Marinette was in the art room, carefully cutting the pattern for the gloves of Zoe's costume. She was was aware that her outfit was one fit piece, but it was not be as easy to make or get into or out of. Given how long the party would be, she figured both she and her girlfriend would appreciate not having to completely take the costume off to use the bathroom. As she finished cutting the pieces out, the door opened. She set her scissors down as she saw Zoe rush in and throw her hands over Marinette's shoulders.

"What's wrong, love?" Marinette asked as she wrapped her arms around Zoe's waist.

"My mother decided to finally take notice of me again. She demanded I return to New York with her and my father."

Marinette felt her blood run cold. She clutched Zoe tighter. "What did your step-father say?"

Zoe smiled weakly. "He plans to file for divorce, using her affairs and her terrible parenting style to get custody of me and Chloe. I'm old enough to have a say in what is in my best interest so I plan to speak against my other parents."

Marinette kissed her girlfriend's cheek. "I'm glad. If you need anything, including helping testify on how bad Audrey is, I'll gladly help you."

Zoe kissed her on the lips briefly. "I had hoped you would offer. Really, just having you in the office with me when we speak to the lawyer and the child welfare officer will be a great help. My step-father offered to adopt me as well. So the odds of me leaving are small. It's just so overwhelming though."

Marinette nodded and just held her partner close. "I can only imagine. I'm glad he is stepping up for you. What about Chloe though? If he wins, he will get custody of Chloe."

Zoe grimaced. "Because she was akumatized, the leadership of France have chosen to overlook her high treason charges. If she does return, she will be on probation and if she breaks even a single law of Paris or France as a whole, she will go to juvenile detention until she is an adult, where she will be transferred to actual prison for no less than five years. She will also be required to go to counselling and be monitored at all times."

Marinette whistled. "Still, dodging a treason charge is impressive."

Zoe sighed. "I honestly don't see a way she isn't in a cell. She's my sister, and I do love her despite everything, but I have to be real here."

"I know Chloe and I have beef, so I might not be the best person to advise you on how to get through to her. I believe in you, though, way more than I believe in her. If there is a way you can help her change, you'll find it. I'll even help you, but I will deny it if Chloe ever asks."

Zoe giggled. "So I take it you don't want Chloe to know you are in her corner?"

Marinette leaned into whisper in Zoe's ear. "I'm in your corner, Zo. If you want to try and save your sister, I'll support you. Even if normally I would not spit on Chloe if she was on fire. I'll always support anything you want to do, as long as it isn't murder. Well, unless it was Kagami's mother. I would totally murder that bitch."

"What about my mother?"

Marinette put a finger to her lips, as if she was considering this. "If you were serious about it, maybe. She does get points for creating my favorite person ever."

Zoe blushed and cupped Marinette's cheeks. "Mari, I love you so much. How did I get so lucky to get your love?"

Marinette could only grin. "I'm the lucky one, Zo. Every day I wake up in your arms, I thank every Kwami in my box that I get the privilege of loving you. Shall we discuss possible ways to help your sister?"

Zoe nodded and disentangled herself from Marinette. "Not yet. Let's see what happens. Will you come and talk to the officer now? She should see that having me leave Paris would completely disrupt my life. Given I am in a very serious and healthy relationship with a Parisian citizen."

"Lead the way, my love."

Zoe took Marinette' hand and they headed off together.

***

Lila was steaming as she watched the girlfriends leave the art room, hand in hand. She had been so sure with Audrey's influence, Zoe would be on the next plane back to New York. She had called Chloe and told her to get her mother to recall her youngest daughter at all costs. However, this had blown up in her face.

"This is so, stupid!" She slammed her fist into the wall, just hard enough to not hurt herself. "No more fooling around. I am going to get Marinette."

She spotted Alix watching her from the stairs. She noticed the way Alix drew her finger over her neck before walking away. Lila's face paled. She had not seen much of the skater girl since the year had started. She knew Alix was a hero now. She had tried to steal her miraculous once, but quickly learned that Alix had trapped her bed room. Lila still had to bandage her foot after the bear trap. This is why she had failed. Alix was manipulating events to protect her friend. Well, Lila would just need to deal with her. Then she would have two Mirauclous and be able to travel in time and then she would have everything she deserved.

Meanwhile, Nooroo was quiet. After all, he knew the reason Lila was failing was that she had the IQ of a tuna sandwich, just smart enough to manipulate a madman whom was focused on jewelry while dying. He had no intention of telling her this, though.

Next time: Change of Heart