Prompt: I feel pretty/Unpretty AU with Chloe and Marinette singing and it's the song that Ladybug sang half of and it couldn't be a coincidence and Adrien may have felt guilty and cried a bit since he had rejected Marinette a few days prior and knew that didn't help her confidence
Marinette had moments of bravery. Usually it only came with the mask, Ladybug. That's all people see…Ladybug. Nobody sees Marinette. Surprisingly the only person who does is Chloe. Marinette summoned all her bravery to ask Adrien out. She was going to do it. Chloe walked up to her and dread filled Marinette's stomach. Chloe was going to break her confidence. Instead, said girl stood next to her and crossed her arms.
"I know what your going to do,"
Marinette blinked in shock before crossing her arms to. "Is that so?"
"You shouldn't. He is going to hurt you,"
"Chloe-"
"He loves someone else," Chloe's eyes turned down and actual sadness filled them. Marinette paused and her arms fell limp.
"But I have to try, right?"
Chloe was silent for a few seconds before putting her hand on Marinette's shoulder. Concern was in her blue eyes and bit her lip.
"I know I've been a huge bitch to you, but, we have Adrien in common. He hurt me and he will hurt you. Talk to me…ok?" And then the blonde walked away. Marinette blinked but was willing. If Chloe wanted to start over then so would Mari.
Marinette jumped out of her memory as the final bell rang. Chloe left the class first silently, glancing at Marinette before exiting. Adrien waved Nino goodbye before he finished packing his bag and headed out.
"A-Adrien!"
Adrien jumped as Marinette called to him. He smiled and waved at her.
"Hey Mari! What's up?"
"I-I wanted to tell you something,"
"What is it?" Adrien gave a reassuring smile and Marinette felt the heat bloom into her cheeks. She nearly gave up but remembered Chloe's words. Adrien wouldn't hurt Marinette…right?
"I wanted to tell you…I…I-I love you. I love you," Adrien's smile faltered before being replaced with a sympathetic look. Marinette felt the tears blur her eyes. Adrien made a hesitant step toward her but Marinette took another back. She wiped her eyes frantically and gave a smile at Adrien.
"I-I know you don't like m-me…like they b-but I just w-wanted to tell you,"
"I'm so sorry Mari. But I love someone else," Adrien bit his lip and sighed. There want anything else he could do. "I'm sorry," Adrien quickly hurried out of the room, passing Chloe who was leaning against the wall with closed eyes. Marinette stood there, staring at the empty space where Adrien stood and let the tears frantically fall. Chloe walked in silently and watched the girl breakdown before walking over and seating her on her desk and sitting next to her.
"It's ok," Chloe whispered. And Marinette believed her.
XXX
"Wait, so your giving up on Adrien? Girl!" Alya gaped at Marinette in surprise.
"Yeah, I mean how could I love him? I don't even know him,"
"But Mari-"
"Alya, you and Nino can still hang out and stuff. I'm just going to act like I never told Adrien. Maybe even just be his friend first…"
"That's so mature Marinette. You have a heart of gold," Alya cooed, hugging her friend. Marinette giggled and hugged back tightly.
It made sense. Marinette didn't know anything about Adrien. Just little things he likes and his schedule. What about his quirks? What about hobbies? Ones he actually enjoyed. She didn't know that. And it hurt really. It still hurt and she still cried but she found a friend in it. Chloe helped her every time. Both girls were crushed by the same boy and they bonded slowly after. It was hard to not fall on old habits but it worked with them.
Marinette walked into the class and paused. Alya was already to her seat chatting with Nino. Adrien glanced up at her and the look of pity was there. Marinette didn't want to deal with that. She looked around the room and paused at Chloe. Sabrina had been out for a week, on a family trip to Germany. She looked so lonely. Her decision was made. Marinette walked over to the seat next to Chloe and paused right I front of her. The room was quiet as the other students watched.
"Can I sit here?" Chloe looked up at Mari with surprise before scoffing and looking away. Marinette raised an eyebrow and rolled back on her heels. Chloe finally met her eyes again and they held a small fondness to them, specifically for Marinette.
"Well don't just stand there like an idiot. Sit down,"
Marinette giggled and did as she was told, scoring next to Chloe.
"Thanks,"
Chloe didn't answer but squeezed Marinette's wrist. The teacher walked in pausing at he sight of the two enemies sitting together before going on with her announcement.
"There is a contest in the Music Hall this Saturday. You have a week to do a group, duet or solo performance. You don't have too participate but the winner gets to have his or her or their song/music piece signed into Jagged Stones next album,"
Marinette and Chloe gaped. Jagged Stone was their favorite singer ever. Maybe they could perform together do they won't have to fight about it.
"Do you want to be my partner?" Chloe asked, eyes sparkling at Marinette. Marinette's eyes glanced back to Alya, Nino and Adrien. They were gaping at her. Marinette smiled at Chloe and nodded.
"I'm sure we can think of something!"
The rest of the day was off. Alya ignored Marinette and Nino kept trying to get Marinette to leave Chloe's side. But Adrien was the worst. He just looked at her with sad eyes, apologies on the tip of his tongue. Marinette didn't like that. She didn't need him to pity her. Chloe understood and always mumbled about how now he cares…
"So I was thinking-"
"Can you sing?" Chloe interruptedMarinette, eyes demanding as always. She was a lot more bearable. Marinette now knew that Sabrina didn't just stay with Chloe because of money or popularity. Chloe actually cares, you just need to break the shell first.
"I-I-what?"
"Can you sing?"
"Sorta-"
"Is it sorta or yes?"
"Why is this so important?!"
"Because I have an idea,"
XXX
Patrol was as normal as it could be. Sorta. At night, Marinette usually let herself feel the pain of not having her love love her back. It was ridiculous but it still hurt. She needed time. Chat didn't help much. Usually someone saying that the one she loved wasn't worth it, they started to believe it. But not Marinette. Adrien was her friend and she knew that he was worth everything. Maybe that's why it hurt.
"Seriously M'Lady, this guy is an idiot. Take it from me," Chat stated, crossing his arms.
"He's my friend Chat. Don't say those things," she scolded him. Ladybug rolled her shoulders and stared out into the city. She started to hum softly. Chloe had the idea to do a mash up of two beautiful songs from an American Singer.
Chat stared at her and she could feel it. Warmth spread inside the Chat Boy as his love seemed to heal slowly day by day. Maybe she didn't love him as much as she thought.
"I have a talent show at my school," Chat said softly. Ladybug whirled around to see him, a frown on her face.
"Chat, your not aloud to-"
"Will you be there?"
"Chat…"
"Please M'Lady. I just have to know. Are you going to be there?"
Ladybug contemplated his question with silence. She didn't seem like she was going to answer and Chat nearly gave up before she spoke in a quiet voice.
"I'll be there. I am performing after all,"
Chat's eyes gleamed in happiness and he let out a cheer. Atleast I can make someone happy, Ladybug thought to herself. Both Miraculous' beeped and their owners said a final farewell. Marinette called Chloe later that night, talking about everything and nothing. Honestly, Chloe was so easy to talk to. She didn't pry like Alya, just listened and then put her input before waiting for Marinette to tell her on her own.
"I really want this to work," Marinette said softly into the phone. "Not just for the production but…for us, you know?"
"I get it. I just want my dad to finally notice me. I get he's busy but I want to be more then a popularity stunt for him. I want to actually be know as his daughter,"
Marinette made a confused noise and Chloe sighed.
"I mean I want him to notice that I really am his daughter and that it's not a title for another one of his workers. I want him to love me and not try to buy it from me…"
"I can't say I understand Chloe, but the bakery is always open and I'm always ready to listen,"
Chloe chuckled on the other side and there was a suspicious sound of a sniffle.
"I-I, thank you. I can't really remember why I hated you in the first place," it was quiet except for the breathing on both ends. Chloe broke it though. "I remember that it was after my mum left. And I remember seeing you with your family in the park. My daddy wasn't elected yet but he was building it up, staying in work and never being with me. I remember feeling so jealous. You had your family, a whole family. And mine was broken. Alya had to many sisters to have a happy full family since they never had enough money, Nino was the only child but his parents were always fighting and Adrien had a happy family but his dad was already leaving the picture…then there was you,"
Marinette had tears in her eyes and clutched the phone tightly to her cheek.
"It was really stupid to be jealous of the family you had but I couldn't help it. And…I'm sorry. For all of it,"
"It-It's ok," Marinette sniffed and wiped her eyes giggling softly. "It's ok. Now let's show them woes boss, yeah?"
"Yeah. Night Mari,"
"Night Chlo,"
XXX
Marinette stood nervously off to the side of the stage. Chloe was next to her but perfectly calm…or so it seemed. Alya still wouldn't talk to Marinette and said girl couldn't find it in herself to be annoyed. She understood. Didn't mean it doesn't hurt.
"Calm down. Your making your hair friz out," Chloe scoffed at her, not even looking in Marinette's direction. Marinette huffed and crossed her arms.
"I'm sorry, Adrien keeps-"
"Who cares about Adrien? He lost his chance with two amazingly-"
"-miraculous-" Marinette added in teasingly. Chloe nodded, holding her clenched fists with a grin.
"-wonderful girls. It's his loss on us,"
Marinette nodded and smiled at her blonde partner.
"Thank you,"
"Don't thank me yet. Let's go up and kick some ass!"
Marinette gaped at Chloe as she never cussed at her before. It was strange but weirdly endearing. Marinette followed Chloe, who was confidently walking up he stage, and grabbed her guitar. Looking out into the crowd Marinette saw Alya glaring at her, Nino seemed sympathetic, Adrien seemed distracted and her parents smiled encouragingly. Sabrina was there, waving at the two of them and the mayor.
"H-Hi," the microphone shrieked making everyone wince. Marinette shut her mouth and held it away from her. Chloe put a reassuring hand in her shoulder. Marinette nodded.
"Hi. My name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng and this is Chloe Bourgeois. We have a song we'd like to sing…I hope you like it," Marinette put the microphone back on the holder and Chloe shifted her own.
Marinette started to play the guitar and smiled as Chloe closed her eyes, starting softly,
"I wish I could tie you up I my shoes
Make you feel Unpretty too
I was told I was beautiful
But what does that mean to you"
People started straightening up. Chloe had a good singing voice and the lyrics related to her.
"Look into the mirror who's inside there
The one with the long hair
Same old me again today,"
"My outsides are cool
My insides are blue
Every time I think I'm through
It's because of you,"
Marinette's eyes met Adriens and he had an unreadable expression on his face. She pushed it away as she countinued to sing.
"I've tried different ways
But it's all the same
At the end of the day
I have myself to blame
I'm just trippin' "
"You can buy your hair if it won't grow
You could fix your nose if he says no
You can buy all the make up the M.A.C can make
But if you can't look inside you
Find out who I am too
Be in a position that makes me feel so
Damn Unpretty,"
Alya's eyes widened along with her family and friends. Marinette didn't think she was pretty? Was she always insecure? Sure she was shy but not that bad right?
"I feel pretty
Oh so pretty
I feel
Pretty and witty and bright,"
Chloe and Marinette shared a smile and turned to the crowd with sharing smirks. Guilt trip time.
"Never insecure until I met you
Now I'm being stupid,"
Adrien met her gaze and winced into himself.
"I used to be so acute to me
Just a little bit skinny,"
"Why do I look to all these things
To keep you happy,"
Chloe looked at the Mayor and he frowned at his daughter.
"Maybe get rid of you
And then get back to me
Heeeeey
My outsides are cool
My insides are blue
Every time I think I'm through
It's because of you,"
Adrien sunk lower into his seat. Alya had her head rested on Nino's shoulder but Nino crossed his arms, understanding where Marinette was coming from and slowly Chloe as well.
"I've tried different ways
But it's all the same
At the end of the day
I have myself the blame
Keep on trippin'
You can buy your hair if it won't grow
You can fix your nose of he says no
You can buy all the make-up the M.A.C can make
But if you can't look inside you
And find out who am I too
Be in a position to make me feel so
Damn Unpretty,"
Their voices moved in sync with each other and Chloe stood, holding tightly into Marinette's shoulder.
"I feel pretty
Oh so pretty
I feel
Pretty and witty and bright
And I pity
Any girl who isn't me tonight,
Oh oh oh oh tonight
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh tonight
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh tonight
I feel pretty you can buy your hair if it won't grow
Oh so pretty you can fix your nose if he says no
I feel pretty and witty and bright you can buy all the make up the M.A.C can make
But if you can look inside you
Find out who am I too
Be in a position that makes me feel so
Damn Unpretty
I feel pretty, but unpretty,"
Alya was sobbing on Nino's shoulder and Adrien was looking up, hands on his face and tears running down his cheeks. Marinette was Ladybug. Marinette was so fragile and he broke her so hard. She had been nothing but nice to him and she was so shy. She must have used all her courage to tell him she loved him. But he couldn't help who he loved. Turned out to be her. And what's worse is that he walked away. Didn't comfort her or anything. Just walked away. Something he didn't do. Yet, he did…
Marinette took off her guitar and was surprised as Chloe hugged her tightly.
"Do you think they got it?"
Marinette glanced around and smiled at the cheering and crying.
"I think they did,"
A/N: I wanted to write some Chloe and Mari friendship stuff soooo TADA!