Chapter 1: A schooltrip to No(where)

"Could anyone enlighten us about Norway?"

Miss Bustier inquired with gentle curiosity, her voice carrying a soft lilt that hinted at her genuine interest in the topic.

The classroom buzzed with anticipation as Chloé's confident voice pierced through the air.

"Norway is known for its freezing temperatures, perpetual snow cover, and rumors of polar bears strolling the streets," she declared with an air of authority, her words echoing off the walls.

The room erupted into laughter at Chloé's dramatic portrayal of Norway's climate, but amidst the laughter, Sabrina and Chloé exchanged weary glances. "It's not just a rumor," Chloé insisted, her tone defiant. "There are actually polar bears roaming around! I've seen pictures, and they even have warning signs cautioning against feeding them!"

Laughter subsided into a chorus of chuckles, though Sabrina's nervous giggle faded quickly under Chloé's icy stare.

"I've heard they have exceptional seafood," Lila interjected, her voice a gentle breeze amidst the lively banter, attempting to steer the conversation away from the polar bear controversy.

Miss Bustier seized the opportunity to regain control of the classroom, clapping her hands with gentle authority. "Class, let's focus!" Her voice, though soft, carried a hint of firmness, a reminder of the impending end of term.

Lost in her thoughts, Marinette's gaze wandered to the figure seated in front of her, emitting a subtle yet intoxicating fragrance she recognized as 'Adrien; the Fragrance.' She sighed wistfully, momentarily transported from the classroom chatter until Alya's persistent nudging brought her back to reality.

"Hey, are you even listening?" Alya's voice broke through Marinette's reverie, prompting her to rub her eyes and glance at the paper passed to her, the mention of a school trip sparking her interest.

Excitement rippled through the classroom as Miss Bustier unveiled the trip to Norway, igniting a flurry of reactions from the students. Marinette's heart fluttered with anticipation, envisioning an adventure beyond the confines of Paris.

"Tomorrow?" Adrien's incredulous whisper cut through the excited murmurs, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"Yes!" Rose's exclamation filled the room with infectious enthusiasm, setting off a cascade of cheers from her classmates.

Amidst the jubilation, Chloé's horrified protest stood out like a dark cloud against the backdrop of excitement. "I refuse to visit the coldest place on earth! Norway is dreadful, and I won't subject myself to polar bear encounters!" Her vehement declaration met with Alya's diplomatic intervention, underscoring the clash of opinions within the class.

As Miss Bustier continued to outline the trip details, Adrien's furrowed brow betrayed his inner turmoil, hinting at the looming obstacles he faced in obtaining his father's approval.

Alya's request for a restroom break momentarily disrupted the exhilaration, casting a brief shadow over the classroom's vibrant energy and highlighting the underlying tension swirling beneath the surface.

。。。

"Marinette, you've been awfully quiet," Tikki poked her head out of Marinette's purse, concern lacing her words. The dim light of the classroom danced across her small, worried eyes. "Is something troubling you? Don't you want to go?"

The soft rustle of papers being shuffled filled the air as Marinette fidgeted with her desk, her gaze distant. A heavy sigh escaped her lips before she responded, her voice carrying the weight of her worries. "Of course, I do, but..." Marinette's voice trailed off, lost in the depths of her thoughts. She worriedly chewed on her bottom lip, a habit she often succumbed to in moments of uncertainty. "What if something happens here while we're away? What if an Akuma strikes? Hawk Moth's been unusually active lately. I just have a gut feeling about this."

"But wouldn't it be refreshing to take a break?" Tikki's tone was gentle, filled with the hope of easing Marinette's concerns. Her ruby-red eyes blinked in the dimness, reflecting the glimmers of worry etched on Marinette's face. "You haven't had a proper holiday in ages."

Marinette's fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on the surface of her desk as she pondered Tikki's words. The hum of the classroom's fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead, casting a calming ambiance amidst the bustling energy of her classmates. "Miraculous holders don't typically globe-trot for leisure," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've recently been to New York and Shanghai..." Marinette's words trailed off, her mind wandering to memories of those distant adventures. "I can't simply abandon my responsibilities here. Paris needs protection too. I can save Norway for retirement, when I'm old, wise, and wrinkled."

Suddenly, Adrien turned towards her with a sheepish smile, his azure eyes sparkling with curiosity. Marinette's heart skipped a beat at the sight, her cheeks flushing with a rosy hue. She quickly averted her gaze, hoping to conceal her flustered state. "Marinette..."

The warmth of Adrien's voice washed over her, sending a shiver down her spine. Marinette's breath caught in her throat as she struggled to compose herself. "Y-yes, Adrien?" Her voice trembled slightly, betraying the whirlwind of emotions stirring within her.

"Who were you talking to?"

Marinette's eyes widened in panic, her mind racing to concoct a plausible excuse. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks as she fumbled for words, her thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind. "N-nobody. Did you hear me? I was just... talking to myself... YES!"

Adrien's confusion was evident, his brows furrowing in puzzlement. Before he could press further, however, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Marinette seized the opportunity to escape, hastily gathering her belongings and darting out of the classroom, her heart still racing with the echoes of Adrien's voice.

。。。

(Marinette's POV)

"Welcome home, Marinette."

Her father's warm greeting greeted her as she stepped through the threshold of her home. The comforting scent of home-cooked meals enveloped her, mingling with the soft glow of lamplight that illuminated the cozy interior of their living room. "I forgot to mention earlier, but your mom and I could really use some help during lunch tomorrow. We had more guests than expected, and an extra hand would be appreciated."

Marinette's shoulders slumped slightly at her father's words, her mind still consumed by thoughts of the impending trip. "But I can't. I have a field trip with my class tomorrow."

"A field trip? Just within Paris? You'll be back by evening?" Her father's voice held a note of concern, his brow furrowing with worry.

"I'll be gone for a week."

"Seven days?!" Her mother's exclamation echoed through the room, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Yes, we're going to Norway, flying out tomorrow."

Silence descended upon the room, broken only by the soft ticking of the grandfather clock that stood in the corner. Marinette's parents exchanged uneasy glances, their brows furrowing with concern. Marinette reached into her bag, her fingers trembling slightly as she retrieved the paper that had been handed out earlier in class. With a shaky hand, she passed it to her father, her heart pounding in her chest.

"I'm sorry, but I won't be able to help," she explained, her voice wavering with uncertainty. "Could you sign this for me, please?"

Her father's expression softened at her words, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Sure... but do tell us about the pastries you find there! It would be interesting to compare."

"Have a great time and keep us updated if anything happens," her parents offered with smiles, enveloping her in a warm hug. Marinette's heart swelled with gratitude at their understanding, her worries momentarily eased by their unwavering support. "Thanks, Mom, Dad! You're the best!" she replied, her voice filled with warmth and appreciation.

。。。

(Adrien's POV)

Gabriel's stern voice echoed through the room, casting a heavy shadow over Adrien's hopes.

"My final answer is no," he declared firmly, his words slicing through the air like a sharp blade.

Adrien's expression fell, his lips forming a pout of disappointment. "But father, it's a school trip. Everyone else is going," he protested, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

"You are not everybody else, you're an Agreste," Gabriel retorted, his tone unwavering. "Your schedule is packed this week. When will you practice fencing and play the piano?"

Adrien hesitated, his mind scrambling for a response amidst his father's scrutiny. "I..."

"Exactly," Gabriel interjected, his disappointment palpable. "You haven't planned these things well enough... and why didn't you tell me about this trip earlier?! You say that your bus is leaving tomorrow, but you must have known about this trip for some time." A heavy sigh escaped his lips, a weary acknowledgment of the recurring clash between father and son. "What business do you have in Norway? You just want to go on this trip because your friends are going. You've had my answer, and I won't sign the paper. Now, go to your room and practice the piano!"

"I hate you," Adrien muttered under his breath, his words dripping with resentment.

"What's that?" Gabriel's sharp gaze bore into him, demanding clarity.

"Yes, sir," Adrien replied through clenched teeth, his frustration simmering beneath a mask of compliance.

"That's what I thought. Now, make sure you practice the piano," Gabriel instructed sternly before exiting the room, leaving Adrien alone with his tumultuous thoughts.

Plagg emerged from Adrien's shirt, his small form hovering in the air. "That was rough, but you don't really hate your father," he remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of mischief.

"No, I do," Adrien snapped, his frustration boiling over. "He doesn't care! He never listens to me. He never lets me do what I want to do. All he cares about is himself. I'm just an object to him! I'm not practicing my piano, I'm not staying in this house," Adrien declared, his voice trembling with suppressed emotion. "Plagg, claws out!" With a determined gesture, Adrien summoned his transformation, ready to defy his father's wishes and forge his own path.