24: Princess Fragrance

The morning started normally, except when I checked my calendar I noticed that today was the Children's Hospital Toy Drive.

Last night's events completely made me forget about it.

Quickly, I called ahead to the school to let them know that I wasn't going to make it.

First thing done.

Next, is to get ready for the day.

Marinette's dress was done yesterday which was a relief. I just had to fix on my wig so that it was half-up half-down, with the big purple bow fanning behind my head.

I put on light makeup, simple eyeliner, mascara, and red lipstick.

And it's been a while, but I put on my Sea Queen contacts. Yes, the ones where my pupils are white and star shaped. I'm just glad I bought eye drops when I did.

And that I had things already out in my living room so I could just grab and go.

I called a taxi ahead of time and when I got out of my building, I didn't have to wait long for it to appear.

"Whoa, small world," A familiar taxi lady says. "I'd recognize that red hair and shades anywhere. Good to see you, miss," She smiled.

"Good to see you too, ma'am," I smiled back.

"So where to?" She went back to business.

"The Parisian Children's Hospital, please," I informed.

She nodded and soon we were off.

A couple of minutes later, it started to pour.

Thank goodness the weatherman was correct this time. For a moment, I thought my coat and my umbrella were going to be unnecessary. Glad I was proven wrong.

When we arrived, I paid the taxi the right amount before saying goodbye.

When I reached the lobby, it was empty of visitors. It was still early. I walked towards the service desk where a couple of nurses were quietly talking among themselves.

"How can I help you?" One of them asks.

"I was scheduled to be the morning pianist," I said as I took out a paper from my shell-shaped satchel and gave it to them.

Of the two nurses behind them, only one of them gasped as he looked in my direction.

"You are Sea Queen?" He whisper-yells.

I nodded as I moved my shades down so he could see my contacts.

He grinned, "I'm such a big fan. I can show you where we have the piano."

Before any of the nurses could offer, he walked around the desk and quickly led me towards the back of the lobby.

It was definitely more spacious than the front. There are long couches and plenty of chairs. But there was a corner of the room where a grand piano was placed.

There are red velvet ropes around it, probably to discourage any young children from touching it.

The nurse let me in and I immediately started to do scales, making sure that it was perfectly tuned. And it was.

"Um," The nurse says as he pulls out his phone, "Can I take a picture with you? My sister is not going to believe who I just met."

I nodded and took off my shades as I waved at the camera as the nurse posed for a selfie. A click later, he gave me space and grinned.

"Thank you," He says. "If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to let me know. I'm George, by the way."

"Okay, thank you, George," I told him with a smile before I put my full attention to the instrument.

There were no visitors in the lobby, but that didn't mean that the employees couldn't enjoy some music in the meantime.

And so I played piano concertos and suites as best as I could without an orchestra ensemble. Once I noticed that people were coming in, I played songs that were more familiar to people like Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart and Tchaikovsky.

I kept playing until the director approached me as I finished Tchaikovky's Firebird Suite.

There was a quiet round of applause from my audience and I bowed at them respectfully before getting up and walking towards the director.

"There's an Akuma attack," he whispered to me as he led me to a mostly empty corridor. "A magician wants to disappear the Eiffel Tower, but Ladybug and Cat Noir are on the case."

"That's good. I'm sure they will save Paris again," I said softly. And I had to take some deep breaths to calm down the sudden surge of anger when I heard Ladybug's name.

"I'm just letting you know so that just in case Prince Ali can't make it in time, you can take over for him until he can make his appearance."

"Oh," I said eloquently. "Um, should I start my intended activities earlier?"

She nodded sheepishly, "I suggest the art classes first. Prince Ali and many of the children want to be present for the small concert you'll be giving us."

I nodded in understanding.

"I'll prep the room ahead of time then," I told her and she nodded gratefully before she left towards a different direction when she saw a couple of doctors passing by.

The recreation room was huge and all the supplies I needed were stacked and packed neatly to the side.

Might as well start.

I didn't realize I had skipped lunch when my stomach started to screech it's desire for sustenance.

I was almost done, just needed to set up the projector so the people could see my drawings at a larger scale.

Confident that things will go alright, I headed towards the cafeteria to buy food.

When I got it, I took my food and sat on one of the many empty tables.

Just as I was eating my banana, I saw George walking towards me.

"…Can I sit with you?" He asks shyly.

I nodded and offered the extra seat.

He smiled and sat down. "Thanks, I just, wow," he grins. "I'm just still fanboying over the fact that I'm sitting with you."

I giggled, "It's been nice to meet an excited fan like you. I don't get to interact with my fans very often."

"You totally should," He says, but then he added sheepishly, "If you want to, that is."

I shrugged, "I like my privacy. But if I get invited to events like these… I don't think I would mind going out more often."

"What you're doing is a nice cause," George nods as he picks up his orange and starts to peel it. "Many of the kids I've taken care of are huge fans of yours. It was actually one of them that made me a fan of yours."

"Really?" I asked softly.

He nodded as he took out his phone and scrolled down until he stopped and showed it to me.

It was a kid with leg braces and crutches. He couldn't look older than ten.

"He loves your Instrumental Storyteller series," he starts. "He's so fascinated that you could tell a story without having to say a word. And he's got a point.

"I wasn't much of a classical music person until I saw your rendition of Sabre Dance. It was catchy and funny." Ah yes, a parody of a busy schedule.

It was about Sea Queen in the big underwater kingdom she lives in and she's busy doing all sorts of things that she needs to do for the big concert party that she's throwing for her people.

It starts off that she woke up late and from there it just shows a flurry of comical activity. The audience sees how her perfect hair gets more frazzled and her expression a little more tense as time passes as she oversees how things are progressing.

In the end things work out, but it finishes off when she just passes out on her bed with a relaxed smile on her face.

"It's nice to hear that," I said with a soft smile. "I've always liked the idea that I could show a story and everyone that sees it is able to understand and enjoy it. Instrumental music just happens to be the best way to help set the mood without using dialogue."

George smiled, "And I'm glad you shared your amazing talent. A lot of people are happy with your work.

"Even though you can really pull people's heartstrings," He says as he wipes off an imaginary tear away from the corner of his eye. "I swear I have no doubt you will be contracted by Disney or even make your own label in the movie industry."

"I really hope I can be a big time animator," I said. "To watch my work on the big screen was jaw-dropping when I went to the Film Festival. And when I was announced as the winner of two awards… I just couldn't believe it. And if it weren't for the trophies I have in my room, I still wouldn't," I laughed. "But thank you for your vote of confidence.

"So what about you?" I asked.

George is a good person and he loves his job. He plans to be on the top ranking of Nurse, but he wouldn't mind staying in his position because he gets to know the kids he takes care of on a more personal level.

And when those kids are happy and make progress in their therapies, he is happy for them too.

It was an enjoyable lunch. George had to leave when his warning alarm went off.

"Gotta get back to work," he says. "It was really nice to get to talk to you, Sea Queen."

"Ditto," I smiled as I picked up my empty tray. "I hope I get to see you later."

"I hope so too," he grins before he leaves.

Time to get back to the rec room.

The rain had disappeared and I took the opportunity to go to the roof, hoping to catch a rainbow.

Instead I caught a Cat.

"Hey, little lady," He winks.

Then he transforms back into Adrien and Plagg flies down lethargically on Adrien's hands.

"So weak," Plagg mutters and this time, it's not theatrically as he usually would when demanding his usual refueling of Camembert.

"Here," Adrien frowns as he gives the slice of stinky cheese to the kwami.

Plagg ate it at a slower pace than usual.

"Plagg," I said softly. "What's wrong?"

"…I'm sick," He groans as his body shivers. "And I need the healer."

"Kwamis can get sick?" Adriens asks.

Plagg only nodded, "Not often, but we do."

"Where's the healer?" I asked softly as my hands hovered over him. He feels sick.

Plagg groans, "He's located in Mr. Chan's Massage Emporium. Ask for Mr. Chan."

Adrien looked at me and I nodded, "Plagg isn't feeling well. If this healer is going to cure him, I think you should go now."

Adrien nodded and I pulled out an extra pair of shades, a black beanie, and some cash before he could leave.

"To keep it on the down low," I said. Adrien put Plagg inside his blazer as he put on the shades and beanie. He was about to refuse the money when I shoved it in his jean's pocket. "I know you will pay me back later, but take a cab to get there faster."

He gave me a quick peck on the lips before he dashed towards the roof's exit.

I looked down at my hands, feeling a lingering sickness on them. When I concentrated on that too much, goosebumps rose on my arms and I felt my entire body aching.

I took deep breaths and exhaled the bad vibes away.

I texted Adrien to let me know when Plagg got better.

Mr. Chan's Massage Emporium.

Huh. I think I might visit some time in the future. It's been a while since I got a massage.

I had a lot of time to wait for Prince Ali to come but I stayed in the rec room just to make sure the projector worked perfectly. And waiting for Adrien's text.

It was at least twenty minutes later when I received it, letting me know that Plagg felt better.

My phone started to ring

I pulled it out from my bag to see that it was Nino.

"Allo?" I answered.

"Yo, Jolene!" Nino says from the other line. "How's it going so far?" He asks quieter.

"Pretty slow, just played the piano in the lobby. The main event would start when Prince Ali actually comes here, but it's still going to take a while."

"Ah, well, I made sure to take plenty of notes and get your homework."

"Thanks a bunch," I sighed with relief. "Anything I should know ahead of time?"

"Uhh, oh yeah! We are going to get quizzed on lab safety again."

"Oh? What was it this time?"

Ms. Mendeleiev is really strict with safety, not that I can blame her. We are in a high school lab where there's a lot more dangerous chemicals and equipment around.

Last time we had to take a quiz it was because Chloé didn't want to wear safety goggles. And the time before that, Chloé was using hairspray during a lab assignment of all times to do it.

So it came to me as a big surprise that it was Rose.

"I just hope Rose isn't going to be reprimanded too bad," I said softly. "Hey, will you be able to make it to the Toy Drive? You can bring Chris too."

"Of course I will, just a little later," He replies. "Chris has an after school program and after that, we are heading there."

"Cool, I'll see you guys then. Ciao," I said.

"Later, dudette," Nino says and we hang up.

And now… more waiting.

I don't know if I should be grateful that I'm getting all this extra free time, but I'm starting to get antsy to do something productive.

I had taken a spare notebook and started to jot down ideas of future videos, when there was a knock on the rec room and the director came in.

"…There's been a delay," She winces. "Another Akuma appeared and Prince Ali was taken by this new character called Princess Fragrance."

"That's horrible," I gasp.

"Yeah, it is, but remember what I said earlier?" She says. "The children and visitors are already waiting outside."

"Oh," I said. "Well, everything is prepared. I can start now."

The director smiled and let out a breath of relief. "So good to hear. I'm glad you prepared this room ahead of time. Thank you for your work."

"It's no problem," I waved. "I'm happy to do this."

"Still, I'm glad you took your time to do this for the children," The director gave me one last smile before she opened the doors wide enough.

Dozens of children came in. Some with assistance of nurses or guardians.

They looked around the room to see desks and tables set up with sketchbooks and pencils ready.

Then when they saw me, I could see their eyes brightening in recognition when I took off my shades.

"Hello, everyone, I'm Sea Queen," I waved.

They grinned as they came towards me, many of them saying nice things and those from the younger age group asking questions about my underwater kingdom.

It was cute.

The director calmed them down and gave me more space.

"Sea Queen has wonderfully agreed to give some art classes for everyone and provided supplies to do so."

"What are we drawing?" One kid raised their hand.

"Well, I was thinking of drawing my castle, how does that sound?"

There was a chorus of cheers before things settled down. And everyone took their seats.

I sat down and started class.

After three different drawings, the director offered a break. And many people took the time to come towards me to take pictures and ask for autographs.

I took as many and signed just as much.

My wrist was already hurting at all the activity I had done already with it.

I was in the middle of taking a group picture when all of a suddenly we heard a loud boom that made us jump in surprise.

I nibbled my lower lip nervously before taking the picture again. But then ladybugs appeared around us and we all knew that we could all breathe a little easier after that.

The Toy Drive was a huge success.

Prince Ali arrived at the hospital with Rose, which I did not expect.

Rose almost forgot to remember to refer to me as Sea Queen, but she quickly fixed her mistake.

"I'm such a big fan!" Prince Ali fanboys as he eagerly shakes my hand. "Your videos helped inspire me to explore the world. And has greatly motivated me to help with protecting the ocean and all the Earth's natural wonders."

"Wow," My jaw dropped a little, "Then I guess it's fair to say that I'm a big fan of your work too. Not everyone goes around the world to do charities like you."

Prince Ali blushed as he grins, "It's so flattering to hear that. Is it okay if I can take a picture with you and Miss Rose?"

I nodded, "If it's okay with Rose."

Rose grinned her sweetest smile as she ready her phone for a selfie, taking lots of pictures.

We got out of the rec room towards the lobby where the piano was ready for another round of concert. But this time I will be singing.

Prince Ali and Rose had front row seats and I was glad to see Nino and Chris among the crowd.

The director had set up a microphone over the piano keys and I simply had to adjust it to my height.

I leaned closer to the microphone and looked at the crowd that had gathered, "Thank you all for coming here. And thank you all that donated for the Toy Drive.

"And thank you most of all, Prince Ali. For making this possible and giving me the opportunity to sing for you guys tonight."

There were some people already cheering my name and soon I started on the first notes on the keys.

"Now I've heard there was a secret chord," I sang, my voice ringing out across the floor.

I was tired by the time I got back to my apartment. I felt lazy to cook anything and instead ordered pizza to be delivered as I changed out of my Sea Queen outfit into something more comfortable.

Sweatpants and a simple t-shirt.

I had taken off my contacts when I got a call.

"Allo?" I answered not seeing who it was.

"Jolene?" Adrien says.

"Oh, hey," I smiled, glad to hear his voice. "Coming today?"

"Yeah, but for dessert?"

"Mmm… I have ice cream in the fridge," I said. "Sorry, hun, but I'm dead tired. It was a pretty busy day."

"I bet, Nino sent me the video of your concert," He says, "I wish I could have made it."

"I wished that too," I said softly. "Hey, how are you holding up? Two Akumas in one day? That's got to be rough."

"Eh, the first one wasn't that bad. The rain was just an unfortunate mess. And I don't really remember much on the second. I was under Princess Fragrance's spell." He was about to say more, but then I heard that he muffled the speaker. I heard voices, but I couldn't tell what was being said. After a while, Adrien asks, "You still there?"

"Yeah," I answered.

"I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Okay," I said, "I'll wait for you here."

And we hung up.

I hope I don't fall asleep waiting for him…

I need to move around and wake myself. And make a cup of coffee.

Omake 13

Being a superhero is not an easy job. And living a double life isn't any easier either.

But I care about my friends and Jolene is a good friend.

And Cat Noir is a good friend too.

When I saw them together that night… I should have never seen anything. I should have just left and not nose around. But I just couldn't leave.

My cheeks heat up remembering just how intimately close they were. And for goodness sake, Cat was on Jolene's bed! That's crossing a lot of lines.

But I have to admit that even a blind person could see just how in love they are with each other.

It doesn't matter that they love each other. What Cat did was wrong. He can't just keep seeing Jolene. If I caught them, imagine what would have happened if it was Hawkmoth instead of me?

I don't want Jolene to leave. Not only does she make Cat happy, but she makes a lot of my friends, including me, happy.

She's so kind, brave, and selfless.

If Hawkmoth decided to use Jolene as a way to get to Cat's Miraculous… I don't think Cat would forgive himself for putting Jolene in danger.

I thought I had made the right decision, but then I saw how sad Jolene became when Cat told her that they couldn't see each other anymore.

And I was scared that I might have made a wrong decision.

My stomach didn't feel any better when I saw she didn't come to school today.

I needed to talk to her.

Her roof was empty so I decided to look at her bedroom window.

It was dark and I couldn't see anything.

My stomach continued to twist.

But I waited until I saw that the lights turned on. She walked into her closet and banged her head against the door. Several times.

I swung towards her room and knocked on the window.

She jumped and fell back.

She sat up and looked at the window. Immediately she frowned as she stood up and walked towards me to open the window.

"Ladybug," She frowns. "I thought you didn't want to see me."

"No, that's not what I meant," I tried to explain, but she scoffed.

"Look, Ladybug, I really don't want to listen to you. You decided on something that was not your decision to make.

"And for that I can't forgive you," She says as she closes the window and pulls curtains that have been recently installed.

My hand hovered to knock on the window again, but I knew that there was nothing to change her mind.

And I don't blame her for hating me.

…I'm starting to hate what I decided too.

Jolene looked so tired…

I hope she will have the heart to forgive me.

.

.

.

"Ah, good morning Jolene!" I waved at her as I saw her in the lockers. "Are you feeling better?"

She gave me a slow glance as she was putting her things in her locker, "Yeah. Why are you asking?"

"Yesterday you weren't in class, so I just assumed you had a cold or something," I said quickly. Jolene didn't look at me, but I could see a frown about to form in her face. But then she took a deep breath and then smiled sadly, "Look, it's nice that you are concerned, but I'm going to be okay."

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to let me know," I said before I could think.

Jolene's eyes brightened a little as she gave a real soft smile, "Thank you, Marinette. I'll keep that in mind."

And with that she left as she walked towards class.

"So, what was that about?" Alya asks.

"…I don't know. I just got worried she wasn't at school yesterday," I said. "She looks sad."

Alya hummed, "When you are getting over a cold, you are generally tired. Maybe that's what's up with Jolene?"

"…Maybe you're right," I said absently.

Jolene didn't get a cold. I caused her to be heartbroken.

"Come on, let's go to class."

As I watched Jolene for the next couple of days, I noticed she avoided Alya talking about Ladybug. Or anyone talking about that subject.

"Oh Tikki," I groaned at my kwami in my room. "I think I messed up."

"Marinette, it's already done," Tikki said softly. "I know you had the best intentions when you told Cat to stay away from your friend Jolene. You were doing it to protect them."

"But she's miserable," I groaned. "And she's mad at Ladybug."

Tikki didn't say anything else for a while.

"If Cat and Jolene really love each other, I'm sure they are going to find a way. And this time, I think Ladybug shouldn't say anything."

"You're right," I told her. "Maybe Cat and Jolene will fall in love again with other people. Or at least Cat's secret identity so he doesn't have to resort to visiting the houses of other girls."

"That's… reasonable," Tikki shrugs. "Now don't worry about it anymore. I'm sure things will fix with time."

"I hope so too, Tikki. I hope so too."

AN: I surprised myself of how soon I manage to update this. But I did feel bad for leaving you guys hanging from the chapter before last so I hope this makes it up for it.

I want to thank everyone that still stuck around to read this, but I want to give special thanks to WolfiePaws, starrat, and leenap1105 for their reviews. And also another round of special thanks to rubygonewildd, MarvelWorksWonders, and Gaby-Oruz for following/favorited this story. You guys helped encouraged me to update faster.

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But most of all I want to personally thank gwencarson126. I'm so sorry I didn't mention you in the previous chapter. I read my notifications through my email and just recently saw your reviews on the site. I'm surprised you didn't appear in my email at all. So... thank you for considering this fanfic your favorite, it made me gush like a fangirl. But I gushed even more when you said I was awesome, thank you for the boost of confidence.

And I'm glad to read your thoughts, hearing theories about the future of the plot makes it the more exciting to continue writing.

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I want you guys to know that there's only three chapters left to finish off the first season. And before anyone asks, I will continue on to the second season.

And things between Adrien and Jolene will get a little more... steamy. But I don't think things will go that far until the second half of the next season. Still have to keep it in T-rated... ;)