32: Hard At Work/Gigantitán

It's been a long week, not going to lie.

But I have to say that it was all Marinette's doing.

It all started when the reality TV show Marinette told us that her father's bakery was going to be in it. Using her charm, she told us that it would make her happy if her class watched it live.

And I did, along with Adrien who was watching it with me in my living room.

I felt second-hand embarrassment for her when the TV crew recorded Marinette's room that showed the very obvious collection of photographs she has on Adrien.

Silently, I watched his reaction and I saw him shift a little uncomfortably.

"…You know, if you didn't point it out to me, I would have thought that Marinette was just another fan. You know, since she's into fashion," he admits.

"But now you have a very smart and generous girlfriend that points out the obvious for you," Plagg comments as he eats the Camembert I left for him.

"You really need to stop spoiling my kwami," Adrien faux scolds, "Or else he might just leave me."

"That's never going to happen," I smiled wryly, "And that's because Plagg is the most loyal, brave and handsome of all the kwamis."

Adrien and I were grinning as we saw Plagg holding his head higher, preening himself in front of us.

"Isn't that right, Plagg?" I asked innocently as my face roamed closer to his floating figure. "You'll never leave Adrien's side, right?"

"Of course not," Plagg states proudly.

"That's my good kitty," I cooed as I kissed the side of his head.

Plagg purred and I saw him blush, "W-well, I am the handsomest of all the kwamis. So of course pretty ladies like you would want to kiss me all the time.

"S-so consider yourself lucky, sweet cheeks."

"I'm very lucky to have you in my life, Plagg. I wouldn't want to change it in the world," I said fondly as I gently scratched between his ears, making him purr again.

Then he suddenly flew out of reach, a blush on his cheeks again.

But then the TV showed that nothing was going as planned.

"That looks like an Akuma's work," I stated wryly.

"Plagg, claws out!" Adrien stood up.

I closed my eyes, but I opened them when I felt his lips kissing my own.

"I'll be back as soon as possible," He winks. "Don't miss me too much."

And before I could reply, he quickly left.

When Cat came back, he told me the summary of what happened.

Penny was overwhelmed with her job and was a perfect victim for an Akuma.

I wanted to check up on her, but then I would have to explain how I knew that she was Troublemaker.

No need for that.

Instead of having a video conference with Jagged and his producer, Sea Queen personally arrived at the studio to make things easier for Penny to arrange.

I hired Ms. Jureau's sister, Ms. Jureau who was more experienced with these types of business contracts and was dabbling with becoming an agent for celebrities.

Things were fine and my animations for the concert were finally approved and copyrighted.

And I felt very satisfied that Mr. Roth was visibly annoyed for paying Sea Queen again.

"So how much are we talking when doing a tour with Jagged?" He grits as he pulls his collar away, a bead of sweat already accumulated on his wrinkled forehead as he looked between my lawyer and me.

With a silent nod, Ms. Jureau slipped a sheet of legal paper towards him.

He skimmed through it and almost bulged his eyes out.

"This is an insane amount of money! Especially when Sea Queen doesn't even have a label!"

Ms. Jureau started her legal talk which started to annoy Mr. Roth even more.

Eventually, we settled for an amount and only actually be on tour with Jagged when I actually have time. In other words, I'm not going to be traveling with them.

"My client does have a seperate career and is not willing in dropping it anytime soon, which is why she made those exclusive animations for the concert and hasn't downloaded on her UTube platform.

"But once the tour is over, she will download them there. And when possible when she's live on stage with Jagged."

They talked more. Mr. Roth had to take a break to talk with his lawyer about royalties and other finances that I know Ms. Jureau will ensure that I don't have to worry about money for at least a decade.

When the meeting was over, I was told to keep it in secrecy. It was kind of disappointing, but at least I will be able to surprise my friends and give them VIP tickets to the concert.

And when it comes to friends… I will have to invite Marinette…

I shook my head and instead focused on the good.

A film director was actually visiting Roth's studio and saw me coming out of his office.

He immediately recognized me.

"You're Sea Queen!" He grins as he offers his hand for me to shake, which I accepted.

"I am Director Thomas Astruc!" He introduces himself. "And I've been working on a movie."

"That's awesome," I offered nicely. His name doesn't ring a bell, but maybe he's just new in directing. "What brings you here to Roth's studio?"

"I actually want to invite Jagged Stone to the premier and to hopefully ask him to collaborate with an American pop star to sing for the songs of the movie," He asks eagerly. "And actually, I was hoping I could extend the invitation to you too, now. If I can be so bold?" He asks the last sentence sheepishly.

I looked at Ms. Jureau and she immediately gave him her card.

"Let's all talk somewhere more private later on. How about lunch tomorrow on the L'Estrapade. It will be under my name, of course," She starts.

"O-oh, of course! I'll be there," He nods.

I waved goodbye to Director Thomas and walked with Ms. Jureau to her tinted car.

When we were in her car and I changing out of my Sea Queen outfit on her backseat, she says, "What are your thoughts on Mr. Astruc's offer?"

I was quiet for a bit as I zip up my hoodie.

"I… well, I don't plan to be like Jagged," I started, "But I do like making music. And if it's a good movie, then I would like to try it out.

"But my real passion is making animations," I sighed. "It would be nice to make up an original score and/or lyrical song. I guess it will depend on the movie."

Mr. Jureau hummed, "I will make a non-disclosure agreement so that he can talk freely about the movie and you can decide from there and help you make an agreement with them.

"And of course, you can always decline his offer."

"Thank you, Ms. Jureau."

"No problem. Glad to make business with you," She smiled slightly as her eyes never left the road.

The next day, I was happy to announce that I will be part of the movie and not just as a co-writer for lyrics, but I will almost be making half of the film scores and in charge of the antagonist's design and animation.

Though it was a little bitter that it was a movie that draws inspiration about Ladybug (and Cat Noir, I could never be mad about). Maybe being able to see that Ladybug is a good character as the world sees her, I will be able to let my anger go.

Or that is what I hope.

It was the weekend that Adrien was going to have just one photo shoot and if things went well, he would be done for the day.

We've planned that he (and Plagg, naturally) stay at my place to make dinner and dessert.

I was looking forward to the day, when suddenly I got a text from Alix.

She explained to me that Mylène, Rose, Juleka, Alya, and herself were all hanging out in Marinette's room with the owner of that bedroom.

She asked me why I wasn't invited.

And I told her the truth, I had no clue.

"Maybe because almost everyone knows that I'm quite busy," I told her as I just finished the first half of the cleanup for my upcoming video. "Sea Queen's animation takes a while to say the least," I added wryly.

"Probably," I heard her shrug if that could be possible. "I'll call you later."

"Later," I said softly before hanging up.

Maybe my talk with Marinette when I was eating sweetheart ice cream probably scared her off. I don't remember outright telling her that we aren't friends, but I think I did inadvertently tell her that I want distance between us.

Hopefully, the rest of our friends will not make a big deal out of it.

I have an excuse because of my Sea Queen job, but how long can I keep using it?

It's best to not overthink right now.

"Marinette really likes Adrien and the other girls support her," Alix groaned as she called me about an hour later. "But you know you have to tell them sooner or later."

"I know," I sighed tiredly as I laid back on my chair. "I already told you and that exhausted me, but it relieved me at the same time because it was you."

"…That's actually a sweet thing to say without being sappy," Alix says wryly. "Look I've seen the way Adrien looks at you, and I have a very strong suspicion that he likes you back."

I smiled fondly, knowing very well the truth.

"Do you really think so?" I asked instead. "I don't want to ruin our friendship by asking him to be my boyfriend."

Alix snorts, "I doubt that it's going to change anything. But I suggest that you start doing something about it because Marinette is starting to get a little bolder."

I sat up straighter from my chair, almost dropping me stylus.

"What do you mean?"

And so Alix explained to me everything Marinette had planned in order to get on a romantic outing with Adrien.

It's more complicated than what it's worth in my opinion, which settled my nerves for a bit. Knowing Marinette and her luck, it wouldn't happen.

But then again, she did get the chance to slow dance with my boyfriend. And it was all thanks to Alya…

"You'll let me know if the plan succeeds, right?"

"Are you not going to stop it?" Alix asks, confused. "I thought you liked him?"

"I do," I said seriously, but then I sighed heavily. "But- I'm not going to be that person.

"If Adrien likes Marinette, then he's going to accept the ride. If not, he's going to find a way to wait for his bodyguard or even call his father's assistant to pick him up."

"You are taking a huge chance in that," Alix states dryly. "But I really respect that you don't want to foil the overly complicated plan.

"I'll let you know if Marinette actually went through it, okay?"

"That'll be great, thanks," I said softly. "Ciao."

And I hung up, feeling a headache starting to form.

A quick nap should take care of it before going back to work.

"Jolene?" I felt someone shaking me. I recognized his voice as I fluttered my eyes open to see Cat standing in my room.

I rub my eyes to take the sleep away as I sat up from my bed.

Cat pulled my chair in front of me and sat down with a small frown on his lips, "Are you still tired?"

I shook my head, glad that my headache was gone, "Just need a break from work."

He smiled as he brushed my hair behind my ears, "Good. Becuase I got us something to eat."

"I wanted to make us something," I pout, but then I smiled, "But it smells good. What you bring?"

He grins as he shows me the bag, "Chinese."

I giggled as I got out of bed.

"Sounds good. Go ahead while I close the window." He left without another word.

When I went towards it, I stared outside for a little longer, making sure that a certain hero wasn't watching.

Feeling satisfied, I locked it and closed the curtains.

I checked my phone to see I had a missed call and a text message from Alix.

You don't need to worry, Marinette couldn't do it.

I started to text her back.

Sorry I couldn't answer, so I took a nap for a break from work. Thank you for letting me know. Hope we can meet up for more details?

Just a few seconds after sending the text Alix was quick with a reply.

I'm available tomorrow. BTW I like breakfast at Petite Bon-Bon

I smiled wryly as I sent the final text. I've heard of the cafe. Its mascot was a cute pink bunny.

See you there at 9

When I entered the dining room, the table was set for two.

I kissed his cheek as he pulled out a chair for me.

"Sorry if I kept you waiting," I told him softly.

"No worries, little lady," He winks at me. I smiled fondly at the old nickname he gave me in the beginning of our friendship. "So what kept you?"

"Alix and I are hanging out," I told him as I snapped apart the disposable chopsticks. "Tomorrow for breakfast."

Cat playfully pouted, "Should I be jealous?"

I shook my head as I smiled wryly, "Not at all. I'm sure you and Nino can use a bit of bro time, while I can have a girl's day out."

"Huh, I should do that," He thought carefully.

As we settled for a peaceful quiet, I couldn't help the knots of my stomach.

I'm not being honest.

So when we finished eating, I cleaned up and started to make a pot of jasmine tea.

"Did anything seem odd today?" I started as I hoped I didn't bring something out of the blue.

"Um… I don't know if you heard the news, but Hawkmoth akumatized a baby."

My jaw dropped.

"…That's something I never expected to happen."

Cat proceeded to tell me what happened as I served us tea.

Just as he was wrapping up, he mentioned someone I knew he wanted to leave out.

"Marinette was there and I offered to drive her home."

I nodded slowly, feeling my heart accelerate just a bit.

"Did she accept?"

He shook his head, "I hope you're not mad?"

I gave him a tired smile, "No. It's just… Marinette was there on purpose."

"How do you know?" He blinks surprised.

"Alix told me," I started. Cat's eyes widened as I told him that Marinette made an operation with her friends to try to get them to go on a rickshaw ride and eat ice cream at Andre's.

"…I had a feeling something was up," He sighs as he runs his hand through his hair. "I can't wait to just let the world know that we're together."

"Me too," I sighed sadly. "But," I licked my lips, trying to think of a believable lie and try not to implicate Marinette. "Ladybug knows me and if she hears that all of sudden I'm dating the famous Adrien Agreste, she just might think the worst of me. Or even worse," I looked him in the eyes as I grabbed his hands, "She could connect the dots and find out your secret identity."

Cat frowns as he squeezes my hands and starts to gently rub his thumbs against the back of my hand.

"I hate it, but I know it's for the best," He reluctantly agrees. But he smiled slyly, "How long do you think it will take to get over this handsome cat?"

"I don't think I would," I answered honestly, "But six months?"

Cat pouted, "I don't know how to feel, but it sounds… reasonable.

"But what if Adrien starts to act a little more… friendly with you?"

"Don't make it too obvious," I say wryly. "But don't act surprised if I act a little standoffish when in public. I have to keep up the act."

He stood from his chair and then pulled my chair so I was facing him, "Good thing you don't have to pretend when we are alone."

My answer was to pull him from his belt and bring him closer to me. I wrap my legs around his waist.

His hands immediately pulled me up and he pushed me against the wall. His hands grabbed my ass.

"You are a naughty kitty," He growled into my ear before nipping at it.

"Only for you, felino," I answered in my sultry voice as I crashed our lips and wrapped my arms around his shoulders.

That night, Cat left me breathless and still glowing with pleasure.

Omake 20

My old man has taken me to this café for as long as I can remember, but of course as I grew older, I didn't have the fondness of cute pink bunnies I once had.

But it still has a soft place in my heart. Their strawberry and Nutella breakfast crepes are as delicious as ever. And their homemade hot chocolate is just as great.

I came here earlier to enjoy the café's specialty. It was a bunny shaped pink tinted bread roll.

So when Jolene comes here, I'll be able to get another one.

But I should have known that Jolene would come here earlier than the appointed time.

"Hi, Alix," She smiles way too cheerfully for being this early for a weekend. If I didn't force myself to wake up when my alarm buzzed this morning I would still be in bed.

"Hey," I answered with a wave and motioned for her to sit.

She sat down regally. Not making her chair squeal against the floor or losing her straight posture as she sat down and pushed herself closer to the table.

It was hard not to believe that she wasn't royalty. In a good way.

And I like that she is still down to earth and willing to get her hands dirty.

She's like a perfect mix of a saint and a passionate risk taker. Afterall, she actually has the balls to stand up against Chloé.

"Want to order now?" I asked her.

She nodded and soon looked at the menus, not that I needed to. But looking at Jolene, this was the first time she came here.

When she was ready, a waitress came over and took our orders.

And we were alone.

"You look tired," I said as I noticed her dark eyes.

"It was a late night," She blushes as she shifts in her chair. "Work, ya know?"

"You're going to age faster if you keep up those workaholic tendencies," I tease.

She blushed again, "I'm trying to get better. But I just get lost in the moment."

We talked some more. Our conversation falls easily as our food arrives.

However, as we were finishing, we both knew it was time to talk about what really happened.

Or at least what the rest of the girls told me since I actually wasn't there.

Jolene paid really close attention, and I saw her natural blush fading. Her skin getting paler.

"I know Adrien offered her a ride, but I think he was just doing it for being friendly," I offered to Jolene.

Jolene smiled wryly, "He's a good person. And knowing him, he probably realized the time and that Marinette's house was on the way."

She stared into her hot chocolate, before taking a careful sip.

"Thank you for telling me, Alix," She says softly, a tired look going through her face. She sighed, "I love Adrien with all my heart. But it hurts that I can't tell it to anyone else."

Her doe-eyes looked innocently at me, "I'm glad I'm able to share it with you. I hope I'm not causing you… distress over the knowledge."

And there is it: Jolene being the sweetest girl that could rival Rose any day.

"Nah, it's no problem," I waved her off. "I'm rooting for you two."

She smiled and looked a lot less tired.

Yeah, Jolene and Adrien would be a much better couple than Marinette and him. And if the rest of the girls don't get it, then I'm sorry. I'm going to stay by her side.

Because at least I know Adrien also is crushing on her.

AN: So sorry for the long wait.

But still grateful to the people still reading this far.

So special thank you to Aminelover for the review. And many more thank you's to FalloutPlayer1998, roxtarsgalaxy, riyaru, justanotherrandomstranger, Emris27, LeonFeneBlack, aliza-chan, and linktomyheartpiece for following/favorited this story. Again thank you so much for making it this far. It means a lot to me.

Spoiler Alert: New character will be revealed next chapter. And they will be in more than one chapter...