"Cheer up, sweetie, Kagami will be there too," Mother says on the way to the studio. I turn to her from looking out the window. "I'm not mad about that, I'm angry that Kagami didn't get a choice in the matter." Mother takes my hand. "I know that bothers you. But that's out of our hands." "There should always be a choice," I grumble.

We pull up and Mother and I exit, walking in the front entrance of glass. We shoot up the skyscraper to the tenth floor, where when we step off the elevator, the smells of perfume and hairspray hit us.

Tomoe and Kagami are waiting in a side room, with Kagami wearing a white colored dress. "Good morning, Amelie, Felix," Tomoe stands. "I had Kagami change as soon as we got here, for I didn't want to keep hair and makeup waiting."

As the grownups talk, I sit down next to Kagami, and she gives me a small smile. "Did you sleep well?" I whisper. "Yes, thank you. Your mother didn't drag you here, did she?" "No…." Before I can say anything else, a woman in white colored dress though this one also has feathers guildes into the room. "Kagami, I am Cygnus, and I'll be doing your hair and makeup before the shoot starts." "Okay, what dresses or clothes are we modeling anyway?" "Oh, I'm sorry, Kagami," Mother breaks off her conversation, "We come up with some pieces for the Lunar New Year which is just days away as is Valentine's Day. The rest of the collection is still being made and decided."

"I'll see you in a bit," I tell her as she walks off. Just as they leave, two men burst into the room one short the other tall. "We have no time to waste, hurry, hurry!" The tall man says, clapping his hand before kissing Tomoe on both cheeks. "Your looking lovely this morning," he whispers. "Felix," Mother says as I watch the scene, "This is Jupiter and his assistant, Neptune. Jupiter is in charge of the shoot, and Neptune here will be your stylist." "Quite right, now follow me."

I'm led out of the room and into one of the dressing rooms. "Goodness, you look so much like your cousin Adrien, nearly flawless. Neptune, I'll leave him in your capable hands."

"Sorry about him," Neptune talks to me in the mirror as he starts on my hair. "He orders everyone about." "If he knows Adrien," I ask, trying to be nonchalant, "Does that mean he was friends with Gabriel Agreste?" "Ah, yes. The two were good friends. It was Jupiter who designed the clothes along with your mother's and Kagami's."

As Neptune works away, I slump into a thinking stupor. So, does that mean Jupiter knew that man was Monarch, one the greatest villains of all times? Sure, the news wasn't widespread, but I know Gabriel had friends in high places as well as the shadows. "Do you see your cousin much?" Neptune asks. "I would love to visit Paris some day, home of Ladybug and Cat Noir."

"Not as often as I'd like," I hedge, not knowing where this information will go if I say to much. Luckily, I'm deemed ready soon after, and I take my suit. It is a vibrant red with a sliver design with smart black pants to match. I check left and right, making sure no one is watching as I attach the Peacock brooch to my suit.

I'm directed by an office worker where to go, and I enter a room with very bright lights and a stage. "My, aren't you looking sharp," Mother says as I stride into the room. "Thanks, where do you-" My words die on my lips as Kagami comes onto the stage, her dress is red like my suit, but it fits her frame perfectly and her hair is curled expertly. A small flower completes the look, and I can't stop gazing at her.

"Now, Felix if you can stand next to Kagami, one of the aides will position you," Neptune is back, guiding me where to go. I take a step forward before Jupiter calls out, "Stop, stop!"

"What's wrong?" Tomoe asks, and Jupiter whispers something to her, while staring at me. "Felix, your brooch clashes with the outfit. Hand over the brooch so we can get started." He holds out his hand, but I glare at him. "No one touches my brooch. Its so small anyway, no one will notice."

"Come now, do you want to be difficult in front of your mother?" I feel anger spread through me, but I can hear Ladybug telling me in her sternest voice I must not transform unless in danger. "I'll take the brooch," she says, crisply and I willingly hand it to one of the two people I trust in the room.

Then I climb onstage, and walk over to Kagami. Up close she is even more lovely, and I wonder how that is possible. My anger slowly begins to ebb away. "Everything okay?" she murmurs, "Seems a lot of fuss over a brooch." "I'll explain everything later," I whisper back, and give a small sigh. I didn't want to her to witness that, me not my best, but if my Miraculous falls into the wrong hands, the world could be in danger.

We are positioned and the camera starts flashing, and briefly we change again into our Valentine attire. Jupiter calls out direction, and the whole time my eyes are locked on his. Something tells me he is up to no good.

We take a brief break for lunch, and we find out our mothers are also getting pictures done. The shade of pink Mother wears goes perfectly with her blonde hair, but just as they're about to start, Mother blurts out, "I cannot do this!" She hurries from the stage, and to my surprise Kagami grabs my hand and we run after her.

"Mother?" I ask quietly as we find her in a quiet corner, crying silently. "I'm so sorry, but I just feel so unloved and alone!" My heart hurts her for her, for Father only wanted power and to control us. Of course Mother should want to feel loved.

Then Kagami steps forward. "Miss Graham De Vanilly?" Mother wipes her eyes, smiling at my friend through her tears. "Yes, dear?" "Would you like me to stand with you upon the stage? Maybe I could provide some comfort for you." "Well, we'd have to ask, but you are to kind my child. I'll join you shortly, just as soon as I freshen up my makeup."

Kagami and I head back towards the stage, when I grab her hand, putting a finger to my lips as we listen in the shadows. "Gabriel and I tried to get the brooch, but either Felix outsmarted us, or he had help from Ladybug," Tomoe is saying to Jupiter. "I don't understand. What's so special about it?" Neptune asks. "Its a Miraculous, and one of the most powerful! If I could get my hands on it, I would be rich and make my dreams come true!"

Kagami and I look at each other in horror. "Do you think they're working together?" she whispers, and I put a finger to my lips. "He has to be away from it sometime. And when the time is right, we strike!" "Don't underestimate him," Tomoe says sharply. "Though I think he and my daughter are developing feelings for each other. We could use one as bait."

Kagami rushes forward, but I grab her, struggling to hold her back as tears of anger spring in her eyes. "Felix, let me go!" "No, we cannot let on. Trust me, just as you trust Ladybug."

She gives up her fight, smiling at me. We emerge and Jupiter says we have enough for the day. Kagami and I are asked back next week.

"Come on, Kagami. Time to go," Tomoe leads her away. Our eyes meet in a silent goodbye and Mother and I leave soon after.

Rain pummels the roof of the car as we head home. "You and Kagami were very brave today. I'm proud of both of you." "We just did what was right." "Kagami is a lovely girl, no wonder your sweet on her." "We're just friends for now," I tell her.

"Mother? Would you…." the words get stuck in my throat. "Would you ever marry again, if given the chance?" Mother laughs gently, then gathers me in her arms. "Oh, my Felix, I am happy. I was given you, my most precious boy. Don't worry about me, my child."

Mother holds me and I breathe in her sweet perfume. "Come, let's have a cup of tea and some cookies," she says as we arrive home. After this long and tiring day, that sounds lovely.

After, I take a short nap and text Kagami.

Felix: You doing okay?

Kagami: Mother sent me to my room with no supper.

Felix: Don't worry, I'll find a way to bring food.

Kagami: You were brave standing up for yourself today. No wonder you hold a Miraculous.

Felix: Sorry you had to find out this way. I wasn't at my best.

Kagami: Hey, now. You weren't at your worst, either. You looked very handsome in your suit.

Felix: And your the most pretty girl I've ever seen.

Kagami: Don't come if the rain is bad. I don't want you getting sick.

Felix: Hey, I've been through worse scraps then wet feathers.

Kagami: Yeah, because preening is so tiresome.

I laugh and we find a time to meet. Its just slightly drizzling when I arrive with a tureen of soup and a basket of rolls. I knock on the glass and Kagami hurries over, letting me with a smile.

"I brought your dinner. Would you like to eat with me?" She nods, and we have an indoor picnic, looking out at the rain. "Since we don't have to go with our parents tomorrow, could we hang out?" Kagami asks. I smile. "I'll pick you up at eight."