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Sabrina very rarely asks for things. And when she does, it's with great reluctance. Lots of stuttering, backtracking, and apologising. So when she called me and told me she was coming over, not asking, not requesting:
stating
. Clear tone. No stuttering. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Obviously
something
happened, but what could it possibly have been to make Sabrina grow a backbone between now and the last time I saw her.
Now here she was. Standing a few feet away from where I’m sitting on my bed, looking very tense, visibly upset, and not saying a damn thing.
Clearly
I'm
going to have to be the one to break the silence.
“Well?
Im waiting.” I cocked an eyebrow in an attempt to prompt her further.
She sighed, losing some of the tension in her stance. “Chloé, do you have any idea what a horrible person you are?”
‘’What?”
Sabrina continues on as if she didn’t hear me. “I mean you have to know, right? There’s no way you’re
that
ignorant.”
Of course I know that. I’m not an idiot. But-
“What the hell, Sabrina?! Where is this coming from?!
”
I try to keep my tone as gentle as possible because she’s clearly having some sort of mental breakdown.
Judging by her expression I guess I failed at the gentle bit. “Wow! You
really
don’t see it. I mean i knew you were oblivious, but wow…”
The astonished look on her face spoke volumes. “Chloé, the way you treat people is nowhere even
remotely close
to the realm of okay. Literally
everyone
who knows you, can’t stand you. And most people who don’t, dread meeting you, because you have such a huge reputation for being such a colossal bitch.”
I open my mouth ready to defend myself. To tear her apart like I would anyone else who thought that they could talk to me like that and get away with it. But then I see her eyes, see the genuine hatred burning in them, and my mouth snaps shut.
Sabrina keeps on, taking advantage of my shocked silence. “And somehow you’ve managed to delude yourself into believing that people actually like you and the ones that stand up to you are just jealous. When the reality is this:
you are nothing more than a spoiled, delusional little rich girl who makes everyone around her miserable.”
I lean back on the bed, resting my weight on my hands, as I let her words sink in. As I do I feel a swirling pit of devastation begin to slowly claw its way up my throat, and it takes everything in me to choke it down.
“If this is how you really feel how come you waited until now to speak up?” I asked, my expression schooled into a mask of disinterest and disgust.
“Why?” She let out a humorless laugh. “Because I knew that if I said anything you’d disown me as your ‘friend’ and make my life a living hell. Well,
more
of a living hell.”
I pasted on a wicked grin, ignoring how difficult I was finding breathing to be at the moment. “Oh? So what changed? I could still do that you know.” I purred.
At this Sabrina grinned. “My mom got a job in Italy and it pays really well, so my dad resigned. We’re leaving tonight and I knew that if I didn't get this off my chest before we left it’d
kill
me.”
She took a deep breath, relaxing completely for the first time since she got here. “You’re a horrible person. And I hate you with every fibre of my being. I hope you get exactly what you deserve. Goodbye Chloé Bourgeois.”
Then she turned and walked out.
o0o
I’m not sure how long it took. Probably not that long at all. But after she left all of the emotions I had been suppressing rose to the surface like a fucking balloon.
The devastation that I had tried so desperately to choke down, had begun to claw its way up from my stomach and out of my mouth. And this time, I let it.
I don’t even remember how it started. One minute I was sitting on my bed holding back tears, because I refuse to cry over that traitor. And the next, I was sweeping everything off of my vanity and screaming at the top of my lungs.
And once I started… I couldn’t stop. Didn’t
want
to stop. Not until everything around me was as broken as I felt.
o0o
When I finished, it looked like a bomb had gone off in my room. As I look around at the mess I’ve created, I catch my reflection in the mirror. I look awful. My hair is visibly tangled, my pants are wrinkled, and my shirt is torn. My face is slightly red from exertion and my makeup is smudged.
I need to get out of here.
With that in mind I wipe off the remnants of my makeup. Throw my hair up into what should be able to pass as an artfully messy bun, then change into a soft sky blue sweater that Adrien forgot here, a pair of black high waisted jeans, and some cute black flats.
After I was ready I quickly made my exit. My thoughts were spiraling as I walked the streets of Paris, my body moving on autopilot. I’m so gone that I don’t notice the akuma until it’s a few feet in front of me.
I hid purely on instinct, darting into a nearby alleyway before they could see me. From my hiding spot I begin to take in my surroundings. The first thing I notice is Cesaire hiding in an alleyway across the street, probably trying to get footage for the Ladyblog.
The second thing I notice is the akuma and-
holy fuck that’s tacky.
It’s huge, wearing a fire engine red bodysuit covered in what looks like green thorns. It’s skin was a lifeless pale grey and it’s hair was done up in some pathetic mockery of Maleficent's horns.
Seriously, Hawkmoth it’s just getting embarrassing at this point.
Then the akuma started speaking, ranting really, about how children were nothing more than a nuisance and how the world would be so much better if they just didn’t exist. Which honestly would’ve been kind of funny had a little boy, probably about six at the absolute oldest, not stumbled into the akumas line of sight almost immediately after this was said.
I watched in horror as the akumas face contorted into an expression of pure rage and it spoke in a mismatched saccharine tone. “Hello little one.”
The kid froze, terror plain on his face as he began to tremble.
Where the hell are this kids parents?
The akuma took a step towards the boy as it spoke again. “I am Pest Control. And
you
are a pest.”
It lifted its hand and pointed at the kid. A strange green fluid began shooting out. And before I knew what I was doing, I threw myself in front of him.
At first all I could feel was the surprisingly cold liquid soaking into my sweater. But then there was a gentle burning, that quickly evolved into a searing pain across my back that spread through my body in seconds. It was blinding, and for a moment all I could do was grit my teeth and try not to scream.
Then I look down at the kid. He was trembling even harder than before, clearly on the verge of tears and still frozen like a deer in the headlights. So I try my best to smile.
“It’s okay. I’m fine. And you will be too, I promise.” I whisper to the boy. “What’s your name sweetie?”
“Jo-Jonah.”
“Well, Jonah. We’re gonna be okay. Because Ladybug and Chat Noir are going to come and stop the akuma. But before they get here, I need you to run. Run into that alley across the way. Don’t stop until you reach the lady with the glasses. Now!”
And then he ran. Just in time for the akuma to hit me with more of her “pesticide”. This time I couldn’t hold back my screams.
That’s when everything went dark.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Where am I?
Why does everything hurt?
Why’s it so dark?
“Chloé!”
Huh? Who’s calling me?
“CHLOÉ!”
That sounds like… Adrien? What’s he doing here?
Another wave of pain washes through me.
Oh God! Why does everything hurt so much?
o0o
“Miraculous Ladybug!”
o0o
All at once I'm back to myself. When I jolt up my body catches on the arms holding me in place. But before it can register that I'm being
held
, bile starts to rise in my throat and I reflexively sink back into the person holding me.
When I'm absolutely certain that I won't vomit on myself I opened my eyes to try and get a look at whoever it was that saw fit to cradle me in the middle of the road like a weirdo. But everything out of focus. I can only just make out blond hair and a dark shirt.
And then they speak with concern lacing every word. “Hey, take it easy. That akuma got you
twice
. You almost died.”
Oh, it’s just Adrien.
“Well no shit sherlock.” I close my eyes, feeling perfectly content to just lie there.
“Don’t sass me! What you did was incredibly reckless and supid. What on earth were you thinking?”
Despite my irritation at his line of questioning, I can't help but smile a little at Adriens mildy frantic mother henning. “I was thinking that it would be better if it was me and not the terrified six year old about to wet himself.”
I pause for a moment as I borrow a bit deeper into Adrien's hold. Then quietly ask, “Speaking of, is Jonah- the kid- is he okay?”
“Yes, he’s with his mom.” I let out a relieved sigh.
“Good. So… i'm not sure that I can walk right now. Think you could give me a lift?”
“Oh right, yeah. Of course. Just let me put you on my back so I don't accidently drop you.”
“Mhm.” then there's a swift movement and suddenly I'm on Adriens back.
“You good to go?” I lock my ankles around his waist, wrap my arms around his neck and snuggle into him. Then I shot him a quick thumbs up, no longer in a talking mood.
I hear something metal slam into the ground. My hand jerks up to clutch Adrien's shirt and hits… a bell? Then I feel us start moving up, feel the wind blow through my hair in a way that I've learned to associate with travel by rooftop.
No. that-that doesn't make any sense.
He can’t be.
But what other explanation is there?
Adrien is Chat Noir.
o0o
In hindsight, I probably should’ve realized it before now. I mean Chat Noir's hairstyle is literally Adriens bedhead, the way that Chat acts like Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Venus’s secret love child, the puns. Dear god the puns. Never in my life have I felt more like an idiot than I do right now.
Does this mean that Ladybug is someone we know too?
I opened my eyes and everything was clear. I take in my surroundings and see that we’re almost at the hotel. I look at Adrien and see his leathery apparel. Instead of commenting I simply tuck my chin on his shoulder and watch as we approach my balcony.
o0o
After I detached myself from Adrichats back I caught him giving me a vaguely disturbed look. I let my face morph into my instinctive ‘you got something to say expression’ and after a few seconds of watching him visibly struggle with whatever was on his mind.
Until he blurts out, “What the hell happened to your room? I mean you don’t look even a little bit unsettled, so that means it was like this when you left. Right?”
I gave a nonchalant shrug, passed the point of caring at this point. “I trashed it.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Sabrina came for a visit, said some things. Hurtful things. True things. This is the aftermath.” I answered, while stepping over my things and sitting on my bed.
Chat looks more than a bit apprehensive when he asks, “Was Sabrina in the room when you did this?” His tone was gentle but his whole body was tense, like he was bracing himself for the worst.
I couldn’t help the sadness that stabbed through me at the fact that my oldest friend apparently thought I would throw a tantrum this massive with someone else in the room.
“No. she was not.”
And just like that all of the tension fled his body. “Okay, but what could she possibly have said to prompt
this
sort of… aftermath?”
I put on a small mirthless smile. “That I am a horrible human being. I’m rude, selfish, bitchy, arrogant, entitled…” I gave a small chuckle. “I would keep going, but you get the picture, right?”
I look down at my hands unable to bear looking at the cat themed hero. “And, I mean, it’s not like any of this is
news.
My head is not that far up my own ass. I just. I thought she was my friend. You know? I-i thought that I
finally
had someone that
chose
me.”
I didn’t even need to look at him to know what he was thinking. I could practically hear it, but this time I watched, and waited to see if he’d actually ask. Instead of pretending that he understands or that he has no questions like he usually does.
He was tentative, like he was scared he might get yelled at, but his eyes held a sort of concrete resolve that’s usually absent. “What do you mean
someone who chose you?”
At his question I let myself fall back onto my bed with a sigh. “Exactly what it sounds like. My parents don’t want children, they never did. My mother even said it. I mean not to me but still. She said it. And they show it. They don’t want me. There was never a point when they
did
.”
I feel the mattress shift as he finally sits down. “But what about the agreste kid?”
Subtle.
“Adrien is… I love him. He’s family. But he didn’t choose me. We only met because our caretakers decided to force us together. And of course he got attached. I was the only person his own age that he spent any real time with outside of modeling. It was like... a captive animal meeting its own species for the first time. He imprinted. Then when he met other,
better
people, he left me. Just like everyone else.”
I turn my head to look at Chat. He looks positively stricken. Choking down the guilt at being the one to put that expression on his face, I hold his eyes as I continue, “Adrien didn’t choose me. He stuck with what he was given.”
Chat stared at me in shock for a good three minutes, before he finally snapped out of it. He seemed to fold into himself. “I didn’t know you felt that way.” he said quietly.
I shrugged. “How would you? Adrien’s not the only one good at hiding their emotions.”
He flinched at that one.
I held back a grimace at his change in demeanor. He looks like a kicked kitten. I want to comfort him. I want to reach out and tell him that it’s okay. That I know he didn’t do it on purpose and I don’t blame him. That i’m not angry with him. That I didn’t mean to make him feel sad or guilty over this.
I want to tell him that I love him and I miss him and I just want to be his friend again.
But I can’t.
Not right now.
Not without clueing him in on the fact that I’ve figured out his secret identity. Which would probably send him into a wild panic at this point.
I can’t help the exhausted sigh that escapes me.
Then, as if finally remembering himself, the catboy straightened up, squared his shoulders and bid me a quick goodbye. Patented agreste model smile in place.
After I'm certain he’s out of earshot, I roll over so that I'm face down and scream into the bed until my lungs are empty.
Then, I smooth my hair back, roll up my sleeves and set about cleaning up my mess.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
After I finished cleaning my room, I decided I wanted to change my look. So, I pulled out all of my clothes and separated them into two piles: To keep and To donate. When I was done, I called for someone to come take the clothes from the donate pile, which happened to be most of my wardrobe. Which can only mean one thing….Shopping!!!But, it’s late so that can wait till tomorrow. I decide to take another shower, due to the akuma attack, the cleaning, and the sorting. All of which had worked up quite the sweat.So I turned on the water and set out my nighttime cleansing routine and a towel. Then, I undressed and climbed into the shower. I started by washing my hair, my mind wandering as I did so. Standing under the now steaming water, I tried to pinpoint when exactly I started being so cruel. And why.It was because of my mom, I think.I was about nine, the first time she left. And some of the kids had heard about it. They started to tease me. To call me names and make fun because my mom was never around.I wanted it to stop.So one day, when the main bully came at me. I channeled my inner Audrey Bourgeois and tore them down. And did same with the entire class, until they learned that screwing with me just wasn’t worth it. And because I was hurt and angry and, sad and confused. I kept on, and thus the bitch was born.I let out a shrill, bordering on hysterical laugh, that dissolved into a sob. And soon, I was curled up on the shower floor crying once again.o0oWhen I finished crying the water ran cold, and I was too exhausted to even attempt my routine. So I peeled myself off the ground, shut off the water, grabbed a towel, and collapsed on the bed. Just barely conscious enough to pull myself under the covers before falling into a deep dreamless sleep.o0oAfter I woke up I decided to lie in bed for a few more minutes, letting the previous day's events wash over me. Before pulling myself out of bed and brushing my waist length hair. Each stroke of my brush steeling my resolve. I put my hair in a crown braid, then picked out my clothes.I chose knee length shamrock green dress with a semicircle cut out above a sweetheart bust line, a light brown cardigan, and light brown flats. For make up I decided on a simple winged eyeliner, and bright red lipstick.After I finished getting ready, I texted Adrien.Chloé: Are you busy today?Adrien: No. Why?Chloé: I need your help.Adrien: What for?Chloé: I want to become a better person. And you’re the best I know.Adrien: Thanks Chlo :) Give me ten minutes.o0oTen minutes later I’m getting into Adrien’s car. And we’re off the the Agreste mansion. Sensing my nerves Adrien grabs my hand.Adrien squeezes my hand and says,“You’re not alone. I’m here for you.”I nodded,“Thank you.”I closed my eyes and listened to Adrien babble on about something that happened at fencing practice, thankful for the distraction.o0o By the time Adrien and I got to the Agreste mansion, I’ve mostly calmed down.I took in the big, empty space, the impersonal elegance that was the Agreste mansion. Suddenly the place felt cold, hollow……...haunted.There was a vague, uncomfortable tension in the air, so I said, “Y’know Adrikins, I never realized how creepy this place is when it’s empty.” I turned to the boy in question and found him rolling his eyes.“Yes, I’m very much aware. I have lived here my whole life you know.”“Is that why you invited me over? I assumed it was because of my winning personality.” I smirked, my voice dripping wiuth sarcasm.He let out a small chuckle. “Yeah, that too.”The oppressive atmosphere faded a bit after our exchange. So without another word I followed him up the stairs to his bedroom.o0o“So. You said you want to be a better person.”“Yes.”“And you want me to help you with that.”“Mhm.”“Right. Um, well, I don’t really think that you’re a bad person.”I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “C’mon Adrien.”“Seriously, I don’t think you’re a bad person. I just think you’re angry and have made a really bad habit of taking it out on other people.”“I suppose you’re not completely wrong.” I interjected, pouting.Ignoring my interruption, he continued. “If you really want to do better, then you need an outlet and maybe therapy. But for now, let’s focus on giving you a positive outlet for your anger.”I nodded “Okay.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
After spending the day trying various activities ranging from yoga and running, which was surprisingly enjoyable after a while. All the way to piano (which I haven’t played since I was thirteen after convincing myself that it would ruin my manicure) and painting. Adrien and I are lying on the floor over the place where the piano disappeared into.“Thanks for today Adrikins. I’m glad that you decided to help me.”“So glad, you’d stay and sleepover?” I raised an eyebrow at the mild desperation in his voice. “Father and Natalie are in Italy till the end of the week. And I don’t want to be in this huge house by myself.”I nodded as understanding dawned on me. “Sure thing, sunshine.”His eyebrows shot up. “Really?” His voice tinged with disbelief.I shook my head in fond irritation. “Yes, Cat boy. I’ll stay.”The grin he gave me could outshine the sun.“So, since it’s not actually that late, do you wanna watch a movie or something?”I took a moment to consider Adrien’s suggestion, before shrugging and saying, “Yeah, okay. But!” The cat boy rolled his eyes at my dramatics. “I get to pick what we watch…. and you have to go get the the snacks.”The boy threw his head back and sighed loudly, before dramatically exclaiming, “Fine!” And making his exit.While Adrien was off on his epic quest for snackage, I perused his move collection.o0oAfter ten minutes of careful deliberation I decided on either The Princess Bride or The conjuring. We could watch whichever Adrien wanted.Speaking of Catboy, how long is getting snacks supposed to take?As if summoned by my thoughts, the boy in question burst through the door with his arms full of junk food and a bowl of popcorn balanced on his head. I moved to help him by plucking the bowl from atop his head and grabbing some of the snacks out of his arms.After we set everything down, I give Adrien a serious look.“Why are you looking a me like that?”“Adrien.” His eyebrows scrunched at my tone. “Did you, or your alter ego rob a grocery store?” I asked, barely managing to smother a smile. He shot me an unimpressed look. “Ha ha, very funny.” I smiled, “It was wasn’t it. But, seriously, what the fuck?”The boy shrugged, “I didn’t know what you wanted so I just grabbed everything. And by the way, all of this is from my secret stash.”“You’re ridiculous.” I sighed.“I’m not!” Adrien protested.“Yeah, kid you really are.”My head snapped over to the source of the unfamiliar voice. What I found was a tiny floating black thing. I blinked. The hell is that. And why is it eating cheese. I leaned closer to get a better look. Huh, it’s actually kind of cute. Like a magical kitten.“PLAGG! What the hell are you doing.” I turned my head to see a slightly panicked Adrien glaring at the little creature.I turned back to the floating kitten, “Plagg? Is that your name?” The creature nodded. “What are you?”“I’m Chat Noir’s kwami. A kwami is a centuries old, god-like being that powers the miraculous.”Adrien had a frankly hilarious shade of frantic confusion coloring his face“Plagg! I thought this was supposed to be a secret!” He practically shouted.The creature-Kwami shrugged, “C’mon kid, she already knows that you’re a superhero. I figured she might as well have all the facts.”“But-”“Adrien. You heard her earlier, you’re all she’s got.” Plagg flew up to eye level. “Do you really think she’s going to deliberately do something to ruin it?”I took that as my que, “Yeah, Adrikins. Unclench.”Adrien looked at us, appearing vaguely offended. Before sighing, “Whatever, the chat’s out of the bag anyway, I guess.” He plopped down on the couch and opened a bag of chips. “So what are we watching?”“The conjuring.”“Well, that sounds purretty terrifying.” He smirked.I put in the movie in, sat down next to him on the couch and whacked him in the face with a pillow. “For the puns.” I said, in response to his bewildered facial expression.He nodded slowly, “Worth it.”I rolled my eyes and pressed play.o0oThe movie had finished half an hour ago. We’re lying down on Adrien’s bed, he let me borrow a pair of his pajamas. And we had started to catch up with each other, Plagg having fallen asleep while we watched the movie. When Adrien said, “I have a question. Two actually.”“Shoot.”He took a deep breath, “How did you find out that I’m Chat Noir.”I took a moment to think about it. “It was a bunch of little things, really. I mean I didn’t... connect the dots until you carried me home yesterday. First, I heard you speak. So my mind immediately “Oh! It’s Adrien.” But then, you picked me up and my hand hit the bell and I felt your suit and everything just clicked. It was probably easy for me since I’ve known you for about eleven years, so I seriously doubt anyone else would be able to guess. If that’s what you’re worried about.” I watched as the cat boy blinked, slowly absorbing everything that I had just said. Before, finally he nodded, “Alright then. So, next question. Before, you said that I was your only friend. What about Sabrina?”I turn to lie on my back and stare at the ceiling while I answer his question, “Sabrina was just pretending to be my friend. So that she wouldn’t become one of my victims I suppose.”Catboy quirked an eyebrow, “Is that why you trashed your room?”“I guess...yeah? Yeah, I guess it was. And, I know, that I’m...not a good person. I’ve always known. I just-” I sighed “You left me. Which I get, I was never much of a friend to you. But, you had better, nicer friends. And I was replaced. But, that wasn’t so bad, because I had Sabrina. And, as it turns out. She’s hated me since the start.”Adrien started to shake his head “I don’t think-”“She told me so.” I spoke, cutting him off. “Looked me in the eyes and practically shouted it. I’m pathetic. I couldn’t even make a friend on my own.” I let out a humorless chuckle.“Hey.” Adrien gently squeezed my arm to get me to look at him. I did. “You are not pathetic. And, you made me your friend.”I gave a half smile at Adrien’s attempt at comforting me. “No offense catboy, but you don't really count. I mean, first off we only met because our caretakers decided to force us to hang out with each other.” I shot him a you know it’s true kind of look. “And second, other than the child models you had shoots with, I was the only person your age that you spent any real time with. Like an animal born in captivity meeting its own species for the first time. You imprinted. Then, left me when you met other, better people.” I chuckled. “Not that I blame you. I’d leave me too.”Adrien stared at me in shock for good three minutes, before he finally snapped out of it. “I’m so sorry, Chloé. I really didn’t mean to abandon you. You’re the first friend I ever made, and that really means something to me. Also Chlo, you are not pathetic, and I’m that if you really tried you could make some friends.”I opened my mouth to protest, but the look on Adrien’s face told me to quit while I’m ahead. So I listened to his silent communication by sighing and saying, “Whatever you say Adrikins.”The boy let out a small breath, probably relieved that I decided not to fight him.I grabbed my phone to check the time. 2:00am. I sighed, “It’s late. Let’s go to sleep.”“Alright. Night Chlo.”“Goodnight Adrien.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
I’m sitting on a swing going back and forth.
Faster, faster.
It’s a race, I think. But against who?
I turn my head to the left. And, there I see a girl. She’s wearing a white dress that ends at mid thigh and is flowing around her. She’s above me, and I can’t see her face.
For some reason, I need to see her. I think I’ll die if I don’t.
I pick up speed. And, suddenly, we’re level.
But, I still can’t see her. And before I get the chance she jumps from the swing, her bright orange hair flowing freely behind her.
Without thinking I jump after the girl, but as I plummet down she’s nowhere to be seen, and I am left alone.
I look down to see the ground rushing to meet me. My eyes snap shut and my body tenses in preparation for the impact.
o0oMy body jolts forward as I try to catch my breath. It takes a few moments for me to register the fact that I’m soaked to the bone. I look down at the bed it’s sopping as well.I turn my head to look at the side of the bed, where Adrien is standing. With an equally guilty and amused expression on his face. Holding an empty bucket.It took me approximately five seconds to fully process what Adrien had done. When I did the boy was already out the door yelling something about breakfast being ready and that he’ll be waiting in the car.I briefly considered giving chase, before remembering that he’s a superhero and can easily outrun and evade me. No matter, I’ll just bide my time and pay him back when he least expects it. With that thought in mind I got out of bed and started in on my morning routine.o0oNow that I’ve showered, moisturized, and styled my hair in a neat bun at the top of my head, I start digging through Adrien’s closet hunting for anything that might fit me.After about six minutes give or take, I find a white long sleeve button up that was just big enough on me to pass as intentional, a pair of black high waisted shorts that I remember from a shoot he did in America, and the black ankle boots that I left here last summer.I take a final look at my appearance and decide to add the bright red lipstick and winged eyeliner from yesterday, before heading out to grab breakfast and meet Adrien in the car. On my way to the dining room I send a text to Jean Claude telling him to retrieve my school bag and bring it to the school.Once I reach the dining room, I head right to the table grab the plate of croissants and head out to the car.o0oI slide into the car, placing myself directly across from my favorite Agreste. One look at the boy tells me that he’s preparing for the worst. Instead of giving validity to his obvious dread, I give a small smile and tuck into the croissants, even going so far as to offer him one.Cat boy accepts the pastry, but his face is cloaked in a clear suspicion that he seems unwilling to voice. So, he opts to wolf down his croissant instead, followed immediately by six more.My brows raise in mild amusement, “Honestly, Adrikins if you’re that hungry just take the whole plate.”His cheeks heated in response to my comment and his hand rubbed the back of his neck, one of the few nervous tells that Adrien hadn’t learned to hide. “Sorry.”I wave my hand, dismissing the apology, “Don’t be. You exert a lot of physical and mental energy on a near daily basis. You need the fuel, babe.” I then handed him the plate to accentuate my point. And smiled back when he grinned at me.Leaning back, I close my eyes and let the steady motion of the moving vehicle lull me into a dreamless sleep.o0oThis time when I awake I am, mercifully, dry. Which is good because if Adrien ruined my makeup I’m not sure I would have been able to restrain myself from killing him. Which would be a shame since Adrien’s such a great person, not to mention that Paris would be out a hero and I’d be out a friend. And in jail.I’m also still moving.I slowly opened my eyes saw that the cat boy was once again carrying me on his back. I blinked a few times and scrunch my eyebrows as I sit up a bit.Adrien, feeling my movements looks back at me and upon noticing that I’ve awakened, dons a mocking smirk that I haven’t seen him wear since we were seven. “Morning sleeping beauty. Did you enjoy your little cat nap.”I rolled my eyes at his awful(and predictable) pun. “I hear the mockery in your tone, but seeing as you’re not only carrying me, as well your things, and also mine. Which one of us is the real loser in this situation.” He let out a small chuckle.“Toché.”As Adrien walked us into the classroom we were met with a lot of stares. Getting down, I raised an eyebrow and made eye contact with Alya. “Cesaire, would you be so kind as to let me in on the reason behind why I’m being gawked at?” I spoke in a dry tone.She shrugged, “They, saw the video.”My face twisted in confusion. “What video?” I looked over at catboy for some clarification, but he looked just as confused as I was. So, I turned back to Alya and looked at her expectantly.Her eyebrows shot upward in obvious surprise, “The video I posted on the ladyblog? The one with you saving that kid.”I blinked processing what she had just said, then grabbed my phone and pulled up the ladyblogs feed. Sure enough there was a video clip titled: Chloé Bourgeois and her sudden act of heroism.I pressed play and watched myself throw my body in front of the scared child. I watched as the boy ran away while I screamed at the excruciating pain rippling through my body. The video clip ended with the kid running to Alya.I closed my eyes and took a steadying breath, in an attempt to banish the images of myself tortured and unconscious in the middle of the street.After another deep breath I scrolled through the comments section. They were surprisingly kind, aside from a few negative remarks here and there.“Take it down.” I looked up at Alya. “Please. I don’t….I’m not comfortable with people seeing me like that.” I tried to keep my voice even. But, judging by the way her eyes softened and how Adrien grasped my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, I knew that I failed.Alya nodded, “Sure thing. Sorry, I just assumed you would appreciate all the attention.”I nodded, swallowing the cruel remark threatening to claw its way up my throat and out of my mouth. Instead, I replied with, “Its fine.” And made my way to my seat just as the bell rang, signaling the start of class.
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I can feel the pitying looks from my classmates. Like a million little needles digging into my skin. Even Ms.Bustier is shooting me more concerned looks than usual. I take a deep breath. I don’t bother trying to focus on the lesson, instead I decide to just glare at everyone until they stop staring and mind their own business.That was the plan at least. However that plan went right out the window when my eyes met a pair of bluebell eyes. There was a concerned look on Marinette’s face that felt familiar despite my never having seen it before. I didn’t bother hiding my fascination as I tried to place where I’d seen the look.It was right on the tip of my brain. Then I remembered that weird red toy that Marinette had lost during the princes visit. How her absences and tardies almost always coordinate with Adrien’s. Her very aggressive defense of Chat Noir when someone called him Ladybugs sidekick.
No. No, Clumsinette can’t be her. She can’t be. But… everything lines up.
I imagine Marinette with a mask.All at once I come back to myself. By now everyone’s noticed my less than subtle staring and Marinette looks equal parts concerned and expectant. I blink, still staring. Before I turn away and begin packing up my things, shaking my head all the while.Standing up, I immediately start walking to the door. “I can’t do today. I tried. I can’t. I’ll try again tomorrow. I just-” I pause at the threshold and take in Adrien’s sad puppy look, then Marinette’s bewildered expression. “No.”And with that I make my exit.o0o Halfway to the exit I hear a voice. “You are nothing but a worthless little faggot.”I freeze in place. Then turn around and march over to the source of the voice. When I get there my blood is rushing in my ears and I can’t hear what’s being said. But the reaction is enough. In front of me: Marc Anciel is on the floor, backed against the lockers with his belongings spread around him. And in front of him, spewing filth, is Louis Belcourt. Tall, blonde, and an even bigger bitch than I am.“Belcourt, what the hell do you think you’re doing?”Both boys turned over to me but I kept my focus on Louis. The boy in question relaxed a bit upon realizing that it was just me. “Just having a friendly conversation.”The smirk on his face was nothing short of predatory and it made my blood boil. “Really?” I start walking till I’m close enough to peer into his muddy green eyes. “Because to me it sounded like you were verbally abusing Marc.”Louis’ eyebrows leapt into his hairline, clearly not expecting me to call him out. “Please don’t tell me the biggest bitch in of Paris is suddenly anti bullying.”I shrug. “I’ll admit it’s more than a bit hypocritical, but at least I’m not a homophobe. That’s a line have never crossed. Of course I also have enough common sense to see exactly how stupid homophobia is. I mean not even I the biggest bitch in Paris, would hate someone just for existing.”Louis looks so deeply insulted, you’d think I had just slapped his mother. “I’m not a-”“Really?” My head tilted to the side. “Because I could have sworn I heard you use a homophobic slur to insult Marc. Did you know, that this school has zero tolerance policy for hate speech? You could be expelled.”And just like that Louis Belcourt went from offended to horrified. He opens his mouth, probably to defend himself. But, I cut him off. “Just go before you make things worse for yourself.”And go he does.“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him move that fast.”I look over at Marc, who hasn’t moved from the position he was in when I got here. He’s staring a bit dazedly at the place his bully just vacated. I crouch down to his eye level and try to catch his attention. I call out his name and immediately have his full attention. He still looks a bit on edge.Trying for my most disarming smile I ask, “Are you okay, Marc?”“Y-yeah. Yes. I-I’m fine.” He stuttered out, completely avoiding eye contact. Instead focusing his attention on picking up his scattered belongings.“Good. How about I help you pick up the rest of this stuff and then we can go to Damocles and get Belcourt suspended.”“What?!” One look at the wide eyed shock on his face and I can already tell what he’s thinking.“Marc, I know that guy. And I know for a fact that nothing short of a suspension will keep Louis from picking up right where he left off next week when he realizes that you’re not going to do anything about it.”We sit in silence for a few minutes while we packed up the contents of Marc’s backpack. “Okay.”I look up at Marc and see some previously buried glint of steel in his eyes. I can’t help but smirk a bit in response. “Okay.”
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Hey, I know it’s been awhile since I last updated this and it’s not bc I’m abandoning it or anything I was unsatisfied with the pacing and the direction this was headed, plus you can tell that I kind of changed the storyline like mid way and it’s so sloppy it’s painful and it irritates me so much.So I decided to just rewrite everything.The chapters will be more or less the same, just longer and less rushed. I just wanted to let you guys know and also ask if I should just replace the pre-existing chapters with the rewritten ones or just leave this one and make a new fic?let me know in the comments please 🙏
*i’ve started reposting the edited chapters*