In Collège Françoise Dupont...

Marinette and Alya noticed Ember avoiding them during school. She looked like she was trying to focus more on school, which was good. But something about her seemed like she wanted nothing to do with them. She looked at Marinette at one point, but something about her seemed to be distancing herself from her. Whatever she was going through, she clearly wanted some space.

Marinette felt bad for her and wondered if she could do anything to help her feel better. Alya told her to invite her over to her sleepover, but she didn't know if that would be too much for her. Pretty much all of the girls accepted the invitation. She didn't know if having that many girls over might annoy or bother her. Ember was quiet during all of the classes and never once raised her raise to answer anything.

Ms. Bustier didn't bother her since it was her first day here. Marinette still felt this weird energy around her and didn't know what it was. She tried to shake it off, but it felt a little warm in the classroom. She tried to cool down, but something was making her really hot.

Once classes were over, Marinette soon grabbed her water bottle from her backpack. She drank a big gulp of it, feeling a little hot for some reason. It was September, it shouldn't be this hot in here.

"Marinette, are you okay?" Alya asked her.

"Y-Yeah. Just a little hot," Marinette explained to her, "I'm gonna step out to get some fresh air."

Marinette soon grabbed her backpack and headed downstairs to the water fountain. She took a sip from it and soon waved her hands in front of her to cool off. She didn't know why she was feeling so hot. She didn't even go to Gym class today. Then she spotted Ember coming down the stairs. She looked like she was trying to avoid looking at her.

Something about her seemed to be feeling guilty, and she didn't know why. Marinette felt bad and wondered if she could even get her to come over. Whatever was bothering her, she wanted to make it up to her.

"H-Hey... Ember," Marinette said to her, "If you want to, we're having a sleepover at my place tonight. I know that you're new here and things a bit awkward, but I wouldn't mind having you over. I think it would be fun."

For a moment, Ember just stood there. She didn't even dare to face Marinette, which confused her.

"I don't know if a sleepover is really my thing," Ember said back, "Especially with... a bunch of girls."

"Come on. I really think that you'd like it," Marinette said to her, "I could make you more of those macarons and cookies. You liked those, right?"

Ember side glanced at her, and Marinette knew that she got her with those macarons and cookies. She hesitated to turn around, but soon spoke up.

"I guess... that I could come by for a little while..." Ember said under her breath.

Marinette smiled and soon Ember left the school. Alya came downstairs, watching Ember leave.

"That girl seems to be hiding something," Alya said to her.

Marinette's eyes widened in shock and didn't think that anyone else noticed that about her. She still felt hot as she waved her hands in front of her face.

"You think so? I kind of noticed something off about her," Marinette said back, "But she could just be shy. She's started here, you know?"

"Yeah. Maybe. What I don't get is why you're suddenly so hot. It's autumn, girl," Alya said to her.

"I don't get it either," Marinette said to her, "Let's go before the girls get to my house."

Marinette and Alya both left the school and didn't see Ember anywhere. They figured that someone must've picked her up. As they left the school, someone called out to them before they could leave. Marinette smiled, seeing her friend coming over.

"Hey Zoe! Are you coming over for our sleepover?" Marinette asked her.

"Yeah, of course I am!" Zoe exclaimed to her, "I just need to go get my things. I'll be there in a few minutes. I noticed the new girl sitting with you guys. Is she nice?"

Marinette and Alya shared a look and didn't give much of an answer to Zoe.

"I'll take that as a maybe," Zoe said to them.

"She's fine. Ember is just... a little shy," Marinette said back, "I'm sure she'll be fine once she comes over for the sleepover."

"Wait, you invited her over to sleepover?" Zoe pointed out, "Aren't you worried that she might see the... Miracle Box?"

Marinette didn't even think about that. She'd have to keep the Kwamis hidden in her room the entire time while they're hanging out. Everyone would have to give Marinette their Miraculous before she shows up. It would be easier to keep them in line and not go flying off.

"I didn't even think about that," Marinette said to her, "Maybe I should hold onto your Miraculous for now. I don't want everyone's Kwamis flying around. They're starting to get used to being out in the open. I can't let Ember know about this."

Zoe and Alya seemed to understand and gave her their Miraculous. Marinette looked at the Fox and Butterfly Miraculous. She felt weird having the Butterfly Miraculous out in the open, but Zoe has proved herself to everyone on the team she's capable of helping them with it. She smiled and soon Zoe left to fo get her things.

Marinette and Alya walked over to her house and soon noticed a couple of customers getting the last bit of Ladybug and Cat Noir baked goods. Marinette smiled, seeing her parents supporting her like this. They did before, but something about it this time around felt really relieving to see them enjoying this.

"Marinette. Aren't you coming inside?" Alya asked her, "We've gotta get things set up."

"Oh! Right," Marinette said back.

They both entered the Bakery Shop, smelling that amazing fresh baked bread smell. Marinette could tell that Alya never got tired of it as they headed over to see her parents. Sabine smiled at Alya, happy to see her again. Tom was busy with some leftover baked goods and soon put them away.

"Hi Alya. It's nice to see you again! Are you and Marinette having a sleepover like I suggested?" Sabine asked her.

"Yeah. We even got a new girl at school today. She's actually coming over along with all our friends," Alya explained to her, "I hope that's okay with you."

"New girl? Of course she can come over," Sabine exclaimed, "All of you get settled down and make yourself at home. Here, why don't you take these leftover baked goods and celebrate your first day of school together?"

Sabine handed them a container of leftovers, and Marinette took them from her. She smiled, happy to see her mom helping out.

"Thanks mom. I really appreciate you doing this," Marinette said to her, "I don't think Ember is a big fan of sleepovers though."

"Don't worry about that. Just make sure she's comfortable and welcome her with open arms," Sabine told her.

"Okay mom. I will," Marinette said to her.

Marinette and Alya soon went up to her bedroom, ready to get things set up. Marinette knew that everyone would grab sleeping bag, but grabbed on anyway just in case Ember didn't bring one. She grabbed some cds, movies to watch, games to play while Alya grabbed some snacks and drinks from the fridge. Once everything was all set, Marinette looked at the Miracle Box that was out in the open.

Lately these past six months, it's been more out in the open in her room. She didn't really have to hide it lately since HawkMoth and Chrysalis were no where to be seen. She had the Butterfly and Fox Miraculous in her hand and put them inside of it. She let out a sigh and put it in its usual hiding place. She closed the cabinet and locked it.

"There. Now Ember can't find it," Marinette said to Tikki.

"Are sure about this Marinette? You don't know anything about Ember," Tikki asked her.

"Don't worry about it Tikki. It'll be fine," Marinette said back, "She's not gonna go snooping around. Besides, I locked it. If anything goes wrong, I'll know about it right away."

Soon enough, Alya came up with snacks and drinks. They all set it up, and a couple of her friends finally showed up. Juleka and Rose came up, really excited to be doing this. Once they showed up, Marinette explained what was going on. With Ember coming over, they understood and gave their Miraculous to Marinette. She soon put them into the Miracle Box and locked it up again. Then Zoe and Mylene came over, excited to finally see everyone. Marinette did the same thing for them and put their Miraculous away as well.

"Is Kagami still coming?" Marinette asked them, "I wanted her to come, but I know that's she kind of busy with her mom."

"No. Unfortunately she's can't come," Zoe explained to her, "We tried to get her to come, but her mom isn't very supportive of us being friends with her."

Marinette slumped her shoulders, and Alya came over for some support. She really wished that Kagami could hang out with them more often. Ever since some of them found out about them being Miraculous holders, Kagami's mom has been even more strict with her. She wasn't allowing to be anywhere near them, mostly Marinette. She felt bad for her, but she always knew a way to sneak off as Ryuko. She didn't know if she would come by anyway, but understood why she couldn't.

"Does anyone know if Sabrina is coming over?" Marinette asked them, "I invited her, but you know... she's still getting used to being friends with us."

"I think so. She might be busy, but she said she'll try to make it whenever she can," Rose explained to her, "She seemed excited about it."

Marinette hoped that Sabrina was finally able to join. She's been wanting to get Sabrina to come over more often, but she always seemed awkward about being friends with them. She had a feeling it was because of Chloe not being here, and the fact that she helped Chrysalis back then.

"She clearly still feels weird about being friends with us. I don't blame her," Mylene said to them, "I mean, she did help Chrysalis at one point."

"That's gotta be a little weird for her," Juleka said back a little quietly.

Marinette soon got everyone to play games and settled down right away. Everyone seemed to be just enjoying their time here. Marinette looked at the time and realized that Ember still hadn't shown up. She hoped that things were okay with her and her parents. Something bothered her about her, and she didn't know why.

Whatever was going on, she hoped that Ember would at least show up.

In the streets of Paris...

Sabrina called out to her parents that she was leaving to go meet up with Marinette. They all were excited for her to finally have friends other than Chloe. Sabrina ran out with her backpack and sleeping bag, excited to do something different for a change. She ran out of there, feeling pretty good about this. She had never had a sleepover like this before. It was always just her and Chloe. Now that she was staying at U.A., she felt a little lonely.

Once Marinette and her became friends, she was more open to being friends with the girls. She still had a hard time adjusting, but she really wanted to do this. She knew that it would be a lot of fun to finally hang out with them. She wondered if Ember would show up since she is new to Paris. She wouldn't mind getting to know her. Something about her seemed a little shy like her.

Sabrina smiled, knowing full well how weird it felt to be the new girl.

Then she spotted Ember walking on the sidewalk. She looked a little hesitant to be going outside or anywhere in particular. Sabrina noticed that she looked a little dirty like she was looking for something. She wondered if she might've lost something in the trash. She was clearly coming from somewhere, but she couldn't tell where.

Sabrina worried about her, but tried to put on a smile as she walked over to her.

"Hey Ember. Are you okay?" Sabrina asked her.

Ember flinched, not expecting someone to sneak up on her like that. She realized that it was just Sabrina. Something about her reaction caught Sabrina off guard. She avoided her gaze and kept walking. Sabrina didn't know what was up with her and hoped that she could help her.

"I didn't see you there," Ember said under her breath, "Are you going somewhere?"

"Yeah. I'm going to Marinette's sleepover," Sabrina explained to her, "I thought that you were going."

Something about Ember's face told Sabrina that she had forgotten. She could tell that she wasn't prepared to go there and felt for her. Sabrina still wanted her to come, but noticed that she didn't even have clean clothes. Then she smiled, knowing full well that Marinette would help her out.

"Come on. Why don't you come over? Marinette will help you freshen up. She's really nice," Sabrina said to her.

Ember hesitated as she looked down at her clothes. Something about her seemed like she was trying to avoid being seen by anyone for some reason. Sabrina wanted to help, but she could tell that she was trying to get away from something.

"I-I don't know... I don't think now's a good time to have a sleepover..." Ember said to her, "I-I'm just... a little busy is all..."

Sabrina wanted her to come with her, but didn't want to push her into it if it made her uncomfortable. She wanted to try again, but Ember was already leaving her behind.

"Ember. Are you sure? Marinette really doesn't mind. She really cares about everyone. She wouldn't mind helping you out," Sabrina told her, "She can be a really good friend if you just get to know her better."

"I said I'm fine. I don't need help," Ember said under her breath.

Sabrina stopped in her tracks and watched her leave. Before Ember was out of ear shot, Sabrina heard her mumble something that caught her off guard.

"I need Ladybug's help..."

In Marinette's house...

Marinette watched Alya and Zoe playing games together as everyone else waiting for their turn. Everyone seemed to love the snacks and drinks and soon settled down right away. She kept looking at time, hoping that Ember would come. Sabrina was running a little late, but she didn't mind. She was just wondering what was taking her so long.

Even Ember wasn't here yet.

Marinette wanted to call Ember, but she didn't have her phone number. Just to make sure that she wasn't lost or anything.

Marinette kept looking at her phone and realized that she had missed a phone call with Adrien. Her eyes widened in shock and soon stood up straight, catching everyone's attention. Alya gave her a knowing look and knew that Marinette had to call him back.

"Go ahead," Alya said to her, "We won't eavesdrop."

"Thanks Alya," Marinette said back as she climbed the balcony to get some privacy.

She scrolled through her contacts and pressed on Adrien's number. She waited for him to answer, but it took a while to go through for some reason. The connection wasn't the greatest, but it shouldn't be buffering like this. She wondered if things were going on with the portal, but soon he answered before she could question it.

"Hey Marinette. You finally called back," Adrien said through the phone, "I thought that you were too busy to call."

"No. I was just getting a sleepover with the girls," Marinette explained to him, "I mean, it is our first day of school after all."

"Is it? I had no idea," Adrien said in a teasing tone.

Marinette rolled her eyes, knowing full well that he was joking around.

"Ha ha. Very funny," Marinette said back.

"So, how was were things over there? Was it weird not having me and Chloe over there?" Adrien asked her.

Marinette hesitated a little, wondering if she should tell him about Ember. She wasn't exactly thrilled about going to school with them. Then she bit her lip and told him about other things.

"Well, it was pretty quiet for the first day of school," Marinette said back, "It was kind of weird without you. I'll even admit, it was weird not having Chloe around either."

"I'll let her know that you miss her," Adrien through the phone, "I miss you buggaboo."

Just hearing Adrien's voice over the phone gave her such comfort. Something about his voice made her feel so better every time she talked to him.

"So, how was your day? I'm sure it was more exciting over there than it is over here," Marinette asked him.

For a moment, she heard him hesitate to say anything. Something about it felt like there was some weird stuff going on over there. She didn't know what, but now she needed to know. The wind picked up a bit as she got a nice refreshing breeze all around her.

"Adrien. What's going on over there?" Marinette asked him.

"Well... it's kind of a long story..."

Another amazing chapter!

This was a good one to write! I really enjoy writing Marinette as someone who kind of looks up to Midoriya a little. Something about that just feels so satisfying. Seeing her trying to be a better hero and wanting to help others like he does make things much more interesting. I thought it would be fun to have a chapter with one of the classmates, so I picked Sabrina. I thought it be fun, but it's also a way to lean into Ember's side of the story more. It's going to get interesting, don't worry about that. Ember may not show up to the sleepover, but things are definitely happening soon! Adrien has some explaining to do...

What's going to happen next??

More to come soon!