When Hugo and Emma are safely at Grandma and Grandpa's, I head back out into the Parisian foot traffic, blending in with the crowd. Ladybug might be known worldwide, but as far as I know, Marinette Agreste is not well known. The thought sorta makes me sad.
I head south, wanting a coffee and a pastry, but business first before pleasure, er...cupcakes. I pull my cardigan tighter around me, as this area of town I didn't go to much when I was younger, even as Ladybug.
The abandoned shop of Gabriel Agreste gives me the shivers, but I shake off my fears and head round to the back. An old rotting door blocks my way in, and I slide the key from my pocket, and I glance this way and that. I have my ID and my earrings if something goes wrong, but as I turn the key in the lock, my throat grows dry.
Years and layers of dust immediately have my nose twitching and I let out several sneezes. Taking my flashlight out, I begin to explore the place. Its a bit eerie to be in a place that once hummed with voices and sewing machines and the stern eye of Gabriel Agreste, making sure everything was perfect down from button to zipper. He was my fashion hero, even before I met Adrien, and I was so thrilled when I won a hat contest. Of course, that was before I knew he was Hawkmoth, and when I learned the truth, I was saddened by the news and did everything I could to bring him to light. Though, like Scorpius, he chose his own dark path.
I move deeper into the workshop and at the end of one of the halls, I see a door slightly ajar. Instinct tells me this is the door I've been looking for, and I slowly push open the door. Hairs stand up on my arms and the back of my neck and foolishly I call out, "Hello?"
This room is different the others, a bare room swept clean. But sometimes what your looking for isn't always in plain sight. A drawer stares me down and I give it a small tug, yet it doesn't budge. Using all my strength, I yank. "Oh, open you silly thing!"
I give a small yell of surprise as the drawer gives way and a pile of paper flutters down around me like leaves. The rest of the drawers are easier to open, and I spread the hidden papers out, trying to make head or tails of them. And then, in tiny, spidery script I see the name: Property of Emile Agreste, Designer.
I move slower now, smiling as I as flip slowly through each piece, each one more beautiful then the last. A warm feeling settles over me, and silly as it to say: I feel Emile's presence close by. I gather all the papers I can into a large binder, then slowly make my way back to the sunshine.
I get lots of stares as I order at a nearby Starbucks and as I pass a mirror, I can see why. Dust coats my hair like a new hairspray and my clothes and I sit down with my drink and cupcake with a small groan.
"This is what we've been looking for, Tikki!" I whisper into my purse. "But I'll need a Parisian studio, somewhere big enough where I can make Emile's dream come true!" "You might have a lucky charm, but how are you going to pull this off, Marinette?" my little best friend asks me. I slump back against my chair. "I have no idea."
I sigh, tears pricking my eyes. "Oh, Tikki, all I wanted to do was make Emile's dream come true!" I bite into my velvety cupcake, but even its chocolate-y taste doesn't make me feel better. And now I have frosting on my nose.
"Marinette! Marinette!" Tikki hisses. "Look who's coming in!" I look over towards the door when a commotion is brewing, and I nearly spit out my cupcake as a woman with blonde hair, large glasses a scowl waits in line.
"Tikki, that's Anna Winter! She's like, one of the hottest names in fashion!" Nikki looks at me. "That's what I'm trying to tell you! You somehow have to convince her to team up with you!" My eyes nearly bug out of my head, no pun intended. "Hello? Have you met me? Shy girl at Table Six!" "Just do it!" I blink rapidly at her fierce voice. Then, my Kwami softens her tone. "You'll be glad you, did."
Taking a deep breath, I clutch my folder to my chest and stand, heading over to Anna's table, tapping her on the shoulder. "Um, excuse me? Miss Winter?" "Yes?" she turns, peering over her glasses.
"My name is Marinette Agresteā¦" "Oh!" Instantly, Anna's face goes from sour to happy. "How is Adrien, my dear? Such a shame he's not modeling now, and the terrible accident with his fatherā¦." her voice trails off and I clutch my book even more tightly.
"Anyway, I have access to Emile's old designs, and being a fashion designer myself, I thought I could make Emile's dream come true." Anna smiles. "Emile was a dear, dear friend of mine. Of course I'll help! Come, we have much to discuss."
At the end of the day, my head is whirring, and I head home to the kids. I text Adrien that we need to stay in Paris a few more days. He says its fine, the crops are being brought in, and it'll will be easier with us here.
After supper, I'm feeding Emma and Hugo crawls up on the couch. For once, my son isn't giggling. "What's wrong, Buttercup?" I ask gently. "I miss Papa," he sniffles, and he bursts into tears and Emma follows suit.
"Hey, Papa's fine. And right now, he needs you to be strong, even if he misses you too. Come on, cuddle up." My children do as their told, not knowing that their mother misses her husband and partner more then ever, but this is my last chance to make Emile's dream come true.
