is no longer hope. Twice now, Chat Noir has been killed because of war.
It's not fair.
Perhaps he should reveal himself to Annabel, Alex is sure she knows the truth about her existence, but the guilt of his failure keeps him quiet.
From now on, his role is to keep her alive and as happy as possible.
Annabel,
You have no idea how much I miss you.
I don't regret my decision, this experience has helped me grow in so many ways. I've gotten to see so many places, made friends that will probably last a life time.
But….I've also realized that what I've been looking for was sitting right next to me on the pier underneath the moon. I wish I could have stayed there with you forever.
Your letters are the only things I look forward to some days, the only things that can make me smile.
I'm completely in love with you Annabel.
Maybe it's asking too much, but if you feel the same
Will you wait for me until I get home?
She would have happily waited.
She would have made sure hers was the first face he saw.
They had could have been happy together.
The would have been the couple their friends are embarrassed to be around, because they were so love sick. They would have bought a house and had kids, two at least.
If he had made it home.
"Adrien, wake up or you'll be late." Plagg instructs, poking Adrien's cheek.
"I'm up…Hey Plagg, was I ever called Micah?" Adrien asks, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"I never knew you by that name."
"Are you sure? I think I dreamt about one of my past lives again, and I'm positive that was my name."
"Get up and get ready, you can ask me questions later." Plagg brushes off the question. "Right now you need to meet up with Nathaniel for your study session."
What he said wasn't technically a lie. Truthfully though, Plagg knew about the lifetime Adrien had dreamed about.
But there was no way in hell Plagg was going to tell Adrien about that failure.
No, that's one cycle that's better left forgotten.
A/N: Remember this chapter.
