Notes: The calm before the storm…
Disclaimer: I don't own the Miraculous franchise or the songs
Miraculous Universe
Ch. 34: Live, Laugh, Love
While Gabriel plotted away, Team Miracle did the only thing they really could do: go on with life. The rest of the month was quiet, but they made sure to train and patrol when possible. When February arrived, Chloé was lost in thought.
"What's on your mind, Chloé?" Sabrina asked.
"I'm just sitting here, being annoyed by this holiday."
"Saint Valentin? It gave you an excuse to wear red. You look good in red."
Chloé gave her a look.
She gave an amused sigh, "But of course, you look good in everything."
Chloé smiled, "That's better."
"I know why you're pondering such deep thoughts," Zoé said, "It's because this is your first Saint Valentin with an actual valentine."
"Yeah, whatever."
"I don't know what you're worried about. You know what he's like. You know he's bound to have something planned."
"Then why hasn't he said anything?"
"Because he wants it to be a surprise for the weekend."
"You sound pretty sure of yourself."
"Well, I should. He told me everything," she faked a gasp, "Oops!"
"What?"
"Oh, dear, I've said too much."
"Okay, I get it. I'll wait."
—
The weekend came around, and as usual, Chloé was still asleep.
"Wake up, Chlo!"
"For what?"
"Did you check your phone?"
She took off her eye mask and looked at her only text message.
King: Καλημέρα, βασίλισσα μου
"What is this?"
Zoé leaned over, "It's all Greek to me."
"Yeah, but what is it?"
"No, seriously, it's Greek."
"Why is Luka speaking in Greek?"
"Maybe he just wants to show off. He's picked that up from you, ya know. You really are made for each other."
"Put a sock in it."
She got another text message.
King: I'm taking you out today, agápi
"Okay, fine, I'll get ready."
"That's the spirit, Chlo."
After she got dressed, Chloé went downstairs to wait in the lobby. Luka pulled up on his motorcycle.
"Afternoon, Queenie."
"What's the plan, King?"
"It's a surprise."
In no time at all, they arrived at the surprise.
"Ta da!"
She was confused, "You're taking me ice skating?"
"You don't like it?"
"No, it's not that. I just…didn't expect it. Honestly, I haven't been here in a long time."
"Do you remember how to skate? Because if not, I can help you."
"I never forget anything that I deem important! Just, you know, be patient with me."
"That's the story of my life."
She punched his arm, "Watch it, you bothersome blind snake."
They quickly went inside, and soon they were lacing up their skates.
"Dancing and skating aren't all that different."
"That's true, My Queen. Ready to go?"
"Just watch me."
Thankfully, no one else was here yet, so the couple had the ice to themselves.
"You're as wonderful as I thought you'd be, My Queen."
"I'm not sure what I expected from you. You don't seem like the type to ice skate."
"In all the years we've known each other, I thought we'd established by now that we're still both full of surprises."
Luka proceeded to skate ahead of her. He performed several elaborate twists and spins. He then went up to Chloé and put his arms around her.
She gave a dramatic gasp, "Luka, not here."
"Do you trust me?"
"Do you even have to ask?"
"Only because I like doing it."
He lifted her over his head and slowly skated forward. Chloé closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment. Luka lowered her to the ice and the pair began spinning around with each other. They came to a stop in each other's arms. Luka kissed her hand and began going up her arm to her neck. Suddenly, he stopped.
"Hey, I didn't say stop."
Luka pointed behind her. She turned around to see all their friends standing and watching their performance. Zoé was clearly trying to contain her laughter.
"What are you staring at?!" Chloé snapped.
With an indignant snort, she continued to skate around the rink with Luka close by. Zoé skated up next to her.
"I admire your courage, Chlo."
"Oh, get lost."
Soon, everyone else was out on the ice. Marinette noticed that Nino kept nearly falling. She sighed and shook her head.
"What is it?" Adrien asked.
"Just watch."
Alya was giggling, "Nino, I thought you could skate?"
"I'm rusty, that's all."
"Well, you'd better hold onto me."
He wrapped his arms around her. Nino then noticed that Marinette and Adrien were looking at him. He gave a mischievous smile and wiggled his eyebrows.
"See what I mean?" Marinette said.
Adrien chuckled, "That sly fox."
Soon it was March, and it was uneventful, much to the relief of Team Miracle. However, April was right around the corner. The students were talking about the talent show.
"Still keeping it a secret, Marinette?"
"My lips are sealed, Als. Are you going to enter this year?"
"I told Nino I would, although he was sad for about a second when I told him I was entering alone."
"So you already have something in mind?"
"Yeah, and it didn't take me too long to pick it."
Zoé said nothing as she heard all the students talking about the talent show.
"I know Chlo won't care, but I really want to enter. I hope I can convince her."
Later, back at the hotel, Chloé was flipping through several magazines.
"Heeeeey, Chloé."
"What do you want?" she replied without looking up.
"What makes you think I want something?"
"Intuition. Now don't beat about the bush. Just say what you want to say."
"I want to enter the talent show."
"Good for you. You've still got time to think of something."
"I've already thought of something."
"Very smart."
"The problem is, I can't do it alone."
"Better start making some phone calls."
"Will you enter it with me?"
"Let me think. No."
"Why not? You entered last year."
"That was for a good reason."
"What if I said I can't do this without you?"
"I'd say I'm torn between wondering if that's true or not."
Zoé looked her in the eyes, "Please? Please, please, pleeeeeeease?"
"Okay! Cut it out already!" she sighed, "What's your plan?"
"The Walrus and the Carpenter."
"Why would you need my help to recite a poem? Heck, I hear you recite Jabberwocky all the time."
"With what I have in mind, I need a good partner."
"What are you concocting in that brain of yours, sister dear?"
Zoé ran out of the room and came back wearing a bowler hat. She handed another bowler hat to Chloé. She looked at the hat, and then at her sister, who was sporting a goofy grin.
As she put it on, she said, "Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into."
—
The night of the talent show, all the students were there watching. At that moment, Nino was fixated on the stage where Alya was currently performing Journey to the Past in English. If one looked close enough, they could see that Nino had tears in his eyes.
"Yes, let this be a sign!
Let this road be mine!
Let it lead me to my past!
Courage, see me through
Heart, I'm trusting you
To bring me home...
At last!
At last!
Courage, see me through
Heart, I'm trusting you
Hey, yeah
Courage, see me through."
As the music faded, Nino practically jumped from his seat and began clapping.
"Whoo-hoo! I love you, Alya!"
Alya sighed and shook her head, but she couldn't help smiling as she blew Nino a kiss. The rest of the audience began to applaud and she took a bow. As she went offstage, Mme. Bustier walked out.
"That was beautiful, wasn't it? And now, Mesdames et Messieurs, you've seen several acts already, but now you're in for a rather unique treat tonight. Presenting, Chloé and Zoé Bourgeois in The Walrus and the Carpenter."
Luka leaned over to Nino, "I knew she'd talk her into it."
The curtain pulled back to reveal a backdrop of a beach. Chloé and Zoé stuck their heads out from behind the curtains on either side of the stage. Zoé held a cardboard cutout of a sun, while Chloé held a cardboard cutout of a crescent moon.
Zoé spoke first, "The sun was shining on the sea,
Shining with all his might:
He did his very best to make
The billows smooth and bright —
And this was odd, because it was
The middle of the night."
Chloé spoke next, "The moon was shining sulkily,
Because she thought the sun
Had got no business to be there
After the day was done —
It's very rude of him, she said,
To come and spoil the fun."
Zoé held up a glass of water and a shaker of salt, "The sea was wet as wet could be,
The sands were dry as dry."
Chloé looked up at the ceiling, "You could not see a cloud, because
No cloud was in the sky:
No birds were flying overhead —
There were no birds to fly."
They both looked at the audience, "The Walrus and the Carpenter were walking close at hand…"
They went backstage for a few seconds, and then walked back onstage from the same side. They were wearing crumpled up suits and bowler hats. Chloé wore a necktie and a false mustache, while Zoé wore a bowtie. A piece of music called "The Dance of the Cuckoos" started to play as the shuffled towards the center of the stage.
Zoé continued, "The Walrus and the Carpenter
Were walking close at hand;
They wept like anything to see
Such quantities of sand."
Chloé made exaggerated sweeping motions with her hands, "If this were only cleared away."
Zoé added, "It really would be grand!"
"If seven maids with seven mops
Swept it for half a year,
Do you suppose, Stanley,
That they could get it clear?"
Chloé waited for a reply, but Zoé merely looked out at the audience with a goofy smile. Chloé lightly poked her to get her attention.
Zoé took off her hat, scratched her head, and then finally said, "I doubt it very much."
"And they shed a bitter tear," they both said.
Chloé pulled a handkerchief from her coat pocket and lightly dabbed at her eyes. Zoé, on the other hand, began loudly sobbing. She grabbed Chloé's handkerchief and blew her nose. Chloé gave the audience an exasperated look. She then snatched her handkerchief back and shoved Zoé away. Zoé, in turn, shrugged at the audience. The pair went offstage and came back dragging a blanket with a wave pattern on it. On the blanket was a large bucket. They dumped out the contents, which turned out to be oyster shells of various sizes. Zoé grabbed one of the larger ones and began working it like a hand puppet.
Zoé covered her mouth, and in a high-pitched voice said, "Hello!"
Chloé did a double take, twiddled her tie, and tipped her hat.
"O Oysters, come and walk with us!"
"The Walrus did beseech," Zoé said.
"A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
Along the briny beach:
We cannot do with more than four,
To give a hand to each."
Chloé extended a hand towards the oyster in Zoé's hand.
Zoe continued, "The eldest Oyster looked at him,
But never a word he said:
The eldest Oyster winked his eye,
And shook his heavy head —"
She then made the oyster snap its shell on Chloé's finger. Chloé let out an overly dramatic cry of pain while clutching her hand.
Zoé tried not to laugh, "Meaning to say he did not choose
To leave the oyster-bed.
But four young Oysters hurried up,
All eager for the treat:
Their coats were brushed, their faces washed,
Their shoes were clean and neat —
And this was odd, because, you know,
They hadn't any feet.
Four other Oysters followed them,
And yet another four;
And thick and fast they came at last,
And more, and more, and more —
All hopping through the frothy waves,
And scrambling to the shore."
The duo pulled the oyster-covered blanket into the middle of the stage. Zoé ran offstage and came back with a large prop rock.
She went on, "The Walrus and the Carpenter
Walked on a mile or so,
And then they rested on a rock
Conveniently low:
And all the little Oysters stood
And waited in a row."
Chloé sat down on the fake rock, but then took off her hat and stood atop the rock.
"The time has come, the Walrus said,
To talk of many things:
Of shoes — and ships — and sealing-wax —"
She pointed at Zoé, "Of cabbages —" she pointed at herself, " — and kings —" she pointed at the backdrop, "And why the sea is boiling hot —" she pointed at the sky, " — And whether pigs have wings."
Zoé held an oyster up to Chloé's face, "But wait a bit, the Oysters cried,
Before we have our chat;
For some of us are out of breath,
And all of us are fat!
No hurry!' said the Carpenter.
They thanked him very much for that."
Chloé and Zoé exchanged a knowing nod. They then stood there not saying anything until Chloé tapped Zoé on the shoulder.
"Why don't you do something to help me?"
"What can I do?"
"Let's have some lunch with our new friends. You're a carpenter, so build something."
Zoé finally seemed to understand. She went offstage, and after several saw and hammer noises, she came back with a table and two chairs. Chloé did a double take.
"How do you make all that so quickly?"
"Make what?"
"... Never mind. Good job, Stan," she said, patting her on the back.
They set up the table and chairs.
"Picture perfect. Now go get the other things," she said with a wink.
Zoé nodded, but then asked, "Like what?"
Chloé rolled her eyes, "A loaf of bread, the Walrus said,
Is what we chiefly need:
Pepper and vinegar besides
Are very good indeed."
Zoé nodded again and went offstage once more. She came back carrying a covered silver tray. She placed it on the table and lifted the cover. On the tray were a loaf of French bread, a tray of butter, a bread knife, a pepper shaker, a bottle of vinegar, and two glasses of ice water. As she reached for the items, Chloé slapped her hand away and pointed at herself.
"Sit down, Stanley."
She somehow sat down in midair.
"I meant in the chair, Stanley."
Zoé immediately fell over. She then stood up, scratched her head, pulled the chair over, and then sat down. Chloé moved the items from the tray to the table. She took off her hat, and then pointed at Zoé's hat. Zoé nodded and took off her hat. Chloé began slicing the bread.
She glanced over at the oysters on the blanket, "Now if you're ready, Oysters dear,
We can begin to feed."
Zoé grabbed an oyster and said, "But not on us! the Oysters cried,
Turning a little blue.
After such kindness, that would be
A dismal thing to do!"
Chloé gave a piece of bread to Zoé, "The night is fine, the Walrus said.
Do you admire the view?
It was so kind of you to come!
And you are very nice!"
Zoé, who had quickly eaten the slice of bread she was given, now sat back in her chair.
"The Carpenter said nothing but
Cut us another slice:
I wish you were not quite so deaf —
I've had to ask you twice!"
Chloé gave her a look. She then reached under the table and picked up the tray. She smacked Zoé on the head with it.
Zoé began sobbing, "I'm sorry, Ollie."
"Will you stop crying?"
Zoé immediately stopped crying and instead had a big goofy smile on her face. Chloé pushed the knife over towards her.
"Get it yourself."
Zoé happily shrugged and proceeded to butter the bread.
Chloé continued, "It seems a shame, the Walrus said,
To play them such a trick,
After we've brought them out so far,
And made them trot so quick!"
She reached over and grabbed one of the bigger oysters, opened it up, and ate the contents.
"I thought we were going to split them equally?"
"I was just testing them, Stanley," she replied, tossing the empty shell into the bucket, "You can't be too careful."
Zoé replied, "The Carpenter said nothing but
The butter's spread too thick!"
Zoé held the bread up to Chloé's face, "See?"
"I oughta make you eat that regardless."
"You don't have to," she replied, shoving the bread into her mouth.
Chloé threw her hands up in exasperation. She then pulled out her handkerchief as she brought the blanket of oysters closer to the table.
"I weep for you, the Walrus said:
I deeply sympathize."
She paused and looked around, as if making sure no one knew she was fake crying.
"With sobs and tears he sorted out
Those of the largest size,
Holding his pocket-handkerchief
Before his streaming eyes."
"So we are splitting the oysters evenly, Ollie?" Zoé asked.
"What did I just say? Of course we are, Stanley", she said.
With her handkerchief covering her mouth, she quickly devoured another one of the oysters. She began dividing up the oysters between herself and Zoé.
"How come you're giving yourself the bigger oysters?"
"You know what, Stan? If you don't like it, then just start grabbing whichever you like."
They both reached for the same oyster and bumped hands. Chloé gave Zoé a look, causing her to look away. Chloé then grabbed the oyster, opened it, and gulped down the contents. They were, of course, smart enough to not use real oysters. The shells were real, but inside were small pieces of gelatin. Zoé took her time to savor the treat, while Chloé ate one after another in quick succession. Zoé looked like she was about to say something, but then paused. She scratched her head, and then seemed to remember what she was going to say. She looked at her right wrist, likely to look at her watch, but there was no watch. She looked around for it.
"What ARE you doing?"
"I can't find me watch, Ollie."
"It's on your left wrist!"
Zoé did a double take and shrugged. She looked at her wristwatch like she planned.
"O Oysters,' said the Carpenter,
You've had a pleasant run!
Shall we be trotting home again?'
But answer came there none —"
They both finished the poem, "And this was scarcely odd, because
They'd eaten every one."
"You got to eat more than I did."
"That's because I'm the brains of this outfit."
"That's not fair!"
"We wouldn't even have oysters if not for me! Now quit complaining."
Chloé shoved Zoé away. In response, Zoé kicked her shin, making Chloé howl in pain.
"Don't you dare hit me again, or I'll break your neck!"
Chloé choked Zoé for a bit and then let go. Zoé retaliated with a poke to her eye.
"OW!"
They both reached over and grabbed their chairs, ready to hit the other with it.
"Wait a minute," Chloé said, putting down her chair, "This is ridiculous. Why should we quarrel? United we stand, divided we fall."
They shook hands, grabbed their hats, and then looked out at the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Chloé said, "I apologize for our behavior just now. We shall now wrap up our show with a dance. Won't we, Stanley?"
"We certainly are…will!"
"Maestro, the music, if you please."
The sisters began doing a funny, yet elegant, dance routine.
Commence to dancin', commence advancin'
Just start a prancin', right and left a glancin'
A moochee dancin', slide and glide entrancin'
You do the tango jiggle with the Texas Tommy wiggle
Take your partner and you hold her, lightly enfold her
A little bolder, just work your shoulder
Snap your fingers one and all in the hall at the ball that's all, some ball!
As they took their bows, the theater erupted in applause.
"Like you said, Luka," Nino said, "She's full of surprises."
"This is definitely one I didn't see coming. Now, if you'll excuse me…"
"Hey, wait, what am I doing? I've gotta get back there, too."
Nino passed by Alya as she headed for the seats.
"Wait, isn't Marinette up next?" she asked.
"Oui."
"Tell me what she's singing!"
"Non," he replied with a big smile.
He and Luka headed for the stage as the curtain closed. They waved at Mme. Bustier as they walked past her. She placed the microphone stand onstage.
"Now, mes amis, we come to the final act for tonight. Our very own Marinette Dupain-Cheng with Dress You Up."
Alya was practically stunned as she plopped down into Nino's seat.
"Is she seriously singing that?" Alya asked.
Everyone else was equally surprised.
"I knew she liked to listen to that type of music," Sabrina said, "But I never thought she'd sing it."
"Is there something special about this song?" Kagami asked.
"All I know is that it's from the 1980s," Adrien said.
The music began playing. A spotlight pointed directly at the center of the stage as Marinette danced up to the microphone. She had a scrunchie atop her wavy hair. She wore a skirt with leggings, a thin belt, and a pair of boots. She also had on a shirt that bared her midriff, a colorful jacket, and fingerless gloves. Big earrings, studded bracelets, a long necklace, and dark shades of makeup completed the look.
"You've got style, that's what all the girls say
Satin sheets and luxuries so fine
Oh, yeah!
All your suits are custom-made in London
But I've got something that you'll really like
Gonna dress you up in my love
All over, all over
Gonna dress you up in my love
All over your body
She grabbed the mic from its stand and began to dance around.
Feel the silky touch of my caresses
They will keep you looking so brand new
Oh, yeah!
Let me cover you with velvet kisses
I'll create a look that's made for you
Gonna dress you up in my love
All over, all over
Gonna dress you up in my love
All over your body
Gonna dress you up in my love, in my love
All over your body, all over your body
In my love, all over, all over
From your head down to your toes!"
Luka appeared onstage and began a guitar solo.
—
Lila hadn't planned on attending the talent show, but she was bored and frustrated.
"It's bad enough my plan failed, but having to put up with Gabriel and Nathalie is too much. Let's see if any of these losers actually have any talent."
She slipped into the lobby and could hear the music.
"That song sounds familiar, but who's that singing?"
She quickly slipped through the door and into the theater. When she saw it was Marinette singing, her jaw dropped.
"It can't be…"
She stayed hidden in the shadows as Luka continued his guitar solo. Marinette had replaced the mic so she could perform a dance to the beat. She walked up to the mic once again.
"Gonna dress you up in my love
All over, all over
Gonna dress you up in my love
All over your body
Gonna dress you up in my love, in my love
All over your body, all over your body
In my love, all over, all over
From your head down to your toes!"
Marinette and Luka began to sing counterpoint.
Gonna dress you up in my love (all over, all over)
Dress you up in my love (gonna dress you up in my love)
In my love (all over your body)
All over your body (gonna dress you up in my love)
Gonna dress you up in my love (all over, all over)
Dress you up in my love (gonna dress you up in my love)
In my love (all over your body)
Oh, yeah and love you, boy
All over your body
(All over, all over)
From your head down to your toes
(Gonna dress you up in my love)
Gonna dress you up in my love
(All over your body)
Dress you up in my love
In my love
(All over, all over)
Oh, yeah and love you, boy!"
Luka focused on helping Nino fade the music, while Marinette continued to sing. Adrien's mouth hung open as Marinette seemed to be looking directly at him.
"Gonna dress you up in my love
Gonna dress you up in my love
'Cause you're my favorite toy
'Cause you're my pride and joy
Oh, yeah and love you, boy!"
Marinette struck a pose as the music stopped. She looked up at Adrien, winked at him, and kissed the air. She took a bow to thunderous applause.
"Was she flirting with him?" Lila thought, "No, that's impossible. She wouldn't dare risk her internship. Besides, Adrien deserves someone better. She was probably just showing off because she sang an 80s song. Wait a minute! I can't let these peons show me up! I have to get in on this!"
Lila rushed backstage, and after a few minutes, Mme. Bustier walked out with a rather annoyed look on her face.
"Mes amis, I know I said that was supposed to be the last act, but it seems we have a last minute entry, despite her claiming otherwise. Put your hands together for the comedy stylings of Lila Rossi."
A few confused claps came from the audience. Lila swaggered onto the stage.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Are you ready to laugh?!"
"I guess?" came a random voice.
"I just flew in from Italy, and boy are my arms tired!"
A few groans could be heard. Chloé and Zoé, who had paused their packing to see Marinette's act, had now finished. They were about to head up front when they heard Lila.
"What in the world is she doing?" Chloé asked.
"Seriously, ladies and gentlemen," Lila continued, "I'm happy to be here. Of course, I'm happy to be anywhere… Except class!"
A few weak chuckles came from the audience.
"It looks like she's trying to be funny," Zoé replied.
"Emphasis on trying. It seems she lied her way onto the performance list," she gave a sneaky smile, "What do you say we have some more fun tonight?"
"I'm game if you are. Are your ad libs as good as mine?"
—
"But seriously, folks, here's an interesting story about my favorite subject - me! Jagged Stone was visiting Italy when we bumped into each other. He said he needed help writing a song. I said, I've taken classes on history and music, so I know all about Rock & Rome! Ba dum, ching!"
"Don't worry, folks," came Chloé's voice, "She's not a complete loss. She can always be a horrible example."
Various snickers ran through the theater.
Lila's eyes went wide as she looked around, "Where are you?!"
"Lights, please!"
A pair of spotlights shone on the Bourgeois sisters. They were in the balcony seating with their own microphones. Lila tried to control herself.
"Chloé, and, uh, Chloé's sister, so nice to see you both, but I'm kind of in the middle of something."
"We just wanted to come out here and support you," Zoé said.
Lila looked skeptical, "Really? Well, don't worry about the Queen of Comedy."
"We're not. We're worried about you."
Lila gritted her teeth, "You're hilarious."
"You know what? Your style of comedy reminds me of someone."
Lila perked up, "Oh, really? Who?"
"Daniel Day-Lewis."
She was confused, "He's not a comedian."
"Well?"
A few more laughs permeated the theater.
"Ignore them, ladies and gentlemen. Believe me, I know how to entertain. I once performed at the Coliseum."
"Is that so?" Chloé asked, "Was every seat sold out?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact."
"I thought so. We figured you always sold out!"
Lila took a deep breath, "I'm ignoring you. I was in New York once, and I was asked to perform at Carnegie Hall. How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice!"
"See? I told you she had talent," Zoé said.
"Oh, I agree," Chloé replied, "She's got more talent in her little finger than she's got in her big finger."
Lila's eye twitched, "Why I oughta -"
"Hey, Lila, you know what you're doing wrong?"
"What?"
"You're standing too close to the audience."
"Oh…okay… Well, how far back should I go?"
"Do you have a scooter?"
Lila glared at them, "You think you're funny? At my performance, you could hear the audience laughing from across the street!"
"What was playing over there?" Zoé asked.
"Listen, you -"
"Hey, wait a minute, Lila," Chloé interrupted, "What's going on behind that curtain?"
She checked, "Nothing."
"Well, there's nothing going on in front of it either."
"Look, you smart alecs, I know the secret to comedy!"
"You certainly know how to keep it a secret."
Lila got a smug look on her face, "If you really wanna trade barbs with me, I'll only use half of my brain to make it fair. Now, let me tell another story. My mother loves to spoil and irritate me, so when I say I got back from a pleasure trip, what I actually mean is that I dropped my mom off at the airport."
"You've got Van Gogh's ear for comedy!" Zoé replied.
"Hey, you keep your mouth shut or I'll have the usher throw you out!"
"He can't, he's too busy," Chloé replied.
"Doing what?"
"Keeping people in!"
The audience was laughing.
"Will you please let me finish?" Lila snapped, "I appeal to you as a friend."
"You certainly don't appeal to me as an enemy."
"Seriously, though," Zoé said, "We want to encourage your efforts."
"Really?"
"Of course! You always throw yourself into everything."
"Yeah," Chloé added, "Go find a deep well."
Lila looked ready to scream, but composed herself, "As I was saying, a funny thing happened to me on my way here."
"Too bad it didn't happen to you after you got here!"
Lila scowled, "I dare you to come down here and be funny."
"You first!"
Zoé muffled a laugh.
Lila was furious, "I should go up there and punch you in the nose."
"Please, not while I'm holding it," Chloé replied.
Lila shrugged, "Okay, that's pretty funny."
"Thanks. You can use it."
Lila was taken aback, "I don't need your material. I've got a million funny lines in the back of my head."
"How come they never reach your mouth?"
"You don't like my act, strega? Do you think you could do better?"
Chloé shrugged, "I couldn't do worse."
"FINE! I dare you both to come down here and entertain the people!"
A murmur traveled through the audience.
"I guess Lila didn't see their act," Alya whispered.
"I wish we weren't seeing Lila's act," Nino replied.
"She's right. We should," Zoé said.
"What are you going to do?" Lila asked, "Sing?"
"No."
"Dance?"
"No."
"Tell jokes?"
"No."
"Then what would you do?"
"Just what you're doing!" Chloé shot back.
Zoé was holding back laughter, while Lila was seething.
"I've had just about enough of you!" Lila growled.
"We're sorry you feel that way, Lila," Zoé said, "We didn't mean to upset you. Maybe we can make it up to you."
"Oh, yeah? How?"
"Can we help you out?"
She thought about it, "Fine."
"Which way did you come in?"
Lila was mentally kicking herself for falling for that.
"Listen, you clods, I didn't come here to be insulted!"
Zoé tilted her head, "Oh, well where do you usually go?"
Lila grinded her heel into the floor in frustration.
"That does it! One more joke and I'm leaving."
"Hey, Lila," Chloé called out, "Before you do that, I think there's a problem with the acoustics."
"Why, how much can you hear?"
"Every word!"
Lila pulled on her own hair.
"Pay no attention to them! A man walks into a diner, and he sees a horse behind the counter. The horse says, are you surprised to see me? The guy says, yeah, did the cow sell the place?"
Chloé half-heartedly clapped.
"I liked that last joke."
"What'd you like about it?" Zoé asked.
"The fact that it's the last joke."
Lila was about to retaliate.
"Oh, come on," Zoé said, "It wasn't too bad."
Chloé paused to think, "Okay then, I'd rate it medium."
"What does that mean?"
"It wasn't rare, and it certainly wasn't well done!"
The theater erupted into laughter.
"That's enough! I'm leaving!" Lila screamed.
"Just when you thought her act was terrible," Chloé said, "Something wonderful happens."
"What's that?" Zoé asked.
"It ends!"
The entire theater continued roaring with laughter. Lila stomped over to the edge of the stage.
"Mme. Bustier, are you seriously going to just stand there laughing like everyone else while this is going on? They ruined my act!"
"Lila, this isn't exactly the same thing as bullying or harassment. You should have a sense of humor about yourself. On top of that, if you want to be a comedian, you've got to be prepared for hecklers."
"I'm not supposed to have hecklers or critics. Their job is to just shut up and listen. These morons are supposed to laugh with me, not at me!"
Lila's voice rang out through the theater. She was still holding the microphone. Lila looked out at the audience. A sea of angry faces stared back. She turned back at Caline, who had a look of disapproval. Lila shoved the microphone into her hands.
"You ingrates will all be sorry!" Lila shrieked as she sprinted offstage.
"I guess we should've seen that coming," Zoé said.
Chloé shrugged, "It's just like I said. She only needed one thing to make a fool of herself. A chance!"
The audience began laughing again, and now they also began to applaud. Chloé and Zoé took a bow.
"Good night, everybody!" Chloé declared.
"You've been a wonderful audience!" Zoé added.
The Bourgeois sisters made their way to the stage. Once there, they continued to wave and take bows, while most of the audience went to congratulate them. Adrien, after pausing to wave at his friends, went backstage to see Marinette. She was in another room, carefully putting away her outfit.
"Adrien, hi! I'm guessing you liked my song?"
He walked up to her and pulled her into a strong kiss. He then nibbled her ear and proceeded to kiss her along her neck and shoulder, before giving her another kiss on the lips.
She smiled, "So, is that a yes?"
"How did you manage to pick such a perfect song?"
"Practice."
"Will you go to the prom with me?"
"Of course…I mean I've already got a dress picked out."
Later that week, everyone else was in the process of preparing for the prom.
"Alya, if you don't want to go to the prom with me, I'd understand."
"Oh, shut up, Nino. Of course we're going together! Stop being such a trickster," she leaned in close, "And don't think I was fooled by your ice skating stunt."
Nino's eyes went wide, "What? How did you…? I was just…"
Alya silenced him with a kiss. She then booped him on the nose.
"You're cute."
—
Kim and Ondine were hanging out at the pool as usual.
"My turn," Kim said.
He wrote something on a piece of paper and placed it inside the bracelet. He then tossed it into the pool. Ondine waited a few seconds so it would reach the bottom, and then dived down to grab it. She quickly surfaced and read the note, while Kim crouched down next to her.
"Will you go to the prom with me?"
He gave a goofy smile. She pulled him into the pool.
"Of course I will, you big dork!"
—
"You know, Chlo," Zoé said, "You technically have to ask Luka to the prom since this is yours, not his."
"I don't have to ask him. He knows we're going."
"Chlo, come on," Sabrina said, "It's part of the charm."
"Why do you care? It's not like I'm going to ask him in front of you."
"No, but when you do, either he'll tell Juleka in his excitement, or Juleka find out and then tell everyone else."
She groaned, "Fine! I'll ask him and then I'll text you both."
—
Queen: Are you busy this weekend?
King: I do have to work, but I should be done Saturday evening.
Queen: Come by whenever you're free.
King: Can do.
—
"Luka, you're taking me to prom. No… Luka, we both know you're going to take me to prom, so why be formal about it? No… Luka, I'm going to prom whether you take me or not, so you'd better say yes. No…"
"Having trouble, sister dear?"
"When did you get here?"
"That's not important. Don't let me interrupt your rehearsal."
Chloé sighed, "I didn't think it was possible for someone to make you feel strong and weak at the same time."
"Now you know how I feel," Luka said as he walked into the room.
"Blue Boy? You got here fast," she looked at Zoé, "Make yourself scarce, Zo."
"Right. I'll be at the keyhole."
As soon as she left, Chloé and Luka were silent for a minute.
"Right, now what do you want?"
"You sent for me, Queenie."
"Did I? Oh, yes. Well, as you know, prom is right around the corner."
"I remember mine very well."
"Yes, and so I wanted to…"
"Yes?"
"...to tell you that I'm taking you with me."
"You want to try that again?"
She sighed, "Luka, you're taking me to my prom."
"One more time."
"You're my boyfriend! Why should I have to formally ask you?"
"Because it's part of the charm."
"Have you been talking to Sabrina?"
"I will neither confirm nor deny," he gently placed a hand on her cheek, "Please?"
"Okay, fine. Luka, you're special to me and I can't think of anyone better -"
"Ahem."
"- I mean, I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend the evening with. So will you please escort me to the prom as my date?"
"I didn't think you'd make it sound that formal," he kissed her hand, "Yes, Chloé, my best beloved, I would be honored to accompany you to your prom as your consort."
"Okay, let's not get carried away. That makes it sound like some kind of illicit affair. I am the queen! I always have been, and I always will be. As for you," she placed her arms around his neck, "You're my equal. You're my king. I'm sorry it took me so long to admit it."
He touched foreheads with her, "Better late than never. I love you."
"I love you, too."
"That's so beautiful!" Zoé cried from behind the door.
"Okay, Zoé, you heard what you needed to hear. Now go do something else!"
Zoé stuck her head into the room, "Can do, Chlo! See you later."
Chloé sighed as she stared at the door, "I love her, but she and the others can be so nosy."
Luka turned her head to face him again.
"And she loves you. That's why she listens to you. That's why she cares so much."
"Yeah, I know, but enough about her. Let's talk about us. We need to find the right outfits for you and me so we can be the best-looking ones there…I mean more than usual."
"All in good time. We have other things to do."
"Like what?"
He began kissing her.
"You're very persuasive, my king in bard's armor."
—
At last, prom night was here, and the class danced the night away.
"Isn't it amazing, Jule?!" Rose exclaimed.
"I guess. I mean we did this last year."
"You look so handsome in those clothes, Kim."
"I'm not used to wearing stuff like this, Ondine."
"Hey, DJ," Alya said, "Make sure you play something I can really dance to."
"You don't have to ask me twice, beautiful," Nino replied.
"And even though I know you're having fun, make sure you have it on auto-play or whatever. I can't show off without you."
"I appreciate being invited, Zoé," Kagami said, "I would've been so bored otherwise."
"Hey, what are friends for? What did your mom say?"
"She wasn't home. She said she was going to be busy."
"You look so amazing, Chloé," Sabrina said.
"Correction, we look amazing. By which I mean you and me."
"What about me?" Zoé asked.
"Yes, and you, too."
"And me?" Luka asked, "I am your date, after all."
"Yes, fine, whatever. We're all gorgeous. By the way, Brina, who did you come here with?"
"Hey, what's going on here?" came a voice.
Everyone turned to see Aurore coming through the doors.
"What are all these people doing here? I thought we were having prom?"
Chloé rolled her eyes, "This is our prom, Aurore. I guess you forgot."
"Oh, yeah, I think so. I was caught up in reading this weather app."
After an hour or so, that was when Chloé realized something.
"Hey, wait a minute," she looked around, "Where's Adrikins?"
There was a tap on her shoulder. It was Placide, and he pointed to the stage.
"You mean to tell me Adrien is going to perform something? He can certainly play the piano, but he doesn't sing very often. Not everyone can be as good as Luka and myself at being so musically gifted."
Mme. Bustier walked into the room.
"Good evening, students. Are you all having fun?"
Everyone cheered in response.
"Last year, we had a performance by Kitty Section. This year, we have a special treat brought to you by M. Adrien Agreste and Mlle. Marinette Dupain-Cheng."
The curtain pulled back to show the couple. Marinette was standing up while wearing an elaborate dress that made her look like a member of the French aristocracy. Adrien looked like a clown crossed with a rag doll and was slumped over on the floor. He got to his feet in a way that made him look like he was being lifted by invisible strings. He then walked over to Marinette and mimicked turning a wind-up key on her back. Nino provided the sound effects with his equipment. After three turns, a music box melody began to play. Marinette began moving back and forth with robotic movements like she was a clockwork doll. She looked at Adrien and gave a bow, and he in turn bowed back. They began to sing a counterpoint duet.
"What do you see?"
"Truly Scrumptious"
"You people gazing at me?"
"You're truly truly scrumptious"
"You see a doll on a Music Box that's wound by a key"
"Scrumptious as a cherry peach parfait"
"How can you tell"
"When you're near me"
"I'm under a spell"
"It's so delicious"
"I'm waiting for love's first kiss."
"Honest, truly, you're the answer to my wishes"
"You cannot see"
"Truly scrumptious"
"How much I long to be free"
"Though I might seem presumptuous"
"Turning around on a Music Box that's wound by a key"
"Never never ever go away"
"Yearning!"
"My heart beats so unruly"
"Yearning!"
"Because I love you truly"
"While…I'm…turning around and around."
"Honest, truly, I do!"
As the music came to a stop, Adrien kissed Marinette's hand. Everyone applauded and they took a bow. They then went to change clothes. Nino took the opportunity to play music for a slow dance.
"This lineup of music should be good for now," he said to himself.
He then went to the dance floor and held out a hand. Alya was there in a flash to join him. Everyone else began to dance as well. As soon as Marinette and Adrien returned, they immediately joined the group.
"You're a smooth operator, babe," Alya said, resting her head on Nino's shoulder.
—
Lila once again managed to sneak into the building.
"As if I'd ever waste time with a prom, but Gabi told me to spy on Adrien, so this might pay off."
She peeked around the corner and saw exactly what she wanted to see.
"Adrien's dancing with Marinette? That doesn't mean they're on a date or anything. He probably just feels sorry for her."
—
Marinette and Adrien stared into each other's eyes.
"You're so beautiful."
She smiled, "It's because I'm so in love."
"No, it's because I'm so in love with you."
They rubbed noses and continued to dance. Lila's mouth hung open.
"Maybe they're just playing it up."
"Hey, DJ," Chloé said, "Enough of this slow music. Let's get something we can really dance to!"
"She's right," Alya said, "We need to mix it up."
"Okay, one second," Nino replied, heading back to his equipment.
The music was now fast and upbeat. Everyone was now grooving to the beat. Nino rushed back so he and Alya could dance side by side in perfect synchronization.
"I hate to admit it," Zoé said, "But they're better than us, Chlo."
"We'll see about that."
Everyone was now busting a move. Adrien and Marinette spun around and gave each other a kiss. Lila's eyes went wide as she bit her knuckles. She ducked behind the wall before anyone could see her.
—
Kagami turned and looked at the spot Lila had been only a few seconds ago.
"What's the matter?" Sabrina asked.
"I thought I saw something."
She walked over to Placide and whispered something. He nodded and went to take a look.
"Oh, great," Lila hissed, "That big gorilla guy is heading this way. I've got to get out of here!"
She ran for the door she had snuck in through. She managed to exit just as he rounded the corner. Placide looked around and saw nothing, but he did notice the door had been opened. He went back to the dance and relayed to Kagami what he saw.
"Nobody was there?"
"They left by the time I got there," he replied.
Kagami motioned for Chloé to come over.
"Someone was spying on us."
"Did you say spy?" Chloé asked, "There's only one person I know who'd do that."
"Perhaps you're right, but to what purpose?"
"It could only be for one reason, and that's to blab to Gabriel."
"Why get Adrien in trouble now? Graduation is only a month away."
"True, but let's not forget that old Gabe is a smooth brain."
Zoé had now joined the conversation.
"Are you talking about Gabriel? He's been pretty quiet since the last battle."
"Which can only mean he's up to something big," Kagami replied.
"We'll just have to be ready," Luka said, chiming in, "But for now, let's go on with the party."
Chloé wrapped her arms around him, "You make a persuasive argument, Maestro."
—
At the Agreste mansion, Gabriel was on the phone.
"The delivery has arrived? Excellent. Have a team start construction first thing tomorrow."
*DING DONG*
"Who could that possibly be?"
Nathalie checked the camera, "It's just Lila."
"Doesn't that pest have any hobbies? Let her in."
Lila walked into the atelier and sat down in a big chair.
"Lila, just because you're part of my…staff, doesn't mean you can visit anytime you like."
"Oh, but I thought you'd want to hear about this in person, Boss. You told me to keep an eye on Adrien," she gave a sinister grin, "I have some news that I'm sure you're eager to know about."