5: The Evillustrator

"Those are really good," I comment as I sit next to Nathaniel for science.

"Whoa!" He jumps as he covers his sketchbook with his body. He relaxes when he realizes it's just me. "Oh, thank you," he smiles shyly. "It means a lot coming from you."

"I'm just telling the truth," I responded wryly.

Ever since last week when he saw my completed work with my stage name signature, he has been a good friend.

I finally found someone to talk about art. Though it's flattering that he is a fan of me before I even arrived in France.

Well, me as in, Sea Queen, a rather well-known artist on the Internet in different social media platforms.

I started in DivertArt, but now I mainly post my works on InstaChat. However, I've gained a lot more popularity in my UTube channel where my art skills have expanded to animation.

Admittedly, it takes around a month to post a new video, sometimes more or less depending on the length and how much I need to actually animate my drawings, which is still a lot, and if I need to record my own voice, or use a pre-recorded audio, such as songs or clips from movies or other TV shows.

I've been gaining a lot of popularity, ever since I did a ten minute clip of the Avengers as an Anime, animating their most hilarious moments and bloopers so their faces express more than they do on the screen. And I have been getting more popular everyday it seems.

And because of that I finally got paid after getting the required subscribers at the age of thirteen.

Now at almost fifteen, I've been getting a lot of money that hasn't been used that much at all.

I practically have a mini fortune in my bank since I am not a big spender. Or have people that I like to spend money with…

It's true that money can't buy you happiness. I had to learn it the hard way.

When Nathaniel told me that he is actually one of my oldest fans… following me in my amateur days on my DivertArt page, I felt happy.

I have never told anyone I am Sea Queen, and those that did know aren't here with me anymore.

And Nathaniel, bless his soul, has kept his promise that he wouldn't tell my secret.

To show him gratitude, I drew him a picture.

A full detailed and colored drawing done on Photoshop and printed on thick sleek paper and this time I signed it as Sea Queen with a silver permanent marker at the right bottom of the page.

Behind it using black ink, I wrote a letter of gratitude mixed with well wishes for his birthday.

"And happy birthday, Nathaniel," I smiled softly as I gave him my gift.

His eyes widened as he carefully took it in his hands. "Thank you," He whispers as he takes in the details.

My fellow artist has shown me some sketches of him imagined as a superhero and told me what his powers would be. So I took the liberty to flesh it out and give it color.

The setting was at night, as he was crouched down on the top of a building, his magical pen in his hand and the other set in front of him, ready to draw, and the Louvre's lights glowing softly in the background. His face was determined with an all-knowing smirk as his eyes were focused.

I have to admit that I outdone myself and I rewarded myself with a nice bubble bath.

"It's… wonderful," Nathaniel smiles.

"I'm glad you like it," I answered honestly, that small voice in my mind saying that he was going to hate it became completely mute.

However, before he could say anything else, our teacher, Ms. Mendeleiev, started class and I immediately went to student mode. Taking notes feverishly while adding small notes to help me with our assignment.

Science is not my best subject, but I always take the effort to understand it. Or at least get a passable grade.

I was so focused that when Ms. Mendeleiev snapped at Nathaniel, I jumped, making my pencil stray off its path, creating an uneven line across the middle of the page.

I didn't know what to do to help him as he struggled to keep from anyone seeing his art.

Watching my friend get scolded by the teacher is one thing, but when Cholé starts degrading him and his passion and even his crush on Marinette, it is something entirely different.

I wanted to shout and tell her off, but several things stopped me.

I would not stoop down to her level of public degrading just for my own amusement. Sure. She most likely deserves it, but I should not be like her and be the bigger person.

Plus, what would I say? Several nasty, and definitely not PG rated vocabulary in five different languages. Those would get me suspended at least, and my embassy backup would be of no help as I could not 'legally' justify my outburst.

And lastly, it was almost the end of class. I shouldn't interrupt Ms. Mendeleiev when she's in one of her 'moods'. She is a very scary teacher.

I bet she could give Snape a run for his money.

She might not have cauldrons, but she would most likely have me clean all the beakers and sanitize the tools for detentions.

"Now for the group presentations," Ms. Mendeleiev starts as she names them.

I felt bad for Marinette when she got paired off with Chloé and Sabrina.

Though my feelings were short lived as I paid attention to my own group: Max and Kim.

I looked over at them and Max gave me a friendly wave, while Kim gave me a lazy nod. I wave back slowly.

When class was finally dismissed, I grabbed my things and went over to them, "Hey, partners."

"Hello, Jolene," Max greets both of them, "Would you like to start working on the presentation in the library?"

"Yeah, the sooner we finish, the more free time we get which equals less stress," I smirked.

"Sounds about right," Max agreed as we all walked together to the library.

"So, Jolene," Max starts as he pushes his glasses, "Based on your earlier comment that involved a type of mathematical analogy, can I assume that you are a math fanatic?"

"Ummmm, not really?" I hesitate. "I mean, math is not my strongest subject, but I take the effort to pay attention in class, study, and ask questions, which I'm sure you might have noticed." I use a pointer finger to scratch the side of my cheek for a few seconds. "And it goes the same with science, well most sciences."

"Oh? What science classification are you good at?"

"I'm not good, but I like learning about it more than anything," I admit with a soft smile on my face.

"And that would be…"

"Computer programming and coding."

"You're a nerd?" Kim suddenly talks as he points a finger accusingly at me.

I roll my eyes, "I'm a geek, thank you very much." But then I laughed. "Though in all truthfulness, I do nerd out when I get to learn about it."

"And why do you like it?"

My cheeks feel warm just the slightest, "I like to draw, a lot, and I do digital art. To save trees and what not. And I found it useful to learn about the Photoshop program to make using it a lot easier. And from there I just like learning about programs."

"You are a nerd," Kim teases, but he groans when the doors of the library are right in front of us. "I can grab us a table and you guys can get the books," Kim says and before we could agree, he just left.

"Come on, I know just what we need," Max leads the way through the high shelves of knowledge and literature.

We were silent and it was comfortable, but I needed to make the effort to talk more. He and Kim are my partners for next week. Communication is key, but I also figured out that making rapport helps a lot.

"Do you have any experience with programming?" I ask the first question that I thought as I grab a book of particle physics.

He didn't reply immediately, so I got worried, but it was for nought. Max was smiling, his posture straightened and his chest puffing out just the slightest bit, "As a matter of fact, I do."

"How exactly?" I am curious about the sudden change of open confidence.

"I have actually created a robot with artificial intelligence."

"Whoa…"

"I am actually right here," a robotic voice says from inside Max's bag.

"Markov, you have to be quiet when I'm in school," Max whispers into his bag.

"But I want to meet your science partner," Markov whines and wow… Max did a really good job at programming. Making a machine to act so human…

"What if we do our project at a more private place? Are you comfortable with that Max?" I ask the genius.

He smiled, "That would be ideal. We can go to my house. I'm sure Kim wouldn't mind."

And he didn't mind at all.

And we escaped just in time from an Akuma attack that was mainly focused on Chloé. Alya sent me a small clip of the video and I had to hide my rage from my current company.

The Akumatized victim is Nathaniel. I colored out that character not too long ago…

Does that mean that Hawk Moth can read minds?! And if I were to be Akumatized… he would know of Cat Noir's real identity!

I really have to get my emotions under control and not get very angry or very sad… I am so screwed.

"Jolene, are you okay?"

"Yeah, you got a little paler than usual," Kim points out.

"Sorry, but Alya just sent me a message-"

"We got one too." Max nods as he pushes up his glasses. "We got lucky to get out just at the right moment. Now let's continue, my mom is waiting for us."

"Oh, is she going to make us snacks?" Kim asks excitedly as he shifts his weight from side to side.

"The citron-press that you are so fond of and madeleines."

"Sweet!"

Max didn't live too far, almost the exact distance I would walk from my apartment to school, but in the opposite direction.

I just hope we don't stay too long. I really don't like walking alone when it gets dark, much less when it is dark.

"Mom, I'm home! And my friends are here too," Max calls out as he opens the door.

Max opens his backpack and out pops a small metallic ball, hovering with the aid of a helicopter head.

"Hey, Markov," Kim grins. "Nice to see you again."

"Likewise Kim," Markov says. And oh my gosh, this is really a talking robot! The programming that Max had to invest his time in! And I bet he must have had different trials and errors- "You must be Jolene, it's a pleasure to meet you."

I couldn't help the smile on my face, "Same to you and I have to say that you look rather dashing."

The screen that shows his blue 'eyes' turn to 'u's, "Aww, Thank you. Then I have to mention that your hair is a wonderful shade of silver."

I chuckled, "Aren't you quite the charmer." Awww, he's adorable!

"Markov is one of his kind as he is a self-evolving robot that I made," Max puffs his chest as he finally let us in.

His house looks like many apartment complexes that are common in Paris, but unlike them, it seems his family owns the whole building, instead of just the floor.

Though it is a little skinnier in width, the three floors they own definitely make it up.

The sound of soft thumps make me look away from the modern decorations to the middle aged lady who looks very similar to Max.

This must be his mom, who is making her way towards us.

"Hi, honey," she greets Max as she hugs and kisses his cheek. I ignored the painful stab to my heart as well as making sure to blink away oncoming tears away. "Markov, glad you stayed out of trouble."

"I'm never in trouble," the robot replies easily.

"And it better stay that way," she teases before facing Kim, "And Kim, nice to have you again."

"It's always nice to be here," Kim grins as he places his hands on his hips, standing proudly.

And finally it was my turn, "Hello, I'm Claudie Kanté. You must be Jolene Baudelaire. It's nice to meet you." She gushes.

"Likewise," I smiled and the pain was still there, but it went away, just a little. "Um, may I ask how you know my name?"

"Markov sent me a text that you were coming," she replied with a smile as she looked at the flying robot.

"Very impressive," I nod in appreciation. Markov thinks automatically to situations. As in considering other people. Very impressive.

"Come on, we can work in my room," Max says as he waves his hand towards the stairs.

It's just Kim and I climbing the stairs. Max and Markov actually stayed behind to talk with their mom.

Or would it be Max's mom and Markov's… grandma? Since Max created him and all that?

"Isn't Markov cool?" Kim asks as he opens the door to Max's room.

It was clean and very organized. A bookshelf filled with science and math books and some comics. A very large desk big enough to fit all the three of us, with a comfortable looking desk chair. The bed's covers were neatly pressed flat on the corner of the room. Two bean bag chairs sitting in front of a flat screen TV that is hooked up to several gaming consoles.

On his walls were posters of science and video games. Though the only one framed was of a video game called Ultimate Mecha Strike III. I'm sure I've heard of it before, but never got interested in it.

Personally, I'm into Super Smash Bros.

"Cool doesn't begin to describe him. Max did something revolutionary," I answered rather passionately. Then I calmed down, "Where do we set up?"

Kim merely pointed out where I could put my backpack and said to sit on one of the bean bags.

"I saw the drawing you gave Alix the other day and it was pretty cool," he mentions as he sat down on the other bag.

"You saw it?" Surprised at his comment.

"I kind of sit behind her, and I just happened to see it," he shrugs. "Why didn't you participate in the derby hat contest? With your artistic skills, you had a good chance of winning and got away from doing homework."

I remember that day.

When Mr. Damocles announced that, Ms. Bustier added (after he left) that whoever participated, would get a free homework pass for the day.

And also how Chloé stole Marinette's idea and got humiliated.

Even though Marinette was the winner, it was kind of funny that the derby is made of the thing that Adrien is allergic to: feathers.

And ironic that a certain cat is allergic to such things, now that I think of it.

Max just came in and also questioned me about the same thing as he sat in the desk chair.

"I'm not into fashion. Not professionally. And even if I did come up with a design, I would have to make it, which I'm not really good at doing those sort of things," I admit sheepishly as I press my two pointer fingers together as I look away.

They both started laughing. I turn to look at them rather confused and a little offended at their reaction.

"What?"

"You know that you could have paired up with someone that could have helped you make the hat," Kim smirks. He nudged a grinning Max, "He made the hat while I came up with designs. Good old teamwork."

"Yes. I think Mylène would have helped you if you asked." Max adds.

"Yes, that would have been workable since she didn't pair up with anyone during that contest," Markov continues.

"Guys, it already happened, what's the point of talking about it?" I asked curiously.

"It's just something to keep in mind." Max says. "Now let's start on our project and exactly in fifty-seven minutes we can head downstairs for a snack break."

We all agreed and started working.

Time went rather fast as we all worked together. And I can finally admit that I had fun.

When we had two hours in, Kim asked if I could play video games.

"I'm not good, many gamers would tell me I'm a noob, but I do enjoy playing some of them," I answered honestly.

"What kind of games?" Max asks as they all looked at me expantly.

"I like a lot of the old school, like PAC-MAN, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter, Frogger, but of the newer ones, Mario Kart and Super Smash hands down."

"I have Mario Kart, and luckily, enough controllers so that we could all play. How about thirty more minutes working on the project and then we could all have a tournament?" Max suggests.

Nervously I looked out the window and saw the sun out. I still have a couple of hours…

"I think that would be fun…" I smiled.

When the time came, I was surprised that I won. They all wanted a rematch as I gladly took them on.

I forgot that I liked to talk smack, and they all figured it out after today.

Still don't know if I should feel embarrassed or not…

It has been a long time since I had this much fun playing with others.

And time does fly when you are having fun.

"Hey, Kim, Jolene, would you like to stay for dinner?" Ms. Kanté asked from the door.

I froze.

They surpassed me, making Max the winner.

"I would love to, but I need to call my parents," Kim answers.

"Jolene?"

I stood up and looked out the window only to gape silently in horror that it was almost completely dark. It felt like ice went down my spine. "I-I'm sorry, but I can't. I have to go home now. Thank you for offering." I said in one breath as I quickly grabbed my things and left the controller on the bean bag. "See you tomorrow, thank you!" I ran out and exited the apartment in a mad dash.

My eyes and brain weren't working in sync and that was my downfall.

I didn't run in the direction of my apartment.

I just have this urgency to run, mindlessly hoping to get back to the safety of my bedroom before the sun completely sets.

But when the street lights of Paris finally illuminated the lonely streets, and the sun was completely gone, did I finally stop and become fully aware.

I don't know where I am.

I grabbed my phone only to see that I had one percent. Quickly, I called Ms. Reid, but the first ring was cut in half before my phone died.

My eyes started to sting, but I forcefully blink them away.

I've been alone before, I can find my way back.

I- I just- I have to make it back.

So I started walking, looking around for anything familiar on these dark, lonely streets…

The moon was high enough that I could see through the tall buildings.

I was hungry, my eyes burning and my feet achy.

All the subway entrances I pass through, made me anxious.

I'm sure they lit them up, but they looked so dark to me and I didn't want to go in. Even though it could have provided me a map of where I am. I just didn't want to go in. It made me unbelievably anxious.

Somehow, I made it to one end of the Pont des Arts bridge.

It was dark around, the lights on the bridge not bringing much comfort. And it didn't help that the sounds of the river below were haunting, creeping me out.

But my school is nearby, and I know how to get back from there.

Trying to gather my nerves, I took the first step towards the bridge. Step by step, the echoing words of my mom warning us about certain bodies of water, about not being alone at night, popped into my head…

"Good eve-"

"AHHH!" I scream bloody murder as I pulled my backpack off and threw it back at whoever talked.

When I turned around to face whoever it was, I immediately covered my mouth with both hands and the hot fat tears fell down my face.

It was Cat Noir.

"I'm sorry for scaring you!" He apologizes as he picks up my backpack and walks the few steps towards me and offers it back.

I shakily accepted it with one hand while the other tried to wipe the tears away, but they kept falling.

"Th-Thank you," I hiccuped.

"I'm sorry, really," Cat looked at me worriedly. I simply nodded and put on my backpack again and cupped my hands together and placed them above my heart and started to gently pound my hands against my chest. The familiar stimming did nothing to stop my tears, but I did calm down a little, enough to talk.

"I know you didn't mean to," I say softly as I look up at him.

Cat was silent as he observed me head to toe. "Why are you out so late?" He asks just as softly.

"I… got lost," I admit as a new wave of fresh tears started to fall again. "I need to cross this bridge to go back to school and then go the way I know how to get back to my apartment. But I got scared- I- I- I don't like the dark- I don't like being alone- I hate being alone in the dark!" I sob as I fall to my knees and cover my face, letting my backpack fall beside me.

It's hard to pretend that being alone doesn't bother me.

That every time I tell my psychiatrist that I'm fine, it's a lie that even she knows, but politely refuses to call me on it.

She said that I need friends, or a friend who I can trust and help me feel… less lonely.

And the friends I have, they have helped, but I don't… trust them to tell them how I really feel.

I don't want to bother them with my problems.

"Hey, Jolene," Cat whispers as his arms envelop me in a hug… a strong and secure hug. "It's going to be okay. I can take you back home."

I sniffled as I tried to grab the leather of the back of his suit, but it was so skin tight, I held onto his shoulders. Then I quickly took my hands off.

With a cracking voice I ask, "May I hug you?"

"Yeah," He whispers as he holds me tighter and I wrap my arms as best as I could as I rest my cheek against his collarbone. "Where do you live?"

I slowly push him away as I wipe my tears, thankfully they weren't falling as fast as a cascade, but embarrassingly they were still falling.

"I live in the White Dove Apartments. Top floor." I answered quietly.

"I know where it is," Cat nods as he grabs my elbows and helps me up. "I can take you there."

Then he carries me princess style. And with a flick of his staff, my backpack is in my arms. "Hold on tight," He smiles down at me and I nod mutely as I hold my backpack tightly with one hand with the other holds onto his shoulder.

I yelped when he jumped so high that we made it to the top of a building.

"I'm not going to drop you," He says as he runs along the roof.

"Okay," I manage to say as I shut my eyes. I never really had problems with heights or roller coasters… but I always did avoid them when it was dark, now that I think about it.

The sensation of rising and falling made my empty stomach a little queasy, but when Cat told me that we made it, I instantly felt relieved.

The White Dove Apartments are a five story building, with a roof where some garden tables were set, along with four light poles that were set at each corner.

It was still dark, but it was familiar.

Cat Noir set me down gently as he looked down at me, "Feeling better?"

I gave him a faint smile, "Yes, thank you." Then I sighed loudly, "I'm sorry for crying on you."

"You have nothing to be sorry about," he immediately soothes. "I'm just glad that Cat Noir saved a damsel in distress, a cute little lady."

The giggle that came out was involuntary. "And I finally made you laugh, it's nice to see your pretty smile again."

I shake my head fondly, "Thank you again, if you didn't find me, I probably would have gotten here much later." As a best case scenario, anyways…

"It was no problem," Cat faux bows as he winks at me. "Anything for you little lady."

"Why don't you call me Jolene? You said my name earlier." I pointed out.

I had to hide my laugh when Cat made a strange face expression, but then it turned to horror. Cat isn't supposed to know my name! Adrien does!

"Oh, that," He starts nervously. "I heard one of your friends, Alya, say that to you the other day."

I nodded slowly, but shook it off. "I would like to repay you for helping me out."

"Y-you don't have to-"

"I insist, come back tomorrow and there will be freshly made churros just for you." I blurted out before thinking it through.

Cat looked stumped, "Really?"

I nod, "Yeah. Be here at nine thirty and it will all be yours. Oh, and for drinking, Chocolate Abuelita."

"I don't know what that is, but it sounds delicious," he hums. "Okay, well, knowing that you are here, my job is finished for today. I will be back tomorrow for those treats. Take care, Jolene," he winks and salutes before he leaped off and ran from rooftop to rooftop.

Why do I have such a big fat mouth?!

But it doesn't feel bad… offering Cat some food and a delicious hot chocolate.

And to be honest, I feel excited that he is coming over tomorrow.

I- I need to sleep. And start cleaning the roof tomorrow.

"Jolene, are you okay?" Max asks as he and Kim walk towards me in the locker room.

"Yeah, I'm fine, sorry for yesterday, but my aunt and uncle don't like that I came back before dark and I panicked," I said sheepishly. "So I hope you don't mind that this time I set a timer so it wouldn't be a repetitive occurrence for our project?"

They smiled.

"It's cool," Kim waves off.

"Yes, and to make sure it will not happen again, I can ask Markov to keep track of time," Max offers and I sighed in relief.

"Thank you, guys, it means a lot to me." And we all went to class and everything was smooth.

But if I caught Adrien sneaking looks in my direction… I didn't call him out for it.

It was nice that he was checking on me, like the good friend that he is.

Omake 3

After coming back from Max's house, I sprinted to my house. This time not getting lost.

Markov really is a lifesaver.

He reminded me of the time and even gave me a map of how to get from his house to my house in a much faster way.

Once I got to my kitchen, I checked to see that all the ingredients that I need for churros and Chocolate Abuelita are there. But for the rest…

"For dinner I can make… breaded chicken with mozzarella and pieces of ham rolled inside of one… and a side of homemade fries and ooohhh homemade lemonade." I murmured to myself as I checked my fridge.

Churros and hot chocolate would be perfect for dessert. Especially since it's already late September, the chilly wind already making its presence known.

Like always I have my playlist on shuffle as I start cooking, to keep the sound of silence away.

When I finished, I set my dinner aside as I made the promised dessert.

It didn't take too long so I was able to eat my dinner and clean up my kitchen and myself.

Today's green wig was gone and stuffed all of my hair under my purple beanie. Then just added more eye drops. I can remove my contacts when he leaves.

When the time was almost near, I grabbed a Tupperware, placed the dozen churros inside and covered them with a clean kitchen cloth. Filled my only two thermos that included a little cup with hot Chocolate Abuelita.

The sweet aromas filled my nose, making me reminisce of days past that I can no longer have.

But I shook it off and made my way to the roof, before deciding to bring my iPhone for complementary Mexican music for the background.

Just as the second song finished did Cat Noir finally appear.

"Good evening, little lady," he bows exaggeratedly before standing straight and gives me a wink.

"Good evening," I smiled as I shook my head fondly at his antics before I motioned for him to sit on the empty chair on the garden table. "Eat them while they are still warm." And when he finally did sit down I uncovered the churros and the inviting smell of the sugary treat wafted through the air.

Then I gave him one of the thermos and I served myself the hot drink.

"This smells really good," Cat says as he copied my movements.

"Careful it's hot," I warned as I blew gently in my cup, sniffed the chocolate goodness, and slowly sipped. I hummed my pleasure as the warmth slid down my throat and to my stomach.

Home…

I shake my thoughts mentally as I instead pay attention to Cat, who was drinking eagerly.

"This is good," he nods as he grabs a napkin that I offered from my hoodie's pocket to clean his chocolate mustache.

"Then you are going to love this then," I smirk as I finally reveal the churros under. "Go ahead and try them, they are just freshly made."

Cat gently grabs one, while I just snatched one and without hesitation took a bite.

The crunchiness created a quiet symphony that is accompanied with the soft chewiness of the inside.

I moaned at the delicious flavor as I leaned back on the chair, "This is good." I raise my churro in the air like a wand, before taking another bite.

Cat had a smile as he was chewing his first bite, "Can't argue with that."

And so we ate and drank, as the music gave us a noisy background.

This was peaceful for a while.

"I have to go," Cat says as he finishes his churro. He stood up and I did as well.

"Take the thermo and churros, they are for you," I said softly.

"Really?"

I nod, but then I slowly smile as a new idea comes to mind, "You can bring them back next week."

"Next week," he smiles.

"This time the churros will have different fillings, like strawberry and cremé," I informed causally. "That is, if you are interested."

Cat smirks, "Of course, I will be back next week, at the same time and place." He winks, saluted, and grabs the food, before he catapulted out of here.

Quickly I cleaned and picked up my stuff. I don't like leaving a mess.

Rocio Durcal's Amor Eterno played just as I closed my apartment's door.

I quietly sang along as tears fell down my face as I prepared for bed.

AN: The song Amor Eterno (translated into Eternal Love) talks about a person missing/mourning their loved one who passed away. I recommend this song as a tearjerker once you understand the lyrics.

Thank you to kuro sora and Amoriz for following/favorited this story. You guys are amazing.